i am woman, hear me rawr!

“I thank whatever gods may be  for my unconquerable soul. I am the master of my fate.  I am the captain of my soul.” – quote from the movie Invictus, starring Morgan Freeman as South African President Nelson Mandela, based on the poem of the same title by William Ernest Henley.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents yet another inspirational flick that will end up in my repertoire of teaching materials with the movie Invictus starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon.

Invictus is a tale of true leadership as displayed by South African President Nelson Mandela, who, after being locked up in prison for thirty years, strove to unite his bitterly divided nation through a language they all understood: rugby. Believing that the universality of the love of sports would be enough to bring together a country torn by racism and class-wars for years, he sought the help of Francois Pineaar and the Springboks rugby team in becoming elements of change for the good of their nation through their quest for the 1995 World Cup.

I have always known about Nelson Mandela, but I have to admit, all I did know about him was that he was the president of South Africa and a former prisoner. All I really knew about him was what I had seen in Oprah, given that she is such a big fan of his. However, after the film, I got a clearer picture of the man he was and his remarkable leadership. He led not for himself, but for the good of his nation. Despite all the challenges that beset him, he fought to do what was right and not what was popular. Moreso, he did this in spite and despite everything and everyone around him.

I was deathly sick during the press screening of the film and I came within a hairs-breath of not showing up. However, I am really glad I didn’t! I enjoyed the film immensely despite not feeling well and fearing I would fall asleep during the screening. The only thing that kind of threw me off with the film is the accent Morgan Freeman had to take on for the role. It’s not that he didn’t do a good job, it was just very different from the Morgan Freeman I have always loved.

Invictus is directed by Clint Eastwood and is based on the book by John Carlin entitled Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game that Changed a Nation. Stars Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon have been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role and Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role respectively.

Invictus opens February 17 in a local cinema near you. Should you go see it? YES! Definitely a must-see for 2010. On a personal note, I hope we find a leader who is able to inspire the way he did this 2010 elections!

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Valentine’s Day has gone digital Rather than the typical red roses and chocolates, which are way too expensive during this uber romantic day, why not spread the love in exciting new and original ways? Just check out  www.toblerone.com.ph for great new ideas on how to wow your special someone with a different celebration of hearts day.

Toblerone has set up a Fanpage where all like-minded chocolate lovers can interact and share their thoughts on different V-day traditions and gift ideas.  Users can also check out Toblerone’s gift giving application which allows you to send virtual sweet treats to friends and loved ones this Valentine’s Day.

Wanna play Cupid? Toblerone’s matchmaking application is a fun online game that ets you mix and match buddies online to check their compatibility and romantic potential. Who knows, they may just be the next it couple. Move over Jason and Melisa!

Of course, while going digital and virtual is all fun, let’s not forget to spread the sweetness of Heart’s Day on the 14th. What better way than to have a love triangle (no…I don’t mean double-booking dates this V-Day!) with the limited edition Valentine’s Day Toblerone!

For the singles out there, don’t fret: be ready to mingle and try out Speed Dating. Just head on to UNO Pizzeria Restaurant and Bar at San Miguel By the Bay on February 11 at 7pm as Toblerone, in partnership with Thinkpadd and UNO Pizzeria, hosts a Valentine’s Day speed dating exclusive.

Happy Heart’s Day!

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Move over Love Actually….I have a new love movie! Valentine’s Day is a fun romantic comedy that is bound to make anyone feel good and believe in the idea of love once again, and I’m not just talking about romantic love here!

Set in L.A., Valentine’s Day follows the stories and intertwining lives of it’s characters as they navigate through one of the most loved — and most hated — holidays in the year. From mushy teenagers who are all over each other in public displays of affection to express their love, to young couples on the verge of their first time, and the end of supposedly idyllic relationships, Valentine’s Day gives viewers a refreshing new look at one of the most basic needs in life, to love and be loved in return.

Much as I tend to be a cynic about how love happens, watching the Valentine’s Day made me feel all sorts of emotions tied in to love. I felt the cynicism that Kara felt, the uncertainty of Jason, the desire for that kilig moments of young lovers, the ambivalence of wanting to be in a relationship and yet wanting to know one’s own future first, and the confusion of this grand thing called love. Naks ang serious! But seriously, it made me realize na hindi na ako galit sa Valentine’s Day! While most of love is a magical thing and that it just happens when it happens, to some degree, love is still a choice we make and how we respond to love, that’s another story.

One thing I liked a lot about this movie is that despite it being a romantic comedy, it wasn’t all that cheesy. I liked how the story tied well together, although at first, it thought it was going to be just like Love Actually. Nevertheless, this is much more light and fun flick! It definitely now takes the place of the previous film in my Persef classes! An added bonus to the film is the great soundtrack which I enjoyed a lot. Plus all those lovely shoes Jessica Biel and Jessica Alba were wearing…sigh!!!

Valentine’s Day features an all-star cast including award winning actresses Julia Roberts and Shirley McLaine, heartthrobs Patrick Dempsey, Eric Dane, Ashton Kutcher, Bradley Cooper, and Taylor Lautner.The film also features Jessica Alba, Jessica Beal, Jennifer Garner, Queen Latifah, Emma Roberts, Hector Elizondo, George Lopez, Jamie Foxx, Taylor Swift, Carter Jenkins, Anne Hathaway, Topher Grace and young cutie Bryce Robinson. Valentine’s Day is directed by the acclaimed Gary Marshall and is released by Warner Brothers Pictures. Catch Valentine’s Day starting February 12, 2010 at a cinema near you.

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Maurice Sendak’s beloved Caldecott Award winning classic “Where the Wild Things Are” comes to life with Spike Jonez’s adaptation for the big screen. With eye popping cinematography and amazing costume designs, the film is a visual feast. As a viewer, I felt swept away by the wide open dunes and deserts to beautifully crafted forests.  However, the intensity of emotions and somewhat too violent representation of Max was kind of troubling for me, mainly because I was expecting a fun kids story.  However, I realized in hindsight, the movie is really not a movie for kids but about childhood. I wasn’t prepared for the depth of the film which was why it threw me off. Moreso, Max’s very strong abandomnent issues and loneliness was so intense that it stirred up emotions in me that I wasn’t expecting.

As a whole, I would say it is an interesting take on childhood, the places we go to when faced with stresses and man’s ability for insight as he tries to make sense of a world on the inside as well as out. Younger kids would perhaps enjoy the wild rumpus and the monsters Max met, however, with regards to storyline, maybe it’s not so kiddie. However, in the press screening I was invited to (thanks again to Warner Bros. Pictures!), there was a young boy who seemed to enjoy the movie a lot, so I suppose it really depends on the viewer.

Catch Where the Wild Things are at an Ayala Cinema near you starting February 3, 2010.

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