“…and the city don’t know what the city is getting.” One Night in Bangkok by British actor Murray Head has been playing in my head since I arrived, except that it’s morning, and a rather gloomy one at that. Plus, I’ll be … Continue reading “Bangkok, Oriental Setting…”
I spent most of my last day on Bali‘s southern tip. Prior to that, I checked out of Bounty Hotel in the morning and met with my cousins in Seminyak. I was running late, so I nervously opted for the motorbike. With backpack hoisted on my shoulders, ill-fitting helmet on my head, and carry-on snugged under the rider’s feet, I breezed through the Monday traffic and started my day.
In hindsight, the fare was rather steep at Rp60,000 (NOTE TO SELF: Learn to bargain!) and the rider asked for an additional tip. Still, I must admit that the decision put me at a slight advantage: I made it to Made’s Warung 30 minutes early.
Compared to yesterday’s post-flight/hangover-fuelled frenzy, today was refreshingly chill. I woke up uncharacteristically early, with photo uploading time to spare. The hotel pool was still overtaken by partying Aussies. It’s either they typically start early or they forego sleep altogether. Then again, this is Kuta.
My transportation service arrived at 9:30am on the dot.
Today was devoted to the uplands of Central Bali – specifically, the mystical forest town of Ubud.
Of course, I had no intention of wasting Day One in afternoon slumber. After a cocktail-induced power nap, I hurriedly booked a cab to Tanah Lot, West Bali – sleep deprivation and mild hangover be damned.
I can’t say I wasn’t warned about the sprawling Saturday traffic. And with sunset being less than two hours away, my odds of arriving at a leisurely pace were slim.
Fortunately, my assigned driver had keen sense of direction – in addition to being the second coming of Steve McQueen.
Continue reading “A Glimpse of Tanah Lot and Legian’s Nightlife”
I stepped out of the Ngurah Rai International Airport in a groggy daze. It was past 8:00am and I only had an hour of shut-eye. I will not delve into the logistic nightmare that forced me to push through with this trip alone. After all, this is Bali – the destination-of-choice for many soul searchers and solitary wanderers, intentional or otherwise. I’m sure the sensory overload will provide the adequate distraction.
Growing up, summer usually meant an annual visit to Baguio. Considering that frequency, it’s almost hard to believe that this is my first visit in nine years. The Holy Week crowd extended our travel time by three hours, but thanks to TPLEX, we still managed to arrive before noon. The weather is relatively warm; the midday sun overpowered the characteristically cool climate – almost as if there’s no looming storm. Much has been said about the boom of commercialism taking its toll on the city’s indigenous charm. But, it’s still great to be back. Continue reading Holy Week Escapade: Return to Baguio City
Last Friday, TV5 celebrated UN’s International Day of Happiness with a visit to Bahay Aruga, a free halfway home for pediatric cancer patients nestled in the vicinity of Paco, Manila. Executives, celebrities, and other volunteers banded together in providing an afternoon of fun … Continue reading Happy Day in Bahay Aruga!
Jobseekers who attended Day 2 of this year’s MVP Career Fest were in for a pleasant surprise when Kapatid celebrities dropped by the venue earlier this afternoon. The stars entertained the crowd in an intermission program hosted by News5 personalities MJ Marfori and Laila Chikadora. Their appearances were interspersed with motivational talks delivered by renowned executives. Highlights include Talent Center artists Mark Neumann, Akihiro Blanco, Chris Leonardo, Alberto Bruno, Nicole Estrada, and Malak So Shdifat gyrating to Magic’s Rude. This was followed by an appearance by Tropa Moko mainstay Wendell Ramos and a raffle draw conducted by PBA players. The segment was capped off by two song numbers. First was by Talent Center‘s Marvelous Alejo, who took on a KZ Tandingan single. … Continue reading Career Fest Crashers
Earlier today, I paid a quick visit to Hair Asia‘s 25th National Open Championship, which they held in celebration of their silver anniversary. Just like in previous years, the annual hair and make-up competition and beauty expo attracted thousands of guests – participants and … Continue reading Ritz Azul and Marvelous Alejo in Hair Asia’s 25th Anniversary
It was in 18th Century France where Pierre Chorderlos de Laclos wrote the epistolary novel Les Liaisons dangereuses. The story revolves around the cunning exploits of the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont, conniving ex-lovers who resort to seduction and manipulation for cheap thrills. Their unwary targets: the conservative (and married) Madame de Tourvel and chaste Cecile de Volanges, who then falls for her music tutor Chevalier Danceny, a commoner. Written in the form of letters, the book was so popular, even Marie Antoinette was said to have a copy. It gained further traction during the French Revolution for lavishing on the decadence of the elite.
Given that history, it’s easy to understand why the book spawned so many adaptations. The most notable of which is Stephen Frears‘ acclaimed 1988 film. Glenn Close (who had already shocked audiences in Fatal Attraction the year before) received her second consecutive Best Actress Oscar nomination for playing the scheming Mertuil. Michelle Pfeiffer, likewise, earned a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nod for playing Tourvel. John Malkovich also excelled, although he was arguably miscast as the womanizing Valmont. While then-newcomers Uma Thurman and Keanu Reeves played the star-crossed lovers. Continue reading ““Dangerous” Adaptations and Quick Notes on “Juego de Peligro””
At 3 hours and 43 minutes, it was the longest Oscar telecast aired within the last five years. The 2011 ceremony felt longer, but that was only because the Franco and Hathaway were a drag. I’d rather not join the public pillorying of Neil Patrick Harris because I still found him entertaining, even if some of his jokes fell flat. Besides, hosting the Oscars is one of Hollywood’s most thankless, most brutally-scrutinized gigs. It can either showcase the talent, or at the extreme, readily expose the flaws of even the most seasoned entertainers. NPH was a case of both extremes. His strength is being inherently funny; his weakness is not knowing when to stop (That prediction box gag was particularly dragging). Still, he knew how to put up a show.
It’s also a bittersweet surprise that Birdman (my personal favorite) won over Boyhood (the oddsmakers’ pick) for Best Picture. Weeks before the ceremony, the momentum seemingly belonged to Richard Linklater‘s coming-of-age saga – if even by just a tiny margin. Shockingly, Boyhood won only one award, versus Birdman‘s four. My over-analysis: the voters probably got over the fact that Boyhood 12-year production period and started seeing it as just another coming-of-age film. That probably made Alejandro G. Iñárritu‘s achievements feel fresher by comparison, hence the shift. I’m filing this under “sweet upset”.
Here’s the full list of winners (from Oscar’s official site).
And here are my thoughts on the telecast:
Continue reading “Highlights and Lowlights of the 87th Oscars”
Oscars Season is upon us once again, and I’m glad I managed to binge-watch all eight Best Picture nominees (and then some) before the big day – something I wasn’t able to do last year. Without further ado, here’s how I hope tomorrow will transpire. My picks are listed in bold italic.
Some people consider Macau as Asia’s bootleg Las Vegas with its multitude of casinos and its dizzying nightlife. But, in fact, it deserves much more credit. When I first set foot (for a 4-hour visit) back in February 2009, I was immediately intrigued by its contrasts – the juxtaposition of its colonial architecture with its seizure-inducing neon lights. The Catholic influences are evident, but so is the atmosphere of worldliness. How can devotion and debauchery co-exist in one tiny territory? I was hooked.
Those sentiments were revived after my second visit yesterday. As for Marga, it was an overwhelming case of first-timer’s wanderlust.
Pardon me, but I’d rather not elaborate on yesterday’s Shenzhen snafu. Let’s just say that obtaining a Mainland visa on the same day turned out to be not as easy breezy as portrayed in most travel blogs (Language barrier = 50, Us =0). I’ll stop there. At … Continue reading North by Ngongping
I never had the chance to try out Tim Ho Wan, the Dim Sum Specialists when it landed on Philippine shores last year. The queues scared me. But, I’m glad I finally managed to do so today – in its place of origin, no less!
Continue reading “And a glutinous, MSG-filled morning to you too!”
Here we go again, Hong Kong.
This is my second visit in a span of six months, fourth in total. This time, I’m here to accompany my friend and fellow Southern B Marga. We are loving the weather. It’s the ideal balance between chilly and balmy that we’ve come to associate with this region during this time of year.
Hello again, Puerto Princesa! It’s very fitting that my eldest paternal first cousin Paolo chose to celebrate his 40th birthday here in our Lolo’s hometown. I never got to meet my paternal grandfather (he died before I was born; same as my maternal grandfather), but from the stories I heard, well, let’s just say he led quite a prominent life here – even if he wasn’t necessarily Palaweño in origin. Consequently, this is also where my father and his siblings spent some of their formative years. As for me, this marks my second visit to the island since 2003. I … Continue reading Whereabouts for the next couple of days (or so)
We got to know him as Gerard Sison, the Australian-raised model-surfer who played shady suitor Miguel Asuncion in JasMine the Series. Now, the Kapatid hunk is ready to conquer the scene anew with a bolder attitude and a brand new moniker. Introducing: Gerard Garcia! His rebirth (so he calls it) couldn’t come in more proper timing: The 25-year-old TV5 contract artist was selected to grace the pages of Cosmopolitan Philippines’ 69 Hottest Bachelors 2014 insert as one of the Top 10 Centerfolds. As per tradition, he is slated to make his Cosmo Bachelor Bash debut in the corporate-themed “Cosmo Tower … Continue reading The Cosmo Hunk Formerly Known as Gerard Sison
TV5 has added a fresh face to liven up your daily movie-viewing experience. Introducing: VJ Valeen Montenegro! The spunky Tropa Moko Unli mainstay has been selected as the official video jock (or VJ) of the Kapatid Network’s rebranded Tagalized movie block, Movie Max 5. You can now see her every day sharing fun facts and perky commentary before and after each featured blockbuster. Being a movie fan herself, Valeen shared her own diverse preferences: “I like comedy and chick flicks; mga no-brainers. Pero I have days na I wanna think (laughs). Gusto ko rin iyong tipong after the movie, [sasabihin … Continue reading Valeen the Movie Max Vixen
Here’s how I think the major awards will play out: BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM The Croods Despicable Me 2 Ernest and Celestine Frozen The Wind Rises Frozen might not necessarily be the best bet here, especially with Miyazaki in the mix, but don’t forget, the most popular nominee usually prevails in this category. And if the victory of the middling Brave last year was any indication, expect Disney to leave the other nominees in the ice. PICK: Frozen BEST WRITING – ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY American Hustle – Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell Blue Jasmine – Woody Allen Dallas Buyers Club … Continue reading My Oscar Wishlist, Part 2: The Big Leagues
Planet Chuckie 