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)

Got a new Globe Tatoo SIM

I'm glad that my connection is back and better. All this time I thought it was really my broadband, and I was ready to buy a new broadband kit of Sun Cellular, luckily I thought of trying a new Globe Tattoo SIM and that was it. All I need was a new SIM pack. How could I forget that I was using the old Globe SIM for internet surfing (Globe Visibility). I got it the first time they launched the broadband kit (last three years ago), so when they did some update on their bandwidth perhaps, I couldn't register to the unlimited internet anymore though regular charges works. Any way, I can't discuss the technicalities of it, I'm just glad that I was able to save 1,000 pesos for the new broadband and I can go online again 24 hours during my off.

My old Globe Broadband Kit, Globe Visibility when it first came out in 2007 which now called Globe Tatoo

So frustrating

Sometimes the things you do are not just enough for some people. And what hurts the most, is that those people are your family. You are doing your best to provide them, to support them, but they always ask for more. They don’t think about the sacrifices that you make, they don’t consider how hard you try. It is so frustrating!

They want me to work abroad to earn more. Who doesn’t want to earn more anyway? It’s not that I don’t want to go out, but I just don’t feel so inspired to go out thinking most of my friends didn’t much fine any luck in working abroad. Some of them are even in debt and their status in life are still the same. It just so easy to say, at least that’s what they think. How I wish they will realize the value of work and that things are not so instant. It really takes time and it requires a lot of patience.

For now, I will ignore them, I know what’s best for me, I would still support them to the best way possible. But they won’t tell me what to do, they can’t force me to do things that I don’t want to do. I still wish that there would be a better opportunity, wherever it is, here or abroad, it doesn’t matter.

New Start...Soon

Just logged out from work and one more shift tonight and off again. The month is almost over and my NetSat (customer survey) is still not passing, though almost making it at 70.56% (passing mark is 71.00%) I still believe that I can make it before this month ends, just need one more passing survey and I'm good. Our team stat looks good too this month.

Coach Luther told us this morning (although not official yet) that the at&t u-verse will only be up to August of this year. That means we would handling different account which I heard is also a technical account but our customers will be British this time. Its kinda sad that we need to start over, start familiarizing different technologies and tools, and ofcourse new mind sets of customers. But I think it would be exciting too and it would be a new opportunity for all of us, though it would be a new start. And what's good about it (according to our coach) is that the incentives are better and that's something we look forward for.

I'm still in the office right now, I don't know If I would have a better connection at home 'coz Globe Broadband is freaking not-just-good lately. By next week I would be checking the benifits from Suncellular and would switch to them most likely no matter what (either pre-paid or post paid).

The Karate Kid Review

When I came to know that 'The Karate Kid' would have a remake and to be produced by Will Smith, I thought it was not really a good idea. Then later I found out that his twelve-year old, Jaden Smith will star, I said 'Oh no, they would be just wasting their time. My judgment was not based from Will Smith producing the movie, but because of his son, who is so young for the role and that the old 'The Karate Kid ' had its time and had lost its attraction from the audience today due to countless number of movies released since then. Honestly, the movie was not even part of my list, I even watched 'A-team' (which opened on the same week) over it. But due to positive responses from friends, user and critics, I decided to watch the movie and tried to see it

for myself on how Jade Smith relive the spirit of the forgotten 'The Karate Kid'.

Dre, starred by Jade Smith (son of a celebrity couple, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith) is a 12-year old from Detroit, who was forced to move to China with his mother which starred by Taraji P. Henson. As Dre started to make friends with the kids in the new place in Beijing, he met a chinese girl practicing playing violin. The two started to get to know each other when they were interrupted by a chinese boy who knows kung fu and later beat up Dre. At school, same chinese boy and his group of kung fu kids always bully him. He got a chance to get even with them by showering them with a pail of filthy water which resulted to chasing him and got beaten up again. Mr. Han (starred by superstar Jackie Chan) rescued Dre and later helped him with his wounds. The next day, Mr. Han and Dre went to the gym (where kung fu kids are practicing) to make peace but instead they were forced to fight. Mr. Han refused to fight but instead made a deal with the Kung Fu Master trainer that Dre would be joining the Kung Fu Tournament. Mr. Han trained Dre and got along very well with each other and made it to the final of the tournament.

Jackie Chan really fits the role as Mr. Han, so far I can't imagine any actor portraying the role. Taraji P. Henson on the other hand is really good (I really like her since 'Benjamin Button') she is really one of the brilliant actresses in Hollywood. And Jaden Smith, WOW!what a good start for a starring role, really like father like son.

I can't say that this is the best Karate Kid film, but there is one thing for sure about this movie, you will really enjoy it, and the thought about Jaden Smith as the new karate kid (although he learns kung fu in the movie), he really did it just fine. What I really like about the movie is that the story was not rushed, it took its time introducing Dre, Mr. Han and the rest of the characters till you start feeling them and understanding them. It showed every detail that left all questions answered. And just like the whole movie was created with perseverance as gambled Jaden Smith for the role, every thing came out just perfectly fine. (4 stars out of 5)

Four more and I'm good

One of the major metrics in my scorecard is failing this month. Its because I got a rating of a 'Very Dissastified' from a customer. But I'm not really worried at all because of it, 'coz the survey went to the wrong person. Apparently, the e-mail of the customer that I spoke with has an e-mail forwarding. And the person got the survey was stupid enough to rate all the buckets 'Very Dissastied' 'coz he doesn't like recieving e-mail from our clients. So stupid that he can't even figure out the e-mail forwarding. It really hurts my survey so bad (and our team stat) that I need to have 6 'Very Satisfied' surveys to pass this month. Thank God (Alhamdulillah), I got two last Friday, so I just need four more to pass. I'm really positive that I can still make it this month. It's still early, I still have over a week (fingers crossed!).

Santolan

Accompanied Rosemary (a friend from Zamboanga) after shift yesterday to look for their staff-house for a training here in Metro. It was tiring 'coz I somehow forgot where Santolan was and took a long route from the Airpot to get there. Should have taken MRT instead from Taft station. Anyway, after leaving McDonald around 10am, took two LRT ride and a very long walk, we found the staff house finally by almost 2 PM.

I arrived home at around 4pm and checked the downloaded movies shortly after taking a bath. Surprisingly, the utorrent downloaded almost all the movies in queue, I thought the Globe got crazy again and dropped the connection (like what its doing right now, wtf!). My best friend utorrent (it's one of my new best friends now hehe) downloaded the well-acclaimed "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire", the romantic comedy of Jennifer Aniston and Gerald Butler, "The Bounty Hunter", John Cusack's "The Hot Tub Time Machine", a book-adaptation "Where the Wild Things Are", Stephen King's "The Sawshank Redemption" and the third season's first episode of "True Blood". It almost downloaded "Moon" but was able to finish downloading it today (I got a prepaid connection, Php50 for 24 hours).

I wasn't able to watch movie yesterday 'coz I was really tired from the trip and was very sleepy. I slept around 5pm and woke up around 2 am, it was a very satisfying sleep. I felt like a new reborn hehe, so I had a movie marathon session again, watched "The Bounty Hunter", "True Blood" and "Precious". For now, time out first from watching, need to update facebook account and of course my blog.

Rose and me while waiting for someone to open the gate of the staff house. Exhausted from a long walk under the heat of the sun

Rose's first LRT experience hehe..Stolen pic!

I wonder where all the sweats go?

A Fun Roller Coaster Ride (Movie Review : A - Team)

As soon as I found out that Jessica Biel is starring on A-Team, I couldn't wait to watch the movie and hoped for a simultaneous release here in our country. After a few months of waiting, the movie didn't have a simul-premiere here in the Philippines, it was shown one day ahead the world premiere, but I was able to watch the movie on its third day. I didn't have any idea about ' the A-Team' before which later I found out was a successful tv-series back in 1983 to 1986, so the movie seems to have a strong reputation, no wonder the production cost is over $100 million and considered as one of the anticipated movies of 2010.

The movie started in Mexico with Liam Neeson as Hannibal, the leader of the A-team, was held as a captive of two Mexicans but escaped when he was left for two guard-dogs to be fed on. Somewhere else in Mexico, Face (Bradley Cooper) was also held as captive after seducing General Tuco's wife. Hannibal came to rescue Face with B.A. (Rampage Jackson), whom Hannibal met along the way. The three tried to escape General's people and headed to the hospital to rescue the funny and crazy-like pilot Murdock (Sharlto Copley). The four went on a chopper and General's people tried to stop them which lead to a thrilling aerial dogfight. The team later on involved in a dollar plate framed-up and killing General Morrison. They were sent to separate prisons for six months.

The movie went on with three other characters pursuing the team. Jessica Biel as Captain Sosa who is an ex-lover of Face, and completely believes that the team took the plates and killed General Morrison. Patrick Wilson as Lynch who framed the team and has a personal interest on the plates. Brian Bloom as Pike who later on revealed worked with General Morrison and also has interest in the plates.

The strength of this film is the powerful cast. Acting is just fair, thanks to Liam Neeson, Patrick Wilson, Brian Bloom, and Shorlito Copley. Jessica Biel and Brad Cooper had some few struggles but nevertheless they acted beautifully. Let's just forgive Rampage, acting was new to him though somehow he performed enough. The film itself suffers from focusing on the huge explosives and the thrill and somehow left small factors slid through hoping audience won't notice it. But it was a fun roller coaster ride packed with actions and laughter. (3.5 out of 5 stars)

She is Out my league

"In order for other people to think that you are good for them, you have to believe that you are good for yourself"

This movie reminds me of Jason Segel's "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" film where a guy who is still in love with his ex-girlfriend after ditching him for another guy. The guy finds a hot girl and the ex is jealous now the ex wants him back. Pretty much same plot, same doze of laugh perhaps. But "She is out of my league" has its own flow of story, group of funny different characters, that separates it from 'Sarah' and that would keep you 'til the end of the movie.

Jay Baruchel (Knocked Up, How to Train your Dragon) starred as Kirk, not a hot-guy type who was ditched by his ex who is still living with his non-supportive family (except for his mom) along with her new boyfriend. At work, Kirk has a group of different best friends; a Mr. nice guy who is fat and married, a loud and rude rock star and a hot-good looking guy. When Kirk met a hot and perfect woman named Molly (starred by Alice Eve) and started going out together his best friends and his family couldn't almost believe which led to different speculations why Molly is going out with Kirk. As the movie went on, the two separated but not because they don't love each other but because of their differences. Kirk later found out that Molly even as perfect as she looks like has a defect and the only reason she dated him because Kirk is safe and won't hurt her. But everything went out fine with Kirk and she fell in love with him.

Lessosn learned that when you love someone, you love her for what she is and what she is not. Stop comparing yourself to someone you think is better than you, the fact that everyone is not the same, comparing won't help, 'coz no matter how you compare there will always be differences. And most of all in order for other people to think that you are good for them, you have to believe that you are good for yourself

movies, movies, download, download

Haven't done anything today but to watch movie while downloading a lot of movies using utorrent. Seems like I have downloaded all the new dvd rip films available online, so I'm downloading old films that I have already watched but want to watch it again and keep it as collection. My goal is to fill my 250 Gb external hard drive with all the movies. Then buy a new one once its full hehe..Currently, I'm downloading Hot Tub Time Machine, Superman Returns, De Javu, Jurrasic Part 3, Shrek 3, Hide and Seek, Defiance, and Happy Feet.

A lot of movie torrent files are still in que, but I can download them next rest day, and that is on Sunday. So time off from downloading tonight. Wishing for more movies to come lolz..Have a great day to everyone!

Hot Attic

It's almost 3 PM and I'm still awake, need to get some sleep before going to work later tonight. Couldn't sleep yet 'coz its too darn hot in my room (or should I say OUR ROOM with my room mates). I really wanna move to a place of my own that is not this hot. Although there are available rooms here with AC but its too crowded, the least four persons in the room, just like where I am now, so it doesn't make any difference if I transfer and the AC is not on for 24 hours. anyway. Although its not too hot lately 'coz its already rainy season, it is still hot during noon time, and wanna know why?'Coz our room is in the attic of a four-story townhouse unit and we are only using one electric fan, so how's that?...But I couldn't just leave this place for some important reasons. One, the Globe Broadband for my internet connection is better here. Two, electricity and water supply (with mineral water) are unlimited. Three, closer to a mall where I can watch movies and buy my groceries. Closer to a train station and to EDSA, and closer to place where I work. And the price is just fine. Pretty much all the good reasons huh? Except that its too hot during daytime.

Anyway, I don't think I should be thinking of this now. And besides I don't have enough money to look for a better place, unless I won't be sending money home to my sisters. Patience, patience, patience. And it is a virtue. And speaking of being hot, I just heard Mr. thunder, looks like he heard me pleading for rain hehehe. So I think I should be sleeping now, 'til next time.

PISSED OFF

Sometimes you couldn't really help but to get pissed with someone. I woke up this afternoon and went down to the dining room/living room to watch "How I met your mother" series. I was supposed to laugh and have fun atleast before getting ready to work later. But there was this one "boy" (helper) of the townhouse who completely ruined everything. He made some juice which I didn't mind at all, he took some ice cubes from the fridge and all that but when he took some cold water from dispenser, I noticed that he was using my Nestea Tumbler. So I asked him its mine which I knew was really mine, 'coz I'm the only tenant who has one. He just told me "sa'yo pala to kuya, akala ko sa ibang tenant, ibalik ko lng mamaya". "F***!" I said to myself, common sense, its a personal tumbler, you don't suppose to share it. I'm not being greedy or something, I can always share but not the tumbler, and I don't drink from it, I'm using it to make the juice and pour it to a glass. The worst is I didn't see him getting a glass, he must have drunk from it "what the f***". I was really pissed off, though I didn't tell him anything, it was shown on my face that I was uncomfortable (that is if he noticed it).I turned off the tv and went back to my room and "wtf, i'm so pissed off". I was supposed to go out and buy something but I don't want to see their faces. I'm trying to be nice and I know I am, but this one is something intolerable.

One thing I really hate about these helpers (is not that i hate them personally) is on the living room, they spent most of their time watching tv, using the electric fan, you couldn't watch tv anymore even if you want to. And the living room smells already.Thinking you can only watch tv on the living room up to 9pm 'coz that's where they sleep at the same time. I really like to stay in this townhouse 'coz aside from its clean and safe, its closer to my work but these people really made me uncomfortable. I know its just a tumbler, but respect is very important to me.

Time Off

Just arrived home from a grocery store and got myself some apples and oranges. One thing I like rest days is I got a time off from eating rice too. I'm not dieting, it's because I'm just lazy to go out and buy rice and besides I feel like I'm getting huge everyday. My only exercise is a hundred-meter walk to office everyday, without it maybe I'm a lot bigger now. I'm thinking of working out, we got a small gym in the office but none of my colleagues goes there, so it's kinda boring.

Aside from the fruits I also bought a Dove soap, hair gel, Nova snacks and some biscuits. I wasn't able to buy the three-piece sachets of Vaseline shampoo I got 'coz according to the cashier lady it has to be atleast 6 pieces. How would I know? There was no sign or anything that it has to be 6. It was really crazy, but I didn't argue. Thank God I still have one sachet left (I lost two bottles of shampoo already and started buying sachets since), I would just pass by Mega Mall tomorrow after work.

Spent most of my day watching movies and my favorite series "How I met your mother", updating Facebook, checking mails while downloading a lot of movies. I even spent time with my computer more than sleeping and eating. I watched Planet 51, Valhalla Rising, Extract, The Men Who Stare at the Goat and started with I Love You Philip Morris but didn't finish it yet. I'm thinking of finishing it tonight and some other films that I download. I don't know which one to watch first, there are too many of them now hehe..Oh I just love rest days, especially if you just came from work. I'll be back to work tomorrow night and after that it's off again. So cool!

Month of May is over. It was another good month for me and for our team. The team finished the month with all green in scorecard. Although we ended up number three (out of 7 teams) we were the only team who passed all the metrics in scorecard. I'm glad that my NetSat (customer satisfacation survey) went up from last April's 66.67% to 83.3% last month. Although I came short in two metrics, I still passed the overall ratings. Thank's to my two coaches (Luther and Candy) last month and to our QA who continously giving me feedback.And I'm really hoping that I'll be able to sustain it. I really want to be promoted to a higher position and if that time comes I hope I'm more than qualified and really
deserves the position I didn't really think that I would be able keep this type of work at first, neither I thought of surviving the life in Manla. I was planning to apply for work abroad supposedly. But God is really great and has better plans for me. He wanted me to stay and somehow helped me a lot and my family. My communication skills is better now (I must say), and this is what I really wanted eversince. I'm still gonna work abroad. But not for now, the perfect opportunity will just come,and by that time, I'll be more ready to accept it. For now, I'm enjoying my work and looking better month this June.

Spotlight - Woody Harrelson

Just revived my movie blog today. I realized that I couldn't just let go of doing this. Especially now that I learned that blogging is one way of releasing stress. Not just blogging though, anything that you do outside work, where pressure, deadlines, scorecards are totally none of your concern. So here I am, filling up this site with movie contents. It doesn't matter if someone reads this or none, although it's a plus point if someone does hehe..

Anyway, my first article for this week would be a regular section on this site. I called it "Spotlight". It really sounds mediocre, but I don't think there are other words to use as this word relates to light of the camera focusing on something or someone in which as the title implies, this section would talk about an actor, director or perhaps writer or producer that has been contributing to movie industries. And my first ever Spotlight Victim is Woody Harrelson. Why him?'Coz I just watched his latest movie "Defendor".

Mr. Woody Harrelson is the actor who has the most movies that I've watched this past 365 days. And the irony of it, I just came to know him in Roland Emmerich's "2012" movie. Since then, I watched most of his latest films, though just got them in videos. And I'm telling you this guy is really versatile. He can be a crazy jackass or a very serious and scary person. No wonder he got 2 Oscar nominations both for leading and supporting roles.

The following are the movies of Woody Harrelson that I've watched this past 365 days:

1. 2012 - Who would forget Charlie Frost in this box-office disaster film. He played the radio announcer who predicted the end of the world. Acted alongside John Cusack and Amanda Peet, this is his highest grossing film with a world wide gross of $769.7.

2. Zombieland - played as Tallahassee, the zombie slayer alongside Jessie Eissenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin. This movie opened at number 1 in North America with $24,733,155. The highest opening for Mr. Harrelson as the lead actor.

3. Management - this movie was released in late 2008 but got the chance to watch it early this year. He played the husband of Jennifer Aniston in the film and a pain-in-the-ass of Steve Zahn who is crazily in love with Jennifer.

4. Seven Pounds - I watched this film last 2 years ago. But I didn't know that he was in that film, 'coz I didn't know him yet 'til I have watched again the film in HBO. He was the blind man whom Will Smith shouted at over the phone but eventually donated his eyes to when he knew that he was dying.

5. The Messenger - Played the role of elite Captain Tony Stone whose task was to train the messenger (played by Ben Foster) in informing the departed families of soldiers who died during the war. His role in this film earned his 2nd Oscar nomination as Best Actor in Supporting role.

6. Defendor - his latest movie, that really made him more as one of the best actors in Hollywood. He played the title role as a hero-wannabe in this comedic film. Played alongside Kat Dennings.

Aside from the films above, you can also see Mr. Harrelson in these known films: Semi-Pro, No Country for Old Man, North Country and Anger Management. And he has several movies in production including the sequel foe Zombieland, movies with Josh Hartnet and Demi Moore to be out late this year and an animated film with Owen and Luke Wilson called "Turkey" next year.

A Book and a Shirt

I just got myself a new shirt and a book.I didn't really plan to buy some new stuff I just decided to go out awhile back supposed to eat chowfan and halo-halo from Chowking in Robinson Pioneer Mall. But before eating, I noticed that National Bookstore was on sale. Books are as low as Php 99.00, so I passed by and saw a book that really captured my interest. Its from John Robert Marlow called "Nano". Its a suspense/thriller book with ICT theme which reminds me of Michael Crichton books. I also saw the latest book of Michael Crichton called "Next", the last book he wrote before he died. But its still expensive, need to save for it. I also want to buy the books of Paulo Coelho. Looks like I really need to save a lot for books next time.

After eating in Chowking, I walked around the mall and found myself entering to a department store where shirts were on sale. I saw again the Dickies shirt that I really wanted. I couldn't believe that the cool black shirt that I fitted last 2 weeks was still there, and it was still on sale, just for 300 bucks. It was really meant for me, so I decided to fit it again and it really feels comfortable. After a few seconds of thinking of my budget this month, I decided to get it and I'm so happy that I did. It's my first Dickies shirt by the way and I'm so excited to wear it next week to work.

Pay time this week with three-day off straight

Got lucky with the transition of schedule this week. After being screwed by the-one-whoever-did-the-schedule last week and was given only one off for the entire week, I was given three days straight off this week, Its pay time I guess, but I was NCNS (no call no show) last time and intentionally used another SIM for my phone so that no one could call me and it was unpaid hehe... So this week, looks like I got a long vacation but haven't gone anywhere since Friday. Although I went to Genie's place in Ayala to get my PC but I think that doesn't count. Since then I just stayed home and only left the house to buy food. Haven't gone to a mall or meet some friends. Its my second day, on Tuesday 2 am I'll be back for work again. I have to move my limbs at least before going back to put my headset on and deal with irate customers. I just spent time chatting with friends, updating blogs, and offcourse downloading and watching movies.

I downloaded a lot of movies since yesterday (The Wolfman, Chloe, The Messengers, Fame, Carriers, Valhalla Rising and Babe I Love You) but I only managed to watch only three films, Miss You Like Crazy, Carriers, and just ended The Wolfman. I still have a lot of films I downloaded last week that I haven't even watched and I won't stop downloading 'til my hard drives fit them hehe..I'm planning to watch The Messengers, but I'm thinking to go out and take my lunch instead in Robinson Mall in Pioneer. I think I need to see things outside this house too, to exercise my eyes and relax my mind from radiation perhaps. I also texted Kaye, the friend of Genie (although she didn't reply yet) if we could go on swimming tonight in their place tonight. We've been planning it for more than a month now and I think tonight is the right time. My former coach, Coach Melai is also inviting me to watch Shrek 4, but I'm not sure if I'm going 'coz that's another activity punishing my retinas with dozes of radiation.

Though it doesn't sound really like a real plan for someone having three days off but it is for me. That's how I enjoy my rest days. 'Coz I really believe, whatever you spend your rest day with or with whom, whether with your family or alone, as long as you enjoy it, that's what really matters. Just be sure after those days, you are ready to start your week productively when you are back to work.

Excited to Leave the Country Soon

Just reviewed my itinerary online with Cebu Pacific Air. Can't wait to see my sister this July 30th and that's two months from now. I wonder if I could save by the time I'm leaving. Right now, I only have two thousand pesos saved. I hope my application for credit card would be approved next month. I know it's not that easy to manage it, but I think it's more of a self discipline. I will only use it when it is really needed. What excites me more in going to Malaysia is that, my younger sister from Zamboanga City would go too. And we would meet our eldest brother finally. Me and my younger sister never meet him yet. He left Philippines when we were young and we can't remember it. We only saw his pics and heard his voice over the phone. So its a family reunion at the same time.

Extraordinary Measures

My eyes are a bit red because of watching the film "Extra Ordinary Measure". It would really send you to tears. It may be too embarassing to admit but I will say it anyway, I cry sometimes when watching movie. I know it's rare for a guy to cry over films but I do, just can't stop myself. I have weakness for stories about family especially for a mother to thier children relationship (i don't cry for love stories for crying out loud,just wanna stress that out hehe..). Watching this extra ordinary film really widened my eyes to the fact that anything can happen. May it be considered as miracle but as long as you do everything and your heart is in it, nothing is impossible.

The movie is about a father, John Crowell (played by Brendan Fraser) who hoped for a miracle in saving his two kids from Pompe Cancer. He convinced Dr. Stonehill (played by Harrison Ford), a naive and too tough scientist to put his theories about the cure for Pompe to reality. John funded him a lab where he can work on his theories but realized that they were running out of time 'coz his kids only got less than a year to live if not cured. He eventually teamed up with other scientists who were working on the same cure. Faith and patients of John and his wife (played by Kerri Russel) were tested along the way...Don't wanna spoil the rest of the stories, but it's something worth watching. And what's good about it, is that, the movie is based from an extra ordinary true to life story. Really amazing!

Patient is a virtue

Finally got the itinerary for my trip to Malaysia yesterday. I thought I was going to waste a 3k pesos for the round trip ticket. I booked the ticket online last 19th and didn't receive any itinerary or confirmation from the Cebu Pacific, and the worst is, I couldn't even check it online because the confirmation number was not working (only to find out that I was using the wrong number lol). After calling them for three times the representative told me that I had to wait for 24 hours. Just when I was ready to call them again and I was really irate, I decided to check my mail and there was my itinerary. It went through after 24 hours. Patient is really a virtue. Now I understand our customers more in at&t why the are so irate sometimes. And as a customer too, I just need to trust the representative, although I wasn't told at first that it takes that long to confirm a flight using a debit card. I'm glad that I can visit my sister in Malaysia this July 30th. It would be my first time to fly outside the country and hopefully it would be a great experience. My coach filed my leave yesterday as I requested from July 29th to August 6th and he assured me that its gonna be approved. Can't wait for that day, God is so great!

Its Lecel's birthday today and as I wanted to make her day today, I couldn't think of something sweet or more special. Maybe because, what's between us is just limited to being together with no commitment or or not even close to it (at least for now). However, I really wanted her to know that she is so special to me, so I bought her a cake from Red Ribbon and a little dog stuff toy (she really loves dogs). After our shift this morning, I accompanied her to the bus terminal 'coz she went home to Pangasinan to spend her birthday with her kid and her family. Although we didn't have much time to talk, it made my day when she said "thank you, that's so sweet, and I really appreciate it". All I want to do is to make her happy all the time. I don't mind if she has a kid or she has different faith, I like her and I want to take time knowing her and be her man. Hope the perfect time comes where she would feel the same way. And if that would happen, I'll be the happiest man in the world.

Woke up by the tone of my phone ringing this morning. I answered the phone and heard an unfamiliar voice of a woman. It was my sister, Lai in Malaysia . She was sick and she just had a surgery last nigh that's why she sounded different. I was worried 'coz I know she was pregnant. She told me that the baby that she was carrying grew outside her ovary and had to be removed.The ovary had to be removed too. I feel so sad for my sister 'coz she really wanted to have a second child now that her first baby, Putri is already 5 year-old. I'm so glad my dearest brother-in-law always loves her and always takes care of her. He is the best brother-in-law the world for me (seriously). I really miss my sister. The last time we saw each other when she came home to Philippines last 3 years ago. I'm really hoping that I can visit them in Malaysia this year.

Thanks for all the blessings

Just had a cup of chocolate drink with Spanish bread and hot pandesal, my morning will never be complete without this for breakfast and it excites me to go home every morning after shift. Speaking of "shift", last night's shift was one of the easiest I've ever had. I got less calls, easy issues most of the time, no irate customer, it was a smooth night for me. And most of all, what made my night was when I awarded for the Sales Incentives for last month. I was the only one qualified for the incentives because of not having any absences or tardiness. The mechanics was just to perfect the attendance for the month and you just need to get at least 10 upsells or upgrade for the customers. I got 13 upsells for 2,000 bucks, it could have been 3,000 if I have made up to 15 upsells, but I ran out of time hehe..Anyway, I'm ok with it, that's a lot for me, I'm gonna share the money with my team this Sunday for team building and I will keep the rest, additional savings. My goal this month is to save 10,000 bucks. That's almost impossible since I'm only receiving 15,000 for a month. I just need to cut down expenses like eating too much outside, spending for stuff that are not important like movie rentals, celphone loads, cinemas perhaps (but not this month i guess, 'coz a lot of biggest movies are showing this month hehe).

God's blessings are beyond measurable sometimes, although I came short with my surveys (although it could have been an additional incentive if iImade it) from the customers, my other metrics are met, some exceeded plus the unexpected 2,000 bucks additional. Thank you Allah for all the blessings. Please keep on showering Your blessings to me, my family and friends and to my team. I'm looking forward for a better month this May.

Always hope for the best but expect the worst

"Always hope for the best but expect the worst" as they always say, which is really true. Things are not always work the way how you want it to be, you thought you play it cool, safe and fair, but still it doesn't end up how you planned it.

I'm not trying to sound so desperate 'coz i'm not, i'm just a bit frustrated, not being pessimistic but just stating facts. Where are all these coming from? Well, let's say at work, I was trying to pass all the metrics this month, it was all green in my scorecard, 'til one metric, which is a major metric went red on the 29th ('coz of two zero surveys from customers, they could have been responded to it on May 1st). Too bad right?i was trying my best to hit all green maybe for the first time, although it's not easy to do it, but there are people in our work who could. I want to be one of them, i don't want to be a mediocre. But anyway it's just one metric, over-all i did great, I don't need to wait my coach or anyone from the work to tell me that, 'coz i know i'm good. Perfect attendance, with exceeding the number of sales and expecting incentives this month, what could I ask for?..

Also at work, the girl that i talked about in my last post, I don't know if she and one of my co-agents are together, I'm so pathetic that I couldn't tell her how I feel. I saw them together yesterday which I knew they would go home together that's why I went home without telling her (i used to leave her a message on our messenger before leaving the office). I was trying not to see them but I still saw them from a far, there was a bit of not so good feelings, but I have to deal with it. Although there is no confirmation that there are official but it still hurts especially people at work tease them together. But that's ok, this is just one of the things i have to deal with, and i know i'll be over it soon, I'm not giving up just yet, one day she will be mine, i just got to prove to myself and to here that what i feel for her is real so not to compromise everything.

Love, Friendship, Confusion

Singing love songs, watching romantic films while thinking of her, wanting to see her every day, could I be possibly in love? Oh no…Maybe I just like her, may she just makes me happy that’s all..But why am I so pissed off of every guy who goes closer to her. I’m so confuse, I’m confuse with what’s confusing me…We are both single and available, we both got a job, but she has a child…But does it really matter? I don’t think It is, but I don’t know what’s stopping me? Rejection? Maybe, ‘coz I may be just giving meaning to the closeness that she is showing, it could be just a pure friendship…or not! Haayst, things just get too complicated sometimes. I may not sure with what’s gonna happen, but what I know I’m so sure that I like her and I want to maximize all the time and the opportunities for her to know that.