nicanicanics

THE SPARK IS STRONG ✨

Let's start with minor details before I write my movie review. I watched this movie with my two college friends, they are 2/3 of my movie buddies. And the movie was sponsored by Vampedia in exchange of a review.

Me and my friends chose to watch the block screening hosted by one of the fanclubs dedicated to EXO here in the Philippines, named EXO Vento PH. As far as I know they handle events that are related and dedicated to EXO as a group and it's members' individual activities. It was my first time joining their event, it's simple but organized. The admins were friendly and accomodating.

The block screening was held at SM Grand Central Cinema 2 last August 27, 2023. We paid for the movie tickets plus a fan kit that includes some fanmade photocards, The Moon wristband, The Moon attendee card, and The Moon movie postcard. Early birds got the chance to score some free snacks too, but too bad for us we're late and missed the free snacks.

Since we are from Bulacan, we traveled 2 hours by bus and then by grab car going to SMGC.

Prior to this event I won a penguin crocheted keychain from their twitter giveaway and I claimed it during the block screening. It's penguin because penguin represents Kyungsoo. 😂 10/10 for the penguin it's super cute!

Before, during, and after the movie we all eat. 🤣

KFC chicken and rice meal before the movie

Fruit smoothie and popcorn during the movie

Popeyes chicken and spaghetti after the movie

We chose a cheaper ride going back home to Bulacan. We rode LRT from SMGC then bus to SMF then jeep to SMSJDM. Wow mall hopping. 😅

Brought home donuts for my family

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GOING BACK TO MOVIE REVIEW NOW.....

The Moon is about an astronaut who is stranded in the moon, Hwang Sun-woo wants to successfully land on the moon to fulfill his father's dream but misfortunes and tragedy follows him. Stuck in the far side of the moon alone, during meteor shower, with limited oxygen, and damaged spaceship. He and his team also struggles to get help from NASA.

So..... it was sooooooo good, and this is coming from a person who's not a huge fan of sci-fi films, Kyungsoo being my EXO biased is just a bonus. I will try my best not to drop too much spoilers BUT my reviews always includes spoilers. So if you're sensitive to spoiler please stop reading this review now.

1. Storyline -

I kind of expected the movie to be confusing and complicated just because it's sci-fi. That's my prejudice about this genre. But surprisingly the flow of the story was smooth and easy to digest. There were side stories here and there, some flashbacks too, but they presented it clean and it did not confuse the viewers. There were some small twists and it made the story more emotional. Also there were some part where we can't help but laugh. The dynamic of the heavy situation mixed with minor comedy is comforting. I love that while we were worried about the main character, the film still gave us some laughs that balanced our emotions.

2. Cinematography -

Hands down to all the people behind the effects both in visual and in sounds. Me and my friends kept praising how beautiful the effects are, this movie has high budget and that will make the viewers more satisfied. The explosions, the moon itself, the sound effects, all of those are perfect. The meteor shower was scary, got a glimpse of how it looks like through this movie, it's both fascinating and scary.

3. Characters -

So this part, one of the main reason why I decided to watch this film was because of Do Kyungsoo. And it did not disappoint me, Hwang Sun-woo which was played by D.O. is a very likeable character. Sun-woo is strong-willed he is determined and while he lacks knowledge in fixing their ship, with his efforts he managed to bring himself back to the other (safer) side of the moon. I love that he never forgets his colleagues. The supporting characters has their own strength as well, even the father of Hwang has a huge impact in the film. Some characters will annoy you but most of the supporting characters are good. My favorite character aside from Hwang (of course he is my most favorite in this film), is Minyoung/Jennifer, she works at NASA and used to work with Hwang's father. She chose to sacrifice her position for Hwang to get help and return to the earth. I love that despite of a possibility that she will be kick out from NASA and lose her job, she still did all her best to help Hwang Sun-woo and his team. It takes courage and empathy to do that, she set aside her dreams and hard work to save a life. And I know it's hard to sacrifice yourself for others but if it could save a life then like her, I believe it's worth the shot.

4. Actors/Actresses -

Everyone was good, I am familiar with most of the actors inside this film, but I never saw the characters they portrayed before in this film, they owned their characters here and that just proved how good and versatile South Korean actors are. Do Kyungsoo deserves a best actor award for this film and role.

5. Ending -

The ending was good as well, the movie started good and it ended good. They just missed some important parts like the rescue, I was hoping they will include that part.

Movie Rating: 10/10

No biased, but this film is one of the bests this year. Do Kyungsoo will surely bag awards for this movie, I am manifesting this because he deserves it. I'll definitely rewatch this again and I encourage you people to support and watch The Moon in cinemas. It's worth the money and time (and long travel in our case).

my short version of movie review for Vampedia

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I would like to thank Vampedia and its admins for giving me another opportunity to make a review. 🫶🏻

South Korean boy group TREASURE just held a 2-days concert plus a fan signing event here in the Philippines last April 13 to April 15.

I am one of the Filipino treasure makers (teume - fanclub name) who are blessed to witness these 10 boys performed live on big stage for their first ever Asia Tour.

And as a big fan I can't help it but to volunteer for the fan projects, been doing this volunteer thing ever since Super Junior by the way, so this is not new to me. Being a volunteer is tiring for sure but there's a fulfillment and happiness after it. I was appointed to distribute banners on queue and pink stickers for Upper Box ticker holders on section 417. The stickers are for rainbow ocean fan project before encore performance.

Concert haven't started yet but I'm already sweating and my arms and legs hurts from too much walking.

After waiting for hours TREASURE finally enter the stage and performed their first song for the night and it's JIKJIN. I was in Upper Box so my view isn't the best view. But hearing them live is more than enough.

They performed old songs such as Slow Motion and Orange their best ballad songs, Boy their debut song, and Going Crazy their pre-debut song.

Hyping the fans more with their cover of their labelmates songs like Bang Bang Bang by Bigbang and Rhythm Ta by iKON. TREASURE members especially their leader Hyunsuk was in awe that Filipino fans can sing along to these songs loudly.

One of the memorable segment was when the members were trying to deliver their tagalog pickup lines to fans. Junkyu's line was "Teume there's something in your face, cute maganda at sexy" it's cringe but boy it's Kim Junkyu so I won't complain 🤣

Before encore the boys stood in the middle to take group photos together with fans. 💙

After that they performed their last song MY TREASURE. And after that song was our cue to start the Rainbow ocean light project. The whole arena shine in different colors as fans open their phone flashlights while singing the bridge of TREASURE's Everyday.

IT WAS A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT because the happiness was shown on their faces. And we got two additional encores after that which was not part of the original plan. TREASURE ended up cancelling their flight back home to extend their time with us Filipino fans.

Hyunsuk's reaction when he saw our fan project 🥺

It was hard to say goodbye to these lovely boy. Definitely one of the best concert I've been to, not being biased, their live performance was superb, their fan service was heart warming, their appreciation towards their fans is genuine. I will never regret supporting and loving these boys. 💙

I will figure out how I can make my videos a short vlog. As you can see my section is not the spot. But I'll try.

I would like to thank Vampedia admins for helping me make this possible. Thank you! 🫰🏼

Cha's Staycation at Amaia Steps Altaraza

Address: Q3PG+VHH, Quirino Highway Unit 705, San Jose del Monte City, Central Luzon, Philippines

I booked an overnight stay at Amaia Steps Altaraza using the airbnb site, check-in for overnight stays are fixed at 2pm and check out will be 12nn or earlier the next day.

An overnight stay costs 1,753 pesos as you'll see on Airbnb's site, but once you proceed to pay for your desired date an additional service fee will be added. Service fee is 240+ pesos for 1-2 people, so that's around 2k pesos total, you'll need to add more fee if you will booked for 3-5 people. Maximum 5 people only.

Before you can go inside you need to surrender your proof of identity to the condominium's security guards, the host already informed them about my identity and my reason of stay. The guard will also ask you to fill-up on their visitors log. Once everything is settled they will give you a visitor pass and off you go.

The next thing that will greet you once you get inside the premises is their clean swimming pool. This is a pool sharing facility and you need to pay 100 pesos (per person) every weekdays and 150 pesos (per person) if weekends. Pool is close every Monday.

Pool hours 9:00AM-5:00PM

At the ground floor there are mailboxes for each units, my stay here is self-check-in, the host informed me to get the unit's key on her mailbox.

The place is small, just right for an overnight stay. Whole unit is neat and clean. There are different home appliances provided by the host that guests can use during their stay. Basic toiletries are also included. The room is air-conditioned and there's a spare stand fan provided. Free Netflix + free unlimited during my stay.

The bed was okay during my stay, pillows though are thin, either the host change it or at least add one more for more comfort.

The facility during both day and night are peaceful, other peole who are living there as a regular resident or staying there as a guest like me are all very mindful about noise. My stay overnight stay there is indeed relaxing.

Before I forgot, outside foods are allowed. Food deliveries are allowed too even after midnight, but you need to get your food at the guard house because riders are not allowed inside the building.

My host has a CLAYGO policy which means Clean As You Go, what you bring inside you must take with you when you leave.

I want to add that their elevator smells nice.

Overall stay was great, I actually want to extend my stay but aside from tight budget, I'm also worrying about my mom. Will definitely come back again soon, hoping I have someone to stay with me to make the overnight more fun. Ayieeeee~

pros:

Responsive and kind host

Accommodating and friendly guards

Peaceful place

Near a hospital, mall, church, food establishments

cons:

No public transportation going outside the subdivision which is hard if you don't own a car

No PokeStop in the area, most gyms and pokestops can't be reach, as a pokemon go player it's a little sad

rating: 8/10

experience is good but i believe they can still level up the service.

Expenses breakdown:

Airbnb fee - ₱1,753

Service fee - ₱248

Transportation - ₱140

Food - ₱1,159 (food from feb 5-6)

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