Monday, March 23, 2015

There's This Guy

I never believed in love at first sight. I never understand why people say they were already in love with a person they just met. How could you say you love a person you barely know? How could you tell if he or she is the "one" if it's just their name you know about them? How could you act like you know them if you only have just interacted through social networks?

Some people tell it's not love. It's rather infatuation. But how do we really know the difference between the two? I'm not here to tell you how because even I didn't really know much about these things. And would you still even bother when you are already in a state of feeling ecstatic emotions towards someone? The thing is, my mind has been rioting about this. It's not the kind of thought that you could rationalize. It's more than that because it involves a lot of our emotions. There could be an endless answers when it comes to this kinds of matter, unless you experience it yourself.

And so, there's this guy... There's this guy I only once met.

You know that feeling when you dreamed a good dream that when you wake up, you couldn't remember what really happened in that dream? You just know it's beautiful. That's the same feeling I had when I met this guy. It was in a very unexpected and awkward way. But "that moment" was like reliving those good dream. You may not always remember every detail about it, but you know deep down it's beautiful.

I'm not saying I already fell in love with that guy. I know, it's not love at first sight.

But how do you explain that "connection" I felt? It's as if there was this tiny little string that was instantly attached to him and me. That in just a blink of an eye, you already felt connected. I thought maybe it was just a simple attraction. But I know better than that.

It has been a month already but I couldn't stop thinking about it. I just recently discovered that he was somewhat part of my past. I don't know, a sign maybe? But that's another thing I don't usually believe in. I'm not even sure if he still remembers me. Did he feel the same way?

This broad concept of love /infatuation still amazes me. I'm no expert on this and only have a little experience to share but I can tell... it's magical. This is my hopeless-romantic side speaking.

Beautiful boy, wherever you are...





Friday, March 13, 2015

Concert Scene: Ed Sheeran in Manila



"This is honestly the best reception I've ever received."Ed Sheeran

The British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran finally had its first ever concert in the country held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last Thursday, March 12, 2015. All of the Filipino Sheerios’ senses came to life as they witnessed the most unforgettable performance of the very talented Ed Sheeran!

Ed Sheeran is known as the “One-Man Band”, so it only takes his guitar and microphone to make the crowd go wild.  The arena was filled with the non-stop screams and soaring cheers of the crowd.


The concert was one of my most anticipated events of this year. Another one crossed out on my bucket list!

I’ve been a fan of Ed Sheeran since his first album came out. I was easily captured by his lovely voice and his talent in songwriting is incomparable. I was so glad when they announced that Ed Sheeran is coming to the Philippines! He’s been on the most-wanted concert list of Filipinos for years.

Since it’s his first time to have a concert here in our country, several songs from his previous album (Plus) were also performed. Well, I love the songs from his previous album! Kiss Me and Autumn Leaves are my favorites. While his second album is as good as the first, I still can’t help but choose a favorite between the two (Plus and Multiply).

Here are the songs included in his Multiply Tour:

1.       I’m a Mess
2.       Lego House
3.       Don’t/Nina
4.       Drunk
5.       Take it Back/Superstition
6.       One/Photograph
7.       Bloodstream
8.       Tenerife Sea
9.       Thinking Out Loud
10.   I See Fire
11.   A Team
12.   Give Me Love
13.   You Need Me, I Don’t Need You
14.   Sing

Some songs he performed are actually not included in his official list like Kiss Me, Feeling Good, No Diggity, Fancy and All of the Stars. Since he was so overwhelmed by the crowd’s roar and Filipino fans, he performed a bonus song All of the Stars (not included in his album but in The Fault in Our Stars Soundtrack). Unfortunately, my personal favorite Afire Love and One from his latest album were not performed.
                                                                                      
Although many lost their sanity when Ed Sheeran started singing Thinking Out Loud, I lost mine when he sang Give Me Love and Kiss Me. His heart-stopping performance of Thinking Out Loud was probably the song highlight of the night. The crowd couldn’t stop screaming and singing along by this phenomenal hit single. I couldn’t even hear the song clearly. But I think that’s the one thing Ed Sheeran likes about the Filipino fans.

Of course, he couldn’t perform all night. He had to say goodbye (technically he did not). But he said during the concert, “I don’t wanna leave the Philippines.” He’s grown attached to the fans!

If I could just live up in those moments everyday, I would. I love him and I’ll continue to support his music no matter what. Cheers for more of his albums and concerts to look forward to!

Some photos taken during the concert:











Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Most Anticipated Movies of 2015

Are you a movie junkie?
A film buff?
 Well, then grab a popcorn and take your best comfortable seat as I am about to tell you my most anticipated movie releases this year.
Whatever you may call it, as long as you love watching movies, 
this one is for you.

Here are my top 10 most anticipated movies this year:
(arranged based on the initial release dates)

1.       Cinderella


Initial release date: March 12, 2015 (Philippines)
Premise:  
After her father unexpectedly dies, young Ella (Lily James) finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and stepsisters, who reduce her to scullery maid. Despite her circumstances, she refuses to despair. An invitation to a palace ball gives Ella hope that she might reunite with the dashing stranger (Richard Madden) she met in the woods, but her stepmother prevents her from going. Help arrives in the form of a kindly beggar woman who has a magic touch for ordinary things.

My thoughts:
I’ve always wanted to watch a fairy tale retelling movie like this. I’ve watched several movies before like Maleficent, Alice in Wonderland, Snow White and the Huntsman, Jack the Giant Slayer, and Hansel and Gretel. Cinderella was my favorite when I was a kid so I’m really excited to watch this.

Fact: Prince Charming was played by Richard Madden a.k.a. Robb Stark in A Game of Thrones series.


2.      The Divergent Series: Insurgent


Initial release date: March 18, 2015 (Philippines)
Premise:
The Divergent Series: Insurgent raises the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the ruins of a futuristic Chicago. Tris (Woodley) and Four (James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite. Racing against time, they must find out what Tris’s family sacrificed their lives to protect, and why the Erudite leaders will do anything to stop them. Haunted by her past choices but desperate to protect the ones she loves, Tris, with Four at her side, faces one impossible challenge after another as they unlock the truth about the past and ultimately the future of their world.

My thoughts:
Divergent was a kick-ass movie like the book itself. It’s been so long since I last read this trilogy so I can’t remember what Insurgent is really about. One thing I love about this trilogy is that it is action-packed. The world-building is just really good, not just any other typical young-adult drama.

Fact: After cutting her hair for the role of Hazel Grace Lancaster for The Fault in Our Stars, Shailene Woodley decided she did not want to wear a wig for Insurgent. In the book, Tris does cut her hair but not as short as seen in the movie.


3.       Avengers: Age of Ultron


Initial release date: April 22, 2015 (Philippines)
Premise:
When Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) jumpstarts a dormant peacekeeping program, things go terribly awry, forcing him, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and the rest of the Avengers to reassemble. As the fate of Earth hangs in the balance, the team is put to the ultimate test as they battle Ultron (James Spader), a technological terror hell-bent on human extinction. Along the way, they encounter two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Pietro and Wanda Maximoff.

My thoughts:
And yes, we’’ll be seeing more of Tony Stark and the other superheroes in this second Avengers movie. I’m not really an avid fan of the Marvel comics. I only know comic superheroes that appear in the movies so I cannot tell you much about it. But I really, really like superhero movies so I’m definitely gonna watch out for this.

Fact: The trailer was viewed 34 million times in the first 24 hours after it was released. This broke the record that was previously held by Iron Man 3.


4.       Pitch Perfect 2


Initial release date: May 13, 2015 (Philippines)
Premise:
Collegiate a cappella group, the Barden Bellas, enter into an international competition that no American team has ever won.

My thoughts:
This is going to be so much fun! I loved the first movie and the actors’ different versions of songs. The songs went viral and now everyone knows it and sings it. Plus, who doesn’t love Fat Amy? That adorable quirky little chic! I’m excited for the new song versions they’re gonna make. Another feel-good movie to look forward to!

Fact: Rebel Wilson publicly stated she wanted Demi Lovato to have a role as one of the Bellas, and even made her an offer, though Demi Lovato chose to focus on her music and tour commitments at the time.


5.       Insidious: Chapter 3


Initial release date: May 29, 2015 (Philippines)
Premise:
A prequel set before the haunting of the Lambert family that reveals how gifted psychic Elise Rainier reluctantly agrees to use her ability to contact the dead in order to help a teenage girl who has been targeted by a dangerous supernatural entity.

My thoughts:
I love horror movies! This is one of the most well-plotted horror movies I have ever watched. You know some horror movies are just so crappy you’d end up laughing instead of being terrified. Insidious is not only just thrilling and scary but has a great story about this astral projection.

Fact: It features a new family but still has characters from the first two movies in it; such as Specs.


6.       Jurassic World


Initial release date: June 10, 2015 (Philippines)
Premise:
Twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park, Isla Nublar, an island located off Central America's Pacific Coast, near Costa Rica, now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. This new park is owned by the Masrani Global Corporation, but attendance has been declining due to the lack of new attractions. Owen Grady (Chris Pratt), a member of the park's on-site staff, conducts behavioral research on the Velociraptors. At the corporation's request, the park's geneticists create the Indominus Rex, a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur, to boost visitor attendance but it soon breaks loose and runs wild throughout the park, forcing the staff to consider extreme measures to stop it.

My thoughts:
It has been a little while since the last Jurassic Park movie was released. It was again one of my favorites when I was in elementary. This new Jurassic World movie has so much difference with previous ones in terms of technicalities. I mean, the film effects and everything is far better than before.

Fact: The logistics of Spielberg’s original plans to bring the dinosaurs to life were inspired by the Universal Studios “King Kong Encounter” ride.


7.       Minions



Initial release date: July 8, 2015 (Philippines)
Premise:
Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a super-villain who, alongside her inventor husband Herb, hatches a plot to take over the world.

My thoughts:
After I watched Despicable Me, I have grown to love each and every character. How could you not? Minions are the most adorable characters I have ever seen! They’re just so funny and I sometimes wish they were real. You’d think that this is just a movie for kids, I say no. I am going to watch it no matter what.

Fact: In this movie, some of the Minion’s languages are from real languages all over the world. I even heard “Tara tropa!” in the trailer. It means “let’s go!” in Filipino.


8.       Paper Towns


Initial release date: July 24, 2015 (USA)
Premise:A young man and his four friends embark upon the road trip of their lives to find the missing girl next door.


My thoughts:This is a book to movie adaptaion. Paper Towns is my favorite John Green book. I know, most people preferred The Fault in Our Stars as their favorite. But I find this story much more interesting and mysterious than his other books. I just hope this would not turn as overrated as The Fault in Our Stars.


Fact: Paper Towns is a second John Green book to be adapted into a film, both starring Nat Wolff a.k.a. Isaac in The Fault in Our Stars.



9.       The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2


Initial release date: November 20, 2015 (Philippines)
Premise:
Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) faces mortal traps, deadly enemies and moral choices when she and her closest friends leave District 13 to launch an assassination attempt on President Snow (Donald Sutherland).

My thoughts: Fans of the Hunger Games series are really dying to see this. Well, the first part of Mockingjay was obviously a cliff-hanger! To be honest, Mockingjay Part 1 was my least favorite among the other first two movies. The actions scenes and best parts are in Mockingjay Part 2 so I think it would be a fantastic conclusion to the trilogy.

Fact: Josh Hutcherson was one of the protagonists in the movie Zathura.


10.       Dark Places


Initial release date: (Unknown, 2015)
Premise:
Set in a farming town in Kansas, Dark Places follows Libby Day (Charlize Theron), the only surviving witness of a horrific massacre that took her mother and sisters. Believing the slaughter to be the work of a Satanic cult, Libby testifies in court against her own brother. 25 years after the murder, she remains haunted by the gruesome violence of her past when she meets a group of amateur investigators who call themselves 'The Kill Club.' Looking to satisfy their morbid curiosity, the group begins their own inquiry about the case, believing Libby's brother innocent. In order to help them, Libby must unearth painful memories of the event, and learn that her past may not be what it seems.

My thoughts:
Another mystery thriller that will surely blow our minds! Gillian Flynn is known for her twisted and mind-boggling stories like Gone Girl. Dark Places was her debut novel, though I haven’t read it. But one thing’s for sure: if it was written by Gillian Flynn, you’d have to brace yourself for the most brilliant plot twist ever.

Fact: Gillian Flynn is one of the only Authors to have her debut books turned into movies. Her other books are Gone Girl and Sharp Objects.


Saturday, March 7, 2015

February Playlist

These are the songs I listened to for the month of February. I only included songs on my recently played list. Well, thanks to Spotify for letting me listen to and discover some of these songs! It's hard to put all of the songs in here so I just picked the top 5 that I loved listening to during the month.

February is the love month so we almost always hear love songs playing everywhere.
But that's the thing, I didn't set up a "love song" theme to go along with Valentine's.
Plus, I don't usually listen to those kinds of songs.

Since March has just started, it's still not too late to post my February Playlist.
I'm planning on making this a monthly blog so I could show my favorite music each month.

Anyway, here are the top 5 songs:

1. The 1975 - Settle Down


Settle Down is taken from The 1975's self-titled debut album.
I love this band! Their songs are kinda upbeat and perfect for mood boosters.
This is my other favorite from their album, aside from Girls.


2. Bastille - Oblivion


Oblivion is taken from Bastille's album "All This Bad Blood".
Now, this song is a little bit different from Bastille's other singles. 
(You'd notice that on the beat and the tune.)
Also, the girl on the video was played by Sophie Turner a.k.a. Sansa Stark from
A Game of Thrones.
Isn't she lovely?


3. Coldplay - O (Fly On)


O is taken from Coldplay's album "Ghost Stories".
I listen to this song every freakin' single day! There's just something about Coldplay's
music that you'd get addicted to it.
I even tried to play and make a piano cover of this song. I'm obsessed like that.


4. Ed Sheeran - Tenerife Sea


Tenerife Sea is taken from Ed Sheeran's album "Multiply".
My, my, my a Sheeran song!
You'd get surprised If you would not see an Ed Sheeran song in here. I'm an avid fan
of Ed and I've been listening to his songs for years now. Rumors say that Ed Sheeran wrote 
this song for his best friend, Taylor Swift, as he is secretly in love with her.
Some would not have known Ed Sheeran existing if it wasn't for the phenomenal hit
Thinking Out Loud. Everyone loves him now and he has become even more 
popular. I don't think I like the idea.


5. Ellie Goulding - Love Me Like You Do


Love Me Like You Do is taken from Fifty Shades of Grey movie soundtrack.
I don't know much about Ellie and her songs, I have only heard two: Burn and Beating Heart.
But hell, I don't care, I love this song! I'm on LSS with this one. 
I still haven't seen the movie, though.


So, that has been my playlist for February! What are your favorite songs of the month?

Friday, March 6, 2015

Is it summer yet?

I love summer. Well, who doesn't? It's that time of the year where we plan our getaways and vacations. Beaches, parties, out of town visits and whatnot. 

So, is it summer yet?

I'd like to blame the weather for this. One moment it's icy cold, then the next it's already hot you would want to sleep inside the refrigerator. If this doesn't sound 'summer' enough, I'd like to know.