TECH: Norton Online Family is your new partner in tech parenting

Norton Online Family is a free software and nline service that can monitor your kids whenver they are online. In this generation, parenting in the cyberworld is very outdated and we need a proper way to monitor and guard our kids everytime they surf the internet, play games, join social networking sites and chat. Most cases revealed that kids become more disturb and emotionally stress due to bad encounters and experiences online and from the Norton Online Family 2010 reveals that 89 percent of Filipino kids have had a negative online experience. (read more and download the software below)

Read More

TV: HBO receives 101 Primetime Emmy Nominations

Big Love

PHILIPPINES, 9 JULY 2010 – HBO received 101 Primetime Emmy nominations, the most of any network for the tenth year in a row, for the upcoming 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards , which were just announced in Los Angeles. THE PACIFIC led all nominees with 24 nominations, while TEMPLE GRANDIN and YOU DON’T KNOW JACK received 15 nominations apiece.

HBO’s Emmy nominations this year include:

24 nominations for THE PACIFIC, including Outstanding Miniseries, 2 for Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special (David Nutter and Jeremy Podeswa; Tim Van Patten) and 2 for Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special (Michelle Ashford and Robert Schenkkan; Bruce C. McKenna and Robert Schenkkan).
(more below)

Read More

TV: True Blood season 3 on July 19 at HBO/ HBO HD

Great news to all True Blood fans, this news will make you watch HBO again.
True Blood Season 3 starts this July 19 at HBO/ HBO HD with an action pack of 12 episodes and as of press time, True Blood has received 5 Emmy nominations, including "Outstanding Drama Series" for the upcoming 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards.

In this new season, Sookie Stackhouse begins her desperate and frantic search for the whereabouts of her vampire boyfriend, Bill Compton, who mysteriously disappeared just after proposing to her during a romantic date at the end of the last season. Meanwhile, the townspeople of Bon Temps face new threats that make their previous problems of facing the Maenads’ reign of terror seem tame by comparison. (more below)

Read More

MOVIES: "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" in SM Cinemas (Opens July 15)

The Sorcerer's Apprentice movie from Walt Disney will hit theaters on July 15 in all SM Cinemas nationwide.


“I love the world of magic, and to be able to bring that to a contemporary audience through `The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ was really appealing to me,” says Jerry Bruckheimer, legendary producer of such blockbuster franchises as “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “National Treasure.”
“I’ve always liked stories that have a magical element, and this film is one of the great magical stories of all time,” he adds. “We thought it would be tremendously exciting to develop the core of that concept into a brand-new story set in the modern world.” (more below)

Read More

MOVIES: James Cameron's AVATAR movie : The Special Edition this August 2010

I read this info from 20th Century Fox in their Facebook group and August 27th will be the comeback of James Cameron's AVATAR movie, the re-release movie will be availble here in the Philippines on August 27, 2010 and we will be expecting an additional never before seen 8 minutes footage that was added in the film. The movie will be also available in Digital 3D cinemas and also in IMAX 3D.

We will see the world of Pandora again and explore the culture and life of the Na'vi.

see you guys again in the movies. Let's watch the movie again and let's paint our body with blue color

TRAILER

Read More

EVENT: Movie bloggers invite from SM Cinema

I just receive an invite and I like to call on our movie bloggers to come and join the event for tomorrow, July 10, 2010 at 6pm in SM Megamall cinema. If you are interested to attend, cover the event, watch a movie, and blog it, then I invite you to sign up for a head count.

Sign up here.

I will email full event details tomorrow morning.
so see you there!

join the fun with Manila bloggers network...movie bloggers! yay

Read More

TECH: SkyCable HDtv revolutionizes cable TV viewing ( FIFA, UAAP and NCCA in HDtv)

SkyCable just got in time in the HD revolution and they now offer the SkyCable HD subscription to all tv and cable fans, and thanks to that HD decoder box that uses to decrupt SkyCable HD signal to your HD TV. I experienced a viewing party in a bar in Makati and we watch the FIFA World Cup Matches using the SkyCable HD and a samsung LED TV. It was bright, smooth and looks like that I'm watching the football match in a window. Although the feed sometimes got broken but everything is smooth and we expect delays everytime in cable tv, because the event is streamed live and the live feed causes the delays and pixelation, but over all, the HD broadcast is great! I even took some photos and feels like that I'm in the front seat. (more below)

Read More

TECH: Sony brings World Cup Match Highlights in 3D and Netherlands vs Spain in Full HD

Sony Philippines announces that they will bring the 2010 FIFA World Cup here in the Philippines in full HD on SOny Bravia in selected malls and Sony Centers nationwide, it will be also first in history that Sony to captured the 25 World Cup matches using the professional 3D broadcast technology, and we Filipinos are given a chance to experience this 3D experience while watching the World Cup Match using the Sony 3D TV. (more below)

Read More

Chris Tiu joins "Help Fight HPV" campaign

If one were to survey the roster of young male Filipino celebrities who've been tagged as “role models,” one would end up with a small handful of stars with a ready-made public persona of boy-next-door wholesomeness.

Still, we come to hear hushed tales of some public slip-up or indiscretion that put into question many of these so-called role models' clean images. ( more below)

Read More

It's on me to turn up the heat

here's a little teaser for an upcoming blog post and also my review of the adidas TS check shoes

Read More

MOVIES: Angelina Jolie, a Secret Agent on the Run in SALT

Oscar-winner Angelina Jolie stars in Columbia Pictures’ “Salt,” a contemporary action thriller from director Philip Noyce (“Clear and Present Danger,” “Patriot Games”).

As a CIA officer, Evelyn Salt (Jolie) swore an oath to duty, honor and country. Her loyalty will be tested when a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy. Salt goes on the run, using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative to elude capture. Salt's efforts to prove her innocence only serve to cast doubt on her motives, as the hunt to uncover the truth behind her identity continues and the question remains: "Who Is Salt?" (more below)

Read More

COVERAGE: Globe's BlackBerry Curve icon of style and The Great White BBM EyeBall

I'm a BlackBerry fan and its great that I got invited to attend this event, and my BlackBerry craze started after I tested that BlackBerry Curve unit for two months and it was a great experience for me and also a way to introduce to old BB users the trackpad device that replaces the trackball. The event was for the The Great White BBM EyeBall, an eyeball party at Republiq, Resorts World Hotel and its a call for all BB and Globe users that were invited via Globe BlackBerry fan page in Facebook and the party event also hosted a contest in gaining the most BlackBerry Messenger Friends. (more coverage below after the jump)

Read More

My Jollibee birthday cake

Even that I failed to organize my own Jollibee birthday party due to my busy sched and lack of time to organize it, sayang at may Transformers birthday party theme and Jollibee, but every year and every birthday they do send this Jollibee birthday cake here at home and I'm very happy that they still send some goodies to me, thanks Jollibee! here's a pic of me and my son Ashton as we celebrate my birthday with my 1st kid for the very first time.

more pics after the jump

Read More

COVERAGE: Parentin.TV 1st year anniversary event

The first Philippine online tv show, Parentin.TV just celebrated their 1st year anniversary, they invited their members and mommies to their event at the event center of SM Megamall, and the event celebrated runs the whole day composed of games, lectures raffle games, performances, free food tasting and lots of surprises. Tin Tin Bersola-Babao hosted the event just like any other tv show, she invited guest performers like Wan-lu and some local artist like Nikki Valdez (I didnt know that she's a mom na).

The fun part is that when Lace joined a relay race with some mommies vs. dads. We got tired the whole day and decided to go home, but got depressed when we heard that Lace won a 15k worth of kitchen showcase in a raffle draw, but we already left and the prize went to the people who are present there. Congrats to Parentin.TV and more power to your online show

more photo coverage after the jump

Read More

COVERAGE: Nestle Expo 2010

I Choose Wellness Expo or Nestle Expo kick off last weekend at the Megatrade hall in SM Megamall,the event is open and free admission to everyone, and as you line up you will be welcome by a holographic projection of a girl explaining some details about the event and Nestle, I didn't expected that the event is so jam packed, they have booth games for kids and adults, different brands and food-drinks sampling, stage games and a check up and consultation with a nutrionist to give you tips on how to monitor your health. I went there after lunch and all of my blogger friends were finished to visit the area and met the CEO of Nestle during lunch time. I manage to squeeze in myself in the hall way and took some photos around the expo, and tried the Nesvita and my first time to taste it and I like it, I think I should buy this soon. Nestle Expo is very successful, a different expo that I know and everything is free, and I hope that they will organize more events like this and I know other brands will follow as well.

more pics and caption of the photos from the event after the jump

Read More

ANIME: Hayate the Combat Butler 2nd Season @ Animax Asia this July 2010

premieres 21 July 2010, airing Wednesdays 9pm

The second season continues after the events of the first season, with the luckless Ayasaki Hayate now working permanently as a butler to the incredibly wealthy Nagi Sanzenin, to pay off his debt to her. In addition to fulfilling Nagi’s many demands, the hapless Hayate finds himself the object of affection for Student Council President Katsura Hinagiku, as well as his childhood friend Nishizawa Ayumu, as he remains oblivious to Nagi’s growing feelings for him.

Continuing seamlessly from the first season, expect new characters to add to the comedy, drama and romantic developments in the 26-episode romantic comedy anime series. The direct sequel to the first season, Hayate the Combat Butler 2nd Season is based on the popular ongoing Japanese comedy manga of the same title, with 24 volumes published to-date. It is produced by J.C. Staff the studio responsible for anime hits including Nodame Cantabile and Shakugan no Shana, with director Yoshiaki Iwasaki (Love Hina) at its helm

more below

Read More

TV: anime music concert in ANIMENGER @ Animax Asia this July 2010

premieres 18 July 2010, Sunday 9pm

Animenger is a special one-hour live-action music concert program featuring highlights from Japan’s Lantis Spring Festival. Catch the latest hit anime songs performed ‘live’ by popular artistes including anime voice actresses Aya Hirano and Chihara Minori, as well as bands such as JAM Project, Ali Project and more.

more pics below

Read More

TV: Culture:Japan by Danny Choo @ Animax Asia this July 2010

premieres 25 July 2010 Sunday 9pm

Hosted by popular Japan-based blogger Danny Choo, Culture:Japan by Danny Choo will be about all things Japanese Pop Culture ranging from anime, manga, music, fashion, figurines, dolls to gadgets and more. Hear from the blogger himself as he chats with top anime voice actors and actresses (seiyuu) while he brings us on tour. Expect visits to rooms of ‘otakus’ – fans of all things anime, manga and videogames; Japanese high schools; as well as popular spots at electronics, anime, manga and figurine shopping mecca Akihabara. Also, go behind the scenes of an anime production studio as well as the work that goes on at a manufacturer of figurines.

Read More

MOVIES: Predators movie continues after 1987 (some sort of movie review)

I just can't believe that the timeline and universe of the 1987's Predator movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger is connected to this film and it looks like the Predator I and II connects the whole series and made it into some sort of trilogy, I felt a happy fan boy after learning the story line of this film and mentioned Arnie's encounter in the 1st film. To see is to believe it folks and the thrill and shocking revelations can be seen in Predators only. check out below of some of my comments and short review of the film. (more below)

Read More

Movie Bloggers @ Predators and Street Dance 3D movie premeire

We just need to divide ourselves and choose the movie we like, its a hard decision for me because I want to watch both movies, but I'm glad that we have our movie bloggers who helped me to give those premiere ticket slots to another movie. I'm invited to watch the Predators movie and I need to watch it because I'm a super fan of these creatures and I just can't let it pass out of my hands, and again the Street Dance 3D makes me interested to see the tech they used, I even heard from our movie bloggers that the 3D effects in the live action movie is much better than other 3D converted movies, from what I heard again is that they used a 3D camera in shooting the film, so it means that the movie is not just converted to 3D in film.

Predators movie is a mind blowing film and I just learned that this is NOT a reboot film, I just fell in the edge of my seat and can't help myself to post a message in Facebook, even my brother in the states was surprised and will discover it himself this Thursday screening. It was a fun night for all of us, and I heard that the Inception will have its movie premiere next Tuesday at SM MOA IMAX and followed by the Sorcerer's Apprentice on the other day, whew!!! too many great films! Thanks to 20th Century Fox and SM Cinema.

more pics here

Read More

MANILART 2010 : 2nd Philippine International Art Fair

I've been waiting for this event and it looks like this will be another event hit this month, last year's art fair was the best and even that I failed to attend the opening that year, I'm glad that there are positive reviews about the art fest and NBC tent was converted into a giant art gallery. This year the event just moved to SMX Convention Center and I'm happy that it will be another transformation. I don't know yet how much is the entrance fee, but I wish that I can cover this event on the opening day, I know you ART Bloggers are ready and excited about this event.

there are more details posted here

here are the ticket price.

Exclusive Gala Preview VIP Ticket - Php2,500 (July 29, 2010 with dinner and gala program)
General Admission Ticket - Php 200
General Admission w/Art Fair Catalog - Php 350

you may call their hotline numbers - 531.6231 or 0917.851.1333
for payment details

check out some artworks below that will be displayed there

Read More

MOVIES: Fun Facts from THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE (Opens July 15)

The cast and filmmakers of Walt Disney Studios’ “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” had a blast creating the fantasy adventure about Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage), a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan who recruits Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel), a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé.

Get a load of these fun trivia about the newest Jerry Bruckheimer blockbuster: (more below)

Read More

MOVIES: last look on Predators creatures before the premiere tonight

Before we watch the Predators movie premiere tonight in SM Megamall, lets have a short look and see what kinds of Predators and creatures we are dealing with in this movie, as you can see in the trailer, actor Adrien Brody and the others were transported to another planet that they mistaken if as Earth, but they didn't know it was just a part of the hunting activity of our alien creatures known as the Predators.

The movie is reboot of the original and classic film, but I just can't accept this as a reboot since nothing was part of the timeline and storyline, let's say the incident occurs after Predator II. Predators movie will open July 8 in all Philippine theaters, the 20th Century Fox film is distributed by Warner Bros.


I'm a big fan of this movies and creatures since they were shown in our theaters and thanks to video games and comic books for keeping them alive for years and I just can't believe that they are back again in this new generation and treated with modern cinematic effects, the only monsters that survived and would you believe that I even created a tribute blog post last year 2004 - "The end is near for all"

check out below for more photos and creature features

Read More

X-rider 4D in SM MOA

We tried this 4D simulation ride in Kids Universe in SM MOA, and for a price of P100 per person, you can enjoy that 5 minutes 4D carnival movie short and fool your eyes and your self and experience a 4D screen and a moving 6 seater coach. Its kinda weird and I thought that the experience will be the same like in Enchanted Kingdom with air and squirting water.

They have different kinds of genres, there's this cosmic war, horror, roller coater, prehistoric, trip to the forest and etc. The only hassle here is that the X-rider is a best seller for kids, and you need to wait for you turn and it will just be around 5 min only. And a funny part is that they installed a CCTV camera inside so that your friends and family can monitor you in a tv screen outside the venue, and wait for your funny faces and how you enjoy the ride.



more pics below

Read More

Photo: Iron Man reacts to the Bat-signal

I just saw this lifesize Iron Man figure or statue standing in front of the DC comics merchandise, I was laughing because the photo here looks like that Iron Man reacts after that Batman signal behind him. I just wish that our local stores can understand the difference of a DC and Marvel properties, sometimes I even saw a label in Toy Kingdom in one of their toy shelves and it was "Marvel comics toys" and then the rack is full of Batman toys. hahahaha

Read More

FASHION: Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan fashion feature

Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan didnt escape the lens of Flaunt Magazine in their issue 109 Fashion edition, we know Morgan in movies like The Watchmen and the Losers, these films came out recently and gave a big hit to comics and movie goers, he is also having an upcoming movie - The Residents (with Hilary Swank), Red Dawn, a remake of that 1984 movie John Milius thriller that star by Patrick Swayze and Charlie Sheen and The Texas Killing Fields which is now in pre-producton. (more below)

Read More

Switching back to Flickr uploader v.2.5

I decided to switch back in using that old Flickr uploader version 2.5, because it is very light in my desktop and it uploads much more faster than the new version, although the settings and user interface are different, but still they work the same and it looks like the new version 3.2 eats a lot of memory or even  uploads slower than the old version. I just got my power back in blogging and it will be heavy time again in uploading lots of photos here in my blog. I use Flickr now in uploading my photos, it is easy to manage and also store lots of high res images, thanks to Chuvaness for the pro account, and it saves a lot of my time managing all those photos in sharing all my image material for my blog.


You can start following me at popazrael@Flickr

Read More

TECH: Globe brings the first public Webphone service to the Philippines

Globe Telecom introduces the country’s first public Webphone that enables consumers to call, surf, email and send videos. Globe deployed its first Web payphone at TriNoma in Quezon City as it is currently testing this service for the local market.

Called Globe E-Stop, the Webphone is a new innovation that puts together the payphone and internet service in a revolutionary touch screen device that is easy to use. Available this June, consumers and TriNoma mall goers have been trying out Globe E-Stop and it has received very encouraging response from the market.

Read More

Manny Pacquiao Proud of his Body Pain

Looking at Manny Pacquiao fresh from his win over Joshua Clottey and showing mastery even outside the ringside by winning the lone Sarangganni Congressional seat, one is led to ask, umaaray pa ba si Manny Pacquiao?

And the world-boxing champion would be the first to say “yes.”

Several rounds of skip roping, core training, marathon jogging and shadow boxing– with a training regimen like this, even the toughest of men, including Manny Pacquiao, cant help but cry out and say “aray!” But being a true champion, he takes pain as a badge of honor—as a sign that he has completed a day’s worth of rigorous training, a sign of his passion and commitment, a sign that he’s a step closer to winning another championship belt. Because for Manny Pacquiao, “aray ko, galing ko.” (more below)

Read More

CONTEST: Win 100,000 pesos by submitting your social marketing ideas for the Ideas Positive: The Unilab Youth Camp for Change

Unilab calls on the youth to create positive change with an idea
Launches Ideas Positive Program, a social marketing competition and congress in one

Innovative ideas have the power to impact positive change in the world. History has shown that such ingenuity can be positively contagious and can come from anyone, especially the Filipino youth. Could you and your friends be contagious enough to start an ‘epidemic’ that results in lasting change in communities? Could you be Ideas Positive? (read more below)

Read More

MOVIES: A Sneak Peek to GROWN UPS movie

Some guys need a little extra time to mature. In Columbia Pictures’ new comedy “Grown Ups,” Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider play best friends when they were young kids and are now getting together with their families on the Fourth of July weekend for the first time in thirty years. Picking up where they left off, they discover that growing older doesn’t mean growing up.

The real-life chemistry between the actors translated seamlessly to the characters they play on screen. In fact, many of the stars of “Grown Ups” have known each other for years. Rock says, “Most of the guys met at ‘Saturday Night Live.’ I met Adam doing stand-up 20 years ago easily at Comic Strip in New York . We just hit it off when we were the younger funnier guys in the club. Spade I met at ‘SNL.’ Schneider I met at ‘SNL.’” (more below)

Read More

Thank you DOT Sec. Ace Durano

The triple A's - Apl d Ap, Ace Durano and Azrael

I was expecting this after the election and the big inauguration of our new president and its a heart warming moment for me to hear and read a letter from the Philippines Department of Tourism Sec. and its staff announcing that they just ended their term under PGMA last June 30, 2010. I'm going to miss the events and updates they given to us bloggers, especially about tourism and promoting the Philippines.

I'm not sure if the new Sec. will be tapping the new media again in promoting our country and be active in lots of campaign just like what Ace Durano did in the previous years, I'm in touch with Ace sometimes whenever there are DOT events and its a great moment to meet him and know him backstage and learn about his hardwork as DOT Sec., it was a great adventure with them and I'm looking forward for another year with DOT under a new term.

check out below his thank you letter to all of us.

Read More

MOVIES: Salt movie director Philip Noyce talks about the new spy thriller

Australian director Phillip Noyce has done it all, from acclaimed thrillers like “Clear and Present Danger” and "Patriot Games" to dramas such as "The Quiet American.” Now he's back in the chair for the much anticipated spy thriller "Salt", which reunites him with his "The Bone Collector" co-star Angelina Jolie.

In this interview, Noyce takes time out from filming in New York City to talk at length about the film, how it changed from a Tom Cruise movie to a Angelina Jolie film, and working with the talented actress. ( read more below)

Read More

4,531 Posts

I think this blog should have a 5,000 post celebration in the future, I always forgot to celebrate or even do a blog anniversary of some sort for my blog and also for my readers. But I think this is the right time to announce that we will have a special something, it can be a promo or an event. This will make me motivate more and blog heavily and squeeze my time and self back to basic blogging.

I miss talking to myself while typing this entry and also talking to my blog readers. I became so busy in my life this year and the transformation of my circle of time should not affect everything. I must improve and this gimmick will help me blog more and post interesting stuff. Azrael's Merryland is moving out of the pop culture category and hope we shift to a blog magazine type, since everyone says that this blog is like a magazine already, composed of different topics and genres that is recommended to everyone.

so let's announce this!
the race to 5,000 blog post starts now!

Also, I've missed my 1,000,000 blog visit and my counter is so silent and forgot to have a contest and as it was also suggested by a blogger friend, not sure if we can have some sort of contest too for the 2,000,000 web visit in my counter a kiriban thing. But that will run for another year ahhaha and this idea will be forgotten. But I promised, we will have something special if I hit that 5,000 blog post before the year ends..or maybe around September, who knows, maybe I can hit a 100 blog post every month and target a November 2010 deadline for the 5k blog post mark.

Read More