Pulse

Watching New Moon made me realize many things.

The Twilight Saga is primarily a love story. Which is why it has a largely feminine fan base and why it appeals mostly to young teenage girls and why it doesn't quite appeal to hard core fans of the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings series. While watching the movie, I couldn't help but smile at the audience reaction. They oohed and aahed, swooned even, when the characters played by Robert Pattinson or Taylor Lautner would do something charming or just take their clothes off.


It has a huge following. Wanting to get good seats, I booked tickets online. While most of the later screenings' good seats were sold out, I was still able to get good seats for an earlier screening. Thankfully for that and my Shang Cineplex card, I didn't have to line up for tickets. And believe me, I was surprised at how popular it was because the lines were long.

Forks, Michigan, if such a place exists, is not the right place to meet guys. They either end up as vampires, werewolves or worst, a dork who can't appreciate a movie.

I like Taylor Lautner more than Robert Pattinson. He just looks better to me, abs and all. Robert Pattinson looks pale and is quite skinny. Plus, I don't like his hair. I read the books before watching the movies and unfortunately, Robert Pattinson does not measure up to the Edward in my head. But Taylor Lautner fits Jacob to a T. Once rumored to be on the verge of losing the role because he wasn't stocky enough, Taylor Lautner buffed up and proves he's the right man for the job.

I'm a Potter fan through and through. In one scene, I couldn't help but think of Cedric Diggory, the role Pattinson played in The Goblet of Fire. In one scene, it looked as if Edward Cullen was hit by Avada Kedavra.

Film wise, New Moon is better than Twilight. It is better made, the story better told. It is funnier too. S2, who watched the movie with me, agrees.

What do you think? Have you seen it?

Image from this site.

Labels: movies

Zara left today for a conference out of the country leaving me in charge when any of her patients gets admitted. She covers for me too when I go out of town. When we go on pilgrimage, we leave others in charge; in my case, Pat.

Who handles your affairs when you go out of town?

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This is my contribution to Aloha Friday.

Labels: aloha friday

I used to blog hop randomly or scroll down my blogroll. But when I discovered Google Reader, there was no turning back. It made my life easier and is very helpful when I don't have much time to spend online.

Do you use a reader?

Between the two of us, Zara is the certified shopaholic while I'm more addicted to the computer. We click because I value bargains too and great finds. I feed her addiction though by forwarding her tips on where to get the best bargains locally, tips I pick up from these sites I follow.

Shop Crazy. Here is where to get information about established brands.

Shopping Finds. Aside from featuring mall sales, this site also has the most extensive bazaar listing and schedules.

Style Manila. Mostly about fashion and beauty, this blog by Sasha Manuel led me to the first Megatent Big Annual Sale.

I usually forward the tips through Zara's husband Clarence's Facebook account as it's so much easier to attach links there. I used to email them to her but she ends up missing the sales because she's not addicted to the computer at all. By the time she opens her mail, all the good stuff's gone or worse, the sale over. Good thing her husband approves and even tags along or tells her what to get from these events. For the odd thing that he might not approve of, she's just a text message or whisper away. Ha ha.

Labels: shopping

Lunch today found me at the Podium. Aiming for a budget yet balanced meal, I opted for Iggi's Kitchen which bills itself as fast, tasty and affordable northern Pinoy cuisine.

To have some vegetables in my meal and not spend extra, I chose what the cashier said was their bestseller Kare-Kare (PHP 89), an original treat from Pampanga with authentic homemade peanut sauce and signature bagoong paste made fresh. Although available with rice and iced tea for PHP 109, I opted for a la carte to skip the iced tea. Upon delivery, my first reaction was doubt whether it could satisfy me as I could barely see the meat amid the sauce. Dietitians will love the serving size and the combination of beef cubes and vegetables but maybe not the sauce and the bagoong. It was good but was nothing special. To complete the meal, I ordered Plain Rice (PHP15) and Coke Light in can (PHP 39).


I asked the server if the owner is Ilocano because some of the menu items were of Ilocano origin. She said no but explained that Iggi is derived from the word Igorot.

The restaurant seems to enjoy a good following from the office crowd what with its affordable dishes. I had to wait some time for a seat.

What impressed me was the vegetable options. Pakbet and poqui poqui are both available in single serve and very affordable prices. With these options, it's easier to stay on track with a balanced diet and budget. Just don't expect really spectacular meals, you get what you pay for.

Labels: taste test

Although I prefer blogging over social networking, I keep accounts for varied reasons.

Facebook. This is how I get updated with what's happening to friends and family. I don't really post status updates myself but occasionally comment on others'. In the early days, I played Scrabble and Bejeweled.

Multiply. Before Facebook, this was where I connected with family members who are savvy netizens. What I like best about Multiply is its ability to record those who view your pages.

Plurk. I like Plurk for its simplicity and how it looks good visually. I used to be conscious about my karma but not anymore. I follow fellow bloggers here.

Twitter. I use this primarily as a news reader. Appreciated this a lot during and after the typhoons. Among the tweets I follow are those from news agencies, airlines and hotels.

Which social networks are you on? Any favorite?

I got Dad a Tattoo some months back and largely satisfied with its performance. I feel that it's as fast as PLDT myDSL. I usually use it when our telephone line acts up, an event that has been happening repeatedly in the last year. I initially blamed it on the construction in the area until it recurred even after construction was finished. A neighbor also remarked that she hears a popping sound in their line before it goes dead. She blames our troubles on old cables.

When I learned that SandBox subscribers get free access to the Pacquiao-Cotto fight, I immediately got Smart Bro. But no, I wasn't able to connect to the site. Thinking it's a temporary problem because of heavy traffic from the bout, I logged on again late tonight and felt that I was back to dial up. It was creeping.

Design wise, Tattoo looks better. Speed wise, from where I am, Tattoo wins. Maybe I'll get to appreciate Smart Bro when I go out of town.