ESCAPISMS

I Broke Him

2016-09-27T20:00:00.000+08:00

Eight years.

That was how long our relationship lasted. Eight years of ups and downs. Eight years of going to different places. Eight years of companionship. Eight long years before one accidental mistake from me broke and shattered him.

Is there a worse feeling than seeing your iPod touch smack the ground and hearing the unmistakable crack of glass? Is there a more heart broken scene than picking it up and realizing that the screen is shattered from top-to-bottom?

This happened to me a couple of days ago. You see, I always carry my iPod with me wherever I go. So while out on a window shopping spree, I pulled out my wallet from inside my bag without noticing that I also unknowingly pulled out my iPod. As you may have guessed, it succumbed to gravity and left me not knowing how to react for a few seconds there. Now, this isn't the first time this had happened for I had dropped him a couple of times before but this time he didn't survive. Surprisingly, it still works well despite the spider web of cracked glass across its screen. I mean, the touchscreen still work as well as its music player but it's just so painful to see/read the words, images and what not's thus I could not use this as a back-up for my e-reader.

So far, I'm left with two options - repair or replaced. What do you suggest?

My Top Ten Favorite TV Shows

2016-09-12T14:51:00.000+08:00

It's a couple of days late but I'm not gonna miss Raisa and Eileen's fun blog link-up where we talk about everything (literally!) that struck our fancy in the hopes of getting to know each other through our favorite things.

Since, today's my rest day and I was planning on watching movies that I've missed and read books from my ever growing file of books to read, I thought of sharing my all time favorite tv shows because I'm feeling like a bum today and was a couch potato back then (and still is?). So here it is,

1. Sex and the City

It's been how many years since the last episode aired but here I am still watching reruns and pulling out my DVD Compilation when I needed a pick me up. Sex and the City have been on top of my list like forever and Carrie Bradshow, Samantha Jones, Charlotte York and Miranda Hobbes define squad goals for me. Forget about its sexual innuendos, Jimmy Choo's, Cosmopolitan and Designer Outfits but what I love about SATC is how it redefines the meaning of relationship for me. Plus, it's the main reason why New York is on my bucket list.

2. Game of Thrones

No other show had kept me hooked up with its bloodiest and most shocking cliffhangers than what Game of Thrones does. Honestly, before the first episode was aired, I have already read the first two books from A Song of Ice and Fire series, A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings (that's why I'm mostly Team Daenerys). I was doubtful at first how the tv series will give it justice because the books are epic fantasies and tv show budget (as far as I know) isn't that big but after the first episode, I was convinced and hooked.

3. The Walking Dead

My cousin first introduced this zombie tv series to me. At first, I was a bit hesitant to watch this because I'm not really a fan of gore and horror (I thought it was a horror show) but after watching the first season, I was hooked. I love how it balances grotesque scenes with human feelings and I found myself looking forward to each new season and episodes. Just like Game of Thrones, what makes this show unique is its unpredictability. You watch your favorite character's die and you can't do anything about it because that how it goes. Speaking of which, Season 6 will start to air next month and I'm so damn excited!

4. Friends

Probably the best sitcom I've ever watched. Friends is this simple show, no special effects , no heavy scenes and heavy dramas but still memorable. Every time I catch reruns on this one, this still never fails to make me laugh.

5. That 70's Show!

The most underrated sitcom. It's hilarious and just plain wonderful. I wasn't able to watch it while it was airing but I got a DVD and watch all seasons for three days straight and got myself a good laugh. The reason why I haven't put it up on my list because it was never the same when Ashton Kutcher and Topher Grace left. Kelso (Ashton) was really funny but I was in love with Erik (Topher), for me he was the backbone of the series and it was just never the same without him in it.

6. Dawson's Creek

Okay, I'm probably showing my real age here but this has been my favorite show back when I was still a teen. Pacey and Joey was my first favorite tv couple and I was really rooting for them (even in real life).

7. The Amazing Race

Twenty-Eight Seasons (and counting) and I will never get tired of this reality show. This is one of those shows that you'll never know what's going to happen to your favorite teams and the challenges are rarely the same. Plus, I love how they show the culture of each country they visited. It feels like I am also traveling with them. Fun fact about me: it's my secret dream to join this race.

8. America's Next Top Model

The models, photo shoots, guests and the behind the scenes drama, this show was my guilty pleasure!

9. Mr. Bean

Never fails to make me laugh!

10. Gossip Girl

I was a fan of the books before I watched the series. Though, the storyline was totally different from the books, Chuck Bass and Blair plus the gorgeous outfits and streets of New York, make up for it!

Honorable list:

Skins, The Vampire Diaries, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Survivor, Family Guy, The Wonder Years

How about you? What's your favorite tv show?

The Month That Was │ August 2016

2016-09-05T13:40:00.000+08:00

The "Ber" months are finally here! Cue in the "Christmas Carols, Christmas Decors, and the happy disposition because the Holiday Season is just around the corner! Sorry, I'm just so excited because Christmas is one of my all-time favorite holidays. I'm seriously counting down the days till December and is currently planning on what gifts to purchase! Okay, enough about that one. Since another month had ended and a new month came in, it's time for my monthly wrap-up post.

Seriously, I've been struggling for days on what to include on this entry because I feel like I didn't do much in August. I was so damn exhausted from the shift change at work (morning shift to a graveyard one) that my life lately has been on a work-eat-sleep-repeat schedule.

What Have I Been Up To:

August was a crazy and at the same time fulfilling month at the office! Crazy because of the shift change that I still haven't adjusted yet and I am fulfilled because finally, I have bonded with my new team - in and out of the office.

In case you missed it,

I've posted some of my favorite lines from one of my favorite self-help book, Mandy Hale's The Single Woman that you can check here.

What Have I Read:

My Favorite Reads:

I gave a five-star rating to these books because they got me hooked up from start to finish and made me wanting for more.

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover - Seriously, this book left me completely speechless. I went into this book with a clear head and no idea at all what this is about only that it's from one of my fave New Adult authors. I didn't read the blurb or any reviews because I wanted to be surprised and damn this left me out cold. If you want a book you simply cannot put down, get one from Colleen Hoover!

A Beautiful Funeral by Jamie McGuire - like Colleen Hoover, I'm also a huge fan of Jamie McGuire and her Maddox Brothers series. Fact: her book, Walking Disaster started my love and addiction for the New Adult genre and ever since then, the Maddox brothers has been a constant part of my list and this book is not an exemption. Though told in multiple POV's, it wasn't chaotic and confusing. Just a heads up though if you plan on reading this, read the other books first and prepare a box of kleenex ;)

Bossman by Vi Keeland - This is my 6th book from this author and it's my favorite so far! The witty dialogue, their unusual first meeting, their banter! AH! pure fun read. It has been a long time that I've read a hot boss hero and Bossman renewed it for me.

Moonshot by Alessandra Torre - I've been raving about how talented Alessandra Torre is. Seriously, I haven't read a book from her that I wasn't satisfied. Every book of hers are different from each other yet at the same time you'd know that it's from her (you get what I mean?). Moonshot has everything that I wanted in a good romance novel - intense, second-chances, mystery, angst plus it's a sports romance that I haven't read in a while.

...

Like the vast majority of the general public, and to also satisfy my Potterhead fangirl side, I got my hands on the newest Harry Potter Book, The Cursed Child. I haven't started reading it yet because I've read some not quite good reviews about the book online. Honestly, I don't want to ruin my love for the series that's why I've been pushing it back but maybe I'll start reading it this month.

So there goes my August Wrap-Up post. How about you? How was your August?

The Sunday Currently │ Vol. 4

2016-09-04T21:30:00.000+08:00

I was supposed to write my monthly wrap-up post for the month of August but I'm currently suffering from a writer's or in my case blogger's block lately. The white draft sheet has been staring back at me for almost twenty minutes now and I still don't have any idea how to start it. Additionally, I had also injured my right pointer finger (from a paper cut) and my left pinky finger (with a knife ) so typing onto the keyboard is a real pain today. So for now, let me just leave you with my Sunday Currently post entry.

CURRENTLY

READING

Under the Lights by Abbi Glines. I'm currently on page 299 and so far I'm kinda loving it compared to the last one I read from her. This book somehow reminds me so much of her The Vincent Brothers series.

WRITING

This Sunday Currently Entry because I'm currently on a writer's block :(

LISTENING

I've been streaming Little Mix's Get Weird album for the past hour or so and currently it's on one of my favorite track from the album - I Love You. It's worth listening to guys!

THINKING

.. about what to post for my monthly wrap-up and favorite things entry.

SMELLING

.. the aroma of the coffee I have beside me :)

WISHING

.. for a pleasant week and a good customer satisfaction survey result returns (wow! that was a mouthful)

HOPING

.. that my injuries today will be cured before I go back to work on Tuesday.

WEARING

a thin pink shirt and my underwear. Not too sound like a flirt or something but it's really so damn hot tonight!

LOVING

.. the new items I bought last week. Will post about it on my favorites entry so watch for it! :)

WANTING

.. Abbey Sy's new book, The ABC's of Journaling. She posted it earlier on her IG account and I'm already saving up for it! She's a very talented lady and she was the one who inspired me to take up modern calligraphy (which didn't last. HAHA) and now making my normal journal creative. I so want this book!

Speaking of which, she'll have her book launch on this date and place. I want to go but I live in Cebu so to all my Manila readers out there, you can check it out.

NEEDING

.. more sleep. I'm on a graveyard shift this week that has made me so damn tired from the lack of sleep.

FEELING

.. the pain caused by the cuts on my fingers that was a result of my clumsiness. Thus, I'm not gonna make this entry long.

What about you? How did your Sunday go?

6 Things The Single Woman will teach you about heartbreak and being Single

2016-08-23T20:07:00.000+08:00

It's a well documented fact on this blog that I sufferred a major heartbreak when my seven-year relationship ended. I don't want to go into the details on what happened (just read my previous blog entries) but it really felt like it was the end of my world back then. I was sad and depressed and if not for my daughter, I don't know if I would be able to survive having my heart shattered into million pieces. I've been single for almost three years now. I don't have any complains though because I'm enjoying every bit of it but there are those rare times that you just need a kick in your pants when you're single and Mandy Hale's The Single Woman did all that and so much more.

It was a little over a year into my "singlehood" when I was browsing through Amazon E-Book section on what to buy when I stumbled upon a self-help book. I was a bit hesitant to purchase it because honestly, I'm not really a big fan of this genre. However, the five star rating and positive reviews intrigued me and I thought of giving it a try and thank goodness I did because it was so worth it! The Single Woman is a very inspiring read. With to do lists, faith, anecdotes and what nots, it was a big help to me when I read this while nursing my broken heart. So for today's book quotes entry, I thought why not share some of my favorite lines from this book. It was so hard to choose some of these quotes because almost all of the pages of this book are all so quote-worthy.

So, here it is:

On why heartbreak is okay:

On why it's okay to let him go:

On why it's okay to not be friends with your Ex:

On what to do while waiting for "The One":

On why you don't need to rush yourself to Move-On:

On why being Single means you're too fabulous to settle:

We've long been associating a fairy-tale-like happiness to having a Prince Charming. Though there's nothing really wrong about it however in this age Mandy Hale's The Single Woman reminds us that the real fairy tale is designing a life that's so amazing that you don't want to be rescued from it and that "Happily Single" is recognizing that you don't need or want to be rescued from your life by a handsome prince because your life is pretty awesome as it is.

My Favorite Things : July 2016

2016-08-10T15:16:00.000+08:00

Before I start this entry, I just want to say that I'm no beauty blogger and not in any way an expert on all things beauty and skin care. I don't hoard that much beauty or skin care products. In fact, I'm what you call a loyalist for I stick to what I've been using for years. So, imagine my surprise when I came home with a load of hair and skin care items after perusing some items from Watsons.

Quite honestly, I went there to buy my regular eyeliner and some necessities and I couldn't remember what came over me and why I included a couple of items that wasn't on my list. I didn't plan on using it though and thought of giving it to my cousin but I ended up trying it for the sake of satisfying the amount I've shelled out and thank goodness I did because these items became a new favorite of mine!

Hair Treats Nourishing Hair in Argan Oil

I love how this product has been making my hair soft, bouncy and smooth for weeks now plus it smells so nice too! As you know in my Facts About Me post, I have virgin hair. I didn't have it rebonded, permed. colored or treated. Thus, discovering products like this that work wonders for my crowning glory makes me feel happy.

Purederm Argan Oil Make-Up Remover & Cleansing Towelettes

I ran out of my regular Make-Up remover and when I went to Watson's they don't have it in-stock that time so I picked this one up mainly because of its component which is Argan Oil and Vitamin E. What I love about this product is how this doesn't leave my skin greasy after each use. It's also cheaper than my regular one, so this one's definitely a steal!

Purederm Cucumber Eye Patch

When you're working in a BPO Industry - tired eyes, dark circles and eye bags the size of a month long travel are a constant problem. I know that what you really need is a good night's sleep but in any case, you couldn't get one, this is an alternative that will help you. I've been using this for almost a month now so I haven't noticed any changes to my under eye circles and eye bags yet but I love how it soothes my tired eyes. I placed it inside the fridge when not in use so it adds to its cool sensation when I place it over my eyes.

So there you have it! My Hair, Beauty, and Skin Care favorites from last month!

I would love to hear from you, What were your favorites last month?

Monthly Wrap-Up │ July 2016

2016-07-31T18:54:00.000+08:00

I was looking at my calendar and saw July 31st staring back at me and all I could think about was "Wow! That was fast!". Cliché as it may sound but yes, July was nothing but a blur. I was intensely busy this month that I haven't been able to accomplish most of my July goals that I mentioned here.

What Have I Been Up To?

Remember the new job opportunity that I mentioned about here and here? Yes! I survive my first month! Though it's in the same industry that I belong to for the past seven years, this is indeed a bit different and so challenging but I'm loving it so far! For the whole month of July, we were all about classroom training and next month will be all about applying what we have learned. Thus, I have another month to make it! *fingers crossed*

For my blog, I had organized my Book Reviews into categories: author, title, ratings and quotes. Now, it's easier for my readers to look for the book I've reviewed. You can check it all on my menu bar at the top. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to purchase a domain name for my blog yet. Like what I mentioned, I was so busy and I haven't had time to finalized everything. Hopefully next month, I will be able to do so.

What I Have Read

I raved about the amount of books I've read last month that I made it a goal to read a lot more this month but I wasn't able to do so. July was a total letdown! I'm nine books behind schedule on my Reading Challenge!

An Ode to Kalyeserye

2016-07-16T20:35:00.000+08:00

graphic art by Elmer

I first met you one quiet afternoon on July 20. I had just finished my lunch and was getting ready to take an afternoon nap while watching the longest running noontime show on Philippine TV when I saw Wally Bayola, all dressed-up, looking every bit like Grinch exchanging lip syncs with Jimmy Santos via split screen. I laughed hard, sleep forgotten and was so intently focused on the comedic spectacle on my tv screen. I was confused at first what the hell was this dubsmash girl, the one that has been making rounds on my Facebook timeline, and actor Alden Richards were doing on Eat Bulaga and why all of a sudden, I started to feel a little kilig about their brief split screen interaction. Curiosity got the better of me, so right after the show ended, I went online to search about the two when I stumbled upon their July 16 episode and cliche as it may sound, the rest, as they say, is history.

I got to know you pretty quickly those first few days - your characters, your unusual plot, your quirks etc. Soon, being with you became a habit I couldn't shake. I found myself awake at exactly 12:00PM just to catch every single episode. I didn't mind that I just came from a night shift and had barely enough slept at all because of you. I followed Maine and Alden's social media accounts and even followed some fan accounts on twitter and Instagram so as not to missed any news and happenings about them. I found myself buying every magazine that featured my favorite love team on the cover. and had even spent a good two hours everyday reading newspaper and online articles about you or AlDub. I barely noticed that most of my time was devoted to you. Every time I couldn't see you, I'd spent hours re-watching episodes online, and scrolling through twitter and Instagram posts. Even my friends complained that they rarely see me because I had to schedule every get-together or gatherings after Eat Bulaga and weekends are a NO-NO. In short, I got hooked and it scared me to admit it back then.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not scared to be tagged as baduy or too mainstream or cheap. I'm just scared because nobody has ever made me feel this way. No one has ever made me feel the way that you do. No one has ever made me so hooked-up to a local love team to the point of personally defending them to online bashers. No one has ever made me so personally attached to an on-screen couple like what AlDub did to me and it's because of this that I can honestly say, I wouldn't be able to take it if they would be separated and had to part ways someday.

Time indeed flies so fast. You were such a big part of my life that I couldn't imagine myself without you in it. I saw you grow from being nothing but exchanging dubsmashes to something big. I saw you conquer social media with millions of tweets about your name. I saw you being recognized not just locally but all over the world. I saw you being noticed by not just loyal Eat Bulaga viewers but other people as well even international personalities. I saw you receiving accolades and yet you remain humble. I saw how you changed other people's lives - redeeming an actor from his otherwise unforgivable scandal, making a phenomenal star from an unknown nobody, for giving another actor his biggest break to date. You were such a game changer.

So thank you.

Thank you for making me happy.

Thank you for re-installing Filipino Values to us millennials.

Thank you for the laughter, fun and tears

Thank you for teaching me about Tamang Panahon

Thank you for introducing me to the AlDub Nation Fandom where I was able to meet such talented individuals

And most of all,

Thank you for introducing us to AlDub and making all of us believe on "love wins" and "forever".

Things might be totally different from last year and a lot of your viewers already gave up but just so you know, what you've achieved will be so hard to replicate or shall I say will never be replicated by anyone.

3 Lessons I Learned After Reading UP in Flames by Abbi Glines

2016-07-10T12:56:00.000+08:00

The villain of Rosemary Beach finally gets her own happy ending! The 13th and final installment of the series is here and was released worldwide last June 28. I gotta admit, I honestly was never a true Nan hater. Yes, she did quite a number of nasty things specially to Blaire and Harlow but I have always felt that she was just misunderstood and just needed someone to understand and push her to the right direction. So, I went into this book with much hope and excitement that finally I would know more about Nan and what made her be that way but sadly, it wasn't what I expected or hoped it would be. Here's why:

» Just because it's part of the series doesn't mean it is good

I love the Rosemary Beach Series after I was introduced to Rush and Blair and had been following the whole Rosemary Gang since then. I didn't bat an eye when Abbi Glines announced that Nan will have her own book because I'm kinda excited to know about her but this one was a total letdown. I don't know exactly what had happened but it wasn't at par with the other books in the series.

» Never Trust The Hype

Abbi Glines + Rosemary Beach Series + Nan, come on?! what could go wrong? Well, almost everything. Days after the announcement that the last book from the series was going to be about Nan, the hype was real. Fans of the series shared their own thoughts and it really got me excited but then again, it really didn't live up to the hype so there, never trust. I think it would be better if you would read a lot of reviews before you click on the order button.

» Not all love triangles are good plot conflicts

I couldn't stress it enough that this Major - Nan - Cope love affair got me scratching my head. I swear it is so confusing and not romantic at all. Honestly, there wasn't really a build up as to why Nan should be with this guy or as to why this particular guy is better for her than the other. It's frustrating because it was sold us a romantic and erotic read but the hopeless romantic in me wasn't happy.

...

Overall, I was really disappointed with how Up in Flames turned out. Maybe because I expected more? I mean, Nan is an interesting character. I wanted to know more about her. I wanted to know why she's being a bitch. I wanted to read about her background story and her personal growth but I really didn't read it in here. It's sad that I really didn't get to know the real her and I felt bad because I really like Abbi Glines but her latest book was a total let down for me.

Ratings : ★★

June Favorites

2016-07-05T17:42:00.000+08:00

It's the first Tuesday of the month and that means another round of the fun monthly link-up hosted by Raisa and Eirene where we rounded up the things that we really loved and liked from the past month which is awesome and super cool!

Like what I mentioned in my June wrap-up post, last month was dull and monotonous. I didn't get to go out of the house - well except for going home to the province for a few days but other than that, I was only at home, doing nothing but reading books, internet surfing and watched TV. Thus, for My Favorite Things post, I'm rounding up the things that gave color to my monotonous life.

GAME OF THRONES
My fangirl heart was happy - no scratch that, so very happy with how Season 6 turned out. Battle of the Bastards (EP. 9) and Winds of Winter (EP. 10) did it for me. From Dany riding her dragons & seeing them in action, the battle scene at Winterfell, Cersei's EP. 10 Black Gown, Rickon running for his life etc. This show is a spectacle. Truly, one of the best!

P.S

Hats off to the ladies this season! Clearly, you showed who's the real boss.

I shed a tear when the closing credits were shown after EP. 10 because that reminded me that I have to wait another year for this to come back. Winter is here!

MOVIES

ME BEFORE YOU
I thought I wasn't going to get emotional because I've read the book, I know the scenes and the drama - in short, I was prepared but my tear ducts betrayed me. I'm a hard person to please when it comes to book-movie adaptations because I always prefer the former and would usually get disappointed with the latter, but Me Before You was one of the best book adaptation I've seen.

FINDING DORY
Thirteen years (almost) of waiting and the excitement and happiness was still the same. My childhood heart was happy!

BOOKS

You can check why I raved about these books in my June wrap-up post HERE

BLOG

STAY BOOKISH

Stumbled upon this book blog by Hazel when I was randomly searching book bloggers in the Philippines and I fell in love with her site's design, layout, and overall feel. So creative!

...

And of course, this post wouldn't be complete without my favorite person in the world - my daughter. She turned five last month. Happy Birthday, Nicole! Mama loves you so much!

What are your favorites from last month?

July Goals

2016-07-04T11:51:00.002+08:00

Thunderstorms, heavy rains, traffic woes and getting wet. These are the things that greet me this July. It might be summer in some parts of the world but here in the Philippines, it's been days of endless rains. Let me get this straight, I'm a pluviophile and bed-weather is my ultimate zen but the traffic woes this heavy rains caused is too much for me to handle. Okay, let me take a breather before this post will turn into a full blown weather rant. Now, where were we? Oh, that's right, my goals for the month of July.

I already did a wrap-up post for the month of June and it's crazy to think that six months had already gone down and before we know it, it's already Christmas and then we're ushering in a new year and I'll be turning 30 - oh how time flies! Looking back at the past six months, I'm a bit disappointed at myself for failing to do at least one goal on my bucket list. I know, I've been a slacker but even though I'm disappointed with my progress, I am determined to start fresh this July.

BLOG

Purchase and Register a Blog Domain.

I've always wanted my own domain name ever since I started blogging eleven years ago. I couldn't really do it before because I wasn't financially capable yet but this year I am determined to cross it off my list. I've been reading blogger tutorials lately on how to change your domain name and have been looking into some domain name registrars online but I'm still undecided on where to go. If you have some recommendations let me know in the comments section which one worked for you and I'll check it out.

Blog Clean-Up
Ever since I came back to blogging last April, I've been sorting my Archives and did a little bit of clean-up (i.e deleting old posts, updating old links, etc.). When you've been blogging for long and have accumulated quite a number of posts even though some of them doesn't really make sense at all, blog clean-up is quite a job. Hopefully, this month, I'll be able to get it done and properly sort my posts into the right category.

PERSONAL

New Job. New Challenge
Today's the first day of the new job opportunity I mentioned here. I'm a little bit nervous and at the same time excited for what's in store for me. Since this is different from what I was used to doing, I know it would be a challenge and I'm determined to give it my best and survive the first month.

Save.Save.Save
This has been a constant presence on any of my life goals and for this month, I'm making this my priority. My goal is to be able to save at least 20% of my monthly income by the end of the month.

READING

Reading Challenge

June was a good month for me in terms of the books I've read for my yearly Reading Challenge. I'm still 7 books behind schedule to reach my goal so I'm planning to remedy that this month by reading 10 books.

Must Haves

How about you? What are you hoping to achieve this July?

Monthly Recap I June 2016

2016-06-30T17:54:00.000+08:00

The sixth month of the year passed by so quickly and it was an uneventful one. I mean, with how busy I was with all the travels and social gatherings I attended last month, it was a total opposite the month of June had for me. With the exemption of my daughter's birthday party and going home to the province for a short vacation, the rest of the month was pretty much monotonous but it was somehow a blessing in disguise because my boredom had me tinkering and posting updates on my blog as well as doing other things I'm passionate about - reading.

What Have I Been Up to?

The thing that I'm most proud of this month is that I finally conquered my book slump and had the best reading month (for now) this year! I was able to read ten books which pleasantly surprised me. I am still seven books behind schedule on my Reading Challenge but I believe that I'm getting there and I can do it *crossing fingers*

I've also started a new feature on my blog called Book Quotes wherein I'll post my favorite lines from the books that I've read. So far, I had received positive feedback about it.

What Have I Read?

My Favorite Reads this Month

I gave a five-star rating to these three amazing books I've discovered through Aestas. These are the books that I enjoyed the most and had toyed with my emotions.

A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole. If only my blanket and pillow case could talk, they would've told me to suck it up and stop crying. A story about young love and the circumstances that separated and brought them back together, it was so well written and so emotional that I advise you to prepare a box of tissues if you wanna read this.

Love, Chloe by Alessandra Torre. A pleasant surprise from one of my favorite authors. I was used to Alessandra Torre's edgy, sexy and often times mind-fucked reads but this one was a simple and sweet contemporary romance story about a former socialite. The humor and comedic scene were unexpected but very much appreciated

Hollywood Dirt by Alessandra Torre. I picked this book right after I've read Love, Chloe and it didn't disappoint. With a perfect balance of naughty and nice, this is a brilliantly funny read that will leave you laughing or giggling at every scene.

What I Posted?

because it was the current Talk of the Town, I shared my thoughts on why Catcalling isn't a Compliment here

As an ode to Father's Day, I listed down Five Things I Learned from my Father here

So, there goes my June Monthly Wrap-Up. How about you? How was your June?

3 Lines from A Thousand Boy Kisses You Need In Your Life

2016-06-28T17:55:00.000+08:00

Every once in a while, you'll encounter a book that will leave you breathless and out of words. A book that will make you appreciate your box of kleenex or in my case, my blanket and pillowcase, for wiping those endless flow of tears. A book that you've highlighted almost every word because it speaks to you. A book that will make you believe that soul mates do exist and true love knows no age. A Thousand Boy Kisses did that for me and much much more.

So it's only fitting that for this week's Book Quotes post, I've rounded up three lines that made me pause, re-read, highlighted and gave me all those feels from Tillie Cole's A Thousand Boy Kisses.

On how to live your life:

On why we need to give it our BEST:

On the essence of LOVE:

What's your favorite book quote? Share it with me :)

5 Me Before You Lines You Need in Your Life

2016-06-21T16:01:00.000+08:00

One of the reasons why I love reading isn't only because it's my escape from reality but also because it's my source of inspiration and motivation. Hidden behind those pages are words that speak out to me that had helped me get through the day. So for today's post, I've rounded up five inspirational lines from one of my favorite read ever, Jojo Moyes' Me Before You.

It's a well-known fact (well among my circle of friends) how I love this book. How excited I was when news broke out that there will be a big screen adaptation. How happy I was when its trailer came out. How I swooned over Imagine Dragon's Not Today when they release it as part of their soundtrack. So I thought, it would be fitting to share some of my favorite lines from the book that might motivate you in certain aspects of your life like it did with mine:

When you're feeling tired and ready to give up:

When you're inspired:

When you're feeling insecure and other body image issues you have:

When you screw up:

When you need to look at the bigger picture:

What about you? Have you watched the movie or read the book? What's your favorite line/scene? Share it with me, too!

5 Life Lessons I learned from my Tatay

2016-06-19T14:55:00.001+08:00

I was really close to my father or Tatay (to us) while growing up. My relatives would often tell me stories on how I would cry ugly tears every time he went out and of how I would always look for him when he's not home. Which isn't really surprising at all considering that a huge amount of my personality has been chipped from him. Yes, I am his female version.

You see, like me, my father is a man of few words. He rarely get's angry. In fact, I could only count the number of times he raised his voice because of anger. Let's just say that between the two of them (my parents) he wasn't the disciplinarian. You can't count on him though if you want to ask for advice right away because like what he always say, he was a seaman, a farmer, a carpenter but not a teacher. He wasn't really good at delivering words needed but as it turns out, words really don't mean that much in the grand scheme of things because what he wanted us to learn, he showed it through his actions. And among all those lessons he showed us, these had stuck to me the most and I love to share it with you.

Education matters a lot. My father is the seventh child from a brood of ten. His father was a farmhand and his mother a plain housewife but was able to send them all to College. Growing up, he had instilled it in us that education is worth pursuing because this is the only wealth that he could leave on to us and that no one can take it away from us.

He taught us about hard work and responsibilities. He always believes that success can be achieved when you work hard for it. His motivation encourages me to work my hardest and to be responsible for all of my actions.

Look at the brighter side of things. When he wasn't able to go back abroad due to health reasons, he took it positively by telling us that this would mean he would be able to stay and spend more time with us. He always tell us that there's always a reason for everything and that there's always a rainbow after every rain.

Get on the floor with your kids. When we were young, he would always play board games and card games with us. He accompanied us to the beach or to go hiking. And he does the same things to his grandkids. Even if he's busy and is tired from work, he would always have time to play with his grandkids, make them toys and tell them stories. He would always say that my daughter would only be a kid once so make them remember you at this stage by playing with them.

Value family and spend time with each other. My father's first priority is us. Everything he does and everything he thought for is always for our well-being. I only have my daughter with me but he always tells me to keep the family closely knit and that no matter where we are in this world and what we're doing, know that family will always have our backs.

The things my father taught me are as endless as his love for us. I can't stress enough how grateful I am for all of these and how thankful I am for him especially now that he's standing up as the father figure in my daughter's life. Happy Father's Day Tatay!

What about you? What are important lessons you've learned from your Father?

ICYDK, Catcalling is not a Compliment

2016-06-16T15:32:00.000+08:00

A few days ago, social media went crazy when a female journalist from a big TV network was wolf-whistled at a press conference by none other than the president-elect. Two years before this incident, an experiment video showing women getting catcalled while walking down the streets of Manhattan went viral. A couple of years before, while walking home after school, I got my first catcall. I was 14.

"It's just a form of compliment,

you should be grateful"

I don't know about you but getting catcalled bothers me - a lot. Though truthfully, I've gotten so immune to this after countless incidents, it still doesn't change the fact that it makes me uncomfortable. Despite men's claims that it's just a form of appreciation, harmless in nature and that women should "learn to take it as a compliment" it doesn't make me less mad about it.

"Catcall is not a form of flattery

and is

definitely not harmless"

Do you know what goes on our mind every time we got catcalled? Do you know the internal conversations we do with ourselves when you do that? Do you know how we consciously checked our surroundings and what we're wearing for that matter?

Catcalling vs Complimenting.

Personally, genuine compliments from strangers on let's say - a bag or shirt I'm wearing, doesn't bother me and I always smile at them as an act of gratitude but there's just something about strangers complimenting your look while grinning creepily and looking you up and down that is downright rude. This is not a compliment. It is street harassment and sad to say, happens to almost everybody even while you're doing the most mundane things.

"Compliment is a polite expression
of praise or admiration
which Catcalling doesn't have"

I could list down quite a number of arguments on how catcalling is so wrong on all levels but then again it wouldn't make any difference. Why I even need to explain this is so beyond me. But one thing's for sure, it isn't and will never be a sense of validation nor another method of flattery. I'm a woman and I want to be respected not objectified.

How about you? What's your stand on catcalling?

Saturday's Happy Smiles │ Vol. 3

2016-06-11T19:59:00.000+08:00

Another dose of my own personal blog series, just a quick rundown on what's been making me smile this week.

A new job opportunity that is somewhat different from what I was doing the past seven years. It's quite challenging because it would be a first for me but I'm excited.

Reading two good books successively. It's a rarity for me nowadays to find good reads because reality always gets in the way but Love, Chloe and A Thousand Boy Kisses were awesome.

Funny twitter convos from the AlDub nation fandom (again, I'm a fan)

a cup of Cappuccino every morning - the best!

Backstreet Boy's Miss USA 2016 Performance. This made me emotional. I'm a huge BSB fan back in High School and it teared me up seeing them perform together in one stage, nostalgia!

What about you? What's been making you happy lately?

May 2016 Favorites

2016-06-07T21:53:00.002+08:00

I know we've been a few days past the first day of June but I still can't believe May is already over! I'm still on a summer high from all the trips and activities that I did last month and truth be told, I'm not feeling a little bit excited for the rainy season which is a wonder for a pluviophile like me. Anyways, since today's the first Tuesday of the month, it's time to do Raisa and Eirene's fun link-up, My Favorite Things.

As what I've mentioned on my previous post, we went to the Island Paradise of Malapascua and Bohol thus My Favorite Things post will be all about this trip. So, here's a rundown of what I raved about last month.

Skin Care

Aloe After Sun Gel from Banana Boat. I had a terrible sunburn after Malapascua and this product has been my lifesaver. Not only does it cool and soothes my sunburn but it also help kept my skin refreshed - I didn't have any peeling at all!

Ever Bilena Advance Lip and Cheek Stain (Very Red). They say great things comes in small packages and this product is a living example of that. This 20ml squeeze tube bottle gave me that just pinched look on my cheeks that lasted all day even after all those swimming. I just don't recommend using it on your lips though ☺

When in Malapascua:

Daño Beach Resort. If you're on a tight budget but still want a front view of Malapascua's Bounty Beach, you can check this resort. Their beach cottages with verandas overlooking the beach front are very affordable and clean. They don't have wifi connection though which is really good if you really want to unplug from the new world and just relax.

When in Bohol:

Bilar Eco Park. If your on your way to Bohol's Chocolate Hills but you don't want to stop over and have lunch at any of the floating restaurants of Loboc due to a tight budget, you can always pack your own food and eat under a canopy of trees at one of the benches of Bilar's Eco Park. You don't need to pay any fee, just a donation is enough and you can enjoy your picnic. Plus the place is instagram worthy.

That's it for my May faves and cliche as it may sound, Hello June! Please be good to me ☺

P.S

You can also check other entries below.

The Sunday Currently | Vol. 3

2016-06-05T14:38:00.000+08:00

It's already the 5th day of June and I still don't have any blog post(s) uploaded yet. It's not because I'm experiencing "blogger's block" since I have so many drafts created - though most of them are not yet finish. It was because I'm so busy and still on a high from the Summer Trip my family did in Malapascua and Bohol. So here I am again, making my Sunday blogging "productive". This is again a blog link-up from Siddathornton.

So, I'm currently:

READING
Dear Heart, I Hate You by J. Sterling. I'm already halfway through and I'm currently enjoying it . It has been a while since I've read a book from J. Sterling and yet she still didn't lose her magic. She's really good at creating stories about instant connections.

WRITING
this and a few drafts for my blog.

LISTENING
I have been streaming Rachel Platten's Wildfire album for the past couple of days and Better Place is on play

THINKING
about my daughter's entry to pre-school and her coming birthday

SMELLING
Naturistic's Bamboo and Lotus Handwash. I'm currently in love with this and it really does smell so nice.

WISHING
for more sleep, more time, more money

HOPING
for a colder weather. It's already June and it's supposed to be rainy season here in the Philippines but it still feels like summer

WEARING
a lime yellow shirt that has holes and tears but I can't let go of because it's my favorite, green cotton shorts and my trusty glasses

LOVING
how my hair is so bouncy and soft today and I don't exactly know why and how it happened :)

WANTING
another cup of coffee. I already had three cups since this morning but I still badly want one.

NEEDING
a good 9-10 hours of sleep. I can barely function because I've been sleep-deprived these past couple of days.

FEELING
a little bit sleepy. The effects of the family trips I went to *le sigh

CLICKING
Game of Thrones' fan theories on Youtube. A new episode will be aired tomorrow and it would be exciting to know what other fans (like me) of the series are expecting from it.

Back to Paradise

2016-05-27T15:11:00.000+08:00

It is always quite the treat to travel with the family and spend a day or two with each other. With everyone so caught up with their busy schedules or simply just living their own lives, quality time spent together is hard to achieve these days. Thus, it has become a yearly tradition of ours to get-together every month of May.

As mentioned in my previous post, for this month's family reunion, we decided to go to Malapascua Island - the northern most tip island of Cebu. Since, all of us we're in Leyte, we hopped on a rented motor boat from our hometown - Villaba and spent an hour or two going to the island itself. Even though this isn't the first time we had spent our family reunion on this island - as it is one of my family's favorite places, Malapascua never loses its charms.

Aside from its white sand beaches and crystal clear blue waters, what I really love about Malapascua is how serene it is. One can just lay around on the beach, swim and snorkel, take endless photographs of postcard-worthy views, walk along the beach barefoot or mingling with the locals without minding the time. And unlike some beaches where life blooms after the sun sets, here in Malapascua, a raucous nightlife and beach parties is nothing but a nuisance. I first came here in 2012 and still nothing has changed. You wouldn't see any big establishments, no noise pollution, no crowd and instead of disco lights, the only light you would see at night (aside from the resorts') are the ones the local fishermen used to catch their goods.

Speaking of swimming and snorkeling, this trip was also a memorable one for me in the sense that it was my first time to see a Crown of Thorns starfish in its natural habitat while snorkeling. I was following a school of fish when out of the corner of my eyes, I saw something brown that moved. I thought nothing of it and dismissed it as just a seaweed but then it slowly moved towards me. So I took a closer look and almost had a heart attack when I saw it up close. To be honest, I didn't know what it was back then, all I know is that it's a strange looking starfish, quite larger than the regular brown ones I saw and with tentacles that looked like the ones from a brittle star - only larger. I had to google it after swimming to see what it was and that's when I knew its name and why it's a scary looking creature because it's a predator.

It's just sad that this beautiful paradise also received the wrath of super typhoon Yolanda back in 2013. When I first came here, I could still see quite a number of coconut trees along the beach front that would make a really great shade from the scorching heat of the sun. But today, most of them are nothing but a living evidence on how a natural disaster leaves its mark.

There's a reason why Malapascua holds a special place in my heart and to be back here again with my family is truly something special. What about you? Have you been on a recent family trip this summer?

Random Facts About Myself

2016-05-20T15:20:00.000+08:00

A friend of mine recently tagged me on Facebook about posting 20 random facts about myself and I remember that I used to do this on Tumblr years before, back when Tumblarity was the norm - ah good old Tumblr days! So instead of posting this on Facebook , I thought well why not do it again but this time, I’ll post it on my blog so that my readers would know little facts about me that I haven’t shared before on any of my posts. And instead of twenty facts, I'll make it shorter and will just make this into a blog series because I can't remember and put down all these facts in just one sitting. So here goes:

I’ve been wearing my hair au naturel since birth

What I meant to say is that I haven’t done any treatment or color on my hair ever since. My mom used to tell me that I was born with thick black hair so aside from occasional hair cuts and styling (if tying my hair is considered as such), my hair is still pretty much a virgin territory.

I live and love coffee so much

From the moment I wake up to going to sleep (yes, I drink coffee before sleeping), coffee is my go to beverage. People around me used to give me crap about my coffee intake but I can’t really let it go. My day wouldn’t be complete without my cup of joe.

Music is my Life

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a musician. I can't play any musical instrument - even if I had guitar lessons in high school. I don't even have a good singing voice - save for some shower singing and occasional karaoke session. But I just love listening to music all the time. I have my iPod with me wherever I go and I also listen to local radio everyday.

I have poor eyesight but I don’t like wearing eyeglasses
The result of reading in dim light when I was young and was worsened by constantly being in front of a computer. I have bad astigmatism too. I have prescription eyeglasses but I don't really like wearing it all the time. So, when I'm at home and not watching tv or reading, I don't use it. I do wear prescription contact lenses when I'm at work or travelling.

From Retro to Rainbow

2016-05-12T18:00:00.002+08:00

I'm one of those people who grabbed their phone first when they woke up and so imagine my surprised when a "new" app showed up on my phone's home screen. I was lying in my bed trying to remember if I downloaded another photography app last night and it was only after a couple of seconds (when my eyes had already fully adjusted) that I began to notice the words written below the new colorful logo - Instagram.

Instagram is my second most favorite social media app (Youtube occupying the first slot) so any updates and such on this would make me freak out - remember that Algorithm news a few months ago? Thus, I tapped into my inner researcher and was up on Instagram's official sites getting everything I need to know about this new update.

Here's what I got so far:

1. New Logo

Say goodbye to that familiar brown retro camera logo and say hello to this rainbow gradient one.

They have also updated the icons for their other products: Layout, Boomerang and Hyperlapse

Quite honestly, I'm not a fan of this new logo. I feel like they didn't put a lot of thought about it. It was just so simple and plain. And it's kinda weird and very contradicting that they put a gradient rainbow on their new logo but when you open it, it doesn't have any bright colors. That brown retro camera logo will be surely missed - I know I would be.

2. App Design

The team opted for a sleeker interface by introducing a black and white look so as to make our photos stand out.

I'm currently digging the whole minimalist look nowadays so I like what they had done to its interface. It's clean, less busy and cluttered. It might seem too bright to some but it really does make your photos be the focal point - which is what Instagram is all about.

For more information about this new update, watch their introductory video about this here:

It's so crazy how much Instagram has changed these days. I remember when I first used it at the beginning, I would post anything - from snaps of my newest e-book to shameless selfies and random rubbish but looking back at them now, I realized they are quite lame!HAHA. With all these discussions about "theme" and "feed goals", I become so conscious about my feed. Gone are the days where I would just post random things and pick out a random filter for a single photo. Now, it's all about adjusting the little things (brightness, saturation, contrasts etc. ) on a single photo to create a cohesive feed for aesthetic/branding purposes. Don't get me wrong, I'm not telling you what you should/shouldn't do nor am I boasting about my feed to get more followers etc. I just love the app so much because this is where I get most of my inspiration. At the end of the day, it is an art form and I just love looking at beautiful photos.

How about you? What's your take on the new Instagram?

5 Movies Featuring Single Parents that I Love

2016-05-06T17:47:00.000+08:00

Mother's Day is just around the corner and I know some of you already have pre-made plans on how to celebrate this special day. I could list it all here but if in any case, one of your plan is to binge watch on Hollywood movies, I've made a list of some Hollywood movies that celebrates the joys of motherhood. In this post, though, I'm going to feature those films that feature single parents - not only because I am one but much more so because we, single parents, also deserve to be appreciated on this special day.

Room

What is it About:

Base on the bestselling novel by Emma Donoghue, it tells the story of a captive young woman and of how she raised her son (by her kidnapper) in a 10-by-10 foot space she called Room.

Why I love it:

Aside from superb acting, Brie Larson as Ma was good but Jacob Tremlay really caught my attention, and storyline. This film will show you how selfless a mother can be and will teach you to never underestimate the ability of a child.

I am Sam

What is it About:

A mentally challenged man who fights for custody of his seven year old daughter he had single-handedly raised and in the process teaches his cold-hearted lawyer the value of family and love.

Why I love it:

It might not be safe for younger ones due to incessant use of inappropriate language but this film will tugged at all of your emotions. Warning: this is a real tearjerker, so get your handkerchief ready.

Sleepless in Seattle

What is it About:

A widower's son calls a radio talk show in an attempt to find someone new for his father to love again, a woman listening clear across the country hears his tale and falls in love with the idea of him and eventually falling in love with the man himself.

Why I love it:
Given the fact that it's a Meg Ryan Rom-Com if you know what I mean , this film shows that single parents also deserves a second chance at romance. Don't feel guilty.

Erin Brocovich

What is it About:

Based on a true story, it tells the story of an unemployed single mother of three, desperate to provide for her three children but has no luck. Her fate changed when she became a legal assistant and almost single-handledly bring down a California Power Company accused of polluting a city's water supply.

Why I love it:
because its Julia Roberts and I'm a big fan of her! Seriously though, it will teach us the lessons of perseverance and believing that we can make a difference.

Where the Heart is

What is it About:

A pregnant 17-year old who was abandoned by her boyfriend at a Walmart in Oklahoma. She secretly lives in the retailer until her daughter is born six weeks later.

Why I love it:
With teenage pregnancy becoming quite a norm these days, this film teaches lessons about hope and of why family isn't all about blood.

Got a favorite single parents' movie that I missed? Let me know :)

30 Before 30

2016-05-05T13:25:00.003+08:00

I just turned 29 two months ago and celebrated it with so much food and fanfare - just kidding. Truth be told, since it was Holy Week, I just stayed at home - alone, had instant noodles for dinner and watched random YouTube videos online. Yes, I was and still am living a monotonous life, so very far from who I was back when I hit my 20's.

I don't know about you but my early 20's have been nothing short of a beautiful mess. I've overcome my shyness and met lots of people, became friends with them and lost some in the process. It was also a decade where I've fallen in love - hard, did things that I couldn't believe I was capable of and got my heart broken by the same guy I fell head over heels in love with. My 20's was also a decade when I embraced my inner wanderlust and went to places some of them experienced it as a Backpacker. It was also the decade where I stop being an adventurous girl because God gave me a beautiful gift - my daughter.

So it was on the day of my 29th birthday when I was all alone at home that I had a big reflection of my life and sort of feeling sorry for myself for not having achieved what everyone else around me seems to have. By the way, if you're curious, I'm not freaking out - not yet. Going back, having this realization, I began to jot down things I want to do before I hit the big 3-0. I know, I only have less than a year to do all of these things so I'm making this list as realistic as possible. Good luck self, you can do it!



My Favorite Things │ Apr 2016

2016-05-03T17:31:00.000+08:00

When I went back to blogging last month, I've discovered a lot of things and a lot of fun link-ups that has been going around in the blogging community that got me clicking and so I thought, I'll join the bandwagon not because its the norm nowadays but because I want to. I might be late but who cares? These link-ups are a sure fun way of learning something from fellow bloggers. Anyways, this one right here is from Raisa and Eirene called My Favorite Things, where we share anything that had caught our fancy last month.

On my previous blog entries, I've always said that I haven't finished what I'm currently reading because I kept getting distracted. So let me share to you the things that had overtaken my reading time:

Game of Thrones Season 6

Like this needs explaining. I've been a fan since Season 1 and have read the books and I've been waiting for the pilot episode after that last scene in Season 5. So yup! Rally the Realm, Monday Nights wouldn't be the same anymore!

Descendants of the Sun

Started watching last month after being so curious about it and now I'm hooked. Plus, its Song Hye Kyo aka the most beautiful Korean actress I've seen!

Lauren

I accidentally discovered her channel while I was browsing through DIY videos on Youtube and gosh, I hit subscribed and went through her DIY videos everyday. She's so cute & her bubbly personality shines through each of her tutorial videos. Go check out her channel

Not Today by Imagine Dragons

Ever since the new trailer for one of my most awaited movie this year, Me Before You came out that I blogged about HERE, I can't get this song out of my head. This has been on a constant loop on my playlist.

So that's what was keeping me busy last month. If you want, you can click on the image below and check out other blogger's Favorite Things.