Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad "THE MOVIE REVIEW"

Ang sabi ko ano bang magandang gawin ngayong Pasko?
Naisip ko para maiba naman at hindi sa bahay lang bakit hindi na lang kami lumabas at manood ng sine?

Pero yung naisip ko talaga na panoorin yung pelikulang entry ni Vice Ganda ngayon sa MMFF 2017 ang..."Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad!"

AND we say congratulations for winning MMFF 2017's... "People's Choice Award!"

Courtesy: Facebook/The Revengers Squad

BUOD NG PELIKULA

Dati ng Superhero si Gandarra at ang apat na nitong kasamahan na si Barna (Carla Estrada), Flawlessa (Lassy Marquez), Higopa (MC Calaquian) at Pospora  (Wacky Kiray), o mas kilala sa tawag na "The Revenger Squad."
Sa kanilang huling pakikipaglaban sa grupo ni "Madman," (RK Bagatsing), bagama't nagwagi ang mga ito...nagkaron naman ng amnesia si "Gandara," o Vice Ganda.
Nailigtas nila ang batang si Rapiddo o (Daniel Padilla) at naitabi ang bertud ng lipistik nito...nalason naman ng kalaban ang isipan ng kapatid nitong si Cassey a.k.a. "Kweenie," na ginagampanan naman ni Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

Dahil nga hindi na maalala ni Gandara ang lahat, itinago at namuhay na lang ng mga normal na nilalang ang mga ito. Ngunit kailangan nilang muling ibalik ang nawalang memorya ng kaibigan.

Kasabay nito sa pagsapit ng ika-dalawaput-isang kaarawan ni Chino a.k.a. Rapiddo magbabalik ang kapangyarihan nito na minana sa amang si Madman na pwedeng gamitin sa mabuti o kaya sa kasamaan. Bilang tumatayong magulang na si Gandarra pipigilan niyang magamit ito sa paghahasik ng kasamaan. Sa kabilang banda, kailangan nitong pigilan sa pagpapakalat ng "FAKE NEWS," ang kapatid nitong si Cassey a.k.a. Kweenie at maibalik ang nawalang tiwala nito sa kanya.

Magsasanib puwersa kasama ang The Revengers Squad upang talunin ang bagong anyo ng kaaway sa katauhan ni "Mino," Ejay Falcon. 



ON VISUAL EFFECTS

Higit na kinakailangan ngayon ng pelikula ang kakaibang visual effects dahil nga una mapapanood ng karamihan ang mga "Superhero," na kayang lumipad, mabilis gumalaw, may taglay na mga super powers.

Sa transformation o pagpapalit ng anyo ng mga bida at iba pang aktor hitik na ito sa visual effects.

Mandidiri ka sa kakaibang powers ni "Flawlessa," dahil sa mga kulay "PINK," na tigyawat na siyang lumalaban sa kasamaan.

Makikita rin sa unang bahagi ng pelikula ang kakaibang mundong lumulutang kung saan nagtunggalian ang kasamaan at kabutihan.

Magugustuhan mo rin ang "BILIS EFFECT," sa galaw ni "Rapiddo," hindi ko alam kong napansin yun ng asawa ko...panay kasi ang banggit nito na ang guwapo ni "Daniel Padilla!"



MGA TAWAG-PANSIN NA EKSENA

Hindi ko alam kung nanibago ba kayo na gaya ko dahil sa pelikulang ito...si Vice Ganda ang sinasaktan ng mga co-actors nito.

Isang eksena kung saan kailangan nilang maibalik ang alaala ni Gandarra na siya ay isang "Superhero." Magugulat ka dahil siya ang hinahampas ng diyaryo at kung anu-ano pa.
Bagay na nakakatawa pero siyempre sa totoong konteksto nito sinasaktan siya, medyo may pagkabayolente.

Siyempre, tawag pansin din ang hindi ang "GANDA," ni Pia Wurtzbach kundi ang kakaibang level ng ACTING na pinakita rin nito sa pelikula. In-fairnerss, you will never HATE her here. Bagay na nagtagumpay ang film outfit sa pagbuo ng karater nito.

Masasabi rin nating nakipagsabayan din ito ng pagarte, pero hindi MAGASLAW ang kanyang kilos...bagay na parang masasabi mong hindi nito nakalimutan kahit umaarte ang kanyang titulo sa mundo ng MISS UNIVERSE.


MENSAHE NG PELIKULA

Alam ng scriptwriter na ang mga manonood o tatangkilik ng pelikula ay pamilyang pilipino.
Hindi man tunay na babae si Vice Ganda sa pelikula ngunit siya ang tumayong INA at AMA sa itunurin nitong anak na si Daniel Padilla. Bagama't walang tumatayong LALAKI o asawa ni Vice Ganda sa pelikula...ang mga kaibigan nito na kasama sa bahay ang bumuo sa panibagong kahulugan ng PAMILYA.

Nakatutuwa ang huling bahagi ng pelikula kung saan nagtitipon-tipon sa isang salo-salo ang pamilya ngunit bago kumain ay NAGDASAL muna ang mga ito. Pagpapakita na ang pamilyang Pilipino at ang bawat tahanan nito ay may pagkilala at pananalig sa Diyos. 

Itinaas din sa pelikula ang pagmamahal sa anak, kapatid, at mga kaibigan at ang pagpapatunay na kailanman hinding-hindi magagapi ng kasamaan ang kabutihan sa puso ng bawat isa.


NAKAKATAWANG BIRUAN AT EKSENA

Nagsimula magtanong ang isa sa mga REVENGER SQUAD...kung anong uri ng sasakyan ang maraming naisasakay?

Sumagot ang isa...JEEP. Kasi kung waluhan eh di 16 na ang kayang isakay.

Kinontra ng isa, hindi BUS. Kasi kung 30 at 30...60 na yun.

Sumagot si VICE GANDA...AMBULANCE!

Nagtaka ang lahat bakit ambulance.

E di ba ilan lang naman ang masasakay nun?

VICE GANDA: E ano ba karamihan ang sinasakay nun FIFTY-FIFTY. O e 50 plus 50? Eh di One Hundred na!



MGA NAGSIPAGWAGI SA MMFF 2017

Courtesy: Ang Larawan movie

BEST PICTURE
Ang Larawan

Courtesy: Siargao movie

2ND BEST PICTURE
Siargao

Courtesy: Instagram/Jennylyn Mercado

3RD BEST PICTURE

All of You




BEST DIRECTOR
Paul Soriano, Siargao

BEST ACTOR
Derek Ramsay

BEST ACTRESS

Joanna Ampil

Courtesy: Instagram/Joross Gamboa

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
EA Guzman

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Jasmine Curtis-Smith


OTHER MMFF WINNERS

Courtesy: Ang Panday the movie

ANG PANDAY
Best in Visual Effects
Children's Choice Award
FPJ Memorial Award 

Courtesy: Instagram/Meant to Beh movie

MEANT TO BEH 
Best Child performer: Baby Baste


THE REVENGER SQUAD


OTHER MMFF 2017 ENTRY:

Courtesy: Haunted Forest movie

HAUNTED FOREST

CNN Philippines Christmas Decor 2017 entries

Just before the month of December unfolds, outside you see Christmas traditions scattered and seen on the streets, in every houses, inside and outside your favorite malls and of course, inside every offices.
But this year, specifically here in CNN Philippines employees were challenged to put not just Christmas decor in their respective offices but also decorating it the way how Christmas is being celebrated in different parts of the world.

We will begin with "The Television Operating Center," "TOC," who have chosen and unveiled how Christmas is celebrated in "JAPAN."

The TOC team uses space provided going to their office entrance. This was where they placed a miniature of a small town in Japan covered with ice...and to achieved the snowy effect they used cottons.

AND because of this...they won 3rd Place for this year's Christmas Decor 2017 entry.

Another entry came in from the "CURRENT AFFAIRS," department with...should I say embodied "UNIQUENESS."

Unique in such a way that this is the only department that never features how Christmas is celebrated in other countries instead they were all PROUD and HAPPY  and showcased our very own way of celebrating Christmas specifically in the Philippines..."Pasko sa Nayon," or literally translates in english "Christmas in the Village."

Seeing it personally would probably give you a feeling of holiness that blends well with the type of Christmas lights they've used.

The final presentation offered free taste of "Filipino Rice Cakes," and a lot more.

Along with Christmas songs playing as background for a more intense feel of their masterpiece.

The Current Affairs theme won as 2nd Place for this year's Christmas Decor Entry!

I know now, you are so thrilled to find out who amazed our judges and CNN Philippines employees...

our 1st Place goes to..."The Human Resources," team which featured how Christmas is celebrated in BRUSSELS, BELGIUM!

I wouldn't forget my first glance on this...it amazes me.

The "FIREPLACE," looked so real.

The SOFAS were so INVITING.

In short, it allows every spectators to TRAVEL to BELGIUM without living the place.

No wonder, it was CNN Philippines employees' favorite place for taking their selfies...and even my family never let the opportunity to pass.

OTHER ENTRIES CHRISTMAS DECOR ENTRIES...

THE NORTH POLE: NEWS TEAM

HAWAII: THE EDITING TEAM

SWITZERLAND: THE CREATIVES

MEXICO: THE SALES TEAM

GERMANY:  THE MEDIA MANAGEMENT AND NEWS LIBRARY

This only proves that despite the business from work employees of CNN Philippines will make and find time to participate and enjoy this year's Christmas Decor Competition.

Congratulations to all of us!

Booking at BOOKING dot COM

I was actually planning and trying to look for a cheap flights going to Boracay.
Well, it was a dream vacation for me and for the family to visit Aklan.
But I was then taking into consideration expenses I and the family will spend.
And since it was not in-accordance with my budget...I immediately drop the idea.

A close friend of mine from work suggested on booking on a cheap hotel which I will find from using the internet...and so I did.

From typing key words like that of "CHEAP HOTELS," comes a link that led me in finding
"BOOKING dot COM."

From your computer screen on the left side you will find instructions DESTINATIONS,
CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT Dates as well as NUMBER OF GUESTS booking for a particular hotel.

Just fill out and you will see so MANY"CHOICES," by pressing the SEARCH button.

From there will you see available hotels browse from the pictures and see what best suits your location and budget you're looking for.

Specifically I have chosen an apartment type in Mandaluyong that I think and believe has a high value for spending your money right.
Imagine a P1,500 stay for one night with the following amenities that will surely call one's attention as to it has kitchen and cooking wares we can use, with FREE WI-FI, a private pool, a FREE PARKING and a GYM facility as well.

Right then and there, I booked for it.
I remember I had it booked last 22nd of November and right then and there I spoke to, I believe owner "Imelda."
She was so nice and very friendly.

Everything was smooth at the time, when suddenly after days of booking on the 30th of the same month November...I received an e-mail telling that the apartment wouldn't be available on the day, I had it booked. And citing a reason that the owner "Imelda," has a family emergency that she has to attend to.

I immediately called my contact and I actually did it twice and the second was a just a minute away.
But there was "NO ANSWER," and that the phone was just ringing.

I was then telling myself..."WHAT WILL I DO NOW?"

Out of desperation, I send e-mail to BOOKING dot COM and complaint about what had happened.

After this, emails came in but surprisingly a phone call from "AMSTERDAM," was reflecting on my Cellphone and so I answered. The conversation was about resolving a booking problem I was complaining about.

I was told that they will provide me a new hotel booking in replacement for a cancelled hotel I previously booked using their on-line service.

I was in a mall on my way home, and counting the calls I had that night was three.
There was just a slight problem which I also raised concern with them.
This was on giving me a replacement that they were not sure if FREE of NOT.

That night BOOKING dot COM were able to resolved it.
The replacement hotel they gave me was I think a perfect replacement at that time.
But because I was traveling home, I just told them via e-mail that I received it.
And have decided to call the following day.

But since I never spoke and communicated right away to a given replacement hotel reservation agent...a few hours after I made a call the following day, it was booked.

At this point, I said to myself, "I'm too tired doing this over and over again," I almost gave up.
But at some point, I wanted to give my family a vacation we all deserved...so I still communicated with them.

And three days before it unfolds...I was booked with a condo, same location but there was just a difference on it's price.
From an apartment priced at P1,650 (which includes city tax) to P1,900 (that includes P500 cleaning fee)...I booked with it.

I was actually after of amenities such a swimming pool access, gym access and a place where the family could not just relax but also can cook.

I ended up with "LIGHT RESIDENCES," in Boni most of the amenities I was looking for were given to me except for a gym access which was given to residents and members of a condo not on TENANT.

So far, the family enjoyed staying.
I have to commend the EFFORT of BOOKING dot COM agents for trying their BEST to make it happen.

I just hope you hold on to your promise that additional expenses I spent staying from a different hotel from the first confirmed booking will be return to me.

MY SPECIAL DAY!

I have a mixed feeling of pretty worried and excited every time my birthday unfolds.
WORRIED because the level of celebration would depend on...if I have enough money to treat my family.
EXCITED I don't know I guess its a normal feeling and it actually comes from within.

GETTING ANOTHER OLDER

At some point, I am thinking that it was only the age that was added every time I celebrate my special day. But NO, a lot of things added and changes also happened on my body.

Looking at the mirror sometimes gave me a little bit of insecurity as to the skin doesn't anymore as fresh as many years ago. Specially seeing some pores that was really dominant in my face really gets me shock and really bothers me so much.

Looking also at my mid-section where my tummy is not anymore slim just like many years ago is another problem that also bothers me.

But instead of giving myself more time to worry much...I tried looking at easy solutions I can do.


RECOMMENDED SOLUTIONS

I remember a saying..."How can you face the problem...If the problem is your face?"
You might laugh at this very familiar cliche' but really its a confronting issue.

I have a thinking now that not because I am a husband and a father of two...I will just let myself to look like a father.

I started applying and using moisturizer on my face and never sleep without washing it.
Now, don't ask me what brand I'm using...I know like me you can find something that works best on your skin.

I also have a thinking now that I should be exercising regularly. And now, I am really doing it.
I have a daily ritual or sometimes every other day to exercise. 

This ritual is actually very very helpful to me for after I sweat, It gave me a wonderful feeling of contentment and I am becoming extra energetic.

Just find time to get ENOUGH sleep. I don't need longer sleep, I just need deep, enough sleep like 5 to 6 hours daily.

I am now taking vitamins daily. Why? Because really sometimes you can't choose what to eat and more often were having junk foods or sometimes fatty foods...at least if you're not getting enough vitamins and minerals from your food intake, somehow it helps you to at least balance it.


BE POSITIVE

Avoid negativity and choose to be happy most of the time. Because there are a lot of contributing factors on being "HAPPY."

Avoid smoking and drinking liquor...your body do not need it.
Just imagine your spending money to slowly kill yourself?

Choose to drink water instead of carbonated drinks.
If you can't help eating sweets try to have them as much as possible in moderation only.
Think of "Annie's," popular song..."the sun will come out tomorrow."
Meaning there's still tomorrow.


A SIMPLE CELEBRATION

I chose to have spent the unfolding of my special day with my family.
I filed leave of absence for work for days.
Well, I still do household chores at home but avoided going to work.

I just requested my wife who's a very very good baker to customized me a cake...and it called "COOKIE MONSTER CAKE!"

I just bought my favorite pansit and celebrated it with my parent's house.

This year I never blowed a candle but instead we used a  candle similar to a firework and it looks so beautiful.

The only wish I have is for the family to travel next year.
Thank you Lord for another year!

MAMIMILI KA SAKAY NG BUS O MRT?

Napakasaya ko kahapon kasi nga nakaabot ako sa office at hindi na late.
And I never tried riding the MRT dahil natatakot akong malate.
Nagbakasakali lang akong sumakay ng bus ulit.
And I came in 10 minutes earlier sa office.

I tried the same routine today and I tried convincing myself na magagawa ko ulit siya.
What discouraged me to ride the MRT today ay yung mahabang pila sa North Avenue na sa palagay ko kahit na may 1hour leeway pa ako sa kalkula ko kukulangin siya talaga.

Pero what bothers me nung madaan ako ng going to Kamuning...doon bumagal na yung takbo ng traffic at nakikita from the bus where I am grabe ang haba ng pila ng mga commuters.

Pero I still hold on to my faith and belief na baka naman dun lang at aandar na rin kapag papunta na ng Cubao.

Nakaidlip ako sa biyahe, pakiramdam ko mga 20 minutes din yun. Ang gulat ko paggising ko nandun pa rin kami going to Cubao. And nagpatuloy pa yun sa tansta ko mga 45 minutes bago totally nakalagpas yung bus na sinasakyan ko don.

Pero paglagpas namin ng intersection ng Cubao ganun pa rin usad pagong pa rin ang biyahe.
I began texting na sa kasama ko sa work sa condition ko.

I'm supposed to be in at work 10 in the morning pero...10:15am na I was still passing thru Annapolis.
So, I decided na bumaba na ako ng bus and kahit labag sa loob ko sumakay ng MRT para umabot ako kahit past 1030 na ng umaga.

I can't be going to work ng 11am sobrang late na yun. And to think na today may nag-leave na co-worker na need kong saluhin.

So yun nga I rode the MRT.
Grabe nakita ko pa yung sarili ko na lumipat ng kabilang pintuan ng bagon ng tren kasi nga sobrang puno na talaga.

Tapos sa loob sobrang siksikan. Hindi ka na pwedeng mamili ng katabi mo mabango siya o pawis...wala ka ng magagawa. MAGTIIS ka na lang.

Parang kanina kasi mapa MRT o BUS parang maiipit ka talaga sa biyahe.
Sa MRT mahaba ang pila at SIKSIKAN.
Sa EDSA kasama ng lahat ng iba't-ibang sasakyan...SIKSIKAN pa rin!

I hope we can END our MISERY on this.
What SOLUTION can we do to AVOID this or at least LESSEN the traffic.

Ang dami-daming oras na nasasayang sa BIYAHE natin araw-araw.
AND nagiging less-productive tayo sa work DAHIL PAGOD na TAYONG LAHAT  hindi pa man NAGSISIMULA ang ating mga TRABAHO.
BAWAS pa ang SALARY mo kasi nga LATE ka na NAMAN!

My first 5K fun run...ACCOMPLISHED!

This is so serious the last time I participated was many years ago.
I don't know after that I think I lost my sense of "Participation," and the idea of being "Engage," in that kind of activity.
But this particular "Fun Run," came in at the right place and at the right time.


HOW DID IT STARTED?

There was an invitation that I have seen on our company e-mail.
What interests me was that...I could avail the membership for "FREE," if I will be among the first 10 employees who will send-in their names.
And LUCKILY...I was at number 10.
So, I believe this was really intended for ME!


PREPARATIONS

The fun run was officiated by the Philippine Red Cross, encouraging individuals, groups, several companies and organizations to participate. Part of the purpose of the event was also to encourage volunteers across the country. And secondary was achieving the "Guinness World Record," for the most number of runners who will participate.

Part of my preparations was to exercise for 5 consecutive days prior to the event. This I believe a very helpful way to at least condition the body and the mind that I will be running for 5K.

I did this because I wanted mainly to finish the run without experiencing muscle cramp or any related injury.
Plus the fact that I really wanted to challenge myself that even though I did it long time ago...my "WILL," will let me push through!


So, I religiously wake up every 6:00 in the morning and jog for 30 minutes or more.


OTHER PREPARATIONS

We were told by the company that there are no more "Singlets," and that we should be responsible on looking for a running outfit we will wear on the day.
I looked around a certain mall for a "red," clothes. Red because the event was officiated by the Philippine Red Cross.
I also bought a pair of socks and some extras like "Knee Pad."
Which I end up choosing not to wear them on the actual run.
Not because I never wanted to wear it. It was because much of my time were taken by looking for a place where to put my things.
Too bad, the organizers did not consider it.


ROUTINES

I normally begin biking for 10 rounds inside the available parking area within the church near to us.
It was a perfect venue for it has high fences, secured and that I will avoid accident from motor vehicles. Only that it serves as a dropping area for students going to school, but I looked at them not "HINDRANCES," but an "OBSTACLE," a perfect training for the actual run where there are many expected participants from different organizations and companies.

Then, after that I will park my bike and will walk also 10 times.
That is indeed my preparation to run now for 10 rounds as well, then will walk again.

I will now move to a certain elevated side and will do 3sets of 12 reps push ups and sit-ups.
But prior to mentioned exercises...stretching before and after is a must.


ACTUAL DAY

I woke up 3:00 in the morning for the assembly time was set at 4.
It was intentional for I have to a lot an hour for commuting.
I am coming from Navotas and the venue was set at Quirino, Grandstand in Manila.

Honestly speaking, I only slept for 3hours but I heard from some that they do not have
enough sleep as well and some never slept at all.

Never needed much stretching prior to the run, because I and the rest of the participants who commuted walked from Rizal Park going to Quirino Grandstand.

I never wanted to go on a fun run without having anything in my stomach...so while walking towards the exact venue, I was eating a sandwich and a banana prepared by my wife at home.

I don't know but gun starts was expected to begin at 5:00 in the morning but it started 30 minutes after.


WORRIES

During the run, I was thinking if I will finish it. What I had in mind was I will be experiencing muscle cramps etc...and it was I don't know raining at the time.

During the time I was thinking all of those worries...I remember what my good friend and Kumare "Iyos," told me. Just keep a certain pace while running and it really helped me!

I actually put a timer during the event. I wanted to keep track of how much time I allotted doing it.
I was amazed that at one point, I was running continuously for 18minutes after that my body and my mind dictates me that I should stop and walk slowly.
I actually stopped running 3 times before I finally conquered the finish line.

I'm thinking now that this is not the last event I will be participating...but this will be the start of many many fun run I will join.
There's a certain feeling of "HAPPINESS," and "FULFILLMENT," because I was able to accomplished something very very good on my health and my whole being.

Now, my goal is a fit body for my birth month...meaning I will keep the fire burning.

See you soon again on the next fun run!