The 'Black Mirror' Movie 'Bandersnatch' is a 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Book Come to Life

I am shookt.

I have never said that phrase in my life, but I don't know how else to explain it. The 'Black Mirror' movie 'Bandersnatch' is finally out on Netflix, and it's an interactive experience that I have never experienced in a series before. It. Is. Amazing.

'Bandersnatch' revolves around a guy named Stefan who works on a video game based on a book, where in the game, you sometimes come to a choice point where you have ten seconds to choose the option that you want. And that's exactly how the entire movie works.

When you play it, you will be told that there will be questions throughout the movie and you choose which option you'd like. If you didn't grow up with 'Choose Your Own Adventure' books, it's basically like that 'Walking Dead' video game if you've ever played it - and it's so much fun. If you fail to choose an option within ten seconds, the movie will choose one for you.



The first question is tame enough with you having to choose the music that Stefan listens to on his Walkman... and when I clicked that button, I knew I was in for something that I will probably keep looking for in the future.

It's not all just about small decisions like music, either. There are bigger decisions to choose from throughout the movie, as well, like your career path, and whether you want to open up about your past or how you treat the people around you. Plus, the music is PURE GOLD.



The best part is that since there are different options, you can rewatch the movie and try different choices and scenarios. And for the first time ever, you can change what happens in a movie depending on your mood. You will never get sick of watching 'Bandersnatch' over and over again, and maybe even watching it with your friends to see which choices they will make.



More than that, I love how 'Bandersnatch' gives us the chance to change things when things go wrong. In one part of the movie, the doctor says "The past is immutable. NO matter how painful it is, we can't change things. We can't choose differently with hindsight. We have to learn to accept that." And yet with this movie, we do get to do that - something that I really, really, really wish I could do in real life. Having that sort of control to change things, if even just in a movie, really helped me feel better in my current situation.

Two thumbs up and a standing ovation for you, Netflix. You have outdone yourself. I am truly amazed.

Get Up to 90% Off at the Digital Walker Madness Sale!

This year was a sad year for my gadget-needing life. Every time I felt the need to buy something cool or even something that I needed, I found myself looking at the price and walking away (I know the other mothers out there will totally feel me!).

So, when I heard that Digital Walker was having a massive gadget sale, my gadget-loving heart wouldn't stop pounding. This is not a drill: you can get up to 90% off on premium tech brands, like Motorola, Marshall, UAG, Fuse Chicken, and Scosche.

Here are some of the Digital Walker Madness Deals that you shouldn't miss out on:

Braven 705 BT Speaker at Php1,950 (SRP Php4,950)

Motorola Hint Earbuds at Php1,635 (SRP Php5,450)

Fuse Chicken Bobine Watch at Php500 (SRP Php1,350)

Fuse Chicken Armor Travel Lightning Cable at Php500 (SRP Php1,990)

Fuse Chicken Bobine Auto at Php500 (SRP Php1,950)

Marshall Major II FX Headphones at Php2,500 (SRP Php5,450)

Motorola Verve Ones at Php2,985 (SRP Php9,950)

Scosche GoBat 3000 mAh at Php550 (SRP Php1,950)

All UAG cases for Php300

The Digital Walker Madness Sale 2018 also happens to be a great place to go for those last-minute Christmas gifts. Need ideas? They've got powerbanks, Bluetooth speakers and headsets, mobile phone cases, car mounts, dash cams, and a whole lot more! You definitely won't have any trouble finding something for anyone on your Christmas list here.

Don't miss out. Entrance to the Digital Walker Madness Sale 2018 is absolutely free, but it only lasts until December 30, 2018 (11AM to 10PM daily). It is located at the newly opened Santolan Town Plaza at 276 Boni Serrano Avenue in San Juan. Head on over NOW while supplies last!

To stay up-to-date with Digital Walker's promos, like them on Facebook, follow them on social media at @digitalwalkerPH or at the hashtag #DWMadnessSale2018

Spotify Wrapped: Which Songs Shaped Your 2018?

Spotify has been a part of my life ever since it came out and I use it practically everyday: when I work out, on road trips, and when I'm feeling "certain kinds of moods". I don't really pay much attention or keep tabs of what I listen to on a daily basis, so finding out what my year has been like through Spotify Wrapped is always fun.

If you're a Spotify Premium subscriber, as well, you might want to check it out to find out what your past 365 days of Spotify music has been like.

The slideshow starts with the first song that you listened to in 2018 and the first artist that you discovered. It seems fitting that I started the year on an emo note coz, well, that's me.

It is then followed by a quick quiz where you guess how many minutes you listed to Spotify in 2018. I guessed correctly: 5,270. Apparently, that's 74% more minutes than last year.

Not surprised that my favorite artist of the year was Panic! at the Disco. I was, after all, prepping for their concert by listening to them for months non-stop (which I was able to attend a few months 

Other top artists were of course, my all-time favorites Incubus and Ed Sheeran. And I also went through a musical phase coz of 'The Greatest Showman' (I mean, come on. Who didn't?)

My favorite part about this slideshow, though, is the part where they put all of your favorite songs of 2018 together in a playlist, so you can listen to your top 100 tracks of the year.



They also curate a playlist called 'Tastebreakers' for you, where you can find a group of artists and songs that Spotify thinks you might like based on the music that you listened to in 2018. You'll be pleasantly surprised by how spot-on Spotify can be when it comes to this. Besides, who doesn't love discovering new amazing music?

Just click on 'For You' in the app to find these playlists.

Of course, Spotify also offers you the chance to share your 2018 on various social media accounts; but since I loved the slideshow so much, I decided to blog about it instead.

Check out your Spotify Wrapped stats here.

Would love it if you shared your top songs of the year with me. As mentioned earlier, I LOVE discovering new music, so please do send some over for my enjoyment! :D Love you, guys!

Find the Perfect Belle de Jour Planner for 2019

I've been a Bella (a Belle de Jour girl) ever since I moved to the Philippines almost a decade ago. I was in love with their convenient and useful planner (there was only one back then). I had even subscribed to their BDJ Box back in the day and religiously attended all of the BDJ events I could attend.

This year, they've got a wide array of planners for you to choose from - with styles that will suit any lifestyle, but all of which aim to help you try, dare, succeed, experience, and live. Check them out:

Belle de Jour Power Planner

(Php598 to Php980)

The Belle de Jour Power Planner is a fun one, filled with worksheets about lifestyle, fashion, career, and finance so you can get to know your mood, strengths, priorities, and goals better. It also has a pocket sleeve where you can keep your cards, bills, and receipts.

Navi Journal

(Php598)

Love to travel Then the Navi Journal is for you. Instead of just sightseeing on your trips, the Navi Journal challenges you to really immerse yourself in every place that you visit and take parts in its traditions and festivals. It also comes with a packing checklist, a bucket list, and a list of must-see places.

Everything is Possible

Php598

If you want to meet your goals this 2019, get the EIP planner, which hopes to empower you to reach your goals this coming year.

Focus Journal

(Php498)

Focusing is never easy nowadays, especially in this fast-paced world we currently live in. The Focus Journal hopes to help you find clarity and calm this 2010 with sheets that will help you write down your thoughts and worries, and discover your real purpose and desires.

Essentials Planner

(Php380)

Are you a minimalist? Then you'll love the designs of the Essential Planner, which is ideal for both bullet journaling and creative journaling. Although I wouldn't consider myself a minimalist in real life, these are my favorite BDJ planners this year as I can get as creative as I'd like with them.

Quest Journal

(Php280 to Php480)

If you're the type who likes getting creative, you might want to consider the Quest Journal, as well. It comes in different colors of the same classic design and has refillable and interchangeable notebooks to suit your lifestyle as needed.

Gameplan

(Php180)

Choose your inspirational quote and stay on top of your game. Each of these planners is good for three months and is filled with dotted space for bullet journaling and timestamps to plan your days by the hour.

They also have notebooks and stickers and other items that will turn your 2019 into the most organized and most fun one of your planner life.

Want to win your BDJ planner of choice? Join the Rafflecopter contest here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Game of Thrones Fans Will Love This Limited Edition White Walker Whisky in Manila

Calling all of my fellow Game of Thrones fans and all of my fellow alcohol aficionados! For months, I've been waiting for the announcement that the Johnnie Walker Game of Thrones-inspired White Walker whisky would make it to our shores. And now, winter is definitely coming to the Philippines if only in the form of this bad-ass drink.

I went to the launch of the White Walker whisky here in Manila last night. It was held at Run Rabbit Run in Poblacion and my geeky heart was once again incredibly happy.

Before even entering Run Rabbit Run, an Iron Throne was outside for us to take photos on:

Empty bottles of the new White Walker by Johnnie Walker were also on display at the registration booth. Drawing inspiration from the winters North of the Wall, the bottle's icy white and blue design is the perfect backdrop for the iconic Johnnie Walker Striding Man now fashioned in armor to fit in among the ranks of the Night King's forces.

How cool is that bottle? Wait til you stick it in the freezer!!! Thanks to temperature-sensitive ink technology, fans will be reminded that "Winter is Here" from an unexpected icy reveal on the bottle when frozen.

The whole place was Game of Thrones-inspired!

Even the food had a royal feast fit for the show!

Naturally, the drinks were Game of Thrones-inspired, as well. Before introducing the new drink, we got to try the following at the ground floor of the bar:

The refreshingly delicious Black Wild Fire made with Johnnie Walker Black Label, grapefruit juice, lime soda, a grapefruit slice, and dill.

The super strong Red Throne Highball made with Johnnie Walker Red Label, ginger ale, tonic water, and rosemary.

Upstairs, they had prepared a super cold room for us complete with smoke machines, cotton in place of snow, and ice sculptures with White Walker bottles stuck in them.

So cool!

This is where Nico Bolzico told us more about the new White Walker by Johnnie Walker.

Known for their icy blue eyes and led by the Night King, the undead army of White Walkers is amazingly captured in this limited edition whisky that evokes their icy world.

Created by whisky specialist George Harper and a small team of expert blenders at Johnnie Walker, this innovative whisky is best served directly from the freezer at 1.5 degrees and develops layers of flavors as it warms to room temperature. It is definitely an entirely new experience (or at least it was for me).

On the second floor, we also got to try cocktails mixed by the sixth best bartender in the world!!! And boy were those drinks to die for (pun intended). Called the Night King's Sour (made with White Walker by Johnnie Walker, blue curacao, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and white grape juice), it was one of the best cocktails I've ever had in my life. Not exaggerating!

It was actually so good, I had five glasses of the cocktail. Not exaggerating. Don't worry, though, as Johnnie Walker always makes sure to "drink responsibly". As such, glasses of water were passed around during the event to ensure that everyone had fun and no one went home feeling like death (pun intended again).

Cesar Gangoso, Marketing Director of Diageo Philippines, explains that "White Walker by Johnnie Walker was created in celebration of the eighth and final season of Game of Thrones, and is the perfect gift for Game of Thrones fans or anyone who appreciates great Scotch whisky."

Have any friends or family members who are Game of Thrones fans> This is the perfect Christmas gift for them, whether they drink or not, because the bottle in itself looks absolutely amazing. I gave my bottle to my dad as an early Christmas gift and he was so in awe of it.

White Walker by Johnnie Walker will be available until supplies last starting on December 10, 2018 for Php1,299 at http://www.spiritsbyjohnnie.com and all leading supermarkets nationwide. We heard that it was sold out in S&R mere hours after its early release there, so make sure you get yours as soon as you can!

For more info, like Johnnie Walker Philippines on Facebook and follow @johnniewalkerph on Instagram

'Alita: Battle Angel' is the First Trailer in a While to Get Me Super Excited

I don't get to watch movies as early as I want to anymore. Heck, I just watched 'Bohemian Rhapsody' last night. And while it was HELLA AMAZING (more on that later), I feel the need to rave about a trailer that I watched during the previews that really caught my attention.

As you probably know if you've been following my blog for a while now, I'm bit of a sci-fi geek. I love movies like 'Gattaca', 'Artificial Intelligence', and 'Minority Report' because I like dreaming about a glorious feature - or at least one with a 'wow' factor. So, the minute this trailer came on, and I saw that girl Alita on the big screen yesterday, I had already decided I was IN LOVE with the movie that it was to be.

The trailer aside, the names behind the film also made me sit up and listen. James Cameron, Jon Landau and Robert Rodriguez? We are set for one hella memorable cinematic experience with 'Alita: Battle Angel' in 2019, I'm tellin' ya! Mark my words!

'Alita: Battle Angel' is apparently based on a manga by Yukito Kishiro. It is set in the 26th century, 300 years after the Great Wars when all but one of the great Sky Cities fell and technology was set back centuries.

The story revolves around a cyborg girl named Alita whose cyber core was discarded from the Sky City and rescued by a grieving father (played, by the way, by CHRISTOPH WALTZ!!!) Alita is then repaired with a new doll-like cyber-body and she is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. She's like those adorable yet ultra expensive dolls with big eyes that Krissy from krissyfied.com collects (I don't know what they're called haha), but a cyborg version of them, making Alita all the more awesome.

Anyway, the sci-fi theme aside, it looks like it's going to be a great father-daughter film, too - one that will most likely put me to tears.

In case you haven't seen the trailer yet, you can watch it here:

'Alita: Battle Angel' will be coming to Philippine cinemas next year courtesy of 20th Century Fox.

Jamba Juice Has 7 Exciting Promos to Celebrate 7 Years

Man, Jamba Juice has been in the Philippines for a while now. I should know this because they have always had special mentions in my blog, thanks to my absolute obsession with them. (Here's a sample mention of Jamba Juice in Alabang Town Center back in 2012.)

Since then, all of the Jamba branches near my place have closed (I miss you, ATC and Southmall branches! *sniffles*), but that doesn't stop me from getting my Jamba fix whenever I get the chance, particularly when I pass by one in Cavite, when I'm shopping in BGC, and when I go to Shinagawa for my lasik surgery checkups.

Count it: it's been 7 whole years! (Syrena was just 1 year old back then! *sniffles*) And to celebrate its 7th birthday, they are happily presenting #7DaysofJamba headlined by 7 exciting offers for 7 days (yes, 7 is the magic number here!). #7DaysofJamba starts on Sunday, November 11 and lasts until Saturday, November 17! Who's excited? :D

To kick things off, Jamba Juice is giving away a free reusable bamboo straw if you buy a 22oz smoothie or larger on November 11. On November 12, you can get a free boost for every 22oz order.

On November 13, celebrate with a friend... and the Booky app! Use Booky to order two 12oz smoothies (of the 7 all-time favorite blends), and you'll just need to pay 177 pesos!

On November 14, it's Rewards Day, where you can use 50 Globe Rewards points and only add an extra 50 pesos to get a 12oz smoothie. And on Thursday? It's Buy One, Take One, baby!

As for the weekend, you can get a 12oz Classic smoothie via GCash QR and only pay 7 pesos! On Saturday, you can get two 12oz Holiday Dreamin' smoothies for only 200 pesos.

That's not all, either. If you join any of these promos, you'll get a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy watch. How awesome is that? In fact, even if you don't join the promo, you can still join the contest by ordering any 30oz smoothie or by posting your personal Jamba party photos on Instagram with @JambaJuicePH and #7DaysofJamba :D

For more details on each offer, like Jamba Juice on Facebook today.

Parenting on the Move: Celebrating a Perfectly Imperfect Parenting Life

Whenever I see new mommy bloggers on social media, I always wonder how they always seem to be so put together. I still remember what it was like when I first had Syrena. Not only were there challenges left and right, but the newness of everything was also very daunting, especially for 22-year-old me.

This is why millennial parents like Isabelle Daza-Semblat rely on help and advice from family members and friends. She has also become very proactive in finding the best products and services for her child, making 'parenting on the move' much more bearable.

Parenting on the move refers to enabling parents to still pursue their own goals and passions even when they already have a family. Doing so doesn’t mean that they’re selfish. In fact, if you are happy and fulfilled on your own, it’ll lead to becoming a better parent to your child. Parenting On The Move is not about being perfect; it is actually about celebrating a perfectly imperfect parenting life.

As she juggles many roles - being a mom, wife, businesswoman, digital influencer, host, and actress, Belle has become more conscious of the products that she uses. Here are some of her current favorites: Pigeon and Quinny.

Pigeon

Being the No. 1 Baby Care brand in Japan, Pigeon has over 60 years experience in the industry and been at the forefront of newborn skincare technology. The brand has developed the Natulayer technology which is a layer of ingredients that mimics the natural coat of protection found on the baby’s skin in the womb.

Included in Pigeon’s Newborn Pure collection is the Newborn Pure Body Wash, Shampoo, Lotion, Oil, and Protective Cream. Making use of natural ingredients, these products contain 0% paraben, formaldehyde, and alcohol. It is also pH balanced to ensure that it is safe and gentle for baby’s skin with the added dual moisturization of Natulayer.

Quinny

Developed in Europe, Quinny is a premier lifestyle juvenile brand with a proud tradition of over 25 years in stroller mobility. The brand is dedicated to creating beautiful, seamless mobility solutions that adapt as a child develops and grows, offering the ideal solution for the present while keeping an eye on the future. 

Quinny products that Belle also enjoys using are the Quinny Moodd and Zapp Flex. An iconic stroller that offers a comfortable and stylish ride from birth until 3½ years old, the Quinny Moodd also offers intelligent features, like quick automatic unfolding and easy folding.

Meanwhile, designed to make parents’ lives easier, the Zapp Flex is a highly maneuverable, lightweight, and comfortable solution. It is one stroller with endless possibilities: with its versatile reversible seat you can let your younger child face you for enhanced bonding moments, or turn the seat forward to give an older child a view of the streets ahead: the stroller features multiple recline in both rear and forward-facing positions

To better discuss the ups and downs of being a parent, Belle together with Richwell’s Maye Yao Co Say, Pigeon’s Yuta Hagiwara, and athlete couple and Maxi-Cosi and Quinny users Janice and Japoy Lizardo all took part in an engaging discussion over high tea for the Parenting on the Move event held last October 18 at McKinley Rd, Forbes Park.

Belle shared the different challenges, struggles as well as her wonderful experiences in parenthood as she is a first-time mom. She shared how she and her husband, as Parents on the Move, are 100% a PARENTEAM. It was a unique event where Belle’s favorite Pigeon and Quinny products were featured and explained in a “house tour” format.

Together with other parents who have generously shared their own experiences in parenting on the move and being satisfied users of Pigeon, Maxi-Cosi, and Quinny products, it wonderfully shows how, with HIGHLY RESEARCHED and TRUSTED BRANDS, enables today’s parents to love their family and pursue their passions, because these brands did the needed extensive research for them.

Make sure to like the products on Facebook and Instagram: Pigeon Philippines, QuinnyPhils, Maxicosiphils.

To learn more about living a perfectly imperfect parenting life, follow the newly launched Facebook and Instagram accounts of parentingonthemove.

You Can Rewatch Marvel Movies on the Big Screen This Week!

Hello, my fellow geeks!!! I've got some awesome news for you today! To celebrate 10 years of amazing Marvel movies (yes, it has been that long, guys!), this is currently ongoing:

Give a very warm welcome to the Marvel Studios 10th Anniversary Movie Marathon aka the movie marathon of awesomeness, which will be running in Philippine theaters starting today until October 21! During this week of awesome, 16 films spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe will be available in select Philippine cinemas FOR ONLY 100 PESOS PER MOVIE. How freaking epic is that?

You can also get a special bundle ticket for all 16 movies at only Php1200 and get a limited edition poster in the process!

For the launch last night, I of course dressed up coz that's how I roll, reviving last year's Loki cosplay:

He called me a puny god.

The movie marathon will include 'Iron Man', the first film to kick off the MCU, as well as all of this year's releases, 'Black Panther', 'Avengers: Infinity War', and 'Ant-Man and The Wasp'.

Most of the MCU movies are on the list, though I'm still left wondering as to why 'Iron Man 2', 'Iron Man 3' and 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' aren't? My current theory is coz, well, Iron Man movies (except the first one) actually kinda suck. Hahaha. Peace tayo, Iron Man fans!

For last night's movie marathon launch, we got to watch 'Avengers: Infinity War' in IMAX and I have got to say: IMAX really is such a different experience. Everything looks downright amazing and the feels of the movie get to you all the more. It makes me wish we had an IMAX theater nearby that offers the marathon.

You can catch the Marvel marathon at the following cinemas: SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM Davao, SM Seaside, SM Manila, SM Sta. Mesa, SM City Fairview, SM Aura, TriNoMa, Centrio, Glorietta 4, Gateway, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Manila, Robinsons North Tacloban, Robinsons Pavia Iloilo, Vista Daang Hari, Vista Pampanga, Vista Bataan, Power Plant, Greenhills Promenade, Festival Mall Cinemas, and Eastwood Cinemas.

I can't wait for 'Captain Marvel' and the second installment of Avengers 4 coming out next year! For now, like Marvel Philippines on Facebook for more updates on your favorite Marvel superheroes!