This Means War

 

            Since I’ve been hearing positive feedbacks about the movie This Means War, I made sure to catch it on cinema.

 

            The movie is about CIA’s two top agents who are actually the best of friends and a woman who is trying to get over her ex-boyfriend’s engagement. So what happens if these two inseparable guys battle against that one girl?

            The British Tuck, played by Tom Hardy, is in search of finding a new love and signed up in an online dating network. There, he met and soon dated Lauren Scott. 

             Chris Pine as FDR, helped his best friend Tuck and served as a backup on his date. But eventually bumped into Lauren, got his attention and asked for a date.

            Later on, Lauren Scott played by Reese Witherspoon, found herself dating these two guys not knowing they are friends and became really confused of who to choose.

            Although there were flaws and it was obvious who Lauren would pick, I still enjoyed the whole experience. I like how action, comedy and romance were all rolled into one film. I also find it cute because it wasn’t the typical CIA-related serious action movie. Probably not at their best, but the actors especially Witherspoon, made it all worthwhile.

            The story just showed me the real test of friendship and the difference that love can make to a person. I also learned that in love and relationship, we must choose the one who can make us a better person. 

            Lastly, I just love how this feel-good movie kept me smiling up to the very end. :)

 

 

            This Means War

            Action Romantic Comedy 

            Directed by: McG

            Casts: Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy

UNOFFICIALLY YOURS

            Since I was single and working during the Valentine’s Day, my family and I celebrated this occasion only last Saturday, February 18. So what did we do? Being an Angel Locsin fan and pretty excited about her latest movie, where else would I invite my family? In cinema and watch UnOfficially Yours definitely!

            The movie is about a guy, Mackie, who came from failed relationships but considers falling in love again and a modern-day woman, Ces, who doesn’t believe in commitments. Then they met in a very strange event. What happens if the other wants to take it into the next, serious level and the other still finds it for fun?

            I think, John Lloyd who played the role of Mackie Galvez, has mastered the art of making pa-“kilig” in his movies. He may not have the sexiest body, but he has captured every girl’s heart. There was this particular scene where he said to Angel (Ces), “Naghihintay lang ng inspirasyon… Uy, nandyan ka na pala…”, then started to type really fast on his keyboard/PC. It was funny but really felt that “kilig”. I’ve seen JL’s movies since One More Chance and this must be his most daring film – well, in terms of baring too much skin.:p

            As an Angel Locsin fan and having been able to watch almost all her movies, I can say she truly has grown as an artist. Playing the role of Ces, she was able to sustain that level of maturity of an actress she has already showed in In The Name of Love. For me, Angel was very effective with her character that I nearly forgot it was her and dama ko siya talaga! Feminism in the film is quite evident in Angel’s character as she portrays a very strong and independent woman. Since The Promise, I think Angel just keeps on becoming bolder in her movies. And here in her latest, without a doubt, she really is Philippines’ Sexiest Woman/Celebrity – deserve na deserve!

            At lot of people have perceived this movie as a rip-off of Hollywood’s Friends With Benefits and No Strings Attached, but director Cathy Garcia-Molina did it great by making a not-so-old-not-so-new concept appear fresh. These movies may have similarly tackled casual sex relationship, but UnOfficially Yours differed by having a story with a very pinoy approach; like how families affect with the two main characters and how involved friends are in this situation. It is also nice that an old Filipino custom like Harana has still become a part of this very modern love story done in a modern way.

            As I’ve said, I was with my conservative family including my mom and lola, when I watched this. Although it was very sexy, they never find it bastos or anything like that. The director perfectly made those love making hidden in a very hilarious scene. I was laughing so hard specifically in that wild, “kalabugan” scene where Mackie’s friends were just waiting for them outside his room.

Overall, I completely enjoyed the movie. I find it amazing how a light romantic-comedy film took me into their world and captured my attention all throughout. I also love how they all seem to be so fab with their outfits especially Angel. It shows that no matter how toxic the workplace is, anyone should still look fashionable. 

UnOfficially Yours is not your typical love story where boy meets girl then someone comes along that gives conflict to the story. Here, it teaches us that there are relationships that start in an unconventional way; that it is the couple themselves that complicates everything; that sometimes, relationship doesn’t really need an official status but understanding; and, that we should never easily give up and surrender in love. At the end, it made me think why I still stay single. Am I like Ces who is just afraid of commitments and getting hurt? Or, am I just waiting for someone like Mackie who would do such effort and make me believe in love again? Choss!

           UnOfficially Yours is definitely a Must-See movie for people who are in love, got hurt and wants to try and fall in love again!

Single on Valentine's Day?

Now that Valentine’s Day is finally approaching, most people would feel that LOVE already is in the air! 

Couples, for sure, are now busy preparing and planning for their V-day date. Flowers, chocolates and balloons are all over the place. We would also notice that restaurants and cinemas are full of lovers on the 14^th. But what if you are SINGLE on this very special day? What can you do to enjoy this event?

Hmmm ., broken-hearted?

I think it would best to be with your friends in celebrating this affair if you are mending a broken heart. Who else can make you laugh really hard and forget such painful situation but your friends, right? Sometimes, bonding with your buddies on Valentine’s Day can even make your friendship stronger. The only thing is, sana SINGLE din silang lahat para di ka maingit. Chos! 

“Can you be my Valentine?”

If there is that one person you wanted to be with on this event, go, and ask him/her to be your Valentine date! I think this is just so easy for guys – they only need GUTS and enough MONEY. ;p But for women like me, it would really be hard to ask a guy for a date. It would require too much COURAGE and FIGHTING SPIRIT to do it! And also, we have these tradition or Filipino values instilled to us that, that men should ALWAYS do the first move. But then again, we are all entitled with our own opinion, so, kanya-kanyang paniniwala lang yan. What’s important here is, make sure that the person you wanted to be with is also single! :p

Spend it with your FAMILY.

Is Valentine’s only meant for LOVERS? I don’t think so. For me, this is the season where in we celebrate LOVE ., not only for our partner, but also for those people dear to us – including our family. If all your friends are in a relationship and you got rejected by that person in your mind, to whom would you run to? To your family, right? Show your love and have your family as your date. :)

Single.

Whether you came from a failed relationship or a painful past, it is okay to be bitter; curse all the lovers in the world and try to pretend that Valentine’s Day doesn’t exists. Guess it is part of the healing process and our defense mechanism. But let us remember our family and friends. They are the ones who would definitely make us feel better. 

In love with a particular person? Say it. They deserve to know that they are loved. If they don’t feel the same way for you, surely you’ll get hurt; but eventually, you’ll learn to accept it. At least, nasabi mo and you’ll have no regrets and what ifs. I know it is always a different case for us girls. Pero siguro kaya nga ata merong Valentine’s Day eh, for us to have an excuse in making such major, bold move. But like I’ve said, diskarte mo na yan girl, it is always up to you.

 Does it really matter if you’re single or taken on the Heart’s Day? Well, for me, this is an occasion where we celebrate the presence of LOVE and remember how great it is. This is also the moment that we acknowledge those people we really care about, may it be your special someone, friend/s or family members. Married? In a relationship? It’s Complicated? Those are just status. I believe, what’s important is, we recognize and continue to show and spread LOVE. 

Happy Happy Valentine’s Day!  Love! Love! Love! :)

Tagaytay trip 2012

            For several years now, it has been a tradition in our family to go to Tagaytay during the month of January. Why? Well, I really don’t know, probably for us to feel the coldness of the season.

             And so, early this month - last January 8, we went to Tagaytay. 

            First thing we did when we got there was, to do grocery then dine at the famous Mushroom Burger…

Smile muna while waiting for the food :)

This wishing well is located just outside the resto :)

            Then we visited Our Lady of Manaoag. I’m not sure if it has been there for a long time now coz the only Shrine of Manaoag I know is, the one located in Pangasinan. 

The image of Our Lady of Manaoag

(R) The Forgiveness Corner ; (L) The place where people write their personal prayers

Images of Mama Mary, Jesus Christ and other saints

Station of the Cross outside the shrine

            I’m sure anyone would feel blessed after visiting a holy place, because that’s how I felt afterwards. So glad we made it there – it was our first time! :)

Jesus Christ on the Cross located at the 3rd floor of the Shrine

With the very huge image of Our Lady of Manaoag :)

            And since we’re already in Tagaytay, we sure didn’t want to miss trying out the ZipLine. So later in our trip, we went to the Picnic Grove and seek to experience the adventure that they offer. 

That is me on the right with ate Lara and Shan on her back ..

Our souvenir from the Tagaytay Zipline .. :)

            We can also never deny the beauty of nature in Tagaytay ...

At the Picnic Grove

I forgot where was this taken .. heheh!

            To complete our trip, we dropped by the Mahogany market and bought some fresh beef. We definitely had fun the whole day and a great way to start the fully loaded week! :)

Hello 2012 !!!!!

            As we say hello to 2012, I’m sure we are all excited to welcome it with a bang!

            When I was younger, I remember our family would prepare lots of foods, lucky charms and fireworks and follow almost all the rituals in welcoming the New Year.

            But since 2 years ago, we stopped buying firecrackers and would just watch our neighbor's fireworks display. It is safer and cost-effective. And all we got to do is prepare lots of foods -- yummy and colorful foods! :)

            I made some of our colourful main dishes such as Spaghetti in Chunky Tomato with Basil sauce, Sweet and Sour Pork, Fried Fish Fillet with 2 choices of sauce – cream of tartar or lemon and butter sauce.

Funny yang Cream of tartar, alam ko gawin before pa di ko lang alam yung tawag. hahah!

            My mom prepared her favourite Caldereta and Steamed Shrimps – all red, perfect for to welcome the New Year! (pampaswerte :p )

            For our dessert, Charmaine did the fruit salad, kuya bought the cassava cake and ate lara for the strawberries with cream.

Strawberries were super fresh from Baguio. :)

            When the clock was about to turn at 12mn, we immediately performed rituals or pamahiin for the event like, opening and exposing our wallets and bags, hanging 7 pieces of grapes, jumping, making noise and of course, the EATING TIME!

And definitely,  the 12 round fruits completes our table!

            I know this entry came very late, but since it’s Better Late Than Never, I wanna say ...

            Happy Happy New Year and may we all have a joyful and fruitful 2012 !! :)

           

A Look Back at 2011

            Just like most people do, I also feel that this year went so fast. 2011 may seemed so short, but a lot of things have happened that are really memorable. So as I look back, let me share the highlights of my year. :)

            In terms of career, hmmm, paano ba to? Well, I am a nurse and as we all know, there is a scarcity of jobs that are really nursing related. And definitely, I don’t want to just sit around and be a bum at home. So what I did was, put up a business. 

            Early January, my mom and I started planning to run a small business. We decided to have a food stall business. After gathering all the equipment and everything needed for the stand, we inaugurated the Mini Burger Stand first week of February near St. James College of Q.C.

The tarpaulin I used for the stall. Very affordable lang lahat! :)

            It was doing well naman, although not at its best or di ganoon ka-boom, we were not lugi at all. But I had to stop at the end of March because my market (mostly students of SJC) will be on vacation. We planned to be back on June, unfortunately, didn’t push through.

            I know doing business is far from being a nurse, but I did because I know I had to. And since I wasn’t able to get back, I tried to apply from different companies that are hiring nurses. It was in August when I got hired in a vaccine manufacturing company as their clinic nurse. They were consistent in sending me messages of when I am going to start working, but they were also consistent enough in moving the date. I patiently waited until, they stopped texting in November.

            While waiting, I also tried looking for other sources of income. I joined a direct selling company that sells imported perfumes from Europe – FM group. In fairness, their products are really mabango and the fragrance lasts long! And I recommend it to everyone. 690php for an Eau de Parfum is worth it! Then I also joined an Online Essay Writing group and it was just lately that I became their new member.

FM Fragrances

            In terms of my social life naman, this year I realized that, Ang samahan na nabuo noong high school ay ibang klase talaga! What I’m trying to say is, the friendship built since high school actually stays and they are the ones one can definitely rely on. 

            When I celebrated my birthday last March, they were present. When my family needed help, and even until my grandfather died, they were there too. Kahit pa not physically present and only through phone lang, at least I have someone to talk to. And of course, if there’s an important occasion, sama-sama at winner pa din ang attendance! (Related article  here )

With Arraine, Ernest, Harty, Beszy and Karen during my 23rd birthday celebration :)

With Daisy, She and Nina. DCNS reunion when the Japan based Daisy had her vacation :)

At the Leopando-Virtudazo Wedding with Gelai, Karen, Ms. Eva May and MJ. Ernest took this photo.

            When we talk naman about my family, well, we never left each other’s side whenever there’s a major happening sa amin.

            April this year, Buboy graduated from high school and he is now studying in UST.  Proud cousin lang ang drama ko! :) 

At Sto. Domingo Church. Buboy graduated high school from Angelicum.

            We were always complete in every family celebration, especially during birthdays, and just recently this Christmas.

Lolo's 86th birthday. Our family with some of our relatives! :)

Attended mass in St. Padre Pio Church

Random lang to. Natuwa lang ako sa amin dito, kaya sabi ko, "Picture! Picture!" :)

At Sam's 7th birthday held at Jollibee. With our cousin kuya John-John and his gf here.

My cousin Charmaine's birthday at Lamesa Grill. With her friend Precious here.

            But, the major shaker in our family this year was, when my grandfather died last September. It was really, really heartbreaking. :(  Though it may seem hard to go on after losing a family member, life is still, about moving forward. (Related article here )

            And to ease the loneliness we were feeling, after the celebration of lolo’s 40 days, Tita Dayday gave us a gift. We welcomed another member in our family – Bruno. :)

Named after Bruno Mars. Obvious ba?

            Then when it comes to love life … uhmm .. hmmm?? Speechless??  Well, that is what I’m kinda looking forward to in the coming year. Heheh!  Basta, buo lang paniniwala ko na andyan lang yan. It is just there waiting for the right time. And I’m just Right Here Waiting, chos! :p Like I’ve said, I now believe in Fate and I love love. :)

            As a whole, 2011 was just an A-Okay-Year but I will always remember the lessons and experiences I gained. At yun ang babaunin ko as we face another year. I do not have a particular New Year’s Resolution list, because I can only promise myself that I will try and do my best to become a better person. 

            Lastly, it was also this year that I started writing or having my own blog. :)  To everyone who gets to read this, and who have been part of my 2011, more years to come for us! Cheers!

            Goodbye 2011 … Hello and Welcome 2012 !! :)