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. 

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: ★★★★★

"I thought we had a chance." 

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: ★★★☆☆

Breath of Life or Sigh of Death?

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: ★★★★☆

"One Time Only"
(c) stylegirlfriend.com

Hotel Review: Stonestown Suites, Cagayan de Oro City

An hour away from the airport, Stonestown Suites provides its guests a home away from home.

Peacefully located away from the busy CDO downtown, visitors are sure to enjoy a restful stay in this humble hotel. Stonestown Suites can be proud of its very spacious rooms, rooms where small parties or gatherings can be celebrated. Rooms also feature a studio-type condo look with a functional mini-bar and lots of cabinets, shelves, and drawers to use.

SS, however, does not have an elevator. People are then forced to stretch their legs in going up and down the stairs. Don't you worry, motivational posters about exercise and environmentalism are posted everywhere to ease the exhaustion (lol).

The hotel partners with a fully-equipped gym where guests can have an early morning or evening workout. Breakfast is also catered by a partner cafeteria just beside the hotel.

Stonestown Suites does not offer a grand experience unlike its nearby competitors. However, its friendly staff and well-maintained rooms deserve a gold medal.

My take: ★★★☆☆

Hotel Review: Castle Peak Hotel, Cebu City

Castle Peak Hotel deserves its title of being one of the best hotels in the Queen City of the South.

A cab away from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, your 250-300 Php will get you to this very pleasant abode. A stone-throw away from the busy districts of the city, Castle Peak hotel provides its guests a nice and restful stay which is very similar to the rest you get at home.

The hotel is equipped with excellent amenities. All facilities are well-maintained. A cozy resto is awaiting at The 9th for guests to enjoy. The dipping pool is made more refreshing with a great view of the city. The gym has equipment in good working condition.

Breakfast served in buffet was great. Viands vary everyday from local delicacies to innovative dishes.

Some of the rooms, though, might need renovation or an update with equipment (e.g. aircon & TV). I'm sure though that those priced higher would be more satisfying. Nonetheless, I spent 4 nights sleeping very well.

If by chance you get to visit Cebu, a night's stay at Castle Peak Hotel will surely entail you to a pleasant experience, enriched with hospitable & warm staff.

Movie Review: Edge of Tomorrow

Edge of Tomorrow is a movie so carefully sewn together to produce a masterful craft.

Officer Cage must find a way to destroy an alien enemy in a way only he can fully understand and experience. Or is there anyone else out there who knows exactly what he's going through?

Looking at the trailer, I initially thought this was a prequel or sequel to Oblivion. Thankfully, it was an entirely different movie which is by far better than Tom Cruise's previous blockbuster.

Adapted from a Japanese soft novel, the film adaptation of Edge of Tomorrow will surely satisfy those who have craved for an action-packed summer film. The title, though, doesn't seem very catchy. It's rather mysterious which may draw or push away audience. The only way to fully appreciate the title is for one to watch the film and see for himself.

The opening scenes reminded me of Gyllenhaal's Source Code. Action scenes reminded me a lot of Starship Troopers. But to my surprise, EoT had its own surprises. There were lots of light moments to lighten up the hardcore atmosphere; because once the action sets in again, viewers will have to settle sitting on the edges of their seats.

Edge of Tomorrow might be Summer 2014's flagship action flick. Though there were moments that you will be tempted to fast forward to the fight scenes, I believe that all transitional stages were necessary to fully understand the film. The twists will enlighten you & help in putting things together.

Edge of Tomorrow is a tiring movie to watch. You're gonna need the energy to cope with the happenings & scenes. But do not falter, for at the end of the film, you're sure to enjoy that smile on your face.

My Take: ★★★★☆

This is how you play it!
(c) giantfreakinrobot.com

Resto Review: Glenn 50's Diner, Baguio City

The cold street of Leonard Wood features a number of good places to chillax (chill & relax) in Baguio, Philippines. But among the pubs & restos comes the most delightful surprise: Glenn 50's Diner.

Glenn 50's Diner brings people back to the past. The staff's uniform is 50's-inspired; the walls are made alive by posters of classic movies & all-time favorite Hollywood celebrities; the 50's music make you wanna literally yell in happiness while eating; and the chairs & tables make the experience very nostalgic. 

The food will remain as its best asset. Everything on the menu is surely worth giving a try. Just make sure you have lots of space to fill in that tummy because a serving for one can satisfy two. 

What's most delightful about this resto is the price. Here, we found out that the pocket does not have to suffer to gain an awesome dining experience. For similar restos in the Metro, that is difficult to prove. 

This resto deserves a trophy for it does not just satisfy the tummy; it gives people a very unique and wonderful feeling of living in those days which, for most of us, just exist on TV. 

My Take: ★★★★★

If one of these days you manage to visit Baguio City, make sure you allot at least one meal to spend in Glenn 50's Diner for a satisfying blast to the past!

THE PANCAKE SANDWICH
with AVOCADO SHAKE

Movie Review: Maleficent

Angelina Jolie makes a stunning comeback in Disney's Maleficent.

Last year, we discovered the story of the huntsman in Snow White & the Huntsman; we also took a glimpse of the evil queen in Mirror Mirror. This year, Disney brings us the story of Maleficent, the evil witch in the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty.

I have not seen Sleeping Beauty in full length so I cannot make any comparison of the cartoon with this one. I've been reading mixed reviews on this film; some expressing utter disappointment. Below are unbiased observations on this craze with a very limited fan-base.

Straight to the point, if they did not cast Angelina Jolie for the role, this movie won't deserve all the attention it is getting. Jolie brought the Yin & the Yang in Maleficent very much alive. All other members of the cast are forgettable.

There are moments that will make you smile, the kind of smile you give to a stranger. A polite smile, a smirk. It doesn't even try to give its audience a good laugh (I think it doesn't intend to). But in the end, I think  the film is successful in trying to relay the message that EVERY SAINT HAS A PAST & EVERY SINNER HAS A FUTURE (or the other way around for that matter).

Disney surely is experimenting a lot lately. They are exploring possibilities & are aggressive about playing with different elements. They were successful in shooting right through the hoop for most attempts (like Frozen); I'm not sure, though, if they are happy with the target they hit with Maleficent. 

The best reason why I'm thankful for this movie is that it was able to send a magical welcome hug to the Lips we all have missed.

My Take: ★★☆☆☆

Disclaimer: Not a character from Guardians of the Galaxy.
(c) hollywoodreporter,com

Movie Review: X-Men Days of Future Past

Following the applauded X-Men First Class, avid fans & frustrated mutants are set for another satisfying adventure in Days of Future Past.

Wolverine is sent 50 (or so) years ago in the attempt of endangered mutants to save their kind. The goal is to stop Raven (Mystique) from killing Bolivar Trask, whose death had sparked the hunting, and eventually the end of the X-Men.

Many fans clamored in delight after seeing Days of Future Past. Sure enough, this addition to the X-Men chain topped the rest of its predecessors. 

Director Bryan Singer was able to balance brain & muscle with the alternating fight scenes & necessary conversations. Opening the movie with the terrifying image of improved sentinels surely set the expectations high. Some viewers, though, may not appreciate the long chit-chats between the young Professor X and Magneto. 

The winning piece in this film might be the idea of showing the world who Mystique really is. One can not be blamed if he thinks this was supposed to be Origins: Mystique. Thanks to Jennifer Lawrence, of course, for spicing up the screen & giving justice to the cold-blooded, warm-hearted Mystique. 

There was nothing special with the visual effects, like the previous X-Men films. Except maybe for that "very quick" scene somewhere in the middle. I am not very sure if the absence of blood helped the film or made us feel that there was something missing. Otherwise, the effects were A-okay.

It is almost impossible for fans not to be satisfied with how Days of Future Past ended. It somehow was able to give the X-Men franchise a very strong boost to remind the world that they still exist. I just don't know if it was enough to bring back the excitement that most people had for it before.

My Take: ★★★★☆ 

BREAK IT DOWN!
(c) liveforfilms.com

LOVE and SACRIFICE

Love and Sacrifice. Put in one word, MOTHER.


"When God Created Mothers"

When the Good Lord was creating mothers, He was into His sixth day of "overtime" when the angel appeared and said. "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one." 

And God said, "Have you read the specs on this order?" She has to be completely washable, but not plastic. Have 180 moveable parts...all replaceable. Run on black coffee and leftovers. Have a lap that disappears when she stands up. A kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair. And six pairs of hands." 

The angel shook her head slowly and said. "Six pairs of hands.... no way." 

It's not the hands that are causing me problems," God remarked, "it's the three pairs of eyes that mothers have to have." 

That's on the standard model?" asked the angel. God nodded. 

One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, 'What are you kids doing in there?' when she already knows. Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn't but what she has to know, and of course the ones here in front that can look at a child when he goofs up and say. 'I understand and I love you' without so much as uttering a word." 

God," said the angel touching his sleeve gently, "Get some rest tomorrow...." 

I can't," said God, "I'm so close to creating something so close to myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick...can feed a family of six on one pound of hamburger...and can get a nine year old to stand under a shower." 

The angel circled the model of a mother very slowly. "It's too soft," she sighed. 

But tough!" said God excitedly. "You can imagine what this mother can do or endure." 

Can it think?" 

Not only can it think, but it can reason and compromise," said the Creator. 

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. 

There's a leak," she pronounced. "I told You that You were trying to put too much into this model." 

It's not a leak," said the Lord, "It's a tear." 

What's it for?" 

It's for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness, and pride." 

You are a genius, " said the angel. 

Somberly, God said, "I didn't put it there.” 

- Erma Bombeck

CBD Plaza Hotel, Naga City, Philippines

CBD Plaza Hotel is located near the fully urbanized area of Naga City in the Bicol region.

Strategically positioned near SM City Naga and literally in front of the bus terminal, this hotel has one of the strongest locations in the region. CBD Plaza Hotel has a dedicated airport shuttle service for guests who travel via plane. However, the hotel can use a friendlier staff who'd be willing to give wider smiles to arriving guests.

CBD Hotel needs some serious reminders on hotel service; rooms were not well-cleaned for new guests; the resourcefulness for old towels, bed sheets, and pillows is not appreciated; bathroom facilities can use some upgrading. Points, though, for the well-ventilated room and a window through which sunlight can greet you a good morning.

CBD Hotel boasts for its unbeatable location, but that's about it for this hotel. They do not have an indoor cafe. Everything has a fee: from hot water (for tea/coffee) to WI-fi connection. If you can settle for an average experience amidst the hot Bicol weather, then it's safe for you to stay here. Otherwise, it is recommended to look for a better and more exciting haven.

CBD PLAZA HOTEL: ★★☆☆☆


Contact Details:
Website: http://cbdplazahotel.com/
Mobile: (0922) 881 0735 / (0917) 556 6609
Naga: (054) 472 0318 / (054) 811 2318
Manila: (02) 359 7007

Queen Margarette Hotel, Philippines

Located at the heart of Lucena City, Quezon, Queen Margarette Hotel (Downtown) is a peaceful haven with a modern twist.

As an addition to the original Queen Margarette Hotel, its downtown branch lives up to its reputation. Looking at the establishment from the busy streets of Lucena City, QMHD does not look any more special than nearby hotels. With a basement parking that could really use a major renovation, guests would initially lower their expectations.

As we entered the hotel though, the humble corridors of QMHD seems to become more inviting with its friendly staff. There was a solid Wi-Fi connection for guests to enjoy. Checking in, one could only get pleased with the modern-inspired rooms. The cable television had an excellent signal, the room design was just right, and perhaps the bathroom is its best feature.

Located at the 2nd floor, the buffet breakfast was very satisfying. It gives the audience a nice view of the city and lets them enjoy sumptuous dishes. QMHD is one of the best places where tourists can have a relaxing and stress-free stay.

VISIT THEIR WEBSITE: www.queenmargarettehotel.com