A WONDERFUL BON CHON EXPERIENCE

One of the hottest restos in the metro today is arguably "Bon Chon". And like many people who are avid food enthusiasts, I also tried the Bon Chon experience with my bestfriend and we really enjoyed it. We ordered Drumsticks and Chops and we had one serving of original and spicy flavor. We also did try their calamari and of course i added an extra serving of their spicy mayo. Overall, it was a wonderful food experience.

Here are the pics. Happy Bon Chon!

PFW SS 2012 OFFICIALLY STARTS

The Spring Summer 2012 collection of the Philippine Fashion Week officially kicked off last Sunday whit Human, Kashieca and Bench showcasing their collection. I watched the show and stay tuned for more updates. They have nice tickets as well. :)

MOVIE REVIEW: DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK

From writer Matthew Robbins and director Guillermo Del Toro, I had high hopes in the first time I saw the trailer of "Don't Be Afraid of The Dark". It's a mixture of intrigue and suspense dabbed well in dark elements of filmmaking and embroidered in mystery.

But the film did not really scare me as what it has promised. Some scenes for me are quite predictable thus diminishing the fear factor. I also went to to watch because Katie Holmes was there and well she wasn't as impressive as well. The lukewarm reception at the tills really showed how much it did not accomplish in terms of scaring people. The film lacked a strong original story base. The sequences are often flawed and unorganized making it more blurry than scary. This film is way far from the masterpiece Del Toro presented us with Pan's Labyrinth. Save from some scenes that could elicit some occasional screams, this film is not something you would want to really spend time with. It would make some people scared for quite some time but for sure that horror feeling won't last for long.

2.5 out of 5 popcorns.

BLUECLOUD'S MUSIC CHARTS OCTOBER 3-9, 2011

This edition of the charts saw a brand new number one with Demi Lovato taking the top with "Skyscraper". Adele descends 1 to 2 while Avril and Adam/Christina exchanged spots at 3 and 4. Highest new entry at No. 19 is Promise by Romeo Santos ft. Usher.

NELSON BANZUELA WINS FASHIONISSIMO 2011

It just goes to show that hardwork and perseverance is really key. Months after missing out on another bikini pageant, he struts his way once again and this time taking the top plum. Nelson Banzuela was crowned Fashionissimo 2011 to much of the delight of his fans. Nelson is one smoking hot guy. Sexiness inside and out.

Photo Credits: Fashionissimo Facebook Page, Ojie Paloma

ANNE CURTIS FOR BLACK PARTY MANILA 2011

One of the hottest superstars in the country, Anne Curtis delighted its legions of fans as it becomes the newest gay icon of the new generation. Anne did a video promoting the Black Party Manila 2011 which will happen this October 29, 2011 at Malate.

Gorgeous isn's she?



Video Credits: Youtube, Mentorque Productions

OLIVER TOLENTINO SHINES FOR AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL

Filipino fashion designer has again shown that he is one of the fast rising designers in the world. With his recent achievements piling up, he has made every Filipino proud. Adding to the glitter of his name is his inclusion on one of the episodes of America's Next Top Model where his collection was worn by the 7 of the model aspirants. Here they are for your viewing pleasure. Congratulations once more Oliver!

Photo Credits: Facebook and America's Next Top Model

MOVIE REVIEW: SPY KIDS 4

Only several movies have successfully made a franchise that is more than 3 movies. Most of the time the 4th is a dud or not matching the success of the previous 3. This is what happened to "Spy Kids 4".

Even as the sexy Jessica Alba and the previous kids in the earlier films are back (Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara), the film suffered from a lot of things. First is lack of interest. The movie is coming off a very long break before this 4th installment gets into theaters. Second was lack of strong storybase. The plot was as predictable as the sun rising and the sun setting. Third is that there were no strong support cast and all the acting chops were bland or forgettable.

The visuals were also not as impressive and the sounds and editing were not really good. For most people who followed the series, it was a big letdown on all aspects. I never thought this would be given a greenlight given the fact that the 3rd movie did not really fare well in the tills. There were some fun moments but the story most of the times were dragging and a bit slow. It's like they focused on more explanation rather than more action. 2.5 out of 5 popcorns!

BLUECLOUD'S MUSIC CHARTS SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2011

This edition of the Music Charts saw a new number one - with former champ Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera settling for No.3. Adele vaults to No. 1 with her newest "Someone Like You". Highest new entry goes to Jessie J for her song "Who You Are" which finally released a video. See the rest of the chart actions below.

CHINA WINS MANHUNT INTERNATIONAL 2011

October 10 saw the crowning of China as Manhunt International 2011. He bested 47 other candidates to take home the crown. While China is one of the good choices for the crown this year, there were notable snubs or non-inclusions in this year's Top 5 much so even in the Top 15. Our very own candidate, Ron Marvin Miranda fared well finishing 9th (although I think he deserves to be among the Top 5). Well, here is Mr. China (Chen Jian) together with my 6 other picks on who should have made the Top 5.

China - Chen Jian (Manhunt International 2011)

Philippines - Ron Marvin Miranda (Top 9)

Vietnam - Truong Nam Thanh (3rd Runner-Up)

Venezuela - Jose Ampueda

Indonesia - Yohanica Januar (Top 12)

Australia - Joseph Davidson (Top 7)

Brazil - Lucas Malvacini

Photo Credits: Manhunt International Website

MOVIE REVIEW: IKAW ANG PAG-IBIG

Star Cinema takes it differently this time releasing a movie that is not solely for commercial success but something that attacks our inner selves and religious strength. Together with the Archdiocese of Caceres and The Marilou Diaz Abaya Film Institute and Arts Center, thiss film which is directed by award winning director Marilou Diaz-Abaya gets together an ensemble cast of great thespians - Marvin Agustin, Ina Feleo, Jomari Yllana Nonie Buencamino, Sharmaine Centenera and Eddie Garcia.

The movie revolves with Ina;s character - a young dreamy and rebellious woman who has almost everything going right up until his newly ordained brother played by Marvin Agustin i diagnosed of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. The challenges came one after the other. The relationships of each characters were tested and so as their faith with God. This is one film that really puts big focus on how we rely with God and how each day is to be treated with great thanks. We are humbled by the things we see in the film showing us that in our daily lives, we should always learn to thank and appreciate what we have. The stern tests on Ina's character and family is a very difficult thing and was emotionally pictured in the film,

Aside from the great story base, this film gets much of its boost from its cast. Marvin Agustin was amazing so as with Eddie Garcia. Sharmaine and Nonie's scenes were both riveting and heartbreaking. But aside from those big names, Ina Feleo did a great job as well. She brought simplicity in acting wherein you could see the realness of emotions.

This film is highly based on values of love, family, forgiveness and GOD. And though what were shown were the ideal things that should happen, we can't help but say that most of the scenes are far from reality. And while the entire cast was masterfully selected to bring life to the respective characters, the movie somehow lacked in giving focus to specific people therefore venturing into the lives of everyone in the film. Still, this one's a 4 out of 5 popcorns.

PHILIPPINE FASHION WEEK SPRING SUMMER 2012 SCHEDULE

It's October once more and The Philippine Fashion Week is once again approaching. Here is the latest schedule that is available courtesy of their Facebook Page and posted by Tina Herrera. Hope to snag tickets to some of the shows. I only have 2 so far. :)

MY TOP 10 MAALAALA MO KAYA EPISODES

Maalaala Mo Kaya, now more commonly known as MMK celebrates its 20th year on air giving us wonderful stories about life, love, happiness and reality. Hosted by Charo Santos-Concio, the show has been one of the standards in terms of drama and has had success in different award-winning bodies here and abroad. I have been a fan of the show and through those 20 long years, I have come to love 10 outstanding episodes. Here they are:


1. Lobo (Regine Velasquez and Piolo Pascual)
- Arguably the episode which really brought me to tears, Regine and Piolo did show that they are really good actors in the industry. This episode makes us remember that disabilities should not hinder us from loving people.  It lets us accept people as they are and just follow the greatness of the human emotions. We should not treat people as disabled but instead as special. It is great to note how one could fall in love with one's purity and innocence. Their on-screen chemistry was just a great click.

2. Rehas (Gina Pareno)
- What would you do if you have kids that are all mentally-ill? This is one of the questions of this episode from which Gina Pareno wonderfully and effortlessly portrayed the role of a  mother with mentally-ill children. It shows the strength and hope of a mother and makes us remember to love unconditionally. This si one of the heart busting episodes of MMK which made me flood for tears.

3. Skating Rink (John Lloyd Cruz)
- John Lloyd Cruz gave one of the better performances for MMK. He played the role of a guy, a skater who has cerebral palsy. It goes to show that whatever we want in our lives, hindrances are just challenges and that if we have will and determination, our dreams would be reached how difficult the road going there may be.

4. Abo (Roderick Paulate)
- It is one of the episodes where Roderick grabbed a victory at the Asian TV awards. Him not uttering any words could still elicit tears and he has showed that Filipinos are really good actors. The story was well-written and really emotional and Roderick just showed he is a pro.

5.  Kalendaryo (Billy Crawford and Nikki Gil)
- With a haunting song used for most of the tearjerker scenes "I Will Be Here", this episode truly made me cry to tears. The love story between two people wherein one is dying is always a sad sight to look at. But we are just reminded to express our love to our special someone each day as we will never know when will be their last. Billy and Nikki provided performance that is natural, innocent and real. Death could not set apart a love that is so strong

6. Song Book (Aiza Seguerra)
- Aiza Seguerra is one of the few celebrities who rarely do emotional roles but when given such would definitely put you to tears. The rawness of her acting made it more believable thus standing out from the rest. Her performance here grabbed attention and also brought her a Best Actress trophy at the Asian TV Awards

7. Bisikleta (Dolphy)
- Dolphy's potrayal of a father who is out to redeem himself is one heartfelt one. It was a struggle to convince everyone that he was at no case at fault. We all know Dolphy;s comedic timing but his drama chops was also way above spectrum.

8. Regalo (Vilma Santos, Ricky Davao, Maja Salvador)
- Vilma and Ricky was again stellar in this episode and Maja was just a revelation. How could one mother divide her time from working and taking care of a sick daughter who has cerebral palsy? It is losing at both ends. Each scene was just sad and much more to the hospital scene where you can really feel the pain and suffering of Maja much more Vilma's agony.

9. Tubig (Ryan Agoncillo)
- Ryan Agoncillo is a great host but occasionally dabbles into acting - and a good acting to boot. He played a "taong grasa" in this episode and has truly showed confidence in acting even as he was painted all through out with grease. Natural and simple, Ryan's scenes made me shed tears. Makes us realize that we all can change for the better.

10. Treehouse (Andre Tiangco, Dimples Romana, Dominic Ochoa)
- One of the more loved episodes on love and finding one's heart, Treehouse takes us to the conflict of forgetting someone and then suddenly meeting someone that would make one's heart beat fast. Dimples was good already from the get go and the support cast added glitter to this episode.

ANNE CURTIS SIZZLES IN ROUGE MAGAZINE

One of the hottest female stars in the land today is definitely Anne Curtis. With a regular hit show in her Network ABS-CBN, a brand new album and a super blockbuster movie "No Other Woman", she definitely is one of the bigger stars of the country. Needless to say, she is also one hot and pretty lady. A frequent runway fixture and advertisement model, Anne graces the covers of Rouge Magazine this October - not just one but 3 times. Styled by Pam Quinones, please savor the beauty that is Anne Curtis.

Photos: Coustesy of Rouge Magazine

REMEMBERING STEVE JOBS

October 5, 2011 marked the the death of one of the technology trailblazer of today's generation. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc. has left us with all the legacy he can give. A technology pioneer indeed, Steve started his humble beginnings in his garage and from there built what is seemingly a technological empire.

It can be told that he has changed the landscape of technology and how people look at gadgets. They are now not just boring hardware we used to use but a source of fun, entertainment, business and daily use combined. A true visionary, Steve has helped bring Apple to the forefront of technological bliss. MacBook, Ipod, Itouch, Iphone and Ipad are all wonders and will always be a part of our history much more is Steve.

But what makes him really apart from others is that a lot of people see him a kind, good-natured and nice. For most people, he is known as a family man, a good friend and great boss. The world is now amiss with his untimely departure but one thing is for sure. We will always remember.

MY FASHIONISSIMO 2011 BETS

Now on its second year, Fashionissimo is once again on search for the top male model in the land. And a handful of hopefuls are vying for the crown which was won by Michael Elhag in 2010. This year, here are my top picks to take the prize. Here is my top 10 Fashionissimo contestants in 2011.

1. Celerino Remocal Jr.

2. Eigee Magdangal

3. Nelson Banzuela

4. Travis Millard

5. John Bardo Espiritu

6. Carlo Capati

7. Carlo Franc Amian

8. Alan Jabaguero

10. Raphael Grafil

Photos: Ash Reginald Evasco

BLUECLOUD'S MUSIC CHARTS SEPTEMBER 19-25, 2011

To all my readers, i am slowly catching up on all posts. As you may all know, my past week has been extra work-filled and I bare;y had sleep. But for this chart action, Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera continues to reign supreme even as 4 new entries made their presence in the Top 10. Highest debut comes from Lady Gaga who collaborated with Tony Bennett for the song The Lady is a Tramp which currently sits at No. 17.