X-Men: Is It A Good Movie or Not?

My friends and I watched X-Men: The Last Stand movie last Friday. As usual, the movie house was jam packed as if it was the last time for us to see a movie in our life. Nevetheless, thanks to our dear friend, Jheng for such a very resourceful person for getting us tickets in advance.

After watching the movie, my reaction was not an instant positive response. It took me a while for me to consolidate all my ideas and judging if it is a good movie or not. Film effects wise, yes it is a good one. The director is very creative making the effects so real and giving us the awes and ahs reactions on every actions they do. Connection with the audience was there. For the story as a whole, well, I prefer the previous X-Men movies. I find it a bit shallow and I disagree basically of killing the main characters and not justifying their deaths. Well, that is just my opinion, ok? On the contrary, I admire the lesson of the story. X-Men and the Brotherhood may have different views but they do have a goal in common, which is to destroy the mutant anti-body. They find this insulting since it implies that being mutant is wrong and it is a sickness that needs cure.

With all the inputs I have shared with you, I believe that the movie is well justified to be a good one. It may not be a terrific one but still a worthy movie to watch again.

Unforgettable Davao Trip

My friend, Wats0n has been writing about our Davao "business" trip and I don't know if I would be glad seeing my pictures he posted on his blog coz they were not "princess-like" but that's ok. At least such pictures showed how wacky we were during those times.

It is my turn now to share some of our exciting and funny experiences there. Aside from the fact that we went there for business purpose, we did find time to move around the city and really experience the good life in Davao.

First picture was taken in Blu Gre. This was the group's first night in Davao and they all drank the Durian Gaccipucino Coffee. Well, the Host (which is me) definitely had only ice tea since I had a trauma on durian. In here, Wats0n and I tried to look as the Datu and the princess.

Second picture is of course the princess from the South. An orchid tucked on the left ear is a must. As always, I drink fresh buko whenever I am in Davao. This was taken when we had lunch in Paradise Island Beach Resort which is just a taxi away from the city.

Third Picture. The group went to the Eagle Center. They were all amazed on the many eagles they saw. To mention some, we saw Pagasa, Marikit, Maginoo and the rest of the Mulawin brothers. The picture shows how we appreciated the eagles coz we even imitated their posture. Oh my...

Fourth Picture. After the convention, I brought them to Aldevinco, a haven for pasalubong. We went to my suki, Ella who accomodated us very well and gave everyone attractive discounts. With this picture, Wats0n and I tried to look like Abusayafs...este.. royal prince and princess of Datu Marasigan's clan of Davao del Sur (just dreaming..).

Fifth Picture. This is the 1st day of the RBAP conference. With me is Debbie showing her nicest smile.

Sixth Picture. This was taken at the entrance of the Eagle Center. I basically closed my left eye because an insect went inside while having a picture (ouch.. but pose first). Aside from blogmate Wats0n, with me are Debbie, Nonet and Francis. Hence, we were the last one who left the Eagle Center that time.

Seventh Picture. Wats0n, Chu and I went to downtown after watching a movie in NCCC Mall. At the back is the famous boat-like building, San Pedro Church. This is famous before as bombing site of the terrorists. But look, the church is still there standing firmly like Noah's arc.

Eighth Picture. This is how Davao downtown looks like at night. I was surprised coz Chu bought the scraped mango with shrimp paste along the sidewalk. I remember my Mommy always telling me not to buy those food coz they've been exposed in the streets the whole day. Well, Chu ate it and didn't hear from him that he had stomach ache. As for Wats0n, I guess that time he was so hungry that's why he's not in the mood already for picture taking.

Ninth Picture. We had few drinks on this place called Blue Posts. They were amazed on the prices coz everything is cheap so it made them ordered more drinks than their usual practice. Obviously, Wats0n was tipsy already as seen on this picture. This place is just a 10-minute walk from my place. I remember this is also the place where my Mommy sold the pet snake of my brother Dennis because it sneaked out one night and the whole house panicked. Since then, Blue Posts has a delicacy in their menu called "Sawa ni Dennis".

Tenth and final Picture. The famous Boy Abunda pose of Wats0n (hahaha). He really enjoyed the crystal-look of the water in Paradise Island which is part of the famous Samal Island. We had our breakfast here and left before lunch time. With the sea breeze together with the cool water and sunny weather with plenty food around us, it is really a paradise to us.

Honestly, I had a great time too just like my friends. Eventhough I am a local (which I normally tell them), I felt that I'm also a tourist enjoying the beauty of Davao. With my friends, I had fun commuting and knowing the street names, the different places and most of all, the food which are just normal for me whenever I go home. I'm sure there will be repeat performances in the future and definitely it will be a bigger group including the wife and kid of Wats0n, the bunnies of Vic and Nonet, the future husband and kid of Debbie and the rest of the gang.

Lastly, I'm proud to say I'm a Davaoeno...and will always be...

A Glimpse in Businessworld 26 May 2006

I met a client, Bobby Ang who is also the coach of the Philippine Chess Team. During our first meeting, he couldn't resist but asked me if I'm related to GM Rosendo Balinas. Definitely I said yes since he is a 2nd cousin of my Dad. Unfortunately, I never met him since our family is based in Mindanao while his is in Luzon.

Last Monday, Bobby Ang emailed me that he wrote an article in Businessworld and I should have a copy of it. When I saw the article, I was surprised and overwelmed on the gesture he did for making our meeting a memorable for both of us. With this, I would like to share with you a glimpse of the article.

CHESS PIECE

By Bobby Ang

26 May 2006

Past Olympiad Heroes

A few days ago I was in a meeting to discuss the IP infrastructure of our office and glancing the calling cards of the people in attendance noticed the name of the Cisco Officer was Emily C. Balinas. I couldn't help blurting out, " are you related to GM Rosendo Balinas?" The answer was in the affirmative. Emily said that Bali was her uncle, the she knew he used to be one of the strongest players in the country, aside from that knew little else about his career.

A few years ago I wrote a series on "The Rosendo Balinas Story" but neglected to close it properly. Now htat the Turin Olympiad has already started the perfect opportunity has come to correct this injustice, for what better way to start the event with a quick recap of past Filipino heroes? Emily Balinas, this one is for you. . . . .

If you want the whole article, you'll see it in the S2-P7 section of Businessworld dated 26 May 2006.

Thank you Bobby. Greatly appreciated. And to you Uncle Bali, salute to you!