Carpool by Jerrold Tarog

Rating: 5/5
This movie short (10 minutes long) won 1st place in the short feature category of the 19th Gawad CCP for Alternative Movies and Video. It was also an exhibition film at the 2006 Cinemanila International Film Festival. It's in Filipino but a version with English subtitles is also available. Directed by Jerrold Tarog, cinematography by Ruel Dahis Antipuesto.

After watching it, I just had this big silly grin on my face. It's just so... real! (Thanks Javi for sharing this with me!)

New music by Josh Verdes

Josh Verdes is a cross between John Mayer and Jack Johnson. Check out my favorite song of his, "Save Me". He's a Fil-American and the performers in the video below are his sister (back-up vocals) and brother (on bass).



If you liked this video, you may also want to check out Happyslip's short "Boypren" which features the song.

New music by Blue Ketchup

My sister never fails to introduce me to these fabulous new Pinoy bands. Blue Ketchup is one of them.



I specially like Indyanera which has some rhythmic pianos and a bossa-feel. There are more videos on youtube and you can download some of the MP3s from thedigitalpinoy (registration required.)

New music by Jose Vanders

I stumbled upon the music of British Jose Vanders and I think she's the female pianist equivalent of Brett Dennen.

Jose's (pronounced Josie or Jaws) myspace page lists her musical inspiration as: "...boys
who have broken my heart . and boys who have stuck it back together with pritt stick and glitter . so its kind of sticky . but still nice and shiny..." How very artsy fartsy!

Listen to her music, compare it with Brett Dennen and let me know what you think.

Animoto: Create music videos with your photos and music

I've discovered Animoto, a new idiot-proof service on the net that lets you create music videos with your photos and music.

Simply upload your photos (or have it import from flickr, picasa, etc...), upload your MP3 and within 5 minutes it will whip-up a fancy slideshow set to your music. Flashy/jazzy effects, very professional looking and very user friendly.

The trial version lets you make 30second clips for free but it's USD3 per full video or USD30 for a year's worth of unlimited clips.

I can think of so many uses for this-- prom videos, your travel photos, a gift for an anniversary or for a birthday--it's relatively cheap! Why spend Php30,000 for a slideshow of your wedding photos when this site will do it for less than php150?

Check out a quick and dirty 30sec sample I created below.


Bonus points for Animoto because the name makes it sound... oh, so Lasallian. Animo!

Melissa Shoes, Elianto Blusher, Mascara

Liza took up computer science in university but is now a budding make-up artist. Talk about career change! Check out her reviews about make-up (which I absolutely know nothing about!).

So far she has written about:

• Elianto One Touch Blusher - "aside from the ease of application, and the perfect shade, it lasts long!"
• L'Oreal's Volume Shocking Construction mascara - Liza recommends this for those who have "barely there eyelashes". She continues with "...it has a dramatic effect, so if you're not used to wearing makeup, it'll need a little getting used to..."
• Stipling brush - "... the black bristles keep falling off!!!..."

Tanya has a review of Melissa Shoes, a Brazilian brand that makes shoes that are "are funky, colorful, fashionable, and most important of all, comfy." They also have a "candy-like, tutti-frutti smell." It's Php3,000 a pair so Tanya recommends that you ask someone to buy for you from Singapore or Thailand where it's cheaper.

Girl power! Yay!

Quiz night at Pirates Steakhouse and Pub, Hout Bay

See if you can figure out this sample question from yesterday's quiz night (every 1st Thursday of the month) at Pirates Steakhouse and Pub at Hout bay. The champion team was able to get 13 out of the 14.
***
To make the story semi-readable, insert the names of well known bands and artists-- some old, some new. The number in parenthesis indicate how many letters. Good luck!

*right said fred* (5,4,4) as he pulled the bedclothes from us. It was 7am and we were on a surfing holiday. Fred continued "let's go down to the *beach boys* (5,4)-- there's great surf running". I put on my *pink* (4) bathing suit and headed down to the *Sandy Shaw* (6,4)

We soon spotted a group of local lads playing volleyball *Who* (3) were all art lovers-- they were known as the *Culture Club* (7,4). This part of the beach was for men only and was known as the *Boyzone* (7). As soon as we joined them, the tide rose quickly and we got *Wet Wet Wet* (3,3,3)

Dick was the first to get hungry and wanted some breakfast, but rather than use the path back to the top, he decided to climb the rock face. Someone shouted, "don't climb the *Cliff Richard* (5,7), some *Rolling Stones* (7,6) may fall down and hurt you". Unfortunately, he did slip and fall but luckily he was not badly hurt-- a *Deep Purple* (4,6) gash and a few scratches which were covered with a *Band Aid* (4,3).

On the way home, we were stopped by *The Police* (3,6) who told us that we would have to find another way home as there were some *Men at Work* (3,2,4) on the road ahead and there was no way through.

(Highlight the space between the *asterisks* for the answer.)
***
I always enjoy quiz night at Pirates-- the questions are creative, difficult, but just difficult enough so that you're kicking yourself and saying "I knew that!!!"

What color is an archer's bull's eye? Who was paid $10million for a 10 minute appearance in Superman, which among rose, mike, charlie and juliet is the odd one out, what's a word that begins with A that is used unchanged in over a thousand languages... This is jeopardy in a steak house!

Try the tender rump-bites and ribs combo (ZAR 50) or the pirates beef burger (ZAR 26). Wash it down with a Katemba followed by a Jack & Lime and you'll be drinking like a local in no time.

Conclusion:
Three and a half pawikan points. It's good, clean fun best enjoyed in large groups. Minus points because i've gone to quiz night three times and I still haven't won anything!!!

Nalu Beach (Bar), Scheveningen

Nalu Beach is smooth like a freshly powdered baby’s butt.
***
Plywood floorboards, wooden tables, comfy nylon chairs, muted lights, roaring open fires complemented by acid jazz/lounge-y beach music—these are the reasons why Nalu Beach Bar is one of my favorite hang-outs at Scheveningen Beach.

There’s just this laid back vibe about this place that I can’t quite put my finger on but picture this: sitting back with your legs up, the sun shining in your face as it casts its rays as it goes through its slow descent—blissful relaxation.

It's great during sunset but even better at night with the flickering fire and the accompanying shadow play. The food is average (burgers, fries, ribs, etc...) and the bar really isn't that big but I like the place anyway.

Must try: ask for the traditional Dutch kopstoot (roughly translated as headbutt)!

Conclusion:
Four pawikan points! Bonus points for the steady wait staff who are friendly, efficient and unobtrusive. Pay them a visit and tell bartenders Natasja and Sasja that reviewsbyp sent you.

Mambo Bar, Scheveningen

I’ve tasted Dirty Girl Scout’s underwear (shaken with crushed ice!) and it’s definitely a guilty pleasure.

No, I’m not a pervert—dirty girl scout’s underwear (€10) is a cocktail concoction from another one of my favorite haunts at Scheveningen—Mambo.

It’s a potent mixture of vodka, triple sec, crushed mint, strawberries (and girl scouts!) shaked with crushed ice in a steel tumbler. Serves up to 6 shots and after two or three of these babies, you’ll be ready to dance on tables.

Chill-out music and a smaller, cozier, everyone-is-welcome vibe makes you feel all warm and fuzzy.
Conclusion:
Four pawikan points. Bonus points for the entertaining wait staff. Ask the muscular bartender to give the girl scout’s underwear an extra kick. After you’re all giggly and tipsy, ask the waiter to show you some magic tricks and prepare to be amazed. Tell them reviewsbyp sent you and maybe they’ll give you a beer on the house.