What's Been Up...

Ooh Mama!

Say hello to 17-year old, 6'0" Maria Sharapova, 2004 Wimbledon Women's Champion, part-time model, and my new crush.

She was born on April 19, 1987 in Nyagan, a town in the Siberian region of Russia. In 1989, the Sharapova family moved to the Black Sea resort town of Sochi. A chance encounter changed her life at the young age of 4. She met with the father of tennis champ Yevgeny Kafelnikov, and the man gave her a racket. Tennis soon became a passion for her.

She may only be a teenager, but Sharapova is very mature for her age.

She has an animated personality that makes her a joy to watch on the tennis court. Though having the makings of the next Anna Kournikova appearance-wise, there's no doubt that on the court, she is Queen, a definite force to reckon with (and is really a whole lot hotter than Anna if you ask me). While Kournikova doesn't have any trophies displayed on her fireplace mantle, Sharapova is starting a collection, with two titles under her belt entering the WTA tour this year.

And just when I thought women's tennis has completely lost its appeal. God is good, my friends...God is good.

Yosh!

I watched Cinemenila's screening of Zatoichi last Saturday and I must say, it is a kick-ass movie, oozing with machismo and super-cool and ultra-bloody swordplay (probably one of the best you will see in a film of this genre).

Set in 19th Century Japan, Zatoichi is a story of a blind wanderer who makes a living by gambling and giving massages. But behind the humble facade is a master swordsman and the unlikely savior of a remote mountain village at the mercy of the ruthless Ginzo gang.

The story is well-written and backed by excellent cinematography. Much time and effort has obviously been put into choreographing the fight scenes, which are all very entertaining. It has a good mix of action, drama, suspense, comedy, and even music...yes, music. I'm going to stop talking about it right here...I don't want to give too much of the details away lest I spoil it for you. Just go watch it and see for yourself.

Oh yeah, Zatoichi's sword is really cool too.