Television: A woman goes to great lengths to protect her daughter in ‘Magpakailanman’

Tonight on Magpakailanman, a mother’s worst fear is realized when a nightmare scenario from her childhood happens again–to her own child.

When “Jessa Aquino,” not her real name, married her husband, she thought she was leaving a nightmare life behind. About to be a single mother, “Jessa” was just trying to get by in life–when love found her and married her. But what she thought was a fairy-tale ending proved to be a red herring as a bigger nightmare awaited her in marriage.

“Jessa” became the breadwinner of the family, leaving her husband to essentially become the housewife. What she didn’t know was that while she is away, her husband has a nasty addiction to porn–leading him to act on his lust with “Jessa’s” eldest daughter!

Confronted by the truth, “Jessa” is shell-shocked. How can something that happened to her as a child happen again? And how could she have been so wrong about her husband who she thought was going to be her family’s savior?

What will “Jessa” do for her family? For her daughter?

Find out tonight’s episode of Magpakailanman featuring Angelu de Leon, Neil Ryan Sese, and Kyle Ocampo. “Child Rape Video Scandal” is directed by Laurice Guillen, with the script by Senedy Que, based on the research of Karen Lustica.

Book: Lola, a Ghost Story

“Jesse sees dead people, monsters, demons, and lots of other things that go bump in the night. Things that no one else can see. No one except his ailing grandmother — a woman who used her visions to help those living in her small town. The same rural community in all the scary stories Jesse’s heard as a child. Man-eating ogres in trees. Farmhouses haunted by wraiths. Even pigs possessed by the devil. Upon his grandmother’s passing, Jesse has no choice but to face his demons… and whatever else might be awaiting him at Lola’s house.“

If one was to judge a book by its cover, you would say that this book isn’t scary at all. And you would be right. Because I don’t think the intent behind this book was to scare. At any capacity. Which makes me wonder–what exactly was the purpose behind Lola: A Ghost Story?

The story is nice. Unfortunately, it’s just that– Nice. It’s not groundbreaking in any way. Nor is it very original.

It’s a story designed to pull at the heartstrings, but only manages a few tugs before giving up.

It’s a story that sets up a world it has no intention of visiting again.

But it’s very likeable. Which, I think, has more to do with the art than the actual story. Because looking back at it now, asking myself what I liked in the book… I’m drawing a blank.

Well, that’s not true. I really liked the art. The story though, I feel, was a wasted opportunity.

Writer Torres sets out to tell one story, a visit to the Philippines mitigated by the death of the title character: the grandmother. It weaves stories about said grandmother to tell the reader how special she was. But the actual story happens at present, at the wake her grandson from Canada is forced to attend. And his story doesn’t really connect with the grandmother save for the fact that they share the same gift: the ability to see visions–and talk to dead people.

Something we don’t really get to explore much.

We get teases of it, sure. And the actual story does deal with one ghost. But juxtaposed with the more fantastical stories about the grandmother–the main plot falls flat.

And then we get to the ending with its vision of the future.

Closing the book, I had to ask–what was the point of the ending? And then, as I type this, I followed this up with, what was the point of the whole story? Is it about acceptance? About destiny? About faith?

Whatever the story may be about, it remained unclear and unrealized.

But the art was really nice.

Of course, I could be looking at this the wrong way. Someone out there might have been able to discern why this book is good. So let’s see what other people said about the book:
One Metal
Comic Book Resources
Kat in Books

Event: The Jason Mraz Concert

Last March, I received the best news on my inbox–Jason Mraz was going back to the Philippines! And after a couple of failed attempts at purchasing a ticket over the phone (TicketNet said they weren’t available yet, when their own website and the newsletter Jason Mraz’s team sent out said it should already be), I finally finagled a couple of tickets on the TicketNet website.

It was around 500 pesos more expensive than the advertised price, and it wasn’t the best seat. Good thing this is Jason Mraz. All seats are good seats because he knows how to put on a show. And what a show it was.

Oh yeah– the concert was last night. And it was awesome. A-W-E-S-O-M-E.

Now, I have a pretty bad track record when it comes to Jason Mraz concerts, wherein I’m always coming from somewhere and cutting it close. This is the first time though, I think, that I didn’t even catch the front act. Not that I minded. I’m not a fan of Zendee Rose. No offense, her type of singing just doesn’t jive with me.

Fortunately, I was able to catch the Jason Mraz part of the concert.

Back in 2011, when he was last here, I was a little let down with the whole shebang. But that was coming from his 2006 intimate nights that were simply astounding. I enjoyed the both times I went, but there was something magical about the 2006 concert that the 2011 one didn’t have.

The magic is back though. Last night.

Yesterday is the first time I’ve seen Jason Mraz perform with a band, come to think of it. The first two of his concerts I’ve been to, it’s always just Toca Rivera with him. Awesome duo, but as I said, there was a certain lack of something in the second time.

The band definitely marks last night as an experience that can’t be compared to the first two.

But, really, the best part of it all is that Jason Mraz seems to be enjoying himself more nowadays. And the way he interacts with everyone is amazing. He has chemistry with the whole band, and their joy at performing is palpable–and contagious.

I don’t know about the other parts of the Coliseum, but our area was standing, stomping, clapping and singing along with the band. It was a exhilarating.

The mix of songs favored his most recent album release, but Jason clearly hasn’t forgotten the ones that really made an impact in the Philippines, singing The Remedy, You and I Both, Lucky, Make it Mine, interspersed with his more recent songs. And, of course, he had to have I’m Yours as his finale.

There was a medley somewhere during the concert too. A medley that transitioned organically from one song to the next, thanks to the great performances of the band.

I’m still on a high from last night.

And I can’t wait for the next time he comes back.

Book: House of Secrets

“Brendan, Eleanor, and Cordelia Walker once had everything: two loving parents, a beautiful house in San francisco, and all the portable electronic devices tehy could want. But everything changed when Dr. Walker lost his job in the wake of a mysterious incident. Now in dire straits, the family must relocate to an old Victorian house that used to be the home of occult novelist Denver Kristoff–a house that feels simultaneously creepy and too good to be true.

By the time the Walkers realize that one of their neighbors has sinister plans for them, they’re banished to a primeval forest way off the grid. Their parents? Gone. Their friends? A world away. And they aren’t alone. Bloodthirsty medieval warriors patrol the woods around them, supernatural pirates roam the neighboring seas, and a power-hungry queen rules the land. To survive, the siblings will have to be braver thant hey ever thought possible–and fight against their darkest impulses. The key may lie in their own connection tot he secret Kristoff legacy. But as they unravel that legacy, they’ll discover it’s not just their family that’s in danger… it’s the entire world.“

I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it either. So why did I buy the book? Well, I was intrigued. And there was a lot of press about it, this book being the brain child of Chris Columbus (yes, the director) and Ned Vizzini. How was I supposed to know that when you sign up for a Chris Columbus book, you’d get what you ask for: a Chris Columbus book.

I am aware of how that sounds, read aloud.

What I mean is, you get what you ask for. Chris Columbus films are not known for their subtleties, their complicated plots–or any logical progression of story. I’m telling you that the House of Secrets will not be known for them either.

If you’re into books like this, well, this book is for you. If you’re looking for something more, I don’t know, intermediate and not elementary, I suggest looking at another title.

Now, if you think I’m bad-mouthing the book, you wouldn’t be wrong. I am doing that. A little bit. Because House of Secrets is a waste of a pretty good premise! Not an original one, but a good one.

Three fool-hardy kids from the Apple generation get stuck in actual books? Awesome.

None of the kids are the meek type who embrace their heroism as they learn to value their selves? Sign me up.

Alas, as with baking, having the right ingredients doesn’t mean you’ll get a good product. There has to the right measurement, the right pace, the right everything–and House of Secrets has none of the latter.

I don’t think it even had a structure. There were times, while reading the book, that I felt as if the writers (there’s two of them!) were making it up as they went along. And I know this because this was a writing exercise I did with a friend back in high school! She would set up our characters into predicaments that would seem impossible to get out of, and I’d find a way to do so–or device a loophole to their dilemma

It was a fun exercise, but it does not make a good story. Because you end up with a story that tries to be smarter than it should be. You get a book that feels like it has a split personality. And that’s not what you want when you’re trying to escape into a world of fantasy.

When things are unreal, you want them to make a little sense. If only to ensure that no one’s getting cheated out of a good resolution in the end.

Too bad the House of Secrets is more about cheap twists and thrills. It could’ve been the new Inkheart.

Book: Angel & Faith, Live Through This

“Throughout history Angel has had a lot to make up for, but it’s his most recent mistake that may forever alter the course of this fan-favorite antihero–the murder of one of Buffy’s most trusted allies. In his ongoing search for redemption, Angel firmly believes he’s found a way to make amends–by reviving the dead! Cue Faith–rebel Slayer charged with helping angel recover in the aftermath of his biggest misdeed. Out of fierce loyalty she supports his ridiculous scheme, if only to prevent him from going too far to attain his goal. Past, present, and potential future threats emerge as this unlikely duo struggles against real and personal demons while hitting the dark streets of London.“

I finally found a copy of this! Now, if only I could find the rest of it–

Yes, I liked it. I’ve always been fond of Faith as a character on Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, and Angel always has this effect on Faith that makes her want to be better–I’m happy that the two characters get to share this title together.

Back when Buffy and Angel were in the television, I was more of a Buffy fan as Angel went down its darker route. Buffy was always about living life, and facing problems. Angel dwelt too much in what was done, and repentance, and atonement. And I can’t say I didn’t like it. It fit the show’s noir sensibilities. I just preferred Buffy‘s relatively lighter tone.

When Faith was introduced on Buffy, she stuck out like a sore thumb because the latter’s world did not fit her. I liked the character. I liked how we’re seeing a different kind of Slayer, one who had to make choices different from Buffy’s. One who didn’t have the support system of friends– But in Buffy’s world, she was turned into a villain. Not because of who she is, but because of who she was.

And I didn’t get this until Faith came to Angel.

Faith, as a character, really doesn’t fit on Buffy’s world because she wasn’t moving forward. She was stuck in the past, unraveling her character and the choices she made. That made her a perfect fit for Angel. And this was apparent in the few episodes of the spin-off the featured her.

Angel and Faith clicked, and not romantically. That was key. They knew who they were, and who they were trying to become. They understood each other. And they respect each other so much that they aren’t afraid to call each other out on mistakes.

And that companionship–that respect–is what makes Angel & Faith, the comic series, way better than Angel: After the Fall, even though I’ve only read the first five issues as of yet.

No offense to the people behind the latter title. Angel: After the Fall was smart. It just didn’t feel like Angel. I’m not a comics person. I picked up Angel: After the Fall because I was interested to see the characters I loved on television live on. The characters I got in the title were not those characters.

But when the story universe of Buffy and Angel merged once more, resulting in Angel & Faith–I was intrigued. And it took me forever to find a copy of the title. But based on the first five issues alone–

I’m sticking with this title.

Soon as I find the next volumes.

Television: Doctor Who and the Nightmare in Silver

“Welcome to Webley’s World of Wonders! Roll up, roll up. Miracles, marvels and more await you. The wonder of the age. The miracle of modernity. They were defeated a thousand years ago, but now they’re back to destroy you. So fast, so smart, and so strong that fighting them is suicidal. Nightmares in silver! Ladies and gentlemen, behold- the 699th wonder of the universe – the Cybermen! As you’ve never seen them before…“

And so we finally get a proper Cyberman story after 2006′s two-parter episodes Rise of the Cybermen and The Age of Steel. Unless I count 2009′s The Next Doctor. Which I should. But I didn’t like it. I liked the two-parter from Series 2. I loved Nightmare in Silver.

Going into this episode, I actually feared that my bias would color my enjoyment of the episode. To the point that, I might over analyze, and… well, not like the episode. And all because I’m a Gaiman fan.

But I had nothing to fear. Gaiman delivers. And in spade.

The Doctor’s Wife from the last series had a great emotional hook in Amy and Rory, and had the gimmick of turning the TARDIS human. In Nightmare in Silver, Gaiman doesn’t have the luxury of having companions that are already well-loved, that people already care deeply about. His gimmick for the episode isn’t something that all fans are looking forward too–it’s something people are actually apprehensive about: the return of the Cybermen.

Nothing against the previous writers who handled the Cybermen, but when you make emotion their biggest weakness, it makes the Cybermen a bit of a wuss. It was interesting the first time it was done, back in 2006, because it was new. But their subsequent appearances were as easily resolved.

The Cybermen are enduring enemies of the Doctor, but unlike the Dalek, they don’t seem scary at all. Which makes me wonder why lists featuring scariest Doctor Who monsters always include them. Well, Gaiman’s Nightmare in Silver shows us why.

The Cybermen have become too human. To make them scary again, Gaiman took out the humanity. And what we get is an exceptional episode that even includes a great relationship development for the Doctor and Clara.

I do have two gripes for this episode.

Number one, when the Doctor notices the cybermites for the first time, he knew he couldn’t leave the planet. But why have the children stay in the planet instead of in the TARDIS?

Number two, Matt Smith is a great actor, yes–but I thought his CyberPlanner persona was a bit too flamboyant–and not unlike his portrayal of a very happy Doctor. Except more sinister.

I mean, I love the nuances that made Mr. Clever, the CyberPlanner, very distinct from the Doctor. And I get that there’s a bit of tomfoolery in the front that Gaiman wants to keep viewers guessing which Doctor is interacting with Clara. But prior to this–when it’s just the Doctor and the Cyber puppets–I really found it disconcerting that the CyberPlanner and the Doctor were essentially the same.

Unless, there’s a statement there somewhere.

Overall though, excellent episode.

I just hope next week’s finale lives up to the recent exceptional episodes.

Television: A tween becomes a mother tonight in ‘Magpakailanman’

Krystal Reyes features in a career-making role as she stars in the life story of Tintin Ng, a woman who became a mother at the young age of 13.

Taken against her will and kept out of the world, Tintin’s world revolved around the man who took her. But her nightmare world wasn’t so bad and she eventually learned to accept her fate. But when the opportunity to escape presents itself on her 18th birthday, Tintin must figure out if a woman like her can retrieve the childhood taken from her–and if she can leave behind the three children she already bore.

Magpakailanman presents Tintin Ng’s story tonight as a Mother’s Day presentation. The episode also features Gardo Versoza, Ryan Eigenmann, and Mayton Eugenio, under the effective direction of Dominic Zapata, with a script written by Senedy Que, on research materials collected by Cyril Ramos.