Ten days to go...

My sister can never contain her excitement whenever she fangirls something. Now that Boys Over Flowers is about to be shown in Korea, she's been visiting Soompi everyday and downloading promotional photos like crazy. I like their casting of the F4 so far. Even the lead guy, Lee Min Ho, bears an eerie resemblance to Jerry Yan at a certain angle. But I'm more excited to see Han Chae Young though. Props to the casting people for getting her to play the F4's sophisticated childhood friend.

Half-Blood Prince: Ginny Weasley

Ahhh, what a beauty! Me thinks this is a shot from Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. She's definitely turning out to be a such a charmer in this movie. More promo photos please, WB?

Are you ready for... Takipsilim?

Despite the news being posted on the ABS-CBN website, (They took it down, apparently) I am not buying this whole Takipsilim nonsense. Had I been the rumor starter I would be laughing my ass off judging from the impact it has created. Seriously? I cannot believe how gullible some people can be. Even the cast list they came up with is less than stellar. I may not be a fan of the series, but this is just pure crap and LOL-worthy hearsay.

So, is New Moon going to be called... Bagong Buwan?


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This news from Too Much TV actually shocked me so to speak. Firing Balthazar Getty from Brothers & Sisters? I can't imagine the siblings one Walker short. But if this is true, then maybe they can just have Tommy and Julia move far-away from California instead of killing the character? Nah! Nora wouldn't have it anyway knowing that she's the type who wants her family close by.

So granting that they'll kill the character, who's betting this will actually make Kevin more involved with Julia and Lizzie after the revelation that he's her biological father? Haha! Very soap opera-ish, but possible.

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Oh, and Merry Christmas to all! Hope you're enjoying the holidays as much as I am.

Korean F4 = Boys Over Flowers

My fascination for Hana Yori Dango started when I read the fanfic The Boy Who Loved Lily. It was a take on what the marauders were like when they were still students at Hogwarts and how James and Lily fell in love. Pretty fluffy, but its spot on interpretation led me to be curious about the F4.

So curious that I forked 1K just for a VCD (VCD, imagine that!) of Meteor Garden. Haha! But that was seven years ago. Now, the series has spawned a Japanese version and by next month, the Korean version will start airing. I'm too old to fangirl these kids so I'd rather enjoy the story itself.

JC Tiuseco: Pinoy Sole Survivor

But first off, some comments about the finale:

• One thing that impressed me most when I watched the earlier seasons of Survivor (Australian Outback & Africa) was their ability to re-create the exact set of the Tribal Council during the finale. Last night fell short of my expectations. Granted that the network forked this much in staging the franchise, they should've opted for an outdoor setting.

• Whoa! Cris sure cleaned up pretty well after being voted off the island, eh? I almost didn't recognize him during the jury portion.

• Zita is to SP what Yayo was to PBBCE2 last year. I have full and utmost respect for the moms out there (mine included) but it ticks me off when the "mommy card" is used in reality competitions to draw up sympathy. Is it really a Pinoy thing na isumbat ang utang na loob? Tsk! Tsk!
  
  

Fandoms in photos…

The past week had been a busy one that I barely had time to blog about my fandoms.

Not really feeling the outfit. Really now, socks and open-toed shoes? But the thing about this girl is that what looks "baduy" in our eyes manages to look trendy on her. Or at least it gets easy on the eyes after several views. One thing I've realized after years of seeing Bonnie attend such events is that she never goes with the norm. She sets her own fashion.

Meet your Korean Dao Ming Si Goo Joon Pyo and Shan Cai Geum Jan Di. He looks cute hawt! The series premieres on January 5 in Korea and more likely will hit Philippine TV around six months later.

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Oh, can I just say that Fully Booked-Ayala is my new Disneyland? Gaaahhhh, I can stay there for the whole day and never get bored. I love their extensive selection of books which includes titles I've never seen in NB before.

Of soap operas and Mary Sues…

The Bold and the Beautiful would probably be the only US soap I've followed closely enough over the past eight years. Nevermind if we're eighteen months behind with the episodes in Star World, I've managed to keep myself updated with the recent US storyline through various websites I visit. The US soap world is twisted, I tell you. Filipinos will find their patience running out with unending or recycled storylines thrown at the them by the writers.

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I cannot wait for this whole Twilight mania to be over in no time. The hype is becoming this [] close to annoying that I avoid messageboards about it like the plague. When I casually mentioned to my officemate that I was thinking of giving away my Twilight book, she looked at me as if I was spellbound to actually considering giving it up. Really, no amount of bribery can make me appreciate the annoying twat of a Mary Sue who goes by the name of Bella Swan.

MOVIE: Enchanted

I fell in love with this movie a year too late! Yes, being the miser that I am, I never even bothered to watch this during its regular theater run. But after seeing this last night on Star World, I shall rave about it to my heart's content. 

Looking absolutely stunning throughout the entire flick, Amy Adams was a revelation as Princess Giselle. Who knew she could carry a tune? Or that she and Patrick Dempsey had such amazing chemistry? Really, McDreamy's hotness factor (in my standards) shot up because of it.

My favorite part has got to be when Robert and Giselle were dancing and he was unknowingly humming the song to her. Totally cheesy, but it nearly moved me to tears. It's interesting to note that Disney hasn't lost its touch when it comes to fairytales. Disney princesses were a huge part of my childhood, and now, even as an adult, they still weave that magic over those who believe.

After all, there's still a child in each one of us.

Rants and Raves

For the life of me, I simply cannot get it why people keep on wishing (or insisting) that Emily's secret on Criminal Minds has to do with her sexuality. Now don't get me wrong. I have nothing against members of the third sex but too much slash ruins my TV. Maybe I'm just affected because she is my favorite character and I simply don't see her as one. Please Ed Bernero, prove them wrong!

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Two episode so far and I'm still not feeling any love for Deanna Russo's Sarah on Knight Rider. Now that they've decided to get rid of her father on the series for its remaining episodes, I'm secretly wishing her character would follow suit. Justin Bruening deserves someone totally hot and kick-ass! Not some chick with a penchant for bra-less, strapless attires.

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Dirty, Sexy Money is cancelled?!? My sister is crushed.

Ginny Weasley's kick-ass quidditch attire. Ahhh, I love it! Too bad we have to wait for 8 more months.

I'm off to watching The House Bunny later. Nothing like some good, old chick flick for some mindless TV viewing.

I go against type

It's weird, but I actually found myself enjoying while watching an episode of Knight Rider. What's even more surprising was that my hard-to-please sister was able to sit through an entire episode without any complain. There's no denying that Justin Bruening is easy on the eyes and he makes the show tolerable. But I'm afraid I cannot say the same thing for his leading lady. Deanna Russo's acting comes of as stiff, making her character very unsympathetic with viewers. Can they just bring in a new love interest for Mike, please? Oh, and I don't know if anyone has noticed but guess who Justin reminds me of?

Another Justin (Chambers, that is)!

Deadringer

No, that is not Katrina Halili.

Korean actress Han Chae Young (Sassy Girl Chun Hyang, Only You) joins the cast of Boys over Flowers in the special role of Min Seo Hyun. I can't wait to see this since I loved Meteor Garden and HYD so much. Now Korea's joining the bandwagon with their own adaptation of the famous manga. Hmmm, this better be good.

So, will the Philippines follow suit? Gawd, I hope not!

Random updates…

With the recent events this week, looks like 24 trumped Commander in Chief. Good luck, Mr. Obama. President Palmer would be proud.

Am I the only one excited to see Grant Show's stint as Addison's brother, Archer, on Private Practice? Boy, he sure looks good in the promo pictures. Thankfully, he ditched the porn 'stache he sported for Swingtown.

Ohhh, Kim Sam Soon as a US prime time series? Let's hope it won't be as disastrous as its Philippine adaptation.

Angels & Demons Teaser Trailer #1

I like! I like! I thought they'd never show scenes like what they did with The Da Vinci Code before. Ohhh, now it's confirmed that Ewan McGregor will play Carlo Ventresca. Yayyy! Ayelet Zurer doesn't look bad as Vittoria either.

Like sands through the hourglass…

It just dawned on me today, Iisa Pa Lamang's writers are taking their inspiration from US Daytime Soaps! How else would you explain the absurd storylines and lame characterizations spawning a fan favorite villain? The (apparently) never-ending love triangle between Miguel/Catherine/Raphael is typical of these daytime soaps that have been running for years. Campy, I know. But viewers love heightened reality.

If I didn't know better, I'd say the four lead characters were patterned after Ridge, Brooke, Nick and Taylor of The Bold and the Beautiful... with slight tweaking to suit the Filipino taste. Then again, that's just me and my absurd conspiracy theories.

Profiling at its best

I would like to thank my CTV angels for bringing me Criminal Minds earlier this week. That said, can I just say I totally enjoyed Catching Out? This definitely goes to my top episodes for the season. The unsub was pretty hard to recognize but once they pieced together a profile (Vortex Guy!) it was all a matter of time before he got caught. Emily speaking Spanish was cute though. That lady is talented! She's my new role model.

Big surprise when Morgan didn't get to save the day for a change. Good judgment on the writers' part. It was getting annoying how he turns up as the alpha male in every operation. Let Rossi, Reid and Hotch have their chance, man!

262 days to go…

Just when you thought no updates were coming, here comes another trailer for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. It's not much, but it's better than nothing. I, for one, am pleased with Ginny's presence in it. It's about time she gets some decent exposure in the films. Only after watching OotP last night did I realize she barely said a word in it! The facial expressions were spot on, but I would've appreciated more dialogue to go with it.

And I chose not to make a big deal out of the last scene because I see it from the view point of someone watching two bestfriends banter. Nothing sexual about it, people! Get over it.

I nitpick for fun

Who knew there was actually a Center Stage 2? I loved the original movie and I don't think this can ever compare to it. 

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What's with Cathy Garcia-Molina and her fascination with wigs? In all but one of the movies she's done for Star Cinema, the lead girl is always seen sporting one. Does a wig or someone who wore one figure prominently in her past that she's decided to make it a running theme in her flicks? Wala lang, just an observation.

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When will they ever air the third season of Criminal Minds? Studio 23 already had the second season finale last week and now they're doing re-runs of the first season for the nth time. Darn! They should be on FUSE too.

For the love of Chandler Bing...

DISCLAIMER: I am not a fan of Zac Efron. The primary reason why we're so interested in this flick is because of Matthew Perry. But you have to admit, ZEfron's not that bad either. I can totally tolerate seeing him on-screen without Vanessa Hudgens in close proximity.

But really, have you ever wondered what it feels like to be... seventeen again?

Desperate Housewives 5.04: BACK IN BUSINESS

For someone who can't stand Teri Hatcher, Susan was suprisingly less irritating in this episode. I loved her scenes with Mike and MJ (perhaps it's for the best that they stay divorced). Oh, and Jackson acts more like her oldest kid rather than a boyfriend.

I ♥ Juanita! I look forward to this little girl's antics each week.

One thing I'm not buying is Dave going after Mike. It's too convenient. Please, must the bad guys always be after Mr. Delfino?

Hey, it’s Ryan!

When I got home from work, my sister suprised me with the news that Ryan Lafferty (Walker) had been cast. Comments? Violent reactions? He actually reminds me of Matthew Gray Gubler. To be honest I was already sold on the Scott Porter idea that I feel for Michael Ausiello right now.

 

Oh, and speaking of Brothers & Sisters, looks like they're finally addressing the long-forgotten paternity of the twins. From Watch w/ Kristin...

Hilary in Portland, Ore.: What's coming up on Brothers & Sisters?
A Walker is dying! Dying—not dead—so don't start paying your condolences just yet. There's a liver failing, and a transplant needed, but the donated organ has to come from daddy. And naturally, this will be a Walker feller who didn't know he was a daddy. Who could it be? Your guesses go right down there in the comments.

My money's on Kevin. Just please don't let this turn out as another Three Dads, One Mom type of storyline. 

What’s up in TV Land?

While watching Criminal Minds last night, my sister and I were discussing what exactly is Emily Prentiss' backstory? Viewers know nothing more about her other than being a diplomat's daughter, someone who's fluent in several languages and one who was too eager to rise up to the ranks of the FBI but abandoned those thoughts in favor of her team. Then an idea suddenly hit me and I realized... what if she and Hotch shared more things in common than what viewers thought? This is not my shippy mind working, but I do feel that more or less she went through the same things that Hotch did before. She's like the female version of him, only less stiff and less workaholic.

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It's so weird seeing Daniel LaRusso Ralph Macchio all-grown up. Sadly, I am stuck in a time-warp where he'll always be the baby-faced Karate Kid for me. Be sure to catch him on Ugly Betty this season!

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Smallville's getting pretty interesting too thanks to those Clark/Lois moments at The Daily Planet. Now they're far off from couplehood yet but their banters are all that's important. Too bad Lana's returning for a couple of episodes.

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On local TV, things at Survivor Philippines are starting to heat up now that the merge is fast approaching. Tsk, tsk... bad move, Jarakay. Now it's pretty much given that Naak will enter the merge having the majority. Kakainin kayo ng buhay. Haha!