Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Specials: The Talented Ones

Posted on February 16, 2014 | Leave a comment
via bb.pilipinas official

via bb.pilipinas official

Last week, during the Valentines – 12 girls from the pool of 40 hopefuls in this year’s pageant were selected to present their talent at the Farmer’s Plaza Activity Center. So for you to witness the said event, I collected videos of the girls I could find on youtube. Enjoy!

Binibini No.25 Mary Jean Lastimosa via izyl nazareno

Binibini No.37 Vanessa Saliba via Ted Claudio

Binibini No.31 Angelique Celine L. De Leon via Ted Claudio

Binibini No.27 Hannah Ruth Sison via Ted Claudio

Binibini No.33 Gabrielle Erika Tilokani via Ted Claudio

Binibini No.13 Kris Tiffany Janson via Ted Claudio

Binibini No.12 Sara Jireh Asido via Ted Claudio

Binibini No.32 Jeslyn Santos via Ted Claudio

Binibini No.7 Aiza Faeldonia via Ted Claudio

Binibinin No. 3 Joanna Romero via Raffa Indo

Binibini No.14 Emma Mary Tiglao via Raffa Indo

Upon watching these videos, I find myself enchanted with Aiza Faeldonia and Mary Jean Lastimosa. They exude such grace and stage presence! While I love Angelique De Leon’s routine being the most original!

So who should win Best In Talent on March 30?

*I am missing Shauna Curran video  right here but I will update the list as soon as I found the video*
Credits to the owners as indicated.

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Book Review: The Great Santini by Pat Conroy

Posted on February 15, 2014 | Leave a comment
via barnesandnoble.com
via barnesandnoble.com

Inspired by his life as a kid growing up with a military dad, Pat Conroy delivered a book so surreal that a character like Bull Meecham will stick with you as someone you’d all be willing to hate and all too caring to love. As with most of his books, The Great Santini followed the same structure as some of his equally well-beloved novels. a domineering and most of the time abusive father, a strong-willed yet passive mother, and children whose strengths were formed over the years through a tumultuous childhood.

I became an instant fan of Pat Conroy when I first read one of his novels, Beach Music (my all-time favorite), and I eventually read most of his books I could get my hands on, including The Prince of Tides, The Water Is Wide, The Lords of Discipline, South Of Broad, and this masterpiece published in 1976 and made into a 1979 film starring Robert Duvall.

The film received two Academy Awards nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Duvall and Best Actor in a supporting role for Michael O'Keefe
The film received two Academy Awards nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Duvall and Best Actor in a supporting role for Michael O’Keefe

Based on his experiences, it is always a pleasure to read one of Mr. Conroy’s novels. The Great Santini’s authenticity reduces me to half-hysteria, and more often than not, I find myself all too depressed to continue reading after a chapter yet too eager to know how things turned out for the characters that I came to love and root for. Bull Meecham, or the Great Santini, in the book reminded me so much of my father when I was a little boy, and overtime, I realized how much I missed those days when my Tatay’s words were the law at home, which eventually subsided as he was consumed by age and eventually by death. (I’d take all his orders with glee just to see him now.)

In some ways, I love how I could relate to the Meecham kids. I just love how a book like this could easily place itself in the territory of my heart and evoke certain memories from my long-forgotten yet missed past—that is the power of The Great Santini.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Review: Little Manhattan (2005)

Posted on February 14, 2014 | Leave a comment

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

For some reason, this film reminds me so much of 500 Days of Summer, though bigger in so many ways. It was the story of Gabe (Josh Hutcherson,) a young kid in Manhattan whose parents are about to divorce and how he felt love for Rosemary and his young heart breaking for the first time.

The film consisted of some serious lines delivered by the ever so charming Josh Hutcherson. It was a thorough inspection of love, young love, giving and receiving it and dealing with it altogether. Just how a film could give us a breakdown of Love 101? Little Manhattan dissects the word pretty good that you’d find yourself smiling from ear to ear while being moved at the same time.

Best Scene: That scene when Gabe was literally bawling after a heated telephone call with Rosemary. That was just hillarious!

Rating: 9.5 / 10

Director: Mark Levin / Jennifer Flackett
Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Charlie Ray, Bradly Whitford, Cynthia Nixon

by the way, Happy Valentines folks!

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Valentines Special: Julia Roberts’ Break Up E-mail From The Movie Eat Pray Love

Posted on February 14, 2014 | 1 comment

So this was the break-up letter from the film Eat Pray Love that Liz (Julia Roberts) sent to her younger lover David (James Franco) whom she left in New York while on a sabbatical in Italy. I just find it so touching because it rang true in every sense.

Dear David,

We haven’t had any communication in a while, and it’s given me time I needed to think. Remember when you said we should live with each other and be unhappy so we could be happy? Consider it a testimony to how much I love you that I spent so long pouring myself into that offer, trying to make it work. But a friend took me to the most amazing place the other day it’s called, The Augustium. Octavian Augustus built it to house his remains. When the Barbarians came they trashed it along with everything else. The Great Augustus Rome’s first true great emperor. How could he have imagined that Rome, the whole world as far as he was concerned, one day would be in ruins. It’s one of the quietest and loneliest places in Rome. The city has grown up around it over centuries. Feels like a precious wound, Like a heartbreak you won’t let go of cause it hurts too good. We all want things to stay the same David. Settle for living in misery because we’re afraid of change, of things crumbling to ruins. Then I looked around in this place at the chaos it’s endured. The way it’s been adapted, burned, pillaged, and found a way to build itself back up again…and i was reassured. Maybe my life hasn’t been so chaotic, It’s just the world that is. And the only real trap is getting attached to any of it. ruin is a gift. Ruin is the road to transformation. Even in this eternal city. The Augustium showed me that we must always be prepared for endless waves of transformation.

Both of us deserve better than staying together because we’re afraid we’ll be destroyed if we don’t.

Liz,

James And Julia

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Barbie In Sports Illustrated 50th Anniversary Edition!

Posted on February 13, 2014 | Leave a comment

None other than the never-aging Barbie received the honor of gracing the 50th anniversary of the magazine’s swimsuit edition! ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live announced SI was celebrating the golden anniversary of its swimsuit edition by revealing its 2014 cover on Kimmel’s show, Thursday at 11:35 PM ET (source)

Barbie working it like no other!

Barbie working it like no other!

‘such a collectors item! Grab this one before it runs out you folks!

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Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 2 Episode 6 – The Girl Who Works The Room

Posted on February 13, 2014 | Leave a comment

So we’ve a pretty interesting episode last night with Janice doing all the bitching and blahblah talking and getting all the hate from the rest of the girls. ‘Girl doesn’t know when to shut up but it was really fun if I’m being honest. I love me some Asian catfights.

During the challenge, Joey invited the girls to attend a party and show how they will conduct themselves in an event. Jodilly was unanimously praised and as the winner of this challenge, she was to be given extra 15 frames in the upcoming photoshoot.

During the shoot, Jodi and Nicole did extremely well while most are executed the mechanical couture* shoot poorly. Let’s all check the results of this shoot…

This in my opinion, Janice best shot to date but I still don't see a model. She's the mediocre version of Sheena (ANTM Cycle 11) and Sheena's not even the best girl from that cycle.

This in my opinion, Janice best shot to date but I still don’t see a model. She’s the mediocre version of Sheena (ANTM Cycle 11) and Sheena’s not even the best girl from that cycle.

Jodilly is showing power here! She knows her angle and I love how she play with her hands! BB Jodilly rocking like a boss!

Jodilly is showing power here! She knows her angle and I love how she play with her hands! BB Jodilly rocking like a boss!

While I'm a fan of Josephine, I thought this shot was her weakest to date. Waist up was really good but she just look short in here.

While I’m a fan of Josephine, I thought this shot was her weakest to date. Waist up was really good but she just look short in here.

Again, it's the same expression from Katarina. I don't know what to make of her. The girl's got the personality of a top model but does she have the goods to prove it? This shot isn't working at all. It's either they're keeping her for her personality rathern than her body of work. Step it up baby Katja!

Again, it’s the same expression from Katarina. I don’t know what to make of her. The girl’s got the personality of a top model but does she have the goods to prove it? This shot isn’t working at all. It’s either they’re keeping her for her personality rather than her body of work. Step it up baby Katja!

I love Marie here! I thought the pose was a bit stiff but it was not boring. She isn't showing much facial expression but that body is going on forever!

I love Marie here! I thought the pose was a bit stiff but it was not boring. She isn’t showing much facial expression but that body is going on forever!

Natalie received the first call out last week and she came up this episode with a uninspired photo. It just looks so awkward!

Natalie received the first call out last week and she came up this episode with a uninspired photo. It just looks so awkward!

I love Nicole! She's gonna be in the finale! That I could feel as early as now! Another great photo!

I love Nicole! She’s gonna be in the finale! That I could feel as early as now! Another great photo!

Sheena's getting boring and this one's such a snoozefest!

Sheena’s getting boring and this one’s such a snoozefest!

Sneha's showing me the same face but overall, I love this shot. It's not contrived like Natalie and not stiff like Marie

Sneha’s showing me the same face but overall, I love this shot. It’s not contrived like Natalie and not stiff like Marie

Another Tia disaster. She should leave ASAP. This is probably the worst in the batch. Cmon' now!

Another Tia disaster. She should leave ASAP. This is probably the worst in the batch. Cmon’ now!

Call Out Order
First Call Out: Jodilly
2. Josephine
3. Nicole
4. Sneha
5. Sheena
6. Katarina
7. Marie
8. Natalie
Bottom Two: Janice and Tia
Eliminated: None.

Best Photo Week 6 Jodilly

pictures via Asia’s Next Top Model
*unofficial title.

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Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Specials: The Repeaters

Posted on February 13, 2014 | Leave a comment

A pageant repeater is someone who competed previously in the same pageant but went home without a crown and is trying her luck once again. That is the case with the seven girls in this year’s Binibining Pilipinas edition. These girls aren’t that succesful in clinching a crown or they almost got it but for some reason, their stars didn’t align that year so they are back with a vengeance and more wisdom hopefully in order to fully realized what they missed the first or second time around.

Diana Arevalo tried it out in 2009 and 2011

Diana Arevalo tried it out in 2009 and 2011

Diana came to the spolight during the 2009 Binibining Pilipinas, a batch that elected some of the tallest winners in years. She made it as one of the finalists. In 2011, She was posed to win one of the crowns (or so I thought) but that year was the year of the game changer – the year that Shamcey easily toppled her competition and Necio, a repeater from the previous year was heavily favored to win despite her height disadvantage. This year though, Diana’s armed with a different aura and is so ready to battle it all for the crown!

Ladylyn Riva was everywhere!

Ladylyn Riva was everywhere!

Ladylyn was Miss Casino Filipino and Miss Resort World first runner-up 2011 and finalist in Miss Bikini International 2013. Now these aren’t exactly high-caliber pageants but these surely gave her some confidence to try it for the last time this year after failing to advance to the semis during the 2011 edition.

Mary Jean Lastimosa's last chance at the Binibini!

Mary Jean Lastimosa’s last chance at the Binibini!

Whether you like it or not, Mary Jean or MJ is still one of the biggest threat for the newbies. This returnee who won second runner-up to Shamcey Supsup in 2011 and a finalist in 2012 won’t let go that easy until she snatch one of the crowns. One of her Achilles heel in 2012 was the question and answer and I believe that this year, she has mastered everything to win it all. It’s all or nothing for her since this is her last hurrah to win a national pageant.

The repeaters from last year's Golden Edition. (L-R) Hannah Ruth Sison, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Parul Shah, Noelle Ellore Punzalan

The repeaters from last year’s Golden Edition. (L-R) Hannah Ruth Sison, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Parul Shah, Ellore Punzalan

All of these girls except for Hannah (shockingly excluded) all made it to the semis last year with Pia even hailed as the lone runner-up. They are all back for another try and hoping against hope that they will deliver this time and be part of the 51st edition of the Binibining Pilipinas queens!

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Review: Forever Young (1992)

Posted on February 13, 2014 | 2 comments

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

Forever Young stars Mel Gibson who played a test pilot named Danicel McCormick. The date was 1939 and he’s got the world in his hands except for the courage to propose to his girlfriend (Isabel Glasser). When tragedy struck that took his girlfriend away, Daniel didn’t know where to turn to. Afraid of facing life alone, he volunteers to undergo a top secret cryogenic experiment. He woke up after about 50 years and the year was 1992 into a familiar yet unfamiliar world forging a friendship with a little boy (Elijah Wood) and his single mom (Jamie Lee Curtis) – Now Daniel is in search of himself and his one true love.

The film’s premise was quite original and I just loved how Gibson keeps you glued with every scene he’s in. It has a really good start but towards the middle, the story fluctuates and didn’t build up at all towards the ending rendering the touching finale anti-climactic. Having said all these, the film will still reduce you into a mere hopeful thta love truly knows no time.

Rating: 7/10

Director: Steve Miner
Starring: Mel Gibson, Jamie Lee Curis, Elijah Wood, Isabel Glasser, George Wendt, Joe Morton

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The Majestic Stairway To Heaven

Posted on February 12, 2014 | Leave a comment

Kapay-Aw Rice Terraces Sagada, June 2013

Kapay-Aw Rice Terraces
Sagada, June 2013

I took this beautiful scenic view of the Kapay-Aw Rice terraces after our trekking at the Pongas Falls in Sagada (’twas my second visit as well.) What can I say, I just love this place for everything seemed to be perfect in it like this view!

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Review: Addicted To Love (1997)

Posted on February 12, 2014 | 2 comments

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

I was able to watch this film during my high school days in the province and on TV! I just find it extremely funny back then. Addicted to love is about two lovesick strangers who connived together for love. Sam, a goody-goody astronomer was off to win back the love of his life Linda who leaves him for a Frenchman named Anton she met in New York. While Maggie, a photographer wants to take revenge on Anton, her ex-fiance. Together, they devices a good plan to separate the two which resulted in a very unexpected way!

Re-watching it on DVD, I still find it funny. Both Ryan and Broderick are charming and they complimented each other. The story isn’t much to munch on but it was a feel-good movie  and I just love the balance of love and humor in it. It won’t leave you lingering with addictive thoughts but it will tickle you to the bones and would be a very good line up for a DVD marathon with your love ones this Valentines.

Ratings: 7/10

Director: Griffin Dunne
Starring: Meg Ryan, Matthew Broderick, Kelly Preston, Tchery Karyo, Maureen Stapleton, Remak Ramsay

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