Saturday, September 27, 2014

Puerto Prinsesa...An Adventure like no other

Yes! Im back in Palawan...and I am already 2/3 in visiting this island paradise (El Nido na lang). And I must say that this time in Puerto Prinsesa, its one big adventure with many firsts.

This time, im with 2 of my closest friends from high school...Keith and Rhyan. It should have been four, but Angel have to back out to attend to her business. Sayang it was supposed to be the first time for all of us to have a vacation.

We booked our flight months ahead. We got the tickets through Cebu Pacific, 1800 per person, two way. Since we seldom go for a vacation, we preferred having our flight booked ahead of time. Para more time to prepare and file for vacation leaves sa office.

Looking for a hotel to stay is not that easy. Puerto Prinsesa, since it is a tourist destination has lots of hotels, ranging from cheap, to expensive. Since this is the first time for the three of us, we agreed to look for a hotel that is not cheap..and not too expensive also. And we just found the perfect one, Aziza Paradise Resort. Just look at the pictures and you will know why we chose it.







Do I need to say more? This hotel is the perfect place for us. From the lobby, the swimming pool, the facilities, they have a bar, a resto, a videoke room, a playroom for babies, a clinic, a gym, and soon i think thats a wall climbing facility. Kumpleto na talga. We stayed at their family room that is good for four. I think its 4k per person (4 persons), 3 nights, includes breakfast buffet, airport transfers and wifi. Not bad...not bad at all. You can contact them through their website www.azizaparadise.ph

We arrive in Aziza just in time for lunch. We ate at their restaurant since we were waiting for our first tour, which is the City tour (600/person). The food was amazing! And its cheap.




That is steak, pork chop and grilled fish. Masarap lahat!

I suggest that before you go to Puerto Prinsesa, you should have already planned the tours that you will be going to. Fix them before you go, para walang hassle pag dating nyo dun. Our first tour would be the City Tour.

City tour, as the name suggests, will take you around the city of Puerto Prinsesa. I was hesitant at first to avail for this tour, because I was thinking that we can just go by ourselves. But I was wrong. It was, and it is recommended to avail for the City tour. The City tour is 600/person that includes an air-conditioned van, all of the necessary entrance fees, and will take you to at least 5 places in PP.

The first stop will be Binuatan Weaving Creations. They will show you how to make the home made weaves that they are doing locally. And they will even let you try to do something on your own.




After weaving, we went to the famous Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center or popularly known as Crocodile Farm. I was excited since its my first time to see up close crocodiles of different shapes and sizes (yes,,,shapes). The place doesn't only have crocodiles, but other wildlife as well, like bird, etc. Again the entrance fee, is already included in the payment for the city tour.
a short briefing before going inside

baby crocs...they are in the hatchery...ang dami nila...and they can jump!

this is the biggest one there. its not moving though...and notice the shinny things in his back? Piso un :)

a full scale skeleton of a crocodile. im guessing thats his skin at the back.


Right after the Crocodile Farm, we went to Bakers Hill. As the name suggests, its a Bakers house on top of a hill. As it grew, the owner added several attractions, like life size cartoon charaters, a mini park that has a view of the mountains at the back. They offer different food e.g. hopia, crinkles, pili nuts, etc. that is perfect for pasalubongs. And amazingly its cheap. One box of hopia, 10 pcs, 45 pesos only. And it taste good! Kumikitang kabuhayan kasi inside Bakers Hill is the owners house. You have to see it for yourself. :D

with Marilyn Monroe. The house at the back is I'm guessing belongs to the owner

mini garden

mini garden pic...hehehe

Mitra's Ranch is just five minutes away, from Bakers Hill. It is owned by the Mitra Family (remember Senator Ramon Mitra?) This was their vacation home. Its acres and acres of land. The house sits on top of the hill. You are allowed to enter the house (the mitras doesnt go to this place anymore) for a certain fee...parang 50 pesos ata. Well the view is breathtaking.

If my house has this view, i wouldn't leave.



The last part of the tour is vising the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Its a perfect end to a great tour. But just beside the church is a historic place. The Plaza Cuartel. The plaza was a prison camp for American and Filipino soldiers during WW2. The history of that place is both amazing and creepy at the same time.

the entrance to Plaza Cuartel

the interior of the church


Want to know where we had our dinner? Click here

Saturday, June 14, 2014

The Fault in our Stars




Honestly, I was a little bit hesitant in watching this movie the first time it came out. The thought of just being another chick flick always comes to mind. Its not that I dont like watching chick flick, but its just not my "cup of tea".

But this movie is totally different.

I was smiling, thinking and was even teary eyed while watching it. I actually admire the writer of this book. Because it captured everything that is needed to become a great book, and now a great movie.

I love the way how I was pulled to the story of the two protagonists.You know that feeling that you have known them for a long time, that you tend to sympathize with what is happening to them. Emotions go from happy, to sad, then happy again, then super sad, then hope will be the last thing that you will feel.

The main factor that made this movie a success, is not just the story, but I strongly because of the actors Hazel and Gus (Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort). Both of them made a great job in portraying the characters. How Gus was charmingly sweet and alive, and how Hazel was both fragile and strong at the same time.

But I think the main thing that hit me with this movie is the lesson it brought me, is the hope that it brings.That everyone deserves to live to the fullest and experience to be loved. That even their eternity was short lived, they knew that their love was true.

Hopeless romantic??? maybe yes. But for the most of us, that is what we are all looking for right? We all long to find that someone who can let us experience true love, for eternity, or even for just for a while.

Definitely worth watching with your special someone.

Rating 8.5/10

Friday, June 13, 2014

Noah (2014)



Finally, after two months of waiting, Noah, the highly anticipated movie from Russel Crowe, has made its way to Philippine cinema.

My expectations is mixed. It was high, but was curious on why it was suddenly pulled out a day before it was supposed to be shown last April. I heard different rumors about it, stating that it was not based solely on the Bible (oh oh...), and I think, that most of it was just a product of the directors imagination.

The story begins with a short background of a young Noah, how his father was killed and how his family started. i cant contest on this part, for I have forgotten how Noah really came about (its either I forgot, or it was not mentioned in the Bible), but I'm guessing that I have just forgotten it.

Then came the visions of Noah, the dreams of the floods. Thats how he got an idea that he needed to build an ark. If you can remember, it is stated that the family of Noah helped build the ark. And they are called the Watchers. They are fallen angels who turned into rocks, with flowing lava and everything. (obviously not in the Bible)

Another difference will be, how the people tried to stop Noah from creating the ark. In this version, there was like a whole army trying to stop him from building the ark. The story in the Bible, it started with few people from town who ridiculed Noah, and saying that he was insane, but they did not stop him from building it.

And last major difference would be the family of Noah. I can remember that he had three sons. All of which later married before they entered the ark. In the movie, he indeed had three, but they had no wives. Along the way of building the ark, they adopted a girl, (Ms Granger from Harry Potter) and became the love interest of Noahs first born. I think this was not in the Bible.

If you are going to base this movie from the story in the Bible, its different in many ways. Yes there was the flood, the pairing of the animals, and the story of Noah. But there were a lot of additional things that was included, that would make any person who knows the story, will have their eyebrows raised, and utter "hmmmm, thats not how I remembered it happening". A person who doesnt have any background on the story, will surely enjoy this. But for most of us who knows, it will be a movie full of questions.

No wonder it was pulled out. Just my two cents though.

Rating: 
7/10 just because of the changes in the story.
8/10 for the effects and how the actors portrayed their roles.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

How to Train your Dragon 2



Well Dreamworks has done it again. This time they have delivered again!

My expectations for this movie was really high, because I enjoyed watching the part one of this movie. And I made sure that I will be watching this movie in the movie house (for the whole movie house experience..hehehe)

So the movie begins 5 years after the first one. Hiccup is being groomed as the next chief of their tribe. But the Hiccup that we know, just like the first movie, doesnt want to be one, or at least he is not prepared. What he is most interested on, is to discover new lands, and of course discover new species of dragons. His relationship with Toothless is stronger than before, they are like talking to each other now. Knowing each others moves, and understanding what each other is saying.

I will not spoil the whole movie, because its an adventure as it is. I will just say that its worth your money and time. Its both good for adults and kids. Traditional Dreamworks movie, there is always a lesson to be learned, and most of the time, the lessons learned are the things that we adults, often take for granted. Thats what I like about animated movies, its not only for kids, but there is something for us adults that will remind us the things that we often forget.

Rating: 10/10 
this is the first movie that i have a perfect score by the way, truly deserving.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

X-men: Days of Future Past


Awesome!!!

That is the best way to describe this movie. As a kid who grew up in the '90s you have to agree with me that the tv series, uncanny xmen is one of the most watched shows back then. And watching it on the big screen, being portrayed by real life people, is a kid's dream come true.

The story took off several years after the war against mutants started. Its the era into which mutants are being hunted down by Sentinels (yes they are there, all in its metal, ice and fire forms). If you have watched the tv series, you will know that only a few of the former xmen survived this era. They are the ones who is continually avoiding the sentinels. I dont want to go deeper on what happened on the movie. I will just outline it for you.

  • New mutants: Quicksilver, Link, Bishop etc will be introduced in this movie
  • Not everyone will be going back to the past as the poster and the title wants us to think.
  • Havoc, together with Beast will be shown again in this movie.
  • Quicksilver has a sister, who will later be known as Scarlet Witch. Their father, Magneto
  • The past took place right several years after the first class
  • Most of the mutants that we loved will be in this installment
  • Many of them will die :D
  • One thing i didnt understand: How did Professor X and Magneto appeared in the future, if in Xmen 3, one died and the other lost its power. (I hope someone can explain this to me XD )
  • There is an after credits scene. Wait until everything finishes.
Ok thats enough for now. You just have to watch the movie to grasp how awesome they were able to make this movie. I think its by far the best movie of this installment. In terms of the actors, the acting, special effects, and story line is amazing. Those who will say that its not that good, have their expectations so high. Dont expect anything from this movie, and you will surely enjoy it.

Rating: 9.5/10

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Godzilla (2014)



Remaking a movie is one of the most "in" things to do in the movie industry now a days. And Godzilla was not spared.

What makes this installment different from its predecessors, specially the last one? One simple answer, Godzilla saved the day. Yes you heard it right, in this movie, Godzilla is a protagonist. :D (spoiler)

Well according to a close friend of mine, if you follow closely the Japanese version of Godzilla, the monster is really a savior, contrary on how he was portrayed on the last movie.

In this movie, he has two alien like monsters to defeat, who despite years of being not together, was able to mate and create eggs. I forgot to mention that the male specie originated in the Philippines. And it revolved from there on. Going from the Philippines, then to Japan and finally to America. Both monsters are attracted to radioactivity, and thats how they were able to feed and grow. And when they were about to destroy America, then cam Godzilla.

I was not a fan of the Japanese version, so when his back glowed blue and started to breathe blue fire, my eyes went OMG! hahaha...Because as we all know, well as for me, Godzilla was a big mutated lizard, but it seems its not. Now I dont know what he is...maybe a dinosaur that spews blue fire. And apparently Godzilla, only wants to be the sole monster of our planet. hahahahaha.

This movie is something different, and I think its one of the most underrated movies for this year. Its worth your time and money. And by the way, you should be watch it now because just a week after its showing, will be the new movie of Xmen, and after that will be Maleficent. So a lot of new movies to watch for.

Rating: 7/10

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Movie Watch: The Amazing Spider Man 2



I have waited for this movie since the first one finished showing several years ago. And its just me to be there the first day it will be shown. And yes I did.

The story took off several years after the first installment. And this time Peter and Gwen is about to finish studying. The opening scene, is the first fight scene of the movie, and you just cannot miss it. Its one of several amazing fights scenes from the movie.

What I like from this movie is the sense of humor the two protagonists is giving, Their chemistry is undeniable ( they are real life couples by the way ). Their scenes together is so natural. Another would be the acting. In my own honest opinion, Andrew Garfield is a better actor for the role. Not too serious but not too cocky as well. Just a right blend of a guy that just finished his studies. The last thing would be the costume. I dont know if you notice it, but its completely different from the previous costume (the eyes are more bigger). And last but not the least, just like the first, I love the story line. Just like other superhero movies that saves the day, this one has something different in it. I guess that is the vulnerability of the protagonists.

I know that comparing is not good, but we just cant help but to compare the story line of the Amazing Spider Man to the first trilogy performed by Tobey Maguire. Its a little bit different.

Now, if you are not a fan of the comics, just like me, the ending part of the movie will be someone of a downer. But I guess people who really follows the story of Spider Man already knows this.

I would not mind to watch this again. Definitely worth the watch.

My Rating: 9.5/10

And by the way I prepared for this one, and the food that I ate inside is amazing. Two very large french fries, one big burger and two large cokes. Satisfied tummy it is :D  

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Movie Watch: Transcendence



I really cant make my mind of this movie. The idea of the movie is great, but there is something wrong.

We all know how Johnny Depp chooses roles for his movies right? Its always different from the characters he has already played (well aside from Capt. Jack Sparrow). And his character on this movie is quite different from the others.

The idea of this movie is basically, they have uploaded the whole "function" of a brain into a computer. And it has revolved in that idea, and they called it as Transcendence.

If you are going to watch the movie, the idea of it is really great, because it will help so many people, but I think it went overboard, in a big way. They made some of the things that happened on the movie quite impossible. But dont get me wrong, I did like the movie a lot, and I do like how everyone portrayed it, but I guess it was far fetched (well at least for our time).

But not to take any thing away from the movie, it is good, and very entertaining. Its one of those movies that you have to listen carefully in order for you to understand the movie, because if you dont, you will some of the key things from the movie. 

Rating : 7/10

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Flashback Movie: The Passion of the Christ






I can still remember watching this movie when I was in college. If I was not mistaken, it was shown right after Holy Week. And it indeed left a powerful message to everyone who watched it.


I knew how the passion and death of Jesus Christ happened, but Mel Gibson, the director of this movie has made it very detailed to the point that the movie is entirely in Aramaic (you have to watch the movie with subtitles). I have to mention that this movie became very controversial at that time, that it was not almost shown here. And even after the movie was shown, it was still talked about by everyone.

The movie started with the scene at the Garden of Gethsemane. Just right before Jesus was arrested. What makes this movie interesting is the detailed description and portrayal of what happened during the Passion of Christ. The set, costumes, actors and even the setting is so detailed, that it will be hard for you not to be drawn to the movie. The actors are just exceptional, can you just imagine they are talking in a language that they do not know (well most of us doesnt know it). But they delivered it so convincingly.

One of the scenes that made me grasp and speechless was during the portrayal of the scourging at the pillar. The pain and the agony was so detailed, that you will feel the sadness and the pain as well. It will leave you speechless. I can remember closing my eyes at some parts of this movie because it was just too much to look at.

Since it is Holy week, do something that is actually related with this season. Find time to watch this movie with your family and friends.It is something that you should not miss, it will make your Lent very meaningful.

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Causeway : A Chinese Restaurant that is affordably delicious


One of the favorite family restaurants that we always goes back to is Causeway. And there is a good reason why we always go back.

Aside from my family having Chinese blood, I think I am attracted to Chinese food. Not only because it taste so good, but its wide variety of taste is just incomparable. And we always go back to Causeway because its not only affordable, but its incredibly delicious. There servings vary from small, medium, and large, depending on how many you are. But I believe that their servings are bigger than it usually should (and thats another plus).

We always go to the Libis branch, though we have been to the Timog branch. The Timog branch is bigger, because it has a second floor, but the ambiance in Libis is so much better, that the family always prefer to dine there. And mind you, almost always, the Libis branch is always full (they dont accept reservation during weekends by the way). So if you are planning to dine during weekends, better come early.

One of my favorite foods here is their dimsums. In my opinion, they have the best sharksfin ever! (well which is affordable that is). Whenever we are here, I can eat 2 trays of them and have my tummy fully satisfied. And what would be a Chinese dinner without the siomai, which might I add is as equally delicious.


one of the best sharksfin i have tasted

 the siomai is as delicious as well

What do we usually eat? Its a variety of fish, pork and beef. I prefer the fish dishes because they are really good. We usually have the dimsums as an appetizer, before the main dishes.

a large plate of cold cuts...very tasty as well 

 aside from siomai and sharksfin, my mom always order these, chicken feet

and the ever famous spinach soup

And here comes the most common dishes that we usually order:

a hotpot of tofu and fish

 a medium serving of yang chow fried rice is good for at least seven

steam lapu lapu...masarap!

my fathers favorite, crispy pancit canton.

now this is my personal favorite, salt and pepper squid. simple yet delicious

Medium servings are good for at least 5-8 people. Its enough for the whole family to eat. Plus the price is affordable enough, and the food are really delicious. You really get your moneys worth.

If you are looking for affordable chinese food around the metro, then I will suggest to go for Causeway. Aside from the delicious food, and affordable price, the ambiance is simple but great, and the service crew is very attentive as well. Just a reminder, they dont accept reservations during weekends, and their car park space is small, but they manage to accommodate all of their customers. 

Food: 9/10
Crew: 7/10
Price: Affordable (200-300 per meal depending on the serving size)



Friday, April 4, 2014

Son of God



Just in time for Holy Week, another biblical story made it again to the big screens, Son of God.

This installment, brings about the whole story of Jesus, beginning from the nativity until His resurrection. It also covered His miracles, from the multiplication of the loaves, the healing of the leper, among others. His passion made 45 minutes of the movie. So you can guess that the whole movie revolves around His ministry

Something that caught my attention was His disciples. If you know the story and how it got "controversial" you will know what I mean. I did not study the bible literally, but there are somethings with this movie that is quite different from what we were told before. And I will leave that for your judgement.

After watching this movie, a friend of mine asked if it is as good as "The Passion of the Christ" that was shown years ago. My humble answer is no. The Passion of the Christ, is miles better than this one (im sorry) in terms of costume, effects, the production, and how it made you feel in general. 

But that doesnt mean that Son of God doesnt have its advantages, first of all, they speak in English, and the cast of the movie looks so east Asian descent (tamang tama para sa palabas). Acting is not that bad also. Just for reference I included here the picture of Diogo Morgado, the main actor of the movie, so you can compare how he looks like in real life. :D



Overall the movie is alright. Nothing spectacular. If you do not know the life story of Jesus Christ, then this is the movie for you. Its not comparable to the Passion of Christ, because this one is different, its the story straight from the Bible. Something that you can watch with kids. If you dont have time telling the story of Jesus Christ to kids, then this is the perfect movie for you, just in time for Holy Week.

Rating: 7/10

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Captain America The Winter Soldier



Captain America The Winter Soldier is probably one of the most anticipated movies for 2014. Its a direct continuation from the first movie, and I did not expect it expect it to be this good. Yes, the second installment of the Captain America franchise is better than the first.

Lets be honest the first movie, was good, but not great. It was a little bit boring at the first part, but it picked up in the middle until the end. But this movie is different. Its different in a lot of ways.

The Capt had some character backup in the person of Nick Fury and Black Widow, and two more, which makes the movie even more awesome. I guess those 4 new additional characters were a needed backup from what happened on the first movie.

The movie revolved around in stopping the three huge hover crafts (the one they used in The Avengers, the one that looked like an aircraft carrier that really flies and has the capability to be invisible). Along the course of the movie, one character will be coming back (spoiler alert!!!) but of course I will not be spoiling who will it be.

This movie has more essence and substance than the first one. I dont know but I liked this movie more than the first. And its longer too... 2 hours and 1/2 but its really worth it. Its one of those movies that I dont mind watching even if its for three hours.

I wont go into the details of the movie because I want you to watch it for yourself. Just take my word for it, its a really great movie. Not recommended for 3D though, just go for 2D.

Rating: 9/10

Thursday, March 27, 2014

The Paradise that is Coron

First Day

Alright for my first post of this year, I will take you back on my first trip down south. Yes you heard it right, my first time adventure in Palawan is in the island paradise of Coron.

Its been a long time dream of mine to go and explore Palawan. I have heard so many beautiful things about this place and I cannot contain my excitement when it finally happened.
Planning of this trip happened as early as March of 2013. I booked a flight with PAL around 800++ one way. I stayed in Coron for three days. (October 18-20). I preferred to travel during this season because I know that there will be less people, compared going there around summer time. And I was right. People is lesser during this time, that means more time to explore and savor the beauty of this place. I did not get a flight back until August, because I was still waiting for a seat sale. And luckily I got one from Cebu Pacific


my boarding pass for coron

Time to choose a place that we could stay in. My friends and I agreed, that since we seldom get a vacation leave together, we would try to get a hotel with a reasonable price. Not to cheap and not to pricey either. Just to reward ourselves and besides this is a vacation that happens not quite often. We booked our stay with Coron Westown Resort, a resort in Busuanga, 10 minutes away from the town of Coron. The resort is relatively new and is situated outside the town...more peace and quiet for us.


need for me to say more? beautiful right. That's the resort we stayed for three days. I dont even want to leave.


one of the fountains in the infinity pool 

The exterior of the resort. 

This limestone will be the one greeting you once you reach the resort.

Amazement is the right term for the resort. We got our moneys worth for this one. And hindi kami nagsisi that we booked it here. The room has all the amenities that we need. The the comfort room is really big and spacious, as in malaki talga, pwedeng lagyan ng isa pang single bed. hehehehehe. The only catch is it is outside of Coron. So we have to ride a tricycle to reach town (70 pesos per way) not bad. And their tricycles are very spacious. Not like the ones here in Q.C. Very big ung sa knila.



Tuesday, March 25, 2014

And I am back!!! clap clap clap!!!

Its been a year since I have last created a post, and like the days that completes a year...many things have happened, I have eaten, sat, and watched movies. (very appropriate for this blog...hahahaha)

So what to expect? I will be updating this blog as often as I can, especially summer is fast approaching and that means more time to spare and create posts. What gets me excited is watching movies. There will be some blockbuster movies coming soon on the big screen e.g Captain American: The Winter Soldier, Malificent (this one im particularly excited), Noah just to name a few. Not to miss any of the old movies that I have watched, I will be posting some of the movies that made a mark on me last 2013. I will also cover up the activities that made up my 2013...spent the holy week in Vigan, went island hopping in Coron, and went back to Singapore for the third time.

Okay everything is set, so just relax as I take you to the wonderful world of movies and the sumptuous foods in the metro.

Lets Eat.Seat.Watch!