Mojacko recommends: Minsan Pa

I saw a glowing review of Jeffrey Jeturian's "Minsan Pa" starring Ara Mina and Jomari Yllana a few years ago but I didn't see the movie because I'd been burnt before by a few Filipino movies that had rave reviews only to come away disappointed. And the controversial break-up of the lead stars prior to the movie's opening felt like a cheap promo that made me resolve to stay away from it entirely. Now, it turns out the break-up wasn't a gimmick and the movie was indeed deserving of the praises heaped upon it.

I rented the Vcd copy on a whim to view with my sis and mom one lazy Sunday and I was so blown away by this 'simple' unconventional love story. And having Cebu as the setting had me running to the computer to recommend this gem to my Cebuano uncle. Armando Lao crafted a lovely story and the direction of Jeffrey Jeturian brought out a sensitive protrayal from Ara Mina who appears almost without any make up and has never looked so beautiful. The movie comes with subtitles so my Fil-Am and Fil-Canadian relatives can watch it without having to ask "what's going on?" every other scene.

The only bad news is that it flopped at the box office and it's almost impossible to get a DVD in the video stores. I actually had to contact its producer, my email friend Joji Alonso, and buy it from her law office.

Some of my officemates saw it being aired on cable but got bored because it does start kinda slow and soem of the dialogue is in Bisaya so they got tired of reading the subtitles. I told them next time, keep watching because the payback is so worth it.

Pueblo por la playa

Wow, Christmas on the beach!

We went to an exclusive resort in Pagbilao,Quezon called Pueblo por la playa on Dec. 23 for a Christmas reunion with my uncle and aunt. I got pretty excited when I saw the website and hoped the place would live up to the hype. My tito Alan was also excited to go there and he asked us all to get to Lucena early and bring hawaiian shirts and santa hats. He said his dream was for someone to develop Quezon's beaches. Malayo ang tingin

Pueblo is for members only or like Tagaytay Highlands, you have to know a member who will be charged for everything later. The resort is mexican-inspired from the loud colors to the cacti to the tex-mex(kinda) cuisine.
Food time!
I am happy to report that the place does not disappoint. Their kids pool is huge! Their infinity pool is breathtaking and while the sand is only white on top, the sea is calm and inviting --and clean! But do bring aqua shoes as there are sharp stones a few feet into the water. While the place is new and really beautiful, my tito doesn't see it making a bundle of money, though. Not only is it very expensive and far from the usual destinations, but it also doesn't have a golf course which the Koreans and other tourists would love. Maybe in the future, they'll add the golf courses to bring in the tourists. But not too soon, I hope.

Kiddie pool

Some tips:

-You can't bring food inside, the guards really check each bag you will bring in. All food items will have to be left in your vehicle out in the parking area. (They have a colorful jeep you ride in to get in and out of pueblo)Food inside is expensive.

-They charge an outrageous P300 per person to swim in their pool and that doesn't include the use of the towel which will cost you P30.( The more exclusive Tagaytay Higlands only charges P150) They do give you a baller wristband which acts as your entry pass to use the pools.

Infinity pool!

-Bring your own soap and shampoo, too!

Jacuzzi!

-However, an overnight stay in their villas is a steal! P3,000 for 4 people (with breakfast) on weekends and P2,000 on weekdays! And that includes access to the beach and pools! Had we known earlier, we would have stayed overnight.

Colorful room and beds

Oooh! Bathtub!