The Joker Film 2019

Have you watched the Joker? After the released of Todd Philips new film "The Joker" under Warner Bros. Productions almost everyone is talking about the D.C. comic villain also due to some controversies. The movie was theatrically released last August 31. The production's budget range from $55-70 million and its gross from different countries is $1.40 billion.

There are atleast 26 films that features Joker, however, This movie is the first stand-alone film and its outside the DCEU.

When the Joker's teaser and trailers were posted it was dark, creepy, grim but with a shocking glimpse of a painful back story of the clown. It attracted the audience and it blasted social media as netizen posted their reactions and comments.

The Plot

In year 1980s in Gotham City,  a stand-up comedian named Arthur Fleck whom suffers in many mental conditions such as laughing uncontrollably is often disregarded and mocked. They say that "when it rains it pours", the unexpected misfortune came to Fleck. He lose his job, he was beaten up by youth gang, mocked by his favorite stand-up comedian Murray Franklin. His psychological and medications treatment were cut off, he discovered a heartbreaking childhood past. All these difficulties made Arthur a madman, He lead a chaotic city where people are rallying and angry blaming the government of Gotham. It was a mayhem for the city of Gotham. The Clown then laugh, laugh and laugh as he sees the soul of the city was destructed. 

The Acting

Joaquin Phoenix, was a three-time Oscar Nominee, he also received accolades from different award-giving bodies. Some of his best performances is as Freddie Quell on The Master and Commodus in Gladiator, he was very good in acting and as his newest movie, the Joker was released. Many agreed that its about time he won an Oscar award. From the trailer to the Movie, Phoenix acting was magnificent. Of course  Heath Ledger's portrayal of Joker is exceptional and outstanding that's why it was quite hard to surpass his acting but given Phoenix the chance, they are both eminent.
On this Joker movie, the focus is on the story of Joker himself, so it requires a lot of emotions.

The Lines

"The worst part of having a mental illness is people expect you to behave as if you don't."

"I used to think that my life was a tragedy, but now I realize, it's a f**king comedy."

"You Don't Listen, Do You?"

The movie Joker though a box-office still has a lot of criticism,  many questions unanswered, some would not even recommend it seeing to those having mental-breakdowns. I think that there's a part of the film that you will feel sympathetic for the main character but then there are scenes in the film that went too far. It's somehow gives a depiction that if you experience hardships you got to stand up and make  a move. Sadly, the "move" isn't about being positive in life rather making a violent act. Though the film has symbolism and metaphor. I think that it still requires a deep understanding of the film. 

How about you, what are your thoughts on this movie, The Joker?

Take a Deep Breathe

Everyone of us, face different battles along the way. We encounter challenges in different levels like easy, medium, hard or even extra hard. At some  point, we feel that there's no one to support us or even understand what we are going through. 

To Understand is such a big word, often used but misused. Sometimes,we feel neglected and left behind even from the most closest people around us. Its reality and we just have to accept the fact that it happens. Bad and ugly things happen.

These sadness that we feel as we go through a rough road also teaches us to be strong and to never lose faith and hope.

I feel sad most of the times, I rarely discussed my feelings unless I trust the person that much. 

But then, I'm still thankful that there's someone up there whom I can cry on, plead, someone I can talk to. 

Hurtful things happen and sometimes in the most unexpected way, But just take a deep breathe and pray. 

National Video Games Day!

Tetris, SuperMario, Pac-Man, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Final Fantasy, Metal Gear, NBA Jam... You surely know these video games if you are a kid or gamer of the '90s. 

Today, the hashtag #NationalVideoGamesDay is trending on Twitter. There's already a 74,000 plus tweets about the topic. Twitter users, flooded tweets of different video games, some sort of history and how gaming evolved. 

Through the years, from the 2D animations and now 3D animation games, many of us are was once a fan. These games, nowadays, gives us a new face. Many games available in google app store and apple store are of high-end quality. The texture, movement and overall production can make us stunned. 

Ace Combat Gameplay by NullVFX1515 Gaming

For many of us, games are one way of diverting your stress in a more fun activity. A way of releasing the hassle and giving yourself a break from all the things that makes you pre-occupied. Video Games is a virtual place to enjoy the challenges and pushed oneself to win and pass all the levels. 

As the National Video Games day is celebrated, many of us had a nostalgia on the games we once played. Too many memories with friends and even strangers we met through gaming. 

Having said these, one of the best throwback is from @Xbox tweet. Kids and even Adults cannot deny the fact that many video games we loved was played through these joysticks. 

However, anything we should do must always comes with moderation. Too much gaming can also give a bad effect. Its also best to avoid games that only encourage gamers to promote violence. There are thousand of games out there that are less violent and can help us to broaden our vocabulary like scrabble and mind games. 


So how was your reminiscing with the National Video Games celebration? What are the top ten games you love the most? Care to share your thoughts? Leave a comment below.

Mayor Isko Moreno on Bagong Maynila

Implementation is important, but how much more is consistency? Others are tired with the same cycle happening in the implementation of the law whether local or national. Some would argue that most of the ordinance are only executed well at the first month or second months and luckily if it reached a year. 

When the local government of Manila led by notable Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso surprised the public on his strict ordinances, many are stunned by his performances. Mayor Isko, ordered clearing operations of major places in Manila. Divisoria, Blumentritt, Plaza Miranda, Recto Avenue, Carriedo Avenue and other congested areas in Manila. 

                             

(Video uploaded by Nullbreak VFX)

on a recent clearing operations last Aug 31

Manila City office will also re-implement and intensify its curfew hours campaign. Last Monday many street children were rescued and taken into custody.

Netizens react and extend their happiness and greetings to Manila Mayor Isko for his hard work. However, there are few people still in doubt on how long will this be maintained and lasts. 

Quiapo, Manila From Mayor Isko Facebook Page

Mayor Isko assured the public that this is not a one time big time operations only. According to his recent interviews, Moreno said he and his office will do the best they can to sustain a clean, peaceful and New Manila. 

From Mayor Isko Facebook Page

What are your thoughts on this? Share your comments or email me if you have any suggested topics to be featured. 

Endless Disaster Such As... TRAFFIC

"A traffic jam when you're already late"... "And isn't it ironic? Don't you think?" You might be familiar with this lyrics from Alanis Morisette Hit song Ironic. Its quite funny when you are going to office or school but got traffic jam and somehow its odd that most of the time the bus/UV express driver then decided to have his car full tank. However, this is not the case, here in the Philippines. Even though you are going home after office work you ended up caught in traffic. Morning to evening there's always a bumper to bumper and heavy built up of traffic annoying all the commuters and motorists.

Major traffic is experienced in Efipanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) formerly known as Highway 54. This is a highway and most of the cars whether heading North or South pass through this road. The Metro Manila Development Authority came up with not one but many traffic schemes to augment the undying traffic. Unfortunately, it did not work that well, and only aggravates the situation. 

                                      Courtesy of UNTV Web/ Jem Aquino (PVI)

One of the implemented scheme was the yellow bus lane. All buses must only go through the yellow lanes and every private vehicles should avoid it. This "Yellow lane" went viral on the first week of August as it worsen the traffic making the commuters jump off the bus and walk kilometers just to go to their destination. 

MMDA is considering a new proposal from The engineering group Guevara & Partners Incorporated (GPI). It was presented yesterday (August 28). The proposal covers EDSA, C5 and other roads outside EDSA. EDSA and C5 will be paired into one-way road, traffic in EDSA going clockwise (Southbound) while C5 traffic counterclockwise (Southbound). There are bus lanes designated on EDSA and cars space will be reduced thus increase space outside EDSA.

Is it an A-Z plans for EDSA? If it did not work go to plan b, c, d and so on and so forth.? 
According to Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) P3.5 million costs us everyday just because of the traffic, we lose so many opportunities and this delay a lot of shipments etc. Traffic gives a domino effect. 

                                     Facebook Post From James Thomas Veloso

Thousands of commuters vent out their dismayed with the traffic. Its truly heartbreaking that no matter how early you leave home, you will still be late and get deducted on your salary. After work or school your body is just tired, you lost time with your loved ones and yourself of course, and yes,still stuck in traffic. 

When will the five-six hour commute be cut down to an hour or half an hour? Not everyone owns a car, the down payment will only breaks your bank savings, many Filipinos choose to commute. Ride trains like Metro Manila Rail Transit (MRT) or Light Rail Transit (LRT). Well these trains have issues as well, its subject for another discussion.  When will the MMDA come up with the best traffic scheme to finally end this burden? Is it true that EDSA traffic is forever? (hyperbole, just to deemed how traffic it is) Everyone, every Filipino commuters is waiting, hoping, but for now its just another long queue of lines in EDSA. 

Warner Bros Released Joker's Final Trailer

"When you bring me out, Can you introduce me as JOKER?"


Thrilling! Interesting! and one of the most anticipated film in this Fall. This is how the internet reacts after the second release of the Joker's trailer starring none other than Joaquin Phoenix. 

Joker Final Trailer Released by Warner Bros

The plot from the two trailers gives us a sneak peak on the life of Arthur Fleck, a stand-up comedian who failed and been disregarded by the society. Experienced sarcasm, defamation and cruelty he wandered at the streets of Gotham City. The poor clown then, turned a madman, lunatic and become the - JOKER. 

Turning back the pages of history of this D.C. comics story, we know that Joker is one of the best villain in the D.C. Universe, the greatest arch-enemy of Batman. 

On YouTube the trailer has already 479, 928 views while on Twitter posted by Lights Camera Pod, It gained million views. 

So some posts also gives an earlier comparison between Heath Ledger, the legendary actor who best played Joker on the film The Dark Night (2008) and now Joaquin Phoenix. Its still incomparable yet because we only saw the trailer of Joker. For sure, there are surprising parts on the plot of the story and we are all waiting for the main character. 

                                       Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix (CTTO)

I was a fan of Gladiator film where Phoenix starred as Commodus, a mad Roman Emperor. He gave justice to the character. He made a very good acting that leaves remarks to the audience. I know that people have high expectations from him to his new film. 

Will try to come up with another review after I watched the film. hopefully. God's will. 

No HomeWork Policy: Yay or Nay?

If you are a #Batang90s like me or studied a little earlier its not a new thing for us when our teacher will tell us this: "Okay class, copy your assignments on the blackboard and write down your answers on your notebook or use a bond paper." Since our preschool years, we colored booklets, drew shapes of circles, square rectangle, etc in our homes. So I can still recall those years when Momma will help me read and write down my name after school hours. 

When I was in High school, there are instances, when we have seat work and the bell rang so teacher will ask the students to resume the work activity in our home. 

On August 26, while the Philippines is celebrating "National Heroes Day", two bills at the House of representatives were filed proposing a "No Homework Policy". On House Bill No. 3611 Deputy Speaker Evelina Escudero seeks to eliminate homework and limit school activities. In addition to her bill, she also wished that students leave or deposit their school textbooks to prevent them in carrying heavy books. Quezon City Representative Alfred Vargas also filed House Bill 3883 but the content of this bill only limits the teachers of giving students assignments on weekends. In his bill, if any teachers violate they will be charged of P 50,000 fine or imprisonment for one to two years. 
    

Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones supports the No Homework policy. According to Secretary Briones, Deped wants a formal education to be done inside the school and it aims that students will have more time to enjoy bonding moments with 
families and friends.

Is it a Yay or a Nay?

I have read articles and many disagreed with the proposed house bills. Many expressed their concern regarding the issue. The Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) said that it could create wrong values to the students and may affect the system education as a whole. According to TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas,  “Homework is not intended to make life difficult for our students,” Basas believed that giving assignment creates discipline and good values instead. 

There are Tweets and Facebook posts posted by teachers, professors, parents and even students with divided opinion with the "No Homework Policy". 

twitter reaction posts

On my personal experience and observation, kids nowadays, have a more easiest access when it comes to research. We are on a digital era, where you can ask anything under the sun through google. History, math problems, Socio-political news, arts, music, name-it-all. Its rare to find students searching on textbooks, libraries and newspapers for academic purposes. When I was young, though computer takes place already that time. It will be so hard to rent for a computer just to do research. If I'm not mistaken, it was P50 per hour. Imagine? early 2000s, that money has a big value back then. 

I thank God I survived studying despite financial ordeals and I know everyone older than me had to survived studying too with a greater obstacle to battle with. I think that assignments and homework will not do any harm to the students. Look at our society now, I am truly shocked that elementary students enjoy mobile phones and take note its high-end! In our time, its either you are a working student or your parents have a white collar jobs to own that nokia 3210. 

My point is these kids spend so much time on mobile phones, gadgets and browsing the internet. Why not make their time spend in a more worthy and efficient way? Look at the positive effects of giving assignments, a student will have an advanced review with the lesson, he/she will be dedicating time on doing academic activities. At the end of the day, who will benefit from these? Its the students of course. 

Our passionate teachers do the best they can to mold their students and to be a good example to them. Most of them treat them as their own child so that they may breed productive youth. Its just a matter of how you look things at your own perspective. If you see homework as a burden you might not looking at the bigger picture and you just missed the purpose of it. 

To the younger generation, there's more to life than the four corners of the room. There are so many good things to look forward to than outcry your sentiments on homework. It's also a matter of balance and time management. While working on with your assignments you can still find time to spend it to your loved ones and families. 

Lastly, to our lawmakers, You too was once a student, I think and I hope that you were there at the congress because you build a good foundation of your studies, I also think that once upon a time you enjoyed working with your homework too.