Going Into- The Heart of the Sea

I've always had an idea of what the story of Moby-Dick was about; the great white whale, Captain Ahab's obsession, but I never imagined that the events surrounding the book were inspired by things that actually took place. 

Watching the trailer for the movie, you would think that it is near impossible and it's just hard to wrap your head around it. Which is what was going through actor Chris Hemsworth's head when he handed the script to award winning director Ron Howard while they were both working on Rush (my movie review here)  

Hemsworth, who stars in the film as Essex First Mate Owen Chase, remarks, “I loved the script from the start. ‘In the Heart of the Sea’ is about heroism and people being tested beyond their limits in absolutely every way. I was also captivated by the psychological thriller aspect of the whale turning the tables on them. There is something incredibly mysterious about how this animal is portrayed—why the whale goes on the attack, which was unlike anything the Essex crew had ever encountered. The hunter becomes the hunted.”

Howard acknowledges that when Hemsworth initially approached him about the project, “I didn’t know anything about the Essex and didn’t know the script was based on events that were very real. But when I learned this had actually happened, it was mind-blowing. I instantly began to visualize a movie that would be raw and intense…a movie that I would want to see, which is the crucial litmus test for me.”

The extraordinary journey of the Essex and her crew was chronicled by Nathaniel Philbrick in his bookIn the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex. The author and historian, who calls Nantucket home, had a long-held fascination with the industry that had put the small Massachusetts island on the map. “The book grew out of my curiosity about how it was back in the day when Nantucket was the capital of American whaling. This was a story that got under my skin.”

Hemsworth believes the film could not have been in better hands than Howard's. “Ron has the biggest heart of anyone I know and has the best work ethic,” says Hemsworth. “As a filmmaker, he is always pushing the envelope. You look at the movies he’s done in his career and you can’t put them in a box—from huge comedies to compelling dramas to big action, he’s done it all, and done it with integrity and intelligence. ‘In the Heart of the Sea’ was a demanding endeavor for all of us, and when you go through something like that, you need to be arm-in-arm with one another, and supporting each other. He constantly kept us on our toes, but that’s what you want as an actor—to be challenged and inspired.”

Howard reveals that is always his goal, noting, “When I go to the movies I want to be transported, and I saw ‘In the Heart of the Sea’ as an exciting opportunity to transport audiences. I wanted to take them on a ride in a really vivid, cool way. I realized that telling the story the way it should be told was full of challenges, but they were challenges that could now be met. We could put it on the big screen in a way that was convincing, exciting and lived up to the promise of what the film could offer.”

I actually bought a copy of Herman Melville's Moby Dick but I couldn't get passed Chapter 1 (honestly Ishmael, that is a whole lot of thoughts to go through) I want to try again when I get the chance, in the mean time catching In the Heart of the Sea will be more than enough to get me inspired. :) 

Director Ron Howard on the set of "In The Heart of the Sea"

Opening across the Philippines on December 3, 2015 in theaters and IMAX®, “In the Heart of the Sea” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

5 Tips to Boost your Immunity during the Holidays

Going on "Immortal mode" is a term that Paul and I have come up with, ever since going on back-to-back events and gigs, sometimes right after work. There are even days when we go on 24 hours and that is no joke.

December has proven to be extra busy with more clients booking photo shoots and event coverage's on that month as well as more frequent events to cover and bog about, plus the usual Christmas errands to run and Christmas gatherings to attend. December can get pretty crazy.

A lot of people ask how we do it, well here are some tips on how to stray strong and stress free during the Holiday season.

1. Have a Schedule and Stick with it. 

Let's face it, with the many event invites and errands to do, it's almost impossible to do it all.  Well it is actually, and all you have to do is plot is all down on your calendar! Whether it is a planner you can't go on your day without or your handy dandy smart phone, you can easily put down your busy schedule and by having it plotted down, you have an idea what your day or week looks like. If you have more than one event/errand for a day, make sure you also indicate the time and venue, just so you won't forget anything.

2.   Have a to-do list.

I've always felt a sense of satisfaction whenever I would cross our things on my to-do list. Sometimes, I get inspired to keep on working just so I can cross out every item on the list. Having a to-do list keeps you sane during the hectic weeks leading up to Christmas. Whether it is a list of gifts to buy for loved ones or making sure you get everything you need for a party.  Having a to-do list can save you from having a complete meltdown, because I've seen holiday meltdowns and they are not pretty.

3. Be Always Photo Ready! 

Christmas means parties and reunions and that in turn means lots of picture taking and in our social media savvy generation that means everyone gets to see those photos. I believe having a stress-free Christmas means looking stress free as well! If you look it, you will also feel it :)  Make sure you get as much beauty rest as you can, always touch up on your make up before you arrive for a party or gathering.  

4.  Divide and Conquer 

Christmas holidays also means getting together with family and friends and you should take this as an advantage, with your loved ones helping out during parties and events, don't take on everything alone. Even if you have a detailed to-do list, you can always enlist the help of your family and friends to take a few things off your plate. Don't be a hero and try to take on everything on your own. 

5. Take Vitamin C! 

   
I've seen my mom get sick during the holidays, which is why I make sure that we (Paul and I) take Vitamin C, not only during the Christmas season but during hectic weeks. There's nothing worse than falling ill and sick when you have so much to do and missing out on all the parties!

Because sometimes surviving the Christmas Holidays is kind of like
Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse. 

There are many different kinds of Vitamin C available in your drug stores but did you know that there is actually a big difference between them? Sodium Ascorbate and Ascorbic Acid are types of Vitamin C which are available for purchase over the counter. While both help build resistance and helps strengthen the immune system, Sodium Ascorbate is not acidic and is more soluble than ascorbic acid, which is a piece of information I consider every important since I have hyperacidity and I don't need any additional stomach irritation. Fern-C is an ideal source of Sodium Ascorbate and aside from not causing stomach irritation, it is also an immune-system booster and a potent anti-oxidant. I bet you didn't know of these and just bought any other Vitamin C right? 

Well, now that you know, you can learn more about Fern-C by checking out their website and you can also follow them on their social media accounts, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  

Make sure to stock up on Fern-C for a #StressFreeChristmas and a #HealthyHoliday

#FernCSubokNa

Taking on Jessica Jones

As a self proclaimed writer, I always like challenging myself, you know, really writing something. I feel alive when the words are quickly forming in my head and rushing to get either on paper or online. There are times when I just need to write for the sake of it, just to get a post up, just because I need to. So when my Managing Editor assigned me to write about the new Marvel-Netflix series Jessica Jones, I was both excited and a bit apprehensive.

Excited, because I love every opportunity to get to put on my writing hat on and really get the juices flowing. Apprehensive because the series is critically acclaimed with every critic writing about it. People I look up to are either already done with the series or are currently watching it and have been raving about it on social media. So yes, writing about my opinions was a bit nerve wrecking.

I didn't want to come across as naive or silly in my thoughts and opinions of the series and I guess that's what had me staring at a black paper longer than usual.

In the end, once inspiration hit, the words came and I was able to fill up one page, then another, and another and before I knew it, I was done!

You can check out my Jessica Jones write up on www.flipgeeks.com 

or you can click on the link here.     

A Classic Story with a Modern Twist, "The Little Prince" is an 'Essential' watch!

"The Little Prince" has always had a constant presence in my childhood. My mom would always quote from the book and I can remember that our worn, yellowed and tattered copy of the book would always be lying around the house. 

So naturally, I was thrilled when I heard about a movie adaptation of the beloved book. I can still remember the boa constrictor drawn from the outside and the boa constrictor drawn from the inside and of the sheep inside the box. All of these images came rushing back to me once I started re-reading the book, in anticipation of the movie. 

Before I got on to re-reading the book, I checked out the trailer for the movie first, because even if I was initially excited about the movie, I had reservations about how it was going to be adapted, becasue honestly it doesn't follow a traditional storyline and is philosophical in nature and uses symbolism to relay it's timeless lessons. When I saw the promotional posters and images for the film, I wasn't too keen on the style of the 3D animation that was used either. 

After seeing the trailer though, I was reassured that Kung Fu Panda director Mark Osbourne was going to do right by Antoine de Saint-Exupèry's 1943 masterpiece. The novella The Little Prince is the 3rd most translated book in the world and was voted as the best book of the 20th century in France.

Osbourne's The Little Prince is the first animated feature film adaptation of the novel. The film used 3D Stop motion animation to depict the story of The Little Prince as it was in the book, I was really impressed on their faithfulness to the books' original sketches and lines. Computer animated graphics were used to tell a parallel modern story. Elements from The Little Prince are seamlessly woven in a modern narrative about a young girl who deals with a competetive, automated world and the pressures of a strong willed mother who wants her to become an adult right away. 

As I am entering my 30s and where my life is defined by workdays, weekends, deadlines and must-do's, I could really relate with the themes of the story, social criticism on the strange world of adults who 'forget' what it's like to be a child. I could see myself in the blinded and busy adults in the film, who can't even look up to appreciate the sunset or the stars, like the Little Prince. The story deals a lot with life and themes of death, big tears rolled down my checks as I watched the film. 

I took my mom with me as my date during the press screening and she kept peering at me while I was crying and watching the film. 

"Are you crying?"

"Why are you crying?"

"Is it because you remember your dad?" 

(My dad died when I was just 10 years old). Yeah-my mom isn't exactly an ideal movie buddy but yes! she was right that I thought about my dad, among other things while watching the movie. There are just so many themes and lessons in the movie that you can't just contain in a box (with a sheep)- so to speak. It's a beautiful visual experience, without loosing the essence of the timeless classic. 

For me, an audience that claps at the end of movie is a good indication of how much a movie has touched them and I'm more than happy to say that after the film, there was a steady clap from the audience, as they probably wiped tears from their eyes and their hearts echoed sighs of happiness. 

Aside from the animation and the story, I also enjoyed the soundtrack of the film from Hans Zimmer (whose work includes The Lion King, Interstellar, Inception and The Dark Knight Trilogy) which also included cute French songs. I already downloaded the soundtrack on Spotify! (I'm currently listening to the soundtrack while writing this).

The film also features a line up of renowned actors & actresses who lent their voices to the charactes.

Jeff Bridges, Rachel McAdams, Paul Rudd, Marion Cotillard, James Franco, Benicio Del Toro, Ricky Gervais, Paul Giamatti and Mackenzie Foy. Honestly I didn't think that the film would still need an all star line up for the characters' voices since people would be going to see the movie for the story. 

When the cast of characters were already shown during the credits I could hear the people behind me being surprised since they had no idea it was famous actors and actresses lending their voices but it's still a nice to know information you may want to be armed with before seeing the film. 

Spoiler! The film takes an interesting change in the ending and while some may see this as an exploitation of the original story, I think it's a beautiful way to make sure our Little Prince finds himself home and for a whole new generation to get to know him and to know that when they look up in the stars that there is a little Prince laughing back at them. 

10/10 ⭐️ Make sure to catch this timeless classic with a modern twist! The Little Prince is in cinemas on December 2 and is distributed by Captive Cinema. 

The Good Dinosaur: A Beautiful Story in a Beautiful Landscape

Disney-Pixar does it again! 

In their latest full length feature, Disney-Pixar have yet again created another heart warming film which will have you wiping away tears and being filled with that fuzzy feeling that only they can make you feel. 

In a world where the comet did not hit the earth and the dinosaurs did not go extinct is a timid Apatosaurus named Arlo.   

Arlo is the runt of the litter, you would say, he is smaller than his brother and sister and in a world where dinosaurs work as farmers and ranchers it's easy to fall behind when you are as timid (and let's say a bit of a wuss - really) like Arlo. And in harsh and constantly changing environment it will be hard to survive. 

Which is what happens to Arlo when he is separated from his home and family. Arlo must find his courage as he travels through dangerous terrain and meets a colorful cast of creatures who in one way or another, help Arlo grow. 

Spot, a human boy is an unlikely friend who helps Arlo the most in his adventure. Spot helps Arlo find the courage to be the dinosaur he was meant to be.  

It is worth mentioning that the landscapes and beautiful terrain used in the film is the most beautiful yet. From lush green fields, to snow capped mountains, to crystal clear lakes to a field of bright emerald fireflies, Pixar pushes the envelope with the magic that they bring to the screen. Everything is so beautiful, it's worth becoming your computer's wallpaper.   

Of course, more than just the exquisite setting, The Good Dinosaur is a coming-of-age story of a dinosaur and his boy. As they remind audiences through their adventures that love and friendship is a transcending force so strong, it knows no boundaries. 

I cried a lot while watching the movie (surprise, surprise) it's really a tear jerker, some grown ups in the press screening were brave enough to admit that they did cry. So just bring the tissues just in case.   

Parents may need to explain some interesting scenes in the film to their kids though (SPOILER) there's this psychedelic scene where Arlo and Spot get high on some bad fruit. While it was hilarious for us adults, the kids might not get it. Don't know how you'll explain that to your kids though.    

10 out of 10 Stars! The Good Dinosaur is a beautiful story of finding the courage in each one of us to face the unknown in our lives and the importance of the people; our family and friends who helped us find that courage.

In case you missed it there's a widespread #FindArlo media campaign across Southeast Asia and we need everyone's help to find him! You can read more in the blog post here!   

Opening across the Philippines on Nov. 25, “The Good Dinosaur” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures. Follow the official social media accounts of Disney in the Philippines, namely, (FB) WaltDisneyStudiosPH, (Twitter) @disneystudiosph and (Instagram) @waltdisneystudiosph and use the hashtag #GoodDinoPH.

Action, Suspense and a New Igor Bring a New Twist in "Victor Frankenstein"

"You all know the story.

A clap of lightning.

A mad genius.

An unholy creation."

Yes, we all know the story but do we know of the monster or of the man? 

Both entertaining and exciting 'Victor Frankenstein' adds action and suspense to the original Gothic Romance novel by Mary Shelly. With powerful and impressive performances from James McAvoy as the eponymous Victor Frankenstein and Daniel Radcliffe as a re-imagined Igor. 

The film opens with an exciting circus escape but without first establishing the brilliance of a hunchback clown in the field of science. The fast-paced turn of events carries throughout the movie, not even slowing down through a blossoming romance. 

There were many interesting camera work and angles which were used, it has to be noted that Director Paul McGuigan also directed episodes of BBC's "Sherlock" and you see hints of this throughout the film, as well as the relationship between Frankenstein and Igor which seem to mirror that of Sherlock's and Watson. 

Being a passer of the Nurisng Board Exams, I really enjoyed the vintage Anatomy sketches (Anatomy & Physiology was one of my favorite subjects) that were featured in the movie. 

It's nice to see McAvoy & Radcliffe step away from their well known roles of Professor X and Harry Potter and embrace their new roles as Frankenstein and Igor. 

James McAvoy is a convincing mad genius, complete with the poor social skills and quick-fire ideas. Daniel Radcliffe secretly steals the spotlight as a kind-hearted Igor. 

7/10 ⭐️ Victor Frankenstein is an interesting fresh take on a classic story. It educates us on the man who created the monster and is a fun ride filled with excitiment in every corner. 

 “Victor Frankenstein” opens on November 25 in (Phils.) cinemas from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros. 

 

Meet Your New Favorite Buddies: Arlo and Spot in "The Good Dinosaur"

We humans seem to have a deep fascination with dinosaurs. Earlier this year the "Jurassic" franchise was revived with 2015's highest grossing film - "Jurassic World". Where (yet again) we see that science and an extinct species don't mix and that a theme park full of live dinosaurs is never a good idea. 

The creative folks from Disney and Pixar once again take this fascination with dinosaurs and put a twist in it, asking a great what if and dares to ask the question "What if the asteroid that hit the earth which caused the extinction of the dinosaurs - missed?"   

Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend (Spot). While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.

“It’s the story of a boy and his dog—only in our story, the boy is a dinosaur and the dog is a boy,” says director Peter Sohn.

“It’s also a coming-of-age story,” adds Sohn. “Arlo is afraid everything. But his father, Poppa, is always there for him, encouraging Arlo to step out of his comfort zone, to confront his fears, to make his mark.”

“From the moment Arlo is born, he’s afraid of the world,” says director Peter Sohn. “He’s fun-loving and determined; he’s got a lot of fire when it comes to his desire to help his family. But he’s scared. His fear holds him back.

The film catapults Arlo into a vast wilderness that forces him to confront his fears. According to producer Denise Ream, the stunning and often overwhelming landscape that artists created ultimately played an important role in the story. “Nature can overcome anything,” she says, “including a massive dinosaur.”

Along the way, Arlo encounters a host of unique personalities who all contribute to his evolution—whether they mean to or not. But the friendship he builds with Spot has the biggest impact. Says Sohn, “The bond that grows between Arlo and Spot allows Arlo to push through his fear and take on the ultimate nemesis: nature.”

In case you missed it there's a widespread #FindArlo media campaign across Southeast Asia and we need everyone's help to find him! You can read more in the blog post here!   

Opening across the Philippines on Nov. 25, “The Good Dinosaur” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures. Follow the official social media accounts of Disney in the Philippines, namely, (FB) WaltDisneyStudiosPH, (Twitter) @disneystudiosph and (Instagram) @waltdisneystudiosph and use the hashtag #GoodDinoPH.

Over 70 Years Since Her Debut - Production Begins on WONDER WOMAN Film

First Teaser Photo from The Wonder Woman Feature Film 

In a time where Superhero films are largely dominated by male leads, one woman rises to claim the long awaited & much coveted feature for a female led super hero movie, or should I say super heroine?

BURBANK, CA, November 21, 2015 – Principal photography is underway on Warner Bros. Pictures’ Wonder Woman feature film, the highly anticipated action adventure from director Patty Jenkins (“Monster,” AMC’s “The Killing”), starring Gal Gadot ❤️❤️❤️ (the “Fast & Furious” movies) in the role of Diana Prince/Wonder Woman. The character will make her big screen debut this spring in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” but the new film will mark her first time headlining a feature; over seventy years since her debut in All Star Comics #8 which was came out in December 1941. 

Aside from being a heroine fighting for justice, love and peace, over the years Wonder Woman has also become a symbol of gender equality, often being the face and name for equality movements. Did you also know that Wonder Woman has her own make-up collection with MAC? (As a girl, I feel it is important to mention this). It came out in a 2011 Spring Collection & features a vintage Wonder Woman look, inspired from the comics. 

Gal Gadot is a Wonder Woman herself; in 2004 she won the Miss Israeli title and went on to represent her country at the 2004 Miss Universe Beauty pageant. She served for two years as a soldier in the Israeli forces and is a fan of motorcycles & owns a black 2006 Ducati Monster - S2R. Moviegoers may know her as Giselle in 'The Fast & Furious' movies. 

Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman in the upcoming Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice

The Wonder Woman feature film also stars Chris Pine (the “Star Trek” films) as Captain Steve Trevor, Robin Wright (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”), Danny Huston (“Clash of the Titans,” “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”), David Thewlis (the “Harry Potter” films), Ewen Bremner (“Exodus: Gods and Kings”), Saïd Taghmaoui (“American Hustle”), Elena Anaya (“The Skin I Live In”) and Lucy Davis (“Shaun of the Dead”).

The film is being produced by Charles Roven, Zack Snyder and Deborah Snyder, with Richard Suckle, Stephen Jones, Wesley Coller, Geoff Johns and Rebecca Roven serving as executive producers.

Joining Jenkins behind the camera are director of photography Matthew Jensen (“Chronicle,” “Fantastic Four,” HBO’s “Game of Thrones”), Oscar-nominated production designer Aline Bonetto (“Amélie,” “A Very Long Engagement,” “Pan”), and Oscar-winning editor Martin Walsh (“Chicago,” “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit,” “V for Vendetta”), and Oscar-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming (“The Dark Knight” trilogy, “Topsy-Turvy”).

Principal photography will take place on location in the UK, France and Italy.

Set to open in 2017, the Wonder Woman feature film is based on characters created by William Moulton Marston, appearing in comic books published by DC Entertainment. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Paramore Night 18 - Four Realizations

Local Rock Band Saydie during Paramore Night 18 

We've been absent in the local music scene for some time now and it saddens me that our schedule would not allow us to go to as much gigs as we would have wanted. So, whenever our schedule would open up and allow us, we would go!

Paramore Night 18 just recently concluded and Paul and I were fortunate enough to have been present. As I have written before, attending Paramore Nights is like seeing and catching up with old friends and while there has already been a number of Paramore Nights over the years, There's always a new realization that comes to me whenever I attend.

For the 18th time - I realized that it's events like these that allow the following:

1. New Bands to get their first 'gig experience'. 

There have been many bands over time, who have had their first ever gig in a Paramore night. You have to admit that all bands had their first ever gig, that first gig, where they can shake of their nerves and get to know what it feels like to perform in front of a crowd. The performance may not be the one that gets the crowd jumping and singing and applauding but its that first performance, that very first gig that all bands big and small must go through. It is a right of passage, you might say and Paramore Night has been a right of passage for many bands.

Mewa Cawad of Mad Hatter Day and Rizza Cabrera of The Chimichangas
perform an acoustic set during Paramore Night 18. 

2.   Upcoming Bands to continue to rise.

Over the years, Paramore Night has had a number of favorites who have often graced the much coveted line up. These upcoming local bands which already have a steady following and who have been around the metro (and even out-of-town) in different gigs and music festivals have the opportunity, through Paramore Night to connect with their fans, to let them know that 'Hey, we're still here' and 'Hey, we're still making music'. Of course, it also works both ways, it also allows fans to keep on seeing their favorite bands perform live.

  3. Great way to discover new bands. 

Paramore Nights have always a good way to discover new local acts and bands. Some attend to enjoy the Paramore covers and they get to listen to original songs from these bands and they love it. They follow these bands on social media and become fans and the rest is history.

4. Established Bands can gain more followers

Although being of different genres, a number of established bands have already been a guest during Paramore Night and it's amazing to see these bands drift away from their comfort zone in covering Paramore songs and they when they perform their original songs, they gain more followers in the crowd present.

Crowd Favorite CIRCA.

Some things to note from Paramore Night 18 - Mad Hatter Day did not perform as a full band, vocalist Mewa Cawad performed an acoustic set with The Chimichangas, it was a fun and unique set, complete with a beautiful rendition of 'My Heart' complete with harmonies. It was also our first time to watch local rock band Saydie perform and that was fun :)

Even if its already on its 18th run, there's still something new that you can pick up in a Paramore Night. It's a great place to share the love for music and for friends to get together. Of course, it's also always a great place to get to experience any or all of my four earlier realizations.

Click HERE for MORE Photos!

Mandatory Paramore Philippines Group Photo! 

Mc Avoy & Radcliffe bring "VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN" to life! - It's Alive!

A common misconception among people is that the "monster" brought to life in Mary Shelly's "Frankeinstein" is called Frankenstein, when in fact Frankenstein refers to the young Doctor/Scientist who created the monster. Said monster is known as "Frankenstein's Monster" in the original novel the monster is identified and referred to with words such as 'creature', 'monster', 'demon', and 'it'. 

You can probably provide that as a trivia the next time someone calls the 'monster' Frankenstein. 

Which brings us to Director Paul McGuigan's Victor Frankenstein, a re-telling of the classic tale with the familiar and handsome faces of James Mc Avoy (X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past) and Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe as a cuter version of Igor.    

Andrew Scott from TV's 'Sherlock' puts on the Detective hat (for a change) and plays Roderick Turpin who is in hot pursuit of the young scientist and his assistant. 

Told from the perspective of Igor (which is a first actually), Victor Frankenstein mixes action and suspense to the original horror genre of the classic story with a stronger and faster monster, one that crawls on walls and chases you.       

There has been a number of re-imaginings of the classic Mary Shelly story but what sets Victor Frankenstein apart is that it focuses on the relationship between Igor and Frankenstein. The character of Igor, who we all know as being the hunchbacked, disfigured assistant of Dr. Frankenstein was not in the original story but was only introduced  in James Whale's "Frankenstein" in 1931.

A different kind of moniker mix-up accompanies Victor himself. Many people attribute the name to the monster, instead of the creator-the good doctor- "So we give the name 'Frankenstein' back to the scientist -to Victor Frankenstein," says McGuigan.

McAvoy relates that "Whenever somebody asked me what I was doing at the moment (during production of Victor Frankenstein), I would say, I'm playing Frankenstein, and they'd reply, 'You're a little short to be playing the monster.' And I'd correct them and say, 'No, no, it's the doctor.' So yeah, we're giving the name back to Dr. Vic."

"Victor Frankenstein" opens November 25 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox and is distributed by Warner Bros. 

Kevin & Aimee

Aimee and I go way back in College. So we were really happy to have been asked to do an engagement and family shoot for Aimee, Kevin and Naomi, our Godaughter.

Naomi has always been very smart and at four years old, she's very talkative and inquisitive (in straight English, mind you) and is obsessed with Zombies, Ninang Ica could not be more proud :) 

We took the lovely family up a hill inside our subdivision. It was a beautiful afternoon and despite almost running out of sunlight we were still able to take lots of photos!

Kudos to Kevin & Aimee's team of make up artists, assistants and to Kevin's mom for helping out, they had props ready and this made the shoot so much easier :) 

We love the photos and can't wait for December - for the wedding!

Click HERE for MORE Photos! 

Help Find Arlo, The Good Dinosaur!

Manila, 18th November 2015 –

Have you seen anything strange lately? Oh let's say a dinosaur roaming around? 
Or maybe some pretty big clues? 

A widespread #FINDARLO media campaign will kick off across Southeast Asia, enlisting the help of fans to search for Arlo, the timid dinosaur from Disney/Pixar’s highly anticipated upcoming release, “The Good Dinosaur”.

(Watch the video “Missing Dino Alert. Help Us #FindArlo” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed1kzMaFTuQ.)

Fans are encouraged to spot traces of Arlo across various locations in the Philippines and report their findings by taking a picture and uploading it to their Instagram account using #FINDARLO. Key online influencers in the Philippines including Alodia Gosiengfiao, Laureen Uy, Ranz Kyle and Niana Guerrero have already committed to help find Arlo before the movie opens on Nov. 25.

So be a part of this fun regional digital movement to locate Arlo in the Philippines this November. For more information, simply log on to http://www.findarlo.com/

Alodia Gosiengfiao just found a clue! #FindArlo #GoodDinoPH

About Disney/Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur 

Disney/Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct?  Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo (voice of Raymond Ochoa) makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of Directed by Peter Sohn and produced by Denise Ream (“Cars 2”), Disney•Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur” opens across the Philippines on Nov. 25 and if Disney/Pixar is to continue with their streak of heart warming flicks then I'm sure that The Good Dinosaur is going to be a real tear jerker! 

Looking forward to the movie and I'm hoping I can watch it with my nieces and nephews :) 

In the mean time let's keep an eye out for those clues! 

#FindArlo #GoodDinoPH 

AYALA MALLS CINEMAS: EPIC PROMO for THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 2!

GOOD NEWS Tributes! Ayala Mall Cinemas is offering Epic Promos for you to choose from!

Just choose on the best package which suits you-no need to compete in the arena anymore. 

Ayala Malls Cinemas' complements the momentous finale with their various promos for cinema patrons. Check out the following promos offered by Ayala Malls Cinemas. Please log in to www.sureseats.com for schedule and ticket reservation. 

May the odds be ever in your favor! 

You can check out my movie review for Mockingjay Part 2 here! 

Mockingjay Part 2: Ends in a Glorious Blaze

As the final chapter of the movie adaptation of Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games series comes to a close; I can't help but feel as if the end of an era has come to pass-and ladies and gentlemen, it does not disappoint. 

From someone who has read the books, Mockingjay Part 2 was a well adapted movie. If you can re-watch Part 1 (or even yet the entire series), you really should. It will definitely help get your head "back in the game" (pun intended).  

The movie opens with an injured Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) as she comes to terms with what the Capitol has done with Peeta (Josh Hutcherson). The rebel forces are making their move towards the Capitol and Katniss finds herself in the heart of the battle as she dangerously inches her way to killing the evil that is President Snow (Donald Sutherland). 

Director Francis Lawerence pushes the envelope in the last movie as disturbing images and questions on morality are presented to the audience. Mockingjay Part 2 has become more than the Young Adult Dystopian, its predecessors initially were. It has become a reality check on the truth & cruelty of war. As I was watching the movie I was rather emotional, with my thoughts on the recent events in our world, which has left so many innocent lives lost and the seeds of hatred sown. 

There were so many lines in the film that could fit in the context of the events in the news, I can't help get goosebumps. I came to the realization that in war, it doesn't matter whether it is in history books or in non-fiction books, in war, we all loose something, even the 'victors'.  

There are a lot of things to reflect on in the themes of the movie, but it doesn't lack in the high-octane action and suspense (which the movies are well known for) as well. If you think that the challenges in the arena were disturbing-Katniss et al face even more frightening forces. 

I love that the local distributors of the film (Pioneer /Viewer's Choice Philippines) chose to align early promotions of the movie with our upcoming National Elections. I hope that the Political angles of the film would resonate to the viewers; especially to the youth, that they may become more active and more involved with political concerns, as well as take their social responsibility to heart.

Mockingjay Part 2 takes a closer look at the political themes of the story, it makes the audiences think and as I've written on the blog before, I appreciate movies  like that.  

Early Promotions from Viewer's Choice Philippines aligning Mockingjay Part 2 with the upcoming National Elections. 

Looking back as to what I've written so far, I feel as if I've written an essay for class but I can't help but have these thoughts and feelings. I just hope that somehow the viewers would not only see the movie as a form of entertainment but a film with relevant themes, resounding during these trying times.    

Now, dear reader if you will oblige me to put on my 'movie critic hat' and continue I will be more than grateful. 

9 out of 10 stars - Mockingjay Part 2 is a powerful culmination to the franchise. Sitting with the audience and watching the film, its like everyone already knew the characters, it's like they were all old friends and just catching up. Well, if you've read the books and seen the films, you would in a way be old friends with these characters. You could hear the audience laugh and giggle, whenever the most awkward love triangle in history (Katniss, Peeta and Gale) would get in close proximity. 

Of course we all know that Philip Seymour Hoffman passed away without finishing all of his scenes for Mockingjay Part 2. My fellow movie reviewer friend and I were talking to each other, trying to make out scenes were images of the late actor were just super-imposed. Will definitely miss this talented actor :( 

I have to say that I was a little disappointed that Game Of Thrones' Gwendoline Christie just had a small part and had little screen time in the film. Although, I enjoyed seeing her tower over everyone else in the room :P   

For a franchise that I religiously followed, reading one book after the next and seeing one movie after the other, eagerly anticipating for the next, I can't believe that it has come to an end, it's bittersweet really but my only consolation is that it was ended really well, everything comes full circle and as a fan, you can't really ask for anything else. 

Mockingjay Part 2 is now showing in cinemas and is distributed by Pioneer Films.