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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

A geek flick that goes intergalactic -- "Paul" Arrives in Theaters on June 01

Potato On-the-Go:

Continuing the tradition of parade of geek flicks this season, United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corporation is screening "Paul", a sci-fi comedy movie about alien encounters, both by the government and the (cool) ordinary citizens.  (Yup, think of ET and X-Files in a comic way!)


Monday, May 30, 2011

The wolfpack is back! -- The Hangover Part II opens in theaters on June 08


Potato On-the-Go:


In 2009, when the first Hangover movie was promoted, I just knew that it will be a smash hit!  The title itself, plus the synopsis, suggested the wackiness and craziness in store in the film!  And more over, it was a mega blockbuster because most of us were able to relate to the movie and its characters.  I guess all of you would agree that most of us, if not all, have the same "Hangover" experience, both embarrassing and hilarious, in many different ways and in varying degrees and intensities! =D


And since we just couldn't get enough of the hilarious cinematic experience, Warner Bros, this 2011, welcomes back  the wolfpack via "The Hangover Part II" featuring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha plus part one's scene stealer Ken Jeong...and one non-human star!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Magneto unleashed in X-Men: First Class



Potato On-the-Go:

The previous X-Men movies showed the dark, ruthless and revengeful character of Magneto, the powerful mutant who can manipulate magnetism and is considered as the arch nemesis not only of  Professor X but the entire X-Men team. 



But before he became Magneto, he is Erick Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender), who is also the leader of the Brotherhood of Mutants and quite possibly the most powerful mutant on the planet in the upcoming X-Men movie prequel “X-Men: First Class.”

Monday, May 23, 2011

Marvel Studios starts production of The Avengers movie


Potato On-the-Go:

After the monstrous success of Thor and while the whole world is awaiting the release of Captain America: The First Avenger, Marvel Studios has finally commenced recently the production of the highly anticipated movie "Marvel's The Avengers" in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Written and directed by Joss Whedon (“Serenity”), the film will continue its principal photography in Cleveland, Ohio and New York City.


Sunday, May 22, 2011

Wowed by the Carabaos! -- The Pulilan Carabao Festival


BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:


In my quest to chronicle every Philippine treasure that I can possibly see,  I started being pro-active in personally checking out the wonderful things that our country has to offer.  May 15 is such a fantastic date as many things are happening all through out the Philippines.  Last year, I was able to experience the unique Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon.  But this year, the May 15 event I chose to witness is the Pulilan Carabao Festival (which is just two towns away from my ancestor's place)!  =)


Friday, May 20, 2011

Mermaids save the Pirates -- Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Movie Review


Potato On-the-Go:

I was one of those captured by the spell of the first ever Pirates of the Caribbean movie.  And that hooked me for every Pirates sequel produced.  Now, the movie is already on its 4th and (in 3D!) via Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.



Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Doing charity can be easy with JCI's Project Oasis

Web Announcement:

It's always a pity to see kids at the street begging for money or working at dump sites.  And sometimes, as much as we want to be of help, we just don't know (and we don't try to know) how.  Sometimes, we of course think of our own safety or if our money will really be put into good use or if we just can't take that first and extra step to reach out. 

Well, good thing that at this point in time, many sectors and organizations have thought of creative ways on  how to make charitable works a lot easier and more accessible, and sometimes fun.


Take for example the Project Oasis of Junior Chamber International (JCI, formerly known as the "Jaycees") Manila Chapter which is organizing a Wine & Cheese Tasting and Workshop for the benefit of the children in Smokey Mountain.  Surprised?  And you ask how possible could this be? 

Do Not Walk Away but Walk the World and help End Hunger


Action & Event-ure:


For me, one of the important points being debated on the current issue on Reproductive Health (RH) Bill is eradicating poverty and addressing the concern on children's poor education, nutrition and living conditions. 

According to United Nation's World Food Program, hunger and malnutrition are the biggest threats to global health worldwide, and are responsible for a third of all deaths in children below five years  in old among third world countries.

And while the debate on RH Bill continues to heat up in Congress and different sectors pursue their respective agendas, we, citizens, can already start ahead addressing the said social concern, and do our part. 

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

MAXIM's Hottest Rosie Huntington-Whitely Heats Up Transformers: Dark of the Moon


Potato On-the-Go:

































I am one of those who (silently) complained when Transformers director Michael Bay announced that Megan Fox won't be part of the third installment of the movie Transformers: Dark of the Moon.  Aside from the fact I really do not like different actors playing the same characters in sequels or prequels (e.g. The Mummy series, Tim Burton's Batman), Megan just became a household name and the resident kitten in the Transformers franchise.  



But Michael Bay never fails to surprise Transformers fans as he finds not another fox but a huntress!  She is Rosie Huntington-Whitely, a British bombshell whom US men's mag MAXIM just announced is the current #1 from their "Hot 100" list in their June issue which is currently out on US stands!  Rosie will be on MAXIM's July issue cover (out mid-June).

Monday, May 16, 2011

The Return to Luneta


BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

In my blog post The Lion, The Trip and The Photos – The Chronicles of Singapura, I made a personal commitment then that I will definitely "see" again and have my photo taken at our country's national landmark Luneta Park. The reason for this is the realization that I always had my photo taken at the official landmark of every place I visit but I’ve never done this in our country’s very own Luneta Park.


When I say "see" that means to actually take a deeper look, appreciate and experience our very own tourist spot.  Well I for one somehow overlooked Luneta.  I actually studied at a university in Intramuros which is just beside the park and worked at a company based in UN Avenue, which is also beside Luneta. And I must admit, I took for granted my geographic advantage.  I actually just walked through Luneta Park to cross from one street to another end.   (Well that of course is beside the numerous visits my family had when I was a toddler which my mom told me but I can't recall).

Sunday, May 15, 2011

"Pirates 4" treats await M-Pass cardholders of Ayala Cinemas

Web Announcement:

Do you want to get an invite to an exclusive screening of "Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides at Glorietta 4 Cinemas on May 20 in Glorietta 4"?  If you're an Ayala Malls Cinema's M-Pass cardholder, then this just is one of the wonderful perks you can get!


Other privileges that await M-Pass cardholders are exclusive movie promos, birthday treats, access to online food order and a lot more!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

X-Men: First Class opens on June 2


Potato On-the-Go:

When X-Men: The Last Stand was shown and producers revealed that it will be the last of the series, I really felt bad about it as I know the story of the saga is just too vast to be contained in a three part movie series.  Then came the prequel X-Men Origins: Wolverine and now X-Men: First Class, the sudden death of my X-Men movie madness just got resurrected! =D


This 2011, 20th Century Fox unleashes this year's most anticipated prequel as “X-Men: First Class” opens on June 2 in Philippine theaters!


Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Warner Bros. launches first trailer of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2


Potato On-the-Go:

This is really my favorite movie time of the year as it kicks off the big wave of Hollywood summer blockbusters hitting the theaters worldwide.

And I guess one movie event we can't wait to see is no less than the last installment of the "Harry Potter" film series -- "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2"!   And the countdown to the “Harry Potter” finale just got faster with Warner Bros.' big reveal of the first trailer of the said movie!


“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,” is the concluding adventure in the Harry Potter saga. The much-anticipated motion picture event is the second of two full-length parts.


The King's Speech Movie Review -- An unorthodox but meaningful film about leadership

Potato On-the-Go:

Winner of four major Academy Awards in 2010 including Best Picture, The King Speech is considered to be one of the most anticipated movies of the year. Warner Bros held a special preview of The King's Speech last May 6 at Greenbelt 3's My Cinema but it formally runs in Manila starting May 11 exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas (Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma).


The King's Speech also won three other major Oscars – Best Director (Tom Hooper), Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay (David Seidler), while cast members Rush and Helena Bonham-Carter earned nominations in supporting actor categories. Rounding out the multi-award-winning cast are Guy Pearce, Derek Jacobi, Timothy Spall and Michael Gambon.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Pirates of the Caribbean 4 to conquer the world as its sails to cinemas in 3D!


Potato On-the-Go:

Walt Disney Pictures' Pirates of the Caribbean will continue its world conquest as its 4th installment dubbed as "On Stranger Tides" sails to theaters in full, immersive 3D this coming May 20!


"On Stranger Tides" is the first "Pirates" flick shot with digital 3-D cameras. The filmmakers make good use of the 3-D imagery in action sequences, which include a shot where Penelope Cruz's character, Angelica, tries to stab Depp's Capt. Jack through a closed door, her sword leaping off the screen right at the audience.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Defending the Caveman Review -- The Outrageous Truth About the Sexes!


POTATO ON THE GO (Theater):

The Battle of the sexes has been an age old debate subject.  Women have the upper hand with media  blockbusters like Sex and the City and Vagina Monologues.  But men won't take the advantage sitting down.  Let's all give our thanks and praise to Rob Becker for creating the Broadway smash's comedy Defending the Caveman, which is men's latest weapon and one-man answer against the casting ensemble of the earlier mentioned feminist shows.


Defending the Caveman is a solo comedy play that analyzes the roots of the issues and dissects the concerns about the sexes -- contemporary feminism, masculine sensitivity and the erogenous zone.  It tackles the modern day suffering of men against the dominant females, whom many thought as the weaker sex!  =D  And it shows us the prehistoric linkage of this dilemma through a very convincing evolution theory of the caveman and the cavewoman.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Fast and Furious 5 Movie Review -- Action and Entertainment Overload!

Potato On-the-Go:

Fast and Furious Five - Rio Heist or simply called Fast Five is a real proof that right formula works perfectly for the action entertainment genre.  Fast Five did not fail in giving what the audience wants to see in the Fast & Furious franchise -- kick-ass action scenes, fantastic stunts, shocking blasts, sexy bodies, boiling testosterones and of course, daredevil race and lots of fabulous cars!


































Fast Five tells the story of  former cop Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) and his partner ex-convict Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) who is also the brother of his girlfriend Mia Toretto (Jordana Brewster). Since Brian and Mia Toretto broke Dom out of jail, they've crossed borders to escape the authorities.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Water for Elephants Movie Review -- A beutifully made film, a tastefully told story


Potato On-the-Go:

A country's trying times has always been an effective backdrop for literary masterpieces and great films.  A lot of movie makers have produced films that used the settings of war, political oppression and rising social chaos.  But for this film from 20th Century Fox, "Water for Elephants", I particularly got intrigued on the film's intent to exploit the great depression of USA in the 1930s.  


Based on the acclaimed number-one bestseller Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, the story happened during the Great Depression where Jacob (Robert Pattinson) a penniless and recently orphaned veterinary medicine student, left his hometown and looked somewhere else to continue his life.  He found himself and got the ride of his life inside The Big Top, a train that houses and transports circus performers around the country.  Even without a finished degree, he was given the chance to attend to the needs of the animals which way of life, is not very different from the humans who also work for the circus.  Compassion for a special elephant brought together Jacob and Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), one of the show's star performers.  They both discovered life's beauty despite the inhumane living conditions in the Big Top.  But both restrained themselves on what they feel as their lives are in the possession of no less than August (Christoph Waltz), Marlena's unpredictable and dangerous husband. 


Monday, May 2, 2011

Ready your pets, here comes the URBAN DOGGIES Pet Grooming Van!


Back to the Feature:

Being human's best friend is something natural for dogs, you may say it's a cliche, but it's true.  Since humans were able to domesticate dogs thousands of years ago, our canine friends have been doing many things for us, they have become our companions, playmates, house guards, shepherds, hunters and life savers, among many others.


Well for us humans, for pet owners primarily, what have we been doing to reciprocate this love from our dogs?  Well as much as we can, we play and walk with them; we provide shelter, food, vaccines and at least once a week, we give them a bath. And I know, although we ought to comb their hair, cut their finger nails, brush their teeth, I guess many are quite delinquent on that part as the tasks are ergonomically challenging and too time consuming.  Thank goodness for the emergence of grooming salons and pet-related shops in and around the metro. But then, while these shops seemed to be heaven sent gifts to help us take care of our pets, there's the hassle of bringing our dogs to these pet salons.  Think of the time, effort and the rising cost of fuel!  And what if we have big dogs like German Shepherd, Saint Bernard and Great Dane?  How easy or hard could it be?


Sunday, May 1, 2011

My Photo of Pope John Paul II

Play Back:


Here's my photo of Pope John Paul II during his Manila visit for the World Youth Day 1995 celebration. 

We are privileged to have lived in a time when a great and blessed pope served not only the church but the world of different faiths.  For me, PJP2, as how he was called during WYD 95, was a testament of God's love for us. And today that he's set to be beatified in Vatican, I share the happiness and join the world in celebrating this momentous occasion.

The above photo is not a clear digital shot, but for me this is one of the most memorable and important pictures I've taken.  I'll forever treasure this as long as  I live.