Movie Review: This Guy’s In Love With You, Mare

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Vice Ganda, Luis Manzano and Toni Gonzaga are the three versatile artists of ABS-CBN. The three of them are competitive as host, comedians and product endorsers.

This Guy’s In Love With You Mare lead stars Vice Ganda, Luis Manzano and Toni Gonzaga

 

Put them together in one movie and it will surely be a hit. Just last Wednesday, my friend Maire and I saw the new comedy flick ‘This Guy’s In Love With You Mare‘ under the direction of Wenn V. Deramas.  When I first saw the trailer during the screening of The Mistress, I just knew that I need to watch the film once it is out. I think Toni Gonzaga is our Pinay Cameron Diaz and she is simply the ideal romance-comedy leading lady. I even thought that if My Sassy Girl will have its Philippine version, Toni is the best to play ‘the girl’.

Anyway, Here’s my own review of This Guy’s In Love With You Mare:
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Alessandra de Rossi – Music, Creativity and a Little Adrift

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I love Alessandra de Rossi. I guess that is already obvious. I used to write about her and her sister Assunta in my old personal blog. I just admire her guts and talent. With Alex, it’s either you love her or hate her.

On television, she is one of the favorite antagonists. We’ve seen her as Valentina in DARNA with Angel Locsin playing the title role. When she moved to ABS-CBN, she appeared in several teleseryes and gained more fans. She transfered back to GMA-7 last year to do ‘Sinner or Saint’ with Dennis Trillo and Bianca King.

Alessandra de Rossi – ADRIFT

Early this year, she played the role of Bernadette in Legacy with Heart Evangelista and Lovi Poe. The three of them were competing half sisters in the show, but they gained true friendship offcam. I miss their trio, to be honest. Somebody produce a movie for them!

Five years ago, she appeared on the cover of FHM and released her own version of the classic song ‘Sailing’. Her dream of becoming a mermaid came true in that music video. With her switching TV networks and continuously making mainstream and indie films, Alessandra would compose her own materials with the help of some friends.

Five years in the making and almost giving up, Alessandra de Rossi’s ‘ADRIFT‘ is now out online! The best thing there is you can download the whole album for free.

Dream to Me

Among the Filipino celebrities that are active on Twitter, Alex is one of the most loved due to her funny yet striking tweets. It will make you laugh, cry and think. Chos. Add the fact that her sister Assunta and lovable mom Tita Nenita @ermatsko chats with fans too.

For the past years, Alex had been uploading some demo tracks which kept most of her followers craving for more music. I took the opportunity to send her a message via Twitter if I can send her some questions related to the album last August. I’m glad she replied and answered my queries. I love her!

If you want to know more about Alessandra de Rossi’s adventure as a musician, read on! 😀

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One Rainy Friday Filled with Coffee-Related Dreams

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At 3PM today, Maire and I met up in our favorite coffee shop. We were supposed to watch a movie with high school friends, but had to cancel it the last minute due to the heavy rain downpour. Earlier this afternoon, I rushed to the bank to pay for something very important.

Reggae-Guesthouse-Panglao6

Save Me

I remember feeling really stressed since I need to print something before I proceed to the bank. The internet shop is full of students playing computer games and I just begged the owner if I can use the internet for a few minutes to download the document I need to print. When she gave me the go signal, I immediately went to my inbox and downloaded the needed file. The woman in-charge of printing stuff transfered the file in a program and was about to print it when all of a sudden, the electricity was switched off. Brownout!

I wished that the electricity will be back real soon since I really need to print that document. I don’t want to postpone an important appointment since there is a tendency that the date will be moved to a later day. After five minutes, the lights are on. Woohoo!

I had my important document printed and made it to the bank fifteen minutes before it closed. I’m just glad that despite the challenges I’ve been through that day, I was able to do that important task. No rain and brownout can stop the bull!

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John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo and The Mistress Quotable Quotes

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Last Wednesday, Hannah and I met up in our favorite cinema to catch the new John Lloyd Cruz – Bea Alonzo movie entitled ‘The Mistress‘. Just like in last year’s No Other Woman, the cinema almost reached the SRO level. I bought the tickets at 4PM for the 8PM screening. Half of the seats were already booked. Beat that!

One of Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz’ intense scenes in ‘The Mistress’

I am glad that we were able to enter the cinema to catch the trailers of ‘This Guy is in Love with You Mare’ (Vice Ganda-Luis Manzano-Toni Gonzaga film) and Suddenly It’s Magic (Mario Maurer and Erich Gonzales). We were also relieved that finally, Aga and Regine’s reunion rom-com ‘Of All The Things’ is finally set to be shown on the 26th of September. I am hoping it will do good in the box-office.

I first saw the trailer of The Mistress while watching The Reunion. I am quite surprised upon seeing Bea Alonzo’s onscreen kiss with veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez, and was delighted to see Hilda Koronel after years of hiatus in the industry. Olivia Lamasan is really the best when it comes to mainstream mature dramas.

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Gangnam Style Pinoy Parody Videos

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PSY invaded not only Asia, but the whole world through his signature dance move Gangnam Style. I first heard about it through Hannah when Nelly Furtado performed this KPOP hit in her concert last month here in Manila. All the while, I thought only Asia is fond of this fun song and dance move. I laughed upon learning that PSY went to the US of A to teach Ellen and Britney Spears his signature Gangnam Style moves. Woohoo!

Bogart The Explorer shows that #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines!

Almost country have a bundle of Gangnam Style videos to boot – the Philippines included! I also want to make my own version of the Gangnam Style Parody video, but I guess that can wait. For now, let me share some of my favorite Gangnam Style Pinoy Parody Videos I found via Youtube. Enjoy!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vFABrflCNc&w=560&h=315]

MOCHA GIRLS – Gangnam Style Sexy Version

– I think this is the first Gangnam Style Pinoy Parody that reached 1M views. I cannot blame the audience since it is the MOCHA GIRLS that we’re talking about here. The girl group projects a sexy and provocative image, but they can be fun (and a little wholesome… just a little.) too. The only understandable line from the song ‘Hey… sexy lady!’ is applicable to this video. HAHA!

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The Resurrection of the Pridyider

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Shake, Rattle and Roll is the most successful movie franchise of Regal Films. By December, Mother Lily’s movie outfit will be producing their 15th SRR Trilogy! It seems like some kids do really want to spend the Christmas season by laughing and screaming at the movie house while eating popcorn and sipping soda.

I’m too early for Metro Manila Film Festival, huh? The movie I am about to share have nothing to do with the MMFF 2012, but it is one of the trademarks of the Shake, Rattle and Roll series.

Andi Eigenmann aims to scare (or seduce?) in the new version of Pridyider

PRIDYIDER. Do you still remember that episode from the first Shake, Rattle and Roll movie under the direction of Ishmael Bernal? The lead star during that year is Janice de Belen. I can say that aside from her soap opera as a teen star, Janice is known as one of the horror favorites in the 80’s.

After so many years, the PRIDYIDER is back to scare kids of the new generation. I remember how that episode gave me goosebumps as a kid when I saw it on TV (ire-remake din kaya yung Undin part? LOL). The new version is directed by Rico Ilarde, who received a lot of positive reviews for his Cinema One Originals film ‘Altar’.

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Random Thoughts on the 1st of September

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It’s September. Virgos are about to turn a year older this month. I grew up with  two Virgos: My Mama Brenda and Lolo Peping. I also have some good friends and relatives who are celebrating their birthday this month. Want to know one common denominator about Virgos? They are good in handling money. Also, Taurus and Virgo are compatible as friends or lovers. #nowyouknow

Sto Nino Shrine (Romualdez Museum) in Tacloban City

It’s my mom’s birthday today and it’s not just an ordinary one – It’s her 50th Birthday. She finally reached the ‘Golden’ age. I turned 25 this year too. I really feel bad that I can’t be physically present with her now. I could’ve prepared something nice for her. She deserves a grandeur birthday celebration because she’s been working hard since she gave birth to her unica hija. She never really had a ‘vacation’. Being a mother is a full-time job especially if you have a Special Child with you. Sometimes, I feel guilty that I keep on traveling and moving while she’s stuck at work. I’m happy that she’s supportive of my ambition and she never stopped me from pursuing it. You cannot avoid the fact that she gets worried at times (all mothers are like that). I can’t wait to go back to the UK and spend more time with her and my Carlo. I miss my Carlo. I miss my baby big boy brother.

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Guni-Guni The Movie: Guilt, Fear and Too Much Information

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August is a healthy month from the Filipino films. If last week I wrote about the feel-good Star Cinema film The Reunion, I am about to write about Regal Films’ Guni-Guni, which premiered in cinemas nationwide last Wednesday.

‘Horror Princess’ Lovi Poe in ‘Guni-Guni’

Days before its movie premiere, the people behind Guni-Guni experienced a lot of ‘real-life horrors’ particularly with the poster brouhaha and the so-called ‘rift’ between Mother Lily and Lovi Poe about a certain scene with Benjamin Alvez. I am not sure if this is part of their marketing strategy, but those are not really the reason why I want to watch this movie. Of course, Lovi Poe is the main reason. She is my current favorite actress and she never fails to impress me with her projects. Second, I would like to witness how Tara Illenberger (indie filmmaker/editor) will do as a mainstream director.

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Ang Katiwala ni Aloy Adlawan: Isang Paggunita sa Ama ng Wikang Pambansa

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Ang pelikulang Ang Katiwala’ (The Caretaker) ni Aloy Adlawan ang isa sa mga pelikulang kalahok sa 8th Cinemalaya Film Festival na ginanap noong nakaraang buwan sa Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Greenbelt at Trinoma. Hindi ako nakakuha ng Festival Pass ngayong taon, pero hindi ito naging hudyat para hindi ko mapanood ang ilan sa mga pelikulang kalahok.

Napanood ko ang pelikulang ‘Ang Katiwala’ sa Greenbelt 3, ala-una y medya ng hapon. Pagkatapos kong bumili ng inumin sa paborito kong milk tea store ay dumiretso ako sa sinehan. Akala ko nga huli na ako. Buti na lang opening credits pa lang ang pinapalabas noong ako’y pumasok at umupo sa inireserba kong espasyo.

An ordinary man haunted by an extraordinary legacy

An ordinary man haunted by an extraordinary legacy

Isang araw bago ako nanood ay may kontrobersya na lumabas tungkol sa reaksyon ni Bianca King sa rebyu ng isang film critic sa pelikula ng kanyang jowa. Teka, wala namang kinalaman yung isyu na yun sa aking desisyon na manood pero aaminin ko na isa akong tagahanga ni Dennis Trillo. Isa kasi siya sa kukurampot na leading men sa telebisyon na karapat-dapat na tawaging aktor. Pwede siyang maging mayaman, dukha, ama, anak, teenager, bading, superhero, loverboy, kabit, martyr, kagalang-galang o kahit ano pa man. Hindi siya yung puro pa-kyut lang, pero cute naman talaga siya.

Ang pelikulang ito ay mula sa panulat at direksyon ni Aloy Adlawan. Isa siya sa mga creative consultants ng Kapuso network na kayang gumawa ng pelikula sa mainstream at indie. Kung napanood niyo ang mga pelikulang Quija at The Road, siya ang sumulat nun. Bilib ako sa mga sinulat niyang indie films tulad ng Room Boy at Signos.

Ayon sa isang panayam, ang artikulo tungkol sa dating bahay ni Manuel Luis Quezon ang naging inspirasyon niya para sa kanyang bagong obra. Ito na rin ang magsisilbing ‘tribute’ niya sa tinaguriang ‘Ama ng Wikang Pambansa‘, na tila hindi na kilala ng makabagong henerasyon.

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How Geri Halliwell Broke My Heart

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Ginger Spice leaves the Spice Girls?! WHAT?!

 

On 31 May 1998, Halliwell announced her departure from the Spice Girls. Through her solicitor (i.e. attorney) she stated: “Sadly I would like to confirm that I have left the Spice Girls. This is because of differences between us. I’m sure the group will continue to be successful and I wish them all the best.”

“PS: I’ll be back”.

 

It’s been fourteen years, but I can still remember how broken-hearted I was when Geri Halliwell a.k.a. Ginger Spice left the Spice Girls. Why leave the group? Why fail your fans? Why fail me?

What’s Your Favorite Film? SPICE WORLD THE MOVIE!

In early 1998, there were rumours spreading around that Victoria Adams (now Beckham) is planning to leave the group to start a new family. Geri is considered as the leader of the group. Being the oldest and the main advocate of the ‘Girl Power’ tag, I didn’t expect that she will leave the group. I know how ambitious she was and how determined she is to make her dreams come true. I know her humble beginnings to her frustrations while growing up and finally getting that big break to be a part of the most successful girlband in the world. HOW COULD YOU?! I looked up to you yet you did this to me and the rest of your loyal fans from all over the world. You betrayed us 🙁

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