Breaking Bad Review

WARNING: If you are one of those uptight, upright individuals who can't stand

the idea of seeing blood and violence, breaking bad is not for you. If you don't have an open mind or too narrow-minded to watch people smoking pot for entertainment, don't ever play that video copy.

Breaking bad is not the kind of show that will change your preference in entertainment. It is about a chemistry teacher diagnosed with cancer, and finds out he could earn money by cooking methamphetamine (shabu in local terms). The protagonist, Walter White, is forced to make decisions our society deems as bad. He will lie, steal, and kill for his family. Either you like the concept or you don't. Walter tries to battle the cancer while keeping up with the cooking and the problems that come with it. Teaming up with a former student for his connections, setting up an RV as a meth lab, finding buyers and wholesale distributors. It's actually kind of canny on a business standpoint, only problem is the product is illegal.

The plot thickens as Walter struggles to keep up with lies on his frequent absences in the house, compounded by the fact that his drug enforcement agent brother in law is investigating the meth he cooks. When distributorship fell apart he finds himself in more danger as the cartel tries to subdue him. He finds a new business partner in Gustavo Fring, until disagreements come in and it becomes apparent he is his worst enemy.

What I loved about the show is the wit and grit combined. It also does not jump from one scene to the next. You can clearly see that every scene, every dialog is well thought of. I loved how the story unfolds and how the characters adapt to their situation. The characters are well thought of and you can really feel these are breathing, thinking creatures and not just some pawn pieces to build other more important characters from.

The most raved about by Breaking Bad fans is the character evolution of Walter White, a caring family man, into a badass meth cook, and eventually a proprietor, obsessed in perfecting his product. In order to preserve his identity he created his alter-ego Heisenberg, cleverly referenced after the German physicist who is credited for the creation of quantum mechanics. It is an interesting psychological study on how Walter was slowly consumed by his other self. Wherever it leads, Walter White/Heisenberg is fully aware of the risks and possible consequences of his actions. As the season progresses he would have various opportunities to stop cooking meth, but he would end right back into the business until it came to a point he can't stop.

Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) is also quite a character. He starts off as a lowly drug addict with no real future. Cooking meth actually gave him a purpose. Walter White pointed out more than once in their cooking sessions of Jesse's need to have an ambition. Twistedly, Mr. White is actually talking about the quality of their meth, or a better way to market it and maximize profits. As the series evolves viewers are left with the feeling that Pinkman has actually gained some moral ascendancy while Walter deteriorates into an obsessed methamphetamine dealer.

There were moments in the whole series that seem dragging or even irrelevant at first, but I assure you everything was done intentionally to give a proper buildup. Heck, I can't even think of an episode that didn't fit in to the overall storyline.

If you can waste your time watching vampires, zombies or other "cute" series, why not try a different genre altogether? Breaking Bad is definitely a great choice to start.

PS
I'm having Breaking Bad withdrawal syndrome so I'm adding something extra for this post...my favorite BB moments!

Warning: Stop reading right now if you don't want any spoilers!

Say my name

Say my Name. (S05E11). Walter makes a deal with a druglord. Not showing any fear even when guns surround them, he even provokes them to let them know who the boss is. "Say my name". Heisenberg, bitch.

No handout. (S01E05). Walter's former friend and lab partner offers to pay for his treatment, and just about anything that can help him. Walt refuses. This is where viewers first find out how huge his pride was that he was willing to go risk cooking meth and be his own man than to rely on handouts.

Saul Goodman (S02E08). Goodman is the sleazy lawyer who'll take any client for money. His memorable debut came when he lawyered the DEA agents who arrested Badger, Pinkman's footman and friend.

Gus Fring's death (S04E13). The way and manner of his death and how it was planned? Total genius.

Mike's death (S05E07). Yes, I know another death. But I don't think anyone saw this coming.

High five (S02E09). Oh the sweet taste of success. Rarely do you see Mr. White smile like that, but that 42 pounds of meth they cooked is a cause for celebration.

Steve Jobs (Book)

Steve Jobs

by Walter Isaacson

Steve Jobs is the authorized biography of the eccentric Apple founder. I can't really offer much comment on the contents because it would be like judging how Steve lived his life. To be fair with Isaacson, he really made an effort to cover every aspect of Steve's life, from his early childhood and being a young free-sprited man, to founding Apple and his subsequent ouster, to picking himself up again and making his way back, and then to his sickness and his eventual death. Isaacson has a rare talent to tell the stories as if we are directly communicating with Jobs. He didn't try to sugarcoat the events, but he sometimes offered his own observations so that us as readers would understand Steve better.

Much has been said about Steve's perfectionist and aggressive management style, but by reading this book people would appreciate where Jobs' behavior is coming from. His adoptive father, who worked as a mechanic, valued the importance of aesthetic designs, to which Steve has carried in his career.    

10000 Hours Review

I honestly taught 10,000 Hours was referenced on Ping Lacson's work ethic and how he became a top class public enforcer. You know, like the Malcolm Gladwell theory. As it turned out, it was loosely based on the former senator's life while in hiding following a warrant of arrest for the murder of Bobby Dacer and his driver Manuel Corbito. In the movie, Senator Gabriel Molino Alcaraz (Robin Padilla) finds himself running from authorities as he is about to expose a massive corruption in the government. Yep, just like what you see in the news.

Before Alcaraz even gets to the Philippine senate, he gives an impression that he somehow expected that some high ranking officials are after him, evidenced by how he knowingly gave subtle signals to his wife (Mylene Dizon). With this, you'd think that he's prepared for anything, including a planned escape. Oddly, though, he's about as clueless as the viewers as who or how the help came. Enter Maya Limchauco (Bella Padilla), an aggressive news reporter who's knack for getting a scoop would inspire even real-life reporters. Having watched too little local television, it's so refreshing to see a beautiful TV celebrity who can do much more than use sexual innuendos. Thumbs up for Bella's acting prowess.

The film drags a bit as Gabriel settles to a new life in Amsterdam. Aided by Carla Humphries' mysterious personality, he searches for a man from his past (Pen Medina). Back home, his family suffers the consequences of his absence. The relevance of each character falls into place when the story of a kidnapping rescue way back when Alcaraz was still serving as a field agent is revealed.

Overall, the casts, even the ones with minor roles, have played their part well. There were some scenes that looked amateurish but the coherence of the story is solid. The twist in the end, while not original, is passable. Compared to other local films being produced 10,000 Hours is arguably one of the best. If you're tired of the Philippine brand of comedy and romance, 10,000 Hours is a good movie to start believing in locally produced films again.

Anderson Silva Breaks His Leg, Literally

In the early second round of his UFC 168 rematch against middleweight champion Chris Weidman, Anderson Silva broke his left leg after throwing a hard kick. Weidman caught it, as it instantly snapped Silva's bone just above his ankle.

Weidman explains the technique:

"It's knee on shin, so when he goes to kick, you put your knee on his shin. It has happened in sparring and guys take a minute off and walk around, and at least it stops them from kicking you."

Silva, who is considered by many as the greatest MMA fighter of all time, had already contemplated retiring prior to the fight. Given that he's now nearly 40 and the serious look on his injury, it would be a daunting task for Silva to get back on the octagon.

Anderson Silva was immediately rushed for operation after the incident. 

Transform Yourself With Schick

Since I was a kid I've been dreaming of having super powers because it would surely make me the coolest kid in school, hahaha! Kidding aside, though, wouldn't it be totally awesome to be like superman, the man of steel himself? Imagine having the ability to fly and being able to lift heavy objects, or shooting fire through your eyes or just having an x-ray vision. That would be incredible!      

If I was given superpowers for a week I'd surely brace the opportunity to save the world from danger! I'd be flying high and mighty on top of buildings and save falling people or even crashing planes! Id be fighting crimes along with our police forces and help capture robbers and thieves. I'd bust every organized crime and make sure they will never harm anyone ever again. I'd help even in the smallest deeds, like giving a hand to an old lady while crossing the street. I would make sure I have done all the good I can do. Then, when my week is through, I will declare to everyone: My time to having superpowers might be over, but my commitment to helping those in need will never end. For surely, helping others should not only come to those with superpowers, right?

So that's how I will spend my week as the man of steel. It also wouldn't hurt to have a clean look like Superman! With this, I can attest to the superpowers of Schick! It can clean off any unwanted hair and transform you into a new you! You'd surely feel extraordinary like the man of steel. 

Schick is also giving us a chance to win movie prizes ans limited edition Superman premium items! Just buy any Superman-marked Schick razor packs to get these cool treats! Click the photo for more details!

Schick. Free your skin.   

Per DTI-NCR Permit No.1843 Series of 2013.

Bel-Air Residences Lipa, Batangas: A House, A Home and A Lot More

I have been in a two-year relationship, the longest I have been with anyone. Our bond is strengthened each day we spend time together. And as we approach our third year as a couple, it is only natural to think of settling down and building our life together, our own family in our own dream home.

I think my girlfriend would agree when I say we dream of a simple family. A home that would fit two to three kids would be ideal, and I wouldn't rule out living outside of the city either. The important thing is its accessibility to key locations such as schools, markets and hospitals. 

I was really excited to find a residential community in Lipa that perfectly matched what's on my list! Bel-Air Residences, known for its modern design, exceptional convenience and comfort it provides for the community, recently launched a residential community in Lipa. Here's a rundown of what it offers:

• Bel-Air Residences Lipa can be found in Batangas, one of the best cities in the country.
• Your choices of house units range from townhouses to two-storey units with floor areas as big as 88 to 165 sq. meters, all designed under the concept of  “Modern Zen” architecture.

• Owners will enjoy amenities like their own basketball court, a jogging path, a playground for kids, barbeque area, multiple parks, a pool, a lanai, a gazebo and a Club House.
• Bel-Air Residences Lipa is near schools such as Ateneo School of Business, De La Salle University Lipa and many more.
• Aside from being close to established hospitals like Lipa Medix Medical Center  and Metro Lipa Medical Center, the village is walking distance from major malls such as SM Lipa, Fiesta Mall, South Supermarket etc. Other leisure places like the Mt. Malarayat Golf Course, The Farm at San Benito and famous Batangas dive sites are minutes away also.

My first reaction after reading it: This is exactly what my dream house is! It's like the folks in Bel-Air have read my thoughts and developed this great subdivision for me! 

All I'm looking for in a house was there - and more. The place is just a few minutes away from Star Tollway so travel will not be a major concern. It is strategically located near the business district of the city such as banks, malls and transport hubs. I'm not even worried about transportation because its community-built amenities wouldn't even make me want to leave! Me and my soon-to-be-wife can jog, swim, or just chill out in the clubhouse - there's just so many things you can do!

I showed all of these to her and she immediately fell in love with the idea...and to me all over again! After all these years, it is still such a wonderful thing to have rekindled all the feelings that had us falling in love in the first place - we have always shared the same dream. Even when we were not yet dating, we have always dreamed of helping our families live more comfortably. Our circumstances may be different, but we have always been motivated that someday, we will be able to provide for their needs. With each other's support, now I can say we have made great strides in realizing this and it is now time to focus on building our own dream for our own future - and that is to have our own house in Bel-Air Residences Lipa.

http://www.belairresidenceslipa.com/

Disclaimer: This post is an entry to Nuffnang's contest, so we can finally realize our dream Boracay getaway=)

Predictions for the Portland Trail Blazers

It's already October and the NBA season will start in a few weeks. Basketball fans across the globe is excited, specially when super power casts of Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Steve Nash and Dwight Howard team up in LA-La-land. While fans can't think of anything else but a highly likely Heat-Lakers finals match-up, I can't help feel excited myself for the Portland Trail Blazers. 

I've been a blazers fan since the start of the Brandon Roy era. Yes, I know, the team is not as sexy as the Thunder, Celtics or the Clippers. We only have one legitimate all star in the roster and our chance of success for this season hinges on a rookie. Our bench probably lack the depth to make meaningful impact. So what's there to look forward to in this team?

Will they laugh as hard when they meet as opponents?

I've never seen Lamarcus Aldridge this dedicated. Even before training camp, he has assembled most of the team in informal workouts and practices. It is so good to see that he has finally embraced the leadership role. He was supposed to be a third wheel of the Roy-Oden combo, before the two succumbed to injury. Roy is of course back from one-year retirement to join forces with LMA's archenemy, Kevin Love in the  Minnesota Timberwolves.  It should be fun when these two teams meet.

They acquired rookies with fantastic attitude. Never mind the pressure on Damian Lillard for thrusting him the point guard of the franchise role right after he was drafted. Or Meyers Leonard's NBA-ready frame and athleticism for a big man. Or Will Barton touted as the steal of the draft when they got him at 41st pick. It is their personal stories and background from college that I feel will help them succeed. 

Nic Batum and Wes Matthews have something to prove. Sure no one's going to take away the starting job on them, but expectations are high on their potential. I think this is the year they'll shine.  

Role players are fighting for playing time. It's a young team and everybody needs solid minutes to further develop their game. Victor Claver and JJ Hickson will come out on top of the bench list, but I think Luke Babbitt and Nolan Smith will be busts. Ronnie Price and Jared Jeffries are serviceable because of their experience, while the rest will most likely float around for awhile.

They have a new GM, a new coach and a new system, and the season will be long and ugly. As much as I want them to make the playoff, I expect them to finish 10th in the west. The league simply has too many great teams well ahead of them to be able to make it out. Besides, another lottery season can be beneficial as it increases their chance of getting a potential star in the draft. We'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out.

Binondo Eating Spree

Dining out and eating food in unpronounceable diners can be fun. So we set out to eat in Binondo, Manila and stuffed our stomachs!

*************************
Pancit Bihon...with egg! 

Mooncakes

And more moooncakes!

Pancake siomai for merienda

Shrimp Chong Fan...A personal favorite

Chicken feet...err foot: :p

Exotic food...century egg siomai

Finally...A hot soup for a rainy day...rosted duck congee

I'm not really good in identifying food taste so I didn't put any comments. As long as it is edible and looks presentable I will gladly eat it. The place is pretty accessible and I think anyone can try it for themselves!

It's More Fun (Being a Mistress) in the Philippines

Yes. It's official. Forbidden affairs are the new cool thing. Just ask our local producers. It seems it's the only genre they care to release these days. And why not? People are lining up in the cinemas like they haven't watched a movie like this before. 

Only the characters change, but the story is essentially the same. Hunky Guy (insert hot male celebrity here) is committed to a fragile woman (insert young beautiful celebrity name) who happens to be so boring that his guy would resort to adultery given a chance. Of course that chance comes with a scorching hot lady (insert FHM cover girl here). Hot lady only has to show subtle hints because the guy is totally game on having an affair, and well, she's really really hot that no one will dare say no to her. 

So they start an affair. Hot lady is satisfied in getting hunky guy on hook at first. Later on, she realizes that she's falling madly in love that she's prepared to ruin her already wretched life for him. Hunky guy is happy of the ego boost.  Keeping the dirty secret from his wife thrills him. When fragile woman eventually finds out, she'll be a different character from the first time we saw her. She will either vent her anger on hunky guy or hunt the hot lady to retaliate. Or both. 

Since fragile woman is a symbol of decency and class she will not want to humiliate herself and go ballistics in public. Instead, she will throw pointed remarks to hot girl like "The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Pero sa ganda mong iyan, siguradong marami kang alam na shortcuts". Proving that she actually knows other things other than spreading her legs, hot lady will also say something clever, "You can call me anything you want: a snake, a bitch, an other woman. But I will never be a pathetic, boring housewife." 

Boom.

Filmmaker Joey Reyes made excellent points in his blog on how mistresses have evolved on screen. 

Twenty-first century mistresses justify their fallen status because "they are confused" or "they are in dire need of love" or worse ... "they did this out of need."

No longer will we see them nasty and mean out to steal someone else's man. Mistresses have become classy and elegant, who just happened to fall in love. Sadly, people are interpreting this in a bad light. They actually think that the mistress was the victim and some would even go far as to rooting for her because her love is worth fighting for. Wrong. 

Love has nothing to do here. It's having the decency and the respect not only for the other people, but to yourself. Would you be happy living the rest of your life knowing you just stole someone's partner like a candy in a toy store? And who's to say you're not going to commit the same deed when another opportunity to screw someone comes up? 

There's a part of the story they never tell you in movies. It doesn't end when the affair is over, because their lives are forever changed. They will continue to be haunted by the sad tragic mess they got themselves into. Wounds may heal, but scars will remain.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Stuff You Think of When You're a Teenager

Dear Charlie,

I know you're young and all, so I find it amusing that you still use the mailbox    just to send your letters to me. I thought receiving letters via courier is beyond our time already so I was really surprised when your first mail arrived. When I started reading the first few lines I knew that you're just another teenager trying to deal with a lot of issues. I didn't finish it, to tell you the truth, because I didn't want to go through with the same feeling I had back when I was dealing with my own teenage issues. 

But then another letter came up. And then another. And another. The letters piled up fast that my family actually taught I have a prisoner pen pal because only prisoners use mailboxes these days. I didn't try to correct them because you know what? I don't care what they think. Just like I didn't care when I was trying to find my own identity and it scared people off because I don't talk much or I say brutally honest stuff the rare times I opened my mouth.

Because I am busy as all people my age are and I don't have time with "small stuff" such as dealing with your life, I just kept your letters under my pillow. Eventually your letters have raised my pillows too high up and it was getting uncomfortable sleeping that I couldn't ignore your letters anymore. I was happy that I didn't just throw it away.  

As I read your stories I couldn't help to think of my own life. The decisions I've made, the frustrations I had, the good times with my friends - All of these played out in my head as if it just happened to me yesterday. It was really interesting to read your stories because it so easily resembled my own. By the time I caught up with all your letters I  can't help but anticipate the next. Wondering what you were gonna share next really got me excited. Suffice it to say that it made my life more meaningful because I have something to look forward to.

I know how it feels to have an overachieving older brother. People would constantly compare him to you. Its like what your friend Patrick said that nobody can be as big as the Beatles because they already gave music a context. They had no one to compare themselves with so they're their own benchmark. Your brother is the Beatles in your family and even if you end up as The Smiths or Greenday or the Eraserheads some people would still think little of you because someone else has set the benchmark. But you know what? Sometimes it's okay not to care because they don't really know you. There's a fat chance they don't know your brother well enough as well. They're just there trying to degrade you because the only way they can make their life less miserable is if they think someone else have it worse.

Going back to your friend Patrick, I was really worried when he dragged you in all those weird places doing those weird things. I know he was down and all, but using drugs and allowing him to kiss you will only harm you in the end. I'm going with your friend Sam here. You gotta learn to be honest with the people you care about. Only then will they truly appreciate you being their friend. Personally I would rather hear the bad things about me from a friend than from someone I barely know. Yes it hurts and all but that's the whole point of friendship! You make your friend a much better person in the end by pointing out his wrongs even if it hurts. Patrick seems to be a nice person so please be more honest with him. He deserves it.

I was really glad that it all turned out well for your sister. She said that Sam and later on Mary Elizabeth have low self-esteem, but I can also say the same about her. I'm glad she ended it with her boyfriend who hits her and almost got her pregnant. I think she realized she's far more important than how she was being treated. Please congratulate her for me for being 2nd in her class.

I also wanted to talk about your friend Bill. Boy how I wish I have a mentor as cool as he is! I don't know half of the books he assigned you to read, but I'll surely read it if I can find time. As I said earlier, people my age are busy with a lot of stuff so reading for past time is a bit difficult. If I have it my way I'd read everyday, of course. I don't think you know how special it is that someone is looking out for you. He even invited you to his place because he really cares for you. He understands you, but he also expects a lot from you, perhaps more than anyone else. Let him be your reminder that you are special, in your own peculiar way, just like I am special in my own peculiar way.

About what happened to you and your aunt Helen, I guess I don't have to dwell on this much because first, it is a sore topic, and second, I know you have figured it out already. What you have with your life is just different with everyone else, it doesn't mean that it's better or worse. And you can't blame other people for your problems. They have their own to deal with. 

Lastly, about your friend Sam. Yes, she has her flaws in thinking that her world revolves around her then-boyfriend Craig, but she recognized it later on and wanted to make her life better. That's why she said hurtful things to you because she knew you needed to toughen up. Never ever think that a person loves you because you act or do things the way they want to. Sam thought that Craig will love her less if she pursues her passion. I know Craig is an ass  and that's something beyond Sam, but we can't be stuck with our old self in trying to please others. Including our boyfriend or girlfriend. Including our families and friends.

There are days that you will feel terrible. You have to accept that. Sometimes you just have to stop looking back, because the decisions you have made, no matter how wrong or stupid can never be taken back.  All we can do is move forward; else we get stuck to the same rotten spot where we made a stupid decision that made us feel terrible to begin with. 

Life is a journey. It doesn’t stop when you’re down or lonely. It doesn’t stop on happy endings. Time does not pause for us, it continues to go on. Sometimes it feels that time moves too slow or too fast, but it has always gone on the same phase every hour, every second of the day. We just choose to be fixated on lonely moments and tend to neglect the happy ones. Please don't do that to yourself, Charlie. You determine how fast or slow you live. 

I haven't figured it out yet, but I think the best way to live your life is to stay true to yourself and be who you want to be. Not what others want you to become.

Thank you for reminding me this. Again people my age are busy with other stuff that I tend to forget these things. I am a little sad because you mentioned in your last letter that it may be your last, but I wouldn't want you to tell me things that are happening to you just for the sake of keeping in touch with me because then it will be forced and the stories may not sound as interesting anymore. I know you are there somewhere trying to live your life the best way you know. And that makes everything okay for me.

I wish you all the best. 

Sincerely,

Your friend.

P.S.

I hope you didn't mind that I sent all your letters to an editor and they published it as a book. I was gonna ask permission to you but you didn't put your address. Now I hear they made a movie out of it. Can you believe that?! I just hope they can tell the story as fantastic as you've written it. 

*Fingers crossed*

Preserving Mankind with Kojie.san Men

Times change, and so are men. 

Guys used to court girls in their homes. Now they get mad if they don't get an answer in a day. And they're asking through texts, mind you. Everything is done fast and digital nowadays that some men have lost their manliness. 

Being "manly" is being respectful of everyone, not just the beautiful ladies you're trying to hit on. It means being willing and ready to help, and being a high character guy with high values. You may think you are a perfect example of manliness, but look out! Girls may be secretly annoyed because your huge ego can't acknowledge the truth that you have the qualities of a jerk. Here's a few examples: 

Not respecting your parents. Yes, I get that we all have our teenage rebellion years, but don't use it as an excuse to plot offending schemes that will humiliate or anger your parents.

Not doing household chores. If you're married and you let your wife do all the chores like a slave, chances are she secretly despises you. Get a maid if  you're too busy or lazy to help.

Being funny by being mean to others. It is a universal truth that women like men who have a good sense of humor, but that doesn't mean it will make you  cool to make jokes out of your fat cousin, freckled gay classmate or your oily faced neighbor.

Using girl products. Men should be conscious of their appearance, but where did you ever hear that it is totally okay to use girl's products? There's nothing more unmanly than sharing with your girlfriend's facial soap or night whitening cream. There are already great products from Kojie.san that's definitely for men! Try it and you'll surely help preserve every manly quality you have.

*Official entry to nuffnang for 2 Taken 2 tickets*

Gilas Line up is Good, But Can Use Some Upgrade

The Smart Gilas Philippine National team is now 2 - 1 in their FIBA Asia Cup campaign in Tokyo, Japan thanks to solid plays from Marcus Douthit, L.A. Tenorio, Gary David and Jeff Chan, among others. Having watched the first two games, it seems coach Chot is sticking to a rotation of 8 to 9 players. Enrico Villanueva, Matthew Rosser, Jay-R Reyes and Sonny Thoss have barely seen action either because they are still unproven in international court or their skills just do not match up well with opponents.

While the team have done good and will most likely make it to quarterfinals, some of its players can very well use some upgrade. Imagine if the team is composed of the players on the right, as opposed to the actual delegates on the left:

Point Guards:
L.A. Tenorio		L.A. Tenorio
Matthew Rosser		JV Casio
		Jason Castro
Shooting Guards:
Gary David		Gary David
Jeff Chan		Larry Fonacier
		Sol Mercado
Small Forwards:
Larry Fonacier		Gabe Norwood
Jared Dillinger		Arwind Santos
Power Forwards:
Ranidel De Ocampo		Mark Pingris
Gabe Norwood		Kelly Williams
Centers:
Marcus Douthit		Marcus Douthit
Enrico Villanueva		Ranidel De Ocampo
Jay-R Reyes
Sonny Thoss

No disrespect to the current squad here, but clearly, they need additional depth in at least two positions - point guard and center. The country has always been short of right-sized centers, but never a point guard. That's why it baffles me how the only pure point guard in the line-up is Tenorio. Alapag and Castro are nursing injuries, and Sol Mercado who can play point has citizenship issues with FIBA rules. 

I find it most disappointing that Casio and Pingris was not able to join. Casio is well on the rise to be a prime point guard and can relieve a lot of burden on Tenorio. Pingris brings in the hussle and can compensate for the team's lack of height. De Ocampo can also slide in on center to give Douthit some rest. I know some players on my dream squad is playing out of position, but they can spread the court well and can play on both offense and defense. There are more experienced and popular players that is not on my list, mainly because I don't think they'd fit in well with a team-first approach and international play.  

Being the best national team ever assembled as declared is pretty arguable right now, but these guys never lacked the guts to and heart to fight regardless of who their opponents are. We just have to hope it's enough to bring the gold, only then will the claim be proven.

The Expendables 2 Review

I'm not sure if the old dogs of Hollywood actions films are trying to make a statement for the cheap stunts being produced which seemed a step back even if digitally enhanced. Could also be that they're trying to revive their long gone careers. The movie is full of big names and action heroes, albeit the past generation. But hey, how often do you usually see Arnold and Bruce and Sylvester and Jean Claude all in one frame? Oh did I forget to mention the legend that goes by the name of Chuck Norris? Yeah he's there too.

The taller lead guy from The Hunger Games Liam Hemsworth is also there. I suspect he was casted to provide much needed girl fans' support. As you may already figure, this movie is filled with so much testosterone that a guy can easily punch another guy in the face and get a thank you for it. There's blood, guns and violence, but if you're looking for sex, there ain't any. And that's a compliment, I think. I haven't watched a single Hollywood action movie without an eye-popping girl who's sexually assaulted (usually by the male lead). Except for Bruce Lee films of course.

The story is about...who am I kidding. Who cares about the story? As long as there is chaos, gory scenes and people killing each other we will be entertained. If I wanted a decent story I would have watched Katy Perry. Oh wait we're talking about movies here. My bad.

One singular thing worthy of note is the mystifying presence of Chuck Norris. Every time he appears on the screen people are both awestruck and feverishly trying to suppress their grin. Because they know everyone is at his mercy. I tell you this man is a legend. Only he can walk around guns ablaze unschathed.

Even 911 calls Chuck Norris for help when they have an emergency. 

Rain Songs

It is again the monsoon season and what better way to spend a lazy rainy afternoon but through music! I listed down my own top 10 rain songs of the current and not so current decade so here it goes:

10. Rainy Days and Mondays - Carpenters

One association with rain is the feeling of sadness, and this song never fails to make me sad.

9. Maselang Bahaghari - Eraserheads

Okay. This one isn't about rain, but rainbow. But you wouldn't have one if not for the other right?

8. Ulan - Rivermaya
You want rain song? here's the ultimate local rain song with lyrics of rain all over!

7. Lightning Crashes - Live
Yes I know this didn't talk anywhere near about rain but of childbirth, but the lyrics are highly mystical and deep. Can't resist to include this on the list. 

6. Penny Lane - The Beatles

This is about a street in London. And a slight reference about rain. Ok. I'll start to focus now.

5. Set Fire to the Rain - Adelle
The master of hearbreak Adelle at her best. Makes me depressed and happy at the same time. Strange.


4. Bus Stop - The Hollies
On the other side, there are happy songs about rain and this is one of it. Love grows on wet rainy days under an umbrella. On a bus stop.

3. It Will Rain - Bruno Mars
I'm not sure if this is a happy or sad song. I just know it's full of promises and hope.


2. 3 AM - Matchbox 20
Profound. I only recently found that the song was about cancer. And it made several references to rain too. A personal song favorite from the band.

1. Please Don't Stop the Rain - James Morrison
Many songs make lyrics with rain as a kind of nuance. But James Morrison accepts it and actually begs for more. Compete submission to rain deserves my top spot. 

Taal Lake Adventure

View from Top: Taal Lake

Long weekends are a great chance to relax and unwind from the busy city. It specially becomes more precious because we don't have many long weekends to look forward to in the Philippines and I didn't want to spend this one boring myself at home. So me and my partner embarked on a journey to Tagaytay, having fun the only plan in mind.

We got a reservation from the web for a room, but the place was empty and looked so creepy that we decided to find another place to stay. Besides we chose that place for the pool which apparently was not functional due to the rains. I will not mention the name of the lodge, but it's one of those very cheap places you'll find in a famous hotel booking site. Lesson: beware of extra cheap deals.

The other room we got, Rehm's room for rent, was pretty comfortable and very accessible. It was just a few walks away from the main road and transportation is not a problem.

We planned to head out early morning to Taal Lake to trek the mountain and swim (as we were told there was a decent place there but was never told that there was a fee). We were initially informed the fee was just P1,500 but it turned out to be waaaay more expensive. There were so many undisclosed charges that literally emptied our pockets. 

I'm gonna post the breakdown of our actual cost and what I think is a fair estimate of the most cost-efficient trip, both to serve as lesson to us to plan the trip well and a friendly advise to would-be travelers. The estimate of 6 people are based on the max no. of people for a boat ride to Taal Lake. 

                   Actual         Estimate
no. of people        2                   6
days of stay     2D/1N            2D/1N
transportation commute      commute

A quick summary of our expenses are as follow:

summary            Actual          Estimate
transportation     2,788.00     5,294.00 
Taal Lake Tour     1,020.00     3,020.00 
meals                1,280.00      4,350.00 
accomodation       1,600.00     3,600.00 
Total                  6,688.00    16,264.00 

per head             3,344.00     2,710.67 

I did not include the cost of our first hotel reservation for comparative purposes.

Below is the two-day breakdown comparison:

1st Day Actual               Estimate
Tagaytay-Olivares
from Pasay Rtda     160.00 960.00 
Olivares to Rehm      50.00          100.00 
Lunch                    500.00         1,500.00 
Room                  1,600.00        3,600.00 
Dinner                   155.00         1,500.00 
                        2,465.00         7,660.00 

2nd Day
Bfast                                -          -   
from city proper
to Talisay              300.00         1,000.00 
Boat Ride            1,500.00        1,500.00 
Boatman                200.00 200.00 
Tour guide's fee      500.00          500.00 
refreshments            50.00          300.00 
Horse ride              400.00         2,100.00 
tip for tour guide,      70.00         120.00 
boat assistant
Lunch                    625.00 1,350.00 
from Talisay
to bus station 400.00 1,000.00 
bus to pasay rtda 178.00   534.00 
                         4,223.00        8,604.00 

Total                    6,688.00       16,264.00 

per head              3,344.00        8,132.00 

The room rate estimate is 3 persons per room with additional P 200 charge on matress. A simple breakfast of coffee, rice with hotdog and egg are included.

You have an option to walk from the shore of Taal Lake to the crater if you can endure the 90-minute walk with the trail full of horse manure. We actually did this going up, but a combination of rain and exhaustion made us ride horses on the way back. You still have to pay for the tour guide if you choose to walk. 

You can also opt to hire a van (ideally less than P5,000) or bring your own transport. The downside of course is you might get lost if you're not too familiar.The road is also curved much like in Baguio so any vehicle is harder to navigate specially when it's raining. Even our hired tricycle almost broke an engine. Kuya Bong the driver was kind enough to assist us and was very helpful throughout our stay. You can contact him through 0999-720-1224 if you ever need a transport within Tagaytay.

It wasn't a memorable experience cost-wise, but it was great experience nonetheless. The trip could have been much better if it was well-planned, but I believe we can always take something good out of everything we do, and this trip is no different. Sometimes you only have to look around to appreciate it.

My desperate attempt to make a jumpshot.