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The Oscars

February 23rd, 2009 by charlottedianco

Like most people in the world who are so into movies, I watched the 81st Annual Academy Awards held at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood yesterday. Of course- who would want to miss seeing the most important annual event in the entertainment industry? And it’s the biggest fashion show on earth, hello.

The gowns? Oh hell yeah, there were a lot– beautiful and glamorous gowns made by the world’s finest designers. But only a few really stood out- you know, classic and elegant without looking like an entourage of a roving circus. And to mention a few, Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman and Angelina Jolie were just gorgeous in their chosen outfits.

But I’m not here as a fashion critic. I am writing this because I am truly happy for the success of my favorite movie SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. And though I expected them to grab an Oscar since the day I watched the movie- but to actually bag 8 awards out of the 10 nominations- well, it was really fantastic! Like I also won myself. :)
Based on the novel of Vikas Swarup (Q&A), Slumdog Millionaire is about a teenager who grew up in the slums, joined the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and actually moving up to the final question. Jamal is not a genius but he is street smart, gaining knowledge and wisdom which helped him in answering the questions in the quiz show. But his reason for joining the show is actually not about money but because he wanted to find the girl that he loves. Yes! Slumdog is actually a romance movie covered with an action and comedy wrapper. It is a complete package because apart from the love, action and comedy elements, it speaks of the life in Mumbai making it a movie with social relevance as well. It is fast-paced, intriguing, dark and gripping- a perfect recipe for a movie buff like me.

I also watched the movies MILK (Sean Penn won the Best Actor Award in this movie) and THE READER (Kate Winslet got the Best Actress Award in her performance in this movie) and while these two films were good, Slumdog Millionaire shines best, that’s why it bagged four of the most important awards– Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Cinematography. And although I don’t mind the late Heath Ledger getting the Best Supporting Award for his performance in the Dark Knight, I actually enjoyed Robert Downey Jr in his movie TROPIC THUNDER- too bad he didn’t win.

Nevertheless, the Oscars was a big success. And yeah, HUGH GRANT was amazing as a host and it was only yesterday that I learned that apart from being a Hollywood hunk, he is actually an accomplished singer. WOW.

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Another List of Random Things

February 9th, 2009 by charlottedianco

The 25 Random List is spreading like wild fire. Most of my friends from Facebook are so into it. I already made my list for Facebook but for Friendster, well, I have another list. I just thought of it now, and while I’m in the mood for blogging, might as well write it down.

So here goes my list:

1. Most of my friends know this- yes, I am a big fan of movies.

2. I don’t like horror movies- especially bloody and messy ones. I like romantic comedy and light-action / suspense.

3. I like KFC’s chicken macaroni salad and that of Max as well.

4. When I was a kid, I wanted to be an action star and be able to do the stunts of Jackie Chan.

5. My biggest fear when I was in a kid was not being able to watch Star Rangers.

6. I like perfumes. A lot.

7. I hated doing the household chores when I was in elementary- I would often hide inside my room and read.

8. Grey’s Anatomy never fails to make me cry and I think I am such a masochist because I still watch the damn series.

9. I like McDreamy but I like McSteamy even better despite his reputation of being a man whore.

10.  I am a fan of ABBA. I’ve always liked the Swedish group way before Mama Mia  ‘re-hyped’ them. And if people enjoyed the movie of Meryl Streep, they should check out the film Muriel’s Wedding (1994)where the songs of ABBA were also featured.

11. I am NOT a fan of Beyonce. I don’t know why (wait, I don’t even have to explain!).

12. My favorite coffee is hazelnut.

13. I am so not into video games.

14. I only play Text Twist

15. Madonna is not just an icon- she is the GODDESS.

16. Most of my favorite bands are British.

17. Whenever I’m in another country, I always visit McDonalds so I could compare the taste. I don’t know why.

18. I always enjoy Baguio- it’s my favorite vacation place in the Philippines.

19. I never gambled when I was in Vegas. Not even the slot machine. I was more interested in looking at the places that I always see on CSI Las Vegas.

20. I once tried playing baseball when I was 16. That was my first and last taste of baseball. I don’t even know why I tried in the first place.

21. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a member of the Justice League and work with Aqua Man.

22. When I am in bed with a spaced out expression on my face, it means I am working. Daydreaming is my favorite part of pre-production.

23. My favorite ice cream is ube.

24. When I was five years old, during the Ati-atihan Festival, my aunt brought me to church but she lost me in the crowd. A nice lady approached and asked if I was lost and I said yes. She said she could adopt me. I got scared and told her I already have a family and that I knew my way. I walked home with that lady tailing behind me. An hour later, my aunt arrived looking pale and scared. I still wondered up to this day what could have happened to me had I not have the guts to walk home.

25. I constantly remind myself to update my blog. I just have to remember.

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Club Dredd

February 9th, 2009 by charlottedianco

I was at Club Dredd last night. It felt different. Well of course because they now have a new venue and a new set-up. But apart from the physical difference, going to Club Dredd is definitely a blast from the past. After all, the last time I was inside ‘Club Dredd’ was in the mid-90s. Yes, more than a decade ago! And I keep wondering until now, what happened to all those years? How time flies!

I remember the first time I set foot inside Club Dredd. This was the time when the club was still along Edsa in Cubao, just a few steps away from P. Tuazon Street. It was Hannah who dragged me to go to the place and the moment I entered, I thought I was going to faint. I was scared, really! Smoke was all around, people dressed in black shirts and leather jackets, there were a lot of shouting and head banging on stage while playing electric guitars - believe me, it wasn’t the kind of place my grandmother would approve. In fact if she was with me that time, she would have dragged me to the nearest church and bath me in Holy Water. But despite my fear of being eaten alive by men in mohawk hairdos, my curiosity to see what was going on in the underground music scene prevailed. And so, many visits followed after that. I discovered a new world of talented musicians and I met a lot of people- who remained my good friends up to this day.

And last night, when I went to the ‘new’ Club Dredd in Eastwood City (Libis), it was just like visiting a memory lane. Sure, the place looks different (what’s with all the stairs?), the crowd looks younger and the music… well, of course different.

A lot of things have changed. But it was all good.

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