The Last of 2012: BBC's Merlin

Merlin is one of those materials that I discovered purely by accident, and not because it was blatantly recommended to me by somebody. I saw pictures of this medieval series and thought I could give it a try because I wanted something else besides Ice and Fire to occupy my attention. It was during the height of my obsession for Game of Thrones and I wanted something as rich and as mesmerizing a world as Westeros, I wanted knights in armors and dragons and ladies in gorgeous dresses and tourneys and jousts and magic spells. Camelot seemed like a perfect fit.

The BBC series that began in 2008 featured a different telling of the Arthurian legends. Instead of a long-bearded and old wizard Merlin from the stories, we had a young warlock who had a great destiny paved for him to discover and realize. The title role played by (the really amazing) Colin Morgan, Merlin was set to serve and help the then young and slightly obnoxious Prince Arthur, portrayed by (the equally fantastic) Bradley James. Together, and with the not-so-little help from Merlin's concealed magic, they set aright the threats and villains besieging what was destined to be the great kingdom of Camelot, as well as the united lands of Albion.

© 2008-2012 BBC / Merlin Television Partners

Right from the beginning, I have deemed the series campy. And when I thought of comparing it with the complexity of Game of Thrones, it just paled in comparison. But Merlin did not pretend to be more than it was, especially during the first couple of seasons. It is a family show, meant to be seen by kids, so the good always defeated the evil, along with the great dragon's wisdom and Merlin's powers. The four lead characters, Merlin, Arthur, Morgana (Katie McGrath) and Gwen (Angel Coulby) were a delight to watch. And even when the series went on to become darker and more mature, the series balanced the sense of foreboding with the chemistry between the characters, especially between Merlin and Arthur.

Towards the last two seasons, however, I just felt like the plot got unbearably repetitive for every episode. I think the reason why I stuck with it until the end was because I got really invested in the characters already, and I hoped to see Arthur be the greatest King he would be or Camelot as the kingdom of legends. The end, to be honest, made me feel betrayed. Merlin had so much potential and the series minimized it to defeating the villain-of-the-week instead building up to a stronger and more virtuous king who had brought forth a new era where magic was allowed to flourish.

But the end, oh that damned end that had me restless and weeping for hours and days, was probably the best the series could offer considering the path the general plot had taken. As both the actors and even the producer had said, without putting it implicitly, the series was about the platonic love story between Arthur and Merlin who trusted and needed each other and who made the other a more worthy person. Colin and Bradley did a really really supreme job of translating into the screen the chemistry between them and their characters. It was probably what made me love this series more than I should. Colin and Bradley made us, the viewers, relate to Arthur and Merlin by wishing that we could have someone like Arthur to believe in or someone like Merlin to trust in.

I really couldn't have prepared myself for the sentiments this utterly campy series had brought me.  And I have got more than I came for--stunning costumes, amazing musical scores, deliciously beautiful sets and mise-en-scene, exciting cavalry sorties, magic spells, sorcerers and witches, kings and queens and knights and ladies, engaging and clever dialogues, superb actors and actresses (Colin won Best Actor!!!) portraying complex characters, and the emotional investment on a story I will keep coming back to in the time to come.

The Last of 2012: Food and Friends

Despite the inevitable separation of ways, my friends and I make it a point to chastise and degrade one another over movies, food and ridiculous amount of laughter.

When you have friends who don't take "no" for an answer, you end up having one of the best Maginhawa St. food trips in a long while.

Two topmost photos by Maripi. ♥

Birthday celebration is equal to stuffing ourselves silly with sweet things and belting out Japanese songs whose lyrics we can hardly read.

The best team mates to have are those who give you a two-week late birthday card and donuts when you least expect it.

Cool things from cool people. Little surprises received while at the desk do brighten up days. 

Photos by the pinakamabait sa lahat, Maripi. 8D 

Christmas dinner means getting lost in the city and exchanging silly gifts and then getting lost again, all the while looking forward to a more fun and sumptuous year ahead. :D

The Last of 2012: Movies

Tiktik (2012)

For all the hype that this movie made prior to its showing, I expected something that would make me believe that Filipino mainstream films can compete on the same level with high-class international movies. In a way, Tiktik did not disappoint. The opening credits were a really amazing sequence, a gorgeous concoction of animations of Philippine mythical creatures. The "world-class special effects" that the ads boasted of were pretty much laudable during the first few minutes. But as plots go, Tiktik seemed to be torn between being a real thriller or a complete dumbing-down to be a full-pledged slapstick comedy. It was really just too convenient that there was a field of salt at the back of the neighbor's house, for example, right? While I do think that Filipino films can really get away with bits of funny and dark humor antiques here and there amid a tremendously serious premise, I thought Tiktik could really do better with some more honing in its technique and character development.

It is a really enjoyable film, I have to say. (Ramon Bautista stan over here.) It has gripping action sequences and again, the visual effects are to rave about. I guess, I was just looking for more cultural depth since Tiktik had already made the bravest step of trailblazing this kind of storytelling style.

Rurouni Kenshin (2012) 

There is great pleasure derived from being able to watch a movie you never thought you'd see in the real big screen. As a fan of numerous Asian films, I've been content with watching on my computer for years. But upon learning about Rurouni Kenshin being shown for a limited time here in the Philippines, I rejoiced and lined eagerly at the box office with the whole anime community of the country.

I admit, I haven't seen the anime series in full and I can't exactly tell how the movie did as far as adaptations go but Sato Takeru as the wandering swordsman was really effective with his brooding silences as well as comedic timing. Himura Kenshin is a well-beloved character and I believe, at least with the audience that night at the cinema, that Takeru's portrayal was well-received. The film manages to capture the changes in the main characters even through the fast-paced plot and subplots. The movie was more than an action film, it was a sublime tale of a portion of Japan's history as well as the relationships between the characters and even the antagonists. Of course, Japanese live action films are known for capturing larger-than-life characters and stories with intricate sets, costumes, cinematography and special effects. Rurouni Kenshin was such and more. It tipped its hat to (seasoned) fans of the anime while making sure that it can be appreciated by newbies such as me.

Besides, seeing it with a movie-house full of (fellow anime) fans who probably almost-never get to see a Japanese film in a real local cinema added to the experience. It's no wonder Rurouni Kenshin's screening got extended to about two months, from just a mere week. Already, we are awaiting the sequel. And it's probably high time I watch the series and read the manga for real. Heh.

The Hobbit (2012) 

I watched this film twice, first before being able to read the book, and the second time after finally reading the tale of Bilbo's adventures. On both times, I had marveled at the sheer beauty of the sets for Middle-earth, the gorgeous soundtracks, the incredible costumes and make-up. The Hobbit is a testament of director/producer Peter Jackson's passion for the beloved Tolkien material.

I understand the additional story-lines in the movie that helped advance and add depth to the main The Hobbit story, including the meeting of The White Council, the story of Azog the Defiler, Radagast the Brown, and other bits. Some character development was different, too. Somehow, I got bothered during the first time I saw it that it's going about too long than it should. I understand that The Hobbit is a book for kids, and the movie seems to be following the style of Lord of the Rings more than it had to.

But then, I loved it. Andy Serkis's Gollum was amazing as always, Riddles in the Dark was as climactic as it was in the book. Martin Freeman as the reluctant hobbit with a bit of a superiority complex dragged to an adventure was quite spot-on. The rift between the elves and the dwarves was cunningly staged, I think, and it had set up the trouble that is to come in the sequels. It was fantastic to be back with a new adventure in Middle-earth. I really don't have an extensive knowledge about the whole book series to compare the plots that the movie nailed or deviated from. I just know that I enjoyed the visual treat and I am looking forward to the next one.

El Presidente (2012) 

I think El Presidente is commendable for its ambition. It had great potential. Hell, I've always wanted to watch a decent local period film that is not about Rizal. But there was still much to be desired. I felt rather uneasy with the cuts and the fight sequences. But I really thought the set and costumes were impeccable with their ability to re-create the Spanish era.

However, since I was never pro-Aguinaldo, Estregan's acting did little to nothing to convince me otherwise. I really thought watching his blandness in the lead role was kind of uncomfortable especially as he was surrounded by high-caliber actors in supporting roles. When you have Cesar Montano, Joonie Gamboa, Christopher de Leon, Yul Servo, Ronnie Lazaro and the like around you, I think you need to up your scale. I was wondering throughout if Sid Lucero would have been the better fit for the role of Aguinaldo. He was amazing despite the minute size of his screen time as one of Aguinaldo's men. His face when he was told to run an errand near the end told a bigger story than the carefully-written speeches and long shots on Estregan's blank face.

Also, I felt really uncomfortable about the accuracy of the story. When you present factual events in films like this, people will have the tendency to take it in face value. To me, the way the plots unfolded (especially concerning the Tejeros convention and the projected betrayal of Bonifacio, who by the way, was well-portrayed by Cesar Montano) seemed like a defense towards the actions Aguinaldo had taken. It was like that--the movie felt like it needed to defend and make Aguinaldo appear to be the "chosen one" for the country.

Yes, Aguinaldo was a hero. Yes, he played a great role in our history. It's exactly the reason why stories like this needed to be carefully told, especially in a medium as widely accessible as mainstream films. The film was a visual treat and our film industry could do more with this kind of first-rate cinematography quality albeit the focus left me wanting.

This Saturday night in neon lights is the best. Thank you, Stars.

The night starts here. The night starts here.

Wow, I'm back to blogging here after three months and it took a wonderful night with a wonderful band to get me back on my gear. All the two-hour wait in line outside and then another hour inside the venue were totally worth it. I am a relatively new fan of Stars, compared to those who have known them for years and who ended up crying during the performance, but that night was one of the best experiences I've ever had.

Their words simply blow me away, and the melodies are just the right mix of rock and mellow. It was amazing how in less than a year, their songs have managed to touch my life in so many unexpected ways.

Outerhope

Ciudad

Outerhope + Ciudad

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

It almost feel like a favor from the gods of fate that just when I have become so in love with the band that they decided to have a tour and include Manila in their destinations. IT WAS AWESOME and I knew I have to watch it or I will regret it forever. The whole show had me singing along and enjoying the crowd I was part of. Torq and Amy and the rest of the band were simply glorious. It was really nice when Torq talked about eating mangoes (of course) and being told that Manila is one of the must-play destinations.

The amazing Amy Millan

I just wished the sound system was more aptly designed for such an event. I thought the audio was rather warbled at first, especially during the front acts. My concert-mates and I were grumbling about the event organization (or lack thereof). But then, when Stars came on stage, everything was pushed to the back of my mind and I had the time of my life. Torq and Amy were really top performers and I really hoped they enjoyed playing for us. Being responsive and singing along to all the songs was the least we could do in return for bringing their awesomeness to our shores. They kept telling us that the Manila crowd is one of the most amazing ones they've ever played for. And that the setlist they had for us was definitely one of the longest they played in years. 

The Theory of Relativity was such a good opener. (I had it whole on video but I deleted it because, damn it, I had to allocate memory for everything that was to come. It broke my heart.) But I totally lost it with Midnight Coward and Dead Hearts. Dead Hearts was really the first song I've heard from Stars and I was shaking while taking a video of the performance BECAUSE DAMN I CAN SAY IT BUT YOU WON'T BELIEVE ME, YOU SAY YOU DO BUT YOU DON'T DECEIVE ME. DEAD HEARTS ARE EVERYWHERE, DEAD HEARTS ARE EVERYWHERE.

The band also talked about how amazing the Filipinos are, like how we had so much hardships thrown at us but we remain steadfast and all. (UGH, it was really sweet, I wish people recorded it.) And he said that for the 13 years that he had been doing the band, it was the first time that they experienced such a crowd as us. (I hope I'm not embellishing this. Haha.) And they promised to come back! How fantastic was that. I really hope that was true, despite the less-than-ace sound system and the noise from the crowd that they seem to have had a hard time hearing each other. Haha.

And then Take Me To The Riot happened and I swear the band was in such an adrenaline rush Amy and Torq and Chris and Evan and Pat were all jumping on stage (well of course, except Pat haha) and the whole audience were so excited and energetic and the strobe lights were blinding but we didn't care. It was pure madness, we got so lost in the music and the energy of one another. It was indeed a riot albeit such a fun one. The next song was Changes and I didn't recognize it at first (I think most of the crowd didn't) but I was so happy because I thought it won't be played at all!

For the encore, Amy came back with Chris the guitarist and played My Favourite Book. It was a really chill song and a crowd favorite and Amy made us sing parts and WAH IT WAS UBER FUN. And then it was One More Night and asjkfhasd;lkgajhdgkl and then they played On Peak Hill. ON FRIGGIN PEAK HILL. I almost cried because it's really one of my favorite songs ever and I thought it was so obscure I almost gave up hope that they would play it. BUT OHMYGOD I WAS SO HAPPY I NEVER LOVED THEM AS MUCH AS WHEN TORQ BEGAN SINGING IT.

There was a guy behind me who, when there were relative silences during the show, kept shouting Set Yourself on Fire. I was so happy for him, and the rest of us, of course haha, when Torq said, "The next one is Set Yourself on Fire." Like woah. It was not in the setlist that was running around days before the show. AND THEN WE HAD CALENDAR GIRL HOLYSHITTTT. I couldn't contain myself because it was a really beautiful song and wow. I couldn't grasp the idea that I was there, singing it with Stars. *O* The show closed with The 400, a quiet and apt ending to that night.

EVERYTHING THAT LED UP TO ME WATCHING THIS SHOW AND SEEING THEM LIVE WAS SO WORTH IT.

Thank you, Stars, for taking us to the riot.

Edit: The North Album Tour: Stars in Manila Setlist