How to Choose a Gaming Laptop

Dozens of new gaming laptop models are available in the market, tailored to specific needs and partnered with efficient functionality.

If you are in the middle of this limbo, searching high and low for the one that suits your gaming preferences, but you don't know where to start, worry not, as this guide will walk you through the main items that you must have on your checklist.

Quick Check of the Top 4 Factors to Consider

Before beginning the great search, keep in mind that we will explore four primary considerations:

1. Graphics Processing Units (GPU)
2. Resolution and Speed
3. Battery-life
4. Hardware checks

All of these four still vary depending on your preference. You may begin by thinking of what type of games you play, the gamer you are, and your budget for purchasing a gaming laptop.

Understanding where you are coming from can exponentially help your search and make it easier to navigate through the various options out there. If you have the answers to those already, then let us start.

1. Graphics Is Still Key

In most of the games you will have, your laptop's graphics processing unit (GPU) will determine its performance. The graphical power needed for games is still at the top of the consideration, as with a good GPU, you can multi-task adequately and have a better performance in your game.

At this stage, you need to understand that each game functions differently depending on your GPU, so do your research and see the requirements of your go-to game. You may need to read more about the AMD and Nvidia products available in the market.

Your laptop's graphics card has to be at least 6GB and may go up to 8GB or higher as you play at 1080p. For instance, if you will be playing Witcher 3, you may choose to have an AMD RX Vega 56 to play smoothly throughout the game.

Then for a decent overall run for most games, you have Nvidia's GeForce RTX 2060 to get you started. However, Intel is also working its way into the gaming scene, so watch out for that.

2. Display Is Just as Important

Gaming laptops may seem like options that are struggling to keep up with a good display screen. However, it is more about how you understand the hand-in-hand functions of your GPU and display screen for the game you will play.

First, check your preference for the screen size. Gaming laptop screens range from 15 to 17 inches, with a few available panels at 18 inches. Just keep in mind that with the size comes the weight as well, so check carefully. Then, see the resolution.

Rule of thumb, get at least a 1920x1080 display and no less than that. Though you should tread carefully with 4K screens (3840x2160), these may look great but may become slower as you need to turn down some settings. This adjustment happens because the fastest displays that go up to 360 Hz only come at 1920x1080 resolution.

With those considerations, you may now look at the refresh rate. Many gamers are okay with laptops that have 1080 resolution and a 60 Hz display. That is the average display which means that you get 60 frames per second.

If you wish to pick anything higher, your GPU has to follow some changes as well. Other gaming displays may reach from 144 to 300Hz. However, the latter may be too much already. So, you may choose 144 Hz for a richer presentation in your game images and videos for a smoother run.

3. Battery Life Is a Preference

This may come as a surprise as you may be thinking that if you are gaming on a laptop, you can plug it in throughout its run.

However, the portability of a gaming laptop may be one other factor that you are considering. You do not want to be restricted as you are confined close to a power outlet. So, better check the average duration of your gaming laptop's single-charge battery life.

Still, there is a downside to such a portable device. With limited battery life, you will not be able to play at the full performance of your GPU. If you want a smooth gaming experience, you need to keep your laptop plugged in. Also, some other available gaming laptops with longer battery life often last at the expense of a good display.

4. Gaming Hardware Check

Of course, aside from the GPU, resolution, and battery life, your laptop has to have the right hardware to work properly alongside those three factors. Gaming laptops will benefit best from their central processing unit (CPU) partnered properly with the GPU.

As you consider the processor for your next purchase, you also need to keep track of your budget. In most cases, gamers can play decently on an iCore5 processor as the GPU keeps the whole run strong. Your options? AMD or Intel, whichever is a good deal. In recent years, AMD performed better.

Nonetheless, each new Intel processor also works. Just remember to look at the number of cores for your processor. Why? Multiple cores divide processing data between them. This process increases the efficiency of your laptop for various tasks. However, not all games use up all of your cores, so still check your game requirements.

Aside from the CPU, think of your laptop's random-access memory (RAM). A good RAM is an essential part of your laptop as it stores data temporarily as your laptop runs. If you get greater RAM, your device can multi-task a lot faster and more efficiently.

Remember that your GPU, CPU, and RAM work together to give you the best performance you can experience in gaming. So, if one or two of these falls behind, you may be disappointed with the result. Check the new generations of the processor and the RAM you are using, as each has to be compatible to work excellently.

One Last Look

Begin your search for that gaming laptop that suits your preferences with the guidance of the four factors mentioned here. A laptop, after all, has a significant advantage in mobility and affordability compared to gaming desktops.

Even as a beginner, you can now set your needs and preferences clearly, and you will find the best match for your gaming performance. To further help you in this new journey, check out the latest gaming laptops from these brands: Razer, Asus, Gigabyte, Acer, and MSI.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Where to start?

Teaching in a physical classroom has its fair share of challenges and difficulties on its own. Now, in the time of a pandemic due to coronavirus (COVID-19), what are the things students and teachers have to add to their list of concerns for a safe and effective classroom setup?

Online teaching may seem like a more convenient way of communicating at your own pace especially with the current situation the world is in right at the moment. However, that is not the case. Teaching online offers additional struggles on the end of both teacher and student. For this article, we will focus on the various factors that may affect this shift from face-to-face to online teaching. We will also provide some helpful resources that educators may use to help in this transition.

Learn to Curate Materials

As thousands of individuals face the changes in their social engagements and work setups, it is no surprise that the fields of education and even professional training are looking for ways to ease into this new normal. In response to the situation, individuals and their employers try to adapt to online interactions and teaching.

As educators try to make adjustments to this school year's curriculum, there is a lot of pressure to find new interactive ways to facilitate learning. However, do not stress yourself too much. Learn to curate materials that are available online. There is a rich source of materials, articles, and other open-source educational finds on the internet.

This process of curating will help you maximize your time in preparing for your lessons. However, this step does not necessarily mean that you will stop creating your materials. Of course, you still need to find ways to best introduce your topics for a specific class with various students. Curating readily available materials will just be an added help on your end. You may even extend this by also engaging your students to search for reliable resources which they can use in class, or ask them to read the curated materials you have for their own learning during off-class hours.

Adapt and survive

There are many things to learn and numerous obstacles to survive when you are put in an unfamiliar environment. It is good to be ready by finding available resources to assist in this transition process. If you are one of these individuals who wish to enhance your skills in your professional online engagements and online teaching, here are some open-access materials that may help you. The quality of each one, however, may vary so be patient in going through these suggested resources.

1. Teach from Anywhere

In partnership with UNESCO, Google presents a curated list and helpful guide to their available online applications that may help educators and students collaborate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using this hub of information directed created by Google, teachers, and students can prepare and select necessary applications that they think may help them learn.

The Google company's Teach from Anywhere is a helpful source of guidelines for the use of the Google Classroom, Google Meet, Docs, Slides, and others. These are essential tools that can help for both in-class and offline task completions.

2. Padlet

Let students share

A distinct interaction in the classroom is the students’ engagement and the teachers during the discussion. With the use of Padlet, you can keep records of your student's work simultaneously and provide an outlet where the class may interact with one another in an online environment. Should you wish to learn more about these functions, here is an article that can help you better understand the features of Padlet and ways to use it for better student engagement effectively. There are a lot of helpful means to keep the discussion and participation of the students once you get the hang of this tool.

3. TED-Ed

As someone who wishes to find distinct means to introduce and conduct your lessons, you may also consider checking out TED-Ed. It is a space where people wish to "spark and celebrate the ideas and knowledge-sharing of teachers and students around the world."

Discover how you can use videos in the lesson’s presentation plus the interactive sharing experience for students. You may add questions, discussion topics, and even provide other supplementary materials. It is an interesting tool that can assist any educator in lesson planning as you are guided with the specific parts where you let your students think, dig deeper into the topic, and discuss.

4. Doodle

Creating quick polls for your class may be possible with this online tool. Doodle helps you in getting your students involved during and even after the discussion. You may even let students explore this by creating questionnaires or surveys. Another great thing about this is that it is free. You can have access to this without any worries about extra charges. Just make sure to read the guide on using the website and its features for you to start creating your own polls easily.

5. Slack

Are you looking for a collaborative online environment to work on? You may be interested in exploring the different features of Slack. This website is not only a limited tool for business professionals. As educators, it is necessary for people involved in the administration and the academic departments to communicate with ease, especially in these trying times.

In the video, it is even introduced as a unique replacement for your email. This is because of the streamed conversation feature. You can easily place messages under certain categories or topics, teams, and others on a designated channel. Then you can be in the loop with whatever is happening under such an assigned project or lesson. There are even handy messaging plus voice and video call features.

Be Mindful and Be Purposive in Your Decision

These are only few of the available applications and materials that you can utilize in your classes. However, you must not be limited to these options nor be overwhelmed by all the other numerous ones accessible online. As a final reminder, you must understand your goal for choosing specific applications, websites, and other resources in your lessons. Learn to check the ones most suitable for your needs; through this, you will have a better way of sifting through all the ones you read or see.

Comments

JM Salgado (author) from Japan on October 24, 2020:

That is true.

I hope that even the different software companies may find ways to accommodate the new online learning needs of the people as well.

S.P. Murphy from Ireland on October 23, 2020:

It is great that there are a lot of resources now available for these kind of situations that teacher are finding themselves in. It's definitely a challenging time for educators.

Staying in With Great Wonders to Explore

Are you missing the excitement you get from planning your next dream adventure? Fret not as you can still enjoy a massive view of the wonders the world has to offer. You can do this from the comfort of your home.

As we survive our current global struggle, we can find little joys in the simple activities, and even in the quiet moments we share with the people around us. Here are four interesting reality TV shows streaming on Netflix to help you take a glimpse back to the beauty of traveling. Be wary, however, that their availability may differ per region.

1. The World's Most Extraordinary Homes

It is fascinating to see a massive home that you could never have imagined was architecturally possible to make. In this original British Broadcasting Corporation Two (BBC Two) documentary miniseries, The World's Most Extraordinary Homes, we can witness surprising creations from different parts of the globe.

Netflix picked this series up and made it available for numerous people to enjoy. Award-winning architect Piers Taylor and actress Caroline Quentin host this miniseries. They both share a delightful experience with the audience as they explore a variety of architect-designed homes with distinct features and even challenging construction processes. With this kind of treatment, you are sure to have an informative yet entertaining engagement with the show. You may even find inspiration in the creative processes that the creators had while planning and constructing these homes. This type of moment is a sure relief to get you feeling warm again by these locations.

2. Amazing Interiors

After soaking in the houses' architectural beauty featured in the first show, perhaps you could take another trip to learn about unusual home interior designs. You can watch Amazing Interiors, which showcases homes with seemingly ordinary facades but have unique and custom-made interiors that can take your breath away.

This show is an American reality TV series that, interestingly, has no host or even a narrator. Instead of listening to introductions and insights from a host, you will hear directly from the owners. This format is a refreshing take on this type of show as you will have a better understanding of the motivations and inspirations that led the owners to pick these distinct designs for their homes. Perhaps you can give this a try and even see what you wish to have in your own house when you finally decide to make some changes.

3. Stay Here

Moving away from the appreciation of homes and interior designs, let us check on some tips to improve your space. Take tips that you can also apply should you want to convert your area to a short-term rental home from this TV show, Stay Here. Get direct insights and helpful reminders from hosts Genevieve Gorder, an interior designer, and Peter Lorimer, a real estate broker.

The show presents the different aspects of opening your home for short-term rental, the decisions you have to make to keep the money flowing, and the various elements you have to consider to keep your guests comfortable and happy during their stay. If you are fond of traveling and visiting different guest houses or shared spaces, you may enjoy seeing familiar features and may even add some to your list for your next trip.

4. Restaurants on the Edge

It is a heartbreaking scene to witness some once-flourishing restaurants take a drastic fall to failure. This is why it is good to see how Restaurants on the Edge help revive different restaurant owners' failing businesses from various parts of the world. Watch how the hosts, Nick Liberato, Dennis Prescott, and Karin Bohn reach far off places to share their expertise in bringing life back to the businesses.

Enjoy a glimpse into each location's rich culture and fascinating landscapes. Learn a thing or two about each country's distinct traditions that the hosts try to incorporate in their designs, dishes, and other plans. With this show's format, you are not merely learning about the different strategical techniques restaurateurs must keep in mind. Still, you are also given a chance to view each destination's local beauty.

Get Organized

This one is a bonus reality TV show from Netflix that you may be interested in watching. It is high time that you also get your hands working after witnessing all the grandeur various interior designers, architects, and professional real estate brokers presented in the four shows on our list. With this show, Get Organized, you will see how professionals work to create a clean and well-maintained space. Here is also an added treat, you can also see some celebrity homes as they are The Home Edit clients featured in the show. Learn from the experts, Clea and Joanna, and perhaps put those new techniques in action at your home.

Japan is famous for its colorful and exciting anime movies and series. With the advent of online accessibility, people worldwide can now enjoy a relaxing time watching these anime films and series anywhere and anytime. Beyond the numerous anime available online, there are also some hidden gems among the Japanese TV series.

For starters, it is good to check out some of these Japanese series available now on Netflix. As a popular streaming site, Netflix sure knows which stories to pick for their audience to enjoy. However, please be wary that the availability of these may differ per region. Some may be luckier than others to find more varieties in terms of genre and stories. Let us check the ones that are now streaming in the Philippines.

Erased (Live Action)

This show may serve as a treat to those who love the manga series of Boku dake ga Inai Machi (僕だけがいない街) or also known as BokuMachi ((僕街)). Both the anime and live-action series of Erased are available on Netflix for people to watch. A fair warning, however, as this may seem like a heartwarming nod to the Japanese style of filmmaking, the audience may be left with a thrilling memory after everything is told.

Based on the original series created by Kei Sanbe, the live-action adaptation kept the audience invested in each character. Even with just the first two episodes, you are already hooked on the story of Satoru Fujinuma (played by Yuuki Furukawa), who has to face the reality of possessing a unique ability that lets him travel back in time. However, as he relives the past, his memories are intact, and he has to discover numerous ways to help out and prevent a disastrous and life-threatening incident from happening. Should you wish to jump into this kind of adventure, make sure to watch Erased. You may even be tempted to binge all of the episodes to witness how Satoru's mission ends. Then, you can also watch the anime series and experience a distinct touch to the story.

Switched

However, not intentionally giving you dark stories to watch these types of psychological appeals of Japanese stories really hit hard. In this Netflix original, Switched, the audience is in for several twists and turns that will keep you hooked for the entire run of the show.

This one is based on the manga series created by Shiki Kawabata, Sora wo Kakeru Yodaka. The story revolves around the interaction and the sudden mysterious interconnection in the lives of Zenko Umine (Miu Tomita) and Ayumi Kohinata (Kaya Kiyohara). How exactly do you expect teenagers to react when they find out that they are now living in the body of someone else? What would the people around them do when one has supposedly committed suicide? Is there going to be a happy ending still for them?

Find out the answers to this when you watch the entire series. After all, this is a short one with only six episodes to cover.

Midnight Diner

A break from the dark stories, here we have a heartwarming series, Midnight Diner. There are now three seasons for this one, and another separate series for Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories with two seasons available on Netflix.

The series is based on the manga of the same name, which was created by Yarou Abe. It is a unique take on introducing a fresh look into Japanese living while also showcasing local cuisines made from few and simple ingredients. If you like seeing reality cooking shows, perhaps you may also enjoy this. It just so happens that you will get a glimpse of some regular to bizarre engagements that occur in the customers' lives for this one. There are also relatable topics that can touch the hearts of even those unfamiliar with the Japanese experience. So, prepare your video-watching treat and enter the small yet welcoming diner of the master.

Giri / Haji

This show is the latest series on this list. Giri / Haji has this distinct appeal that mixes Japanese traditional values and practices with the modern, more Western perspective. Even with the use of the Japanese language here, it is a British television series that was released on Netflix for international streaming.

Joe Barton created the story and the series is set in both London and Tokyo. It follows Kenzo Mori's (Takehiro Hira) search for his younger brother, Yuto (Yōsuke Kubozuka), who he thought was dead. To make things more complicated, Kenzo is a Tokyo detective while his brother served as a Yakuza member.

As the story of the brothers unfolds, there are also more complications introduced by the other characters. It surely is an exciting show to watch with a lot to absorb from the development of the characters to the more social impact of the show's engagements.

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Bonus: Oguri Shun shows on Netflix

A bonus on this list is the series of Oguri Shun that is now available for streaming on Netflix. Two good shows with action and a moving story are Crisis: Special Security Squad and BORDER. Each of these features a unique view on police work that can always either lean on the good side or sometimes be forced to interlock with the dangerous, dark aspect of crime-fighting.

Crisis focuses on a team that works as a secret special investigation team created under the National Police Agency. Their team members came from various walks of life, yet they share a great value that makes them ideal for the government. However, a more in-depth look into each character's life can somehow lead to a questionable practices presented through various political issues and even the "dirty jobs" of the government. If you like these types of stories, then you may binge-watch this series. You are sure to have a wonderful well-spent time off.

BORDER is a much older TV series that tells the story of a smart detective, Ango Ishikawa, who suddenly gets into a life and death situation, leaving him with a bullet on his head. This series is an action-packed one with a touch of mystery and mind games that will keep you asking for more. After all, how often do we see detectives call on the dead for clues while also fighting the urge of jumping into the pit of dirty works to serve justice? This show is a show that gets better through the years, and with each repeated watch, there are more interpretations and connections that you can make to keep the story flowing.

Crisis: Special Security Squad (CRISIS 公安機動捜査隊特捜班)

BORDER 贖罪

A bowl of steaming ramen can surely lift anybody's mood and bring good memories for the day. The search for that one great bowl of ramen is a popular thought in Japan and around the globe. With this kind of concern, it sure is a must in any tourist's vacation to-do list to find the best spot for a tasty ramen bowl. However, let us first learn some of the basics in preparing these ramen noodles, and then check on some top ramen restaurants to see on your next trip.

Even though this famous noodle soup dish is considered as fast food, there is a distinct practice that Japanese masters keep alive in creating their best bowl of ramen. Besides that, wherever we travel, we see the deep connection of the culinary traditions to culture and history. This culinary wonder is the same case in Japan. Despite not having a record of the first ramen, it is no secret that Japanese people have enjoyed this savory dish for a long time. The different ramen flavors are connected to the long history of the country.

It's in the broth

At present, the famous ramen has gone into various adjustments that try to engage any individual's palate. The modern variations of serving have gone to a great range from the different broths, noodle type, and even eating these delicious treats.

Keep in mind that even with these variations, the distinct flavor of Japan's rich culinary scene takes center stage. Even if you wish to eat your ramen cold and with a dipping sauce, or with that warm and familiar soup, there sure is going to be one for you.

Shio Ramen

Shio (塩) ramen means it is a salt broth-based ramen which has a light flavor. This type of broth is the traditional and most basic type of this famous dish. When you order this one, you will receive a very light-colored soup. However, do not be deceived as the broth is still a tasty one as its base is made from salt, seaweed, chicken, vegetables, and fish.

Shoyu Ramen

Shoyu (醤油) ramen is a soy sauce broth-based ramen, which is the most common type of this noodle dish and usually the go-to broth used in a different restaurant. Should you order ramen in a Japanese restaurant but did not request any specific broth type, then you will most likely get a shoyu ramen.

The soy sauce in this one gives the ramen a rich flavor that even though it may seem salty at first, there is the distinct kick combined with the other ingredients used in making the base.

Almost similar to the preparation of a shio base, the shoyu broth is made from vegetable, chicken, and a fair amount of soy sauce.

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Tonkotsu Ramen

Who wants to take a sip of the steaming soup filled with the flavors of pork bones? If you wish to have that hearty taste, tonkotsu (博多) ramen is the one for you. At first glance, you would see its distinct color, which is not the clearest broth among the other types of ramen. However, do not worry as this was brought by hours of boiling down pork meat and bones. The tonkotsu ramen, after all, is a pork bone broth-based ramen.

There are a lot of varieties under this one. You may expect to have a light and smooth to thick and rich soup, so do not confuse it with the next type of ramen even if you may get a milky consistency for your next tonkotsu bowl.

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Miso Ramen

Miso (味噌) ramen is an interesting one for any tourist who wishes to taste authentic Japanese ramen. This miso ramen has a fermented Japanese soy paste (miso) broth base. If you are unfamiliar with this soybean base, you may be up for a surprising treat, which creates a creamy texture to your soup. It may even taste like cheese and nuts.

Another thing to keep in mind is that many restaurants across Japan use their own miso. With this, there could be a wide range of miso flavors to explore from white miso, soybean miso, rice miso, charred miso, red miso, and even barley miso. As the variety offers people a unique culinary experience, it is no surprise that miso ramen is the most well-loved type of ramen in different parts of the globe.

Tsukemen

As varieties of ramen develop around the globe, there is this tsukemen (つけ麺). It is relatively new in comparison to the broth-based types of ramen presented earlier in this article. This dish is similar to another famous Japanese cuisine, zaru soba (ざるそば), which is a popular summer meal to cool down.

Tsukemen is a dipping ramen type where the noodles and the broth are served separately. You can order the thick soup hot or cold and enjoy dipping the portion of your noodles into the soup. Even with its relatively new place among the forms of ramen, tsukemen has become popular in numerous areas and restaurants in Asia and the rest of the world. It even boasts of having an abundant soup variety that will delight any customer who wishes to order this unique ramen.

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Your Take

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Ramen Toppings

After knowing about the different broths and forms of ramen, let us also check on the variety of toppings that come together with our noodles. As we appreciate the delicate process in creating the ramen soup, the toppings put extra flavors to our ramen experience. Traditionally, only a few are used when serving as the main focus of the ramen dish is the noodles.

Nori

Nori is also known as the thin, edible seaweed sheets that are cut into small strips and placed on the side of our ramen bowl. If you have never tried eating one of these, do not fret as you can try dipping them in the soup first so you would not feel too surprised with its crunchy texture. Also, keep in mind that this is the same nori used for sushi, so if you are a sushi fan, you would also enjoy this topping in your ramen.

Boiled Eggs

Boiled eggs are a common ramen noodles companion. The way these eggs are prepared vary across the different forms of ramen as well. For instance, you may get a hard-boiled egg for your tonkotsu ramen while a soft-boiled one for your miso ramen. These boiled eggs are not your typical homemade ones as these are seasons in a special sauce that each ramen restaurant prepare themselves.

Scallions

Adding sliced scallions give off that flavorful touch, which also treats your sense of smell for that distinct fresh aroma. In some regions, it is common to use scallions. However, for some, you may get leeks instead. Either one provides a great complement to the rich broth that each ramen bowl has.

Chashu

Chashu (チャーシュー) may be associated with its Chinese counterpart, char siu (叉燒). However, the Japanese adopted this cuisine yet made it their own by using their distinct technique in cooking these slices of pork meat.

Having chashu as a ramen topping is sure to bring you that high as these sliced pieces of meat that are seasoned with soy sauce help enhance your ramen flavor. It is even best to let the meat simmer in the broth if you can wait that long. If not, no problem as they are a wonderful treat on their own.

Japanese manga and anime bring a lot of layers for the characters, settings, and the overall story. There have been a number of movie adaptations that surprised, pleased, and at some point even disappointed some of the most avid fans as well as regular movie-goers. Still, among those that had great popularity in terms of creativity, appeal, and justice to the original source, here are the top six that gave a good show (or at least close to it).

Most of the fans of the manga and the anime wish to see the best adaptation of their favorite stories. However, it cannot be ignored that there will be added features, variations, or unpredictable twists to the film counterparts. In this list, the movies are included based on their justice to the originals as well as for the extra features that the directors and casts put in the show.

Rurouni Kenshin

The trilogy brought out surprising justice to the original. It is, in fact, difficult to place all the exciting and touching appeal of the anime series as well as the manga in such a short film. The best feature of this film (and the succeeding installations) are the fight/action scenes. They were filmed with just the right amount of striking movements without making it overly exaggerated. The use of the special effects and computer graphics were not excessively placed as well, so the scenes looked more natural. Even though there were altered scenes from the manga, its story and the way the film conveyed it was better compared to other live-action adaptations.

However, the characters were developed in a slow and limited time. Also, most of the concern that are lacking would be for the back stories related to the other characters (e.g. Sanosuke, Kaoru, etc.). Still, the entire franchise gave justice to the story with its own unique appeal, and the casts did fair with a great part to Takeru Satoh. With special credit to its good soundtrack as well.

Detroit Metal City

Detroit Metal City (DMC) gives a hilarious ride with its crazy acting and story. Soichiro Negishi (Kenichi Matsuyama) is a nice but shy college boy who wants to be a pop singer. He enjoys singing cheerful songs, however, in the course of fulfilling his dreams, he comes upon a scary manager who turns him into a Death Metal band singer. His band, known as Detroit Metal City, gradually becomes popular, but Negishi is troubled with this situation as he performs on stage as Krauser. He sings with a loud voice, spitting out bad words from the lyrics of the band's song which is far from the type of music he used to sing. However, after each performance, he goes back to his shy persona. This seemingly dual personalities is not exclusive to Negishi but is evident to the rest of the DMC members. No one acts the way they portray themselves on stage.

It's interesting to see Kenichi Matsuyama play this role because it's different from his more popular role as L (Death Note) and Toru Watanabe (Norwegian Wood). However, many might get disturbed or distracted with the songs. Even though the melodies might be catchy for metal rock fans, the lyrics are dark. Still, the overall appeal of this comes close to the idea of manga and anime actions. Also, with the name of the band is based on KISS' song Detroit Rock City, Gene Simmons has a surprising cameo in this Japanese adaptation.

Dororo

An adaptation of the 1960s manga (comics series) by Osamu Tezuka, this 2007 film had a lot of difference from its origin. Many might get disappointed with some scenes, and especially with the computer generated imagery (CGI). However, even with those flaws, the acting and story made up for those. Even with its major deviation on screen, the Dororo film was able to preserve the main elements of the story. It is best credited for keeping the friendship between the rascal, Dororo (Kō Shibasaki), and the swordsman, Hyakkimaru (Satoshi Tsumabuki). Their relationship was built in a slow yet steady pace. The casts also include Eita, Kiichi Nakai, Yoshio Harada, and others.

Director Akihiko Shiota made a fun film that is enjoyable to watch. With the dirt, dust, and laid back settings, he was able to create the right mood for a period and fantasy sides of the story. It is worth watching for the fantasy appeal and good back story.

Mushishi

This 2006 film is based on a manga series of the same name. Also known for its loosely made The Bugmaster in its English release, Mushishi is a complex story with fantastical settings. Its director, Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira), also co-wrote this film adaptation with Osamu Tezuka (Metropolis). In this sense, the movie is expected to have been deeply complex and sometimes incomprehensible in some of its parts.

Even with this kind of storytelling, the adaptation was not an unpleasant film to watch. It will leave you with the images of the Mushi and the terrain of Japan that made proper use of CGI. It was also shot beautifully due the transitions of scenes are slow, with a confusing flashback altogether. There is also some surprising appeal to the subplots in the story, especially that of Ginko (Jo Odagiri) and Koro (Nao Omori). The characters acting lived up to give this film a satisfactory credit.

Shinobi

Shinobi mixes the story of superheroes/superpowers with a Romeo and Juliet tragedy. Director Shimoyama Ten made a great adaptation of the story that grazed the pages of the manga series (Basilisk: The Kōga Ninja Scrolls). It's also a satisfying film with Jo Odagiri (Mushishi) together with Yukie Nakama.

The story revolves the relationship of the two main casts who are both caught up in a complex circumstance. Its casts great acting and the touching scenes that are rooted from the touching love story made this a good adaptation. However, the two-hour film seems short to build more of the plot. Still the CGI scenes gave justice to the battles.

Death Note

Death Note may have received varied reviews since its release in 2006, but in its own credit, the twists in the adaptation made it an interesting watch. The story involves a series of killings among Japan's most notorious criminals. These events start a cult regarding the mysterious executioner as an avenging angel. However, in reality, he is a law student named Light Yagami (Tatsuya Fujiwara) who received the Death Note which lets him kill anyone by writing their names in it.

The casts were able to recreate the Japanese manga with its interesting subplots. With an additional acting of Kenichi Matsuyama as the brilliant L. Even though the first part of the film moves in a slow momentum, it gives a satisfying, complex, and darker layer to its plot towards the end. This opens up the opportunity for its sequel, and a spin-off installation with L: Change the World.

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Up and Coming Live Action Films

With the rise of live action films, there is another one that excited manga readers in 2015. Bakuman is an adaptation of the manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata.

Fans of the series felt the rush of anticipation as the movie gives a new face to the story. It is also top billed by Takeru Satoh (Rurouni Kenshin) and Ryonosuke Kamiki (voice actor: Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle). There are a lot to anticipate and expectations are high.

10. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

One of the first movies top billed by Judy Garland where she portrayed a beautiful leading lady instead of her usual girl-next-door characters. Meet Me in St. Louis is a classic romantic comedy musical made by Metro Goldwyn Meyer (MGM) Studios, Inc.

The movie shows four sisters on the cusp of St. Louis World's Fair that is set in 1904. The story focuses on the growth and education of the sisters towards the ways of the world. They learn about life and love. This experience unfolds through the part of a boy-next-door character. All of the sisters' adventures are presented in Technicolor and accompanied by the beautiful songs, dances, and costumes. Meet Me in St. Louis shows that in the end, love conquers all.

9. An American in Paris (1951)

A film directed by Vicente Minnelli who is also known for the musical Meet Me at St. Louis. He created another classic musical film with Gene Kelly as the American ex-GI in Paris. This movie won numerous awards and nominations from the most prestigious award-giving bodies like the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards.

The story takes place in post-World War II Paris. Jerry Mulligan (Kelly) stays there to become a painter. However, Paris offers more than an opportunity for dreams. Jerry then eventually falls for the beauty of Lise Bouvier (Leslie Caron). The romantic love-affair of Jerry and Lise, as well as the love interest of Milo Roberts (Nina Foch) to Jerry unfolds with the accompaniment of great music, dance numbers, and memorable characters.

8. My Fair Lady (1964)

My Fair Lady is a classic tale that has many enchanted with the beauty of Audrey Hepburn in her character Eliza. This ever-favorite musical has the known professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) showing off his ability to transform a Cockney working-class Eliza to someone who can be considered as a cultured member of high society. In the process, Eliza agrees to take up speech lessons to help improve her job prospects. However, the two main characters come to a clash that is heightened by Eliza's aristocratic suitor acted by Jeremy Brett.

This film surely has many surprises up its sleeves. It won numerous awards like Best Picture, Best Director George Cukor, Best Cinematography and others from the Academy Awards. My Fair Lady also won in the Golden Globes, BAFTA Awards, and others. Moreover, this film was adapted from the famous theater play, Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw.

7. A Star is Born (1954)

Another musical with Judy Garland as an aspiring actress Esther. This 1954 film also has James Mason as Hollywood actor, Norman Maine. The film tells how Norman's star is on the wane but is inspired to help an aspiring actress (Garland). This leads to the two of them appearing in a musical. Eventually, the two gets married, but Esther is now more popularly known as Vicki Lester, who is more in demand compared to Norman. This leads to her husband's heavy drinking. Now, the challenge that the new star is about to face must include a decision to choose between moving forward or save her husband.

6. Mary Poppins (1964)

With other nannies, Jane and Michael (Karen Dotrice and Matthew Garber) are all too playful to handle. When the two children of the wealthy Banks family meet with the magical Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews), they are surprised. Their playful days are placed in order with a series of adventures together with Mary and her friend, Bert (Dick Van Dyke).

This 1964 musical became a hit with its fantastical nature, memorable songs, and remarkable casts ( with the addition of David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns). It is no surprise that this film received multiple awards from much prestigious organization and award giving body. Aside from the wonderful features, its touching story gives a refreshing sight for moviegoers of the time.

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5. Cabaret (1972)

Cabaret is set in 1931 Berlin. Sally Bowles (Liza Minelli), an American cabaret singer, meets British academic Brian Roberts (Michael York). In this story, the two become lovers despite the fact that Brian is having some confusion about his sexuality. There love affair becomes complicated with the arrival of Maximilian von Heune (played by Helmut Griem). Maximilian is a wealthy, decadent playboy who adds to the love triangle which happens in the rise of the Nazi party and the collapse of the Weimar Republic.

This intriguing film is one of the many other movies that deal with the idea that the rise of the Nazi started the bisexuality, homosexuality, sadomasochism, and assorted other activities. It features the dark recesses of the Nazi period with a mix of dramatic visuals and music.

4. The Sound of Music (1965)

In 1965, The Sound of Music won the 38th Academy Awards for Best Picture. Julie Andrews stars in another heartwarming musical. This time, she plays Maria, the tomboyish postulant. The story is based on the real-life account of the Von Trapp Family singers. A family that is most popular in the time immediately preceding World War II.

The Sound of Music's cast includes Christopher Plummer as Captain Von Trapp, Charmian Carr, Kym Karath, Angela Cartwright, Heather Menzies, Nicholas Hammond, Debbie Turner and Duane Chase as the Von Trapp children. They are the people who brought life and timeless music for that generation and until today.

3. The Wizard of Oz (1939)

A film inspired by the classic tale of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz book written in 1900. This musical is a top favorite by avid fans of musical movies. It brought fame to Judy Garland who later on continued to star in various films.

In this 1939 film, a tornado rips through Kansas where Dorothy (Judy Garland) and her dog, Toto, are taken away to the magical land of Oz. Here, they come across different adventures as they follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City. Along the way, they meet different characters: Scarecrow (played by Ray Bolger) that needs a brain; a Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) who wants to have courage; and a Tinman (Jack Haley) that is missing a heart. In their journey, the wizard asks them to bring him the broom of the Wicked Witch of the West played by Margaret Hamilton. If they are to succeed, the wizard will help them.

This film also made Judy Garland a much-loved actress with a beautiful voice. She is most famous for the song, Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

2. West Side Story (1961)

A movie adaptation of the musical play inspired by the story of Romeo and Juliet. This 1961 musical was directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins. A modern tale set in New York City. The lives of Maria (Natalie Wood) and Tony (Richard Beymer) come across where the two falls in love. However, they are put to a complicated relationship because they are connected to rival gangs. The harsh streets in the West Side of Manhattan are filled with amazing performances and wonderful music in this modern musical.

It's taken on Shakespeare's tragedy, made it a hit and it won the 1961 Academy Awards for Best Picture alongside other nine other awards. Aside from these, it received numerous recognition and awards with a great following from the movie goers.

1. Singin' in the Rain (1952)

The top musical classic picked by the AFI, Singin' in the Rain presented a spoof of the historical transition in the film industry. From silent films to sound in the late 1920s, sets the events that had Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) singing all time favorites.

This 1952 film was directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen was nominated in multiple awards. The musical film is more known for its music score and memorable soundtrack.

The 5 Best Studio Ghibli Films

Studio Ghibli can be considered Japan's most popular animation and film studio. It has served over three decades of making quality films with great attention to detail, as well as delivering heartfelt stories.

Over the years, Ghibli's signature works have captured the eyes of thousands of individuals. Even multiple award-giving bodies have acknowledged the exemplary films produced by this animation house.

Through these breakthroughs, Ghibli has been labeled the "Disney of Japan," and one of its founders, Hayao Miyazaki, was dubbed the "Walt Disney of Japan." These comparisons are not simply for namesake but are given due to the memorable films the studio has produced since 1985.

Beginning of Ghibli Animation

Three great minds founded Studio Ghibli in 1985. The collaboration of directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, as well as producer Toshio Suzuki, opened up the opportunity for the creation of masterpieces such as Grave of the Fireflies and Princess Mononoke.

The studio was formed after the success of the 1984 film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. The film was written and directed by Miyazaki.

Origin of the Studio Ghibli Name

It strikes a lot of curiosity as to where the name "Ghibli" originated. It isn't a Japanese term and isn't one of the names of its founders. Where does it come from?

Based on the record of the animation house, this name was given by Miyazaki in reference to an Italian aircraft used in World War II. Ghibli is an Arabic name for sirocco, also known as Mediterranean wind. In history, Italians used the term sirocco during World War II for their Saharan scouting planes. This term is made to have a Japanese distinction, because even though it is originally pronounced with a hard g, Japanese would read it as ji-bu-ri, using a soft g sound.

Studio Ghibli chose this term to represent their vision to "blow a new wind through the Japanese anime industry." It is a creative take on how the founders wanted to change the way animation was done. It is an engaging breath of fresh air. However, it had a difficult path to live up to. But, Studio Ghibli was able to stay true to its name, as it quickly introduced remarkable works through the years.

1. Grave of the Fireflies, 1988

One of the noted works of Isao Takahata, this film shows a glimpse of life in the World War II era. 火垂るの墓 (Hotaru no haka) is a movie adaptation of the semi-autobiographical novel by Akiyuki Nosaka. The film revolves around the painful story of two children who were orphaned because of the war.

It is a film that shows the strength of two young individuals trying to survive in the remains of post-war Japan. The powerful, symbolic film touched the hearts of its viewers, even with its sad ending. It has a moving plot and detailed animation, making it one of the most powerful anti-war films.

2. My Neighbor Totoro, 1988

Totoro, the iconic character, has been a part of many childhoods in the '80s and '90s generation and beyond. It is a story of how two young sisters get the chance to meet a magical creature who helps and looks after them.

Satsuki and Mei's mother has to stay in the hospital for a while, so they help their father move to their new home in rural Japan. Their adventure starts early by meeting susuwatari, animated dust-like spirits, that live in their house. Seen as simply part of the young girls' imagination, the adults join in to make the experience memorable for them.

3. Whisper of the Heart, 1995

Written by Miyazaki and directed by Yoshifumi Kondō, Whisper of the Heart expresses the love story of a young girl and young boy. Their relationship blossoms from an unusual situation. The girl, Shizuku, who is a bookworm, meets a boy (Seiji) who previously checked out all of the books she read from the library.

This is the only film directed by a long-time animator, Kondō, before he died in 1998.

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4. Princess Mononoke, 1997

Another film by Miyazaki, this story is set in the Muromachi period but with fantasy elements. With its commercial success, it was later released in the US in 1999.

This is the story of forest gods and humans who get much from natural resources. An underlying environmental awareness is represented by the experiences of its main characters, Ashitaka and San.

5. Spirited Away, 2001

千と千尋の神隠し (Spirited Away) became one of the top-grossing films under Studio Ghibli in 2001. It tells the story of a young 10-year-old girl who enters the spirit world.

As she is moving to a new home with her family, a witch named Yubaba turns her parents into pigs. The young girl takes a job in the witch's bathhouse to search for a way to go back home.

Fun Facts:

• Chihiro (the main character) is inspired by the daughter of one of Miyazaki's friends.
• You can visit Taiwan Jiufen and see a real-life view of the Spirited Away set. Its downtown area served as a model for the film.

It is undeniably a wonderful experience to get a chance and travel Europe. There are a lot of beautiful cities to visit. Aside from the regular plane trips, a person can experience a unique taste of this continent’s railroad services. Traveling by train gives an exciting and romantic sense to the journey. This experience would also let any traveler see the striking countryside and massive landscapes.

When people think of Europe, the idea of Italy almost always comes to mind. Through the years, people have been seeing the way international trains are being improved. More and more trains are running faster and looking more stylish than ever. This adds to the grand idea of having comfortable and enjoyable train rides. There are many tours that could offer rail holidays to Italy to any individual who is up for the adventure.

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Rail Holidays to Italy

Italy is a great country to have an adventure. Often called as the Bel Paese (beautiful country), it stands to hold true to that title. It is the home of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The great art and monuments that show the history of the country’s culture are seen almost everywhere. It has the great art cities, some of which are Rome, Venice, and Florence.

This country has a lot of famous tourist’s destinations as well. Having a first-hand experience of those famous cities shall leave a romantic and magical mark to any traveler’s heart. The country has the powerful attraction with its history, art, culture, and food.

Exploring this precious country by train would be the easiest and most comfortable way to appreciate the equally enchanting views. The country has a wide range of rail network which gives any visitor convenience to go to different destinations. The train experience would give passengers enough time to appreciate the perfect landscapes that surround Italy.

There are different rail holidays depending on a passenger’s preference. People could choose according to what they wish to see or to experience. There are ones that provide a tour of unique architectural masterpieces or a tour for the foodie on the road. But most of all, there is a promise of never missing the extensive scenery.

What to consider before the trip?

Learn more about Italy as much as possible. The trip would mean more if visitors are at least familiar with the country’s history and culture. Italy is located in the Southern part of Europe with its famous curved shape. The northern part of Italy’s border (west to east) connects it with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. With the country’s location, it enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, sunny summers and mild, wet winters. This attracts many tourists all year-round. These features attract many tourists and local travelers to explore ideal rail holidays.

In terms of food, people are generally familiar with the country’s cuisine. Many travelers know the classic pizza, spaghetti, and salami. But tourists should also learn that these classics vary depending on the regions, traditions, and styles in cooking. Still, the overall impression for Italian cuisine is its flavorful and colorful dishes, with pasta, polenta, and risotto rice as staple foods. Lastly, there is also little surprise to know that most of their dishes are accompanied by their famous and wonderful wines. Some of these are the white pinot Grigiot and the red Chianti.

If anyone wishes to try any rail tour, remember to choose the one which would reward the best in terms of pleasure, memory, and the value of money. Expenses on the rail holidays include (but are not limited to) all the train and other travel costs, hotel accommodation, guided tours and activities, and some provided meals.

First-time travelers should keep the schedule of their tours and important contact numbers on hand. The rail networks are fascinating and interesting to experience, but the lines could be confusing for some. Finding the correct exit gates are sometimes complicated if the traveler has never been to Italy or has never ridden an Italian train.

Fast Trains

Some travelers have the freedom to choose any train service that they wish to ride on their way to Italy. These days many consider the high-speed train as a better option for their trip.

The fast travel does not mean that passengers lose the comfort that one gets from a train trip. Newer lines have extra legroom, reclining seats, and even individual reading lights. These trains give both comfort and style. They run on efficient tracks, with highly integrated networks, which promise great reliability. Some more known fast trains are Eurostar and TGV Est. There are also AVE trains which run between Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona. Lastly, the Cisalpino is a tilting train that moves between Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. This line joins Eurostar Italia to have new high-speed lines connecting Milan, Florence, Venice, and Rome.

There are Eurostar and TGV daytime trains which are cheap, fast, comfortable. This route, however, requires train transfer. From London, take the Eurostar to Paris, then get on a TGV train from Paris to Milan. From Milan, people can try to ride other lines to get around Italy. These are cheaper options compared to the luxurious lines like the Orient Express.

There are numerous films that are produced and are still in the making which deal with the wonders of the mind. But, here is a list of five great ones that deal with human psychology. They have captured the heart and mind of many film-goers throughout the years. One of these may have already caught your interest, let's have a better look into each one.

1. Good Will Hunting, 1997

What happens when the smartest person in a prestigious university is not one of the students in the classroom but the janitor?

This is where Good Will Hunting begins a touching story of a brilliant young man. When you watch the movie, prepare to meet Will Hunting who doesn't see the potential that he has. He has an amazing mind for mathematics and chemistry but is still locked in his rough South Boston life. His life undergoes changes when one professor sees his mathematical work. He then leads Will to see a therapist (Robin Williams). This movie shows how one person's life could change when it meets its match.

The emotional drama presented here seeks to have a different view of the unrecognized genius. There could be a possible Will Hunting in some individual out there, just waiting for some connection to make.

This is a movie that is both touching and inspiring. It is also good to see Robin Williams and the young Matt Damon in the lead roles.

Good Will Hunting (Trailer)

2. A Beautiful Mind, 2001

Released in 2001, A Beautiful Mind tells the real-life story of another brilliant man, John Forbes Nash, Jr. He is a mathematical genius who is given an opportunity to be part of great minds at Princeton in the 1940s. He shows exceptional skills in his field, and he gets a remarkable discovery as a graduate student. Through these tough times, he is constantly accompanied by his roommate, Charles Herman, who is a literature student. However, he undergoes unbelievable twists and turns in his career and life. This leads to him knowing that he has paranoid schizophrenia, which is difficult for him to accept.

This film is a wonderful adventure that gives the audience a view of the life and struggles of the 1998 Nobel Laureate in Economics, John Nash. The story really gives you a glimpse of the complexities of the brain. It shows how a seemingly ordinary and inspiring story of a genius could be changed. The director and actors also made it a slow but memorable progress in building the story. You might have to prepare some tissue while watching this movie then look for a buddy to discuss this after watching the film.

A Beautiful Mind (Trailer)

3. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, 2004

How far would you go to forget a failed relationship?

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind deals with the idea of a couple who tries to erase their memories of each other. But, in the course of their new discovery of life with the last remaining memories of each other, the story takes the audience to a unique roller coaster ride.

This might even be a psychological thriller in this sense of experiments and trials. However, this could also be considered as science fiction and might be a take on the study of the human brain and its function that affects people's behavior.

The wonderful cast and story made this film another hit with an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in the same year. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet had the main roles, with Winslet nominated for Best Actress in the Academy Awards. The actors and actresses who participated in the movie are Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, Tom Wilkinson, Jane Adams, and others.

Whoever wishes to jump in the search for finding love and losing it may take a trip with Joel and Clementine. This film will also captivate the eyes of those looking for a beautiful cinematography that shows the surprising extent of brain explorations.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Trailer)

4. Shutter Island, 2010

A movie adaptation of Dennis Lehane's book with the same title was released in 2010. This movie follows the story of two US Marshalls, Edward "Teddy" Daniels and Chuck Aule, who goes to Shutter Island. This is an eerie place in Boston Harbor as it is the only place where the federal mental hospital houses the criminally insane. Here, the two explores, investigates and experiences strange situations. They are also given some mysterious stares from the island's residents.

The flow of the story gets you thinking that this might just be another scary, police story. However, you are sure to be surprised on how the story changes through the end. You might even find some fascination with how the mind tricks are done or even so with the story line playing with your own mind. The concerns people have with the mental health are not really discussed here, but you might get a glimpse of how they see the world from their own point of view. Aside from that, you would also see the amazing acting of Leonardo Di Caprio, Ben Kingsley, Max von Sydow, Mark Ruffalo and others.

Shuttle Island (Trailer)

5. Black Swan, 2010

Another 2010 movie dealt with the psyche of people. This time, the lead is that of a beautiful and elegant ballerina named Nina. The actress Natalie Portman gave life to this character and the different faces that she exhibits in the film.

This is another psychological thriller movie that brings its audience to the beauty but the stressful life of Nina. The story unfolds as she continues to perform and be better as part of the ballet company's Swan Lake production. Nina still lives with her mother who is a former ballerina. However, her relationship with Nina is one having an obsessive control over things around the young ballerina. This gives additional pressure to the stressful happenings in Nina's career, as she feels worried about a new dancer, Lily (Mila Kunis).

Though the trials she goes through are a little confusing at first, you would see how she tries to fix the crumbling world around her. If you are not familiar with the story, it is a story of Odette, who is turned into a swan. This ballet is from Tchaikovsky's first ballet with the same title. However, in the movie, the artistic director of the company wants to have the same dancer to portray the graceful and innocent White Swan as well as its dark twin the Black Swan which shows sensuality. This makes it more difficult for Nina to overcome because she can perfectly portray the White Swan but not the Black Swan. Then this lets Nina connect with her dark side which could even be her worst competitor.

Black Swan (Trailer)

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Additional Psychological Movie

If you want to see some older psychological films, you might have to prepare for two disturbing yet wonderful stories of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), Taxi Driver (1976), and The Silence of the Lamb (1991). The 1975 film had Jack Nicholson in the lead role. Then for Taxi Driver, the younger audience may get a sweet surprise from Robert de Niro while others may enjoy a great treat with Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins for the last movie.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Trailer)

Taxi Driver (Trailer)

The Silence of the Lambs (Trailer)

1. Take the LRT or MRT

Along the busy roads of Metro Manila are the Light-Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro-Rail Transit (MRT). The railways are found on different points and are more convenient if you are in a hurry. Taking these trains will save you from the hassle of the busy streets and traffic jams.

Manila City also has the first lines of the LRT. The first ever LRT was constructed in the 1980s under the late President Ferdinand Marcos. This project was made possible after a 14-month study of the Freeman Fox and Associates which was funded by the World Bank that led to the suggestion of a street-level light railway. These recommendations were made into reality but were revised to be an elevated version because of the many intersections in the city. Then to move forward with the said project, the late president created the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA). This agency is still in service until this day.

Through the years, the LRT has now expanded to LRT-2 and MRT-3. If you should wish to visit Manila you could try to skip the taxi and commute locally. However, remember that this too can be a little challenging especially during the rush hours.

People understand the advantages of taking the LRT/MRT and so you may find yourself in a sardines position if you commute around 7-8AM and 5-7PM. Be prepared to stand still and sweat a little if you are traveling in summer.

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2. Dig in to Some Street Food

It is undeniably the most sought-after experiencing when traveling (or maybe to some). People want to eat local food, and have at least an idea about the Filipinos' delicacies.

Then you must be brave and strong. Delicious food can be found anywhere in Manila. You just have to pick a place. There are of course, high-end restaurants, carinderia (cafeteria-like, serving home-cooked meals), or the mighty street foods.

The menu could be overwhelming because many treats are being sold on the streets. It is a Filipino habit that we prefer buying on tingi /ting´i'/ or in a loose English translation: retail sale. People can get five pesos worth of fishballs on a stick. A ten pesos worth of turon (deep fried bananas wrapped in spring roll wrappers and sweetened with brown sugar). These are just some of the ones you could try, so walk along the streets and you could simply call to the vendor.

Useful expressions:

When you want to address them-
Kuya (Older brother)
Ate (Older sister)
Manong (Older man)
Manang (Older woman)

When you buy-
Pabili po. (I want to buy<---loose translation)
Magkano? (How much?)

Thanking-
Salamat po. (polite form of Thank you)
Maraming salamat. (Thank you very much)

Masarap! (Delicious!)
Napakasarap! (Very delicious!)

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3. Stroll along Rizal Park

Dr. Jose Rizal is the Philippines national hero. His martyrdom and brilliance were seen during the Spanish regime. In 1896, he was sentenced to die from a firing squad which became one of many triggers in the Philippine Revolution. He died in Bagumbayan, Manila which is now known as Rizal Park. However, aside from being named Rizal Park others also recognize the place as Luneta.

Don't be afraid about ghosts here. This is a place where families enjoy their time together. There are also some areas where you can learn about some of the country's history. Aside from that there is also a new monument there. Lapu-lapu's statue can also be seen erected in the park. He was the first hero in Philippine history who fought and won over the Spaniards headed by Ferdinand Magellan, when the explorers came to the country in 1521.

4. Walk through the Walled City: Intramuros

Just next to Rizal Park, you can walk through the past and see a glimpse of the life during the Spanish colonization. The Spanish regime lasted for more than 300 years, and they were able to build cities, influence Philippine society, and brought different ideals with them.

After visiting Luneta, you may want to learn more about Philippine history and you would be amazed of the walled city, Intramuros.

Here you would find one of the oldest churches in the country and a well-maintained Spanish houses and streets. There might be some eerie feeling for others because you would be walking back to time. The city was constructed in this manner to be a defense against foreign invaders. Because the Walled City was originally located along the shores of Manila Bay. You would learn this used to be the old capital which housed the "elites" and the government. The people living outside are called extramuros.

Inside Intramuros, you can visit different museums and churches. If you are not comfortable walking, you can try the kalesa tour. You will travel around the streets on a horse drawn calash

5. Visit Old Churches in Manila City

The country's capital offers great history. You can find a number of churches which could date back in Spanish times.

Visit these three churches:

1. Sta. Ana Church which is very beautiful because of its arches, columns, and domed bell tower. The church is known for its Camarin de la Virgen which is even a national treasure.

The church is almost 300 years old. It is good to know that even after the World War II, the church survived and locals/tourists can come and appreciate the architecture, the paintings, and the delicate state of the church.

2. Binondo Church which is much older than the first. This church is 420 years old already. Similar with the first one, the beauty of this lies to its arches and pillar, but there is an addition is the octagonal bell tower. This is maybe due to the Chinese background of the parishioners who come to this church. Binondo after all is the place of China town as well.

However, the church has undergone renovations and preservation throughout the centuries.

3. Quiapo Church is surely a place where hundreds of patrons come and go. The corridors and the gate right outside is almost always busy and crowded. The church is also very popular because of its Black Nazarene. They even conduct a yearly event in January where thousands of devotees come to participate.

If you are one who longs for the calming beauty of the sea and the beautiful beach, you will enjoy knowing more about the different destinations in this archipelago. Did you know that the country has other beautiful beaches which you can visit according to the different coastlines?

Yes, you can find along the coastlines some brown, white, pink, black, and even pebble beaches. Here are some other places you could try for your next beach adventure. Whether you are a local tourist or a foreigner to the country, this list would give you a view of some new places to include in your travel list. This will cover from Luzon, Visayas, and up to Mindanao.

Color Your Day: Brown

Brown Sand

The tropical weather in the Philippines and the long coastline that covers the islands can be a great chance for many people to go to the beaches and enjoy the sun all year round. With the coastline which stretches more than 30,000 kilometers, you sure can find brown sand. It is just that most locals and tourists are more familiar with popular destinations, such as Boracay, that only white beaches somehow are presented online.

If you have a shorter time in the country, you can drive or ride for a couple of hours from Manila and get yourself a quick view of the brown beaches in Batangas.

• Anilao is famous for its diving area and diving resorts. You can find great experiences with the beauty of the underwater here. You can be with friends or on your own.
• Laiya has a quieter and laid-back feel to its beaches which is good for some quality time with family or some solitude. Who wouldn't want to have a calming moment along the seashore, right?
• Calatagan is more popular with the active beach-bodies because of its watersports. If you find yourself a little adventurous during your trip, you might enjoy this town's beach.

Aside from the beaches, you may also dig in some local cuisines to fill your tummy.

Then just a couple of hours further, you may also check the less known beach of Quezon province. You can drop by the quiet town of Mulanay. Here you can see the beautiful brown beach which is still a peaceful destination for many locals and even tourists who wish to take the less-traveled path. Aside from the time on the beach, you may also check out the Mulanay mangrove forest or learn a bit more about the town's history with a walk to the archeological sites and churches.

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White Sand

Many wouldn't dare argue with the idea of finding a secret paradise where one can walk on the pristine white sand. This is already one of the standards or the main criteria when people plan their travel.

It is already obvious that Boracay and Palawan are the top choices when one thinks of the Philippines. These places proved their take on paradise with their postcard-perfect sceneries and other attractions. This even led flocks of locals and tourists from all over the world to hop on a plane and enjoy a quick getaway. A lot of them want to try Boracay's nightlife and Palawan's underwater beauty.

But sometimes the number of people could be bothersome for others who are searching for a place to relax. Well then, don't worry, the country has more to offer.

You might try to find less-known beaches like Calaguas in Camarines Norte, Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, and Caramoan in Camarines Sur. You won't feel bad after seeing these hidden beauties. Just make sure that you learn about these destinations before hopping on the next ride. Why? There is more to enjoy in those towns. It is good for you to maximize your stay as you also engage with the locals, indulge in mouthwatering local dishes, and visit historical places for a deeper understanding of the culture.

The quieter versions of the popular ones offer no less than what is considered paradise. These other white sand-laden beaches will give you similar white sand surprises but less the noise and the crowd.

Pink Sand

Pink? Yes, there are rare beaches that showcase this beauty.

This one is a little difficult to find among the thousands of islands in the Philippines, and even around the world. A number of popular beaches like this are found in the Bahamas.

The sand seems pink in color because of the red corals or sea creatures like clams, which are crumbled and mixed with the sand on the shore. This natural phenomenon creates a wonderful pink hue. The Philippines houses only two of its kind in the whole country which could be found in Zamboanga and Northern Samar.

The first place is the Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga. The beach is still waiting to be explored because it is not so known by both locals and more so with tourists. Visits to the island are regulated to preserve its beauty. Even though it is not that popular, its beauty has already captured the attention of people. It has even been included as one of the 21 best beaches in the world by National Geographic.

However, be reminded that you wouldn't be seeing a strong red color or even soft-rosy sand, but more of a marshmallow type of pink sand. This is quite different for people who would wish to see the likes of the Bahamas beaches.

The second pink beach in the Philippines is found in Sila Island located in San Vicente, Northern Samar. It has that distinct, hidden beauty of a natural wonder that has yet been spoiled by people's activities. As a less known destination to many, the island offers a relaxing and refreshing retreat for those who seek its natural beauty.

Why does it have pink sand?

One of the explanations for this would be the erosion of a specific type of sea creatures that are found near the coastline. Also, the eroded and rare Red Organ-pipe Coral (Tubipora Musica) were naturally mixed with the sand for a long period of time.

In the Philippines, the Mindanao islands with these pink beaches have a mixture of the red corals and foraminifera. The foraminifera is a red-shelled sea creature. As this kind of natural mixture happens in a long period of time, the tropical pink beach like this in Southeast Asia is not that common.

Black Sand

Wouldn't black be an awful sight for a beach destination?

Don't be afraid of this kind of beach. They are not made because of some ominous witchcraft. Black sand beaches are made when volcanic lava (yup, it's what you are thinking) gets in and mixes with water and breaks down into the sand. It could also be an erosion of volcanic rocks. Hawaii is popular for this type of beach because you can find them near volcanoes.

The Philippines has its own fair share of volcanoes all over the country. If you wish to see the Mount Mayon in Albay, you can also find black sand beaches near the area. There are also some in Ternate, Cavite (Puerto Azul). These are beaches that many locals enjoy themselves. It is also a great experience to walk the dark coastline while learning more about the hidden wonders of the world.

It is even said that these beaches can relieve pain and make your body feel better. Maybe it's because of the volcanic attribute. Though you have to better try it on your own to get the answer, everyone has their personal take to whichever travel experience they have.

Stone Beach or Pebble Beach

The Philippines may not have a lot of this type of beach, but many don't find this an exciting place to visit. Though it may not be ideal for a great beach experience, it could still be worth the adventure. The Pebble Beach in Surigao City is another gem that is not so known to many.

The beach has a great number of pebbles and cobblestones. Here you could find them in different shapes and sizes. Many locals said that they have been quarrying the area but the number of stones seems endless.

Aside from the great number of these stones, you can enjoy the cool water which could be refreshing and relaxing for busy tourists. You might even go windsurfing if the waves are big enough. Moreover, there's also the beautiful Pebble Beach of La Union to further appreciate the great beauty of the Philippines' diverse beaches.

Pebble Beach

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Additional Sand Colors

Aside from the variety of beaches in the Philippines, there are still others to visit. There are other wonderfully unique beaches around the world. Some of these may not be present in the Philippines, but it would be great to put them in your places-to-go-to list or even visit them in your next vacation.

• Green Beach

Another great beach in Hawaii is the Papakōlea Beach in the Ka'u district. This area is famous for the rare green sand that is caused by the presence of olivine crystals. There is some argument whether this is the only green beach in the whole world. However, my take on this would be a positive note. There are still many places to explore in our planet, and there might be another (maybe a small island) somewhere that could also have those crystals and have a green beach. This may be another adventure for some.

• Red Sand

If the Philippines has its own light pink beach, there are other much brighter ones out there. Santorini has their Red Beach which gets a much deeper red color because of the red lava rock from the nearby cliffs.

Growing up, books were not the first companion most children have. Most of the time the television serves as an ever comforting friend to kill the time. Even more than two decades ago, I also had a similar encounter. The cable TV was not a big hit yet at that time, so children would have to wake up early to catch the morning cartoons.

Dubbed European-Looking But with Japanese Origin

Many of the morning cartoons in the mid to late nineties are dubbed to Filipino but are originally Japanese anime. The storyline varies but western culture, setting, and characters are used in the shows. Some of the viewers may even be surprised to know that their favorite morning cartoon during that time was originally Japanese.

However, these days, most Filipinos call these shows as a Tagalized-version (dubbed in Tagalog). Even though the story shows blondes, brunettes, princes, and princesses, they all speak in the country's vernacular. The shows gave comfort, hope, and lovable characters that many of the children growing up in the nineties still remember. Somehow, the adults of today may have had a bit of memory of each of these stories in the list.

Of Princes and Princesses

In this decade of Japanese animation penetrating the Philippine local television, there were popular stories that were followed by a lot of viewers. The stories of princes and princesses are the common plot to see.

The interesting parts in the TV series were not the typical fairy tale story-telling, but the use of relatable characters. Even with the differences in skin color or setting, many children enjoyed seeing themselves in the shoes of the characters, or if not, befriending them instead. After all, it would not be that easy to be close to a prince or a princess in real life. With the TV though, it was easy with just a click of the remote.

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Princess Sarah

Until now, this TV series is shown and introduced to young viewers. This show was originally released in 1985. This is known as 小公女セーラ in Japan and was televised in the Philippines in the nineties. The young Filipinos of that time enjoyed and even adored the story of Princess Sarah.

This is a story of a seemingly perfect young girl who came from a prominent family, but later on experienced a great fall which led to her forced labor under the hands of the cruel headmistress, Ms. Minchin. However, even though she had lost almost everything, the young girl continued to be positive, helpful, and understanding. The lost was later given just and even greater compensation at the end.

The show made a different take to the Cinderella story. The makers created someone who young girls could somehow relate to and the formula they used in giving Princess Sarah challenges really worked well in keeping the audience attached to their TV screens.

The show really had a great following that it was later on made into a movie with the same title, and was led by famous young stars at that time. However, with the re-showing of the series, it received a very different reaction. Now, it is a source of ridicule for the witty memes going viral online.

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Cedie

Cedie: Ang Munting Prinsipe in the Philippine television gave way to the ever-lovable character who many Filipinos felt close to during its run. The Japanese animation was first released in 1988 (小公子セディ --- Little Prince Cedie). This was inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's Little Lord Fauntleroy.

The cartoon tells the story of a young boy who was later found out to be the heir to a great British earldom. However, he faces some difficult time away from his mom and has to live and learn from his grandfather who is the Earl. It shows how simple encounters can help this young boy grow and even teach some life lessons to his grandfather. This is all despite the struggles he has to face just to prove his right as an heir.

The show was again picked up for a movie release in 1996 in the Philippines. The movie was loosely inspired by the original TV cartoon series.

Heidi

Another favorite: Heidi

This animation is an older show televised in Japan in 1974. The story is based on a Swiss story by Johanna Spyri in 1880 titled Heidi's Years of Wandering and Learning.

The show dealt with the daily experiences and challenges of a young, five-year-old girl named Heidi. She was an orphan who was put to the guardianship of her aunt, but later on given to her frightening grandfather who lives on the Swiss Alps. Even though the setting was very different for Heidi, she found joy and adventure which helped her cope with the loss and also helped her grandfather to open up to her.

Heidi became a good friend to young viewers and also an inspiration. The story showed more adventures and introduced new characters. This was viewed in the late '90s and early 2000 already.

My Daddy Long Legs

Judy Abbott

This final TV series was a companion to young girls and early teenagers when it was shown to the public in the Philippines.

私のあしながおじさん in its original Japanese animated series is based on Jean Webster's novel Daddy-Long-Legs which tells the life of Judy Abbott. This show covered almost three to four years in Judy's life. It started when she was still staying in the orphanage. Judy was given an opportunity to study in a prestigious school thanks to her benefactor who she calls Daddy Long Legs because of the mysterious shadow that she always catches whenever he comes to visit. Even though the suspense of knowing Daddy Long Legs came to children's minds which made them more interested in waiting for the next episode.

This show became young girls routine and much-awaited show in the early mornings. Judy Abbott became a very familiar name and can be heard in most young teenage girls' conversations at that time. However, the twist of the story with the identity of Daddy Long Legs can be a little problematic in the eyes of parents, the show really touched and hooked a lot of girls.

Childhood Memory

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Filipinos' take to Japanese Animation

Throughout the decades, many more Japanese anime shows came to the consciousness of young Filipinos. The genres presented were really varied which made a few years apart seem a whole different generation. There were superhero animations which stood the test of time and are still (surprisingly) shown on local TV. Many viewers even tried to catch an original copy of the printed stories, but as it seems, many young minds will still witness good Asian animation.

These are just some of the shows that touched and inspired a whole generation. I hope that artists will continue to be a source of good memories for young children. Which of these were you able to watch and how was the experience of seeing them?

Comments

JM Salgado (author) from Japan on March 07, 2015:

That's really amazing! Being named after a cartoon character is unique, I guess.

Similar here. I was not able to watch the shows when they were first aired as well, because most of them were shown when I was not born yet. Most of them I've seen as reruns, though. Still, I really enjoyed watching them.

Heidy Vargas on March 06, 2015:

Hello. I found your hub to be awesome. I enjoyed reading it and looking at the images that you included in it as well. I am most familiar with the cartoon Heidi. I have read the story, but I did not get to see the cartoons when they first aired (probably because I was born in the early 1990s). My mother has told me that she used to watch the cartoon Heidi when she was younger, and she named me after that cartoon character. Best wishes.

There is a global rise in the need for oral language proficiency tests and qualifications. In the field of language, there may be a new consideration with the world Englishes, but for most companies and universities, there is still a need to provide good proficiency exam scores.

For instance, OPIc, which stands for Oral Proficiency Interview by computer, is an English proficiency examination that professionals and incoming university students take to qualify for employment or university enrollment. This is usually required to see the English language level of applicants who are mostly non-native English speakers. Credu, a South Korean company, developed this computer-generated exam following the practices of the original OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) done in America.

This test was created because of the need to give proper and reliable English oral language proficiency levels for employers and school administrators. This is mostly taken by non-English speakers to see their current speaking or communication level.

The OPIc has the same goal as that of OPI. This is to get a sufficient amount of speech samples to rate and evaluate which will be compared to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) or ILR Proficiency Guidelines to assign a rating.

Parts of OPIc

The test is composed of three major parts: survey, self-assessment, interview.

Although the test is divided into three parts, the first two parts are simple guides in generating the questions for the actual test-interview. The test-taker must answer questions directed by the computer programmed-examiner (a simulated figure: Ava).

1. Survey

The test-taker must answer questions about his/her basic information and related topics. Through this background survey, the test would be used to make unique test questions.

Ava would ask recorded questions which are individually made based on the survey and self-assessment results to fit and properly test the examinee's needs and level.

Sample OPIc background survey

2. OPIc Self-Assessment

According to the ACTFL, the OPIc test levels are divided into Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and Superior. However, these levels are still divided into sub-levels. Then for the self-assessment, there are five forms to seek more reliable results for your target level.

The ACTFL also offers the test to a number of languages in Arabic, Azerbaijani, Chinese, English, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish

Format of OPIc

The OPIc structure is based on one of five test forms.

Form 1 – targets proficiency levels Novice Low through Novice High, though any rating from Novice Low through Intermediate Low can be assigned to a sample that is elicited using Form 1.

Form 2 – targets proficiency levels Novice High through Intermediate Mid though any rating from Novice Low through Advanced can be assigned to a sample that is elicited using Form 2.

Form 3 – targets proficiency levels Intermediate Mid through Advanced, though any rating from Novice Low through Advanced can be assigned to a sample that is elicited using Form 3.

Form 4 – targets proficiency levels Advanced Low through Superior, though any rating from Novice Low through Superior can be assigned to a sample that is elicited using Form 4.

Form 5 – targets proficiency levels Advanced High through Superior, though Advanced Mid can also be assigned to a sample that is elicited using Form 4.

3. Interview

After answering the survey, the interview would be a uniquely made one according to the result. You would have to answer 12 to 15 questions.

The interview would be a combination of basic information questions, role plays, and other extra questions. You would hear the question once then the recording of your answer will start right after. However, you may have the choice to replay the question before answering. There is also an option to skip a question, but I suggest that you answer as much as you could to have a more valid result for your proficiency level.

To find some tips in preparing for the test you make check my next post about OPIc.

Raters and the Rating System

Test-takers may be concerned with how a computer-generated test can give accurate test results. The samples gathered and recorded from the OPIc would be evaluated by ACTFL Certified Raters.

Once the test is done, the recorded files are uploaded and saved for the raters to access later on. These raters listen to the files and assess them using the given criteria.

ACTFL Levels

If you are ready and need some advice on how to ace the test, you may start preparing. You may check some tips and steps to prepare for the test.