Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

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STOP! If you have NOT watched the film, stop reading NOW. This post contains SPOILERS. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
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I went to see this movie armed with only my affection for the first two installments and the hope that despite the seemingly absent promotion or buzz, it would live up to the glory of its predecessors.

Normally, I would have known much about a movie before I finally watch it but this one seemed off the news radar and mine as well. It's bizarre because the second film had the media noise of a highly-anticipated film. This one is a prequel and yet, I did not even know that it's playing in theaters already! I wondered whether this was because it wasn't as good as the first two, and even its makers knew it, thus, they no longer bothered to promote. Hmmm.

But I was over-thinking things. Whatever the reason for its low-key existence, Rise of the Lycans was a good film. It told the struggles of Lucian and Sonja, the love story that basically brought the rise of the Lycans...and Celine...and the entire Underworld franchise. Because it was set at a different time and intended to show how the war came about, it was filled with fighting much more than the first two. I thought it wouldn't be as good because Kate Beckinsale wouldn't be in it but Rhona Mitra, the actress playing Sonja and who bears an easily noticeable resemblance with Kate, did well. The resemblance and the stubbornness of both women's characters supported the claim in the first film that Viktor converted Celine because she reminded him of his daughter. Michael Sheen was the critically-acclaimed actor that he was, as always.

Perhaps, it could also be that I (and Popo and Val, my two movie-mates) liked the film much because we really did not have that much expectations. One thing's sure though: after the watch, we were so excited for Underworld IV. We even had speculated about the story (we were kinda sure there would be a fourth). Mine is, the next one will center around the time Celine was made into a vamp and the supposed death of Lucian. The next title? Underworld: The Rise of Celine. =) Hehe. Corny. Regardless of the title though, I'd still be watching. ;)


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Photo credit: Yahoo!

The New Logos

I know the financial crisis is taking a toll on everyone's lives. Still, some creative ones are able to make smiles and LOLs off it. Which is good. Because after all the worries, our weary spirits need a dose of the best medicine. =)

THE NEW LOGOS

Received these thru email from my colleague. Thanks, Chao. =)

Sugarsweet

If you got a man who, after becoming the country's most powerful man, goes back to you at the end of the day AND...

...kisses you with heartfelt affection

...dances with you like this

...and looks at you this way

...you must be one heck of a woman!

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Photo credit: Yahoo!

For the Record

Dear Children and Grandchildren:

Please know, that while I write this post, I am watching CNN where the inauguration of US President-elect Barack Obama is being shown live. It is Tuesday, 20 January 2009, 11:30pm local time, 10:32am Washington time. Members of the US Congress have just been ushered in to the event venue and other VIPs have started coming in as well (camera pan: Ted Kennedy).

I am - at this very moment - oceans away from the actual event but nevertheless witness to a story your history/political books discuss and hopefully, describe with justice. I hope you understand what his inauguration means for you...for all (camera pan: Michelle Obama and Laura Bush leaving the White House and getting into a car).

In case you want to know, the mood right now in the US (camera pan: President-elect Obama and Pres. Bush leave the White House together then get into the waiting car) is "ebullient", as fellow blogger from Willow Manor kindly nailed the mood. I can feel the feeling all the way here.

I will leave the rest of the story for you to discover. (Gotta get back to watching full-time now.) =)

Love,

D

Tayong Dalawa

This new TV series that will premiere tomorrow looks quite promising. As far as I can remember, I think it's the first time that a story features the PMA (Philippine Military Academy). Oh, well, in a good light, that is.

The plot smells so fresh, for a change. ;) Two young men share the same name, and more. I don't know how to put all the sub-plots together, but the trailers wonderfully weave them into one grand story. Dramatic. Intriguing. Interesting. (More on the story here.)
The cast is indeed powerhouse. Award-winning actors and actresses support the three leads (Kim, Gerald, Jake), who, despite being relatively new, seem able to hold their own against their veteran co-stars. The acting in the trailers is impressive.

I hope Tayong Dalawa (The Two of Us) lives up to its promise. Am looking forward to a quality local series.

Katy Perry's One of the Boys

This was part of my wishlist last Christmas and thankfully, among the many I listed, my colleague chose to get me this one. Considering that the CD's hard to find (around here, that is), I appreciate the choice more.

The CD rocks.

I have been singing the songs and swaying to the beat of singer-songwriter (again!) Katy Perry's "One of the Boys" CD eversince.

I came to know Katy through a personal music vid Taylor Swift made using "Hot N Cold", one of Katy's tracks in the album. Taylor seemed to enjoy the song so much (more on that in a later post), it made me curious enough to google the song and finally meet Katy and her music. Besides, the song itself was head-bangin' good.

Katy is a talented artist. Her lyrics can be naughty ("I Kissed A Girl", "Ur So Gay") but these are balanced by sensible ones like "Lost" (quite relevant to me, at this time, hehe). I also like "Self-Inflicted" despite being a tale of a battered woman's acceptance of her pitiful state, and folly.

Overall, the album is a gem. A must-hear. Two thumbs up! ;)

Taylor Swift on CSI

Oh.my.gosh.

Taylor Swift will guest on C-S-I!!! Goodness.

Can you believe it? The first time I learned about the cameo (by accident through a blogsearch), I thought it was a joke. A hoax.

I mean, it's just too good to be true! My fave country star and my fave science series combined? Soaringly fantastic!!!

According to MTV, CSI's TPTB (The Powers That Be a.k.a the people behind the show) learned of Taylor's interest in the series through an MTV interview. Apparently, TPTB's interested enough in her that they could not pass up the opportunity. Wow.

Go, Taylor!!! So looking forward to the episode.

(Gotta stop, I'm running out of exclamation marks!!!)

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Photo Credits: IMP Awards and MTV

Lessons Learned

What are we here for really?

I have come across many answers. The meaning of life can, after all, be different to different people.

I believe that we are here - on earth, living and alive - to, among others, experience. To feel, to smell, to touch, to see...to learn. Whatever for? To feed the soul. (Unless you don't believe you got one. Oh, Edward. Hehe.)

And so, before I risk walking into beliefs or spirituality (or vampirism), may I just say that what I'm really trying to do is introduce a new label for this blog. =) =)

The label, "*Lessons Learned", will contain lessons I learn (or re-learn) as I coast through life.

Today, I'll start with this one which recent events have re-taught me:

If it's not yet time, don't push it. Things will fall into place at their own pace.

Picture Perfect

Isn't Taylor lovely in this coat? Makes me want to wear one (love the color!). Too bad the outfit is not tropical. Hehe.

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Photo credit: People.com

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

The movie is worth the awards buzz surrounding it: original story, fantastic acting (what else can you expect from a Brad Pitt and the Virgin Queen Cate Blanchett?), amazing make-up, quality script, and effective humor.

The movie is the epitome of quality moviemaking.

It's Raining Curls!

Anne Shirley once said (somewhere in the Anne of Green Gables series) that babies are such bundles of joy. And that exactly was how my toddler cousins were to me when I went home for Christmas: little tots whose innocent antics were a wonder (and often funny) to witness.

Below are three of those tots, who amaze me more with their cute head of curls:

1. Angelo was the supernice little guy. He had no problem being hugged and kissed and cuddled despite us meeting for the first time. And... he always posed for the camera like a pro!


2. Sam is the sweetest. Her English grammar is amazing, considering her non-English first language. It was cool to talk to this sweetie because her replies to your teasing questions make sense. She's going to be really smart.


3. Kim is the athletic type (her father's in the Army, hehe). Her pursuits are often running around, and 'getting physical'. An older cousin would squeeze and shake her in the shoulders but while other toddlers might have cried, she would just love it. =)

Ah, three little tots, three different personalities. It would be a wonder seeing them grow. ;)

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These cuties are courtesy of my second cousins. Photos published with their permission. :)

First Week

Hmmm, this is not good. Only one post in the first week of the year?!? Tsk. Tsk.

The irony is, there was much to tell this past week. Well, I did try posting but I had "blogger's block" (online version of "writer's block", hehe). I only got to a few words and could proceed no longer. ): Ah, never mind. I may not have been able to write about my vacation highlights but the memories are safely stored and will be cherished in detail in this blog in their own time. ;)

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Fox News reported tonight that 700,000 jobs were lost in the US in December (alone!). Now, there goes my 2009 hopes. Or, not. Hehe. Hopefully that was the last, and none (or no significant number) comes up this month, or the next or the next or the next. Amen. =)

Happy New Year!

A very happy, prosperous and productive new year, bloggermates! =)

2009 personal wishes:

1. End of the global financial market crisis
2. End of the global financial market crisis
3. End of the global financial market crisis
4. End of the global financial market crisis
5. Etc.

Am I too obvious? Hehe.

I hope you guys are lovin' the first day of 2009. I am. =)

Best Finds 2008: Twilight Series (Books)

It used to be that the internet has totally gobbled up the reader in me. Before the net became second nature, my free time would be spent lost in a book. But technology has taken over (shouldn't) until Twilight bit me. Big time.

Twilight, and its sequels, brought back what I had long lost - enough interest in a book that I could not put it down. For the longest time, no book I've come across had captured me enough to want to finish reading in one sitting. And I kinda missed the experience. But Twilight cured me of that.

Twilight Musings and Twilight Series (labels) are testament to what the Twilight series have become in my life this year.

Best Finds 2008: Taylor Swift (Musician)

Since I learned about her and her music, her songs have never left my playlist. I love every one of her songs. Her music has given me something to look forward to, something to dance to, something to sing my heart out with and something to soothe some very bad days.

The Taylor Chronicles was created to celebrate her and her songs.

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Photo Credit: Starpulse

Best Finds 2008: Vancouver (Foreign City)

Got lucky enough to attend a conference in Vancouver last May. The conference was a blast: the speakers were experts, the topics were relevant (at the time, which was post subprime and pre-Lehman), the overall management of the event was the best I have seen so far, even considering that it had thousands of participants.

And yes, I loved the city. Still do. Walked the streets like I've never walked before: I think I've covered most of the place by just walking. Hehe. And loved the bike-friendly streets as well. And the lovely flowers lining the pavements. And the kinda laid back life. And the eco-friendliness. And even the weather!

Conference Venue

Entrance to Stanley Park

Inukshuk: 2010 Winter Olympics Symbol

Best Finds 2008: Boracay (Vacation Spot)

It wasn't the first time I stepped on the country's most popular beach (Boracay) but it felt like it was, considering that the rest of the peeps I went there with last April were first timers. Besides, it's been so long since I have last seen the white sands and clear waters (I was still in college and I went there to join a quiz bee. Ahhh, what can be more nerdy?)

But this time, I was there to unwind, and what an adventure the trip was! My cousins and friends were funtastic company, the resort was brimming with summer activities (local stars populated the place so we had our paparazzi moments, hehe) and there were a number of firsts to try on: the banana boat ride, snorkeling, etc.

Our Bora trip is simply one of my happiest 2008 moments. =)

Best Finds 2008: Foreword

People Magazine does it. And so does ET (Entertainment Tonight). And so do most of media big thingies: Time Magazine, Forbes, etc.

Why not have my own?

My own LIST. Hmmm, empowering.

And so, while People lists its 50 Most Beautiful People and ET lists almost anything in 2008 (e.g., sexiest men, best/worst hook-ups, etc), I - dojski - will list the best things I've found in 2008: stuff that has entered my life this year and made it so much happier, fun, better.

There will be no strict rules, no defined categories. Anything new that has outstandingly impressed me can be it. [It's great to be making your own rules. =) ]

Best Finds 2008 is a celebration of the people who and things that has made my 2008 a great year.

Anjali Talks Bill

I think I've got it. Yep, I think I kinda finally know why there has been a surge on Anjali Rao googles lately (a question I posed in this post): she got to talk to Bill. Yep, Bill. Clinton. =)

Tonight, I caught only a small part of the interview, and from someone who doesn't really stick to interviews with political figures, I must say I did stay tuned till the interview was over. As usual, Anjali was her smart, charming self and the interview was done really well (smooth, cool, good vibes). I hesitated listening to Bill's answer on what he regret doing or not doing while President (read: Monica) but of course, the unmentionable was not mentioned and he instead replied on the big stuff - not doing enough for health care, etc.

Well, so there. Mystery solved.

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On a sad, sad note, a heroic idea turned into a really painful one today. Having missed serious workout, I thought a dip at the pool will do me good - a few laps, and I can give myself a pat in the back for having done a healthful activity. Unfortunately, a sharp portion of the pool's steel ladder cut through my thumb when I slid to the water. Bloody painful. Literally. I will have to see a doctor tomorrow. Ahhh.

Still a Gossip Girl

The thing about being at the latter decade of your 20's is you tend to think you're through with teenage stuff. Well, since reactivating this blog, I have found out otherwise: your years may pile up but some of your interests remain essentially the same. Twilight is teenage stuff, but I'm crazy about it. Taylor Swift is teenage stuff, but I love every single one of her songs. And the new addition to the bunch? GOSSIP GIRL:

I've heard of the show: it's been a big hit. But it did not interest me at all initially because I did not think I could like it. The title itself strongly hinted malice and backstabbing, and the setting (high school and the elite class at that) was susceptible to all the troubles of youth. I thought I did not have to bother with high school gossip or misdemeanors.

Well, I still don't think I have to bother with the world of gossiping, trouble-making high school kids, but it turns out, I can be very entertained by it.

Gossip Girl elicits just the right ounce of intrigue and suspense to pique your mind about what's going to happen next or what happened in the past. It is populated by actors and actresses who are so convincing in their roles, they all should win an award for best performance by an entire cast. It is led by a relative newbie (Blake Lively) whose acting talent is of the Meryl Streep kind - effective, natural and smart. It is put to life by characters that you either hate (Chuck) or love (Dan), with passion.

Gossip Girl - despite its naughtiness, or maybe partly because of it - is a masterpiece.

The Anjali Buzz

Why is everybody googling Anjali Rao?

I look at my feedjit, and I mostly see people pointed to this blog through a google search on Anjali Rao. I check out my statcounter and I see the same.

When I wrote about her posts ago, I thought she was just another CNN reporter who has impressed me much. I did not expect many others would come 'looking for her', i.e., be interested enough to search google about her, her pics or the 'Anjali Rao pants' (a most interesting query, hehe). The countries span across continents - from the U.S. and Canada to South Africa, Hong Kong, Denmark, India, Austria, Albania, etc.

But why the buzz? I still don't get it.

Twilight Twice

It's a Thursday-workday-night, and the movie is on its 2nd week, so, imagine my surprise at finding out that there were only a few seats left at a 6:30 PM show this evening. And these seats were mostly the first two rows to the screen!

One of the reasons I wanted to watch again was the theory that maybe, I didn't like the film for itself the first time because I sat too close to the screen. Ah, excuses.

Luckily, I was able to get a seat far enough for me not to be exposed too much to the vamps' powdered faces (make-up: thumbs down). Nothing has changed much from my original opinion of the film but there were some parts that I appreciated more. Those were the parts where I almost forgot about the book and simply let myself get carried away by the movie.

Still, I hope for a better New Moon.

(Regardless of my regard for the film, I grabbed this great CD on my way home. I really love the songs:)

Fave tracks:

1. Supermassive Black Hole (Muse)

2. Full Moon (The Black Ghosts)

3. Tremble for my Beloved (Collective Soul)

4. Eyes on Fire (Blue Foundation)

5. Flightless Bird (Iron & Wine)

What do you do?

What do you do when the day ends with you realizing that things haven't changed? What do you do when they have, but only for the parts that you wanted to stay the same? What do you do when you finally see that the things you wanted over, will never be?

What do you do?

When you got painful blisters on your feet and you got to walk the way home, what do you do? When you got a most loved ipod in your bag and your heart feels so heavy, what do you do? When your spirit is so low and Seattle's comes to view, what do you do?

What, indeed?

Me?

I put on my ipod, think things through while my favorite songs serve as the musical score in my head, walk the way to Seattle's like I've got all the time in the world, and order this plate of comfort:

You, what do you do?

Lola

I just learned that my lola (grandma) got sick. I am so worried. I wish I were there to take care of her.

But it's not till the 20th that I can fly home. And it's going to be a couple of hours from there to my lola's place. Oh...I really hope she is feeling all right now.

La, be strong. We're going to have a great Christmas.

Two Words

Low budget. If that still doesn't make sense, here are two more words: artistically disappointing.

I and four other twilighters trooped to Greenbelt last Wednesday to catch the midnight showing of Twilight - the one thing we all have been waiting for. I and the other twilighters left that theater unanimously feeling like we've been had.

The make-up was horrible. The script was flat. The scoring did not score. The special effects were not special. The editing needed more. The acting did not move me. The whole film was amateurish.

Twilight, was, the low budget film that it was. IF not for the books, I may never watch it again, as I will this weekend. ;) [A fan is a fan.] :)