WEEKEND LOOKBACK MOVIE REVIEW: EKSTRA (THE BIT PLAYER)

– ★★★★★

Filipino Indie films are nonchalantly popping out of the silver screens with or without our notice, but some of it are rather ignored and not praised unless the rights has been bought and distributed by Star Cinema and/or Viva Films.

There are a few Pinoy indie films that I’ve watched and still discovering for some more, especially with dramatic themed films, which really are hard to find due to the demand of sexually themed movies, which to be fair some have really good stories and most of it are, how can I say, lack of financial support and technical movie making skills? Most of it is shown in local cinemas that are honestly filthy and it’s one of the sources of quick pleasure and AIDS as well.

Anyhow, I’ve watched a trailer in ABS-CBN about Vilma Santos going back on the silver screen, only going indie, and it somehow got my attention because, Vilma Santos IS Vilma Santos, watching her movies could never go wrong.

But seeing her as an indie artist is quite bizarre and exciting at the same time, that is why, when it came out I did definitely watched it, and it did not fail me.

 

OVERVIEW

Ekstra is a movie of a mother and a dreamer as well, working in the film industry as an extra or bit player (Ekstra in Filipino Language) trying very hard for her to get a role that the camera will see. She needs to endure the exhausting and unstable job of being part of a film or T.V. series: from waking up early in the morning, trying her best just to get even a background role, doing her own make up and as well as mastering some lines when she did land one of the extra roles with definite lines to say in front of the camera, until it all gets bad in the end.

 

WHY I LOVED EKSTRA

This film is not about happy endings, and that’s first and foremost a sadistic reason why I loved this film. It deals with a reality that when shit happens, shit really happens, and makes you question your own luck as well.

It dwelt the emotions of fun, tiring, unsure and regret as being part of the process in creating a movie or TV show as per this movie.

I definitely loved the humor on this film based on chances out from reality, like in the scene where a main character in the film is absent due to some attitude issues and Santos’ character was chosen to portray as that main character but of course the production needed to take her face away so what they did was to put a sack on her head to cover her up, and the editing will take care of the rest of it.

That part was really hilarious.

And although I never worked in the film industry, I feel that the movie really portrays on what is actually happening behind the scenes in Philippine film industry. The scourging heat that the extras experience, the prima-donna stars acting like royalties, the uncertain job which surely they won’t be part on the next episode, the low pay, the willingness of these people to do whatever it takes just to have a script to say and hopeful to become one of the stars.

The ending, as I’ve said, is not happy. It’s really bitter-sweet. I loved the way it really pulled my heart-strings. The ending is so simple yet so sad because it deals with an ill-fated circumstance that you will regret especially when seeing it yourself over and over again, and what’s more heartbreaking about the ending was that Santos’ character already announced to her family that she’s landed a ‘big’ role only to find out that it’s not the case.

Vilma Santos again never failed me with this. I remember the final shot where the camera focuses on her face as she regrets while watching the episode she’s in that’s on their TV, and she was just so effective portraying that sad emotion that transported beyond the silver screen and to me.

Ekstra is a film about misfortunes in life whether it’s by lack of talent or worse, by chance and dwelling on emotions of loss, despair and hopelessness for a dream that’s been built brick by brick on marshland, and dreaming a big break while chasing the lime light that’s pointed in a different direction.

SURPRISED: NOT YOUR ORDINARY PACUTE TEEN MOVIE | SHE’S DATING THE GANGSTER MOVIE REVIEW

– ★★★★

First of all (I have to be defensive about this but…) I’m NOT a fan of Daniel and Kathryn’s love team and I was really hesitant when my partner asked me to watch it, but what changed my mind was that this film was directed by one my favorite directors which gave me one of my favorite Filipino films of all time: One More Chance and she is Cathy Garcia-Molina. Yet, the fact still remains that it was a KathNiel movie still bugs me a bit.

But after watching She’s Dating a Gangster, I could say that it was a “WOW”.

But first let me break the bad, okay, good and the WOW elements in the film.

 

STORY, MAKE-UP, PRODUCTION AND COSTUME

Story-wise, the film started with the pa cute effect Daniel and Kathryn was destined to do. A bit shallow, confusing, corny and cheesy and to be honest, the costume they wore that’s supposed to be on the 80s were a bit off and discombobulated to the real fashion of that era. They were too pretty and too handsome. Was it maybe because of the High Definition camera used? Or was it really poor in production? In that sense, it never captured the 80s feel. But I don’t think any Pinoy films nowadays have captured a past era using costumes and make-up.

Anyhow, as the story progresses and when we got into the middle part: I realized that there’s a depth that captures my attention and gives focus to the story itself. The entire confusing introduction made all sense and you want more answers in the upcoming remaining minutes of the film. And also, I can see the effort of building a good movie on that moment.

And at the very end, it all sums up to giving you an entire emotional bittersweet love affair that will surely crush your heart into pieces.

It captures a love that is sacrificial and deep that in the end will always have a happy end no matter what. The story is just good.

There were really some fun moments in the movie but nothing beats the KathNiel fans that whenever Daniel appears to look pa cute on screen, everyone around is just going wild which gave my partner and I a noisy but hilarious cinematic experience.

 

ACTING

To be honest, I wasn’t expecting for Daniel Padilla to improve and be an effective character. I was shocked even on the first few minutes of the film; he already showed intense characterization that even my partner and I did not fathom.

And to Daniel’s mini-brilliance comes Kathryn’s mini-annoyance. Well, probably because she has to be quirky and all and it’s just so regular of her to do that and that maybe is the reason why we can’t see any improvement in her. But then, she’s still good when she shed’s tears (evil).

 

A RICHARD GOMEZ AND DAWN ZULUETA MOVIE

Yes… when you get to the ending, the part where Richard and Dawn’s characters did meet: they stole the scene from everyone including Daniel and Kathryn even when it’s just seven minutes long! The buildup of the story up to that specific ending makes you think that this film is not just some typical teen movie that you watch and puke right after but it’s the movie you should give focus to and wait for the very heartbreaking yet satisfying ending.

And it was all because of Richard and Dawn’s chemistry and pure acting. Maybe it’s because they’re veteran (they should really be good at it by now) and it was just so believable that it made me cry which I really did not expect to.

The scene where Richard and Dawn’s character meet eye to eye, and everything else was in slow motion, captured the real emotions of bitterness, confusion, loneliness and happiness… everything was just good until Dawn spoke of a one-word liner: “GANGSTER” that made everything in the movie fits like a puzzle which tugs your heart and will bring you tears to the eyes.

Another TBH, I am a CharDawn fan… die hard. UGH!

And because of this, I think it’s about time that ABS-CBN should produce a CharDawn film with great, great, great story and has to be handled well by a director like Garcia-Molina because it will surely be a huge hit not just for matured people, but also for young adults out there.

 

OVERALL

Overall, the movie is really good because it has a deeper sense of storytelling that differs from every one generation storyline films we’ve seen and Cathy Garcia-Molina definitely knows how to pull our heartstrings.

 

She’s Dating a Gangster is produced and released by Star Cinema and was directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina. Starring Danieel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo with Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta.

FILIPINO PROBLEMS: SSS, PAG-IBIG, PHILHEALTH ETC.

Pagawas sa kos akong gibati nga Kaanyag, Kalipay’g Kasakit, AMEN.

Once you step into the Employment realm; you’d be glad that you did. But one unfortunate fact about being part of that world is to have your national identity be processed in numeric sense. And with that comes the unsystematic, long lines and most of the times not centralized filthy government institutions.

This has been one of the causes of high blood in the Philippines, besides the fact of the intense heat we experience in our beautiful yet unsophisticated country.

When I applied for a job; it was obvious that I should get my SSS, Philhealt and PAG-IBIG numbers/papers so that I could become a registered citizen working in the Philippines with a very unique number that is unchangeable.

But the plot twist here was that I had no idea what to do first. I was asking some older co-workers on what to do, and they are even lazy enough to tell the tales with me on getting these important numbers/papers. Dali raman daw, kapoy lang daw’g linya... True. Ending up people telling me ‘Adto lang, dong nya pangutana lang sa guard‘… But also a fact nga away-awayon pakas UBANG mga itsep nga empleyado sa gobyerno, di nalang mag tarung sa ilang trabaho, PWEH!  Tawgon pakog ‘Dong’.

But where do this all route back? To a simple ignorance…

I believe that students should be educated in schools with a subject teaching them on how to open/use/update credit card, ATM, Deposit, Passbook; Apply for SSS, Pag-ibig, Philhealth, Passport, License, VISA etc; How can we apply for public and private Loans; What are, Where and How can we store all important numbers and papers that are useful for employment, and all those kinds of practical life uses. Because Algebra, Chemistry, and Random International Languages are honestly impractical in terms of everyday, employment or general life situations.

Cuz truth be told, I’m almost 24 and I still have no idea on how to do most of it. It’s a fact I’m ignorant about it because it’s my choice to be, wa koi interes sa mga butang-butang nga gahatag nakog ka-kapoy, since going and applying to places I’ve mentioned IS VERY, VERY TIME CONSUMING AND TOTALLY ANNOYING!!!!! No words can explain how pissed I am with these stupid systems we got.

But to be fair, sa ubang institutions, nindot na baya and systematic na… sa UBAN.

Kung di lang grabe ka importante ning mga pesteng papeles ai.

FILIPINO PROBLEMS: GRAMMAR (SA TINUORAY LANG)

Have you read my past reviews of restaurants, movies, or travel spots? Yeah, you might be discombobulated, raising one of your eyebrows because of too much grammar lapses in my posts. (Charot kayng discombobulated)

Yes, we Filipinos are so good with speaking the English language but not too much on the technicality of it. Yufak man sad jud tinuoray nga bantayan nalang tanan nimong ininglish diba? But to the benefit of the perfectionist people; we just look for somebody to proofread our diligent works only to find out how erroneous it is. Feeler man sad gud usahay hehe.

I do not deny nga daghan kayo kog error sa grammar sa akong mga post, heller, English is my 2^nd language. Di baya ko si Georgina Wilson, although ora-ora mig byuti katong wa pako buyagi.

But as a blogger, I realized that there’s going to be a social responsibility, even when I did not think it is part of what I do, but we are just like these politicians that whenever we suit ourselves up for public service: we now have in our hands the power to subconsciously educate people especially and most especially the youngsters. Because I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way…

Anyhow, upon that actualization of mine comes also the part of me that I am not perfect. Although I love to write, and I’ve been writing ever since; the duty of being perfect is far away from what I intend to do. Layu ra baya ang blogging sa teaching the English language ha… kung mao man diay; maynta ga tukod nalang kog ESL school.

The fact that there are rude people, who correct my grammatical mistakes, thinking they’re better than me, is a proof that people in this world are inevitable from social scrutiny due to the lack of knowledge in a certain field, and mine is with grammar. I know basic grammar, kai mao raman sai nahibaw-an nako sa skwelahan; and not to include the fact that we often forget everything basic. Kai ngano, kabaw pa diay ka sa mga tanan-tanang basic rules sa English grammar ug Mathematical equations? (ug kabaw gihapon ka, sorry, pero di na nako sala kung wala kai social life). And pasensya if imong course kai Education, Major in English who is in depth of everything in the English language, and lahi ako-ang course which do not have the same focus as yours. Mao sigurong heavy mo bash sila online because they are not appreciated in real life, kaluoy sad.

Again, I’m not perfect with my English grammar… di man gani perfect nang mga Amerikano, truth be told, most of us Pinoys are a bit better when it comes to technicality paman gani, and that’s according to my friend living a long time there in the U.S.

Truth is, most bashers of my grammar lapses are Pinoys; kay pa-mai-mai sad baya ang mga oatch kasagaran but I leave it to them because they’re ‘experts’ to that, and nothing more when it comes to real life.

Although there’s one commenter which was uber nice to me, telling me about my grammar lapses in a very subtle way was very much pleasing to read, not to include the fact that before he mentioned the negative part of my posts; he first praised me for my ability to blog something that will warn or entice people to visit a place. He was so nice; I bet he has a much better life than those paka-arun ingnon bashers.

What’s important, actually for me, is that you are understandable and relatable. It’s going to be a responsibility as a random social media correspondent; but not totally. I try my best to correct any erroneous sentences I have in my posts to make sure I do my best in giving information with perfectly structured English language. But tinuoray lang, ang importante para nako is that I can impart my experiences to my audience and give them insight to what they might experience ahead, and most important is to enjoy reading and looking at the pictures.

Just read and enjoy and if you think one has grammar lapses or technical errors, tell them nicely… tell me nicely, I really do appreciate corrections. Di man sad ni para ako ra, para mani sa tanan. (IBOTO PARA PRESIDENTE!)

The point here is that there’s no reason to be rude and vile just because you think of yourself too high; there are better ways than bashing one’s imperfections, not unless he/she did something ugly to you. Just be nice, mas daghan paman siguro’y mo bilib nimo/ninyo kung di mo hawd.

CIAO!

SHEENA is Asia’s Next Top Model Season 2 WINNER

Runner up is JODILLY

2nd is KATARINA

Well, sh*t

 

WE STILL LOVE YOU JODILLY AND KATARINA!!! YUHUUU!

MGA BAKLA, BOYCOT NA YAN!

 

HAHA Just fooling around. Knowing Sheena won Asia’s Next Top Model… it just makes me feel like it’s defeated all the purpose of me watching the whole 20 cycles of America’s Next Top Model. Sorry, Sheena fans… but really.

For me, the two switched judges were the reason why the votes were pulled to Sheena instead of to Jodilly. I mean, have they seen other photos of both of them? They say Sheena is a chameleon and a modern model… All I can see is an amateur model for amateur photo shoots.

My initial reaction would sum up to the meme below.

THIS EUROPEAN SITUATION | HUNA-HUNA CLIFF RESORT [PHOTOS]

–          ★★★★

The dreading city life requires you to escape from it in order to maintain balance in your life. Ahh, the relaxation you acquire gives you pleasure. Whenever you look online for a place to stay or to escape; there’s always something that holds you back. But this time; try to pursue it, and you’ll be pleased.

And one resort that’ll give you that exact relaxation away from the city is in Huna-Huna Cliff Resort. It is located at Buyo, boundary Carmen/Catmon, Cebu.

Huna-Huna is a Visayan word for thinking, pondering or contemplating. True to its name; Huna-Huna Cliff Resort offers you a peace and serenity for a calm experience.

With its European Villa inspired theme; you could never go wrong to its relaxing feel facing the vast Camotes Sea. This European situation requires your full attention to its nonchalant ambiance convalescing from your city life.

The white walls and marble tiles of the villa are idyllic, hinting Santorinni, Greece.

The overhead pass is nostalgia of somewhere in France; and the Family house for number of guests makes me remember of an Italian Villa.

The beaut of the place gives time for yourself to escape and contemplate your life while sitting on the bench looking afar on the effervescent Camotes Sea.

Guest House in Huna Huna

 

GOING THERE

Going to the resort is easy.

All you need to do is to ride a bus bound north at North Bus Terminal, near SM City Cebu. There you will find huge busses; and all you need to find is Ceres Liner. It’s fast, hourly and safe (sometimes, depends on the driver).

When telling the co-operator of the bus (kondoktor) where you’re heading; you can directly say in Huna-Huna, because most of them already know where it is. If not, then tell him at Buy, boundary Carmen/Catmon. The cost will only be P55.00 per person; so it’s not that really expensive.

From the city, you’ll be travelling 1 hour and a half if there’s no traffic. The resort can be found on the right side of the path; and there’s a marquee on the side of the road, if you have a car of your own or the co-operator forgets about you and where you’re heading.

 

TIP: Whenever you reach Carmen, Cebu; call the co-operator’s attention and make him remember where you’re heading. Or better yet, open Google Maps if you’re on 3G, but I doubt it will operate well on the countryside.

 

THE PLACE

Booking ahead is always the best thing to do whenever you want to go to a certain place so that you’ll have a guaranteed stay. And when calling the resort (numbers at the end of the post), they will ask you to pay full at their Banilad, Cebu office.

For me, trying to book a room for the next day was lucky because I was only giving a promise to them that my partner and I will not cancel our reservation. But that was really our plan, so cancellation would be inevitable (hehe), but really, try to book really ahead of time.

The air conditioned rooms are available for P2000.00, good for 2 pax with breakfast, and the check in time is 1:00PM, check out on the next day, same time. (Room rates below)

They also have a 2 storey guest house, good for family or group of people.

The resort also offer some relaxing spa treatment for the price range of P900.00-P1,500.00.

 

THE ROOM

We stayed in Room 11 of the resort, and that is on the bottom-most part on the cliff near the beach where you could take a dip.

The room is just fabulous. Its clean and our stay there was marvellous. If relax is what you’re looking for, then this is perfect for you.

The room is small BUT very, very relaxing. You’ll have your own veranda with table and seats; and for us at Room 11, the sea is just beneath us. It really looks luxurious even thinking about it right now makes me want to go back there.

Staying in their room makes me want to stay there forever.

I love their lights which have the control switch on how bright you want it to be; the very functional hot and cold water which for other resorts are not present; and the bed is soft, so as the pillows and the comforter.

The bed is facing the glass door with the sea as our breath taking view. The window on our left side is a perfect instrument for the sunrise to take a peek before we realize it.

Sometimes you’ll forget to close the glass door and hear the rushing sound of waters outside while you are lying like a king or queen in your very comfortable bed.

And our veranda is perfect for dinnertime, with the warm, romantic lights plus the stars above us.

It was just pure lux. C’est la vie.

 

TIP: And you should try to ask if Room 11 is available. *wink

 

THE FOOD

The food is variety there, and mostly it offers Filipino style of cooking. But their breakfast is mixed from Filipino to American to whatever it is in their menu that you’d like to have.

You’ll only have to order ahead of time because they still have to prepare your food from scratch, so it takes a bit of time to finish and serve it to you.

The price ranges from P130.00 – P250.00 depending on what MEAL you order. There are also offers that reach P300.00-P500.00; these are specialties.

 

THE BEACH

The beach is just part of the resort with no shoreline that is a little bit rocky on most parts. I did not get the chance to swim because I really did not want to. I just wanted to relax in our room, and in our sophisticated veranda.

 

THE USHER-DOG

When we checked in, we were greeted by a huge black dog (I have no idea what breed it was) which I was much afraid of at first due to its size; when we walked down to our room; he was ahead of us following the attendant, and whenever we stopped, the dog looks at us trying to signal something; then we realized he wants to take us to our room. The dog named ‘she-she’ (I think) was really, really sweet. She had our hearts just for a short stay there because of her kindness to visitors.

 

HUNA-HUNA CLIFF RESORT

I’m still pondering how relaxed my partner and I were on that resort, and wishing we could just lie there forever… with money magically appear on our table. HAHA

But then, Huna-Huna Cliff Resort is a resort away from hassle.

 

CONTACT

Cellphone: 09173179741/09322242375

FACEBOOK

WEBSITE

 

ROOM RATES

*According to hunahuna.com as of 4/8/2014

Air Conditioned Rooms

Php 2,000

Inclusive Breakfast for 2 (two) persons

Prices are regardless of single or double occupancy

Extra Bed without breakfast Php 500

 

Fan Rooms

Php 1,000 to Php 1,500

Exclusive of breakfast

Prices are regardless of single or double occupancy

Extra Bed without breakfast Php 500

 

*Day use (maximum of 3 hours)

Air Conditioned Rooms

Php 800 (Php 100 each extra hour)

 

Fan Rooms

Php 500 (Php 100 each extra hour)

 

Entrance fee is Php 75 with free use of our cottages. Huna Huna Cliff Resort reserves the right to refuse or discontinue at any time any accommodation to any persons it deems unacceptable under its standard.

 

RATING

Rooms – 5

Food – 3

Service – 3

Facilities – 3

Ambiance – 5

OVERALL – 3.8/5

 

MORE PHOTOS

our veranda in the evening

Our veranda in the morning

Our room in the evening

Sunrise

 

 

 

 

UPDATE as of the FINALE:ASIA’S NEXT TOP MODEL SEASON 2 FINALE WINNER PREDICTION | ANALYSIS

 

UPDATE as of 10:30 today 4/9/2014: SHEENA IS ASIA’S NEXT TOP MODEL SEASON 2 WINNER..

Asia’s Next Top Model Season/Cycle 2 is a very successful reality-TV show in Asia. I can say; it’s one of the best. And now, since it’s going near the end, and only three girls remaining vying for the price of becoming the second AsNTM winner plus the huge prices; it’s going to be tough.

 

RECAP OF THE LAST EPISODE BEFORE THE FINALE

 

Let’s start with the omitted episode (11) due to the reason of a very sensitive issue about the Malaysian Airlines, which is also one of the main sponsors of the show; they’ve cancelled it and proceeded to the 12^th episode then.

But what’s shocking to me was that Nicole was sent home during the omitted episode; and I believe that was a result to her being weaker than most of the girls.

I actually don’t believe it, not until I see that very episode.

Sheena won, but I couldn’t ponder why (sorry fans of Sheena); really, because I’ll explain AGAIN why after.

Then episode 12 aired and only 4 girls left.

They have this sensual photo-shoot for Harper’s Bazaar Malaysia and they have to give their best since it will be the second to the last episode before the finale.

Katarina won with the hot, hot, hot photo. She’s been stepping up her game ever since I last blogged about AsNTM. Her last photo was an analysis of mine that her girl-next-door beauty could ALWAYS be converted into sexy. And in this photo-shoot; it was conveyed.

Jodilly won the second best; and this was another hot, hot, scorching hot photo. Jodilly is this cute little princess from the Philippines that’s having a dream to become a model, and you totally wouldn’t expect to give out a very, very sexy, satisfying and nonchalantly effective result.

It was Sheena and Marie on the bottom two, and it was heartbreaking to see the latter leave. I mean… wow. I expected her to reach top 3, but well, whatevs.

 

ANALYSIS FOR THE FINAL 3

JODILLY

Jody has always been giving us a hundred and ten percent of her effort just to give us wonderful, wonderful results/photos, and it has always been effective. It’s very impressive to show how she’s been a so-so model from the start to becoming a fierce and versatile one. Every week, she’s bringing out some bag of tricks to give and she’s the one to beat… really.

 

KATARINA

Katarina has always been the unexperienced and underdog which finally came out of the shell for the past weeks and giving out good results. I never expected her to reach final three because I was looking after other models to reach that far (e.g. Nicole and Marie). She’s a good model, though, but I STILL believe she needs lots and lots of practice to come out of that sweet little girl/girl-next-door/catalogue model to a fierce, high fashion one. Although she’s there, but what more could she give (for the show)?

 

SHEENA

Wow, Sheena was another one who I thought would never reach the final three due to the fact that she’s always not giving it 100%, also she’s got a bit of attitude there with her… but she’s there, what can I do? Anyway, it always looks good to see some twists.

 

CONCLUSION AND PREDICTION FOR THE WINNER

Here I am again, predicting. And I guess AsNTM creators and judges differ from America’s Next Top Model because I always get right whenever I watch that American TV show.

I predict Jodilly will win.

But let’s first go straight to the facts.

What I’ve noticed was that, there’s a trend that even when a contestant is not that much good; they always reach the top.

I am a Filipino, and I don’t hate my fellowmen; but I’m not biased and I remembered last cycle with Stephanie who was also on the final 3 which was not really that good in taking photos, but Nadya insists that she’s got something in her. She’s really a good ramp model, not that I hate her; I actually love and I was rooting for her, but her grace does not really appear on the photos (I’m wondering where she is right now).

Stephanie of Cycle 1 of AsNTM

And now we have Katarina… although she’s different from Stephanie; Katarina has been nailing shots ever since they went to Indonesia. But has she really gone out of her shell?

Well, as we’ve seen; since the 9^th episode (which was in Indonesia), she went straight to the top. For me it is because her beauty is directly opposite to the jungle theme that’s why it works.

Also on the 10^th episode which she sank half her body in the sea (they named her mermaid for that); it was close to a glamour shot. It is almost the same as the episode where they posed in front of the Petronas Tower where she looked really, really good if not for her body pose.

Then on the 12^th episode, she posed sexy which I explained on the top.

Sheena… I don’t even know why she’s on the top three. Marie, although suffered on the last episode, but let’s face it, her picture is way better than of Sheena’s. Let’s be real, Sheena doesn’t always give the exact shot which is far away from the required brief of the photo-shoot.

Also she’s giving the same facial expressions week after week, after week… what I meant was ‘from the start’. I don’t know… it’s just… phwew. Marie and Nicole were such a waste… *sobs

Then there’s Jodilly who gives every photographer a pleasure in taking photographs. She’s always giving her best just to show to the world how she really wants this and every week she’s not letting down anybody. Instead she grew some fans.

Jodilly has this extrinsic charisma that wows everyone when she’s in front of the camera. Her walk is OK compared to Katarina’s, but we’re searching for a versatile one rather than ‘good’ in one genre and have luck on others.

What I’m most scared about is that I’m wrong about this and Katarina will win; because in the preview of the finale; their photo-shoot brief looks like another glamour shot which Katarina mostly wins above all.

 

Then it hits me.

 

This vies for a cover girl for Harper’s Bazaar Magazine and most of the times, it’s all glamour! And Katarina is one hell of a glamour girl. She’s going to be a very strong contender for her co-Filipina, Jodilly which takes High-Fashion shots.

this goes to Katarina hihi

I’m actually scared for Jodilly.

 

That’s my analysis and prediction for the finale. Who do you think will win Asia’s Next Top Model?

 

Finale is on April 9, 2014.

 

STARTING OVER AGAIN MOVIE REVIEW [SPOILER!]

 

–          ★★★★

WARNING: Heavy Spoiler ahead!

Then we have another Filipino movie themed with a rom-com that stars two of the finest actors in this generation that will surely be a huge hit. There’s this again cliché we’ve all been waiting for.

BUT, Starting over Again is one of my favorite Filipino movies of all time!

Starred by the finest actor today Piolo Pascual and labeled as the Multimedia artist, Toni Gonzaga plus with the direction of the well-known director, Olivia M. Lamasan; this is the movie everyone’s been waiting for.

The fact that the movie was all rom-com from start until the end is a plus point for me; and with its deep and realistic parts, it’s all perfection.

I have to put standards as a real human being and a reviewer, because, truth is, we all become bias in all aspects; and I have to say One More Chance, which teamed up John Lloyd-Bea was for me the best Filipino film in romantic theme movies.

The fact that how close a story to reality is what I love the most, only that the disappointment for me in One More Chance was by the ending, because, not to be bitter; but I really don’t like happy end romantic movies. And although it’s proper for the story, it’s best if the characters Basha and Popoy did not end together. However, it’s still the best for me.

Then we have Starting over Again; which themed a complicated love story. Girl loves guy and goes for him whatever it takes, and guy eventually falls for her, then she left him for no clear reason, then one day, she regrets everything she’s done and wants him back, but he doesn’t want her any longer.

That is a typical love story formula, let’s face it, but the twist was that the female protagonist was the one chasing after the guy and not vice versa; and the fact that I thought it was almost a happy end made me a bit sad, but then when it reached the resolution part; you’ll realize it’s beyond the typical love story we’ve all expected. I was happy with the ending; it was just PERFECT.

The reason why the movie was not a happy end was greatly satisfying; and I’ve always pleaded on my Facebook account that I am hoping that they don’t end up together, although the story was revolving around them. But ending them happy together was for me unfair and unrealistic.

Two people should not end up together again, even when there’s a serendipity sign that you’ve met again and you thought it’s for the reason that you’d have your second chance; NO, it most of the time is just for closure; like the ending of Starting over Again.

The reason why the character of Toni left the character of Piolo was also satisfying; it was just realistic as possible.

Toni is a very promising actress, she’s gone a mile and now she’s taking up a notch in being sexy on screen (which I hated to some actresses because they don’t allow themselves up for sexy scenes when in fact they’re actresses and its disappointing).

Piolo Pascual remains a respectable actor channeling every emotion on screen to the viewers. Truth be told, I almost tear up on his scenes, and not on the desperate and pitiful female character, which I take side most of the times.

Starting Over Again is directed by Olivia M. Lamasan and starred Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga with Iza Calzado and is produced and distributed by Star Cinema.

GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO READ

I know most people, especially Filipinos are visual learners and reading is a pain in the ass, especially in long narratives like my posts in this blog. But I’ve had a lot of instances where friends or acquaintances really got me on my nerves.

When times like people tell me that have I gone or I should go to this place or this place, and I’m like, “Dude, we’ve been Facebook friends for quite some time and I’m like posting places especially the ones you’ve mentioned.” Or an instance like people ask me why I go to places like restaurants and the like and I keep saying, “I do blog, that’s why,” and they’d be like, “Really?”….. “REALLY????????????” Or some instances like when I post something then I share it on Facebook, and friends ‘liked’ it and they’d be PM-ing me asking, “Is the restaurant/cupcake house/tea house any good?” and if punches are to be made legal, I’d freakishly punch them in the face… via online.

Some people just needs a high-five… on the face… with a chair… in front of a crowd.

Whatever happened to reading?

This century has been the age pictures, videos and instant camera flicks; but we’ve forgotten the essence of reading and having the feel of the author and laughing with him or having the same sentiments with him.

Please do give yourself time to read. I bet, this place would be awesome if everyone does.

CEBU JEEPNEY ROUTES | HELPFUL ROUTING SYSTEM

Ever wonder how you could navigate your way through the entire cebu? Here’s a very helpful website to know the routes of such jeepneys you ride on.

Just click on this link to go to the website which can help you map out the routes of jeepneys in Cebu.

62B Route