When rain dawns on you, dance

Three and a half weeks of dancing with 2 more weeks to go. When it's debutante season, more like when your friends decide to have their debutante balls 18 days apart, it's cotillion practice here, cotillion practice there, people are stressed and the rain's not helping.

It is officially T minus 12 hours until I find out whether I get into University or not. So here I am, with my fingers crossed, wondering whether or not I'll be getting any sleep at all tonight. There's this sinking feeling in my gut; a mixture of excitement, nervousness and nausea.

Meanwhile, I hope I'll be able to make those long overdue Snickerdoodles next week. Make them Vhie! Don't be a lazy bum!

I've also got to remember I always have my digital camera with me at all times. So why not take some photos? Forgive my last few posts for being so...uncolourful.

Good Samaritans do exist

You wanna know what can kill a person? PANIC!

Especially if you're someone who's lost a wallet one time too many before. That's exactly what happened to me yesterday. I happily made my way to cotillion practise early afternoon and about an hour later, I reach into my bag to find it EMPTIER than usual.

My wallet was MISSING!

Panic strikes. I'm those kind of people who put EVERYTHING in their wallet; ID card, Octopus card, discount cards, Membership cards, cash, spare change, receipts - a whole lot of if I may add, pictures. Basically, my entire LIFE is contained in that 6" x 3" black Nine West pouch. I had everyone search high and low and all around but still, my wallet was nowhere to be found with some of my friends trying to figure out how you can lose such a large wallet without noticing.

So I start to break down in fear of what my mother would say, not to mention the cost of having my ID card replaced, when suddenly my brother calls and asks if I had lost my wallet.

Turns out a guy found my wallet in the minibus and found my student card, called the school who then called my brother who gave me the number the guy left to contact him.

In addition to my relief, I was ever so thankful that good samaritans do exist in Hong Kong.

- Messer Girl

Excuses, excuses, excuses

I deeply apologize for my short absence and lack of new posts for the past 2 weeks or so. I've been very preoccupied lately, with 2 debutante balls coming up, it's cotiliion practises left, right and dead centre 8 hours a day 3 - 4 times a week. Talk about an intense workout.

I can actually imagine my blog pulling a Molly Weasley on me, "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?"

But I will update soon. Look forward to Snickerdoodles this friday because Abercio Isip begged me to make something for the last day of cotillion practises, plus he probably just misses my baking. I remember the first time I brought Snickerdoodles to one of our Youth gatherings; the boys went crazy for them. That means I've gotta make double on friday.

A Knight and Day movie review might be coming up, quite a little overdue, I know, but it'll be up =)

Plus a very special dedication post to Jeselle Christinne Isip after her extravagant party this Saturday.

So 'til then, toodles.

- Messer Girl

Bittersweet Double Chocolate Brownies

I know I promised SoldierDiva something Cookie Monster theme. Unfortunately, I'm a little tight on budget, but I had to make something because I missed her so. Though, I AM hanging tightly by a very thin thread on this one because it's bittersweet while Kristine's got quite the sweet tooth based on my past creations. Do you like bittersweet anything??

It's Double Chocolate Brownies! I really enjoyed baking these since I've always baked them brownie-mix-in-a-box for potluck Christmas parties. Shhh!

In addition [I feel like I'm back in that examination hall writing essays], this recipe has minimal ingredients - definitely something you can whip up without worrying whether or not you've got the right ingredients in your kitchen cabinets, as well as the easiest clean up job since I didn't need to use the electric beaters, which are quite a hassle to clean. I washed all my pots and pans well before the brownies were done.

Double Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients

80g butter
40g unsweetened cocoa powder
145g sugar

2 eggs

60g All-Purpose Flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

100g chocolate chips

1. Preheat the oven to 180oC(350oF)
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan, then stir in the cocoa powder and sugar.
3. Add the eggs, stirring to combine.
4. Sift the flour, baking powder plus a pinch of salt into the saucepan. Stir to combine.
5. Add the chocolate chips then stir to combine.

Spoon into a greased tin of your choice (8-inch square is best for this recipe) and smooth surface. Bake for 20 - 30 mins, or until a cake skewer comes out clean. Leave out on a wire rack to cool. 

When I took the pna out of the oven it made me whish I had only set the oven to 20 minutes or even 15 minutes instead of 25. The brownies are dense as steak is well done. I had hoped they'd be chocolatier. 

Even more so, I wish I had used milk chocolate chips instead of dark, hence their dark appearance and bittersweet taste.

They taste good nonetheless, or I'd like to think so because my little brother gave it an 8 out of 10 and he's got quite picky tastebuds. I've learnt, since I've started baking, that if he comes back for more, that means he likes it. If he eats one, shuts up and never touches them again, then it's back to the drawing board, or should I say kitchen counter, seeing as cutting board wouldn't exactly fit in this context either. With that being said, I'll trust him [he came back for 2 more], but I have yet to get a perfect 10 from him. The highest he's rated was a 9 out of 10 for some Lemon Squares I made last year - which my mother wasn't so ecstatic about [she thought they were too sweet]. Oh well, you can't please everyone.

Yes Bella, stop trying to take your clothes off

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Release: June 30, 2010
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning, Bryce Dallas Howard as Victoria

I am appalled at the fact that Hong Kong cinemas released this on the exact date but they release a lot of other movies at least two months late, appalled I tell you. What kind of marketing strategy is that? Movies like Toy Story 3 would reel in the dough at a much faster rate seeing that it's shown in 3D.

I, being known for my love for movies yet my inextinguishable hate for the Twilight Saga, have been asked numerous times if I'm going to see Eclipse. Unfortunately, my love for movies prevails; I watched it, not very comfortably if I may add, but I watched it.

Synopsis: Kristen Stewart returns as anti-heroine Bella Swan whose life is in constant peril as Victoria sets out and creates an army of newborn vampires to avenge the death of her beloved James whilst being caught in between her bestfriend, Jacob, and her boyfriend, Edward, as she makes one of the most life-changing decisions one can make in a single lifetime.

Never before have I watched a film in which almost all the characters are clumsily tripping over their hormones. There were enough kissing scenes to make you want to vomit last night's dinner onto your lap, or should I say, too many that the most important one and the best throughout the film at that, i.e. Jacob-Bella kiss, failed to make an impact. [I stopped counting after 7 but I think there were 11 kissing scene, give or take a few]

Furthermore, for a story that's supposed to be thrilling and passionately exhausting, it was rather depressing. The dialogue, which took up about 80% of the movie, droned on without even a speck of emotion, the characters, namely Edward, had to constantly say how he was feeling. They weren't acting I can tell you that, they were merely spitting out their lines as if they were desperate to just get it over with. Taylor Lautner did a more impressive job on expressing his undying love for Bella without much help of dialogue [You could at least tell that the boy was, I don't know, ALIVE?] , but Robert Pattinson's acting ability has been established ever since he played Cedric Diggory - a role in which my favourite part was when he died. Kristen Stew on the other hand -- [Let's not even go there]

At this point, I was already sporting a headache; And just when I thought things couldn't possibly get any worse, Jacob and Edward's neverending bickering made that headache escalate to a migraine. They sounded like an aging unhappily married couple whose sole purpose is to make the other feel utterly miserable.

[Somebody stop me before I deliver my own head on a silver platter] 

On a lighter note, the opening scene where Riley Biers becomes a newborn vampire was quite impressive. Xavier Samuel's acting wasn't too shabby either. As a matter of fact, the few short scenes of Riley Biers, be it when he's angry or confused or homicidal - hungry would be a more appropriate word, gave Eclipse the littlest bit of substance that the main cast should've delivered.

The interpretation of Jasper and Rosalie's human lives didn't disappoint either. Having read the book myself, I was glad they kept that. However, I was let down when Billy Black told the history of the Quileute tribe, they cut off the part where he actually explained HOW the tribe became shapeshifters. 

From where I see it, despite how certain factors were up to par, Eclipse deserves a D. D for dull, dead and depressing.

Story: D

Acting: D

Direction: C-

Visuals: D

Average: D

- Messer Girl

Team LaRusso or Team Parker: a Karate Kid Showdown

Should Daniel LaRusso and Dre Parker face one another, who would win the fight?

After rewatching 1984 original Karate Kid last night, it was relieving that some of the dialogue remained unchanged but here's the run down of the differences between the two movies.

---

Daniel LaRusso moved from Newark, New Jersey to Reseda, L.A.
Dre Parker moved from Detroit to Beijing, China.

Point for Dre Parker

There's a little bit of a language barrier between Dre Parker and the locals along with greater cultural differences, making it more difficult to fit in.

Daniel LaRusso learned Karate.
Dre Parker learned Kung Fu.

Point for Daniel LaRusso

Self-explanatory. The "Karate" Kid.

Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi got to know each other prior to training Karate.
Dre Parker did not.

Point to Daniel LaRusso

Makes for a good film; it introduces the depth of both characters to the audience. To Dre Parker, Mr. Han was non-existent and rather irrelevant until he was just about to receive another beating.

Daniel LaRusso was around 16 years old, seeing as he had gotten a drivers license.
Dre Parker was 12.
Considering the slight romantic touch to the story,

Point to Daniel LaRusso

Dre Parker, along with his classmates, were simply too young.

Daniel LaRusso and Ali's parents had almost no interaction with the exception of meeting one another as the pair were about to leave for a date and they had already judged him because he was downtown, she was uptown.
Dre Parker had gone and written an apology letter, in the hopes that Mei Ying's father would allow he and Mei Ying to remain friends after she almost missed her violin recital because of him.

Point to Dre Parker

I bow down to Jaden Smith. After living in Hong Kong for almost 17 years, I have yet to master the Chinese Language, be it Mandarin or Cantonese. But the point is Dre Parker and Mei Ying's father had at least interacted one another

On a different note, the cinematoghrapy of the 2010 version, with respect to the tournament scenes, displayed the gravity of the situation where a the opponent delivers a blow, breaking his leg. This gives the audience time to sympathize with Dre Parker, which would deliberately push them to the edge of their seat as they watch him try to pull himself back up. In the 1984 original, Daniel got up too fast for the viewers to fell all of those emotions.

Point to Dre Parker

To conclude, we have a tie.

Daniel LaRusso: 3
Dre Parker: 3

We can go on forever, comparing the two movies, but I'll leave the rest to you. What comes down to it is both movies weave in their own direction, both having their ups and downs, yet both worth watching.

So are you Team LaRusso or Team Parker?

[I'm definitely Team LaRusso, Parker's got quite an attitude. Put me in a room with him, you mught need to get the coroner]

I'd love to know what you think of the remake, what you liked or didn't like. Vent if you must.

- Messer Girl

Karate, Kung Fu, whatever

The Karate Kid (2010)

Genre: Action, Drama

Release: June 11, 2010

Cast: Jackie Chan as Mr. Han, Jaden Smith as Dre Parker

Sequels are never better than the original, what more a remake? I think that's why they're called "The Original".

Likewise with music, most of us do not like our good ol' classics to be remade, altered, let alone touched. I remember cocking an eyebrow when I heard about the remake, thinking, "It better do the original justice", but I've come to see remakes as vessels that pass on age-old stories and values to younger generations - even though the new 12-year-old "Karate" Kid is actually learning instead Kung Fu. Well, as Taraji P. Henson said, "Karate, Kung Fu, whatever!"

 

Synopsis: Young Dre Parker moves from Detroit to Beijing. Within a week he facies a girl, gets into a run in with a couple of kids who just so happened to know Kung Fu, gets his backside whooped a couple of times and discovers that the handiman, is not just a handiman. He and Mr. Han then visit the Kung Fu School to make peace with his perpetrators but earns a ticket to the upcoming Kung Fu Tournament instead. He then trains in the art of Kung Fu to learn how to defend himself and earn respect from those who humiliated him.

The 1984 original was known for its "wax on, wax off" tactic, only to be replaced by "jacket on, jacket off, put in on the ground, pick it up and hang it up". Daniel LaRusso waxed cars, sanded a wooden floor, painted a fence, and refinished Mr. Miyagi's house. While Dre Parker simply worked with his jacket. I guess Mr. Miyagi's the crazier teacher, Mr. Han. Even more so, I had imagined Mr. Han to be a much wiser looking man. To put it straight, I watched Jackie Chan practise Kung Fu last night, not Jackie Chan playing a character who's a master at Kung Fu. 

[I think I've watched too many Jackie Chan movies.]

Clearly he has reached an age where performing stunts he did two decades ago isn't as easy anymore, but who better to play a Kung Fu guru than Jackie Chan? He, nonetheless, breathed life to the movie as Qi is believe to for all things living. I saw more of Mr. Han than Jackie Chan towards the end of the movie when he told a wounded Dre Parker, "I --". Oh, watch the movie you!

Jaden Smith, on the other hand, can act, but there's a lot of room for improvement. Certain parts of comic relief weren't delivered well enough.

[Can I get a "Ba-Dum-Tchh"]

But he's young, there's plenty of time to mold him in to a better actor. On another note, I found his character to be a little too young to have such raging hormones, i.e. to be completely smitten. 14 or 15 would have been a slightly more appropriate age. We wouldn't want our 11 or 12-year-old siblings or kids to be snogging around when you're not looking, would we?

As far as cinematography and direction goes, it was nothing to spectacular. I personally thought it could have done better to add more essence and vibe to the action scenes. The pan shots of iconic landmarks of China, however, were astounding. Furthermore, their decision to bring The Karate Kid to China, differentiating Dre Parker from Danial LaRusso, who merely moved to Los Angeles, makes his desire to prove himself that much more believable seeing as he is quite the fish out of water.

[Boy, do I know how that feels]

All in all, the movie carries it's own gravity and flows in it's pace. Had the title been different or had the 1984 original Karate Kid not existed, The Karate Kid (2010) proves to be a mind blowing movie all on its own whilst teaching the values of respect, honor and perseverence.

You are advised not to watch the original before you watch the remake.

Story: B-

Acting: B

Direction: C+

Visuals: B-

Average: B- 

- Messer Girl

Here's to a rainy weekend...

I absolutely hate it when it rains in Hong Kong, especially during the weekend. I don't particularly like staying home on Sundays and neither does my brother, so we've made it a mission every weekend to go out to venture of to places of the undecided, i.e. to wherever our feet take us. And today, we ended up taking refuge in Dragon Centre in Sham Shui Po. And like most malls in Hong Kong, it has the same stores, selling the same stock, at the same prices - items which I can find for 10% less elsewhere. Although, where Dragon Centre is concerned, two things come to mind, a roller coaster INSIDE the mall, and escalator land. There're three times more escalators than floors in that building.

We did, in fact, stumble upon a very peculiar store. Peculiar in the sense that it stuck out like a sore thumb. Whilst the rest were of shoes, clothes and whatnot, this one had a bit of everything. From clothes to bags to belts, stickers, toys - including little $5 puzzle boxes my brother and I couldn't resist buying - pranks, mangas, books, stationery, you name it. Chances are they'll have it. They got plush toys too, of Mario, the little mushroom guys in the Mario game - I always forget what they're called. We even found Barney.

Unfortunately, he wasn't the highlight of my day. This was:

"What're those"? you may ask. Well, those, my friend, are rows of A1 sized POSTERS! They had Kurt Cobain, Nirvana, Sid Vicious, Sex Pistols, The Clash - I'm killing myself here. They had GREEN-FUCKING-DAY!

However, I am one of those people who are ever so unfortunate to have lost a little bit of their love for music, ever since I accidentally wrote over my entire playlist. I do hope it comes back, I miss it so. The blaring music echoing from my room, me trying to learn every single one on the guitar. Hmmm, maybe it'll come back this summer. If I find time to rebuild my playlist that is. Oh that's one very long playlist.

Meanwhile...

1. No new recipe today. We still have Cake Pops from last week so I guess I'll be putting up that Brownie recipe next week.
2. I haven't reviewed a movie lately. Damn you Hong Kong for releasing Toy Story 3 so late! I've watched it already, but I still wanna see it on the big screen. I'll be doing one in a while though, tonight maybe. Still looking for a template for them, so that my opinions aren't all over the place.
3. I just heard the sound of breaking china. That'll be me cleaning that up...
4. Off too rebuild my playlist!
5. Here's to a rainy weekend Hong Kong, #^$% *@^!!

- Messer Girl

P.S Kudos to RamORawr for getting a review offer.

Cake Pop - One bite of heaven you'll be wanting more

Cake POP! Ok I'm lame but they are absolutely delightful and CUTE! The first time I came across a cake pop during my daily routes about the Internet I knew I just had to make them. I picked a devil's food cake recipe for the cake and picked up some non-temper chocolate at my local baking store plus a few candy sprinkles and went to work.

I would've taken a billion photos if my workstation wasn't in such a terrible clatter of pans, bowls, spatulas and whatnot. Besides, HAD I taken pictures, my camera would have ended up cake-ier than my cake pops, frosted and covered in chocolate.

Devil's Food Cake

Ingredients

165g All-Purpose flour
85g unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
250g sugar
250mL buttermilk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
125g unsalted butter, softened

1. Preheat the oven to 180oC(350oF)
2. Sift your dry ingredients into a large bowl.
3. Combine your liquid ingredients in another.
4. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients.
5. Beat at low speed for about 3 minutes.
6. Increase to high speed and beat until the mixture is lump-free

Spoon into a greased tin of your choice (8-inch round is best for this recipe) and smooth surface. Bake for 35 - 45 mins, or until a cake skewer comes out clean. Leave in cake tin for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool.

See the recipe for Cream Cheese Frosting here

As I was sifting tmy flour mixture, my mind ventured on the various cake mixing methods I've learnt, then right before I poured my liquid ingredients into the dry ones, it bore a striking resemblance to the instructions of that behind the box of a ready-made cake mix. The diffirence is this recipe gives a thick batter with the aroma that'll remind you of Rocky Road Ice Cream, while a cake-in-a-box just doesn't. It feels nice to know that the batter is made up of your own concoction so why buy a mix which costs more than plain ingredients put together.

This was the first time I've worked with chocolate and mind you, it took a huge amount of effort not to lick any of the chocolate that got onto my fingers nor the spoon. Not to mention I had to work quickly since the chocolate would start to harden within 30 mins. The finished ones that stood on my polystyrene board hardened within 15 because the living room was air-conditioned plus I had to be careful not to drop the balls. I had 5 pieces that failed to stick onto the popsicle stick. It was nonetheless fun, yet EXHAUSTING to make. I was up on my feet for 8 hours. It beat 3 hours of athletic training I had every saturday 2 years ago. I was so tired I had to get my brother to buy my dinner for me, i.e. McDonald's, take note of the french fry carton behind the pops. XD

- Messer Girl

Rainbow Cupcakes

I know I promised Cream Cheese Pound Cake, but I was in the mood to make cupcakes the minute I stumbled upon a picture of a Rainbow Cupcake last night. So I guess we'll be pushing the pound cake to next time.

And the thing about them is they're super easy to make. It's a simple white cake recipe which uses the creaming method, just go crazy with the colours. It just took me longer than supposed to getting the batter into the pan because I wanted the Red over the Yellow on top of the Green with Blue taking the bottom because I was trying to level them properly while my grandmother watching over my shoulder. She's quite the chef herself but she likes to stick to what she knows best. She makes the best Ube and Biko (two of many Filipino delicacies) in my opinion.

Then after about 18 minutes. Tada!

Isn't it adorable? I was afraid it'll turn out with lopsided layers, plus I felt I filled the pan too much. On another note, I've gotta get a different brand of RED food colouring, not one that give you PINK!

I'd show you the last cupcake made out of what was left of the batter that wasn't enough to make layers if my brother hadn't eaten eat before I could take a picture.

Meanwhile, this is the cakey-est recipe I've used so far and it's quite delightful actually. Cakey in the sense that it's moist and spongy. I'm thinking of making it my default recipe so I can practise on my decorating skills. So without further ado.

Rainbow Cake

Ingredients

300g All-purpose flour

6 tbs Cornstarch

2 1/2 tsps baking powder

1/3 tsp salt

150g unsalted butter

350g granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 vanilla essence

1 1/4 cups milk

1. Preheat oven: 180oC (350oF) andgrease your muffin pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar together until light and creamy.
3. Add the eggs one by one, beating thoroughly after each addition.
4. Add the vanilla and beat until combined.
   
   Set aside.
   
   
5. Sift the flour together with the baking powder,salt and cornstarch. 
6. Fold the flour mixture alternately with the milk into the batter.
7. Separate the batter into 4 bowls and tint with colours of your choice

Spoon into tin in the order of your choice, smoothing the surface before adding the next layer. It help to have a bowl of water on the side to prevent the batter from sticking to your fingertips. Bake for 18 - 20 mins, or until a cake skewer comes out clean. Leave on a wire rack to cool. Or if you like that burning sensation on your tongue, be my guest and dig in. =D

 I'm thinking of buying plastic squeeze bottles if I make this next time, it'll be much less hassle trying to get levelled layers.

- Messer Girl

The Movie Junkie - The Runaways

I finally got myself to watch The Runaways although it did take me 5 hours to watch all 109 minutes of it. Why? You may ask. Well, simply because Kristen Stewart has that effect on me. With the exception of Zathura, I have yet to sit all the way through a movie in which she stars in. Plus, I am very open about my hate for the girl.

When news that she was to play Joan Jett reached my ears, I was flabbergasted. FLABBERGASTED I tell you. I have so much respect for Joan Jett ever since I heard "I Love Rock & Roll" then discovered "Bad Reputation" and I wasn't ready for Kristen Stewart to be associated to her.

It took a hard mental kick and a whole day's worth of insatiable boredom to get me to watch it and now here I am to rip it to shreds.

Synopsis: The story of the groundbreaking '70s female rock group the Runaways is recounted in this River Road Entertainment production focusing on the duo of guitarist/vocalist Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) and lead vocalist Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning) as they navigate a rocky road of touring and record label woes under the malevolent eye of abusive manager Kim Fowley (Michael Shannon) during their teen years. 

I can't attack the plotline because it's a recount of peoples' lives. What I can say is, the story flowed smoothly enough, covering how the group formed and eventually disbanded and the somewhat stereotyped yet, imaginable truth backstage when you're in a band of hormonal girls in the 70s with a very irritating producer: Sex and Drugs.

Lovely wouldn't be the right word, nevertheless it was lovely to see Ms. Fanning play a more daring and crazy - should I say, grown-up role? The difficult thing about child actors is sometimes you don't want them to grow up, which made seeing Dakota on stage stripped down to her underwear very intriguing. She's quite the singer too.

Kristen Stewert on the other hand, almost gained my respect. Almost. I think she's been listening to me harangue her inability to act because she molded herself into her character and channelled Joan Jett well. I even forgot she was that irritating Bella girl but in the last 2 minutes, she reminded me why I hate her so. Take note the lost glance, awkward breathing and chronic blinking.

Otherwise, you have a so-so-directed movie. Floria Sigismondi captures the atmosphere of being on stage into a bottle then smashes it in your face however it was emotionally crippled. The movie tells the tale of people who are both victims and heroes but neither side tugged at the heartstrings enough to spark awe nor sympathy.

Story: C

Acting: B-

Directing: C

Visuals: C

Average: C

- Messer Girl

We're not the type to throw parties

My brother turned 11 yesterday and instead of throwing a party, he attended someone else's birthday party. He hasn't thrown a party since his 1st birthday. I myself haven't throw a birthday party since my 7th. The family just had dinner, a truffle cake and 2 tubs of Dreyers icecream along with some close family friends so I decided to take him out today. Swimming in the morning then off to the Science Museum in the afternoon - yes, we're geeky that way.

I missed swimming, I don't even remember the last time I went swimming, be it at the beach or at the pool so I think it'll be a part of my summer weight loss regime. I've got to re-lose the 4lbs I had initally lost in January. Meanwhile, I had to teach my brother how to swim all over again. He not afraid to float all right, but he'll be floating in one place all day if I didn't remind him how.

As for the Science Musuem, I have nary a clue how we ended up there, but he had a marvelous time. We passed by most of the exhibitions but lingered at the puzzle challenges. We're both puzzle freaks.

 The Hall of Mirrors was also hilarious. We both burst into laughter when we came across the convex mirrors with me laughing even harder when Glenn said, "Hey, my ankles disappeared!"

He also experienced the difficult life of a lab rat, I mean hamster XD.

 All in all he and I had quite a blast.

- Messer Girl

Prom Schmom

A year ago, a bunch of 2nd years were asking me if I could talk the Students' Association committee into convincing the higher authority to allow students to have a prom. Pfft, not in a lifetime will that happen.

When you're a graduate at a local secondary school in Hong Kong, you don't go to prom. You go to a Graduation Dinner instead, where you sit, eat, be merry, take pictures, post 'em on the web where they'll start to collect virtual dust and consequently you get your very own virtual dustbunny collection. Too bland for my taste really, but I can never turn down the opportunity to get all fancy. So typical me immeditely rummaged through my closet for something to wear. I didn't wanna go in black. WOAH! Breaking news people, Vhie Fabilla didn't want to wear black. So all I had choice between red or white. I picked the white.

I was also thinking of going in a white and green ensemble cause not many people would think of that combination. Unfortunately I couldn't find the "right" green. I searched high and low yet all I could find was either apple green or olive green or seaweed green. Not the vibrant green with a tinge of elegance that I wanted, so I had to settle for navy blue while mother found a clutch in the back of her closet which matched my black and silver peep toes. And, *drumroll*

 

 Thank you Kuya Ricky for my hair and makeup.

The buffet dinner was exquisite. I especially liked the Italian station where you pick a pasta and other ingredients and a sauce and condiments of your choice and the chef will whip it up in 5 minutes for you. It was very entertaining to watch. And Disneyland Hotel has the nicest staff I've met. One waiter was even sweet enough to hold my chair for me after almost crashing into one another amidst the traffic of hungry people.

And being the obsessive compulsive pastry chef that I am, of course I won't forget the dessert bar where I went back for a luscious 2nd helping of their Apple Pie with Whipped Cream.

The sweet taste of apples with pine nut streusel topping topped with whipped cream. Boy was that one delicious slice of heaven. I haven't gone round to making pies yet. Right now I'm on cakes =D. Cream Cheese Pound Cake coming up next week, since it's my brother's birthday tomorrow I've got to wrap tons of stuff plus my student is coming over to learn Edelweiss, leaving me with ZERO time to bake.

Now, off to wash all this gel off my hair.

- Messer Girl

The Movie Junkie - Killers

2nd dose!

First things first, I absolutely love Katherine Heigl.When she plays a role, her acting reels me right into that scenario. I can watch 27 Dresses and The Ugly Truth over and over and over again and I won't get sick of it. She is one of the very few actresses that I actually favor. "Very few" actually comprises of Katherine Heigl, Scarlet Johannson, Amy Adams and Isla Fisher.

The way Ms. Heigl delivers her lines with obvious effort of about 150% plus the appropriate emotions, I get hooked. The minute I saw her on the Killers poster, I knew I had to watch it.

I'll try to be extremely light on the spoilers.

Synopsis: Trying to recover from a sudden break-up, Jen Kornfeldt (Katherine Heigl) believes she’ll never fall in love again. But when she reluctantly joins her parents on a trip to the French Riviera, Jen happens to meet the man of her dreams, the dashing, handsome Spencer Aimes (Ashton Kutcher). Three years later, her seemingly impossible wish has come true: she and Spencer are newlyweds living the ideal suburban life – that is, until the morning after Spencer’s 30th birthday when bullets start flying. Literally.

It turns out Spencer never bothered to tell Jen he’s also an international super-spy, and now Jen's perfect world has been turned upside down. Faced with the fact that her husband is a hit man, Jen is determined to discover what other secrets Spencer might be keeping – all the while trying to dodge bullets, keep up neighborly appearances, manage the in-laws…and work out some major trust issues.

I'm not a fan of Ashton Kutcher - blame 4 years of Punk'd - but he's one hell of an actor. My eyes popped just 10 minutes into the movie - I never noticed how hot he actually is - but forget the eye-popping, my jaw dropped when he put on a serious face and jumped right into action. I've always associated Ashton with comedies - that was before I 'wikipedia-ed' him - turns out he played an airman in The Guardian. How was I to know? Ashton's a good comedian but producers, do not be afraid to send some action-drama scripts his way. You never know, you might just produce one hell of a blockbuster.

I wasn't too enthusiastic about the plotline though. What can you expect from a movie that's merely 1 hour and 40 mins long? And that's including credits. And whadya know, I was right: The plotline was a killer. Boy's a hired assassin, meets girl, falls in love, quits job then gets pulled back into it and girl gets dragged along. I don't like plots that are too fast-paced - not as much as I hate the ones that drag on too long though. The plot's good, but the rundown was faster than a ride on the Abyss. I figured it out halfway through, or maybe it's just me. It lacked mystery. The momentum was lost a couple of times along the way, leaving the climax rather flat.

A couple of action scenes got my votes, I'll give you that. They weren't top-notch, but not too shabby, not too shabby at all. I favor close combat over shootouts; they're so much more thrilling and have a knack of sending you over to the edge of your seat. Plus after what TPTB did for the CSI: New York finale might just make me dislike guns.

But let's not forget that this is still a comedy. With Ms. Heigl's and Mr. Kutcher's acting and the witty script, you won't be ending this movie with a frown.

Story: C

Acting: B-

Direction: B-

Visuals: B-

Average: B-

- Messer Girl

The Movie Junkie - Shrek Forever After

 
Here comes the first dose of movie reviews this week. I actually watched this a week ago but I was preoccupied to post it so technically, this is overdue. Sorry. To add, I was kind of reluctant to review this because it's one part of a series. And with series, the latest installment is always compared to the previous ones. And let's face it, never before has any sequels topped the original. Likewise for Shrek IV so I really hope this will be the last installment otherwise it'll start annoying me like the Spiderman Trilogy.

A major thumbs up if you're going with the family and you have toddlers or pre-pre-pubescent kids or if you're an avid Shrek fan - I have yet to meet one. However, Shrek going through a midlife crisis and exchanges everything he has for a day of careless freedom in the shadow of his former self - come on, you couldn't get any more cliche than that.

A few things did come of notable interest.

Rumplestiltskin - the renowned characted by the Brothers Grimm - is by far the best Shrek antagonist ever. The Tooth Fairy and Prince Charming just irritated the bullocks out of me. I love how cunningly annoying he is - a little corny at some points but maniacal enough. I heard of him as a child but I never read the tale. I clung close to my Hans Christian Andersen tales.

Their Bounty Hunter is the Piper, who literally plays his pipe sending his targets dancing their way into oblivion. I think he's the most entertaining addition to the Shrek casts in all four movies put together.

Puss PAMPERED-AND-NOT-IN-BOOTS! For one, I hate cats. For two I love Antonio Banderas. So for three, number two prevails. It's usually Donkey who makes up most of the comic relief in Shrek movies but Puss in Boots was remarkably adorable, so it was Donkey's turn to be in the bleachers for a while.

To conclude, put this movie under "Family Flicks" with explanations ready for the inquisitive little ones.

Story:  C+

Acting: C

Direction: B

Visual: B

Average: B-

- Messer Girl

How come the bike still moves even when I'm not pedalling?

It is frustrating to look for something as small as a card reader. It is even more frustrating when you're trying to look for it in the middle of the night with your phone as a flashlight, hoping you won't wake up the entire house while you're dying to just turn the place upsidedown.

So we'll be going pictureless today. I figured I can just edit this later.

I gave up on trying to find that card reader and just bought another one for merely $30. It's got a Micro SD slot too. Double benefit. My brother and don't have to bicker at each other about who used the Micro SD adapter last since he uses it for his NDS while I use it for Quinn.

Finally went cycling with the family today. Hong Kong's weather agreed with us for once - the sun was up with a mild breeze, perfect for cycling. When you live in Hong Kong, it's hard to find things to do. Period. So when my dad and I thought of going cycling, we just had to do it. We've never done it before as a family, plus we could all kick off a few calories along the way.

My brother and I got singles while my parents got a tandem because my mother doesn't know how to ride a bicycle and the thought of renting a single with training wheels, "Ano ako? Bata!" (What am I? A Kid!") she retorted. I personally thought it was really sweet. I myself didn't know how to ride a bike until 4 years ago. One of my bestfriends had to teach me. Even then, I was such a chicken when it came to turning. It was only when I studied AL Physics I understood I had to tilt with the bike. Oy!

We also stopped for a while so my dad could change my gears because he noticed I was pedalling so much yet I was moving too slow. And there I was, gawking with so much interest when he was shifting it - not that I had the slightest idea about bicycle gears to begin with.

Moving on. Although cycling on a sunday was not the best idea - too much traffic on the lanes - we found a lane which was rather deserted where speeding up was neither too suicidal nor homicidal.

Speaking of speeding up, my brother asked one of the most adorable questions he's ever asked me after catching up to me, "How come the bike still moves even when I'm not pedalling?". It made me smile. I never dealt with curiosity the way he does. I was more of the "find out on your own" kinda kid - still am actually.

I think I might fall in love with cycling. Will probably scout for bikes now. Anybody know anyplace good and affordable? I wonder how much the foldable ones are...

 Oh there was also this mini fountain walkway that I simply couldn't resist taking a photo of.

- Messer Girl

For lack of a better post title

This was supposed to be a stolen shot of how my friends just can't put their phones down for one minute, but the first snapshot failed so they were ready for this one.

My dad came home for my graduation. I am officially outta high school. Unfortunately, I've been better so I'm afraid this post would be...lifeless would be a perfect word.

With that said, I won't drone on forever. Coming up would hopefully be a recipe, a movie review - 2 if I happen to be chirpier next week - plus a book review if I manage to finish one. It's been very difficult for me to start reading a new novel recently, let alone finish one. The last book I read was Breaking Dawn - oh! Well what'dya know, there's your culprit.

- Messer Girl

The Movie Junkie - The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Hong Kong's been having very lousy weather lately, but then again, when was the weather here not lousy anyway. And because of that the plan to spend time at Inspiration Lake then dinner at Modern Toilet with the family got changed to 4 tickets to see The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.

I was looking forward to watching this after finding out that Jake Gyllenhaal was playing Dastan, all the more when I found out he had to wear a British accent. I was very much intrigued I have to say. I'm not a huge fan of Jake Gyllenhaal but I have something to thank him for; his performance in The Day After Tomorrow changed my perspective of movies. He lit the spark that set the fireworks off for my love for film.

If you're looking for a movie that's action-packed with abso-freakin'-lutely FANTABULOUS cinematography, but quite loose on the the plot. This is the one for you. The minute young Dastan scaled the rooftops of medieval Persia, I was gobsmacked, GOBSMACKED I tell you. Fast-paced with impressive camera skills, I'm thankful that it didn't give me a headache like Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen did. The aerial shots of desert Morocco made me want to visit the beautiful country again. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the use of a green screen - or is it blue now - during some pan shots, such as the sand dunes.

 If you're looking for a substatial plot worth retelling to a friend who hasn't watched it yet so you can spoil their fun, forget it! I didn't like how the storyline clung too tightly on the dagger that could turn back time yet too loosely on the depth of the characters and the bond between the three princes. "They left out some parts." Glenn, my brother who happens to be a fan of the videogame, would whisper in my ear in the middle of a dialogue. I was afraid he'd say that, because that colon is threatening to release another title. A sequel is not welcome! Princess Tamina is alive plainly because the damned dagger can turn back time - so there I was a little disgruntled cause I didn't get a tragic ending. Another reason for me to fear that colon. Fortunately, Jake Gyllenhaal and Sir Ben Kingsley, wonderful actors as they are, brought at least - not enough though - some life into the characters. The other characters were rather flat and I blame the plotline.

On a brighter note, there was adequate comical relief amidst the sword-fighting, scaling rooftops and cascading down walls with notable quotes such as, "Did you know ostriches have suicidal tendencies?" and "You better get up there before I take your place" or something like that. You see, I've already forgotten the lines because the plot was so loosly written. I did like how the script was filled with sharp dialogue and doesn't drag.

I'll end with Jake's accent. It's not perfect, terrible in the beginning to be honest, but let's just say I hope he won't be wearing a British accent in his next project.

 Story: C+

Acting: B-

Direction: B-

Visuals: A+

Average: B

- Messer Girl

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

As promised, here's the recipe Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This was all I could muster with Quinn's 2.0 megapixel camera, because the digital camera is with my dad who won't be back til tomorrow night, but it looks, nonetheless, delightful.

Banana Cake

Ingredients

125 g unsalted butter, softened

115 g granulated sugar

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 ripe bananas, mashed

1 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

125 mL milk

250g All-Purpose flour

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven: 180oC (350oF) and lightly grease an 8" square tin.
2. Cream butter and sugar together until light and creamy.
3. Add the egg gradualy, beating thoroughly after each addition.
4. Add the vanilla and banana and beat until combined.
   
   Set aside
   
   
5. Sift the flour together with the baking powder and ground cinnamon.
6. Dissolve the baking soda in the milk.
7. Fold the flour mixture alternately with the milk into the banana mixture.
8. Stir until all ingredients are combined.
   
   Spoon into tin and smooth surface. Bake for 45 mins to an hour, or until a cake skewer comes out clean. Leave in cake tin for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool.

My best friends bake too, but the difference with me is I can never forget to 'mise en place' because I've made mistakes before and ingredients don't come cheap so everytime before I bake, the ingredients are not only measured, but placed in the order they are added - from left to right.

Although the creaming method is just about the most time-consuming cake-mixing method, I like it. I leave out the butter for about an hour and it softens enough to cream even without an electric beater. I end up getting one hell of an arm workout though.

Eggs, love 'em, hate 'em, need 'em. Eggs can disappear in my house like "Poof!". Being me, I don't just bake simply for the joy of it. I research on why I gotta do this, why I gotta do that and what-not, and I've learned that adding eggs gradually to the batter helps to incorporate the eggs into the batter better. A strike of realization hit me, because I used to always complain why the batter looked so soggy when I first started. Meanwhile, I have yet to master cracking eggs with one hand - I still do it with a fork and split the shell with both hands.

On to the milk, I rarely use milk, primarily because my mother complains that her stomach hurts when she drinks milk. Then I accuse her of being lactose intolerant, while my brother wonders why she doesn't get stomach aches when she eats ice cream, "Ice cream has milk, doesn't it?" he says. This recipe calls for dissolving baking soda in milk, so my scientific mind starts to race, "What the heck happens when you add sodium bi-carbonate to lactose?" I thought. So I researched on it and found out that baking soda prevents milk from going bad - plus about 75 other uses for baking soda. Whaddup!

For the addition of flour and milk, I like beginning with flour and ending with flour.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

60g unsalted butter, softened
125g cream cheese, softened
185g icing sugar
1-2 tsp lemon juice

1. Beat butter and cream cheese together using electric beaters until smooth.
2. Gradually add the icing sugar alternately with the lemon juice.
3. Beat until think and creamy.

This was a first for me. A few years ago I was ready to give up because I couldn't make icing. It was runny, extremely sweet and rather unappetizing, but when I tasted this is was simply heavenly. Cream cheese frosting is FOOLPROOF! So, ice as you please.

Meanwhile, I shall go appreciate a few slices to try mending my now shattered heart, while I worry about the Messers.

- Messer Girl

The Movie Junkie - The Last Song

Before I begin, I'd just like to say I am hanging onto life by a very, very thin, fragile thread right now - alright, I'm exaggerating, but The CSI: New York Finale is eating at me as we speak. 3 months is a very long time. I don't think I'll be able to take it if Danny or Lucy Messer dies. Without Danny, I'm not Messer Girl. And Lucy...oh Lucy, so young, so innocent, so adorable. Oh my heart.

So on to the review, I'll try my best not to get sidetracked.

If she plays her cards right, this won't be Miley Cyrus' last song. The girl's got talent, but it's still needs work. I'll give her an unbiased thumbs-up for giving her best to portray an angry, rebellious 17-year-old, but there's room for improvement in the 'Drama' department. Knowing Nicholas Sparks, I had already predicted, although not having read the book yet, that her father was going to die. There were certain moments that should've moved me to tears but it just wasn't enough. Her character was much more complex than what she had portrayed her to be, but all in all, she didn't do too bad. She hid her Southern accent fairly well too.

 Her leading man, meanwhile, stood not-so bad looking himself. Not drop-dead-oh-my-fruity-goodness gorgeous, but not bad, not bad. His acting didn't have much of an impact on me either. Put it this way, if he were a cup of coffee, he'd be very bland. On a lighter note, I can definitely see why Cyrus couldn't resist dating him. This boy can kiss! I could feel all that passion when he swooped down and kissed her.

As for the plotline, as with any movie adaptation of a novel, the novel will always be better. I was just disappointed that it was all to easy to predict. I like to be surprised when it comes to tragic endings - which I am a huge fan of when it comes to MOVIES - TV series are a completely different story.

Broken family, a terrible relationship with Dad, fall in love, relationship with Dad mends, Dad gets cancer, dies.

The good part of it, is that the scenes didn't drag on too long and they used music to piece the whole thing together. I may be hopeless on the piano but I know well to appreciate a good piece and the movie score was simply beautiful.

Story: B-

Acting: C+

Direction: B-

Visuals: C
Average: C+

- Messer Girl

I have my room all to myself again

I've never seen the train this empty at 6:30AM. I'm used to the cramped environment that greeted me every morning at 7:31AM on my way to school. I like looking at the back of the train when it hits a rather sharp turn, seeing the way the tail weaves left and right like a caterpillar, then you see the actual butt of the train.

The train was so empty that sitting across the car from my uncle and I was nobody else but this lone, abandonned newspaper. And when you didn't sleep through the night just to make sure you get up early enough, like myself, you may start hearing things. I almost thought the newspaper was talking to me. Turns out I was talking to myself. XD

So after I helped my uncle through check-in - we managed to avoid getting caught up in line at check-in - I saw him through to departures hall then I roamed around for a bit, pretending I was actually going to go into departures hall myself. I stumbled upon a bookstore to find Seventeen magazine on the racks for $40.00. I start talking to myself again. $40?! I thought these cost at most twice of that. But then again, the last time I bought magazines was around 5 years ago, back when the posters inside Bop! Magazine were of Simple Plan, Good Charlotte and New Found Glory, so how would I know.

My brother's moving back to his room. YES!!
It may have been possible for the two of us to share a twin bed 2 years ago but not anymore. WE BARELY FIT! We fight over pillows, over the blanket, over space, you name it. So I got my room back. *chants* Waddup?

 I stocked up on what I need for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting - I sense Kristine Sage getting excited already. I'll probably put up the recipe.

 I watched half of The Last Song last night. Half because I was sidetracked to CSI: Miami, which I almost forgot to watch because I was dreading the finale of CSI: New York too much so I guess I'll watch the remaining half tonight and maybe do a review on it. It's not too shabby, I can tell you that, but I'll tap into that a little later.

 Speaking of CSI: New York. Excuse me while I succumb into fits of giggles and squeal like an obsessed fangirl....I always say that if cliffhangers could kill, I would've been dead a long time ago, but I think this one might just do the job. I watch previews, unlike Kristine Sage, because I'm impatient like that. I just gotta say. Lucy Messer is so adorable. Her father's dreamy....Mmmm. If I survive the finale, you get a movie review plus a recipe, so wish me luck.

- Messer Girl

Gran! Have you seen my Ralph Lauren jeans?

You know those moments when you're already rushing to get ready but you can't find the one pair of jeans to go with the new green blouse you got just two days ago? Then you spend the next 30 minutes searching high and low, desperate to find them that you practically turn your closet upsidedown. You eventually find them, only to realize you're already 10 minutes late for your appointment.

I've cried out, one time too many on a saturday as I get ready for church, "Nay, nakita mo ba yung maong ko? (Gran, have you seen my jeans?). And where do I find them? In my mother's closet!

So this is what half my closet looks like after spending two hours trying to arrange them in a much more orderly manner - trying being the keyword there. This looks relatively neater, I would say

In those two hours I counted at least 7 tees that I don't wear anymore, one skirt with a broken zipper and a PINK scarf - heaven knows how that got there! Worse, it's got Hello Kitty on it.

I also found out that I can't fold a T-shirt, no matter how many times I try.

The good part of those two hours, was I now know where all my clothes are though give it about a few days to a week, it'll all be out of place once again.

- Messer Girl

Hello Blogger

I will be officially moved to Blogger in just a few minutes. Unfortunately, it's not possible to import a Wordpress blog to Blogger, and I'm too lazy to go through over 60 posts to pick out which ones I'd like to repost, but never you mind, you and I are gonna be just fine. Maybe I'll do that some other day. I'll just finetune some bits and pieces, starting with the bits, then we're good to go.

- Messer Girl

Productive Shopping

It's funny how a majority of movies and TV series have stereotyped women to shop in packs. I don't think it applies to all women, such as myself - for example.

Before we get on the wrong foot, I do love shopping with my girls. But ever only so when I am not looking for anything in particular and have money found tucked, neatly-folded, in the back pocket of my jeans - those were my jeans...right?

When I shop with my girls, our eyes are in three diffrent directions. And since all 3 of us have a mild case of ADD, you can only imagine what happens when 3 different things catch our eyes at the same time, which -
don't get me wrong - is pretty amusing once you get over it and laugh about the idiocracy of it all.

However, when I shop alone, I am more meticulous and tend to cover more ground. This happens when I'm looking for something specific, like shoes to wear to a formal dinner, say maybe peep-toed pumps or 4-inch heeled MaryJanes, white denim skinny jeans (which aren't distressed yet) - these are surprisingly difficult to find in Hong Kong. If a store doesn't have what I want, I'm outta there faster than they can say "Welcome" in cantonese, at least what I assume they say. If they do - this is funny - I can take ages in that store, talking to myself so much so that some people start looking at me like I'm schizophrenic.

That's just how I am, I come home with more shopping when I go on my own. What about you - that feels so weird to say, by the way - are you more productive when you shop with your friends or on your own.

P.S. Shopping with your parents doesn't count. Cause that can go both ways. If you shop with my mother: non-productive. My dad on the other hand...8D

Meanwhile, I ended up buying the Peep-toed pumps over the MaryJanes

Plus these, cause I just couldn't put them down.

Meanwhile, I massacred my toenails last night. I haven't worn nail polish for four years until last night. I didn't do too bad a job, did I?

Filipino television directors should go back to film school

I love watching TV Series but the difference between your average TV Junkie and myself is I watch a serial for everything, i.e. the plotline, the acting, the script, continuity, character depth, camera angles, originality.
To add, as much as I am a TV Junkie, there are some that I love and others that I don't. The last Filipino TV Drama that I loved was the Encantadia trilogy. Then after Marky Cielo died 2 years ago, I turned my back on filipino television.

However, living with my grandparents who are very weak in English, catching 10 minutes of filipino TV every night is inevitable, but more often than not, I return to my room wearing a frown and I find myself complaining left, right and dead centre about various factors so I'm gonna lay it all out here.

1. The Script
   
   You know those movies that you've watched one time too many that you end up subconciously reciting the lines. That happens to me all the time. The thing is, it's not for the same show. I can predict the lines down to the last word.
   
   What's more, dialogues run forever, sometimes the lines begin repeating themselves in one form or another.
   
   -1 Script
   
   -1 Originality
   
   
2.  The plotline
   
   With a memory as powerful as mine - very humble Vhie XD - I remember almost every movie and TV series that I've watched. I hate it when I watch something that resembles another. Taking recent series such as The Last Prince and Diva. They've taken plotlines from the Sister Act, various Disney plots, they even threw in some werewolves and vampires, much to my disbelief.
   
   -1 Plotline
   
   -1 Originality
   
   
3. Character depth
   
   Ok, I won't be too mean. I'll give 'em points for building up different characters and sticking to it.
   
   +1 Character depth
   
   
4. Cinematography
   
   Filipino series have very very very poor cinematography. They use the same camera angles. Every. Single. Time. They don't make enough use of the obstacles around them. Take a dialogue between two people for example. 90% of the time the camera shifts from one person to the other, and that's it. There are over 30 camera techniques. Why don't they try it sometime, huh?
   
   Transitions are very blunt, by that, I mean, they NEVER use any other form of transition.
   
   They can say they don't have the most advanced technology, but you know even that won't be their saving grace. Some of my friends, including myself, have made short films and music videos with various freeware from the Internet, so please stop, at least gimme a believable excuse.
   
   I'm not even gonna grade that.

Honestly, if you happen to be a filipino director/know one/plan to be one, PLEASE do philippine television some JUSTICE!!