Saturday, March 29, 2008

Monday, March 24, 2008

Must Watch: I Am Legend's Original Ending



oh my.. if only "i am legend" became more loyal with the concept of Richard Matheson's book, i think i will make it as my "favorite movie of the year"..

please see this site and video for you to see why.. ^_^

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Source: SlashFilm
by Alex Billington

Today I've got to break some rules. We normally never ever talk about anything related to DVD, but this time this is too amazing to pass up. And all in the same, I'm putting a theatrical spin on it, so let's just get to it. Last December when I Am Legend hit theaters, one of the biggest complains I heard was that the ending was completely changed from the book and in turn the entire "legend" concept that Richard Matheson originally wrote was never actually seen. The DVD is arriving in a few weeks and Francis Lawrence's original ending that was made is included on it. Thankfully we've grabbed the new version for you viewing pleasure below. And to say it simply - you NEED to watch this.

You've been warned - everything from this point forward contains spoilers. Proceed at your own risk!

I actually really loved I Am Legend quite a damn bit. I think I saw it around three times in theaters and loved it more each time. Up until the point where Alice Braga's character appeared, I was enjoying it so much that I was considering making a spot for it on my best of 2007 list. However, by the end, I wasn't as sure. The scene at the end where the vampire creatures break into Robert Neville's lab is intense and amazing, and I enjoyed it, but it wasn't how it should have played out. This ending below is what we should have seen.

please visit link here to see the complete article and video : http://www.firstshowing.net/2008/03/05/must-watch-i-am-legends-original-ending-this-is-amazing/

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

LONG TRIP 10 things you wish your driver would do

By Kenneth M. del Rosario
Illustration by Lengski

The driver had just finished checking your car’s engine, tires, and brakes. Food has been packed and bag of clothes resting comfortably in the back seat. Now, you’re all set for that 18-hour drive to the wilderness. Buckle up!

But before getting to your destination, hours would be spent in the car alone with your driver. It’s a scene you don’t want to see yourself in: Trapped in the car with a snob driver who couldn’t bother to give you a cursory glance and would answer your questions with a hum.

Here’s a better alternative: Your driver checks the vehicle for you before leaving for the trip, saving both of you hassle on the road. He knows basic mechanical skills so you feel more optimistic if, by any unfortunate event, you do encounter a problem later.

While you can’t expect every driver to be the most gorgeous… err… courteous and friendly, it couldn’t hurt to list down things you wish your driver would do or would know if only to make the long trip less dragging. Here are some of them:

1. Tells great stories. This is the easiest way to pass up time in a long trip. Listen when your driver starts talking about places he had been to; where he came from; how long he had been driving. The important thing is to talk with him and get acquainted with each other, but make sure not to distract him from driving carefully.

2. Speaks local language. He doesn’t have to be fluent, but knowing the dialect of the place you want to go to would make it easier for both of you to communicate with the locals and navigate your way across town.

3. Knows people in your place of destination. Meeting locals is as equally fun and exciting as enjoying the scenery. While nothing should stop you from randomly speaking with the locals, you’ll feel much safer talking to someone your driver knows. Maybe he can even ask his friend to set up a delicious lunch buffet for both of you.

4. Knows great tourist spots for photo ops. As they say, getting there is half the fun. Doubling as a tour guide, it pays to have your driver take you to breathtaking or historical places. While you’re at it, ask your driver to take your photos if you don’t have a tripod.

5. Brings CDs, books, and a deck of cards. Thank your driver for bringing his CDs should you lose signal of your favorite radio station. Borrow his portable DVD player and watch a movie if you get bored. If you’re up to reading in a moving vehicle, make use of the books or magazines he brought along with him. He can show you a trick or two with his deck of cards when you stop by a gasoline station to refuel.

6. Accommodates changes in schedule and route. Not to mean your driver would be at your total mercy, you’d wish he’d be accommodating enough should you decide to have a small detour which could throw your schedule off balance.

7. Stays awake, takes a break. It is almost inevitable during long trips that your driver might feel a bit sleepy. If this happens, hope that your driver knows when to pull over for a nap. Sometimes, getting out of the car to stretch does the trick. You can take a nap yourself or take a walk for a while until your driver gets enough rest.

8. Admits he got lost and asks for directions. You’d wish your driver left his ego at home so he does not act like he knows everything when he doesn’t, not wanting to admit he took a wrong turn at the last exit. This is where speaking the place’s local language comes in handy. If you think you’re not on the right track, ask for directions immediately.

9. Knows shortcuts. Cutting travel time an hour or two means having more time to enjoy the place of your destination. This also saves fuel which translates to more money for food and souvenirs.

10. Keeps eyes on the road, not on his cell phone. Wherever you go, texting while driving is a big no-no. You’d want to be in one piece when you reach your destination and back. So you’d wish your driver makes his calls and sends his text messages only during restroom breaks to avoid any untoward incidents.

Should you luck into a driver who knows what he’s doing, be thankful. Still, don’t let excitement overcome you that you forget to do your part.

Be of help by bringing a map or a compass and help your driver navigate in unfamiliar terrain. Hand him snacks to give him enough energy for the long trip. If you know how to drive, switch places with your driver once in a while so he could rest his eyes.

Plan accordingly. If you’re only going to be in the car for a few hours, you probably don’t need to bring your entire catalogue of Mariah Carey CDs.

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Philippine Daily Inquirer
Road Assistance Special Feature
March 19, 2008
Page B2-1

10 cool ideas to make your Graduation Day Memorable

Written By Kenneth del Rosario
Illustration by Lengski

Amidst the flurry of emotions students feel during graduation ceremonies, the event often passes by like a blur that you fail to absorb every thing that takes place around you.

But wouldn’t it be nice to remember your Graduation Day as vividly as our memories would serve us? After all, it is the single most important day that sums up the hardships you endured in school for years.

While a year book would do a great job at jogging your memory about the good old days, there are things that could make reminiscing about the big G-day more special and unforgettable.

Here are practical tips to make sure the occasion stays fresh when you walk down memory lane 20 years from now:

1. Snap outstanding photographs. - Take time to pose for the camera. Snap images with family, friends, and teachers. Do this before the program starts so you appear made and fresh in your shots. Arrive at the venue 30 minutes before the program proper and take advantage of the decorated and well-lighted stage before every one else does. You don’t want to wrestle with your fellow graduates on the way there. Besides, no one wants to hang on their walls a shot that captured hell breaking lose in the background.

2. Send graduation announcements. - Let people know you are graduating and invite them to the occasion. Many won’t make it but this will give them a chance to, hopefully, congratulate you on your achievement. You can’t expect everybody to send a graduation gift but doesn’t a good student like you deserve a card, a call, or cash as a reward?

3. Write your parents a letter. - Nothing is more overwhelming than a parent receiving a Thank You letter from his or her child. Before the Graduation Day itself, put into writing words of gratitude for your parents’ unfailing dedication and support. Ask your parents to write you a letter as well and exchange the letters during the ceremony.

4. Throw your cap. - Enough feeling like you’re Harry Potter. Be the first one to throw your cap in the air or toss it as high as you can. Don’t be afraid to lose your cap. Just pick up the first one that hits your face. Now that would be memorable.

5. Make new friends. - Talk to the person seated next to you. Start with light talk; find out what his or her plans are after college. Years later, you will be amazed when you remember it was on your Graduation Day you met your best friend. In case you are in a more reconciling mood, mend fences with classmates (or teachers) whom your relationship with had gone sour over the years. This would make you feel doubly good about yourself: All friends, no enemies.

6. Attend rehearsals and follow instructions. - Know where to walk on the way up the stage when your name is called. Looking like a lost child in front of every body is not hip. Follow dress codes and browse through the program sheet to get an idea of what is expected of you during the commencement exercises.

7. Do something crazy. - If you’re known to be the shy, timid girl in class, release all your inhibitions for 30 seconds and shout at the top of your lungs. Sing praises, dance, hug your seatmate. Bring your own confetti and shower fellow graduates with it. Sky’s the limit for this. Be creative!

8. Frame your awards. - Treat your medals and trophies to an elegant glass case. This would help preserve their glitz long enough for you to tell your grandchildren about them someday. It sure would make an excellent conversation piece in your living room. You worked hard for them, flaunt ’em!

9. Finish the ceremony. - This is your day. Realize that the occasion was meant to celebrate your achievement. Being there when the program ends is as, if not more than, important as being there before it starts. Listen to what the guest speakers have to say. Speeches are often good sources of inspiration and, at times, comedic relief. Respond to and interact with guest speakers as much as possible.

10. Make dining reservations. - Cap the night with a lovely dinner with family or friends. If you’re eating out, restaurant reservations ahead of time avoids the hassle of running out of tables when other graduates and their families swarm the place. Should you decide to celebrate at home, prepare a dish or two for your family before leaving for the occasion. This way, you’ll have food waiting for you when you get home from the event.

These tips, though common, merit repetition as they often slip people’s attention during the days leading up to G-day.

However, the underlying theme is simple: Exert effort to make your Graduation Day as lovely as possible by enjoying a hassle-free celebration.

Attend the ceremony because you want to, not because you are required to. At the end of the day when the merry-making is over, enjoy some quiet time by yourself and say your prayers. Let the day’s activities sink in.

While some people may find graduation ceremonies dragging or boring, it’s really how you pay attention to the little details that makes all the world of a difference.
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Published in Philippine Daily Inquirer
March 14, 2008
Page K1

Thursday, March 6, 2008