Movie Review : Slumdog Millionaire

After watching this movie receive 4 Golden Globe Awards, we knew we had to see it.

Full Synopsis: It's the story of Jamal Malik, an 18-year old orphan from the slums of Mumbai who is about to experience the biggest day of his life. With the whole nation watching, he is just one question away from winning a staggering 20 Million rupees on India's "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?". But when the show breaks for a night, police arrest him on suspicion of cheating; how could a street kid know so much? Desperate to prove his innocence, Jamal tells the story of his life in the slum where he and his brother grew up, of their adventures together on the road, of vicious encounters with local gangs, and of Latika (Freida Pinto), the girl he loved and lost. Each chapter of his story reveals the key to the answer to one of the game show's questions.Each chapter of Jamal's increasingly layered story reveals where he learned the answers to the show's seemingly impossible quizzes. But one question remains a mystery : what is this young man with no apparent desire for riches really doing on the game show?

When the new day dawns and Jamal returns to answer the final question, the Inspector and 60 million viewers were about to find out.

My take : it's no wonder this movie received all those recognitions and many more nominations. What's admirable is the fact that the movie's director, Danny Boyle, took the money to be paid to the 3 lead child characters, put it in a trust fund which the kids can access when they reach the age of 16 and are done with grade school. He's also arranged for the kids to be brought to school every single day until they're 16. I suppose these 3 kids really are slum-dwellers?

The deplorable living conditions of the people of Mumbai were enough to shock even a 3rd world citizen such as myself. The Philippines is much better off and this movie clearly defines the term THIRD WORLD. But it's also very amusing despite all the sad truths that are depicted, that's why I'm definitely watching it again as soon as I have some free time on my hands.

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Food/Restaurant Review : BLUFISH Eastwood Mall

This is the first restaurant to open at the new Eastwood Mall in Libis QC. Finally something different! We're tired of all the usual dining places in the area so we were really excited to try this out last Sunday.

Our orders consisted of : 

Appetizer - Ceviche (very similar to what's locally known as Kilawin)
Salad - Grilled Chicken Breast
Main Course - Steamed Seafood (crab, lobster, prawns, clams), Sea Bass, Salpicao, Risotto Negra with Calamares, Salmon Lasagna

The Verdict : DEFINITELY going back for more!

I didn't get to note the exact names of the dishes we ordered though, because I was too eager to try them all out. None of them were disappointing! The Sea Bass was the evening's favorite...all of us adults shared it, it was one huge fish! The Salpicao was a last-minute order and I was glad I asked for it. 

Average check is about P500 per head. 

To see my food pics please click on this link : BLUFISH

Our Day With Hannah

It finally happened!

But to backtrack a bit...

This gathering was supposed to have happened before Christmas. But due to everyone's hectic holiday schedules, it was moved but the important thing is we all came through for Hannah! 

The story of Hannah touched me in a way that I can't even begin to describe up to now. I've been visiting her website since I first discovered it, mindful of each little but meaningful milestone that her parents, Carlo and Joan would write about. I guess it helped that I'm a mother myself and Sabine is only slightly older than her. Her condition is something I hadn't heard of before. I was hooked on Hannah from day one. 

Yesterday, my friends and I finally got to see Hannah in the flesh. The objective was quite simple...we wanted to throw her a small party and bring her gifts, not just from ourselves and our respective families, but from well-meaning and kind-hearted friends, family members, colleagues at work --- whoever wanted to help Hannah and in whatever small way they could. A little went a long way and we trooped to Hannah's home in the South bearing our humble presents. 

After texting and emailing each other for months, I was glad to meet Daddy Carlo and Mommy Joan. Hannah was in her BEST element, showing off her tricks whenever she could. Her smile lit up the whole place! She was cheerful and so happy! I can see how much joy she brings into their household. Despite her condition, Hannah is as normal as normal can be. 

I had a super great time and so did everyone else. It felt so good to have been given the opportunity to reach out to this beautiful baby and her family. 

But before I direct you to the photos taken on this very special day, I must thank everyone who helped make it all happen :

TO THE HAVIES (in no particular order para walang tampuhan) : Pao, Smile, Therese, Elsa, Gee, Janis, Pia and Brenda - for not thinking twice, not asking questions and always being there with 101% support all the time, everytime! PIA AND BRENDS, we missed you at the party but thank you, thank you for your kind intentions! God did not bless me with a sister and now I know why. He gave me more than just one! 

TO OUR LOYAL PARTNERS : Venny, Cameron, Felix, Isko, Neal - thank you from our bottomless hearts!

TO MEL OF PARTYTIME PHILIPPINES (who provided the decorations, tables and chairs, utensils) : I would have wanted to meet you and thank you in person for your generosity. Thank you for being a part of this effort. We all loved what you did to the place! 

TO CHARMAINE AND RICA, the beautiful women behind Brusselsprouts Clothing : too bad you ladies couldn't make it. But thank you for all your help!

TO ALL OF HANNAH'S KIND AND GENEROUS SPONSORS : there are just too many to mention but you all know who you are. May God continue to bless you and your families abundantly. Our deepest thanks for your complete confidence in our intentions for Hannah. 

TO DADDY CARLO AND MOMMY JOAN : for welcoming us into your home and allowing us to "disrupt" Hannah's schedule for a bit. We're so glad to have met all of you. Rest assured, we'll keep you in our prayers always. 

AND TO HANNAH...for being such a gracious honoree. You truly are a sweet angel and your parents are extremely blessed to have you in their lives. Tons of hugs and kisses from all of us!!!

I'm not sure I want to recover from this awesome feeling so before I turn sappy (again!), here's the link to those great photos : 

OUR DAY WITH HANNAH IN PICTURES

We make a living by what we get

But we make a LIFE by what we give

-Sir Winston Churchill-