“Wicked”: More or Less, “For Good”
The fact Part One clocked in at nearly three hours already hinted at the stretch. And much as cramming everything into one film was briefly an option, it was impossible not to close with “Defying Gravity”, not in this medium, … Continue reading “Wicked”: More or Less, “For Good”
“Vie” for Vivacious: Doja Cat in Manila
Obviously, she didn’t quit like she said she would in 2022. In fact, she immediately retracted her statement, tweeting “…I can give back to everyone because of you. I do owe people sh*t. I owe a lot.” We’re generally used … Continue reading “Vie” for Vivacious: Doja Cat in Manila
Re-route.
I managed a third run in that job, crazy enough, despite swearing Round Two to be the last, and how I somehow even scored a brief stint on radio (“Surprise! The talent provider’s now the talent!”). That one felt like … Continue reading Re-route.
Derailed, but Connected: A Review of Clint Bentley’s “Train Dreams”
It could have passed for a folk tale, given how it glossed over tragedy with majestic Old West vistas. But, in truth, Denis Johnson’s Train Dreams was first published in 2002 and reworked into a novella in 2011. Both versions … Continue reading Derailed, but Connected: A Review of Clint Bentley’s “Train Dreams”
Humanized Horror: A Review of Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein”
Again, the title is the scientist’s name, not the monster’s. And Mary Shelley never described the creation as a grunting behemoth with screws on its neck. That one was Boris Karloff’s take, immortalized through James Whale’s direction in 1931 and … Continue reading Humanized Horror: A Review of Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein”
Catching Up with Owen
I wasn’t the most active Green Media Group (GMG) member in 2005, but I was present enough to meet the then-recruits. Owen was among the more pleasant energies. That much I already gathered from our first group hangout. So, imagine … Continue reading Catching Up with Owen
Overdue Recapture: Thoughts on Miss International 2025
20 years ago, Precious Lara Quigaman beat the odds. Up until then, the Philippines had resigned to being an erstwhile powerhouse, content with being seen on-frame, jubilant over special awards and, God willing, the occasional semi-finalist. But that was the … Continue reading Overdue Recapture: Thoughts on Miss International 2025
My Monthly Dig: “Jubilee” by Japanese Breakfast
The first thing to know about Japanese Breakfast is that none of its members are Japanese. In a nutshell, it was front woman Michelle Zauner’s way of poking fun at the Western assumption that all Asians are, when she is, … Continue reading My Monthly Dig: “Jubilee” by Japanese Breakfast
The Spirit in Silver Linings: Miss Earth at 25
We thought it was the second coming of Miss Asia Pacific. It was on the final stretch of 2000 when the said pageant made that jaw-dropper of a revelation. After nine editions, it was to be Carousel Productions’ final … Continue reading The Spirit in Silver Linings: Miss Earth at 25
Miss Universe 2025 Candidate Round-Up: Asia
BANGLADESH – Tangia Zaman Methila. In an awesome case of fate leading to what’s meant to be, this actress missed her shot during the pandemic, only to earn her chance five years later. She’s a revelation, to sum it up. … Continue reading Miss Universe 2025 Candidate Round-Up: Asia
Miss Universe 2025 Candidate Round-Up: The Americas
Carolina Izsak‘s pre-Top Three ouster in 1992 was jawdropping, but the Americas did earn redemption in 2005, the second edition held in Thailand. The entire Top Five hailed from the region. But in what felt like the Latina contingent’s to … Continue reading Miss Universe 2025 Candidate Round-Up: The Americas
Miss Universe 2025 Candidate Round-Up: Africa and Oceania
Halfway through the 1992 telecast, the first Thai edition felt like Carolina Izsak of Venezuela‘s to lose. But after fumbling in Top Six interview, the momentum shifted towards India’s Madhu Sapre, who in turn, gave a simplistic Top Three answer. … Continue reading Miss Universe 2025 Candidate Round-Up: Africa and Oceania
Miss Universe 2025 Candidate Round-Up: Europe and the Middle East
Ethnically speaking, a European did triumph on Thai soil, except that woman represented a North American giant. Now, if we’re talking about sashes, it was the Netherlands which came closest to winning in the host country, with Vivian Jansen placing … Continue reading Miss Universe 2025 Candidate Round-Up: Europe and the Middle East
Tame Impala Takes a “Deadbeat” Detour
At 56 minutes, it’s not exactly Tame Impala’s longest album – 2020’s The Slow Rush still holds that record. But it takes one glimpse of the cover to know what really sets it apart. For one, it’s the first to … Continue reading Tame Impala Takes a “Deadbeat” Detour
FilmFest Log: Sinag Maynila 2025 (A Prelude)
If one must be pedantic about it, Sinag Maynila just entered its second decade. But due to that odd blip called the pandemic, this edition is only their seventh. The film festival started in 2015 with a lean roster of … Continue reading FilmFest Log: Sinag Maynila 2025 (A Prelude)
Opal’s Swift Redemption: A Recap of the 72nd Miss World
In case you missed it, Miss World is no longer a pageant. Come to think of it, they’ve even quietly retired the word “contest”. Now that “festival” is the operative word, the 72nd edition gave just as much platform to culture … Continue reading Opal’s Swift Redemption: A Recap of the 72nd Miss World
Miss Supranational 2025 Candidate Round-Up (Group 10)
The withdrawals of Croatia‘s Laura Reksa and Greece‘s Maria Gerolymatou still left the European team well-represented, while Rwanda‘s Uwase Emelique missed a shot at heralding her country’s return. Here’s an assessment of the final group, as well as the Supra-Chat … Continue reading Miss Supranational 2025 Candidate Round-Up (Group 10)
Miss Supranational 2025 Candidate Round-Up (Groups 7 to 9)
Two African delegates withdrew from this group, despite having introductory videos and participating in Supra Chat: Equatorial Guinea‘s Maria Rosa Aviri Ncogo and Sierra Leone‘s Aminance Fofanah. Despite the further attrition, the competition proceeded smoothly. Here’s an assessment of Groups … Continue reading Miss Supranational 2025 Candidate Round-Up (Groups 7 to 9)
Miss Supranational 2025 Candidate Round-Up (Groups 4 to 6)
A participant from each of these Supra-Chat groups withdrew even the pageant even commenced. There’s Ghana‘s Valentina Quartey, who reportedly struggled with sponsorship, and Paraguay‘s Dahyan Zehlinsky, who would have marked the 10th anniversary of her country’s first win. But … Continue reading Miss Supranational 2025 Candidate Round-Up (Groups 4 to 6)
Miss Supranational 2025 Candidate Round-Up (Groups 1 to 3)
Just when we thought the roster would finally surpass 70-mark again, the high attrition rate once again took its toll, reducing the number to 66. Ironically, some of those no-shows even took part in the Supra Chat Challenge, which for … Continue reading Miss Supranational 2025 Candidate Round-Up (Groups 1 to 3)
Planet Chuckie 
