The Voice of the Philippines

The Voice of the Philippines is a Filipino reality television singing competition on ABS-CBN (Philippines). The TV show is a franchise based on the reality singing competition The Voice of Holland, which was originally created by Dutch television.The Voice of the Philippines, also know as The Voice PH, is hosted by Toni Gonzaga, while Robi Domingo, and Alex Gonzaga serve as the show's V-Reporters or the social media correspondents. With an interesting ensemble of coaches - Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo Mañalac, Lea Salonga, and Apl.de.Ap.

The Voice of the Philippines is the fourth national franchise in the Southeast Asian region after Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.

The first season premiered on June 15, 2013 (ABS-CBN).

Box Office: Movies Opening This Week

According to returns in the US, "The Conjuring" will easily get the No. 1 spot at the box office. Movie goers will enjoy the following films opening this week.

Red 2

Retired C.I.A. agent Frank Moses reunites his unlikely team of elite operatives for a global quest to track down a missing portable nuclear device.

Directed by Dean Parisot

R.I.P.D.

A recently slain cop joins a team of undead police officers working for the Rest in Peace Department and tries to find the man who murdered him.

Directed by Robert Schwentke

Turbo

A freak accident might just help an everyday garden snail achieve his biggest dream: winning the Indy 500.

Directed by Davie Soren

The Conjuring

Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. Forced to confront a powerful entity, the Warrens find themselves caught in the most terrifying case of their lives.

Directed by James Wan

Movie Review: The Purge (2013)

If on one night every year, you could commit any crime without facing consequences, what would you do? In The Purge, a speculative thriller that follows one family over the course of a single night, four people will be tested to see how far they will go to protect themselves when the vicious outside world breaks into their home. In an America wracked by crime and overcrowded prisons, the government has sanctioned an annual 12-hour period in which any and all criminal activity-includingmurder-becomes legal. The police can't be called. Hospitals suspend help. It's one night when the citizenry regulates itself without thought of punishment. On this night plagued by violence and an epidemic of crime, one family wrestles with the decision of who they will become when a stranger comes knocking. When an intruder breaks into James Sandin's (Ethan Hawke) gated community during the yearly lockdown, he begins a sequence of events that threatens to tear a family apart. Now, it is up to James, his wife, Mary (Lena Headey), and their kids to make it through the night without turning into the monsters from whom they hide. Directed by James DeMonaco (writer of Assault on Precinct 13 and The Negotiator), The Purge is produced by Jason Blum of Blumhouse (Paranormal Activity, Insidious, Sinister), Platinum Dunes' partners Michael Bay, Brad Fuller and Andrew Form (The Amityville Horror, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), as well as Sébastien Kurt Lemercier (Assault on Precinct 13). ~ Universal

On my radar:
Well, the plot is thought-provoking. A workable blueprint for a movie. That's all I can say.

Off my radar:
The Purge could have been great if only they've expanded and explore the plot a little bit more. The film  is an old horror-movie standard. The actors was not that bad but the kid actor lacks charm; not so convincing.

My rating:
3 out of 5 blipz

Cast:
Ethan Hawke ... James Sandin
Lena Headey ... Mary Sandin
Max Burkholder ... Charlie Sandin
Adelaide Kane ... Zoey Sandin
Edwin Hodge ... Bloody Stranger
Rhys Wakefield ... Polite Leader
Tony Oller ... Henry


Watch The Purge full movie trailer below.  

Movie Review: Man of Steel (2013)

A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind. ~ Warner Bros.

On my radar:
What I like about this movie is that it shows Clark Kent appears to be human at first. The film concentrates on the discovery of Superman's extraordinary powers. The movie tackles the origin of Superman; the letter "S" on Kent's suit. The new film also introduced a new suit for the man of steel (discarding the briefs). I think I saw the suit regenerates by itself. 

Off my radar:
The new Superman movie consists of a long declamation and endless violence. By the way, I slept half of the time as the movie ran. The movie effects was not that effective either; not as good as I have expected.

My rating: 
3 out 5 blipz

Cast:
Henry Cavill ... Clark Kent / Kal-El
Amy Adams ... Lois Lane
Michael Shannon ... General Zod
Diane Lane ... Martha Kent
Russell Crowe ... Jor-El
Kevin Costner ... Jonathan Kent
Laurence Fishburne ... Perry White

Watch Man of Steel full movie trailer below.

Long and Winding Road

Long trips make your travelling more fun and enjoyable. Even if this takes a lot longer to get to your end point. Come to think of it you get to see views that you've never seen before. You could just easily pull over, take out your camera, capture the scenery and savor the moment. And, it makes your trip worthwhile. 

More Fun in Bulwang Caves Mabinay

I've been to Dumaguete the center of Negros Oriental via Mabinay but I didn't know there's place like this. Last month we went to Bulwang caves in Mabinay as part of our long road trip to Bohol. According to the Guides consist of 400 plus cavernous sites explored mostly financed by foreign spelunkers.

 

Can't get enough picture taking, one tip though DO NOT use your flash. Photographs were more stunning without a flash -- 400 to 800 ISO is good enough.

Photography: Rustic Change

Shot taken without flash

I was playing with my camera and it just dawned on me (more like an epiphany) that photography is simply a play of lights. I thought flashes were only used during night scenes or if there's a low source of light to make your subject come up on the frame. I realized that flashes can also be used in scenes like in a broad daylight and it actually produce more dramatic pictures. It can make your background black and your subject look stunning.

Recently Discovered Fault Caused Negros Earthquakes

 

A recently discovered fault line caused the magnitude-6.9 quake that shook Dumaguete and its neighboring regions (Visayas region) on the afternoon of February 6, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

 

 

 

 

 

The earthquake was caused by the sudden shifting of two tectonic plates in the Visayas area. The shift was from a "blind fault" some 20kms below the earth between Negros and Cebu.

 

Read full story...

Earthquake Safety Tips

Nowadays, we are experiencing earthquake in different parts of the world. A little knowledge and a few precautionary measures can increase your chances of surviving an earthquake - or any other type of hazardous events. The keys are education and preparedness. The earthquake safety tips below will not make you an expert. However, they could make a life-saving difference if you find yourself in a situation such as this - an earthquake situation. Educate yourself by studying simple safety tips below.

Before the Earthquake:

• Learn how to survive during the ground motion. This is described in the "During the Earthquake" section below. These earthquake safety tips will prepare you for the fast action needed - most earthquakes are over in seconds so knowing what to do instinctively is very important.
• Teach members of your family about earthquake safety precautions. This includes: 1) the actions you should take when an earthquake occurs, 2) the safe places in a room such as under a strong desk, along interior walls, and 3) places to avoid such as near windows, large mirrors, hanging objects, heavy furniture and fireplaces.
• Stock up on emergency supplies. These include: battery operated radio (and extra batteries), flashlights (and extra batteries), first aid kit, bottled water, two-week worth of food and medical supplies, blankets, cooking fuel, tools needed to turn off your gas, water and electric utilities.

Phivolcs: Intensity Alert Levels

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck between the islands of Negros and Cebu before noon Monday, February 6, 2012, killing at least 7 people and prompting government volcanologists to raise a tsunami alert.

Intensity

Phivolcs said the following intensities were felt in the following areas:

• Intensity VII - Dumaguete City; Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental

• Intensity VI - La Carlota City and La Castellana, Negros Occidental; Argao, Cebu

• Intensity V - Roxas City; Dao and Ivisan, Capiz; Iloilo City; Ayungon, Negros Oriental; Kanlaon City; Lapu-lapu City; Guimaras; Cebu City; San Carlos City; Bacolod City; Sagay City; Tagbilaran City; Candoni, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental

• Intensity IV - San Jose de Buenavista, Pandan, Anini-y, Patnungon, Antique; Kalibo, Aklan; Dipolog City; Sipalay, Negros Occidental; Ormoc City

• Intensity III - Butuan City, Agusan del Norte; Legaspi City, Albay; Carmen, Cagayan de Oro; Tacloban City; Catbalogan; Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte; Masbate, Masbate; Cagayan de Oro City

• Intensity II - Cabid-an, Sorsogon; Borongan, Eastern Samar; Mambajao, Camiguin

• Intensity I - Pagadian City

Quake in Negros Prompted Tsunami Warning

The earthquake also prompted a tsunami warning from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), alerting residents near the coastal areas of Negros and Cebu to watch for unusual waves. But, according to Phivolcs, not requiring any evacuation just yet.


The tsunami alert was canceled after no further reports of unusual sea level changes were received after the two-hour extended observation period.

But more aftershocks could be expected in the next few weeks in areas near the epicenter, according to Ishmael Narag, officer in charge of the Phivolcs’ seismology division. As of 1 p.m. Monday, February 6, 2012, Phivolcs had recorded 16 aftershocks.

The quake triggered another landslide in the mountain village of Solongon in La Libertad town, also in Negros Oriental. An unknown number of people were trapped, said Inspector Eric Arrol Besario, the town police chief.


The earthquake sent shoppers scrambling under tables and workers and students rushing out of their buildings in cities of Negros and Cebu.

Classes in all public and private schools in Negros Oriental were suspended, while businesses in Dumaguete City were closed due to reported aftershocks. Intensity V was experienced in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

It's More Fun In The Philippines: Surfing in Siargao

"This dramatic and powerful reef break, which crashes onto shallow razor-sharp coral, offers right and left death rides to those who dare. Those who do will experience a slice of paradise, or magic mushroom-like hallucinations, as the wave wraps over them like a Cornish pasty-shaped cocoon of water. Don't slip, or your skin and bones will be ripped to shreds by the ocean bed," Bremmer wrote about Siargao's famous "Cloud Nine" in the article. -source: CNNGo.com

Siargao Is World's 8th Best Surf Spot.
Surfing. More fun in the Philippines.


Siargao, an island shaped like a teardrop in Surigao del Norte, is the eighth best surf spot in the world. This is according to the travel news website of the Cable News Network (CNN).

The World's Top 50 Best Surf Spots list was compiled by CNNGo writer and "avid surfer" Jade Bremmer. It also used contributions from other professional surfers.

Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol Movie Review

Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol is neither deep nor meaningful but the stunts are awesome.

Director: Brad Bird

Writers: Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, and 1 more credit »

Stars: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg

It’s these that make Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol superior to the other films in this series, and very much worth the price of admission. See it, if you can, on an Imax screen, where the stunts are breath-taking.
 

Bourne Legacy Shots in the Philippines

 

The latest installment of the Jason Bourne Hollywood spy franchise began filming in the chaotic Philippine capital Tuesday amid heavy security with the city on alert over a feared terrorist attack.

The production, which has a budget of more than $100 million, will spend about 45 days in the Philippines. Scenes have already been shot in New York and Alberta, Canada, since filming began last September. 

Although a few smaller-budget independent movies, including John Sayles’ 2000 “Amigo,” have been made in the Southeast Asian country, the fourth “Bourne” will be the biggest Hollywood production to be shot there since the late 1970s and 1980s. Several classic war films, among them Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 “Apocalypse Now” and Oliver Stone’s 1986 “Platoon” and his 1989 “Born on the Fourth of July," used the Philippines as a stand-in for Vietnam.

Director: Tony Gilroy

Writers: Tony Gilroy (screenplay), Dan Gilroy (screenplay)

Stars: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz and Edward Norton

 

President Benigno Aquino III's spokesman Edwin Lacierda says the movie will boost tourism (Filming. It's more fun in the Philippines) and provide jobs.

It's More Fun In The Philippines

The new Department of Tourism (DOT) slogan, "It's More Fun in the Philippines," on January 6, Friday, the hashtag #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines became the top trending topic worldwide. The man behind the slogan Secretary Ramon "Mon" Jimenez Jr. But, it was created by advertising firm BBDO Guerrero|Proximity Philippines and according to DOT Secretary Ramon "Mon" Jimenez Jr., the slogan answers the fundamental question, 'Why the Philippines?'."

Click here to see more fun in the Philippines images

It's more fun in the Philippines... social networking sites are now abuzz with images depicting netizens' own take on what makes the Philippines "more fun". Using their own photos from their own travels around the country and fun shots from the Web, people have been sharing their own images and taglines on the official "It's More Fun in the Philippines" Facebook page.

The Korean Wave in Bacolod

I was browsing Bacolod events and found this instead. I was expecting to find concerts, exhibits, etc. but this. Another Korean invasion will be happening in Bacolod.

The Korean Wave,^[1] also known as the Hallyu (Hangul: 한류; Hanja: 韓流; RR: Hallyu), refers to spread of South Korean culture around the world. The term was coined in China in mid-1999 by Beijing journalists surprised by the fast growing popularity of Korean entertainment and culture in China.^[2] The Korean wave is responsible for achieving over one billion dollars in revenue annually for South Korea through cultural exports.^[3][4] Source: Wikipedia.org 

 Hallyu Music Festival is scheduled this December 2 to 3, event area unknown.

The Dilemma Movie Review

Since college, confirmed bachelor Ronny and happily married Nick, have been together through and through -- thick and thin. Now partners in an auto design firm, the bestfriends are vying and betting to land a dream project that would launch their company. 

With Ronny's girlfriend, Beth, and Nick's wife, Geneva, by their sides, they're unbeatable. But Ronny's world is turned upside down when he inadvertently sees Geneva out with another man and makes it his mission to get answers. As the amateur investigation dissolves his world into comic mayhem, he learns that Nick has a few secrets of his own. Now, with the clock ticking and pressure mounting on the biggest presentation of their careers, Ronny (a former casino-addict) must decide how and when he will reveal the truth to his best friend Nick. 

Some truths had to be hidden (even to your own best friend)!!!
 
The Dilemma 
Production year: 2011 
Country: USA  
Runtime: 112 mins 
Director: Ron Howard 
Cast: Channing Tatum, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin James, Queen Latifah, Vince Vaughn, Winona Ryder

Blipz On Our Radar

Blipz Trips is now improved and has moved to a new location - blipzradar.blogspot.com.

My blog Blipz Trips is now known Blipz on our Radar. This so to cater more topics, withing my reach, from my own radar. Blipz on our radar will be blogging more about music, movies, gadgets, travels and all that stuff on my radar. In contrary to the old Blipz Trips wherein it talks about more of my travels and adventures.

So seat back, relax and enjoy reading the latest Blipz ...on our radar.

Blipz came from the word blips. The definition of blip according to Dictionary.com is - a spot of light on a radar screen indicating the position of a plane, submarine, or other object.

It's Just A Simple "Envytation"

Do you consider your self as a compulsive buyer?

If your answer is yes, then you are putting your self in a mortal danger - just kidding.

If your answer is yes, that means you are human.  

I sometimes think of my self as a compulsive buyer; though my buying power is not that powerful (hehehe). But if you come to think of it, compulsive buying is not innate to primates like us. It's the envy, which is innate to human beings, that drives it. It brings out the compulsive-buying attribute in us. Simply because we envy the sexy model who wears it (clothes are best examples). It's so funny though because it won't fit you (hahaha). As matter of fact, models are dressed to look at their best. They're well-blessed - a handsome face and well-toned, and flawless skin (among others). Oh God why is it so? See, it always boils down to envy.

That Thing You Do

I get to wonder sometimes that intimidation plays an important to survive in the platform. Putting yourself in the outfields you get to taste it all. I'm not sure if intimidation is negative or positive now. Perhaps it is both - depending on usage and purpose. Megamind says, "what's the difference between a villain and the super-villain? - presentation".

Anyhow, I see around people do their thing and get to keep everything. Sounds unfair, it's reality? It's a matter of getting-used-to-attitude to survive. I could use some of it now...nah, maybe some other time.