Sunday, February 28, 2016

Silverworks goes Batman V Superman with New Line of Jewelry



Just in time for the highly anticipated Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Silverworks is releasing officially licensed Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman jewelry! 

As if running around in Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman singlets isn't enough to show our excitement for the super hero flick...well actually it isn't! 

Now you can show love for your favorite super hero (or heroine) by wearing these beautiful jewelry! 

The line will be available starting March in all Silverworks branches! 


I think, I'm going to get must a pair of Wonder Woman black studs, what about you guys? 

Don't forget to use the #SWHeroesUnited ang tag @silverworksphil in your photos! 

Check out the amazing line in the photos! 








Art Made Public Opens in SM Center Angono



I don't know if you've noticed it but art seems gaining in popularity recently and Paul and I couldn't be happier. In our hometown of Rizal, Angono has always been known for it's artistry in it's children, such as National Artists Botong’ Francisco and Maestro Lucio San Pedro. This artistry has been passed on to generations and these talents continuously flourish into the national and international art scenes. 

And in celebration of the National Arts Month, SM Center Angono partners with Metrobank Foundation in staging Art Made Public exhibit for the first time in the town of Angono and in Rizal Province.





True to its commitment to launch the careers and provide opportunities for young Filipino artists and designers, the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) launches the 32nd year of the Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE), one of the most prestigious art & design recognition programs in the country. With the theme “Finding Phenoms in Art”, MADE hails Filipino artistry and creativity through its annual recognition programs for the painters, sculptors, interior designers, and architects. 

Now on its 4th year, the “Art MADE Public” of the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. aims to heighten public appreciation for the arts at the same time promote Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) to young Filipino artists and designers to join its recognition programs. Art exhibitions and art lectures has been held nationwide in various cultural institutions, the academe, including commercial establishments like SM Supermalls.



Mallgoers of SM Center Angono can now view thereproduced art pieces by contemporary Filipino artists who are MADE awardees such as Antipolo natives Reynaldo Samson, Antonio Leaño. Also on exhibit are the works of ElmerBorlonganMelvin Culaba, Lynyrd Paras and a lot more.  

A lecture series about contemporary painting and sculpture were given by past MADE winners – Prof. Thomas Daquioagand Juan Sajid Imao, son of National Artists Abdulmari Imao to Fine Arts students of University of Rizal System Angono Campus under the tutelage of Jose Glenn Blanco, a scion of the brilliant Blanco Family.



The Art Made Public Exhibit runs until February 29, 2016 at SM Center Angono.

Click here for more photos.

Kung Fu Panda 3 Movie Review


It's rare for an animated sequel to have as much Chao Wa Punch Kick as the 3rd installment in a franchise but thankfully Kung Fu Panda does. Fans of the Dragon Warrior can relax because Kung Fu Panda 3 is amazing and worth to see in theaters, yes, even in IMAX 3D. 

The film opens in the spirit world, where the wise tortoise (and I'd love a grandfather like that) Master Oogway (Randall Duk Kim) is enjoying some peace but then is suddenly attacked by his ancient 'frenemy', the double blade wielding yak, 'the collector', 'Supreme Warlord', 'Master of Pain'  and 'Beast of Vengence' -General Kai (J.K. Simmons) who has deafeted ancient masters and have captured their chi, imprisoning them into jade zombies at his beck and call. 

After defeating Oogway, Kai travels to the mortal world, determined to find the Dragon Warrior, capture his chi and ensure his evil legacy. 


Back in the mortal world, Po (Jack Black) has a lot on his plate (and we're not just talking about dumplings) as Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) has given him the new role of teacher to the 'Furious Five' (as if they need any more teaching). While Po has a long way to go before becoming "Teacher of the Year" interesting developments turn up when a Panda named Li appears in the village and beats Po's dumpling eating record. 

The two pandas are peas in a pod, it doesn't take for long for them (or everyone in the village) to realize that Li and Po are father and son; to the irritation of Po's noodle-loving, adoptive father Mr. Ping (James Hong). 

The father and son reunion is short lived though as Kai threatens to attack the Valley of Peace. Gaining wisdom from an ancient scroll, the team learns that Kai can only be deafeted by a master of chi; something which even Master Shifu cannot claim to be. 


The scroll also tells of a secret village where pandas who are masters of chi live. Li urges Po to come with him to this same village, to teach him to master his chi. The village is a 'Panda Paradise' (you know those Panda Videos in YouTube? It's kind of like that) and as Po is reunited with his black and white brethren, he learns what it means to be a real panda, but will it be enough for him to learn to master chi and stop Kai before it's too late? 

Kung Fu Panda 3 is surprisingly emotional with Mr. Ping bringing a lot of the waterworks by putting adoptive parents, center stage. It is hilarious as expected and the animation is a visual treat-worth seeing in IMAX 3D. The film is the first co-production between Dreamworks Animation and the Shanghai based studio, Studio Oriental Dreamworks, which brings a great level of detail and authenticity to the film. From the Chinese style watercolor animation which transitions to 2D then 3D graphics, to the explosion of color and light, you can't help but marvel at what you are seeing on the big screen. You can even see the detail in the fur of the animals, and those are a lot of animals and a village of Pandas sounds challenging but nothing was spared when it came to level of detail and the graphics in the film. 


Of course, the film has not lost it's charming and hilarious humor, which combines Chinese themes and American Pop culture references that every fat in kid in all of us would love. Part of the appeal that Po has to this generation is that even a fat (and cute) panda can be the Dragon Warrior and in this age of skinny models and buffed up super heroes, a dumpling loving Po, who tells you to be "the best you, you can be" is a welcome treat and something that kids and even the adults need to hear, every once in a while. 

9 out of 10 ⭐️ (Paul says it's his highest rated animated movie and that says a lot because it takes a lot to impress him). You can catch Kung Fu Panda 3 in advance on Feb. 29 and March 1 in select cinemas-before it's March 9 release date. 

 “Kung Fu Panda 3” opens March 9 in cinemas (2D, 3D and IMAX 3D) nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros





Friday, February 26, 2016

Heroes Run takes on Batman V Superman on April 9


I have never been the sporty or athletic type of girl, often preferring a good boom or a movie instead of running around with a racket, or sweating it out in the gym. Which is why it's good that I always have the option of running around the village, you don't have to think of anything, just have music and run! It's a good go-to-exercise whenever I feel I'm getting on the chubby side :p

Last year's World of DC Fun Run was such a great event, I'm really happy that it's coming back this year -but with a fun and specified...market you would say. 

In time with the highly anticipated Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice movie (in cinemas, March 26) Heroes Run will have runners choosing a side- Batman or Superman? Of course, you can be neutral and just go Wonder Woman right? :)




The beautiful singlets, as you can see above features a more movie-accurate design. Instant abs for those who will be going Batman or Superman and instant glamour for those who will be choosing Wonder Woman! 

Joining Heroes Run? 

Here are some important details: 

Date: April 9, 2016
Venue: SM by the Bay, MOA Complex
Time: 4:30 am
Race Categories: 3K 5K 10K 

Registration Fee: 

3K - P700
5K - P800
10K - P900

Online Registration: awww.batmanvsupermanrun.com.ph

Walk-in Registration: Chris Sports Outlets 
(More Walk-in Registrations) may open soon- stay tuned for more details!

Check out my Wonder Woman singlet! This will also look awesome
paired with great jeans and a nice blazer!






I remember last year's run had who families (with the kids and the pets) running and it was super cute to see and it was an honor to run along side them! :) 

Looking forward to Heroes Run! Hope to see you! 

Don't forget to use the hashtags: 

#batmanvsupermanrunph
#irunforsupermanph
#irunforbatmanph 






Finisher's Medal- is it just me or do I see a bit of Aquaman inspiration in there?

Racer's Bib and Sling bag-super handy during your run! 

UPDATE! 

Online Registration is now open! 

Go to the link -> http://www.batmanvsupermanrun.com.ph/#batmanvsupermanrunph

Thursday, February 25, 2016

The Finest Hours Movie Review



There is a running joke among those of us who work in the BPO industry; and it goes along the lines of receiving hazard pay whenever we report for work during a storm or calamity.

While our line of work may have promises of additional pay for risking life and limb just to go to work. There are other jobs that are simply an occupational hazard by nature; Police officers, firemen, all run toward danger instead of following the human instinct of running away from it-and with no added pay. 

'The Finest Hours' brings the greatest small boat rescue mission in history to the big screen, based on the novel of the same name audiences are transported to Massachusetts in 1952. They are introduced to 24 year old Bernie (Bah-ney) Webber (Chris Pine) who, unlike his Capt. Kirk alter-ego, is an unsure, self-conscious coast guard who doesn't seem to wear the pants in the relationship. This is blatantly proven when his (then) girlfriend, Mariane (Me-ri-ane) (Holliday Grangier) is the one who pops the question.


As if to test the newly engaged couple's perseverance, the very next day after an almost botched proposal, the S.S. Pendelton, a T2 Oil Tanker is literally split in half, amidst a nor'easter (a macro-scale storm along the upper East Coast of the US and Canada) off the coast of Cape Cod, leaving its surviving crew of 32 men hoping against hope to survive. The ship's Chief Engineer, Ray Sybert, a fast-thinking, quick on his feet, aloof Casey Affleck becomes the de-facto Captain, the crew relying on his intensive knowledge of the ship to stay afloat long enough for them to be rescued. 

In a wicked twist of faith, another oil tanker, the Fort Mercer was also split in half (Phew! What a busy night!). The Coast Guards from Boston and Nantucket have all been dispatched to the Fort Mercer, leaving the Chatham Station, where Bernie is a First Class Coast Guard, on it's own in it's attempted rescue of The Pendleton. Only four of the Fort Mercer's crew members survived. 


Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff (Eric Bana) orders Bernie to pick a crew and to go out on the next to impossible mission. So, in a wooden 36-foot life boat, the four young men, led by Bernie, make their way in the dark, cold raging sea. Their mission made even deadlier by the Chatham Bars, or 'bars' pronounced in the thick Massachusetts accent as 'baaaaahs'. The bar is described as 'a collection of ever-shifting shoals with flood currents carrying ocean waves that can splinter small boats in a matter of seconds...and this is in normal weather.' The Cape Cod bay was often referred to as the "graveyard of the Atlantic" and has a history of about 3,000 shipwrecks over several centuries. 

As if getting to the Pendelton was the only problem, how would a small lifeboat, made for twelve fit thirty-two survivors and their four rescuers? 


I'm a sucker for based-on-a-true-story movies, especially when they are period pieces and while The Finest Hours checks in all of these, my issue with the film is it's pacing, with the actual resuce happening towards the end of the film. What the film tries to accomplish though is the actual 'choice' that Chris Pine's character Bernie has to make in deciding to push through with what is nothing less than a suicide mission. This is clearly evident with one of the concerned townsfolk practically telling Bernie- 'just go around and pretend you tried to go but couldn't, no one will blame you'. That's very tempting, considering there is a beautiful lady waiting for you in a warm house. 

There are some unnecessary sub plots which I felt could have been taken out in the film and a sequence towards the end that I just found weird. 

Despite the setbacks, I still enjoyed the film, with it's under water, over water sequences and the thrilling and daring true to life rescue. I enjoyed watching Chris Pine and Casey Affleck on screen, Affleck delivering an impressive performance, despite the few lines that he had, you could see him thinking a thousand thoughts in an instant with his facial expressions. He was subtle and soft-spoken but whenever he did speak, it was like the spotlight was on him. I also enjoyed the 'firecracker' character of Mariane, whose 1950's glamour was a welcome sight in a mostly male cast. 

The end credits, feature the photos of the real people on which the movie was based on, as well as the actual newspaper clippings about the incredible story. I'm always a sucker for those too. 

6.5 out of 10 ⭐️ The Finest Hours is a beautiful true-to-life-story and a great example of the strength and courage of the human spirit and a testament to individuals who run towards danger and risk their life for others on a daily basis. 




Monday, February 22, 2016

PJ's Christening and First Birthday


While we love shooting and covering events in our hometown of Antipolo, driving to Manila is always a refreshing change, especially when we get to cover a lifetime event at the University of Santo Thomas church no less!

Which is why we were thrilled to cover Pj's Christening and First Birthday party.  Aside from Pj, being a totally cute baby, it was overwhelming to see this little bundle of joy be surrounded by family and friends who love him dearly.

Needless to say the kid has some awesome Baptism photos he can bring to school one day!



After his Christening, the reception was also his first birthday celebration and he left his white baptism clothes and appeared in a full F1 Racer getup! To match his 'Cars' theme of course!

Perfect for a little boy's first birthday party! Kudos to Mommy Pebbles for taking care of all the little details! :)

Thank you for having PCheng Photography cover these milestones in your life Pj! :)

Click here for more photos!

Kevin + Aimee



Before heading out to 19 East for Tricot's day after Christmas show, we actually covered a wedding! 

Yes- a wedding after Christmas! And despite, being sick (me) and basically being worn out from the holidays, it was a beautiful wedding. :) 

You might have already read this but Aimee is my College friend and we were really happy when she (along with Kevin) as us to shoot their Prenup and of course, their wedding.


The wedding, much like their Prenup was well thought of and thanks to the support of their loving and imaginative family, also had the same well thought out details that really make a difference. From the simple rustic touches to the baby's breath flowers that seemed to be everywhere, it was a beautiful and simple celebration. 

The bride glowed underneath her veil (and I'm not just saying this because she's my friend) and the groom was dashing behind his trusty motorcycle, a staple in Taytay. 

Congratulations to Kevin and Aimee! :)

Click here for more photos!

EP Review: Oh, Flamingo! Don't forget the ',' and the '!'

Took a photo of the CD, right after picking it up from the counter at Satchmi. 


Rating: 4 Stars
Label: Wide Eyed Records 

As a couple, Paul and I influence each other in music and with a 6 year difference in our ages, the music that we share is very diverse and transcends decades. 

When it comes to discovering new music, and/or new bands/artists to follow it can be either one of us who recommends it to the other. Now, in the case of four-piece Indie Rock band "Oh, Flamingo!" 
it was Paul who was the initial fan; he would crank up the volume of the car stereo whenever the bands song "Two Feet" would play on Jam 88.3.

Howard Luistro of Oh, Flamingo! performing during Satchmi's Vinyl Day. 

Pretty Soon, we were both singing the song (with harmonies) and Paul would even play the beat of the drums on the steering wheel and now we are officially Oh, Flamingo! fans. 

I've been planning to get a copy of their EP for some time now, which is why I was really happy when I saw that it was being sold at Satchmi; I got a copy-no questions asked! For P250.00 with five tracks in the EP, I would say that it it's P250.00 well spent. There is no song that you 'skip' as you play the CD, because every song is a worthwhile listen with it's fresh Indie-Rock sound, unpredictable transitions and infectious harmonies. 

As winners of the coveted Wanderland band title, even beating out personal favorite Iligan-based Loop, Oh, Flamingo! Is making their own brand of noise, proving that despite having a few original songs under their belt, it is their unique charm and music that endears their fans and followers to them. 

The EP opens with 'Inconsistensies' which gives audiences a preview of the treat that they are in, the simple guitar riffs make way for more complicated ones, executed only by mastering the perfect timing. The radio friendly 'Two Feet' showcase the quartet's strengths, which are off the books music styles, which focus more on finding their own style, rather than ripping off other bands. The EP ends with the fun and fresh track 'June' which transcends to a Carribeanesque like song, you wouldn't see coming.

Bassist Billie Dela Paz. Plus points if you can you see her shout out to Howard in the photo? 


The lyrics are well written, no clichéd lyrics where in you can predict what word comes next or the ones that make you want to throw up as to how they cheesy they are. Nope, you won't find any of those with Oh, Flamingo! Their lyrics almost have a poem like quality, painting imagery which best compliments the well arranged songs. 

Howard Luistro's vocals make him sound older than he actually is. The strength of his laid back singing is knowing when to give and when to take. There is no overbearing 'birit' but a casual control, experienced musicians take years to master. 

It seems that the self titled EP is not an experiment as to finding out who they are or what their sound is. Rather, it is a loud testament of what Oh, Flamingo! is all about. From the intended use of punctuation marks in their name (don't forget the ',' and the '!') to their no-nonsense, no make up, yet super fun and 'kulit' album cover. Oh, Flamingo! is a refreshing promise to bigger things in the indie scene. 

Rating: 4 Stars (out of 5) 

*will start rating album and EP reviews* :) 

You can get physical copies of their EP at the following: 

Satchmi (SM Megamall) 
Team Manila Stores
The Four Strings (Cubao Expo) 

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Taking a trip to Zootopia!



Got this amazing Zootopia welcome pack from Disney! Now I'm ready to take a trip to Zootopia!




An exclusive Southeast Asian Inspired art with the characters riding a Jeepney! 


Postcards featuring the different places in Zootopia! 


...and my very own Zootopia drivers license

I may not have a human drivers license but this one is the next best thing! 🐰💕

Zootopia is now in cinemas! 

Full Movie Review is now up in the blog! 

#ZootopiaPH 


ZOOTOPIA is a Modern Fable and a Disney Classic


Ever since I was little, I have always read stories and watched movies where animals are the main characters. They talk like humans and even like around like humans, more often than not, they also share the same characteristics as humans. 

I learned later on that these stories were called 'Fables' and that these 'human qualities' are called being 'anthropomorphized'. Disney has always featured these anthropomorphized animals in their films, such as Bambi (1942), Dumbo (1941), 'Robin Hood (1973) among many others. 

In Zootopia, Disney returns to their fabled stories but by giving it a modern make-over, with animals using smart phones, face time, and even an app that let's you dance with Gazelle, Zootopia's pop-star; Grammy-award winner Shakira lends both her acting and singing voice to the  socially conscious celebrity. 


So how does Zootopia work? In theory, animals have evolved to leave their prey and predator (killer/ flight or fight) instincts behind and now, they wear clothes, drive cars, pay taxes and have jobs like you and me. Of course, some animals will be well suited for some jobs better than others. Like, big scary predators are more ideal to be in the Police Force. 

But rabbit, Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) believes that anybody can be anything, even if it means being the first Rabbit Police Officer. After graduating at the top of her class, Judy sets out to Zootopia, leaving the carrot farm, her 225 brothers and sisters and overbearing parents behind. 

Arriving at the city, Judy soon finds out that being the new bunny cop will be harder than she thought with the whole force undermining her, Polce Chief Bogo, a Cape Buffalo voiced by Idris Elba, assigning her to give out parking tickets, despite an alarming missing mammals case, going around the city. 


Desperate to prove herself, Juddy Hopps partners with the fast talking, sly-fox, scam artist (and the natural enemy of rabbits, Papa and Mama Rabbit .will not be pleased) Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) to solve the case. 

8.5 out of 10 Zootopia, is a ceaseless wonder for the senses, the animation is eye-popping gorgeous, the imaginative and innovative city has so many things to see and marvel at, from Tundratown, Sahara Square to hippopotamus drying stations and elephant ice cream parlors. 

I was a big fan of the height scale that the movie used, you can really see the difference in size from a cute tiny mouse to a towering giraffe. 

Plus points if you catch the "Frozen" reference in the movie. 

It is a classic detective story which will keep both the adults and kids guessing as who is behind the disappearing mammal case, all the while teaching the important life lessons of becoming more than what is expected of you, going against stereotypes and that even sworn enemies like a rabbit and a fox, can be the best of friends. 



Opening across the Philippines on Feb. 17, “Zootopia” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures. Follow the official social media accounts of Disney in the Philippines, namely, (FB) WaltDisneyStudiosPH, (Twitter) @disneystudiosph and (Instagram) @waltdisneystudiosph and use the hashtag #ZootopiaPH.


What about you guys?







Thursday, February 18, 2016

Jennifer Lawrence is a Strong Presence in "Joy"


The first time I saw the trailer for Joy, I honestly had no idea what it was about biut it did have the holy trinity of Jennifer Lawrence, director David O. Russell and Bradley Cooper (American Hustle, Silver Linings Playbook) so it was worth checking out.

After a few more trailers and some research I found out that Joy is a rag-to-riches, autobiographical movie about inventor Joy Mangano, who created her own empire through her inventions, specifically the 'Miracle Mop' (think Home TV Shopping products), of course with having to go through her own trials and tribulations. 



Jennifer Lawrence's performance is the only joy in 'Joy', as the movie goes on, you can almost 'see' her carry the whole weight of the film on her pretty shoulders; ironically, this is what the character goes through in the movie as well, carrying the weight of her troubled, overbearing family. 

When the audiences meet Joy, she is a struggling divorced mother of two, who is also caring for her soap-opera obsessed mother (Virgina Madsen) and her caring grandmother (Diane Ladd, who also narrates the story). As if, this is not a lot on her plate already, Joy's divorced husband (Edgar Ramirez) is living in the basement and to make matters worse, her father (Robert De Niro) just gets dropped off by his now ex-girlfriend at Joy's door step. 

Barely making ends meet, Joy is already at her wit's end in trying to keep their old house from falling apart and from trying to keep her family from killing each other. In a moment of inspiration, Joy taps into her creative self, which she seems to have forgotten and invents a non-wringing mop. 

What follows is the challenges and risks she took in order to fulfill her dreams. 


My take away from the movie, would be the interesting world of patents (really, that was one of the things that kept me interested) and how having a good lawyer to give you sound advice is always a good idea. I was also surprised as to what goes behind those Home TV Shopping episodes. I swear, I will never look at Home TV Shopping the same way again. 

I must also applaud the choice in songs for the film, most especially The Rolling Stones' 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' and the Bee Gee's 'To Love Somebody' (both of which, I heard in the trailers). 

The film drags on, much to the audience's discomfort but what has them staying is their investment in Joy, they want her to succeed, they want Cinderella to marry the prince and after so many complications, legal, financial and even within the family, Joy does succeed (in a really bad ass way, I might add) but what follows is a rushed ending that feels all over the place. It was the ending that I liked least in the whole film, suffice to say. 

7 out of 10 stars, "Joy" has a simple enough plot to keep audiences engaged and developing empathy for Lawrence is easy, because she's Jennifer Lawrence but everything else falls out of place and its as if Director David O. Russell is grasping at straws to keep the movie together. 

The fact that its Jennifer Lawrence on the screen and that she's actually very good (she did win the Golden Globe for Best Actress (Comedy or Musical) for her role in Joy) and that it's a adapted from actual events makes things a little bit more interesting.

Joy is now showing in cinemas, from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.