Hunger for Battle

Hunger Games vs. Battle Royale

Two weeks ago, I was able to borrow my friend’s DVD copy of Battle Royale I & II. It was also the same weekend that I was able to finish reading the third installment of Hunger Games. I was so curious about how Hunger Games was being rumored to be a rip-off of Battle Royale.

Although the main idea was similar (killing each other and only one should survive) they are still different in a lot of ways. I liked both stories but Hunger Games was the one who got me hooked. The complexity of HG made it more thrilling. There were a lot of factors to consider to determine the outcome and every event in the story would make the audience think on what would happen next. On the other hand, Battle Royale was centered on survival alone making the audience think only of how the others would be killed off. The brutality in BR was more severe than HG. I liked the humor in some parts of BR and its more realistic if it would really happen. The HG (movie) wasn’t able to capture much of the action scenes in the book, probably because HG was targeting a younger audience than BR. BR II was action-packed with the use of more firearms and involving the military. HG’s appeal was also brought about by Katniss’ sentiments in dealing with her physical and emotional struggles. I’m not sure if I would like Battle Royale better if I read it. It seems reading vs. watching could make a huge difference. =P

In Full Bloom

Before summer officially ends, I just want to share this floral print dress which has been 'sleeping' in my closet.

Haven't used this dress yet. I'm not sure if I could pull it off =P Watcha think?

Photo courtesy of yours truly (thanks to my cam's self-timer feature and Instagram's effects).

Dress from Boscov's USA (thanks to my aunt for giving me this dress)

Classic Chick Flick: 16 Candles

Last weekend I watched an old film recommended by my movie buff friend entitled "Sixteen Candles".
It's a film released in 1984 which is about the complexities of being a teenager - love life, fitting in & family.
I think every girl can relate to Sam's character. An ordinary girl who is in love with a senior and who is unfortunately taken.She was celebrating her sixteenth birthday (which was quite a big deal for her) but things were starting to fall apart as her family forgets all about it and more hilarious events happen.

At first I thought it was just an old school chick flick until my heart stopped when I saw the male lead (Jake Ryan). He is the typical varsity player/ popular/hunk who was also a hopeless romantic. He is every girl's ideal guy with his charming features, and his sensitive side.

(Spoiler alert) I just want to share my favorite scenes in the movie:

 

1.) Sam's attempt to talk to Jake Ryan but choked and walked away 

 

2.) Jake Ryan being so sweet comforting his girlfriend.

 

3.) Jake reveals his soft side.

 

4.) Jake finally saying hi (with his red porsche)

5.) 'Torpe' guy finally makes his move.

6.) Sam's birthday wish comes true.

I wasn't even born when this movie was made, I wonder how Michael S (Jake Ryan)  looks like now.
He looks like a young Matt Dillon and he reminds me of Xian Lim for some reason haha.

An amusing and sweet movie to sweep us (girls) off our feet. =)

Cast: 

Molly Ringwald - Sam

Michael Schoeffling - Jake Ryan

Anthony Michael Hall - The Geek

Tip: You will also see the young John Cusack and her sister Joan in this film.

Eats Showtime! =)

Sorry for being MIA for almost a week. I'm having a hard time accessing my blog page from my desktop and laptop at home and also I've been around haha. I've been eating here and there thus the weight gain (I think) but it was fun to discover such yummy treats. Here's a run down of what I've been eating:

1. White Hat's Pinoy Hat (froyo) Caramel Cream (drink)

Each item costs P125 each but thanks to my friend's coupon, we got it for P200 only. 

The chocnut + frozen yogurt combination wasn't my favorite. The yogurt was quite sour that it didn't blend well with the chocnut. I loved the caramel cream drink since it wasn't too sweet unlike other caramel flavored drinks.

2. Margarita Pizza from Green Tomato (Shangri-la)

I love pizza but I'm picky with the toppings. Sometimes I end up removing the ones I don't like and transferring it to the next pizza slice so whoever gets it would have bonus toppings haha. Margarita pizza only has my favorites (fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil) that's why I loved it =)

3. Dulong Pizza from Green Tomato (Shangri-la)

When it comes to pasta, I prefer the tomato-cream based sauce than the oil-based ones.  But this dish was quite good. It had a good Pinoy twist =)

4. Tapa King's Chocolate Cake 

 Who would have thought that Tapa King offers this super yummy dessert? 

It's super moist and it's not too sweet. It also has a caramel layer in the middle. 

                           

5.1 (left) Durian Chips from Bangkok

I don't eat Durian because the smell alone makes me lose my appetite haha. But when I tried their chips, it didn't taste (nor smell) like Durian. It was so good! This was from a friend who came back from Bangkok. It's hard to find durian chips here even though we have an abundance of durian during season. I'll try to look for a Pinoy version =P

5.2 (right) Kirkland's Kettle Brand Krinkle Cut Potato Chips Sea Salt

It's like super thick Ruffles which tastes like fries. It comes from a 950g bag and is a bit oily.

You would enjoy it with a dip =)

6. Tea Tap

Milk tea is everywhere but I only go for certain brands and Tea Tap is one of them. 

Unfortunately, I think their only branch is in San Juan. On the good side, its near my place.

It's also a nice place to hangout but it's difficult to find a parking slot during weekends.

7. Tapa King's Tapa Flakes

Perfect meal for breakfast but I had it for lunch haha. The best selling tapa of Tapa King shredded into flakes and with more crisp =P

8. Cantina Deliciosa's Enchilada

 Discovered this in 'Blessings and Prosperity' along Ayala Avenue. They also serve paella, burritos and quesadilla. For P95 you'll get an authentic Mexican dish. =)

9. Kraft Mac & Cheese

Every kid and kid at heart's favorite snack. 

No wonder I feel heavy. Imagine all the calories in all these. Hay. 

Diet = FAIL! =P

Chillax Friday: Leisure Dive =)

Everyone's constant complaint is how steaming our weather is. Imagine hitting 36.2 degrees? Ugh! Everytime I go out I feel like I'm entering a pre-heated oven. It makes me want to jump in a pool to cool down. 


But do you know there's a new way to throw yourselves in the water? 
It's called 'leisure dive'.
Leisure Dive is basically having a creative 'photo-ready' pose before you actually dive. It's that split-second moment before you hit the water. You must have a good photographer and a good camera to do this =P
I think it's better than planking. The only thing is it's quite hard to catch that moment and it could be dangerous.    


A great website compiled different leisure diving pics wherein you could also send your own entries.
(Photos from leisuredive.com) - - check this site to find more hilarious pics of 'leisure diving'

Belated Happy 100th Birthday Oreo Cookies

It’s been 100 years but everyone still loves this yummy cookie sandwich. Every bite brings childhood memories and somehow it can make adults feel like kids again. Dunk it in milk, top it on your cake, mix it in your ice cream, twist then lick the cream – there are several ways to enjoy it. I remember having a picture taken with my mouth full of crushed oreos covering some of my teeth and flashing a big smile. =P Oreos are not just good but it’s fun to eat. I think that’s what made them last a hundred years =)

Trivia: It was created on March 6, 1912 and was first sold in Hoboken, New Jersey. 

To celebrate, its 100^th birthday, they released a special edition birthday 'cake'.

 

So what's with the limited edition oreo? 

Its age is embossed on the cookie and the cream is filled with SPRINKLES!!! =)

It smells like cotton candy too =P

For me it was a bit too sweet compared to the normal Oreos but it was still good. =) With its sweetness I can only eat 2 or 3.  I think the reason they added sprinkles was because it looked like confetti and confetti is associated with celebrations (just a guess) =P 

Truly another wonderful flavor from the world's favorite cookie - Oreos =)

Chili’s Annual ‘Big Mouth Burger Day’ Year 5 - (2012)

Every year burger-lovers rush to Chili’s Big Mouth Burger Day. It’s a once-in-a-year event, wherein you can order your favorite Big Mouth Burger with fries on the side for P120 only. For this year, it will be celebrated today April 24, 2012.


This is my 4th year to join Chili’s Burger Day. I had my 1st, 2nd and 3rd at Greenbelt 5 and now my 4th was at Greenhills (San Juan). A lot of people were waiting for 2-3 hours already just to have their names listed. After that you have to wait until your name is called (plus another hour I guess).


Warning: If you’re too hungry, don’t go or you might lose your cool =P

Here some tips to enjoy your delicious burger.

• Come in EARLY. Better yet, go during off-peak hours to avoid long lines.

Munchtimes: [Makati, Greenhills and Tomas Morato 11 am-2 pm and 6 pm-12 midnight

Power Plant Mall in Rockwell from 11am - 2pm, 6pm-9pm]

Source: http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/living/1631-chilis-big-mouth-burger-day

• If you’re on a ‘diet’, you can share it with someone since their burgers are quite big. It will be more cheaper hehe (kuripot mode alert)

• If you’re willing to stand while eating, tell the waiter that you’ll take the bar (no seat) and they can check if there’s a spot on the bar for you. (note: there are some branches with limited bar space so this could not apply to all) 

My fellow mushroom swiss lover - my mom.

• If you have a heroic friend, make him/her reserve a table and be in line EARLY and make sure to be there when your friend is called. (kawawang friend ilibre nalang =P)

• You can’t order for take-out but if you can’t finish it, you can bring home half of your burger (or whatever is left)

• It’s hard to get a table if you’re in a group. There’s a higher probability of getting a seat if you’re alone or if there’s only 2 of you.

• If you don’t know what to order, try my favorite Mushroom Swiss. I’ve been ordering that since my 1^st Burger Day. (Maybe I’ll try a new one next year =P)

• It’s limited to one burger per customer. So if you think it’s not enough, try to order other meals. (Note: the burger is already big)

If you missed it this year, hopefully there will be another one for 2013 =)