Book Review: Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier

During my teenage years up until my early twenties, I became so fond of reading books that I’d read a 500-plus page book non-stop until I finished it. Those were the days when life hadn’t gotten in the way yet.

Fast forward to the present, and I’m trying to re-introduce myself to the old me. That kid who loves his books and meets the likes of Augustus McCrae, Aurora Greenwood, Jack McCall, Paul Werner, Boo Radley, etc. through the writings of the great contemporary novelists. Yes, I’m not really a big “classics” fan, but I tried reading some of them.

So for starters, the first book that I’ve decided to dive into is “Thirteen Moons” by Charles Frazier, who also wrote Cold Mountain. (I’ve actually had tons of books unread for the past few years, and it still shocks me because I keep on buying them, hoping that I’ll read them all one by one—in time, I’m sure.) I bought Thirteen Moons about a year ago (one of my most recent purchases), and having read exceptional reviews online, I decided to start on it first and join Will Cooper’s journey.

Thirteen Moons is an historical novel by Charles Frazier released in 2006.
Thirteen Moons is an historical novel by Charles Frazier released in 2006.

The book had the same grasp as some of Larry McMurtry’s works. The storytelling is so powerful that every page is as important as the last. I loved it when books made you interact with their characters. You either root for them, loathe them, or even think about them long after you’ve finished reading the whole thing.

Thirteen Moons is a melancholic prose of a journey that encompasses the early years when the native American Indians were reigning supreme up to the progressive modernity that almost diminished their culture altogether. It was the nostalgic narration of a man who outlived everyone involved in his journey to make his place in the world. This thought actually made me sad. It made me feel for him, but it also made me critical of how things change so fast that your only reminder of the past would be the stories you’ve gathered throughout your life without the material mementos.

This book isn’t exactly a book that I’d keep repeating every now and then, but I’d definitely put it in a category that’s just below my most beloved ones. After all, this is, I reckon, masterful historical fiction that lends a sense of cultural acknowledgement and personal approbation to life in the early years of America.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Specials: The Frontrunners

In every competition, there is what we call a frontrunner. It’s either a single individual or a group that is touted to win it all. But with frontrunners, winning isn’t always the case. Take for instance the classic case of Ruffa Gutierrez who’s a favorite to win the Binibining Pilipinas Universe title but ended up as the Binibining Pilipinas World after Dindi Gallardo was adjudged the winner. Ruffa’s case isn’t that bad though because she still won one of the crowns and got to represent the Philippines in Miss World winning second runner up in Johannesburg in the process. Just last year, the frontrunners Charmaine Elima and Maria Angelica De Leon were touted to go home with crowns in their pretty heads, lo and behold – both of them went empty-handed. For this year’s Binibining Pilipinas, we easily catapulted some of the girls to frontrunners position thus leaving them open for more criticism and most of the time, malicious bashing. So without further ado, let me present to to you this year’s touted frontrunners for the four crowns up for grabs this edition.

These are the six considered frontunners based on the hype, connections, background or whatever you wanna call it. They have it.

These are the six considered frontunners based on the hype, connections, background or whatever you wanna call it. They have it.

Binibini No.35 Yvethe Marie Santiago was said to be the one to beat.

Binibini No.35 Yvethe Marie Santiago was said to be the one to beat.

Yvethe won the Miss Bicolandia title in 2012 and was also a cum laude in College. Now this sounds like Venus Raj’s background right? And wait, she’s also 5’9″ like Kween V. So no need for a lengthy explanation, the girl is said to be THE ONE TO BEAT by many forums and pageant sites.

Binibini No. 22 Mary Anne Bianca G. Guidotti

Binibini No. 22 Mary Anne Bianca G. Guidotti

Bianca Guidotti isn’t a frontrunner for nothing. This 5’10” stunner is fluent in Tagalog, English and Portuguese having spent her childhood in Brazil and is one of the tallest in this year’s batch. If the girl can talk like her educational background, then she’s in it!

the lone runner up from last year's pageant, Binibini No. 8 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach

the lone runner up from last year’s pageant, Binibini No. 8 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach

Last year, she vowed to return and make a splashing comeback and I believe she really wanted to win the Universe title. Aside from the advantage of having a year of Binibini training, it could also play well with her this time thus securing her one of the titles.

the last Manalo sister to give it a go!

the last Manalo sister to give it a go!

Sisters Katherine Anne and Pamela Bianca have already represented the country in Miss World and Miss Universe respectively and this girl is now targeting the Binibining Pilipinas International crown to complete the triangle. Nichole may very well be on her way to winning this one because of her connections alone but don’t take the credit away from the girl yet. This girl is one of the tallest this year and has the qualities of a Miss International prototype. Let’s just see then.

peaking too soon? Binibini No.13 Kris Tiffany Janson

peaking too soon? Binibini No.13 Kris Tiffany Janson

She’s one of the girls in the first batches who submitted their application and was easily favored to win it all. Now, this stunner from Cebu is still a force to reckon with in the competition. After winning Miss Cebu in 2009, she eventually landed some modelling contracts. Considered the body of the competition, Kris Janson – whether she peaked too soon is no doubt one of the girls you could easily see getting a crown.

Is third time's a charm for Binibini No.25 Mary Jean Lastimosa?

Is third time’s a charm for Binibini No.25 Mary Jean Lastimosa?

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. Her Achilles heel in 2012 was the question and answer portion 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.

I know that this list may not include you favorites but I totally based it on different sites and blogs, the number of views, likes on facebook and even the number of bashings etc… 🙂

photos courtesy of  Bb.Pilipinas and OPMB Facebook Pages.

Review: Billy Elliot (2000)

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

Charming and heartwarming, Billy Elliot is the coming of age story of young Billy (Jamie Bell) growing up at a mining town in North England. Forced by his father to take up boxing lessons, he soon finds out that he’s actually born to do ballet. Without his father’s (Gary Lewis) knowledge at the beginning and only with his ballet teacher’s (Julie Walters) support, Billy pursue dancing and was seen with a lot of potentials. In the midst of a miner’s strike with the participation of his father and brother, Billy needs to summon the courage to show them that he’s got it in him to be something in the world where he feels most happy.

This hands down is one of my favorite films of all time. The scene when Billy dances in front of his Dad at the gym to convince him of his talent almost broke me and I for one believe that it was the best scene in the film.

The most touching scene in the film

The most touching scene in the film

Julie Walters and Gary Lewis were exceptional in their roles. There was synergy in them that made them all realistic with what they play and their chemistry with Jamie Bell made a perfect ensemble that carried the film altogether.

There was also excellent choice in musical scoring and its soundtrack. The film was anally good that I can’t find any imperfections in it or maybe I just don’t want to find any.

Billy Elliot is a story of courage, hopes and dreams. It is the story of taking chances – chances that you’d have to take in order to fully realize what you’re truly made of.

Rating: 10/10

Director: Stephen Daldry
Starring: Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, Gary Lewis, Jamie Draven, Jean Heywood, Stuart Wells

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 2 Episode 5 – The Girl That Runs Her Own Race

It’s no secret that I’m not the biggest fan of Tia but kudos to her for winning this week’s challenge and sharing it with Janice. Good for you girls!

Photographer Loh Lin Shan was the photog this week in a futuristic sport themed photoshoot! Pretty interesting aye? Each girls will have 15 frames.

Janice is determined to stay one more week and she's givin' it her all... still not a fan but kudos to this girl!

Janice is determined to stay one more week and she’s givin’ it her all… still not a fan but kudos to this girl!

Wow! I am very impressed with Jodi this week! Girl's a natural!!!! #preach

Wow! I am very impressed with Jodi this week! Girl’s a natural!!!! #preach

I'm not feeling this at all from Josephine. The styling was disappointing! Her worst to date!

I’m not feeling this at all from Josephine. The styling was disappointing! Her worst to date!

The body's good but the face is just blah! This isn't looking good for Katarina.

The body’s good but the face is just blah! This isn’t looking good for Katarina.

What happened to Marie this week? This is such a downgrade from her amazing photo last episode!

What happened to Marie this week? This is such a downgrade from her amazing photo last episode!

After weeks of producing beyond mediocre photos, Natalie proved to me why she's deserving of a spot this cycle! This photo's perfection! Prolly the best this cycle so far!!! Werk!

After weeks of producing beyond mediocre photos, Natalie proved to me why she’s deserving of a spot this cycle! This photo’s perfection! Prolly the best this cycle so far!!! Werk!

I've no doubt now that we may see Nicole walking the finale as a finalist! She's such a firecracker!

I’ve no doubt now that we may see Nicole walking the finale as a finalist! She’s such a firecracker!

Poor Poojaa got the worst photo edited this cycle! I'm sure she had better shots than this...

Poor Poojaa got the worst photo edited this cycle! I’m sure she had better shots than this…

Sheena looking fierce yet again! I'm seeing a final four placement for this girl!

Sheena looking fierce yet again! I’m seeing a final four placement for this girl!

Sneha looks masculine here! Not a good photo at all.

Sneha looks masculine here! Not a good photo at all.

Tia. NEXT

Tia. NEXT

Call Out Order
First Call Out: Natalie
Jodilly
Sheena
Nicole
Marie
Janice
Katarina
Josephine
Sneha

Bottom 2:
Pooja and Tia
Eliminated: Pooja

pictures via Asia’s Next Top Model

Natalie's Touchdown!

The Official Candidates Of The Binibining Pilipinas 2014!

Their faces and names are already posted in different sites and some of them are already creating enough buzz and hype but it’s the final night on March 30 that matters the most.  So after weeks of grueling screening process, callbacks and all – the over 100 applicants of this year’s Binibining Pilipinas were trimmed down to 40! I’ve to say how impressed I am with the quality of the candidates this year. There are a lot of fresh faces who are all very much qualified to win any of the crowns as well as the repeaters who are more ready and more beautiful this time! So here are our Top 40 in groups of 5…

Binibini #1 Julian Aurine Flores; Binibini #2 Mary Ainjey P. Manalo; Binibini #3 Joanna Angelica M. Romero; Binibini #4 Parul Shah; Binibini #5 Hanna Mariz D. Dela Guerra

Binibini #1 Julian Aurine Flores; Binibini #2 Mary Ainjey P. Manalo; Binibini #3 Joanna Angelica M. Romero; Binibini #4 Parul Shah; Binibini #5 Hanna Mariz D. Dela Guerra

Binibini #6 Anabel Christine G. Tia; Binibini #7 Aiza Faeldonia; Binibini #8 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach; Binibini #9 Joy Antonette Diaz; Binibini #10 Shauna Indra Salina Curran

Binibini #6 Anabel Christine G. Tia; Binibini #7 Aiza Faeldonia; Binibini #8 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach; Binibini #9 Joy Antonette Diaz; Binibini #10 Shauna Indra Salina Curran

Binibini #11 Laura Victoria Lehmann; Binibini #12 Sarah Jireh Asido; Binibini #13 Kris Tiffany M. Janson; Binibini #14 Emma Mary F. Tiglao; Binibini #15 Kimverlyn O. Suiza

Binibini #11 Laura Victoria Lehmann; Binibini #12 Sarah Jireh Asido; Binibini #13 Kris Tiffany M. Janson; Binibini #14 Emma Mary F. Tiglao; Binibini #15 Kimverlyn O. Suiza

Binibini #16 Zahara Mae O. Soriano; Binibini #17 Diana B. Arevalo; Binibini #18 Ellore Noelle Punzalan; Binibini #19 Mae Liezel J. Ramos; Binibini #20 Kenneth Santiago

Binibini #16 Zahara Mae O. Soriano; Binibini #17 Diana B. Arevalo; Binibini #18 Ellore Noelle Punzalan; Binibini #19 Mae Liezel J. Ramos; Binibini #20 Kenneth Santiago

Binibini #21 Racquel D. Kabigting; Binibini #22 Mary Anne Bianca G. Guidotti; Binibini #23 Nichole Marie R. Manalo; Binibini #24 Ednornance Agustin; Binibini #25 Mary Jean Lastimosa

Binibini #21 Racquel D. Kabigting; Binibini #22 Mary Anne Bianca G. Guidotti; Binibini #23 Nichole Marie R. Manalo; Binibini #24 Ednornance Agustin; Binibini #25 Mary Jean Lastimosa

Binibini #26 Hanna Sheena L. Manuel; Binibini #27 Hannah Ruth Sison; Binibini #28 Carla Jenina Cabrera Lizardo; Binibini #29 Krischelle DG. Halili; Binibini #30 Joy Marie Gangan

Binibini #26 Hanna Sheena L. Manuel; Binibini #27 Hannah Ruth Sison; Binibini #28 Carla Jenina Cabrera Lizardo; Binibini #29 Krischelle DG. Halili; Binibini #30 Joy Marie Gangan

Binibini #31 Angelique Celine L. De Leon; Binibini #32 Jeslyn Santos; Binibini #33 Gabrielle Erika Tilokani; Binibini #34 Leonalyn D. Dela Cruz; Binibini #35 Yvethe Marie A. Santiago

Binibini #31 Angelique Celine L. De Leon; Binibini #32 Jeslyn Santos; Binibini #33 Gabrielle Erika Tilokani; Binibini #34 Leonalyn D. Dela Cruz; Binibini #35 Yvethe Marie A. Santiago

Binibini #36 Krystal Alonday; Binibini #37 Vanessa N. Saliba; Binibini #38 Janine A. Asanion; Binibini #39 Ladylyn Riva; Binibini #40 Vessica L. Sambo

Binibini #36 Krystal Alonday; Binibini #37 Vanessa N. Saliba; Binibini #38 Janine A. Asanion; Binibini #39 Ladylyn Riva; Binibini #40 Vessica L. Sambo

*names in bold are the repeaters 
photos via bbpilipinasofficial

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 2 Episode 4 – The Girl That Embraces Change (Makeover Episode!)

Last night’s episode saw the 12 remaining girls undergo makeovers. Some of them aren’t happy about it as usual (cmon’ girls, if you wanna be a model, you’ve to be ready to DO THIS!)

For their photoshoot, they were styled by Nicoline to look their best in a 60’s chich style themed shoot! Who do you think got the boot this time?

I'm giving up on Janice. She's short and she's not using her full potentials that the judges saw in her...

I’m giving up on Janice. She’s short and she’s not using her full potentials that the judges saw in her…

I actually like this shot of Jodilly and kinda disagree with the judges' critique. I thought she looked fresh but a little too modern perhaps

I actually like this shot of Jodilly and kinda disagree with the judges’ critique. I thought she looked fresh but a little too modern perhaps

 

Josephine nailed this shot like no other and she's definitely the one to beat at this point!!! Consistency is the game!

Josephine nailed this shot like no other and she’s definitely the one to beat at this point!!! Consistency is the game!

my baby Katja looks pretty here and that's just it. Cmon' girl, step it up!

my baby Katja looks pretty here and that’s just it. Cmon’ girl, step it up!

Marie here reminds me a little of Nik Pace (Top Model US Cycle 5 runner up) and a mix of Solange Knowles. I don't know if this is good or what...but this is  great picture!

Marie here reminds me a little of Nik Pace (Top Model US Cycle 5 runner up) and a mix of Solange Knowles. I don’t know if this is good or what…but this is great picture!

Natalie is so basic that it hurts me that some of the girls went home before her...

Natalie is so basic that it hurts me that some of the girls went home before her…

I am a fan of this girl. She's feisty and she looks cool!  Plus she's tall! Get it girl!

I am a fan of this girl. She’s feisty and she looks cool! Plus she’s tall! Get it girl!

I'm loving Poojaa's styling here! Sophistication's her last name!

I’m loving Poojaa’s styling here! Sophistication’s her last name!

Sheena's style is so striking that she always manage to stand out. Not this time though

Sheena’s style is so striking that she always manage to stand out. Not this time though

Not buying it Sneha girl. NEXT!

Not buying it Sneha girl. NEXT!

This isn't working at all for me. The reflection is much fiercer for me! She's got it though - bad styling perhaps?

This isn’t working at all for me. The reflection is much fiercer for me! She’s got it though – bad styling perhaps?

Tia's the shortest in the bunch and she doesn't look like a model at all. She needs to leave next tbh

Tia’s the shortest in the bunch and she doesn’t look like a model at all. She needs to leave next tbh

Call Out Order
First Call Out: Marie
Josephine
Poojaa
Nicole
Natalie
Tia
Sheena
Katarina
Jodilly
Sneha
Bottom Two: Janice and Thao
Eliminated: Thao

Best Photo Week 4 Marie

pictures via Asia’s Next Top Model

Soaring Finds: Discovering “The Flying Man”

I was checking out Youtube for  the trailers of the upcoming movies this year and stumbled upon this very interesting short film. The Flying Man is a 9 minuter short film that essentially has the goods to be a blockbuster hit! As per the press release: “The Flying Man is a short film envisioned, financed, produced, directed, edited  and co-written by Marcus Alqueres. The short depicts the first appearances of a super powered vigilante, his impact in a modern society and its ethical discussion.” – source.

Written by: Marcus Alqueres and Henry Grazinoli
DOP: Anthony Scott Burns
Production Manager: Christopher Yurkovich
Visual Effects: João Sita / Marcus Alqueres
Cast:
Mike: Nick Smyth
Rob: Rick Cordeiro
Voices: Justin T. Lee
Colorist: Marco Polsinelli from Topix Fx
A/B Camera: Julian Van Mill / Anthony Scott Burns / Marcus Alqueres
Script Revision: Moss Badran
Sound Recordist: David Guerra / Randy Resh
Production Assistant: Nick Bechard
Additional DOP: Marcus Alqueres (opening and hospital scenes)
Makeup: Helen Johns / Carly Sellen
Special Thanks:
Beatriz Costa / Daniel Luna / Richard Penner / Sarah Arruda
Fernando Faria / Livia Ramos / Xande Torres / Chris Bahry –
Sylvain Taillon / Chris Wallace

source

so yay! can’t wait for the feature film!!!!

Review: Scent Of A Woman (1992)

Scent of a Woman tells the story of blind, retired Lt. Colonel Frank Slade (Al Pacino), who hires a young student, Charlie Simms (Chris O’Donnell), to accompany him on a Thanksgiving weekend trip to New York—a weekend that ends up changing both of their lives forever.

I’ve seen this film several times, and each viewing hits just as powerfully as the first. Pacino’s unforgettable performance—which finally earned him his first Oscar—is simply astonishing. It’s a masterclass in acting: bold, nuanced, and deeply human. This is cinematic performance at its finest. Singular. Flawless.

The film’s premise may seem modest, but it’s in the execution—especially in the performances—that Scent of a Woman truly shines. O’Donnell brings a sincere, understated charm to his role as the naive, morally conflicted student. His quiet presence perfectly balances Pacino’s explosive charisma, making their dynamic both believable and emotionally resonant.

What makes the film linger is how it explores dignity, honor, family, and what it really means to live. It’s more than just a character study—it’s a deeply human story, brought to life by a cast at the top of their game.

A warm, affecting, and powerful film, Scent of a Woman is one of those rare dramas that sticks with you long after the credits roll.


Rating: 9.5/10
Director: Martin Brest
Starring: Al Pacino, Chris O’Donnell, James Rebhorn, Gabrielle Anwar, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Based on: Il buio e il miele by Giovanni Arpino

Review: Oz The Great And Powerful (2013)

via wikipedia

via wikipedia

This film is an adaptation of the classic Wizard of Oz with a modern twist, that is. It is about Oscar Diggs (James Franco,) a con artist cum magician in a travelling circus whose main goal in life is to be “great” and “powerful” in the likes of Einstein, Edison et al. Until one fateful day, while being chased in a hot air balloon by a fellow circus worker – Oscar was flown to the magical Land of Oz where he met Theodora (Mila Kunis,) a witch who have been waiting for the “wizard” who will soon be king after defeating the witch of the dark forest. Oscar played along because he likes the idea of having power and being king. He was introduced to Theodora’s sister – the wicked witch and royal advisor Evanora (Rachel Weiz) who commanded the “wizard” to defeat the dark witch Glinda (Michelle Williams) before being able to get all the perks (like having all the riches of Oz) as a king. Oscar obliged with the request but things turned out differently when he met Glinda who happened to be the one who’s really preserving and protecting the land and the people of Oz.

This film was very nice to say the least. It was enjoyable enough but there’s nothing new about it. It was borderline boring but keeps up tremendously with the graphics. I supposed that I should watch it again on 3D to appreciate it more but I actually do liked it. It’s not that bad but it’s not very good as well. There was something lacking in it. I don’t know if it’s the charm of the film altogether or the story development but it was just okay. James Franco’s attack on the role was very commendable. It was almost slapstick comedy without being overly done. Mila Kunis was meh while Rachel and Michelle breeze through with their respective roles. They are magnificent!

So without the stunning images and Franco’s onscreen presence, the film would have suffered tremendously. It was slow paced but it was tolerable. It lacks agility for a fantasy film but covers up with the acting. This movie’s begging for a second try but I’ll pass for now.
Rating: 6.5/10
Director – Sam Raimi
Starring: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff, Bill Cobbs, Joey King
Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures

Review: Warm Bodies (2013)

Warm BodiesCharismatic, funny and subtle with just the right punch – this film is about a zombie named R (Nicholas Hoult) narrating his life living with fellow zombies in an abandoned airport after a seemingly medical apocalypse separating the un-dead and the very small number of humans living in a walled city. Off to look for humans (for food,) R’s group encountered a group of humans on a mission to scavenge medical supplies from an abandon warehouse. On that raid, R killed a young man and eats his brain, absorbing his memories (which according to him earlier – eating the brains of their victims make them more alive.) He then sees the young man’s girlfriend named Julie (Teresa Palmer) but instead of eating her, she was rescued by R from the other zombies and smeared her with blood to cover her scent. R then took Julie to the plane where he lives to keep her safe.

The film was very enjoyable. The mere premise of Zombies having social life is a thought entertaining enough to make you curious to see the film. I was surprised to see the sheer similarity of Teresa Palmer here to Kristen Stewart – well, physically. I much preferred Palmer’s acting. Nicholas Hoult was adorable. I love his awkwardness – it feels so raw yet believable.

That moment when he was absorbing Julie’s memories by eating Julie’s boyfriend’s brain little by little and finally having a dream – affirming his “awakening humanity” was the highlight of the film which made R realized that they can actually interact with humans again (kinda spoiler-ish, sorry).
There’s nothing to really rave about the film. It was altogether a decent deadpan romantic flick which you would enjoy tremendously as part of your list in a “movie marathon night” that you’d be having a few months from now.
Rating: 8/10
Based on     Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion
Distributed by Summit Entertainment
Director: Jonathan Levine
Starrin: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, Rob Corddry, Dave Franco, Analeigh Tipton, Cory Hardrict, John Malkovich
@Gateway Cinema 2 Feb.19.2013