velocityx-blog

[velocityx-blog]

OFF TO WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS

Enchanted Kingdom, often abbreviated EK, is a theme park in the Philippines. It is located in Santa Rosa, Laguna and has a land area of 25 hectares (62 acres). The park is managed and operated by Enchanted Kingdom Inc. It was opened to the public on October 19, 1995. Also, it is still the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines. The theme park boasts of rides and attractions unique to the country and in size and magnitude. These rides and attractions are located within seven meticulously theme zones interspersed with food and merchandise outlets and kiosks as well as various game stands that add to the “enchanting experience”, away from the day-to-day realities of life. Also, the whole place is so instagrammable. So might as well bring cameras and make sure to fully charged it.

I went to Enchanted Kingdom last February 2017 with my sister. It was there field trip so I accompanied her. Going back to EK, I can say that the park has changed due to additional rides and attractions. However, the atmosphere is still the same as we went here when I was a child. I like going to different places and one good thing about being in EK is that it’s not only restricted to kids rather it is open to all ages. This place will welcome you with open arms whether you are a child, teenager, or adult. I am from Laguna so it only takes me about one hour or less (depends on traffic) to get there. Well, if you are planning to commute, the location that you will say is Balibago (Waltermart, Sta. Rosa). And if you’re from manila, you could go to Pasay City near Buendia LRT station Bus and take the route there with the fare of Php. 61.00.

There are things to remember. First, the ticket rates is different depends on the age and day of visit. For weekends, ticket price for junior is Php. 600.00, regular is Php. 900.00, Pwd senior citizens is Php. 600.00, and Pwd junior is Php. 400.00. For weekdays the price lessens to Php. 100.00 to all visitors. Second, the operating hours is constantly changing so you must check first the official website http://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/park-schedule/ to avoid issues. Third, there are do’s and don’ts that everyone must be reminded. a) Bringing food inside EK is prohibited so the best way is to eat your foods beforehand outside or you can eat it inside your vehicle if you have one. b) Avoid having objects that might hurt or cause distraction to other people or to the actual place. I remember even my highlighter was taken away from me by the staff. c) Bring extra clothes and money. Foods and things in EK are worth of gold. Sighed.

The theme park, managed and operated by Amtrust Leisure Corporation (ALC), offers thrilling rides like Grand Carousel, Flying Fiesta, Rialto, Space Shuttle, Log Jam, Wheel of Fate, Condor, Up Up and Away, Roller Coaster, Anchors Away, Dodgem, Stone Eggs, Air Pterodactyl, Swan boats, and Bump n Splash. Aside from the rides, Enchanted Kingdom also charms its visitors with various treats such as the fireworks show every weekend, dance presentation by the park’s in-house talents, theater shows, seasonal shows, well-manicured gardens, classic American brownstone facades and establishments, and a variety of characters and mascots led by the Wizard. Usually a staff will hand you a map before you enter the park. So, here are Enchanted Kingdom’s Seven Themed Zones:

1) VICTORIA PARK 

Victoria Park welcomes you into the age of Victorian elegance. Inspired by the era of Queen Victoria’s rule, entertainers in exquisite turn-of-the-century costumes take leisurely strolls around this charming zone. Here, one can meet and greet the park’s mascot, the Wizard, and take a magical ride on the zone’s centerpiece attraction, the Grand Carousel. Within Victoria Park are Grand Getaway and carousel, Park Side Sweets and Culinary delights, Victoria Scrap Book Souvenirs, Stroller/Locker Rental, Grand Era Gifts, Park Relations Office, Group Sales & Services Office and Security Office.

2) BOULDERVILLE

Discover an era ruled by dinosaurs as you enter Boulderville, a prehistoric cartoon zone designed to capture every child’s imagination. Kiddie rides like the Boulderville Express, Bumbling Boulders, Air Pterodactyl, Stone Eggs, Dinosoarus and play facilities such as the Rock Quarry and the Petreefied House delight children of all ages. Dinosaur mascots and puppet shows entertain everyone who sets foot in this area. Within Boulderville are Bumbling Boulders, Air Pterodactyl, Triassic Tag, Stone Eggs, Dinosoarus, Boulderville Express, Petreefied House, Rock Quarry, Stone Age Souvenirs, Ice Age Ice Cream, Purefoods TJ Hotdog Kiosk.

3) MIDWAY BOARDWALK

Coney Island, known as “America’s Playground” in the 1930’s, comes to life at the Midway Boardwalk. This colorful and carefree zone features the most number of rides: Anchor’s Away, Dodgem, Roller Skater, Up, Up & Away, Bump N’ Splash and Wheel of Fate. Skill and video games, as well as performances by clowns, jugglers and mime artists, can be enjoyed here. Within Midway Boardwalk are Up, Up and Away, Roller Skater, Dodgem, Wheel of Fate, Anchors Away, Bump N’ Splash, Midway Games, Steeplechase Arcade, Harry Houdini’s Magic Shop, Feltman’s, Sips Ahoy, Stir Fried Rice, Purefoods TJ Hotdog Kiosk, Henna Tattoo & Face Painting.

4) JUNGLE OUTPOST

The heart of the Amazon is the setting of the Jungle Outpost. The exciting Jungle Log Jam and the tranquil Swan Lake are the main attractions in this mysterious and adventuresome zone. Be transported to the wild jungles of Central America as fire-eaters, tribal dancers and other ethnic entertainers add life to the place. Within Jungle Outpost are Jungle Log Jam, Swan Lake, Safari Shoot Out, Amazon Hoops, Tropics Trading Post, Jungle Photo, Tacos (Mexican Outlet), Burgers, Amazon Grill, Purefoods TJ Hotdog Kiosk, Jungle BBQ Kiosk, Amazon Rice Meals, Lake Spa.

5) SPACEPORT

Relive the glory days of the American space exploration program of the 1960s at Spaceport. Experience spine-tingling speed and flight like never before on the 11-storey high Space Shuttle, named after the first manned spacecraft designed for reuse. The country’s first and only triple loop coaster turns riders upside down six times – 3 times forward and 3 times backwards. Within Spaceport are, Space Shuttle, Eldar’s Tent, Kart Trak, Jr. Kart Trak, Bandstand, Galactic Treats, Launch Time, Pop Noggins, Spaceship Race, Pizza Hut, Wizard’s Delight Ice Cream, Exodus: The ATV Ride, Jr. ATV.

6) SOUVENIR / PHOTO SHOPS 

Take a sentimental journey down the streets of Brooklyn, one of New York’s five boroughs, as it was in the 1940’s. Reminisce the bygone years of silent movies and slapstick comedies as entertainer’s parade down the cobblestone street. Escape inside the Rialto, Brooklyn’s motion simulator theater which combines sight, sound and movement. Here, one does not merely watch a movie – one is actually in the movie! Catch the Funhouse Express, the electrifying simulator film from Iwerks which takes us through the twists and turns inside a carnival’s funhouse. You can see Rialto, Soda Fountain, Five N’ Dime Emporium here. 

7) PORTABELLO 

This is a replica of Portabello, a place in Panama in the Carribean Sea where the riches of the Incas were shipped by the Spaniards. The sights and sounds of a colorful Carribean atmosphere can be found in this zone which features the giant swing ride, the Flying Fiesta. Portabello is also the site of the park’s largest attraction, the Rio Grande – a wet-and-wild adventure that’s guaranteed to make you come back for more. And if you’d like a colorfull thrill, you can blast your friends and family with paint bombs at Paintball! Check out the new Catch the new film, “Pirates 4D” now at the Enchanted Kingdom’s 4D Discovery Theater! Your whole family will be jumping out of your seats as you see, hear, and feel the action from this swashbuckling 4D film, guaranteed to take you to an adventure in a new dimension! Within Portabello are Rio Grande Rapids, 4D Discovery Theater, Flying Fiesta, Xtreme Paintball, Treasure Island Gift and Rio Grande Photo, Discovery Photo, Enchanted Kingdom Cafe, Stir Fried Rice, Purefoods TJ Hotdog Kiosk, Shake, Rattle and Roll: The Experience!!!

Going home you need follow these steps.

1. Take a tricycle in front of EK Sta Rosa. Then go down at Waltermart.

2. From Waltermart, take another tricycle going to BALIBAGO. 3. From BALIBAGO there are a lot of public jeepneys, busses, or shuttle services that will bring you back to Metro Manila.

Also, there are several hotels near Enchanted Kingdom if your squad or fam will be in EK ‘till night. The hotels are namely Sol Y Viento Mountain Hot Springs Resort, Amethyst Econotel Hotel, Technopark Hotel,  Mariposa Budget Hotel Santa Rosa, Paseo Premiere Hotel, Seda Nuvali, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham South Forbes, Destination Hotel South Forbes, etc. Sooooooo, what are you waiting for? Go and visit Enchanted Kingdom where magic stays forever!

(Photo courtesy of google and me)

[velocityx-blog]

MOVIE REVIEW: BAD GENIUS

What kind of intellect are you?

The genius who doesn’t share answers?

Or the genius who shares answers….but with exchange?

If you haven’t watch the movie yet then this will serves as a guide on whether to watch this one or not.

x

There comes a time where everyone cheated. Most commonly it is either in love or in school. And speaking of school, this thriller/crime movie “Bad Genius” directed by Nattawut Poonpiriya was inspired by real-life news of students cheating on the SAT, the film transplants the heist film structure to a school-exams setting, and features themes of class inequality as well as teen social issues. The main cast are Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying playing the protagonist Lynn, Chanon Santinatornkul, Teeradon Supapunpinyo and Eisaya Hosuwan as Lynn's classmates Bank, Pat and Grace, while Thaneth Warakulnukroh plays her father. Bad Genius was released on 3 May 2017, placing first at the Thai box office for two weeks and earning over 100 million baht (US$3 million), becoming the highest-grossing Thai film of 2017. Moreover, the film took places in Thailand and Australia.

The story focuses to Lynn who is a brilliant math genius and scholar in a prestigious high school. She struggles first in her new school but eventually made friends thanks to Grace. Her richer but not so smart (not academically blessed) classmates conscripted her to let them copy her answers during major exams by tempting her with a generous fee of 3,000 baht per exam per person. When time came for the international-based STIC exams, Lynn called in her fellow genius scholar and competitor Bank for his incredible memory as the stakes of their massive cheating operation were raised to reach millions of baht for both of them. The question is, are they going to succeed according to their plan or more likely to be caught by the authorities?

This movie is extraordinary. Frankly, there are many movies about school and what made this different from those is that this one doesn’t involve love aspect between the main leads which is quite unusual to other films that we typically sees. Similar with that is the plot summary which is amusing because this is not a cliché type of show. There is no princess without her crown or power here together with his prince charming. No love, just brains. And this made the film more diverse since it tackles about cheating in school exams. On how it is an open secret and almost everyone does it yet no one openly talks about it. Some may question the director's decision to make a movie based on this kind of events, which can be viewed as encouraging students to cheat. Still, he assured that after watching, the audience will understand the message he is trying to deliver.

Also, what made this extra special is that the cinematography, acting direction, editing, costume and set design are all on point. Decent cinematography merely looks good but great cinematography makes you feel like part of the movie. Thus, bad genius has all it takes to have it. For instance, when the characters are all tensed, I also on my seat was tensed like them. Then, I researched that some of the cast are newcomers especially the protagonist but for me I think they gave justice to their respective roles. So, hands down to them and to the director. Editing on the other hand is good also because I didn’t have a hard time contemplating what is going on and such. As well as the costume and set design because it all fits to the concept of the film. However, I noticed that there’s no much soundtracks coming from the movie but then this doesn’t lessen the whole production at all.

To sum up, Bad Genius is a must see because 1) The movie centers about cheating which is timely and relevant. 2) It is uniquely beautiful and different. 3) The cinematography, acting direction, editing, costume and set design are superb. Furthermore, Bad Genius is a 10/10 recommended.

BONUS

Many of us tend to be a forecaster when watching something, right? Well, good luck with this one because I tell you that all scenes are well executed and truly mind blowing. I remember that there is a scene where me and my classmates were literally screaming and some of them even stand up because of too much feels. Sooooo, good luck again my friend.

[velocityx-blog]

Behind the Scenes of Maypag-asa

“Uy, saan ang immersion n’yo?”

And then I told them that a play is our immersion. So, my acquaintances who asked this question were kind of confused and they were like, “why play?”

Well, me too, I am confused because why play?

I thought we will be expose in the work field just like my peers?

WHAT HAPPENED???

x

At first, I am really puzzled because I thought that we will be in a work field just like my peers in other strand. Then, what we have instead is a play. Honestly, I am surprised and a bit disappointed when it was announced to us. I get it that among the two strands, Humss are the ones who are fit to do this. And I am willing to do it as long as my classmates are also into it. So, it’s no big deal. However, I just have this concern that why making it as a work immersion if we can do it as a performance task instead or a special task. Besides, not all in humss are going to take art related courses in college, so I thought that this was a big “sayang” at first.

First few weeks and some of us were shookt because we’re not born performers. Yes, we love to sing but singing doesn’t like us. We can dance but our feet are both left and most especially we can’t act. Thus, it was really surprising because we have to learn it and do it. So, first meetings consist of vocal training and singing some songs of the play. I remember the confused face that we have when we first do the limbering. They laughed while doing it so I thought I’m not the only one who felt weird doing it for the first time. This was also the days wherein our instructor told us if we really want to do this. They thought were not taking the play seriously so they have their homily to us. Basically, the first few weeks are the warm up stage.

Month later and here we are practicing our own parts. An audition has been done and the class was already separated from two groups. Some of us are still awkward in the limbering though and the whole process but we still trying our best for the sake of good presentation for the college week. Every week there’s a new person who will help us alongside to Sir Edward who is our director. Then there are new songs, movements, tableau, and emotions that we have to practice. Since were divided by two groups, we always exchanging places whether in the room or outside it. For instance, group one is in the room solely for working a particular scene while group two is outside where they are practicing the correct pronunciations, posture, notes, and breathing. Mainly, this was the practicing and getting comfortable stage.

New Year, so it means that college week is months away hence were all stressing out. Normally, we don’t have classes every Mondays yet we adjusted so that we can practice. By this time, we learned to be flexible not only in time but to the production itself. Of course there’s always an absentee. So, our teachers always put one person or more to fill the role of the absent. As a result, adjustment is not new to us. Well, in terms of being scolded, we also get used to it. There also a misunderstanding before about the budget and how the play should be done. So, the brain cells of St. Teresa were losing before. For me, I only have cells so I am less anxious than them. Kidding aside, given that the college week is fast approaching, the stage managers, production manager and several committees of our class namely: marketing, stage design, costume and make up are all already making moves. Chiefly, this was the getting stress ready stage.

To conclude, the play made us shookt because we’re not born performers, master our parts the best way that we can, and handled stress gracefully. I admit that I’m not fond of it before and I thought that this whole work immersion is a big “sayang” for like me who is not taking any related art course next year. However, through our journey I learned to appreciate the play. I realized that teamwork is really a key to success. That’s why I would like to congratulate my mentors and classmates because despite of the conflicts and misunderstanding within the play. We still get through it and been able to pull off a good production for college week. Now, when someone asks me regarding work immersion, without hesitation I will say play with a big smile on my face.

Photos courtesy of Jeremiah Aranas & Maypag-asa Page 

[velocityx-blog]

THE IMITATION GAME

“Sometimes it is the people no one imagines anything of who do the things no one can imagine.”

At first, I didn’t get the message of this line but when I read the whole plot of the movie. I fully understand the meaning of it and looking into list of successful persons today and their struggles, I can say that this quote is true and made sense. In the film, the only friend of Alan (Benedict Cumberbatch) whose name was Christopher (Jack Bannon) said this to him when they were young and look what Alan Turing became and achieved when he became older. Prior to his success, he also experienced hardships in his life just like any of us. Nevertheless, this didn’t stop him to be what he wanted to be. Alan then later repeated this saying more or less verbatim to Joan Clarke (Keira Knightley), the crossword-puzzle prodigy who became the only female member of his wartime code breaking team and, briefly, his fiancée. Nonetheless, this passage hit me and I hope people also know this so that they will stop judging others and start appreciating them more because we didn’t know what life brings to us.

FIRST OF ALL, allow me to say this at once for all the people especially those who are at the back. Okay, let’s start at; God didn’t create us to be a carbon copy of others. Hence, that is the reason why we have different faces, personalities, and abilities. So, we really cannot judge the capacity of a person based on what we perceive to them because every people are different and unique in their own way. For instance, I saw this boy as a happy go lucky and no direction in life but then after few years he was already in television and news paper for his successful business. Also, this girl might be a rebel this day, casually walking with fail grades and relationships, but hey that doesn’t mean that she will stay like this forever. After sometime, people will saw her in magazines as a notable actress or in a board exam as a top-notcher. You might be at the top now but then tomorrow everything changes. You must think you’re in the lowest point of your life now but then few years later you actually had the world in your hands. You see, life is very unpredictable. Just look at Alan Turing, he’s a nobody throughout his adolescent stage then look on the things that he achieved later. So we really cannot tell what the future holds on people’s current state in life.

SECOND, of course, self management is a primary key role here because everything starts form ourselves, so if you think lowly of yourself then most likely you will not try to improve or get out of your shell because you already had low expectations upon yourself. However, if you think positively then you will not degrade yourself rather you will continue to be better. Let us say that I’m not doing well in academics and I am always have a low grades, so instead of crying in the corner of my bedroom and blaming myself or cursing my subjects. As a positive thinker, I will get up on my lazy ass and take my failed grades as a motivation to study harder and develop myself to be a better student. And that’s what others are missing out. Some have enemies spreading rumors about them and they are already discouraged to go to school even though it is pure lies. Bear in mind that people will always talk and talk, but it’s still your choice if you will listen or get affected from them. Therefore, everyone must remember that our thoughts affect us more than anything. True, life is sometimes cruel, but what we need to set is our outlook that we will get through it. So it is better to be an optimist than to pessimist. After all, we have the control of our body, thus might as well learn to manage the way we think because at the end of the day, we are still the one who will pick ourselves up in terms of failure.

THIRD, speaking of failure, there are times that our life is not full of rainbows and glitters because at some point of it, we will experience to stumble and fall. Known personalities had a fair share of these stories, Alan Turing for instance. And what’s inspiring is that some of them failed not just once, twice, or thrice. But still, this didn’t hinder them to continue chasing their dreams. Honestly, I admire these people and these things strengthen my faith to Our God that He got plans for us. Apparently, people or circumstances will serve us our distractions and blocks our way. So, just think that people are always like that, you know, throwing rocks at things that shine. And if it is not people and it’s a situation, then just take it as the time is not right or meant to be for us. Lord has bigger plans for us, so we must trust Him. I for example didn’t pass to the school that I like. Am I sad? Of course, but then that doesn’t stop me for achieving my dreams. I remember, I prayed and hope for the last months for the results of my exam. I even made an oath to my siblings that I will treat a meal if I pass. However, I didn’t get in. Do I think life is unfair to me? Frankly, I want to but no, I don’t think that life is unfair to me because I believe that it is bound to happen. And I believe also that God didn’t allow me to study there because He wants me to do or meet amazing people in my next school. Everything happens for a reason, so a failure doesn’t mean that we lost, rather it is the start of something big.

THE FOURTH that I would like to point out is gender. Personally, I don’t mind if someone is black, white, asian, or muslim, so the case with sex is same with me because what matters to me is the amount of respect that each of us give to one another regardless of their age, sex, religion, or nationality. Back to the movie, it turns out that Alan Turing is gay, and after his team cracked the enigma, he was sentenced for indecency (Homosexuality) under British Law. Well, as I wrote awhile ago, I don’t mind people like Alan, but people that lived long time ago doesn’t seem to agree with me because for them being homosexual is a crime. Actually, there are still countries that see them as offenders of law. Countries like Sudan, Iran and Saudi Arabia even sentenced death to those people whose been convicted to homosexuality. Sadly, for me, I think people have a right to live equally despite of their preferred genders. I asked my grandmother about this and she said to me that it is much worse before so I am happy that nowadays not generally but many people do respect and accept LGBT. In addition, I think being homosexual is not a problem because what seems to be problematic is our own society. Also, we can’t deny the fact that there are prominent homosexuals that no one’s imagines to made it still just like Alan who help to break the Enigma that shortened the war by more than two years, saving over 14 million lives.

TO SUM UP, the movie gave a good quotation that any of us must be reminded. First, learn to value or appreciate others and don’t ever judge someone based on you saw on them ‘cause there might be a day that this person might be your boss or have a better life that you never imagine them of having it. Second, to be able to success in life is to have a clear vision of our thoughts because it affects us more than anything. For that reason, be an independent woman or man because it’s still between ourselves that help us when we face difficulty in life. Third, failure is part of living; our life is not full of rainbows, glitters, and anything nice. So, don’t look down of yourself if you ever fail because God has better plans and surprises for us. Lastly, there are no rules that say people who are straight are the ones who succeed in life, so gender is not a problem. Furthermore, it’s always the least people that people don’t expect to be something that actually turns out big. Also, what’s more shocking is that sometimes these people themselves didn’t imagine themselves to be the people that no one imagines. And I hope to be that person to in the future.

[velocityx-blog]

via @extramadness

[velocityx-blog]

via @extramadness

[velocityx-blog]

Music is life. That’s why our hearts have beats.

           Music is very important to the lives of people regardless of the time, genre, artists, and preferences because as Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Next to the word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.” The amount of appreciation that music received is justifiable because music gives our universe a colorful ray of light, wings to our mind to wander, and life to everything.

           As I listened to old Christmas songs that my aunt played while I’m making this blog, I just realized that throughout the years, it can be seen that people’s love for music hasn’t change as much as we live in the generation where everything is constantly changing. Music started from medieval, renaissance, baroque, classical and up to the 20th and 21st century has totally changed. Many people especially adults have said that songs before is much more lyrical and admirable compared to the songs of today. Somewhat it is true because not all but many songs today doesn’t really have a deep meaning because it’s all about the beat or the flow that people likes; whereas, this is the reason why record labels produces more quantity songs over quality. But still, the releases of today are not as corrupt as it seems because there are still musicians who write beautiful and inspirational songs which people most importantly children and teenagers can be inspired and be motivated to. Sure, there might be changes on the type of music that we have before compared to the music that we have today. Well, music varies from time to time but still music will always and forever be relevant to our lives and to the following years.

Based on Time Magazine, the top selling musical genres includes: rap, rock, pop, k-pop, r&b, country, latin, and electronic dance music or EDM. And only last 2017, according to the atlas' results, hip-hop is currently the most streamed genre on the platform around the globe, regardless of linguistic or geographical criteria. Of course, the data used comes solely from Spotify but as one of the world's most used streaming platforms, it's a good indicator of trends. The results are also backed up by Nielsen Music's annual midyear report of listening habits. Hip hop is not surprisingly the most streamed genre because many people are actually fan of it most specifically men. Rock is also as popular as hip hop and pop. It’s just that hip hop dethrones for the first time the rock genre on the 1st place thanks to some artists like Post Malone, Khalid, and Macklemore. Similar with that is how rap genre is more popular than country while EDM is still emerging today just look at the releases of songs and Latin music. Korean Pop or K-pop is also a trend nowadays due to fans growing globally and K-pop acts that are becoming well known like BTS and EXO. K-pop making their way to international scene only proves that music has no boundaries in form of language. To sum up, all these genres made music to be more complex.

Artists like Beyonce, Drake, Rihanna, Katy Perry, The Weeknd, Bruno Mars, and Taylor Swift are some of the most influential musicians of today. Probably, people can see them charting well on charts or other than that; they are the ones who are battling with one another. Well, from the trends that they set starting from the clothes that they wear up to their musical style and amazing performances. All these artists are truly remarkable; just take for instance Taylor Swift who rose from the dead because of Kanye West/Kim Kardashian issue. She made an album out of the hates that she receives from her critics, which makes her sudden come back to music scene to breaks records. Seems like the old Taylor can’t come truly to the phone right now. So, these musicians don’t only make a contribution to music industry but they also touch people lives through their music. People particularly their fans look up to them which is exclusively the reason why they are influential. As a result, they need to serve as a role model not only to the younger generation but also to the people who sees them.

Growing up, I used to listen to old songs primarily because of my father who always turns our radio especially during Sundays. My love from music hasn’t change that’s why I always listen and singing to songs despite not having a good and decent singing voice. I actually enjoy tracks from international artists like the 1975, Bruno Mars, Halsey, Shawn Mendes, Ariana Grande, Camila, and Troye Sivan. And when it comes to our OPM or Original Pilipino Music, I like listening to Yeng Constantino, Up Dharma Down, and some other bands. My cousin used to call me idol because even K-pop, I still like songs and artists from it. She said she is just waiting for me to break into J-pop because of Anime which I highly doubt because I am so lazy when watching a bunch of episodes. Sighed, I can’t even finish stranger things that only have 8-9 episodes per season. Back on the context, the artists listed awhile ago are the musicians that I follow the discography. Aside in my preference, if there’s a song that captures me in spite of of the artist, I will still like it and listen to it. Everyone has their favorites and I have two which is king of hiatus, One Direction and the snake of all season, Taylor Swift.

Aside from our friends, other thing that serves as our companion is music. It’s like whenever you feel happy, bored, flustered, or sad; we always count on music. Turn on your phone, go on to the music app, and click the playlist that you created. A song stated that best things in life are free, but not really because people had to pay…always like for example when purchasing a song on iTunes. We may have different inclination in terms of genres, artists, and songs but what music brought to us is somewhat similar. That is the sole reason why not generally of us have our earphones with us especially when we are on the way to some place. I, for example can’t leave our house without my earphones in my bag or in my pocket particularly when I am on the way to school. I don’t know but it’s already a habit to me to bring it. Our home is far away to my school, so it takes me 25 up to 35 minutes to be in my school. Hence, since junior high school, I always do sound trip not only when I am traveling to school but also when I’m about to go somewhere. And I believe that I’m not the only one because many people also do the same. It just awkward when you had earphones then someone calls you but you cannot hear it, which become worse actually when you’re at home and your parents totally get upset with that and start making a homily about you turning yourself into a deaf person.

“Next to the word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.”

When the world doesn’t listen to you or you’re the one who doesn’t want to listen to the world. I bet one of the things that you could rely on is music. Shut the world down and turn your volume up. Let your worries aside and let the music to enter your system. Music is moonlight in the gloomy night of life. There are people who are very vocal about their feelings with someone they are close to but how about those who aren’t? That adds the reason why music is vital and considered as a treasure in the world. Not all but there are some people who are struggling in their life which are actually saddening but in the lighter side, what makes them admirable is that these people know how to cope with their pain through the help of music. There is a saying that you can at least guess the person’s personality by looking into his or her music library. This is true because there is a part when music influences people by how they think and feel. If this certain person is into sad songs then he or she must be suffering or lonely but then we cannot really tell because others just like listening to songs even though the song is too far away from them. For instance, I like to play Taylor and Ed Sheeran songs then I feel hurt even though I don’t have a boyfriend. So you cannot really make a comment about someone but then at least you know what type of music this person is into. Yet, you could have an idea on his or her personality.

Music is life because it is something that really plays an important role in our lives to the point that we cannot imagine not having it. Just picture the society without having it: the casual events would be way so formal, marching in graduation may look like you’re casually walking, people partying will look like they are zombies dancing, etc. Also, musicians will not exist; therefore, there will be neither Michael Jackson nor The Beatles in the history. When words fail, music speaks, but how this could happen if music does not exist. Sighed, just imagine how dead our society will be and how universe will lose its color because just what Plato said, “Music is the soul of the universe.” In addition, how can our minds wander if there is no fuel to our imagination which is music? I can’t think about the kids not being able to sing and dance along thinking that they are some famous pop star. In short, music gives life to everything. In many cultures, music is an important part of people's way of life, as it plays a key role in religious rituals, rite of passage ceremonies like graduation and marriage, social activities like dancing, and cultural activities ranging from amateur karaoke singing to playing in an amateur funk band or singing in a community choir. Therefore, without music our world would be so boring. Thus, music is very essential because other than peace and love which this world need, music is also needed to the lives of everyone.

No matter how the time changes, one thing for sure is that music will always be relevant and there is no way that it could be cancelled because people’s love for music will not change as much as we live in the generation where everything is constantly changing. Next thing is genre, bruh, music is so compound that there are plenty of genre that everyone can choose based on their likes. Whether rock, pop, r&b, hip hop, jazz, or k-pop, and many more, it is okay. Related to genre, there are also many singers started from the finest singers to one’s country up to international scene that one can listen to and be a fan as well. They are the individuals who bring songs into life and they also serves as a role model of the youth. Nevertheless, all of us have is different thus we have our own preferences. But still at the end of the day, regardless of the time, genre, or musicians that you are fond of, what matters the most is that we use and appreciate the greatest treasure that this world has which is music.

[velocityx-blog]

Film Review: Hacksaw Ridge

“Not all heroes wear capes.”

Superman, Batman, Thor, and the list go on. Well, these are some of the famous superheroes that we knew since childhood. However, all of us lives in 21st century, and the real question here is that, “Do heroes still exist?”

Yes, they all do, and they are not wearing capes anymore.

Well, in the movie Hacksaw Ridge which is a 2016 biographical war drama film directed by Mel Gibson and written by Andrew Knight and Robert Schenkkan, based on the 2004 documentary The Conscientious Objector. The film focuses on the World War II experiences of Desmond Doss (played by Andrew Garfield), an American pacifist combat medic who was a Seventh-day Adventist Christian, refusing to carry or use a firearm or weapons of any kind because of one circumstance in his life. Doss became the first conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honor, for service above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle of Okinawa. Aside from Andrew Garfield, this movie also stars actors Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths, and Vince Vaughn. The film was released in the United States on November 4, 2016. And it was notably praised and got recognition from prestigious award shows like Oscar and Golden Globe.

Since we are used to soldiers fighting with their combats, it is unusual to us to saw a soldier who is not using any of them. Thus, this made the story more interesting. Given that this movie is a true to life story, I decided to not focus on the story line but rather I will give attention on how the director executed the film and also on how the actors put colors to the lives of the characters that they portraying to. First, I think Mel Gibson (the director) made a good job in bringing the film more realistic in a way that the production is really good. I didn’t find anything that didn’t match the 19th century theme and as for the battle scenes themselves, they are undoubtedly well shot so the 40 million budget was spent well. Next stop is for the actors, well, there’s no need for further discussion because they all did great, maybe there are some areas that I think Garfield (the lead) is lacking in emotions but all in all the actors did justice to their roles.

Frankly, the director, actors, production and effects are all good, however, I look more for the thrill that can make me jump of my seat or make me cover my eyes because of too much feels. So that is the only thing that lacking for me but to sum up, I recommend this film to everyone because this movie is inspirational in a way that we don’t need capes to be a hero. We have doctors, teachers, nurses, soldiers, and so on in our society. Furthermore, the film is a living proof of that, soldier Desmond Doss saved 75 fellow soldiers during World War II and that is truly admirable given that he doesn’t use firearm or any weapon.

Throughout the film I get surprise and touch and if you are a soft-hearted person, maybe seeing this film will make you move to tears because of the goodness of Desmond Doss. To conclude, this film is a 9/10 Highly recommended.

[velocityx-blog]

Well, probably. Lol

[velocityx-blog]

[velocityx-blog]

[velocityx-blog]

My handwriting is like my hair. #MessedUp