Status:  It's Complicated

More Pictures Taken During the SM Southmall IMAX Launching

The invitation

The signage

The IMAX Theatre at SM Southmall

At the registration area

Before the press conference

The IMAX Theatre logo

SM Cinema

SM Southmall IMAX Opens July 14, 2011

IMAX! The World's Most Immersive Movie Experience!

Moviegoers in the southern part of Metro Manila are in for an ultimate movie experience as SM Cinema opened its latest IMAX Theatre at SM Southmall, Las Pinas on July 14, 2011.  The IMAX Theatre features crystal clear, larger than life three-dimensional images and state-of-the-art surround sound, allowing moviegoers to have a truly immersive cinematic experience.

On July 13, 2011, Wednesday, SM Cinema held a private event to launch the IMAX Theatre at SM Southmall, which was attended by VIPs, members of the press, brand partners, and other special guests.  The event, which was held at the new theater's lobby, started with the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a press conference that was led by Asia Pacific IMAX Corp. executive Jessie Chou and West Ave. Theatres Corp. senior vice president Edgar Tejerero.  The two executives addressed questions asked by the media, explaining the unique features of the IMAX Theatre, its difference from other digital theaters, and the reason behind the decision of SM Cinema to establish an IMAX Theatre at SM Southmall.

Asia Pacific IMAX Corp. executive Jessie Chou and
 West Ave. Theatres Corp. senior vice president Edgar Tejerero

At the press conference

After the press conference, everyone was treated to cocktails that lasted for an hour.  Guests were then ushered back to the lobby for an audio-visual presentation about the IMAX technology and for the closing remarks delivered by Chou.  The entire program was hosted by disc jockey John Boncan.

At about 7:30 P.M., the doors of the IMAX Theatre were opened to the guests for the very first time for the special screening of the film "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2."  3D glasses were, of course, provided for the complete IMAX Experience.  Free snacks were also provided to all guests.

Holding a special screening of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" in conjunction with the launching of SM Southmall IMAX indeed made the entire event a very successful one.  Congratulations, SM Cinema!


Announcements & acknowledgment:

- The upcoming films to be released in SM Southmall IMAX include:

Cars 2  in August 2011

Real Steel in October 2011

Puss in Boots in November 2011

Happy Feet 2 in November 2011

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
in December 2011

-Special thanks to SM Cinema Marketing Services Manager Haidie M. Esmero for the invites.

-Special thanks to Pinoy Bloggers Nica, Trish, and Sef for their participation.

-More photos at http://valveecaptureonlineworkerscorner.blogspot.com/2011/07/more-pictures-taken-during-sm-southmall.html.

______________________________________________________________________________ 

The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture.  She may be e-mailed at valve.ecapture@yahoo.com or valve.ecapture@gmail.com.

______________________________________________________________________________ 

Featured Blog: Certified Foodies

Hi, everyone!  Please check out the Certified Foodies site :)

http://www.certifiedfoodies.com/

Teaching Toddlers the Value of Reading

Are your toddlers fond of using your smartphones, laptops, or iPads but they do not have the same interest in opening and reading REAL books?  Read on to know that there is still time to change and improve their reading habits.
_______________________________________

I have a three-year-old son enrolled as a nursery pupil in one of the pre-schools situated near our house.  Just like most children, he also loves to play, watch TV, and learn new things.  One of the many things that he loves doing is mimicking my actions, his father's, and the actions of all the other adults he sees each and every single day.  In my son's case, he always sees me using the laptop at home that's why he loves using it, too.  To make sure that he is learning while using it, I decided to download an online education program specifically created for kids.  I let him use it everyday and true enough, he learned many things like the alphabet, phonics, and shapes.

However, I noticed that his enthusiasm in using the laptop to study was not the same as his enthusiasm in using real school books.  With just a little pondering, an answer to my question suddenly dawned on me:  My son never saw me read books the traditional way.  Yes, I read books and magazines everyday because it's part of my job but I use the laptop or an e-book reader to read, instead of real books and magazines.

This realization prompted me to adjust and change my reading behavior in front of my child.  Now, I make sure that he sees me read REAL books.  As soon as I open a book, he comes up to me to ask what I'm reading.  Whenever he's around, I make it a point to grab a book.  Even if it means I have to pretend, it doesn't matter as long as he thinks that I'm totally engrossed in what I'm doing.  I just want him to realize that reading books is a normal thing to do.  Ever since I started showing him my interest in such activity, I've noticed the growing interest in him, too.  Hopefully, I will be able to instill in him the true value of reading books the old way.

With the emergence of the Internet, we have started to be surrounded by modern technology, and it is quite surprising how our children and gadgets seem to have a special relationship developing between them.  I don't think there's anything wrong with it since they will also be using these technological devices as they grow old.  In fact, computers have been a part of students' lives for how many years now.  These gadgets such as laptops and mobile phones have long been considered as necessities.  However, I believe that we parents should not forget to teach them the approaches that we used to apply in the past to learn things, especially if these approaches are not yet passe or obsolete like reading real books.  Gadgets such as e-book readers may have improved our reading experience but we have to take into consideration the fact that we are teaching our tiny tots the basics of reading.  We know that our children is always watching us, so let us first expose them to the basics of life in order to better prepare them to the next level.

______________________________________ 

The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture.  She may be e-mailed at valve.ecapture@yahoo.com and valve.ecapture@gmail.com.

______________________________________


NOTE:  Photos/images used in this article were not taken/created by the author.  All photos/images were downloaded from the Internet.
______________________________________

"Transformers: Dark of the Moon": My Ultimate IMAX Experience

Ok, so I had to digress from the usual format I use in writing articles about films.  I was so excited to watch the advance screening of "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" yesterday that I decided to take pictures of my travel from Las Pinas City to SM Mall of Asia with my husband.  It wasn't our first time to watch at the IMAX Theater but it was indeed our first time to watch a "Transformers" film in 3D.  So, to all you readers, sit back, relax, and may you enjoy your travel with me!





One fine day. June 28, 2011...

Along Roxas Boulevard.  Yay! The COASTal is clear!  SM MOA, See you in a few!

At the stop light along Macapagal Avenue.

That building is the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs along Macapagal Avenue.  This was taken while waiting for the traffic light to turn green.

That building is...  you guessed that right! A Metrobank office!  This was taken while waiting for the second traffic light to turn green.

Finally, the SM Mall of Asia!  That is the famous huge bronze globe  resembling that of the Universal Studios Theme Parks and the Unisphere in New York.

    
Not satisfied with merely taking pictures, I took a short video of the travel going to the IMAX Theater:

Hello, IMAX!

While waiting for our turn to enter the car park.

As soon as we stepped inside the IMAX Theater lobby, we saw Optimus Prime in real flesh, er, metal, and the other robots starring in the film.  I immediately hauled my smartphone from my purse to take pictures.  I was so exhilarated, I totally forgot that I still had to meet a friend for our movie passes.

At the IMAX Theater lobby before the cocktails.

Finally!  My movie pass!

And my husband's!

My husband and I were totally famished but we chose to take pictures first before proceeding to the cocktails, which were served at the lobby at 5:00 PM.  Ironically, we forgot to take photos of the food.

My husband with Bumblebee

That's me with Bumblebee!

I bumped into Optimus Prime!

After my "pictorial" with Optimus Prime, my husband and I headed to the cinema.  At the entrance, we were given 3D glasses and were then guided by the friendly staff of SM Cinema to our seats.  Special thanks to SM Cinema Marketing Services Manager Haidie M. Esmero for reserving perfect seats for us.

Once ensconced inside the cinema, I wanted so badly to take pictures and videos of everyone wearing 3D glasses but using cameras inside the movie house is strictly prohibited.  Lest SM Cinema guards would drag me out of the theater, I decided not to violate the Anti-Camcording Law of 2010 and to just deplete the free pastries I grabbed from the lobby.

As soon as the film started, everyone inside the cinema simultaneously wore the 3D glasses.  There were several "whoa's" and "wow's" and "cool!" and hands clapping in the background during the screening -- an indication that I wasn't the only one in awe.

So, what can I say about "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"?  Great plot, great action, great cinematography.  Everything is indeed AWESOME!  I highly recommend it, and it is undeniably best watched at the IMAX Theater.

Watch the trailer:

________________________________________________________________________

This photo blog is dedicated to Mrs. Glai Pace and Mrs. Michelle Renner.

________________________________________________________________________

The author may be e-mailed at valve.ecapture@yahoo.com and valve.ecapture@gmail.com.

_________________________________________________________________________

Source Code

"Source Code" is a film about a time loop program wherein Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) is tasked, without his knowledge, to be part of a mission to discover the bomber (Michael Arden) responsible for a train explosion.

Directed by Duncan Jones, the story of "Source Code" begins one sunny day when Stevens wakes up and finds himself riding in a train and sitting across a woman named Christina Warren (Michelle Monaghan), who addresses him not as Stevens but as Sean Fentress.  After eight minutes, the train explodes and Stevens finds himself in a small geodesic dome.  While strapped inside the dome, he finds himself talking to U.S. Air Force captain Colleen Goodwin (Vera Farmiga) who explains to him the need to go back to the scene using the identity of Fentress, through the Source Code program, in order to locate the bomber and prevent the occurrence of  a second bomb explosion.  Goodwin tells him that he is to go back in time to relive the last eight minutes of his life over and over again until he is able to find the bomber.

Jones succeeded in creating a great American science fiction-techno-thriller film.  Aside from the great plot, Jones and his team also did a good job in choosing its cast members.

"Source Code" was released in April 2011 by Summit Entertainment.

Watch the trailer:

_________________________________________________

The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture.  You may e-mail her at valve.ecapture@gmail.com or valve.ecapture@yahoo.com.  Thank you.

Limitless

"Limitless" is a film about a nootropic drug called NZT-48 offered to writer Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) by Vernon Gant (Johnny Whitworth), the brother of his ex-wife Melissa, played by Anna Friel.  Morra begins to take the drug which allows him to access 100% of his brain.  The drug indeed works, allowing him to finish the long-overdue book that his employer has been asking him to submit.

Morra goes back to Gant's place to ask for more of the drug until one day, he finds his former brother-in-law murdered.  Before the police arrives in the murder scene, Morra succeeds in finding and keeping the stash of the drug including a wad of cash.  He uses both to improve his life.  Despite the start of a flourishing career as a writer, he decides to venture into stock trading.  With the help of NZT, he undoubtedly succeeds in such field but also stumbles into several obstacles as he meets several people including a Russian thug named Gennady (Andrew Howard), a businessman named Carl Van Loon (Robert De Niro), and a man wearing a tan coat (Tomas Arana).

Melissa warns Morra of the brutal side effects of NZT but his success and wealth enable him to hire a private scientist whom he commissions to work on a reverse engineering drug.  Hiring a private scientist has allowed him to have a limitless supply of the drug and to continue being a successful man.

Directed by Neil Burger, "Limitless" is an action-thriller film based on the novel "The Dark Fields," by Alan Glynn, which was released in 2001.  The film was released in March 2011.

Watch the trailer:

__________________________________________________________________

The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture.  You may e-mail her at valve.ecapture@gmail.com and valve.ecapture@yahoo.com.  Thank you.

How Far Should a Person Go in the Name of True Love?

How far should a person go in the name of true love?

To some married couples, the question may be simply answered with: I'll accept him/her for what he/she is even if he drinks too much or she likes to shop to death every week or he goes home late at night.  But in Nicholas Sparks' book "The Choice," these negative characteristics of spouses are very petty ones.  The book engages readers to a deeper interpretation of the question "How far should a person go in the name of true love?"

"The Choice" focuses on the life of a young veterinarian named Travis Parker living in North Carolina.  He then  meets his new neighbor Gabby Holland who has a long-time boyfriend named Kevin.  The opportunity to talk to each other begins when Holland confronts Parker about her pet dog, accusing Parker's dog for allegedly getting her dog pregnant.  This incident leads to Parker's several dog visits at Holland's house, Holland's opportunity to meet Parker's sister and friends, Parker and Holland's motorcycle ride, and many other incidents that allow them to get to know each other better.

Just like any other love stories, Parker and Holland end up marrying each other.  They lead a happy life as a couple and a happier one as a family with two adorable daughters.  Tragedy transpires when the couple meet an accident one rainy night, leaving Parker bruised and Holland in a coma.

Before the accident, the couple had a bizarre conversation about letting Holland die, instead of trying to keep her alive, if she would ever be in a coma.  Recalling such conversation, Parker then begins to ask "How far should a person go in the name of love?"

Because of his love for her, would he let Holland die the way she wants to?  Or should he keep her alive because he loves her?

***

The first few pages of "The Choice" reminded me of the Sweet Dreams pocketbooks that I used to read in high school.  I thought it was like the typical stories where a man tries to woo a girl who has a boyfriend.  Then, the girl breaks up with her boyfriend to be with the other guy and then, they live happily ever after.

Well, the book does include such scenario but it seems to form part of the introduction only.  The real story indeed begins when Holland falls into a coma and Parker has to make the choice of letting her die or live.

Indeed, "The Choice" is such a very emotional book and Sparks has once again achieved success in capturing the emotions of his readers.

_______________________________________________________________________

The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture.  You may reach her at valve.ecapture@yahoo.com or valve.ecapture@gmail.com.  Thank you.

Hangover II

"Hangover II" is a film for adults who simply want to laugh and take time off from their busy lives.  Directed by Todd Phillips, "Hangover II" focuses on friends Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis), and Doug (Justin Bartha) who fly to Thailand for Stu's wedding.  One night in Thailand, the four guys and Stu's soon-to-be-brother-in-law Teddy (Mason Lee) spend the night by the beach drinking beer and toasting marshmallows.  Similar to "Hangover I," they wake up the next morning not knowing what happened the night before.  Phil, Stu, and Alan do not have a single idea why they are in a squalid apartment in Bangkok while Doug is back at the resort for the wedding.  As the three men try to recall everything, they discover that Teddy is missing, that the severed finger held by a monkey resembles Teddy's, that Stu has a face tattoo, and many others.

"Hangover II" definitely brings fun and laughter to moviegoers despite some continuity issues.  Read more about it at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1411697/goofs.  One of the major highlights of the film is the cameo role of Mike Tyson wherein he performs his own rendition of the song "One Night in Bangkok" at Stu's wedding, courtesy of Alan.  It was reported that Tyson even took voice lessons in preparation for such role.  Read more trivia about "Hangover II" at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1411697/trivia.

Watch the trailer:

_________________________________________________________________________

The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture.  You may reach her at valve.ecapture@gmail.com or valve.ecapture@yahoo.com.  Thank you.

Mexicali Love Affair

When I was in college (way back in the '90s), my good friend Sarah and I used to eat a lot of Mexican food.  There was a small kiosk in one of the many villages in Paranaque City that was selling such type of food.  We used to go there because food prices were relatively affordable for students like us.  But at times when we had money, Sarah and I would opt to splurge a little more on Mexican food.  Thus, the start of our love affair with Mexicali.

We used to frequent branches in Alabang Town Center and Glorietta.  I'm not quite sure if the Mexicali management closed down its entire business but when Sarah left me to start a new life in the U.S., it seemed that the Alabang and Makati branches left me as well.  Exaggerated as it may seem, but I was devastated for losing a good friend and a good place to eat almost at the same time.

When Sarah started her life in the U.S., we lost touch for years.  There were times when we would LITERALLY write letters and send them via snail mail but the total number of letters sent probably did not exceed five.  During that time, she was already very knowledgeable of the Internet while I was still having an arduous time dealing with my uber-slow dial-up connection.  Every time I checked my Yahoo! account, there were like a hundred messages from her already, and the best I could do was to reply with one e-mail message.

California Grilled Steak Burrito with Tortilla Chips and Salsa

Until the phenomena of broadband connection reached the Philippines like crazy.  Now, it's like Filipinos from different walks of life all have Facebook accounts.  Of course, the popularity of Facebook and other social networking sites also allowed me to be in constant communication again with Sarah.  Now, we communicate each and every single day.  We talk about everything under the sun which, of course, includes food.

I'm sure it's just coincidence but when I started to keep in touch with Sarah on a regular basis, Mexicali reopened at the Alabang Town Center but in a different location.  With Sarah on my mind, I decided to ask (Read: FORCE) my husband, who dutifully agreed, to eat at Mexicali with me.

Ground Beef Enchilada with Tortilla Chips and Salsa

Everything tastes the same!  From the burritos down to the enchiladas and salsa!  At first, I was scared to try the food we ordered because I might get disappointed, but everything was just perfect!  Well, my husband claimed that the salsa was not as spicy as before.  I never really noticed but he was happy with his order nonetheless.

Of course, as soon as we went home, I uploaded the Mexicali photos for Sarah.  I was right, she was deeply touched by what I did.  Before showing her the photos, I already knew what her reaction would be because the love affair we had with Mexicali was truly one of a kind.



_______________________________________________________________________
The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture.  You may reach her by sending an e-mail at valve.ecapture@gmail.com or valve.ecapture@yahoo.com.  Thank you.

Super 8, Director's Club, SM Mall of Asia: A Different Movie Experience

 Synopsis

Written and directed by J.J. Abrams, “Super 8” is an American science fiction film focusing on a group of friends living in Ohio who witness a destructive train crash while making a low budget zombie movie using a Super 8 film.  Produced by Steven Spielberg, the setting of “Super 8” is in the summer of 1979.

After the train crash, inexplicable events begin to transpire such as the unusual disappearances of people, pets, and appliances. Such occurrences give the children enough reason to suspect that the train crash is not an accident.  The children in the cast include Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Ryan Lee, Zach Mills, Riley Griffiths, and Gabriel Basso.

The crash involves biology teacher Dr. Woodward (Glynn Turman) whose intention for driving towards an oncoming train is to release an extraterrestrial that has been imprisoned and tortured by the U.S. Air Force since 1958.  The case is handled by the deputy, portrayed by Kyle Chandler.

Abrams succeeds in incorporating humor, drama, and love triangle in this sci-fi flick.

______________________________

Special Screening

A special screening of the film was held at the Director’s Club of SM Mall of Asia (MOA) on June 9, 2011.  The event, which began at 7:30 PM, was organized by Paramount Pictures in cooperation with SM Cinema.  The attendees included VIPs, theater industry partners, and members of the press.  “Super 8” opened on  June 10, 2011 in all SM Cinemas nationwide.

Director's Club Lobby

________________________________

Director’s Club

The Director’s Club used to be available for private functions only until the SM Cinema management decided to open it to the public for regular film showings.  Priced at Php350.00 per movie ticket, moviegoers are guaranteed to have an ultimate movie experience with the state-of-the-art screen, digital surround sound system, and La-Z Boy armchairs with side tables.  One movie ticket also includes free popcorn and drinks.

With 30 luxurious La-Z Boy armchairs, the extraordinary venue and intimate setting make the Director's Club an ideal place to hold various types of events such as corporate seminars, product launches, and conferences. Aside from corporate events, the Director's Club may also be used to conduct birthdays and other types of parties and celebrations. Parents may even use the venue to hold a "film-showing" event for their children instead of organizing a typical children's party for them. The Director's Club owns a wide library of movie titles from action to comedy to drama. Private functions may be conducted for a minimum of four hours. For more information, please call the MOA Cinema Office at 556-0104 to 05 / 556-2314 or e-mail at directorsclub@smsupermalls.com or sales@smcinema.com.

_______________________________________

Click on the image to visit www.smcinema.com

CINEMOBILE:  Your Mobile Phone, Your Movie Ticket

SM Cinema offers convenience to moviegoers in terms of availing tickets through the CINEMOBILE:  Your Mobile Phone, Your Movie Ticket program.  Log on to www.smcinema.com for more details.

___________________________________

Acknowledgement and Announcement

- Special thanks to SM Cinema Marketing Services Manager Haidie M. Esmero.

- Please watch out for the opening of IMAX at SM Southmall, Las Pinas in July 2011.

____________________________________________________

The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture. You may reach her at valve.ecapture@gmail.com or valve.ecapture@yahoo.com. Thank you.

Water for Elephants and Kindle for Me

I learned three things about Kindle two weeks ago.

First, I didn’t know that Kindle users could lend books to their co-Kindle users until my cousin lent me one.  Two weeks ago, I asked my cousin if I could borrow her Hunger Games book series.  Unfortunately, she could only lend books once and they were already borrowed by her sister.

Second, not all Kindle books could be borrowed.  When I learned that I couldn’t borrow her Hunger Games series, I asked her to just send me any e-book.  She checked her list and discovered that she could not send some of the books to me, so she sent me whatever was available.  I ended up with Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.

Third, I learned that borrowed Kindle books should be read within two weeks from the time it was borrowed.  When my cousin sent the e-book, I was informed that it would go back to the owner in two weeks’ time.  Geez, was I pressured.  Don’t get me wrong, I can actually finish a book in one sitting and make a novel look like a short story.  However, when you’ve got lots of things on your hands with so little time, it’s just so difficult to find time to start and finish reading a book.  It has an advantage though, I was forced to finish Water for Elephants before my deadline.  Now, I’m writing about it.

_____________________________

Water for Elephants focuses on the life of a “ninety- or ninety-three-year-old” man living in a nursing home.  The man, Jacob Janjowski, narrates his experience of being devastated following the death of his parents due to a car accident.  Upon learning that his father was in debt just to provide him with an Ivy League education, he opts not to take his final exams as a veterinary student at Cornell University.  He then finds himself jumping on a train which happens to be a circus train owned by The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth.  Thus, the start of his life as a circus worker.

Water for Elephants does not only describe circus life as it also touches other aspects of life such as frienship, love, and self worth.  Gruen succeeds in making readers love (and hate) the characters.  It is apparent that Gruen did an excellent job in doing her research about circus life.  In an interview featured in the latter part of the book, Gruen states that most of the characters and situations are based on true stories that she has gathered throughout her research.

_____________________________

Water for Elephants has a film adaptation directed by Francis Lawrence.  The cast includes Robert Pattinson, Christoph Waltz, and Reese Witherspoon.  I haven’t seen the movie yet and I plan to watch it this weekend.  I’m interested in seeing the efforts done by Lawrence to illustrate animal cruelty, a circus setting, and the Disaster March, among other things.

_____________________________________________________________

The author is a blogger working for Valve eCapture. You may reach her at valve.ecapture@yahoo.com or valve.ecapture@gmail.com. Thank you.