Hello Emergency Declaration, we meet again Advanced Screening!

It's been two years since I last attended an advanced movie screening. I still remember it because it was a week before the Enhanced Community Quarantine was implemented and everyone got scared of CoVid news. Bloodshot was the last film that I watched on the big screen.

That's why when I saw that 99.5 Play FM's Screenplay was back, I was excited and I couldn't help but join the giveaway for free movie tickets! And the first stop was the Emergency Declaration.

Two reasons why I was eager to see this Korean disaster-action movie: first, I was hooked on the trailer when it was out earlier this year, and the casting was superb! 

I was ready to jump to the moon when I was chosen as the winner of their morning show giveaway. Yay! Thank you, DJ Stan, Jazz, Play FM, fake news, and hotdog museum!

The advanced screening was held last August 26 at Cinema 3 in Robinson's Galleria, where Viva International Pictures was the official distributor. 

The movie ticket looked like a boarding pass! Nice!

Yours truly and my companion were asked to have a photo taken by the Kuya photographer before the movie started. 

Huli cam! Hahaha...

I will not spoil what the film was about and what happened, but rather I will focus on each actor who played a major key to the success of the heart-stopping Emergency Declaration.

*Song Kang-ho: He played a sergeant here. 

Photo from https://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/

As a detective, he portrayed more than I expected.  He was very smart and persistent. I applauded him for his unforgettable sacrifice.

*Lee Byung-hun: He was one of the passengers. 

Photo from https://epicstream.com/

He has a good backstory, and I was truly satisfied with what he did towards the end. Hands down, the enormous responsibility and quick thinking! 

*Jeon Do-yeon: Minister Sook-hee

Photo from https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/

She was the one who was given the hardest decision-making and yet, she made a quick response with flying colors!

*Kim So-jin: She was probably the head of the Flight Attendants.

Photo from https://en.yna.co.kr/

I liked her and how collected she was during the turbulence and the situation should be what a flight attendant is.

*Park hae-joon: Tae-su, the Crisis Management director

Photo from https://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/

He was there all the time when the disaster and decision-making were in progress, yet his character was lackluster. I felt disappointed because I know this actor is very talented.

*Im Siwan: He was one of the passengers.

Photo from https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/

I honestly heard about Siwan because he is very popular, but it was my first time seeing him act. And, oh boy! He was totally an amazing actor, especially since he did so well with his character! 

*Kim Nam-gil: He was one of the pilots.

Photo from https://www.thairath.co.th/

I would be very biased, but I am really a fan of Nam-gil, and witnessing him as a pilot was one for the books!

Verdict: 

Photo from https://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/

As a travel enthusiast who rides airplanes, this movie definitely hit a spot for me. I admired flight attendants and pilots more because of how hard they needed to make quick decisions for their passengers. They always decide for the betterment and safety of most people. And the government doesn't have the power to change the pilot's final resolve.

There is more than a disaster story with the Emergency Declaration and you should definitely unravel it on August 31! Go see it for yourself!

Hey BL series, I am a fan too!

In the post-celebration of Pride Month, I am writing this special feature of the Boy's Love series that I watched. 

I started seeing them last year, 2021, while the lockdown was still in full effect. I write down a list that you might be able to catch or somehow will pique your curiosity about this becoming a very popular type of series. 

First BL series: Together the Series

Photo from https://www.reactionchronicles.com/

-I think most Filipinos would agree that Metawin and Brights' famous high school series rocked the world with BL. Thanks to these two, the genre became more popular and accepted by viewers. 

First Taiwanese/Chinese series: HIStory 3: Trapped

Photo from https://www.viki.com/tv/36410c-history-3-trapped

-This series had fascinating characters. A mafia boss was being investigated by a cutie detective who has more than nine lives. I love Tang Yi so much! Chris Wu, who portrayed it, was very convincing! And, of course, Shao Fei. You would also love the second lead love team, Jasper and Shorty! 

First European (Swedish) series: Young Royals

Photo from https://www.popbuzz.com/tv-film/features/

-This was the most realistic actor in terms of age. The one who played Simon and Wilhelm was really appropriate for the storyline. Edvin gave exceptional acting as Prince Wilhelm, who needs to decide between following his duty or his heart. 

First Filipino series: Gaya sa Pelikula

Photo from https://www.lionheartv.net/

-Wow. Wow. Wow. Filipino BL series production and creative team did not disappoint! The story plot between an architecture student, Karl, and a film major, Vlad, might be simple, but the way they presented it was touching and very relatable. Plus, the soundtracks of every episode were the best ones that I've heard in a BL series! They just hit home. 

My Favorite BL series (so far): Manner of Death 

Photo from https://filmdaily.co/news/bl-dramas-binge-watch/

The first series that I've seen focusing on medical investigation series really hooked me up! Tul's character as the brave Dr. Bun is very remarkable, while Max's mysterious but charming Tan made them a suitable couple. The marriage proposal was definitely the best I have ever seen in a Boy's Love series! I became an instant #MaxTul fan! 

The most realistic confession of a relationship to the family: Lovely Writer 

Photo from https://www.kpoplat.com/

Props to the author of this series for creating an incredible way of confessing that Gene (Up) and Nubsib (Nine) are in a relationship with their families. The difficulty of the situation, especially since their parents are close friends, and the two had been childhood best friends. The pain between the two and the acceptance of their love was done well! 

The most supportive family of in relationship couple: TharnType Series 

Photo from https://www.tvmaze.com/

I love how Tharn's (Mew) parents and his wonderful siblings were supportive of him since he knew that he was not a straight guy. They truly encourage him and are very supportive of his relationship with Type  (Gulf)! I adored it! 

Next To Be Watched: HeartStopper

Current favorite series (I don't usually like watching ongoing series though, but this is an exception): KinnPorsche the Series

Photo from https://unlimited-tech.com/

I am looking forward to seeing my friends' recommendations. I would be very happy too if you could add some to my To Be Watched list. 

I truly believe that the Boy's Love genre should be accepted and embraced to encourage more of our LGBTQ friends to come out because their relationships deserve to be recognized and proud of. 

Have fun watching the series and appreciating the boys' love stories!

OH MY GULAY: Camille Prats’ kids love eating veggies?! Here’s how to make your kids love them too!

“I really used to struggle kasi hate na hate talaga ng kids ko dati ang veggies – ayaw nila yung taste. Taste is so important for kids, so I ensure na dapat na-eenjoy nila mga sineserve ko.”

Have you sat with your kids way past mealtime to make sure they eat their veggies on the plate? How about resorting to bargaining more gadget time for just one more bite of that carrots? Well, you’re definitely not the only momma doing that. Even celebrities like Camille Prats have to do a bit of negotiating to get her kids to eat their veggies.

Luckily, she shares some handy hacks with Spot.ph to do the trick without the crying, the bargaining, and the unnecessary drama that fills mealtime. 

Here are 3 easy peasy ways to get your kids to eat their veggies according to Camille:

1. Oh My Gulay! May Gulay! – Instead of only serving your kids veggies, partner your kids’ meals with Tang Fruit & Veg. It comes in two flavors: Orange Carrot, which has the Vitamin C from oranges and Vitamin A from carrots, and Dalandan Malunggay, which has the Vitamin C from dalandan and the Iron of malunggay. Tang Fruit & Veg has the delicious taste of fruits AND the nutrition from veggies in a drink that kids love! Camille can vouch for this – her kids love its taste so much, that they actually ask her for it themselves! Yummy na, masustansya pa! 

2. SmartMom Recipes - No need to work hard, just work smart! Incorporate veggies in delectable recipes that you know your kids will surely love. Your kids won’t notice that veggies are actually the main ingredient because of their delicious taste! 

3. Appearance is key – Kids are very visual so it’s really all about making their plate look fun! Focus on making veggies look appetizing by using creative shapes and brightly colored bowls to increase their appetite. You can even add in their favorite animal or cartoon character for that extra wow factor! You can go as simple as making trees out of broccoli or more complex as making pirates from cucumbers-- the idea stays the same: make it fun!

Oh My Gulay! Shop the NEW Tang Fruit & Veg now to get the yummy taste of fruits with the nutrition benefits of veggies!: http://bit.ly/TangFruitNVeg

Join the #OhMyGulay challenge now on IG, Mommies! Check out Tang Philippines post on how to be part of this amazing campaign!

Asian Fusion and Probinsiya Feels with Brown-Mandarin Streetfood

Have you ever been to a place that gives you very "probinsiya" feels even though you are at the heart of the metro? 

 

That's what Brown-Mandarin Asian Streetfood made me feel as soon as I stepped into their Kubo restaurant. 

Front view

Top view

The place is surrounded by big establishments and is in front of a street, but once I was inside, I was instantly transported to our province. 

Street view

 

If you are familiar with Robinsons Townville, it is just a block away. The location is accessible and easily seen for its Kubo style.  

Look inside!

I was amazed at the tables, which were made from old wooden doors with top designs of floor tiles and stones.

Wow!!!

I loved that they used recycled materials and turned them into something fantastic! 

There is also a cabana where one can relax while enjoying their Pinoy Bingsu, and this area is for people who want to chillax as well as smokers. 

Those tables made from recycled ice cream top freezers are cool too.

 

The dishes that were served to me were Kare-Kare, Steamboat, Pad Thai, and Buko Monggo Pinoy Bingsu. Let me tackle each one and give you my thoughts. 

*Kare-Kare (220 PHP)is definitely one of their best-sellers! 

The peanut sauce that they created and the fresh vegetables made this dish delectable! This all-time favorite Pinoy meal is commendable even without bagoong. I didn't even put one in! 

 

*Steamboat (200 PHP), this was my first time hearing about and trying it. 

The Chinese version of Shabu-shabu is popular with oldies and for people who are not feeling well, because it is meatless and really good to sip while it's hot! Don't miss this one when you order at Brown-Mandarin. 

 

*Pad Thai (200 PHP), this is my favorite that I finished in one sitting! Yes! 

What makes their Pad Thai different from the others that I've eaten was the small shrimp that they added, the fried eggs that I don't usually see, and the taste was not boring (nakakasawa)! Another best-selling dish from them! 

 

*Pinoy Bingsu Buko Monggo, as soon as this was placed on the table, I remembered my childhood days being happy with an ice cream bar flavored Buko with Monggo on top! 

Oh lala!!!

I was thrilled that they decided to have our own version of Bingsu and a new one on their menu! The Buko Monggo Pinoy Bingsu is composed of homemade ice cream, flavored shave ice, macapuno, and monggo. There is no sugar added because it does not require it!

 

Aside from the flavorsome foods that were offered to me, I was privileged and grateful to sit down and chat with the generous and kind owners, Miss Lit and Chef Stella.

Thank you for this photo op, Miss Lit!

 

I was overwhelmed to learn about how Brown-Mandarin Asian Streetfood started (2019) and how they came up with the concept of food (Asian fusion with a twist) and the interior (recycled materials) of the restaurant. 

And these unforgettable statements from Chef Stella will stay with me as I cook and serve dishes to my loved ones and family:

 

Cooking is sensual. When you cook, you use your five senses, and even before you finish cooking, you should already know how it tastes. 

 

Thank you for the wonderful dining experience at Brown-Mandarin Asian Streetfood! 

 

Groufie with the fantastic crew!

They are open from 11 am to 8 pm, Mondays to Sundays, at 527 Melting Pot Bldg. Omega Avenue, Greater Fairview, Quezon City.

Visit them today and make your heart and tummy happy! 

My Writer's Life Lately

I have been busy since February started. I was a bit of a slacker last month because of the week that I stayed at home. At that time, I wasn't able to write anything.

 

February 13. A day before Valentine's Day, our book anthology If I Wake Up Here Again had a virtual launch party. 

The authors were able to meet for the first time and answered amazing questions about themselves and their stories. I also had a chance to do a live reading for my story, Ileaia's First Day High. Yay! 

 

February 15. I had a deadline with TBC Publications. Not my manuscript but another's work. I was officially assigned as an English editor. 

And though I have been training for months and am still training now, I don't have confidence in the position because I'd rather write than edit. I consider it a new responsibility. I know, additional work for me, so I hope you understand while I have been really busy lately.

 

February 23. Finally, after delaying for a month, I have already claimed my certificate with the National Book Development Board. I am officially registered as an author/writer. 

I am grateful to NBDB for recognizing artists with their crafts. Free registration is open until June 30, 2022. You can check out their FB page to see how.

March is just around the corner, and I already have one important task. Yes, it is related again to writing, so if I won't be able to post or update, my apologies. Thank you for sticking around and understanding. For now, that's my life update as an author. 😊

Seven Days of Isolation and Realization

Nobody wants to get sick, especially on these uncertain days.

 

As the surge of CoVid is getting higher and stricter rules are implemented by the government, most people want to be vaccinated and be boosted. Still, the virus won't perish even in the most careful and healthy-looking individuals.

 

 

It was Wednesday, January 12 when I felt what I thought to be symptoms of the virus. I woke up feeling tired with a headache and muscle pain. It was unusual, especially since I was fine last night. I quickly contacted my sister and she asked several questions. She said I might have the virus. What she advised me to do was to stay at home and to avoid contact with people. I had my food delivered via Grab, and I would request the Kuya drivers to hang it on our gate. 

 

On the second day, just to be sure that I didn't contract the virus and might share it with others, I didn't go to work.

 

On my 3rd day, I had a sore throat and a clogged nose. Still, I am thankful that I have had no fever so far.

My colleagues wanted me to go to work, especially if I didn't have any more symptoms. My family advised me to stay at home and finish the isolation period, which is seven days.

 

 

Sunday arrived and I had to take the anti-gen test kit home. It was the fourth day since the onset of the symptoms. I was scared while I was waiting for the result.

 

 

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord, the Almighty! I was negative!

 

It was a relief that I didn't actually have the virus.

 

 

It was also great to hear from my boss when she told me that technically I'm negative because if I hadn't, I might have infected someone since the last day that I went to work. I was truly grateful that no one of my colleagues experienced anything like what I had.

 

 

For the remaining three days of the quarantine, I continued to drink tea, ginger (salabat), eat fruits and gargle salt.

 

 

8th day. I was out of the house. It was like seeing the world differently. This is how a person feels without interacting with people and has been staying for a week inside a house. Wow! It was weird.

 

 

From my seven days of isolation, I learned a lot.

 

 

*I realized that family is family. The first one that I contacted was my second sibling, and without hesitation, she helped me financially, checking me out and asking me if I was alright every now and then. Thanks to her, I had a week of free food delivery and I experienced buying medicine and groceries online for the first time. 

 

 

*Better to be safe than sorry. I thought of my absences at work. I didn't have enough salary to survive the next few days. Yet, on top of that, my conscience would be forever guilty if one of my colleagues got sick because of me. 

Recommended food delivery: Goodah

 

*Don't ignore the symptoms. We already know about the symptoms. For almost two years, we've been socially distant quite some time, and we've had no social gatherings. So why, in the first place, would you deny that you have one? The best thing to do is recognize and accept that you may or may not have the virus, isolate yourself quickly. 

 

 

*Protect me and my loved ones. These days, being healthy is not only advisable for oneself but also for continuing to have strong immunity and mind for your family. 

 

Recommended food delivery: Teaspoon Cafe

The pandemic might stay for a while. We won't know how long the virus will stay. But one thing is for sure, try your best not to get sick and if you experience even one of the common symptoms, observe yourself and don't hesitate to isolate yourself.