Can't wait for Friday

It's the start of my ten-day leave from work. Though my flight for Malaysia is on 30th, I filed my leave started from July 29th to August 6th and since I got my rest day on every Wednesday and Sunday, I got a total of 10 days of time-off from work. So cool right?

So far, I haven't done anything today but to sleep and and started sorting some clothes to bring. But tomorrow I'll buy some stuff, maybe a shirt or a cap for Utoh Jul and Kabs (brother and brother-in-law). I want to buy a doll or stuff-toy for Putri but I'm worried that the people from the airport will ask me to deposit it since I have only a light ticket with no baggage free. So maybe I'll get one for her in Kota Kinabalo instead.

I'm gonna pass by Star Mall tomorrow to see a dentist and a barber to get a hair cut before that. I also need to wash the pair of shoes that I'll be using before living the house tomorrow. And I hope I won't forget the Munchkins that Inda Lai asked me to buy for her. Haay, can't wait for Friday. So excited for my first international flight, hope everything will be ok Inshallah!Ameen!

Pissed with insensitive people

Totally turned off. I can't believe that she is so insensitive. I thought I liked her, I just realized something that pursuing her is not really a good idea. I thought religion was never an issue for me in a relationship as long as you respect each other. But when that person somehow shows hatred or a bit of unwillingness to what you believe?You can't just help but to be offended. I understand people who are non-Muslims that are asking about my religion, like why we don't eat pork and all that. It's fine by me. I'm more than glad to explain to them. But what I can't tolerate is when someone mock your religion, spreading bad things about what you believe based from what they read online or watched from the internet. This is a big issue for me. Though it doesn't involve me directly, there still pointing to Islam in general. They are so insensitive that even you try to explain to them what's really going on, still they don't stop. You wanted to tell them "hey, it's my religion, please have some respect". Do I really need to say the exact words to them. Simply by opposing to what they said should really mean to them that I'm hurt, 'coz they are talking about Muslims and Islam as my religion. But she didn't get the message. I was trying to stop her at least to save the friendship or for sake of being teammates. But there was no apology or anything. I was really pissed. I can't believe that she's that too insensitive, of all the people.

It's not really easy to belong to a place where people are different from what you usually get along with. I'm not talking about people who are non-Muslims, 'coz I got a lot of friends who are Christians, Catholics and others with different religious beliefs, but they don't judge, they respect. Not like some people here in Metro Manila, well not really all, so far there is one person who just pissed me off, and the worst part is, I liked her a lot and now because of it I realized that I'm not into her, at least not anymore. I was just blinded 'coz she is a decent woman, at least that's what I know about her. I'm glad that It wasn't too late for me to know her Alhamdulillah!

The Sorcerer's Apprentice Review

I watched this film without having too much expectations because of the mixed reviews from the critics and some viewers. Since the trailer came out, The Sorcerer's Apprentice is really on the list of my summer movie guide. I got the chance to watch it last Thursday, I even chose watching it over "The Last Airbender". I sat in the middle seat and there were few viewers since I watched it on the second week.

The movie started with the narration on how magic and sorcery and the battle of good and evil begun which common for movies with similar genre

The story begun with Baltazar (Nicholas Cage), Veronica (Monica Belluci), Horvath (Alfred Molina) as apprentices of Merlin, a good and powerful sorcerer. When Horvath along with Morgana, an evil sorcerer who turned against Merlin in order to user their powers and planned to awaken all the deads to bring havoc to people on earth. Baltazar and Veronica must stop them and should look for the apprentice that is destined to defeat Morgana. The apprentice turned out to be the science-geek Dave (Jay Baruchel). As Dave thorned between his personal life and his responsibilities as an apprentice, he should focus and believe in himself that he can fulfill his destiny to become a great sorcerer to save mankind.

Nicholas Cage and Jon Turtletaub seem to be comfortable working together since National Treasure 1 and 2. The comedic scenes though sometimes not funny at least with Cage, Jay Baruchel regulates it. He fills the boring side of the film. And Jay doesn't need to exert effort, he is really funny by nature. Sorcerer's Apprentice is not Nicholas Cage' best adventure film I've watched since National Treasure films have been phenomenon, but surely is entertaining and worth the admission ticket (3 out 5 stars).

"An Oscar-worthy Thriller" - 'Inception' Movie Review

Christopher Nolan just gave us his another masterpiece after 'The Dark Knight' last 2008. This time it's a breath taking and mind-blowing thriller with great special effects that challenges your imagination or even your dreams. The film centered on a man named Cobb (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) who specializes in extracting ideas from a dream. He does it too well that he makes money out of it working for biggest corporations all over the world. When offered for one last task that would allow him to get back home where his kids are waiting for him, Cobb didn't think twice, without thinking how tough the job would turn out to be. Accompanied by Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 500 Days of Summer, G.I. Joe), Ariadne (Ellen Page, Juno, X-Men: The Last Stand), Saito, Eames and Yusuf, Cobb has to free his mind from the dreams he created that keeps on haunting him and focuses on the dream or even dreams that he is in. The job this time is not the usual way of stealing ideas from one person but planting one instead.

The film goes from one dream to another dream to another dream which makes the movie unique compare to similar movies created before (like Matrix). The scoring, though sounds like similar to which was used in 'The Dark Knight' it really plays well that intensifies all the scenes, not to mention the mind-bending visuals which really perfectly visible in Digital Screens. What I really like about the film is that, though its a fiction, it never deviates itself from reality. Like for instance, what Cobb says "You don't remember how it all begun when you are dreaming" which is really true, you don't know how everything begins in a dream. It just started with you in such situation. And in a dream you will feel everything is real. "When you are in dreams, everything is real while you are in it, you will only feel strange when you wake up" as Cobb explains. And lastly, when you are in dreams, subconsciously, your thoughts wander, and it mostly depicts your worries and conscience. In the case of Cobb's dreams, his dead wife, their children and with all the memories haunt him in every dream he created. Not just in this type of genre that the film has to be based from reality, the reason why most movies are not successful in making the film meaningful is that they stuck with their too wide imagination and forgot about their reality.

Also starred by Academy Award Winners Marion Cotilliard and Michael Caine, Christopher Nolan's Inception is really one of the best films created this year, it's original, thought-provoking and the cast performances are really outstanding. Unless there would be greater movies out this year, Inception will surely be one of the nominated films in Oscar Best Picture and performances of DiCaprio and Cotilliard might score an acting nominations too. Inception, is the type of film that lingers with you for a long time even after leaving the cinema. In fact I don't know if I am even over it. I'm thinking of watching the film again though in regular screen this time (5 out of 5 stars).

"A piece of crap" - 'Predators' Movie Review

What would you expect from a remake of this thriller film?Bloody, more violence, and more actions as what it shown on the trailer .Well sorry to disappoint everyone that the movie is not as what it appears to be. If you enjoyed the old film with Arnold Schwarzenegger this time you might just want to skip watching it 'coz it was nothing but a piece of crap. Forgive me, it was too disappointing. It is more dramatic than what expected to be as action-thriller film.

The movie focuses on the story of eight different people who were trapped in a woods after falling from the sky on a parachute. None of them remembered anything. They later found out that they were trapped with unknown creatures in the forest. With no way out, they should stick together as they struggle to fight for their own survival. With the help of one survivor who came before them they must learn to fight and face their predators to live. Starred by Adriene Brody (The Pianist, King Kong) with Alice Braga (Repo Men, Crossing Over) and Laurence Fisburne (The Matrix).

The movie is lack of action and thrill. It started just fine but got worst and worst as it continues especially when the actual predators showed up. Though the acting is not that bad, the story is really dull (1.5 out of 5 stars).

Just watched Inception

Just came home from watching 'Inception'. I really waited for the film since it came out on the 15th. Just got the chance to watch it, had to wait Sunday off. Christopher Nolan (director of the film) really brilliant as the movie as what I expected is really really cool. With great especial effect, great performances, unique and mind-blowing plot, Inception is one of the best films released this year. It's not a surprise if the movie would be nominated for Oscar. Starred by Leonardo Dicaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt (500 Days of Summer, G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra), Ellen Page (Juno, X-men: The Last Stand), Marion Cotilliard (Public Enemy, Nine) and Cillian Murphy (Batman Begins, Dark Knight).

Off course I didn't watch the film in a regular cinema, but can't afford the IMAX so I watched it in Digital HD screen in SM Megamall. It was just for Php200 compare to Php160 for a regular streaming. It was really worth it. Next week Sunday or Wednesday (my next rest day) it would be Nicholas Cage's "The Sorcerer's Apprentice." A week after that is M.Night Shyamalan's "The Last Airbender" and Angelina Jolie's "Salt" a week after. Cool!I'm not really into movies am I?

"Not outstanding but better than the first two films" - 'Twilight Saga Eclipse' Movie Review

Let me start with the review by saying that "Eclipse is the best Twilight film so far". With the direction from David Slade (who also directed the vampire film '30 Days of NIght' last 2007) the movie went a bit further from a traditional Twilight dilemma where it suffers from reaching to audience as the movie viewers and not as fans of the book who have read it several times. What I'm saying is, only those who have the read the books who can understand what's going on the film, if you are not a reader then just feel sorry for yourself as everything goes to oblivion and wait for the next film to come up to put the puzzle together. Or wait for twiligh-geek friends to tell you what's really going on which is a bit annoying (for some).

The film didn't pick up from the boring ending of the last film where Edward said "Will you marry me?" (don't know the exact line though). But instead it started decently with a young man missing who eventually became the leader of the new group of vampires, New Born. Meanwhile, Victoria (which starred by another actor for the third time) was still the main villain of the movie as revealed later in the film using the New Born to avenge her lover James (who died in the first film). Of course the film didn't forget about the Edward-Bella-Jacob love triangle. It is all about themm all the time, and this time competition almost became even (although we all know Edward would win in the end).

Acting didn't much improve, especially for Taylor Lautner, no one can blame him anyway,he is really a newbie. But the supporting cast is really superb. Charlie is pretty much convincing as Bella's father, Dakota Fanning as always delivers the best of the character of Jane. Jasper who has more exposure in this film has shown more enthusiastic when it comes to acting, it won't be surprising if he lands on bigger roles soon apart from Twilight series. Anna Kendrick just started to become my favorite, though with little role as Jessica, still managed to deliver a not-forgetful performance when she delivers a speech on a graduation scene.

What I really like about the movie is that there was an improvement in making the audience thrilled as they added extra violence, which is really the main ingredient in vampire-werewolves theme movie.Plus scoring is really better. I can't just spoil the whole movie. It is not really one of best movies released this year but at least it's better compare to its first two films. This might be the beginning of the Twilight series to be critically acclaimed as reviews are getting better. We'll hope and see what they have installed for us in 'Breaking Dawn' next year which will be released in two parts. (2.5 out of 5)

Blackout, Predators, and Basyang

Power in whole Metro Manila and provinces nearby was out yesterday for more than 24 hours because of the typhoon 'Basyang'. It wasn't as strong as 'Ondoy' last year and the strong rain lasted for a night but it did manage to cut the power source of the whole Metro. And unluckily it was my off, so I spent my rest day without internet connection, wasn't able to play my new addiction 'Planst vs. Zombies' (not much into playing games, but this one made me so addicted to it). There was no MRT and LRT so the buses were all standing ovation and not to mention the traffic.

But despite of all these. My day went well as Lecel and I had time together. I just accompanied her to SSS in East Ave, not really a date though but I had fun. I came to know her more. I'm so fascinated by her personalities. She is so simple and I really like her humor. There is no boredom moment when she is around. We went home after eating in Mang Inasal around 11a m since both of us came from night shift and didn't have sleep yet. It was short but worth it. I'm looking for ward to spending time again soon

When I arrived home the power was not back on yet. So I slept for couple of hours went out around 5pm and buy my grocery in Robinson Galleria. I had dinner in KFC and waited til 8 PM for the light to come back up. When my roommate texted my that it was still out I decide to watch the new film 'Predators' and I wasn't much satisfied with the film. I expected too much from it. Should have picked 'Knight and Day' or just stayed at home. But anyway, I arrived home almost 12 midnight and the light was on. Internet was a bit f****ed up so I just played 'Plants vs. Zombies' 'til 8am. I only slept for two hours but it was a very satisfying sleep (don't know why exactly hehe). That's it for now, I'm really hoping for another good day. I got a shift tonight again 'til Saturday and can't wait to see her again.

missing my family

Glad that I was able to talk to my sisters in Zamboanga on the phone. I really miss all of them. Despite being pissed with the internet connection (again) my morning went just so fine when they called me. Although somehow I frustrate them of not working abroad just yet I know they understand, especially Kah Ming. After all, they are the only reason why I am working hard here in this big metro. If there is only a better opportunity to work abroad, why not?so far my job is ok, here, I'm enjoying it and most of all I provide them more than I used to give them when I was in Zamboanga.

While on the phone, our younger sister Queng, who is supposedly leaving for Dubai to work as midwife sadly informed me that she couldn't leave yet due to some health problem and she needs to undergo a therapy. It really pains me hearing her so frustrated. She really wants to help to realize all our dreams for our family with Kah Ming. We have this goal of making our lives easier for kah ming and of course to everyone in the family. We want to get the house renovated 'coz it doesn't look decent anymore, get her a small business and of course help her and Kah Tanz (her husband) sending our nephews and nieces to finish college. With all of these plans, Queng thought she would be able to help us with it, that's why she is really frustrated of not leaving. So for now, she just needs to go on therapy for a few months and at least we can see each other in Malaysia.

Inda Lai, my sister in Malaysia phoned me yesterday about the trip this July 30th. She is excited for me and for Munchkins (from Dunkin Donuts). She also asked for Cheese Bread from our sister in Zamboanga. We were laughing on the phone when she told me she just wants food as 'pasalubong' and nothing else. I really miss my sister. She even joked me about wanting to come to Manila. She hasn't been here yet and she wants to see how big the Metro is. I told her I can always book her and Putri (her daughter) and they are planning to come by November or December. I just can't wait to see them this 30th Inshallah!

Blessed June and More blessings this July

Alhamdulillah (All praises and thanks belong to Allah)! I didn't not just pass all the metrics last June but exceeded all 5 major metrics in it. I've been consistently passing my scorecard but this is the first that I have exceeded it. After getting a very disappointing survey of 'Very Dissatisfied' from a wrong respondent I was still able to pass the NetSat (survey average). God is really Great!.

Meanwhile the rumor about moving to a British account is so far remains as rumor as we just renewed our contract 'til September. It was really a good news, honestly I'm not ready yet to say good bye to at&t u-verse, I'm really enjoying my work and the account. I'm already familiar with the tools and the services and so far not getting sick and bored with it.

I'm looking forward for another great and blessed month this July, Inshallah (In God's Will). Plus, I'm leaving for Malaysia this 30th and coming back on 6th of August (really glad they approved my leave, off course with paid).

Eminem - Recovery

Just downloaded 'Recovery' the latest album of my alltime favorite rapper, Marshall Bruce Mathers III a.k.a. 'Eminem'. Started to like his music with his first popular songs "Slim Shady", "The Way I am", "Stan" and "Cleaning out my Closet". Since then I have become an avid fan. He has 6 albums debuted at number 1 in Billboard Hot 200 (all album went to number one except his first one "The Slim Shady LP" which peaked at No. 2 in 1999.) To date he has 3 number one singles (two of it debuted at No. 1); 'Loose Yourself', 'Crack the Bottle' and his latest single from Recovery album 'Not at Afraid'

His first movie "8 Mile" was a box-office success and won an Oscar for Best Original Song. Also watched him in Adam Sandler's "Funny People" and he is going to appear in cinemas again along side Paul Walker in a horror film to be released sometime this year.

The following are the songs in Eminem's Recovery Album which features artists like Rihanna, Pink, Lil Wayne and others: (wikipedia.org)

Eminem's 'Recovery' Album

1. "Cold Wind Blows"
2. "Talkin' 2 Myself" (featuring Kobe)
3. "On Fire"
4. "Won't Back Down" (featuring Pink)
5. "W.T.P."
6. "Going Through Changes"
7. "Not Afraid"
8. "Seduction"
9. "No Love" (featuring Lil Wayne)
10. "Space Bound"
11. "Cinderella Man"
12. "25 to Life"
13. "So Bad"
14. "Almost Famous"
15. "Love the Way You Lie" (featuring Rihanna)
16. "You're Never Over"
17. "Untitled" (hidden track)