Master of Art (MOA): Timepieces with a Soul

Master of Art is a special breed of timepieces with a soul.  According to its main designer Frances Kay, she walked the street of Geneva to search for timepieces and noticed that they all offered the usual designs that for her represented mundane things.  This inspired the young lady to design watches of her own based on life moments depicted by different art elements. 

Frances whose name means "the free one" believes in shaping ones life.  Although we cannot control every circumstance in our lives, we can choose how we can react to it.  Thus, life is an art where everyone is an artist in shaping one's destiny.  

I was fortunate to have met Frances Kay herself as she shared her story and inspiration for her art pieces.  I also believe in her concept of life.  As a blogger, I would like to believe that everything I write is my very own masterpiece.  What I see, write, express and compose moments of my life with my post that is forever etched in the world wide web archives is purely mine.  The photos I take and share on Instagram is like that too.  When I reread my posts or I review my Instagram photos, memories I  want to remember rush to my mind.  I can personally say the same with things and objects we purchase and wear like timepieces.  When a person is gifted a watch, every time he/she is glances upon it for the time, he/she is reminded of that person and of the moment.  When one choses a watch, it symbolizes himself/herself and he is reminded of that as he/she looks upon it.

Aside from Frances Kay, Master of Art also collaborates with other designers such as World-Renowned Fashion Designer Francis Libiran.  I am a proud owner of the Evantris 51 mm watch of the Francis Libiran Collection.

Evantris 51 mm

Look at how sleek the design is?  It also comes with a 3-year warranty.

The design gives off a sophisticated yet synergistic look.  The date is easy to see.

It is made of high-grade stainless steel and water resistant up to 100 meters.

Even the hypoallergenic rubber strap has a unique pattern.  The buckle has a brand logo too.

The black and rose gold combination is just perfect.  Because it is made of hard plastic, it is like yet durable for every day use.

You can check out more of Master of Art collection at Attigo.com.ph or MOAtime.com

Rado Esenza Ceramic Touch Launch: #RadoGoesGrey Block Screening

Last week, I was invited to the #RadoGoesGrey 50 Shades of Grey Block Screening where they launch the new Rado Esenza Ceramic Touch.

With more than 50 years of revolutionizing experience in the watch industry and more than 25 years in ceramic watch innovation, Rado has now transformed dreams into reality with its Rado Esenza Ceramic Touch.

The Rado Esenza Ceramic Touch combines technology and emotional sensuality making it perfect for women.

With the Rado Esenza Ceramic Touch, you can change time with a single stroke: stroke left for hours and stroke right for minutes.  Now, you can have accurate time all the time without ruining your manicure.

The Rado Esenza Ceramic Touch comes in two colors: White and Black and in 6 different models.  It has a beautiful and smooth oval curved casing.

Ceramic is a natural insulator, it does not conduct electricity making it ideal for a touch sensitive device.

The quartz movement includes 2 chips, which are loaded with the software that governs the watch.  Between the movement and the monobloc ceramic case are four electrodes.

Rado Esenza Ceramic Touch (SRP 210,000 at Tempus Boutique)

Rado Esenza Ceramic Touch Specifications
Quartz Movement	11’’’ ETA F10.101, quartz, 5 jewels, 2 hands, touch without crown, no date
Case	polished black high-tech ceramic pressed-on stainless steel case back with black PVD coating toric sapphire crystal water-resistant to 3 bar (30m)
Dial 071/171	black/white lacquer, 4 diamonds, 120/125, Top Wesselton, full cut, 0.028 carat silver coloured printed Rado logo
Dial 015/011	black lacquer/sunbrushed silver, 12 rhodium coloured applied indexes silver coloured printed Rado logo
Hands	Hands rhodium coloured
Bracelet 071/015	3-row polished black high-tech ceramic titanium 3-fold clasp
Strap 171	black satin fabric Stainless steel buckle
Dimensions (WxLxH in mm)	33.0 x 42.0 x 8.4

Sprout: One of the Best Japanese Romance Drama Ever!

Sprout is a 12 episode Japanese school romance drama based on a popular manga by Nanba Atsuko.

The story revolves around four high school students Miku (Aoi Morikawa), Sohei (Yuri Chinen), Hayato (Jesse Lewis) and Miyuki (Fujiko Kojima).  It's a drama were everyone who has loved can relate to and to those who haven't, I'm sure you'll have an idea of what love actually is.

The plot is typical.  It revolves around Miku who is determined to be with only one boyfriend to love forever.  One afternoon, Miku was sick and was taken to the clinic by a mysterious boy who she refers to as her "fated person".  Soon, she learns who that person is but he is no longer available since he is already dating one of the most pursued female students in school, Miyuki.  Will Miku's idealistic love to be with her "fated person" persist?  Or will Miku end up with Hayato who almost every girl in school is chasing after?

What makes the series worth watching is not only the plot also the chemistry and portrayal of the characters.
Although I kind of felt how the story will go, but I just had to watch every scene because I could sense the flow of emotions going on between the casts.

Personal Reflection
Like Miku, I dreamed of loving only one boyfriend in life and believing in such things like "the one". But, love is not as simple as that.  It has so many complexities that things might turn out not as we expected.  Even things may not be perfect as we hoped, what matters most is that we can find love and be happy.

My little sisters did not like this series because they found all the characters to be not good-looking.  But, that makes it more realistic for me.  And, I really don't need good-looking characters to make something interesting for me because I see things with more depth even in actual life.

Watch Sprout Online

Brave: Movie Review in 3D

Pixar's latest creation or should I say Disney's creation is soon to hit the movie theaters and surely enough after seeing its wonderful trailers you'll most likely be anticipating it.




"Brave" is about young Princess Merida who feels that her freedom/life is being taken away by her mother, sounds familiar?  This plot has been retold more than several times, a rebellious kid who tries to make their own path then finds themselves in a predicament in which they'll realize that their parents/elders aren't really trying to make their lives miserable but are just there to give them some guidance.

The movie's target audience will definitely get affected by the moral of the story especially since most teenagers nowadays feels like this.

The animation and graphic is pretty good although I didn't feel that 3D was necessary for the film.  The music is pretty good.

Oh and don't walk out on the post-credits.  It's just a good closing but nothing essential if you did.

Conclusion:
It was a good movie, even with a mediocre plot the feeling and emotional problem will forever be seen in lot of adolescent teens and hopefully they'll soon realize the answer before its too late.

Watch Brave Online!

My interpretation on what being BRAVE meant (by Stacy)
A few days ago when we watched this movie, we were both wondering why it was entitled BRAVE.  Today, I had a talk with my mother and I was reminded of my rebellious teenage years.  I finally understood it.  Being BRAVE isn't about being good with weapons and fighting skills... It's about realizing and accepting our mistakes and swallowing our pride before the damage becomes irreparable.  It takes a lot of BRAVERY to do that.  It is easier to break bonds that to fix it because its easy for pride to comes in the way.  Thus in the movie Merida was presented with an issue that we all struggle in our daily lives... "Mend the bond hurt by pride".

Movie Review: Rock of Ages

One of the movie we have been waiting for is Rock of Ages.  It's a movie jam packed with our favorite stars like Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones and more placed in a musical setup.

From the start, the show begins with music and it continued until the very end.  Loving the song of the 80's, I can't help but go along with all the music and emotions portrayed.  The movie isn't purely musical as they is also a good humor in it.  The plot may not be deep but it really brings one back to the past.

All the stars played their roles well especially Tom Cruise as Stacee Jaxx.  His charisma never fails.  The tandem of Julianne Hough as Sherrie Christian and Diego Boneta as Drew Boley was awesome too.

Overall, Rock of Ages is a must watch!  It's an entertaining show where people can feel nostalgic as they listen to the music of the 80's.  It's also a great way for the youth to recognize the music of the past.  It's the type of movie I see myself enjoying despite watching over and over again.  To those who have young children, there are a bit of lustful scenes to portray the era of rock n roll and sex so parental guidance is needed.

Watch Rock of Ages!!!

Boy Pick Up: The Movie in Theaters This June 6

Every Friday, my family would always watch Bubble Gang just for the Boy Pick-up Segment.  I'm sure the rest of the fans of kids, teens and adults are as excited as we are that this nationwide phenomenon is hitting the silver screen on June 6, 2012.    

Director Dominic Zapata and the Boy Pick Up: The Movie Casts

Due to the success and growing popularity of Boy-Pick Up, GMA Films and Regal Entertainment Inc. brings the wacky multi-talented Ogie Alcasid his first time title role after over 25 years of his career. 

Solenn Haussaff

Ogie is both thrilled and proud to have Solenn Hausaff as his leading lady in the movie.  He shared that Solenn is not only good-looking, she is also talented.  He also discovered that she has a crazy fun side that's unmatched by the rest of the crew.

Gwen Zamora and Sam Pinto

Ogie Alcacid, Dennis Trillo, Eri Neeman and Roadfill

Award-Winning Actor Dennis Trillo and Eri Neeman

Roadfill and Momoy Palaboy

The movie is sure to be a hit with Sam Pinto as Neneng B, Gwen Zamora, Jackie Rice, Ellen Adarna and Sarah Lahbati.   They will also be joined by Antonio Aquitania, Boy 2 Quizon, Diego, Moymoy Palaboy, Eri Neeman, Pepe Smith and Lilia Cuntapay.  Ogie's long time friend, Asian TV Best Comedy Actor, Michael V.will also make a special participation as McBits.

Ogie assures the fans that they the movie will bring them an hour and forty five minutes of laughter.  More than just pick-up lines, they will be music and more.  Unlike in the skits, watching the movie will reveal more of who Boy Pick-up is.  There will be an underground battle among Pikapistas an Boy-Pick up in wooing the beautiful Neneng B (Sam Pinto).  But little do we know that  Boy Pick-up lives a normal an solitary life.  When Boy Pick-up's landlady asked him to love her in exchange for several months of rent due, he is forced to find a new job.  He then becomes a pastry chef owned by Angel (Solenn Heusaff) and falls in love with her.

Unknown to Boy Pick-up, a dark force known as Bagwis (Dennis Trillo) is plotting to destroy him and his love life in order to crush him in his pikapista battles.  I'm sure we all want to know "Bakit?"  Let's all watch Boy Pick Up: The Movie under the direction of Dominic Zapata to find out.  =D

Watch Boy Pick-Up: The Movie!!!

Movie Review: Man In Black III in 3D

Ten years after the sequel, Men in Black is back for its third movie.  As a science fiction we've seen aliens and cool weapons in before so Man in Black III adds time travelling in the plot to make it more exciting.  Did it work?

Man in Black III still has the action, humor and suspense.  I love how they made the plot work and it related to the previous Men in Black movies.  It had the right amount of action.  It had less humor but its still good.

The movie unravels more of both Agent J played excellently by Will Smith and Agent K.  Although I still think that the Smith and Jones pairing is the best, Young Agent K starred by Josh Brolin portrayed an interesting character too.

As for the 3D, it was totally unnecessary for the movie.  I felt like watching I was watching it in 2D although it was in 3D for the whole duration of the movie.  It didn't affect the sensation of watching it.

Bottomline, I suggest you watch this movie.  It's worth the watch especially if you've missed the Men in Black in action.  But if you want to save some bucks, better go with just 2D.

Watch Men in Black III!!!

Movie Review: Dark Shadows

The combo of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp makes Dark Shadows a movie everyone would want to watch even to those who have not watched the original TV series like myself.

Dark Shadows begins in a mellow set up and turns comical as soon as Barnabas Collins played by Johnny Depp shows up.  In fact, I find the genre of this movie quite confusing.  Only Barnabas Collins seems to bring out humor in the entire movie.  While other characters would depict a creepy yet shallow personality.

There were many scenes which I find unnecessary and there are some unexplained and puzzling parts too.  I also found it weird that the scene would be comical and then suddenly turn into something disturbing.  But overall, the performance by Johnny Depp and Eva Green who stars as Angelique Bouchard were able to uplift the enjoyment of the movie still despite the faulty plot.  It's still brings a bundle of joy to the viewers and it is quite entertaining to watch.

Watch Dark Shadows!

A Night of Fun and Amazement at Uncle Sam's Flying Circus

Last night, my sister and I were fortunate enough to watch Uncle Sam's Flying Circus at SMX Convention Center (Halls 1 and 2) compliments of a co-blogger and friend, Ms. Iris Mejia of PinayAds.com.

Our show was supposed to start at 7:00 p.m. but luckily, when we arrived, the show hasn't started.  We quickly searched for snacks.  There were a lot of stalls around but the popcorn had the longest line.  I was the last one to purchase a medium cheese popcorn (80 php) before the lights went off and the show went on.

 

Musical performance tribute to Britney Spears with Aerial Silk Dancers

The show opened with a loud and lively Britney Spears performance with awesome aerial silk dancers.  We were amazed at how dancing in fabric could be so beautiful, graceful and stunning.

The drummer from Hawaii was pretty good with his beats.  The show wouldn't have been that lively without his percussion.

Jugglers

Jugglers with glow in the dark rings

What's a circus without amazing jugglers.  These daring duo were able to display balance and skills by forming different stunts while juggling at the same time.  What I liked about the juggling performance is that they added a twist by juggling with rings and pins with fire in the dark too.

Acrodancers

Acrodancers with chair balancing

My favorite act for the night was with the Acrodancers.  The pair was so graceful while attaining gravity-defying balance.  They surprised the crowd with their almost humanly impossible formations such as lifting his partner on a hand stand while hanging on a chair.

Contortionist

Contortionist

The contortionist or the human pretzel had astounding flexibility in grace as he whirled and balanced around a stick.  This was followed by another great acrobat and a hooping act.   We enjoy the group of acrobats where the boy was being whirled in the air using only legs as well.  One of the greatest act of the night was when the boy was able to climb atop a barrel.

Double Russian Swing Act

Double Russian Swing Act

During the short intermission, we watched as kids scrambled to buy the glowing light sabers (500 php) as we bought more drinks and frosty from Wendy's.  The show resumed with the Double Russian Swing Act.    The crowd watch in excitement as a group of men swinged higher and higher.  Soon, they flew high in the air and dived through the round orange hoops.

There was another Aerial Silk performance but this time, it was with in-air tumbles.  There was a hilarious clown who played with both kids and adult audiences.  As expected, there was a tumbling performance.  We also met the strongest man in the world. =D

Pole Climbing Acrobats

Pole Climbing Acrobats

The show became even more thrilling as pole climbing acrobats showcased their talent.  They were able to flawlessly perform they stunts in synchronization and balance.

Lady Gaga performance with Corde Lisse Performers

Corde Lisse

The show ended with a bang as a tribute to Lady Gaga was performed with Corde Lisse stunts.  The kids waved their glowing light sabers into the air to cheer.

Our Seat Location E11 and E12

Overall, the show was awesome!  This is a must watch for kids and kids-at-heart.  This is a good opportunity to spend a night of fun and amazement with  the entire family.  But, if ever you'd watch a show as great as Uncle Sam's Flying Circus, I'd advise you get a better seating than we did.  We were located at the almost left most part of the audience and the view was not so good there.  Get your tickets and choose the best seats (in the middle) at http://www.ticketworld.com.ph/ before its too late.

Free Fireworks Display at MOA by the bay Every friday 7PM

Sometimes, we take our maltese "Lychee" out for a walk so that she can exercise. One friday we were walking her at MOA by the bay and we noticed that the crowd were gathering to watch something. It was the beautiful fireworks display Mall of Asia (MOA) shows every Friday at 7 p.m. We really enjoyed watching it. But Lychee got scared and begging on my shin to carry her. As I carried her, she was trembling. The fireworks only lasted for 3 minutes and then the crowd disperses and Lychee was up and running again.

   Update: noticed that this is consistently offered whether it rains or not