Adventure

Recently found myself itching for some adventure, be it travels (mostly) or simply any activities that can be done in the metropolis. Although I've always had that, the thing is I've been sort of very much welcoming to do any possible activity with other people. What has become of the INTP/INTJ in me?

There are very few people that could make it possible, in the past. A lot of them live really far and they of course have their own lives, meaning different schedules. Well, there's one pretty near but seems unwilling to share some fun with the rest of the barkada.

As someone who's always doing stuff alone, of course I still dare do them. Recently, I've watched movies alone, again. I just think it'd be nice to have someone to share some comments about what you've watched over dinner or coffee. I really miss my INTJ friends.

Now Playing: MYMP - For All of My Life

Missed the Criminal

I came back home feeling awful, but not as awful as I've been since I was told that the film I wanted to watch is no longer available at Glorietta. Not even in other Ayala malls, except for Trinoma. Ang lapit, 'di ba?

I waited for it, to see Kevin Costner and Gary Oldman again. Of course, Gal Gadot too. I wish I could make it tomorrow after work. I'd probably have to fly to SM Megamall though I wish there's still a mall within Makati or Taguig that could cater me. "Cater"? What is this, food?

Perhaps I should do better.

Now eating: Homemade Red Velvet

Change of heart and mind

As soon as I found out that Ben Affleck was taking over the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, I knew I'd have to set a date with him before my date with Steve. Technically, it could only go with that sequence. 

Unfortunately, the date has been pushed and pushed until last night. I was even having second thoughts as I was suffering from tension headache, for hours already, which was close to evolving into migraine. So yeah, I went to the movie house with a very sensitive head. I couldn't just move my head, definitely not abruptly. But I thought I might not have another chance except for next Saturday so I decided to bear with the headache. So I headed to the movie house to watch the film at 9PM.

My primary reason for watching the film was the 3 B's: Batman. Bruce Wayne. Ben Affleck. In no particular order. However, I had a change of heart toward Clark Kent (Cavill). Superman, uhmm... Well, it's more on my view toward Clark. As for Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), man she ushered in a paradigm shift. I love how she sees women. I love how she sees Wonder Woman and how she portrayed this iconic figure.

I'm glad I decided to watch Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice at Robinsons Place Antipolo. First, the tix was cheap, just P200.00 yet a worthwhile experience. It also reminded me of my first encounter with Henry Cavill. It gave me a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

I thought that a date with Bruce would at least serve as a diversion. And it sure did. 

I was pretty engrossed with the film, especially since Wonder Woman disembarked from her flight to you know, help the boys. When she came to the scene in her warrior outfit, I suddenly realized that the real heroes, whether with super power or not, are women. Think Martha. Think Diana.

Wait. Didn't Gal Gadot say...

Riaru Kanzen Naru Kubinagaryu no Hi / Real

Real got to be one of the best movies I've watched, storyline or plot wise. I knew there was something quite off, but I just got carried away that I forgot to try figuring it out. There were a few ideas at the back of my mind while watching, but none hit bull's eye.

This 2013 movie casts Satoh Takeru (Tonbi, Rurouni Kenshin) and Ayase Haruka (Hotaru no Hikari) as Koichi and Atsumi, respectively. This film was based on the novel Riaru Kanzen Naru Kubinagaryu no Hi by Inui Rokuro.

The plot? Koichi and Atsumi have been friends since their childhood days and they eventually became lovers. About one year ago, Atsumi attempted to commit suicide and fell into a coma afterwards. Koichi, desperate to know why Atsumi attempted suicide, takes part in a new medical procedure that involves the central nervous system. Koichi will enter the subconscious mind of Atsumi through the medical procedure.

When Koichi enters the subconscious mind of Atsumi, shes asks Koichi to find a picture of a "plesiosaur" she drew as a child. The drawing is the key that brings back a suppressed childhood memory that brings their minds together.

Nanka! It was really interesting. As much as I want not to praise Satoh, well.. he was amazing as Koichi. Satoh had played characters that are likely to get stuck in your head. No one would forget him playing Himura, but I did not see Himura here. Not even Ogawasara Aki from The Liar and His Lover. As for Ayase, I've read a lot of praises about her but I couldn't conclude anything yet. I could say though that like Satoh, she did not bring Hotaru from Hotaru no Hikari. I haven't watched her other projects yet.


Updated. I usually post photos when posting especially if it's about movies, dramas, and books. However, I can't do that here because uploading photos in Blogspot seems to be not working. It's annoying and disappointing.


リアル is a sci-fi medical mystery film. I would recommend this to anyone, especially those with medical background or just interest in medical science.

The Age of Adaline

I watched The Age of Adaline back in May, I guess, at Robinsons Galleria. As usual, I was obama-self. I prefer watching films I intend to watch alone. Of course there are exceptions.

Going back to the film, I loved its cinematography. Actually, I loved the overall feels. It was heart-warming and sentimental, something perfect for a weekend night. I'm not sure though if I watched it on a weekend. The Age of Adaline, I dare say was also mentally entertaining while being sweet at the same time. It gave me those feels.

It is not unknown how gorgeous Blake Lively is and I think she was amazing in her portrayal of Adaline Bowman. And I loved her clothes! That red velvet long sleeved gown was just gorgeous and beautiful. I'd love to wear one someday. Chos! I also love what she wore on her last scene. Yes, it was perfect. I love both gowns.

As for the character of Ellis Jones, I think he's one sweet guy. It'd be nice to meet and know someone like him. If he looks like actor Michiel Huisman, that'd be a lot better. And yes, I prefer books as presents over flowers. It was also nice to see Harrison Ford portray a character unlike how I usually see him. It's kind of refreshing.

Because of this film, I'm looking for more that would give me the same feels. It doesn't have to be something about love and relationship; just anything sensible.

Avengers: Age of Ultron

I've been meaning to watch Avengers: Age of Ultron as soon as it's supposed to be out in the cinemas. Unfortunately, I don't always have the luxury of time and I also got to tell a friend that I'd watch AOU with her so I had to wait. Came Sunday, last Sunday, but my friend couldn't make it. And that was it. I'd have to watch it alone, as usual. It was a Sundate afternoon with Steve Rogers at The Podium cinema 2. #EchoserangFrog

I'm loving the subtexts of this film. I'm loving Joss Whedon and I'd like to watch his other works. In a film, you want to know what happened to the plot. You want to know what's with the story. But it's in the up-close interactions of the characters, how they talk about something or someone, that make the big picture more fun and interesting. I love it.

Not sure which Avengers-related film had better subtexts, but I'm simply taking the ride and enjoying each. I noticed though that most of my favourite scenes involved Thor.

That party where Thor challenged the other Avengers to lift up his Mjolnir and Steve had it quite moving obviously showed the anxiety on the mighty Thor's face. For prior to it, he said that anyone who would be able to lift mjolnir could rule Asgard.

My other favourite scene, which involved Thor, would be the one when he was running out of what to say. The others come from Captain America. "Get the job done." It personally spoke to me because we were just talking about it, that line, last Saturday at Casa Peralta. I'd love to talk or write about it some other time.

One of the striking lines in the film, at least for me and those who have ears, would be Dr. Bruce Banner's tease. "Oooh... It's definitely the end times."

Btw, it was only in this film when I noticed that Clint Barton was left-handed. Perhaps because Jeremy Renner is left-handed. That just sealed him as my other favourite left-handed archer.

There were things I didn't like in Avengers: Age of Ultron but I won't talk about them. Overall, I'd take the movie as it is. I'd even watch it again given the opportunity and luxury. I won't mind.

That Thing Called Tadhana

I've always wanted to watch this film since I saw it shared by my friend Andi on FB last year. It just sounded interesting and it's kind of unusual. I wasn't broken hearted in that romantic sense. I needed no mending.  I just wanted to watch the film. And knowing that Angelica Panganiban stars in the film, I could say that it's one film worth either your time or money, or anything else.

So came Thursday at nagkayayaan ang magpipinsan - Grace, Perry, and I. Simpleng bonding at get away moment 'to so pinatulan ko na. May excuse akong lumabas. I needed it, in another setting unlike my typical visit to Legazpi Sunday Market.

That Thing Called Tadhana. Benta much agad ang first scenes. It kind of reminded me of Before Sunset and Before Sunrise. But better. I dare say better. By the way, JM De Guzman also reminded me SO MUCH of John Estrada. Wow. Just a younger version. But I've had this thought all throughout the film.

Anthony (JM De Guzman) asked Mace (Angelica Panganiban) a question that kind of hit me. "Bakit kayong mga mapeperang mga babae, ang hilig n'yong hanapin ang sarili n'yo sa Baguio? Ba't ba Baguio? Hindi ba pwedeng sa inuman na lang?" (Why do you rich women like to find yourself in Baguio? Why in Baguio? Can't it be in a drinking session?) I actually went on being defensive when I heard this line.

Short background story. I went to Baguio last year. It was June 9, Wednesday. Then I came back last November, after 119 days. I wanted to tell Anthony, "Excuse me. Nandoon kasi ang Nanay ko." I could've gone on giving explanations and all, but I remembered the meat of his question. Bakit ang hilig n'yong hanapin ang sarili n'yo sa Baguio? Tagos eh. May point eh. Hindi nga lang ako mapera. Minsan lang ako burgis.

Speaking of burgis, I like how they used this not-so-common-adjective anymore. Having done so, being understood by both characters, tells you that Anthony and Mace were intelligent people. I even wondered if the younger generation today knew what burgis means. Oui, un bourgeoisie.

Truth be told, I can't relate to Mace's dilemma, problem, whatever you call it. But I love the film. What I can relate with though is the strong desire to run away. And to Baguio, yes. To Sagada, sureness. I've always wanted to go to Sagada and I want to go back to Baguio, but on my own terms. I want to go to Baguio just to be with myself. So watching That Thing Called Tadhana, I had this thought and status on Facebook: Na-miss ko lalo ang Baguio, ang paglalakad sa Session Road every night maging sa Magsaysay Road. Nakaka-miss ang pagtatambay sa Burnham Park at Baguio City Library tuwing lunch break. Nakaka-miss ang paglalakad sa Mabini papuntang UB. Nakaka-miss. Ganda ng cinematography eh. Haha!

Then there was the Up Dharma Down soundtrack, or should I say ringtone ni Ate?
♪ Ba't 'di papatulan ang pagsuyong nagkulang

Tayong umaasang hilaga't kanluran ikaw ang hantugan

At bilang kanlungan ako ang sasagip sa'yo... ♪

There's just something about this song. Perhaps it's because any Up Dharma Song is usually a hugot kind of song.

♫ Ba't 'di pa sabihin ang hindi mo maamin

Ipapaubaya na lang ba 'to sa hangin

'Wag mong ikatakot

Ang bulong ng damdamin mo

Naririto ako't nakikinig sa'yo. ♫

Bottom line, I want to watch That Thing Called Tadhana again. This is the first time I've felt this way to a Filipino film. Walang basagan ng trip. Also, kung wala lang akong seminar bukas, sasakay talaga ako ng bus palabas ng Maynila. Siguro next week na lang.

By the way, credit to Chad Amoroso for the .gifs in this blog entry. I copied them without permission.

Now Playing: Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson - Search Your Heart