Wednesday, August 31, 2011

HATOL!!!!


Ok so the verdict is out. The very first review for W.E., And surprisingly it came from UK's The Daily Mail. For months the British rag had been lambasting and giving tirades that are below the belt even if the movie hadn't been shown yet.And I was surprisingly shocked that the Review is quite favorable. W.E. gets its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival tonight.Anyways enough of my rant heres the first review from "The Daily Mail".

Madonna makes us all fall in love with Mrs Simpson

By Baz Bamigboye



W.E. (directed by Madonna)

Stunning performance: Andrea Riseborough as Mrs Simpson

Stunning performance: Andrea Riseborough as Mrs Simpson

Madonna's film about the celebrated romance between King Edward VIII and the twice divorced Mrs Wallis Simpson, and the grave constitutional crisis it caused, is exquisitely done — but it’s going prove divisive.

A lot of people will loathe it, simply because it’s been made by Madonna.

But if they were to watch it with no knowledge of who directed, they would be pleasantly surprised. They might even find much of it enjoyable, although the odd moment may have them wondering if Madge has committed treason.

Whatever your feelings about Ms Ciccone, it’s impossible to refute that her film brings to the screen one of the most compelling love stories in history.

It also happens to be one of the best-dressed movies of the year. The costumes, as you would expect from the original material girl, are eye-popping. In fact, the whole thing looks fantastic — it’s designer Viagra.

W.E. (the title stands for the initials of the two lovebirds Wallis and Edward, although he close family and his mistresses called him David) subverts the Royal Family heritage genre by introducing a modern-day parallel, about an unhappily married New Yorker named Wally Winthrop. Madonna uses this second storyline to counterpoint and comment on what happened to the Duchess of Windsor (as Mrs Simpson became when she finally married the King after he renounced the throne for her).

What can a foreign singer who has spent the past three decades re-inventing herself, and her hair-style, possibly know about our Royal Family’s history, and the intricacies of a crisis that remains sensitive seven decades after it captivated the world?

Well, it would seem she knows a lot — although experts on the Abdication are bound to find fault (and they might have something to say about her insistence that the Duke and Duchess were not Nazi sympathisers).
Awaiting the reviews: Madonna was seen jetting into Venice airport earlier today without her family of her boyfriend ahead of the W.E. screening

Awaiting the reviews: Madonna was seen jetting into Venice airport earlier today without her family of her boyfriend ahead of the W.E. screening

But the director is clearly up to the challenge of defending herself. She studied the crisis for years before deciding to make this movie.

We all know that the affair cost the King his kingdom, and an empire. But Madonna the film-maker, who wrote the screenplay with her old friend Alek Keshishian, raises the question of what it cost Mrs Simpson.

To be sure, she became the Duchess of Windsor and lived a life of luxury but, as Mrs Simpson (played beautifully by Andrea Riseborough) points out, the King ‘used me to escape his prison, only to incarcerate me in my own’.

Poor old Mrs Simpson would have been happier if she could have shaken cocktails for His majesty while remaining married to second husband Ernest Simpson.

She would have been happier, too, if she could have thrown a few of those cocktails over the Queen Mother, who went around calling her a trollop.

But Madonna’s astute enough not to push it too far.

Some people have spent two years sharpening their knives for this film, but there have been at least two recent biographies of the Duchess that support much of Madonna’s view.

Those knives were also out because rough-cut previews suggested the film was destined to be another of Madge’s famous flops. Rumour had it that the two-tier love story was cumbersome.
Material Girl: Madonna has produced one of the best-dressed movies of the year

Material Girl: Madonna has produced one of the best-dressed movies of the year

Actually, the device is a breath of fresh air and I think it will make the movie accessible to younger audiences.

Whether it can do the kind of box office business The King’s Speech did is another matter.

However clever, the storyline of Wally and her Russian security boyfriend (played wellby Oscar Isaacs) is simply not as gripping as the real royal romance at the heart of the film.

There will also be misgivings over the inclusion of an actor playing Mohamed al Fayed, who gets a scene in the film because Wally wants access to the Duchess’s letters, and al Fayed purchased the Duke and Duchess’s Paris villa and its contents.

There were early drafts of the script that had the Duchess dancing with her pugs to the Sex Pistol’s God Save The Queen while her husband lay in bed under an oxygen mask and other medical apparatus.

Madonna opted instead to have the Duchess do the twist, as Chubby Checker’s great hit plays on a gramophone. It’s a fun scene — and typical of the best moments in this movie, which occur when Madonna has the courage of her convictions and breaks the rules in the way Baz Luhrmann does. It’s a fictionalised story based on facts, after all — not a documentary.

There’s a scene where the Prince of Wales and Mrs Simpson are with friends, dozing in comfy chairs.

The Prince, portrayed superbly as a blonde, blue-eyed boy by James D’Arcy, screams that he’s going to wake the party up by popping Benzedrine into the champagne.

Mrs Simpson hitches up her designer gown and dances the Charleston to the Sex Pistols. ‘We’re so pretty, we’re so pretty vacant’ the song goes, and it’s a sizzling moment that encapsulates the life of deluxe hedonism the couple led.

Wally (played by Abbie Cornish) is obsessed with the Duchess’s life. She gets to preview the Sotheby’s auction of the contents of the Duke and Duchess’s Paris villa on the Bois de Boulogne. She walks through rooms of furniture — the George III mahogany library table at which Edward signed his Abdication — past piles of linen, including the crepe de chine bed sheets the duchess insisted on being ironed twice a day.

At one point, Wally holds up a tablecloth emblazoned with the duchess’s cypher — two intertwined W’s woven like a butterfly. As she studies it, the scene cuts to the duchess overseeing the planning for a dinner party and the same tablecloth is being smoothed over the table. She sprays scent over the placements and instructs her maids to use shorter candles because, she explains, ‘the light needs to be just above eye level to be flattering’.

All this interior design porn, the sumptuous sofas, the castles, the Mayfair apartments, the south of France villas is fascinating, of course, but it also symbolises a life beyond the reach of all but a handful of us.

Madonna has lived such a life herself and knows it is meaningless unless you have someone you love to share it with.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

An Ode to Jay-Z



B's new video 1+1, Ill dedicate it to R my friend who loves B so much....
I really like this one as oppose to the earlier videos from the 4 Album. This is simple but very pretty and B is very Beeutiful.
She's oily but still Gorgeous though. I wonder how many bottles of oil was used for this video. LOL

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

NINANG

Two months ago My friend Rikarda mentioned this new song by Charice "LOUDER" in which I really didn't pay much attention.
I heard it and paid no mind to it as its again one of the run of the mill pop tunes being churned out every 20 seconds by the Recording industry Gods.
Fast forward the present, Apparently Charice's mentor the one and only Oprah Winfrey used the same song as jingle for her Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). And of course its all over the headline in the P.I..
I envy Charice for having a mentor like Oprah Winfrey who actually goes out of her way to promote her ward. Kinda like the Ninang that everybody aspires for.
I wish I have someone like Oprah as Ninang to call my OWN......

Monday, August 22, 2011

Expectations


I'm kinda disappointed that the movie version of One Day is a bonafide flop.
I was able to read the novel a year ago and I loved and adored it immensely.

So when I heard it'll be turned into a movie I had such high hopes and thinking that it will have that “When Harry met Sally” Vibe with more drama and be box office gold, plus the fact that Anne Hathaway is starring in it. Although personally I think she's too pretty to play Emma. I was hoping some Brit actress maybe Emily Blunt as I like her very much. But I guess Hollywood is banking on Anne's star power (I'm wondering what the studio executives are thinking right now.)

Anyways with the casting of Jim Sturgess I'm simply delighted as I’ve had the hots for this guy since I first saw him in “Across the Universe”. Something about Irish Guys lol.

Unfortunately my expectations of the movie becoming a hit did not materialize instead it flopped.
I just had to console meself that the Book is really good and a best seller at that.

Anyhow I am going to watch the movie this weekend and I'm keeping my fingers crossed hoping that the movie will not disappoint.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Happy Birthday to the Queen!!!






Happy 53rd Birthday to the one and only Queen of Pop!!!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Mmmmmmm....



Two of the fastest rising star in the Philippine fast food industry are Mang Inasal and Chic-Boy. and I happen to have sampled each this week. Mang Inasal last Tuesday and Chic-Boy just now.

Judging from the menu of each, one cant help compare the two.

In terms of number of stores Mang Inasal of course leads as the said establishment was acquired by fast food giant Jollibee recently but by the way Chic_Boy branches are mushrooming in the Metro I'd say its not far behind plus the fact that its owned by Pier One Bar and Grill Holdings Corporation owner of course of the wildly successful Pier One chain of Resto Bar.

Now we go to the heart of the matter which is of course the food. Affordability wise I'd say their neck to neck as both have very affordable offerings. Although I'd have to say Mang Inasal is a little cheaper than Chic-Boy.

In terms of the variety in the choices Mang inasal offers more but Chic-Boy does have the Cebu Lechon liempo which in itself I think can carry the brand because its mighty tasty and the servings are a plentiful.I haven't actually tried all the foods they offer but I'm guessing with the price tag that each establishment put on their product is worth it. Value for money even.

Interiors and cleanliness I would say Chic-Boy although the branch I visited is fairly new as oppose to Mang Inasal. But I have to commend Chic-Boy for their set up which seamlessly provides a more pleasurable dining experience as oppose to Mang Inasal's.

In terms of the comfort rooms Chic-Boy is much better but one has to qualify as mentioned prior that the Chic-Boy Branch is fairly new and the branch I went to is situated in a new community (Otis Residences near Robinsons Otis) as oppose to the Mang Inasal branch(SaveMore in Novaliches near the palengke) that I went to.

I would say hands down the two food chain is commendable for serving cheap and affordable eats that are both filling and delicious at that.

With the current economic situation our country is facing Its nice to have this kind of restos that can satisfy the Filipino palate without emptying our pockets.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

82


She turned 82 last July 2 and no matter how famous or infamous she gets I'd say Imelda Marcos is one of the most enduring and fabulous ladies that ever lived. Belated 82nd Birthday Madam....

Friday, August 12, 2011

In Fairness



Judging from the stills and the really fabulous spread from Vanity Fair, Madonna's second directorial effort "W.E." will be something to look forward to. Of course it does help that M had a really good eye for aesthetics so I'm judging that this movie will be visually enticing. Some of the test audience from the initial screenings even likened it to a Chanel advertisement which as everybody knows are ultra glossy and glamorous but I'm not sure if it was said as a compliment or a criticism though. LOL

I'm also quite glad that Abel Korzeniowski did the musical score as he had done a marvelous job for Tom Ford's "A Single Man". Not to forget Arianne Philips as the costume designer.

For sure this movie will get a lot of notice both criticisms and praise primarily because the Madonna name is associated to it.

I even read that a certain reporter is trying to get negative criticisms for it from the people who had seen the film during its test audience run in NY and Chicago.Which is really shitty if I may say so.

But anyhow I'm hoping that this movie gets a fair judgment on its own merits not on the fact that its directed by Madonna......
Cant wait...


















Thursday, August 11, 2011

Final Question


A breath of fresh air and a very overwhelming sense of pride was afforded by the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation for giving the country 5 golds and 2 silver medals from the recently concluded International Dragon Boat Federation World Championships in Tampa Florida USA. After the AZKALS loss in the qualifier this is surely something to be proud about.

Unfortunately even with the said achievement controversy still hounds the said victory as there is the issue with their not being recognized by the POC as the official national sports association (NSA) for dragon boat. They are also not endorsed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)there by not qualified to compete at the upcoming SEA GAMES. In which case happened earlier at the Asian Games.

Sad to say but politicking had been the Game that PSC and POC had been playing for years that's why nothing much really comes out of any sports program. I am assuming this is almost sure GOLD at the SEA Games and I am hoping PNoy and other level headed government officials intercede and do something about it.

As a final note and final question though, Will the Dragon Boat Team go the route of what the Philippine Volcanoes and AZKALS did?
Seeing that they have toned and buff bodies from Dragon boat Racing. Will they pose in their undies for one of the Local clothing brands?
Will it be Boxer or Briefs?....LOL

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

FEAR


A Text....then a phone call....
Flushed face ...Palpitations....Cold clammy skin...

No this is definitely not a scene from Scream but rather my reaction after receiving a text message from my Boss then a phone call from him.

No Again, I am not being fired or anything but rather an announcement that the dreaded Saturday meetings is back. And back with a vengeance at that.

My boss informed me that the Emperor of worldwide express will be attending the meeting.

Normally especially in my old job I never had this kind of aversion to upper management but with the Emperor its different. I sort of have this fear that he will gut or do something awful to me. It does not help that he hardly talk to anyone under him coupled by his reputation and notoriety for being a really strict boss.

Then of course the speculations that my other co workers are peddling that this and that is gonna happen during the meeting etc.had somehow aggravated my fear of him.

But seriously if one looks at the Emperor he is actually good looking , reared and bred from a rich family, Lives in the most expensive and posh neighborhood in the country.

But i just cant seem to eradicate my fear of him, maybe because I'm just basically one of the hoi polloi , the masses I sort of have this aversion and fear of the ultra old rich LOL.But I'm talking bullshit here.

I can practically talk to most anybody being in sales for a number of years from foreign expats, to high ranking Government Officials, Rich people from Top Doctors to Lawyers of Big Law Firms even to Artistas, but I just cant seem to have the nerve to actually strike a normal conversation with the Emperor. I don't know maybe because he's rich good looking , his stance but I am really mighty fearful of him.Maybe its the Miranda Priestly Syndrome cause he is of course the Big Boss.....

And I'll leave it at that hopefully Saturday meeting would not be a MASSACRE.

Drool Worthy





This will be really short and sweet I'll let the picture speak for itself...My favorite Azkal Neil Etheridge in his tighty whities....
Im just sad that this drool worthy pix will not see the light of day of EDSA because of some puritan son of a bitches that bans underwear ads in Billboards along the said highway....

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Sabado De Gloria


Yesterday was the first Saturday that I was not compelled to attend our office Saturday Meetings.
And I was simply delighted as I had been attending that dreadful meetings for months.
Four months to be exact, Ever since our Sales Group had not been hitting our monthly sales target, it had been imposed by some tyrant upstairs.

Sadly this had been my misgivings over my so called new employer although I'd have to say I'm not exactly new in the company.

It had been almost a year and a half since I transferred to the Worldwide Express company, of course after the Drug Syndicate I was previously connected as a dealer. In which looking back i never experienced this kind of tyranny. It had been all good I would say, I just really don't know why I freakin transferred. maybe the bigger paycheck but then again if one computes the benefits I got from the Drug syndicate coupled by the fact that I was a bonafide shining star there as oppose to the Worldwide Express Company where in I'm a mere bit player.I'm really at a loss. Maybe because of boredom, maybe I wanted new challenges but for crying out loud not this kind of challenge

I sometimes just wanna get a hammer and poke meself for walking out of a good thing. But anyways sometimes one just have to carry on and suffer in silence LOL .

And enough of that as my alone time yesterday was simply glorious I was actually able to do things that I had wanted to do for months now.

First in my agenda was to watch the final Harry Potter movie at IMAX and lets just say its so fab as oppose to just watching the movie in 2D.

I watched the first showing in the morning at 11 AM and let me recommend this because I am practically alone in the huge IMAX theater and I feel like I own the damn thing, as if it was a private screening especially for me. Although there are around ten other people in the theater I hardly notice them.

Of course after a movie one is definitely compelled to eat so to a McDonald's I went. After which I cruised along Quezon Ave to look for other things to do. I then remembered the CD/DVD sale every weekends at the Universal/Polyeast Records offices.

While there I was able to purchase some hard to find dvd's that cost a fraction of the original cost . My purchase cost me a thousand bucks roughly 24 dollars. Great buys as I was able to buy six classic Audrey Hepburn movies and of course my best find Jimmy dean's Rebel Without A Cause...

And Next stop which I soooo need, An appointment with my Dermatologist friend for a badly needed facials. Which I have not done because I cant find the time to do so, because of the freakin Saturday meetings.

And lastly I wouldn't want my car to be left out on this worry free Saturday I dropped by the nearest car wash center to have my car buffed and beautified.

I know this sounds silly and no big deal to others but for me it had been a glorious Saturday. Having been able to do my usual Saturday routine without the worry and without any pressures after so long.

These things are a luxury for someone who have to struggle day in day out because of some thankless job. But for now Ill just shrug it off and relish this time out afforded to me this Saturday.......

Thursday, August 4, 2011

UP IN SMOKE...



Admittedly I was actually a late bloomer when it comes to Nicotine addiction.
Usually others who suffers my condition starts out really early, say from high school carried on to adulthood.

But in my case I started really late, if i remember it correctly I got hooked when I'm 24 years old already.This primarily because at that point in time I was ushered into Adulthood and responsibility plus my entry to the world of Pharmaceutical sales.
Being in a career that carries huge amounts of pressures coupled by the fact that at that time, doing it seems mighty glamorous and I felt like I belong to the in crowd as most of my co workers are puffers....

When i started, it was merely for show but as it progressed it turned into something else.

My smoking somehow eased some of the tensions both in my personal and professional life and kinda gave me something to do rather than be fidgety and walking to and from as what usually manifests when I am tensed , harassed or pressured..

And as all addiction goes it became a way of life for me. Sort of a security blanket whenever there's uneasiness anxiety that good ole stick is there to calm me and gave comfort.I would even go on to say that indeed the stick is my precious.


It also did not help when in 1998 one of my most loved TV series was shown "SEX AND THE CITY" And as we all know the central character Carrie Bradshaw was a cigarette popping gal which makes it all the more cool to be smoking at that time. And it actually gave me more motivation not to quit as Carrie showed me just how cool it was.

Hollywood also bolstered my addiction as most of the silver screen heroes I looked up to looks so fierce and cool whenever they have that freakin nicotine stick in their hands.


From Audrey Hepburn, Lana Turner, Marilyn Monroe to Liz Taylor. And not to forget the cool guys who smoked from Jimmy Dean to Brando etc.

In which case the rap in Madonna's Vogue basically summed up and enumerated the cool people that I am emulating with my addiction.


Right now I have to admit that I am still an addict. I have tried time and again to quit but as I have mentioned the pressures in life have had a big part in the said addiction. I know I'm rationalizing but as most people addicted to different substances it is so damn hard to let go.

I tried going cold turkey but I just ended up really lost and confused plus the fact that when one quits the tendency is to turn into other addiction .

In my case eating my hearts desire and as it is I'm not exactly slim so when i tried stopping I gained humongous amount of weight.

Nicotine patch also doesn't do it for me ,it simply does not work.


And my bowel movement also is so affected as i cant seem to evacuate with out the aid of the nicotine stick, which basically makes me so damn miserable and very short fused and as I realized does not suit well with my line of work which is basically pr/sales and one has to be always amiable and bubbly plus my personal relationships suffers esp with my family and friends. Because when I don't get my nicotine fix I'm simply a douche bag. To simply put it I'm kinda hopeless if I can break the chains from these terrible state I'm in.

I know I'm getting older even approaching the dreaded 40. And i realized that all things that I mentioned are bull shit. And seriously I really need to stop.

The fact that my addiction is creating havoc to my otherwise fabulous skin and my dear old lungs seems to be not in good mint condition as it was.

So I resolved that before I reached that dreaded age I will QUIT.

I am hoping that I will muster enough courage and will power to do so. I hope I end up like Carrie Bradshaw my TV heroine who was able to kick the habit after four seasons of the show.

I know that I'm an ID personality but a year from now I hope I can stop, And my smoking will just end up in smoke.....Before its too late.