Floppy Bird

FLOPPY BIRD

-ryandgreat, seoul south korea

the fall of the resurrected half-human and birds

this is a sad story of what must have been another ground-breaking tv event that was not immortalized in its present reincarnation

the fantasy series that broke records on 2004 and is still one of the most prized-asset tv program of kapuso network

Mulawin vs. Ravena 2017 | Photo: GMA Network Inc.

after more than a decade, there's another encantadia (2016) and then here is mulawin

the much anticipated return of encantadia on philippine tv happened last year and it was somewhat a success, having a 10-month run thus fitting for mulawin to also have its tv comeback!

back in the days, it was mulawin first, before encantadia

on the 2004 storyline of mulawin, there were fairies that live from far away land called encantadia

but on 2005 tv series, encantadia expound to have its own storyline and focused more on the realm of fairies and its queendom (sanggres)

including the keeper of four gems that wasn't in the mulawin tv series,

but it was included in the 2005 film version of mulawin when the main characters from encantadia tv series were included as an extended cast

encantadia 2016 was a retelling of what viewers had already seen on tv but they've added some twist and turns throughout its run

and this mulawin 2017 version did take off from where the movie version has ended

and it's clear that it's not a retelling but a sequel! imagine a sequel 13 years in the making!

the sequel suffered literally second rate throughout its run, based on the reception, reviews and ratings ah!

it did not even surpass the ratings of its direct competitor, the coco martin lead ang probinsyano, on its 3rd year on tv

and so in the middle of its run it was moved to a new timeslot and was pitted against kathniel's la luna sangg're

that ironically a reunion tv project of angel locsin and richard gutierrez, and both of them are now part of kapamilya network

but it can be recalled that angel locsin and richard gutierrez originated the title role in mulawin

Miguel Tanfelix as Pagazpaz from Mulawin 2004 | Photo: GMA Network Inc.

Miguel Tanfelix as Pagazpaz from Mulawin 2017 | Photo: GMA Network Inc.

Bea Binene additional character from Mulawin 2017 | Photo: GMA Network Inc.

Dennis Trillo reprising his 2004 role as Gabriel in this Mulawin 2017 | Photo: GMA Network Inc.

Encantadia 2016 crossover | Photo: GMA Network Inc.

Angel Locsin as Alwina from Mulawin 2004 | Photo: GMA Network Inc.

Mulawin 2004 end credit | Photo: GMA Network Inc.

Full Force: Encantadia 2016 x Mulawin 2017 | Photo: GMA Network Inc.

dennis trillo, miguel tanfelix and ara mina who were all part of the 2004 cast were also part in this 2017 sequel 

reprising their respective characters dennis trillo as gabriel and miguel tanfelix as pagaspaz and ara mina as vultra

the characrter of alwina that was previously played by angel locsin is now played by heart evangelista and bianca king as aviona now played by carla abellana

and as the story progress, their characters were killed off, oh well because they were given another tv projects of at the same time

if there's one thing that's noticeable in this version of mulawin, it looks like it has an even more expensive production cost than its original version

the network has served an even more spectacular costume design and visual effects 

and the reinforcement of the ensemble cast and kapuso network's roster of lead actors from past to present that all came from top-rated tv shows, angelu de leon, valerie concepcion, regine velasquez and lovi poe

in the middle of the story the recent encantadia cast had a short appearance and i was a bit confused because it seemed a comedic relief in the story

but all these, did not help mulawin to reach greater heights and that the show had to make a sudden and quiet exit, a very sad, sad floppy bird

Sa Four O

SA FOUR O
-ryandgreat, seoul south korea

the setting of the most talked about recent film,

kita kita starring empoy marquez and alex de rossi (currently beating sarah g. and john lloyd at the box-office!)

was shot entirely at the northern most part of japan! in sapporo city, hokkaido!

sapporo city was actually a side trip of my japan exploration and spring vacay last may!

spent a short but sweet 3 days in hokkaido! from chitose to sapporo to otaru and back to chitose for a more personal pursuit!

by the way, this is not a movie review of the film kita kita,

hence i am posting this blog, it started when i received messages and comments from facebook asking me about sapporro,

and as the title suggest, i am also referring to four good reasons to see sapporo!

and four, because it's my 4th time in japan! :)

the clock the tower

 Old Hokkaido Government office

Doraemon at the Odori Park!

sapporo is widely known four:

1. ramen,

2. crabs,

3. sapporo beer,

4. sapporo snow festival

i've heard the best and famous ramen in japan at the street night market of sapporo!

while at the curbside market offers nothing but crabs of all shapes and sizes! and other seafood!

the most popular brewery in the world sapporo beer factory that offers tour for visitors to experience the process of beer making as well as beer tastings!

and the most famous sapporo snow festival held every february!
an exhibit of different huge and small snow and ice sculptures

sapporo is a winter wonderland and is not a popular tourist destination on springtime!

however, it offers many amazing sights of explore even without snow!

with temperature that's cool to mild range on springtime,

one can spend hours or one full day at the park or nearby museum and other historic sites

Sapporo Walking Guide and Bus Stop

1. odori park

2. the clock tower

3. sapporo tv tower

4. old hokkaido government office

on one walking trip you can see around 4 major tourist destination situated in the heart of sapporo city!

it's free of charge! if you walk leisurely on your own! from odori park down to old hokkaido government office

experience a glimpse of nature and abundant flowers and amazing people at the park

odori park is the venue of the annual snow festival on winter,

but on springtime, odori park offers a relaxing experience! surrounded by the green, green grass of sapporo with some of the most vibrant of flowers!

at the rear of odori park, stands a 150 meter tall tower! the sapporo tv tower! another symbol of sapporo city

it has an observation deck that offers a nice view of the park from above!

the clock tower that was built on 1878 and regarded as a symbol of sapporo

that offers a lovely view of the large clock and its western-style wooden building!

and the old hokkaido government office! that looks very massachusetts state house!

Susukino Crossing!

Susukino District - Time Square of Japan! 

it's also worth to visit these 4 popular tourist spots within sapporo city:
1. susukino district

2. mount moiwa

3. moerenuma park

4. maruyama park and zoo

on top of many day time activities, sapporo at night time offers a unique shiny treats!

susukino district is a popular entertainment district of sapporo! a walk down to various bars and restaurants and entertainment club

an observation deck at mount moiwa features an spectacular panoramic night view of sapporo city that has gleaming neon lights!

well-situated park that's few meters away from odori park is maruyama park and zoo! best for cherry blossoms viewing on april

while moerenuma park is sapporo's hidden treasure! within the city but on the outskirt, an hour away by bus

Otaru Canal

the film kita kita also features tourist spots outside sapporo city,

otaru canal! is at the central part of otaru city bound from northwest of sappporo and an hour away by train

and furano lavander fields at furano city that's 2 hours away from sapporo

every region and every city of japan has its own character

and hokkaido is a place that's something completely different from tokyo and osaka!

and a daunting place for newcomers but once there, the uncharted territory becomes exhilarating to behold

stay tune for more of my travelogue in japan, featuring tokyo, osaka, otaru and hiroshima!

Taiwanderful

TAIWANDERFUL
-ryandgreat, tokyo, japan

you've heard this already, our ph passport can now enjoy visa-free to taiwan 

supposed starting this june, but was moved to september this year according to taipei economic and cultural office!

although ph passport with japan, korea, schengen and us visa can obtain free visa to taiwan by securing a certificate of entry

i've been to taiwan for three times already!

and my first taiwan journey held special place in my heart

i've presented complete requirements and was only asked few questions during my visa application at the rcbc building in makati city

visa processing, at that time, was quite tedious and expensive (as compare to obataining visa for mainland, china)

visa costs P2,500.00 for a single entry valid for three months! while mainland, china visa costs P1,400.00

it was my third out-of-the-country journey and my first one using my 2011 brown passport

the purpose of my first trip was quite unusual, i stated that i'll be attending a doraemon expo, on its last day in taichung, taiwan

where i actually spent that whole day on that expo, that i will not discuss here further

and true to my word, that first trip to taiwan was all about doraemon in taichung city,

Taiwan High Speed Rail Station
in Taichung

Taichung Trade Center

Taiwan High Speed Rain in Taipei

except for that first bullet train ride experience! and that's the highlight of my trip!

the t-h-s-r or the taiwan high speed rail that's so incredible!

i was not able to explore and see any in particular during that time, and there were no train or subway yet at the airport

from taoyuan airport i went straight to taichung city by a 2 to 3 hours bus ride

fast forward 2015 and then last march, i revisited taiwan!

it has always been on my list that i have to revisit taiwan and explore taipei and to discover some more places

 the arrival walkway of Taiwan International Airport

Youbike, Daan Park in Taipei

Chiang Kai-Shek

Longhsan Temple

 at the Chiang Kai-Shek

 Taipei 101 Observatory

taiwan is closely associated to manufacturing giants that are well-known producers of electronic supplies in the world

and op cors the phenomenal tv series meteor garden of the boyband f4!

and yes, it's not a popular tourist destination compared to hong kong and korea but there are lotsa interesting things to do in taipei or in some parts of it

the mix of grit and charm of this country and the entire experience is incomparable!

i was able to immerse myself in the local culture of taipei's bike-prenly lifestyle

there are bike paths and exclusive bike lane along the highways of taipei that makes room on the road for cyclists for leisure and work cycling

as well as a bike rack network that are interconnected just like a parking system

a bike sharing program that's widely known as youbike, is a rental service for everyone for as low as 20NT  or for only P40.00

i do cycling regularly and this biking on taipei was one-of-a-kind travel activity!

Youbike at Daan Park, Taipei

Youbike at World Trade Center in Taipei

Taipei 101 in Taipei

 the Elephant Mountain in Taipei

the Longshan Temple in Taipei

the Shilin Market in Taipei

Ximending shopping district

entrance gate of Chiang Kai-Shek 

and now here comes what to see in taipei!
chaing kai-shek memorial
taipei 101
ximending crossing
shilin market
longshan temple

i'm listing five popular tourist destinations, i recently posted this on my instagram account  during my last visit in taipei last march

a well-known tourist spot in taipei, the chiang kai-shek memorial, one of the most iconic structure

and home to taipei's symbol of architectural shrines and temple in a huge park 

the entire shrine is a tribute to general and its prominent leaders, and there are soldiers that marching around!

best of all, admission is free! and the main entrance is loacted near the subway exit!

another tourist destination is the iconic taipei 101 building!, the tallest high-rise building in the region

a bamboo tree-like building that looks elegant from afar

it has a viewing deck and an indoor observatory with a sweeping view of the city at night

to the hipsters and shoppers! there are two popular shopping and fashion district in taipei!

a walk down the various lively markets of this region, a popular shopping district, ximending!

that's looks similar to tokyo's shinjuku and shibuya district and or in meongdong of seoul

on this street are fashionable shopping complex with various international shosps and designer boutiques

the popular market is the shilin market, the best night market, street food is at its finest! and cheapest!

there are food stalls side-by-side that sell local teas, desserts, oysters, exotic food

and oh, you have to try their deep fried breaded chiekcen fillet, the most popular chicken chops in town! i posted one on my ig story!

Ximending crossing

on top of Elephant Mountain!

there were lotsa temples side-by-side and since the vast majority of local practice buddhism and taoisim

paid visit to longshan temple and offered incense for the gods as well as to make a wish and ask for fortune!

and there are other seemingly interesting place to visit in taipei, like tea houses and some outrageous coffee shops!

and other activities nearby taipei like the sky lantern that i have not tried yet and other scenic natures spot for nature lovers!

indeed, taipei for me is the most inexpensive getaway! in less than 2 hours to the north away from manila and the airfare is really cheap!

i wish that this serves you on your plans to visit taipei in the future especially that visa-free to this progressive country is coming!