Friends with Benefits

Some of us might wonder as to what it means the terms “Friends with Benefits.” I myself don’t know exactly about its meaning. But this movie starred by Justin Timberlake (who played Dylan) and Mila Kunis (who played Jamie) give me somehow an idea. Friends with Benefits is a an American romantic-comedy film of 2011 and was released last July 2011.
However, upon watching the trailer of the movie, it thought it is only about friends doing things that a couple would do without strings attached! But at the end of the movie, I was amazed that the movie is somehow romantic. I mean, it didn’t disappoint me. Really.

The movie do have a little bit sexy and of course a bit of comedy. It is not boring. It’s about two friends who went through break up with their respective boy/girlfriend and found out that they can be good friends with benefits. They also have a deal of dating another one with no jealousy with one another or any emotional attachment. Until such time that they realized that they are already falling in love with one another. The guy just couldn’t find the courage to tell the girl because he was afraid that they might end up the same of his parents (divorce). Over time they developed a mutual feelings with one another but denying their feelings every time they are together. And the ending is kissed in front of a lot of people dancing their theme song “Closing Time” and had their first date at a restaurant.  The only comment I would say about this movie is that there’s some director’s cut. I mean some scene in the trailer was not present in the real movie. But overall all it is good. In fact, the movie became a box office hit success world wide after having a grossed of $145.1 million in October 2011.

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The King's Speech!

I think a lot of us have been very familiar with the true story of the British Royal Monarch “The King’s Speech.” But for me, I will never know the real value of this movie until the time I watched it in my laptop last October 24. It was played in the big screen in United Kingdom on the 7^th of January of this year (2011).

My first impression of the movie before I finally decided to watch it is that is some kinda boring. I mean just a typical movie, it is expected to have more conversation, more on the talk and not on the action or something. My interest on movies is more on action or thriller done by Angelina Jolie, Uma Thurman, Megan Fox and other Hollywood actresses that always give a knock-out. 

King George VI                Colin Firth

Well, this movie got all of my impression wrong and in fact it amazed me to be honest. What do you think would make it more interesting? One thing, because it is a TRUE to LIFE STORY! Indeed, a historical drama film directed by the award winning director Tom Hooper and written by David Seidler at the start of 1980 but was postponed, because  the Queen Mother’s wishes (The Mother of Queen Elizabeth II, the wife of King George VI) until her death in 2002. 

On the trailer of the movie, it says “When his nation needed a leader, when the people needed a voice, an ordinary man would help him find his courage.”

The movie demonstrated the struggle of King George VI before he became the next king of the United Kingdom. He struggle on how to overcome his stammering. Stammering (also known as stuttering) is a speech disorder which is described as an involuntary repetitions and prolongations of sounds, words or phrase and syllabus. An involuntary silent or block would cause the stammer unable to produce sounds.  

Lionel Logue        Geoffrey Rush

Before he became as King George VI, he was known as “Prince Albert, the Duke of York” (played by Colin Firth). He’s the son of King George V, the younger brother of “Prince Edward, the Prince of Wales). He was desperate because of his unsuccessful treatment. His self-esteemed slowed down because of this deficiency and admitted to self that he can never be a leader. Until one man changed not only his stammering but also his whole perspective in life. And that person was Lionel Logue (played by Geoffrey Rush).

The plot of the story is great and the characters of the story are awesome (to be specific with Firth and Rush). It is a story of friendship, courage and leadership.

BEHIND THE MOVIE... a True Story of their lives...

King George VI Coronation

The two of them became the best of friends after King Geoge VI declaration of war against Germany in 1939 where Logue silently help him at his side while delivering his (the king) speech in a live broadcast. Supposedly, the work of Logue has ended already for him. But for the king, it is a start of a new beginning. 

At the end of the movie, it explains that during the World War II, Logue has always been present at the King George VI’s speeches. In the year 1944, Logue was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order. This is in recognition of his personal service to the Monarch. As their lives go on, it is also a continuation of their friendship for the rest of their lives.

Did you know that...
A handwritten written letter of Queen Elizabeth dated February 28, 1952 in Buckingham Palace was discovered. The letter was dedicated to Lionel Logue. It stated the following:

"I think that I know perhaps better than anyone just how much you helped the King, not only with his speech, but, through that, his whole life, and outlook on life. I shall always be deeply grateful to you for all you did for him."

A year after, Logue died after King George VI in 1952.

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P25 worth of Enjoyment @ SM Film Fiesta!

Now a days watching movie on cinemas and theaters would cost a lot of money. Sometimes, it is a pain in the pocket! Almost four years ago, I can still remember my experience of watching a movie in a cinema for only 60 pesos and that was the comedy love story movie of Judy Ann and Ryan Agoncillo entitled “Sakal, Kasali, Saklolo.” That was December of 2007. 

Today, it would cost like around 130-400 pesos in SM cinemas. A simple 2D movie would cost a range of 130.00 – 220.00 pesos, 3D cost 250.00 -350.00 pesos and for IMAX or 4D, the range is 350.00 – 450.00 pesos. 

But wait a minute, let’s give ourselves a break! There is a new promo at SM Cinema. This is called as “Php25 Film Fiesta” @ SM City Cebu.  I think it started like 2 years ago. My first experience before is that it only cost 10 pesos. 1 movie will be on showing for a week. These movies are usually movies of last year or two. It started with 10 pesos, then 15 and now at 25 pesos.  It runs from July to November of every year since 2 years ago.
The quality of the movie is good and the movies are not boring! . Since the price is cheaper, a lot of people will find time to lined up for tickets and watched in groups. Sometimes, it will be hard for you to find a sit because it is full already!  LOL! But the quality of everything is good! It’s a great experience and worth the money on your pocket!

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My First Experience with my First Job!

My current profession now is teaching. Now, let me share with you the good side of my experience in a Corporate World. ;)

I have worked before in a corporate world under the Program Control Services previously known as Project Management Office at Accenture before. I still remember some of the core values of the company, which is ‘Respect for Individual’, ‘Integrity’, ‘Best People’ and ‘Stewardship.’ Well, all I can say with the company is that it has excellent people, management and HR relations. I mean, it has a very high standard to its employee’s professionalism and let their people feel that they matter to the company. I even experienced when that time I am newly hired, there will be almost always a celebration. It could be a power buffet lunch, cake party, hotdog sandwich party and others. Like 1 event is happening every week or month. The company makes assure that the employees are highly motivated with not only their jobs but as well as their relation to their colleagues and the company itself. Some companies don’t spend a lot for their employees, even on meetings. But what I love staying there is that every day seems like a celebration; and there is always a good food for every meeting. But I didn’t mean that what makes me somehow enjoying my employment there is that because there’s always a celebration. LOL!

 One thing, as a beginner of the company, you also will get the opportunity to be acquainted with the company’s top leaders. These I am referring to the senior executive, senior managers and managers. At least once a month, there will be a talk with these top leaders and you will be invited by your department to join. Good if there’s still a slot for you to join the talk. The time I meet these top leaders, I feel like they’re awesome and I dreamed of being like them someday! LOL! Now, these leaders are not intimidating unlike others. They are very approachable persons and they can go down your level. During the talk, you will not discuss matters regarding the natures of your work, on how you do these reports and that; but rather, it is a conversation of a leader and a follower that gives them connection of how they should deal with their jobs, how to become successful, and how to be a value driven people. That sounds great! These top leaders would even invite you to email them if you need motivation on your work and your personal life. People there would love to attract motivation and passion at work. Lastly, what I love in the company is that it maintains the life and work balance of the employees. The company assures that your life is not always about work. It also provides time for recreational activity.

According to Human Resource Management, the employees are what make the company. They are the front liner of the company and without them; there can never be a company.

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The Shabu-shabu and Grill Experience!

What’s on your mind when you hear the word “Shabu-shabu”? It could mean the other way around if you’re not familiar with it and might think that it is a kind of prohibited drugs! LOL! :) But hey, it is not! To tell you, shabu-shabu is a very healthy food. It comes with a variety of versions; it could be Japanese, Taiwanese or Chinese.

Last Sunday, October 18, 2011, we came across a shabu-shabu and grill restaurant in Pusok, Lapu-lapu City. The name of the restaurant is “Kaohsiung Shabu-shabu and Grill Restaurant.” The food is a Taiwanese cuisine. We thought of eating there at dinner time by Saturday. But suddenly the grill was fully occupied and we have to reserve ourselves by the next day, that was a Sunday, 6PM.

The ambiance of the restaurant is good. Having friendly waitress and level like people. I mean you will meet across people of your level; unlike other restaurant which I feel very awkward eating because the place is full of rich businessmen, socialites and elites. And I have to look at my manners of eating my foodie! LOL!
 

So, let’s look at their menu. We ordered a package of shabu-shabu and grill foodies worth 380.00 pesos which I think worth saving because a variety of food will be serve on your table. We also ordered a beef meat worth 50.00 pesos only, 1 rice for 20.00 and 1 sprite in can which cost 40.00 pesos.

Now, eating in shabu-shabu restaurant doesn’t mean that the food is cooked when served on your table. The most interesting part there is that you will have to COOK the food you ordered! J Yeah right! You have to take the effort of putting butter first before grilling the food and let the water on a metal pot to boil before you put the ingredients. Hey! By the way, you may ask as to what are the foods being serve when we say “Shabu-shabu and Grill.” Well originally shabu-shabu originated in Japan and became popular by World War II.  It is a combination of seafoods (like prawns, squid, fish), meat (strips of pork and chicken, chicken gizzard), vegetable (petchay), corn, enoki mushroom, tofu, and a variety of Japanese/Taiwanese foods which I am not so familiar with the names. :D You will put all of these ingredients in to the boiling pot. For the grill, almost the same ingredients will be grilled.

So, while we enjoy the talking and grilling, we also took the moment of eating the foods that are cooked first. After an hour, we feel like very full already and having a hard time eating the food that’s left and take note, the beef meet strips is still uncooked! Haha! So we have no choice but cook it because it will be a waste of money (since money is hard to find! J)if we will not finished all the foods. But anyway, we really are having a good time. The food is delicious. Therefore, it will make your day right and great! Sometimes, food determines our mood. If you eat food that is undesirable to your taste, your day will be ruined, will dislike the restaurant or food store. But if you are able to eat good/great foods, it makes you happy and definitely will find ways to eat the same kind of food in the other day.

TRIVIA!!!!
Did you know that…

Shabu-shabu became popular in Japan and was introduced by “Suehiro” who opened a shabu-shabu restaurant in Osaka in the 20th century. It originated in China and the Chinese hot pot was known as “shuan yang rou.” The term “Shabu-shabu was given by Suehiro after registering the name in 1955. This cuisine spread through rapidly in Asia and including countries such as Canada and United States where the presence of  “Chinatown” or “Japantowns” eat a common dish today.

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