My Interview with Jonathan Broderick of B.O.R.N to Style

Paul and I enjoy watching B.O.R.N To Style - yup you read that right, despite Paul's nonchalant attitude towards fashion he shows a surprising interest when it comes to the art and science to clothing and accessories. He did surprise me one birthday when he brought an entire outfit for me with shoes- he even had this whole explanation of matching print with plain and a pop of color over neutral ones. 

Which brings me back to the both of us enjoying the Fashion Make-Over show - B.O.R.N To Style; which focuses on New York based vintage/thrift shop B.O.R.N (which stands for Borrowed, Old, Refurbished, New) which also tackles make-over clients as well as styling for clients as well. 

The shop is helmed by the stylish Jonathan Broderick and his colorful and hilarious assistants. 

I had the honor of interviewing Jonathan over the phone and here is how it went down. 

Man Of The Hour: Jonathan Broderick

I just wanted to ask, you’ve actually quoted a saying that “you can be comfortable and fashionable at the same time.” So, do you have that same goal for your clients or is it a case-by-case basis?

I totally agree with that. With each client, that’s still something that I would tell everyone. Because once you’re comfortable, you’ll feel more confident, so you’re able to walk better. You’re able to not feel that if it’s too tight or if the dress is rising up or if it’s pulling you down. Or the guy who’s jacket is not fitting right so he’s uncomfortable in his shoulders, won’t stand as broad as he would be comfortable with. So that’s really something that I stick by and that’s for every client that we do. Comfortability is totally first.  Be it that in shoes, be it that in the belt, if it’s too tight, if it’s too loose, fit is everything - fit is everything. I always encourage the women to always go to a tailor to know their size and as far as with the bra size. you know, which is very important, the undergarments. Like a lot of women, the majority of women do not know their bra size! They’ve been walking around with size that is not theirs and wondering why their clothes don’t fit, as why the look don’t look as polished as it does when they see somebody on the red carpet. It starts with the undergarments.

I’d like to ask, at the end of the day, what are you most happy about with what you’re doing, with your day job, so to speak?

Yes. At the end of the day I’m most happy that I made a difference in somebody’s life. Because very early on, I didn’t think that fashion- and I always denied it - I didn’t that fashion was so important. You know, like a scientist, or a doctor, you know, or all those other professions - I didn’t think that fashion was that real, was that necessary. So each and everyday, at the end of the day, of the notes that I get and the emails, and people coming-we just had people come from Texas and they bake cookies for us and they bring their children and you know, people cry afterwards-So I mean like, it’s making a difference. Who would think that clothes can make a difference in somebody’s life? Because it’s all about their esteem-self- esteem and they get assurance and I listen to them, and you know, they trust me-that’s another thing. Because if I’m telling them and suggesting something that they gonna go out and present themselves to the world, that’s really important-that’s very important. People will go on job interviews, people could go out on their first date-people could just do all those firsts and I feel that I was part of it. So at the end of the day, it just makes me smile and makes me feel that this is worth it-it’s worth it.

I’d like to know, what else do you like to do when you’re not styling a client or when you’re not out, shopping for vintage clothing. What are your other hobbies or interests?

You know, that’s such an interesting question and I might seem a little boring or anything, but I love shopping. I love shopping. I don’t care if it’s at a grocery store, the fruits market or just like inquiring. I love the hunt. I love the hunt like everyday I’m shopping. Be it if it’s for me, if it’s for the store, if it’s groceries for food, if it’s in the pharmacy for you know, lotion and soaps. I love to shop. I love to people watch. I love to talk and I love conversing. I love to read-I’m reading everything. I’m staying current on everything-I read the newspaper, the daily news, the Women’s Wear Daily, I read Harper’s Bazaar, I read the New York Times, the New York Post. You know, International Magazines-I love pictures, I love the story.

So would say that you’re probably the best shopping buddy anyone can ask for?

Absolutely! A lot of people can’t hang with me because they’re exhausted at the end of the day and I’m just energetic, ready to go-‘cuz it’s still that one more piece, that one thing that I didn’t see. I like to window shop as well. It’s New York City! like Bergdorf Goodman. 57 street you see Christian Dior, you see Louis Vuitton, you see all the new stores that are opening up and down in Soho, like, you’re watching the people in the subway-it’s fashion everywhere. It’s everywhere.

Jonathan Broderick and his crazy, colorful crew. 

So, you work with your friends, what has that been like? Tell us about the pros and cons of being in business with your friends.

The pros and cons - at first, if you always see like it’s not always good to do business with friends-from my experience, I would disagree with that.  Because once you have friends and people that really care for you and see your vision…All the cast, and there have been times when I’m just so overwhelmed and they remind me of the vision and my purpose on why I’m doing what I do-they treat the business as if it’s their own. There’s a difference of having employees that are just there for the check and they just work in clock in and clock out and that’s it-they’re invested-my friends who are invested in B.O.R.N-it’s THEIR business. You know, I don’t have to worry about with people like…there’s a lot of theft in businesses: people just take advantage, people who steal, like I never have to worry about that-everybody will ask for anything that they wanted, they need-it’s not collective, we put it together to make something happen, we encourage each other, you know, and the flip flop side of that is is that your friends really know you and you can take advantage of each other because you know the brain to push, you know the way to ask for something. Oh, you know, you come in and do that smile, or do that dance and make me laugh you know, once you make me laugh, you got it-you get everything you want (laughs), you know, so they know me like that and I’m usually softer with my friends as I would be with somebody else that wasn’t.

FYI November Highlights

It's fortunate enough that for TV addicts like Paul and myself we can relax and get inspired at the same time and for crafts (writing for me and photography for Paul) inspiration is always important. 

It's a good thing that there is a network like FYI which offers shows that can get you inspired to work on your own little projects or craft; whether it is re-decorating that cluttered room which you've always told yourself you'd do (but never actually got around to doing) or trying out that recipe you saw online weeks ago. Whenever you feel like your stuck in a rut or need a little boost to start on that little project of yours then watching a few programs on FYI will definitely give you that much needed inspiration. 

Here are some new shows to watch out for on FYI this November! 

Bondi Vet Season 5

For pet owners and pet lovers, their pets give them that love and inspiration that helps them get through the day. Whether you are watching Bondi Vet for the cute pets and animals or the cute vet - Dr. Chris Brown you would be glad to know that new episodes are coming this November on FYI. 

Epic Meal Empire 

Paul has been telling me a lot about Epic Meal Time which he and office mates have already been watching on YouTube; after all boys will be boys and their appetites will always be proof of that. They've been dreaming of doing their own spin, in EMT (Epic Meal Time) recipes from youtube, but haven't gotten together due to schedule, budget and oven restrictions. For now, they'll have to settle with Angel's Burger massacre (an instant concoction of quick orders from the cheapest burger place in the Philippines).

These guys create everything from whiskey-laced burger stuffed lasagna a to donuts casseroles (I'm already drooling) to Jack and Coke cupcakes. These folks from the Epic Meal Empire team delivers recipes that are visually mind-blowing spins on food preparation and presentation. 

The new FYI series will follow the group as they invent spectacular new dishes and bring them to a whole new epic level. Epic Meal Empire will premiere on Nobvember 20. 

Red Hot Design 

BIO To Get A Face Lift With FYI

Sometimes Paul and I have so many events and gigs to go to - our schedule gets really crazy and we love it even if it can be tiring but there's also a side of us that just likes to just sit back, chill at home and watch TV (while Paul edits photos and I write) and one of our go-to channels is BIO. :) 

We love their Home Renovation shows, whether it is Extreme Make Over or Flipping Vegas/San Diego/Boston or Reno vs. Relo (we're always rooting for Reno) There are times when we lose sleep just watching their shows and weekends are just better kicking back, relaxing and checking out their food and travel shows also. 

And as if things can't get any better - BIO being re-branded as FYI - For Your Inspiration, Innovation, Imagination and personally I cannot agree more to the direction to which the channel is taking, all those hours watching their shows definitely gets us inspired - to travel, to taste new food and watching all those renovation shows lets us dream of awesome designs (photo studio included for Paul) for our future home. :) 

Here are some of the things to look forward to with the new FYI! 

In a Press Release dated last September 19, the re-branding of BIO to FYI aims to give each viewer a personalized experience. "The network embraces the way audiences really live their lives - proudly -hyphenated and not constrained by one passion or interest. Never an instruction manual and always an inspiration engine (I love that line!) FYI offers viewers a more adventurous, personalized and non-prescriptive approach to programming with a range of stories that reflect how people actually live their lives today, not defined by just one passion or interest. 

"FYI's mission is to inspire personal creativity that emphasizes improvised living, while reflecting our authentic slate of programming" says Michele Schofield, Senior VP, Programming & Marketing at A+E Networks Asia. "And with its rich mix of inspirational content, the new channel's Asian premiere is sure to bring its viewers a season of quality entertainment." 

FYI will feature over 300 hours of original content each year across four programming genres taste, space, look and journey. FYI will include locally commissioned productions and local acquisitions.

Here are some of the shows to look forward to on FYI 

TINY HOUSE NATION 

One of the shows that have caught our attention. Tiny House Nation features "renovation experts and hosts, John Weisbarth and Zack Griffin as they travel across America to show off ingenious small spaces and the inventive people who live in them. They also help families design, construct and prepare to downsize into their own mini-dream homes no larger than 300 square feet! 

DESTINATION FLAVOR:JAPAN   

Paul has a love-hate relationship when it comes to the show, Destination Flavor: Japan, he loves it because the show features Japanese Cuisine, he hates it because he gets jealous of chef Adam Liaw who travels "from the frozen ponds of Hokaido in the north to the southern multicultural island of Okinawa...to "savor the cuisines from local legends and master chefs while watching Adam Liaw immerse himself in a vibrant food culture that embraces innovation and cherishes tradition." 

Asia's Next Top Model Season 2: Finale

From 16 to only one. All Sixteen Candidates with Host and Judge Nadya Hutagalung 

Time does fly so fast - and here we are again - it's the Season Finale for Season 2 of Asia's Next Top Model! 

I did a blog post on the Season Finale of Season 1 of Asia's Next Top Model last February 17, 2013 you can check out the link here. 

I'm obviously a fan of the franchise especially because of it's Asian flare. Long gone are the days when fashion and glamour are confined and defined by race. 

Anyone who has the guts to dream, to pursue that dream and to fight for it deserves...well to be on top so to speak. Just like Season 1 winner Thailand model Jessica Amornkuldilok, who despite her not so young age (in Modeling industry)-27- during the time of the competition, still won the coveted title of Asia's Next Top Model.  

Season 1 was based in Singapore were model hopefuls went around the Lion City chasing their modeling dreams. Season 2 was based in Malaysia and this was a good change, since it offered new location shoots for the photo shoot challenges. 

Even after Season 1 - I've followed the careers of last years' finalists thanks to Instagram :3  

Season One Winner Jessica Amornkuldilok on the cover of a Thai Magazine.

Winner Jessica has been to London (as part of the winners' spoils) and has been to many fashion shows, runways and guestings. Second runner up - Kate Ma of Taiwan had a baby (and might I say he is just a too cute bouncing baby boy) after the competition. And of course, I don't need to look too far since First Runner Up - Stephanie Retuya of the Philippines is a constant on billboards and magazine covers here! :) 

I love this Gundam/Anime/Japanese themed Magazine Cover of  First Season Runner Up Stephanie Retuya

    

While I'm still admiring and gawking over the accomplishment of last season's finalists; Season 2 was well on it's way and I must say that I loved how the producers really made it a point to bring new things to the show. 

I loved how when each of the contestant spoke to the camera on their thoughts, their country's flag was right behind them as a strong reminder of the country that they were also representing in the competition.  

The producers also came up with having the best photo for each photo shoot printed on panels of boards which slid 'open' every elimination - that was just so cool!

The first episode of Season 2 started out with sixteen girls and it seems like they were too many and you can't really remember any of them but pretty soon I started to have my favorites and some girls started to stand out after a while. 

An early favorite of ours is Nicole Lee of Singapore who albeit her introvert personality (she's a neat freak who likes to clean the house and is not interested in make up)  delivered really strong photos. Unfortunately she ran out of her magic and was soon eliminated. 

Singapore's Nicole Lee 

Compared to the first season, the girls from the second season had more girl drama in the model house (Courtesy of Janice Hermijanto of Indonesia) which of course always makes for an interesting show. 

Right before she was eliminated Marie Nakagawa from Japan revealed that one of the reasons she joined the competition was to prove that she can make it in the Modeling Industry despite of her being of African-American descent (as well as Japanese), through tears she revealed how it was hard to pursue modeling in Japan just because of her color and features. I really admired her for having that drive in her during the competition. 

Marie Nakagawa of Japan

You would think that in this 'seemingly' modern world, there are still instances where in we let, race, color and features define whether or not you can be successful in an industry. I want to believe that we have gone beyond race, culture and definition and that we strive for the best no matter what shape or form. Which is why I believe that Asia's Next Top Models is breaking barriers and redefining and challenging what has long been accepted or tolerated. 

Aspiring models in the show have said that 'modeling' is a profession frowned upon in their culture and that joining the show was their way of 'proving' themselves to their families'. 

Asian models with mixed lineages experienced being bullied as children just because they looked different.I admire how they were able to step up and step out of being bullied and were strong and determined enough to prove their tormentors otherwise.                 

The Fantastic Four - Resident Judges and Mentors: From Left to Right: Mike Rosenthal,Joey Mead-King,  Nadya Hutagalung and Adam Williams

Aside from a new base of operations, two new mentors made up the Fantastic Four of Judges of the series. Former model now celebrity and fashion photographer to the stars Mike Rosenthal and Movement Coach Adam Williams joined Head Judge Nadya Hutagalung and Model Mentor Joey Mead-King. 

I felt a bit sad, since Paul and I have developed a certain admiration and have been following Season 1 photographer and resident judge Todd Anthony Tyler. He even made a trip to the Philippines recently, unfortunately we were not able to meet him due to prior commitments. Hopefully next time we do! :) 

I had to literally stay away from Social Media (yes-it's possible) since I would only be able to catch the finale during it's encore, Thursday in the afternoon, since I had work Wednesday evening. 

During last year's finale I did mention in my blog post that I didn't have any particular favorite to win, that I would have been  happy if any one of the finalists (Jessica, Stephanie or Kate) won. But for this particular finale - pardon me if I do have a favorite because I did and I was rooting for anyone from Team Philippines to win. (Yup - I was just a tad bit being patriotic :P)

More than just a pretty face: Katarina was first critized for being 'just pretty' but she soon grew and blossomed in the competition. 

I wanted Katarina to win because she was a girl who dared to dream. She had no modeling experience whatsoever prior to joining the competition, aside from that she is also shorter and fuller than most models. A fact which I like since it dares to defy the traditional concept of a model - tall and skinny. I loved the fact that she was an underdog and that she defied the odds stacked up against her.     

The Levitating Princess- Jodilly in a gown by Alex Perry gives jump shot some style and glamour in this winning photo. 

Catch Game of Thrones on HBO Go!

In light of recent developments, straight-from-the-US broadcasts have allowed fans of TV series to watch their favorite shows without having to depend on illegal streams and downloads. 

I have prayed to the seven gods that Game of Thrones would be one of those TV shows but HBO is taking it to a whole different level with HBO GO! 

While the rest of the realm is preparing for the upcoming Season 4 premiere with hashtags like #TakeTheThrone and watching recaps of the last three seasons and probably organizing viewing parties for April 7's Season 4 premiere. Sky subscribers can also get in the action through HBO GO  - so just what is HBO GO - well, it's an amazing app that let's you stream amazing HBO original shows (aside from Game of Thrones) like The Sopranos, Band of Brothers, Six Feet Under and so much more! And aside from that with HBO GO installed on your laptop or mobile device you can actually catch Game Of Thrones 12 Hours After it's US release! :)     

To get you more excited check out the video below!  

Aside from simply getting to watch amazing original HBO productions you can also watch exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and production notes of your favorite TV series! :) 

Now, we all know that some content in HBO TV series can be well - not suitable for the faint hearted and young children well, fear not because there is actually a Parental Control feature which allows you to ensure your children don't watch anything they're not supposed to. So leaving the tablet lying around the house with HBO GO installed is not a sign of bad parenting. 

When the announcement of the new HBO GO came out - I really wanted to try it out - coz aside from being fans of Game Of Thrones (read the whole books and everything) Paul is also a big fan of other HBO Productions like The Sopranos, Six Feet Under and Band Of Brothers to name a few. (He is currently watching Season 1, Episode 1 of The Sopranos as I am typing this. 

So how do you download HBO GO? 

Well - it's really easy all you have to do is go to http://www.hbogoasia.ph/ to register, you have to be a Sky Subscriber and have HBO :D 

You can also download the app on your smartphones and mobile devices. 

HBO GO was launched last March 10, 2014 - but Sky is letting its subscribers (SkyCable and SkyBroadband who have HBO Asia on their plan) get the HBO GO experience through a FREE trial until May 31, 2014! 

Yup! It read that right! You can enjoy over 1,000 hours of UNCUT and EXCLUSIVE HBO Original programs! Not to mention catch Season 4 of Game Of Thrones 12 hours after its US premiere! :D (Yeah, I know I mentioned that already but.....Game Of Thrones!!!!) 

Check out screenshots of my online registration to HBO GO below! :) 

Fox Philippines gives an even better The Walking Dead experience!

February marks the annual (obliged) celebration of "love" through the commercially (and economically) driven occasion known as Valentines Day but not everything is about hearts and chocolates since February also marks the return of: 'The Walking Dead' from its mid season hiatus.

So while the rest of humanity is off in a heart-shaped wonderland filled with roses and chocolates an entire following of 'The Walking Dead' fans will be eagerly awaiting the return of their favorite zombie franchise. So if the zombie apocalypse does happen you already know the people who will be ahead in the game :p 

So why am I blogging about The Walking Dead's return? Well this blog post is to commemorate and acknowledge the efforts of Fox Philippines to bring the latest episode to your TVs (and if you have a big ass TV then it makes for a great TV watching experience) closer to the US telecast! So close in fact that it is parallel to the US telecast! This means that you get to watch the latest episode while it is hot and fresh from the oven (so to speak)!   

You can watch The Walking Dead on Fox Philippines as early as Monday 11:35 AM, February 10 (and if you're not familiar with time zones this is Sunday evening in the US) and catch the prime time telecast at 8:55 PM on Monday and if you've developed the Saturday habit of watching the latest episode- you can still relive that practice with friends and families (the family that screams together while watching zombies stays together) :P  

I won't pretend to be something I'm not by saying that I never watched anything online by streaming or downloading it. I remember watching TV series that I follow online by streaming them and probably anyone of us can say that they did the same one point.  

Which is why I believe that in these fast paced times we should all adapt in order to stay relevant and compete with the infinite possibilities which the internet represents. So kudos to Fox Philippines for bringing their A game and making our 'The Walking Dead' experience an even better one. 

You can watch The Walking Dead on Fox Philippines, Channel 50 on Sky Cable on Monday, February 10 as early as 11:35 AM and catch the prime time telecast on Monday at 8:55 PM and on Saturdays at 8:55 PM.    

Nothing good happens after 2PM

Coz Ted Mosby says it best. 

The ever optimistic Ted Mosby from one of our favorite series - How I Met Your Mother has been known to say "Nothing ever good happens after 2AM". And this is because "the decisions you make after 2am are the wrong decisions." Now I have finally understood what he said - in my own terms and conditions of course.

Well for me, it is more appropriate to say "Nothing ever good happens after 2PM" simply because Paul and I live the strange and queer lives of people working in the Call Center or BPO industry, meaning we work the night shift and that means living the "undead" lives of vampires but the similarities only start and end with the waking up in the evening and sleeping in the morning part and surviving on coffee instead of blood. 

So, if you put on your thinking caps the "uneventful 2AM" to the ordinary person is "2PM" to the children of the night who are no longer goth kids but call center employees like us.  

Whether it is a biological reason or a human flaw which makes us incapable of making the right calls after our body has gone way beyond it's normal hours of operation; I think it was been placed there as a 'fail safe' by our benevolent creator as a reminder that we are not meant to run forever despite our fast paced lives and this is a reminder which rings true to me, for there are days/nights when Paul and I are awake for twenty four hours because of our unconventional occupation.   

Nothing ever good happens after -2AM this was the original caption that Paul gave for this photo which gave me the inspiration for this post. He ended up changing the caption of this photo to: "Left behind". Now that I think about it, Paul's photos have inspired me to write a blog post or two. I think that it's just that way between us - we inspire each other to be better in our craft and in our passions. :)

Book Review: Under the Dome + A Sneak Peek On The TV Series!

I know I said I haven't been writing as much book reviews as I would like so I'm making a point to start getting back to writing book reviews. I've already finished a bunch of books but instead of stopping to write reviews I would move on to the next book. So while I've already finished reading most of these books, some I've already read months back I can still recall my thoughts and opinions on each book. :) 

First up on the to-write-book review list is Stephen King's Under The Dome - I guess I want to start by saying that there are some books that I read when I have nothing to do, like before going to sleep or when I'm waiting in line but there are some books that I really make time to finish, the kind of books that once you are hooked on you sit on bed, with the television off, the computer off and you just find yourself going through page after page until you've already read about 200+ pages without even noticing the time and Under the Dome is one of those books. 

I clearly remember nights where I would be sitting on bed furiously reading through the book, being totally engrossed by it. 

Well before I go into my thoughts on the book let me tell you first how we first met. :)  

When I got a gift certificate for Fully Booked from my Ninang Joy for my birthday I immediately thought about what titles to buy. I originally intended to buy one of the Young Adult titles on my to-read list but when I got to Fully Booked I saw this really really thick book (think 3 encyclopedias) by Stephen King entitled Under The Dome. 

I've already mentioned in my blog posts that Paul and I are big Stephen King fans , we've read his books, watched movies based on these books and even bought the Kingdom Hospital (TV Series) DVD Box Set - King was a producer on this series (although that was dissapointment since it wasn't as good as we'd hoped).     

I picked up (with much effort) - the 1,074 page book and I knew I was going home with it.  

Just like other of Stephen King's books, Under The Dome takes place in a small sleepy town (in Maine) and where unsuspecting evil works up in a big dramatic climax that leaves a town with (SPOILERS) a record breaking death toll (even higher than Carrie).

But unknown to most people even before 'The Dome' (an invisible force field) descends on Chester's Mill cutting it off from the rest of the world, there is already much evil and corruption brewing in their supposedly sleepy town. 

Now a reluctant hero in the form of former Iraq soldier turned-short order cook Barbie (yes, his name is Barbie) along with his rag-tag team of some of the town's constituents take on a force none of them could ever fathom. 

While reading 'Under The Dome' I found myself remembering another of Stephen King's books - 'Needful Things' I thought of the latter because of the huge cast of characters that Stephen King has but he is able to orchestrate through them like a seasoned maestro, he knows each section, each character and he is able to have them play all together and come up with the perfect harmony and music.  

Stephen King is such a master story teller that he can even tell a chapter through a dog's perspective but it would still read like a masterpiece. He jumps from character to character and is able to narrate a beautiful story without having to sound like a diary. 

I really admire how unforgiving and gutsy Stephen King is when it comes to the demise and fates of his characters. I think he and George R.R. Martin are now infamous with how they kill off their characters - there is no rest for the wicked and let's just say that the death toll in Under The Dome is unrivaled, the shock factor is always there and will have you gasping and shaking your head at every turn of a page.   

One thing that did bother me about Under The Dome (SPOILERS) would be the actual origin of The Dome - leather heads and aliens are really not my cup of tea, they sort of remind me of Ancient Aliens on History. Aside form this the book is a big page turner and I also love the lessons that come with it - yes it's not all about conspiracy, corruption, blood and gore there are actually subtle lessons within the text of the novel such as environmental, religious and the human dynamics of kindness and cruelty.  

 I loved reading Under the Dome so much going through the 1,074 page novel was a breeze. 

Even if I'm already finished with the book I'm still exited - why? Because there is a TV Series out right now based on the book! :) 

Stephen King is a producer of the series and it has already been renewed for a next season. It premiered last June on CBS. 

TV Series Premiere: Sleepy Hollow

When i first got wind of the news that there will be a television series take on Sleepy Hollow it immediately caught my attention and interest because I really enjoyed the 1999 Tim Burton take on Washington Irving's 1820 short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". 

I just love me some Johnny Depp <3    

Although interested with the 2013 TV series version, I haven't really had time to check it out online but I was really happy since FOX was also showing it. Even if watching TV series online is popular these days I still like watching episodes on TV, it's always better watching on your wide screen than your laptop and you can scream and shout all you want ;) 

The first episode of the new Sleepy Hollow was part of Fox's Triple (Threat) Premiere - The Walking Dead, Agents of SHIELD and of course Sleepy Hollow and I watched all of it and really enjoyed too! :3 

So going back to Sleepy Hollow - I was very surprised because it was (very) loosely based on both the 1999 Tim Burton movie and the 1820 Washington Irving short story. 

That being said Sleepy Hollow opens up to a whole new list of possibilities as it combines the ageless hair raising tale of the headless horseman with witches, covens, history (why hello George Washington), religion and of course the good old horror thriller which we all love! 

 The below description coincides with the trailer (also found below) read ahead - watch the trailer and enjoy!  

Ichabod Crane played by Tom Wilson (who gives an excellent performance by the way) wakes up 250 years later in modern day Sleepy Hollow (one that is littered with Starbucks at every corner) I will admit I was a bit disappointed with the computer graphics during the first scene with the fog and all but its forgivable.      

Along side Ichabod Crane's awakening is also the awakening of who else but the headless horseman who is (of course) looking for his head and Ichabod is the man to stop that from happening.  

Ichabond is under police custody and gains an unwilling and unexpected partner in Lt. Abbie Mills who has had her own encounter with the supernatural which doesn't seem to lack in Sleepy Hollow. 

A new twist in the story is that the headless horseman is part of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse (in the book of Revelations see I told you there were mixing religion in this old tale) - nice connection there which makes the possibilities for more story lines even more plausible and which also means that the horseman has a whole bunch of team mates on his side. 

If your TV series genre includes the Supernatural (pun for both the genre the TV show) Buffy, Grimm and Once Upon a Time then make sure to check out Sleepy Hollow!

Make sure to follow @FoxChannel_PH for more news on Sleepy Hollow and other great shows from Fox! 

Check out the trailer to the first episode below! 

  
  

There is a happy ending in Game of Thrones after all!

Sophie Turner and Zunni 

Actress Sophie Turner who plays Sansa Stark in the TV series adaptation of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice series, adopted the Northern Inuit dog who played her direwolf Lady in the series. 

Followers of the franchise know that its not a happy ending for Lady who was put to death after the evil Prince Joffrey was attacked by Nymeria, another of the Stark direwolves. 

The producers of the series stopped using real live dogs to play the direwolves in the series and opted to using CGI ones, since the wolves do become a lot bigger in the story. 

It's nice to know that you can feel warm and fuzzy even when the topic is about Game of Thrones. :)   

Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark with Lady, in Season 1 of Game of Thrones. 

Legend of Korra: New characters to grace Book 2 and Trailer released!

Eska and Desna. Korra's Waterbending cousins. 

While it has been a while since Book 1 of The Legend of Korra wrapped up. (Paul and I have been waiting on Book 2) Here is some voice casting news (and new character news) on Book 2. 

Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation) will be voicing Eska, one of Korra's waterbending cousins, while Aaron Himelstein (Joan of Arcadia) will be voicing Eska's twin brother Desna. 

Dexter's James Remar will resume lending his voice to Tonraq, Korra's father who is also a waterbender. It would be interesting to note that Lisa Edelstein of House M.D. (we are big fans of House) will be playing Kya, who is Tenzin's sister. 

John Micheal Higgins from Best in Show will be playing Varrick, who is known as the 'Biz-Bender' (hmmm wonder what that is?). Unalaq, Korra's uncle and Chief of the Northern and Southern Water Tribes will be played by Son's of Anarchy's Adrian LaTourelle. 

Tonraq: Korra's father and a powerful Waterbender. 

When we last saw Korra she has just triumphed against Amon and the Equalists- while Book 2 happens six months after Book 1. She now faces a bigger and greater threat when the physical and spirit worlds collide. 

Book 2 will be debuting later this year and has 14 episodes. Can't wait! 

UPDATE!

Here is a just released trailer fresh from SDCC! 

From what we can tell from the trailer and from whatever article has come out, Korra will be battling it out not with other benders but will be taking on the spirits from the spirit world. Which has not had that much air time or mention in the last two Avatar series. Check out the trailer above! Book 2 of The Legend of Korra is showing on September 3! :) 

Cycle 2 for Asia's Next Top Model! Auditions Announced

Time indeed does fly by so fast because now the search is on for the next batch of aspiring models to join Cycle 2 of Asia's Next Top Model. 

I loved the first season and remember watching it every Sunday night on Star World. I am a fan of it's US counter part, the original and Tyra Banks helmed America's Next Top Model but what made Asia's Next Top Model even more special for me was the fact that it was the beauty of my very own Asian lineage which that was featured in the glamorous photoshoots, the couture dresses and of course the runway. 

Just as a number of Asian countries are already melting pots of cultures the show was also a direct reflection of that with ravishing beauties from different countries and regions. 

While watching the first season I had girls that I loved and girls I loved to hate :P while I won't be naming names I did blog about the season finale. You can check that blog post here. 

Jessica Amornkuldilok the winner of the First Season of Asia's Next Top Model on the cover of Harper's Bazaar in Singapore.  

My fellow Pinay. Asia's Next Top Model Runner up Stephanie Retuya. 

I'm so excited to blog that Season 2 is well up on it's way as Social Media has been on fire with this news. Auditions are ongoing and like Jessica who did not let her age stop her and really worked hard for her dream to become a Top Model and Stephanie who took inspiration from her daughter reached further to make her dreams come true- you too stand the chance to be Asia's Next Top Model. 

Details on the auditions below! :) 

Auditions are now on! For Season 2 of Asia's Next Top Model! 

Requirements: 

1. Aged between 16-27 years old.
2. At least 170cm (5'7") tall. 
3. Speaks fluent English. 
4. Bursting with personality. 

Applicants should not be professional models. 

Click HERE to send your application! 

Don't forget to follow them on Twitter for more details: @AsiasNTM