The Reader

The Reader left me feeling empty. It was like reading the whole book of Ecclesiastes and finding out everything under the sun is all in vain. Stephen Daldry's third film as director (Billy Elliot & The Hours being the other 2) leaves you hanging (no pun intended) to fend for yourself in seeking the answers. Is the intention to make the audience think? Daldry only succeeds in making us ask, "What's the point?"

Despite the desultory screenplay, The Reader captivates, if only for Kate Winslet's performance (as Hanna Schmitz) - undeniably a tour de force. Some people may be offended with the first half of the film entirely devoted to graphic displays of carnal taboo - a May-December affair between Winslet's character and a 15-year old boy (played by David Kross). Trivia: The shooting for the movie took a break for Kross to turn 18 so the love scenes could be shot.

Verdict: I still think Melissa Leo should win Oscar Best Actress. But knowing the history of the Academy Awards' penchant for conservativeness, they may go for Winslet. Don't get me wrong. Winslet was awesome, but Leo was just better. I also think that The Reader does not deserve the Oscar nomination for Best Picture.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Call it great timing. I saw this wonderful fireworks display from Petron Treats Bel Air gas station. I was looking for an ATM to withdraw money to pay for my Globe broadband bill. The nearest ATM from Best Western was the one in front of A. Venue Hotel. Unfortunately, it's not working. So I had to go all the way back to Petron. Got the cash and decided to order a strawberry smoothie and an orange-chocolate muffin at Gloria Jean's. 12:00 AM. I was just about to leave when the fireworks show started at the parking lot of Mandarin Oriental. I realized then that it's the Chinese New Year's eve. It was a full 15-minute pyrotechnic spectacle. I wasn't able to record everything because my T700's batteries went dead (documented the ironing skills of the Cebu team, remember?). Bummer! And I thought I'd be lucky this year.... Enjoy the video and the pics.

Ferrous wheel...

Anne, Jib, and MJ are back! For 8 straight days, our Cebu teammates will be breathing certified polluted Manila air. They're joining us for the Chase T3 (Train the Trainer) at Net Quad, the Fort. At least, they're being housed at Best Western, which is infinitely better than Golden Peak. Met with them earlier this evening for a little chat, a big Wendy's dinner (for me), and some "pressing" issues. Of course, we just can't resist a photo op when the chance readily presented itself. Here are some of the pics we took (they get to show off their housekeeping skills, too, hehehe!) Welcome back, guys!