flipland

25 June 2009

The Ross Sisters

I have no idea what "Solid Potato Salad" refers to, but this routine is mind boggling. I repeatedly uttered, "Ouw!" as the sisters went through their routine.

Behold, the precursor to Cirque du Soleil....

13 June 2009

Pic of the Day: Makati

I found this old photo of the Makati. This is the intersection of Ayala and Makati Avenues. The Manila Peninsula is the the left of the frame. Gilarmi Apartments, the smalli-sh white uilding between the building right next to The Pen and the Twin Towers was just demolished a couple of months ago. Notice that the corner lot across from The Pen in intesection is still empty. This is the lot where the landmark Rizal Theater used to be. There is a billboard noting the soon-to-be constructed Makati Shangri-la Hotel.

05 June 2009

Pic of the Day: "Bomb" Basket

28 May 2009

NPR's take on Mendoza's "Kinatay"

To see or not to see....????????? "Kinatay" reaction at about 10 mins, 15 seconds into the interview.

Overall, this year's Cannes may indeed have been, as John Powers says, "...the nastiest..." Cannes filmfest ever.

Click here to NPR's interview with movie critic, John Powers: "On The Ground At Cannes".

Click here for the film's synopsis.

24 May 2009

Douglas Nierras' Powerdance

The Douglas Nierras Powerdance Company (23-May-2009)

"Is it performance art?", I blurted into the cell phone mic over a very choppy line. "Yes," G said, "it is performing arts."

I was thinking twice about going to see the Douglas Nierras Powerdance troupe perform "Panalangin" last night. It would've been a mistake not to go. Had I not forced myself I would not have been introduced to such a talented choreographer. I was blown away by it to say the least.

The troupe performed a free "send-off" concert last night at the Philamlife Theatre. Tomorrow, they are off to Europe to perform an impressively imaginative repertoire of 'prayer dance' performances. "Panalangin", or translated into English - prayer - was the piece performed by the troupe for Pope John Paul II. You don't have to be Catholic, or religious, to be able to feel the power and the emotions being projected by the dancers throughout this piece. "The Coroner's Report", with original music by the Philippines' own Ryan Cayabyab, is the most incredible interpretation of one of the most sacred events in Catholicism and it will blow your mind away!

After a week of news of ridiculous sex scandals, swine flu incidents, and the usual incredulous accounts of life out here, it was a privilege to watch such a talented, dedicated, original, and inspired group of Filipino artists remind us of the positive aspects this place.

The lobby of the equally impressive Philamlife Building on UN Avenue. Retro-modern/modern-retro. Just plop down some chairs by Marcel Breuer or LeCorbusier et voila! Either way, it is classic and timeless.

22 March 2009

Jeepney Drivers On Strike: No Traffic!!!

"Public transport here was crippled on Thursday when jeepney drivers went on strike to demand the revocation of a Land Transportation Office (LTO) order increasing by 300 percent the penalties imposed on traffic violations."
- Davao City / Business Mirror,19-Mar-09

Sounds like a good idea as long as there is proper enforcement of the law and fines. It could even result in a reduction of illegal opeartors and in lighter traffic situations. Why not? Anything to get messes like this ridiculous traffic management scheme to be a thing of the past.

Related Posts
Traffic Experiment
Traffic Stasis
MMDA Blue Shirts

20 March 2009

Traffic Experinment

Does this look like this 'traffic experiment' is working?

Jeepney Drivers on Strike: No Traffic!!!

Traffic Stasis
MMDA Blue Shirts

15 March 2009

Journey in Manila

Just over a year ago, I uploaded an email recounting the story of how Journey's lead singer, Arnel Pineda, got his US visa in order to make it to his audition with Neal Schon. Last night he came back full circle to Manila with Journey. With his youthful energy, further pumped up by an excited and proud home crowd, he led Journey through a list of classics he had covered for years, plus now his own Journey songs.

The band has been in Manila for the last two weeks. They did sneak out for a few days this week for a concert in Japan. But, while they've been here it seems that there has been some golf and beach outings in their schedule. Last night's show was what a documentary crew had been building up to since they began shadowing Arnel and the band through its US concert dates. It was a special evening for Arnel, his friends and his former band, The Zoo. The lot was scattered throughout the audience. But it was an especially meaningful evening for him and his family. Last night was the first time that his wife had ever seen him perform on stage a
with Journey.