The Pitch Perfect Syndrome

The Barden Bellas

I've seen the movie weeks ago yet the soundtrack somehow got stuck in my head up to now. I think I have the last pitch perfect syndrome (which is something I just made up, by the way).

Pitch Perfect is a 2012 musical comedy film about college kids competing in an a-cappella singing contest. Mind you, the plot is predictable and filled with cliches yet somehow it works! The characters are funny and refreshing. Anna Kendrick plays the lead, Beca, and is shown in a new light. She is likeable (unlike in the Twilight Saga) and gets to showcase her talents. I also love Fat Amy's (Rebel Wilson) antics. She definitely steals the spotlight.

The songs, like I've mentioned, stick with you and are well-presented in many, memorable scenes. I'll just hover on my favorite ones in sequence: First off, they made a good move reviving the '90s hit "The Sign" by Ace of Base. Kendrick and Brittany Snow's "Titanium" duet in the shower is harmonious although awkward. Also, the part where they sang Kelly Clarkson's "Since U've Been Gone" in random bits for the auditions is hilarious. The riff-off scene is particularly good, too. I love their mash-up of Bruno Mars' "Just the Way You Are"/Nelly's "Just a Dream" in the middle of the night. It gave me shivers. The other songs are fine as well but those are the highlights for me.

I think having a Glee-like movie balanced by a funny cast and catchy lines make it all irresistible. It's brief and  pleasantly tolerable. It's a feel-good chick flick. Perfectly enjoyable to watch and listen to. :)

-Martha

Beat the Heat

Summer is officially here in Manila. And it is hot! Not everyone welcomes this news with open arms (I'm one of them) but instead of being hot-headed about it (pun intended), I try to cool down with these:

1. Chowking's Halo-Halo (Regular w/ 1 scoop ice cream)

The more affordable and easily accessible choice to quench that summer heat. Shaved ice topped with pinipig (rice crispies), sago, gulaman (jelly), banana, leche flan, and ube ice cream.

Price: ₱ 76

2. Flavours of China's Buco Pandan Sherbet

Smooth buco pandan sherbet, gulaman, and pinipig. Simple ingredients but oh-so-flavorful treat! 

Price: ₱ 90






3. Icebergs' Super Halo-Halo

Their super finely shaved ice is topped with banana, sago, gulaman, corn flakes, leche flan, ube jam, macapuno balls, and two scoops of ice cream. Tell me your mouth is not watering.

Price: ₱ 108

4. Icebergs' Super Mais Con Hielo

Yellow sweet corn, corn flakes, and two scoops of vanilla ice cream swimming gloriously on top of their shaved ice. Yum, yum, yum!

Price: ₱ 118 

5. Icebergs' Caramel Flan Con Hielo

The best I've tasted this summer. Shaved ice embedded under ripe mangoes, creamy banana, soft macapuno balls, luscious leche flan, a scoop of their vanilla ice cream in the middle, and caramel sauce. 'Nuff said!

Price: ₱ 128

Summer has just begun so I have a feeling this blog entry may have a part 2 coming up. ;p

-Faye 


Location:
Chowking - MCU, Caloocan City
Flavours of China - 2/F The Block, SM North EDSA, Quezon City
Icebergs - 5 Timog Ave., South Triangle, Quezon City

On The Walking Dead

I don't know why but I have a thing for zombie apocalypse movies. That's why I was thrilled when The Walking Dead came into picture in 2010. A comic-based TV series about zombies dominating our precious earth. Now, how brilliant is that? An actual TV series instead of just a two-hour film!

AMC's The Walking Dead

For those who've been living under a rock, the story goes like this: Sheriff Rick Grimes woke up from a coma, only to find the hospital and the rest of his town deserted. It was both a miracle and a living nightmare. For Rick later learns that there was an outbreak (Yep. The zombie virus is always to blame.) and the world will never be the same. He then embarks on a journey to find his wife and son's whereabouts. Basically, that's how all this TWD craze started.

Amid all kinds of zombie-themed movies showing left and right, TWD stands its ground and reaps major success. It depicts survival and its conflicts with humanity given the situation. It also manages comic-relief aside from heavy drama and action scenes. The characters are engaging. The show makes you pray they'll spare the lives of your favorite ones, curse annoying, foolish ones, and weep through deaths like its a personal loss. Lol! The story line just keeps getting better. It is now on its third season and yet it consistently builds climax with every episode; each ending leaves viewers wanting for more. That's how good it is.

Oh I almost forgot to mention that I love the effects, the gore. The zombies or 'walkers' are life-like (Did I just say that?). I mean, blood shooting out of their heads, a decaying half-body moving in the grass... I could go on and on and ruin your appetites so I'll stop now. Point is, it looks amazingly real and, ironically, tastefully done. The actors, writers, directors, and crew are all doing a superb job. I ship this show 100 percent. Try to watch and be the judge of it. 

-Martha

What's Your Flavour?

Last week, after an afternoon of prayers and solemn vigil with my family, we head to Flavours of China to chatter merrily while dining. A perfect day, if you ask me.

Sure bet, Sherbet!

Oh Miki, you're so fine.

Like most Chinese restos, the interior of Flavours of China (in SM The Block) is warmly lit and cozily furnished with woods and reds. We were served complimentary shrimp crackers which we munched on while waiting for our orders.

Oddly, our desserts were served first. Perhaps it's because of the scorching hot weather (Hello summer!). We didn't mind though since we couldn't resist their best-seller Buco Pandan Sherbet (₱90). Mouth-watering buco sherbet with pandan jelly and rice crispies. Who knew these simple ingredients would be to-die-for? Daddy had Chicken Lauriat (₱209) consisting of lechon macau, pansit, fried chicken, rice, and buchi. Across, Mommy and Tita Baby slurped on their Siomai Noodle Soup (₱120) and Sharksfin Noodle Soup (₱130), respectively. These are thin noodles with dumplings, greens, and savory soup.

As for Ate Faye and I, we chose something new from their menu: Miki Bihon with Lechon Macau (₱240). 'Twas a good thing we shared because of the humongous serving! The miki bihon is tasty and generously topped with seafood, lechon macau, and bok choy. Delish!

Everything we had was palatable. My dining experience was A+ because I was in good company. We were spiritually and physically full. Time is always well spent with family. Again, a perfect day if you ask me. :)

Rating: 4.25/5

-Martha