Philippines-Day 2.5

The traffic in the Philippines is worst than Los Angeles. It took us nearly a full hour to drive 6 miles. Because of the gridlock, I was only able to visit the Greenhills Shopping Center. The center is a pretty fascinating place because in this huge mall is a mix of old street vendors selling crappy knock-offs (some that I purchased and won't tell you which ones so that you won't think i'm pure cheap) and brand new stores that sell the real deal. Everyone hear addresses you as "Sir" or "Mom" for the ladies which I still don't understand. (I didn't know that Mom was a sign of respect...tell that to Octo-Mom) Inside the Center is also a Chapel which was having mass at 11am (an odd time to have a daily mass) but it was still packed. But once you get pass the stores and chapel, there is the food. With restaurants outnumbering the merchants, food seems to be the number one priority here in the Philippines. Today for lunch was a mix of BBQ pork, lechon, pancit, and smoked fish. I didn't realize with the time difference that it was a Friday (a day customarily in the Catholic religion where you cannot eat any meat), but I thought to myself that it was Thursday in the U.S. so it was okay to indulge. I have to admit that the time difference is getting to me (I took a four hour nap at 5pm), and although I do like the naps, this one felt a little different.

Tomorrow, I'm off to China.

Philippines-Day 2

The Philippines has changed from what I remember it to be. Of course, it has been twenty years since I last visited but it's changed. I guess it's for the better, bringing in new tourists and people that wouldn't otherwise visit the Philippines. One of the things that has changed is the landscape. The place is starting to look like any other major American city with its huge malls and large hotels. I barely see any trees and could easily confuse this place with Los Angeles. But the one thing that hasn't changed is the hospitality. There are so many people working at the Shangri-La Hotel (the hotel we're staying at) that we had five people helping us with our bags. The buffet here is absolutely amazing with three people always waiting on us and seeing if we ever needed anything.

I want to spend a few minutes on the buffet b/c it was one of the best I've had anywhere. There are over 7 stations, perfectly arranged in one big square. And the food was pretty good as well. One of the good things about being on a tropical island is that the fruits are so amazing (as I'm sure all my Dominica friends know) and the juices are even better. I think that Mango Juice has become my number one drink and i've had one with every meal. At the buffet, it was free refills on the juices and I had my money's worth. Although it was a little pricey (1000 pesos which converts to almost 20 bucks), it was a fantastic meal and a nice way to begin my day.

I'm off to visit my dad's old medical school and probably drink some more Mango juice. Then tomorrow I'm off to China. (I just looked at our itinerary and there is no Beijing. WTF)

Philippines/China Day 1-The Plane Ride

I was a little skeptical about the plane ride especially when I heard that the flight was going to be almost 15 hours. I hate plane rides longer than 4 hours because after 4 hours you hit the moment where you can't really take a nap longer than 30 minutes or shorter than 2 hours because you're interupted by the in-flight meal, the 30 minute take-off, and the 30 minute landing. It's frustrating to find that window where you can close your eyes without being interupted by the person in the window seat wanting to go to the bathroom. So you can understand my initial skepticism.

But I was very pleased with the flight over here. It was comfortable chairs, delicious food (I lower my standards whenever eating at over 300 mph), and surprisingly quiet accomodations. I have to admit that leaving at 1am allowed people to be tired and easily enter their circadian rhythms. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the Cathay Pacific airplane and their wonderful entertainment consoles allowing me to watch the horrible Eagle Eye, the cutesy HSM 3, 4 episodes of the hilarious Curb Your Enthusiasm and Extras, and the opening scene (and the only entertaining one) of Quantum of Solace. I arrived at Hong Kong international airport well-rested, entertained, and ready to tackle Asia.

Christian Bale Rant

When I heard that Christian Bale threw a temper tantrum at the D.P. of the new Terminator movie, I immediately thought of Russell Crowe. He, too, has been labeled by Hollywood as "a bad boy" and "difficult to work with." For these reasons, I was hesitant to talk to Crowe when I saw him at a boxing match this past December, but I was gently surprised to find him very humbling and cheerful. I want to think that Christian Bale is a decent fellow just having a bad day. However, I can't help to think that he is very tempered and violent. Some may confuse this as dedication and "the acting craft." But that's all B-S when you yell 37 profanities.

The Wrestler

"The Wrestler" is a tough (and often difficult to watch) depiction into a man climaxed in the 80s and continuously looking for his happy ending in the new millennium. Instead he has fallen every so slowly into debt, depression, and the good graces of his daughter. His only respite is an exotic dancer whom he still pays for lap dances and humbling advice on how to reconcile with his daughter. Of course, a movie like this falls heavily on its lead actor and Mickey Rourke holds your attention till Bruce Sprinsteen sings, "Have you ever seen a one-trick pony? Then you've seen me." I may have seen this movie before but Mickey Rourke makes it feel brand new.

What's the Big Deal?

When David Frost interviewed Richard Nixon, both men were forgotten and willing to forego any journalistic sensibility for cash and/or fame. Frost was looking to get back into the American conscience and Nixon was looking for acceptance. By the end of their "historic interviews," neither men really accomplished their goals. Nixon was all but forgoten while David Frost never attained the fame he so desired. All of which makes the film "Frost/Nixon" hard to swallow. At every point, director Ron Howard tries to make the film into the "Rocky" of journalism pitting David Frost (The Rocky of this battle) against Richard Nixon (presumably the Ivan Drago character). He goes for the dramatic pauses, longing stares, and even a "training montage" where Richard Nixon is seen throwing air jabs at half speed. Of course, Langella does his best to create sympathy for this Richard Nixon. But I can't seem to stop asking myself, "What's the big deal?" This film is a ridiculous attempt to transform these interviews into a grandiose parting of the Red Sea or something much larger than it ever was. It's even more sad when you realize that one of it's Best Picture nominations could have gone to "The Dark Knight."

Still Number One

Slumdog Millionaire is still my Number One film...but Milk comes very, very close.

Kate and Leo Part 2

I haven't seen a play in almost three years when I was an intern at LA County Arts. And it surprised me even more because I thought that I was watching a film when I paid 13 bucks (still not up to the outrageous $15 at the Arclight) to see "Revolutionary Road." I think that I paid the money because I was curious to see Kate and Leo and all the buzz. It's not that I was disappointed, but there are certain things that a film has that a play cannot provide, primarily the close-up. With such beautiful faces as Kate and Leo, why not get that camera up in their faces. I know that HD can bring out the wrinkles and cracks on a person's face but there is a reason why people go to the movies: it's to see people more beautiful than them. They want to be a part of the action and get that intimate feel. Moviegoers don't want to be on the sidelines.

Best Movie of the Year...so far!

"Slumdog Millionaire" is the best of the movie of the year. It was tough to come to this conclusion because I had just seen "Dark Knight" for the third time this year (absolutely breathtaking in Blu-Ray). But it was an easy choice if I put aside my love for the Batman universe and focus on the pure joy of what movies are supposed to do. They are supposed to make you laugh, cry, enthrall, surprise, and entertain throughout. "Dark Knight" is so grand in its scheme that it needed an IMAX theater to fully capture its essence. But "Slumdog Millionaire" enraptures you in a more fundamental process that is much more human and relative to you and me. Of course, the story is much more relative given the recent attacks in Mumbai (the film's central setting), but the themes and relationships between the characters are endearing and universal. It has the gritty camera and splashy editing of "Dark Knight." However, it has the raw human emotions that a comic book hero can never truly explain.

Jon and Kate Plus 8

I've been a fan of this show since 2005 and I can't believe I haven't written about it before. Because now, it seems like I'm just on the "Jon and Kate" bandwagon. Anyway, this show is great reality television. I only enjoy two reality shows, "Top Chef" (because I have the biggest crush on Padma and Tom's Craft Steak) and this show. I am a little angry that they have expanded it to one hour rather than 1/2 hour episodes but I still love it. Jon and Kate's banter, the annoying Maddie, the dorky Aden, and, of course, my favorite, Alexis. She is just so cute. As the oldest of the infamous 6, she seems to have gotten all the pale skin from Kate but the calm intensity of Jon. She never cries, never whines, and always looks so cute when she brushes her hair off her face. If I were to steal one (which is of course illegal and wrong but I know you have all thought about it at one point or another), I would take Alexis.

It's Britney Bitch

I've always been a fan of Britney Spears. I flew to Las Vegas after my high school girlfriend dumped me just to see her (I ended up having a great time and sat next to Gabrielle Union). I saw her a second time which ended up being her last concert tour. She's an entertainer and I've always believed that she was a product, but a product that I enjoyed. As such, I was deeply saddened to see that product fall apart during the past few years culminating in that 2007 VMA performance. But after watching that wonderful documentary on MTV last night, I realize her faults and can only sympathize. Nonetheless, she should stop complaining and just move on. Some handle it better than others. Britney is a product and her success rests on her ability to produce. It's time she started producing...

Twilight

I've seen this before. It starred Sarah Michelle Gellar and was more witty and comical, never taking itself too seriously. I've never read the books by Stephanie Meyer but I can assure you that it probably doesn't have the charm that Buffy, Giles, Xander, and Willow displayed when on the WB then the UPN. With the same budget, I guarantee that Joss Wheedon would have made a much more entertaining film. I remember watching the epidsode where Buffy was forced to kill Angel and then went into exile. I was so heartbroken and that was only two years ago when I saw the episode on DVD. I get it though...Robert Pattinson...he's so dreamy...yada yada yada. But what could be hotter than Sarah Michelle Gellar and a "pre-Bones David Boreanaz?

Beverly Hills Chihuahua is No. 1 at Box Office

Really? C'mon, really? Again?

Friday Night Lights

Why is nobody watching this show? I admit that it had a bit of a hiccup last season with a little melodrama, but it's still the best teen drama on television. Way better than that 90210 and Gossip Girl crap. This show is pure style from the story lines to the camera work and wardrobe. I loved the movie but this show has better actors in Kyle Chandlier (more cutthroat and believable as a football coach than Billy Bob) and such intricate characters. Although its own Direct TV, its still accessible via streaming websites. There are only four shows that I watch on television (Entourage, 30 Rock, and the Office are the others) and this is my favorite.

Target Smell

When I recently visited Target to buy some paper towels, I was immediately struck by the interesting smell that came from the store. It was so sterile and distinctive, the smell that you immediately associate with a hospital. I put the smell aside and got all the items that I needed (and didn't need). I went home happy with my purchases only to realize that I didn't get what I went to Target for in the first place. So when I visited a different Target, I was once again struck by that same smell. I couldn't understand how that same odor, so distinctive and pungent could be duplicated. Then I did some serious thinking, the kind of thinking that could only be achieved at a Target, and realized that there must be some sort of "Target Scent." I bought some popcorn and a drink for $1, found paper towels, and left.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua is No. 1 at Box Office

Really? I mean, c'mon, really?

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

I just watched this movie last night and found myself absolutely relaxed letting this movie unfold over the course of a brisk 90 minutes. I thoroughly enjoyed "Raising Victor Vargas" after my brother had told me about this little independent movie that captured adolescence and that awkward transition through puberty. Peter Sollett, the director of "Raising Victor Vargas," captures what it's like to be a teenager making that awkward transition into adulthood in "Nick and Norah." It's a very beautiful movie that seems to capture everything about the teenage romance. With a great soundtrack to accompany the film and two actors with amazing chemistry, this movie really surpassed any expectations. Michael Cera is shaping out to be the new definition of the romantic lead while Kat Dennings proves the hype is real. The movie made me smile and I haven't done that in awhile.

The Dark Knight

When I first saw that Heath Ledger was chosen to play the Joker, I was a little worried. I was too worried that he might not take the role seriously and underplay Batman's greatest villain. But I am now on the bandwagon for the posthumous Oscar for Heath Ledger. The movie is absolutely fantastic and even better on IMAX and that shouldn't hurt his chances for an Oscar. A movie like "Dark Knight" only succeeds when the villain is as good as the hero (i.e. the original Batman and Spider-Man 2). My only flaw with the film is the length (probably to set up the next Batman film) and Christian Bale. He's great as Batman, exuding brood and anger behind the mask. But as Bruce Wayne, I've never been more bored. I guess the Armani suits aren't as comfortable as the Batsuit because he does not look comfortable.

Fast and Furious

It's funny to think that they are actually making this movie. Just a few years ago, no one from the original cast wanted to be involved in this series, only to see Bow Wow take charge and an Asian director pump new life into the series making the best film out of the four. While it's good to see Justin Lin rewarded for his efforts, I'm sad to say that this is pretty pathetic for Vin and Paul. Like Sly Stallone and Mr. Willis, these two must retread old sequel territory. But even those movies had better titles, "Rambo" is straightforward and to the point. "Live Free and Die Hard" is clever and with a twist. For "Fast and Furious," Vin and Paul are no longer nouns. Instead, they are adjectives.

The Art of 40 Days

Lent is coming down to an end this Sunday when Easter is celebrated. During the past 40 days, it's usually customary for the Catholic to give up something in order to better discipline us and make us more in the likeness of God. Over the past 14 years that I've practiced this custom, I've given up a wide variety of habits, foods, and extracurricular activities. Perhaps my greatest achievement was during my sophomore year in high school. During my sophomore year in high school, I decided to stop watching "Dawson's Creek" amidst the February sweeps. It was a good time on the show also. Ratings were on a high especially because the Dawson-Joey relationship was on the rocks because of the introduction of Jack McPhee. Looking back that was the hardest time I've ever had being a Catholic. If I only knew that Jack would later admit to being gay, I probably wouldn't have cared as much as I did at the time.