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Movies and vacations destress me. So a movie about a vacation is definitely a must see.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked takes our furry friends into an ocean adventure and later, thanks to Alvin's behavior, into an island adventure.

Because the Chipmunks and the Chipettes are on vacation, the movie does not present enough opportunities for them to show off their vocal prowess. And in the few times that they do, the song choices were not very good. That I think was the weakness of the movie.

The movie, however, showed us a different side of the Chipmunks and in some instances, a reversal of roles. That made the movie wonderful as it made the characters fresh.

We've seen many movies about shipwrecks, some better than others. I love how they spoofed Cast Away as I absolutely hated that movie.

Like all Chipmunks movies, this talked about family, forgiveness and second chances. That's why I keep coming back for more.

Photo from this site.

Labels: movies

Thanks to Facebook, I learned that Caf e France is having a buy one, take one promotion on all their breads all Fridays of January.

Trooped to my neighborhood store and scored 2 sausage croissants, 2 ham and cheese croissants, 2 walnut croissants and 2 loaves of bread.

Best thing about the promotion is that it runs all day, no need to wait until closing time. And they bake and bake so everything is brand new.

Now what could be better? A year round promotion, that's what!

Photo from this site.

Labels: promotion alert, taste test

When news broke that Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story won Best Picture, I immediately texted Zara and Pink that I chose well apparently. The win gave Shang Cineplex a change of heart who gave it another go in their lineup.

I finally got to see my first choice today and here are my comments.

Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story presents life in Tondo in the 1950s, about how it is lorded by thugs and gangs. Somehow watching the movie made today seem like a safer time.

Asiong Salonga is presented as a modern day Robin Hood but I felt that while his intentions are good, his crimes overshadow his good deed.

The film, save for a few scenes, is presented in black and white and is well made.

The cast is made up of a stellar bunch. Baron Geisler stands out. Although Jeorge Estregan tried his best to be Asiong Salonga, I felt that he was acting out most times.

Although Mad World seemed appropriate for what was transpiring on screen, the fact that the song came after the event featured in the film made it a poor match. It would have been better if they'd chosen an older song or wrote an original one for the movie.

The cinema was almost full when I saw it. The win definitely gave it a boost. Winner or not, it's a film worth seeing.

Photo from this site.

Labels: movies

I wanted to see Asiong today but it was not meant to be. When I told Pink and Zara about my preferred movie, they both laughed and questioned my choice. Pink even added that it is the MMFF's bottom grosser. Apparently, Shang Cineplex thought so too and pulled out the movie before I had a chance to see it.

Choosing which to watch next was difficult as there does not seem to be a good mix in this year's festival. I passed on the horror pictures because of the gore and Househusband because I felt that I've been there, done that.

With some hesitation, I opted for Enteng ng Ina Mo. I wondered whether there was anything new that the movie could offer as both franchises have had multiple outings. I wondered too how the worlds of the protagonists could be merged seamlessly.

The storyline and team up worked, without compromising previously established nuances of the characters. The chemistry between the leads was palpable. Kudos to too the the special effects people and makeup.

As I laughed out loud in the cinema, I realized why both franchises work. Both of them make the moviegoers feel good.

Was I sorry I missed Asiong? No, not at all. Enteng and Ina just made my day.

Photo from this site.

Labels: movies

I'm going to a wedding on Thursday and my secretary says I simply can't go dressed in some outfit that has graced Facebook! Luckily, I had time to be at SM Megamall as it opened, picked up a few, fitted some and bought my choice in less than an hour. All that amidst the Christmas rush. Hurray for shopping early!

Mission accomplished, I trooped to Yabu at the Atrium to reward myself. I've been meaning to try the place since reading it in Chuvaness.com. After all, my introduction to Japanese food came via their deep fried selections. It was only as I got older that I became adventurous with my choices.

Yabu is billed as the restaurant serving the best tonkatsu in town, authentic even. Chuvaness and Sandy Daza agree that it's almost heaven. With the two in mind, I proceeded to order one of their Tonkatsu Sets (served with Japanese rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles, unlimited cabbage with sesame dressing and a bowl of fruit). I opted for Rosu (pork loin) set (PHP 320), described as 3/4 inch thick and juicy, "rosu" is Japanese for pork loin, wherein the slice of pork has a trimming of fat with it. Available in three sizes, 90, 120 and 180g, I opted for the middle option which the waiter said was just right. I thought my dietitian would be so proud of my choices - a balanced diet with carbohydrate, protein, vegetables and fruit. When my order came, I realized I was in trouble. The size of the pork was not what the dietitian ordered. I should have gone with the smallest sized one, especially so since I was dining alone.

Now, let's dissect the meal. I don't really like miso soup but Yabu's version is very good. The Japanese rice is how it should be, not like some wannabe versions. I skipped the pickles but finished all of the cabbage. It was very fresh and crunchy. Hurray for me! The tonkatsu was wonderful but the serving size was way too much for me, better probably if shared with a friend as the crunchiness of the coating and tenderness of the pork are best appreciated when served right away. The bowl of fruit was a perfect way to end the meal. Of course, Coke Light was the perfect partner.

I realized though that aside from tonkatsu or variations of it, they have few choices to offer.

Service wise, it was quite good too. The waiters were very attentive despite that it was very busy during my visit. The manager too was very much hands on.

Yahoo for Yabu!

Labels: taste test

Their texts came one after another inviting me to lunch. But I told Pink and Zara I'd rather be with Tom than them.

Although my fascination with Tom Cruise has waned over the years, I still make it a point to see his movies. Without hesitation, I rushed to see Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.

Ethan Hunt is a recurring character played by Tom Cruise. We've seen the character mature with the four movies that make up the franchise. The look and feel of the movie has changed over the years and has so has its lead star. Let me just say I prefer Ethan Hunt in the franchise's fist outing - charismatic, suave, debonair and less toned. In this latest outing, Tom Cruise shows that he still has what it takes to portray a savvy agent, albeit in a more rugged fashion.

The formula works but somehow the film is sort of predictable because of elements seen in previous movies. Conflicted agents. Flirting. Etc. The preview of what is to come in the opening credits didn't help at all.

The action sequences make the movie worth seeing and ditching lunch with friends.

Photo from this site.

Labels: movies

When Atlantis Productions announced that it was presenting Disney's The Little Mermaid, I was immediately interested. It took me a while though to buy a ticket as my schedule was only open for Sunday matinees. I'd almost resigned myself that I would miss the show. Last night, however, on my way out National Bookstore Shangri-La, the Ticketworld counter seemed to present itself to me. I hesitated initially but went back after a few paces and got myself a ticket to today's matinee. I'm so glad I did.

The Little Mermaid is based on the fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen and the Disney movie of the same name.

As soon as the lights dimmed and the music started playing, I felt good. I wore a smile on my face all throughout the performance, save for a heartbreaking scene between Ariel and her father King Triton. I thought I should do this more often, enough of hesitation. Movies and the theater are cheaper than therapy!

I knew I would love the songs because the movie has one of the best soundtracks among Disney's animated musical. I was pleasantly surprised with the new songs. They blended well with the original songs and were all hummable. I particularly love I Want the Good Times Back and If Only.

The costumes, choreography, lighting and production design were very impressive. Particularly lovely were the segments of Under the Sea and Kiss the Girl.

As the leads are more popular in popular music, I thought Rachelle Ann Go and Eric Santos would be awkward and not be very convincing but they acquitted themselves very well. Most impressive, however, was Jinky Llamanzares who played Ursula.

If you haven't seen it, go. This is a must see. Don't hesitate.

To Atlantis Productions, congratulations and thank you for bringing Disney musicals to Manila. I am so looking forward to more. Special mention to Pia Cruz who made possible additional tickets for S1, S4 and Z.

Labels: theater

My appreciation of Twilight diminished from book to book which is why although I wanted to watch Breaking Dawn to complete the series, having seen the first 3 movies - Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse, I thought missing it would not be such a big deal. After all, I know now that I'm Team Jacob or rather Team Taylor Lautner and if memory serves me right Breaking Dawn is more about Edward. But when people in my circle and online started raving about it, I figured I wanted to see what the fuss was about.

Breaking Dawn continues the Twilight Saga. Edward and Bella enter a new phase in their life, marriage and parenthood.

Of the characters in Twilight, I like Bella the least. I used to like her actually but she has gone from feisty to soppy and clingy since she started dating Edward. That said, I couldn't appreciate Kristn Stewart's acting because of the limitations of the character. Breaking Dawn changed all that. It is Bella's film from start to finish. And for the first time, I was able to appreciate Kristin Stewart as an actress as she alternated between happiness, sadness, fear, etc.

I was also impressed with the special effects. It was fun watching the actors morph into wolves and fight too. Kudos to the makeup team for Bella's transformation from blushing bride to dead.

If you haven't seen Breaking Dawn, go. Stay until after the credits have finished though for a bonus.