The Unborn

Casey Beldon hated her mother for abandoning her as a child. But when inexplicable events begin to happen, Casey begins to understand why she left. Plagued by merciless dreams and a tortured ghost that haunts her waking hours, she must turn to the only person, Rabbi Sendak, who can make it stop. With the help of Sendak, her best friend Romy and boyfriend Mark, Casey uncovers the source of a family curse dating back to Nazi Germany--a creature with the ability to inhabit anyone or anything that is getting stronger with each possession. With the curse unleashed, her only chance at survival is to shut a doorway from beyond our world that has been pried open by someone who was never born.

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810035645/details

This bullcrap of a movie is best left "UNSEEN". Kudos to whoever came out with the trailer as it sure draws in the thriller-movie fanatics (such as I) and tricks them that this is the next best thriller movie.

Don't even bother.

My rating for this movie is -5.0/5.0. Read more on "The Unborn"!

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Based on the book by Sophie Kinsella, "Confessions Of A Shopaholic" is about one Rebecca Bloomwood who unintentionally lands a job writing for a boring financial magazine. Ironically writing about the very consumer caution of which she herself has not abided, Rebecca wins critical acclaim, public success, and the admiration of her supportive boss Luke. But as she draws closer to her ultimate goal of writing for renowned fashion magazine Alette, she questions her true ambitions and must determine if overcoming her "shopaholic" condition will bring her real happiness.
http://sg.movies.yahoo.com/Shopaholic/movie/14915/



Now, this movie to me is a mixed bag of tricks. There were parts that were outrageously hilarious (i.e. dance sequence) but some parts were a bit forced and "trying too hard". I don't understand how a shopaholic, who is so much in debt, would land a job in a financial magazine. I also feel like her obsession for shopping has no basis at all, like she just decided to be a shopaholic out of nowhere. Then again, you really don't expect any form of storyline for these types of movies.

I can't quite put a finger on what exactly is lacking in the movie. You know the feeling like it's almost there but not quite? Anyhow, it was light and fun. And I'm sure the brand-conscious audience will surely drool over the fabulous outfits and designer shoes.

My rating for the movie is 2.75/5. Read more on "Confessions of a Shopaholic"!

Updates/Fitness Blog #6

Image taken from http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenscakes/666055510/

Today, March 21st, marks my second year of living/working here in Singapore! Wow, how time flies! I guess the days just pass when you're really busy and preoccupied. 2 years, 3 jobs and 10 kg later (Ugh!) has really taught me so much in life. I've been to new places, met many faces and overcame (and still overcoming) different challenges.

Next month, I will be applying for permanent residency and hopefully it gets approved. Aileen, my cousin and flatmate, just got hers approved recently, congratulations cuz!!! Singapore is really an ideal place to live in. I can truly, honestly say this is my second home. Of course, the Philippines will always be the place I return to but I can realistically see myself living here for another 5 or 10 years.

Anyway, now that I mentioned it, I am really determined to get back in shape. I know I've said this many many times since I started this blog but I really hope to keep my word this time. Today, I'll be going to the gym for the 4th time this week. Zach has really pushed me to lose weight not for anything else but really for my own benefit. He's been helping me do weight-training at the gym and he is one tough trainer! I'm also very proud to say I can now run for 13 minutes straight on the treadmill. The last time I mentioned on my blog, I was only able to run 8 minutes. Plus, lately I've been sticking to 1 rice meal a day (lunch) and the rest of the day I would eat fruits, yogurt or a very light meal without the carbs.

Aileen's wedding is just around the corner (July to be exact) and I'd like to look good on that special occassion as it would also be sort of a reunion for our relatives, especially for those who are living abroad.

I saw this Banana Republic Suit (notice how there are 2 pockets on one side, love it! hehe) and I'm planning to have one custom made in Bangkok when I go on April 10. My aunt who recently went there said she had one made for my Uncle for only S$200. That includes the suit, pants and long-sleeved shirt. Now is that cheap or what.?! Though I want mine single breasted with just 1 or 2 buttons. Double-breasted looks kind of fatherly haha.

So wish me luck guys! I do know it takes more than just luck because losing weight and getting fit really takes a lot of determination and hard work.

P.S. By the way, regarding my "Jaded" post, everything is ok now. To my friends, thanks for being there.

Read more on "Updates/Fitness Blog #6"!

Jaded

Last night has been one of the most trying times of my life. I never ever thought I would be treated the way I was treated. I would like to believe that though I am not a perfect person, I deserve love and respect just like any other person. I would also like to believe that despite my shortcomings, I try to treat each and every person the way I would have wanted them to treat me. Remember the Golden Rule - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".

Now, I am dazed and confused. Jaded and feeling weary on what the future has in store for me.

I really hope I could tell you guys exactly what happened but I guess now is not the right time. I hope one day, I can freely speak about my thoughts and my life. Minus the prejudice that is inevitably part of this society we live in.

I still hope and pray things will turn out right, regardless of the outcome. Like what Ally McBeal said "It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all".

Read more on "Jaded"!

Pulau Tioman, Malaysia

Last Mar 1-3, we had an unexpectedly amazing 3 day-getaway in Pulau Tioman, Malaysia. After much research on the internet, we decided to stay at Salang Beach - northwest of the island. As you see in the map, there are several beaches on the island much like Bali or Phuket and we had to make sure we chose the best spot.

So here are our pics and videos, Enjoy! (click on the image to make it bigger)

My version of packing light :)

The transnasional coach we took from Lavender Street - around S$35 for a 3-hr trip to Mersing.

It was pouring when we got to the Mersing Jetty Terminal, seems like the monsoon season wasn't over yet.

My first meal near the ferry terminal. We had to wait 2.5 hours for the next speed ferry to Tioman Island. Iv'e read elsewhere that the speed boat was faster but with this kind of weather I wouldn't risk it.

The ferry was pretty much empty by the time we reached Salang Beach, as there were several stopovers along the way dropping off passengers.

Finally! After 3 long hours on the water. Good thing the ferry was very comfortable with really cold airconditioning. (Take Bluewater Express-around RM70 two-way)

Monitor Lizards are everywhere

Based on my research, this resort had the best piece of beach in front of it which was indeed true.

Th very basic (and not so clean looking) bathroom. At least the heater was working and the water pressure was strong.

The even more basic bedroom. But it was very cheap anyway at RM100 (we got a discount of RM20)

The spectacular view from the terrace (our room was on top of a hill) made the big difference

We got there around 6.30pm so we couldn't really tell yet if the beach was that nice.

Our first meal for dinner (Salang Dream Restaurant - highly recommended). These were grilled chicken with veggies, really good!

We handpicked this fresh fish and had it cooked with onion sambal (RM20).

Nasi Goreng with Fried Chicken (RM4.50 I think)

One of the best Calamares I've ever tasted! It really tastes different when its fresh (RM 18)

There's not much of a party scene on the island so we slept quite early. The next morning, I took this shot of the clouds touching the nearby mountains.

Our hill-top room that looked like a tree house

The rows of restaurants fronting the beach

My boring tomato and cheese omelette for breakfast

On our way to snorkel and swim at Coral Island on the 2nd day

Look at the school of fish, I've never seen so many fish! And they were mighty hungry, they would pucker at your fingers when you feed them (we gave them digestive biscuits much to their delight haha)

The beautiful Coral Island

We hired a boat (RM70 each) to get to Coral Island and the surrounding snorkelling spots

Turtlehead Island

Back to Salang Beach

Would you believe these clusters of buildings are actually an abandoned unfinished hotel complex? We spoke to a local who said the owners weren't able to get permits for the hotel.. What a waste..

Beware of the food-stealing Monkeys!

It was hilarious, on our second day, these naughty monkeys rummaged through our trash bin in the terrace then stole our pringles haha

The other side of Salang Beach is actually very rocky. That's why the Salang Sayang Resort Beach area is the best of all

Pineapple Shake and Vodka Seven

Appetizer

Sauteed Fresh Prawns.. I wish they'd put butter and lemon when they sauteed it, it was a bit bland (RM 30 for 9 pcs).

Calamares.. Again!

Some Malay Noodle Soup Dish - this was really good. We never even tasted something like this in Singapore

Mee Goreng

Hanging out at the terrace at night. It was very relaxing and therapeutic with the sound of the ocean and the cool breeze

My Breakfast - Tomato and Cheese Omelette

Zach's Tuna Sandwich

The view from our terrace. Isn't that spectacular?!

What I didn't like about the bathroom was the "kampong"-style piping. The sink's drain actually led to the bathroom floor.. I tried not to spend so much time in the bathroom

The view of our room from the beach.. Room 20

YEEeeeyyyyy!!!

On our 3rd day, we caught this monkey red-handed when he stole my cheeseburger and our cookies. The monkeys were so funny and smart, they really knew which food to take (See that yellow styrofoam packet, thats where my cheeseburger is haha)

Okay, I didn't know the rock was so hard to climb hahaha

The standard jump-shot pose

What's left of our cookies that fell from the tree when the monkey stole it

And there goes my lunch.. hahaha

On our 3rd day, while waiting for the speed ferry, it poured so hard I almost thought we were going to get stranded on the island.

Meat Sauce Spaghetti - my last meal while waiting for the ferry

Once we got back to the Mersing Jetty Terminal, we had to walk to the bus terminal and get a coach to Johor Bahru. The transnasional coach we took on the way here had very limited return trips directly to Singapore so we had to take another coach. From JB, there's an SBS bus service that will bring you into Singapore.

So that was our trip.. I really needed the rest and recreation so badly. Work has been just awfully stressful lately. On April, we're going to Bali then Bangkok! :-)

Read more on "Pulau Tioman, Malaysia"!