Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Movie Review: Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

I like to watch funny movies as well as adventure-themed films. Having these two elements combined in Journey 2: The Mysterious Island made it much more enjoyable to see.

My friends and I had a chance to catch this film in IMAX 3D so the experience was enhanced even more. I love all the special effects, the colorful and whimsical creatures on the island, and the thought that "What if, there really are magical places that exist in this world?"

I marvel at the brains behind the movie who had the imagination to come up with such amazing and fantastic creations. Imagine riding on a bumble bee that's big as an elephant or being chased by large birds and a huge momma lizard all over wild and new terrain!

In this sequel, Josh Hutcherson reprises his role as Sean, the boy who traveled to the center of the earth in the 2008 global box office hit. He has the makings of a good action star in the future. The one who shined the most in the movie though would have to be Dwayne Johnson who plays Hank, Sean's stepfather. Johnson has great comedic timing. He could be really funny but he also has scenes where his character would touch you deeply. I'd say one of the best ones in the movie was right after he sang while playing the ukulele.  

Vanessa Hudges is an eye candy. She's pretty and sexy and played the character Kailani with confidence. The dynamics between her and Luiz Guzman (who plays her father) is well executed. Guzman's character, Gabato, is hilarious and clueless most of the time but he means well and wants the best for his daughter.  Michael Kane plays Alexander, Sean's adventurous and slightly irresponsible grandfather while Kristin Davis plays Sean's mother.

Aside from several jaw-dropping and scream-inducing moments (I sheepishly admit I gave out a shriek or two during the screening because the 3D effects are really great), the story leaves audiences with the heartwarming lesson that getting along with one's family is very important and that children would do well to try and understand where their parents are coming from once in a while.

I recommend this film to be watched by all ages. Kids and parents alike would find it fun and touching at the same time. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island starts showing in Philippine cinemas this February 2. It is a New Line Cinema presentation to be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.


Monday, January 30, 2012

Asia's Acoustic Sweetheart Sabrina Releases New Single While 4th Album Goes Platinum in Indonesia

"Moves Like Jagger" by Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguillera became a big hit in the airwaves in 2011 and it continues to be popular this year as Sabrina, Asia's Acoustic Sweetheart, infuses her own music style on the hit song. Its music video, directed by Daphne Oliveros, is set to be premiered this February at MYX, the Philippines' top music channel. 


The "Moves Like Jagger" single is released as a follow-up to Sabrina's highly successful "I Love Acoustic 4" album which happens to have turned Gold in Indonesia last November and is now certified Platinum (like her first three albums) this January. The accolades made Sabrina one of the few Filipino singers to gain multi-platinum success in Indonesia where other singers have tried but failed to break in. 

Last night, I got to meet her in person during the Bloggers' Evening with Sabrina held at Red Box in Eastwood. I first heard her sing "Who Says" in MCA Music's CD Sampler and liked her style. It was a treat to hear her render her versions of several songs live. Here's a video I took of her singing her new single:


She shared with us that she consistently had vocal coaching since she was seven and was her school's resident singer who always gets to be volunteered to lead the national anthem or perform in school programs. When she was in third grade, she joined a singing contest, sang Greatest Love of All, and won. "That was my first and last kasi nanalo na ako. Ayoko ng matalo," she expressed amid much laughter from the room.

At age 14, she remembers singing at a family reunion then did some recording two years later. She was signed up to focus on Bossa Nova after she was heard singing 'Like a Lover' in Erik Santos' birthday concert. Sabrina also disclosed she only started learning to play the guitar when she was in second year high school. "Self-study lang. Never akong nag-enroll sa formal music school."


When somebody asked her if she composes songs, the lovely young woman candidly replied, "Honestly, dalawang songs pa lang. Kasi, nakaka-compose lang ako kapag depressed ako which is bihira kasi masayahin akong tao. Ipapa-arrange ko pa lang pero I'm not sure kung yun ang unang ilalabas na original kasi crucial. Kapag composition ko kasi, baka di naman ganun kaganda pero sana ... you know ... para galing sa heart."

Asked why she thinks it's much harder to please Filipino audiences, Sabrina honestly replied, "In other countries, what matters is your voice and how you sing, not really how you look like. Dito, you have to look like an actress, be super skinny, super white, and you have to be perfect physically. It's the reality. You have to know the right people and you have to look the part." 

She first gained Indonesian followers when her first album was released there in 2009.  She has been to the country thrice to grace different events and admitted how surprised and pleased she was that audiences sang with her when she performed. "I feel very honored. Feeling ko naka-cross ako ng boundaries. Kasi mahirap magpabilib ng tao na hindi mo ka-kultura. I'm a Catholic, most of them are Muslim. Pero na-prove ko na talent is still being recognized."


I Love Acoustic 4 has one Tagalog track, Saranghae, which has become a favorite of some of Sabrina's Indonesian fans. "Lagi nilang pini-play, ang ganda daw kahit di nila naiintindihan. So ni-tweet ko na lang sa kanila that the song talks about love para naman ... kasi ako, if I love a song, kailangan malaman ko yung message. Mamya, gusto ko s'ya pero puro naman pala masasama yung kinakanta ko," she explains. "I love my Indonesian fans because they really buy my albums; they don't pirate music."

Sabrina revealed her musical influences include Mariah Carey, Arnie Hidalgo, and Kyla. As to future collaborations, she named Usher and Boys to Men, although she wondered how they would sing acoustic duets together. To date, she has already recorded songs with Richard Poon and Calvin Jeremy who's considered Indonesia's John Meyer.

She revealed her ideal guy won't be someone from showbiz because, "Baka hindi totoo yung sasabihin sa akin." Nevertheless, in the future, she wants "to have a family, be a housewife, and have kids." She likes children and confessed that two of her childhood dreams are "maging yaya tapos President ng Philippines."

Sabrina with Annie and Ayelski of Pinoy Song Mag
If she hadn't made it as a singer, Sabrina supposed she would be a lawyer doing pro-bono work for women. And she could well likely be one given she graduated cum laude from her AB Comm Arts degree in UP Los Banos last 2010. At the moment, she's planning to take up her masters, "Maybe this year.Yes, while singing!" she affirmed. 

When it comes to being in a romantic relationship, Sabrina was quick to say she's choosing her career over a love life at the moment. "Lalo na yung klase ng trabaho ko, ang daming may gusto nito tapos blessing pa na binigay sa akin. Di ko nga alam na gusto kong maging professional singer eh. So binigay sya talaga sa akin ni God bago ko pa nalaman na ito ang gusto ko. Everything happened because of Him. So kailangan ko talaga alagaan ito." 

She also expressed that she wants to become successful for her fans. "Para maging proud sila sa akin. Kasi ayoko silang i-let down. Ingat ako sa mga kilos ko kasi di maganda yung tinitingala ka tapos masama ka pala. And I make sure I also do things na makakatulong sa career ko."


I Love Acoustic 4 has 18 tracks including Price Tag, Who Says, Edge of Glory, On The Floor, Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.), California King Bed, Hold It Against Me, Rolling in the Deep, The Lazy Song, Back to December, That Should Be Me, Marry Me, Rocketeer, Just The Way You Are feat. Calvin Jeremy, and Lucky feat. Richard Poon.

This coming February 17 (Friday) at 4pm, catch Sabrina as she serenades fans in SM Pasig. Those who will buy her album "I Love Acoustic 4" will get to have their CDs autographed by the Acoustic Sweetheart after the show.

"I Love Acoustic 4" is now out in CDs under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) and available for download at mymusicstore.com.ph. To download the single Moves Like Jagger, text JGR to 2728 (Smart and Talk N Text), text KL343 to 2332 (Globe/TM) or text 5493161 to 2300 (Sun). For more of Sabrina's music, text SABRINA to 3456 or check out www.facebook.com/mcamusic.



A Bloggers' Evening with Sabrina was organized by MCA Music in cooperation with Pinoy Magazine (the January 2012 issue has a feature on Sabrina!), Orange Magazine TV and Red Box: Rock, Dine, Roll.

* For Sabrina's fans from other countries who would like a translation of the Tagalog quotes or words, just leave a comment under this blog post and I'll do my best to give you the English version so you'd be able to understand what she was sharing :)

* Most photos used are borrowed from Orange Magazine TV's Facebook album.

SABRINA PROMO (for Philippine residents only -- sorry, I can't afford the postage for overseas shipping): Knowing how much her fans love Sabrina, I'd be glad to make one of you happy :) So I'm giving away this tumbler with Sabrina's signature and a small towel with your idol's name.


Here's how you can win:

1. Like the Write, Breathe, Live page on Facebook.
2. Copy and paste the link of this blog post (http://mommywrites.blogspot.com/2012/01/asias-acoustic-sweetheart-sabrina.html) on your FB status and type: "I'm a big fan of Sabrina and would love to own a Sabrina towel and tumbler from Write, Breathe, Live (tagged)"
3. Please don't forget to set your status message as "public" so I'd see it even if we're not yet friends on Facebook.
4. Deadline for entries is midnight of February 20, 2012. The winner will be drawn digitally via random.org and will be announced in this blog and on WBL's FB page on February 21. Good luck! :)


Sunday, January 29, 2012

Restaurant Review: Krave Restobar in Makati

Everybody likes to eat good food and  it's always nice to get invited to try out new dishes at places where the chef has excellent taste. I've sampled Chef Vince Rodriguez's creations during a RED Garlic Bistro food tasting event and we had a great time. So when I got invited to dine at Krave Restobar in Makati, I didn't have to think twice. I know the food would be excellent because they are also Chef Vince's concoctions.


The interior of Krave looks very classy but also very cozy. There are comfortable booths where diners could enjoy their food without too much distractions from other guests. This is a great place to go on a date or hold small client meetings in. During weekends, families could also bring their kids there for a gastronomic treat.

My friends and I started with a few appetizers. As a certified shrimp fan who also happens to like the taste of wasabi, the Rock Shrimp Popcorn was a definite winner for me :) It comes in two flavors: Wasabi Mayo and Spicy Mango.

Rock Shrimp Popcorn - P325
Next, we tried the Krave Texas Steak Roll which reminded me of RED Garlic's Alaskan Salmon Roll. It has US Angus steak with cream cheese inside, wrapped in nori and deep fried in wasabi batter. This steak roll is very flavorful although a bit spicy. But I still finished a whole piece by myself.

Krave Texas Steak Roll - P425
The Foie Gras Nigiri is quite pricey for a three piece dish but that's a given since foie gras is gourmet food and is not available in just any restaurant. Foie gras aficionados would enjoy the unique combination of cranberry compote and teriyaki balsamic reduction on top of each piece.

Foie Gras Nigiri - P645
It was my first time to eat sushi-like food that has flames on it while it was being served. The Lava Roll is another tasty treat filled with US scallops, tempura shrimp, and mozarella cheese wrapped in nori with spicy cream sauce.

Lava Roll - P385
The aromatic thin crust Beef Carpacio Pizza came out next and I enjoyed every bite! Aside from slices of beef tenderloin, I love that it has fresh arugula leaves tossed in olive oil and lime vinaigrette on top then drizzled with balsamic reduction. It's a perfect snack to share with friends and is quite similar to the great taste of RED Garlic's Torre del Griego pizza.

Beef Carpacio Pizza - P395
We were all impressed when the Tuna Tower came out of the kitchen. It's very nicely presented and tasted really good. It's has layers made of fresh tuna, kani, ripe mango, radish, Japanese cucumber and sushi rice. We tasted it by forkfuls and realized too late that we should have mixed it up first like a regular salad :p

Tuna Tower - P365
To date, nobody has satisfied my taste buds like Chef Vince does when it comes to barbecued ribs. I'm glad to have sampled Krave's Dinosaur BBQ Beef Ribs with meat so tender it easily falls off the bone.  The apricot cranberry BBQ sauce made it all the more delicious. This is a must try when you visit this restaurant.

Dinosaur BBQ Beef Ribs - P595
Aside from the flaming lava rolls, we were also awed at the presentation of the Angus Pinwheel Steak which was served hanging from a metal stick and lit up with from underneath. This mouth-watering dish is made from 25oz. of USDA Prime Rib Eye served with side salad and twice baked sweet potato. It is served with three kinds of sauces -- steak oil, Pepper Mill dressing, and red wine sauce -- which are best appreciated when combined on top of slices of steak meat. Wanna impress your date? Order this one! :)

Angus Pinwheel Steak - P3495
As to dessert, it was another first for me to eat Panacotta with sweet reddish caviar on top! It tasted more like a kind of berry than fish eggs which made the experience more unforgettable. This is served with its partner panacotta topped with fresh fruits.

Caviar and Fresh Fruit Panacotta - P195
One sweet thing I miss most from the RED Garlic menu is Chef Vince's Yorkshire Bread Pudding with French vanilla sauce and, wonder of wonders, it is also available at Krave! Although it's served in a martini glass instead of the red square dish I'm used to, the melt-in-your-mouth heavenly taste is the same. 

Yorkshire Bread Pudding - P155
Krave Restobar is located at 109 C. Palanca St. Legaspi Village, Makati City. They are open from 11am - 2:30pm and 6-11pm everyday. For more info, please visit their Facebook page.


Saturday, January 28, 2012

A Call for Child Sponsorship Through World Vision

We often hear the phrase "Children are our future" and I personally believe that to be true. It is up to us, parents and teachers, to help shape and mold them into good human beings so that, one day, they could fill our shoes and, perhaps, do things better than we did. 

Everyone needs education to advance in life. Unfortunately, not all adults are equipped to raise kids well. In the Philippines, it is common to see children selling stuff or begging on the streets. Poverty is a reality in our country and it continues to be a hindrance for many parents who dream of sending their children to school.

This is where World Vision and its supporters come in through the child sponsorship program, a channel for people to help send underprivileged children to school. For P20 a day or P600 a month, one child will already be able to acquire the knowledge he/she needs to slowly, but surely, reach her dreams. In addition, the community where the child lives would also benefit from the sponsorship because World Vision also helps create livelihood programs that encourage parents to work harder for their families and empower the community as a whole.

I have been a World Vision child sponsor since 2003 and it has been a wonderful journey. Every year, I receive an annual report about how my sponsored child is doing. It's heartwarming to see her grow bigger through the photos World Vision sends me. She writes me short notes once in a while as well as a homemade greeting card every Christmas. Those things show me, and other child sponsors I know, where our small contributions have been going. It is also a continuous source of wonder that those children, whom we haven't even met yet, are being given a chance to have a good future because there are people in other parts of the country who care.

If you are compelled to help this advocacy of providing education for poor Filipino children, be a World Vision sponsor today. Together, we can make a difference, one child at a time. 


This is MY World Vision ... What's yours? :)

* Find out more ways how you can help. Please log on to www.worldvision.org.ph today or call 372-7777.


Thursday, January 26, 2012

A Night of Dancing with MAMMA MIA! in Manila

I just had one of my dreams come true! That is, to watch MAMMA MIA! live on stage :)


I posted an announcement about the show coming to Manila a few days ago (click here to read that post which also contain backgrounders). Since we attended the press con, some of my friends and I were fortunate enough to get invites to the opening night. I, of course, asked my sister to be my plus one because she's also a big fan of ABBA songs and the movie and we have been both dreaming of seeing the live show years ago. (Read her review here and watch the adorable video of my niece, who was only two years old at the time, singing You Can Dance ... I mean, Dancing Queen! :p)


But before I watched the show proper, I was invited to preview two songs in the afternoon of January 24. There, I got to take photos and videos of the actual performances of Mamma Mia and Dancing Queen and the cast members were awesome! They did each number twice so we can take photos and videos separately. I found that such a thoughtful gesture.


I went back home to Alabang after the sneak peek to freshen up and wait for my sister. When night came, we excitedly traveled back to CCP and arrived at Harbor Square around 7 p.m. Knowing we still have an hour to spare, we decided to eat dinner first. Unfortunately, we had to wait to be seated at the restaurant we chose to dine in and had to wait again for the food and, later, the bill. Time seemed to have slowed down significantly because the staff got distracted by a group of carolers, (Yes, in January!) who came in to sing and ask money from the customers. Long story short, we got out of there much longer than we wanted to.

We didn't get to see this scene :(
And so we arrived at the CCP while the National Anthem was already being played. Rushing, we lined up at the side entrance with about a dozen or more other people only to be told by an usher that we had to wait for the second song to be finished before we could get in! At the time, the show hasn't even started yet inside. Everybody there was asking him why we can't temporarily stand just inside the door, or sit on the stairs, whatever, just so we could catch everything from the beginning. He just repeatedly told us to wait ... and wait ... and wait without giving us a clear explanation why we had to. Up to now, I still don't understand what the reason behind all the waiting was :(


After 45 years, we were finally allowed inside. We have missed two songs already by that time. The scene we caught was the tail end of Money, Money, Money before the three possible dads entered the stage. (And I so wanted to see how they did the reunion scenes of the two sets of girl friends :S) Of course we were really disappointed at the way the usher handled the matter especially when we saw another usher allowing people to pass by the very front row to get to their seats while the show was already ongoing. Anyway, we just decided to forget the incident and simply enjoy the show. And enjoy it, we did! 


Having seen (and totally loved) the movie though, I wondered how the theater set up would be and how the story flow would go. Despite the many differences on film and on stage, the live version is FANTASTIC! The movable set pieces were very versatile -- imagine the taverna being turned into a bedroom or a beach front and back, in seconds. The flawless lighting likewise helped so much in accentuating everything that needed to be emphasized.  


Plus, the costumes were very colorful! I loved so many pieces I saw that night but the one that caught my eye the most was Tanya's blue and white shift dress. That was so divine! I wish I could find something like that, or have one made, one of these days.

Because the audio system was really good, we heard all the words and lyrics clearly. The singing voices of the lead actors are phenomenal. Charlotte Wakefield (who plays Sophie) has got some strong lungs. I love her crystal pipes especially when she hits the high notes. I also had goosebumps when Donna (Sara Poyzer), Tanya (Kate Graham), and Rosie (Jennie Dale) sang the opening lines of Super Trooper a capella. Hearing it sung live, and by good singers, was really something. I should moreover mention that the choreography was exceptional.


I'd say the casting was done really well. The three dads did great justice to their roles. Charles Daish (as Bill), Richard Standing (as Sam), and Matthew Lloyd Davies (as Harry) had great comedic timing. They were really funny and bantered easily with each other. Earlier in the day, I had a chance to have one-on-one chats each with Charles and Richard and they both expressed how excited they were to be performing in Manila.  

Watching Sara, Kate, and Jennie play the roles of Donna, Tanya, and Rosie, it's not difficult to imagine that they must also be really good friends behind the curtains. The three women have great chemistry; the way they they sang their songs together is unforgettable; and they are such a fun group to watch especially during the bedroom scene when they sang Chiquitita and Dancing Queen.


I could attest that David Roberts (who plays Sky, Sophie's fiance) had many of the young female members of the audiences figuratively drooling during the Lay All Your Love on Me segment. What happened? Well, you have to watch the show to find out! :p

All the scenes that involved any singing were wonderful. But my favorites among those include the one where Donna sang Winner Takes It All to Sam [Trivia: Richard told me they're husband and wife in real life :)]; the one when Harry and Donna sang Our Last Summer (but I also love the one in the film where it was Sophie and the three guys who sang this song); the tender moment when Donna was singing Slipping Through My Fingers as she helped Sophie dress for the wedding; and the hilarious Take a Chance on Me number of Bill and Rosie.


The whole production (well, the parts we did get to watch) went on smoothly and swiftly -- too fast for many of us who didn't want the show to end. By the time the cast members were taking a bow, my seatmates and I were wondering why nobody seemed to want to stand up and cheer. I guess people were shyly waiting for others to make the first move. When a few individuals did start standing up one at a time, my companions and I followed suit. 

By that time, the cast were starting the Mamma Mia number and we began singing and dancing along. I barely noticed if the people behind us (we were in the third row) also stood up to join the fun. The lights were dimmed before they revealed Donna and the Dynamos who sang Dancing Queen. The euphoria inside the CCP Main Theater went up several notches higher as more people stood up to clap, sing, and dance, too.


When Dancing Queen ended, Sara shouted, "Manila, gusto n'yo pa?" and the deafening answer was "Yes!" They performed Waterloo to our utmost delight. That capped off our memorable experience of watching an undisputed and deserving worldwide smash hit. My hands were sore by the time I remembered to stop clapping. The show is THAT amazing! 


So, should you watch MAMMA MIA! in Manila? Definitely! You'll be missing a lot if you don't! Just arrive really early so you'll get to watch the show in full. 

* Photos without watermark are official photos from the MAMMA MIA! press kit


Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Pantene’s Healthy Hair for Healthy Water Campaign

Many of us take our clean drinking water for granted when we have plenty of supply and our sources are very accessible. Many of you who are reading this can probably just buy bottled water from the nearest store or have several gallons delivered by a trusted water station whenever needed. 

Still, there are many parts of the world where it's still hard to acquire clean water for drinking. Thankfully, Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines’ hair care brand Pantene joins the cause to give children safe drinking water with the launch of its “Healthy Hair for Healthy Water” Campaign.


The initiative supports the P&G Children’s Safe Drinking Water (CSDW) Program, a long-term global advocacy program that focuses on reducing sickness and death that result from water-borne illnesses caused by drinking contaminated water.

This 2012, Pantene, with P&G’s CSDW program, will provide water purification packets in the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia. Filipinos are encouraged to donate one day of clean drinking water through online pledges at the Pantene facebook page (www.facebook.com/PantenePhilippines).


Dr. Greg Allgood, Director of the P&G CSDW Program is excited to have Pantene strengthen the campaign in the Philippines. After a recent visit to Siargo, he affirmed that the program will provide more than 17 million days (equivalent to 34 million liters) of clean drinking water during the next year for more than 25,000 of the most vulnerable people living in remote areas that only have contaminated water sources. 

According to P&G’s External Relations Leader, Clint Navales, their goal is to be able to get 10,000,000 pledges all over Asia, "So we would like to invite Filipinos to support our campaign by visiting the Pantene Facebook page and giving their pledge. We’ve seen through recent calamities how difficult it is to have access to something as basic as clean drinking water, and also how important clean water is to prevent disease in these situations. With the Pantene Healthy Hair Healthy Water campaign, you now not only get healthy hair, but you help give a child good health through clean drinking water”.


The P&G CSDW Program started in 2004 using a powdered water-purification technology developed in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Imagine, one small packet can quickly turn 10 liters of dirty, potentially deadly water into clean, drinkable water!

The program collaborates with more than 120 partners worldwide to respond to the greatest needs for clean water. To date, clean drinking water has already been provided in over 65 developing countries.

Recently, P&G’s CSDW was able to donate clean water to communities hit by Sendong through a partnership with World Vision Philippines. They were able to distribute 600,000 water purification packets to the survivors, including more than 500 families in Mandulog and nearby communities, which was one of the areas hardest hit by the typhoon in Iligan.


Through the Pantene Healthy Hair for Healthy Water program, P&G is hopeful that the campaign will touch and improve the lives of the people who need it the most. “I’m very grateful to P&G and World Vision Philippines for the work they’re doing to reach the most vulnerable people in very remote places where clean drinking water will make a big difference in improving and likely saving lives." emphasized Dr. Allgood.

I just made a pledge at Pantene's Facebook page. It's easy and there's no purchase required. You just choose one of three pledges about things you'll do to keep your hair healthy then click the submit button. Join this worthwhile cause now!


Movie Review: J. Edgar

I don't really know much about J. Edgar Hoover. I just know that his position in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made him one of the most powerful men in America -- equal to, or even surpassing, power the country's presidents wield. (Imagine, his reign in the FBI lasted through eight presidencies!)

Watching the movie J. Edgar made it easier for me to know more about this famous man without the need to pore through any biography books or dozens of articles I don't have time to read. I'm glad I went to the press preview the other day because I did learn a lot not only about Hoover but also a bit more of U.S. history.


Leonardo DiCaprio (his interview about the movie here) has definitely evolved into a gifted actor over the years. I haven't been able to watch Inception yet but I heard he was also good in it. In J. Edgar, he was able to portray a complex and enigmatic man who trusted very few people in his lifetime. It must be really hard to play a role that spans decades but DiCaprio made it work. He was very believable in his portrayal of an eager man in his 20's up to an old man in his '70s. It helped a lot that the makeup, which aided the aging transformations, were also exceptional.


I loved how Naomi Watts played Helen Gandy, Hoover's personal secretary who was loyal 'til the end. The woman must have been a paragon in real life! Dame Judi Dench, likewise, did a wonderful performance as Hoover's intimidating but soft-spoken mom. (Interviews with Watts and Dench here). It was a revelation how such an influential man's demeanor could still be reduced into that of a little boy's every time he's in the presence of his mother. DiCaprio and Dench shared several unforgettable scenes in the movie that showcased both their acting talents.


Armie Hammer (more about him here) portrayed Clyde Tolson, Hoover's right hand man, friend, and rumored lover. The relationship between the two men were slowly revealed throughout the story and I couldn't help but feel sorry for them because, despite the close companionship they shared, not being able to show their real feelings to the public or even to themselves must have been a source of loneliness and isolation for years. As producer Brian Grazer observed, "They were both a product of their time." Kudos though for both men because the emotions that came across the screen felt very genuine.
   

Of course, being a very private person, we'll never exactly know what really went behind closed doors in Hoover's personal life. But at least, we were given glimpses of who Hoover was and what must have been going on in his mind when he made those decisions, some of which are still making an impact in today's world.


Director Clint Eastwood has once again created a masterpiece. This is one of those movies that switch from the past and present times with such speed that would normally confuse viewers. Surprisingly, it wasn't hard to follow everything that's happening. That's how good the editing was!

If you enjoy watching biopics, you'll like J. Edgar. Catch it in Philippine cinemas starting today, January 25. It's distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company


Monday, January 23, 2012

3D Vizion: Changing the Philippines’ Advertising Landscape

The next time you pass by Glorietta 3 in Makati, take time to check out the TV screen located at the ground floor that showcases 3D clips which you can clearly view without needing 3D glasses. It’s really, really something!


The group behind this innovation is 3D Vizion, a budding company that has come up with a ground-breaking technology that takes the best of high-definition 2D technology and the latest in 3D technology to come up with a platform where advertisers can showcase their products and services using glasses-free 3D screens.

According to 3D Vizion’s President and CEO, Ms. Katrina Bantug, glasses-free 3D screens leave such a lasting imprint that studies have shown it is 10 times more effective compared to regular 3D media. “In the US, a study discovered that when used in a mall, the sales of the brand featured in the glasses-free 3D screen went up at least 12% in addition to the store reporting a 34% increase in consumer traffic.”


3D Vizion was founded on the premise of providing the best for Filipinos – by Filipinos. After all, we have always been at the forefront of innovation. Remember, the inventors of the fluorescent light and even the yoyo are Filipinos! Bantug shares, “When we decided to pursue this, we had only one intention in mind – to come up with a company that will revolutionize the way we do advertising here in the country – to provide our countrymen with the best available technology out there. She is joined by Mr. Mohan Kulkarni and DEMIKK Holdings, Inc., represented by Mr. Ruben Tiu in envisioning a fully-operational Filipino company that offers world-class and first-class products and services.

Ground-breaking

The revolutionary advertising technology not just catches attention but, ultimately, generates sales. It is slowly being recognized as the new standard platform for a more cost-efficient yet undeniably effective mass marketing.


3D Vizion’s screens are a step up from the usual 3D screens we’re used to seeing inside movie houses. Since they’re smaller, they can be displayed almost anywhere thus providing more spots for viewing and enabling viewers to watch without the usual red and blue glasses that may cause headaches among other discomforts or the heavy 3D glasses we’re usually given inside the cinemas.

Moreover, various researches revealed that similar technology has a proven track record of heightened engagement, yielding 92% in memory retention among audience, with 68% of the number displaying a higher probability of following the experience with a purchase. Recall-wise, the images I saw during the press launch (the iPhone, the Budweiser bottle, and the floating ducks) are indeed still very clear in my mind days after we were shown the sample clips.

Studies conducted in other industries, such as education, also prove the effectiveness of the medium in making people perceive, understand, and remember ideas. Personally, if this technology makes it to Philippine schools, I’m excited just thinking how the technology could positively boost students’ learning capacities!


At the moment though, the bottom line for advertisers is that getting the attention of media-savvy consumers, who are bombarded with information left and right, and rising above all these is an act of survival. What 3D Vizion offers is helping the industry to keep growing and working towards better ways of engaging with the mass market.

For more information about 3D Vizion and its products and services, please contact Susana Eslava at 695-1111 or 706- 7999 or visit their website at www.3dvscreens.com.

Please help this write up win in 3D Vizion’s blogging contest sponsored by Amorita Resort www.amoritaresort.com. You can support this entry by clicking the FB Like button below or sharing the link (http://mommywrites.blogspot.com/2012/01/3d-vizion-changing-philippines.html) in your FB status. Thanks :)


Sunday, January 22, 2012

Family-Friendly Places: Paradizoo, Cavite and Residence Inn, Tagaytay

When we hear the word zoo, we usually think of animals in cages with signs that say, “Do not feed” or “Do not touch.” We just go there to look and not interact with the zoo’s residents.


I didn’t quite know what to expect when my friends and I were invited to visit Paradizoo in Mendez, Cavite last Saturday. It’s very near Tagaytay and has the same cool weather. We arrived there early in the morning and felt the chill right after alighting from the van. I was grateful to take a sip of the hot chocolate drink we were served at the Paradizoo Café and eat spoonfuls of a soup they call Goto Mendez. We also got to try some puto and a glass of refreshing chilled lemongrass (or was it pandan?) juice.


After the nice breakfast which warmed our tummies, we toured the 10-hectare agri-tourism enclave and spent time enjoying the wide open spaces where some animals are free to roam. There are also big, fenced in areas where there are camels, ostriches, horses, ponies, and a five-legged bull!


One of our first stops is a big bird cage where people can go inside and feed the winged creatures. My 13-year-old son joined some of our friends and got “mugged” by the little birds trying to get to the seeds on Daniel’s hands. Seed packets are sold at 10 each. Before we left Paradizoo some hours later, the rest of us also got in the cage to experience feeding the birds out of our hands. It was a fun but very ticklish experience in my case :p


Aside from that exciting stop, we got to walk among very colorful and beautiful flower gardens. We also passed by rows of different vegetables that visitors can buy fresh. If you are a salad lover, know that you can buy lettuce there for only P100 a kilo! The farm also has fruit bearing plants like banana, pineapples, mangoes, coconut, jackfruit, and honeydew melon. There is practically no wastage as all the animals eat the grass as well as fruit peelings and even coconut meat.


More things are waiting to be discovered inside Paradizoo. We watched Greyhounds race each other along a wide track, went inside the butterfly enclosure where we had photos taken with the butterflies that settled on our hands, and visited a well-kept pet cemetery.


Paradizoo will also delight nature lovers who are interested in learning about clean vegetable farming practices that include seeding techniques, plant nutrition, cultural management, and irrigation and water management. Almost all the animals in Paradizoo are for sale as well as their vegetable harvests, honey from the bees, and honey-pineapple vinegar.


An agri-festival featuring livestock, vegetable, and floral fair will run from January 21 to February 25 at Paradizoo. Highlights of the event includes Greyhound racing demo, animal parade and show, animal auction, vegetable picking, seminars, organic fertilizer application, and more.


This theme farm has accommodations available for those who wish to stay longer. Spend the night at Caribbean style view deck rooms and watch magic and pantomime shows on weekends. Their newest attractions include a fish spa and a spa sanctuary where you can release stress and experience a relaxing back or head massage by a therapist.


Before we headed back to Manila, we dropped by Residence Inn in Tagaytay. I haven’t been to the place for years and it’s pleasantly surprising to see that they have added new attractions that are sure to entice guests to return again and again. There, we watched an entertaining animal show and some of us got to hold/touch several animals like a tarantula, scorpions, gecko, and a HUGE albino snake. My son and adventurous friends gamely tried almost everything but I settled on having a photo taken with the large spider on my jacket sleeve :D


We also got to ride a zipline and a cable car for the first time and the experiences were amazing! You’ve got to try those when you visit Residence Inn with friends and family! The cool wind on my face was very refreshing and the beautiful view of Taal Lake with the Taal Volcano was always a sight to see. The company of my friends, who are really great to be with, made the day ten times more fun and unforgettable.


Paradizoo, a project of Residence Inn, is located at Km 63 Panungyan Mendez, Cavite. They are open from 8AM to 4PM every day, including holidays. For inquiries, please call 899-9824, 895-7142, or 0917-8351111. You can also log in to www.zoomanity.com.ph and like www.facebook.com/zoomanitygroup

*Photos used are a hodge-podge of shots from my and my friends' cameras. Thank you guys for letting me borrow your pictures :)