Dear Eat Bulaga,
Totoo, institusyon na ang EB sa buhay ng halos lahat ng Pamilyang Pilipino. Sa loob ng 36 na taon, milyun-milyung mga tao na ang napasaya at nabago ang buhay ng dahil sa programa nyo. Sa lahat ng premyong pinamigay, halakhak na naibahagi, at kahit mga luha na kumurot sa aming mga puso, salamat.
Kailan lang, muling nabuhay ang pagmamahal ng bayang ito para sa longest-running noontime show. Di natin maitatanggi na malaki ang papel ng samahang ALDUB sa pagpalo ng ratings para sa programang minahal na natin. Nakakatuwang isipin na sa isang iglap, nagkaron ng panibagong titulo ang ating bayan. #ALDubNation, ang tawag nila.
I'm one of the millions of fans of this loveteam. They share an unexplainable chemistry that make Pinoys feel "in-love" again. They appeal to almost everyone, regardless of age, gender, economic status, etc. Come to think of it, this loveteam is very powerful. I can only hope, however, that this loveteam does not turn out to be like many others who just let fame and money dictate their next moves.
Kailan lang din, sumikat ang pelikulang "Heneral Luna" na paniguradong pumukaw sa damdamin ng maraming Pilipino. Ginising tayo. Tila pinaharap sa salamin ng nakaraan para makita ang kasulukuyan nating kalagayan.
All these being said, nakikiusap sana ako, Eat Bulaga, kung pwede pa nating palalimin ng kaunti ang mga mensaheng pinapadala ng ALDub. Malapit na ang eleksyon, bakit hindi natin simulang gamitin ang ALDub force para maghikayat sa mga Pilipino na bumoto? Alam kong alam niyo na ang gusto kong sabihin.
Nang magannounce si Mr. Joey De Leon ng contest nyong naghihikayat sa mga Pinoy na gumawa ng orihinal na musikang Pilipino, natuwa ako. Dahil hindi nyo hinayaang maging kasing babaw lang ng pagtrend sa Twitter at pagkuha ng ratings ang loveteam na ito. Sinisimulan nyo na marahil (o pinagpapatuloy) ang isang pagkilos na tunay na TATATAK at magiimpluwensya ng PAGBABAGO sa ating bayan.
Sana sa mga darating na buwan o taon ng Eat Bulaga, dumami pa ang mga programa nyong hindi lang basta nakakaaliw, pero may mabuting mensahe sa lahat ng pagpapatawa at pamamahagi.
Once again, you have proven why you are the longest-running and number one noontime show. I do hope that this time, you bring the whole nation with you as you rise. Gisingin natin ang #ALDubNation. Handa na kaming kiligin sa pagbabago at pagunlad ng Pilipinas.
#ALDubbing Your show since 93,
Benok, isang Pilipino
The Boy Juander
Be the captain of your ship. Be the pilot of your plane. Be the driver of your car.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Why every Filipino should watch Heneral Luna
Heneral Luna recounts the active years of General Antonio Luna, apparently the Philippines' most able army general. In this movie, we get to see scenes based on actual facts during the controversial years of the Spanish-American era in PH. We see how Aguinaldo played as the country's president as we faced crucial stages for our independence, but we see how Luna struggled to give this country a strong leader behind the thorn-full curtains of this era.
The cast generally gave justice to their respective characters. John Arcilla has proven many times why he is THE JOHN ARCILLA. Based on What I know about Heneral Luna, I bet he's giving Mr. Arcilla a tap on the back for his stellar performance. Ketchup Eusebio deserves an honorable mention for playing an excellent antagonist.
Much credit goes to the director, Jarrod Tarog, and his writers. The unexpected humor was effective in lightening things up as scenes were getting kind of heavy to watch. It's often painful to watch movies on Philippine history, especially when they remind us of our demise under foreign fists. We get to see how Pinoys can crack a joke at almost anything just to help them get by.
Heneral Luna shines with its visual effects. Though there's still room for improvement with how we stage gunshots, this movie is a sign that local films are improving in quality. There were also unnecessary slow-mos and blurred audios, but I believe these were put to give room for internalization.
Heneral Luna uses a familiar strategy of using a journalist as an eyewitness who plays the narrator, and this strategy worked in delivering the heart that it intended to deliver. At the end of this film, we'll get so many feels on being a Filipino. We'll see how politics in this country was dirty and dangerous since time immemorial. We'll see how a nation easily falls with divided people. We'll be challenged to take a look at how and who we are now as a country. And if we take this movie seriously, we get to question our own contributions for this country, if we are doing our part to show nationalism and pay back what Our Motherland deserves.
"Dahil sa bandang huli, ang tunay na kalaban ng Pilipino, ay ang kanyang sarili."
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Heneral Antonio Luna Mr. Guerilla Warfare (c) visitolandia.com |
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
The Truth about Sagada Trips
I
do not have wanderlust. I do not have an adventurous soul which craves
for extreme experiences. What I do have, however, is a need for
recovery. I have reached the point of breaking out from life. I needed a
fresh start.
Thankfully, God created this place called Sagada. It serves
as heart of the Philippines' Mountain Province. Coincidentally, it had
cured a million of wandering, aching, and broken hearts. With this
healing comes a very long, winding, and unexpected journey.
Benguet Mountains |
1. THE ROAD TO SAGADA
Sagada's magic is no secret to many. But what newbies like me knew nothing about was the road to Sagada. I stayed a night in Baguio before proceeding to SG. As ever, the City of Pines served only delights for its guests. I revisited Point n Grill for its Bulalo, had breakfast at the Original Glen's 50's Diner (see review) and revisited Mines View. The bus terminal to Sagada is located very near to the Central Mall; took the last trip at 1:00PM which costs 220 Pesos. Do not expect anything grand about the buses. The road to Sagada takes about 5-8 hours of uphill curves, depeding on the weather and number of vehicles. Breath-taking views of mountainous scenery and terraces surely makes the trip worthwhile.
Sagada's magic is no secret to many. But what newbies like me knew nothing about was the road to Sagada. I stayed a night in Baguio before proceeding to SG. As ever, the City of Pines served only delights for its guests. I revisited Point n Grill for its Bulalo, had breakfast at the Original Glen's 50's Diner (see review) and revisited Mines View. The bus terminal to Sagada is located very near to the Central Mall; took the last trip at 1:00PM which costs 220 Pesos. Do not expect anything grand about the buses. The road to Sagada takes about 5-8 hours of uphill curves, depeding on the weather and number of vehicles. Breath-taking views of mountainous scenery and terraces surely makes the trip worthwhile.
Kung nahabaan ka na sa byaheng Baguio, kailangan tibayan mo
rin ang sikmura para sa byaheng Sagada. Mahaba ang byahe, nakakahilo.
Dinaig ng daan ang Space Shuttle, parang roller coaster o kaya naman
parang nangangabayo sa yugyug ng sasakyan. Pero, bawal magreklamo. Dahil
sa buhay, madalas ginusto mo kung nasaan ka, ikaw ang gumapang at
gumawa ng paraan para mapunta ka sa kasulukuyan mong sitwasyon. Kaya
kailangan mong tiisin yung hirap, yung sakit, habang naghahanap ka ng
paraan na itama ang mali, habang sinusubukan mong umahon sa kumunoy ng
mga problema. Minsan pa nga, akala mo nandun ka na, akala mo tapos na,
para lang malaman mo na wala pa pala, nagkamali ka na naman, nagassume
at nanguna. Pero diba nga, the toughest part of the race is when you're
about to reach the finish line, that part when you're almost dried out
of energy. Don't worry, along this long and winding road, redemption is
on its way. You just can feel it in your veins.
![]() |
To Witness a New Beginning is a Wonderful Gift |
2. THE SUNRISE
I stayed in St. Joseph's Resthouse, probably the best place to achieve the Sagada mood while in town. I had dinner at the Sagada Lemon Pie House and tried their chicken curry at 150 Pesos. The Lemon Pie was a blast of good taste in my mouth at 30 pesos per slice and 200 for a whole pie. After which, I rested for the night bec I had to see the magic early. Depending on the number of tourists, there might be local jeepneys available at 4:00 AM. To be sure, ask around beforehand to schedule a special trip or ride with fellow tourists, good way to make new friends! You may bring coffee or light breakfast with you as you wait on top.
I stayed in St. Joseph's Resthouse, probably the best place to achieve the Sagada mood while in town. I had dinner at the Sagada Lemon Pie House and tried their chicken curry at 150 Pesos. The Lemon Pie was a blast of good taste in my mouth at 30 pesos per slice and 200 for a whole pie. After which, I rested for the night bec I had to see the magic early. Depending on the number of tourists, there might be local jeepneys available at 4:00 AM. To be sure, ask around beforehand to schedule a special trip or ride with fellow tourists, good way to make new friends! You may bring coffee or light breakfast with you as you wait on top.
Para sa nakararami, ang Sunrise sa Sagada ay isa sa
pinakamaganda sa buong mundo. Isipin mo, aakyat ka ng bundok sa madaling
araw, para makita ang isang bagay na araw-araw namang nangyayari. Tulad
sa buhay, minsan hindi natin nabibigyan ng pansin at halaga yung mga
tao o bagay na alam nating nanjan naman kahit anong mangyari. We often
wait for the unexpected to happen before we begin to appreciate the
beauty of these things or people in our lives. Pero totoo, pag nakita mo
nga yung pagsikat ng araw sa gitna ng mga bundok at ulap, di mo
mapipigilang masabi sa sarili mo na "tama na, tahan na, panahon na para
sumaya ka." It was such a powerful moment, as if the sun was telling you
to GET UP AND START LIVING! You have been officially blessed with a new
beginning.
Singit ko na rin ha? PLEASE DISPOSE YOUR GARBAGE PROPERLY.
Let's not disgrace the spot's innocence with our irresponsibility. Okay
na siguro na yung emotional baggages and pains ang binuhos natin sa
lugar na to. She has done more than enough for her to deserve our
respect and courtesy.
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(c) A Fellow Caver at Sagada |
3. THE CAVE
It was my first time to go spelunking, and I accepted the challenge to survive Sumaguing cave. There are friendly local tourguides who will come very crucial to one's Sagada trip at 500 Pesos, depending on the tour package you will choose. I was fortunate enough to be guided by one of the pioneering guides. Sumaguing is a very beautiful cave which houses magnificent formations and probably a thousand insect bats.
It was my first time to go spelunking, and I accepted the challenge to survive Sumaguing cave. There are friendly local tourguides who will come very crucial to one's Sagada trip at 500 Pesos, depending on the tour package you will choose. I was fortunate enough to be guided by one of the pioneering guides. Sumaguing is a very beautiful cave which houses magnificent formations and probably a thousand insect bats.
Kailangan din pala nating hamunin ang sarili natin
paminsan-minsan. Dahil sa pagsubok natin ng mga bagay na hindi natin
nakasanayan, o sa pagharap natin sa mga bagay na ating kinatatakutan,
dun lang natin malalaman kung gaano tayo katapang. Akala natin minsan
hindi natin kaya, sa unang sensyales ng panganib umaatras na tayo. At
wala tayong masisisi kung eto ang naging epekto ng hapdi mula sa mga
sugat ng nakaraan. But there comes a point that you have to suck it all
in, and be someone yourself deserves to be. Like me, you might be
surprised on how you can take those challenges and go through them. Yun
nga lang, the journey will be rough and tough! In that cave I did things
I never thought I would and could do. I literally held on to dear life,
I climbed through rocky edges, I had the feeling of almost dying, and I
almost gave up, but I did not. That's the thing, don't give in to your
fears. Take the risk and do things that challenge you, then you'll
discover more about yourself. After all, you're the one who will benefit
from this the most.
Warmth |
4. THE TOWN
Sagada is a very simple town. The houses and inns are very decent, and most of the townsfolk offer warm conversations about anything. True enough, a Sagada trip is made much more complete with the town experience. It takes about 20-30 minutes to go around the town proper, not counting majority of the residential areas. The cafés and restaurants offer really great food and mood. Must-tries are Sagada Brew, Strawberry Café, Yoghurt House, Salt and Pepper, Bana's, Gaia Café (which is at the far end of town), and the Sagada Lemon Pie House. I also had the chance to peek at wake rites where loved ones of the dead gather, pray, and sing local chants, in addition to Ed Sheeran's Thinking Out Loud which they were fond of singing.
Sagada is a very simple town. The houses and inns are very decent, and most of the townsfolk offer warm conversations about anything. True enough, a Sagada trip is made much more complete with the town experience. It takes about 20-30 minutes to go around the town proper, not counting majority of the residential areas. The cafés and restaurants offer really great food and mood. Must-tries are Sagada Brew, Strawberry Café, Yoghurt House, Salt and Pepper, Bana's, Gaia Café (which is at the far end of town), and the Sagada Lemon Pie House. I also had the chance to peek at wake rites where loved ones of the dead gather, pray, and sing local chants, in addition to Ed Sheeran's Thinking Out Loud which they were fond of singing.
Sakto ang Sagada para ipaalala sa atin ang katagang
"simplicity is beauty". Sa dami ng nangyayari sa buhay sa syudad, minsan
hindi na natin alam ang ibig sabihin ng "undivided attention". Many of
us have forgotten how to just live. At Sagada, I was reminded to really
eat while eating, to have a good rest when sleeping, to genuinely
converse when dealing with others. But the most important thing, I was
given the chance to liberate my mind, to let go of what needs to be
freed, and to set my priorities right. Nakita ko na kahit wala ang
maraming bagay na big deal sa syudad doon, life goes on. And it goes on
innocently and almost stress-free.
5. THE TRUTH ABOUT SAGADA TRIPS
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(c) A New Friend from Sagada |
From its recent media boost, Sagada had gained the interest of many
people. We are fortunate to discover such a beautiful creation. Sagada
will always have this magic of healing wounds with its peace and
simplicity. From the journey to the town and caves, Sagada will soothe
your soul and silently renew your energy and spirit.
The truth about Sagada trips is that it will remain to be A
trip. It ends. I had to go back to Manila; and you will have to go back
to your place after this pleasant affair. What matters most, like all
learning ventures, is for us to put our realizations into action. The
end of my Sagada trip marks the beginning of a new day; it did not just
let me turn a new page, but it gave me a brand new pen to start writing
new stories and drafting bolder dreams. This trip revealed many truths
to me about life, love, and myself. I am thankful and optimistic that
these truths will help me become the change I aspire to see in this
world.
And so, my friends, regardless if you are a legitimate soul
searcher, a professional traveller, or just someone looking for a place
to go, to visit Sagada is to have the rare opportunity to look at life
and know yourself in ways you would never have expected, and to receive
the ultimate prize of starting all over again.
IG: ion.ben
Twitter: @ionben
P.S.
I am happy that I made the decision to start visiting places in my own country. Looking forward to start peace-searching!
I am happy that I made the decision to start visiting places in my own country. Looking forward to start peace-searching!
Labels:
Baguio,
Sagada,
Sagada Trip
Location:
Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines
Saturday, November 8, 2014
A Weekend Well-Spent
I took the liberty and courage to spend the weekend inside the Abbey of our Lady of Montserrat where our beloved Benedictine monks and priests stay. My stay there has been nothing but great and peaceful. I am filled with His peace and gratitude for this opportunity he had given me.
Amidst the silence of my stay inside the monastery, I realized a lot of things that I believe only in silence can we ponder.
1. There is no "perfect timing" to spend time with God.
I have always wanted to spend time in the abbey, believing that it will open me to life realizations and lessons that only there I could find. I deferred this plan until the last weekend. After years of trying to define the "perfect timing", I realized that God deserves every second of my life. A lot of us are often too busy with our earthly possessions and responsibilities, we tend to forget the One that truly matters. I lost my habit of talking to God upon waking up and before going to sleep as I got swallowed by the exhausting bustle of the working life. This experience reminded me that God is willing to listen anytime to my rants and stresses. But more importantly, I must be more expressive in thanking Him for simple blessings and grants, like not being late for work on Mondays, or being spared from heavy traffic, or simply for another day of life.
2. Everywhere is a place of prayer.
Similar with time, everywhere can also be a place of prayer. Our churches are holy places where we can really feel the solemnity of God's presence. The sacred images and relics are there to remind us of how the power of God's love had lived through the blessed people before us. The challenge for us, the laity, is to find the presence of God anywhere we go. Be it inside a jam-packed train or along the populated streets of Manila, we are very free to talk to God and feel His love.
3. Silence is important.
I am very thankful for this experience as I am reminded that silence must remain to be an essential part of everyone's life. Benedictine monks are known for their love of silence and how they connect to God through silence. I was somehow taught how to appreciate silence, that it is not "boring"; it opens my life to a lot of opportunities to speak with God and let Him speak to me as well. I admire how St. Benedict lived a life of silence yet His praise for God roars. Among all the challenges I have sworn to accept during my stay, it is the vow of silence that I am very willing and will really try to enliven. For only when we are silent can we truly listen to Him, to our loved ones, and to the calls of the needy.
4. Everyone is an instrument of God's love.
We are all children of God, made in His own image and likeness. This basic truth is more than enough reason to live a life of faith and love. We are, however, imperfect; but this is not an excuse for our faith to falter nor to give in to sin. There is always the challenge for us to say YES to God's call for us to do His will. We are not required to be religious people, but we are given the freedom to serve others in His name, and do small things with great love and kindness.
I encourage my Benedictine brothers to experience the life in the monastery as well, we are given this great privilege to connect with Him through the silence of monastic living.
2014 is the year of the laity, and we are all called upon to be instruments of His Great Love. Pax.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Movie Review: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
2014's Best Movie came just in time.
While I was thinking fondly on how most movies this year seemed unsatisfying, these apes got my attention.
The truth is, DOTPOTA has a very limited scope; I can name only a few of my own friends who would be excited to watch apes in action, moreso in a full-length film. But if you have seen Rise of the POTA, perhaps the ape inside you wanted to see this one on the big screen. Listen to that voice. Follow your instinct. You will be amazed on how your expectations get shamelessly exceeded by this year's best film.
I can not leave a bad remark on the cast; the apes were excellent (lol) and humans were great as well. They brought in the Gary Oldman with brilliant actors to play the parts just right. Visual and sound effects were epic, just perfect to set the mood.
The storyline, however, remains its strongest asset. It is jam-packed with gratifying twists and it delivers lessons which we are familiar with in a very unique & effective way. So much so that at the end of the movie, I'm sure those who came just to watch will be converted to POTA fans.
DOTPOTA welcomes its audience with very low expectations; all of which I can assure you will be surpassed by this humble underdog. Movies like DOTPOTA deserves all the attention from the world, too bad though that it is in the movie's very nature to magnetize only the chosen few.
My Take: ★★★★★
While I was thinking fondly on how most movies this year seemed unsatisfying, these apes got my attention.
The truth is, DOTPOTA has a very limited scope; I can name only a few of my own friends who would be excited to watch apes in action, moreso in a full-length film. But if you have seen Rise of the POTA, perhaps the ape inside you wanted to see this one on the big screen. Listen to that voice. Follow your instinct. You will be amazed on how your expectations get shamelessly exceeded by this year's best film.
I can not leave a bad remark on the cast; the apes were excellent (lol) and humans were great as well. They brought in the Gary Oldman with brilliant actors to play the parts just right. Visual and sound effects were epic, just perfect to set the mood.
The storyline, however, remains its strongest asset. It is jam-packed with gratifying twists and it delivers lessons which we are familiar with in a very unique & effective way. So much so that at the end of the movie, I'm sure those who came just to watch will be converted to POTA fans.
DOTPOTA welcomes its audience with very low expectations; all of which I can assure you will be surpassed by this humble underdog. Movies like DOTPOTA deserves all the attention from the world, too bad though that it is in the movie's very nature to magnetize only the chosen few.
My Take: ★★★★★
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"I thought we had a chance." |
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Movie Review: Transformers Age of Extinction
Transformers: Age of Extinction is action-packed and scattered.
It seemed that Michael Bay lost his magic with the third Transformers movie, especially after having Megan Fox replaced by an unfamiliar eye candy. Yet here we are with the 4th entry of the infamous robot flick, given hope that this would put them back on top.
Transformers: AoE is a very long movie. Sadly though, not everyone would enjoy 3 hours of watching metals clash against each other. With this, we can only hope for a good story to balance the situation, something which the movie is lacking.
All thanks and praises must go to Mark Wahlberg; he who tried his best to bring back the movie's glory. Though there were some pretty funny moments, they may not be enough to fill in the blanks.
It must be very challenging to bring back the crowd's craving for this film. We can compare it to a dying patient, being revived momentously by loud visual and audio effects. Sometimes they work, sometimes they just don't.
As the title suggests, the fourth installment of the most popular alien robots might just signify the franchise's extinction. Nonetheless, we don't have lots of films which has cool robots in it (oh wait, we actually do...) anyway, it's still cool. It's TRANSFORMERS!
My Take: ★★★☆☆
It seemed that Michael Bay lost his magic with the third Transformers movie, especially after having Megan Fox replaced by an unfamiliar eye candy. Yet here we are with the 4th entry of the infamous robot flick, given hope that this would put them back on top.
Transformers: AoE is a very long movie. Sadly though, not everyone would enjoy 3 hours of watching metals clash against each other. With this, we can only hope for a good story to balance the situation, something which the movie is lacking.
All thanks and praises must go to Mark Wahlberg; he who tried his best to bring back the movie's glory. Though there were some pretty funny moments, they may not be enough to fill in the blanks.
It must be very challenging to bring back the crowd's craving for this film. We can compare it to a dying patient, being revived momentously by loud visual and audio effects. Sometimes they work, sometimes they just don't.
As the title suggests, the fourth installment of the most popular alien robots might just signify the franchise's extinction. Nonetheless, we don't have lots of films which has cool robots in it (oh wait, we actually do...) anyway, it's still cool. It's TRANSFORMERS!
My Take: ★★★☆☆
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Breath of Life or Sigh of Death? |
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Movie Review: 22 Jump Street
It's back. It's bigger and a bit better.
Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are back for the sequel of their action-packed comedy 21 Jump Street. Thankfully, the movie did nothing but exceed expectations and deliver good laughs.
22 JS spelled out the word HILARIOUS. From the opening scene to the closing credits, this movie literally left its audience catching their breath out of laughter. The combination of pun and wacky trips effectively tickled the crowd and made them want to watch more.
One thing that made this seemingly ordinary act-com (action-comedy) flick great was the cast. All of the relevant characters were brilliantly portrayed by the actors. Special mention goes to the stunning beauty of Amber Stevens who plays an important role.
We were all happy on how realistically funny 21 JS was, thankfully they bring the same element in the sequel with bits of funny twists here and there. The plot is interesting and the bromance between the leads definitely made the atmosphere even funnier.
22 Jump Street might be the ultimate summer movie for this year, and we are hopeful that someday in the near future we'll get to see more entries in this franchise, as they gave us a reason to expect.
My Take: ★★★★☆
Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are back for the sequel of their action-packed comedy 21 Jump Street. Thankfully, the movie did nothing but exceed expectations and deliver good laughs.
22 JS spelled out the word HILARIOUS. From the opening scene to the closing credits, this movie literally left its audience catching their breath out of laughter. The combination of pun and wacky trips effectively tickled the crowd and made them want to watch more.
One thing that made this seemingly ordinary act-com (action-comedy) flick great was the cast. All of the relevant characters were brilliantly portrayed by the actors. Special mention goes to the stunning beauty of Amber Stevens who plays an important role.
We were all happy on how realistically funny 21 JS was, thankfully they bring the same element in the sequel with bits of funny twists here and there. The plot is interesting and the bromance between the leads definitely made the atmosphere even funnier.
22 Jump Street might be the ultimate summer movie for this year, and we are hopeful that someday in the near future we'll get to see more entries in this franchise, as they gave us a reason to expect.
My Take: ★★★★☆
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"One Time Only" (c) stylegirlfriend.com |
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