Disney and Pixar’s latest animation coup “ONWARD” brings the magical and temporal elements to the fore. Imagine mythical creatures that have no powers and living ordinary lives. Unicorns are like stray canines foraging for leftovers in garbage cans, pixies have to ride motorcycles because they can’t fly, and centaurs do not gallop but ride cars.

The movie has a stellar roster of voice actors headed by Tom Holland (of Spiderman fame) as Ian Lightfoot, Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy) as Barley Lightfoot, and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss as their mother Laurel Lightfoot. Also in the cast are Octavia Spencer as the Manticore, Ali Wong as Officer Gore, Grey Griffin as Dewdrop, Tracey Ullman as Grecklin, and Wilmer Valderrama as Gaxton.

The film is directed by American animator Dan Scanlon who shares an affinity with two main characters. Someone who has lost a father very early in life shares the sadness, the longing, and the acceptance of circumstances.

Relationships Matter

In the movie, the Lightfoot siblings go on a quest fraught with perils to complete a spell that will enable them to see their departed father for a day. Their concerned mother follows suit. On the way, they discover things about themselves and each other. Big brother Barley, a loud, rowdy, card game enthusiast encourages his little brother Ian to be brave and bold. Timid Ian is amazed at his new-found abilities. As they move onward, they meet other mythical creatures who also undergo their own transformation.

I love that the movie tackles the dynamics of different kinds of relationships –between siblings, between parents and children, and even that of aux parent and stepchildren. My eight year old had tears rolling down her cheeks at one point in the movie, and I must admit, I was pretty choked-up. Overcoming insecurities, finding one’s inner strength and ultimately realizing the importance of family are also shown. Kudos to Tom Holland and Chris Pratt for their wonderful voice performances!

“Onward” is the perfect movie for families. Adults and kids alike will enjoy the funny scenes and shed a tear or two when the quest comes to fruition.

Catch ONWARD on March 4 in theatres!

With a pocketful of glitter,

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The movie starts with the handsome Prince Phillip (Harris Dickinson) asking for Aurora’s hand. Her godmother is not happy which is exactly how the prince’s mother feels. The real and unexpected villainess turns out to be bedecked in the most precious jewels, the most pristine pearls, and the most jaw-dropping gowns. Michelle Pfeiffer as Queen Ingris is the epitome of glamorous evil and plays her role magnificently. Pretending to give her blessing to the young couple while plotting against her soon to be daughter-in-law’s kingdom, the Queen runs an underground dungeon weapon factory. She successfully causes a rift between the princess and her winged parent figure.

Meanwhile, Maleficent gets wounded and is saved by another (Chiwetel Ejiofor) like her. She discovers creatures like her in a world hidden from people. The stage is set for war between the magical and the humans. Will Maleficent heed the cry of her clan to defeat their perceived oppressors? What will Prince Phillip do once he uncovers his mother’s evil plan? Will Aurora and Maleficent reunite? These and more questions will be answered as the story unfolds.
The Busy Queen P Recommends MALEFICENT Mistress of Evil 
This is definitely not your run-of-the-mill sequel. My daughter and I were pleasantly surprised and most captivated. From the intricate sets to the fantastic CGI and the fabulous costumes (Maleficent changes her outfits, too!), there is so much to look forward to. The story is well executed on film and the subplots all come together in one glorious ending.

Do watch it with the entire family! It’s a perfect 10 oniewisneyEvil, Disney Disney my scorecard!
With a pocketful of glitter,

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Director Jon Favreau (equally known as Happy from Ironman and Spiderman) brings his filmmaking genius to breathe in new life to the timeless story. As we watched the premiere at the IMAX theatre in SM MOA, my film buff son whispered, “Mom, do you realize nothing on the screen is really real? Everything is CGI generated. Awesome!” And he is right! The animals looked so real, you’d think they got lion tamers to teach the feline creatures how to speak, too! Favreau, who directed The Jungle Book, pushes the boundaries in filmmaking to take The Lion King to the big screen by using live-action techniques and photoreal computer-generated imagery. The expansive Pride Lands and all the savanna creatures were created within a game engine and this allowed the director leeway to set up as many shots as he walked around the studios.

A story about coming of age, family, betrayal, love, friendship, death and rebirth — The Lion King is a movie with lessons that cross over generations and is as relevant today as it was when it was first shown.

Favreau was also very respectful to the original script, allowing minor revisions that worked to make the film more captivating and funnier. The soul of the story is intact. To realize his vision, he had to assemble an all-star cast of performers to voice the well-loved (and loathed) characters. Donald Glover is the destined king Simba, Beyonce is the fierce lioness Nala, the incomparable James Earl Jones reprised his role as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor is Scar the scheming uncle, Seth Rogen is the friendly warthog Pumbaa and Billy Eichner is the wisecracking meerkat Timon. Alfre Woodard plays Sarabi and John Oliver, Zazu.
Pharell Williams musical arrangement is fresh but I wish he did not make as many changes as he did with “Be Prepared.” Jeremy Irons (I missed him in this movie!) made Scar an iconic, impossibly unforgettable, menacing villain. His low voice and drawling British accent are forever imprinted on Disney fans. Ejiofor only sang the very last part of the abbreviated lyrics which left the audience pining for the old and wanting for more.
I love that the lionesses took center stage in the film. They lead attack parties, hunt for the pride and don’t bow down to false kings. Beyonce is the perfect choice for the courageous Nala.
A story about coming of age, family, betrayal, love, friendship, death and rebirth — The Lion King is a movie with lessons that cross over generations and is as relevant today as it was when it was first shown. Watch it in theatres and be amazed!

With a pocketful of glitter,

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Kicking off the four-part caravan series were select members of Disney Junior Live! who will make appearances in different Vista Malls. Evia Lifestyle Center was the first stop and hosted a very successful three-day extravaganza! We came on a Saturday and found many parents and kids patiently lining up for the photo op. We were at the very back of the line, mind you. This is why I have to commend the organizers on their very orderly system. All guests were given about 10- 15 seconds to take their photos so everybody did not have to wait too long. Within 15 minutes, my daughter was already posing with the adorable Disney duo.

From June 14-23, the Disney caravan will be in Vista Mall Sta.Rosa, June 28-July 7 in Vista Mall Taguig and finally on July 19 to July 28 in Vista Mall Bataan.

I’m sure all of you want the chance to see Mickey and Minnie up close too. Mark these dates so you can catch your favorite characters from Disney Junior, Disney Channel and Disney XD.  From June 14-23, the caravan will be in Vista Mall Sta.Rosa, June 28-July 7 in Vista Mall Taguig and finally on July 19 to July 28 in Vista Mall Bataan. The caravan will also feature Disney Junior themed activities – Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Vampirina, and Puppy Dog Pals.

You can check the Vista Mall official FB page for more details.
See you at Vista Mall!
With a pocketful of glitter,

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1. The Friendship Between Vanellope and Ralph

The movie is about the friendship of video game characters Wreck-It-Ralph (John C. Reilly) and Venellope von Schweetz (Sara Silverman). Big guy Ralph wants to keep his friend happy. She tells him that she’s bored of the same old race tracks in her arcade game Sugar Rush. He makes a new road for her and that’s when everything goes wrong. The wheel of the game is destroyed and the arcade owner does not have $200 to buy a new one. Ralph and Vanellope overhear that it’s available in a place called Ebay.

While inside WIFI Land, the characters’ friendship is tested. The two visit Slaughter Race and Vanellope discovers she wants to stay there. Ralph is concerned because it’s a dangerous place to be for a young girl. He becomes jealous of Shank , the Queen of the Road,(Gal Gadot) who he thinks is stealing Vanellope away from him.
I learned friendship can be difficult. It’s hard to let a friend go but sometimes you have to do it. In the end, both characters realized that wherever the other person is, the most important thing is never to forget.

2. Taking a Look Inside the Internet

The internet is a loud and busy place. It’s full of useful and also not so useful information. People really have to be careful. I liked seeing all the apps like SnapChat, BuzzTube, and Twitter with all the little blue birds chirping. Mr. Knows More is one of my favorite characters. He is a little guy who serves as the search engine for all questions. Say one syllable and he will already try to guess what you are looking for.
It’s also a dangerous place especially for kids like me. There are dark places with viruses, strangers selling all kind of stuff, fake news and bad shows.

3. Seeing the Disney Princesses In Action

I like that the princesses come together to help Ralph and Vanellope. They are not helpless girls but strong and heroic. They look so adorable in their shirts with cute sayings that describe their personality. My favorites are Cinderella‘s G2G (Got To Go) top that’s shaped like a pumpkin carriage and Aurora’s shirt which says “Nap Queen.”

4. Positive Traits
We are learning about good characteristics in school and I saw a lot in the movie. Fix-It-Felix (Jack Mc Brayer) and Sergeant Calhoun (Jane Lynch) are kind and caring people who adopt 15 Sugar Rush kid racers. Ralph is very funny especially in the scene where he meets the blob and his little brother. I want to be like Vannelope because she is brave and will do anything to save Ralph.
I hope that kids can get to watch this movie with their families. It’s very funny. The story is exciting and both boys and girls will be happy to see the Disney characters and also those from Star Wars and Marvel.

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As young girls, we were introduced to the notion of true love via fairy tales starring various cartoon princesses  conveniently served by Disney.   Wide eyed and  with bated breath we watched Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.  So that’s how a girl meets a prince ! One must be a damsel in distress and  with  hundred percent certainty she will be rescued by dashing royalty!  Choose your poison.   Die and miraculously be saved by a passing prince’s kiss.  Leave a glass slipper behind  and make sure you are the only girl in the entire kingdom that can fit it it.  Risk a hundred years’ slumber in the hopes of being rescued, yet again ,  by true love’s kiss.  The problem with this is that the lead character lives happily ever after with a STRANGER… or does she?  Well no one dares spoil a happy Disney ending.
The mold did change a bit in the coming years.  Hans Christian Andersen’s scaled heroine was forever immortalized as Ariel.   Defiance and curiosity led her to sell her voice in exchange for legs  to the scheming  sea witch Ursula.  The bargain?  Mute girl-fish must make Prince Eric fall in love with her in three days or else lose her melodic chops forever.   The Little Mermaid’s efforts did pay off when she eventually got her voice back, married the prince and kept her legs.   But should a girl (in this case a non-human at that) really go through such lengths just because of a handsome face?

Personally, I think the non-princesses/ lead commoners , save for Princess Merida of Brave fame and Pocahontas, had a better grip of the notion of love.   They make good models too for our young daughters. Culled from the Brothers Grimm Beauty, and the Beast, Belle is a small town girl with big ideas.  “A beauty but a funny girl that Belle!’… goes the song.  She is considered strange and peculiar for having her nose always stuck in a book.  Local hunk Gaston assumes she would  marry him even without asking.   Belle shows independence, bravery, selflessness and sees behind the  looks (for who can ever love a beast?) of her captor.  Finally, here’s a  girl who actually develops a relationship with the protagonist-turned-love interest.  Even then she shows that familial love is stronger than her budding romance.  Mulan is also a Disney heroine to exhibit similar traits prompting the Emperor of China to tell General Shang  “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most beautiful of all. You don’t meet a girl like that every dynasty.”

The Trump
“I can’t wait to fall in love!” I was shocked to hear my 4 year old daughter R say this after watching Snow White the musical last year.  I felt guilty for letting her fall prey to the spell of the Disney Princesses.  There are, after all, many other love stories that could leave a better impression on her.  Over a course of time, I told her about the bible story of Naomi and Ruth, let her watch “Meet the Robinsons” and allowed a daily serving of Sofia the First.

Love comes in many facets and forms.  My love for my daughter prompts me to equip her for the many challenges and realities of this world.  A level headed girl always trumps an over idealistic one.  As parents, we should not underestimate the capacity of children to understand.  Therefore , it is a must to provide filters. Let’s  show them that queens no more about love than any princess can teach.   I look forward to the day when I can share one Sunday evening with my  future very grown up daughter as we  watch “Moulin Rouge”.   For now, it’s enough that I shower her with hugs and kisses for no one can ever love her the way Mommy does.
With a pocketful of glitter,

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The King gifts her with a magical purple amulet (to match her purple gown, of course!) and she promises never to take it off.  The Amulet  of Avalor gives Sofia the power to do good deeds, enables hert to talk to animals and also to shapeshift (like turning into a mermaid in one episode to help a sea creature).  But the necklace also serves a s a curse, punishing the purple-clad princess when she gets out of line (her voice starts to croak when she brags about her singing ability in a festival).
I like this particular Disney series because each episode shows real life conflicts  (sibing rivalry,  jealousy,  discrimination, not telling the truth,  being accepted by your peer etc) and imparts a valuable lesson to the audience.   Yes, the show has all the royal trappings that we have all come to expect from  Disney princess show but  what sets it apart is that it is a relevant teaching tool in today’s society.  Eight year old Sofia teaches my little girl about kindness,  loyalty, compassion and  bravery while wearing  a crown and a ballgown!  No wonder young girls easily relate to this young princess.

THE ROYAL SISTERHOOD – Lessons from the Disney Princesses

I most especially like the segments where the older Disney princesses (who act as “Ate’s /Older Sisters) make an appearance to help Sofia in her predicaments.
CINDERELLA’s song struck a cord with me because of my own differences with my sister.  Sibling rivalry  (between true blood sisters or step siblings)  can really tear a family apart and must be nipped in the bud.
 

Sofia The First ft. Cinderella – True Sisters – Song – HD

MULAN advices Sofia and her companions never to give-up  and to find their inner strength in her song “Stronger Than You Know”.   I love this number!  It’s never too early to teach our daughters to be independent and empowered.  Our very own LEAH SALONGA sang this song.

Sofia and Mulan – Stronger Than You Know by Lea Salonga

 
Just this morning,  SNOW WHITE  made an appearance and told SOFIA to trust her feelings.  A scheming sorceress in disguise had just trapped her family !

Sofia The First – The Enchanted Feast – Snow White

 ***video clips all belong to DISNEY
THE BQP HIGHLY RECOMMENDS SOFIA THE FIRST
 We all started out as young princesses once.  I remember watching Sleeping Beauty being awakened by the Prince’s true love’s kiss and Cinderella being swept away by her prince Charming because the glass slipper fit. Ahhh…. REALLY ?  As a grown-up and a mother of a three year old,  there must be better role models for my baby girl.   This is no longer a time for damsels in distress and knights in shining armors no longer exist.
If we want to raise strong, indpependent, and smart daughters, WE , their mothers should be their number one models.  It doesn’t hurt though, to have them watch good shows  like SOFIA THE FIRST.   Bravo SOFIA!
Until my next post!

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In the meantime, we met the Ledesma family from the PLDT HOME DSL commercial “Ask Diego”.


LET IT GO
Then it was time to try the ice!  As the FROZEN soundtrack played ,  skaters (more novice than professionals)  entered the rink and tried their best to glide, slide or just simply not fall down.

The little diva had an ice coach who helped her go around and around.  I have to hand it to my daughter — fearless little creature! Haha…

The event was very well attended and both the adults and kids had big smiles on their faces .  I saw one heavy set boy fall ten times! He teetered, tottered and grasped the air but balance he could not! So he simply got up and tried again. “Keep on trying!” I cheered.
DO YOU WANT TO BUILD  A SNOWMAN?
Soon after, Olaf the Snowman appeared.

We had a fabulous time during our afternoon on the ice. Can’t wait for the next PLDT Home DSL event!
THE BQP’S MINI CONTEST
For the chance to win FROZEN DVD’s and magazines, all you have to do is like the Facebook Page of  The Busy Queen P, like this Frozen post and  answer this very simple question:
Who do you like better– Princess Elsa or Princess Ana?
This contest is open to readers from the Philippines only.  Winners will be announced after a week.
LEAVE YOUR ANSWERS IN THE COMMENT SECTION (of the BLOG) BELOW THIS POST!

So what are you waiting for? JOIN NOW!  I’m so excited to hear from all of you!

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