Of Monsters and Memes: Why "Bird Box" pales in comparison to "A QuietPlace"

While curating my "2018 Movies List" I purchased a DVD copy of "A Quiet Place" since I missed it during its run in the theaters - I was hoping to include it in list and I loved it so much - I did! 

I didn't immediately see "Bird Box" when it became available for streaming on Netflix too - this was because I prefer to watch light, stress free films while wrapping Christmas presents. 

So I didn't  get to immediately write reviews for both movies and opted to do a comparative piece instead, I haven't done one yet and its hitting two birds (box) in one.

So off the bat I'm already calling it - John Krasinski's post apocalyptic thriller wins over the Sandra Bullock film of the same genre and here is why - 

Despite a shorter run time at 1 hour and 31 minutes (longer does not always necessarily mean better) "A Quiet Place" is more captivating, I was at the edge of the bed, I dared not make a sound for fear of those monsters claiming me as well. 

Okay, I did let out a couple of really loud gasps only because I was so scared for the characters!   

There were also tears! Hot tears were stinging my eyes and my heart hurt so much. I really felt that pain that a parent feels, the kind of fear a parent has for their child-a true and genuine horror. That horrible sinking feeling that you get in your gut or that feeling like your heart has been taken out of your chest. 

That is why that scene with the noisy airplane (I don't think I've ever hated batteries so much) just crushed me. Crushed every fiber of my being-and this is just a few minutes into the movie! 

This is true, probably because I am a mother now and I will definitely go Ellen Ripley on you if anyone or anything tries to hurt my son. 

Unfortunately, "Bird Box" failed to draw these emotions from me. 

In this day and age when movie monsters are not only feared by viewers but also admired by fans of the horror genre I think that having (literally) "no monster" for 'Bird Box' was a missed opportunity. 

"Jaws" relied on creating a terryfying experience with the use of music and score, it was able to effectively create a visceral terror that has been able to frighten generations of audiences. 

Even if you can't see the eponymous shark, you know what it looks like and you know that it's there and that is the stuff of nightmares and Jaws helped create this irrational fear, and which is also probabbly why sharks, to this day, have such a bad image. Thanks Spielberg. 

"Bird Box" fails in this because you don't know what the creature even looks like, 

In "A Quiet Place" you know what these creatures that hunt through sound look like and you they are terryfying. 

Aside from knowing what you're up against there's also that "trigger happy itch" of just wanting to shoot that *expletive* and shred it to ribbons (something Emily Blunt felt, I'm sure) again pointing out the Ellen Ripley-Aliens analogy, that satisfying feeling that you're giving this *expletives* creature a run for their money. 

We don't get that in "Bird Box" there's no "Take that you----" moment. 

In the following weeks after the release of "Bird Box" they have been able to maintain their popularity, significance and relevance on Social Media through memes (the whole "Bird Box challenge" is something else entirely).

It is interesting to note that these memes also compared the film to "A Quiet Place". 

Now this is definitely a good thing for both films since anything on Social Media is basically free advertisement but then again, every time you put "Bird Box" next to "A Quiet Place" you are reminded how the former is a mere shadow of the latter and not even a scary one at that. 

The Magic Continues for a New Generation of Potter Fans (and the old ones are happy too!)

After seven books and eight movies, you'd think that the world is content with how Harry Potter ended but with the release of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" and of course "Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them" (which just grossed P126.42 M in four days!) we know that Muggles just can't get enough of J.K. Rowling's wizarding world. 

Last Halloween I saw a number of folks dressed up as characters from Harry Potter, from kids who were not even born yet when the books came out. (Their parents probably put them up to it but I'm sure that they've come to love the movies as well) to adults who wanted to bring the magic to the work place. Indeed the magic which J.K. Rowling has created for what now seems like generations is surely far from over. 

The cuties clad in Gryffindor colors? Daughters of my former English (and Economics) High School teacher and I can say that Miss Gaye has those #ParentingGoals down right! 

We just saw "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" last week (movie review here) and I tell you it was indeed a reminiscent trip down memory lane as the movie 'read' so much like a "Harry Potter" book. It's on its second week in cinemas now! Make sure to see it!   

The lovely folks from Sky Cable's Digital Marketing went on a "Harry Potter" theme for their Halloween Party. Complete with "Undesirable No.1" posters! 

This little cutie is about to have his first birthday and guess what the theme is? :D

So no, I don't think we have seen the last of that Potter magic and if "Fantastic Beasts" were any indication I think we're still on for more! And as a Potter head I couldn't be happier. 

Indeed, Rowling has helped redefine literature and children's literature as we know it. Now, Harry Potter is a discussion which both adults and children can enjoy. 

Thank you to Miss Gaye and Chie for sharing your photos! 

As if we needed more evidence of Potter love, there is a Harry Potter themed cafe along Maginhawa Street, Nook Cafe. we've been meaning to visit but haven't yet, one of these days for sure! 

Opinion: For the love of music: A tribute to Lance Garcia and Ken Migawa

(c) To the Owner of the Photo. 

When news of the untimely deaths of five party goers during Close Up's Forever Summer started appearing on my timeline last May 22, 2016 I was in shock. I mean, talk about a party gone wrong. Immediate speculation points to drug overdose. 

As someone who frequents the local music scene (albeit a different genre) I can't help but miss the point (is there even one?!) of having to use drugs "to enhance the concert experience". I've never used drugs in my life and not just because I'm actually a nurse by profession (I know, talk about a career shift) so I know how it fries your brain and affects your body but I would rather have that pure, unadulterated experience with the music. Now, this is not a 'holier than thou' post I just needed to get my non-existent history with illegal drugs out there. Despite my constant exposure to live music, I often have the cheapest thing on the menu and an iced tea or a soda (I'm not even fond of drinking alcohol, even if it's free) during gigs and shows. 

I posted on my timeline about wanting to write about the incident and going along the lines of the recent paragraph above and going along the lines of "For the love of music-don't use drugs!" 

I didn't get to writing this opinion piece until now which I'm glad was the case (for the first time my unconventional and busy schedule led to the evolution of this piece). A few days after the "Close Up Incident" I started getting news that Lance Garcia, who was one of those that died was active in the local geek community. My friends were friends with him and took to Facebook to express their sadness on his untimely death but aside from being sad, they were angry because Lance was a father (the same age as Paul) who left children behind. Lance did not use drugs, his friends even went on national television to attest to this. 

Lance was cherished by his friends so much, that my timeline was filled with his smiling face (and odly the caption "Hail Hydra" -an inside joke I believe) looking back at me. There was so much love for this person whom I never had the chance to meet but maybe we were under the same roof for a Toy Convention at one time or another) that I simply couldn't write "(Ugh!) These people using drugs to enjoy music-" and judge and preach. I simply could not do that, there was so much loss and sadness already. 

Updates on the case, which has become a national concern reported that the NBI was looking at three angles that caused the deaths: drug overdose, heatstroke and even poisoning. 

The autopsy report of Lance and another victim showed a massive heart attack as well as a number of major organs being affected. 

Lance may not have died of a drug overdose but we can't deny that the use of illegal drugs in concerts and music festivals is a reality. A friend who was at the event said that there were a lot of concert goers who were already under the influence as early as midnight and that some teenagers were even lighting up Vicks Inhalers and using that to get high. 

We can point our fingers and blame the event organizers but there is also something that we can do.

Let's make it a point to be vigilant in events like these. Don't be afraid to report anything or anyone suspicious and make sure to look after each other. Check on one another and see that everyone is hydrated and if you see someone who doesn't seem to look well, seek medical assistance immediately. Keep an eye on your food and drinks as well. 

It may take some time until the results of the official investigation come out (a suspected drug dealer was already arrested) and even then we may not know the entire truth about the incident but it still doesn't change the fact that five people died that one night one of them, Ken Migawa was only 18. 

He went to school with my brother and even went to the house for a school project to interview Paul on photography. He was the same age as my brother when he died. Ken will never get to graduate College, he will never get a first job or his first pay check and just thinking about that sends waves of sadness and loss all over me. He had his whole life ahead of him and he died-for what?! 

They all died at a place where the love of music was supposed to bring people together, a place to enjoy music, to dance and to celebrate life. 

In a place, where summer was supposed to last forever, five young lives were lost. Some may say it's their fault for dabbling in drugs and some may say that they were victims of something bigger and more sinister but I say that all of this is our loss. Whether we knew the victims personally or are within their seven degrees of separation, it is our loss because the darkest and weakest side of human nature won that night. 

Yet I refuse for that darkness win the fight. I will unsheathe my sword and bring out my shield, this dark side of human nature will not triumph. It will not stain music and the pure feelings and emotions it brings out in live events. I refuse to let that happen and you, my dear reader can help me in that fight. 

Let's do it for Lance and Ken.

Let's do it for the love of music. 

Opinion: PH Vote 2016

Never saw so much people in a Starbucks store but there they were, done voting and getting their "Vote to Care" drink. There were so much people that the guard had to regulate the people coming in. It was only 8am and to think that so much people had already exercised their right to vote was really impressive. 

Throughout the election period I rarely posted about it on my social media platforms but that doesn't mean that it wasn't on my mind, I just chose not to-given that there was already so much of that but everyday my officemates and I would talk about the candidates and political issues, the same with discussions with family during meals and of course chatting with the husband whenever election and political issues would arise. 

I pray for peaceful elections and that the winners would work together with the best interest of the country in mind. I believe that we are in a turning point in our country. I'm tired of people KNOWING about the evils in the government but with NOTHING happening. The people are tired and I pray that in the next six years we will see a stronger Philippines. 

Keep in mind though that the president and people in government do not have a magic wand to make everything perfect. IT ALL STARTS WITH US. From keeping your trash until seeing a trash can instead of littering, waiting for the jeep or fx at the designated area. Crossing at the right time and at the right location, etc. There are so many things that WE CAN DO ON OUR OWN and we should take it upon ourselves to start a better tomorrow with ourselves. 

#PHVote #Halalan2016 #BumotoAko 

Opinion: Why People Shouldn't Hate On "Batman V Superman"

In recent years, 'Superhero Movies' have saturated the market, think about it- two Spider-Man reboots, which equals to five films. Five X-Men movies, which could be categorized with another movie -'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly', then of course we have 'The Wolverine' movies, I still loathe 'Origins' so much. Then of course we have two 'Avengers' ensemble movies, three 'Iron-Man' movies, two 'Captain America' Movies, two 'Thor' movies, three 'Fantastic Four' movies-which no one seems to get right. I can't even remember if Edward Norton did two 'Hulk' movies. (The husband reminded me that Norton did one and Eric Bana did the other one) Of course we also have the surprise hit 'Guardians of the Galaxy', 'Ant-Man' and the record breaking 'Deadpool'. All of these Marvel properties have created a new genre of movies something kids can follow and enjoy and something the adults don't have to wrap their head around too much. 

Then of course we have the DC Properties which have been releasing 'Batman' and 'Superman' movies way back in the 70's and 80's. Kids may not remember an Adonis like Christopher Reeve as Superman in 1978 or that Gene Hackman played Lex Luthor once. Of course who can forget that even before Micheal Keaton's Oscar-winning performance as "Birdman" he once out on the cape and cowl in a memorable 1992 'Batman Returns' with the equally talented Danny Devito as The Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman. Keaton also took on "Batman" in the 1989 movie, with Jack Nicholson as "The Joker". Of course, we have Nolan's 'The Dark Knight' trilogy, offering impressive performances from Christian Bale as Batman and of course, Heath Ledger as The Joker. 

The Trinity: Superman and Batman are joined by Wonder Woman in her cinematic debut. 

So you see, there is a whole lot of history here, which makes Batman V Superman more than just what critics have been strongly suggesting. When you look at the grand scheme of things, the film has been a long time coming, with two of the most iconic superheroes finally coming face to face, not to mention the debut of Wonder Woman, after more than 70 years. 

The movie wasn't perfect, there were story telling flaws, plot holes and a pacing problem (I gave it an 8/10 in my review) but considering the rich source material, Snyder and the team, did the best that they could. You can say that DC is playing catch up to Marvel and maybe it is, given that Justice League is coming up, as well as the other origin films but to say that the movie is bad as it was, would be unfair. A lot of people who saw the movie, failed to grasp the greater scheme of things. Nothing is to put it 'simple' in superhero films, it is not a simple 'plot' anymore. Especially considering the cross overs and that they even tackle time travel and multiverse. Perhaps with the  birth of the superhero film genre, we have also created a new genre, new rules when it comes to plot and story telling. 

Not saying that all superhero movies will have these to hide behind from, there are still really bad movies out there (Wolverine: Origins, Fantastic Four) but Batman V Superman is not among them. 

The late Christopher Reeve as 'Superman' (1978). 

I came across an article that explains that Knightmare sequence, you may read it, just so you can get an idea of the bigger and grander scheme of things. Click here. Warning, it is littered with spoilers, don't read if you haven't seen the movie yet. 

Critics didn't like the film when they saw it; which is something that I don't agree with. You might say its because I'm a 'geek' or because I'm a 'fan' because I am - both, so you might say that I am biased and maybe in someways, I am but what people don't stop to consider is the big picture. Sometimes they get caught up in the details and because of that, fail to enjoy the movie. 

Michael Keaton as Batman (1989 and 1992). 

Kids might not get it maybe because they're not supposed to and that's okay, maybe in a few years they will. After they do their research, watch the old movies or start reading the comics. You see, all these superhero movies are just a spec in a larger mythology and something that a movie, even one that is two hours long cannot simply cram. They will do what they can, they will do their best but it won't be enough, it never will be. 

The film was not made for everybody but it was definitely made for the fans, fans who have long waited to witness these two complex and iconic heroes, stand toe-to-toe and face-to-face with each other. While chatting up with my cousin about the film, we talked about how the audiences probably have no idea that their fathers, uncles and grandfathers would have loved to have seen the film and that big 'gladiator match'. There's a lot of history here, these characters have been around for almost 80 years and sometimes we forget that. In the bigger picture, Batman V Superman will just be a notch in their rich discography. 

I believe that OPM is very much alive

Reaching Out: Julz Savard of Save Me Hollywood at B-Tone Bar, Tanay Rizal 

I've always been an optimistic kind of person, you know the type that looks at the glass half full instead of half empty. So with regards to the statement that OPM is dead, I would have to disagree. Sure, there is truth and a painful reality to these "non-singers" and "pabebe" wannabes, sold out concerts in arenas of people who can't sing and albums sold from box-office personalities who only come out with covers of love songs.

I foam at the mouth when I think of these things especially since I know of so many underrated talented artists who play the local bars around the Metro, record songs from their rooms and peddle their CDs for half the price of foreign artists. 

Just open the radio stations, what is the ratio of foreign songs being played to local ones? Which songs are dominating the charts? Clue, they are most likely not from around these parts. 

Soft whispers, Strong Pulse 

It's a good thing that there are radio stations like Jam 88.3 which constantly play and promote local independent acts. Did you know that the radio station worked with Vinyl Titan Stachmi to produce and release a compilation of songs from some of the country's up and coming artists and release it on Vinyl? I'm a proud owner of Fresh Filter Vol. 1 and I'm listening to it right now as I am writing this, all the more determined to let the people know that OPM it is not dead. It is very much alive, playing to crowds in small bars, in soft whispers, a strong pulse, felt unfortunately only by a few.

OPM is alive, in the crowded bars of the Metro. Em Tolentino of Circa in District 2140, formerly Freedom Bar.  

There is an argument that our music scene is in the state that it is also because of consumers who choose to patronize novelty songs, the kind that eat your brain cells and offers no art, imagination or which cannot stir feelings aside from the kind of band-wagon hype which makes mindless zombies out of our population. Yes these are the masses who can't see (or hear) behind a beautiful face "singing" heaven forbid another love song cover. We can't do anything about that anymore, it's already there. The situation is what it is so the question is what are you going to do about it? 

Here's My Problem 

How and why do I say that OPM is still alive? Well- my problem, yes, it is a problem is that there are so many good OPM bands and music out there that my problem is I don't have the time or the funds to discover, listen and experience them all. 

Observe: 

Currently on my CDs/records to purchase list: 

Toni B. - Carnival 

Imago - Kapit

Never The Strangers -(New album)

Save Me Hollywood -Headlights 

The Ransom Collective- 

Idioms and Dispositions - 

Cheats - 

Drive Me To Juliet (Cebu based) - Kiss & Tell (album)

Jensen & The Flips - Honeymoon 

Barbie Almalbis - (New Album) 

Techyromantics - 

MOONWLK -20Twelve

Up Dharma Down -Capacities (on Vinyl) 

Maude

Pulso 

I'm looking forward to new music from these artists: 

Midnight Meetings 

Mad Hatter Day 

Tandems '91

Tom's Story 

Loop (Iligan based) 

Skymarines (Davao based) 

Autotelic 

Reese & Vica 

Kai Honasan 

Reese Lansangan 

Paraluman (currently recording in the studio)

December Avenue

Happy that Circa just released their long overdue EP :) 

*Apoligies for bands/artists I may have forgotten to mention* 

There are so many bands I've been meaning to check out but haven't had the time, between working the night shift and having events on weekends it's been a challenge. Speaking of working the night shift there are actually a lot of gigs and events that we couldn't go to or had to pass on because of our nocturnal schedule. We'd probably have more bands and artists to feature if we had an ordinary schedule. I haven't even been to 12 Monkeys bar yet, been wanting to go there but nothing has worked with our schedule yet. Hopefully soon. 

'Right back at 'ya' Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise at 70's Bistro 

Tools Of The Trade 

Social Media is a double edged sword but in the case of promoting OPM you can actually put it to good use. Amplify.ph is an awesome website where you can download songs and get to support the artist at the same time. The website also has articles which features playlist for different moods as well as staff picks and recommendations to help you get started. 

Some of our up and coming artists are also on Spotify! Tip. Don't check out the OPM playlist on Spotify itself, I have an OPM playlist you might want to check out, just follow me @ica_cheng. 

News on gigs and events is easier to spread through social media. Follow your favorite local bands on their social media sites for news and updates, some bands are active on social media and even reply to tweets, questions and comments :) 

Once you have a band or artist you've come to like, don't be selfish-share them to friends and family! Post it on your timeline! Instead of sharing those pabebe videos, post something worth while. 

When people ride in our car and I'm playing some of my OPM picks I tell them (proudly) "OPM Yan!" And go on telling them how this artist is still in College and made the album before she was 20 (yes- B.P. Valenzuela that's you) or how members of this band also work in a Call Center like us. We bring my siblings and older nephew to local gigs and introduce them to local acts they can look up to. :) For our younger nephew, we watch Myx with him and recommend some OPM picks :) We make sure the next generation know what good OPM is. 

I really wanted this piece to take an empowering direction, instead of pointing fingers and complaining about how OPM is dead, let's be part of the solution. Let's actually do something. There are so many ways and means to help get OPM out there, it's not going to be easy, we would all need to do our part. Let's keep OPM alive, it's struggling to stay alive but honestly with the amazing quality of music out there, it shouldn't be. Are you up for the challenge? I know I am. #OPMIsAlive 

Of Concerts and Soundfests

I read this online: "People in Manila must be rich because of all the concerts happening" While this is certainly flattering I wouldn't say that it is true - at all. 

As a music lover getting to go to your favorite band's concert is the ultimate high, it is a once in a lifetime experience that shouldn't be left to the "What if's?" and "Should haves" of your life. So when does "so many artists/bands coming to your country" become a problem? Well frankly - when you can't afford to go and see them. 

I've been working for 5 years already, earning my own money and paying taxes - like any good citizen so why can't I afford tickets? Well, with car payments and still sending my younger siblings to school I'm not at liberty to attend every concert my heart oh so desires- and to think I also work part time as a freelance writer. 

So am I begging for concert tickets? No, this blog post/rant is not a cry for free tickets (although I definitely won't decline any offers) but it's more of a call to event organizers and productions - Why do you have to have all the concerts so close together? 

Don't believe me? - See below. 

Paramore - February 15, 2013 

The Script - March 31, 2013 

Slash - May 4, 2013 

Aerosmith - May 8, 2013 

Vans Summer Music Jam - May 11, 2013 

Jason Mraz - May 14, 2013 
Wanderland Music Fest - May 8, 2013 
Circuit Fest 2013 - May 25, 2013 
Deftones - May 26, 2013 
Fallout Boy - August 8, 2013 
Linkin Park - August 13, 2013 
Bazooka Rocks II - August 25, 2013 

and I didn't even mention the K-pop groups and Daniel Padilla's concert.