Hammy's TV: Batibot Returns on Philippine TV

Yes! You read it right! Batibot, the children show which made Kuya Bodjie, Ate Sienna, Pong Pagong and Kiko Matsing a household name, is scheduled to make a comeback on Philippine free TV. TV5 formally announced that the long-time children show will be seen again starting November 27.

Batibot, which started on 1984, has been seen from almost every local channel. It started with RPN 9 (now Solar TV 9) and PTV 4 (now NBN 4), then transferred to ABS-CBN, then later transferred to GMA 7 when ABS-CBN produced its own set of children show. It was in 1996, almost a decade after it was launched, that the current host network (GMA 7) advised to cut the airing of the show. This was due to stiff competition from the rival network (ABS-CBN) and due to the fast rise of cable television which promoted Cartoon Network and Disney Channel.

Philippine Children's Television Foundation (PCTVF) which produces the show came into a partnership with TV 5 to relaunch Batibot as part of the network's response to the need for an educational show on TV. This might be a bold move for the network especially they are currently dubbed as 3rd player in race to TV ratings domination.

I hope that this new version of Batibot will be able to teach good lessons to today's children and entertain not only them but also the people who grew up with the show like me. It's just sad that Pong Pagong and Kiko Matsing will not be there when the show comes back. But no need to worry since Kapitan Basa, Manang Bola, Ning-ning, Ging-ging together with Koko Kwik Kwak will be there to continue the tradition. The puppets will be joined by Kuya Fidel (Abner Delina) and Ate Maya (Kakki Teodoro) as the new play buddies. Teodoro is more known as the female lead of High School Musical shown in Hongkong Disneyland outdoor show. Batibot will be shown weekly starting Saturday, November 27 at 8:30 - 9:00 AM.

All images came from Starmometer

Wide Tube Sneak Peak: Green Lantern Trailer

Warner Bros. Picture finally released the first trailer for Green Lantern starring Ryan Reynolds portraying Hal Jordan as the DC Comics' emerald superhero.

I'm not a fan of Green Lantern character, all I know about him is he has a power ring that can create anything based from the wearer's imagination and will power. This information was based from the Green Lantern named John Stuart in the DC Animated series Justice League. This movie may be a good time to finally know how he became the Green Lantern and who are his enemies.

The movie also stars Blake Lively who plays Hal Jordan's love interest Carol Ferris. Lively is more known for her character Serena van der Woodsen in the book-based TV drama Gossip Girl.

Enjoy the first trailer courtesy of Yahoo! Movies:

Green Lantern is set to be shown in cinemas on June 17, 2011.

Hammy's TV: Imortal, Not Just Your Ordinary Vampire - Werewolf Series

I have been hooked with Imortal for over a month now. When the TV series started last October, I decided to check the just first week how it will be presented. It is a spin-off series of Lobo which also stars Angel Locsin.

I thought that ABS-CBN joined the bandwagon of foreign vampire oriented TV series. Maybe they did go ride the vampire series craze like True Blood and Vampire Diaries, but with the series under the direction of Chito Roño, this is one great series to be anticipated.

Based on what I have watched, it seems the Lobo's (Werewolves) are native to this country while the vampires came from foreign lands as early as Spanish era. As the story goes, the two warring races of vampires and werewolves still have opposing faction within them. With the vampire race divided into 2 groups, one who wants supremacy against the human race led by Magnus (Jake Roxas) and Samantha Imperial (Maricar de Mesa) and the other group which has learned to control the thirst for human blood led by Roman Rodriguez (Jomari Yllana).

On the Lobo's side, which has already established a community within humans is currently divided into people who supports the current 'Punong Bantay', Lucille Zaragosa (Vivian Velez) and the other group who believes Lyka Ortega, Lia's (Angel Locsin) is not a traitor to the werewolves' race.

Upon watching it for 2 weeks, I noticed some similarities from other famous vampire shows and movies. One good example is the vampire's ability to walk in daylight possibly due to solution with sunblock properties. The concept is very similar from what the enemies from Blade (movie) apply to be able to walk in broad daylight. Samantha's birth shares similarity with the Blade's birth from the movie version wherein their mother was bitten during their pregnancy. This concept showed a great difference from Mateo Rodriguez (John Lloyd Cruz) since he is born from a human mother and vampire father which makes him unique among the other vampires.

One thing that needs improvement are the CGI's of the werewolves. I am not sure our local artistic technology needs boost or what. Right now, my schedule prevents me from watching the series, but thanks to the power of internet and video streaming, I will be able to catch the past episodes. Hopefully the plot won't go down as compared to how it performs at present.

All images came from Wikipedia

Watch Pacquiao vs. Margarito Live Online

I had tickets to watch the fight live courtesy of Nuffnang but since the venue is a little far away from my place I will be staying at home.

I was able to check some links that you can watch the live streaming of Pacquiao vs. Margarito. You can check the links below courtesy of Ilemi:

http://www.iilemi.com/12420/1/Watch-Manny-Pacquiao-vs-Antonio-Margarito/
http://www.iilemi.com/12421/2/Watch-Manny-Pacquiao-vs-Antonio-Margarito/

You may also visit menardconnect to check out the other links:
http://menardconnect.com/2010/11/13/pacquiao-vs-margarito-live-via-sopcast-justin-tv-and-ilemi-com/

Disclaimer: Please take note that I cannot assure or guarantee that the link will work. It's worth a try if you want to watch the fight for free.

Pacquiao vs. Margarito - Let's Get Ready to Rumble

It's just a few hours from now when the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito begins. Everyone is excited placing their bets, every place in the country is busy preparing any large place to show a live broadcast of the fight.

This Sunday will again be the day where the whole country will be crime-free. It is the day where you can do anything in the middle of the streets since there will be no traffic present. It is the day where our world stop spinning as we watch Manny Pacquiao fight in the ring against Antonio Margarito.

We will see if our Pambansang Kamao will take down Tijuana Tornado. All I can say is "Let's get ready to rumble!"

Hammy's TV: Survival Guide Against Zombies

These are a list of Hammy's survival tips in the event of zombie apocalypse.

Survival Lesson No. 1 - I can hear you

We have learned on the pilot episode of The Walking Dead that the "Walkers" is sensitive to sound. Once they heard a sound, they will follow where it came from because they know there's a possibility of food source on that direction.

Survival Lesson No. 2 - You lead, I'll follow

We also learned that the zombies will also follow another one because they believe the first one might be pursuing a food source. This will create a domino effect creating a horde of zombies converging at one point.

Survival Lesson No. 3 - Brainz!

Zombies can only be killed by destroying their brains. Make sure you have a baseball bat handy in case you encounter them individually. We do not recommend using guns as it might lure other zombies to you (remember Lesson 1). Decapitation might be done but the head might continue biting it left on an unsecured place.

Survival Lesson No. 4 - I can smell you

Beside from sound sensitivity, the second episode showed us that the walkers can smell any living human. As Rick Grimes theorized "If we smell like them, they won't attack us". So that's what Rick and Glen planned to escape when they were trapped on a department store. Just a precaution with this survival guide item, make sure you have a strong stomach before trying this one out and also try to check your local weather news before venturing out with zombie grimes.

AMC Network officially announced that the series has been renewed for a second season to begin in February of next year after a successful airing of the second episode.

Dietrich's Eyes: Trick or Treat at the Office

We had Trick or Treat celebration at the office. Good thing my schedule, which was 8 AM - 5 PM, was just perfect for me to be able to join the company's Halloween celebration.

I thought I was just going take pictures for the event but my colleague, Beloy, who was into cosplaying asked if we can modify my Terminator T-800 mask for the event. He also asked me to wear it since it was my mask, so I decided to join the costumed party that night. Good thing I had Jeff (Mapanuri) took Dietrich to take pictures since he did not bring his camera.

So here are the pictures from our Halloween Trick or Treat celebration:

It was a nice concept for the door to be converted to a steel gate.

Truly, Halloween won't be complete without the spooky masks.

A PVZ inspired design by another department.

X-Men wall artwork made by Silas Moyong.

Trick or treat goodies for kids are always present in any Halloween party.

Then we had the costumed heroes and villains from different movies and shows:

The Executioner from Resident Evil: Afterlife

Jill Valentine from Resident Evil series

Voltes V

Kamen Rider Zolda

Gashakura from Flame of Recca is bullying Tall Nut from Plants vs. Zombies

It is really scary to receive the Termination paper from the Terminator.

White Queen's soldier from Alice in Wonderland

Queen of Heart's soldier from Alice in Wonderland

4 of Mark Beloy's costume in one picture. This is AWESOME!

I Support Manny Pacquiao, the World’s No. 1 Boxer, just like Head and Shoulders, the World’s No. 1 Shampoo!

Why do I support Manny Pacquiao in his upcoming fight against Antonio Margarito? I think there are many reasons to tell.

First, he is a pride of the Filipino people that brings honor to the country. He is the first boxer in the history to win 9 world titles in 7 different weight divisions.

One good thing that happens when he has boxing matches, is that there is zero crime rate in the whole nation. This only shows that all people are all eyes on television sets, or all ears if you prefer listening to blow by blow details in the radio.

This is one good thing the 'people's champ' does for the country. It's like he is making the world stop spinning while he exchanges punches with his opponent. He makes every Filipino people hold their breath as he fight for the glory of the country.

So this Sunday, November 14, 2010, I will be one of the million people who will watch and support Manny Pacquiao in his fight against Antonio Margarito. Let's just hope Michael Buffer won't catch his breath when he introduces "Congressman Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao".

What I can only say now is I wish him all the luck against his opponent.

Hammy's TV: The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead is a new TV series based from a comic series created by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore. The series premiered on AMC Network on October 31 as part of the network's halloween special entitled "Fearfest".

The series plot revolves on a group of people led by Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) in an aftermath of zombie apocalypse. Together with his family, they travel across zombie infested cities to find first a sanctuary free from the infestation and a cure for the disease.

The first season was slated to have 6 episodes and although there is no final announcement yet from the network, a second season are currently planned for production by 2011.

This is the first time a television series about zombies and it seems the trend is making a change from the vampire oriented shows. Looks like there's a new competition in television series supremacy between vampires and zombies. Let's just wait if The Walking Dead can outrun the existing vampire series like True Blood and Vampire Diaries.

Enjoy the opening scene from the pilot episode entitled Day Gone By. Teaser courtesy from Youtube:

All poster images came from Internet Movie Data Base