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Thelma

I watched Thelma with my parents last night. The good reviews caught their curiosity and I also thought it was a good idea to see it.

What I liked about the movie is the treatment. It has this Hollywood look and feel that I don't remember seeing in other Filipino films. The cinematography was great and the color or hue or tint (I don't really know what to call it) was stunning and very appropriate.

To be honest, I don't like Maja Salvador, but I have to commend her for portraying an athlete or a runner at the very least, when she doesn't appear to be one in real life. Also, I think the movie can do without Jason Abalos's character. I didn't find the presence of the character vital to the plot. Nevertheless, casting was good.

There is nothing new to the plot. In fact, the storyline is very simple, which I think could be a strength of the movie. It's very realistic and easy to appreciate and understand.

What I don't like about the movie is, one, it's a bit slow-paced. I don't know about how the other viewers think of the progression, but it was too slow for me. That has always been a weakness of Filipino films. Another thing that I didn't really like is the ending. It's not as conclusive as I wish it would have been.

I still think it's a movie worth watching. I can see it's a baby step towards the Filipino movie industry reaching greater heights. Too bad not a lot of people were able too see it. Keep up the good work!

Here's the trailer:

 :

Illac Diaz, Ilaw Na!

What a brilliant idea!

 

Christopher Lao and His Floating Car

Amidst the news about the typhoons Juaning and Kabayan that hit the Philippines, a certain Chris Lao trended on Twitter.

Watch this video to see why:

 

We all know the lesson we have to learn from this - blaming other people for our own mistakes won't do us any good. We have to own up to the choices that we make in our lives. Suffer the consequences, if we must, and learn from them.

A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance. Blessed is the man who reveres God, but the man who doesn’t care is headed for serious trouble.
Proverbs 28: 13-14

I believe he already learned his lesson.

And now he has this to say:

Official Statement from Christopher Lao
4 August 2011

The past few days have been very disheartening for me and my family. As you know I have been a subject of a viral video that showed my helplessness during a trying moment. As it stands right now, I have several hate pages in Facebook and Twitter with hurtful and derogatory messages attacking my person. The reputation that I built the past years has been besmirched. A bad day has now turned into wounded feelings and sleepless nights for me and my family.

I have been silent the past few days as I want this to go away soon but not before saying sorry and thank you to people who matter.

I would like to apologize for my behavior that was seen on nationwide television and now on the internet. It was unfortunate that I was caught on camera immediately after an overwhelmingly stressful mishap.

I would like to again sincerely thank those who braved the flood to help a distraught stranger like me. Their selfless act reminded me of how dependable Filipinos are in times of crisis.

Lastly, I would like to thank my family, friends and all of those who showed empathy, consideration and support throughout these trying times. You have given me strength and courage to rise above and be a better person.

Sincerely yours,

Christopher Lao

More commercials like this

Initially, I thought of just sharing the video through Facebook, but I thought it deserves a spot in my blog:

 

I hope advertisers and agencies come up with more commercials like this, which uphold the value of love, loyalty and family. It's a breath of fresh air to see commerials like this amidst the issues and controversies involving media.

Philippine Independence Day

Maligayang Araw ng Kasarinlan

sa lahat ng mga Pilipino sa buong mundo!

Ating ipagmalaki ang ating lahi at patuloy nating ipamalas ang magagandang katangian ng mga Pilipino!

Mabuhay tayong lahat!

Elections End. A New Chapter Begins.

I've always participated in Philippine elections ever since I became eligible to vote. This is my second time to vote for a president and yet my candidate never gets elected. I cannot deny the fact that this year, I was very positive and hopeful that the person whom I believe is most fitting to lead the country and bring our nation to greater heights would have the chance to be president.  Suffice it to say that God has other plans.

Votes were cast and tallying is about to end. Soon the new president of the Philippines will be proclaimed. Although the tallying is yet to be concluded, it seems clear who the 15th president of the Philippines is going to be based from the partial tally of votes.

I may not agree with the person elected as the president of our country, but I have come to realize that as a nation, we must accept whoever wins the elections, support our president and do our part as Filipino citizens to help create an environment which upholds the positive values that we, Filipinos, want to inculcate in our character. It's always easier to criticize, blame and find faults in the government and in the administration, but the real change that we are longing for must come from us. I know it's a cliché, but only until we learn to discipline ourselves, take responsibility in our own actions and realize our contributions to society, will we be able to see the progressive Philippines we are all hoping for.

There is still hope. Having a competent president is just a fraction of what makes a prospering country. Let us not forget the rest of the population that can still work together to bring the nation to its bright future.

And I am not talking about People Power.  ;)

Filipinos' Big Day Tomorrow!

We just got back from our short trip to Bataan. Unlike our previous trips, I didn't take much pictures this time. For one thing, Montemar's a resort we frequent and aside from the TV sets already present in the rooms, nothing much has changed. I also slept throughout the the latter part of the afternoon. I had the chance to relax enjoy the sun and sea despite our brief stay at Montemar Beach Resort. It's better than nothing.

Tomorrow is the big day for the Filipino people. It's the 2010 Presidential elections. And to make it more exciting, it's the first automated elections in the country. Voters are both excited and anxious about what's going to happen tomorrow. I, myself, am looking forward to finally stand in front of the much talked about PCOS machine and cast my vote. Amidst the negative news that I have been hearing, I'm praying that tomorrow's elections will be a peaceful, an orderly and an honest one.

It's been a marvelous experience for every Filipino. I want to congratulate all the candidates for putting up a great fight. I know that every Filipino has learned something from each of the candidates. And it really wasn't an easy task to choose who to vote for. The candidates, especially the presidentiables, really kept the people thinking - a good practice and an indication of progress.

At the end of it all, I hope that the true winners in this race are the Filipinos who have put their trust and confidence on the individuals who volunteered and promised to serve the public.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!