Avatar on 3D IMAX is the Bomb

I know, this isn't really something new as most of you might have already watched this film. In any case, I loved the experience that's why I'm blogging about it.

Getting the ticket

I've never seen the trailer prior to watching the movie so I had no idea what people were talking about when suddenly Facebook status of my network had nothing but raves about the film.

I, easily swayed into watching something that has a nice review (except for horror or suspense genres), was suddenly curious as to what the movie had to offer. All I knew was it was Sci-Fi (which I'm not really a fan of, except for the casual Star Wars movie viewing), other than that, nada.

And so I checked out the schedule of the showing on IMAX over the internet during the holidays. I was trying to call the ticketing office so as to reserve some tickets but the line was constantly busy. During Christmas lunch, a cousin told me that it was difficult to secure tickets on the same day you plan to watch. I decided to just watch it after the Christmas break.

New Year's Day came and I was scheduled to have lunch in MOA. We decided to watch the movie on that day as well. We were there at 11am and I was taken aback by how much people were lining up for tickets. The information screen flashed "limited" availability for all the scheduled showing that day and the last full show was tagged as "available". I didn't like the fact that they weren't showing the available seats left (unlike in Ayala Cinemas or in Powerplant) so you are left with confusion if you should still continue to line-up or just back out. I for one will not settle for crappy seats especially on IMAX because I will just subject myself to dizziness.

Before my turn to buy the tickets, all the showing schedules were sold out except for the last full show which was then had limited availability. I figured I can just buy tickets for the next day just in case my preferred seats were unavailable. Finally (after an hour or so of lining up), I reached the counter, the seats I was planning on getting weren't available so I asked for the next day's showing. For the time I chose, my preferred seats were still unavailable. They seemed to have blocked off the first two or three rows of the cinema. It was a good thing though that the person who was assisting us asked her superior if she can let some seats go. Luckily, the supervisor agreed and we were able to watch the film that same night (although it was for 11pm showing already).

Film Review

On to the film, the story line itself wasn't really something original for me. I've seen (or heard) the same plot quite a few times before (science and technology VS nature and environment). The execution, however, now that was really something. The attention to details of everyone who worked on this film was incredible. It's like a fantasy came to life. Watching the entire thing on 3D IMAX was awesome. It felt like I was a part of that world. It was the first full 3D movie I watched. I love.

Plot, as I mentioned, wasn’t really something that excited me. I thought it was a bit corny but I appreciate the fact that it touched on the environmental topic/s which of course raised the awareness of the people (hopefully). I was affected when that huge tree was being destroyed, I found it disheartening. The process of the soul (or consciousness) transferring to another body is also something that is not new to me though I think this was the first time I saw it in movie. Watching the execution was amazing to me as well. I loved the scenes in Pandora where all plants were lit up during the night. Feast for the eyes indeed.

Overall I thought that the experience was worth the price. It is also one of those movies that people should see. It is a sample of a simple plot executed really well.

Buon Giorno!

Several raves about this restaurant was what brought us here. Every time I dropped by Cliffhouse prior to my visit, I saw a lot of customers waiting outside the establishment to be seated. Ever since, I wanted to try this restaurant. We were served some complementary bread while waiting which were soft and hot.

Zuppa di Zucca Arrosto (Php 134) - this was everything what a pumpkin soup should be. Creamy, thick and flavourful. I love the consistency of the soup as it was very smooth. I love it.

Pomodoro con Olio Verde (Php 134) - this was roasted tomato and basil oil soup. It was served with cheese on top which was really good. The soup was a bit too sour for my taste though. The croutons tasted okay as well. I loved that both soups were served really hot (as it was quite a rainy and windy night).

Shrimp Bisque (Php 134) - this was a little on the salty side for me but the taste of the shrimp was evident (and there were some real ones). The soup wasn't too heavy which was good. Picture shown was just the half of it since we had the soup split into two.

Fritto Misto de Mare (Php 280) - different kinds of fried seafood. Breaded seafood to be particular. I'm not really big on fried food but the shrimps in this bunch were good.

Croquettes with Mozzarella (Php 202) - this was their version of mozzarella sticks. It was too starchy for me. I didn't like the consistency of the mozzarella. I didn't taste much of the cheese either.

Buon Giorno's Special (Php 202) - this was their house salad. I love the mix of vinaigrette with something else I can't seem to determine. It tasted a bit sweet but it was pretty good combined with fruits.

Al Frutti de Mare (Php 246) - the honey mustard dressing was pretty good. I liked it even without the seafood and just the greens.

Rib Eye (Php 554) - this was a good thing to order. It was cooked medium and came out really tender. The meat itself was really good to eat with or without the gravy. The gravy tasted really rich as well. I love that the veggies on the side were half cooked (which how should people cook them) and was pretty crunchy. My only concern was there were a bit too much veins, other than that, it's a good idea to order this.

Prosciutto a Funghi (Php 246) - I love thin crust pizza. This tasted good. The meat was not overpowering. The cheese on it was subtle as well. My only worry is that the mushrooms seemed to have come from the can (water from it can be tasted).

Quattro Formaggi (Php 330) - this was not as good as I had hoped it would be. I encountered a lot better tasting cheese pizza. It was pretty okay but I'd rather not order this again. The pizza tasted a bit sweet which was quite odd for something that is supposed to taste salty.

Mare Pesto (Php 246) - this pizza was surprisingly good. I normally would prefer this in pasta but not in pizza. The taste wasn't overpowering but the taste of pesto was still evident enough. Order this if you want something a bit different.

Tagliatelle Verde Gamberi (Php 297) - this dish was spinach noodles with shrimp morsels in red sauce. It arrived late, people were too full to eat this. I had a bite of it and it tasted pretty good though nothing really special from the others I have tasted, if you ask me.

Spaghetti Vongole e Gamberretti (Php 280) - it was spaghetti with clams and shrimps. It was a bit salty for my taste but nice touch of garlic flavour. Pasta was al dente.

Risotto alla Pescatora (Php 280) - rice dish with seafood and tomato sauce. This was cooked to perfection. I love the consistency as well as the flavour of this dish. The seafood was incorporated well with the dish.

Cheese and Pimiento Stuffed Burger (Php 202) - it tasted pretty good for a non-burger lover though I couldn't really detect the cheese part in the patty.

I loved that the service in this restaurant was fast (except for the pasta, but that was forgivable) on both times I've eaten here. They are also a bunch of friendly people. The waiters were attentive, considering the number of people dining in this establishment.

Give this restaurant a try on your next return to Tagaytay. It's best to call for reservation. :)

Buon Giorno!
Cliffhouse, Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay
(046) 413-2102

of Pies and Chocolates

I just had a sudden craving to go up the mountains and take a break. For the longest time, I wanted to try out this cafe since a lot of people are saying that they have good coffee (or was it ambiance?!). I wasn't able to hang-out in the area though but I ordered some of their best sellers.

Bag of Beans' popularity has spread through word of mouth (or reviews in internet). I kept reading in several forums how good the food here are. Me, I ordered the following to go.

Steak and Mushroom Pie (Php 105) - the crust was great. It was cooked to perfection, not too thick nor too stiff. There was right amount of flakiness but not so much that would cause you to be so messy when eating it. The steak inside was tender though an improvement would probably be I wish they would exclude the vein or the fat. Don't worry though, you can easily spot them and they are very few. Best eaten straight out of the oven. I really can't wait to try other varieties.

Hot chocolate (Php 95) - theirs is the native kind and was a bit concentrated. It was such a perfect drink to order. Although for the taste, I still prefer the one from Cafe by the Ruins.

I saw a glimpse of the ambiance. You have to be climbing down a bit just to get to hang-out (don't worry, they have stairs). Next time I come back, I'll try to stay and feel how it's like to eat there.

Bag of Beans
115 Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City

Really Quick Day Trip

I know a lot have already written something about Tagaytay, but this place has always provided me a quick sweet escape from the hustle-bustle of the metro life. I love that it is just an hour away from Manila (45minutes if you dare to be reckless... but don't!) because an instant transformation in an environment is what a person sometimes need to breathe a bit.

These days, it's best to go because of the cool weather. I have been going to this place every year since I was five or so. As a kid, I often went to Taal Vista Lodge just to hang out and view the Taal Volcano (when it was still open for the public) and to eat there for lunch or dinner (sometimes both). I used to get my skin burned every single year (thus the very thin layer of skin I have now, that's not relevant here though). Anyway, over the years, this place developed into a destination that has a lot to offer, day or night.

It's a place that has something for everyone. There are several activities over at Tagaytay, personally, I love eating. I've tried a lot of stuff over the years. I used to love Josephine's Paella when I was a kid (I haven't really had the chance to go back to that place for around 10 years). I tried Leslie's Bulalo just right after I got my car (also, this was the time when everybody wanted to go on a roadtrip to Tagaytay with you, just to "break-in" the vehicle). I've eaten around thrice in Sonya's Garden (I love fresh leafy vegetables made into salad. You wouldn't believe how a non-meat meal can make you feel so full). I also had breakfast once in Antonio's Breakfast. Manos Greek Tavern was a destination for last year's Valentine's Day. I went with my best friends so as to say we went out on Valentine's Day and weren't such losers (LOL! :P).

Oftentimes though, when the purpose of going to Tagaytay is just to chill, hanging out among many other restaurants, I'd rather just stay in Starbucks' second floor for some fresh and cool air. I've gotten to try Buon Giorno and Bag of Beans as well, which I will have to post something about in the next few days.

I'm dying to try Antonio's (the fine dining one). I love really nice ambiance and I've seen a lot of pictures from the place. I heard, the food is quite something to try.

'Til the next few days! :)

Win a Free Boracay Vacation Package by WOW Philippines Travel Agency

WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is celebrating it's 5th year in business during July of 2010, and we would like you to have a chance to celebrate with us, so we have decided to give-away a FREE Boracay Package complete with 5 Star accommodations at the luxurious Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel on Boracay Island. The lucky winner will win the following Boracay vacation package.

Vacation Package Inclusions:

- 5 Days / 4 Nights Luxury 5 Star Accommodations at the Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel

- Flights to Boracay from Manila to Caticlan Airport on Philippine Airlines

- Island Transfers - Door-to-Door from Manila to the resort and back to Manila Domestic Airport

- Three (3) Meals each day, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

- Boracay Activities - Horseback Riding, Island Hopping, Glass Bottom Boat

- PLUS - 5,000 peso Spending Cash

Read More Information: http://www.boracay-packages.com

And So It's A New Year...

And a new decade I guess. I just finished watching some spectacular fireworks display to welcome 2010 at YouTube from London, Sydney, Taipei, Auckland, Florida and New York. Sydney had me. It was just really great. They synchronized it with music too.

Why not ban people from buying firecrackers here in Manila (so I won't have to be scared to drive on the 31st of December and the 1st of January as well) and put all the budget to organizing and preparing a grand fireworks display in one venue? It would lessen the cases of people going to the emergency room because of firecracker accident, I'm sure. Anyway, watch below the displays of Sydney and London, really awesome! :)

Here's to more travels for 2010! :)