Kris Aquino's new travel goal: Listen intently to safety drills

MANILA, Philippines – Following the capsizing of cruise ship Costa Concordia on Jan. 13 in Italy—which left six people dead and nearly 30 others reportedly missing out of over 4,000 passengers—TV host-actress Kris Aquino vows to pay more attention to safety instructions when traveling.

"Nakailang cruise na kami tapos hindi ako nakikinig talaga sa safety drill. So sinabi ko sa sarili ko, now makikinig na ako. Kasi ‘di ba knowing where the proper exits are and knowing kung ano ‘yung tamang paraan to save yourself and save your family is so important," she said on “Kris TV,” Jan. 16.

Kris will likewise apply such attentiveness when traveling by plane.

"After watching... [the] news kung ano ‘yung pinagdadaanan nila na nakatagilid kang ganoon na, oh my God, sabi ko pati sa eroplano makikinig na ‘ko. Kasi ‘di ba normally ‘pag nagse-safety drill din sila at nagde-demonstrate dumi-dedma tayo. Ako normally nagdadasal-dasal, hindi ako nakikinig. So from now on makikinig na ko talaga,” she added.

In the last two years, Kris has taken her sons Joshua and Bimby to Disney Cruises both in Florida and California, as well as to a Mexican Riviera cruise.

Another goal

In the same “Kris TV” episode, the Queen of All Media shared footage of her recent “quick trip” to Boracay for what she dubbed a “wellness experience to start my 2012 right.”

She, together with some friends, and at some points, her two sons, embarked on a four-mile walking spree along the Boracay coast.

“This is a type of exercise na kakayanin ko [and] since nasimulan ko nung vacation I may as well pursue it now,” she said in the video clip.

They also had a field trip of sorts afterwards, walking on the streets of the world-renowned tourist destination. According to the pedometer application on her cellphone, Kris walked a total of 10.075 miles that day.

Although she has already exceeded her initial goal (four miles), Kris continued her fitness pursuit the following day and did 10 kilometers in a recumbent exercise bike and then another seven kilometers walking by the beach.

source: mb.com.ph

Exciting new year for comic book cartoons

MANILA, Philippines — While 2011 had been a huge year for comics, the year 2012 looks to be an even bigger year.

Cartoons may seem childish to teenagers and young adults, but animated films and TV series are an effective gateway for people to get into comics. The secret to good animation is finding the balance between adapting its original source and translating the essence of a comic into the screen, taking the viewers’ mindset into consideration.

Looking back

Last October, DC came out with its animated adaptation of “Batman: Year One.’’ The film was a very faithful take on Frank Miller’s original work. The producers said it was easy to turn the comic into a cartoon because of Miller’s cinematic style of writing.

What made “Batman: Year One’’ so unique and fascinating is how it delves into the life of James Gordon. The film acts as an origin story for Batman, but it spends just as much time detailing the pressures that Gordon fights through, as he finds himself stuck in a corrupt police system. The film takes us into his personal life as well, exploring his relationship with his wife and child.

What also makes Year One thrilling is its depiction of Catwoman, especially in the bonus short film, starring our favorite cat burglar with a heart. It turns out that more than a simple desire for money and jewelry, Selina Kyle is really Ijust trying to protect the women of Gotham City.

“Thor: Tales of Asgard’’ was Marvel’s 2011 animated release that tells the story of a young Thor who learns the consequences of great power, and the responsibility that goes with it. The plot is very traditional, and Thor as a character is pretty dull. But what I really appreciated was how Loki is made into such a likable, innocent, and caring brother. The end of the film foreshadows his dark future, but most of the movie has Loki aiding Thor and performing heroic tasks.

Party like it’s 2012

DC has so many animated projects in the coming year, it gets me giddy every time I think about it.

“Justice League: Doom’’ will come out early 2012. The animated film is a loose adaptation of Tower of Babel, the famous JLA storyline that had the World’s Greatest Heroes systematically beat down and humiliated by their enemies who are using Batman’s files to devise their strategies. Finding out that Batman is keeping dangerous, intrusive files on his teammates creates a rift in the team, making Batman an untrustworthy figure.

The movie has sentimental value as well. The project was Dwayne McDuffie’s last, as he wrote it right before his death in February 2011. McDuffie was the creator of Static Shock, and he also wrote and produced Justice League Unlimited.

Also in the works is an animated film adaptation of Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns.’’ This is sure to either make fanboys rejoice or shake with fear. Along with Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns is considered by many as a classic to top all classics. So while the potential for such a project is mind-blowing, fans around the world will surely be critical.

I guess the best advice is for viewers to accept any animated adaptation as a separate piece of work from its original source. It’s hard to enjoy a movie when you’re constantly comparing it to the comic books. We have to look at animated films as a whole different entity. Of course, that is easier said than done.

On TV, “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes’’ will start its second season early 2012. The show boasts of an all-star line-up featuring the likes of Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America, and Thor. Lesser known heroes like Hawkeye, Black Panther, Wasp and Hank Pym also play major roles in the TV series. Obviously targeted at kids, adults will nevertheless enjoy the cartoon because of its fast pace, sleek animation, and big action.

There are a lot more animated comic book adaptations scheduled for 2012, so do try to keep yourselves posted on the newest releases. Always buy original. Either buy the original copies of the cartoon, or catch it on TV. Let’s give the animators more incentive and more reason to keep on coming back with new, progressive projects.

Happy new year to all of you, and may the force be with you!

source: mb.com.ph

Ditch the New Year's resolutions, make a bucket list instead

As far as I can remember, I have had New Year resolutions since I was four. It was part of a series of traditions I have learned to live with until 2011. What happens after January 1 is another story altogether.

Looking back, I realized how my resolutions remained as subtle motivations or a series of must-change. Whether it was reducing my consumption of mint-flavored candies, or losing those ten pounds, it remained the same. There seems to be a viral machine that pushes me to suspend it or just let it go.

I guess this has been a problem for just about everyone, or at least mine, for the last 16 years. Not that I wasn’t sincere or determined to become a better person. It’s just that, at some point, you’d start to realize that unless it’s a matter of life and death, you’d like to keep yourself as it is, regardless of its flaws.

So this time, I made sure 2012 was going to be different. Instead of making another resolution to postpone, I decided to make my own bucket list.

It’s not just in cinemas

I remember it clearly. The first time I heard about the idea was inside a movie house four years ago while I was watching the 2007 Rob Reiner film entitled “The Bucket List” with my best friend, Chynna Cuna. It was a movie about two terminally ill individuals who in the middle of contemplating death decided to make a wish list (e.g., try sky diving, drag racing, etc.) and go on a final expedition to fulfill them.

I guess the idea pierced my heart in the sense that Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) in the latter part reached the pinnacle of satisfaction, before they both kicked the bucket. I mean, honestly, how many people are capable of saying they’re completely contented with their lives?

No damsel in distress

I know. Some people might say it’s another contemporary fairytale–one that suits those who find the Old Cinderella story a little overrated. But if there’s one thing I’m sure: A bucket list doesn’t turn you into a damsel in distress. For one, it taught me how to maneuver my way to happiness.

Here are some steps in making your own bucket list:

STEP 1: Know what you want.
Unlike exams, projects, or work, this is personal. In other words, there’s no specific criteria, no standard to follow, no tradition to live by: just you and your bucket list. Whether you want a trip to Europe or a trek up Mt. Pulag (Luzon’s highest peak), it’s all up to you. What would make you happy? What have you been dying to do?”

STEP 2: Write it down.
While you can always trust your memory, it always pays to just write it down. Not only are you able to monitor progress by crossing out adventures you’ve done, you’re assured your list is safe from going down the drain of oblivion. (Unless, of course, Invisible Woman tries to show up and creates a mess.)

STEP 3: Own it!
Tell it to your friends. You could even post in on Facebook, Twitter or your own blog. Not only do you increase the level of accountability on your part, you also open up the chances of doing it as a group. Won’t it be better if you do it with people close to your heart?

STEP 4: Take action!
Just as I said, this is all about you. If you don’t move then nothing really happens. Don’t worry though. We usually have a lifetime to fulfill it. Just make sure to cross out at least one every year. –KG, GMA News

source:gmanetwork.com

HK ushers in 2012 with spectacular pyrotechnic show

On New Year’s Eve (31 December), multi-colored “shooting stars” glided across the sky above Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, while a “golden dragon” spiralled up the iconic building Two ifc. These auspicious motifs created by pyrotechnics were part of the 5th Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), with The Hong Kong Jockey Club as the supporting sponsor. The event instilled great excitement among the Hong Kong people and visitors, as they wished for a better year in 2012.

The officiating ceremony of the Hong Kong Countdown Celebrations was performed by the event’s Guest of Honor Mr Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), who was accompanied by Mrs Tsang; Mr James Tien, HKTB Chairman; Mr Gregory So, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong SAR; Sir C K Chow, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, supporting sponsor of the event; and Hong Kong’s 40-millionth visitor in 2011 Ms Nancy Ryan from Chicago, US.

The Countdown Celebrations featured a total of 10 buildings on Hong Kong Island, including Two ifc. The event took on the theme “Soaring Dragon with a Happy Heart”, which ties in perfectly with the Year of the Dragon on the lunar calendar. Beginning at 11pm on 31 December, pyrotechnics were launched atop the 10 buildings every 15 minutes to create shooting stars in four colors, symbolising luck in career, health, fortune and love in 2012.

Entering the final 10 seconds of 2011, visitors and local residents on both sides of Victoria Harbour began counting down in unison along with the numeric countdown generated by pyrotechnics atop the 10 buildings. When the clock struck midnight, a large-scale pyrotechnic show lasting four minutes commenced, against the music of the theme song written by Hong Kong-based music producer and composer Mr Chiu Tsang Hei. The show reached a climax when the greetings “Happy New Year” appeared on the rooftops of the buildings, while a “golden dragon” encircled Two ifc to allude to a vibrant Hong Kong economy in 2012.

Besides providing major news media worldwide with satellite feed, the HKTB broadcast the event live on Weibo to showcase the entire Countdown Celebrations to the global audience. Catering to the Hong Kong viewers, the Jade Channel of the Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) also offered live broadcast of the pyrotechnic show and the accompanying performances.

source:gmanetwork.com

PAGASA: Meteor shower to peak January 3 and 4

Stargazers will get an early treat in 2012 with the annual Quadrantid meteor shower, which will be active from January 1 to 7.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the meteor shower will peak Jan. 3 to 4, with 40 meteors seen per hour.

"The observation of its peak activity on January 3-4 in which meteors or 'falling stars' can be seen at the rate of at least 40 meteors per hour. The shower will appear to radiate from the constellation of Bootes," PAGASA administrator Nathaniel Servando said.

Servando said the Quadrantid meteor shower hits the Earth's atmosphere at the rate of about 40 km per second.

He said the incinerated dust is believed to be particles from the debris ejected by the near-Earth asteroid 2003 EH.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said Venus will be visible in January, shining brilliantly at magnitude -3.8 and will be standing at about 20 degrees above the west southwestern horizon.

"It will lie between the boundary of the constellation Capricornus, the Goat and Aquarius, the Water Bearer. The brightest planet will be observable throughout the evening sky of the month of January," Servando said.

Mars and Saturn will also be visible.

Mercury will be found low in the east-southeastern horizon until it slides down from the evening sky on January 17.

Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune will be found above the west-southwestern part of the sky and will lie among the background stars of the constellation Pisces, the Fish for Jupiter and Uranus and the constellation Aquarius, the Water Bearer for Neptune.

Stars and constellations

Servando said the famous equilateral triangle in the sky, the Winter Triangle, rises after sunset.

It includes Betelgeuse, the super giant red star and the prominent star of the famous constellation Orion (the Mighty Hunter), Sirius, the brightest star in the sky of the constellation Canis Major (the Big Dog), and Procyon, the brightest star of the constellation Canis Minor (the Little Dog). — LBG, GMA News

source:gmanetwork.com