Music: Merge of Equals' Intoxicating

picture courtesy of chillmix.org.ua

Music has always been a part of my life. It compliments my moods whether I'm on the road, need to think at work, doing grocery shopping, or even spending alone time in a coffee shop while drinking my favorite hot beverage. Music has always been my companion and once I plug the earphones, I am automatically transported to my very own oasis.  

I am fairly neutral to all sort of music but have this thing about not a fan of country, extreme rock, and rap - not my cup of tea. A few months back, I was so engrossed with House music but just recently I became addicted to Chillout and Lounge music. More than the popular ones, I am particular attracted to the opposite. It's like discovering a diamond in the rough. I recently came across Merge of Equals. I fell in love with the mixture of ambient and electronica that creates this blanket of soothing and centering type of music. I guess music, in general, is very relative to our present situation. 

Before I remember having a discussion about Enya, a new age artist. For most people, her music makes them drowsy and sleepy but for me it makes me think more like caffeine. I really don't know why but it's just the way it is.  I love Enya and that's how she affects me with her music.

I normally rate a CD depending on the number of songs I like in the playlist. For this particular album, Intoxicating, I like 14 out of 16 songs so this is a such a very good album. If you get the chance to check this album, please do and enjoy the pleasures of the rhythmic and melodic tranquility that this music brings to your life.

#1: Menina (Original Mix)

#2: As One

#3: Beautiful Nothing

#4: Clear Blue

#5: Creativity

#6: Don't You Know

#7: Flavors Place

#8: Gravity

#9: Hoshi No Namida

#10: Hot Rain

#11: Like An Arrow

#12: Photic Zone

#13: Take You There

#14: Trees On The Moon

#15: True Love

#16: Yumenonakade

Food: Sakae Sushi

picture courtesy of picsdigger.com

This has got to me one of my favorite Japanese Restaurants, especially that I'm a sushi freak. I love all sorts of sushis. There's nothing like a balance of the rice and the seafood that goes together. I recall the very first time I tried Sakae Sushi in Mall of Asia branch. It was not planned actually. When my partner and I passed by we noticed the poster outside about an "eat all you can" sushi. That was the thing that sealed the deal for me. And when we sat inside, we were surprised that there is a long trail of conveyor belt. This is used to distribute the countless sushis to the customers. It certainly brings me to the idea of what is being done in Japan (or something close to). I do like the concept because there's no need for the sushi to be brought to your table but you can just select and get it straight from the conveyor belt.

picture courtesy of wheninmanila.com

Comparing it to the buffet set-up, the sushis are done fresh and goes directly to the conveyor belt, a very simple and impressive process, I must say. Your table is sufficiently stocked with wasabi paste and soy sauce. The only time you seek assistance from the attendants is for the beverages. One of the things I am fond of is that when you order the green tea, you will be given a tea bag and you have a faucet in your table where you get your hot water and you can continuously use your tea bags.

We also tried the Taguig Global City branch and usually go here not only because of the distance but also of the ambiance. It's more spacious and a much serene location.  But a few months back, I found out that they closed already so the only branches available are the Mall of Asia and SM North EDSA.

This blog really got me craving for another session at Sakae Sushi. I can't wait for my next visit and just have a sushi experience.

TV: Fringe (Season 1 & 2)

picture courtesy of bscreview.com

I have never heard of this series until my partner brought home a copy of the DVD copy of seasons 1 and 2. I was skeptic at first because of the numerous shows already in the tube or at least very similar. The moment I saw Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv) I immediately fell in love with her (not literally though). I find her very sophisticated while carrying the role no matter what situation she may be in. 

The dark and twisted tales of Fringe never falls short of expectations. In fact, you will be wanting more after every episode. I do like the subtleties of the story lines that does not require big plots or production. It's purely a mind game and it works wonders - a cerebral bliss. 

The cast is also outstanding. The diverse roles and personalities is just right for the whole ensemble. Joshua Jackson (Peter Bishop) is an actor that I am not fond of, initially. But he has grown on me and the complicated relationship he has with his father, Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble) and with Olivia Dunham is remarkably impressive. Speaking of John Noble, the odd, psychopathic character we see in the beginning leaves so much questions but eventually and slowly it's unfolds by itself and not only did it make things clear but the character will grow with you. I also like the friendship between Olivia and Agent Charlie Francis (Kirk Acevedo). Charlie is a person you would like to be friends with. Very protective and caring until he was cloned and then you'll hate him. If there is someone who hold so much mystery and keeps you in the edge of your seat, it would be Nina Sharp (Blair Brown). Whatever she knows, you want to stay focus.  It never seem to amaze me what she would say that actually adds to the confusion but eventually made more sense. And of course one of the lovable characters is Astrid Farmsworth (Jasika Nicole) as Dr. Bishop's assistant. Her commitment to her work is admirable, regardless what was being ask of Dr. Bishop, she doesn't second guess.  And ideal assistant I'd like to have. By the way, did I mention that Dr. William Bell is played by Leonard Nimoy (need I say more?)  

I do look forward to Season 3 on Fringe. I was left hanging after Season 2 and a lot of questions must be answered, a lot of mysteries must be unfolded, and a lot of followers must be appeased.  

Movie: Nanny McPhee and The Big Bang

picture courtesy of singapore-movie.com

I just watched this movie and it never seems to amaze me with the Nanny McPhee movie installments.  Comparing both would be unfair because both movies have very good story lines.  As much as I enjoyed watching this second installment, the first stood on it's own. I am really fond of Emma Thompson and all her works. I really love her. 

Just some comments though on the characters. I just find the role of Isabel Green (Maggie Gyllenhaal) did fall short for me.  I would really been better if they got an authentic British actor to play the role. I find the accent a tad bit over played.  I am pleased also that Ewan McGregor in the role of Rory Green and Ralph Fiennes in the role of Lord Gray. Though they're considered cameo roles, it did present some sort of fresh insert in the movie. I particularly liked Lord Gray when he confronts the 2 kids in his office. The awkwardness in dealing with his son was priceless and very true to the role he was portraying.  

One of the scenes that didn't make a lot of sense was when the harvest were gathered. The magical air show where the harvest projected different animals and at the end a fireworks effect which as bit corny but then again it's does cater to young ones so I guess a specific market would appreciate it. To me it can do without the added special effects. The mere fact that the harvest was gathered neatly on the ground was awesome enough.  

I love the part at the end where you get the sense of who Mrs. Docherty (Maggie Smith) is in the story. It didn't occur to me until the end. That is something you should watch out for. Completely surprising and it'll make you smile. 

I just hope this installment would turn out to be a success so I can look forward to next one. It's rare that you watch a movie that's well made at the same time entertained without so much hype with action and suspense. A true family movie. Good lessons to impart and a real feel good movie.

Movie: The Last Airbender

picture courtesy of today24news.com

There has been a lot of discussion about this movie and how it was made compared to the original Nickelodeon TV series. Aside from my partners research over the web on several critics and with my family's opinion on this. Though the saying, "Let's agree to disagree" applies here but still I just can't get the idea that some just can dismiss the idea that it's a good-enough movie or at least it still stay true to the original series.  

The director, M. Night Shyamalan, for me did a a good job with the movie. Though I am not an avid fan on some of his movies. I did like Lady in the Water and the The Sixth Sense, and that's it. The others did fell short for me. Some people would judge the movie solely because of the director or a personal reference and not the actual work that they did.

If you are a true, authentic fan of the Avatar: The Last Airbender in Nickelodeon, you should some understand or appreciate the transition from the TV series to the big screen. I have not seen a movie that was sourced from a book or a TV series that was true or exact to the original format. Just imagine, the movie was sourced from the Book 1 (Water) of the TV series. The series has 20 episodes. I've heard some comments that there were a lot of episodes that were not in the movie. Obviously they cannot convert all 20 episodes into a movie otherwise, it will be a 1-day movie so you can just imagine how much that would cost. In fairness to the movie, there were some episodes that can do without and it does not compromise the storyline. So I think there are some expectations out there that are a tad bit outrageous and unreasonable.  

The special effects were true enough and believable. That was one of the things I liked in the movie, not to mention the martial arts are exquisite. This is one movie that 3D format was an added bonus. This is worth the additional cost for a movie ticket. 

picture courtesy of mobilenews.xe.cx

Though I like the movie, I must admit that I was hoping that the actors would take heart the characters of the original series.  The role of Aang (Noah Ringer) and the role of Sokka (Jackson Rathbone) fell short in capturing the essence of the role.  Both character injects humor and personalability. Those personalities, I believe, added to the enticement of the series.  The unpredictable punchlines and awkwardness are very appealing to the series, unlike the movie. They were uptight from the very beginning. I know that the moment the Avatar was awoken they have a big obstacle to overcome but this doesn't exclude a little giggle here and there. It would have been more interesting to see those attributes in the big screen.  

Also the role of Prince Zuko (Dav Patel) would be better with a little more dialogue. Though both characters are basically mad and evil in pursuit of Aang, in the series Prince Zuko verbalize his feelings unlike in the movie he just looks mad all the time. It does lack a bit of connection to the viewers or at least to me.

Despite my comments, I look forward to the next installment, Book 2 (Earth) and my expectations is reasonable, basing it solely on the series. And that is what I suggest to those who plan to watch the next installment.  

TV: Tyler's Ultimate

picture courtesy of cookbookswelove.com

I've started watching this show over at Lifestyle Network around two months ago. I knew Tyler Florence from his previous shows. At that time, Tyler was still fit and toned. I found him to be entertaining and charming with his shows (coming over to a house and cooking for the people living there). It was a refreshing concept.  But looking at him now with his new show, "Tyler's Ultimate" where he shares "brilliant simple food" that can be made anytime is so much more interesting to watch. He never falls short of enticing the viewers with his recipes. One particular observation was the weight he gained. From the fit and toned to a bit flabby, stuffed chef. Not that it's a bad thing, in fact, it kinda looks better - a whole lot better. Though he transformed physically, the charm and entertainment remains the same. I remember one time when I was having a conversation with my sister-in-law about him, she said, "I'd rather eat something that was made by a fat chef then a thin one." It sort of makes sense and I agree.  Setting aside and regardless of health issues, I believe this is very relative to all chefs.

Tyler before (picture courtesy of thispilgrimsprogress.com)

Tyler now (picture courtesy of marinmagazine.com)

I really don't know how come I'm so enticed and look forward to the next show. I guess aside from him looking really great, he's a bit clumsy (not in a negative way but an endearing one) in the kitchen that makes it all the more entertaining. And the way he describes the spices and ingredients you really do get the feel of what he's describing.  

There was one episode that he was wearing an old rose Kashmir sweater. Believe me only a few guys could carry this sweater more so colored old rose and Tyler can. Despite him wearing a eye-catching color in front of a subdued, tone-down kitchen background, you tend to focus on him and the food he is creating.  

At the end of the show when he tastes his creation, there something very sincere with the way he tastes the food. The closing of the eyes to him yum-yum smirk to the way he describes the taste and texture, you'll know that he will continue eating that even after the show is done (or most probably share this with the production staff). I'm very picky when watching cooking shows and this falls on my top 5 favorite cooking shows.  

More power to you Tyler and keep on cooking!!!

For more information about Tyler and his recipes, please visit Tyler's website. 

TV: Accidentally on Purpose vs. Cougar Town

Both TV comedy series do focuses on a mature women falling in love (or still looking for love) from younger men.  When both series started I was curious as to what both shows offer.  Show after show, I started feeling that one of them looses my interest while the other one makes me want to watch the next episode.

photo courtesy of sharetv.org

Accidentally on Purpose is such a disappointment for me.  The comedy is very forgettable and the actors seemed to be lacking on something.  I started looking interest with the show.  Jenna Elfman, is a bit overacting and can only stand her for a while.  Though she tries to be child-like and immature but it’s a over-play.  And Jon Foster, who is he by the way?  No substance for me.  I particularly like Ashley Jensen from Ugly Betty but she’s not enough to make me want the show more and more, unfortunately.  Oh and Nicolas Wright is corny and predictable with his character – nothing more to expect.

picture courtesy of sharetv.org

Unlike Cougar Town, Courtney Cox is perfect for this role.  The comedy punch lines are in sync and she’s very amusing. Christina Miller-Lawrence and Ian Gomez are such funny actors/couple.  Busy Philipps is also one of my favorites because of her quirky antics.  One of the things I like about the show is that it covers family issues especially from a son’s point of view.  I appreciate Dan Byrd’s candor by expressing himself if he approved or otherwise on her mother’s escapades and indiscretion.  Wrong as it may seems but it’s funny just the same with the way she handles herself. 

I wouldn’t be surprised if Accidentally on Purpose will end it’s show “accidentally” or “on purpose” sooner or later.  And for Cougar Town, let the ladies roar and have fun… I know I am.  

Movie: Avatar (Special Edition), the Re-Show

picture courtesy of blogs.coventrytelegraph.net 

SERIOUSLY?  The moment I heard from my partner that it will be shown and after several TV ads promoting this, I had to clinch myself and wonder, “Why show the exact same movie with some added and extended scene? … and in 3D?... again?”  Don’t get me wrong.  I love the movie but I am boggled as to the expectation of showing the same movie but with added and extended scenes.  It doesn’t make sense or at least make money sense.

Movies have been coming up and it’s expected  huge increase of ticket prices due to the 3D format.  These types of movies are very expensive to say the least.  And to re-show the same movie with added bonus on 3D is a bit ambitious.  Have they even considered producing a DVD or Blu-Ray instead?  It may not be in 3D format but the special effect does not sacrifice the storyline.  Come on think about it.

Knowing my partner, he’s very intrigued with this and most likely I will watch it again only because he likes to but not necessarily because what the re-showing will offer.  I am very skeptic if this will even be a success.  What I think is that people, this time, will just wait for the DVD copy of the special edition and enjoy watching it at home with their families or friends eating fresh microwave popcorn and sodas.

And what is this thing I hear about formatting the infamous “Titanic” movie into 3D?  SERIOUSLY???  The special effects of the huge ship going down or the people dying in the freezing ocean are such overkill.  The original movie is as good as it is.  Now do they expect people to come back to the cinemas watching the same movie with or without added or extended scenes… in 3D?  I’m surrendering while waving a white flag on this.  Make more new and better movies, dear director, and if you want them in 3D, hopefully it will be interesting enough for people to get up and go to the movies and pay lots of money. 

Movies in 3D should be selected properly.  Though it’s the current trend in movie making but not for re-shows but for sci-fi or action movies where effects are needed and effective.  SERIOUSLY!!!

Food: Hyatt Hotel & Casino Manila's Market Cafe

My siblings and I were privileged enough to be treated by our parents for dinner at the Market Cafe of Hyatt Hotel in Malate, Manila.  Though this is our second visit, I must admit that I didn't pay much attention to the details (ambiance, food, and service) so I'm treating this like it's my first time - a trying hard virgin.

picture courtesy of Hyatt Hotel & Casino Manila

My first impression of the hotel's lobby was very chic and clean but it lacks a bit of luster.  I guess it would be better if they have some more lights to highlight the frontline of the hotel.  A bit too gloomy for me.  We took the elevator to the 2nd floor even though we could easily take the escalator.  Upon entering the lifts, though my whole family could fit into one, again the lifts fall short of luster and pizzazz.  I guess it looks like, once you're inside, that you're in an ordinary lift in an office building.

picture courtesy of Hyatt Hotel & Casino Manila

On our way to the Market Cafe, prior to seeing the interior of the restaurant, a smoke of cooked food greeted us and admittedly it's a bit overwhelming (and it's not in a good way).  The smell is a bit overbearing that you couldn't figure out if it's the grilled meat or seafood, baked bread, baked pizza or cooked pasta, steaming dimsum, or fried tempura - very confusing I tell you.  The saying, "aroma entices the appetite" is an overstatement.  It's actually the opposite I'm already filled before sitting down.

Our family was seating in a convenient place.  It's spacious enough from other tables but then again our family requires a very long table.  I just noticed that over us is a dome shape roof with a chandelier in the middle.  I am not a technically knowledgeable of architectural design but the experience gave me the right to say this.  We could actually hear the conversations from the nearby tables.  It's like the other patrons are connected to out table and I find it annoying only because they were a group of foreigners who decided to speak in their own dialects so this adds more to the chaos of our family conversations.

The food offerings are well positioned in the buffet area.  I must admit that the selections are a bit limited considering that it's Php1,600++ The sushi area offers the basic and nothing special though the fishes are very fresh I must say. The dimsum are also ok but very limited selection like three kinds only. The tempura is a bit disappointing despite they used a whole shrimp. It was the batter and the sauce that killed it. The secret to a great tempura is the quality of the batter. Unfortunately the batter is too thick and hard and the sauce is tasteless. My dad was greatly disappointed because he loves tempura and I think my dad gave his score on this. The grill is a so-so for me since it's does not require any special skills but just to grill uncooked meat and seafood. I was tad bit surprised with the dessert offerings because it has more choices than the other sections. My sister and in-laws were having a blast with this.

In fairness to the Market Cafe, what makes them different with other hotel buffets is the bottomless canned sodas and bottled local beers.  But then again, this special offering does not contribute to the food offerings but my brother commented that this is a good place to drink beer and appetizers with friends - that's if you want to spend that much for beers and appetizers.  I am not sure if that should be considered as a compliment or otherwise.

One of the things that stands out from our experience is the slow service from the food attendants. Though it's not expected from the attendants to be assisting us during our selection of foods but when it's dishing out the used plates from our table, it's a no-brainer, right?  I'd like to think that with the price, certain expectations are evident and one of them to ensure that dishing out is regularly done.  Well, apparently NOT!!!  We literally have to call their attention.  So services fell short on this one, sad to say.

Despite what we saw and with my comments, we did make the most of it - actually no choice on our part so no further wining is needed.  We all got up really stuffed and had our share on a hearty meal.  More than the experience, we all had fun only because the family was together and the bottomless stories we all share.

One of the things that I like is the smoking area.  The area is not an outdoor setting but indoor.  There is a section of the restaurant that is dedicated to smokers.  There are enough ventilation to suck the smoke within the area without affecting the non-smoking and buffet area.  You will be seated temporarily in one of the tables and you can smoke you cigarette with no one bothering you or you bothering anyone.  It's such a delight especially being and feeling so stuffed.

If given the chance, will I go back to the hotel and the restaurant?  Most likely not or if ever it will be for a very very long time.  The distance of the hotel with the traffic that you have to endure only to find these offerings and experience may not be worth my time and inconvenience.  But it's a place that I would recommend to visit once and let that be your cornerstone to decide if you want to visit them again.  Each experience may vary and it's how you calculate value for money and distance.

Feel free and visit Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila

It Starts with a Boice

It took me a while to decide to start this. Though I have another Blog, that is an entirely different thing/perspective - it's my passion.  But then I realized that aside from passion, I also have my opinions about certain things - anything under the sun.  I feel the need to Boice (hope you got the pattern from my name by this time) out my opinion, thoughts, and ideas.  And hopefully it will provoke, stimulate, enlighten, engage, and entice the readers.  We all have something to say and it's the way we say it that it doesn't necessarily mean defining us but all the more prove that we are all social being with opinions, whether favorable or not.

Disclaimer: This Blog is not solely to critic certain things in a negative way but also praises when deserve. Each postings will start the topic of my blog from TV shows/Movies to Food/Restaurants/Coffee Shops to Fashion to People/Company to Music to Careers... and the list goes on - that is how diverse my Blog will be. Discretion will be used when necessary but without compromising the message I want to impart.

So to all readers, enjoy, engage, and celebrate what we are all made of... pure opinionated species.