Gandang Gabi Vice with Senator Antonio Trillanes IV

          I've never been a fan of Senator Trillanes, but the latest hub on Napoles scam and other popular senate hearings made me like him more and more, particularly when I found out from my research that he's done a lot of brave things to achieve reformation on corrupt issues. Yes, he's the very same man who led the Magdalo Group during the Oakwood Mutiny. He's portrayed a man who is courageous enough to stand for what's right and true even when the price is his freedom. However, Sen Trillanes' aura turned 360 degrees when he guested at Gandang Gabi Vice last March, 9, 2014, a popular evening show led hosted by the one and only king of variety show, Vice Ganda.

         During the 30-minute interview with the masculine and fresh-looking 42 year old senator, audiences were sent high with good vibes and laughter as Vice threw questions about his persona in the senate, life during adolescence, reactions at possible encounter with GMA, taunting queries on his relationship with 'bestfriend' Enrile, his life during the PMA, and even his virginity. The brawny senator were in good spirits as he answered each question from Vice Ganda. He even did push-ups with Vice Ganda under him!

        It is at this very episode that made me realize that Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is handsome, especially when he smile. Indeed, Senator Miriam Santiago was right when she said that Senator Trillanes is the most handsome and the youngest senator despite his apprehensive persona. 'He looks like he's ready to bring war tanks to your home anytime,' she jokingly quipped. 

       Let's cut to the chase. Here's a replay of his guesting at GGV. 

 

Thanks to iloveAbs-cbn for uploading the video on YouTube.

My Stay in Florentina Homes, Dumaguete City

           Me and my 7-year old son had a chance to go to Dumaguete two weeks ago to get the authenticated copies of my diploma and TOR, and to meet old time friends as well. Having read a lot of good reviews about Florentina Homes and Gabby's Bistro, an in-house restaurant of the hotel, I decided to try to stay overnight in the said place. I made sure that we will have a room in Florentina, so I booked with them online a week prior to the travel. The representative was pretty prompt in replying to my queries as well as the booking. 

          Florentina Homes offers pick-up and airport transfers, but in our case we opted to ride a trike to the place. Just tell the motorcab driver to head to Florentina Homes in Bantayan. If they're quite unsure of the location, tell him it's near the Mormon Church. The place is a 10-minute ride from the sea port, but there's no problem with public transportation as trikes often pass by the area. On the one hand, it's about 15 minutes away from the city proper and Silliman University and 20-25 minutes away from Robinson's. 

          My son was really excited when we get to the place because the exterior appeal of the place is pretty fascinating. Here is a collection of photos during our stay in Florentina Homes.

We got a standard room that has either 1 matrimonial bed or 2 single beds. We're given two comfy, big, single beds with two towels, shampoo, soap, and toothpaste ready.  Forgive me for the messy bed. 

Here's our colorful toilet and bath that already has hot/cold shower, sink, a mirror on the side, and a pair of slippers.

View of the lobby and the entrance from our room.

Me and the beautiful flowers.

Lovin' the Koi fishes.

           Yes, we had a good night sleep and overall lovely stay in Florentina Homes. The receptionist upon our arrival was really courteous and pretty. I forgot her name, and she said that she was the one who booked me in the standard room. She was really helpful, too. The receptionist the next day wasn't as helpful as her. We asked her if she could check the phone number of Allied Bank in the city online, but only told us that she's got a lot of work to do. I've realized that even the smallest gestures and act of service from a receptionist or an employee of any company can go a long way. 

          On the one hand, we are lovin' Gabby's Bistro's foods. The Oreo bonanza, which is by the way the most popular recipe in the said resto, was extremely amazing. My son ordered fried chicken in java rice, and I must say that I am quite impressed with the fried chicken as it's saucy up to the bones. Though GB foods are a bit pricey, the size and the taste are delightfully satisfying, so no worries at all.

          We also splashed and used their Oasis Pool in the afternoon and in the morning since my son loves swimming pools. Outsiders can swim at Oasis for 200 per head from 7 am-9 pm.

Here is a roundup of my take on Florentina Homes:

PROS

1. New hotel, so you can expect its facilities and amenities to be clean and well-maintained.

2. Courteous staff except the one that I mentioned.

3. Comfy and spacious beds.

4. Has an in-house restaurant, swimming pool, souvenir shop, and ice cream parlor, so you don't have to go anywhere for food and swimming.

5. Best for families, especially those with children.

CONS

1. Not in the city proper, so you need to ride a trike for 15 minutes to go downtown.

2. Not walking distance to Silliman University, Lee Plaza, and Robinson's, which are some of the most popular spots in Dumaguete City.

3. Expensive.

Will I go back to Florentina?

Definitely, I will.

Have you been to Florentina Homes yet? If you have, share your experience with us. :-)

Mindanao-wide Erratic Power Outage

         When a radio announcer mentioned that the current power outages can last until 2015, I was berserk in a silent way. First of all, such power outage has been ongoing for a week, and because ZANECO (Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative) could not provide the exact times of power interruptions, I gave up 7 of my students to sub teachers. As an online employee, experiencing power interruptions is one of my greatest fears. So, if you are an irritated resident in Mindanao who has experienced fanning their kids to sleep at night; fetching water from wells; skipping on your favorite TV shows at night; or having candlelight dinner; be thankful because you don't have to give up at least 50% of your monthly earnings. Well, except to those who aren't working at all. But before you curse ZANECO, please take a look at the reason on why we're having power interruptions.

        Carlos Petilla, the current Energy Secretary, had determined that the cause of the blackout which occurred last February 27 at 3:53 am was the bogging down of Pulangi hydropower plants, government-owned plants, located in Bukidnon. Authorities from the said plant assure that no sabotage had happened to cause the outage, but as of the moment, they could not determine the main reason of the bog down. Even NGCP (National Grid Corporation of the Philippines) could not specifically say of the culprit in the incident as well as the date on when power would be restored. For this, Mindanao has been experiencing a three hour rotating blackout everyday. We should also take note that Luzon endured the same power outages last May.

           Nevertheless, don't fret too much when brownout strikes your place, especially that summer is here. Here are some better things to do while waiting for electricity to return:

1. If you have kids, bond with them. During power outages, I teach my 2 year old son the ABC, read books, and sing songs with him.

2. Eat your favorite halo-halo. Halo-halo (mix) is a pinoy dessert that's comprised of ground ice, fruits like bananas and langka (jack fruit), sago, chips, leche flan, and many others. It's topped with a scoop of ice cream, and it is definitely a good treat during power blackouts at noontime. You can buy halo halo at Dipolog City boulevard for only 15 php. Add 5 php if you want to take it out.

3. Drink as much cold water as you can to avoid dehydration.  

4. Go to your favorite swimming spot, beach, or resort. 

5. Eat Corneto. For only 20 php, you can munch on one of the best tasting ice cream drumsticks in the world.

6. Don't move too much as it can make you feel hotter. 

7. Wear light clothing only. 

8. Make sure to prepare rechargeable lighting and cooling equipment, especially if you have kids.

Jennifer Lawrence Trips. Again.

            When Jennifer Lawrence, the infamous lead from the Hunger Games trilogy, tripped last 2013 Oscar Awards while walking on stairs toward the stage to get her award, tons of people commented on the 20-second incident. While other people understands that she's just being clumsy and herself at that time, numerous commenters bashed her for going to events unpolished and tipsy. During that time, there are two things to blame - her clumsiness and her clumsiness. After all, we couldn't really tell if she's tipsy at that time. We weren't at the awards night, right? Despite of that, we love her for that. She even joked for it, noting that she's touched by Hugh Jackman to help her up. Who among us gets touched by Wolverine?

             Fast forward, J Law trips again, this time at the Red Carpet Oscars 2014. Videos circulating online about her infamous fall show that she tried to grab balance to her friend who was walking ahead of her. Thankfully, we have a reason of her tripping this time - a cone. Well, had she not been clumsy, she would have probably watched out for that cone. You can watch the tripping incident here at eonline.com. Meanwhile, here are some photos from eonline showing the incident.

J Law's epic fail. She tried to gain balance by holding onto her friend who was walking ahead of her.

       

The best thing about J Law committing a hilarious and embarrassing moment - she laughs it off

But who really cares about her clumsiness when she can nail any film role she's given, and her evidences for such award-winning performances are in the following list:

Showing all 68 wins and 63 nominations

Academy Awards, USA

2014	Nominated Oscar	Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role American Hustle (2013)
2013	Won Oscar	Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
2011	Nominated Oscar	Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role Winter's Bone (2010)

Golden Globes, USA

2014	Won Golden Globe	Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture American Hustle (2013)
2013	Won Golden Globe	Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
2011	Nominated Golden Globe	Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama Winter's Bone (2010)

BAFTA Awards

2014	Won BAFTA Film Award	Best Supporting Actress American Hustle (2013)
2013	Nominated BAFTA Film Award	Best Leading Actress Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA

2013

Won Saturn Award

Best Actress The Hunger Games (2012)

Austin Film Critics Association

2012

Won Austin Film Critics Award

Best Actress Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Australian Film Institute

2014	Won AACTA International Award	Best Supporting Actress American Hustle (2013)
2013	Won AACTA International Award	Best Actress Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards

2014	Won Critics Choice Award	Best Acting Ensemble American Hustle (2013) Shared with: Amy Adams Christian Bale Bradley Cooper Jeremy Renner
	Nominated Critics Choice Award	Best Supporting Actress American Hustle (2013)
		Best Actress in an Action Movie The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
2013	Won Critics Choice Award	Best Actress in an Action Movie The Hunger Games (2012)
		Best Actress in a Comedy Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
	Nominated Critics Choice Award	Best Actress Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
2011	Nominated Critics Choice Award	Best Actress Winter's Bone (2010)
		Best Young Actor/Actress Winter's Bone (2010)

Capri, Hollywood

2012

Won Capri Ensemble Cast Award

Silver Linings Playbook (2012) Shared with: Bradley Cooper Robert De Niro Jacki Weaver Chris Tucker Julia Stiles

Central Ohio Film Critics Association

2014	Won COFCA Award	Best Supporting Actress American Hustle (2013)
		Best Ensemble American Hustle (2013) Shared with: Amy Adams Christian Bale Louis C.K. Bradley Cooper Paul Herman Jack Huston Alessandro Nivola Michael Peña Jeremy Renner Elisabeth Röhm Shea Whigham
	2nd place COFCA Award	Actor of the Year American Hustle (2013) The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
2013	Won COFCA Award	Best Actress Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
	Nominated COFCA Award	Actor of the Year House at the End of the Street (2012) The Hunger Games (2012) Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
		Best Ensemble Silver Linings Playbook (2012) Shared with: Bradley Cooper Anupam Kher Robert De Niro Chris Tucker Jacki Weaver
2011	2nd place COFCA Award	Best Actress Winter's Bone (2010)
		Breakthrough Film Artist Winter's Bone (2010) For acting

Chicago Film Critics Association Awards

2013	Nominated CFCA Award	Best Supporting Actress American Hustle (2013)
2012	Nominated CFCA Award	Best Actress Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
2010	Won CFCA Award	Most Promising Performer Winter's Bone (2010)
	Nominated CFCA Award	Best Actress Winter's Bone (2010)

Chlotrudis Awards

2011

Nominated Chlotrudis Award

Best Actress Winter's Bone (2010)

Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association Awards

2013	3rd place DFWFCA Award	Best Supporting Actress American Hustle (2013)
2012	2nd place DFWFCA Award	Best Actress Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
2010	2nd place DFWFCA Award	Best Actress Winter's Bone (2010)

Empire Awards, UK

2014	Nominated Empire Award	Best Supporting Actress American Hustle (2013)
		Best Actress The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
2013	Won Empire Award	Best Actress The Hunger Games (2012)
2011	Nominated Empire Award	Best Newcomer Winter's Bone (2010)

Florida Film Critics Circle Awards

2013	2nd place FFCC Award	Best Supporting Actress American Hustle (2013)
2010	Won Pauline Kael Breakout Award	Winter's Bone (2010)

Gotham Awards

2012	Nominated Best Ensemble Cast	Silver Linings Playbook (2012) Shared with: Bradley Cooper Robert De Niro Jacki Weaver Chris Tucker Anupam Kher Shea Whigham Julia Stiles John Ortiz Dash Mihok Paul Herman
2010	Won Best Ensemble Cast	Winter's Bone (2010) Shared with: John Hawkes Kevin Breznahan Dale Dickey Garret Dillahunt Shelley Waggener Casey MacLaren Sheryl Lee Tate Taylor
	Nominated Breakthrough Award	Winter's Bone (2010)

Independent Spirit Awards

2013	Won Independent Spirit Award	Best Female Lead Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
2011	Nominated Independent Spirit Award	Best Female Lead Winter's Bone (2010)

Irish Film and Television Awards

2013	Nominated IFTA Award	Best International Actress Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
2011	Nominated IFTA Award	Best International Actress Winter's Bone (2010)

Kansas City Film Critics Circle Awards

2012

Won KCFCC Award

Best Actress Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Kids' Choice Awards, USA

2013	Nominated Blimp Award	Favorite Movie Actress The Hunger Games (2012)
		Favorite Female Butt Kicker The Hunger Games (2012)

Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards

2012	Won Sierra Award	Best Actress Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
2010	Nominated Sierra Award	Best Actress Winter's Bone (2010)
		Youth in Film Winter's Bone (2010)

London Critics Circle Film Awards

2014	Nominated ALFS Award	Supporting Actress of the Year American Hustle (2013)
2013	Nominated ALFS Award	Actress of the Year Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
2011	Nominated ALFS Award	Actress of the Year Winter's Bone (2010)

Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards

2012	Won LAFCA Award	Best Actress Silver Linings Playbook (2012) Tied with Emmanuelle Riva for Amour (2012).
2010	2nd place LAFCA Award	Best Actress Winter's Bone (2010)

Los Angeles Film Festival

2008

Won Outstanding Performance

The Poker House (2008)

MTV Movie Awards

2013	Won MTV Movie Award	Best Female Performance Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
		Best Kiss Silver Linings Playbook (2012) Shared with: Bradley Cooper
	Nominated MTV Movie Award	Best Scared-As-S**t Performance House at the End of the Street (2012) When Lawrence's Elissa is held hostage by her psychotic boyfriend in a silent cellar mere steps ... More
		Best On-Screen Duo Silver Linings Playbook (2012) Shared with: Bradley Cooper
		Best Musical Moment Silver Linings Playbook (2012) Shared with: Bradley Cooper  Who knew emotional instability could result in killer dance moves? As Pat and Tiffany, Bradley ... More
2012	Won MTV Movie Award	Best Female Performance The Hunger Games (2012)
		Best Fight The Hunger Games (2012) Shared with: Josh Hutcherson Alexander Ludwig  Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mallark vs. Cato
	Nominated MTV Movie Award	Best Kiss The Hunger Games (2012) Shared with: Josh Hutcherson
		Best Hero The Hunger Games (2012)

National Board of Review, USA

2010

Won NBR Award

Best Breakthrough Performer Winter's Bone (2010)

National Society of Film Critics Awards, USA

2014	Won NSFC Award	Best Supporting Actress American Hustle (2013)
2013	2nd place NSFC Award	Best Actress Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

New York Film Critics Circle Awards

2013	Won NYFCC Award	Best Supporting Actress American Hustle (2013)
2012	2nd place NYFCC Award	Best Actress The Hunger Games (2012) Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Online Film Critics Society Awards

2014	Nominated OFCS Award	Best Supporting Actress American Hustle (2013)
2013	Nominated OFCS Award	Best Actress Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
2011	Nominated OFCS Award	Best Actress Winter's Bone (2010)

Palm Springs International Film Festival

2014	Won Ensemble Cast Award	American Hustle (2013) Shared with: Amy Adams Christian Bale Bradley Cooper Jeremy Renner  American Hustle grabs you from the start and is populated by a group of eminently believable ... More
2011	Won Rising Star Award	Winter's Bone (2010)

People's Choice Awards, USA

2013	Won People's Choice Award	Favorite Face of Heroism The Hunger Games (2012)
		Favorite On-Screen Chemistry The Hunger Games (2012) Shared with: Josh Hutcherson Liam Hemsworth
		Favorite Movie Actress The Hunger Games (2012) Silver Linings Playbook (2012) House at the End of the Street (2012)
2012	Nominated People's Choice Award	Favorite Movie Superhero For playing "Mystique"

Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards

2013	Won PFCS Award	Best Acting Ensemble American Hustle (2013) Shared with: Christian Bale Jeremy Renner Amy Adams Bradley Cooper
	Nominated PFCS Award	Best Actress in a Supporting Role American Hustle (2013)
2012	Nominated PFCS Award	Best Actress in a Leading Role Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
		Best Ensemble Acting Silver Linings Playbook (2012) Shared with: Bradley Cooper Robert De Niro Chris Tucker Jacki Weaver John Ortiz Anupam Kher Julia Stiles Paul Herman Dash Mihok Shea Whigham
2010	Nominated PFCS Award	Best Actress in a Leading Role Winter's Bone (2010)
		Breakout Performance - On Screen Winter's Bone (2010)

Prism Awards

2011

Nominated Prism Award

Performance in a Feature Film Winter's Bone (2010)

Rembrandt Awards

2013

Nominated Rembrandt Award

Best International Actress (Beste Buitenlandse Actrice) The Hunger Games (2012)

SFX Awards, UK

2013

Nominated SFX Award

Best Actress The Hunger Games (2012)

San Diego Film Critics Society Awards

2013	Nominated SDFCS Award	Best Supporting Actress American Hustle (2013)
2012	Nominated SDFCS Award	Best Actress Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
2010	Won SDFCS Award	Best Actress Winter's Bone (2010)
	Nominated SDFCS Award	Best Ensemble Performance Winter's Bone (2010) Shared with: Sheryl Lee Dale Dickey Casey MacLaren John Hawkes Garret Dillahunt Shelley Waggener Kevin Breznahan Tate Taylor

San Francisco Film Critics Circle

2013

Won SFFCC Award

Best Supporting Actress American Hustle (2013)

Santa Barbara International Film Festival

2013

Won Outstanding Performer of the Year Award

Satellite Awards

2013	Nominated Satellite Award	Best Actress in a Supporting Role American Hustle (2013)
2012	Won Satellite Award	Best Actress in a Motion Picture Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
2010	Nominated Satellite Award	Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama Winter's Bone (2010)

Screen Actors Guild Awards

2014	Won Actor	Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture American Hustle (2013) Shared with: Amy Adams Christian Bale Louis C.K. Bradley Cooper Paul Herman Jack Huston Alessandro Nivola Michael Peña Jeremy Renner Elisabeth Röhm Shea Whigham
	Nominated Actor	Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role American Hustle (2013)
2013	Won Actor	Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
	Nominated Actor	Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Silver Linings Playbook (2012) Shared with: Bradley Cooper Robert De Niro Anupam Kher Chris Tucker Jacki Weaver
2011	Nominated Actor	Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role Winter's Bone (2010)

Seattle International Film Festival

2010

Won Golden Space Needle Award

Best Actress Winter's Bone (2010)

Southeastern Film Critics Association Awards

2013	2nd place SEFCA Award	Best Supporting Actress American Hustle (2013)
2012	Won SEFCA Award	Best Actress Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
2010	2nd place SEFCA Award	Best Actress Winter's Bone (2010)

Stockholm Film Festival

2010

Won Best Actress

Winter's Bone (2010)

Teen Choice Awards

2012	Won Teen Choice Award	Choice Movie Actress: Sci-Fi/Fantasy The Hunger Games (2012)
		Choice Movie Liplock The Hunger Games (2012) Shared with: Josh Hutcherson
		Film - Choice Chemistry The Hunger Games (2012) Shared with: Amandla Stenberg
	Nominated Teen Choice Award	Choice Movie: Fight The Hunger Games (2012) Shared with: Josh Hutcherson Alexander Ludwig  Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mallark vs. Cato
2011	Nominated Teen Choice Award	Choice Movie Chemistry X-Men: First Class (2011) Shared with: Lucas Till Nicholas Hoult Zoë Kravitz Caleb Landry Jones Edi Gathegi
		Choice Movie Breakout: Female X-Men: First Class (2011)

Toronto Film Critics Association Awards

2014	Won TFCA Award	Best Supporting Actress American Hustle (2013)
2011	Won TFCA Award	Best Actress Winter's Bone (2010)

Vancouver Film Critics Circle

2014	Won VFCC Award	Best Supporting Actress American Hustle (2013)
2013	Nominated VFCC Award	Best Actress Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
2011	Won VFCC Award	Best Actress Winter's Bone (2010)

Venice Film Festival

2008

Won Marcello Mastroianni Award

The Burning Plain (2008)

Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Awards

2013	Nominated WAFCA Award	Best Supporting Actress American Hustle (2013)
2012	Nominated WAFCA Award	Best Actress Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
2010	Won WAFCA Award	Best Actress Winter's Bone (2010)

Young Artist Awards

2011	Nominated Young Artist Award	Best Performance in a Feature Film - Leading Young Actress Winter's Bone (2010)
2009	Won Young Artist Award	Outstanding Young Performers in a TV Series The Bill Engvall Show (2007) Shared with: Skyler Gisondo Graham Patrick Martin
	Nominated Young Artist Award	Best Performance in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama) - Supporting Young Actress The Bill Engvall Show (2007)

* the list is acquired from imdb.com

            Now, I'm not really a fan of Jennifer Lawrence's clumsiness, but I am a 100% genuine fan of her acting prowess, cheerful persona, and amicable charisma. What's your take on J Law's tripping incidents and awards?