TRAVEL TO MOVIES: OFFERING TO THE STORM

Director: Fernando González Molina

Cast: Marta Etura , Leonardo Sbaraglia , Carlos Librado , Benn Northover , Pedro Casablanc , Paco Tous , Elvira Mínguez , Marta Larralde , Eduardo Rosa , Álvaro Cervantes , Itziar Aizpuru

Plot: Inspector Amaia Salazar confronts the origins of her nightmares as she unfolds the darkest secrets of the Baztan Valley. Amaia investigates several suspicious infant deaths and horrific rituals. Meanwhile, people around her risk grave danger. As The Part 3 in the Baztan (Invisible Guardian) Trilogy Concludes!

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

My Movie Review: The movie is efficient finale to reveal the mysteries drawn from their setting and the reimagining of the land’s myths as it starts on a high note with thrilling chase and dark shocking visual of a baby in a casket you get the grim and silent intensity' as it strike a thunder! There is a lot of bloodshed in Offering to the Storm, which is to be expected after all, its the third film in trilogy that has focused on murder and cults with grisly violence and quick suicide:0 Amaia is called in to investigate when a man is arrested after fleeing with the body of his dead baby as they discover that the father himself was responsible with the intention of making his child a sacrificial offering as Amaia probes further learns the haunting superstitions enveloping Baztan, whilst searching for her Missing Mother and reigniting' affair with Judge Juez Markina:) There's a lot of tell and not enough show and when there is indeed some show, it’s slick, silly and gripping' maybe a loose in the middle but come to pick-up the pieces towards the last shot!

Critic/User Reviews: Offering to the Storm props the audience to expect an overwhelming answer to everything which is part of the trilogy's success. It's a dissatisfying and anticlimactic movie that still manages to run us through the ringer. [Novelist] Dolores Redondo and later [director] Fernando González Molina have shown that we also know how to make trilogies in Spain. Grisly violence, suicide in overlong sequel. This page-turn trilogy was always better at eating up your time than filling it. It never seems to end there's a mess of subplots and side plots so that most of the movie is filler for the central story. 2hrs 20 is a long slog for a pretty simple story if they just stuck to it but they have to drag along so much. Keep in mind also she's a terrible detective who does almost no detective work. Dramatically strained mix the features of an average thriller and this is what you get. What was expected to be the finishing touch to a trilogy that aimed high ended up being a mess of clearly forced subplots. The lack of creativity is reflected on the continuous and rainy, dark settings being wearisome and irritating:(

Source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7304824/reviews?ref_=tt_urv

TRAVEL TO PLACES: PHILIPPINES-- SEDEñO UNDERPASS

My Personal Experience: I went to Sedeño Underpass in Makati this year January 26, 2020, together with my sister. We went there to get through the other side of the street as we explore! Underpass are often underrated in the Philippines but in the other countries they serve as wall murals and place to express art but I have hope as Makati and BGC evolve to something artsy!

Sedeño Underpass

One of the underpasses in Makati CBD, also featuring ad-like murals Pedestrian underpass at the corner of Sedeño and Paseo de Roxas Streets. One of the famous murals found here was the Cool NBA-Inspired in the Sedeño Underpass in Makati last year March 16, 2019. It's good spot to take a selfie cause its quite hidden and not crowded few people pass at the same time!!

Source: http://wikimapia.org/36235293/Sede%C3%B1o-Underpass

TRAVEL TO MOVIES: THE OLD GUARD

Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood

Cast: Charlize Theron , KiKi Layne , Matthias Schoenaerts , Marwan Kenzari , Veronica Ngo , Luca Marinelli , Harry Melling , Chiwetel Ejiofor , Natacha Karam , Mette Towley , Majid Essaidi

Plot: Led by a warrior named Andy (Charlize Theron), a covert group of tight-knit mercenaries with a mysterious inability to die have fought to protect the mortal world for centuries. But when the team is recruited to take on an emergency mission and their extraordinary abilities are suddenly exposed, it's up to Andy and Nile (Kiki Layne), the newest soldier to join their ranks, to help the group eliminate the threat of those who seek to replicate and monetize their power by any means necessary. . Based on the acclaimed graphic novel by Greg Rucka and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basketball, Beyond The Lights), The Old Guard is a gritty, grounded, action-packed story that shows living forever is harder than it looks come think of it:)

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

My Movie Review: The movie is tight about centuries old warriors with regenerative healing abilities who use their vast experience to help people a comic book reference that come to life!! The Old Guard is big in action that kick-ass with thrilling fight scenes and slick characters that's compelling but the story-line is sub-par a lost potential it's a good idea, good actor casting and good set pieces yet there were just so many clichés, cringe and naive moments that shouldn't!! I really want to like this movie might be the biggest summer blockbuster this year and one of the best action movie in Netflix but somewhere in the middle didn't like where the story headed it become tasteless and predictable in a sense hope the upcoming sequel has better trajectory! Charlize Theron is cool in short hair with undeniable star quality and charisma that could walk the room casting her was a great move she makes the movie look expensive one thing I don't like is her ancient warrior look I think I saw that look before in another movie it doesn't suit her:( KiKi Layne is a stand-out in a way the newest soldier to join their ranks with back story in the military and now one of the immortal she's big reason why this movie works and still a success!

Critics Consensus: The Old Guard is occasionally restricted by genre conventions, but director Gina Prince-Bythewood brings a sophisticated vision to the superhero genre - and some knockout action sequences led by Charlize Theron. If sequels are made with the same equal mix of character-based narrative and kick-ass action, then The Old Guard could represent the next franchise to become excited about. Charlize Theron is terrific in this hugely imaginative, bone-snappingly violent action-fantasy. In drawing our attention to who these characters are as opposed to leaning upon the awe-inspiring moves they can pull off, movie opts to be a rich with emotional resonance as opposed to lousy with quips and explosions! Hampered by convention, but definitely worth a look. There's an indescribable affection for and among the characters in Prince-Bythewood's films that never feels contrived, here it imbues even action-packed tale with very real sincerity. Prince-Bythewood invests the heroes' solitude with keen melodramatic pathos, but it's merely a grace note to a sluggishly paced plot, thinly imagined characters, and rote shoot-outs. The Old Guard successfully fills the void left by the lack of blockbusters this season with a solid action feature its fresh vision make this saga work!

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

TRAVEL TO PLACES: PHILIPPINES-- FAMILY MART AYALA TRIANGLE

My Personal Experience: I went to Family Mart in Ayala Triangle this year January 26, 2020, together with my sister. We went there to get some ice cream after a long walk across the road during the night we explore nearby attractions in our stay at The Picasso Boutique Residences! Family Mart one of my faves cause you can swirl ice cream all you can and I have fun doing it:)

Family Mart Ayala Triangle

FamilyMart is the 2nd largest convenience store retail chain in the world. Established in 1973, FamilyMart is the first Japanese-owned convenience store chain to go global and currently operates over 18,000 stores in Asia, including Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. FamilyMart is committed to offering quality service and merchandise that suit the everyday lifestyle needs of its customers, in accordance with its focus on a fresh and fun experience for its customers. In the Philippines, FamilyMart is operated by Philippine FamilyMart CVS, Inc. recently acquired by Phoenix Petroleum Philippines leading independent oil company in the Philippines. FamilyMart aims to make quality accessible to all, and provide convenience store shopping experience, especially to the Millennial middle and working class:)

Source: https://familymart.com.ph/about/

TRAVEL TO MOVIES: UNDER THE RICCIONE SUN

Directors: Niccolò Celaia , Antonio Usbergo , Younuts!

Cast: Lorenzo Zurzolo , Cristiano Caccamo , Ludovica Martino , Isabella Ferrari , Saul Nanni , Andrea Roncato , Fotinì Peluso , Sergio Ruggeri , Maria Luisa De Crescenzo , Davide Calgaro

Plot: On holiday at Riccione beach, a group of teens get to know each other and help each other get through summer loves' heartache. While vacationing on the beaches some teens become friends and help each other too manage romantic relationships and summer crushes:0

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

My Movie Review: The movie is fun teenage summer story that show us how to be young in this part of the world taking easy and don't think too deep just warm and inviting to go the flow:) Under The Riccione Sun is like a wanderlust one summer, one chance to fall in love and make bunch of friends even old ones had the chance to rekindle a romance in this bright cozy place:) Attractive young people at the beach don't hurt but the story could be more interesting than this when some characters don't have match well in fact they should have almost but not quite fine! Vincenzo is the most interesting character blind guy with sense of romantics that inspire within the darkness you can have light if you let it through with charming personality and good looks:0 Ciro on the other side has a upper hand with physical attribute yet there's more to his character I didn't expect him to be decent and quite faithful even womanizer the guys shine in this movie! Italian Rom-Com can be stereotype at first glance the plot is nothing we haven't already seen elsewhere but the chill vibe and the soundtrack brings refreshing feel and take us to sunnyville!

Other Review: An Average Summer Flick- The beach, Italian sun and a group of early 20’s friends reunited for a summer vacation; Under The Riccione Sun certainly has the right formula for a fun and entertaining young adult movie. Unfortunately, most of the characters follow the usual tropes found in this genre making this a Netflix movie in desperate need of originality. It definitely has potential though and couple of characters tease interesting arcs, but the majority feel under-developed which does hurt narrative of the movie. The story here revolves around a group of young friends on annual vacation in the Italian sea town of Riccione. Having pined for Guenda for five years, Marco is determined to win her love after finding out she’s finally single! Meanwhile Rico ends up working as a lifeguard after failing a singing audition. Blind Vincenzo arrive at the resort with his over-protective mother find self desperate for independence. Under the Riccione Sun is a movie best watched without thinking too much about the logic plot beats! It's not a bad movie but I do feel this is a story that would have worked better as a mini-series:0

Source: https://www.thereviewgeek.com/underthericcionesun-filmreview/

TRAVEL TO PLACES: PHILIPPINES-- OOMA SUSHI BAR

My Personal Experience: I went to Ooma Sushi Bar this year January 26, 2020, together with my sister and her husband. We went there to have pop-up eats and satisfy our sushi cravings:) We went there after buying goods in the convenience store near the hotel we're staying luckily Ooma Sushi Bar is walking distance around the area the food impeccable and taste authentic:)

Ooma Sushi Bar

Located at Salcedo Village, Ooma Sushi Bar aims to provide a unique, hole-in-the-wall dining experience right in the heart of Makati. Its interiors pay homage to the Tsukiji inner market, where nothing but the freshest catches are sold. This is seen on the pops of colors all around the restaurant, as well as in the details on the fixtures, chairs, and tables. From the same group behind the Japanese restaurant Ooma comes Ooma Sushi Bar which continues to innovate and give their modern take on your favorite Japanese dishes. Ooma Sushi Bar is at Paseo Heights, 136 Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City. Ooma's newest concept will be exclusively serving a range of different aburi and blowtorched dishes alike. Diners could also look forward to their weekly specials' where they will be serving' some of The Ooma Favorites:)

Source: https://www.clickthecity.com/food-drink/now-open-ooma-sushi-bar-in-salcedo-village/

TRAVEL TO MOVIES: EUROVISION SONG CONTEST: STORY OF FIRE SAGA

Director: David Dobkin

Cast: Will Ferrell , Rachel McAdams , Dan Stevens , Pierce Brosnan , Olafur Darri Olafsson , Demi Lovato , Mikael Persbrandt , Natasia Demetriou , Jamie Demetriou , Melissanthi Mahut...

Plot: When aspiring musicians Lars (Will Ferrell) and Sigrit (Rachel McAdams) are given the opportunity of a lifetime to represent their country at the world's biggest song competition, they finally have a chance to prove that any dream is a dream worth fighting for. Two small-town singers chase their pop star dreams at a global music competition, where scheming rivals, high stakes and onstage mishaps test their bond.

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

My Movie Review: The movie is surprisingly good and better than expected thought it's going to be a raunchy comedy that doesn't served but with some twisted fate it hit all the right notes:0 Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga is captivating when it needs to be as terribly funny when it push beyond limit giving us something we don't know we need- heartfelt comedy! Sigrit and Lars are Icelandic singing hopefuls who started dreaming of joining the contest since they were children which is very relatable I'm too wanted to be a singer when I was very young inspiring when characters like them are fully realized the two are memorable with distinct traits! The sing-along in their night party was one of the highlight with spontaneous singing that make you wanna groove A La Pitch Perfect Rif-Off full talent blast in a showcase its really enjoyable:) It was so cute and clever to see in the final credits with the name of the actors are shown with the flag of the country they were born so good to know there's a real Eurovision Song Contest:)

Critics Consensus: Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga contains inspired ingredients and laugh-out-loud moments, but they're outnumbered by the flat stretches in this overlong comedy. Will Ferrell is his goofy, outsized self but Rachel McAdams brings charming sweetness to this delightfully silly comedy. Eurovision falls well short of a laugh a minute, but it has some uproarious moments that something like Holmes & Watson lacked. A high-concept, low-brow romantic comedy that overstays its welcome by at least a half-hour and can't decide whether it wants to buy into or satirize incomprehensibly popular European singing contest. As a plausible work of art, it deserves nul points, but it's still film of the week, no contest. Make no mistake: this is an A to Z Will Ferrell movie, but with its zany humor taken just a notch down. It moves towards emotional territory, balancing between rom-com and inspirational storytelling. Interesting detour in Ferrell's body of work. Eurovision Song Contest is filled with lavish and often hilarious production numbers... Instead of tribute it settle for being decent Ferrell vehicle:)

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