Boses The Movie

Friday, 21 June 2013

As much as I would like to write a review of the film, I can't because I am not good that way. All I can share with you now is why this film Boses is so close to my heart. Although I am in no way part of the film, I feel so connected to it mainly because of the location where the film was shot and two of the main actors.

When I lost my son, I had the privilege of meeting Sir Coke (who plays Ariel in the movie)and Julian Duque (who plays Onyok). They played the violin for Keith Ashley during his wake. At that time, I was not able to chitchat with either of them. I just watched them play and just listened to their conversations with Keith's Mama - until I visited Casa San Miguel and bumped into Julian again. He was 8 when he played Onyok and he was 11 when I met him.

  
Casa San Miguel is where Keith Ashley went for his art and violin lessons. For sure, he had a lot of good memories in that place.On our visit to Casa, Keith's Mama showed me where Keith would normally hang out while waiting for his lessons, where he would sit and watched Ma'am Plet do her mosaics and where he would play with his siblings and friends.

And so when I stumbled upon the film Boses on youtube, I became an instant fan. This time, not only because of Casa, Sir Coke and Julian, but because I knew from the moment I watched the trailer that this movie is going to make a difference through its advocacy and through classical music. I searched for the movie on the internet but I later found out that the film never went mainstream. I felt bad because I really wanted to watch the whole film.

Until one day, Sir Coke broke the news that Boses The Movie will be coming to London! I couldn't contain my excitement. Finally.....

So the screening happened last night at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith.
There were already people waiting when we arrived at the theatre. On our way to buy our tickets, I saw Sir Coke talking to some people. I simply said hi, but he recognized me and we hugged like we've known each other for years. That overwhelming feeling that I finally got to properly meet the person that Keith Ashley looked up to and wanted to become. It was certainly a mixed emotion (of sadness and happiness) for me. But I could only thank Keith because if it were not for him, I wouldn't have experienced all of this.

The film, from the beginning to the end is gripping. In other words, once naumpisahan mo na, hindi ka na bibitiw. (I became emotional as soon as I saw Casa. It suddenly all became too personal for me even if I have only been there once. It brought back memories. Perhaps the movie had a bigger impact on me because of my personal connection with the place.)

Anyway, what surprised me the most are the performances of Sir Coke and Julian. Both are not professional actors, but they portrayed their roles to a high standard. Lume-level kina Ricky Davao, Cherry Pie Picache and Meryll Soriano. 

The film was full of emotions. Ang dami kong iyak. At the same time, napatawa rin ako ng ilang beses. I would consider the violin "bondings" of Onyok and Ariel as the highlights of the film, mainly because they were doing it so naturally. It felt so real. My favourite was the scene when Ariel had to "kidnap" Onyok and took him to the beach where Onyok finally had the freedom to express his anger. Then Ariel started playing the violin while Onyok was "nagwawala". That to me was perfect. But saying that, I think every scene was almost perfect. 

It's a shame I am not good at this- I mean writing reviews. My heart wants me to say a lot of good things about this film, but I don't know how to express it through writing. I have decided to leave it up to those who can write way better than I do.  But there is one thing, actually two things that I am sure of, that this film deserves a standing ovation......... and to be seen in bigger cinemas.

Maybe you are now quite eager to find out about Boses. I kept mentioning Boses, but I haven't really said what the movie is all about. Here's the trailer for you...

 Showing in SM Cinemas on 31 July 2013. 
(For the official full trailer, please watch here.)

A film that will soften your heart and will make you love and protect your children even more.

Congratulations Miss Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil for a very inspiring film. Thank you Sir Coke for giving me the opportunity to watch such a masterpiece.



Boses is a MUST-SEE film. If you don't watch it, you will regret it.


tintin x

Life is a Candy Crush Saga

Sunday, 9 June 2013

I have been playing candy crush for more or less than two months now. At first I just thought I’d give it a try as everyone was talking about it. And then eventually I got addicted to it. 

For me the first few levels were really easy, and then it got harder and harder until I got stuck at level 65.  I have been trying to finish this level for almost three weeks now but I still  can’t  clear all the jelly. But I am not giving up. :)

When I was just getting into the game, I considered it as a cure to my boredom when I am on the tube on my way home or when I am waiting for something or someone. Until one day, I got really frustrated. That’s when I started relating candy crush to life.

Just like candy crush, life is colourful. It has different shapes and forms.

It's addictive, especially if you are winning. At the same time it’s a challenge. Every level is different. Sometimes it’s easy, at times it’s really difficult.

Of course, there will always be obstacles along the way. Some are expected just like the jellies. Some are quite unexpected, like the chocolates that pop out of nowhere quicker than you can think, quicker than you can make your next move. If you can’t beat them first, they will block  your way to get the right combination and then you're screwed.

There is a set goal. You have to make certain number of moves before you can move on to another level. And those moves better be the right moves, otherwise you will get stuck at one level for a long time and won’t be able to move on. Therefore, you have to think carefully which move to take. If you make mistakes, you will lose your chances.

You will lose some lives of course, but you will learn how to pause for a while, accept that you cannot do anything about it  anymore and wait until a new life comes. It gives you a new hope.

No matter how challenging and frustating it can be, you know you have weapons like those colour bombs and striped and wrapped candies that you can use.  You just need to find or make those weapons as you go along. They make it easier for you to get rid of the obstacles and give you the hope that somehow you will get through that very challenging level.

It’s competitive.  You’re not the only one out there who is trying to reach the highest level.  Some people are better than you and they will let you know that. But don’t worry because there will always be someone above you, but then again, there will always someone below you. So keep on fighting.

You’re not alone in the challenge. If you’re stuck or struggling, you can always ask for help from a friend.

At the end of the day, no matter how hard it is sometimes, it’s fun.

It may take a very long time for you to get through a level, but you will get there.  Nothing is permanent in this world. There is an end to everything.


Success is all about strategy.

So, just keep on playing the games of life. Never give up. It’s just a candy crush saga after all.


TIN x

Finding Netherlands

Wednesday, 5 June 2013

Last March, we had the opportunity to visit our relatives in The Netherlands. Of course, we have been to other parts before but this time, we concentrated in the South of Netherlands. Our trip was actually double purpose as I also ran my first half marathon in Den Haag for my beloved Keith

For the first time ever, we took the train from London St. Pancras to Brussels. And then from there we took another train from Brussels to Dordrecht. Believe it or not, for 6 six days we were in and out of Dordrecht train station, but I actually didn't SEE Dordrecht. I don't know, I just didn't really think about it as I was pre-occupied with other cities that we wanted to visit. I later found out that Dordrecht is the oldest city in Holland. Damn. At least I have a reason to go back to Holland, and of course to see my family again.

The first city we visited was Breda which is about 30 minutes away (by train) from Dordrecht. I loved the fact that we had to go through a park to get to the city centre from the train station, which was about 7 mins walk. The Breda castle was also just around the corner from the park.

Breda Castle

The next day we visited Leiden, 20km from The Hague and 50 minutes from Dordrecht. 
It says Delft on the boat, but promise it's in Leiden.
The Koornbrugsteeg

I am not sure how we managed to visit three cities in a day, but we did it. Perhaps because they are fairly smaller than the other cities we have visited before. It wasn't as if we took pictures and left. We actually stayed for a cup of tea at one of the cities.

Then we went to Utrecht. 

The last city we visited on that day was Gouda, a city famous for its cheese. 

When we're traveling, we always take an alternative route. Because of this, we get to see the other side of the cities more often than not, are the most beautiful ones. 
We explored the quiet streets of the city and was able to see some unique houses.

After exploring three cities in a day, we thought we'd take it easy the next day so we visited Rotterdam, about 21 kilometers from Dordrecht. Rotterdam is the home of Desiderius Erasmus, a philisopher, humanist and also a traveler. There is actually a bridge in Rotterdam that is named after him.
The two buildings behind me are very interesting. You wouldn't think that the white and blue building with yellow pipes is a library. The one beside it is the Pencil building (Het Potlood).
The most amazing building I saw in Rotterdam is the Cube House. Unfortunately we were not able to go inside as we didn't know that  you could actually go in. This building is situated beside the Rotterdam Blaak train station.

The most important part of our visit (apart from our family) was Delft because of  Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring". Unfortunately, it was on loan so we didn't get to see it. We still went to the museum though, but only to have a cup of tea.

Delft is a quiet city I think. We were in the centre of town on a weekday, between 1-2pm,  but the square was empty. In fact there were not many people walking around anywhere in the city.   
The side of the City Hall
The view of the City Hall and the square on top of the New Church.
Delft.

There are a few things that I would like to share from our trip:
If you're looking for a real cup of tea, don't confuse yourself with this Coffee Shop. Look for the Cafe. :)
In Utrecht, there are a lot of beautiful cafes and restaurants. We chose Winkel van Sinkel because of its location. You can sit outside and enjoy the view better if the sun is out. We only had cakes so I can't say anything more about the food. 
My family in Holland told me not to miss Bram Ladage Verse Patat. It's basically a french fries chain. In my own opinion, the fries is just okay. What makes it special is the Dutch mayonnaise. I kid you not, it's the best mayonnaise. 

There you go, my late winter adventure in the Netherlands.

tintin x

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...