Madonna’s Studio Albums: A Personal Ranking
I haven’t completely processed the turn of events at the recent Rebel Heart Tour in Manila. So before I whip up a more proper review, here’s how I stack up the Queen of Pop‘s discography. Note that this excludes compilations and pseudo-soundtracks.
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In Case You Missed the Grammys: 16 Higlights
We can’t totally fault this year’s Grammys for being so melancholic. After all, we lost an unsettling number of music legends over the past few weeks and I’ve never written the word “tribute” so many times before in one entry. But then, how do they account for the sappy ballad overload they subjected us to in the first hour? Did those performances really have to be so dreary?
There were exciting moments, of course. Aside from certain performances, most of the drama actually happened backstage – like Rihanna cancelling her performance due to laryngitis, Gwen Stefani attempting a guerilla shoot, and Lauryn Hill arriving late for her duet with The Weeknd (Don’t worry. He nailed it solo anyway).
But overall, the vibe really was atypical of “music’s biggest night”. As much as we want to stretch our understanding (given the somber circumstances), we hope they break away from this spell next year.
Here are some noteworthy highlights from the 2016 Grammys:
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“Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising”: A Dream Revisited
Last Wednesday (February 10), I was invited to the premiere of the digitally-restored Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising by Mike de Leon. Originally released in 1977, this poignant and exquisitely filmed romance starred Christopher de Leon and Hilda Koronel – back when cinematic love tandems didn’t have amalgamated names. It was shot mostly in Baguio City and Sagada. (Sorry, Tadhana fans: No cliff theatrics here.) As part of this year’s REELive the Classics line-up, the remastered KMKM boasts a revitalized color palette, clearer cinematography, and a reinstated soundtrack, among other things. Not all retouches work (the restored music was too loud, sadly), but all … Continue reading “Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising”: A Dream Revisited
Recap: Pia Wurtzbach’s Grand Homecoming Special
As expected, Pia Wurtzbach’s Grand Homecoming Special was a thinly disguised Kapamilya affair. Xian Lim took on hosting duties and Dyan Castillejo was the de facto co-host. There was a Boy Abunda segment halfway through and shoehorned video shout-outs by LizQuen and KathNiel. The musical intermissions were serviceable, though Jed Madela‘s bit could have been interspersed with more Pia snippets. The show’s about her, after all.
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“The Big Short” does not fall short
The Big Short
D: Adam McKay
S: Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, Brad Pitt
RATING:
It sounds like a tall order: Adam McKay, a frequent Will Ferrell collaborator and the goofball force behind Anchorman, taking on what was once considered the economic equivalent of the Apocalypse. But in case you missed it, he delivers in The Big Short.
The Great Bangkok Binge-Walk, Day One: A Glimpse of The Grand Palace
Much as the midnight downpour is making me feel like I didn’t leave home, I’m glad to report that this trip did kick off on a positive Note. And yes, I intentionally capitalized the last word of the previous sentence because it happens to be the name of my gracious host. I first met Note three years ago, when she visited the Philippines and we took her to see Tagaytay. Fast forward to 2015 (specifically, earlier this morning), she wasted no time getting in touch with me just hours after my arrival. “I’m picking you up within an hour. Wear long pants and shoes”, she instructed via wonky Facebook call. Being a first-timer in the city, I promptly obliged.
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Note arrived about half an hour later. As I stepped out of the elevator, she greeted me with a warm-hearted chuckle. “OK, so maybe you took it a bit too seriously”, she said, alluding that I was a tad overdressed. “I just wanted to be sure”, I replied, returning the chuckle. I boarded her car and met her sister Nham, whom she spoke lavishly about back in 2012. Soon, we were off to brunch. “The place we’re taking you is very, very far from your hotel”, Note quipped as she turned at Soi Ruam Ruedi. It was a joke, as it turns out: Baan Glom Gig is only a quick stroll away from Chateau de Bangkok. Upon settling down, I further got acquainted with Nham over duck curry, omelette and rice cakes. Suffice to say, it was a hearty gastronomic welcome.
I accompanied the sisters over a quick errand. After which, Note whisked me off to Phra Nakhon (sans Nham) to see one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks: The Grand Palace.
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“Bangkok, Oriental Setting…”
“…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…”
Sunset Send-Off at Uluwatu
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.
Sunday in Ubud and Jimbaran
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.
A Glimpse of Tanah Lot and Legian’s Nightlife
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.
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Bali Movin’, we be Bali Movin’
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.
Holy Week Escapade: Return to Baguio City
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
Happy Day in Bahay Aruga!
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!
Career Fest Crashers
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
Ritz Azul and Marvelous Alejo in Hair Asia’s 25th Anniversary
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
“Dangerous” Adaptations and Quick Notes on “Juego de Peligro”
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””
Highlights and Lowlights of the 87th Oscars
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”
My 2015 Oscar Picks
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.
Oito Horas em Macao (8 Hours in Macau)
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.
North by Ngongping
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
Planet Chuckie 