Thank You,MJ Lastimosa! Mabuhay Ka!

Thank YOu MJ!Much has been said about the recently held Miss Universe pageant and how our rep Miss Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa continued the semi-finalist streak of the Philippines for five consecutive years now. I still remember how the Philippines experienced a ten-year Miss Universe drought from the year 2000 with Nina Ricci Alagao up to Bianca Manalo’s Bahamas stint in 2009.  The following year, Venus Raj paved the way for the Philippine delegates to take center stage in the Miss Universe pageant yet again with Shamcey Supsup, Janine Tugonon and Ariella Ariella following her footsteps in the succeeding years – all with runners-up finish.

This year’s pageant is definitely one of the toughest editions to judge and one of the strongest batches to date (along with 2008 and 2010). It’s no surprise that anyone from the Top 15 semifinalists could easily win the title. With MJ failing to advance into the Top 5, most of us (Pinoy pageant fans and pundits) were disappointed of course (including moi) and has probably blamed her horrendous evening gown (which I did and that’s just for me when I said that BPCI’s choice of evening gown was horrendous). And since what’s done is done, we have to remember that what MJ accomplished is no mean feat. Guys, she just bested 78 other ladies in the competition and she made every pinoy pageant fans and pundits extremely proud of her on that stage. With that being said, I just want to express my heartfelt gratitude and respect to the girl who not only showed the world how beautiful and gracious Filipinas are but also for her sheer determination that is truly awe-inspiring.

 MJ, Salamat sa iyong kahanga-hangang pagpapakita ng kagandahan ng isang Filipina at sa pagpapamalas mo ng halimbawa sa bawat Pilipino dito sa Pilipinas at sa buong mundo na kapag may nagpursige ka, hindi malayong maabot mo rin ang iyong pinapangarap. After your heartbreaking loss in 2012 – you didn’t give up on your dreams of representing the country in the Miss Universe pageant. You came back stronger than ever at sa pagkapanalo mo, you inspired not only your fellow beauty queens but the rest of the Filipino people! Maraming Salamat! Ikaw ang aking Miss Universe – ikaw an gaming Miss Universe 2014!

image courtesy of OPMB

Review: Goodbye America (1997)

Director: Thierry Notz
Cast: Alexia Arquette, Alma Concepcion, Angel Aquino, Corin Nemec, James Brolin, John Haymes Newton, Maureen Flannigan, Michael York, Nanette Medved, Daria Ramirez, Wolfgang Bodison

Goodbye AmericaThrough some coaxing, I was able to get a copy of this film which I’ve seen in the late 90’s and I remember liking it back then. Watching it again, I rather find it a wee bit over the top but it’s still an okay film. The story took its premise from the closing of the US naval base in Olongapo City back in 1991.

There’s enough drama going on with most characters [I mean the navy seals] getting friendly with lovely Filipina women and their struggle to deal with their inevitable separation. This didn’t end though with most of them just leaving their Pinay beaus behind. There’s a plan assassination of a US senator which made the film a bit contrived but nevertheless made the plot not too Hallmark-ish. I was confused why said assassination plot became the epicenter of the film’s premise.

The ending was heartwarming yet heartbreaking and interestingly, it was the supporting character of Paul Bladon’s (played by Alexis Arquette) romantic involvement with a Filipina woman Emma (Alma Concepcion), who used to be a prostitute (not Alma, but the character Emma lol) that made the most impact in the film.

It was also such a pleasant surprise for me to find out that Alexis Arquette [sibling of Boyhood star Patricia Arquette] has already transitioned into a woman! Yay!

Alexis Arquette before and after. Alexis Arquette before and after.

Anyways, I guess some people could torrent this since it’s not available on Amazon, if the film interests them. It’s an okay film overall for a minimally budgeted B-Hollywood movie.

Rating: 6/10

63rd Miss Universe [2014] Results & Ramblings!

(gimme a few sec please… )tumblr_m5p44lAxxf1qlle7ro8_r1_400

And there you go… Miss Colombia Paulina Vega conquered the Universe and bested 87 other delegates from all over the world clinching the title as the 63rd Miss Universe victor!

Miss Universe 2014 - Paulina Vega

Miss Universe 2014 – Paulina Vega

Top 15 

photo courtesy of www.inquirer.net

photo courtesy of http://www.inquirer.net

Top 10

photo courtesy of www.inquirer.net

photo courtesy of http://www.inquirer.net

Top5 [In OrderTop 5
1. USA – Nia Sanchez
2. Netherlands – Yasmin Verheinjen
3. Ukraine – Diana Harkusha
4. Jamaica – Kasi Fennell
5. Colombia – Paulina Vega

1st runner-up: USA
2nd runner-up: Ukraine
3rd runner-up: Netherlands
4th runner-up: Jamaica

Miss Universe 2014: Paulina Vega – Colombia

Special Awards
Best in National Costume: Indonesia – Elvira Devinamira

Indonesia's costume comes from Central Java and depicts the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Borobudur Temple. The temple was built with the concept of promoting and establishing serene spiritual living just like the purpose of becoming the Miss Universe.

Indonesia’s costume comes from Central Java and depicts the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Borobudur Temple. The temple was built with the concept of promoting and establishing serene spiritual living just like the purpose of becoming the Miss Universe.

Miss Congeniality: Nigeria – Queen CelestineNigeria
Miss Photogenic: Puerto Rico – Gabriella BerriosPuerto Rico

*Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa failed to advance into the Top 5 and I honestly blame her horrendous white evening gown! She was confident and sassy on stage and that gown totally destroyed her chances!!!!

lintek na Barraza...

lintek na Barraza…

This is like the worst thing ever to happen for every beki in the Philippines ATM. Ugh. Bwiset!

why, oh, why - bakit wala sa top 5 si mj????!!!!

why, oh, why – bakit wala sa top 5 si mj????!!!!

I was hoping that USA or Jamaica would clinch the title but yeah… Colombia obviously was poised /”prepared” to win it all albeit the booing public.

My 63rd Miss Universe [2014] Top 15 And Final Predictions!

Miss Universe 2014Heya guys! It’s prediction time and I am yet again sharing my very own top 15, winners and some thoughts about the coming finals this Sunday of the 63rd Miss Universe Pageant!

Special Awards:

Best In National CostumeThere were only five ladies chosen to vie for the Best in National Costume Award which will ultimately be decided by the public via twitter – [To vote for the winner, tweet your favorite costume using both #MissUniverse and one of the finalists now up until the pageant on Sunday!!] I’d say it’s a close match between Miss Indonesia and Miss Argentina based on their costumes but I have to give it to Argentina – hands down! (you can still vote! see rules HERE)

Miss Argentina Valentina Ferrer

Miss Argentina Valentina Ferrer

Argentina’s costume represents one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Iguazú Falls. The impressive gown is covered with glossy stones that resemble Iguazú Falls rocks and water.

As for Miss Congeniality – it’s anybody’s ball game really but I have a feeling that it’d go for a certain Asian delegate ^_^

So let me now reveal my Top 15-6

 

And My Top Five Are…

4th Runner-up: The last three years saw Brazilian delegates sailing through the Top 5 and not quite getting the crown. This year, they sent another strong delegate in the name of Melissa Gurgel – the girl could definitely make it again but I don’t think she’d be able to place higher than the rest of the Top 5.

4th Runner up - Brazil - Melissa Gurgel

4th Runner up – Brazil – Melissa Gurgel

3rd Runner-up: She was a favorite since she won her national pageant and she’s got the Latin support of the host city. She’s got a body to die for, an exquisite evening gown but her presentation doesn’t give me a vibe of a winner – at least not at the preliminary so she’s got to settle for a 3rd runner-up finish. Take your place, Paulina Vega – Miss Colombia!

3rd Runner up - Colombia - Paulina Vega

3rd Runner up – Colombia – Paulina Vega

2nd Runner-up: Kaci Fennell haircut may have been the main reason why she’d effortlessly stood out from the sea of beautiful ladies during the preliminary competition. The girl is edgy, modelesque and quite articulate if you’ll base it on her web interview. Now her being edgy could also go against her – she could win it all or settle for 3rd place. There you go, Miss Jamaica!

2nd Runner up - Jamaica - Kaci Fennell

2nd Runner up – Jamaica – Kaci Fennell

1st Runner-up: If Nia Sanchez went on to compete during the 2012 Miss Universe pageant, she could very well win it in Vegas the way her compatriot Olivia Culpo snatched the title from then favorite Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon. But now, it’s the 63rd edition of the pageant and is again being held in the U S of A. Will it be a repeat of 2012? Possibly yes – a repeat of the last two standing but another crown for a Miss USA? Very unlikely. She’s got to settle for a runner-up finish this time.

1st Runner up - USA - Nia Sanchez

1st Runner up – USA – Nia Sanchez

Now my final pick to win the 63rd Miss Universe pageant is none other than Miss Philippines, Mary Jean Lastimosa. It’s been more than four decades since the Philippines has won its last title via Margarita Moran who won the title during the 1973 edition held Greece. And from the last four years, the Philippine delegates almost won the crown but something seemed to hinder their utmost desire to clinch the title. Janine Tugonon came very close when she finishes second to Olivia Culpo in 2012 but it’s still an elusive pursuit for the Philippine queens until now.

Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa with the new crown from Diamonds International Corporation (DIC)

Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa with the new crown from Diamonds International Corporation (DIC)

With MJ Lastimosa battling it out with 87 other delegates, its looks like things are heading her way and with her smooth performance all throughout the pageant – she may very well be declared the brightest star in the universe.

Philippines

Mark your calendars for the 63rd Annual #MissUniverse Pageant LIVE Sunday, January 25th at 8/7c on @NBC. All 88 contestants will compete for the @DIC Crown. Don’t miss it!

Hosted by: Thomas Roberts and Natalie Morales with color commentator Jeannie Mai

Performances by: Nick Jonas, Prince Royce and Gavin DeGraw

photos via missuniverse / mjalltheway fb page

Book Review: A Healing Man (Men Of Manhattan Book 5) – Sandrine Gasq-Dion

A Healing Man[Book 5 of Men Of Manhattan Series]

Wow. Who would’ve thought that a “hated*” character from this series would be able to redeem himself 360 degrees and be one of the most adorable and charming characters ever to come out from said series!?! I didn’t think it’s possible to like the bigoted Tiernan Callahan after what he and his family did to his brother’s fiancé  but Sandrine was able to transform all those negatives into positives and made this stubborn Irishman fell for the equally stubborn “wounded warrior” Dario Ramos [Slater Cassidy’s best friend]  no less! Yikes! It should have been a disaster from the start right? But nope people, it was actually a match made in heaven!

Dario Ramos is still recovering from his injury which sent him home from the war-zone he’s been trying to get over with. But there was another battle he’s got to face when he keeps on crossing path with the bigoted New York cop Tiernan Callahan.

Raised from a religious-family, Tiernan Callahan is still mourning the death of his younger brother who died without spilling his secret of being gay and being engaged with another man for fear of rejection from his family thus the guilt and anger he carries around. When he keeps on running into Dario Ramos, something inside him awaken.

AHM

Something’s gotta give between these two stubborn men and they also both need to heal in order to feel and understand each other…

When I first found out that there’ll be a fifth book and it’ll feature Ramos, I got all giddy because I loved this series and I loved Ramos! I loved that he’s feisty and doesn’t take shit from anyone! I was a bit apprehensive though when the author mentioned that he’ll be coupled with one of the Callahan brothers (huh! the bigots who mistreated Casper, their brother’s fiancé!) – I effin’ hated them in the third book –but yeah, I guess they atleast have to grovel so hard in order to be at least likable.

Funny though because everything seemed to settle down with the Callahan brothers and they became these adorable twins in this book, like seriously, Miss Gasq-Dion – you’re killing me with all the feels here!

Out of all the books in the series, I think this one along with A Fighting Man (yay! What a coincidence!) are the most solid story-wise. I loved the chemistry between Dario and Tiernan, the low angst and the secondary characters that were introduced here! Oh Gawd! Now, I cannot wait to have Danny and Bobby’s story [please write one for them] and of course, Michael and Ryan as well!

What else can I say about this book? It’s a signature Sandrine-Gasq Dion novel and it’s effin’ fabulous so go ahead and download it now!!!!!!!! Cmon’ whatchawaitinfor????!!!!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

BUY LINKS
WILDE CITY PRESS

photos of tiernan and dario via michael stokes and mirror.co.uk

Review: Barber’s Tales [Mga Kwentong Barbero] (2013)

Barber's Tales

Taking place in a countryside setting amidst the decline of the Marcos regime, Jun Lana’s film “Barber’s Tales” primarily focuses on the empowerment of women, which reflects the period’s political turbulence and the consequential rise of Corazon Aquino as the first female president of the Philippines, following the death of her husband.

Recently widowed Malou, portrayed by Eugene Domingo, unexpectedly finds herself running the sole barbershop in town, a business that has been in her husband’s family for generations.

Struggling to attract customers due to her gender, Malou forms a bond with a prostitute named Rosa. Rosa encourages her fellow workers to direct their male clients to Malou’s barbershop or risk exposure. This alliance prompts Malou to gradually assert herself in the male-dominated landscape of the town, where gossip spreads rapidly. However, this endeavor also exposes Malou to perilous situations, forcing her to make difficult decisions to safeguard her legacy.

This movie effortlessly blends humor in a way that makes you pause and ponder whether to take the theme seriously or with a light-hearted touch. Its incorporation of magical realism adds an intriguing layer that softens its more serious undertones. Eugene Domingo’s portrayal, in contrast to her role in “Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank,” showcases her versatility and deep immersion in her characters. Her depiction of anguish resonates profoundly, particularly in poignant exchanges with Iza Calzado’s character, the mayor’s wife. Domingo’s knack for selecting projects that amplify her cinematic charm and her reminiscent style of acting, akin to Whoopi Goldberg, adds an engaging dimension to the film.

While the film’s latter segment leans towards dramatic flair, I thought it could have been executed with a subtler touch, though the desire to tie up loose ends is understandable. The film’s visuals are striking early on but falter in consistency in the later part, while Ryan Cayabyab’s musical score, while occasionally feeling forced, enhances the emotional resonance of each scene.

In essence, “Barber’s Tales” succeeds in drawing audiences to the cinema, thanks in large part to Eugene Domingo. Though the technical aspects may not fully realize their potential, it remains a film that Filipino viewers can proudly showcase on the international stage.

Rating: 8/10

Director: Jun Lana
Cast: Eugene Domingo, Eddie Garcia, Iza Calzado, Daniel Fernando, Nora Aunor, Noni Buencamino, Sue Prado

Barber’s Tales premiered at the 2013 Tokyo International Film Festival where Eugene Domingo bagged the Best Actress Award. It had its Philippines wide release in August of 2014

Miss Universe 2014: MJ Lastimosa’s Preliminary Performance!!

Here’s Miss Universe Philippines Mary-Jean Lastmosa looking so regal and charming at tonight’s 63rd Miss Universe Preliminary Competition. She did so well and I couldn’t be any happier with her performance!!!

courtesy of gerald cruje

MJ MU Prelims

photos via OPMB

 

Can’t wait for the finals on Sunday January 25 [26th Manila Time]!!!! Yasss!!!!

Review: Norte, The End Of History – Lav Diaz (2013)

Director: Lav Diaz
Cast: Side Lucero, Angeli Bayani, Archie Alemania, Angelina Kanapi, Soliman Cruz, Mae Paner, Hazel Orencio

NorteThis was the Philippine entry to this year’s Academy Awards’ Best Foreign Language Film category. Despite not getting shortlisted, I still believe that this was the best choice for said category. Initially, I would’ve thought that the Barber’s Tales would have a bigger impact but watching one after the other – Norte clearly outshoned the Eugene Domingo-lead film in every aspect.

Set in the Northern region of the Philippines, the film introduced us to Joaquin (Archie Alemania) whose existence is mainly strengthened by his loving wife Eliza (Angeli Bayani). But even love could easily be tested by poverty. When Joaquin’s money-lender gets murdered, pointing fingers led him into prison that transformed his belief altogether into another persona. His wife however struggles to provide for their children as the years of his incarceration goes by.

Meanwhile, the real perpetrator Fabian (Sid Lucero) spiraled down into madness as guilt eats him up even if he thinks he’s already doing penance in his own way.

I was almost certain that I won’t be able to finish this film midway into it but it kept me glued up to the final frame for some reason. The story was compact yet the sequences were a bit longer than I would’ve liked. Archie Alemania’s indelible portrayal was a picture of hopelessness that it breaks you to the core. Sullen and cringe-worthy, Sid Lucero gave me the creeps but I was also rendered breathless by his sudden shift from normal into shifty nature as Fabian. Angeli Bayani’s performance fits the role perfectly and it was a given that she’d do well.

Director Lav Diaz’s vision may have been too ambitious for stretching this film well over four hours but his story-telling  acumen of this prose of a film is what made Norte a tolerable watch [running-time wise – you should be ready to seat your ass out]. The story was gripping, yes. It gave me that feeling when I was watching The Tree Of Life where I’d just like to bolt out of my seat but kept watching because I cannot resist having a glimpse into the next scene. Norte delivers a semblance of the Philippine society that’s still very much happening until now – what with all the politics, the power-abuse and even the inequality was so transparent that I may very well see this film in real life by merely watching the 7 o’clock news.

Rating: 9/10

 Norte was first released via Cannes Film Festival in 2013 with a Philippine wide release September of 2014.

Fight To The Finish: The 2015 Pinoy Exchange Movie Challenge!

I am yet again participating in another Pinoy Exchange Movie Challenge. Last year was fun but due to inevitable circumstances, I was unable to finish it but I’m sure glad that I still made it into the top 10! Go me! I was able to review 54 movies in total

Here’s my list

PEX Movie Challenge

THE 30-DAY MOVIE CHALLENGE
Day 01 – The best movie you saw during the last year – Man Of Steel (04.05.2014)
Day 02 – The last movie you watched – Divergent (04.06.2014)
Day 03 – Your favorite action/adventure movie – Life Of Pi (04.07.2014)
Day 04 – Your favorite horror movie – Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (04.08.2014)
Day 05 – Your favorite drama movie – Scent Of A Woman (04.10.2014)
Day 06 – Your favorite comedy movie – Nine Months (04.11.2014)
Day 07 – Your favorite animated movie – How To Train Your Dragon (04.12.2014)
Day 08 – A movie of your favorite actor – Revolutionary Road (04.13.2014)
Day 09 – A movie of your favorite actress – Julie and Julia (04.14.2014)
Day 10 – A movie of your favorite director – Brokeback Mountain (04.15.2014)
Day 11 – Your favorite classic movie – Schindler’s List (04.16.2014)
Day 12 – Your favorite Documentary – Imelda (04.17.2014)
Day 13 – Your favorite movie from your childhood – Richie Rich (04.18.2014)
Day 14 – Your favorite quote from any movie – A Walk In The Clouds (04.19.2014)
Day 15 – Your favorite character from any movie – Billy Elliot (04.22.2014)

THE LEVEL UP MOVIE CHALLENGE: MOVIE OF THE MONTH
(4) Movies Nominated In The Academy
1. Dallas Buyers Club (05.10.2014)
2. Babel (05.13.2014)
3. The Kids Are All Right (05.14.2014)
4. Hugo (05.15.2014)

(4) Non-English Movies
1. For A Lost Soldier (05.07.2014
2. A Serbian Film (05.08.2014)
3. Ang Lalake Sa Parola (05.09.2014)
4. Zombadings: Patayin Sa Shokot Si Remington (05.11.2014)

(4) Animated Films
1. Rango (05.16.2014)
2. Legend of the Guardians: The Owls Of Ga’Hoole (05.17.2014)
3. Ice Age 4 Continental Drift (05.19.2014)
4. Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (05.20.2014)

(4) Movies Released Before 2000
1. The Cure (05.21.2014)
2. Addicted To Love (05.22.2014)
3. Mad Love (05.23.2014)
4. School Ties (05.24.2014)

Movie Of The Month
1. March – Captain America: The Winter Soldier (04.21.2014)
2. April – The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (05.06.2014)
3. May – Maleficent (05.29.2014)

Four (4) movies released in 2014
1. The Fault In Our Stars (06.04.2014)

A-Z Movies
1. A – Amelia (04.23.2014)
2. B – Bend It Like Beckham (04.25.2014)
3. C – Coach (04.26.2014)
4. D – Dear John (04.27.2014)
5. F – Forever Young (05.12.2014)
6. V – Vanishing On The 7th Street (04.28.2014)
7. T – There Be Dragons (04.29.2014)
8. W – What To Expect When You’re Expecting (05.03.2014)
9. K – King And The Clown (05.05.2014)
10. P – Prometheus (05.26.2014)
11. H – Her (05.27.2014)
12. L – Little Manhattan (05.28.2014)
13. R – Ruby Sparks (05.30.2014)
14. I – In Time (05.31.2014)
15. E – Eat Pray Love (06.02.2014)
16. S – Salt (06.03.2014)
17. G – Gravity (06.05.2014)
18. # – 12 Years A Slave (06.06.2014)
19. O – Oz The Great And Powerful (06.07.2014)

Official Movie Challenge Final Tally: Yay! Came in at 6th place!!!

1. JobyBryant24 – 100
2. LulaLu__ – 97
3. genre914 – 71
4. dementedkid – 60
5. mykel14 – 57
6. paddylast – 54
7. bitter_ocampo – 50
8. Hiroshi08 – 38
9. ScareYouOften – 37
10. _Zei_Emu_ – 35

This year’s challenge will be a lot trickier this time but easier if I may say so.

For the 2015 Pinoyexchange Movie Challenge PExers can choose to complete any of the 3 challenges. However, an Ultimate PEx Movie Challenger Pin and a special prize will be issued to those who will complete all 3 challenges at the end of the year. – PinoyExchange

The three challenges includes the Pex Movie Goals, Crowd Reports and Local Movie Challenge. I’ll try to participate as early as this week but ofcourse as for my blog, it’ll just be my regular reviews. I have a lot of saved reviews from the flicks I’ve seen from last year and I’m all so excited to share it with you guys!!!!

Cheers!

Book Review: The Hot Floor – Josephine Myles

The Hot FloorWhen Josh Carpenter was unceremoniously dumped by his boyfriend, he found himself just holding on to his job as a glassblower and living alone in his ghastly apartment. It was all spiraling down on him saved for the sexy times he gets to hear from his two sexy neighbors, Rai Nakamura and Evan Truman. When Josh fell into Evan and Rai bath tub – all naked that is, he found himself getting in the middle of a hot-scorching summer sexy times between the two. These however didn’t last without his emotion getting involved with the mutual attraction between him and the couple of growing by the day. When it feels like something was going on behind him, Josh feared that he may very be dumped – yet again.

Damnit to hell if this isn’t the hottest book from Miss Myles!

Josephine Myles have always been a favorite of mine when it comes to quirky reading. Her vibrant characters albeit the weirdness are all so charming! This one is no exception! Josh was just a total sweetheart and I feel like giving him the biggest bear hug ever! Rai on the other hand was a total sexy riot! What a real, real naughty sad! Evan was ugh – sex on legs – literally.

And the sex. HOT! HOT! HOT!

I guess this is one of the most important factors when reading a triad [which I’d like to call] – a polyamorous relationship in a story could only work if the author was able to make the three characters all likeable one way or another. In this case, the author was able to do that – over and beyond!

Ugh. This has got to be my favorite Josephine Myles novel!!!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published September 25th 2012 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

Also read a free Christmas follow-up short: Double Trouble HERE

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