Movie Review: 'The Trip' is Marital Therapy with Excess Gunpowder

Trust the Swedes to come up with a marital therapy themed story and turn it into a bloodbath with dark comedic overtures.  The movie starts tepidly (or maybe I was just expecting the action to happen immediately) and it does take time for it to heat up.  Noomi Rapace is one of my favorite actresses, and since they were just talking in the first 30 minutes of the movie - I thought I made the mistake of watching a talkie, instead of an action romp.

However, once the couple settles themselves in their cabin in the woods, that's when all the 'fun' and 'games' begin, and man, they don't let up!  I enjoyed every twist that was thrown my way and you could see how the changing nature of their predicaments affect how the couple - who were once on their throats threatening to annihilate each other - slowly change to ways of self-preservation.

The movie has several funny twists, here and there, which serve to brighten up the movie - and I daresay, this is dark comedy at its best!  Nothing like guns being shoved into your face or the impending devirginization of your male hairy ass that could scare anyone out of their wits and opt for saving their lives.  

I enjoyed watching the movie - A LOT!  There were enough turns and twists to keep the audience entertained and probably left the audience wondering - why they were breaking up - in the first place.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

December Avenue Gets Their Second Number One Hit in 2021

 

December Avenue gets their second number one song of the year, as Polaris moves to the top spot.

Here are my ten favorite OPM songs for the week ending October 29, 2021 - 

#1 Polaris (#2)

     December Avenue

#2 Sasamahan Kita (#3)

       Jom / Crakky / ALLMO$T

#3 Mahalin (#4)

       Trisha Denise

#4 Gusto With Ya (#5)

      DENY

#5 Di Ko Alam (#6)

       Wilbert Ross

#6 Di Kawalan (#8)

       Maymay Entrata    

#7 Palayo (#8)

       Felip

#8 Teknik (#9)

     Shanti Dope / DJ Buddah

#9 Sigurado  (NEW)

     Zack Tabudlo

#10 Crazy (NEW)

       James Reid / CARELESS

Kylie Minogue

 

Kylie Minogue stretches her chart activity to an incredible 35 years as she continues to chart on her third straight decade. She already has 35 top ten hits in my personal countdown.  Nineteen of them went all the way to #1.  

1987 - Locomotion (#1)

1987 - I Should Be So Lucky (#1)

1988 - Je Ne Sais Pas Pourquoi (#1)

1988 - It's No Secret (#1)

2000 - Spinning Around (#1)

2000 - Kids (with Robbie Williams) (#7)

2001 - Light Years (#8)

2001 - Can't Get You Out of My Head (#1)

2002 - Love at First Sight (#1)

2002 - Fever (#1)

2003 - Slow (#1)

2004 - Still Standing (#1)

2004 - Secret (Take You Home) (#1)

2004 - I Believe In You (#4)

2008 - Wow (#1)

2008 - In My Arms (#7)

2008 - Heart Beat Rock (#6)

2008 - No More Rain (#4)

2008 - All I See (#5)

2010 - Get Outta My Way (#1)

2010 - All the Lovers (#8)

2010 - Aphrodite (#1)

2014 - Into the Blue (#5)

2015 - Crystallize (#7)

2015 - Mr. President (#3)

2018 - Right Here Right Now (ft. Giorgio Moroder) (#2)

2019 - Low Blow (#10)

2019 - Every Little Part of Me (#1)

2019 - Dancing (#9)

2019 - Sincerely Yours (#10)

2019 - Every Little Part of Me (#1)

2020 - Magic (#1)

2020 - Say Something (#1)

2022 - Till You Love Somebody (#1)

2022 - Sexy Love (#6)

Kylie Minogue Gets Her Seventeenth Number 1 Song in my FABE International Top 10 Countdown

 

Kylie Minogue gets her 17th #1 song in my FABE International Top 10 countdown this week as Say Something moves to the top spot.

Here are my ten favorite songs by international artists for the week ending October 29, 2021 -

#1 Say Something (#2)

     Kylie Minogue

#2 Nothing But You (#3)

       The Vamps

#3 Back to the Streets (#4)

       Jhene Aiko / Saweetie

#4 What a Wonderful Way to End a Crazy Year (#5)

       David Archuleta

#5 Shot in the  Dark (#6)

       John Mayer

#6 Anywhere Away From Here  (#10)

     Rag 'n Bone Man / P!nk

#7 Things He Handed Down (NEW)

     Lady A

#8 For a Friend (NEW)

    The Communards

#9 New Angel (NEW)

     Niall Horan

#10 ex I Never Had (NEW)

       LANY

       

Movie Review: Jorge Lendeborg Jr.'s Puppy Eyes Save 'Night Teeth's' Lame Vampire Romp

I love the gloss feel of 'Night Teeth', a Netflix vampire flick that sets up an LA night of fun with just the right amount of action and camp. But what was supposed to terrify fans of vampire stories like me, are left to watch what seems to be a shredded story from a True Blood episode, a TV series of vampires that is far more superior than this supposed vampire vs human fight for supremacy.

But anyway, I did enjoy just watching the shallowness of it all, seeing Megan Fox trying to salvage what is left over her career, and the two lady vampires plow their way through the other vampire fiefdoms in LA.

Anyhow, most of the time, I was glued to Jorge Lendeborg Jr., whose acting skills kinda saved me from just stopping this movie and move on to watch another flick.  His puppy eyes begging for his life or finding ways to save himself from his fated 'last night on Earth' made me stay till the end.

He is, after all, the bida of the movie.  I just hope he gets much better roles in much better directed movies soon.  It would be a waste to see such eye candy languishing in B-movie level Netflix flicks.

If you're bored and a big fan of vampires, this movie should satisfy your lust for vampire lore, for a while, but don't expect anything interesting to keep you hooked.

 

Gregory Douglass Tops my FABE International Top 10 Countdown for the First Time

 Gregory Douglass gets his first ever number one song in my FABE International Top 10 countdown this week, as 'Under the Gun' moves to the top spot.

Here are my ten favorite songs by international artists for the week ending October 22, 2021 -

#1 Under the Gun  (#2)

     Gregory Douglass

#2 Say Something (#3)

     Kylie Minogue

#3 Nothing But You (#4)

       The Vamps

#4 Back to the Streets (#5)

       Jhene Aiko / Saweetie

#5 What a Wonderful Way to End a Crazy Year (#6)

       David Archuleta

#6 Shot in the  Dark (#8)

       John Mayer

#7 Cloudspotter (NEW)

     Foo Fighters

#8 Chemical (NEW)

     Beck

#9 Cold Heart (NEW)

     Elton John / Dua Lipa

#10 Anywhere Away From Here

       Rag 'N Bone Man / Pink

       Poppy

 

Paul Pablo Tops my FABE OPM Top 10 Countdown This Week

 

Paul Pablo tops my OPM Top 10 countdown this week as Bangin moves up to the top spot.

Here are my ten favorite OPM songs for the week ending October 22, 2021 -

#1 Bangin (#2)

      Paul Pablo

#2 Polaris (#3)

     December Avenue

#3 Sasamahan Kita (#4)

       Jom / Crakky / ALLMO$T

#4 Mahalin (#5)

       Trisha Denise

#5 Gusto With Ya (#6)

      DENY

#6 Di Ko Alam (#7)

       Wilbert Ross

#7 Di Kawalan (#9)

       Maymay Entrata    

#8 Palayo (#9)

       Felip

#9 Teknik (#10)

     Shanti Dope / DJ Buddah

#10 alalahanin (NEW)

       Zild

 

My Digs in Siargao - Isla Cabana

Our host here in Siargao suggested that we check in at Isla Cabana Resort, which turned out to be a great idea, being a very-well maintained resort and all.

We were billeted at Isla Mamon 3, a fairly large cabana with one twin bed and one queen size bed. The pictures above will show you how beautiful the cabana is.  I was pretty impressed by the design.

I love that they did not fill up every nook and croony with unnecessary stuff.

The toilet and shower were well-appointed as well.  The only minor issues were the brownouts and the mosquitoes in the gym lol.  Also, towards the end of our one week stay, our airconditioner was not as cold anymore.  

Otherwise, I would love to stay here again.  The staff are all courteous and helpful.  They also assist you when you need something.

There are two big pools where you can swim.  We enjoyed swimming in both.  

We got a superior room which cost us 29k pesos total for a 6d5n stay.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

 

Our Unforgettable Landing Experience in Siargao

 During our flight from Manila to Siargao, our pilot failed to make a clean landing during his first try! It was the first time ever I rode on a flight where the pilot ALMOST landed but decided not to at the last second.

It was like I was in a thrilling airplane movie and the wind was our enemy. I really thought we would be rerouted to Cebu!

It was no comfort as well when the pilot told us the Siargao airport had NO navigational facilities and the success of the landing depended on what they can SEE clearly.

Miss the airsptrip by a few meters and we'd land on top of the coconut trees!

Je Tops My Fabe OPM Top 10 Countdown This Week

 

Je gets his first ever #1 song in my FABE OPM Top 10 countdown as Samahan Mo Ako moves up to the top spot.

Here are my ten favorite songs by OPM acts for the week ending October 5, 2021 -

#1 Samahan Mo Ako (#2)

      Je

#2 Bangin (#3)

      Paul Pablo

#3 Polaris (#4)

     December Avenue

#4 Sasamahan Kita (#5)

       Jom / Crakky / ALLMO$T

#5 Mahalin (#6)

       Trisha Denise

#6 Gusto With Ya (#7)

      DENY

#7 Di Ko Alam (#8)

       Wilbert Ross

#8 He's Into Her (#9)

       BGYO

#9 Di Kawalan (#10)

       Maymay Entrata    

#10 Palayo (NEW)

       Felip

 

 

Myke Towers Puts Rap Back at the Top of My FABE International Top 10 Countdown

 

Puerto Rican rapper Myke Towers moves to top spot of my FABE International Top 10 countdown this week, as Pin Pin settles at the top.  It's his first ever #1 song.

Here are my ten favorite songs by international artist for the week ending October 15, 2021 -

#1 Pin Pin (#2)

     Myke Towers

#2 Under the Gun  (#3)

     Gregory Douglass

#3 Say Something (#4)

     Kylie Minogue

#4 Nothing But You (#5)

       The Vamps

#5 Back to the Streets (#6)

       Jhene Aiko / Saweetie

#6 What a Wonderful Way to End a Crazy Year (#7)

       David Archuleta

#7 Head Over Heels (#8)

     Runaway June

#8 Shot in the  Dark (#10)

       John Mayer

#9 Heart of the Night (NEW)

     Eric Church

#10 Flux (NEW)

       Poppy

 

Why Vacation in Siargao?

When I visited Bohol years ago, I was impressed by how their LGUs came up with a well-planned and cohesive tourism program that brought out the best that their province offered.  They guided the tourists into all their tourist spots and made sure everyone had a memorably great time. 

And I really did!

Fast forward 2021, and my visit to Siargao island has shown me how much responsibility lies with the local leadership, to ensure that their constituents survive even during this time of COVID and adapt tourism as an economic activity that is both viable and sustainable for every stakeholder - from resort owner, to resort employees, to surfing teachers to the tourists themselves.

And I give the Siargao leaders - their congressman, their governor and mayors, their barangay captains - a big thumbs up for continuing to keeping their province open to tourism with some restrictions.

You have to vacation in Siargao because it has soooooooo much to offer in terms of outdoor activities.  It is not the place for me who is a history or fashion buff, and someone who dislikes being under the heat of the sun.

However, it would have been a super killjoy on my part if I acted like a spoiled kid durinng our trip just because it still affects me when people say I am as black as charcoal once I get exposed to the sun.

Siargao is a place for outdoorsy types and all its activities involve being exposed to the elements - the sun, the wind, the sand, etc. So be ready to pack for stuff that will protect you from all of  them.

Also, be sure you are fit and sexy because the Instagram moments here are so many, you'd be angry at yourself for not  being prepared physically.  You don't have to look like a Miss Universe contestant, just the best version of your body type as you exude real warmth and happiness that can only come from within.

Siargao has everything to offer to all members of the family, from the tykes to the seniors.  The fresh air and the sunshine should be therapeutic for the oldies and there are many places where they can walk safely.  

As for the tykes, the powdery sand should keep them busy with castle-building, etc etc.  

I am definitely going back, this time bringing along my nephew.  While there, keep an open mind on what to doc

In my next posts, I will recount each of my memorable experiences in the glorious island of Siargao.

 

LOOKING FOR AN AIRPORT HOTEL IN NAIA TERMINAL 3 MANILA?

Since our flight today was canceled, we decided to stay in an airport hotel in Manila.  The name of the airport hotel inside NAIA Terminal 3 is Wings and it is  located at the fourth floor level of the airport near the McDonald's.

We got four rooms since we were ten in all and the configuration was one double deck bed per room. The internet was quick and the common bathroom was clean and sanitized.

I was just apprehensive about exposing myself in a public place during the time of COVID so I showered quickly and did my thing without spending an extra minute there.

Overall, it was a comfortable stay and with the four rooms, we spent 9,400 Philippine pesos. 

 

'Wrong Turn' Borrows From The Scary Folklore of the Appalachian Mountains

The latest 'Wrong Turn' installment mines the scary folklore of the Appalachian mountains, horror stories that I became familiar with, as I am a fan of the Youtube horror stories told by many great storytellers from that area of the world.

I will not divulge what the protagonists in the movie eventually meet but they will certainly be doing their best to stay alive up to the end of the movie lol.

I did enjoy the movie, especially as the contrast between a sunny and enjoyable beginning starts to escalate into consequences suffered after making a momentous decision to stray from the well-worn trail the region is known for.

It's like saying "Stray into our territory and we will be your worst nightmare!"

Among the horror movies I saw these past few months, 'Wrong Turn' was the most enjoyable.  Moreover, they did diversify their cast with Asians, blacks and even an LGBT couple.

I recommend this as a Must Watch for horror movie fans like me. It offers a few new thrills that the latest horror movies have been festooning on us horror movie fans.

Enjoy!

A Broadway Tune from 'Jagged Little Pill' Tops My FABE International Top 10 Countdown

 

A tune from a Tony-award winning musical goes to #1 this week, as 'Unprodigal Daughter' moves up to the top spot.  The last time this happened was when the Dear Evan Hansen musical put several #1 songs in my personal countdown.

Here are my ten favorite songs by international artists for the week ending October 8, 2021 -

#1 Unprodigal Daughter (#2)

     Cast of Jagged Little Pill

#2 Pin Pin (#3)

     Myke Towers

#3 Under the Gun  (#4)

     Gregory Douglass

#4 Say Something (#5)

     Kylie Minogue

#5 Nothing But You (#7)

       The Vamps

#6 Back to the Streets (#8)

       Jhene Aiko / Saweetie

#7 What a Wonderful Way to End a Crazy Year (NEW)

       David Archuleta

#8 Head Over Heels (NEW)

     Runaway June

#9 Hang in There Girl (NEW)

      Ashley McBryde

#10 Shot in the  Dark (NEW)

       John Mayer

Jake Zyrus Finally Tops My FABE OPM Top 10 Countdown

 

Jake Zyrus finally tops my FABE OPM Top 10 countdown as Fix Me, moves up to #1 this week.  

He previously topped this countdown with Pyramid, as Charice Pempengco.

Here are my ten favorite songs by OPM singers for the week ending October 8, 2021 -

#1 Fix Me (#2)

     Jake Zyrus

#2 Samahan Mo Ako (#3)

      Je

#3 Bangin (#4)

      Paul Pablo

#4 Polaris (#5)

     December Avenue

#5 Sasamahan Kita (#6)

       Jom / Crakky / ALLMO$T

#6 Mahalin (#7)

       Trisha Denise

#7 Gusto With Ya (#8)

      DENY

#8 Di Ko Alam (#9)

       Wilbert Ross

#9 He's Into Her (#10)

       BGYO

#10 Di Kawalan (NEW)

       Maymay Entrata    

 

 

Five Things I Love About the Netflix TV series 'Van Helsing'

 

I just finished watching the Netflix TV show 'Van Helsing' and it is a Canadian production that made some tweaks in the original idea of Van Helsing, the character who slays Dracula in the end.

The idea of killing Dracula is maintained in this installment and here are the five reason why I have grown to love this TV show.

1. Van Helsing is a woman.

This premise was pretty exciting to begin with as the Van Helsing I knew from a movie was portrayed by the revered Anthony Hopkins and 

Zack Tabudlo Scores Second #1 Hit in my FABE OPM Top 10 countdown

2021 is shaping out to be the year when newcomer Zack Tabudlo is quietly dominating my personal OPM charts. 'Cruel' quietly sidles up to the top spot of my FABE Top 10 OPM countdown this week, making it his third top 10 hit in my countdown this year, and his second consecutive #1 song.

Here are my ten favorite OPM songs for the week ending October 1, 2021 -

#1 Cruel  (#2)

      Zack Tabudlo

#2 Fix Me (#3)

     Jake Zyrus

#3 Samahan Mo Ako (#4)

      Je

#4 Bangin (#5)

      Paul Pablo

#5 Polaris (#6)

     December Avenue

#6 Sasamahan Kita (#7)

       Jom / Crakky / ALLMO$T

#7 Mahalin (#8)

       Trisha Denise

#8 Gusto With Ya (#9)

      DENY

#9 Di Ko Alam (#10)

       Wilbert Ross

#10 He's Into Her (NEW)

       BGYO

    

 

 

MOVIE REVIEW: 'Candyman' Adding a Novel Racial Viewpoint to the Original Story Doesn't Scare More

 

I loved it when horror movies were much simpler, with less of the added elements which some horror movies have included in their storylines.  I enjoyed the original Candyman movie before, where incidentally, the lead character was also black - and imposing, and scarred, and intimidating, and ultimately frightening - as any main horror movie character has to be!

Maybe because I wasn't paying too much attention to this latest incarnation of Candyman that I may have misconstrued that they added a racial element into it, making the latest Candyman an abused homeless black man who comes back to seek revenge.

Anyhow, bottom line is that the movie was not as scary as I expected it to be and I got lost in the main character slowly 'becoming' Candyman.

Or maybe I just want some cheap thrills in my horror movies.