the IT list #9: “S”

“the IT list” A series of posts that highlight the various stuff, old or new, that I’ve been doing… reading, watching, eating or simply obsessing over recently. It’s my personal countdown.

the IT list #9

This edition is sponsored by the letter “S” (an honest coincidence).

#ONE
I absolutely love Suits. I’ve already read and heard about this show a couple of times; but only got around to watching it a few weeks ago. When I started with the pilot, I couldn’t stop. I finished 7 episodes in one night… Yup, slept at 1am.
The show is smart, quick and funny. The characters are likable and the cases are always interesting. The second season has especially stepped it up. The current story arc has raised the stakes; and I’m more involved than ever. I now have another lawyer show to obsess over (the other being The Good Wife).

#TWO
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is the first single off of Taylor Swift’s upcoming album RED. I recently purchased it off of the iTunes Store (where it’s currently at #1).
Anyway, I’ve always been a fan of Taylor Swift since her album Fearless. I like how every song is a story and you know that it comes from somewhere very personal. This one is no exception. The lyrics are to be taken as is; and it’s set to a tune that is really addictive and catchy. I’m really liking it.

#THREE
This game has been around for a while; but I only started playing Snoopy’s Street Fair a few days ago. Someone told me this game is nakakatunganga (leaves you idle for a while); and I would have to agree 100%
The premise is simple; but it’s just a lot of fun to play. I can’t let an hour or two pass by without checking on the progress of my booths and ongoing constructions. You just want to level up and make your money grow. Plus, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang are just so cute!

#FOUR
Sherlock is a show that everyone’s talking about; but I put off watching it until a month ago. With each episode being one and a half hours long, I’ve only finished 5 out of 6. I take my sweet time appreciating each and every episode; because it’s an intelligent show… a bit exhausting at times… but it’s extremely engaging. The show is quick-witted and brilliantly executed. Best of all, it features characters with an amazing chemistry. All credit, of course, goes to Benedict Cumberbatch (as Sherlock Holmes) and Martin Freeman (as Dr. John Watson).
So far, The Scandal in Belgravia stood out the most. The storytelling is amazing. The mystery is intricately told; and the revelations unfolded quite cleverly. It’s just awesome television.

#FIVE
I can’t stop raving about this cake! This particular strawberry shortcake from Mary Grace is soft, fluffy, moist and not too sweet. Best of all, it doesn’t scrimp on the strawberries. Every bite is simply yummy.

the IT list #7

“the IT list” A series of posts that highlight the various stuff, old or new, that I’ve been doing… reading, watching, eating or simply obsessing over recently. It’s my personal countdown.

the IT list #7

#ONE
I’ve bought my ticket; and I can’t wait to attend Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Ball, which is presented by Ovation Productions. It will be held at the brand spanking new Mall of Asia Arena on May 21, 2012. I missed her concert the first time she came to Manila; so there’s no way I’m passing up this opportunity to watch her live. I believe it’s going to be epic. I can’t wait!

#TWO
This brilliant app is like Pictionary among friends; and it has provided me with endless entertainment the past few weeks. With such a simple concept, it’s terribly addictive. If you have an Android or Apple device, this is the app you should download now. Connect with Facebook and play with friends! You don’t need to be a brilliant artist to play this, though some sites may make you insecure about your drawing ability. (See: Best of Draw Something) Still, it’s a lot of fun to try to draw as well as guess your friends attempts to draw. It’s another way to connect with people and share something with them without ever having to meet face-to-face.

#THREE
I’ve been wanting to buy this gaming console for a while; and I finally gave in… So far, I’m loving this toy. Kinect allows you to play games that make you move, dance and jump without a need to hold a device in your hand. It’s a lot of fun for the whole family. Games like Kinect Sports, Dance Central and PowerUp Heroes have kept me preoccupied the past Holy Week. It’s probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever owned in my life.

#FOUR
You either love it or think it’s “too gay;” but I’m personally loving Smash. I believe it’s an engaging portrayal of what it takes to stage a Broadway musical… from the producer to the director to the writers to the talents. As with any series, there are characters I could do without (Ellis, please!) and I could survive without the personal drama that borders on cliched (adultery, mean girls picking on the new girl, boyfriend drama). What I like is how the musical Marilyn/Bombshell has taken different directions… just like any production in real life. It also doesn’t dwell too much on performing as many songs as possible. And when they do perform a song, original or otherwise, it’s organic to the scene and it’s beautifully done. I’m glued to the show and I hope it only gets better from here.

#FIVE
I’ve known of this site for a while; but it’s only been recently that I got addicted to reading every entry on 9Gag. What can I say? The submissions make me laugh… most of the time. It introduced me to derp and derpina. It made me know about Ridiculously Photogenic Guy before anyone else. Bad Luck Brian, trolling, “Bitch, Please!” and everything in between… They’ve got it. It’s a good source of entertainment when I’m idling by with nothing to do while on the computer.

the IT list #6

“the IT list” A series of posts that highlight the various stuff, old or new, that I’ve been doing… reading, watching, eating or simply obsessing over recently. It’s my personal countdown.

the IT list #6
My first “IT list” for 2012. So let’s get on it, shall we?

#ONE
I’ve nearly forgotten my account on this site; but it was only in the past few days that I’ve discovered how awesome Pinterest is! This is a quickly growing social networking site, with new users joining everyday. What makes this site different is it simply arranges all your favorite things in a corkboard-like fashion. All you have to do is “pin” them there. Other than the usual favorite shows, artists, movies, books, etc, you can discover great styles, delicious recipes, insightful quotes and helpful how-to’s from all users. If you like what you see, just “pin” and “repin” away. It’s a great, fuss-free way to showcase everything you like and share it with the world.

Feel free to follow me at pinterest.com/mars_mg

#TWO
I’ve traveled to a number of places here in the country; and while I haven’t had the opportunity to go around the world (only been to 3 countries abroad), I do believe the slogan holds true. Despite the controversy surrounding the “originality” of “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” (Personally, I don’t really care… It’s a non-issue.) we’re all seeing how much the Internet community has embraced the campaign in a plethora of ways: serious, funny, witty, sarcastic… All very effective. All very Pinoy (Filipino).

While inspiration hasn’t hit me much to come up with my own, I’m really amused with everything that’s being shared online. Here are some sources to see what everyone else have been posting: Spot.ph 1 | Spot.ph 2 | Roland Benzon | It’s More Fun in the Philippines (Official)

#THREE
I recently put up a new site made of content exclusively created and edited from my iPhone. This app helps make over 90% of it possible. I use it almost everyday. Snapseed is absolutely amazing. It’s one of the best complements to the beautiful camera of the iPhone 4S. It allows me to go beyond just “tweaking” photos. It lets me create great photographs from so-so snapshots. From cropping to color correction, from vintage to dramatic styles, this app makes me one snap happy iPhone owner.

#FOUR
I recently had a Homeland marathon. This show made it to a number of “Top 10 TV Shows” lists, and I would have to agree.

I was only able to watch the first four episodes back in 2011; but it was just last week that I went ahead and finished the first season. What a great show. The story is compelling. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, guessing who’s telling the truth and who’s on which side. The story answers enough questions as it goes along; but it never fails to give you new ones to keep you thinking and coming back for more. Best of all, the acting is superb. Damien Lewis, Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin are impressive in their roles; and I’m hoping they get recognized in the upcoming awards season. Definitely one of my favorite new shows.

#FIVE
(aka The Morning Rush Top 10 Book) I’ve been listening to the dynamic duo of Chico & Delamar since I was in grade school. I followed them whichever station they went to. That’s almost fifteen years of being a fan, though I’m more of a silent Rusher. The Morning Rush Top 10 has been a part of their radio show for a number of those years; and I’ve listened to A LOT of them (most especially lately… in large part due to the podcasts).

When I heard that the book had finally come out, I grabbed a copy that first weekend of release. I devoured it in less than a day. I still reread my favorite parts every now and then. Anyway, I LOVE this book. The funny, witty contributions of the loyal Rushers really shine through. I love the humor. I love the topics. I appreciate the thought that went into this compilation. And it’s only Php175.00! It’s simply one of those wonderful things that you could just grab for a couple of minutes if you need a quick laugh. Highly recommended. Worth every peso.

[Bonus link: Chico & Delamar’s Spot.ph Interview]