TRAVEL TO MOVIES: COLD PURSUIT

Director: Hans Petter Moland

Cast: Liam Neeson , Tom Bateman , Laura Dern , Emmy Rossum , Domenick Lombardozzi , Micheál Richardson , Ben Cotton , Tom Jackson , Julia Jones , William Forsythe , Raoul Trujillo

Plot: Snowplower Nels Coxman lives a quiet life with his wife but things change when his son is murdered by a gang who made it look like an overdose. His son's death pushes him to seek revenge against the drug cartel in his Rocky Mountains hometown. Transformed him from upstanding citizen to coldblooded vigilante, Coxman unwittingly sets off a chain of events that include kidnapping, series of deadly misunderstanding, turf war between Viking and rival boss:)

Source: https://www.insing.com/movies/cold-pursuit-2019/id-9bf00000/

My Movie Review: The movie is like a glass served with dry ice you have to put some water to drink up you have to be patient wait for it cool on and when its cold enjoy quenching your thirst! Cold Pursuit is darkly comic thriller that has unusual style and patterns to follow yet still can caught you by surprise when you lease expected and when its raw you can feel the moment! The ruthless uncanny execution reminds me of film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri when you see action after action happen spontaneously so you don't have much time to think! That's the magic of this movies you will be caught in the moment somehow you learn without noticing it becomes part of your thinking at the end of the day you feel smarter and forgot what happen the next day as I'll watch the trailer the fragments I remember becomes whole again! For what its worth this remake exemplifies smart witty storytelling delivered with such humour and sophistication that showcase talent and skill in kicking ass of one action star Liam Neeson!

Movie News: In outline, you probably think you’ve seen Cold Pursuit already. Liam Neeson-takes-down-well-dressed-drug-dealers-to-avenge-the-death-of-his-son is a hackneyed premise that felt tired in 2009. But Norwegian director Hans Petter Moland’s remake of his own 2015 thriller In Order Of Disappearance hits all the beats of Neeson revenge thriller. Big Liam shoots a baddie with a sawn-off sniper rifle in a bridal shop, splattering the white dresses in blood but also has an interest in character quirks and jet- black whimsy that separates it from the pack. It doesn’t all work as in second half but it has terrific fun with crime genre staples in a Grosse Pointe Blank-y kind of way. As the Norwegian original, Moland chalks up the deaths with title card showing the name of the dead and cutesy graphic. The violence flits from darkly comic to eye-watering brutal but doesn’t break the spell or drama. Typically taciturn turn from Neeson is surrounded by colorful cast, gallows humour, its complete disrespect for cinematic stereotypes!

Source: https://www.empireonline.com/movies/cold-pursuit/review/

TRAVEL TO PLACES: PHILIPPINES-- GERRY'S GRILL SKY GARDEN

My Personal Experience: I went to Gerry's Grill at SM North EDSA in Sky Garden this year February 15, 2019, together with my best friend. We went there to bond and dine out after not seeing in a month- it become our tradition to see each other- the day before or after valentines! Gerry's Grill is perfect friends night out after office were you can unwind and fuel ones appetite!

Gerry's Grill Sky Garden

Here at Gerry's, we aim to give everyone a pleasurable dining experience, serving only the freshest food ranging from Filipino favorites – Sisig, Inihaw na Pusit, Crispy Pata, Beef Kare-kare, Adobo Shreds to exotic cuisines. I have always dreamt of putting up a place where everyone could hang out and enjoy good food. With my passion for cooking and love for grilled dishes came Gerry's. Although the original concept of my business was one where people could unwind with drink or two, it has become family restaurant too. With continuous expansion nationwide, Gerry’s Grill has also opened branches in the United States, Singapore and Qatar!!

Source: http://gerrysgrill.com/ph/

TRAVEL TO MOVIES: SERENITY

Director: Steven Knight

Cast: Matthew McConaughey , Anne Hathaway , Jason Clarke , Diane Lane , Jeremy Strong , Djimon Hounsou , Robert Hobbs , Rafael Sayegh , Kenneth Fok , David Butler , Garion Dowds

Plot: Baker Dill lives a peaceful life as a fishing boat captain, leading tours around Plymouth Island. But when his ex-wife Karen tracks him down, his peaceful existence is shattered as she begs him to save her and their young son from her violent husband. He finds himself thrust back into a life that he wanted to forget, especially as she is asking him to take her husband out fishing then throw the husband overboard to the sharks.

Source: https://www.insing.com/movies/serenity-2019/id-c9ef0000/

My Movie Review: The movie is super steamy noir thriller that kept cringe on much exposure!! Serenity is fresh started with promise in a deserted island one fisherman live to haunt big fish along with his buddy and make love to a woman after fishing by day it may seem perfect catch! The turmoil begins when his ex wife show up in the bar where his drinking in a night of despair trying to lure him to kill her abusive husband for the child in her custody and offer some money! Temptation is nice way to show affection but they ruin all of it with sci-fi backstory that connect child to his father all of a sudden the world their living is just game created by the kid in a room! It doesn't make sense that the wonders shown in the island doesn't really exists the destination give us nothing to believe in yet the journey getting there is pleasure to watch- brave and bold:) Anne Hathaway is striking in this film I watch this for the reason blonde hair looks good on her!!

Other's Review: The performances were attempting to evoke a noir feel but came across more John Waters and the camp factor alone was a fascinating hybrid of cringy and hysterical. From Matthew McConaughey drinking during near every frame of the movie to Anne Hathaway saying daddy every other line, I won't forget their acting any time soon. The plot is convoluted mess and some of the turns it took won't be well-received but who cares? By the time the twists twisted, I was already engrossed by this deranged piece of film making that I didn't mind one bit. Go with incredibly low expectations, try to lose yourself in the strange spell Serenity weaves and you might just have as good a time as we did. That being said, this movie is not anywhere close to good. In fact, it may even be outright bad. I'll be damned if there was single moment in the film when I was not enjoying. For entertainment value alone its worth your time:)

Source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6476140/

TRAVEL TO PLACES: PHILIPPINES-- CITADINES MILLENNIUM

My Personal Experience: I went to Citadines Millennium Ortigas this year January 4, 2019, together with my sister and other members of the family. We went there to enjoy our stay after the wedding yesterday from breakfast to check-out we seize the moment capture some photos as it all begin in the window of my bedroom capturing the view outside and down to their lobby!

Citadines Millennium

Citadines Millennium Ortigas Manila is located right in the heart of Ortigas Center, Pasig City; designed for business executives and leisure travellers who want to be at the centre of it all! Art comes to life with its contemporary units, which range from Studio to 3-bedroom serviced residences that feature splashes of vibrant colors, paintings, themed pictures and other works of art. I’ve stayed in other Citadines/Ascott properties before and they never disappoint. Same here at Citadines Millennium. First, their location is very accessible to mall stores and note-worthy establishments in Ortigas. It’s perfect for a lone traveler who wants everything in reach:)

Source: https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Hotel_Review-Citadines_Millennium_Ortigas.html

TRAVEL TO MOVIES: ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL

Director: Robert Rodriguez

Cast: Rosa Salazar , Eiza González , Christoph Waltz , Mahershala Ali , Michelle Rodriguez , Ed Skrein , Jennifer Connelly , Keean Johnson , Casper Van Dien , Leonard Wu , Marko Zaror

Plot: After being saved from the scrapyard of Iron City and brought to clinic by compassionate cyber-doctor, Alita wakes up there with no recollection of who she is or her past. The futuristic cyborg searches for the truth about her mysterious past, aided by her street-smart new friend, Hugo. Possessing extraordinary fighting abilities, she uses them to battle deadly forces as she uncovers the truth.

Source: https://www.insing.com/movies/alita-battle-angel-2019/id-e3ef0000/

My Movie Review: The movie is eye-popping spectacle that never fails to surprise and amaze us with cyberpunk style in its crafted universe and uncanny bursts that making our mind blown! Alita: Battle Angel is best enjoy when you let your guard down and have fun in this slick action embracing its world allowing yourself to be astonish like the plot-driving future-sport Motorball:) What caught me by surprised was the kick-ass attitude of Alita herself I didn't expect the feisty personality and arrogance she posses showcase in the bar scene this added spice to the flick:) Mahershala Ali looks good here his presence command attention and scenes with him exhibit power and sophistication upon critically acclaimed films on his belt this actor is one to look out! Christoph Waltz gets better with age like a fine wine his role as cyber-doctor starred it all as he found Alita in the scrapyard remind me of the saying one man's trash is another man treasure:)

Movie News: The Verdict- Alita: Battle Angel is Robert Rodriguez’s best film in many years! It’s ambitious, impressive, visually spectacular production with great performances that make its strange world seem real. It’s a shame that, by trying to adapt as much of the original manga as possible, the filmmakers left out most of the intelligent commentary that made Alita so powerful in the first place. This is a classic story and it's been turned into that's merely very entertaining. This is a vibrant, detailed world of cybernetic citizens and fascinating locations, simultaneously realistic and completely over the top. It's that kind of wonderment that makes movies so magical in the first place. You are transported to another, incredible landscape full of bizarre, intriguing minutiae. Alita is a wonder to behold and at the center of it all, Rosa Salazar gives phenomenal performance as enhanced eyes she imbue Alita with warmth and humanity!!

Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/02/13/alita-battle-angel-review

TRAVEL TO PLACES: PHILIPPINES-- OASIS MANILA SAN JUAN

My Personal Experience: I went to Oasis Manila San Juan City this year January 3, 2019, together with my big family, friends, relatives, all entourage, wedding band and program hosts:) We went there for the reception venue that drive us nuts- its far from the church and hidden but Oasis Manila is worthy to find we enjoy their view in the garden and ballroom from day to night!

Oasis Manila San Juan

Oasis is different from other venues in terms of it’s versatile halls and the famous Pavilion that has 360 view of the bigger and newly landscaped area. Located along Aurora Blvd, it is the most sought after accessible Garden Venue in Metro Manila. It has a pond located in the middle with newly constructed bridge going to the Verandah and Orchard ballrooms. Fountains from both sides and waterlilies beautifies the area making event more memorable in terms of having a nature feel garden set-up. It has a grand lobby that can hold cocktails activities in the garden before the reception, ceiling with drapes and crystal drops add elegance to the events:)

Source: https://weddinglibrary.com.ph/supplierprofile/344

TRAVEL TO MOVIES: SECOND ACT

Director: Peter Segal

Cast: Jennifer Lopez , Leah Remini , Milo Ventimiglia , Alan Aisenberg , Annaleigh Ashford , Vanessa Hudgens , Charlyne Yi , Freddie Stroma , Larry Miller , Dalton Harrod , Treat Williams

Plot: Second Act is a comedy in the vein of Working Girl and Maid In Manhattan. Jennifer Lopez stars as Maya, a 40-year-old woman struggling with frustrations from unfulfilled dreams. Until, that is, she gets the chance to prove to Madison Avenue that street smarts are as valuable as book smarts and reinvents herself proving that it is never too late for a Second Act!

Source: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/second_act_2018

My Movie Review: The movie is enjoyable yet didn't belong in this era felt like 90's chick flick!! Second Act is nostalgic in some ways where the lead struggles to prove something and it all work out in the end by saying this its not a bad thing sometimes we need this to boost oneself:) What make this outdated the casting of Asian girl with glasses her look is stuck from the past and the way she acts made the movie look cheap and tacky and the girl friends in supermarket and house doesn't seat well at first like too much in your face yet at last her friends felt homey!! Jennifer Lopez may not comeback strong as expect but this one counts here we saw she still can act make her character believable and something to relate! consider it on second thought:) The chemistry between the stars were great making this funny uplifting- easy going showcase!!

Critics Consensus: Second Act proves Jennifer Lopez remains as magnetic as ever on the big screen; unfortunately, the movie's muddled story isn't always worthy of her gifts. The film feels as finely tailored to J. Lo as the booty-enhancing pencil skirts she wears throughout the movie: Second Act's Maya from Queens is our Jenny from the Block. So much of the humor and situations in "Second Act" feel like warmed-over Second Helpings of a dinner from long ago that wasn't all that memorable in the first place. When the contrivances get too much in this 'Working Girl' for millennials, just watch take-charge, live-wire Jenny from the block deliver miles of smiles. Sometimes star power is its own reward. As the movie of choice after boozy brunch or after holiday stress, Second Act-goofy and cliche but not offensive either-will do fine!

Source: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/second_act_2018

TRAVEL TO PLACES: PHILIPPINES-- CHRIST THE KING PARISH

My Personal Experience: I went to Christ The King Parish, Greenmeadows, San Juan City, this year January 3, 2019, together with my big family, friends, relatives and all their entourage! We went there to witness the wedding of my sister to his long time business partner turn into life partner it's a much awaited union finally happened since took awhile to show their feelings:)

Christ The King Parish

A very warm welcome to the Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows website! Here, you’ll find information about our parish its history, event schedules, bulletins, outreach projects, various sacraments and services, the ministries and mandated organizations how you can get involved but much more! With more than 35-year parish history, with 28 years of those spent celebrating the Eucharist in the church that we enjoy today, we’ve grown well-rooted in our faith. So it’s our desire to also use this website to share our faith with you with many religious quotes, readings, biblical passages, prayers, patron saint info, links to other religious sites and for wedding prep!!

Source: http://christthekingparish.ph/

TRAVEL TO MOVIES: THE UPSIDE

Director: Neil Burger

Cast: Kevin Hart , Bryan Cranston , Nicole Kidman , Golshifteh Farahani , Julianna Margulies , Aja Naomi King , Tate Donovan , Genevieve Angelson , Rachel Alana Handler , Diego Aguirre

Plot: Phillip is a wealthy quadriplegic who needs a caretaker to help him with his day-to-day routine in his New York penthouse. He decides to hire Dell, a struggling parolee who's trying to reconnect with his ex and his young son. Despite coming from two different worlds an unlikely friendship start to blossom as Dell Scott and Phillip rediscover the joy of living life to the fullest!

Source: https://www.insing.com/movies/the-upside-2019/id-73f00000/

My Movie Review: The movie is unexpected feel good hit don't mind the critics and low rating! The Upside is such a cool sight odd-couple chemistry really works the comedic sketch comes out natural while the emotional tone hit in the right flow making the journey smooth and breezy! Kevin Hart is a gem in this movie the way he act here shows his ability make people laugh and realize things like in life you have know how to roll in the punches and don't give up on people:) This story show us there's a light in the end of the tunnel when you go a little bit further and live like a rock star don't be afraid to show your anger and don't care what people think you do you! There's a lot of life lessons here I didn't expect I just watch this movie because of it's beautiful backdrop never seen New York for a long time, I'm glad I get essence of the story with visuals:)

Audience Review: Just saw this movie last night, and I don't review movies much but I had to as I seen some negative criticism. Its been a long time since I seen a movie that touched me in the ways this one did. Kevin Hart showed he can play a much more diverse role. Yes he still had his comedic side which I definitely love seeing, but we saw a serious side of him as well. The team of Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston didn't feel forced, you can visibly see they have a great bond together, they caught my attention, they made me feel what they were feeling every step of the way. I walked out thinking I haven't seen a movie like this in years, and I would watch it again. Kudos to everyone who took part in making this movie and those who were in it. If your second guessing because of reviews you've seen, just go watch this you won't regret it:)

Source: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=the+upside+review

TRAVEL TO PLACES: PHILIPPINES-- MARCO POLO ORTIGAS

My Personal Experience: I went to Marco Polo Ortigas this year January 3, 2019, together with my big family, few of our relatives, extended family and close friends part of the entourage! We went there to assemble for the wedding preparation and see the bride which was my sister! Marco Polo Ortigas is bit lush and expensive but since its a special day we made an exception!

Marco Polo Ortigas

Nestled in the vibrant and growing commercial business district is the first purpose-built 5-star Marco Polo hotel in the Philippines offering discerning guests 316 spacious and well-designed rooms and suites, including two Continental Club floors that accord unrivaled privileges and benefits. Marco Polo is centrally located in Ortigas Commercial Business District between Quezon City, Mandaluyong and Pasig City. Hotel is accessible to organizations such as Asian Development Bank, Meralco, San Miguel Corporation, Business Process Outsource (BPO) establishments and pharmaceutical companies. Just a short walk from the hotel are shopping areas such as SM Megamall A-B, The Podium, Shangri-La Plaza Mall and Robinson’s Galleria.

Source: https://www.marcopolohotels.com/en/hotels/philippines/marco_polo_index.html