Sunday, January 30, 2011

Wanderlust - Manila

My recent visit to the capital city of The Philippines was a very short one as the primary purpose of the trip was to attend a wedding. Still, I did manage to experience the city to a considerable extent (Thanks to my wonderful friends!).  Here's a small account of the sights and senses, I had the privilege of experiencing first hand during my stay.

As I made our way out of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and drove into the city of Manila (Metro Manila as some call it), there was a sense of familiarity. Even in the darkness of the morning twilight, what my eyes saw was nothing radically different from what they had seen in countless cities over the years back home in India. The sights, the sounds, the smells, all of which reminded me of my very own hometown of Bombay, were a welcome change from the overly sanitized, organized and structured ones of Singapore.

Having said that, one cannot help but notice a rather strong influence of the Americans (read USA) over the infrastructure. Right from the 24 hr diners and fast food chains to freeways to drive-ins and even the huge malls. The influence extends beyond tangible aspects and even permeates into the populace itself. The language diction and enunciation of most educated Filipinos (Pinoy in the local tongue) is unmistakably Americanized.


Upon reading the history of The Philippines, the reason for the strong Spanish and American influences are explained. The Spanish influence obviously predated that of the American, and is therefore deeply rooted in the language, religion and culture. The American one, relatively more recent, dominates their current lifestyle.

Although my journey within the city were confined in a rather spacious and climate controlled private vehicle, I was fortunate to observe the ways of the local public transport in the city. They have the standard options; the MRT (Mass Rapid Transport - the metro), the buses and the cabs. But in a cute reference to its own past, they also have the Jeepney, a cross between bus and a cab. These quirky looking four-wheeled public transportation options run on fixed routes and can be hailed anywhere along said routes. The fares are obviously competitive to other modes of transport, since most of the populace rides them.




Despite the presence of major US fast food chains (McDonalds, KFC, BUrger King, etc) the locals still swear by the indigenous fast food giant, Jollibee. With a menu that comprises a mashup of McDonalds and KFC with strong local flavors, it is little wonder, this fast food chain comes highly recommended by all my Filipino friends. P.S. The Spicy Chicken Joy is worth a try.


Another unique indigenous addition to their American dominance, is the complete absence of fries in most fast food menus. Yes! They do NOT serve fries with their shakes, or burgers, or fried chicken. Instead, you will find rice as a standard side at all fast food joints. It may seem odd for those of you have grown up on those long pieces of salted deep fried julienne potatoes, but trust me, the rice does go well with most dishes. But then again, that could just be the "Indian" in me, saying that!


IMG_5107












What impressed me most about the city, was the vibrant nightlife. The hotspots seemed more lively and not all that expensive. With a variety of themed bars and lounges, you'll be spoiled for choice. Of course, my evening outing was at the same place till 4 AM! But then, it was with great company, so absolutely no regrets.

As I said, this trip to Manila was very short for me to pen adequate details about the city beyond the culinary experiences! Rest assured, what little I have experienced of the city has titillated my senses and I am eager to experience more of the city and rest of the wonderful country of Philippines.


Saturday, January 8, 2011

2010 - A Bollywood Odyssey

This post is certainly one for the history books. Why, you ask? Well, for one, its the first one for the new decade, but more importntly, it is a guest post. Yes, my blog DOES have readers (avid ones!) and one of the many followers has graciously contributed his time and talent in penning a post for my humble blog. The author of this post is my friend and former manager, Umesh Kelkar. Umesh lives in Denver, Colorado with his wife and son.


Keeping in tone with the previous post, this post lists the top 10 Bollywood movies of 2010. In fact it was at Umesh's insistence, that the previous post was penned by yours truly. Since I did not have the opportunity to watch many Bollywood flicks, Umesh, the film aficionado that he is, was kind enough to give his two cents on the subject.


So here it is, the guest post (with minimal editing by yours truly) -

Though I rate the quality of films that came out in 2010 as simply average, I do see an increasing trend in experimentation with format and presentation of the movies released.


Here is my pick of the top 10 movies for 2010 in order in which they were released -


1]Ishiqiya
This flick made its mark for use of rustic locations and rough language. It is essentially the story of two crooks (Naseerudin Shah and Arshad Warsi) and how they are ultimately lured into a trap by a woman (Vidya Balan). The fillum, by a new director at the helm under the guidance of Vishal Bharadwaj, made for some good viewing. Vidya Balan continued her form from Paa and the other players in small roles were also good . Naseer needs a special movie to make him act, so this was it. Good music.


2]My Name is Khan
I had grown bored of the watching US bashing movies and movies showcasing US tyranny on Muslims. So MNIK was a fresh take on the Issue and kudos to Karan for doing it. So instead of the Hate route taken by moviee like Kurbaan and New York, MNIK showed us how to win over US with love. As Usual, an excellent act by SRK. Good music by Shankar Eshsaan and Loy


3]Love Sex aur Dokha
Now this is what I call something different. Dipankar comes out with another winner back to back after last year's Oye Lucky Lucky Oye. Great presentation, shot totally with a hand-held video camera. It tells 3 stories on each component of the title - Love, Sex and Dokha and the stories are connected beautifully at the end.


4]Badmash Company
This was certainly an intelligent movie . Taking the pre 1992 era (The notorious Trade barriers) as a backdrop a story is woved out and told. Attempt is made to include the Usual masala that a Hindi movie needs. But overall a good movie.


5]Once upon a time in Mumbai
Good old Milind Luthria comes on the fore front after many years and he delivers a winner. The story is the same, Haji Mastan and Dawood but it is given a different treatment. Good music by Preetam. The retro era is well captured. Ajay does a smashing Don act and Emraan supports well. This movie is going to take the award for the best Dialogue. Consider this gem "Maine apne jeene ka tarika badla hai, Tevar nahi".


6]Peepli Live
This one has been sent to Oscars and I think it deserves it. It is a Satircal take on commercialisation of our media. Excellent performances by many new and seasoned actors. This movie is in fact the most profitable movie for 2010 since the production budget was very low.


7]Dabangg
Now this is what is called a blockbuster. 200 croes and counting. Phew! Salmaan is back in form. Some one said that in India there are only two true superstars. Definition of a super star is "no matter what is happening outside in their personal life, no matter how poor the script is a superstar carries the movie on his own and makes it a hit." right now there are only two such superstar. One is Rajnikanth and the second is Salmaan. If you don't believe then go and
watch Dabangg and watch how salmaan single handely and some times even rudely carries out the Dabaang act.


8]Robot
This made my list on the sheer strenght of its special effects. Its a Shankar movie and I like his movies. This movie can stand in front of any Hollywood Special effects movies. Good one Shankar


9]Do doni Char
Another gem from another new director. Its a story of middle class family trying to a buy a car. excellent performances by everyone lead by Rishi Kapoor . Rishi might bag a nomination for this.


10]Band Baaja Baarat
Yash Raj should be given a phd on love and relatiosnhip . Following their Shaadi act in the Teleserial Rishta.com, YR comes up with a sweet romatic tale of two college pass-outs and their trials and tribulations in setting up a wedding planner business. Good Music.


The genre completely missing from my list is comedy. This genre has degraded in Bollywood in last few years as our comedy movies have turned into silly tom and jerry cartoons where tom and jerry are replaced by Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgan. So be it the Housefull, Golmaal 3 or the below the belt Tees Maar Khan, they make you laugh in bits and pieces, but so do Tom and Jerry cartoons!


Some films which did not make the list but still I found them to be ok are -


Rajneeti
Udaan 
Rann
City of Gold
Guzarish
Anajana Anjani


I could not catch the below but heard they were good


Phas Gaye Re Obama
Khelenge Hum Ji Jaan Se



So there you have it. The top Bollywood picks from 2010 as seen by Umesh Kelkar.


Thanks for the post Umesh!