Imagine You and Me Movie Review

Warning: Possible spoilers

I rarely watch local movies nowadays. I grew up watching local films so I think I have an idea of how most comedies, dramas, and action movies made in my country will turn out. So I was pleasantly surprised for the most part of the movie Imagine You and Me and was almost about to give it a perfect ten until about the end.

Accidents have been overused in love stories. In Meet Joe Black, Brad Pitt gets hit by a car. In The Lake House, Keanu Reeves also gets hit by a car. There's another movie that I can't quite recall at the moment, where the female character rides a bicycle and gets hit by a car. All of them died. So, whenever someone gets hit by a car, you expect a tragic ending. But instead, Maine Mendoza's character gets hit by a car and survives. Why place the event in the movie? It was unnecessary. The idea of Alden Richards' character torn between Maine and Jasmine Curtis-Smith is already tragic enough. The movie could actually have ended, in my opinion, when Maine sees Alden chasing after her as she heads for the airport. I know that Pinoys are used to happy endings, but this movie could have been a classic love film which ranks with all-time bests if it were ended properly.

The choice of location was perfect. You'ld even think it was made like Hana Kimi or some other Japanese love comedy. Most of the shots were beautiful, showcasing the different parts of Italy. I think that most times, Filipino films are negatively affected by the local environment they are shot in. But Italy was like a dream... the houses look perfect, the countryside was pristine, and even interiors were well thought of.

I am thankful that they did not flood this film with ads like the first Alden-Maine movie. (Tide makers - you know what I'm talking about.) There was one scene with a McDonalds happy meal, but it was subtle compared to what Tide did. And I know, that is one way for the producers to make money, but just add the endorser in the credits. Shouldn't the main source of money by the ticket sales?

Maine's acting was great. She stayed in character. Don't know if she was playing her real-life self, but she was more believable here than as a rich man's daughter. It was also nice to see Alden not falling over Maine like a love sick puppy in Kalyeserye. And Jasmine Curtis-Smith should be nominated for Best Supporting Actress. The two friends of Maine were also a good balance and sources of comic relief.

This movie, in my opinion, can compete with those love stories produced in other countries. The twist about Jasmine Curtis-Smith was very original for me. I hope more movies that are less predictable come out. If not for the ending, I would have given this film a perfect 10. But even with that disappointment, I would still give this movie a 9. I hope more local movies will be given as much time and attention so that the quality of local cinema can be elevated.



 

 

ISP Sacrifices Phone Connection for Internet Connectivity

If you are a long-time Internet user whose landline is bundled with your internet plan, you might have experienced this situation already. You call your ISP and tell them that you have no Internet connection. You are of course using your landline to call them up. They send a tech over to try and resolve the situation. Your internet connection is restored but your phone's dial-tone goes dead. One problem is solved but another is created.

ISPs that offer a bundled landline and Internet service usually have two divisions. One specializes only in telephone repair while the other specializes in Internet related-problems. I, for one, think that this is a scenario that needs to be changed. They should only have one division that makes sure all types of problems faced by the customer is fixed.

Your landline needs two wires to work properly. Your internet connection only needs one. So, to the repairman who belongs to the Internet division, as long as he restores your internet connection, his job is already done. It does not matter if you lose your landline's connection. As far as he is concerned, it is now a problem that the telephone division needs to address.

But both divisions belong to the same company. So, you are actually creating more problems for your company. And in the process, the image of your company is being tarnished.

Fix all problems at once. Do not create more problems just to solve existing ones. Most often, if you go to the root of the original problem, you can avoid creating additional problems during the process of coming up with a solution.

Just To See Her Guitar Chords

Here's my attempt at guitar chords for Smokey Robinson's song, "Just To See Her". Hope you like it!

"Just To See Her"

Stanza Pattern
C#m F#m Bm E (D) (Repeat)
Just to see her,
C#m F#m Bm E (D)
just to touch her
C#m F#m Bm E (Esus - E)
Just to hold her in my arms again one more time

Repeat Stanza Pattern
If I could feel her warm embrace
see her smiling face
Can't find anyone to take her place I've got to see her again

(Transition chord to chorus) G

Chorus Pattern:
C Am Dm G (F)
I would do anything,
Em Am Dm G (F)
I would go anywhere
Em Am Dm G
There's nothing I wouldn't do just to see her again

(Transition chord back to stanza) E

Use Stanza Pattern:
I can't hide it,
I can't fight it
It's so hard to live without the love she gave to me

Use Stanza Pattern:
Doesn't she know it,
I tried hard not to show it
Can't I make her realize that she really needs me again

Use Chorus Pattern:
I would do anything,
I would go anywhere
There's nothing I wouldn't do just to see her again

Use Chorus Pattern:
She brightened up my everyday
made me feel so good in every way
If I could have her back to stay, I've got to see her again

Foolish Heart Guitar Chords

This song by Steve Perry was also popularized by Side A and Nina. Here's my attempt at its chords. Hope you like it!

"Foolish Heart"

Stanza Pattern:
E        F#7        E9    F#7
I need a love that grows
       E         F#7       E9    F#7
I don't want it unless I know

Refrain Pattern:
          B6       B11
With each passing hour
  G#m7       C#
Someone somehow
  G#m7    C#      F#7sus F7
Will be there, ready to share

Stanza Pattern:
E        F#7        E9    F#7
I need a love that's strong
       E         F#7       E9    F#7
I'm so tired of being alone

Refrain Pattern:
          B6       B11
But will my lonely heart
  G#m7       C#
play the part
  G#m7    C#       F#7sus    F7
Of the fool again Before I begin

Chorus Pattern:
E              F#7         B
Foolish heart, hear me calling
E              F#7         B
Stop before you start falling
E              F#7         B
Foolish heart, heed my warning
G#m7              C#
You've been wrong before
F#7sus            F#7
Don't be wrong any more

Stanza Pattern:
I'm feeling that feeling again
I'm playing a game I can't win

Refrain Pattern:
Love's knocking on the door
Of my heart once more
Think I'll let her in
Before I begin

Chorus Pattern:
Foolish heart, hear me calling
Stop before you start falling
Foolish heart, heed my warning
You've been wrong before
Don't be wrong any more

Use Stanza Pattern for Instrumental:

Chorus Pattern:
Foolish heart, hear me calling
Stop before you start falling
Foolish heart, heed my warning
You've been wrong before
Don't be wrong any more

Use Stanza Pattern to Fade Out:
Foolish heart...

Selective Browsing and Games Stuck at the Loading Screen

Yesterday, I tried to access the NBA website in order to check on updates with regards to the 2016 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. But for some reason, the site would not load. I quickly checked on Google, and it loaded immediately. Tried Facebook, and it was fine, too. So I thought that it was just a problem with the NBA website.

But then, I tried to go to CNN, and it, too, would not load. I tried YouTube, an videos were playing fine, but when I tried another different site, it would not load. I then knew I was dealing with a Selective Browsing issue. And I knew it wasn't my hosts file causing the problem because I usually edit this only to prevent unwanted pop-ups from advertisement sites.

This issue was happening on both my PC and my mobile phone. On the phone, Viber would not work and some of the games like Clash of Clans and Boom Beach were stuck at the loading screen. FFRK was alright, but another game was not.

So instead of reformatting my PC and resetting my phone back to factory settings, I decided to call up my Internet Service Provider. I already experienced this issue before, and they were able to resolve it by a procedure called port resetting. That was done after an onsite was able to rule out any possible problems with their hardware (modem, filter) and the phone line. All the tech did was call up their support division which conducted the procedure. I asked him what was being done, and his explanation was that my ISP was issuing me another port. ^_^ I guess you can think of it as a water pipe from the service provider that has gone bad (slightly clogged, where you can still get some water, but not all of it), and all they are doing is issuing me another water pipe so that water (information) can flow fully.

I am curious on how the Selective Browsing issue actually happens. In the above analogy, I'd like to know what causes the clogging. There are some explanations that involve an analogy of the browser cache and how this needs to be cleared, and how an ISP needs to do the same thing, but it's still to vague for me. I've tried to search the Internet for more articles on this issue, but have not found one with a satisfactory explanation on the causes and resolutions of Selective Browsing. If you're reading this, and you can explain how it happens, or point me to a resource that has a good explanation, please feel free to post in the comments section below. Thank you.

The Lady Wants To Know Guitar Chords

Here's my attempt at the guitar chords for an oldie from Michael Franks. Hope you enjoy it!

Intro Pattern:
DM7 AM7
DM7 AM7
CM7 G7
AM7

Stanza  Pattern:
DM7                 AM7
Daddy plays the ashtray.
DM7              AM7
Baby starts to cry.
CM7                     G7
The Lady wants to know
(G)             AM7
The reason why


Repeat Stanza Pattern:
Daddy's just like Coltrane.
Baby's just like Miles.
The Lady's just like heaven
When she smiles.

Refrain Pattern:
(AM7)                         Am7                            
And the Lady wants to know
                                   D7 (or D9)
She wants to know the reason
Am7                             D7 (or D9)
Got to know the reason why.
                              Gm7                    
This man has got to go
C9
This man is always leavin'
Gm7                        C9
How he hates to say goodbye.
                                Fm7
But what she doesn't know
            Bb9
Is there really is no reason
Fm7                              Bb9
There really is no reason why.


Instrumental: Repeat Intro Pattern

Repeat Stanza Pattern:
Daddy he hates airplanes.
Baby loves to fly.
And the Lady wants to know
The reason why.
Daddy's just like Coltrane.
Baby's just like Miles.
The Lady's just like heaven
When she smiles.


Repeat Refrain Pattern:

Getting a Non-Professional Driver's License 2016

I've read a lot of good tips on how to get your Non-Professional Driver's License from the LTO. Just thought I'd give an update on the costs as of May 2016.

I spent 180 pesos on the medical exam at Cabreros Medical Clinic, located on the 2nd floor of the Chowking building to the left side of the LTO Compound in Quezon City. The will measure your height and weight, and give you tests for the eyes and for your feet.

Afterwards, proceed to Step 1 for the LTO Form. You will be given a number after you present your student's permit. Hopefully, it hasn't expired yet. Mine was about to reach a year, so I was pressured to go get my Non-Prof unless I wanted to renew my Student's License again. After getting a number, wait for it to be called at either Windows 9, 8 or 10.

After you are called, the next step would be your photo and signature capture at Window 6. Then payment for the exam at Window 7 which will cost you roughly 170 pesos. After paying, proceed to the Review Room and choose between an English or Tagalog Reviewer. Hopefully, you've tried the free online reviewers available.

After about 30 minutes to an hour of waiting, you will be asked to proceed to the examination room for the actual exam. Try to familiarize yourself with the traffic signs on the wall before the actual exam takes place. Those symbols are a huge help.

Again, wait for the results of the written exam, and if you pass, you will be called for the actual driving exam at their test area. If you fail, I think you can re-apply after a month.

At the test area, you will be given a brief orientation once all the test takers are present. Just a note here, I think processing test takers in batches are one of the reasons why this process takes almost an entire day. If I were to suggest changes in the LTO License Application process, it would be to computerize the written exam so that results are available as soon as the applicant is finished taking the test, and the applicant does not have to wait for his batchmates (the ones who took the test together with him). Same with the Driving Exam. Applicants can be instructed to just read signages on the wall before being called by the driving instructor for the exam. But I guess the vehicles have to be re-fueled and checked for maintenance after a batch is done.

If you don't have a car, you can rent one for 250 pesos. But if you have one, and you have a relative who already has a non-pro license, then it is better to bring it and operate a vehicle which you are already familiar on how to drive. Then, wait for your turn to drive through the test course. Try to be familiar with parking a car via backing. This was my main difficulty. Thank the Lord, I passed.

Even experienced drivers were having some difficulty with models they were not familiar driving. There was a Suzuki model that was really old. There was no signal stick, and the manual transmission was a bit of a challenge. Hopefully, you'll get a better and newer model than that one for the test.

After about 30 more minutes, if you passed, you will have to pay the license fee at Window 7 (the same one before), this time amounting to almost 420 pesos. Wait for another 15 to 30 minutes to get the Official Receipt from Window 13. The actual license will take 2 to 3 months according to the personnel at Window 13 of the LTO.

I started at around 9 in the morning and finished at about 3 in the afternoon. I hope you have a better experience and that you successfully get your Non-Pro License, too.

Medical Fee 180
Exam Fee 170
Car Rental 250
License Fee 420
_________________
Total Expense 1020 pesos

Update: 12/22/2016
After learning of the announcement that the Driver's License I.D. Cards were now available, I dropped by the LTO and presented my receipts. It took about thirty minutes of waiting, but afterwards, I got the actual card and no longer have to carry a paper license.