Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba - review

With the lengthy title, who would not get curious? Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba is actually a children's short story by Dean Francis Alfar adapted to a stage play that gives great impact. Aside from the suggestion that it makes fun of curvy individuals, it discusses beautifully layers of liberty, family relations and teaches lessons that open minds in an entertaining and pedagogic way.

Starting in a setting in a bar accompanied by catchy singing and music, the play was able to gather the attention of the audience by participating to the intros. Then the cast appear one by one and told their roles in the story so that everyone can follow.

Then it starts the main story, transporting the stage into colonial setting. The characters were divided into Hispanics and natives, wherein social injustice is being exposed. Our heroine Rosa, knows to fight back and betting on all odds, she challenged a wealthy and powerful Pietrado in a race. Then a layer of discrimination and body shaming adds to the issues that were already present. The post-show call back surprisingly revealed more than just the colonialism and fat shaming were tapped in the story. The short story has been put into greater heights and digs deeper with the lessons it entail.

Rody Vera (playwright), Kiki Baento (Rosang Taba) and Maynard Manansala (playwright) 

Two years in the pandemic has evolved the original plans of production to what it is today. The creative team has put together great ideas other than injecting comic factors that will surely be appreciated by audience from all ages. The stage, the script, and cast are seamless overall that it makes it a feast for the eyes and soul. My words would not be enough to say that it is perfect to watch and to repeat.

Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba runs until April 2, 2023 at the UP Main Theater in UP Diliman. For tickets, you may buy from https://ticket2me.net/o/531

The book How Rosang Taba Won the Race by Dean Francis Alfar, is also available at the foyer, distributed by Lampara Books.

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MOVIE REVIEW - TOM AND JERRY (2021)

The long-time cat and mouse battle gets their first live action movie with the same title, Tom and Jerry. Joined by Chloe Grace Moretz, Michael Pena, Ken Jeong, Jordan Bolger, Pallavi Sharta, Colin Jost, Patsy Ferran and Rob Delaney. Tom and Jerry is now streaming via HBO GO.

As they get on the New York city life for the first time, Tom and Jerry continues their battle for ages to survive. They encounter the Royal Gate Hotel where Kayla (Moretz) applies as a temporary event coordinator after tricking a more qualified applicant. The said event was a high-profile wedding of Preeta (Sharta) and Ben (Jost) and it has to be ensured that nothing bad will happen. But when there's a cat and mouse situation, you bet that something bad will definitely happen.

Tom and Jerry

Chloe Grace Moretz and Michael Pena

Tom and Jerry is still a good family cartoon and did not miss their usual funny antics. You might have missed their violent attacks that kids will surely laugh about it but remind them to not do them at home. Glad that there's no actual animal casting here because they're all animated. From dogs, to cats, to mouse, to pigeons and even elephants. Combining all of them, even if Tom and Jerry does not speak, if they're there, there is definitely a disaster. They also used some references too like the one below from Batman. There's one from the Matrix and more.

Directed by Tim Story, based on the characters of William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

* Images via Warner Bros. Pictures

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REVIEW: Tanghalang Ateneo's password: 03d1pu5_R3x

Marian Rivera-Dantes' first theater production with Tanghalang Ateneo is a modern Filipino adaptation of one of Sophocle's greatest plays, Oedipus Rex. With the challenges we're facing in the new normal due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the production does not disappoint in portraying the current political set up which we are facing today.

The setting gives obvious similarities from Sophocle's times to our current status. The ensemble, played by Ateneo students who are in the Zoom setting, tells us that they are living in a quarantine set up which tells us that there's a great danger outside. Like them, we are praying for something to stop the danger so that we can be able to live normally again. 

Then here's Gabe Mercado, playing Lysanias, who pacifies the wails of the people for us to hope for the best. Edipo, or the local version of Oedipus, played by Yan Yuzon, portrays a strong man and cannot be fazed by his opponents and well followed by his supporters. Marian Rivera, as the VP, and Katski Flores as the modern-day oracle gave their in-dept dramatic impressions of their roles strongly based on Sophocle's characters.

The adaptation in Filipino contains a lot of very deep Filipino words, which Marian Rivera  admits that she had some difficulty into. But with the direction of Ronan Capinding and translation from Jopie Sanchez, it gave good context on the story and we should be thankful that the preservation of the Filipino language is rich on this production.

The Zoom setting gives editor a creative liberty to play on the frames of each character depending on the situation but it still makes us look forward as a live theater audience like we've used to. Tanghalang Ateneo's adaptation to technology has allowed us to continue to enjoy theater even at home.

You can watch password: 03d1pu5_R3x online, now streaming. You may get your digital tickets via Ticket2me at ticket2me.net/e/33027 starting at P100. 

 

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UNSANE movie review

Reality is more terrifying than the paranormal.

Unsane's thrilling plot begins when Sawyer Valentini (Claire Foy) was involuntarily confined into a mental institution and being followed by her greatest fear. An estranged boyfriend David Strine stalks and follows her to the institution where she is then drugged and isolated that the stalker can get his control over her. Following Valentini's story inside the facility raises discomfort and excitement that you would be sitting hard at the back of your seat. Some things might go predictable, but have something to bite on when things go unexpected.

Though unconfirmed, it also angers me how insurance companies and hospitals go hand-in-hand in turning the money around where people are made victims for their business. Instead of helping for the cure, they create milking cows from us which is a bigger problem.

The movie is shot entirely on an iPhone without compromising the aesthetics and quality.

Directed by Steven Sodenbergh, Unsane is coming to SM Cinemas this March 21.

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KITA KITA movie review

May 10 bagay itong movie na to:

1. Sapporo, isang lugar sa Japan na piping saksi kung pano naging magkamabutihan sina Lea at Tonyo. Kung makakapagsalita lang sana ang lugar na ito tungkol sa mga buhay ng mga nagmamahalan, di ko din maiintindihan kasi Nihonggo ang language nya. Gusto ko ding makatikim nung Sapporo beer.
2. Dalawa lang sila sa cast pero hindi mo aakalain ang love team nina Empoy at Alessandra de Rossi. Hindi man kagwapuhan si Empoy sa paningin natin pero sinasabi ng Kita Kita na mas lumitaw ang pagkakaroon ng magandang ugali para mabuksan ang mga mata natin sa mga taong totoong nag-a-alala sa atin. Swak din ang kanta ni KZ Tandingan na "Two Less Lonely People in the World" na mas alam ko pa rin ang tono ng Air Supply.
3. Tatlo kaming nanood nito sa sinehan. Mag-asawa sila at third wheel ako. Huwag akong tularan.
4. Repolyo. Kung masyadong malaki, hiwain mo sa apat. Kada magluluto ka, gamitin mo yung 1/4 para 4 times ka ding masaya. May apat akong alam na putahe na may repolyo: Ginisang gulay, Nilagang Baboy, Nilagang Manok, Corned Beef
5. Limang bagay pwedeng gawin sa Sapporo ayon sa movie: Huwag gumamit ng mga land transpo, mag-ala Venice gamit ang gondola; pumunta sa garden park; kalembangin ang bell habang masaya ka; mag-steam spa; ma-inlove.
6. Anim na beses dinalaw ni Tonyo si Lea simula nung nabulag ito bago nya napasagot nang Oo para lumabas sila. Anim na beses din syang nareject. Ang lesson dito ay Don't Give Up.
7. Minsan gusto kong maging cosplayer. Saging or Puso. Sa buong eksena nito, magpipigil ka talaga ng ihi para namnamin kabuuan ng movie.
8. Hinding-hindi ko talaga mapapatawad yung writer kung bakit biglang mawawala si Tonyo sa buhay ni Lea nang ganun-ganun lang. Sinasabi ba nya na wala tayong karapatan maging masaya habang buhay?
9. Masakit sa puso yung moment na pipiringin na lang ni Lea ang mga mata ulit para magbalik sa ala-ala nya yung mga masasayang moment nila ni Tonyo. Kailangan ba nating mabulag nalang ulit para maging masaya?
10. 10 to the 3rd power. Gusto kong matutong gumawa ng bird origami para matupad din ang wish mo na manood nito.

Rating is 9/10 due to major heartbreak it gives.

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may we be blessed (again) with GODSPELL

I was not able to see the first run of MusicArtes' GODSPELL but I am delighted to see it last Saturday on its opening night. I thought it's a bit late for the Lenten season but I realized that revisiting the Gospel should keep us reminded about the Christian spirituality. I felt sorry for myself for ignoring this production before but thankful for having the opportunity to watch it.

The cast comprised of Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Jef Flores, Myke Salomon, Lorenz Martinez, Caisa Borromeo, Poppert Bernadas, Topper Fabregas, Abi Sulit, Maronne Cruz, Gab Pangilinan and Rhenwyn Gabalonzo may come from different theater companies but you see the professionalism and great talent tear down boundaries -- Love your neighbor as you love yourself.

The whole production preaches in many levels: the setting opens up our minds that God blesses the poor and humble (Beatitudes); the execution of the parables are very creative and interactive. You'll find Jesus Christ amusing, aside that Jef Flores can do it like no one can.

It gives the perspective that the Bible is still relevant from the Beginning until now. Issues that are happening in our lifetime is addressed and Godspell help us think of what we can do. This is a very very good reflective theater production, not just locally, but universally.

Godspell plays on the following dates and times. Bring everyone you love, even your enemies.
May 6 8:00 pm
May 7 3:00 pm
May 12 8:00 pm
May 13 8:00 pm
May 14 3:00 pm
May 19 8:00 pm
May 20 8:00 pm
May 21 3:00 pm

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Here's how much Batman V Superman earned in its opening day

News feed

MANILA, March 27, 2016 – Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” took the Philippine box office by storm on its opening day yesterday, earning P86.65-million across 598 screens and setting new box-office records, with no signs of slowing down.

Opening virtually day-and-date across the globe, director Zack Snyder’s highly anticipated follow-up to “Man of Steel” brings Batman and Superman together on the big screen for the first time in history, and is the very first feature film appearance of Wonder Woman, the third Super Hero in DC Comics’ iconic Trinity.

In the Philippines, the film has broken a number of industry records, namely:

• Biggest Single Day Gross in cinema history, surpassing last year's “Avengers: Age of Ultron's” P83.2-M (Sunday Gross);
• Biggest Opening Day All-Time Industry-Wide, ahead of “Avengers: Age of Ultron's” P72.7-M (Wed opening);
• Biggest Saturday Gross All-Time Industry-Wide, eclipsing “Avengers: Age of Ultron's” PhP81.9-M;
• Biggest WB Opening Day All-Time, beating “Man of Steel's” PhP69-M (Wed - holiday opening) and
• Biggest Superhero Opening Day, surpassing “Avengers: Age of Ultron's” P72-M.

The announcement was made today by Francis Soliven, General Manager of Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines.

Soliven said, “Anticipation for `Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' has been building across the country and these incredible results are a testament to not only the enduring appeal of these global icons but the power of the epic cinematic showdown Zack Snyder and his brilliant cast and crew have delivered. We couldn’t be more thrilled with the film’s incredible debut and strong word-of-mouth and repeat business promises to propel its success well into the season.”

From director Zack Snyder comes “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” starring Oscar winner Ben Affleck (“Argo”) as Batman/Bruce Wayne and Henry Cavill (“Man of Steel”) as Superman/Clark Kent in the characters’ first big-screen pairing.

Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with each other, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it has ever known before.

Directed by Zack Snyder, the film also stars Oscar nominees Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, and Laurence Fishburne as Perry White; Oscar winners Jeremy Irons as Alfred, and Holly Hunter as Senator Finch; and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince.

Syder directed from a screenplay written by Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer, based on characters from DC Comics, including Batman, created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger, and Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The film is produced by Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder, with Wesley Coller, Geoff Johns and David S. Goyer serving as executive producers.

Snyder’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Larry Fong (“300,” “Watchmen”) and production designer Patrick Tatopoulos (“300: Rise of an Empire”), and from his “Man of Steel” team, editor David Brenner, costume designer Michael Wilkinson, visual effects supervisor John DJ DesJardin, and Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer (“The Lion King”) working in conjunction with composer Junkie XL (“Mad Max: Fury Road”).

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, an Atlas Entertainment/Cruel and Unusual production, a Zack Snyder film, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” The film can be seen in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, 3D and 2D, and is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Read my review here: http://ohmski.blogspot.com/2016/03/batman-v-superman-movie-review.html

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BATMAN V SUPERMAN movie review

Good thing that I didn't expect too much from the latest WB/DC flick Batman V Superman since I have mixed reactions from the last Superman movie. Watching it last night first with the rest of the people in IMAX 3D theater was a superb experience because it surpassed all my expectations. Here's my review. Can't rate it from a scale of 10, but I can definitely say that it was very, very good and very, very entertaining.

I liked how they have connected the flick from Man of Steel as you will understand why there's such a war between Batman and Superman. The plot is somehow predictable but it turns into an intellectual discourse that the dark story of this movie makes it even cooler. In short, the screenplay and script is very well thought of and even non-geeks can relate to it.

There is a balance of feels for all the characters, Batman (Ben Affleck), Superman (Henry Cavill) and even Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot). Don't be biased so that you can love or hate their characters. This goes back to the last paragraph that the story and script is very nice. Lex Luthor, is also a likeable character here. Jesse Eisenberg delivered another attack on his role as Superman's super villain. Lois Lane had made herself somehow useful today. Not just a damsel in distress but made herself kind of a hero.

Props, costumes and of course, the Batmobile are just some of the awesome things that are happening in the film that shouldn't be left behind.

I again loved the speed and CGI of BvS especially when the three were already fighting on Doomsday. Matching with the powerful theme song that played in the background, BvS action is hard to defeat. Still you can set aside Batman's mortal being from the two Mega Humans, but still the teamwork is amazing.

BvS had my eyes glued to it and now I am looking forward for the next movie since I've already seen Easter Eggs this early. Opening Black Saturday, March 26. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines.

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ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS teases with trailer

Alice returns to Underland for a new mission. Now to save the Mad Hatter and Underland from destruction of time. "Alice Through the Looking Glass" is the sequel to the Tim Burton and Disney hit, Alice in Wonderland, which features our beloved Wonderland characters. The movie is set for release in summer 2016 (May 27).

“Alice Through the Looking Glass” reunites the all-star cast from the worldwide blockbuster phenomenon, including: Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska and Helena Bonham Carter along with the voices of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall. We are also introduced to several new characters: Zanik Hightopp (Rhys Ifans), the Mad Hatter’s father and Time himself (Sacha Baron Cohen), a peculiar creature who is part human, part clock.

Alice Kingsleigh (Wasikowska) has spent the past few years following in her father’s footsteps and sailing the high seas. Upon her return to London, she comes across a magical looking glass and returns to the fantastical realm of Underland and her friends the White Rabbit (Sheen), Absolem (Rickman), the Cheshire Cat (Fry) and the Mad Hatter (Depp), who is not himself. The Hatter has lost his Muchness, so Mirana (Hathaway) sends Alice on a quest to borrow the Chronosphere, a metallic globe inside the chamber of the Grand Clock which powers all time. Returning to the past, she comes across friends – and enemies – at different points in their lives, and embarks on a perilous race to save the Hatter before time runs out. See the trailer below:

Are you ready to follow Alice on another adventure? Get a first look at the teaser trailer of Alice Through The Looking Glass, in cinemas May 2016.
Posted by Walt Disney Studios on Thursday, November 5, 2015

Alice Through the Looking Glass is also the reunion of Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter after Les Miserables in 2013. Here's some first look images of Sacha as Time:

Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” opens across the Philippines on May 27, 2016.

“Alice Through the Looking Glass” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures. Follow the official social media accounts of Disney in the Philippines, namely, (FB) WaltDisneyStudiosPH, (Twitter) @disneystudiosph and (Instagram) @waltdisneystudiosph.

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THIS IS OUR YOUTH review

Do you remember how things went when you are younger? When you just lay down on your bed and procrastinating instead of being productive, reflects how the new play THIS IS OUR YOUTH by Red Turnip Theater mirrors the young culture with drugs, sex and even the young life as portrayed by Jef Flores, Nicco Manalo and Cindy Lopez. As the three have justified the characters made by Kenneth Lonergan, the message is really appropriate to share with the youth today.

Having it staged at the A Space_Gallery in Makati, it was another unusual experience to really see it on the eye-level with the actors. The room is already the stage so you can sit comfortably on the bean bags casually and just watch like you're inside your own room. This is very new for me and different and I really got to enjoy it. If you can lie down and hug a bean bag, I could have done it myself. The technicals are really setting the mood for the actors and the audience as well. Lighting is successful to show daytime and nighttime to the set amazingly.

As for the actors, the three are perfectly cast. You'll be amazed with Nicco Manalo and Jef Flores flawlessly deliver their lines despite there's no technical enhancement due to the small stage space. Their comedic timings are like watching a memorable episode of FRIENDS and the good vibes are at it. Cindy is a perfect partner for Nicco but I think she could improve and relax with her scenes with him. But they really do work out on stage.

Nicco Manalo and Jef Flores

Nicco Manalo and Cindy Lopez

THIS IS OUR YOUTH  shows at A Space_Gallery for a limited run this November 6, 7, 8, 20, 21 and 22. Tickets are available at https://www.ticketworld.com.ph/Online/thisisouryouth, or call 891-9999.

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MAGIC MIKE XXL movie review

I didn't see the first movie and I thought that the Magic Mike releases were all just about Channing Tatum and bodies. I was laughing mostly of the movie because of the thrown punch lines. I don't want to give some spoilers for this review and I hope you already reserved your tickets before it comes on screen on July 15!

The story continues three years after Mike (Channing Tatum) retired from being a stripper at the top of his career and then finding himself with the Kings of Tampa. But as their tricks get old, they need to explore and do them their own way. Heading to Myrtle Beach for one last show with Mike, the Kings of Tampa renew old acquaintances, make new friends and learn new moves (which you really, really have to see, btw.)

The Kings of Tampa

This comes from a perspective from one who did not watch Channing Tatum dance in movies. I haven't seen the Step Up series and the other Magic Mike movie but I was amazed by how he moves. I've only seen him in GI Joe and White House Down and didn't know about the moves. You better wait for the dance routines in Magic Mike XXL and learn how to treat ladies right, Haha! Matt Bomer and Joe Manganiello shows the tricks too.

The ladies Amber, Jada and Andie shows three kinds of girls that can control the guys. Beauty and power over men flow from the three gorgeous ladies. Amber is so pretty, I may stress.

The movie also has a great soundtrack which you can practice your own routines on.

One question, I thought Ellen Degeneres' gardener, Nick, will be included here?

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MAD MAX: FURY ROAD movie review

Warner Bros. Pictures' MAD MAX: FURY ROAD is an intense action movie that made me think about the times when water supply has become very limited. Opening tomorrow, May 14 in theaters nationwide, I was in mixed emotions while watching the movie.

Set in the driest regions of the planet in its apocalyptic stage, I was already cringing of what I saw. Almost indescribable and almost lost for words, it was really mad and crazy. I am selective with action movies but MAD MAX gets me more than any other gore films I watched. In fact, I love how it's made. Visual effects are stunning and costumes and make up and prosthetics are amazing.

You also have to watch out for the vehicles and the minions of Immortan Joe and how they play along in the movie. They may be the fun part of this film. MAD MAX Fury Road is one of my new favorite action packed and it will never disappoint.

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD is directed by George Miller and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures (Philippines).

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CINDERELLA movie review (plus Frozen Fever)

I enjoyed watching Disney's Cinderella last Saturday. The world-famous fairy tale of rags to glamour and making dreams come true has made us remember our childhood in this wonderfully made live-action movie.

In this re-imagination, we further understand how Cinderella is during her happy days with her mother. Just like how the bond was delivered in Into The Woods. We also get to know why her stepmother and step sisters were so mean to her, a back story that helped establish her cruelty against Cinderella. At some point we've got to pity her and that's one factor that we have to know each other's sides.

We are also presented with more additions to the story to clarify the issues going on with the characters. Then we discover the stories on different ends and that may have contributed to our protagonist's life.

A little touch of Disney's "movie magic" and we gave a glamorous and enthralling experience. Though this is not the same treatment as the original musical animated film, Cinderella did not compromise the magical story. There are still familiar elements but transformations unfold before your eyes and they are amazing. "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!" did not fall out of context; Cinderella talks to mice and lizards, her glass slippers and her blue ballgown, thank you to the Fairy Godmother, all these were made possible.

With its primer "Frozen Fever," it established the magical wonders that are in store for us in Cinderella. Elsa's sneeze created cute little snowmen that almost tore Anna's birthday party apart. You'd better get to the theaters earlier to see this cute treat.

Now showing in theaters nationwide, Cinderella is played Lily James with Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter, Stellan Skarsgaard. Directed by Kenneth Branagh under Walt Disney Pictures and distributed by Columbia Pictures Philippines.

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ANNIE movie review

Quvenzhane Wallis and Jamie Foxx in this year's movie adaptation of Broadway musical and winner of several Tony Awards, Annie which opens in Philippine theaters, January 21, distributed by Columbia Pictures and directed by Will Gluck.

Annie (Quvenzhane Wellis), as interpreted as a black foster kid of the cruel Ms. Hannigan (Cameron Diaz), shows a tough girl of New York City. In the events that she look forward to meeting her long lost parents, it has been a hard knock life. And getting into an encounter with mayoral candidate Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx) that will make her life change, maybe forever.

The newest Annie gives us a hip-hop take about the Broadway musical and set in a contemporary time that takes out her red jumper dress. Her great singing talent with the graceful moves makes Annie more street smart.

Cameron Diaz doesn't deliver that much terror to Annie as Ms. Hannigan should have been. And why is she casted with that voice? They could have sent another actress to play the part. I can totally agree when you say "Little Girls" arrangement is awful. Jamie Foxx as Will Stacks presents a commoner despite his stature. Pleasing the

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The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies movie review

On the last movie installment of the JRR Tolkien Saga, I don't know if The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies will give you a worthy 2.5 hours of stay in the theater and enjoy your last glimpse of Middle Earth #OneLastTime, as they say.

Starting about slaying the dragon Smaug, I felt that the sequence is kind of short, maybe I have expected much. And then there's greed everywhere that every character thinks that they have the share of gold in the Thorin's (Richard Armitage) mountain. The story goes very political and I got confused when the focus turned to the dragon slayer (Luke Evans). Then there's a love affair on the side between Kili (Aidan Turner) and Tauriel (Evangeline Lilly). Legolas seems to give way for their love but I think, what the heck. There's a lot of things going on in the movie and then you'll forget Gollum but at least Peter Jackson didn't forget about the Ring.

War sequences are so long and I think there's just this feeling that fights are inserted with comic stunts. And there are quite similar instances of how Bilbo and Frodo ended their stories. Towards the end, Peter Jackson gives a link/prologue to The Lord of the Rings which I liked.

To cap off, I don't know why JRR Tolkien had to make it a very long and bloody war game up to LOTR when wizards and supernaturals are present to wash them all away. And they are fighting over little things, the Arkenstone and the Ring.

The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies is now showing in 3D and 2D formats, also in IMAX, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

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INTERSTELLAR movie review

From acclaimed director Christopher Nolan, we are about to have an intergalactic journey to search for something that will help us survive when the world is coming to an end. The quest for survival is in the hands of a group of NASA explorers lead by Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), a devout father whose dream is to have a good life for his family.

INTERSTELLAR gives us appeals of what we are to protect during our existence. For Cooper, he is torn between his ambition and saving the whole human race. It also tells us in context about preservation of anything. Sometimes we really push ourselves to go away with our loved ones for a reason. And Nolan has reminded us that how hard it is to be away, we promise ourselves that we have to go back, or at least try. Interstellar was deeply emotional. It looked like Con-Air in a few scenes in the views of StarTrek. 

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

 It is really good. Is it worthy of an award? Maybe. Though sci-fi movies take filming to another level, Christopher Nolan managed to work in a 70mm film (IMAX format). No 3D formats available but its definitely worth the watch. The feels of getting outer space and the emotions of human relationships are absolutely felt. You will have a great three hours watching this film. I cannot take a lift from my seat to see what's next from scene to scene. Images are well crafted and the script is well-written. Not to mention that you have great casts like Award-winners, Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway.

Opening tomorrow in theaters nationwide, Interstellar is distributed by Warner Bros. Philippines. Starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine, with supporting cast, Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain and more.

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a visit to SKIN CENTRAL

Quite a long time when I last visited the derma clinic and I'm very thankful that I have a gift certificate from one of TV5's events courtesy of Skin Central. It's also convenient that there is a branch near our office in Ortigas so last Friday, I was able to pay them a visit. Who says men can't have their own pampering?

Skin Central has four branches to date. Newest is at Lucky Chinatown in Manila. There are branches at Ayala and Alabang and at St. Francis Square, Ortigas Center, Pasig City where I dropped by. The front desk woman was very polite and honest to tell me that I have to wait an hour to be entertained so I went around at the malls to spend time, and also to eat my dinner.

The only plan was to only have a facial then I decided to have a diamond peel and later on, a back mask service since I have Php 1000 worth of gift certificate. The services are so affordable and so it's not hurting on the budget to have treatment over treatment. So I availed all three services:

Facial with Diamond Peel - Php 700
Back mask - Php 550

The first treatment was to have a back mask and the attendant was also polite and open to explain how the treatment goes. A little tickled since it was my first time to have that treatment. So I took a few shots while I have my back cleaned.

Looking around, the place is themed pink, black and white. It can accommodate 4 people at a time, where there are also private rooms available. Around 10 people can have all their treatments done at the same time.

My facial session was not also that painful since the attendant warned me of the pain. I really have to get used to it since I chose to undergo this treatment. And she has patiently did and extracted all blemishes and took extra precautions on the other parts. I can say that their training includes care and professionalism that's why I like it there.

For more info about Skin Central, you may visit their official website at http://www.skincentralmanila.com/ or follow their social media accounts: Facebook and Instagram.

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