Picking up on TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS

At the matinee performance of Tiny Beautiful Things by The Sandbox Collective, I found myself reflecting on lessons that could enrich our daily lives. The show gently tugs at the heartstrings, but in the best possible way—it lifts you up, giving you a sense of strength and courage. It’s a letter of advice you didn’t realize you needed, one that quietly reminds you of your own resilience.

One of my favorite lines, “Dear Sugar,” encapsulates the heart of the play. The letters of advice are intimate, personal, and delivered with such warmth that they feel almost like a conversation with an old friend. The experience was immersive—not just as a spectator, but as someone who could relate deeply to the themes of vulnerability and compassion. I found myself longing for the art of writing letters again, the kind that offer anonymous solace and the freedom to express without judgment.

The cast, led by Iza Calzado, Rody Vera, Ketchup Eusebio, and Gabby Padilla, are nothing short of outstanding. They are mirrors of us all, embodying the struggles, hopes, and messy realities that Cheryl Strayed’s Dear Sugar column addresses. Through their performances, we see our own lives reflected—our challenges, our triumphs, and our need for a little guidance when life gets tough. Tiny Beautiful Things reminds us that we are all connected in our shared humanity. We may be luckier or less fortunate than others, but we’ve all been—or will be—Cheryl at some point in our lives.

Directed by Jenny Jamora, Tiny Beautiful Things is the opening production of The Sandbox Collective's 10th season. The show is currently running at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Ayala Circuit, Makati, and will run until December 8, 2024. Tickets are available through thesandboxco.com or via Ticket2Me.

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tick... tick... BOOM! Time is not running out for everyone.

Live theater is back for 9 Works Theatrical. Maybe the most recent company to open its doors to the audience with their restaging of one of Jonathan Larson's notable musicals, tick... tick... BOOM! This expresses that there will be a right time for all things. And the timing for staging this is well-executed.

tick... tick... BOOM! is about a struggling artist who feels the pressure of success in a target time, the case of which is before the age of 30. Led by Jef Flores, with Reb Atadero and Tanya Manalang, alternating with Khalil Ramos, Vien King and Kayla Rivera, this musical hits to the core of everyone who undergoes existential crisis and overthinking the goals that surround us.

Jon (Flores/Ramos) is like many of us. He has the ideals, passion but punched by reality in the face. I sometimes associate him to Christian of Moulin Rouge who believes that everything has its order but dwells in the reality that we are starting penniless and need to work hard.

But on the bright side, we are lucky to be given with a handful of people who can support us. Reb and Tanya, playing Mike and Susan, could be your household companions. It seems that Jonathan Larson was very lucky to have these two in his life. He was not even harshly confronted of taking too long to push a career but instead they supported his dreams. 

The three, collectively, has to be given credit for exemplary performance in their roles. They have formed a great ensemble with just 3 cast members. The stage also has a notable moment that drew the audience into a great impact which understands our feelings and in a comforting way. A special applause for director Robbie Guevara for a fun treatment on this production. It was clearly different in Netflix's version which stars Andrew Garfield, but that is for another commentary. 

9 Works' comeback production of tick... tick... BOOM! runs until August 27, 2023 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium. The cast are shuffled every show so you can watch different takes on the roles. For tickets, you may visit https://bit.ly/m/ticktickBOOMmnl

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REVIEW - Cooking with Paris

Since it was released yesterday, I dedicated my 2 hours watching Paris Hilton's reality series Cooking With Paris where she gives her own take on different dishes from breakfast to dinner. We all know that she's not a professional chef, as she admitted on her OBB, but what interests me is how she'll do it. You don't need to expect anything but you'll be impressed.

Paris gives her A Simple Life character -- the high fashion, glitzy, and her playful self. But here, she does almost everything -- from shopping for ingredients in her striking dress and huge bow while strutting in the aisles of the supermarket, preparing the food and cooking it. She's doing everything pretty much the first time so it's funny that she doesn't know what kitchen equipment and utensils that she has -- but studded ladles and spatulas get the attention!

As a great party host that she is, it's good to have her reliable Chief of Staff decorating her dining area for the awe of the guests. She wants a SLIVING event for her guests from Kim Kardashian to Nicky and Kathy Hilton and every meeting has a different theme!

She doesn't care about the kitchen mess. She focuses however on how her food will taste like and especially how people "Loves it." She reverts to her deeper natural voice if the conversations get a little bit more serious -- how her closest friends would really know her. She also revealed why she's doing it because she wants to become a mother next year and learning to cook is her baby step in raising a family. Kudos to her for that.

Cooking with Paris only has 6 episodes and runs for about 20mins per episode. Now streaming on Netflix.

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MOVIE REVIEW - Black Widow

After being delayed by more than a year, Marvel movie highlighting Black Widow did not disappoint, as it served well of much-anticipated solo movie for the strongest woman Avenger.

Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff Black Widow

Starting by tracing Natasha Romanoff's (Scarlett Johansson) younger years, which I thought she was Alexei (David Harbour) and Melina's (Rachel Weisz) younger child because it looked like a boy, we can already sense or her strong will and strenght to protect anyone who tries to harm her family. We've already seen a part of her past in Age of Ultron but I thought we're going to see more of her growing up in the Red Room. Then after many years of being separated, and her values changed becoming an Avenger, it was not really the happiest family reunion because all of them had become weapons of the group that they serve individually.

Scarlett Johansson, David Harbour, Florence Pugh

They also acknowledged the characters that we're missing in the MCU like Captain America, Ant-Man, Iron Man and Clint Barton. Her dark past was also explained further so we're going to feel her sadness despite she being so stiff and focused on her missions. Becoming an Avenger has changed her a lot. At least we also get some humor with Yelena disowning Natasha's landing pose in every fight.

 The action scenes hightened up from the first half of the movie to the second part but I think her sky fight was breathtaking. The punches and kicks are so solid and I almost felt it. I wish it could be seen in IMAX.

Like every other Marvel movies, you have to stay until the post-credits as it may usher another chapter in the MCU. Scarlett Johansson has given her best performance as Black Widow and this exit was a great achievement for her and the MCU. Her character will surely be missed. Kudos!

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MOVIE REVIEW - Lin-Manuel Miranda's IN THE HEIGHTS

Jon M. Chu and Lin-Manuel Miranda's In The Heights came more than just a movie adaptation of the theater musical of the same title but it elevated the excitement, emotions and the lessons that it teaches. Jon M. Chu's vision has given us the better understanding by providing a wider perspective of the community of Washington Heights, aside from its vibrant and diverse neighborhood, each story of the resident were dug deeper to touch your sense and sensibilities.

Knowing the festive music and glorious choreography that is a mixture of hip hop, salsa, mambo and any dance and tune you can think of, you'll get more. Movie magic was materialized that made it look exciting. It will really get you up on your feet. Start with the streets, the pool and especially in that bar scene before the blackout. They really got a powerful ensembles to execute this well and everybody did well. I'm glad that I've seen this as it has given me a better understanding of the musical I saw years ago. The songs are in fact moving and you can feel the cast's emotions through their amazing acting. Actors were well cast they did great. Kudos to Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Gregory Diaz IV, Olga Merediz, the salon girls and everyone.

Let us not forget about the close ties between neighbors. Hope you'll think -- When is the last time you actually talked to a neighbor? What made them special? In The Heights reminds us that people around us may have the same hopes for us, can move mountains for us, can protect us, if we share the same values.

You have to watch the whole movie until the end credits. You'll get something very special from Piraguero Lin-Manuel Miranda in the end for his sweet clap back. ;)

In The Heights is now showing in theaters and streaming via HBO Max. 

* Images via Warner Bros. Pictures

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MOVIE REVIEW - Cruella

Fashion, depression, competition and revenge are very distinguished in the 101 Dalmatians rip off movie Cruella, starring Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Mark Strong and more.

Cruella's backstory begins in her childhood and established why she became brilliant, bad and a little bit mad. An orphaned girl who started a dream finds herself living it and then becoming her idol's worst enemy and competition. Avant-garde designs are a feast to the eyes, the soundtrack that transports you to the 70s and unexpected twists that makes it more interesting every time. The necessary elements in self-branding and PR stitched into a drawing story gets you sewn into the story making it dark but fabulous.

Emma Stone as Cruella

If you've seen the original 101 Dalmatians story, Cruella pays tribute to it by providing Easter eggs that are very familiar to it. It also provides prologues on what happened in the said animation story like how she met the Darlings, her sidekicks Jasper and Horace and how she came into fascination with dogs. Note that she doesn't kill.

Overall, it is quite an enjoyable movie. Stay until the mid-credits too. Cruella is now streaming on Disney+.

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Godzilla VS Kong Movie review

In the next chapter of the Monsterverse,two titans Godzilla and Kong battle for supremacy and the people of the earth were caught in the balance. After Godzilla defeated its extraterrestrial nemeses, he starts his reign of terror and the people need someone for help. Legendary Picture and Warner Bros Pictures bring Godzilla Vs Kong in our screens.

When we expected a massive fight, they delivered. I think this was just the highlight of the whole movie. I'm not much of a Godzilla or Kong fan but I think the storyline involving humans were better left off. The deaf kid was more of an essential character than of Millie Bobby Brown and others.

Plus they gave Godzilla and Kong feelings, yes compassion and anger, towards humans and each other. It also introduced us into a new world where the both may have come from, somehow magical and amazing with lots of more monsters.

Kong in Hollow Earth world

Godzilla VS Kong

We can also say that the real enemy here is the humans, specifically Apex, who was in a special science project down to the core of the earth for personal gains. They also created a huge Mechagodzilla which could have been awesome however it was short-lived.

Somehow I'd like to give the credit if this was seen in IMAX or any big screen. It could have been a better experience.

Godzilla Vs Kong is now streaming via HBO Max. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

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Zack Snyder's Justice League Movie Review

Sitting for 4 hours is unnoticeable while watching Zack Snyder's Justice League. This run redeems the 2017 movie that makes it a better version than Joss Whedon's. We don't hate Joss Whedon, but this movie is really JUST GREAT!

Picking up from the death of Superman in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Bruce Wayne (Batman) and Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) assembles a group of superhumans namely Arthur Curry (Aquaman), Barry Allen (The Flash) and Victor Stone (Cyborg) to take on an alien invasion lead by Steppenwolf. Aside from this invasion, the world is in the verge of extinction by the unity of the mother boxes.

From history, the unity of mother boxes was defeated by the powers of world defenders, including the participation of Green Lanterns - which was a great sequence by the way. The three mother boxes where hidden and protected from the return of Steppenwolf who is up for his revenge after thousands of years.

Earth defenders in the first invasion of Steppenwolf 

I can say that this is a good origin storytelling, as we were able to deeply understand more of the characters of Aquaman, the Flash and Cyborg. They each take credit on their contributions to the team and showing equal importance. It is so action-packed, no boring moments, and as I've said, you can't notice the 4-hours while watching it. The Flash got his role more relevant in the Justice League and his contribution is very essential unlike from 2017's just a mere childish lad.

The Justice League (Cyborg, The Flash, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman) 

The 6-part movie includes an epilogue that makes us look forward to another movie. For many people like me who does know more characters from the comics, I think we better start asking and read. DC is now establishing a more exciting future for their own movie universe.

Zack Snyder's Justice League casts Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa and Ray Fisher. Also with Diane Lane, Amy Adams and more. Now streaming only on HBO Go. 

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Raya and the Last Dragon Movie Review

Disney's latest princess animation marks different from its predecessors and it adds the South East Asian culture in Raya and The Lost Dragon. It follows the footsteps of warrior princesses Mulan and Merida but Raya is an epic adventure who is able to live in a myth to be able to save a dying race and unite them all in unity. A perfect welcome for the Women's Month this March.

The movie displays familiar elements in the South East Asian culture. First, she was trained in Filipino weaponry, rides on a pet giant armadillo named Tuktuk which is the same name for transportation in Thailand, and she dons a hat that looks like the one from Vietnam. More representation of the SEA culture are they eat rice, the busy floating market like Bangkok and rice terraces.

It is a familiar story of different countries battling for supremacy but one was willing to unite them altogether to fight one common enemy. They did not have to depend on a written legend on who will save them, it all comes down to initiative and everything will just have to follow. Raya (voiced by Kelly Marie Tran) just went for a quest to revive that was lost and she did not have to outstand the others, but she became the leader. Accidentally forming an unlikely group of heroes, she has a very good trait of listening to others and responsibly utilizing her companions' strengths to achieve their goal. For me, Raya can be a great model for leadership if we put it in a larger perspective.

Awkwafina voicing the dragon Sisu gave the comedic element in Raya's adventure. She was the humble symbol in Raya's legends, and she was the instrument that bound the severed race in unity.

Raya and the Last Dragon basically is a movie about trust and unity and makes it relevant in today's world. It is now streaming on Disney+ and perfect to watch with the whole family.

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MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN movie review

Edward Norton writes, directs and acts as a lonely private detective afflicted with Tourette's Syndrome ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend in 1950s New York.

At least they started with introducing the Tourette's Syndrome and you'll get used to it on the story development. There are two sides of how people treated him and luckily he had better persons around. The 2-hour movie didn't even bore us as there are very interesting developments and Lionel Essrog (Norton) would keep us awake with some funny Tourette's Syndrom attacks. Don't fight me but I really find hiccups inserts hilarious. Norton's performance is commendable.

The political climate for the movie contains community displacement for the benefits of capitalists and subliminally hits many of us who are blinded with so called "progress."

Motherless Brooklyn also features Alec Baldwin, Bruce Willis, Willem Dafoe, Bobby Cannavale, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Opens on December 11 and will be exclusively shown in Ayala Malls Cinemas.

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JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL movie review

We're going back to the video game after 2 years in Jumanji: The Next Level. It's a next level of adventure, comedy and friendship that has greatly improved from the 2017 movie.

Bringing back Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan as avatars of the teenagers who found the wicked jungle video game, they are off to a new quest that absorbed Spencer (Alex Wolff). New quest to restore Jumanji's world balance that is threatened by a tyrant leader. Not knowing that the game also captured two, seniors Eddie (Danny Devito) and Milo (Danny Glover), who had a long time grudge.

Danny Glover and Danny Devito as Milo and Eddie for Jumanji: The Next Level

Nick Jonas, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Dwayne Johnson, Awkwafina and Kevin Hart
for Jumanji: The Next Level

The game is more intense and the characters discover new skills (and new powerful avatars) that weren't there in the jungle. There's even a new feature that added to the comedic factor of the game that will have you laughing harder than the first one.

JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL is now showing in cinemas, distributed by Columbia Pictures PH.

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A SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE: FARMAGEDDON - movie review

This is the first time that I saw a Shaun the Sheep production and I can recommend it for you to watch it with your kids. It's 97% FRESH on Rotten Tomatoes so you'll have fun watching it.

Farmageddon has a familiar plot but I won't spoil it for you to watch with your kids. Also, the alien is so cute that I wish it could have a merchandise available.

I admire the clay-animation that the producers gave a lot of effort to. I really had no idea that this was close to a Mr. Bean show which has very minimal dialogues but the effects and visuals are fit for your kids to enjoy. The soundtrack also rocks and don't miss an mid-credits scene.

A Shawn the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is showing on December 4, from Cartoon Network.

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THE GOOD LIAR movie review

What started from a good relationship turns out to be a well-crafted swindling act in The Good Liar. Two amazing actors, Ian McKellen plays as Roy Courtnay and Helen Mirren as Betty McLeish begin as two lovable characters and their true selves reveal as the story unfolds.

Both started to be very lovable but when Roy shifts as a conman dealing with millions of money, you'll hate him very much and feel bad about Betty. His antics are very well planned and he can get away with it flawlessly.

Ian McKellen as Roy Courtnay

Meanwhile Helen Mirren gets to have your affection effectively and she'll draw you to be concerned of her character, Betty.

Helen Mirren as Betty McLeish

As the story goes along, the scenes are becoming predictable but exciting with hidden twists. You cannot really much distinguish which character is telling the truth as the title suggests. A good eye and playful mind will applaud this wonderfully written screenplay about truth and deception.

The Good Liar is now showing in the Philippines, distributed by Warner Bros. Philippines.

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LAST CHRISTMAS movie review

Written by Emma Thompson and directed by Paul Feig, Last Christmas gives a positive vibe on George Michael's song with the same title featuring Emilia Clarke (Kate) and Henry Golding (Tom).

After a series of unfortunate events in Kate's life working as an elf in a Christmas store, Kate meets Tom that gives a turn on events that seems too good to be true. I think a lot of people did not notice "Tom and Kate" tandem in this one but well-played, Emma.

Henry Golding (Tom) and Emilia Clarke (Kate) in Last Christmas

Aside from the songs of George Michael, you would not expect the twist that really has a "heart" in it. Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding are okay but you'll love Michelle Yeoh and Emma Thompson more. Especially when you see Michelle Yeoh play a different character from the serious ones she had in Crouching Tiger and Crazy Rich Asian. (This makes a reunion for Henry Golding and Michelle Yeoh from the successful CRA movie)

Michelle Yeoh

Emma Thompson and Emilia Clarke

For George Michael fans, you'll be served with many hits like, of course, Last Christmas, Freedom and more. I think that his songs fit well in the soundtrack of this film.

There are also many types of love covered in this movie. Last Christmas reminds us that there are no boundaries and labels when it comes to love and kindness and it doesn't also limits us to share goodwill in this time of the year.

#LastChristmas opens November 27 in the Philippines. Distributed by Columbia Pictures.

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THE TWO POPES movie review

Habemus Papam! A phrase that keep the Catholic Church rejoicing for centuries and continuing the faith in the Doctne. Fortunately, Netflix made an extraordinary movie that talks about the relationship of the two leaders of the Church in our time. Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce play Popes Benedict XVI and Francis in The Two Popes that will start streaming in Netflix on December 20.

When I saw the trailer, I noticed that they resemble pretty much of the two popes. And what's more interesting is that we had a deeper look into controversial events that involved Ratzinger and Bergoglio.

The Two Popes gives us a peek of the conclave as we've never seen it before. The selection process involved politics and more importantly, the virtues of Christianity has been looked in scrutiny. At least, for me I can say that we have a great pope in Pope Francis right now who ushers in modernization and reform in the Catholic Church with his ideals.

Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Bergoglio in conclave (The Two Popes)

This also reminds us that they are not divine and they've shown their pure human and funny sides. Being a pope has given them so much pressure to preserve the faith of 1 billion Catholics around the world and that we should also continue to pray for them to have the wisdom and faith to lead us to holiness.

Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins as Cardinal Bergoglio and Pope Benedict XVI in the summer residence (The Two Popes)

The exchange of dialogue between the two moves me and it preaches to you to be spread kindness. One line is so powerful, "Mercy is a dynamite that destroys walls." To give you the full context of this statement, you need to watch the whole conversation that is written very beautifully. The Two Popes contains great lines from two great actors about the great relationship of two great persons.

The Two Popes will be streaming exclusively on Netflix starting December 20.

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DOCTOR SLEEP movie review

I actually watched Stanley Kubrick's The Shining first in time to prepare for the next chapter, Stephen King's Doctor Sleep. I must say that this was way more exciting, not really much of a horror movie but a psychological thriller that you can enjoy. I think that it made The Shining a prerequisite for you to understand more about this movie.

Providing that much reference to The Shining, it can stand on its own, less the overused symmetrical shots from the movie but still paid good tribute that you can connect the dots in Doctor Sleep. Here, they call "the shining" as "magic" and this provides new vision of a person's death or spirits.

Ewan McGregor as Danny Torrance

Ewan McGregor, who plays Dan Torrance, started off as a wasted individual, whom you'll suspect that he really had a trauma within almost 40 years after "The Shining." But he takes you on an adventure on how he endures a new phase of his life while still "shining."

Doctor Sleep opens in cinemas in the Philippines starting November 7 from Warner Bros. Pictures. #DoctorSleepMovie

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LINGUA FRANCA - more to life of a transwoman

QCinema 2019 offers Lingua Franca, a journey in the life of an undocumented transwoman in the US - featuring Isabel Sandoval as producer, director and the lead actor (as Olivia) for the said movie.

More than just the usual LGBT-themed movies nowadays, Lingua Franca was able to represent not just the LGBT community but also taking us along in her struggles under the political landscape and its effects to undocumented immigrants. Her story mirrors each Filipino's lives and makes us immersed in their emotions and how they wrestle life in search of greener pastures.

Aside from the green card that many immigrants are longing for in the US, Olivia had her share of ups and downs in love and job working as a caregiver to another elder immigrant.
 Lingua Franca is one of the international entries in the QCinema Film Festival 2019 and showing from Oct 13-22 2019 in leading cinemas within Quezon City.

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