AQUAMAN - The most impressive visual effects you'll see in a movie !

One of my most anticipated movies to see this year is the solo flick of Aquaman. After the events of Justice League - which I enjoyed, but critics hated, I've been hoping for the next DCEU film to somehow reverse the negative flack that Justice League received from its haters. And boy, it delivers !

It has the most spectacular visual effects I have ever seen in a super hero movie. The sea creatures and monsters are amazing. And the undersea world of Atlantis is stunning ! It's like they are on a different planet.

Jason Momoa may not be the Aquaman I grew up watching from the Superfriends tv series, but he's got the physicality and tough exterior of a superhero. He's more like the new 52 Aquaman, but with long hair and a beard.  He's also a cool and fun guy to have around. He's a Surfer-Dude Aquaman !

Momoa is in the company of a talented cast. Amber Heard as Mera is incredibly gorgeous. She's not just a pretty face, as she has this tremendous power with water - the Hydrokinesis.
Nicole Kidman who plays Queen Atlanna is another sight to behold. She doesn't seem to age, and it's awesome to see her doing some bad-ass action against the Atlantian soldiers.

Willem Dafoe who was the Green Goblin in Tobey McGuire's Spiderman, now plays Vulko - he's been training the young Arthur secretly, preparing the future king.  Patrick Wilson as King Orm is a great villain ! He's strong, determined, and believable.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta is another formidable nemesis of Aquaman. He looks much like his comic-book character. However, except for that long chase scene with Arthur and Mera in Sicily, he could have done more . I guess we'll have to wait for Aquaman 2 to see his full potential.

This is really a very entertaining film to watch from beginning to end.  I especially commend the people who did the SFX. The action sequences above and below sea level are well choreographed. The different locations used are just beautiful ! There are elements of Indiana Jones, King Arthur, Avatar, Thor, and even Black Panther. It's like several movies rolled into one. But the narrative is still the journey of Arthur Curry to finding his true destiny.

Some people may find this movie silly and over-the-top. And it is, in a good way. But I guess, you just can't please everybody. Haters will be haters. I do applaud what Director James Wan has done in making Aquaman a hero to look up to.  And I hope he'll be making more movies for the DCEU. The DCEU lives on ! (Photos c/o Warner Bros. Pictures)

SPIDER-MAN : INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE - Meet the other Spideys from the Spider-verse !

SPIDERMAN : INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE tells the origin story of Miles Morales, an African-Latino kid who's from an alternate universe. He thought he's the one and only Spiderman, until he meets the other Spideys from the multi-verse.

I have to say that I really enjoyed this iterasion of Spiderman. Besides the fact that there's not only one, but six Spidermen in this story, they made a very good treatment of these Spideys. It's amazing how they all come together and fight for the common good.

Here we meet Peter Parker, Miles Morales, Spider-Gwen, Peni Parker, Spider-Ham, and Spider Noir.  While Peter Parker will always be my favorite Spiderman, I do welcome the other versions of Spidey. The way each character is introduced is just hilarious !

Although the narrative deals with all these different Spider-men, it never loses its focus on the main character. It's also a coming-out story for Miles as he tries to understand his newfound powers.

The animation is also worth mentioning. It's something I've never seen before on tv or film. It's like watching a comic book come to life before your very eyes.

Indeed, this is the best Spider-man film ever ! And I would like to see more of this in the future. Sony Pictures/Columbia Pictures has upped their notch several levels with their Spider-man universe. (Photos c/o Columbia Pictures Philippines)

EVENT CINEMA BY SM

Lights, Camera, Party at SM Cinema’s Event Cinema

Have you ever imagined having an exclusive event at the cinema with your movie of choice playing?
Look no further as SM Cinema brings you Event Cinema, a venue for special parties that make unforgettable moments come to life.

Event Cinema, located at SM Mall of Asia, is equipped with a 4D theatre and holds a 45 seating capacity. From kiddie parties to corporate junctions, there’s a special package for any private function here.

Have a particular theme in mind? No worries, as Event Cinema allows customized packages to fit every party need. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the party as Event Cinema takes care of every need including food, invitations, loot bags and decors.

Book your events through www.smcinema.com/Home/eventcinema. You may also buy tickets through the website, www.smcinema.com, or get the SM Cinema app to book your ticket and skip the line. Download the SM Cinema app now through the App store and Google Play.  Stay tuned to /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for more information.

TAKING CARE OF OUR ORAL HEALTH VIA GUMTECT GUMCARE

GUMTECT FOOD TREK : A MOUTH-FULL ADVENTURE

Filipinos, and people in general, enjoy eating. And with the Christmas season amongst us, that means endless partying, eating, and drinking.  Question is : Are we ready to take all these, specifically with our teeth and gums? As the guests were  brought to Maginhawa st. in Quezon City for the Gumtect Food Trek : A Mouth-full Adventure, Doug and Chesca Kramer had the same thoughts as we enjoyed delicious dishes and played exciting food challenges in the various restaurants in the food strip. On our first stop  we watched a short video of Doug & Chesca Kramer having some dental problems, and how they dealt with it. 

Then we were introduced to Dr. JV Jaurigue, External Vice President of the Philippine Society of Periodontology, who showed us yucky photos of gum diseases, and talked about the importance of proper oral care since gum health is connected with a person's overall health.

Ms. Atria Casidsid,  Gumtect Brand Marketing Manager, talked about how Gumtect Gumcare and Gumtect Sensitive are especially formulated in order to help promote healthy gums

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On our 2nd stop, Doug & Chesca Kramer joined us as we enjoyed more food like ramen  and maki. They shared their love of food, while bonding with family and friends; so it's really important to take care of our teeth and gums so as to avoid oral problems. 

Doug maintains oral care with Gumtect Gum Care toothpaste, as it moisturizes and strengthens the gums, protects against harmful mouth bacteria, and promotes healthy gums.

In 2011, a study by the National Monitoring and Evaluation Dental Survey stated that 48% of Filipinos have some form of gum disease.

"Pangingilo' or dental hyper-sensitivity, which is commonly caused by acidic food, over-brushing, and gum receding, begins when the inner part of the tooth is uncovered. 

That's why for Chesca, she prefers using Gumtect Sensitive toothpaste and Gumtect Sensitive mouthwash since they are specially formulated with Dynamic Desensitizing System.

  

Gumtect Gumcare is the only gum care tooth paste with GUMSHIELD which has Allantoin - improves the gum's condition, Vitamin E - moisturises gums, and Triclean - reduces plaque formation and shields against harmful oral bacteria; while Gumtect Gumcare also has Active Anti-Cavity Protection that provides fresh breath and strong teeth enamel.

Guests at the Food Crawl enjoyed more food like lemon squares and keylime pie, together with frapuccino, and other drinks. We also participated in exciting food challenges like the Mais Con Hielo relay, and the Sip The Spicy Noodle challenge. Keeping in mind what the Kramers said : "make the 'Ber months Care months for our oral health, especially for our teeth and gums. With the help of GUMTECT, we won't miss out on a sinlge foodie moment this holiday season !"

#ProtectWithGumtect     #AMouthfulAdventure

CREED II - Intense and Inspiring !

Coming off from Ryan Coogler's CREED, this sequel continues the story of Adonis Creed - who has just won the WBC World Heavyweight Championship. Growing up without a father,  and still finding balance in his life, as his dad was killed by Ivan Drago (Dolph Lungren) thirty-three years ago in ROCKY IV. Now he is being challenged to fight Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu), the son of Ivan Drago, for the heavyweight title. Will history repeat itself, or will it take another course ?

The first CREED gave new life to the ROCKY series, and this one takes the story of Adonis "Donnie" Creed to new heights. It has the same intensity and excitement as with every ROCKY movie. Donnie was subjected to brutal and rigorous training. I can feel every jab, every punch during the fight between Creed and Drago. It's like watching a real fight between champions in the boxing arena.

Michael B. Jordan is brilliant as the champion, but still underdog fighter; while Florian Munteanu is credible as the gigantic and menacing challenger. Sylvester Stallone never loses his charm as the beloved character Rocky Balboa.

It's nostalgic to see those cameos of two former characters from the previous films - one in Moscow, the other one in Vancouver. Story by Sascha Penn and Cheo Hodari Coker, while the script was co-written by Juel Taylor and Sylvester Stallone. Directed by Steven Caple Jr. Former Director Ryan Coogler served as Co-Executive Producer for MGM Pictures and New Line Cinema. Distributed by Warner Brothers Pictures. Photos c/o Warner Bros. Pictures.