MOVIE REVIEW: MAMA MIA! 2 HERE WE GO AGAIN

Movie poster from Joblo

If you haven't watched any or lowkey don't like musicals just because then leave. Kidding! There's always a part of us (deep, deep, deeeeep inside) that loves a good musical. I remember watching my first ever movie musical –that is The Sound of Music and watching it a hundred times because of Julie Andrews' oh so beautiful voice plus, the songs were so good! Anyway, when I heard that there's going to be a sequel for Mama Mia! my heart thumped like a freaking drum on a parade. I got extremely excited about the news and I soon found myself watching the first film again. My mom is a fan of ABBA (their songs were used for the movie) so obviously, she's one of the main reason why I got hooked into watching it. Days after Mama Mia! 2 Here We Go Again got released I was staying at my Aunts house so I tagged along when they decided to watch it. And now here is the long-awaited movie review lol. This is actually my first time making one so bear with me and the exaggerated words I will be using because this movie literally gave me the chills.

Storyline ★★★★★★☹☹☹☹

I hate this but I have to. I might be spoiling some of you with some of the parts I will be reacting to so read at your own risk. Okay so I got a bit disturbed with the sequencing of the flashbacks and reality/now parts but who am I to judge the editors and director, I'm not a professional but that's my opinion so yeah. I just realized that I should separate my views on the flashbacks and reality/now parts because it will get messy or confusing but I know it will, either way, end up just like that because I just drank 2 cups of coffee and my body is absorbing all the caffeine so thumbs up!

FLASHBACKS: The scenes where Donna met and spent time with Harry, Bill and Sam separately were a bit short and it lacks the chemistry I was looking that's written in her diary. The writings there portrayed their relationships a bit more exciting or Sophie just got a bit excited reading out her mom's diary to her friends in the first movie. The scenes of the trios, Donna and the Dynamos where funny because of their banters and characteristics. I liked Donna's life in the flashbacks because it showed that nothing is going to stop her from the adventure and happiness she wanted in life.

REALITY/NOW: I am getting emotional right now I hate this, I really do. Waiting for Donna's part to come up was a pain like I was literally telling myself that it's okay she's alive, it's okay. But I already knew that her character had passed so I guess I just wanted closure lol. When Sky hinted that she's already gone I didn't believe it not until Sam's scene came along where he was talking to Sophie inside the ~love cabin~ of her parents and then pulled out a frame with Donna's pictures from when she was younger. Oh, God! The tears! You can't imagine the pain and heartache I felt. He was just so sad. As Sophie reflects on her mom's journey as an adulthood while trying to do everything she can to make her mom proud by pulling off a rather extravagant event for the hotel's launching that was destroyed by a storm made me realize that all you need is your family's love and support. Yes, people, that's the moral of the movie, I think. Whatever happens, love and support your family. I was wondering when Meryl's (Donna) character was going to be shown because she was still included in the movie poster lol. Cue the Slipping Through My Fingers song because this is my favorite scene in the entire movie –that had me in tears I swear. We all knew that Sophie and Sky are going to have a baby since it was shown in the trailer. In the baptismal scene of their baby in the chapel –where Sam and Donna got married it's like finally, everyone got their lives together and somewhat finally moved on from Donna's passing. I was not expecting Donna's appearance in that scene because she was just an imagination of Sophie and I really felt her need of a mother at that time. It was a freaking whirlwind of sad emotions. (I remember my cousin laughing at me because I was literally bawling my eyes out) Both of them were singing so that practically added up to the sadness. The ending of the movie was just another cherry on top, it's the final scene where the song is finally getting over soon so Doona was walking out of the doors of the chapel while facing Sophie and her family... shutting it like it's her way of saying goodbye for now. That was the best and saddest I have felt so far in a movie. Oh wow.

Every scene was like a bomb dropping off its target –that is the fans hearts.         

Characters ★★★★★★★★☆☆

A big round of applause for Lily James portraying the Young Donna!!! She really nailed the character of a young woman hunting for adventure and doesn't give any attention to what people say. The perfect example of an independent woman. The other characters from the flashbacks were also outstanding, but something lacked with the characters of Young Harry, Bill, and Sam (I don't know I think I'm just not into the aura of the younger version of the original cast. Blaaah I don't know what I'm saying). I'm not even going to question or say anything about the original cast, I just want to praise them for delivering every scene like it's the final show and it made me emotional until now. Amanda Seyfried, you're such a babe!

Cinematography ★★★★★★★★★★

I am in awe of the way they showed off the beauty of the island. The frames they took were on spot and it made me want to travel there right now. The colors they used for the production made the whole movie have a cool and subtle feeling. Since I'm already talking about colors I just want to insert the perfect choices for the wardrobe, love it! 

Songs ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

I got a bit bummed out when I heard the songs they used in this sequel because I didn't know some of them. Also, I noticed that some of the songs were sung like an acapella version compared to the first movie where there are so many instruments playing that even a mellow song sounds much more nicer. Either way, the songs they used were super meaningful that it made me cry that it's over. 

MAMA MIA! 2 HERE WE GO AGAIN ★★★★★★★★★☹ 

9 stars and 1 sad face –just because Meryl's character died, it's so sad. I want to watch it again though!!! 

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I don't know if you noticed but this seemed like a movie critique instead of just a review. Hope ya liked it! 

An Introduction to SnippetMEdia & The New Publishing Tool

What is SnippetMEdia?

“SnippetMEdia makes reading and discovering online content easier by saving the users the time and effort in finding what they want to read among a multitude of sources” -Kitson Kho, founder and chairman of SnippetMEdia

It’s like your interests are given on a platter. SnippetMEdia is the main extension for some of your desired contents.

What is SnippetX?

A platform where contents from bloggers and freelance creatives can be accessed by the readers. If you are one or just a passionate creator, this new platform of SnippetMEdia is perfect for you. You can share your content, anything from fashion, food, travel, or technology.

How does it work?

You can go to their website or download the app. SnippetMEdia made it easier for you to access your desired contents with their improved mobile app. It opens a large range of opportunities for SnippetX contributors to be recognized and it builds a connection with their readers on topics that are interesting and more relevant to these days.

*Note: If you are planning to contribute your works, you can send it through their website www.snippetmedia.com in the Join Us section.

SnippetMEdia is available on the Apple Store and Google Play Store. Download the app – http://snppt.io/Download-App-Now

Perks and Benefits of joining SnippetMEdia:

• Workshops
• Exclusive Events

As discussed during the meeting, one of the main problems of the contributors providing a content idea. They decided that they will try to invite some of the contributors to different events so it may help them to gain more ideas. 

• Snippet Lab 

When they shared this to us the plan is still under construction. Basically, the Snippet Lab is going to be the contributor's workplace. They also plan on having a corner (more of like a studio) where you can film videos. The location? Hmmm I going to leave it a secret first *hehe*

THE NEW PUBLISHING TOOL (A brief overview)

During the meeting (that I was luckily invited to with my fellow contributors) they introduced to us the new publishing tool they are planning to put on their website for it to be more accessible to the contributors. When the whole preview of the publishing tool was explained to us I thought of Blogger and WordPress combined, but the great thing about this one is that there are editors who will check first your content before they approve of it to be published in the website and you may expect that there's an audience for your content since SnippetMEdia has a wide range of onlookers. And it's up to you if you want to recycle your work from the past or publish it to SnippetMEdia exclusively.  

 How to use it:

1.     Sign in using any of the following: Facebook, Google+ or Twitter for easier registration. 

2.     Post content: Article, Video, Gallery (Photos)

      You can tag and pick your own category so people can find it easily.

3.     Wait for the editor’s approval

Your content will either be approved for publishing or sent back for revisions. 

For minor revisions, you are given 24 hours to edit/revise your work whilst for major revisions, you are given 48 hours to edit your work. If you're unable to do the revisions within the given hour/s your content will be disregarded.  

4.     Check Notifications!!!

For approved articles.

For sent back articles, edit/revise according to instructions and submit again.

Honestly, this is possibly the easiest way for contributors to get recognized for their contents because you get to have your own page with your contents and people can visit it. As of right now the publishing tool is not yet available due to furthermore enhancements, but I will update you on this one when it gets launched! 

TOP 5: BUZZFEED UNSOLVED SUPERNATURAL & TRUE CRIME CASES

I am obsessed with BuzzFeed Unsolved!!! My good friend Ally introduced it to me last year when we had a sleepover and before going to bed we watched a few episodes –yes it made me go insane. Honestly, I never dared to watch the other episodes after that night, but just recently I got addicted to it and downloaded every episode on my phone so I can watch it when I travel to school or whenever I have a free time. 

I'm actually not a fan of these kind of videos, but Ryan and Shane (the hosts) made it tolerable to watch. Their personalities and takes on the cases are very much compelling. It will literally make you question your beliefs. Oh my I just love them. Let's go Season 3! 

DISCLAIMER: These videos might get a little bit scary, I suggest you watch it with somebody or just be brave and face your fears! Yaaas go watch it! The original plan was to attach the videos here so you can watch it right away, but the videos won't show up in the search bar and I can't figure it out which led to me stressing out... so just click the gray title! Enjoy.

These are my top 5 BuzzFeed Unsolved Supernatural and True Crime faves:

SUPERNATURAL

1. The Captive Spirits of Eastern State Penitentiary
2. 3 Horrifying Cases of Ghosts and Demons
3. The Subterranean Terrors of the London Tombs
4. The Horrors of Pennhurst Asylum
5. The Hunted Decks of the Queen Mary

TRUE CRIME

1. The Creepy Murder in Room 1046
2. The Bizarre Death of Elisa Lam
3. The Mysterious Death of The Boy In The Box
4. The Terrifying Axeman of New Orleans
5. The Spontaneous Human Combustion of Mary Reeser

SNIPPET MEDIA & STAR WARS THE LAST JEDI

It's been quite a while since I wrote something about my life's side trips, as I call it, but last September I signed up an application for Snippet MEdia's SnippetX. They had an open booth inside our university one day and with my friend beside me who’s very persistent for us to check it out; we ended up going home with  high hopes that we get accepted. After a week, I received an email from them regarding my confirmation as a content creator/ contributor. Since then I've been sending my articles and fortunately enough it gets published. 

Just recently Snippet MEdia reached their social media milestone and as a way of saying thank you to their loyal followers they held an exclusive premiere screening of Star Wars The Last Jedi last December 13. Ticket winners got selected through electronic raffle and some bloggers who are associated with Snippet MEdia were invited. Who would have thought that I got to be one of them? 

I don't want to be such a spoiler however, if you're planning to watch it later this week my advice for you is to bring tissue and learn to let go as early as now. I am still in shock as to what happened  and apart from that you can really see the improvement of the characters in their acting.. Expect funny moments, action (obviously), and heartbreak. My favorite scene would be... naaah! I'm gonna save it for later. Is it weird that I ship Kylo Ren and Rey??? Oopsy!!

Meanwhile if you have already seen it, comment down your favorite scene and I will tell you mine! :)

Once again, I would like to thank Snippet MEdia for the warm welcome and for the  sweet invite! The venue was exquisite and I had loads of fun.

Photo Source: Snippet MEdia

Get to know more about Snippet MEdia here: http://www.snippetmedia.com/

Join SnippetX: http://www.snippetmedia.com/snippetx/join-us/

5 TIMES DUA LIPA AND PAUL KLEIN MADE OUR HEARTS FLUTTER ON INSTAGRAM

Image source: Daily Mail

For the past few weeks the romantic relationship of Lany’s frontman Paul Jason Klein and Dua Lipa made our hearts flutter in every single way. The two actually met earlier this year during the British Summertime in London Hyde Park and they were reportedly dating since. They also have almost the same tour dates in Asia so they might have been crossing paths then.

As an enthusiast of their music slash relationship, I can’t help but to notice how affectionate they both are on each other’s Instagram accounts.

Here are the ‘5 times Dua Lipa and Paul Jason Klein made our hearts flutter on Instagram:  

1. When Paul posted this photo of Dua before performing in Madison Square Garden.
   
2. Dua posting videos of Paul kissing he cheek.
   
   
   
   
3. Paul’s comments on Dua’s Instagram post… UUHHHHH!!
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. When they both posted a photo captioning it with them calling each other ‘baby’
   
   
   
   
   
5. And lastly, Paul’s comment on Dua’s Instagram post. Marry me?!
   

Well we know that these two won’t get married right away since they are both busy with their careers but, imagine them getting married and having cute babies with Dua’s doll eyes and Paul’s curly hair. Oh my!

Aren't these two the cutest? Paul is definitely #BoyfriendGoals right? Can I please have one! Their ship is sailing and I am glad many are on board.  Oh my heart hurts so good!!!

What do you think about their relationship? Comment it down! 

Blog sources: Instagram, Pop Star, Twitter

THE TV SERIES EVERYBODY SHOULD BE TALKING ABOUT

It’s finally time to let go of A’s hidden mysteries in Pretty Little Liars, Jane’s baby daddy in Jane the Virgin, the death of Hannah Baker in Thirteen Reasons Why, and the epic season cliffhanger of Sense Eight.

Friends, I introduce to you, The Last Ship.

Image source: TV Guide

Here’s a brief description about it.

The Last ship premiered on 2014. It tells a story of a global pandemic that killed 80% of the world’s population. The crew of an unaffected United States Navy plus a well-qualified virologist must try to find a cure to save humanity.

“Naval Destroyer Nathan James is sent on what they're told is a research mission in the Arctic. Accompanying them is scientist, Rachel Scott. After a few months in the Arctic while Scott is on the ice doing research, some men attack them. They get back to the ship and the Commander, Tom Chandler asks the doctor what's going on. She says that a deadly disease broke out a few months ago. At first, they thought it was contained but they had no cure. They felt that the cure was in the Arctic which why she's here. But she has since received word that it has now spread to most of the globe. Chandler tries to call the President but learns the President and Vice President are dead and the US government might not have long to survive. The current President tells him that the Nathan James was not in the hot zone so he and his crew are OK. But now it's up to them to safeguard Scott because she holds the key to the planet's survival. But there are those who want the cure too and they will do whatever they have to, to get it. So they keep going and trying to find supplies and what they need so Scott can make the cure.”  –IMDb 

5 Reasons Why You Should Binge Watch The Last Ship

1. Remember Eric Dane A.K.A McSteamy from Grey’s Anatomy? Yup, he’s the Captain. You will definitely love how outstanding he is in this series. 

Image source: Tumblr

Image source: Tumblr

 2.  It’s not another apocalyptic kind of show; the plot itself leaves you guessing with what’s going to happen next, it has great camera works and being filmed on a Naval Destroyer is kind of unique.

 3. There's a lot of ass kicking. I am head over heels as to how they portrayed women on this show. 

4. There are some tense moment in each episode that leaves you sort of on the edges of your seat.

5. Every episode will keep you wanting more. 

Plus, the characters are totally the real #squadgoals. 

Image source: Tumblr

Image source: Pinterest

It's the best kind of emotional roller coaster so I suggest you start watching it now!

FEATURE POST: Unreciprocated Love? Try to Reciprocate it With Yours

Aren’t you tired of experiencing unreciprocated love? You are living for how many years already but you are dying inside for how many times too.

Three days had past when I posted a status about unreciprocated love. On that day I felt betrayed, well, almost every day I feel that way, that is why I continued the post from the unreciprocated love statement to this: "You are living for how many years already but you are dying inside for how many times too". I am feeling bad whenever someone shows a cold approach on me. I am having self-pity and I tell myself, "I even showed a lot of concern for you! What have I done for you to treat me like that? I was never rude to you and I never treated you like you're worthless but why I am feeling like that to you? I DID EVERTHING JUST TO PLEASE YOU, can't you just return the favor?" You know what, I envied many people who have that person called as a friend whom they can talk to unhesitantly if they have problems or whom they can show their true colors, their trips, weird alter egos and their common interests. I hate to be alone, I hate the feeling of loneliness because I feel like I was swallowed wholly by a dark vortex or time vacuum and I can't free myself by being sucked. That's why I fit in into circles of friends just to fight my fear of being alone. Not just battling against loneliness, I also wanted people to be affectionate and show love towards me, but I am having a hard time getting what I want. But if you'll ask me, am I happy? The answer's NO! I am not alone, granted, but everyday I getting myself numb to the rejection. You can even hear these harsh but true words from them, "Why is he still in our group?", or when they need to eliminate one from the group, someone will say, How about him? Just joking! (But you know he/she really meant it, maybe he/she wanted not to hurt my feelings). As I became emotional questions popped out: Am I really that dumb and numb to still stay even though I don't have such to receive from them? Should I become rude and cold to them too? But that's not what God wanted! Should I go by myself and exit from the group? CAN I DO IT? Maybe I was just overthinking? Maybe I am assuming? I hope so (am I that paranoid?), because I thought it's normal for a group to encounter hardships among members, but I can't help it! Because you can notice it if that "friend" is cold only towards me. Is there something wrong in me? To reduce the tensions in my head I asked one of my dear friends (you read it right! Somehow I managed to find people I am comfortable talking with, they're several of them by the way, but I still a bestfriend material) and she enlightened my mind. She shared that in the real world nobody will care for you, it's only you who will be left out in the reality and it's up to you if you will stand up and be courageous to be on your own feet or to drown with your fears pushing you down some more. Nobody will love you more than the love you'll consume for yourself. It's a matter of self-acceptance, self-confidence and self-esteem, and all the compounded words with self- affix in it haha! That became my wake up call. For how many times I sought advices and empathy to other people but I don't/can't apply them, and for how many times I also got tired of smiling and concealing my tears and heartbreaks with laughters and joy. It's just now that I fully accepted an advice and it really moved me to change my POV. DON'T EXPECT OTHERS TO LOVE YOU IF YOU DON'T LOVE YOURSELF FIRST. How can you love others if you can't love yourself? What love are you going to give if you don't have that much amount of love in you?

Written by: Benedict Marcos

PORTFOLIO #1: BLUER THAN BLUE

Dear little girl, believe me when I say that you are remarkable.

ESKWELAHAN PLANNER 2016

Before 2016 even occurred I was already searching for a new planner. Badly hoping to get a new one from my favorite store I felt damned because it got out of stock and it's just the first week of December! Let me tell you this, every time I go back there and try to find those freaking planners I always end up disappointed. "WHY WON'T THEY RESTOCK 2016 PLANNERS" I thought to myself. Eventually I gave up and never stood inside of that shop again. Kidding!!!

5 PLACES I WANT TO VISIT

 1. LECCE, ITALY

 After watching the film Walking on Sunshine it sure did convince me that I want to go and visit this place in the near future (I suggest you watch the film so you can understand what I'm talking about). From the 1980s hits set in a Mediterranean location it will give you nostalgia from that hit film Mamma Mia.

This place is famed for its baroque cities, distinctive conical stone houses and white sand beaches. Can you already imagine what it's like living there? Give me a plane ticket!

Lecce, I think, is a place where you would prefer to walk rather than ride public transportation. It's like every sweat that's coming out off your body and weary is worth because of the ravishing place you're in. If I'm lucky enough to visit this beautiful place I'll first run off to the Roman Amphitheater because damn, this place is art in its living form. I wonder what its like there nighttime?

2. SANTORINI, GREECE

What is it with me and Mediterranean places? Well you all know the beauty of Greece, from the fascinating landscape, beautiful view, and clear water, you will for surely put this in your to go places! Hello have you even watched Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants? And, I can already tell that the people here are friendly. I want to experience waking up to a beautiful place like this and watch the sunset. Just imagine the photos I could take here... AHHHH! 

3. INDIA

They say that Taj Mahal is really breathtaking and I approve of that though I'm only observing it from a picture. India is a huge country, where there are many places to wander around. In some articles it is said that coming to India is a great value destination because of the cheap findings and even the hotel rooms are somehow cheap. Also, it's one of the best place to learn yoga, meditate, and spend time at an ashram, a spiritual hermitage or a monastery. Take me now to India!! 

4. AMSTERDAM

Okay? Okay. The community of Amsterdam looks relaxing. If I ever visit there all I'm going to do all day is sit on  a bench and enjoy the beauty of the atmosphere. Dam Square also sounds like a great place to just wander around or visit some cafes and restaurants. Honestly I want to visit this place because of Anne Frank's house and the other museums. Museum hopping would be great! 

5. FRANCE

Europe will definitely give you the "what" to "the heck" with its impressive buildings and mouth watering cuisines. To the people who's staying in France you sure are hella lucky because you get to wake up to a superb community. Take me with you please! And, for some reason I got interested in castles, I mean who wouldn't be? We're talking about freaking castles and France has many famous French castles like the Chambord Castle. Just look at that picture and tell me what you think about it! It looks so delicate I don't even want to look at it again because it might break. I just admire the beauty of France. Of all the places I want to visit I want France to be the first! 

Source of photos used in this blog post: Google and Unsplash 

INTERVIEW WITH ALYSSA FROM 'FROM CAMPUS WITH LOVE'

After days and days of exchanging emails, finally! I'm so glad that I got the chance to do an interview with one of my avidly followed blog. I'm so delighted to welcome Alyssa the owner of From Campus With Love to my humble abode.