Stop and Stare

Unplanned trip to Don Salvador Benedicto
Negros Occidental, Philippines

Thursday morning our team decided to go to Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental. It was a gloomy morning, a safe trip to the mountains. I've passed by in this side of town during a long trip from Cebu but have not appreciated the place. It's a cliche but most of the time we never notice some things around or even things right beside us. I realized that sometimes we need to just stop and stare to appreciate things which are within our reach.

Don Salvador Benedicto Rice fields

So for those who are always on the go make a stop, stare and start to be conscious of things near you; more so, be grateful of what you have rather than complaining of what you do not have. Count your blessings!!!

A Year-end Prayer

As the year ends, we look back of what had transpired -- things we did and did not do. some people may have regrets and some don't. The most important thing is we tread the trail without backing down; instead, we completed the path with our heads up and passed any tribulation upfront with dignity. We have so much to be thankful for -- blessings, achievements and trials in life -- that made us stronger. We just hope and pray that our experiences may provide us armor to combat war against new beginnings and changes in our everyday lives. Things may never be the same next year but we are ready to pass any crossroad we may encounter.

My father said,
"Don't you worry, don't you worry, child.
See heaven's got a plan for you.
Don't you worry, don't you worry now."
Yeah! --  Swedish House Mafia

Goodbye 2013!!! Welcome 2014!!!

Clark and Bruce will share the big screen next summer

This will no doubt please DC Comics fans, most especially Superman and Batman fans. During the Comic Con in San Diego, Zack Snyder, the director of Man of Steel and Watchmen, confirmed that a 'Man of Steel' movie sequel is in fact happening. He couldn't provide more information as to what exactly the movie would be like. Following the announcement, the most anticipated film features Superman and Batman. Both most-loved superheroes will share the big screen.

As of the moment, it is still not clear who would play as Bruce Wayne in the new Batman film. It won't be Christian Bale, who officially announced that The Dark Knight Rises was his ultimate film as Batman.

Despite negative feedback of the movie 'Man of Steel', it became a huge hit internationally and in the U.S.

It would be interesting to see what would be Zynder's own take on the story of Bruce, tangled with the Clark Kent's story. The Superman-Batman tandem movie is expected to be shown in theaters worldwide on Summer 2015.

Wolverine slashes monsters and minions at box office

The ticket returns are still rising but 'The Wolverine', starring Hugh Jackman debut at an estimated $55 million in North America according to studio forecast.

The movie tops Warner Bros.' low-budget horror movie 'The Conjuring', just slipped to second place followed by the Gru's little minions 'Despicable Me 2'.

Set in Japan, 'The Wolverine', which features international actors, earned $86.1 million with flying colors in 50 territories. The latest is that it already surpassed the $120 million it cost to make the film. Aside from movie-goers' positive feedback, the upcoming 'X-Men: Days of the Future Past' teaser was shown at the post credits (spoiler alert) of the movie.

Here's a list of estimated ticket sales at the U.S. and Canadian Theaters. This is according to Hollywood.com. Latest figures for International theater sales are also included below.

1. "The Wolverine," $55 million ($86.1 million international).
2. "The Conjuring," $22.1 million ($6.9 million international).
3. "Despicable Me 2," $16 million ($24.5 million international).
4. "Turbo," $13.3 million ($12.5 million international).
5. "Grown Ups 2," $11.5 million ($4.2 million international).
6. "Red 2," $9.4 million ($6.1 million international).
7. "Pacific Rim," $7.5 million ($14.25 million international).
8. "The Heat," $6.85 million ($3.1 million international).
9. "R.I.P.D.," $5.85 million ($3.1 million international).
10. "Fruitvale Station," $4.65 million.

What to expect of 'X-Men: Days of Future Past'?

Bryan Singer, the director of the upcoming sequel of 'X-Men: First Class', is working of a classic 'Un-Canny X-Men' storyline that is involving time travel set in different decades.

The Sentinels are coming. Peter Dinklage, of 'Game of Thrones', was added in the cast to play Bolivar Trask, creator of the massive mutant-hunting Sentinel robots. For who didn't noticed, the company Trask was by the way shown for a second or two in the Wolverine after credits scene.

Watch out for X-Men: Days of Future Past in theaters in May 2014.

The Internet Search Giant Delisted Piracy Links

To fight against piracy, the Internet Search Giant Google took the initiative to de-list hundreds of millions of web links that are allegedly copyright infringing links this year. Google dealt with a number of demands that reached about 13 million to take down URLs.

Filestube, torrentz.eu and Rapidgator were just among poised in the notorious list. However, people still find ways and manage to access some of the blocked websites. One of the ways is maybe getting through proxy.

Google can chase these contentious URLs forever but internet-savvy people would be able to invent perhaps manage their ways through the intricate worldwide web. It is worth-noting that Pirate Bay, the most notorious of all piracy websites, is still grilling contents since it does not appear in the take-down list.

VoicePH: Lee a Big Disappointment?

Latest buzz in the Voice of the Philippines' Battle Rounds is Lee Grane Maranan's performance during the clash rounds.  Is Lee deserving to move on to the next round?

What went wrong with Lee's performance? Everyone darted at Lee as she steps in the ring. With great expectation, and as Bamboo's apple of the eye, started singine with Dan. It went smoothly at first but as the song progressed she went a little off tune. I am no expert but her style of singing didn't synched up well with the song One by U2. For me, it looked like she was constipated as opposed to Lea's comment. According to Coach Lea, she has never heard it sang so sexy as Lee's. I bet Lea is only making a strategy early of the competition. She knows Dan has won this round.

Now, everyone's disappointed with Coach Bamboo's choice. He chose Lee because of his gut-artistry-faith feeling for her. In contrary, Dan Billano should have won the battle over Lee. Now, I'm beginning to think that this show is a popularity contest.

Lee should prove everyone wrong in the next level of competition.

VoicePH: So Battles Begin

So battles begin. The first batch of pairs of each team battling it out, at the top of their lungs, to stay in the singing competition.

The first in line is Team Apl. Tristhan strives to compete with Lorenzana Siblings (Guji and Grace). I think that it was the song they choice pulled them down. Their rendition of Stevie Wonder's Signed, Sealed, Delivered was not that bad but it did not helped the siblings to overpower Tristhan. The power of two didn't work for Team Apl. Allan (apl.de.ap) chose Tristhan to move on.

The show is getting warmed up as the next pair entered the ring. Both Lee Grane Maranan and Dan Billano are very good tonight but Bamboo chose the more popular contestant Lee. This time I do not agree with Bamboo's because she was not as good as she did during the Blind Auditions. The song is supposed to push her away from her comfort zone and it did not turn out well for her. If I were the judge I would have picked Dan. I believe One by U2, the song that they sang, quite fits to his voice.

Here comes Coach Sarah's belters -- Morissette Amon and Lecelle Trinidad. I guess Sarah made the right song for both of them tonight (the right singers as well). Their performance was like a real battle in which both singers sang their hearts out. Morissete outshines Lecelle. They sang No More Tears by Donna Summer and Barbra Streissand. For me, this was the best battle so far.

The last team to perform was Team Lea. Good choice of song and singers, Alone by Heart and Mitoy Yonting and Chien Berbana respectively . Enough said Mitoy is a professional singer.

I wonder who will get picked to stay for the next week's Battle of the Voice of the Philippines?

To the 'Best of Luck'

Do you believe in luck?

Yes, you say you do if you feel like the stars align in the universe with an additament of things settling into place as you please. Luck is almost synonymous with good fortune that most-likely operates for good in one's personal life. Some people even invented objects on which good fortune is supposed to depend. Charms, crystals, lucky coin and rabbit's tail are examples of such things. But what really drives it, the so called luck?

The hardwork approach
Exam day is coming any time soon. You are not a math wizard. You are not really good at numbers so you went your way and studied religiously. Took the exam and wished for a good luck.

The anything-goes approach
You are cramming you have not studied before taking the exam. But you love working with numbers. Took the exam and wished for good luck.

At the end of the day, both have passed the same exam. But, what's really the common denominator of the two aside from taking the same exact tests? Both wished for a good luck. Did they both passed because of luck? My own answer is no. If we expand a little bit of bit, luck, here in the two scenarios, is transformed into skills. Do you agree? This is because person one gave it all and studied to at least develop the skills in numbers. On the other hand, person two has the skills already. It is clear now that it was not actually luck that let both them passed.

If you have the fire-burning passion -- whoever you chooses to be person one or person two -- you can reach your goal. And, stop relying in to the best of luck!

Hot-Served Grilled Potato

It's that feeling that you weren't good enough on what your doing and avoiding criticism at the same time. We sometimes learn in a hard way and get burned along the way. Just like a potato grilled with enough fire. As long as it is done with a total care, the potato will never get burned. The same is true with it comes to your skills and talents. With some extra care, we can show the world that we can do things and deliver and that we are good enough for the role we play. A hot grilled potato is ready to be served. And, with sour cream, mixed with minced onions, on the side makes it more delicious and enjoyable.

VoicePH: The Battle Rounds Teaser

The Voice of the Philippines is getting more exciting as the number one show on its time slot stages the Battle Rounds on Saturday and Sunday.

Take a sneak peak of the VoicePH Battle Rounds below.

Who's going to stay from Team Lea, Team Sarah, Team Bamboo or Team Apl?

More Exposure for Hawkeye in Avengers: Age of Ultron

The a pool of writers are thinking about the potential spin-offs for Black Widow and Hawkeye. Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow had a starring role in Iron Man 2 to  before joining The Avengers, which became the third biggest box office success of all-time. Unlike Black Widow, Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye was introduced with a limited short cameo in Thor.

While Scarlett Johansson will get to explore more of the backstory behind Natasha Romanoff AKA Black Widow in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (to be released in April 2014), Renner may not get a chance to return to the big screen as SHIELD Agent Clint Barton AKA Hawkeye until The Avengers 2 releases in the summer of 2015.

The latest and this is probably a good news for all the fans of Hawkeye -- Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye will get bigger exposure in Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Renner’s thoughts on his role in the film earned quite a few headlines and he hoped that he – along with the other Avengers stars – would have more time to explore their characters in the sequel. According to Avengers: Age of Ultron writer/director Joss Whedon at Comic-Con 2013, Hawkeye is the character he’s enjoying writing this time around.

The X-Men: "Days of Future Past" Teaser Shown in Wolverine Post-Credits

The Wolverine director James Mangold emphasized that while the film story does honor and take place in the same universe, acknowledging the films that came before, it is truly stand-alone. Interestingly, Mangold pointed out that The Wolverine story ends when the credits roll and he wants moviegoers to  feel satisfied as such, making it clear that any added post-credits sequence is not his part of his story, instead as a studio's way to excite fans of the next franchise film, X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Hugh Jackman also confirmed that a post-credits scene at the end of The Wolverine teases next year's ambitious franchise installment.

The highly-anticipated next franchise X-men: Days of Future Past is set to be released in May 2014.

VoicePH: What Makes it a Real Deal

I've watched a number of popular singing contests that were staged in national television in the Philippines. Most of it looked like it were not centered in looking for real talents. What they really look for is a complete package -- the ones who have the looks or are marketable. The Voice, on the other hand, really concentrates on the "voice" and less on the looks. 

What sets it apart? The show's format is well-thought at the same time intriguing. The shows Blind Auditions that made it more real and interesting. The Voice really showcases the best of the best in town. There are four stages to become "The Voice" -- On-ground and the Producers' auditions, Blind auditions, the Battle Rounds and the Live Shows. 

On-ground and the Producers' auditions

As for any "The Voice" franchise the first stage is the producers' auditions, which are not shown on television. In the Voice of the Philippines, ABS-CBN headed by their regional partners nationwide and abroad are tasked to conduct the "Unseen Auditions." At this stage, there will be different judges that will use the power of media to conduct three types of screening; radio auditions, online auditions and on-ground auditions where the team will travel in and out of the country to find the best of the best to participate in the next set of auditions, "The Blind Auditions."

Blind auditions

The first televised stage is the blind auditions, where auditionees sing in front of the official coaches. All coaches will be sitting on a chair that is turned back from the stage.The coaches will first judge and only judge by the power, clarity, type and uniqueness of the artists singing prowess. If they like what they hear and want to mentor the artist for the next stage, they will push a button by their chair that would turn the chair around to face the stage for the first time and also see the artists for the first time after they sing to avoid any due bias according to characteristics and personality. If more than one coach turns around, the power to pick goes to the artist whom will be given the chance to pick his/her coach of choice. If no coach turns his/her chair the auditioning artists journey ends. At the end, each of the coach will have 12 artists in his or her team who will be advancing to the next round.

The Battle rounds

The second stage, 'the Battle rounds', is where two artists are mentored and then developed by their respective coach. The coaches of the team will "dedicate themselves to developing their artists, giving them advice, and sharing the secrets of their success in the music industry". Every member of their team battle against another member from their team. They sing the same song simultaneously, while their coach decides who should continue in the competition. The coaches have to choose from the six individual “battles” to take artists to the live round.

Live shows

The final stage, dubbed as the 'Live shows', is where the surviving combatants perform in front of the coaches, audience and broadcast live. Each coach will be having four artists in their team to begin with and the artists will go head-to-head in the competition to win the public votes. These will determine which artist advances to the final eight. The remaining three artists' future in the show will be determined by the coaches, choosing who will progress.

The final eight artists will compete in a live broadcast. However, the coaches will have a 50/50 say with the audience and the public in deciding which artists move on to the 'final four' phase. In the latter, each coach will have one member who will continue. The final (the winner round) will be decided upon by the public vote. Throughout the final the coaches will frequently perform with their artists. The winner will be crowned The Voice of the Philippines.

ABS-CBN brought the new show in the Philippines.

Pacific Rim 2 Remains To Be Seen

"I’ll tell you a couple of things. We will have Gipsy 2.0 for sure. Second thing is you’re gonna see a merging of Kaiju and Jaeger. And that is quite special.

Just think about it for a second. We sent Gipsy to the other side, right? It exploded, but whatever remains stays there. We’ve drifted with a Kaiju brain. Well, then start riffing on that and you’ll get to something."

While the future of the franchise is still up in the air, that hasn’t deterred Guillermo del Torro and writer Travis Beachem from planning out the next phase in the man-vs.-Kaiju war. And after reading all the things the duo has in mind for a sequel.

The director recently chatted with MTV, and he revealed some of the things that are going to be part of the next installment – including the biggest reveal of all: there will be a Kaiju/Jaeger hybrid!

Although Pacific Rim has not opened quite as well as Warner Bros. had hoped, a sequel is being talked about by the producers and writers. 

The movie hits #1 spot in box-office overseas.

VoicePH: 4-chair Turners

The Voice of the Philippines is top-trending in social media community. Here are some reasons why Voice Ph tops every time it is being aired.

The Voice PH Blind Auditions' 4-chair Turns.

Thor Dulay, a 32-year-old back-up singer to comedian Vice Ganda, was faced with a tough decision on who to pick among the four superstar-coaches of "The Voice of the Philippines" after impressing them with his rendition of the Whitney Houston hit "I Have Nothing." Thor chooses Team Apl. Watch video during his blind audition below.

Thor Dulay's VoicePH Blind Audition

Michaellen Temporada, a registered nurse, wowed all four coaches on Sunday's episode of "The Voice of the Philippines," with his performance of the classic Broadway number "Summertime" from the musical "Porgy and Bess." Michaellen chooses Team Sarah. Watch video during his blind audition below.

Michaellen Temporada's VoicePH Blind Audition

Don Michael Perez, a 22-year-old former music student from Palawan, got all four coaches of "The Voice of the Philippines" to turn their red chairs in Sunday's episode of the TV talent search. Michael chooses Team Bamboo (Camp Kawayan). Watch video during his blind audition below.

Don Michael Perez' VoicePH Blind Audition

Juvie Pelos, a kundiman singer of Surigao charmed the four superstar-coaches on "The Voice of the Philippines" with a little-known folk ballad from the play "Uwahig" in Saturday's episode of the hit reality talent search. Juvie chooses Team Lea. Watch video during her blind audition below.

Juvie Pelos' VoicePH Blind Audition

Powerhouse singer Janice Javier, who turned four chairs on "The Voice of the Philippines" with an Aretha Franklin hit. Janice chooses Team Apl.

In a show-stopping clash on "The Voice of the Philippines" in its episode aired Saturday, coaches Sarah Geronimo and Allan "apl.de.ap" Pineda made desperate pleas to convince four-chair turner Klarisse de Guzman to join their respective teams. Klarisse chooses Team Sarah.

Mitoy Yonting from Pangasinan was faced with a tough decision from choosing betwen Lea Salonga and Bamboo as his coach. Mitoy's performance on the Voice of the Philippines gone viral. Mitoy chooses Team Lea.

VoicePH: Whose Team is The Best?

Now, each team of VoicePH has completed its respective wolf-pack of singer aspiring to become the best and the very first Voice of the Philippines. Everyone is very excited to watch the Battle Rounds next week. According to some sources the Battle rounds for the Voice of the Philippines will be slightly different from other franchise -- Voice UK and Voice US -- a twist they say.

The Voice of the Philippines is top trending every time it is being aired. It is not surprising because the Philippines has a great pool of singers all over the archipelago. Most of the aspirants who passed the Blind Auditions have been singing in bars and in national stage. So this is the show of the best of the best.

It is premature to say which team will the first the Voice of the Philippines come from; it is really up to the coaches who decide who can move on to the live shows. The Battle rounds will be a painful, heart-breaking stint next week. So you better be ready with your handkerchief.

Whose the best Team for you? Team Lea? Team Sarah? Team Bamboo? Team Apl?

Pacific Rim hits #1 Spot Worldwide

Despicable Me 2 gave way for Pacific Rim as the #1 film internationally over the weekend. It was a surprising news for Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures as Pacific Rim (3D sci-fi) managed to hit the number one spot across 50 territories. However, this is not really all that impressive given that it is believed the budget was anything between $180 - 220 million. Pacific Rim brings a worldwide cume of $178.5 million. According to reports, many analysts do not believe that the film will even reach $100 million in the U.S. theatrical sales so there is still a good chance that it will fail to turn a profit. It may not make enough for the studio to confidently move forward with a sequel; after all, a summer tent-pole such as Pacific Rim should ultimately reach at least $500 million.

Movie goers has helped in a way because of their positive feedback and reviews of the film.

Do you think the movie Pacific Rim deserves a sequel?

VoicePH: Meet the Coaches

Meet the interesting coaches of The Voice of the Philippines.

Meet Sarah Geronimo, The Voice that conquered our hearts

The first coach on The Voice of the Philippines was announced last February 6,2013 -- Sarah Geronimo (Popstar). The singer-actress and talk show host Sarah Geronimo was dubbed as "The Voice that captured our hearts. ABS-CBN announced that her weekly show Sarah G. Live, was due to air its final episode on Sunday, February 10. The ABS-CBN Corporate Communications head Bong R. Osorio said that Sarah Geronimo will move on to fulfill other commitments." He added that Sarah will also be busy filming her upcoming Star Cinema movie with John Lloyd Cruz, and is set to go on a Sarah G concert worldwide.

According to Sarah Geronimo, she admitted that she felt intimidated with the three other coaches due much possibly to their caliber in each of their genres. Geronimo further stated that she will just focus on why she became part of the Voice of the Philippines. Also, she said that this is her chance to be part of someone's journey towards pursuing his or her dream. She furthered added that, with her also a product of a singing search, she believes that she can help the artists who will become part of her team. She also said that she will be open to the views and the preferences of her team.

Meet Bamboo Mañalac, The Voice that rocked our World

On February 10, 2013, during an appearance on the last episode of Sarah G. Live, Bamboo Mañalac hinted that he would be working with the talk show host after they both finished performing a production number together. Later on February 14, 2013, ABS-CBN aired a promotional plug during the airtime of the pre-primetime television drama Kahit Konting Pagtingin, confirming Bamboo Mañalac's stint in the show as coach and judge.Mañalac was the former frontman of Rivermaya from 1994 until 1998, and later with Bamboo from 2002 until it got disband in 2011.

In an interview made by ABS-CBN News, Mañalac provided a statement regarding his stint on The Voice of the Philippines, "I'm ready to be a coach in The Voice of the Philippines. There's a time for everything and this is it." When asked on what kind of artist will he would like to coach, he said, “I’ve been listening to rock for a long time but I also listen to other genres from rock to pop to folk to everything. I want someone who is open to all kinds of music; someone who is willing to listen and willing to learn.”

Meet Lea Salonga, The Voice that conquered the world

ABS-CBN aired a plug teaser on February 17, 2013 for the third coach. The coach, who is a female, was tagged as "The voice that conquered the world." The third coach was rumored to be Lea Salonga, a world renowned theater actress who had appeared in Miss Saigon, Les Misérables on Broadway, and was named a Disney Legend in 2011 for her work with Disney on Aladdin, and Mulan movies. The teaser strongly resembles Salonga. Salonga was also been rumored to host the show last October 2012, but was later debunked since Toni Gonzaga was announced as the host along with the show's media correspondent, Robi Domingo.[61]
On the night of February 19, 2013, Lea Salonga confirmed her stint as an official coach in the show via her official Twitter account. In the same night, ABS-CBN later confirmed Salonga's role on the Voice of the Philippines.

“I was very interested in ‘The Voice’s’ format, having seen the show in the US and really enjoying it. I’m a fan,” Salonga told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in an interview. As Salonga had some commitments locally and abroad, ABS-CBN was able to do some adjustments and finalize her work schedule in order to include her job in the local version of The Voice.


Meet Apl.de.Ap, The Voice that ruled the worldwide music charts

After Salonga's confirmation, there has been strong rumors that the fourth coach will be Allan Pineda who is more popularly known as Apl.de.Ap. Apl.de.Ap is a Filipino-American rapper and member of the Grammy Award-winning group The Black Eyed Peas. During an interview made by The Huffington Post on 2012, Apl.de.Ap stated that he has plans on launching his own talent show in the Philippines. "I've been working myself up to do it because I'm not used to being on TV everyday... I've been offered a show for next year," he revealed.

Soon after, on March 1, 2013, ABS-CBN has confirmed that they are in the final stages of negotiating with the management of Apl.de.Ap to become its fourth and last official coach of the show. On March 7, 2013, it was announced through ABS-CBN's entertainment website, Push, that Apl.de.Ap will sit as the fourth coach. On an article posted in the network's official website dated March 20, 2013, Apl.de.Ap is slated to do the initial promotional plug with TFC London and is scheduled to arrive in Manila by April to meet and work with the three other coaches and the rest of the show's team. His promotional television plug was aired on March 27, 2013 right after TV Patrol. He was dubbed as The voice that ruled the worldwide music chart.

In an interview made by ABS-CBN News, Apl admitted that it was will.i.am, Pineda's friend and co-member in The Black Eyed Peas, that encouraged him to accept the coaching stint in The Voice of the Philippines. Will.i.am is also a coach on The Voice UK along with Danny O'Donoghue, Tom Jones, and Jessie J.

Apl further told that press that he will be truthful on coaching his artists, as well giving them constructive criticisms. Apl will also share his life experiences, what he has been through the music industry, and how hard it is to fulfill and reach it.

Source: wikipedia.org

Movie Review: 21 and Over (2013)

Straight-A college student Jeff Chang has always done what he was supposed to do. But when his two best friends Casey and Miller surprise him with a visit for his 21st birthday, Jeff Chang decides to do everything he wants to do for a change, even though his important medical school interview is early the next morning. What was supposed to be one beer becomes a night of humiliation, over indulgence and utter debauchery in this coming-of-drinking-age-comedy, from the writers of THE HANGOVER,about living youth to its fullest.

On my radar:
The writers of The Hangover stick to the same formula which is to provide fun while the beer flows. Unlike Project X, 21 and over had an actual story to it.

Off my radar:
21 and over is not actually a groundbreaking comedy movie; perhaps, writers John Lucas and Scott Moore, who created comedy blockbuster, have ran out of ideas. It is inevitable to compare 21 and over with The Hangover. The Hangover is way better than 21 and over.

My rating:
3 out 5 blipz

Cast:
Miles Teller ... Miller
Skylar Astin ... Casey
Justin Chon ... Jeff Chang
Sarah Wright ... Nicole
Jonathan Keltz ... Randy
François Chau ... Dr. Chang

Watch 21 and Over full movie trailer below.

Movie Review: Pacific Rim (2013)

When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity's resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes-a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi)-who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind's last hope against the mounting apocalypse ~ Warner Bros.

On my radar:
Pacific Rim is the movie Transformers should have been. The battle between two-manned gigantic robots and humongous sea creature was balanced with humor spectacles (corny asides). The visuals was awesome and convincing, convincing compared to the effects of Man of Steel the movie.

Off my radar:
A little bit corny.

My rating:
4 out of 5 blipz

Cast:
Charlie Hunnam ... Raleigh Becket
Diego Klattenhoff ... Yancy Becket
Idris Elba ... Stacker Pentecost
Rinko Kikuchi ... Mako Mori
Charlie Day ... Dr. Newton Geiszler

Watch Pacific Rim full movie trailer below.

The Effect of Overpopulation

Overpopulation may be one of the biggest problems around the world. According to some research, the population of the world is increasing exponentially. This is the main topic of the book Inferno by Dan Brown. In the book, the villain, a mad scientist, engineered a new virus that would rewrite human genome to cleanse the world from overpopulation by one third.

I also to happened to watch the movie The Purge and over population was the main reason why the "The Purge" was formed. In the movie, the purge happens once a year, a 12-hour period when crimes are legalized and you can kill anybody; and, emergency services are suspended. In a way, and the government believed that the population would decrease significantly.

Both the book and the movie are thought-provoking. I think there's some truths to it based on my observation. If the premise is explored a little bit more, you may realize that over population could and would destroy the world. How sustainable the Earth as population rises? One thing for sure, the human race will keep on competing and destroying each other for some selfish reasons. And as the number of people like that increases all the more the impact of destruction.

VoicePH: Let the Battle Begin

The blind auditions for the Voice of the Philippines is almost done and the list of singers for Team Lea, Team Apl de Ap, Team Bamboo and Team Sarah is almost complete; the battle will start next week. Everyone is expecting a great battle between the great singers of each team; since the Philippines is dubbed as the capital of great singers of the world. While everyone is eyeing their bets who can pass through and move on to the next level of the competition 4 teams are ready for next week's episode.

Now the list is complete for each team, who's your best bet? Everyone is so anxious to witness the next level, the Battle Rounds.

Team Lea is complete 13 singers.
1. Darryl Shy
2. Chien Berbana
3. Taw Muhammad
4. Radha Tinsay
5. Mitoy Yonting
6. Diday Garcellano
7. Juvie Pelos
8. Marissa Saroca
9. Mel John Podolig
10. Rainier Acosta
11. Japs Mendoza
12. RJ dela Fuente
13. Kim Mainit

Apl de Ap's team is composed of 12 singers.
1. Thor Dulay
2. Corazon dela Cruz
3. Lorenzana Siblings (Guji and Grace)
4. Sir Lord Lumibao
5. Moira dela Torre
6. Cara Manglapus
7. Lance Fabros
8. Tristhan Perfecto
9. Janice Javier
10. Penelope Matanguihan
11. Jessica Corpuz
12. Jessica Reynoso

Kamp Kawayan has 13 singers.
1. Deborah Victa
2. Lee Grane Maranan
3. Isa Fabregas
4. Angelique Alcantara
5. Cordovales Father & Son (Willy and Mark)
6. Don Michael Perez
7. Angelica Prado
8. Paolo Onesa
9. Nicole Parada
10. John Philip Duka
11. Talia Reyes
12. Dennis Sagun
13. Dan Billano

Team Sarah has 11 singers and will be completed in the next episode.
1. Junji Arias
2. Eva delos Santos
3. Morissette Amon
4. Michaellen Temporada
5. Gabriel Ramos
6. Hans Dimayuga
7. Kathreen Castro
8. Hideyuki Ito
9. Lecelle Trinidad
10. Maki Ricafort
11. Klarisse de Guzman
12. To be announced (TBA)

The Voice of the Philippines is a franchise bought by ABS-CBN.

Getting a Kick Start Today

I've been hibernating for three months now. And, it is too painful to realize that being a couch potato is really unproductive. Just watching TV the whole day and always wondering what's next. For some this is enjoyable but I am used to work all day long and getting busy. I don't like the feeling of waiting and worrying what will happen to me (the future) while sitting in front the television set. I know for sure some share the same feeling. You get the habit of getting started and do something and then getting too tired of thinking how to get started -- procrastinating. The "how", "what" and "when" to kick start and go on. 

But then I realize I can do better. I think the sense of empowerment plays a huge part in getting out of the dark and step into the light and get started. I know it is hard to getaway from the shadows having low self-esteem. It crossed my mind that I have my family and friends who believes in me. Since I always wanted everything to be perfect I ended up getting frustrated. I always compare myself to others but I realized I don't have to compete with others but myself. 

I just need to step up and have a kick start, think positive, and enjoy the roller-coaster-ride of life. Not tomorrow, not next year but hit start today.

Revisiting Bulwang Caves in Mabinay

If I were to visit to a cool place again, I would choose Bulwang Cave. Also known as Mabinay Cave, located in Brgy. Bulwang, Mabinay, Negros Oriental, appeals to spelunking enthusiasts and travelers alike because of its natural formation of stalactites and stalagmites. Bulwang Cave offers 5 levels of easy to explore caves. As long you permits to camp and to hike, you may explore Bulwang Caves for you are into extreme adventures. This is something, as Negrosanon, to be proud of. The government of Mabinay also built stairs and railings for beginners. If you want to take great pictures of the cave, do not use a flash when taking pictures. There are lights installed in the cave so there will be enough light for your pictures.

Here are some pictures I took when I last visited Bulwang Caves. #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines

 

Box Office: Movies of 2013

Here's a list of top ten high-grossing films in the Philippines as of July 2013. Surprisingly, Star Cinema is on the list -- It Takes A Man and A Woman of Star Cin. beats G.I. Joe: Retaliation distributed by UIP.

Rank	Movie Title	Distributor	Gross	Release
1	Iron Man 3	Disney	$14,949,472	24-Apr
2	It Takes A Man And A Woman	Star Cinema	$9,141,744	30-Mar
3	Man of Steel	Warner Bros.	$8,907,067	12-Jun
4	Fast & Furious 6	United International Pictures	$5,916,627	24-May
5	World War Z	United International Pictures	$4,742,996	19-Jun
6	Despicable Me 2	United International Pictures	$4,646,551	3-Jul
7	G.I. Joe: Retaliation	United International Pictures	$4,560,225	30-Mar
8	Four Sisters and a Wedding	Star Cinema	$3,351,356	26-Jun
9	Jack the Giant Slayer	Warner Bros.	$3,154,259	28-Feb
10	Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters	United International Pictures	$2,744,810	23-Jan

Source: Box Office Mojo