When music is part of the big screen

When my friends started posting about this movie, I didn't really give much attention to it at first. But then again, as a movie fanatic, I shouldn't let this opportunity slide.

In the height of the craziness of singing and singing groups in television, this movie decided to come out and join the band wagon. But they didn't go the same direction. Instead of making stories about growing up, finding your sexuality, or even about falling in love, they just stuck to the original theme of the movie. Singing.

Pitch Perfect is a movie about a singing group that wanted to redeem itself after an embarrassing loss in the previous year. Like any other collegiate group, it struggles every year to get back to the finals, and every year, they change their line-up because some of them graduate from college on that year.

Anna Kendrick stars as the young college freshman who only entered college at the request of her father, who teaches in the university. But like any other American, they have other plans. And for her, it's to be a DJ in LA. But like most movies, fate has other plans. And it was a bet from her dad that changed everything.

Before I go on and spoil the rest of the movie, I did a small background check on casting Anna Kendrick. It's one thing for an actress to be able to sing. But having known a certain actress who decided to give singing a chance (and lose whatever respect I had), I was a bit hesitant on the casting choice. But then I read that she was a musical theater actress before moving to the movies. And she's a Tony Award winner. Kudos to her for her brilliant performance before entering the movies. But she didn't stop there. She was also nominated for "Best Supporting Actress" for a movie with George Clooney. That put the cherry on top of the reasons why I like her.

Well, besides her, everybody in the cast has a musical background. So at least there wasn't any ghost singers in the entire show. But then again, there was one flaw to the story.

The single flaw that I found in the movie was that the resolve was much too convenient. It didn't have that "we did it out of hard work" feel. It was more of "hey, this happened, now we can win" feel. The conclusion to the story was nice, but still, if they didn't do it like that, then maybe I would have deemed this movie as awesome.

Don't get me wrong, the movie is great. Especially if you love music and singing groups. But if you want a movie with a great story, this isn't it. But if you stick around to the ending, you'll know it's still good.

Where's your home?

Imagine a world where you are king. Where you have a kingdom, and all the people are loyal to you. 

Imagine a world wherein you own mountains and mountains of gold, and you are all the envy of your neighbors for the success that you have brought to yourself, and your kingdom.

Imagine it all gone in an instant, for something more powerful has taken it from you.

Imagine the very life you knew taken away from you in a heart beat, and now you are left with nothing but the scraps that was left of you. What would you do? Would you just walk into a life of poverty and live with it forever, or would you rise from the ashes and take back what is yours, not for the greed of your vast wealth, but because it is what is rightfully yours. This is movie is not just about what I just said. In fact, there's a lot more to it than just reclaiming what is rightfully yours. It's a movie about giving someone a home because you understand what it means to lose one. But quite frankly, there's still a lot more.

Today's review is about, a hobbit. Actually, he is not just a hobbit, he is "The Hobbit". And it's an unexpected journey because it's something that Bilbo Baggins never really expected. Now there were stories that in his childhood he wasn't really acting like a Baggins, because he was more acting like a Took. Now in the world of Middle Earth, specifically in The Shire, Tooks aren't exactly your gentlemen hobbits. Actually they have a reputation of being a bunch of scoundrels. But Bilbo deviated from that line growing up, and so he became a Baggins. But as fate would have it, Gandalf the Grey found him and chose him to be part of the adventure of a lifetime.

I will no longer share with you what happened in the movie, for that would be your journey. But I will give you insights on what I've observed. 

The great Sherlock Holmes once said that there is a difference between what you see, and what you observed. Is there a flight of stairs in your house? Would you happen to know how many steps there are? If there is a flight of stairs in your house, then you can see it. But if you know how many steps there are, then you have observed it. Now, why am I referencing Sherlock Holmes when he was written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and this movie was based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien? The answer is quite elementary my dear reader. For the man who plays "The Hobbit", is also known in England as the great Dr. John H. Watson.

It is my observation that Martin Freeman was selected for the role of Bilbo Baggins not because of his facial structure which could pass as the younger version of the Bilbo Baggins that we grew up with in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. But because of Martin Freeman's character in the BBC modern retelling of the story of "Sherlock Holmes" as Dr. Watson. Both Bilbo and Dr. Watson initially didn't want any part of whatever adventure that their company has to offer, and yet in a bizarre turn of events, they decide to join them. And it becomes the greatest decision both his characters have ever made. I have yet to see someone to ever pull of a face of honesty and structure to life, and then suddenly jump into their wildest dreams. 

Now, what good is talking about Dr. Watson, when we can't even talk about the man whom he bridges to the readers. The man known as Sherlock Holmes. Doesn't he come out in this review? Actually I would, but if all you could get of him was a total of 20 seconds of screen time, then there really isn't much to talk about. I have yet to read any of Tolkien's books so I would not know if his character was ever really in the book, nor would I know if he were to return in the sequels. Nonetheless, it took me by surprise to read the name of "Benedict Cumberbatch" in the end credits, when all I was really expecting were the names of those who were part of the original cast in LOTR and returned for The Hobbit. Oh, before I forget, Benedict Cumberbatch plays the brilliant Sherlock Holmes in the same show that Martin Freeman is in.

My next observation would regard the cutting of the story of "The Hobbit" from one book and making three movies out of it. I am aware that two would have been enough since the trend is now to split movies into two parts so as to keep the audience from sleeping in their seats, as well as keep the action alive in the movie. But three movies to tell one book? Isn't that a bit overboard? Well, if what we're going to consider is the amount of money that you have to shell out just to enjoy the movie of one book, then yes. But this isn't some crappy movie where you feed the need of lustful teenagers. This is a movie that is produced and directed by Peter Jackson. The man doesn't just make movies, he makes sure that the movies do justice to the book. If all he wanted to do was make a movie about the book, then a lot of the side stories can be neglected. But this is a prequel to one of the most amazing trilogies that this generation has ever seen. And it wouldn't do justice if it was made half-heartedly. So if you find it insane that the movie is in three parts from one book, I respect your opinion. But if it's in the name of quality movies, then I accept the decision of making three movies.

Overall, this is definitely a movie that you shouldn't miss for 2012, especially if you believe the BS of December 21, 2012. If we're all dying next week, then I'm glad to say I saw epic movies before I died.

Why you shouldn't stop believing...

I hope I'm not yet too late for this. It's been a while since I've written a review but that's primarily because there hasn't been a movie that's worth watching. That is, of course, until around the end of November. Sadly, because of my hectic schedule, I only got to watch this yesterday. But nonetheless, I present to you my bet for the "Best Family Movie of 2012" in any award giving body.

Now, why would I consider this the best? It's because it teaches you the most important thing in family movies. Values. The entire movie is based on values that every child should grow up with. And writing a story that incorporates family values with a lot of action, comedy, and drama is really really hard. Believe me, you'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll be amazed at all the cool things that happens in this movie.

Now, I wouldn't want to disclose too much information about the movie, but here's a hint. Each "Guardian" has their own "Center", and it's related to the things they do. Santa Clause (even if he was turned into a Russian) celebrates Christmas.. Think about the things that Christmas is about (no, this has nothing to do with Jesus Christ. Sorry Christians). The Tooth Fairy, whose job is to collect teeth, also has something to tell about why she collects teeth. But again, I leave it to you to watch the movie to find out. The Easter Bunny, whom I don't understand why he's Aussie, is a Badass rabbit with the heart for Easter Eggs (yes, his thing has something to do with the Christian meaning of Easter). The Sandman, who's known for letting people sleep, obviously has a sleep related thing to his "center". And Jack Frost? Although he's not really a guy children would look up to, his center actually makes sense when you think about it. And all of their centers can be connected to an important family value that every child should grow up to. If you didn't teach your children these lessons, then you didn't give them a childhood. It doesn't have to be these characters. It can even be anime. Sure, they're just cartoons, but for as long as the lessons that can be found in this movie can also be found in that anime, or maybe something similar, then you've done your job as a parent to give them a childhood.

Oh, and to make sure I keep your interest, the casting is awesome! Sure you have Chris Pine as Jack Frost, but you also have Alec Baldwin as Santa, Isla Fisher as the Tooth Fairy, Hugh Jackman as the Easter Bunny (that does not justify making the Easter Bunny an Aussie), and Jude Law as The Boogeyman! How awesome can their casting get, right?!

Overall, I'd rate this movie at 10/10. And I'd watch this movie again the minute someone asks me to watch it with them. But alas, I can't because I'm saving my funds for Christmas, and for The Hobbit. That journey, I was expecting. :)

Peanut Butter on Milk Tea: Teaberi

I still can't believe I'm in Trinoma on all souls day... and since I'm on a budget cut, I opted to go for the food court...

big mistake...

By the way, stand by for our "Year End Top Ten Milk Tea Joints OF ALL TIME!!". Every milk tea venue we've been through will undergo a personal Peanut Butter on a Spoon evaluation and will be ranked by category such as "Top 10 Bubble Tea joints", "Top 10 Winter Melon joints" and "Top 10 in Milk Tea quality". I'll be releasing the article around the end of December so stay tuned if you want to know what's the best milk tea place here in the Metro OF ALL TIME!!

Surprisingly, here stands a Milk Tea joint that has no competition nearby but is nearly out of place since it is among restaurants that serves full meal food. That's what attracted me to go here...

This is only the first two left panels I've observed since these are specialty and premium drinks. All Premium milk tea products are at a fixed price with a free topping. If you wish to add an additional topping, you have to pay extra. Cost is very very reasonable compared to any other Milk Tea joints. Regular sugar is 70%... go higher and you'll have sugar rush. Just kidding, go ahead.

Large Pearl Winter Melon Milk Tea (95 pesos)

Like I said, 1 free topping. Took a sip and then POOF!!! Winter Melon and fresh milk indeed. Speechless... just speechless...

Large Pudding Oolong Milk Tea (95 pesos)

A different bitter feel of milk tea. If you don't like too much sweetness, this is definitely for you. The pudding is just the right topping for that kind of milk tea since it will leave a bitter after taste in your mouth.

Large Pearl Caramel Milk Tea (95 pesos)

Regular milk tea with a dash of caramel syrup (I guess). Lovely flavors and sweetness. A must try for caramel lovers.

I didn't even bother to order lunch. This is lunch hahaha!! When you pass by the food court in trinoma, order your usual crave for food. It all goes well with Teaberi... Cheap, legit and has a lovely cup design too.

4 out of 5!! *slurp!* *slurp!*

Everything is better with Crabs

From the title itself, I would assume that you already got the idea of what kind of post this would be.

Name: The Red Crab
Location: 184 Tomas Morato Ave. cor Sct. Delgado, Q.C. (also in various parts of the Philippines)
Budget: 300 - 3000 pesos

CRABS!!! One of the living creatures worth eating after a hard days work of trying to crack it open. Lucky for you the lower right picture has a utensil used for making your life easier... and messier.

The Red Crab in Tomas Morato Ave. is a small space located inside a building impossible not to find. The restaurant simply stands out in front if its competitors for its different and prestigious take on seafood fine dining.

and would you look at that...

The posters and wallpapers inside the restaurant display old Filipino folklore but the design of the restaurant looks more of modern Philippines (I couldn't tell due to all the Halloween decorations). The crabs on their menu can be ordered by the kilo and you can choose the type of crab you like for a certain crab entrée. Besides that, there are also other seafood, poultry, meat and vegetable dishes to choose from.

But first, let's put on our aprons...

Beside your plate is a cloth that could be mistaken for an ordinary table napkin... Well it's not... It's an apron so that if in case you were wearing a white T-shirt and cracking a crab, the sauces do not jump out and make sweet sweet love with your pure elegant clothing. It also means you're about to chow down and that's why I didn't wear it (so hardcore...).

Service time is awesome. They serve everything hot and almost at the same time after around 15-20 minutes given that it takes tremendous amount of time just to boil or stir fry a humongous King Crab we're about to eat.

Causeway bar Typhoon 1.3kg Male King Crab (2145 pesos)

Can you see my fist just beside the plate? That's how big that thing is. The service crew spared us some of the effort in trying to crack the crab open but we still need to use the crab cracker to get the meat out... Geez! The exaggerated layer of garlic you see is not only for crab flavoring. There's also the presence of Thai noodles in this dish. I didn't even notice it until it was half gone. The noodles are well cooked and not too oily.

Fidel's Black Pepper Crab 1.3 kg Male King Crab (2145 pesos)

Same size, same crab, different seasoning. A crab seasoned in black peppers and some vegetables that add a spicy flavor to a scrumptious crab meat. Be sure to segregate the black pepper after cracking the shell. You don't want much of black pepper on your crab meat believe me.

Seafood Tortang Talong (235 pesos)

This isn't much of your ordinary 2 pieces tortang talong. Besides the fact the all the flavors melt in your mouth, it has more ingredients than you can imagine (Seafood for once is a surprising addition). Definitely a must try!! Affordable, delicious and flavorful.

Adobong Pusit 3 way (455 pesos)

Another entrée that isn't crab. The first (top) Adobong pusit is a hybrid of pork and squid adobo cooked the classic way. The second (middle) Adobo dish has coconut milk (gata) and is purely squid. The third (bottom) Adobong pusit is cooked in tomato sauce with fresh tomatoes. All three of them tastes so great that I consider this a sweet serenade for my palate. The different tastes of Adobong pusit is like being toured around the Philippines riding a squid.

Fix all of these up with plain rice and you're all set to eat.

I have to warn you about the mess you're going make when eating here. It can be quite annoying so make sure you dispose of the shell when you're done or you'll end up having a plate like this

This is probably what will happen to our haters...

If you're also wondering how I got bits and pieces of shells all over my plate, it's all thanks to this wonderful invention, the Crab Cracker.

Notice the carnage I did behind the Crab Cracker? ANIMALITY!!!

Would you believe me if I say that all of what we ordered didn't get me really full? Yes, that's right, even if that crab you just saw was 3 times the size of my fist, it didn't have that much meat. In addition, It's a male king crab who has been preserved dead for at least a week since most of its meat is already stuck on its shell. I understand it's not crab season yet but keeping a crab alive shouldn't be hard enough for an elegant restaurant like The Red Crab (They charge 10% service charge and 10% off if you have a Citibank credit card) although I really love your other entrées.

Bringing a date here is one option but if you plan to go here just for curiosity or on a pet peeve, it's all up to you though if you plan to go here on a weekly basis, How about NO? Seriously, I myself, don't plan on spending more than 2000 pesos for a Male King Crab that has been dead for weeks even if it's a gigantic one. Crabs are seasonal and based on what I've observed, the crabs we've ordered were probably imported from Australia where crab season lands on December to April max.

Going to this restaurant is a good experience but it's a good "One Time" experience only. The next time we will be going here is probably if someone offered us a treat to lunch or dinner or maybe on crab season, who knows?

4 out of 5! AAAAAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAG!