Two weeks after its released, Alita: Battle Angel Movie is now one of my 2019 Movies. Why? Every frame is important and is not a "Miss" of the movie. That's why for me, never a dull moment with Alita! This latest Anime Adaptation is one of the best! It talks about future technology - cyborg and stuff  - and of course, some drama that definitely a part of every corner of the story. Not to mention the amazing visuals and well-done CGI scenes, Alita is a must watch! I still could not contain the happiness and satisfaction Alita has brought me after I watched the movie. Generally, I'm looking forward to the sequel!



AOC Agon: Embracing Advanced Technology

Of course, my movie experienced won't be possible without the help of  Twentieth Century Fox Film's partner, AOC! AOC has become the official monitor partner of Alita: Battle Angel, an epic adventure from the producers of Titanic and Avatar. The partnership will involve various cross-promotional activities including regional social media contests, and a simple web-based game.



Thematically, the movie is a perfect fit for AOC Agon: AOC’s line of premium gaming monitors designed for the highest level of gaming competition. As a cyborg with elite battle abilities, both Alita and Agon displays represent how technological excellence can bring combat potential to new heights.

AOC has recently launched a new gaming monitor in the Philippines: the G1 series, which will bring PC gaming into a heightened competitive combat visual experience.



AOC G1 Series product highlights

• The AOC G1 series comes in three variants: the 32” inch C32G1, 27” inch C27G1 and the the 24” inch C24G1.
• They are equipped with a curved 144hz, 1ms response, VA Panel that also supports AMD FreeSync.
• It has anti-glare screen surface with a curve measured at 1500R, steeper than the 1800R typically found in other monitors.
• The monitor also offers a decent coverage of sRGB color space (99%).
• It also has slim screen bezels measured at 0.26in on the sides and 0.85in at the bottom giving the monitor that sleek and modern look.

After a tiring but amazing trek to Mt. Manunggal on a Sunday, I rushed immediately to SM City Cebu to attend a special screening of the movie "I Found My Heart In Santa Fe". Honestly, I was not expecting a lot from this movie. But I was amazed on how the cinematography of the movie was being shown. Are you ready to know why we need to watch this movie?

The complete casts of I Found My Heart in Santa Fe. Photo by Glyth Villamor

I Found my heart in Santa Fe official Poster

Here Are The Four Reasons Why Watch "I FOUND MY HEART IN SANTA FE"

1. The movie features Santa Fe of Bantayan Island - a treasure in the North!

Santa Fe is a municipality that is part of Bantayan Island in Cebu which has a beautiful non-crowded beach that boasts of white sand that sparkles in the sunlight.

The idea to shot the movie in Santa Fe came from Director Bona Fajardo himself who discovered the beach last year.

Blogger Mark Monta in Santa Fe

“As directors or writers, we have certain stories that we keep inside our hearts and mind.  It is just a matter of finding the right inspiration to fuel that story.  When I saw Santa Fe, I wanted to explore it and the story I had in mind came hand in hand with my desire to discover the magic in the place.”

The setting was just perfect.  That was the sign Direk Bona was waiting for to write the beautiful and endearing love story of Jennifer and Viktor.

Supporting casts from Cebu. Photo by Glyth Villamor

The beauty of the island was one of the main factors that move that love story of Jennifer and Viktor, making Santa Fe as an important element that makes the movie more interesting.  The island, pristine and with raw beauty, serves as the perfect romantic backdrop. In addition, most of the supporting casts were hired from Locals.

2. Real life sweethearts star in a chill-type movie.

For the very first time, real-life couple Roxanne Barcelo and Will Devaughn join forces in terms of heart, talent and resources (as co-producers) to make what could be most interesting and heart-warming romantic-comedy of the year.

Real Life sweethearts, Will Devaughn and Roxanne Barcelo with Blogger, Mark Monta (Center) Photo by Glyth Villamor

Titled “I Found My Heart in Santa Fe,” the movie was shot in location in the picturesque island of Santa Fe in Cebu, which is said to be the newest favorite tourist destination of people wanting to bask in the sun and enjoy the cool waters.

Roxanne and Will had been in a relationship for four years now but they have yet to work in a project.  But both have been dreaming of doing a movie together or an interesting TV project where they can show their chemistry as a love team, aside from their acting talent.

That’s why when this project was presented to both of them, Roxanne and Will grabbed the chance.  The indie film, directed by Bona Fajardo, marks the first time for them to collaborate on a film project.  And, it’s a love story, thus making Roxanne and Will all the more excited.

In “I Found My Heart in Santa Fe,” Roxanne plays the role of Jennifer, a smart, hardworking and pretty islander with a unique personality.  She has this spunk in her that is not typical of an island girl, making her more interesting to men.  But because of a recent heartache in her personal life toughened her and made her wiser when it comes to love.  What keeps her busy is managing their family-owned business, a resort called Beach Placid.

Will, on the other hand, plays the handsome German-Filipino named Viktor, who loves adventure and has his own company named “Green Technology” which is focused in developing business ventures in different countries.

Viktor is a prized catch.  He is rich, athletic, a music lover but remains a simple man who just loves to explore the world.  He is also in the process of putting together the missing pieces of his life.

The exciting journey to love of Jennifer and Viktor started when the latter decided to fly to Santa Fe to look for his biological mother which he has yet to meet and to discover his Filipino roots as well.

Victor and Jennifer will bump into each other in a rather odd situation but due to Viktor’s insistence and persistence, he will stop at nothing to win the heart of Jennifer.  He was captivated by Jennifer’s charm.   The movie follows the blossoming of the romance between two individuals whose traits are poles apart.  But as they say, opposite poles attract. Will this hold true for Viktor and Jennifer?

3. This movie is directed by independent digital film maker, Direk Bona Fajardo

Direk Bona Fajardo belongs to a group that started independent-digital filmmaking in 2000.   He directed the first indie film of Judy Ann Santos titled “Miss Pinoy,” an advocacy film on Overseas Filipino Workers.  After that he got assigned to handle the film development technology.  As early as 2000, Direk Bona already sensed that independent-digital filmmaking is already the direction to which local and international filmmaking is headed.

Bloggers woth Direk Bona Fajardo Photo by Glyth Villamor

He also directed the movie "Iliw" about Vigan, Ilocos Sur topbilled by Kaye Abad.

“I, together with other pioneering indie directors, had been joining film festivals that time.  We are part of the production and creative team.  I remember that a Robin Padilla indie film we did then titled “Astigmatism” won an award at the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF).  That was a first for the Philippines.  It won a Silver Award in the digital division of HKIFF,” Direk Bona recalled.

After winning awards, Direk Bona and his group decided to venture into film technology development and was later assigned to film tourism.


4. This movie is part of Cine Lokal!

“I Found My Heart in Santa Fe” is the first brand new film to be screened at Cine Lokal in select SM Cinemas beginning September 15.

Movie Verdict?

Just focus on the amazing scenes of Santa Fe and get attracted to that beautiful panorama and aerial shots of the island. Truly, Cebu is indeed a treasure of Central Visayas.

I was asked how much will I rate for this worldwide most anticipated movie, The Avengers, with 5 as the highest and 1 as the lowest, I answered 6! Why not? Aside from the expected action filled scenes from land, water, air and even outside the earth, a Lough Out Loud moments that Robert Downey Jr. (Ironman) punched in most of his dialogues, a no "OA" drama of Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) and Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye)in their acts and the adorable, everybody's wanted Chris Evans (Captain America) and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) must watched scenes and talks and lastly, the smashing Hulk (Mark Ruffalo)- these stuff will truly satisfy your movie cravings! Did I mention that the movie does not offer a lousy moments to viewers?



Gaining a "Stark-Tower" high rating from Rotten tomatoes's Tomatometer of 97% (as of this writing), The Avengers 2012 Assembly showcased more of a traditional Super heros behaviour and moves. Joss Whedon, the director, also gave highlights to some members of the Avengers who basically do not have a super power just like Black Widow who astonishingly jumped to one of the villain's flying transpo and fought fist to fist and then landed to the rooftop of "The Big Ugly Building in New York" (as what Captain America said in the movie) which is actually Ironman's Stark Tower. And do you think it's more on explosions from here, there and everywhere? Well, Whedon just did a very great job by balancing all the superheroes' abilities, flashing their fight scenes one by one but with an art. Honestly, after you watch the movie, you will recall every moves that each members did in the film.


So much of the Heroes, how about their Villains? Well, Everybody knew that Loki, Thor's half brother of Asgardian, who is fueled by jealousy and a thirst for power, is one them but yes, no spoilers but you know what? Loki is not the Villains' Head, who? You must watch the movie! lols

Of course, action movie will always contain a lacking ingredient. And for The Avengers, to understand and appreciate more on some scenes, you need to watch those previous Marvel's movies such us Ironman, Hulk, Thor and most especially on Captain America: First Avenger.


To give you a funny twist, here are the best dialogues i jot down while watching the film in SM City Cebu, IMAX Theatre.

(inside the jet aircraft)
Captain America: Stark! We need a plan of attack,
Ironman: I have plan, attack!

(while discussing within the team)
Thor: Loki is beyond reason, but he's of Asgard and he's my brother.
Natasha: He killed 80 people in 2 days.
Thor: He's adopted.

Just a little spoilers maybe but how about you? What could be your rating on this film? Is it worth watching at IMAX theatre? say some comments below and SMASH!