For the Twilight fans out there who haven't seen it yet, here is the official trailer of the upcoming Twilight movie (12 December 2008).

I was really looking forward to seeing how they would execute the scene where Bella almost gets run over. It appears here in the trailer. While it was well done, I can't help but wish it happened like it did in the book. But then again, I guess it wasn't cinematically possible. Here is how it happened in the book:

Edward Cullen was standing four cars down from me, staring at me in horror. His face stood out from a sea of faces, all frozen in the same mask of shock. But of more immediate importance was the dark blue van that was skidding, tires locked and squealing against the brakes, spinning wildly across the ice of the parking lot. It was going to hit the back corner of my truck, and I was standing between them. I didn't even have time to close my eyes.

Just before I heard the shattering crunch of the van folding around the truck bed, something hit me, hard, but not from the direction I was expecting. My head cracked against the icy blacktop, and I felt something solid and cold pinning me to the ground. I was lying on the pavement behind the tan car I'd parked next to. But I didn't have a chance to notice anything else, because the van was still coming. It had curled gratingly around the end of the truck and, still spinning and sliding, was about to collide with me again. A low oath made me aware that someone was with me, and the voice was impossible not to recognize.

Two long, white hands shot out protectively in front of me, and the van shuddered to a stop a foot from my face, the large hands fitting providentially into a deep dent in the side of the van's body. Then his hands moved so fast they blurred. One was suddenly gripping under the body of the van, and something was dragging me, swinging my legs around like a rag doll's, till they hit the tire of the tan car. A groaning metallic thud hurt my ears, and the van settled, glass popping, onto the asphalt — exactly where, a second ago, my legs had been.

It was absolutely silent for one long second before the screaming began. In the abrupt bedlam, I could hear more than one person shouting my name. But more clearly than all the yelling, I could hear Edward Cullen's low, frantic voice in my ear.

"Bella? Are you all right?"

"I'm fine." My voice sounded strange. I tried to sit up, and realized he was holding me against the side of his body in an iron grasp.

"Be careful," he warned as I struggled. "I think you hit your head pretty hard."

I became aware of a throbbing ache centered above my left ear.

"Ow," I said, surprised.

"That's what I thought." His voice, amazingly, sounded like he was suppressing laughter.

"How in the…" I trailed off, trying to clear my head, get my bearings. "How did you get over here so fast?"

"I was standing right next to you, Bella," he said, his tone serious again.

I turned to sit up, and this time he let me, releasing his hold around my waist and sliding as far from me as he could in the limited space. I looked at his concerned, innocent expression and was disoriented again by the force of his gold-colored eyes. What was I asking him?

I understand why so many people like Twilight the best of the series. It is because it is the happiest of the 3 books (so far). It is the romantic (getting to know you) story of Edward and Bella. Most teenagers I've spoken with have mentioned that they didn't like New Moon all that much and I can understand why.

New Moon is a book that dwells on Bella's depression when Edward left her. It is angst-filled almost from start to finish. I went through a similar experience so I could intimately relate with her apathy and catatonia and seeming recklessness. While New Moon is not a happy book, I feel that it was necessary, if only for the purpose of serving as a transition between Twilight and Eclipse. For the most part because New Moon is where Bella actually gets to know Jacob Black and becomes close to him.

I have a confession. While I am enamoured with Edward Cullen, I totally agreed that Bella and Jake make sense, even though Jake is 2 years younger than her (and looks about 25). It's not just the fact that he is more human (because he is). It was something else. Bella's relationship with Edward, the way she acted around him reminded me of Catherine (played by Linda Hamilton) and Vincent (played by Ron Perlman) in the 80's TV series Beauty and the Beast (insert music of "The First Time I Loved Forever") will know what I mean. They were almost always romantic, standing close and whispering to each other, etc. With Jake, Bella was more natural, more uninhibited. More ... herself.

And then there is the difference of cold and hard as stone and warm as the sun. Edward and Jake are polar opposites --- in color, temperature, malleability, temperament, etc.

It is difficult to choose. And I know in the end she needs to choose just one. Poor Bella. This will be a tough choice for her to make.

New Moon, for me, is a "must read".

For those who haven't read the book yet, click here to read the first chapter of New Moon.

When you can live forever
                 what do you live for?

I've been hearing raves about Twilight for quite some time now but with everything I have to do and the books I have lined up to read, I just never got around to it. I only realized how good it (and the succeeding books) really is when my daughter bought the books with her own money and started reading and COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN.

Fyi, my daughter is not really a reader so seeing her so engrossed in a book was not only gratifying to me, but also mystifying. What is she reading that has her so absorbed? So much so she was asking for word definitions and staying up all night just to finish the book. To sate my curiousity I finally got around to borrowing the books from her and reading them myself. Fantastic!

Twilight is the story of Edward and Bella. Bella is a quiet, mature teenage girl who decided to live with her dad when her mom remarried. Edward ... Edward is a vampire.

Anne Rice has prepared us for the romantic vampire and while I will confess to being "secretly in love" with Lestat, Stephenie Meyer made me fall in love again, but with Edward and Bella. You read it right --- Edward and Bella. Even before seeing who the actors will be in the Twilight Movie, I already had an image in my head of what they look like and how they interact with each other. I could see them, feel them, smell them. (Yes, I have a very vivid imagination.)

Twilight is ... a love story, a romance. Like I said, it's all about Edward and Bella. There are parts of the story that would interest guys but mostly this was written for girls. I can already see the multitude of teenage girls wishing they were Bella and swooning over Edward. And with the movie coming out in December you can expect book sales to rise even more and even more women (not just teenage girls) pining for Edward.

I don't normally like reading books written in the first person. With this book (and its siblings) I didn't even notice that it was written in the first person at all. Stephenie Meyer writes so vividly and her writing is fast-paced that I wasn't bored for a second. I didn't even skip any paragraphs or sentences. As I read I found myself inhaling, absorbing her words and living her story. In other words, as I read through the pages, I was Bella.

As I was reading I couldn't help hearing Tom Cruise in my head saying "You complete me". Oh no! Does this mean I like Tom Cruise? First Lestat de Lioncourt and now Jerry Maguire! I better watch it, hehehe.

To get back on track, though, Twilight is definitely a must read ... for a select audience. Definitely Anne Rice fans will like this book, and definitely romance junkies and teenage gilrs will like it, too.

"And as I gaze into those golden eyes just inches away from mine and smell his sweet scent, I find I cannot look away nor stay away. I confess, I am in love with Edward Cullen."

The story does not end with Twilight. It continues on with New Moon, then Eclipse, and soon, Breaking Dawn. Three excellent and seamless additions to the story of Edward and Bella, but with additional complications.

Stephenie Meyer is also in the middle of writing Midnight Sun, a companion to Twilight, which is basically the same story but from Edward's perspective. Click here to read the first chapter. I'm really excited about Midnight Sun, too. I hope the book comes out soon.

Finally! I've gotten around to seeing Prince Caspian!

After having seen the BBC version (I have the complete set on DVD) I had high hopes for this production. I hate to say it but, the BBC version was a yawnfest. If I didn't love the stories so much, I wouldn't have bought the collection at all.

This story happens centuries after Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy left Narnia. Time flows differently. A month here is a century there. In the time that has passed Narnia was invaded by humans and the citizens of Narnia have all gone into hiding. When Prince Caspian finds his life in danger and flees to the forest, he blows the horn of Queen Susan, not knowing exactly what it would do. He simply followed instructions from his tutor who told him to blow the horn in desperate times.

The horn, apparently was a way to summon Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy back to Narnia.

The movie then proceeds with the story of how the Narnians fight the humans to regain their freedom, with the help of their kings and queens of old and Prince Caspian.

If there is one thing I was excited to see in this movie, it was the fight scenes. Choreography has definitely improved and the camera angles were awesome. Also, the special effects with the gryphons and the centaurs. I think it was cool that they showed a centaur boy in training at the sword salute.

The last scene in Narnia.

• In the BBC version, Aslan tells the 4 children that only Edmond and Lucy can return. He tells Peter and Susan, "you're too old", which I thought was cruel since he did not explain anything.
• In the current Prince Caspian, Peter is the one who says that only the 2 younger will return because he and Susan have learned what they came to learn and he turns to Aslan for confirmation.

In my head, the latter made more sense than the former. I wonder how it happened in the book?

Random thoughts:

• Lucy is getting prettier! And Edmond is getting better looking, too! Peter and Susan look the same.
• I can't remember, but did the book say the Termalines were Italian? They certainly sounded Italian.
• Did anyone else think Reepicheep was so adorably cute? hehehe
• Liam Neeson is so suited as Aslan.
• Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) looks like Nathan (of One Tree Hill) in the first few episodes of the last season.
• Eep! Ben Barnes was in Stardust as the young Dunstan! Must watch Stardust again, hehehe.
• Awesome sword fight between Peter and Miraz. However, it didn't make sense that Peter would muscle it out in an actual sword fight. How can a teenage boy be as strong as a full grown man? What he had working for him was agility, flexibility, and speed. So, in my opinion, the move that made the most sense was his initial salvo. Great opening to the fight! After that he should have danced away and not tried to pit strength against strength.
• Tilda Swinton is so hot as The White Witch. In the BBC movie the crone and the White Witch were one and the same.

Quotable quotes:

• Susan (when Caspian was returning her horn): Keep it. You may need to call me sometime.
  Lucy: You may need to call me sometime?
  Susan: Shut up!
• Peter (introducing himself to Trumpkin, the dwarf): I am High King Peter ... the magnificent.
  Susan: I think it would have been better if you dropped the last part.
  Trumpkin: I think so.
• Prince Caspian (on the ground with Reepicheep on his chest with a sword at his face): You are a mouse.
  Reepicheep: Can't you humans come up with anything original?
• King Miraz (after Edmond delivers Peter's message to the Termalines): Prince Edmond ...
  Edmond: King.
  King Miraz: What?
  Edmond: King Edmond. Just king, not high king. That's Peter. It's confusing, I know.

Hmmm ... suddenly, I feel a need to find the books and read them again, just to see how much of the movies were true to the book.
If you haven't had a chance to watch the movie yet, it is still showing in the cinemas. I highly recommend this, for kids and adults alike.

I had lots of fun in someone else's kitchen.  Pots and pans like you see on the Food Network (albeit looking like they've seen a lot of use), knives so sharp you have to be extremely careful, and professional chefs to teach us how to turn out beautiful, delicious dishes.

I was invited, along with other bloggers, to join a Discovery Class last Saturday, 10 May 2008, at CCA (Center for Culinary Arts). The Discovery Class is part and parcel of the regular course offerings for new students of CCA to help them decide whether they are inclined to culinary or baking. Personally, I couldn't decide. As some of you know, I love being in the kitchen. I love to cook and I love to bake. And I am all for learning something new.

Fifteen people attended the morning session, majority of whom were bloggers. We were divided into 3 groups of 5 and each of the groups were tasked to prepare the same dish --- Caramelized Salmon with Orange-Shoyu Sauce. We also made sauteed mixed vegetables as a side dish. Our teacher for the morning session was Chef Menoy Gimenez. I had a lot of fun under his tutelage. His teaching technique is efficient, informative, and fun. I was lucky enough to be part of a group that could mostly cook and are OC so our process was also efficient and our work area was always clean AND we were all pretty good at following instructions. Check out what our finished product looked like.



In the afternoon was the baking session with Chef Anne Atanacio and we prepared Saffron Panna Cotta. This session was more casual and personal. Chef Anne showed us how to prepare the dish and then allowed us to make it ourselves. In the meantime, she would chat with us, tell us anecdotes, get to know us, and teach us when we needed guidance and jumped in when we made cooking mistakes. In the afternoon session only 9 participants were present so we were split into 3 groups of 3. My group finished first because we did not make any mistakes (thankfully!) and were eager to taste our finished product.

I, personally, had a lot of fun in this class and I fully intend to make these dishes again at home.  For me, though, the question of culinary or baking was not answered.  I want to do both!

If you are interested in taking the Discovery Class yourself, this is offered every Saturday at CCA.  The class costs P3,800 for a full day session (3 hours in the morning and 3 hours after lunch), all materials included.  CCA is located along Katipunan Avenue across the street from the Ateneo gym. The ground floor of the building is the Cravings restaurant.

I would love to enroll but that will have to take a back seat for now. I'll get Erika through college first, then we will see if there is a chef in me.

My only regret ... we couldn't bring home what we made.    I wonder ... any chance I could sit in on another Discovery Class for free? hehehe  But seriously ... I'd love it if I could.

Pratchett fans will be pleased to know that the long awaited movie (tv movie) version of the first Discworld book has finally come out! It was shown on skyone in the U.K. (http://www.skyoneonline.co.uk/tcom/index.html) and I am very happy to say I thought it was a great kiddie film! For starters, great cast:

Sean Astin as Twoflower (the Tourist)
Tim Curry as Trymon - I love Tim Curry! He is the perfect villain!
Jeremy Irons as The Patrician - It is like the role was made for him!
David Bradley as Cohen the Barbarian - You may recognize him as Finch in The Harry Potter movies.
Laura Haddock as Bethan
David Jason as Rincewind
Christopher Lee as Death
and Terry Pratchett himself as Astrozoologist #2 - I always find it interesting when authors do cameos

Second ... there is a Star Trek and a Star Wars reference, hihihi

And third, they more or less stayed true to the book.

Fourth, I found it fascinating to see how they were able to portray the Luggage and Death. In the Discworld series Death is one of the more interesting characters.

For those of you who haven't decided whether to start the discworld series yet or not, maybe this movie will help you in making a decision.

Movie available for download at your favorite torrent site.

I'm reaching that point where I am starting to seriously think about purchasing my own bowling ball. Asking around, though, I don't think it is in my budget yet, so for now I am just taking a peek at designs. Here are some interesting ones I saw at Bowler's Paradise.

These are the beginner balls I found interesting.


The first ball, I think, was the design of the ball in Mystery Men. Me likey but ... I don't thik I will be able to look at it for long, hehehe. It might just spook me.
Tweety ... I don't know what it is about it ... I guess I just think it's cute.
The white ball makes me think of a pearl ... or a crystal ball. It's just so pretty!
Alien - channeling Mulder: the truth is out there!
I like the Ebonite Midnight Glow  (the 5th ball) --- it glows in the dark, hehehe. As written up on the site: "Turn down the lights, and turn up the fun! Every Maxim         Glow is a wickedly fun ultraviolet glow ball that lights up late night and         black light bowling or birthday parties."

These are the mid-range balls.  I don't know if I am ready for these yet, hehehe.


Er, I just liked the color and pearly finish of the Hammer doom.
The second ball is called Storm Tropical Black/Red Pearl. Cool, eh?
Smiley --- how can I resist?
Black widow ... same sentiments as with the white ball, except I think the white ball is prettier.

My faves ... the white ball and the glow in the dark ball.

Hmmm ... it would be nice to have my own ball someday.

When I went to bed last night I already knew what I wanted to do today ...

• check out MOA
• check out E-Lanes in Greenhills
• check out bowling shoes in Greenhills
• check out the bowling shoes at Coronado Lanes in Starmall

Instead of going all the way to MOA I opted to call them instead.  I would have wanted to go there and check the place out but the distance daunted me.  So I ended up calling them instead.  These are their rates:

• P100 - Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm
• P120 - Saturday and Sunday and daily from 5pm to closing
• P30 - shoe rental

I found all that more than a bit daunting.  They are more than a little bit more expensive than the other places I have bowled.  And in a couple of places, almost twice the cost.  The difference is that they just opened and everything is still new.  That's it, as far as I can tell without going there.

After breakfast I made my way to Greenhills and looked at the tiangge for bowling shoes.  They had some there that was imitation Adidas, Lacoste, and Puma that only cost around P500 (approx.) but I had some reservations so I decided to look around some more and look at the shoes found at bowling alleys.

I went to look for E-Lanes at the Shopping Center only to find out that they had moved!  They were no longer there, but had moved further down the street (Ortigas) between Madison Street and Santolan.  For those who are familiar with the area, they are at the 2nd floor of the building where Openpinoy is located.

It is far ... and during rush hour I can't think it will be worth it to go there ... but they do have an EXCELLENT place. All their equipment are Brunswick, including the shoes. Although, some of the shoes are Swatch. Their lanes are clean, their playing areas are more than decent and their display screens are great! The control panel for the games are attached to the dining table and swivels so that you could punch in whatevers from the left or the right side of the table. You may ask, why did they provide dining tables? Well, this is because they also serve meals at the bowling lanes. We can't bring in our own food ... but the food on their menu is not shabby. From sandwiches to pasta to ala carte meals --- there is no reason to leave just to eat.

How much per game? It ranges from P72/game to P92/game depending on the time or day you play. Shoe rental is P25. I should also add, they have decent holes on the bowling balls so the gents will not have a problem there ... and I like the color of their balls, hehehe.   Click HERE to see their ratesheet.

After ogling all that I could ogle there I made my way to Starmall (which was really my scheduled destination for today) to check out the bowling shoes their proshop were selling.  I canvassed the price of bowling shoes yesterday over the phone and on the net and most of the stores gave me from P2,500 to P9,000, depending on the brand (which, incidentally, is also the price range for bowling bowls --- just for your information, hehehe).  Coronado Lanes' Proshop was the only one that offered shoes for less than P1,000.  I went there and they had 2 brands to offer me. The first one was called Striker and cost P945 and came in either white or beige. The other cost P750 (I didn't see the brand name) and only came in white. I wanted to try out the P750 unfortunately, they only had it in big sizes (9 to 12) and had limited stock of that.

Can you guess what happens next?  I end up buying the beige Strikers.

Call me praning but I just have trust issues with rented shoes.  I keep waiting for my feet to itch because the person that wore it before me had athlete's foot or something.  And considering how often I've been playing this month (about 2 to 3 times a week), I think it is time to get me some decent shoes.

Can't wait to wear them on Thursday!

For those of you who are familiar with the awesome antivirus AVG, (the only antivirus I know of that has a legitimate free edition that works perfectly) here is some important news.  Grisoft is giving away the AVG Pro 7.5 FOR FREE if you install it ON OR BEFORE Jan. 17, 2008. 

Here are sites you can download it from:

• http://www.computeractive.co.uk/avg/index
• http://download.yousendit.com/A17B2B3464EAB1D3
• http://www.megaupload.com/?=IIQ4RERZ
  

You only have a few days left, folks.  Download and install as soon as you can.

Thanks to the 10th anniversary thingy of Starbucks, saving stamps to get a planner is not as difficult.  Add to that generous people who give away stamps when their cards are filled up and so now more people were able to avail of the much coveted planner.

I finally got mine today at the Sunnymede branch on Quezon Avenue.  According to Erika, this planner is not really mine yet until her Tita Bambi (my sister-in-law and her favorite aunt on the Tan side) gives her copy to her.  Ate Bambi has been collecting stamps for her but because of the holidays I don't think she was able to visit Starbucks as often.  I hear she often went to the branch near her office.  I hope she gets it soon 'cause I'd really rather keep this planner.  I've even started writing on it already ... but only a little bit.

I love the paper they used.  It isn't smooth white glossy sheets.  As a matter of fact, the pages are made of recycled paper.  I also like the fact that it's a binder.  That way, I could put other stuff in it, so long as it is something with 6 holes (like fillers for conventional planners).

Aside from the coffee, Tina and Erika were there for the free wifi.  Simon came along for the ride.  Actually, he drove us there and paid for our coffee, hehehe.

I wonder what next Christmases planner will look like? Curious.

Into The Woods combines the well-known fairy tales of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood with the story of the Baker and his Wife who desperately want a child. Unfortunately, the Baker and his Wife have been cursed with childlessness by a witch and must perform various missions involving the characters in the other fairy tales to break the spell. The Baker and his Wife must bring the witch a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, hair as yellow as corn, and a slipper as pure as gold. Once the characters have accomplished their goals, however, they learn about the pitfalls of greed and gluttony. Finally, they learn about the need for community and unity and the power of wishes and dreams.

PERFORMANCE DATES: November 9 - December 8, 2007 (Fridays and Saturdays): 8pm
VENUE: Music Museum
DIRECTION: RITO ASILO

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I enjoyed watching this play so much that it has taken me this long to write about it (I watched on 25 November 2007). It is soooo good and the actors are phenomenal! Ordinarily when I watch plays I like to be within spitting distance. For this one (for financial reasons) we sat at the balcony (aka nosebleed section, which wasn't bad, actually since the Music Museum is an intimate theater) and we had an excellent view of most of the set. I think the only part we really didn't see was Cinderella's mom (ghost).

The Story:
I haven't read The Uses of Enchantment from which the script was based but after watching the play, I am intrigued about it now. I found it interesting how several Grimm fairy tales were interwoven into one story. I also thought it was interesting to see what happens after "happily ever after". For me, the conclusion actually made sense.

The Actors: Performances that stood out for me
Julia Abueva as Little Red Riding Hood. For an 11 year old, her singing voice is very mature. She sounds better than many seasoned singers I have heard. She is also a fantastic actor. I'm surprised that I haven't heard as much about her as her talent warrants. I await the day she gets to perform in Broadway and at the West End. I'll keep her in my radar from now on and will do my best to watch her future performances.

Cathy Azanza as Cinderella. When she sings it seems to effortless you almost don't notice the impossibly high notes that she hits as she does her trills and runs, especially at the scenes where she is talking to the birds. I didn't like her ball gown. I think the costumer should have come up with something better. She actually looked better in the cinder-covered clothes.

Menchu Lauchengo-Yulo as the baker's wife is not only an excellent singer but is also an excellent actor. My favorite scene with her in it is the one where she encounters Prince Charming in the woods in the second act. She is a good wife and tries to resist his charms and yet ... who hasn't dreamed of catching the eye of a prince? She portrayed her role so well that I actually forgot who she was and so only the character.

Missy Maramara as The Narrator. Interesting portrayal. Very authoritative and matter of fact. Her timing was also excellent! Of course, with such a wonderful script and score, who can help but give a great performance, right? Even to the end when she is sacificed to the Giantess, she still tried to stand on her dignity, without much success! hehehe. But then, that was still in character.

John Mulhall as Rapunzel's prince. I will admit it. I have a little bit of a crush on him, hehehe. You can't deny, he's a hottie. And it helps that he is chockful of talent. I thought it was funny how he married Rapunzel and later ended up being Snow White's prince. I was able to see him perform in the past for Trumpets. I believe it was in The Little Mermaid.

Lynn Sherman as The Witch. What can I say? I love you, Lynn! Not only are you a friend, you are also a fantastic singer and actor. I can't judge you as a dancer since I haven't seen that yet, hehehe. I wanted to ask though, how come you were cast as a witch, again? Just curious. You definitely did the role justice. Bernadette Peters is a tough act to follow. I love Bernadette Peters, too, hehehe.

Joaqui Valdez as Jack surprised me. Despite the bulging muscles, he came across as shy and unsure, totally embracing his character as Jack (of Jack and the Beanstalk). His relationship with his cow, Milky, was sweet and the scene where he says goodbye to her was poignant. I was told beforehand by my daughter that he was a good singer so I knew to expect a good singing performance from him. I was heartened to learn he wasn't all song but had the acting ability, too.

Michael Williams as the baker. My favorite scene ... when he was trying to take the red cape from Little Red Riding Hood. I thought it was priceless! I keep getting this feeling that I've seen him acting many times before. It is highly possible I have. He is, after all, a seasoned stage actor. I took a peek at his credits and one play jumped out at me. They're Playing Our Song, which, I believe, was performed with Lea Salonga at the Aguinaldo Theater. I remember I watched it 2 or 3 times, hehehe.

Jamie Wilson as Prince Charming/the wolf. I'll be honest with you. I wasn't all that excited to learn he was Prince Charming --- but only because he doesn't fit the mold of MY Prince Charming. Does that make sense? But that is irrelevant because he was great as both the wolf and as Prince Charming. In the scene where he seduces the baker's wife in the woods I was tempted to hide behind my hands and squeal. I was thinking, "Oh, no, he will NOT!" And of course, he did. After a few too many kisses, they got it on ... in the woods!

The Music:
Kudos to Stephen Sondheim for his genius in the composition and scoring of this fantastic musical! Click HERE if you want to hear the music for yourself. That list is the original broadway recording of Into The Woods.

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If you are into musicals and you haven't watched it yet, I suggest you find the time to do so. I promise, it is worth every peso. Click HERE for the teaser video.

This is Lea Salonga and Simon Bowman's performance of Sun and Moon at Lea's first British talk show appearance. I just love this song! Wish I could've seen the play.

For Good is turning out to be my favorite song in the entire musical (Wicked). A close second is Defying Gravity followed by Popular. Here is a clip of Idina (Elphaba) and Kristin (Glinda) practicing For Good with the composer and musical director.

I swear this song gives me goosbumps!

I am such a geek! hehehe   I can't believe how much I am looking forward to seeing the upcoming Star Trek movie.  I wait with bated breath for every news on who will be cast in what role.  So far this is what I've got from Startrek.com.

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Zachary Quinto is Spock!
The first to be announced was Zachary Quinto, popular from his villainous role in the hit tv series Heroes will be playing the role of Spock.  This was announced during the comic con held in July 2007.  His participation in the movie was made during the panel with both Zachary Quinto and Leonard Nimoy present.  Side by side, the resemblance is uncanny!  Quinto's getting the role is not inconceivable!  Of course this means his shooting schedule needs to be reorganized, what with his being a critical character in Heroes and all.  But I'm sure they will work something out.

The New Captain James T. Kirk: Chris Pine
We have received word that Chris Pine has been confirmed to play the role of James T. Kirk in the new "Star Trek” movie directed by J.J. Abrams. As previously reported, Pine had been in talks for the coveted iconic role, but had a potential scheduling conflict. Today's confirmation ends speculation on whether the actor would choose "Star Trek” over another film he was offered called "White Jazz,” to be directed by Joe Carnahan and starring George Clooney. Carnahan's own blog dropped strong hints that Pine chose "Trek" over his film, but the details of his signing on to the Trek movie have not been finalized until now.

The 27-year-old Pine is one of Hollywood's hottest young actors right now, gaining prominent attention as Lindsay Lohan's love interest in "Just My Luck" and as a neo-Nazi assassin in Carnahan's "Smokin' Aces".  His father, Robert Pine, has played a couple of roles in Star Trek ("Liria," "Tavin") and performed with Michael Dorn on CHiPs.

Dr. Leonard McCoy aka "Bones":  Karl Urban
New Zealander Karl Urban is set to play Dr. Leonard McCoy, STARTREK.COM can now confirm. Once again, this ends the recent speculation as to whether the Kiwi actor would sign on for the role.

Urban (not to be confused with the other famous New Zealander named Urban, country singer and guitar player Keith) has been in some high-profile films of late, including "The Bourne Supremacy," "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" and "The Return of the King," and "The Chronicles of Riddick".  Urban's acting career began to take off back in his native New Zealand when he guest starred in several episodes of Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, both filmed in Auckland as Cupid and later as Julius Caesar.

For the role of McCoy in J.J. Abrams' new "Star Trek" film, not much is known where we are in the story with the character of "Bones." Or if he even has that nickname yet!

New Sulu: John Cho Cast in "Star Trek" Movie
Everything is falling into place for J.J. Abrams and the casting of the new "Star Trek" film. Now Sulu is on board in the person of John Cho, star of cult movie favorite "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle".  This news according to today's Hollywood Reporter.

George Takei, the original Sulu, has reacted to today's news by telling STARTREK.COM:

  "Sulu's in good hands. John Cho is an exciting actor. I've seen Cho in many productions at East West Players and he always brings a vigorous sense of individuality to his roles. Under the leadership of J.J. Abrams, the Star Trek franchise is being infused with new energy and I hope John Cho plays a critical part for many years — and films — to come."
  —George Takei, October 12, 2007

Cho had been rumored for a good year to be a contender for Sulu, and when we had a chance to talk to him months ago he said, "My God, that would be an honor. I mean, I used to watch the Original Series when I was a kid. I've always thought it would be great to do a space joint." ("Joint" being a term popularized by Spike Lee.) He added that it would be fun to dress up in sci-fi spandex. "That's what I'm wearing now, so why not do it for money?"

Aside from his breakout role in "Harold & Kumar," Cho is also famous for a small but memorable part in the raunchy comedy "American Pie," and turned a few heads in the independent drama "Better Luck Tomorrow".  Early in his acting career, in the late '90s, he did a guest spot in Abrams' Felicity. In 2006 People Magazine listed him as the 11th sexiest man alive.

Cho was recently seen on TV in the Brad Garrett sitcom 'Til Death, and he begins a recurring role next Thursday, October 18, on Ugly Betty as "Kenny." That Emmy Award-winning comedy, which co-stars Deep Space Nine alum Vanessa Williams, airs Thursday nights on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Cho has also filmed a sequel to "Harold & Kumar" that is slated for release in 2008, and is signed on for a crime thriller called "Expats."

Hikaru Sulu, as we all now, has typically been posted in the position of helmsman on the U.S.S. Enterprise (until he was promoted to captain of the Excelsior). However, when Sulu was first seen, in the second pilot "Where No Man Has Gone Before," he was a physicist, the head of the ship's Astrosciences division.

Yelchin as Chekov
It looks like J.J. Abrams may have his Chekov.   The 18-year-old AntonYelchin already has an impressive resumé, having appeared in numerous TV shows including Taken, ER, Judging Amy, The Practice and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Anton has also appeared in several movies, including "Alpha Dog" and "House of D".

"Pavel Chekov," of course, was originated by Walter Koenig in the second season of the Original Series. Even though the proud Russian was a late-comer to the bridge crew, he was apparently somewhere on the Enterprise in Season One, because as we know from "Star Trek II," Khan "never forgets a face".

Pegg Beamed In For Scotty
J.J. Abrams has found his "Scotty" — British actor Simon Pegg. This news come courtesy both The Hollywood Reporter and Variety.  Known for his comedic roles in "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz,"  Pegg also appeared as the technical wizard "Benji" in Abrams' hit  "Mission: Impossible III".

The role of Montgomery Scott, chief engineer of the U.S.S. Enterprise, originated in the second Star Trek pilot, "Where No Man Has Gone Before," with the late James Doohan. Doohan would continue to play the part for nearly 30 years, through seven movies and an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

One of Doohan's two eldest sons, Chris Doohan, told STARTREK.COM  he was surprised by the casting choice but believes Pegg will do a great job in the part. "No, he doesn't look like my father and he has a  little less hair than Scotty did, but his accent is good and he's a  great actor. I send my congratulations to you, Simon, and I hope you  'give 'er all ya got, laddie!" Chris said. "P.S. I'm still available  for a small walk-on role, J.J. ..."

Zoë Saldana Cast in J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek" movie
Zoë Saldana  will be playing Uhura.Saldana has appeared in a variety of films and TV shows in the past seven years including the first "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie and the surprise hit "Drumline." In "The Terminal" with Tom Hanks, she played a character who admitted to being a convention-going Trekkie, an airport passport officer named "Torres" (interesting). She was also featured in the short-lived Abrams-produced TV show Six Degrees (2006). Saldana is currently filming the James Cameron sci-fi feature "Avatar," which is scheduled to be in theaters in 2009.

Saldana steps into the shoes of Nichelle Nichols, who originated the part for Gene Roddenberry's show back in 1966.

With the announcement of Karl Urban as McCoy, this completes principal casting for the main bridge crew. Christopher Pike is one of the big parts remaining to be cast.

I was able to watch Insiang last night (October 4) during the press night with a couple of blogger friends, Anne and Zee.  Unlike them I had never seen the movie version (directed by Lino Brocka in 1976), nor have I heard the radio play, nor seen the first run of Insiang a few years ago.  I had no idea of what the story was about and therefore, had no expectations.  In other words, I was an "Insiang-virgin".

Insiang was written by award winning writer, Mario O'Hara and is a story about a young girl (Insiang) and her life growing up in the slums of Manila.  Directed by Direk Chris Millado, if I had to describe this story in one word, I would have to say it is GRITTY.  It is as close to real life as I have ever seen on stage.  It is a story filled with sex and violence, drama and touches of comedy.  It is real people with real issues without the sugar-coating.

Toyang (played by Mae Paner) acts as the narrator of this play and supplies the comedic elements with her witty comments and quirky view of life.  To her neighbors, she is perceived as a crazy woman because she is always found to be talking to herself.  In the play, of course, she is talking to us, the audience.  Her life is anything but perfect but her sense of humor and appreciation of the absurd allows her to laugh through her tears.

Pacing (played by Mailes Kanapi) is the mother of Insiang.  She has a very amorous nature and often brought men home to spend the night.  She feels that life has dealt her a "bad hand " and takes out her frustrations on Insiang.  She is also very jealous of Insiang's youth and beauty and suspects Insiang of desiring the men she brings home.

The latest man in their life is Dado (played by Ricky Davao), a corrupt public servant and hired gun who got his kicks out of molesting women and beating up defenseless men.  In other words, he was a bully with a gun. From the beginning his attraction for Insiang was apparent.  His posturing is almost laughable and yet has to be scary for a young girl.

Insiang (played by Sheenly Vee Gener) starts off as a sweet, innocent young woman with dreams of love and marriage and "happy ever after" and evolves into a bitter, vengeful, cold woman.  She was 18 years old and in love with Danny, her boyfriend.  Then bad things just seemed to snowball on her which put her in a state akin to catatonia.  Attacked by her "stepfather", attacked by her mother out of jealousy, abandoned by her boyfriend after he got what he wanted ... there seemed no end to the bad things that were happening to her.

This is the ugly side of life.
This is the truth that some of us are lucky enough not to have to face.
The depravations that humans are capable of when their life is filled with misery, frustration, suspicion, jealousy, and envy.

---

There are many things about this play that are unique.  The stage design alone is something of a marvel. This three-dimensional set spanned the back and left side of the room with a runway running down the center of the room and a ramp ending at the entrance.  Walking area was approximately 1 meter wide everywhere, and in the case of the runway, that included the portion that was occupied by props (water cans, pails, and wash basins).  The shanties are two and three levels high and Insiang's home, in particular, had action going on at both floors.

Fluids of all kinds
Sitting close to the stage as I am wont to do, it is not uncommon to get splashed on by sweat or spit.  But this is the first time I've encountered soapy (or clean) wash water on stage.  We were told that the faucet was supposed to work.  Unfortunately there must have been a water shortage that night 'cause no water flowed from the tap.  Nevertheless, they did throw "dirty" wash water on the stage and were able to refill the wash basins from the water cans and pails.

Danny peed on stage.  Thankfully he was facing away from the audience in an eskinita so we were spared the view and the splash.

Blood spattered from characters who were injured in altercations.

Sex
Sex is a topic that is often sensored in public entertainment. The sex scenes in this play were very well executed and artistically done. Be prepared for lots of grunts, groans, and partial nudity.  Not even masturbation is taboo.  Two characters openly masturbated as they walked and chatted with their neighbors.

Violence
Fights with fists, knives, guns, and home appliances, not to mention sexual assault, battery, and domestic violence.  And let us not forget the most prevalent violence of all --- VERBAL ABUSE.  The amount of cussing in this play is just ... ridiculous!  It made me flinch everytime but I realize that this is a depiction of real life and in real life at the slums, cussing each other out every other word is common place.

---

If you are still deciding whether or not you should watch Insiang, I highly recommend that you do, while you can.  It is definitely a play worth watching.  Insiang is performed live at the Huseng Batute Theater on the following times and dates:

• October 6 at 3:00pm
• October 6 at 8:00pm
• October 7 at 3:00pm
• October 7 at 8:00pm
• October 12 at 8:00pm
• October 13 at 3:00pm
• October 13 at 8:00pm
• October 14 at 3:00pm
• October 14 at 8:00pm

Ticket Price:

• Premium ringside seats - P700
• Orchestra/balcony (free seating) - P500

For tickets please contact Regz at +639228082235 or +639175277361.

This is so cute I just HAD to share it with you guys!

Start:	Oct 27, '07 10:00a
End:	Oct 27, '07 10:00p
Location:	Glorietta Activity Center

Get your costumes ready! Be part of New Worlds 5!
The New Worlds Alliance presents:

New Worlds 5:
The 5th Philippine Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention
This event will be held at the Glorietta Activity Center on October 27, 2007.  It promises to be a day of fun and excitement!  Hope to see you all there!

This event was brought to you by:

• A Different Bookstore
• Crime/Suspense
• Fandomcafe
• Glorietta Mall
• New Worlds Alliance

For more information please go to http://www.newworlds.ph.

What theme? SUMMER!
What team? WILD CATS!

What movie?
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2!

I watched High School Musical 2 today and right off the bat I can tell you that this film is better than the first one.

If I had to choose a favorite actor in the movie I would choose Ashley Tisdale (who plays the role of Sharpay Evans). She is nastier and more scheming than ever before! She has the means to get what she wants and she is not afraid to use her arsenal. Her character reminds me somewhat of Paris Hilton.

Zac Efron (who plays Troy Bolton) looked like a kid in the first High School musical. Now he's taller and leaner and his hair is slightly shorter. I think he must have filmed this simultaneous with Hairspray.

Lucas Grabeel (who plays Ryan Evans) does not seem so gay in this movie. He is slimmer, yes, and this time he makes friends with the other Wild Cats. I remember him from Smallville, playing the role of young Lex Luthor in flashback scenarios.

Cordin Bleu (who plays Chad Danforth, Troy's best friend) is still the same except, his 'fro is bigger. He is just as possessive of Troy as he was in the previous movie.

Chris Warren, Jr. (who plays Zeke Baylor) is still as obsessed with baking and in Sharpay.

It would be a crime to end this without mentioning Vanessa Anne Hudgens (who plays the lovely Gabrielle). Beautiful and sweet as always --- and she grows prettier with time.

Better songs, better choreography, better acting, better story ... everything is just better than the first High School Musical. But that's just my opinion. I will have to watch it again just to make sure. Hmmm ... how about now? hehehe

If you haven't seen the movie yet, then here is the trailer to whet your appetite.

Hairspray is a remake of a Broadway musical with the same name. I think this is safe for kids to watch. It almost has a "Disney" feel, in my opinion. It is light, happy, and you get that warm, fuzzy feeling at the end of the film, hehehe. I've listened to the soundtrack of the original production and this 2007 production and I think the original rendition was much better, but this version is not bad at all.

The Actors

• Amanda Bynes as Penny Pingleton - is the best friend of Tracy Turnblad. She is naive and very sheltered. She falls in love with a black teenager and starts to rebel against her domineering, bible-toting mother. Acting-wise, this wasn't much of a challenge for Amanda as she has portrayed similar roles over the years.]
• Brittany Snow as Amber Von Tussle - I have to admit, I don't really know her. I think I saw her in The Pacifier, not sure. She kinda reminds me of the Olsen Twins.
• Christopher Walken as Wilbur Turnblad - is a simple joke shop owner. In this film he gets to put on the dancing shoes once more. His dance partner is just as (or even more so) graceful but maybe not as svelte as his last partner. His character is married to Edna Turnblad, portrayed by John Travolta.
• James Marsden as Corny Collins - is the host of the Corny Collins show, the show that all the kids watch and want to be in. I wonder if James did his own singing? If he did then I think he should do more of it. He has a very good singing voice. I guess seeing him as Cyclops kind of narrowed what I thought he could do.
• John Travolta as Edna Turnblad - this was unexpected. When I first heard that John Travolta was going to be in the cast as a female character I thought it was a joke. Well, if it was a joke, then it was a joke that worked! In this film he is a housewife and laundrywoman married to Christopher Walken (Wilbur Turnblad), a joke shop owner. Edna is overweight and insecure. She has not left the safety of her home in so many years and feels insecure about her size and that of her daughter Tracy.
• Michelle Pfeiffer as Velma Von Tussle - the role of "evilina" really suited Michelle. And I was surprised to hear her sing. Granted the song wasn't very challenging but still, Michelle, singing! hehehe. Plus ... she is still so hot! The 60's 'do suits her well.
• Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad - from what I gather, Nikki is a newbie in the industry but that doesn't stop her from shining in this fabulous musical. Her character shows us that it doesn't matter what you look like or where you are from. You can live your dream if you want it bad enough and if you do whatever you can to get it. Of course, it helps to have the talent, and this lady really can groove!
• Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle - I love this woman! I think she is simply fabulous! She is proof that you don't have to be thin as a reed to be beautiful.
• Zac Efron as Link Larkin - we all remember him from High School Musical. His acting here is nowhere near the way he was in the previous film. Although he also plays a teenager, his character seems to be older and more mature. Maybe it's the clothes and the hair. The way he moves is reminiscent of Elvis Presley.

There are parts of this film that kind of remind me of Grease. I don't know if it is the choreography, the time period, or the fact that John Travolta is in this one, too.

Now, about the title --- Hairspray --- I didn't understand at first why they would choose that title but as the movie progressed I finally got it but ... what I didn't get was why people were so obsessed with hairspray back in the day. I asked my mom about it and she said that Aquanet™ was a necessary part of their grooming kits (for women AND men). Now we know how they were able to manage those fantastic 'dos. Must have been difficult to wash out, though. I'm just glad fashion outgrew that phase, although ... I have to admit, they did look nice.

Click HERE for the soundtrack of Hairspray.
Click HERE to watch the trailer.