FILM REVIEW | Call Me By Your Name

Call Me By Your Name

"Call Me By Your Name" has made a huge impact on me since I've seen the movie. To be honest, I had no plans to see this film until one of my friends mentioned it being potentially nominated at the Oscars 2018. And since I am an avid follower of Oscar movies (because that's the only form of entertainment that amuses me and makes life bearable), I went ahead and watched it.

EVENTS | Beats By The Beach with DJ Franck Chartier, at Muscat Hills Resort

Beats By The Beach with DJ Franck Chartier, at Muscat Hills Resort

A friend sent me a WhatsApp message to attend "Beach By The Beach" on Jan. 26th in Muscat Hills Resort and since I enjoy EDM/House mixes, I decided to go. It's been a while since I actually partied in Muscat. Last was in Park Inn during the "Wet Republik 3". And I badly needed to go out and unwind. Friend's invitation came at the right time. Brought with me my new colleague, who just started in our company.  

It was around 9pm when I picked a friend from the hotel. I was driving the car, which meant I could not drink for this night. So there I was, ready to go out and drive to Qantab (which is very close to Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah; and I never fail to bring up this point every single time). The road to Qantab via the Ruwi or Al Bustan roads is always a treat for the eyes. What with the winding roads that feel like riding a roller coaster. One time I was sitting as passenger and the driver accelerated; flew the car for about a moment and the feeling was heaven; the same excitement I felt when I was a kid riding those big caterpillars in fairs.  

The Barr Al Jissah road, lit with lamp posts every few meters looked like jewels from afar. The drive was swift; not many cars traversing at this day and time (it was a weekend by the way). After a few minutes, we passed by the newly opened Muscat Bay, a posh residential compound aimed to invite expats and locals for a chance to live away from the hustle and bustle of the Muscat city life. The thought didn't really bother me much i.e. living in a far flung location; but at the back of mind is the nagging question, "Who wants to drive that far?". But perhaps it's only me, being my pessimistic self.

LIFESTYLE | Hip Hop Dance Tips for Beginners

Hip Hop Dance Tips for Beginners

Are you hoping to become a great hip-hop dancer? You need to take your time when learning how to dance if you want to be a great dancer.

Here are some tips that will come in handy for beginners,

LIFESTYLE | HIV Case of a 23-Year Old Guy

HIV Case of a 23-Year Old Guy

I just couldn't get this out of mind, and it has been bothering me since I read about that article last night. The headline starts- "I'm an HIV positive person" which details the plight of a 23-year old Filipino guy who was begging for some financial support due to lack of resources to buy necessary medicine. To make matters worse, the guy has not disclosed his condition to his parents saying, and I quote "I am the bread winner in the family, and if my father learns about my situation, he would ask me to go back home; and I cannot do that since I am the only one sending them money and supporting my other siblings."

MOVIE REVIEW | Justice League (2017)

Justice League (2017)

I liked how the director made an effort to give all characters equal exposure in the film, that is- not giving the limelight to any of them. Although Wonder Woman obviously stood out, what with all the grand entrance and that signature sound effect whenever she gets her limited screen time.

EVENT | 2017 UAAP S80 Cheerdance Competition

Photo Credit: Twitter/Mall of Asia

2017 UAAP S80 Cheerdance Competition

With the recently concluded UAAP S80 Cheerdance Competition, spectators were in for unexpected results. The reigning 4peat champions, NU was slated to grab its 5peat (something only UST has done for the record), but ended up outside the podium after it tied 4th place with FEU. The returning UP Pep Squad was expected to give everyone a run for their money, but disappointingly ending at the 6th spot (a few points away from DLSU); with ADMU consistent with their rank as last.

ARTICLE | Ponderings of a New OFW in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Ponderings of a New OFW in Saudi Arabia

The past few days, I have been recollecting about my two-year (i.e. 2011-2013) stay in Saudi Arabia and every time I think about it, I am still surprised at how I was able to survive. It wasn't the easiest experience for a novice OFW like myself. But because I am naive at working overseas, I accepted what was thrown at me- blindly.

Do I regret it? I really can't say yes, but during the latter part of my days in Saudi, I started feeling sorry for myself, for all the unnecessary suffering I had to endure for two long years. I do not want to sound ungrateful or like I am complaining- please do not get me wrong. This article is far from whining, and in fact, truth be told- I learned a lot from my bosses and I was treated professionally in my company. If only for that, I am thankful that Saudi was my first real job outside the Philippines. Also, my work in Saudi helped me finance my sister's education and enabled me to pitch in for the bills.

Now comes the points that I had to contend with.

SPA REVIEW | Lasema Spa & Jjimjilbang (Makati City)

Lasema Spa & Jjimjilbang (Makati City)

The new Lasema Spa and Jjimjilbang has opened (last year), albeit delayed from announcement. Better late than never. I liked the old Lasema (previously located in Malungay Street in Makati), so hopefully this new inception gets better than the predecessor. Below are some impressions of the Spa I found over the net. Credits to all owners.

ARTICLE | The 5 Things You Need to Know for Better Website Translations

The 5 Things You Need to Know for Better Website Translations

For a website to be effective, it needs to reach people in their native language. There are 70% of Internet users out there who don’t speak English as their dominant tongue. Additionally, a majority of the would be more likely and would prefer to make an important purchase in their own language. In order to reach most users online and convert them into loyal customers, here are some of the best practices for professional website translation for foreign audiences.

LIFESTYLE | Actively Reducing Stress Increases Health At The Genetic Level

Actively Reducing Stress Increases Health At The Genetic Level

Have You Ever Heard Of Telomeres?

If you’ve tied your shoes, you can understand telomerase. This is a substance that, for purposes of illustration, let’s say is found at the end of your DNA strands. Now, when you’ve got tape on a shoestring, that tape ends up keeping the lace together. Because of the tape, the lace doesn’t unravel.