Mano Po 6: Being Chinese Isn't All It's CRACK-ed Up to Be

Okay I just made a joke with the title. Hahaha! Try laughing guys, it helps!

Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love, stars the Megastar Sharon Cuneta with Kris Aquino as her best friend, Christopher de Leon as her husband, Zsa Zsa Padilla as her crazy-ass sister-in-law, and Heart Evangelista as her daughter.

The movie starts off with Sharon about to unveil a new tower she has named after her deceased mother. She uses Mandarin, oh no wait, she just says 'Xiexie' and then proceeds to use English, to thank those (ok I'll be honest, the movie uses a LOT of cheap looking people who don't really look like they deserve to be there) who came. She makes a speech about saying that her mother was her inspiration, and that sadly her children are not there. As an afterthought, she remembers she has one daughter there, in the form of Ciara Sotto.

I'm going to stop with the spoilers and move on to my thoughts.

Firstly, the movie had Christopher de Leon's name top billing the cast, but he was only on for about 10 minutes. On the other hand, Kris Aquino was there for the majority of the movie but only had the heading "WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF".

Second, Zsa Zsa Padilla acting like a crazy ass bitch is okay for the first 40 minutes of the film. But when she's crazy the whole time, it gets tiring. I hope she finds better roles in the future.

Third, why can't the cast learn the proper accent and enunciation of Chinese words? Everyone can learn that even for a few sessions. And if this is a movie about Chinese Filipinos, WHY do they use Mandarin for their personal conversations!? Don't majority of Chinoys speak Fookien? It also really irks me that they only use one-liners of Chinese. Then its English or Tagalog all the way. I get it, they can't speak it at all so they're trying to limit it to more known words (i.e. Piao xi is probably one of them.)

Fourth, they tried to establish Boots Anson-Roa's role as the matriarch of Sharon's family, but they really failed. I guess you can say that she did almost nothing but utter inspirational words to her daughter before she died...wait, hasn't she been the matriach of almost ALL the Mano Po movies? (ok major spoiler there, but if you're still reading this, I bet you won't even watch the movie)

Fifth, yes I am stopping at my fifth point, I would like Regal films, and Mother Lily for that matter, to stop portraying Chinoys in a stereotypical fashion. Or they should just stop the Mano Po series.

To be honest, this installment was definitely better than Mano po 5, which starred Angel Locsin and Richard "I-can't-act-to-save-my-life" Gutierrez which was just horrible. But Heart delivered as a convincing bitchy daughter. I can't say the same for Dennis Trillo because in the middle of the movie I just wanted to lend him my highest pair of heels.

Oh and on a final note, can't they think of a better plotline of how "bad" the bad guy is aside from making the rich Chinoy involved in a drug or trafficking ring? Can't they just make him the bookie for the sports bets or something else?

P.S. Mother Lily firmly believes that Mano Po 6 should've gotten the Best Picture award. Are you kidding me!? The shots were and the sound recording were so bad!

P.P.S. Sharon won Best Actress and Heart won Best Supporting.

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MMFF FILM REVIEWS!

Its that time of the year again when Filipino directors overdo themselves by making more than 1 movie for the season...it's the Metro Manila Filmfest!!!

For those who are unaware what this is, this is done during December 25 until around January 6 where foreign films are blocked off from Philippine theaters and an all Filipino smorgasboard is there for everyone to feast on.

Its secretly my most favorite time of the year because I get to laugh, cry or just scratch my head with everything I see. In support of the festival, Pinay Tinapay will bring you daily reviews of the movies out there. (ok everything maybe except for PANDAY...please don't make me start on my severe hate for Bong Revilla)

In a few days from now I'll be coming out with the first review, which is Mano Po 6. Stay reading!:D

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Gelatissimo Now Open in Greenbelt 5!

Finally, the long wait is over! We passed by Greenbelt 5 and chanced upon catching Gelatissimo's soft opening today. I was curious to see how different (or similar?) this gelato shop would be compared to the others, so we eagerly went up to the counter despite the small crowd already gathered inside.

Ah, wonders never cease to amaze me. The small crowd was there because the owner was apparently handing out free samples for anyone who approached the counter. I was able to try out a total of 5 flavors: Vanilla, Mocha Nut Crunch, Lemon (which was too sour for me even though I love lemon flavored anything), Strawberry, and Choc Hazelnut. We eventually decided on getting 2 flavors, particularly the last two because these were the ones that left the most lasting impression on us. The owners are very accommodating and would heap samples on you if you look like you still can't decide.
We managed to grab a table despite so many people trying out the gelato! So what are my thoughts?
First, the gelato is very creamy. You would think its ice cream, except its not. Surprisingly, eating strawberry and choc hazelnut together isn't bad at all! I thought they were a bit lacking on the flavors but the owner explained that one of their gelato machines broke down. They were having a Christmas Chocolate Festival which is why most of their flavors right now are chocolate.
Second, I thought that the gelato needed more ingredients. The strawberry tasted fine, but as for the choc hazelnut, you would see nuts on top of the gelato when you order it but none are combined with the actual thing. I like my gelatos more of the fruity kind, but I am looking forward to trying out more of their flavors next time.
I would say not bad! If I was looking for dessert and happened to be in GB5, I would head for this place. 1 flavor costs around PHP110, 2 flavors cost PHP160, and 3 flavors cost around PHP195. Pretty pricey, but its Greenbelt 5, what did I expect?

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Can Miriam be incapacitated from running for office?

Someone wants Miriam Defensor-Santiago out from the senatorial race because of her "unsound mind".

I was watching the evening news and found out that a certain Atty. Pangcoga has filed a petition with the COMELEC alleging that Miriam has a mental disorder and should be disqualified from running.

He voiced his concern over her recent proclamations in Senate (God, where do I start?), stating that these are "unparliamentary" behavior and that she only uses her position to defame and slander people. He basically said that she is insane, because she has such symptoms: “delusion of grandeur," “flight of ideas," “mood swings," “penchant for lying," and “paranoia."

I'm not really complaining because watching Miriam is entertaining.

But of course we have to focus on the legal aspect of this. Hence the question, can one be mentally incapacitated from running for office?

The 1987 Constitution only has the following requirements for one to be eligible as a Senator:

No person shall be a Senator unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines and, on the day of the election, is at least thirty-five years of age, able to read and write, a registered voter, and a resident of the Philippines for not less than two years immediately preceding the day of the election. (Art.VI, Sec.3)

Let's look at that requirement of being a registered voter. The COMELEC only requires that one has to be:

a) 18 years old and above

b) Has resided in the Philippines for at least one year and in the place wherein he proposes to vote, for at least six months immediately preceding the election; and

c) Is not otherwise disqualified by law, such as any person who has been sentenced by final judgment to suffer imprisonment of not less than one year; any person adjudged by final judgment of having committed crimes such as rebellion, sedition, violation of the firearms laws and against national security; insane or incompetent person as declared by competent authority.

Let's look at those requirements again. Notice the 3rd one which says, "IS NOT OTHERWISE DISQUALIFIED BY LAW" and then it proceeds to enumerate instances when one is considered disqualified. Among these is "insane or incompetent person as declared by a competent authority". A competent authority in law is defined as one who is an expert or an authority on a subject matter. 

According to Atty. Pangcoga's counsel, Miriam's attending physician was a psychiatrist at a psychiatric hospital where she was treated. 

Are dramatic words strung together (I LIEEED!!!) plus seeing a psychiatrist until now enough to prove that one is insane and disqualified from running for government? I guess we'll see in the upcoming months what the COMELEC will finally decide.

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What's your go-to Christmas Song/Album?

My friend was asking me the other day what was my go-to Christmas album whenever December rolls around and I already want to feel the holiday spirit. I immediately answered this album, Taylor Swift's Sounds of the Season. This was released back in 2007 after her debut album.

We all know how Taylor Swift dominated country music at a young age, her sweet voice is just too endearing!

Tracklist includes:

1. "Last Christmas" 3:29 (George Michael)
2. "Christmases When You Were Mine" 3:06 (Taylor Swift, Liz Rose, Nathan Chapman)
3. "Santa Baby" 2:41 (Joan Javits, Philip Springer, Tony Springer)
4. "Silent Night" 3:32 (Josef Mohr, Franz Xaver Gruber)
5. "Christmas Must Be Something More" 3:53 (Taylor Swift)
6. "White Christmas" 2:53 (Irving Berlin)

Christmases when you were mine sounds a bit like Teardrops on my Guitar but Christmas version. 

What about you? What's your go-to Christmas album? Or song?

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Sale at Mango!

Hello girls (and guys?)! I know its been a while since I've updated, but even if I'm busy as of the moment, I just had to post this:

Once again, it's the Mango Fashiontastic SALE! Just in time before Christmas, we can all splurge and get that perfect outfit for the holiday season.

See you girls there!

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Ateneo Turns 150!

I just wanted to take this time to greet my beloved school, the Ateneo de Manila University, a happy Sesquicentennial!:D

Ateneo really had a great contribution in molding me into who I am today, sadly we were bogged down with classes today that we missed attending the mass in Church of the Gesu.

Nevertheless, congratulations to the entire Ateneo community, and here's to continuing the legacy of being men and women for others.

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Presidentiable #6: The Unknowns Part I: JC Delos Reyes

I admire people who run for President even without having anything under their belt to bolster their popularity with. Erap has his ads, Villar has his house in Tondo, and Gordon has his former position as Mayor of Olongapo.

This guy (who looks like a matinee idol in his polo barong) is JC Delos Reyes, a name I believe he should change because the only JC I have ever known was waay back in elementary school.  He is Ang Kapatiran's Presidential bet for 2010.

He was a councilor in Olongapo and part of the City council. Aside from those, that's pretty much all I know about him. 

In tonight's replay of ABS CBN's Presidential Forum, someone asked him how many houses did he have and how money he has in the bank. He said that he has a house in Baguio (which he built himself because he's apparently in the bricks business) and has a rent-to-own unit somewhere. He said that he has "negative 5 million" in his bank account due to his start-up business. Maybe he was a little exaggerating on this part, but oh well.

Although I admire those who still run without having the complete machinery to back them up, I also want candidates who are realistic. Someone who was a Councilor thinks he can become a President just like that? I don't know.

What I also do not like about this particular candidate is that when asked what he would do on his First 100 Days in Office if he is elected, he said he would go on a retreat to enable him to face the fact that he is now running a country. Shouldn't he be doing that NOW if he's really serious in running?

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Watch Ninja Assassin NOW! (and forget about those stupid vampires please)

All right I'll admit it. I am an avid RAIN (Jung Ji-hoon) fan (omg if you don't know who he is STOP READING THIS--no wait I was only kidding!), I've been his fan ever since he released his "It's Raining" album, have watched all his soaps, his movies, and now that he has had the success of having a starring role in a Hollywood flick, I of course had to support this.

I honestly had second thoughts about watching it, because a lot of reviews compared it to Kill Bill which I detested. I didn't like how it was unnecessarily bloody and gory. But hey, this was Rain, so my sister and I even attended a special screening for Rain fans just to watch it:

LOL ultimate fangirl-ness has to pose with the topless picture.

I seriously did not expect it to be good. But thank God I was wrong! It wasn't a purely macho flick that only guys would enjoy themselves, it was very entertaining, and the chemistry between the Asian actor and the American actress wasn't forced. The action scenes were great, yes it was pretty bloody, but I thought it was okay because there were so many people getting smacked around anyway.

This post is actually a campaign for you to go out and catch the film while you can. I've already watched it twice, and was surprised that a lot of people were also watching it on a weeknight. It's already on its 2nd week and it's popularity is due to word-of-mouth opinions on how good it is! Go go go waaatch!:D

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Neyo Live in Manila, The Gentleman is Back!

Ne-yo is coming back to Manila on January 9, 2010 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds!

This is definitely a good early Valentine date for those lovers out there because Ne-yo will be singing his variety of hits including “Go On Girl”, “Closer”, “Mad”, “Because of You”, “When You’re Mad”, and “Do You” among others.

Tickets are available at all TicketWorld outlets. For inquiries and reservations, you may call 891-9999.

Prices:
VVIP PhP 7725.00 (Reserved Seating)
VIP PhP 5665.00 (Reserved Seating)
PLATINUM PhP 4120.00 (Reserved Seating)
GOLD PhP 2575.00 (Free Seating)
SILVER PhP 1545.00 (Standing)
BRONZE PhP 515.00 (standing)

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Gift Lab Holiday Bazaar @ The Rockwell Tent

Get great deals from over 90 merchants at the GIFT LAB HOLIDAY BAZAAR on December 5 & 6, 2009 from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm at Rockwell tent!

GIFT LAB is a wholly unique selling event that showcases booths of ready-made and customizable gift items. Their aim is to create a festive shopping environment filled with tastefully crafted products for our shopper’s convenience.

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Akala mo walang Upper East sa Pinas? MERON KAYA!

Coming across a tweet from a friend which said: "http://bit.ly/74mQk6 ...sorry if you're connected to this restaurant somehow, but yuck. no effing way! - - - umm seriously?" Naturally curiousity made me click on the link and this is what I found:

Apparently UPPER EAST is a restaurant found in Salcedo Village, Makati. Whoever penned the write-up sounds like someone stuck a foot down somewhere. Their words of encouragement make me want to dine there so bad just to establish that I am part of the upper class of Philippine society (which I am not):

Just don't expect to dine whenever you want to.

After all, UPPER EAST is not always open for business. We close our doors when we want to, and we certainly won't wait around for guests who, frankly, need to get a move on. No lunch is served after 1 p.m. and no dinner after 9 p.m.

UPPER EAST is not for scrooges and stiffs. We tolerate sharing, although it's not exactly de rigeur, is it? As for splitting? The fine is set at P250, not including our wait staff looking down their noses at you.

This is the UPPER EAST experience. And this is the price you pay... if you can get in.

From the above, I'm guessing that it's an inexpensive place because that's the kind of service you get.

The restaurant is ran by students and teachers from AHA, which stands for American Hospitality Academy. I have honestly never heard of that school. I'm sure they've eventually churned out great chefs, but if the chefs they create are those that think they're more important than others, well I'm not expecting anyone to dine in there even if they don't want to.

Has anyone eaten here? Is the write-up as correct as they want it to be or is it just a trying hard tactic to get people to talk about them?

Whoops! Totally forgot to give the link to their website: http://www.ahaphil.com/uppereast.html

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