Nick's Pictures

I really enjoyed this week's assignment to go and take pictures of what we found fun. I ended up taking my camera around and taking a ton of pictures, most of which I didn't really find that compelling to share. In the end, I chose four pictures. Two from a skating session I had with my brother, and two from a friend's party at Bugsy's Makati. These pictures stuck out for me because it captured what I truly enjoy and find fun. Hope you like them! Check em out!

I have been skating for nearly a decade now, not that I'm any good. I just enjoy the freedom of expression it has. It's not about defacing public property or being a rebel, it's simply an outlet. Much like any other sport. The thing I love about skateboarding, is that even if you can't land any tricks, as long as you have style it's all good. It's really more of an art-form for me, the way people approach obstacles or different roads brings a definite originality to that persons skating style. My younger brother, is someone who I have always admired for his flare and style on a board. (Taken using Nikon D300s)

CROSS STEP ACTION. WOO!!!

HE WAS GOING PRETTY FAST, WHICH IS WHY HE WAS KEEPING LOW.

Friends are a huge part of my life. I honestly believe that who I am, is the collective effort of my friends and family. So I love getting together with my friends for inuman. Especially when it's open bar! For some reason, the alcohol tastes so much better! Haha! Add to that, a birthday party that has some sort of dessert and that's a perfect night out. These pictures are from a night just like that. Free drinks + cupcakes + good friends = AWESOME!!! (Taken using Canon G11)

FIGURING OUT HOW TO RATION HER CUPCAKE. IT'S HARD WHEN YOU'RE DRUNK.

DOUBLE FISTING JACK N' COKE! PARTY TIME!!!

 I fixed the colors of the pictures on photoshop. I just enjoy fixing the colors to look almost Lomo-ish.

10 things you need to know about Bane

So I'm sure we all know that Anne Hathaway is going to be playing Catwoman, and I think she is going to be super hot as her! Good choice! And Tom Hardy will be playing Bane. He was known to be tied to the movie for some time, but a lot of people did not see Bane as the choice. Christopher Nolan is known for not liking to use CGI, so how is he going to pull off Tom Hardy looking like a HULK-like dude. I'm sure Hardy will beef up considerably and I'm fairly certain all trace of the "venom" strength enhancing gimmick will be left out too, though there could well be a nod to it. Bane as a roid freak perhaps? Interestingly enough, I found this video that could be how they pull it off. 

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Here's a quick background on Bane: 

The character's roots lie in South America where he has a particularly hellish upbringing and is forced into a life of crime and punishment by his corrupt father. This much I do expect Nolan to carry over. Making Bane a product of the streets as it where will contrast brilliantly with Bruce Wayne's relatively sheltered and privileged upbringing. Sure he went through a bit of self imposed exile for a while in Batman Begins so he could better understand the criminal way of thinking but it's a far cry from Bane's miserable life(provided they keep that element from the comics of course). Another way Bane could be used ties in with Batman Begins. Many expect that since this is the final part of a trilogy Nolan will go back to earlier plot threads when putting together third film's story. Well Bane was actually affiliated with Rhas Al Ghul and assumed the role of his emissary for a brief time in the comics. That's a possibility. Whatever way he is used, expect Batman to be on the receiving end of a sound beating in this movie!

Now, 10 things you need to know about BANE:

In the comics, Bane is a huge, physically pumped, extremely intelligent (usually) bad guy. In the film, he’ll be played by Tom Hardy, who might not have looked that buff when we last saw him in Inception, but who’s capable of piling on the muscle when needed – see his title role in Bronson.

Bane spent his childhood in a prison in the fictional Caribbean country of Santa Prisca, after his father fled from a life sentence imposed for revolutionary behaviour against the corrupt government and the authorities decided to imprison his son instead. 

Bane killed his first man at 8, a criminal who wanted to use Bane as a funnel for information on the prison. The boyish villain kept a knife hidden in his cute li’l teddy bear Osito. But he wasn’t all about the murder! He also learned everything he could from books and other inmates, and worked out in the gym whenever possible.

While in prison, Bane was subjected to trials of an experimental drug called Venom – not to be confused with any Marvel-owned alien substances of the same name. This almost killed our anti-hero, before granting him vastly greater physical strength – for as long as he kept taking it through pipes attached to his brain. Don't do drugs!

Bane had heard of Batman in prison, and on escaping headed for Gotham (another place where “fear rules”) to seek out this mysterious figure. Rather than go straight for the Bat-throat, however, he just knocked down the walls of Arkham Asylum and let Batman spend a few months rounding up all his enemies. 

Finally, Batman returned to his base, exhausted from three solid months of supervillain chasing, to find that Bane had figured out his secret identity and was at Wayne Manor waiting for him. Ooops. At that point, it was – as they say – on like Donkey Kong. Only things didn’t follow their normal pattern, and Bane calmly and efficiently broke Batman’s back across his knee.

In Wayne’s absence, a sometime-ally called Azrael donned a super-Batsuit, managed to defeat Bane by severing those drug pipes into his head (Drugs: don’t do it!) and beat him half to death. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne was healed by supernatural means (of course) and was able to take the Bat-mantle back from his Bat-locum, who’d threatened to go Bat-shit crazy in any case.

Following his defeat, Bane was cleaned up from his Venom addiction in prison and became a good guy. We know, we know, that makes very little sense and feels like they were pandering to fans who’d decided they liked the big guy. Anyway, he and Batman even worked together on a few jobs to bring down Venom dealers who were threatening the city.

In a slightly more convincing development, Bane met Ra’s Al Ghul, who was impressed by the man’s intellect and appointed him his successor. The pair try to launch a plague on Gotham, which Batman obviously has to stop. More importantly, he obviously has to have a rematch with Bane that doesn’t end up with the Bat getting his ass kicked and his spine severed. Win!

So what can we expect from the film? Well, the “successor to Ra’s Al Ghul” thing would fit with Nolan’s Bat-world. But breaking Arkham open has been done, and the absence of the supernatural probably precludes actually breaking Batman’s actual back. Still, the plague story is possible, as is the distribution of a new drug – although both of those risk treading awfully close to the first film’s fear toxin.

Originally posted at http://paresolid.blogspot.com

Anne Hathaway to play Catwoman and Tom Hardy will Play Bane In The Dark Knight Rises!

It looks like that actress Anne Hathaway is confirmed to play Selina Kyle/Catwoman while Tom Hardy will be playing Bane in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises. Check out the press release!

Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Anne Hathaway has been cast as Selina Kyle in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises. She will be starring alongside Christian Bale, who returns in the title role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. Christopher Nolan stated, "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Anne Hathaway, who will be a fantastic addition to our ensemble as we complete our story."

In addition, Tom Hardy has been set to play Bane. Nolan said, "I am delighted to be working with Tom again and excited to watch him bring to life our new interpretation of one of Batman’s most formidable enemies." Nolan will direct the film from a screenplay he wrote with Jonathan Nolan, from a story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer. Nolan will also produce the film with his longtime producing partner, Emma Thomas, and Charles Roven. The Dark Knight Rises is slated for release on July 20, 2012. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company

F*CKIN' RIGHT!!! THAT MADE MY MORNING!!! LEZZDODIS!!! I wonder if Anne Hathaway is going to go blonde for the role, and if Tom Hardy will put on a Mexican accent for Bane... Haha! Anyways, this is just awesome news! Thanks to Steph and Jus for sending this to me!

Originally posted at http://paresolid.blogspot.com

MUJI Noel Machine

Since MUJI just opened in Rockwell's Power Plant Mall, I found it fitting to post this. I stumbled upon this today, and found it incredibly cool! Teamed up with Barcelona-base creative agency Carlitos Y Patricia,  MUJI unleashed its Noel Machine for the holiday season in Rambla Catalunya in Barcelona. From wooden toy blocks to the Yosegi Kendama, a traditional Japanese toy, the machine is stocked with 18 delectable goodies from both MUJI’s Japanese and European collections. Of course some die-hard robotica fans would be disappointed to know there is a person handing out the purchase via a slot. But still! Cool nonetheless! Check out the pictures.

MOVIE REVIEW: The Grinch (my all-time best Christmas movie)

During this time of year, I try and spend as much time as I can with my god son. He's 7 and I usually just watch any cartoon with him, usually Ben 10. But this year, I noticed that on the TV stand they had a DVD of one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time! As in the story truly reminds me of Christmas is!

So in light of that, I am choosing to review one of the Modern Classics: "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" Now, I do realize that most of you know the story, but a good review should never assume anything.

The Grinch(Jim Carrey) has always loathed the Who’s of Whoville. His hatred is emphasized during the Christmas season, due to the Who’s hullabaloo, false emotions, and careless acquisitiveness. But one small Who, Cindy Lou Who, wants to rise above the materialistic traditions of her fellow Who’s. She chooses to reach out to the odious Grinch, in an attempt to prove to, not only the Who’s, but the Grinch himself, that Christmas isn’t about the tangible items. When he is publicly humiliated, the Grinch hatches a grand scheme to “steal Christmas” from the Who’s.

I absolutely love this story, and it is one of my favorite Christmas movies(my favorite being “A Christmas Carol”). I first saw the 1966 TV Special, which is narrated by Boris Karloff, when I was quite young, 6 or 7, I believe. I’ve just got to say that what a great message this sends kids. I wish more children were exposed to this film, because it feels as if none are. This movie keeps that message true, but adds a bit of substance to it. One such addition would be the inclusion of the denizens of Whoville. Not only does it add these characters, but the characters are developed, without overemphasizing them. Which is great, because the core of this movie should, and does, center on Whoville(as a whole), the Grinch, and, of course, Cindy Lou Who.  

Whoville looks a bit like it was created by Tim Burton, who was considered for the job of Director. The set is created to give it that special fantasy feel, which it easily accomplishes. Every thing in Whoville looks as if it was literally ripped from the page of Dr. Seuss’s classic Christmas tale. Even the cash registers seem to belong in a colorful cartoon. Definitely one of the best interpretations from any “Book to Movie” film. 

Jim Carrey, everybody’s favorite living cartoon(at the time), is tasked with the job of portraying our miserable grump, the Grinch. Very few people know that we almost had to tolerate Eddie Murphy in this role. Ugh, How terrible would that have been? Anyways, Jim Carrey, in my opinion, was the obvious choice. This was done at a time when Mr. Carrey was just starting to venture out into more serious roles, so I view this as his last, real, “Cartoon Character” like role. Jim Carrey’s voice is great, and not to mention his facial expressions are, as always, hilarious. And major props to Jim for suffering through the pain of those yellow, full-eye, contacts. Jim Carrey is an actor who is always willing to suffer for the art.


Cindy Lou Who, who I feel is the most important part of the story, is played by the precious actress, Taylor Momsen. While not her screen debut, it is her second film. Most people would say that any young actress could have played this role. But not many had the combination of cuteness and talent that the lovely Ms. Momsen posses. She portrayed that amazing child-like curiosity and wonderment that was needed to make this character believable in Hollywood. Fun fact, she is now in Gossip Girl. All grown up! I don't know who her character is because I've never watched the show but my god, how time flies!

But, this film definitely wouldn’t have been as successful if it weren’t for Ron Howard, the Director of this moving picture show. Ron Howard is, easily, one of the best Directors to ever sit behind the camera. He’s not afraid to take chances, and usually delivers a solid product. Just one of the greatest minds in film, ever. Not to mention, he saved us from the abomination that would have been delivered if Tim Burton(who was considered) had taken the Director’s position.

Christmas isn't about how many presents you get, or the cost of said presents, which is what this film expertly conveys. Objects and money will never compare to the love and affection you receive from family and friends. This move is more important now than it has ever been. 

So Merry Christmas everyone! And let us spread the gift of love with each other!

Have a Rockwell Christmas!

After my first semester of studying abroad in Boston in 2004, I flew back home to the Philippines for the holidays. Of course, I was welcomed by the insane humidity and the even crazier Christmas traffic. But after the crawling traffic on EDSA, I saw it... The Rockwell overpass, in all its well-lit glory. As if it's floating right off EDSA to bring to the comfortable city within the city, Rockwell. Honestly, I felt like crying when we turned on the overpass and I could see the buildings with their lit outlines looking like something right out of TRON, and that feeling where I finally felt Christmas.

Years have passed since then, but Rockwell's lighting still remains an iconic symbol for the Christmas season. The Rockwell, for me at least, represents all that is Christmas. Shopping as a family, or for the family. Meeting in the concourse to eat with the busy bustle from the Baker's dozen and the music coming from the grand piano.

However, things are much different from that holiday in 2004. In fact, Rockwell is even more Christmas filled than ever! This holiday season, the moment you step in the mall it is as if all your senses are heightened. Sights, sounds, and smell are overwhelmed with the Christmas spirit. The traditional Christmas colors and decors, plus the hundreds of poinsettias all over the mall. The Christmas songs playing all around the mall and the scent of pine, make hanging out in the Power Plant Mall all the more festive. And finally, the two huge Christmas trees. The one inside the mall, in the south court, which stands nearly three levels high and looks as if every single store in the mall left a gift under it. The massive lit tree in the outside of the mall, is simply breath taking. All of this create the warm Christmas feeling that only Rockwell can bring you.

Christmas in Rockwell is amazing! Makes me want to be a kid again! Besides the decors I just described, there are the stuffed animals which is always a hit. The white tigers, wolves, and pandas are not typically associated with Christmas but they offer a great photo opportunity for the family. Then there is the Wish Station where kids can make personalized letters to Santa himself! Some days, Santa himself comes by the mall and hangs out in the North Court fire place display.

Christmas decors, shopping, pine scent, the list goes on and on. Christmas in Rockwell is truly one of a kind. Yes, I do have a bias as I have lived here for nearly a decade and well given who my dad is, but nonetheless Christmas here at Rockwell is still awesome!