It’s ironic that just as when I’ve been vocal about my being swamped with work, my cinema attendance significantly improved. I don’t want to dig if it is purely coincidental or not, but I guess it was mainly due to one’s initial reaction that the best thing to do after an exhausting week is to either pig out or snore or see a movie (not necessarily in cinemas) or a little bit of everything. Anyway, not all movies deserve to be seen on a bigger screen. Sometimes, they just happen to be around just when you needed them. Without qualifying much for the other movies that I’ve seen but never blogged about (especially Inception), I guess that in this batch of “just-because-they-were-on”, only the Legends of the Guardians and Scott Pilgrim are worth to be seen on the bigger screen.

Despicable Me, despite the predictable story line, is guaranteed to give you laughs.

On the other hand, Cats & Dogs 2 is guaranteed to make you sleep. Apparently, I’ve dozed off for the first time inside the cinema. I just want to think that probably I badly needed a nap. Maybe, if we’ve seen Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps I could have been wide awake.

The following weekend was better when we watched Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole. Thanks to princessM for the heads up. It is an interesting movie giving us a chance to peek in the world of the owls. However, I have an initial disbelief when I saw them rolling their eyes because in theory, the owls cannot roll theirs since they are fixed in the eye sockets. To see what is behind them, they have the amazing ability to rotate their head 270 degrees and almost upside down. But for the sake of visual efficiency (especially in cartooning and 3D), there’s just too much to invest on eye movements to communicate to the viewers.

The filming of Eat Pray Love made me consider getting that book which I’ve been seeing at the best seller section for a long time. I don’t know why but there’s something nagging me that I do not really need to read that seems to be self-help book. Do not get me wrong, I can be really, really anything from the Twilight madness to Superfreakonomics to The Black Swan (which I haven’t finished until now). Anyway, I bought it, the one with the (new) Julia Roberts cover eating gelato beside the nuns. While the eating part in Italy, ashram experience in India and Bali (Indonesia) views were best seen in the movie than just being imagined, and that Julia Roberts, James Franco, Javier Bardem (wow, for the mixtape memories) graced the screen, the book is still much, much better. The novel itself is absolutely inspiring (though in real life, I think that a person doesn’t really need to travel in different countries just to find his or her balance; the eating, praying, and loving can actually happen with the same effect within the Philippines or other place alone), but there are missing links in the adaptation (especially the random mention of the Filipino accountant whom Liz met in India, haha).

On the other hand, I’ve really looked forward to seeing Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Aside from that I am a Michael Cera fan since Juno going to Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, I was too curious to see an original, funny and smart movie in a video game cum hipster style.  And my expectations were surpassed. I must warn you, though, that it is not for everyone. It is either you will like it or hate it. Personally, I liked it so much. A postmodern epic movie!

As a side note, I don’t know what it took me so long but it was just lately that I noticed that there are always a couple of subtitles (Arabic and French) in the UAE cinema screens and that instead of popcorn, I like more the corn with salt, butter, cheese, chili, pepper, garlic, and lemon (yes, altogether).

I am most of the time jealous of the long weekends in the Philippines. (Although we are not sure about the government’s plan on sustaining the holiday economics.) So I feel privileged whenever we have our once in a crescent moon extra mile break. Yes, not once in a blue moon since our long breaks in the UAE are normally triggered by Islamic celebrations. The intent to travel outside the Gulf did not occur to me, I even begged off to close friends not to go with them in this wonderful getaway to a beach in Ras Al Khaimah, another UAE emirate neighboring Dubai.

I realized that I missed being home so much. That I was too hungry for sleep. That I missed being lazy. Five days of not getting up at 5:00 AM, unmindful of the alarm clock, no dolling up but being in pyjamas and worn out tees (t-shirt na pambahay na butas butas na haha; I guess I am a sentimental fool I love wearing old, old, old pambahay), and less complicated routines (eat-sleep-wake-up-TV-so on). The truth is we tend to enjoy a phase more when it is hard to catch. But when the monotony kicks in, we, of course, miss being a busybee. However, there were a couple of times that I went out just for the necessity of it.

Personally, I think that going out during the three-day Eid is challenging but a must. It is the time of the year when people are extra cheerful, the air is very festive. It feels like Christmas. Hence, the season’s decors in the different malls are also a sight.

(In a way, the gimmicks created an air of east meets west. At the end of the day, every resident and tourist got their own dose of entertainment.)

I feel triumphant, too, whenever there are too many good stuff to buy and temptations alike and I take home nothing but just the real “I must buy”. How cool is that? Sign of aging? Haha.

(A perfect time to revisit our old favourite. Crepe with dark chocolate syrup from Galler.)

I also took the five-day break to test if I can survive without pork meat. [No, I am not converting to Islam. But my Ate na tagagupit ng buhok (hair stylist) did. It was so surprising when she came to my house with her hair covered by a hijab to do home service (i.e. cut my hair by at least two inches; I hardly believed it grew too fast or I have just been too busy to notice it.)] I just realized one day that I do not enjoy consuming pork anymore. I started imagining things; I guess I am finally becoming health conscious. Signs of aging? (Again!) I wonder if I will ever wake up one day not liking chocolates anymore.

(Despicable Me‘s plot was usual and predictable but it is more than enough to make you giggle. We also watched Step Up 3. It is a must-see! Found myself clapping inside the cinema, together with the audience, after the final dance battle. I want to re-watch it. Incidentally, Step Up 1 and 2 are aired via MBC Max.)

We were back to normal this morning and just like the others, I oddly miss Ramadan because of:
(a) The flexible working hours. We were allowed to come to the office at 10:00 AM and just to complete six *efficient* (this one is my self-imposed rule heehee) hours.
(b) The quiet road before 8:00 AM. As most of the people are moving close to 9:00 AM.
(c) The air of extra kindness from everyone, being an Islamic Holy month. Although there are murmurs (ehem) that a few were impatient due to lack of sleep and hunger (fasting and more frequent prayers considered). But I did not a have a personal encounter to confirm that. That is understandable, anyway.
(d) My packed lunch. Unlike the previous Ramadan where I had to discreetly chew chocolates in the washroom just to fuel myself up, the canteen was opened for the non-Muslims. But we had to bring our own consumables. (Normally, we have a free international cuisine buffet lunch everyday. That resumed today.) For almost a month, I have always looked forward to preparing packed lunch.
(e) The stillness and serenity of Abu Dhabi.

Just when I thought that I have been too still, my drive to do more was actually sustained. Lazy-ing around is bliss and worth it. If done at the right time.

The clouds I can handle. But I can’t fight with an eclipse.
[Jacob Black, Eclipse, Chapter 26, p.600]

However, that was not mentioned in the adaptation.

What day is it? I can’t believe that until now I haven’t done a review for Eclipse. Had it been shown in 2008, I probably had drafted my review already with fill in the blanks type (until I validate the other details). You know how it feels when you used to be head over heels over someone/something OR that famous realization about first love? That it actually dies, but is never forgotten. That is the current state of my Twilight Saga addiction. For old times’ sake, I willingly write this non-traditional review and random babbling into one:

(a) Would you believe that a larger percentage of the patronizers on the day that I watched were locals (Emiratis)? Their younger generation really are becoming more open minded.
(b) Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen is unfortunately depreciating. I prefer to remember Edward Cullen just as he is in the book and Robert Pattinson as he was in the first movie and as Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I think most of you have heard of the joke, “Voldemort had killed Cedric Diggory and was turned into a vampire… he is now Edward Cullen!”
(c) On the other hand, Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black has became more appealing. In the book, I am with Team Edward. But in the movies, I am on the other side. Semi-Team Jasper even, in Eclipse. Members of Team Jasper increased because a portion of his admirable vampire career was highlighted.
(d) Why is Kristen Stewart’s (Isabella Swan) acting not improving? Haaay.
(e) Xavier Samuel as Riley Biers (new character) was very good. Too bad his role died on this movie, too. His acting reminded me of Vampire Diaries (Season 2 will start in September. Better than Twilight Saga.)
(f) The soundtrack is remarkable.
(g) Jessica’s valedictory address was good. But in the books, it sounded like Angela and Eric are the brainier batchmates.
(h) My most favorite scene in the book, i.e. the tent scene, which I looked forward to in the adaption, was depicted excellently. That was when they spent  the night on the mountains. On that stormy hour, the sickly chilling Bella cannot be comforted by Edward since the vampires as popularized from this point are as cold as ice. Jacob being hot-blooded, of wolf descent, saved the damsel in distress. There goes the one million dollar statement: “Let’s face it, I’m hotter than you!” The man-to-man (or ice versus fire) talk happened thereafter meaningfully. How lucky is Bella eh? But I do not envy her. Heehee.
(i) During my fanatic days, I was torn with the thought of becoming a vampire or wolf. I wanted to be a vampire because they are capable of not sleeping at all.  That means that I would be able to do a lot of things. And if I will have the special power like Alice Cullen’s, i.e. to foresee things, I probably can accumulate a lot of funds by playing through the stocks and other investments. But I realized that I do not want to cheat. I wanted to be a wolf instead since they can sleep and eat normally unlike the vampires. But smell wise, the wolves were jokingly depicted in the saga as smelling like dogs. Vampires are super vain, but I do not like that they are very pale. Assuming that there are only two choices: would you want to be a vampire or wolf? or let us rephrase that into “would like to get married to Edward Cullen or Jacob Black?”
(j) On a serious note, those who have watched Eclipse but have not read the book will definitely find Bella the ultimate two timer. Just after agreeing to marry Edward, the next day she was caught kissing Jacob (to top it all, she asked him). Although Edward did not technically see it, but of course, he has the ability to read everyone’s thoughts (except Bella’s). You just imagine him reading Jacob’s thoughts – all the intentions and emotions. However, Bella did that as a strategy to get Jacob on a surviving mindset as he was about to fight with the newborns (Army of Vampires created by Victoria).
(k) But whichever way you try to see it, she really is. She actually admitted that she loves Jacob, while she is engaged to Edward (hahaha). And claimed that she loves the latter more, anyway. And that’s perfectly fine for Edward. Where does he get his fountain of understanding? As explained in the book, his maturity about certain aspects is beyond compare being a more than 100-year old vampire. And you see, Jacob is just too aggressive. Edward’s being old fashioned (to an ancient extent) and empathizing were actually charming. But wait until you read the next point.
(l) He will suggest to Bella (as she wanted to procreate during their marriage) to have a baby with Jacob, knowing his limitations as a vampire. Eeeeep, that is on Book 4! [Sorry about the spoiler.]  Breaking Dawn the movie is yet to be shown – in two parts.
(m) The cutest terminology that surfaced in Eclipse is “imprinting”. When a wolf does imprint on someone, it is like he or she has found a soulmate. The way it was stated in the movie was clever. But I think that the process and school of thought were more descriptive as mentioned in the book:

It’s not like love at first sight, really. It’s more like… gravity moves. When you see her, suddenly it’s not the earth holding you here anymore. She does. And nothing matters more than her. And you would do anything for her, be anything for her… You become whatever she needs you to be, whether that’s a protector, or a lover, or a friend, or a brother.
[Jacob Black, Eclipse, Chapter 8, p.176]

(n) And Jacob thought he imprinted on Bella. But he will have the real imprinting on Bella’s half human-half vampire daughter (on Book 4). Sure, that sounds weird… Jacob’s love interest is an infant. My initial reaction, too. But if you would refer back to the real meaning of imprinting, it encompasses not only romantic love. I wished though that he had imprinted on Leah Clearwater instead.
(o) I waited for the following lines from Jacob, which did not happen in the movie:

The fortune-telling bloodsucker can’t see us? Seriously? That’s excellent!
Chapter 4, p.104

I think it’s easier for you to be near me when I’m not human, because you don’t have to pretend that you’re not attracted to me.
Chapter 21, p.478

I make you nervous. But only when I’m human. When I’m a wolf, you’re more comfortable around me.
Chapter 21, p.478

He’s like a drug for you, Bella. I see that you can’t live without him now. It’s too late. But I would have been healthier for you. Not a drug; I would have been the air, the sun.
Chapter 26, p.599

The clouds I can handle. But I can’t fight with an eclipse.
Chapter 26, p.600

(p) In general, the third film adaption was the best so far. It actually is the best among the four books. I wonder how they will execute the out of the world scenes from the fourth/last book. I hope that the Volturis will be really authoritative then, I was not too impressed with their presence in this movie.

Although my addiction has worn out, it is obvious that I can still talk about it and them endlessly. When friends refer to me for “consultation” on the missing links, I still explain to them patiently and effortlessly. I guess that’s what happens when you liked something too much that you have read it four times. You explain things as if they just transpired last night. Haha.

N.B. I thought it would be difficult to finish this post as I tried to gather my mood. It turned out to be a breeze. It also took me out from my packed weekend for a while.

A flu attacked me the night before the weekend which made me bedridden the following day. Avoiding anything which is very physical and with a pale appetite, I at least wanted to feed my eyes. As a result, I marathoned three movies. These are amongst those, I am convinced, I can watch over and again:

When Harry Met Sally (1989) – I was totally glued with the conversations between Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan). Although I find Harry “sort of ugly” for Sally, his being able to talk like a non-stop machine with sense is hilarious and endearing. Despite that the boundaries of friendship are obviously defined in many cases, it is interesting how the story can make you pretend that the predictable is unpredictable. One of the best romantic comedies I have ever seen. As it was nearing the finale, I was wishing it would never end. It is also good to see Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia in Star Wars Trilogy) here.

Once (2006) – The movie was set in Dublin, Ireland and featured its local musicians. The main guy (Glen Hansard) writes and sings so well. I liked the realistic appeal of the story, when you can do everything and nothing (alike at the same time), and the ending was depicted in its full practicality. The songs featured are remarkable and I think that Falling Slowly and Fallen from the Sky are the best among the plenty of good songs from the soundtrack. Although produced under a low budget, this movie has a distinct character that you will not forget – one of which is finding the balance between romantic and musical connections.

Titanic (1997) – While there was a number of movies produced based on the sinking of RMS Titanic, this stands as the most popular to date. I was still in college when I first watched it and I honestly did not appreciate it that time. I thought it was too mushy and it clouded its other brilliant aspects. Until I saw it for the second time during the weekend, I realized that it was well-made and story was daunting and classic. It took me more than a decade to see it from a different angle (*facepalm*). And guess what? James Cameron (also the director of Avatar) used the “I See You” line in this movie, for the first time. That explains why it sounded familiar during the Avatar screening.

I think that it is odd that I got surprised when I learned that the third installment of the Twilight Saga, Eclipse, is going to be shown in the cinemas soon. I mean, I used to be very informed of anything Twilight related. While it is debuting on the 30th of June in most of the countries, we got the 8th of July playdate here. It is odder that I did not take it as a big deal like when I did when the first installment was shown here few days late. Really, the delay strained my patience and even pained my sleep. I even made pre-screening preparations like re-reading the book, having the ticket in advance, at a minimum. It is interesting though that there is going to be an advanced screening (which is rarely happening in the UAE) of Eclipse on 1st of July. The oddest thing was that I did not even consider that. Wow, I think I have matured a lot (*facepalm*).

If you are a follower of this blog, you can attest that I was soooo consumed by Twilight. I can not help but giggle when I re-read my crazy entries on the day I got the four books (and reading it several times), that I was so engrossed that I associated too many things with Twilight that it affected my conversations with selected few, going gaga over my Twilight shoes (I love this pair until now; I think this is going to be one of my treasured pairs forever), writing my review for the first film adaptation after watching it thrice in the cinema, and more. Well, I thought those were the most logical stuff to write that moment. Seriously.

I am randomly recollecting how this Twilight madness enriched my well-being. Aside from the unexpected financial benefit which I got during one of my travels (i.e. I did not pay for my excess baggage, more than 10 kilos as I remember, when I was in Hong Kong, because I was wearing my Twilight shoes which signaled the airport officer that we are on the same boat. The rest is history. Hence, I got an implicit discount.), I think what matters more to me is the friendship it strengthened and the one of a kind virtual association I gained by sharing the same passion for Jacob and/or Edward (just kidding), errr, by sharing the same interest – to put it simply (special mention to Toni, who has been there through thick and thin; yes, there’s such a thing!). You probably know how it feels when you are fighting for a common cause.

Going back to my claimed “maturity”, I saw it coming when I was never tempted to get a graphic novel at all and New Moon DVD (but I watched it twice on the big screen, haha) soon. I was not tracking Stephenie Meyer‘s new novel as well. Unlike when I finished the four books, I was very hungry for anything Meyer that I also read The Host (yes, she knows other creatures other than vampires and wolves!), which made me realize just now that I have not done a review yet.

It is interesting how junk food for the brain (the same with Farm Town, chic literatures, etc.) consumes us in a way as if it meant the world to us. That during those times, we tried hard to manage the addiction without really knowing when the fever is going to subside. When I re-read my Twilight entries and Farm Town madness, I never felt though that I wanted to delete any of these even if it is going to be embarrassing to some extent… because they formed part of my interests and made me. We must be thankful for this kind of junk food because they kept us sane. We can never be too serious, there is going to be the other side of us always. But as the term suggests, we need to precaution ourselves not to take too much junk for our brains.

What are your junk food for the brain?

I wanted to watch The Karate Kid since I saw the trailer pre-airing of Ironman 2. Unfortunately, we got a late playdate in the UAE and it debuted in the cinemas just this week. The trailer provided a glimpse to the trainings which the kid (Jaden Smith) had: on patience, endurance, courage, and perseverance. Did you know that these trainings are also available through the iPad? Amongst these, my favorite is the test or training for patience. Not that I am impatient, it is just that I never win in the other “trainings”, too soon the game is always over. I think that it is indicative of my level of patience (winks).

The game allows you to choose your own music which serves as backgrounder. I really appreciate this option because the audio can significantly affect our moods and/or mindset. So while I catch the flies, Smile (Cover of Lily Allen song), which Glee has a version, too, played. As you can see from the screenshot, I easily passed the first level.

[Flies to me: "Catch us if you can!" Still using the chopsticks, the number of flies that need to be captured increases for each level. To the extent that I can no longer keep up.]

While this game is not a substantive means to train our patience, it is one of the light outlets to me. Taking a break from the wild world is one of the means to improve our patience. I once took a quiz that claimed that I am like a dormant volcano. That while people regard that they are safe around me, they also know that they should not push me around too far. Hence, it is encouraged that we remain patient and impatient as well. The nicest thing is that patience is, of course, a virtue and it is one of those which will always be a work in progress. Sometimes, we need to pause to ascertain why we are in a rush, identify our impatience triggers (I generally become impatient when I am at my most hungry state, being queued, and when I do not like to deal with the person at all), to relax when we feel we are annoyed, to practice thinking before we speak, if there is nothing you can do about the situation, let go and it shall take care of itself, and most importantly, try to focus on what matters most in life.

At the end of the day, try to realize that we will get what we want.  I have proven this many times. Well, not always in the manner that we prefer. It depends on which side we view it. We will not always get things done instantly. For all we know, some of the best things in life require ages of real hard work and… waiting.

I honestly have no idea how much of Abu Dhabi has been showcased and/or negated by SATC 2. As much as I wanted to see it before sharing my thoughts, it is not possible at the moment due to three reasons: (a) It will never be shown in the UAE cinemas. Ever. Although, it was not banned. The story comes later. (b) I am not that determined to source out a copycat DVD from the dibidi vendors [yes! not just in the Philippines; except that they are more sosyal (read: maporma) and discreet], (c) I am not that torrents efficient. I resorted to viewing a couple of available trailers in You Tube. Being a UAE resident for almost three birthdays already, I thought it would be easy to recognize the “pretenses”. I was laughing out when I saw the desert safari scene of these fabulous women, among other things. Obviously, it was not shot in the UAE.

(Photo source)

This scene was shot during a camel ride in Marrakesh, Morocco, but was replicated and documented in the movie as if it transpired within the UAE.

Here is how the camels in the desert safari in the UAE look like. In the video, I also noticed the discrepancy in the sand quality and hair dress for the male locals.

Most of us might think that these gaps do not matter anymore; that the mere mention of Abu Dhabi is something that the emirate should be grateful for. That is, if you will have a shallow consideration of its boost in tourism. However, the truth is  Abu Dhabi does not want to be associated with SATC 2. Not at all. Let us see where the concerns emanated from:

(1) SATC, the television series, was aired in the UAE. However, SATC 1 did not make it to any UAE cinema because it was banned. It was considered by the National Media Council (censorship board of the UAE) as culturally non-compliant. Since a large percentage of its population is comprised by Europeans and Americans and most of whom were eager to watch it, a lot argued about the restriction. There was no way to see it but to catch it in other countries, get a copycat DVD (sssshhh), and through the other not-so-legal resources.

(2) Last year, the request to film the sequel, SATC 2 was denied by the censors of the UAE for a number of issues such that the title associates sex with the city of Abu Dhabi without showing its people and infrastructure, scenes showing Arab women removing their abaya (traditional dress) to reveal flashy garments and other contradictions to women’s modesty, and other concerns.

(3) The producers of SATC 2 opted to shoot the Middle East related scenes in Morocco instead. Its regulating body also found the probability of the script to offend Muslims.They permitted the filming after the producers agreed not to identify Morocco. Instead, they inserted shots of Abu Dhabi to support the replication. It was reported that the small, botique Amanjena Hotel in Marrakesh (Morocco) was signified as the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. I have a Moroccan colleague and having been to the really, really luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel, we think that they are not comparable at all. On the other hand, a nightclub scene set in Abu Dhabi was shot in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (in New York).

(4) SATC 2 did not make it to the UAE cinemas. To correct the perception of the many, it was not banned. How can you ban something which was not actually submitted to National Media Council at all? Well, if I am among the people behind the sequel, I will not waste time about the submissions when the chance of rejection is more than 100%. Had it really been shown, it was probably titled “The Desert Safari” because that would be the only acceptable scene. Wild guess.

(5) It is not the first production rejected for filming in the UAE. The producers of Body of Lies were also denied permission because of the script’s politically sensitive nature. You try to guess where the scenes set were filmed instead. Yes, in Morocco.

I am not being partial. But as much as the Emiratis (UAE locals) and their government are gearing towards openmindedness, respect for culture comes first for them. The UAE has its strengths and weaknesses, just like the other nations. But its non-hungry approach to get associated with something which might cause a minor scar is something. While I am not that interested to see the sequel, I would watch it with reasonableness when the copy, errr, opportunity comes. Just like when someone lent me a DVD of the prequel. Although I found it just okay, the soundtrack was remarkable.

(a) Batibot (1984)

(Photo source)

Our own version of Sesame Street is and will be one of my biggest favorites forever! Kuya Bodjie, Kuya Mario, Ate Sienna, Pong Pagong, Kikong Matsing, Manang Bola, and the rest of the group: we miss them. I hope a re-mastered DVD or something similar will be produced. I am sure it will be a hit.

(Batibot means small, but strong and robust. I watched this video many times and I even sang along with it.)

(Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho featured them in 2007. Here is the clip in case you have missed the reunion.)

(b) Bioman (1984)

Red 1, Green 2, Blue 3, Yellow 4, Pink 5! Me and my playmates tried to re-enact their fights and antics. I was Yellow 4. Why? Because most of the girls wanted to be Pink 5, so let them compete.

(This Bioman opening theme gives me goosebumps and transports me to yesteryears.)

(c) Ora Engkantada

I have been googling a photo or video to show you Lola Torya (played by Luz Fernandez; she was Luka in Okay Ka, Fairy Ko), but I did not find any. At 6:00 PM, kids are watching with so much fascination as she opens her huge book containing magical stories.

(d) Gabi ng Lagim

I am not referring to the movie but to DZRH’s radio program (play). As a youngster, there was another way to tell that it is 8:00 PM already. When you would hear the terrifying sound from the wailing dog over the radio, it means that the ghost and/or suspense stories being featured weekly through Gabi ng Lagim has started. I do not remember the exact duration of the program, but I think it lasts for 30 minutes from Monday to Saturday. It is regarded as one of the longest running radio plays in the Philippine history. How did I get to know about this? My late grandmother was a follower (and me, too).

(e) Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang (1985)

(Photo source)

I am one of the 80s kiddos, hence, I am so thrilled whenever I would chance upon old movies on Cinema One. Over the weekend, I catched Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang halfway. It is a trilogy which featured Gabby Concepcion, Snooky Serna, Maricel Soriano, William Martinez, Nora Aunor, Tirso Cruz III, and the Triplets (Manilyn Reynes, Tina Paner and Sheryl Cruz). The story began showing the late Chichay as Lola Basyang telling stories to the kids. I remember playing teks (cards) and may pambato (lucky charm) was the Lola Basyang card. I wish I still have it.

(f) Zuma (1985)

The younger generation may initially regard Zuma as a computer game. There is little relevance to pyramids though. In this movie, he was depicted as an offspring of an Aztec serpent God. He was buried under a pyramid and was incidentally “awakened” by an archaeological team doing expedition. You can just imagine the trouble he made in that modern era. He murdered a lot. I had almost sleepless nights after seeing this, especially that the elders tricked us that Zuma is probably true and that he likes to eat kids, especially the girls who are still outside the house at night. (I used to play a lot on the streets. Post-Zuma, I was normally home before the sunset until I wisen up and discerned for myself that it is not true.) Since the movie was a hit, Anak ni Zuma (1987) was born.

That time I thought both movies were amazing. But after decades of not seeing it until I chanced upon it again in 2008 on TV, wow, I realized it is sobrang pangit (poorly produced). But even so, if I have the chance, I would still watch it.

(g) Bagets (1984)

I wrote about it last year. One of the movies that do not age. There is something about watching the old faces that makes us smile, especially the actors when they were still taking chances to stardom. Also, it is noteworthy that it is among the Tagalog movies which have a very nice soundtrack. Bagets 2 was produced the same year. The prequel is better though.

(Bagets opening theme. The dance steps from this movie will be immortal.)

(h) Dear Heart (1981)

(Yes, there are days when I do take photos of movies being shown on TV.)

Well, I was just a toddler when it premiered. Technically, I did not see it during the 80s, but (first time) in 2008. I am not a fan, but Gabby Concepcion’s and Sharon Cuneta’s innocence were very adorable in this movie. I can watch it over and again, unlike KC Concepcion’s For the First Time that I have not yet finished until now. I have tried at least five times already and I always dozed off. It is like a sleeping pill. No offense meant to her fans.

In Dear Heart, I also enjoyed recollecting the old Baguio (mainly filmed there), seeing Sharon by the beach and running with Gabby, not on a swimwear but in jeans, the coñotic dialogues and trivial things (including the apparent advertisements from Coca Cola, Shakeys and other sponsors). I love this movie.

We will have our own favorites and/or things that will remain in our subconscious whichever generation we belong. And I know that most of you will nod in agreement when I say that these are part and parcel of our own being now (special shoutout to Batibot!).

(Photo source). I’ve watched Alice in Wonderland in 3D, not expecting much about the film even if it’s directed by Tim Burton.

Johnny Depp as Mad Hatter, Mia Wisakowska (she looks much like Gwyneth Partlow) as Alice, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, and Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen were all effective in their roles. Although the film is visually stunning, I just felt that it lacked the right amount of thrill. It came to a point that whenever the scenes were slowing down, I kept reminding myself to just be entertained by the visuals, fancy dresses and make-ups, and few entertaining scenes (my most fave was when the very tiny Alice was put inside the tea pot). Personally, I think that the appearance of the Red Queen made the scenes came into life. Maybe it’s because of her bulky head and the humour she graced whenever she spoke.

When I went out of the cinema, I never had an aftershock or hang over of the film. I wonder what happened to the magical fantasy touch that it’s supposed to give to the audience.