Origin Of The Popular Advance Ako Mag-isip Internet Memes And Jokes

"Advance ako mag-isip" or "advanced ako mag-sisp" is a meme that was born out of a television news report that originally aired on 24 Oras, an evening news program on the GMA 7 channel. The news report was by Emil Sumangil and it aired on the June 12, 2018 edition of 24 Oras. The story centered around 25-year-old Albert Mangapit who was arrested by the Philippine police during a buy-bust operation. Prior to the bust, Mangapit worked as a call center agent.

Mangapit's humorous and often nonsensical answers to interview questions by the news reporter after his arrest quickly went viral getting hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube. And thus a meme was born. "Advance ako mag-isip" memes spread online especially in social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Some netizens also started making parody and satiric videos of the news report.

Examples of "Advanced ako mag-isip" jokes and memes:
1. Di na ako maliligo, papawisan din naman ako sa pagtakbo. Advanced kasi ako mag-isip.
2. Simula pa lang ng Quiz sa Math naglagay agad ako ng score na zero. Advance ako mag-isip.
3. Yung hindi ka na umamin kasi alam mong mababasted ka lang din. Advance ako mag-isip.
4. Hindi muna ako magjojowa kasi sa una lang yan masaya, magsasawa din siya sa akin at iiwan niya ako sa ere kapag nakahanap siya ng mas better sa akin. Advance ako mag-isip.
5. Maghugas ng puwet bago tumae. Advance ako mag-isip.
6. Nagbihis muna bago maligo. Advance ako mag-isip.
7. Yung mahal mo na kahit di mo pa kilala. Advance ako magmahal.
8. Kunin ko na agad ang backpay ko bago pa ako magstart sa work. Advanced ako mag-isip.
9. Huwag ba i-charge ang cellphone. Malowlow-bat din naman. Advance ako mag-isip.
10. Maligo na dalawang beses para bukas hindi na maligo. Advanced ako magisip.
11. Bakit ako matutulog, eh gigisng din naman ako. Advance ako mag-isip.
12. Bakit pa kailangan kumain  eh itatae mo din naman yan. Advanced ako mag-isip.
13. Hindi na ako pumasok. Mag-uuwian din naman. Advanced ako mag-isip.
14. Di ko kelangan ng pera. Kasi magagastos ka lang din yan. Advance ako mag-isip.
15. Di ko na kailangan maglinis ng bahay. Kasi madudumihan lang din naman. Advanced ako mag-isip.

Quick recap:

• The man behind the meme is Albert Mangapit, a former call center agent.
• The news report appeared on 24 Oras and was reported by the journalist Emil Sumangil.
• The humorous news report got more than half a million views on YouTube.

Movie Theaters and Cinemas in Baguio City

There are four establishments that have movie theaters in Baguio City. They are listed below including instructions on how and where to find them.

Baguio Center Mall Cinema – [Update: this is now closed.]This shopping mall has two movie theaters. They show both local and Hollywood movies. The two cinemas are located adjacent each other on the third floor of the establishment. Besides offering cheaper movie ticket prices, Center Mall also usually screen films that the other theaters in the city won't. For example, when the movie The Da Vinci Code starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tatuo was released, SM City Baguio didn't show it because they were afraid of the backlash they might get from the Catholic church which was opposing the movie during that time. The Baguio Center Mall, however, screened the controversial film which was based on an even more controversial book by Dan Brown. They show films that the other theaters are afraid to screen.

One advantage of Baguio Center Mall is that they have much less customers. Often times, you will find yourself alone with just a few people inside the theater. If you are a serious movie goer who hates distractions like noisy moviegoers or dozens of flashing cellphones, the Baguio Center Mall offers you a peaceful movie experience. The Baguio Center Mall is located along Magsaysay Avenue beside the Dangwa Bus Station.

SM City Baguio – Located on the top floor of this shopping center are four movie theaters. They also screen local and Hollywood movies. SM City, without a doubt, offers the best theaters in the city. Generally, they have better service and more updated facilities. This of course translates to significantly higher movie ticket prices. And they often treat their patrons with double features. If you don't know what that is, it's a deal wherein you get to watch two movies at the price of one ticket.

Also, once in a while, SM City screens indie films or other lesser known films, usually as part of an ongoing local or national festival. In some cases, these films are shown for free to the viewing public. Besides the higher ticket prices, one disadvantage of SM City Cinemas is that they often don't screen films that are deemed sensitive or controversial. An example is the one discussed above regarding the film The Da Vinci Code which they didn't screen because of expected backlash from the Catholic church. SM City Baguio is located atop Session Road in Luneta Hill.

Baguio Cinemathique – This is a government-run mini theater located at Casa Vallejo along Upper Session Road. If you're looking for the latest Hollywood films, this is not the theater to visit. The Cinemathique, whose major goals include the promotion and development of Philippine cinema, usually screens locally-made films. They also screen foreign films often as parts of film festivals. And here's the good news – watching movies at the Cinemathique is free. However, the cinema can only accommodate a few dozen people so if you don't go there earlier ahead of the scheduled screening time, you might find yourself without a seat. Also, films are screened at the Cinemathique only during weekends. Sometimes, they screen films during a weekday but that's rare.

Empire Cinema – (Update: This movie theater closed operations in 2013.) Located near Abanao Square at the foot of Session Road, this movie theater offers the latest films from Hollywood at cheaper tickets compared to other theaters in the city. However, the theater is a bit unkempt and don't be surprised if in the middle of a movie, a technical problem occurs because these are quite common.

These are the four movie theaters in Baguio City. There should be more but the others have gone out of business and converted into other forms of establishments.

2017 GSIS National Art Competition: Mechanics, Guidelines, Rules, Entry Form, Cash Prizes

The Government Service Insurance System is once again calling on Filipino artists based in the Philippines and abroad to take part in its annual art contest. Now on its 13th edition, the 2017 GSIS National Art Competition will have an open theme which means artists have the freedom to conceptualize their works of art with very little restrictions as far as themes are concerned. Winners of the competition will receive cash prizes. The winning entries will also be exhibited at the Museo ng Sining starting in June, 2017.

Here are the three (3) categories for the 2017 art competition:
1. Representational - in any style, realistic, stylized (distorted figure) representational cubism in Horizontal/Landscape Orientation
2. Nonrepresentational (Abstract) - purely non-representational, non-recognizable figures and objects in Vertical/Portrait Orientation
3. Sculpture

Who can join?
The art competition is open to all Filipino artists who are eighteen (18) years old or above. Officer of the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP) and artists officially assisting in the 2017 GSIS National Art Competition are prohibited from participating in the contest. Artists can submit one entry per category. That means you have a maximum of three entries. There is no registration or participation fee.

Where to get an entry form?
There are two main ways on how you can avail of an entry form. One, just go to any GSIS office and ask for the form. If the form is not yet available in the office you went to, you can always download a copy of the form from the official website of GSIS. Just go to www.gsis.gov.ph and find the article about the contest.

What's the deadline for the submission of entries?
There's only one specific day wherein you are allowed to submit your entry to the competition. Entries for the contest will only be accepted on May 6, 2017 (Saturday) from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. You are not allowed to submit your entries the day before or the day after May 6. Furthermore, you have to personally deliver your entry at the GSIS Gymnasium at the GSIS Head Office located at the Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

Here's a breakdown of the cash prizes to be awarded to the winners:
Representational:
First Prize: 300,000
Second Prize: 200,000
Third Prize: 100,000
Five Honorable Mentions: 30,000 each

Nonrepresentational:
First Prize: 300,000
Second Prize: 200,000
Third Prize: 100,000
Five Honorable Mentions: 30,000 each

Sculpture:
First Prize: 200,000
Second Prize: 150,000
Third Prize: 100,000
Five Honorable Mentions: 30,000 each

Competition Mechanics:
1. The representational entry should be 3 feet by 4 feet in horizontal/landscape orientation only (excluding frame). It must not exceed 10 kilos including the frame.

2. For the nonrepresentational entry, it should be 4 feet by 3 feet in vertical/portrait orientation only (excluding frame). It must not exceed 10 kilos (including frame).

3. The accepted medium for the representational and nonrepresentational categories: Oil on canvas, acrylic on canvas and watercolor only. Entries using collage, decoupage, assemblage or use of non-pigment based materials like paper, board, plastic metal, cloth etc. is NOT allowed. [For watercolor entries, any watercolor paper is allowed EXCEPT Illustration Board]. Mixed Media not allowed. Museum wrap or box type is allowed. Textured paint, Versatex or Gesso is acceptable primer for the entries.

4. All entries must be ready for exhibition, framed and with proper hanging system using nylon cord (tansi) only.

 5. Digitally enhanced entries using machine printed canvas, silk screen or tarpaulin are strictly prohibited. Participants who shall submit entries using these materials shall be automatically disqualified from this competition, and if found guilty shall be banned from joining the competition for the next three (3) years.

 6. Entries must be dated not earlier than 2017 and must be the original works of participating artists. Entries must not have been exhibited before, revised, and awarded a prize in previous competitions.

7. Entries MUST BE SIGNED by the artist but the signature should be covered with masking tape prior to submission to conceal the artists’ identity. They must also be properly labeled using a card tag or card caption to be placed at the back of the artworks. The card tag must contain the following information: Artist (Name, Address, and Contact Numbers), Title of the artwork, Medium, Size, Year and Price, if the artwork is for sale. Directly writing the information on the canvas is not allowed.

8. All participants must be responsible for bringing and transporting their entries to GSIS. No wet works shall be allowed.

9. Mail forwarders coming from the provinces should be advised by the participants that the entry will only be accepted on May 6, 2017 from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Further, participants who opt to submit their entries by mail forwarders (esp. those from far-flung provinces) are encouraged to group together to save on freight/shipping cost of entries. GSIS shall not be responsible for any damage to the artwork sustained during shipment.

10. All possible care shall be taken by GSIS to protect the entries submitted. However, GSIS assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage to the entries before, during and/or after the competition. Artists shall hold GSIS and/or any of its officers or staff free and harmless for any liability/claims for loss, damage or injury to the works while in exhibit or in storage.

11. Entries must be submitted to the GSIS Gymnasium located at the GSIS Main Office, Financial Center, Reclamation Area, Pasay City (CCP Complex – JW Diokno Blvd.) on May 6, 2017 (SATURDAY) FROM 8:00 AM UNTIL 5:00 PM only. Entries submitted BEFORE or AFTER the stated date and time will not be accepted.

For the complete rules and mechanics, please visit the official page for the competition at the GSIS website.

List of Tagalog Movies 2017: Filipino Films Released or to be Released in 2017

If you are a fan of Philippine cinema, you will find this page very valuable. Listed below are the Tagalog movies 2017 and Filipino films 2017 that you should watch out for this year. The country's film industry is starting to pick up the pace. Production has started to increase since last year and industry insiders are projecting that the trend will continue this 2017. Anyway, below is an overview of the major productions that have been or will be released this year:

Sakaling Hindi Makarating - Wanderlust, mending a broken heart, and finding happiness are the main themes of this beautifully-shot film by Ice Idanan. The movie is a breath of fresh air amidst the formulaic fare that has plagued Philippine cinema for too long. The plot still revolves around romance but it takes a very unique twist. It stars Alessandra de Rossi, Teri Malvar, Pepe Herrera, JC Santos, Karen delos Reyes, and Irma Adlawan.

Across the Crescent Moon - Human trafficking and inter-faith relationships are the main themes of this action-dram top-billed by Matteo Guidicelli and Alexandra Godinez. Matteo plays a Muslim cop working for the Special Action Force department of the Philippine National Police. He's married to a Christian woman played by Alexandra. Directed by Baby R. Nebrida, the movie also stars Christopher de Leon, Gabby Concepcion, Dina Bonnevie, Sandy Andolong, Joem Bascon, Ivan Carapiet, and Jerico Estregan.

My Ex And Whys - In their third film as a romantic tandem, Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano play two teenagers who are struggling to find a good answer to the old question "Why do humans insist on loving people who have hurt them?" Produced by Star Cinema and directed by Cathy Garcia Molina, My Ex And Whys will hit theaters all over the Philippines on February 15. The movie also stars Joey Marquez, Ara Mina, Arlene Muhlach, Hyubs Azarcon, Cai Cortez, Neil Coleta, Ryan Bang, and Dominic Roque.

Can't Help Falling In Love - Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo team up once again for this romantic drama while director Mae Cruz Alviar mans the camera. This will be the tandem's first big screen project for the year. They are also doing a television series called La Luna Sangre.

Bloody Crayons - In this horror thriller picture, Topel Lee, a director who had successful stints directing films, television programs, and music videos, tries his hands adapting a popular book into the big screen. The source material for Bloody Crayons is a book of the same name by Josh Argonza. Bloody Crayons will feature an ensemble cast which includes Julia Barretto, Ronnie Alonte, Joshua Garcia, Jane Oineza, Diego Loyzaga, Sofia Andres, Maris Racal, Yves Flores, and Empoy Marquez.

Size Matters - A romantic comedy based on a story of the same title that was originally published on Wattpad, Size Matters tells the story of a woman and a man who have different ideas with regards to their anticipated first time in bed. The woman wants someone with a big package but the man she ends up bedding has a package that's much smaller than the average size. The film reportedly stars Angelica Panganiban, Zanjoe Marudo, Edgar Allan Guzman, and Melai Cantiveros. It will be directed by Cathy Garcia Molina.

Darna - The popular comic book female superhero character created by Mars Ravelo and Nestor Redondo gets another big screen treatment in this adaptation that will be directed by horror and suspense master Erik Matti. Actress Angel Locsin will play the titular character which she previously portrayed in a television series for the GMA Network back in 2005. The cast for the movie adaptation also includes Krystal Brimner, Simon Pineda, Gina Pareno, and Sarah Lahbati.

Dear Other Self - In this romantic drama which follows a love triangle angle, Jodi Sta. Maria plays a woman who is torn between two men. Who should she chose? The one who will provide her a life full of adventure and excitement? Or should she choose the one who can offer her financial stability and security? Co-starring in the movie are Joseph Marco and JC De Vera. It's directed by Veronica Velasco.

My Dear Future Husband - Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz reunites in this romantic comedy to be directed by Ted Boborol. The two young stars' last film together was released more than three years ago. They have previously appeared together in three blockbuster films namely It Takes a Man and a Woman, You Changed My Life, and A Very Special Love.

Ghost Bride - Actress Kim Chiu and director Chito S. Rono reunite in this horror flick which tackles the ancient Chine tradition of ghost marriages. In a ghost marriage, one or two of the people being betrothed are deceased. Versions of the tradition are also practiced in other parts of the world like France and Sudan. Also starring in Ghost Bride are Matteo Guidicelli, JC Santos, Rio Locsin, Beverly Salviejo, Victor Silayan, Jerome Ponce, Mon Confiado, and Alice Dixson.

Swipe: At the center of this drama is an online dating app which serves as the glue that connects the residents and employees of an apartment complex. Directed by Ed Lejano, the movie explores the romantic aspirations of a ragtag group of people. It stars Gabby Eigenmann, Meg Imperial, Alex Medina, Maria Isabel Lopez, Alvin Anson, Mercedes Cabral, and Luis Alandy. Writing for Rappler, film critic Oggs Cruz said that Swipe "ever really digs deep enough. It refuses to connect the loose threads and the dominant themes, foregoing complexity for easy thrills and tensions that never even materialized." Pwera Usog - Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, Pwera Usog takes as its driving subject a common Filipino superstition (the pwera usog). A group of teenagers got more than what they bargained for in an attempted prank. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Joseph Marco, Kiko Estrada, Sofie Andres, Albie Casino, Cherise Castro, and Devon Seron.

Luck at First Sight - This is a romantic drama featuring the tandem of Bela Padilla and Jericho Rosales. Padilla also wrote the story from which the film's plot was based. Working behind the camera is director Dan Villegas, the same guy behind the hits English Only Please and The Breakup Playlist.

Northern Lights: A Journey To Love -
Tayo, Sa Huling Buwan ng Taon -
Smaller and Smaller Circles  -
Ang Larawan -
I'm Drunk, I Love You -
Ilawod -
Dark Room -
Foolish Love -

If you have anything to add to the list, please feel free to leave your comments below. Thanks a lot.

The Popular Cartoon Series Johnny Bravo Was Created By A Filipino Animator Named Van Partible

Johnny Bravo is without a doubt one of the most iconic television cartoons from the late 1990s to the first five years of the 21st century. Even today, more than a decade after the show's last season, hundreds of television networks from all over the world still regularly air reruns of the popular animated show. Johnny Bravo's image is itself an icon. The yellow brushed-up hair. The dark sunglasses. The black t-shirt. The bulging muscles. The character's easily recognizable even from miles away.

Even today, the show is a mainstay in Philippine television, entertaining children and adults alike on Saturday and Sunday mornings. But here's a bit of information that the millions of Filipino fans of the show probably don't know. Johnny Bravo was created by a Filipino. His name is Van Partible and he started working on the character while studying at the Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. He was born in Manila but his family migrated to the United States in the 1970s while he was still a baby.

The show had its beginnings in Loyola Marymount University. Partible was working on his senior thesis project which he called Mess O'Blues. The animated film was about an Elvis impersonator. After graduation, Partible didn't have the experience nor the portfolio to be accepted in the animation studios so he started working in a daycare program for a local elementary school. Things changed when Partible's animation professor, Dan McLaugglin, showed Mess O'Blues to a friend of his that worked for Hannah-Barbera Cartoons (an animation studio). The studio loved the film and they eventually asked Partible to create a series of cartoons based on it. And so Johnny Bravo was born. The rest is history.

Why was the show named Johnny Bravo?
According to Partible, the name came from an episode of the American sitcom The Brady Brunch. The episode was called Adios, Johnny Bravo. Interestingly, Partible's full name is Efrem Giovanni Bravo Partible. Giovanni is an Italian name for Johnny. That said, the show's name was also derived from the creator's full name.

Here are a few interesting bits of trivia about the animated show Johnny Bravo:
1) Seth MacFarlane was part of the crew for the show's first season. MacFarlane is the creator of Family Guy, American Dad!, and The Cleveland Show. He also directed the comedy films Ted, Ted 2, and A Million Ways to Die in the West.
2) The series has received seven nominations from the Annie Awards, YoungStar Award, and Golden Reel Awards. The show didn't win any of these nominations.
3) A video game based on the series called Johnny Bravo: Date-O-Rama! was released for the PlayStation2 and Nintendo DS gaming consoles.
4) In 2002, Warner Brothers Pictures secured the rights to a live-action film based on the show. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is being considered to play the character.

List Of Tagalog Movies 2016: Filipino Films Released Or To Be Released In 2016

There are two possible reasons why you have arrived at this place. One, you are an enthusiast of Filipino cinema (or Philippine cinema) and that you want to know about the titles that have been released or yet to be released in 2016. Two, you are doing some research about Filipino movies. You could be doing the research for school purposes or for work-related purposes. 

Whatever is your reason in arriving at this page, you have come to the right place. Because below is an overview of all the Tagalog movies, both mainstream and independent, that have been released or yet to be released in 2016.

The titles of the films are listed in descending order. This means that you’ll find the oldest releases on top and the new and upcoming releases at the bottom. Provided for each title are pertinent information about the movie like cast, synopsis, and release date.

Bakit Lahat Ng Gwapo May Boyfriend - Stars Anne Curtis, Yam Concepcion, Dennis Trillo, and Paolo Ballesteros. Directed by Jun Robles Lana.

Always Be My Maybe
Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin
Everything About Her
#Lakbay2Love
Girlfriend For Hire
Love Is Blind
Tupang Ligaw
Laut
Beyond The Door
Pisara
Ang Sugarol
Ligaw
Sekyu
Iadya Mo Kami
I'll Never Get Over You
Darna
Balatkayo
Sa Isang Iglap
Pare Mahal Mo Raw Ako
Pangil
Tomodachi
Butsoy

Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Hermano Puli (The Agony and Fury of Hermano Puli) - This is a historical drama that chronicles the life and legacy of Apolinario dela Cruz who in 1841 led a rebellion against the Spanish government in the name of religious freedom. Stars Aljur Abrenica, Enzp Pineda, Louise delos Reyes, Menggie Cubarrubias, and Ross Pesigan. Directed by Gil Portes.

Anino Sa Likod Ng Buwan - Set in the early 1990s in the Marag Valley, the movie tells the story of a couple and the unorthodox relationship they enter into with a government soldier. A bloody war between government soldiers and rebels serves as backdrop to the story. Stars Luis Alandy, LJ Reyes, and Anthony Falcon. Directed by Jun Robles Lana.

Camp Sawi - A romantic comedy about five broken-hearted women trying to fix their messed-up love lives in a beach camp for the broken-hearted. Stars Andi Eigenmann, Yassi Pressman, Bela Padilla, and Sam Milby.

Sultan Qudarat - A historical film that tells the story of Sultan Kudarat. Stars Cesar Montano. Directed by Montano.

Stannis Baratheon's Armor Was Inspired By Armor Worn By The Moro People Of The Philippines

If you are a Filipino and you are a huge fan of the HBO series Game of Thrones, then you are going to love this interesting bit of information about Stannis Baratheon's armor. We have reasons to believe that the Lord of Dragonstone's armor was inspired by armor that used to be worn by the Moro people in the Philippines. If you look closely into the details and patterns of Baratheon's armor and compare it with a Moro armor, it's not that hard to see the uncanny similarities.

These similarities were first observed by Matt Easton, a martial arts teacher and arms and armor researcher from London, England. Easton also runs Schola Gladiatoria, a historical European martial arts group. Easton has a YouTube channel where he uploads videos wherein he talks about historical martial arts, military history, antique arms and armor, basically anything that has something to do with combat.

In one of his videos, Easton discussed Baratheon's armor and made the assertion that it was directly inspired by the design of armors worn by the Moro people in Southern Mindanao. And if you are to compare the two armors, Easton may be up to something. The armors do look alike. The patterns are too similar to each other to be brushed away as a mere coincidence.

There's only one way to confirm that Baratheon's armor was indeed inspired by Moro armor. And that is to get hold of Game of Thrones's costume design team and ask them where they got the inspiration for Baratheon's armor. Sadly, we don't have that power. But based on Easton's observations and the photos below, it's very likely that Baratheon is indeed dressed in Moro-inspired armor.

The Great Raid: A Movie Inspired By The Daring Raid Of A Japanese Concentration Camp In Cabanatuan During World War II

On January 30, 1945, in the thick of World War II, hundreds of American soldiers and Filipino guerrillas launched a daring and dangerous rescue mission that led to the liberation of at least 500 prisoners of war being held by the Japanese army at a concentration camp in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija. 

The event is considered as one of the most triumphant rescue missions in both U.S. military and Philippine history. The raid is made even more popular by the fact that although the rescuers were grossly outnumbered by the Japanese, they suffered only a few losses while the Japanese army lost hundreds of their soldiers. Official records say that 2 American soldiers died, 2 prisoners died, and 21 Filipino guerrillas were wounded. Between 530 and 1000 Japanese soldiers were killed during the raid. Four Japanese war tanks were also destroyed.

The daring rescue mission was the subject of the film The Great Raid which hit theaters in 2005. Directed by John Dahl (Rounders, Joy Ride), the film focused its attention on the planning and the eventual staging of the rescue mission. The movie starred Benjamin Bratt, James Franco, Sam Worthington, Logan Marshall-Green, Joseph Fiennes, Connie Nielsen, and Robert Mammone. It also starred Filipino actors like Cesar Montano, Paolo Montalban, and Natalie Mendoza.

Here are a few interesting facts about the film:

1) The movie was shot within the months of July and November in 2002. It was originally scheduled to be released in the fall of 2003 but its release date was delayed several times. It eventually made its way into American theaters in August 12, 2005.

2) The makers of the film used two books as their major sources in developing the film. These are Hampton Sides' Ghost Soldiers and William Breuer's The Great Raid on Cabanatuan.

3) Filipino actors Cesar Montano and Richard Joson played the roles of Juan Pajuta and Eduardo Joson in the movie. Pajuta and Joson are the two Filipino soldiers who led the Filipino guerrillas during the raid.

4) The movie was filmed in Queensland, Australia. A replica of the Japanese concentration was built using photos and accounts about the raid. Asian students in Australia were hired to play Japanese soldiers in the film.

One of the several promotional posters for The Great Raid.

5) James Franco who played Captain Robert Prince in the movie wrote about his experiences in making the film in a novel called Actors Anonymous which was published in 2013.

6) In the actual raid, Americans used a Northrop P-61 Black Widow fighter plane to divert the attention of Japanese soldiers while the American soldiers and Filipino guerrillas creep to the concentration camp. However, in the movie, the wrong plane was used. The aircraft used in the film was a Lockheed Hudson. This was because the makers of the film can't find a Northrop P-61 Black Widow that is still working.

7) The movie bombed at the box office. It only grossed $10,769,311 which is a far cry from its production budget that was a whooping $80 million.

Learn more about the Great Raid in Cabanatuan here. Watch the official trailer for the film here.

Alkitrang Dugo: A 1975 Filipino Film Based On William Golding's Novel 'Lord Of The Flies'

Alkitrang Dugo is a Filipino movie released in 1975 that was based on the dystopian novel Lord of the Flies by the English writer and poet William Golding (Pincher Martin, To the Ends of the Earth, The Scorpion God). The film was directed by Lupita A. Concio from a screenplay written by Nicanor B. Cleto Jr. The movie was produced by Nora Aunor.

The cast of Alkitrang Dugo included Roderick Paulate, Jingle, Efren Montes, Zernan Manahan, Angelito, Margie Braza, Rinna Peredo, Michael Sandico, Ricky Sandico, Toto Jr., and Eddie Villamayor. The film was promoted with the tagline, "Kahit na tayo'y malayo sa mga inalkitrang kalye ng Maynila, dito natin mapatutunayang tao pa rin tayo." The movie was filmed in Lipanta, Padre Burgos in the province of Quezon.

The movie's plot revolves around a group of young Filipino athletes who got stranded in a remote island after their plane crashed. The crash claimed the lives of their coach and pilot. Without an adult around to guide them on what to do, the young athletes organized themselves in order to survive. However, a struggle for leadership arose and divided the athletes into two rival groups.

Alkitrang Dugo stayed true to the events in William Golding's novel with a few major differences. One, the movie had boys and girls stranded in the island while in the book there were only boys. And two, the boys in the book elected a leader right after the plane crash. In the movie, the athletes elected leaders several weeks after they got stranded in the island.

Alkitrang Dugo was the second film to bring William Golding's classic story to the big screen. The first one was Lord of the Flies, a British adaptation that was released in 1963 and starred James Aubrey, Tom Chapin, and Hugh Edwards.

The book was once again adapted to the big screen in 1990 by director Harry Hook. The cast featured Balthazar Getty as Ralph, Chris Furrh as Jack, Danuel Pipoly as Piggy, and James Badge Dale as Simon.

Noli Me Tangere Chapter 2 Summary

Long summary:
Captain Tiago, the host of the evening party, enters the living room with Don Crisostomo Ibarra. Tiago introduces Ibarra as the son of his deceased friend. He also tells the group that Ibarra just arrived from Europe.

Father Damaso is petrified by the entrance and appearance of Ibarra. When the latter introduces himself to the priest and alludes to a friendship between the priest and his late father, the priest responded by saying "your father was never a close friend of mine".

Ibarra immediately withdraws the hand that he extended towards Father Damaso. In that instant, the Teniente asks Ibarra if he is the son of Don Rafael Ibarra. The young man acknowledged the question.

The Teniente tells the young Ibarra that he met and knew his father and that he was one of the country's most honorable men. Ibarra replied by thanking him and hinting that he doesn't know what caused his father's death. The Teniente gets emotional and hurries to leave.

Ibarra introduces himself to a group of ladies but he generated no response so he leaves and joins a group of young men instead.

A man approaches Ibarra and introduces himself as Captain Tinong of Tondo. Tinong invites Ibarra for lunch at his house in Tondo but the latter politely declines saying he is leaving for San Diego first thing in the morning.

An attendant informs everyone at the party that dinner has been served. The guests start proceeding towards the dining hall.

Short summary:
Captain Tiago appears at the party with Crisostomo Ibarra whom he starts introducing to some guests. Father Damaso isn't too happy about the young Ibarra's presence in the gathering. In a conversation with the Teniente, Ibarra hints that he is still in the dark with regards to what has befallen his father, the late Don Rafael Ibarra.

Better Call Saul Easter Eggs: Breaking Bad References And More From The AMC Series

Better Call Saul easter eggs from episode 6 (Five-O)
1) Mike's son who was a cop was killed over something stupid and meaningless. In Breaking Bad, Mike who is a former cop was killed by Walter White over something that's also stupid and meaningless.

2) At the bar scene wherein Mike walked up to the two cops and pseudo-drunkenly told them that he knows who killed his son, the song Hold On Loosely by the rock band 38 Special was playing in the background. Mike later killed the two cops using a .38 Smith & Wesson Special firearm.

3) As Mike leaves a bar, he told the barkeep that he will be heading to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Their conversation went as follows:

Mike: Albuquerque, New Mexico. You've ever been?
Barkeep: Nope.
Mike: That's where I'm headed.
Barkeep: Tarantulas they've got. That's a big minus to my book.
Mike: Well, I will be on the lookout.

In Dead Freight, the 5th episode of the 5th season of Breaking Bad, the opening scene featured a tarantula. The highlight of the episode was the robbery of a tanker by Walter White, Jesse Pinkman, Patrick Kuby, Todd Alquist, and Mike. During the robbery attempt, Mike served as the lookout.

Better Call Saul easter eggs from episode 7 (Bingo)
1) In the opening scenes, Saul, Mike and a cop from Philadelphia were having a conversation at a police station under "wanted" signs. Further down the episode, Saul shared a bathroom with one of the men in the "wanted" signs.

Over 100 Funny And Cheesy Tagalog Pick Up Lines That You Can Use To Get The Attention Of Anyone

Miriam Defensor Santiago, an accomplished and respected lawmaker in the Philippines is known for a lot of things. She often tops her colleagues when it comes to the number of laws and bills she authors. She's a natural orator. And then there's her great sense of humor. Whether on the Senate floor or on venues outside of the institution, she keeps cracking jokes. She is well-known for her pick up lines. In fact, she even wrote a book compiling such jokes.

Pick up lines are regular fixtures in comedy circuits and venues in the country. Television shows are rife with them. The phenomenon even gave birth to a full feature film starring comedian Ogie Alcasid. Without further ado, below are over 100 cheesy and funny Tagalog pick up lines that can come in handy in times when you plan on humoring somebody.

1. Itim na Nazareno ka ba? Pahalik naman.
2. Sana tanong na lang ako para sagutin mo naman ako.
3. Sana antok na lang ako. Para gabi gabi puwede kitang dalawin.
4. Pimple ka ba? Kasi kapag pinipilit kitang alisin, nasasaktan ako.
5. Hanggang kinsenas na lang kita mamahalin para wala nang katapusan.
6. Para kang yosi kasi ang hirap mong alisin sa buhay ko.
7. Philippines ka ba? Kasi it's more fun kapag kasama ka.
8. Sana tanong na lang ako para sagutin mo naman ako.
9. Minamalat na naman ang puso ko. Paano kasi, laging sinisigaw ang pangalan mo.
10. Ilaw ka ba? kasi you brighten my day.
11. Nung sinabi ko sa sarili ko na hindi kita mahal, nabusog ako. Kasi kinain ko lahat ng sinabi ko.
12. Bagay sayo maging amo. Inalila mo kasi ang puso ko.
13. Ang galing mo palang bumato kasi di ka pa bumabato, tinamaan na ako sayo.
14. Thesis ka ba? Kasi handa kitang idefend sa lahat.
15. Si Mr. Bean ka ba? Kasi Beanihag mo ang puso ko.
16. Ang lampa mo naman. Tatawid ka na nga lang sa isip ko, nahulog ka pa sa puso ko.
17. Alam mo ba na dati ang puso ko ay mura lang. Pero nung nakilala kita ito ay nagmahal na.
18. Kili-kili ka ba? Kinikilig kasi ako sayo.
19. Waiting shed ka ba? Kasi handa ako maghintay para lang sayo.
20. Safeguard ka ba? Bakit? Germs kasi ako at 99.9 percent akong patay na patay sau.
21. Aanhin pa ang paa mo? Kung di ka naman lalakad sa altar, kasama ako!
22. Taxi ka ba? Kasi habang patagal ng patagal mas napapamahal ako sayo eh.
23. Alam mo, para kang ampalaya. Kasi kahit anong pait ang naramdaman ko ikaw parin ang sustansiya ko.
24. Calculator ka ba? Kasi solved na solved ako sayo.
25. Sana naging issue na lang ako sa Failon Ngayon para puwede kong sabihing, sa akin, may pakiaalam ka!
26. Sikreto ka ba? Kasi hindi kita kayang ipagkatiwala sa iba.
27. Miss may kanin ka ba? Kasi hita mo pa lang ulam na.
28. Race track ka ba? Kasi ang ganda ng curves mo.
29. Kung nagugutom ako at kelangan ko ng isang taong makakapagpabusog sa akin, puwede ba kitang lapitan at sabihin.. Pakagat naman kahit sa labi man lang.
30. Badtrip! Ano bang problema ng hangin? At hindi ka matangay-tangay papunta sa akin!
31. Pwede ba kitang awayin? Para patulan mo naman ako.
32. Google ka ba? kasi nasa'yo na ang lahat ng hinahanap ko.
33. Pizza ka ba? Crust kasi kita.
34. Lason ka ba? Kasi nakahanda akong mamatay matikman ka lang.
35. Toyo ka ba? kasi I dedicate all my love toyo!
36. Sana nalaglag na pera mo na lang ako? Para pag kinuha ako ng iba sasabihin mo, hoy akin yan.
37. Anong panulat ang gamit mo? Di kasi kita mabura sa isip ko eh.
38. Musika ka ba? Napapasayaw mo kasi ang puso ko.
39. Ibon ka ba? Lumilipad ka kasi sa utak ko.
40. Unan ka ba? Sarap mo kasing yakapin.
41. Sumbong kita sa pulis. Ninakaw mo kasi puso ko.
42. Bomba ka ba? Sumasabog kasi kagandahan mo.
43. Computer ka ba? Sarap mo kasing iturn-on.
44. Dagat ka ba? Sarap mo kasing sisirin.
45. Ihi ka ba? Kasi kinikilig ako pag paparating ka na.
46. Bobo ka ba? Kasi ikaw ang nagiisang bobo-o sa buhay ko.
47. Kung magiging subject ka gusto ko ikaw ang pinakamahirap. Para sayo lang ako babagsak.
48. Leggings ka ba? Ikaw kasi ang leggings nasa isip ko.
49. Puto ka ba? Dinuguan kasi ako, bagay tayo.
50. Hotwater ka ba? Napapaso kasi ako sa pagmamahal mo.
51. Ayoko na sa sarili ko! Pwede bang sa ‘yo na lang ako?
52. Tambutso ka ba? Umuusok kasi kagandahan at kaseksihan mo.
53. Kotse ka ba? Sarap mo kasing sakyan.
54. Glue ka ba? Kasi nakadikit ka sa isipan ko.
55. Kumain ka ba ng asukal? Ang tamis kasi ng ngiti mo.
56. May lahi ka bang keyboard? Type kasi kita.
57. Are you a dictionary? Cause you add meaning to my life.
58. Meralco ka ba? Pag ngumiti ka kasi may spark.
59. May butas ba yang puso mo? Natrap kasi ako, can't find my way out.
60. Nabibingi ka na ba? Coz my heart has been screaming out your name for quite some time now.
61. Ok lang na ako ang magbayad ng tuition fee mo? Basta pag-aralan mo lang akong mahalin.
62. May lisensya ka ba? Coz you're driving me crazy.
63. I'm a bee, can you be my honey?
64. Papupulis kita! Ninakaw mo kasi puso ko.
65. Sweswertihin ka sa pagibig ngayong taon, pag naging akin ka.
66. Bangin ka ba? Nahulog kasi ako sa'yo.
67. Pustiso ka ba? Kasi I can't smile without you.
68. Tapos na ba ung exam mo? Para ako naman sagutin mo.
69. Alam mo ba na scientist ako? At ikaw yung LAB ko.
70. May kilala ka bang gumagawa ng relo? May sira ata relo ko. Pag ikaw kasi kasama ko, humihinto ang oras ko.
71. Aanhin pa ang gravity, kung lagi lang akong mahuhulog sa iyo?
72. Am i a bad shooter? Coz i keep on missing you.
73. Favorite subject mo ba geometry? Kasi kahit anong angle, ang cute mo.
74. Alarm clock ka ba? Ginising mo kasi ang natutulog kong puso eh.
75. May mapa ka ba diyan? Para alam ko ang daan papunta sa puso mo.
76. Pagod ka na noh? Maghapon ka na kasing tumatakbo sa isip ko.
77. Minamalat na nanaman puso ko. Paano kasi, laging sinisigaw ang pangalan mo!
78. Mahilig ka ba magluto na pancit canton? Kasi pag kasama kita, feeling ko, "LUCKY ME."
79. Kung posporo ka at posporo din ako, eh di MATCH tayo.
80. Kapag ako may tindahan, lahat ng tao bebentahan ko ng mura, sayo lang hindi, dahil sayo lang ako magmamahal.
81. Pwede ka bang makatabi pag may exam? Cause i feel perfect beside you.
82. Di ka ba nahihirapan sa sitwasyon natin? Hanggang friends na lang ba tayo?
83. Hindi tayo tao, hindi rin tayo hayop. Bagay tayo! Bagay!
84. Uy papicture tayo para ma-develop tayo!
85. Can I take your picture? Coz i want to show Santa exactly what I want for Christmas!
86. Pwede ba kitang maging sidecar? Kasi single kasi ako!
87. Sana T na lang ako, para I'm always next to U.
88. Kahapon nasaktan ako nung makita ko siya, di na niya kasi ako kilala pero nung tinitigan ko siyang mabuti, na-realize ko di ko din pala sya kilala. Kaya naman pala.
89. Siguro magaling kang mag-CPR kasi napatibok mo ulit ang puso ko!
90. Noong minahal kita, talo mo pa ang traffic sa EDSA. I CANT MOVE ON!
91. Eraser ka ba? Kasi binura mo ang masasamang ala-ala ko.
92. BOY: Is this seat taken? GIRL: NO, and so am I.
93. Centrum ka ba? Kasi you make my life complete!
94. Umutot ka ba? Kasi you blew me away!
95. Aanhin pa ang alak kung sa akin pa lang, tinatamaan na sila.
96. Camera ka ba? Kasi you make me smile.
97. You're like dandruff. I can't get you out of my head.
98. Pwede ba kitang maging driver? Para ikaw na magpatakbo ng buhay ko.
99. Is your dad a terrorist? Coz you're the BOMB baby!
100. Nasaan ka kagabi? Wala ka kasi sa panaginip ko.
101. Gusto ko nang mamatay, para makasama na ang anghel na tulad mo!
102. Hindi ka ba napapagod, kasi kanina ka pa takbo ng takbo sa utak ko.
103. Uy, question? Can you recommend a good banker where I can make a deposit? Coz I'm planning to save all my love for you. Oi bukas sisingilin na kita ng renta ha, kasi matagal ka ng nakatira sa puso ko.
104. Mabilis ka siguro sa mga puzzles noh? Kasi kakasimula pa lang ng araw ko binubuo mo na.
105. Uy sabi ng doctor malala na daw ang sakit ko sa puso. Dalawa na lang daw ang option: either ICU or you see me.
106. Naniniwala ka ba sa love at first sight, o gusto mong dumaan ulit ako?
107. Wag kang maooffend ha, pero sa tingin ko, magnanakaw ang mga magulang mo. Ninakaw lahat ng bituin sa langit at inilagay sa mga mata mo.
108. Nakakatakot di ba ang multo? Pero mas nakakatakot kapag nawala ka sa buhay ko.
109. Excuse me, alam mo ba kung anong oras na? Tumigil kasi ang mundo nang makita kita.
110. Nasa impyerno na ba ako? Coz you're so HOT!
111. (Name of girl), sa dinadami ng babaeng dumaan sa buhay ko, ni isa wala pa akong minahal. Kung sakali ngayon pa lang, isang bagay lang ang ikinakatakot ko. Ang malamang mahal mo na ako pero may kapiling na akong iba.
112. Napaos na naman ako sa kakasigaw ng pangalan mo.
113. May free time ka ba? Samahan mo naman ako sa psychiatrist. Magdala daw kasi ako ng kinababaliwan ko.
114. Excuse me. Kung dederetchohin ko ba ang daan na ito, dederetcho ba ito sa puso mo?
115. Exam ka ba? Kasi gustong gusto na kitang i-take home eh.
116. Ibibili kita ng salbabida, kasi malulunod ka sa pagmamahal ko.
117. Kung bola ka at ako ang player, mashoo-shoot ba kita? Hindi, kasi lagi kitang mamimiss.
118. Miss, cardiologist ka ba? Puwede mo po bang alagaan ang puso ko?

Image credit: Mix of Everything

Why Are Filipinos So Good At Singing? These 5 Reasons May Explain Why.

Sometime in 2010, popular comedian and television host Ellen DeGeneres posted something on Twitter which touched on the observation by a lot of people that Filipinos tend to be very good at singing. DeGeneres tweeted, "I've learned two things about TV. It’s always easier with vodka and some of the best singers are from the Philippines."

What prompted the television host to make such a flattering proclamation? A couple of years before she wrote the tweet, a teenaged girl from the Philippines appeared on her television program The Ellen DeGeneres Show to sing two classic tunes - I Will Always Love You and And I Am Telling You. DeGeneres was blown away by the girl's rendition of the songs. That girl's name is Charice Pempengco who is now an accomplished artist both in the Philippines and abroad.

Since the appearance of Charice on her program, DeGeneres regularly invited amateur and unknown Filipino singers to sing on the show. Most of these talents were found online, often via YouTube, the video-sharing site where anyone can easily attract a lot of viewers and attention if you are any good. DeGeneres has invited a lot of these viral Filipino talents to her show that Filipinos often humor themselves that if you want to become famous, there's a formula for it - cover a popular song, cover it well, post it on YouTube or Facebook, and hope that it goes viral enough to merit a DeGeneres invite.

Another reason why Filipinos are often described as good singers is the fact that they are regular fixtures in singing talent shows all over the globe. Franchises of popular singing reality shows like American Idol and The Voice often have Filipino singers in them. Among the singers with Filipino roots who made waves in said shows include Jessica Sanchez, Brad Estrin, Jose Penala, Thia Megia, Camille Velasco, Jasmine Trias, Ramile Malubay, and Katriz Trinidad.

Image credit: Battosai.

Of course, the most convincing proof that Filipinos are good singers lies right here in the Philippines. The country has hundreds of musicians and artists from all imaginable music genres. And most of them are pretty good too. Not bad for a small country wallowing in a gazillion of problems that would've annihilated any interest in music had they occurred in another country. But we are Filipinos. We are known for engaging in karaoke sessions even as a ravaging typhoon threatens to blast off the roof. Music is deeply embedded in Filipino culture and traditions.

So back to the question, why are Filipinos so good at singing? To state the obvious, this does not mean that all Filipinos are good singers. It's the same as saying that Cubans are good boxers because a lot of boxing champions come from Cuba. It's just that so many good singers tend to originate from this archipelago. So there's got to be something that explains why Filipinos tend to excel in this department. We are not saying that Filipinos are naturally better (i.e. born to be great singers) compared to other races. There are certain factors that help Filipinos achieve some sort of advantage over other races. Below are some of the reasons we believe have a part in creating good singers from this country.

1) Most celebrations and events in the Philippines often involve singing. 
Whether it's a family event event like a birthday party or a national holiday like Independence Day, you'll see Filipinos singing. The karaoke machine is as ubiquitous as air. A get together is never complete without a round of belting it out with the karaoke machine.

Even gloomy and sad events like funerals can't escape the karaoke machine. To an outsider, singing Frank Sinatra's My Way at a funeral is weird and bizarre. But in the Philippines, it's slowly turning into a part of the culture. What does this have to do with the common belief that Filipinos are good singers? Simple - practice and exposure. The more you sing, the more you get better at it.

2) The proliferation of singing contests.
This is another phenomenon that exposes Filipinos to music and singing. When a barangay gathers for a fiesta, there's a singing contest. When a company celebrates its founding anniversary, there's a singing contest pitting the employees against each other. Festivals held all over the country also often feature singing contests - individual and band contests. This is not to mention the presence of several musical shows in Philippine television.

3) Singing in public is culturally acceptable in most parts of the Philippines.
What this does is instill confidence in people who love and enjoy singing. The more they do it, the more they hone their skills without having to worry about public backlash. Singing in public is even being encouraged. Many malls in the country have karaoke stands where people can just grab the mike, choose a tune, and sing in front of a crowd for free. In fact, a lot of these random mall performances have gone viral online with some of the performers getting enough attention that they've been offered recording contracts or stints on television.

4) Filipinos use singing as a form of escape from problems.
As was mentioned earlier, singing through karaoke machines during funerals is a widespread practice in the country. This is testament to the fact that whether they are doing well or they are going through some troubles, Filipinos don't lose their love for music one bit.

The tagayan culture in the country also often involve guitars and no holds barred singing. If you are having a rough time with life, your barkada will be there singing you Parokya Ni Edgar tunes over bottles of San Miguel gin or Red Horse beer. You will have no choice but join in on the fun. You do these sessions a lot and sooner or later you'll have pipes worthy of an audience. It's worth mentioning as well that these tagayan sessions often start early - mostly in high school.

5) Singing is the most accessible form of entertainment in the Philippines.
The Philippines is a third world country. You know what this means - a huge chunk of the population don't have much. Most can't avoid movie tickets. Most can't afford traveling at their free time. Music is cheap and singing is usually free. A karaoke song will only cost them 5 pesos. As always, this setup exposes Filipinos to music.

Your turn.
Can you think of other reasons why Filipinos are great singers? Any ideas you can add to what we already discussed above? Leave us your comments and ideas below.