Pinoy Films: OTJ and Lihis

            Just a week ago, I was able to catch two (2) Pinoy Films, OTJ: On The Job and Lihis. Meaning, this post may have come a little too delayed. ;)

            Directed by Erik Matti, starring Piolo Pascual, Gerald Anderson, Joel Torre, Joey Marquez and many more, OTJ which was distributed by star cinema, is a film that tackles high crimes in the country that involves government officials, military men and prisoners.

            The story is about murder cases committed by hired killers from prison, Tatang (Joel Torre) and apprentice Daniel (Gerald Anderson). These cases were first handled by a police officer, Sgt. Acosta (Joey Marquez) which was then transferred to NBI, and was passionately attended by Atty. Francis Coronel (Piolo Pascual). As these two law enforcers tried to search for answers and the murderers, they found out that it was the job and business of a high ranking military man, Gen. Pacheco (Leo Martinez) and with the knowledge of a corrupt government official, Cong. Manrique (Micheal De Mesa).

            I think the actors played well the whole time during the film as they were able to convince me with their characters. There is no doubt that Mr. Torre may receive awards from his portrayal as Tatang. It was unusual, but it was good to see Gerald Anderson played a dark character as a hired killer. Although full of emotions, Joey Marquez as the police officer gave some hilarious scenes which lightens the movie. Piolo Pascual the NBI agent being trained to do dirty jobs by his father-in-law, played by Micheal de Mesa, provided the sex appeal of a man fighting to do what is right. 

            What I dislike about the film are the scenes that don’t seem to be important but were included; like those sex scenes which I thought took so much time as to what it was supposed to be. The texture was already close to or can already be compared to a commercial movie. As a whole, the film deserves all the recognition that it has been getting.

            I find the story relevant as it seems to depict a real life situation in our country that we, Filipinos, may not have knowledge about. It seems that the makers of the film are trying to convey a message about the illegal system of some government officials that are not divulged to us. I hope this serves as an eye opener for everyone to become vigilant in terms of what are happening I our country.

The other movie, Lihis, is an indie film which stars Jake Cuenca, Joem Bascon, Lovi Poe, Isabelle Daza and Gloria Diaz.

            The story is about the struggles and acceptance of a forbidden love – gay relationship in a rebel or communist group during the 1980s. The story of the gay couple was brought up by a history teacher/journalist, Ada (Isabelle Daza), the daughter of Ka Jasmine (Gloria Diaz, Lovi Poe) and Ka Domeng (Joem Bascon) as she searched for the truth about a massacre in an old town during the rebellion in Marcos’ regime. It was later revealed that her father had an affair with his comrade, Ka Jimmy (Jake Cuenca), which he later chose over her mother (Lovi Poe).

            While I thought it was just focusing on the LGBT theme, I believe it also shows the cruelty of the government towards media people and trying to hide the truth among nation’s people nowadays. The movie also illustrates the great effort of those rebels to survive while hiding in the mountains as they show their resistance against the government during the 80s. 

            As gay couple, Jake and Joem played well with their characters and in their intimate scenes. There were no signs of hesitations as they exposed so much flesh. Lovi Poe perfectly fits to play as a strong willed woman and showed her sexiness with her intimate scenes with Joem. Even as a newbie, I think Isabelle Daza’s acting was already satisfactory. What I just didn’t like about the film was some irrelevant scenes, like Isabelle’s sexy scene with Alex Castro, which were included in the movie.

 

            Overall, I think the film was good, it was okay. I like the fact that it imparts the message of acceptance among gays or same-sex affairs even during the time of rebellion and what love can do to protect your people.

 

Once is enough. Twice is too much. Thrice is ...

            We would often hear this saying anywhere from anyone, but “thrice” is actually what? What will happen after an event comes for the third time? Well, maybe it depends upon the situation. Maybe the third sentence can be completed with a lot of different words that can describe the weight and severity of the situation.

            I think it can be … Once is enough. Twice is too much. Thrice is IRRITATING. Sometimes, when we keep on repeating a statement, a question, a command up to the third time can be quite irritating. It is as if that person is so slow on picking things up or can be a lazy one. Or maybe that person is neglecting you and simply doesn’t pay any attention on you. Kabadtrip lang! But then, sometimes, it can also be sooo irritating to hear a statement or command more than twice. Hearing similar things (especially if it is a command) on repeat seems to be so annoying. Unlimited lang te? One may not help it but feel dumb if an instruction is continuously reiterated. Ano yun, SLOW lang yung tao? Hindi maka-pick up? KAASAR ah.  And worst is, you just have to say, “Yes, okay” after every repeated instruction.

            Then I browsed through the internet, checked on with google … And I saw, “Once is enough. Twice is too much. Thrice is STUPIDITY.” I guess this is very much related to pain due to Love and Relationship. This may have been stated after a hurtful action done by one that has occurred three times. It is as if you’ve been fooled twice and you let it happen for the third time, definitely you will be tagged as someone stupid. If someone has hurt you for the first time and gave him/her a second chance, is as if giving that person “an extra bullet for their gun because they missed you the first time”.  Then they actually did the same thing. So what more if you give them another chance? It’s gonna be like the third bullet to be shot at you. Then that already is STUPIDITY. There may be a lot of reasons for giving a person so many chances to either change for the better or eventually hurt us again. It may not end to thrice but may continue to hurt us for the fourth time, fifth time and so on. Bottom line here is, how long and how many times do we really have to suffer and endure the pain just for us to realize we’re becoming stupid already?  

            Back in college, I can still clearly recall one of my professors’ statement, “Once is enough. Twice is too much. Thrice is dangerous.”  Yeah, she said it is already dangerous once an event happens for the third time. Well, maybe it is because, we may not know what we can do after realizing that everything went more than too much. Emotions might explode right after recognizing that events and acts are now IRRITATING and making us look STUPID.

            In this case, I think one must have a conscious effort to avoid letting someone go beyond his or her limits. Remember, Lahat ng bagay may hangganan. We may not expect it, but certain action can be executed once a person has had enough and more than too much ...

 

Four Sisters and A Wedding

                 As a kick-off to their 20th year anniversary, Star Cinema started their celebration by releasing a Drama-Comedy Family-Oriented film ... the Four Sisters and A Wedding ... And just last Friday, on its 3rd day of showing, I was able to finally catch the movie on cinema. Well ... I guess I truly enjoyed the movie because for the second time, I watched it again and dragged my family to check out Four Sisters and A Wedding in cinema last Sunday ... Starring Toni Gonzaga, Bea Alonzo, Angel Locsin, Shaina Magadayao and Enchong Dee, directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, the film was about the four sisters who all gathered and went back home trying to come up with a plan in order to protect their youngest sibling, their baby brother from getting married. . .

The eldest among the siblings was Teddie Salazar. She was their mother's favorite, the leader among the sisters, and was working hard in Spain. Teddie was effectively played by Toni Gonzaga. Almost all of her jokes and funny lines and scenes were executed very well. Pasok sa banga! And after being able to watch her previous movies, I can say that she performed best in this film. I was finally moved by her acting during the confrontation scene with Coney Reyes, the mother Salazar. Toni seemed to have given her co-stars the kind of acting that would level to the other's capability.

Teddie was followed by Bobbie Salazar. Bobbie was the achiever, the smartest, most proper, working in New York, USA and was in a relationship. Bea Alonzo portrayed the role of Bobbie. I guess, Bea was a perfect fit for the role. She spoke fluently with the English language and with good diction. This is also the first time she made me affected again by her portrayal since her being "Basha" in One More Chance. She executed the right amount of acting in their confrontation scene. In this movie, Bea Alonzo gives that kind of impression that she really is a dramatic actress, that she is already Bea Alonzo ...  


The third sibling is Alex Salazar. The least to have school recognition, black sheep of the family, the rebel and most pasaway. Angel Locsin took the role of Alex Salazar. Being known for her tough attitude, Angel seemed to be the right choice for the role. Watching her as Alex made me forget she is being played by Angel. Her role was totally different from her movies before like, One More Try and In The Name of Love. She too moved me during her conversation with Bea. Although I like her character and Angel was good, I was somehow disappointed because her part was kinda bitin. I think it is in the script or on how her part was written. Alex has a strong character, and being the black sheep of the family, she must have given a better highlight in the story. Her role could have been stretched so that Angel could have given more, after all, she is a 4-time Best Actress awardee for this year ...

The youngest sister was Gabbie Salazar. The one in charge of taking care of their mother, the neutral among the siblings, the teacher. Gabbie was played by Shaina Magdayao. Maybe because Shaina is not as big star as her three elder sisters, she doesn't seem to have much highlight in the story. I must admit that I was not able to watch most of Shaina's movies or maybe I just wasn't paying much attention on her, but acting as Gabbie, I appreciate Shaina in this film ..


CJ, the youngest sibling, was the most charming, the baby brother, and the one who was about to get married. Enchong Dee as CJ was a good choice. He performed well as the "bunso" in the family. He was able to carry out well in that scene where he was yelling at his sisters. Enchong on this movie was just so cute! 


All in all, I love the movie and really enjoyed sitting for almost 2 hours twice watching the movie. It has the perfect mix of drama and comedy for a family-oriented film. Coney Reyes played that typical mother but showed the flaws of being a mother of five children. Carmi Martin was able to show that her humor doesn't fade even in her "serious" face or moment. For me, this movie is far much better compared to previous comedy family film, Ang Tanging Pamilya and the likes. I highly suggest and recommend to watch this movie especially for people who wanted to have a good laugh and at the same time learn a lesson. Four Sisters and A Wedding is truly worth to watch ... :)

The Maricar Reyes - Richard Poon Wedding

The Maricar Reyes and Richard Poon Wedding Video

                 When I watched this video of Maricar and Richard, i can't help but flash a smile on my face and feel that "Kilig" .. I felt the sincerity upon hearing the exchange of their vows and amazed to know that they only had their first kiss on their wedding day .. 

                 I could still remember the time when Maricar's name was dragged into controversy and been on a scandalous news few years back .. I didn't get to see her video with that, ugh ., but I heard a lot of comments from people who were able to watch it .. People waited for her to speak up even though many negative remarks had already been said, still, Maricar chose to be quiet and kept her silence .. And it was, i think what most people admire about her ., including me ..

                 After getting into that certain kind of scandal, I don't know how one would be able to gain respect and appreciation from anyone, especially from guys .. That is why I am so happy that someone like Richard Poon still exists. Someone who has accepted her and her past., Someone who has given Maricar so much respect and dignity which might have lost before., Someone who brought her first to the Altar before anywhere else .. I just love the fact that this kind of love story is still and really happening ..

                 With this event happening in their life, I truly wish for every girl or woman to experience this type of love story .. After all, every woman deserves that certain kind of love and respect and deserves someone like Richard Poon .. 

                 To Maricar and Richard Poon, though we may not know each other, still, I wish you the best as newleyweds! :)

Just Give Me A Reason

Just Give Me A Reason Official Music Video

by Pink feat. Nate Ruess of Fun

                 For weeks now, this song has been playing in my head ... Guess, I've been suffering from LSS or Last Song Syndrome for a long time now .. Mom even noticed that I played this on repeat and asked me, what's with the song ... why i like it? Well, I don't know. Can I relate with  its lyrics? No. Not at all.

            But then again, what's the message of the song? How would one interpret it? Syempre, kanya-kanya yan. On my part, in my opinion, I think it is about a couple whose relationship is on the rocks. One sees the inconsistencies and recognizes that there is something wrong and the other is in denial. There are lines that goes:

"Tell me that you've had enough
Of our love, our love"
 

"I thought that we were fine
Your head is running wild again
My dear we still have everythin'

And it's all in your mind"

One thinks that it's already over and the other still trying to fix everything. Both have different thoughts but both still have the same feeling for each other and just wanting to have a reason for staying and save the relationship, as song title says. "Just give me a reason". Do I have a point? Am I right? 

    

                 Hmm. . This kind of situation in a relationship, does it happen? Can it happen? I guess, it does. I've heard similar story from different couples. I've seen relationships falling apart due to certain issues. Couples where in one is already unhappy and has given up and the other still trying to hold on ... Or couples who knew that their relationship is not working anymore but still can't let go ... Why? Why is it that are people who still clings, who holds on and not letting go?? Why? Surely, You'll get a lot of answers to this question from those people ... like: "We've been together for a long time. Sayang naman." and the most popular, "I still love him/her" or "Mahal ko pa siya".

                  Attachment. Love. Yes, these are some of the major explanations why one would choose to stay and keep the relationship. Having to call it quits with the relationship where one has gotten so attached and in love with, will have to wake up one day that he/she is already alone and things had come to an end .. So instead of losing everything, instead of losing that special person, one would hold on to a single reason for staying ... and even if the reason is just a simple and ample amount of LOVE that was left. Just like in the song:

"Just give me a reason
Just a little bit's enough
Just a second we're not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again"

                 Well, siguro nga ganun nga talaga pag nagmahal .... maybe that's how love works .. So if my interpretation of the song is correct and the same with most of the people, probably, a lot my relate with the song ... and no wonder why I often hear this song anytime, anywhere ... :)

Mother's Day Special :)

                 Last May 12, 2013, we all celebrated a very special event intended for the most important woman in our lives ... our Mother .. And as we remember our mother on this extraordinary occasion, definitely, we all made sure that she will treasure this day ..

                 For our family, we knew that an occasion can be very special no matter how simple we celebrate such event .. So we decided to first attend mass in St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina Shrine in Eastwood, Libis, then had our lunch in Chocolate Kiss located at the UP Bahay ng Alumni of the University of the Philippines.

                 Aside from celebrating this affair with my family completely together, what we also truly enjoyed, are the foods that were served to us at Chocolate Kiss ..

The Chocolate Kiss Cafe Menu

The Hickory Grilled Spareribs

                 This dish is deliciously done with a perfectly grilled spareribs covered with the right blend of sweet sauce.                                  

Sukiyaki

                 It is almost a complete meal since it consists of noodles, beef and mushroom and vegetables such as cabbage and carrots. It was our first time to try this dish, wondering what it actually taste like, and good thing! one would truly enjoy having Sukiyaki on his/her table.

Grilled Tanigue

                 A meal perfect for my lola, who has to maintain a healthy and well balanced diet. Grilled fish or tanigue placed on top of various kind shredded veggies is just so good.

 The Chocolate Kiss specialty Cakes

                Probably, the most awaited part of every meal ... the desert. Chocolate Kiss' specialty cakes includes the Sour Cream Cake, Chocolate Moist Cake, Walnut Cake and the Cookies and Cream Cake. Every cake has its own, unique, delicious taste. But my favorite would be the Walnut Cake. It was not so sweet and has the right amount of nuts.

                    Although the Cafe's ambiance, i think, might need a little improvement, our family truly enjoyed all the foods that were served. Our simple celebration for Mother's Day had been meaningful. :)