Reel Deal: SPY NEXT DOOR

 

Its been a while since I have seen a Jackie Chan movie, because his late films were into drama and less action. Now with this movie, Spy Next Door, it made me excited to see him again in a very comedic charisma and again back to cool action! You would remember Rush Hour films with this one but the thing is his sidekicks are all kids.

The plot was simple and quite generic to action or comedy films but it has good dialogues that would make you laugh. No complications, just pure, wholesome, family fun. Actually this one passed my meticulous standards with comedy and I would recommend this movie for a night out, with family or friends. Moreover, you will also forget your stresses and problems while also being charmed by kid actors.

Now, of course if there is Jackie Chan, there is kick-ass kung-fu action! Now that make this one hot. And his signature moves with appliances, vehicles, gadgets, clothing and many more would temp you to do the same. However, please don't try them at home without medical and professional supervision.

Now, the closest movie that I can compare with this one is The Tuxedo. But for this one, since he makes action with kids makes it more funnier. I loved the youngest kid named Laura (or is it Flaura...?) that makes ironic yet innocent statements that would make you fart with laughter. She is so cute that a quote that is impressed in my mind is her statement, "I don't want to be a princess anymore, I want to be a cyborg"!

Deliberation time kids!

Movie summary in 3 lines: Spies plus Kids
Technical Effects 3 out of 5 stars (family movie, simple plot, yet funny lines)
Plot 2 out of 5 stars (I guess you got that from your recycle bin)
Popcornmeter (the rating if this movie would make you hungrier while watching) 3 out of 5 stars (Air filled my tummy while laughing)
Acting and Actors 4 out of 5 stars (Kids say the darnest things!)
DVD worthiness 3 out of 5 stars (They should include a  parkour instruction video!)
Sequel worthiness 2 out of 5 stars (no signs of future enemies, in short happy endings...)
Overall Rating 3 out of 5 stars

The Feast of the Black Nazarene in the new decade

Yes, as we see that we are now in the new decade. And one major event in January for Filipino Catholics would be the feast day of the Black Nazarene. I am actually a devotee to the Nazareno, and I started going to Quiapo since I was in High School. Since this event attracts millions, as in millions of people, I still observe being spiritual but also vigilant since there would be a lot of people taking advantage of these situations. And with the numbers, always expect that you will be squished within the density of people.

The purpose of the procession (or traslacion meaning to transfer as it re-enacts the scene that it was transferred from its original church to the parish of St. John the baptist) to witness devotees pull the float of the Nazarene as it goes around the Quiapo district. But in rare occasions like this year, the procession would start from Luneta (or Bagumbayan) to Quiapo church. And for more than 400 years it has been a very long traditions that grew up and also transferred from generation to generation.

One sad thing though amidst the spiritual experience as one would come near the statue of the Nazarene are very perilous and fatal risks in even getting close to it. There would be a lot of incidents of being trampled by the crowd, hurting your feet, unable to breathe within the swarm of people, and even falling head on the street. And yet, the parish church officials never fail to remind people to be more careful and be patient to avoid these mishaps. Fatalities would be expected as well as the injured people. It would also a long time before there will be practically zero deaths and injuries. Though its unknown that they did it because of inspiration, or plain too dependent of the miracles that the Nazareno will bring.

However, the spiritual fruits for other people (including me) has been very inspiring and uplifting. You would also hear and read a lot of stories of faith and thanksgiving to the Poon that serves as the living proof of the great influence of the Nazarene to the Filipinos.. Because of its popularity, there are also processions in Cagayan de Oro City and Bataan, however the intensity in Manila is greater.

For this year's feast, It was literally a sea of people even at the wee hours of midnight as devotees still pour to Luneta park. Some made tents or placed mats to sit on or sleep, while some lined for hours just to have a few seconds holding the statue of the Nazarene. Actually me and my mother was one of them and patiently waited as the line moved but as the line is getting longer the possibility of getting to the Poon would be impossible. Then the line just collapse as there were announcement that it needs to be cut off due to the program. As we heard mass led by the Cardinal, the excitement as the procession would start. And it took some hours just to move it very slowly and leaves the perimeter of Rizal Park.

Sad thing though that garbage would be visible as the crowd focuses on the procession and leaves the park, but luckily there were volunteers who cleaned the mess but it would be better that as true devotees we also learn to respect and preserve nature since its also a gift from us. But overall, still amidst all the inconveniences and tiring experience, I still feel that there was a wonderful grace that I felt even I have not walk bare footed nor hold the rope. It was an assurance that faith would take us to new heights and inspire us to challenge ourselves.

Here is my post for the traslacion 2011.

Happy New Year 2010!

The year was a very blessed yet challenging for me. Many opportunities have opened yet it required me to do a lot of risks. Its not the best year but its not also the worst. 2010 will bring more hope and more friends...for now let us celebrate life and welcome the new year! Expect more interesting blogs, comments and features as we go full steam ahead to the new year! MAZEL TOV!

Merry CHRISTmas!

Its Christmas day! And we would like to greet everyone and to all the readers of this Blog a Very Merry Christmas! The year was somewhat a roller coaster ride for all of us but there are still a lot of things to be thankful for this year. Our families, our friends and also the things we have endured and also offered a helping hand for those who need them most. The year is not yet over so many things can still happen but for now, lets enjoy the holidays and focus on the birthday boy today that made a big difference in the world.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

füdfÿt: WHY NOT? CHOC NUT Graham cake!

Its Christmas time and what we love to do on this celebration is... EAT. Its already a given and the challenge to food lovers is to enjoy the art of eating by devising new flavors but of the same Christmas spirit. And what I always want to "cook" are Graham cakes because (1) they are easy to preapre and (2) you dont need a oven (but you need a refrigerator). And like what I said there should be twist for this year, and I made my own recepie which I called.... WHY NOT? CHOC NUT!Now the ingredients:
1. 1 pack Graham Crackers
2. 2. packs 250ml All purpose cream
3. 1 can condensed milk
4. Powdered chocolate
5. Sugar
6. Marshmallows (the little cute sized ones were out of stock so I used the ones that look like frech fries)
7. 1 pack (of the legendary) CHOC NUT!

Now for the steps:
1. place first layer with Graham Crackers on a pan. Then sprinkle some chocolate powder above it and also the gaps that were uncovered by the crackers.


2. With the Choc nut, crush them using you hand and sprinkle them above the layer. Also its OK for you to leave some chunks to emphasize the flavor of the Choc nut in the dish. While doing this you can now place the creams into another pan and mix it with some condensed milk and sugar. Mix well and make sure no lumps or bubbles are formed.
3. You can now place some marshmallows above them. For the french fries style of mallows, you can pull them apart to make them shorter. Then after you can now pour the cream mixture.
4. Do the same layer procedure which may go up to 2-4 layers depending on the size of the pan. At the top, which should be the cream, we will now create the top layer. The top layer will be formed by the sprinkling the rest of the crushed choc nut covering the top layer.
5. If you still have marshmallows left you can decorate the top with anything that you want. For us, since its Christmas, we place there Happy b-day Jesus! (we have to make sure that mallows are enough to spell the out). Then with the powdered chocolate and condensed milk, mix them to make a syrup that you can design the top layer of the cake.
6. You can now place pan inside the refrigerator for about an hour as the cream freezes and its done!
An there you have it! WHY NOT? CHOC NUT Graham cake, made with very practical ingredients with a twist of a favorite Filipino confectionery.

Misa de Gallo Diaries: Day nine

As the simbang gabi ends with this last day, I've never noticed that it has been nine days already. Was I too used to it or I enjoyed it a lot that time passed by too fast. Now for the last leg I was drawn into the Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord in Megamall. But I have not gone into shopping in the mall, it was really to attend the last day of this devotion. And as this is dubbed as the biggest indoor mall chapel in the world, it has been an effective connection for Filipinos who loves going to the mall as well as the deep spirituality that would not jeopardize both sides. Athough many still opose to this kind, it has the support of the Archdiocese thus clearing all the issues. Nevertheless, this has been a spiritual spring amidst the commercial and material desert.

The presider for the mas was Father Que which is an expert in cathecesis. He would perfectly integrate the catacethical explanation of the gospel in layman's terms and explain them in a very simple manner that is not boring. He stressed that simbang gabi is not made for wishing because God already knows our needs and will provide them at the right time and venue. The essence of simbang gabi is to prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus, just like the experiences of Mary , John the baptist and his parents.

And as Christmas dawns, it is important to know that this is also a way of thanking God for the things we have today. Our survival up to now and what will happen in the future. The Gospel also speaks of the testimony of Zechariah as he regains his voice and hearing as he wrote the word John on the tablet asking him what will be the name of his son. As John came into the world he now paves the way as the arrival of the Messiah comes.

It was very fulfilling that I have completed the nine days of Misa de Gallo. Yes there were different and unique experiences, new learnings, new places and happy memories that arose amidst the inconviniences that I have encountered along the way. And like what I noticed, time did pass by as you were enjoying the journey. I would like to call it a pilgrimage even if its not very far but really helped me spiritually as I had realizations along the way as well as the sermons given by each unique priest. For now, I know that I have done a part to thank God for the blessings I have gotten this year yet still pray for present woes. It made me firm to my faith and hopefully I would also get my friends to join me next year. And I am now blogging this as a diary of what had happened in the 9 days. These blogs would also remind me of the things I've been through and if ever it will also inspire others in any little way. And on Christmas day, I am now preparing myself as I open my heart and let the Messiah be born in it.

Misa de Gallo Diaries: Day eight

The eighth day of simbang gabi actually led me to a church that brought me memories. This is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral formerly a parish in which the school behind it was my school in pre-school and early elementary days. The church made a makeover after it was dedicated as the cathedral for the diocese of Cubao. I also remembered that this is where I had my first comunion.

The church is still in renovation up to now but you would see that the details were meticulous and made a big leap from a parish to a real cathedral. The celing is studded with stars that would make you look up to star-gaze. And because of its very beautiful interiors and upgrades, I was thinking that someday I would get married here. Memories plus nice interiors...that would explain everything. Breathtaking!

Yes, about the gospel. it is still about the story of John and his parents who are known to be pious and obedient to the Lord. This time Zacheriah was tested as he lost his voice and became deaf because he doubted if he would have a son brought about the news the Angel Gabriel told him as he was doing rituals in the temple of God. Now the thing that was really striking was, Nothing is impossible with God. Its sounds like the slogan of a sports brand but it was proven in the story which the continuation will be testified on the last day as it culminates and will reveal the arrival of Jesus on Christmas day.