KDrama: Descendants of the Sun 2016

Main characters:

Song Joong ki as Yoo Si jin

Song Hye kyo as Kang Mo yeon

Jin Goo as Seo Dae young

Kim Ji won as Yeon Myeong ju

I remember when Descendants of the Sun made a buzz when it was aired back in February and people went crazy over it! It was what everyone was talking about, how the scenes were sweet and how hot and handsome Song Joong ki was. Even my friends who don't really watch kdrama watched it and became addict since then. My sister and I didn't watch it until two months later when all the episodes were already aired and I admit it was addicting. But then we thought it was over-hyped since we've seen better dramas.

So the story revolves around the lives of Yoo Si jin, the Captain of Team Alpha, an elite special forces in South Korea, and Dcotor Kang Mo yeon, a cardiothoracic specialist. These two accidentally meet in the hospital where Mo yeon works and there Si jin quickly falls in love with Mo yeon's assertiveness. At first, Mo yeon is skeptical towards Si jin but soon sees that Si jin is really a soldier. They then begin dating but every time they go out something comes up. It's Si jin who usually needs to go because of his job and soon Mo yeon realizes how different the two of them are. Si jin is a soldier who kills to protect lives while Mo yeon is a doctor who saves lives. Eventually they stop seeing each other. 

Mean while, Sergeant Major Dae young (also Si jin's friend) struggles with his feelings towards Myeong ju, an army surgeon. He likes her but he can't risk being removed from the army by Myeong ju's father who is the commander of the South Korean Special Forces Brigade. 

Eight months later, these four meet again this time in Urk carrying their own mission. Si jin, together with Dae young, was sent there earlier to lead his team on a peacekeeping mission while Mo yeon is sent there to lead a medical team. Myeong ju, on the other hand, followed so she can be with Dae young. There, the four of them fall in love again and together they help save lives. 

I actually enjoyed this drama with all its kilig moments and funny scenes. I also understood why girls went crazy over this drama because the writers surely did a good job developing the relationship between Si jin and Mo yeon who had a great chemistry and of course, the intense feelings between Dae young and Myeong ju. And though they did a good job building the relationship between the characters, they did little to the sub-plots and to the plot in general, for me anyway.

 They also have good and funny secondary characters. Sang hyun (Lee Seung joon) and Ja ae (Seo Jeong yeon) were my favorites and Onew as Chi hoon was a surprise to me but nonetheless did a good job.

Descendants of the Sun surely captured a lot of hearts but I still think it was over-rated. Don't get me wrong, I loved it and enjoyed every single episode but like I said, I've seen better drama with better plot. I mean, the plot of this drama had lots of potential with its military and medical stuff going on but they settled on melodrama which is really not a bad thing. I'm just saying that maybe they should've developed the military and medical sides of the show which would be more interesting since I, myself, am a huge fan of action-romance! But either way, I guess DotS's magic worked on a lot of people seeing that the drama's ratings were higher than expected.

Overall I give it a 3-star rating out of 5! It wasn't that bad but it wasn't that great either. I guess people were just too excited to see Song Joong ki in uniform which I admit was really manly and sexy! This drama was also his first role after getting out of the army which I think also helped on gaining viewers since people were waiting for his comeback.

And, oh, I forgot to mention about the bromance in this drama because there was!

♥

Book: On The Fence by Kasie West

 ★★★★★/★★★★★

 “We can't let boys define how we feel about ourselves. You have to know who you are before you should let any boy worth anything in.”

Okay. So, On The Fence is officially my new favorite West book! Like her other books, this one is cute, sweet and everything is just so perfect! Few pages in and I knew I was going to love it. And West does not disappoint. If I enjoyed The Distance Between Us, The Fill-In Boyfriend and P.S. I Like You, I really truly dearly loved On The Fence!! ♥

On The Fence is the story of Charlie, a girl who grew up with a single father and three brothers, Jerom, Nathan and Gage, plus Braden, their neighbor who might as well be her fourth brother for always being with them. Right from the start it's always been Charlie, her father, her brothers and Braden. They're a family which everyone is comfortable with. Now Charlie is sixteen and growing up surrounded by her brothers and Braden, she has somehow became "one of the boys", acting and dressing like them which also became normal for her. All of them love sports; soccer, basketball, baseball, you name it, and they all get along so well when it comes to that. And being raised by all boys actually has its perks like in the field of sports and other boy stuff. But when Charlie suddenly takes a job at a boutique to pay off a speeding ticket, she has no clue what to do. Being a tomboy, it's like she's lost and needs someone to teach her the basics when it comes to dresses, makeup and other girly stuff. Fortunately, Linda, her boss, can read her and just knows what to do. And it doesn't really help that one night she and Braden just suddenly starts having their own alternate world by the fence, which eventually leads to realizing some hidden feelings inside her.

This book seriously gave me all the feels! It's adorable and sweet and I just love everything EVERYTHING about it, thus 5 shining stars! The story runs in a good pacing, the characters are all lovely, the family dynamic is present and Charlie is the kind of character you can easily connect with. The story is actually refreshing since I've been reading vampires and dystopia lately so it was really nice to read a fluffy contemporary!

Let me give you three reasons why I superfreakin'love this book! First, Charlie has more sides than meets the eye. She may not act girly but at one point she starts worrying about how she acts and how guys look at her. And I think we all came to that point where we worry about how we present ourselves and how other sees us just like her. We all have our insecurities and I think it's harder for Charlie since she thinks she's not "normal" because she doesn't wear a dress or sparkly tops, doesn't put on makeup and instead of being a cheerleader, she plays sports. Her brothers make it even harder by treating her like she's one of them, wrestling and throwing her around. But despite struggling to find her true self, Charlie eventually learns that the people who truly cares will love her for who she is whether she plays sports better than any other guys or wears makeup and beautiful clothes. 

“I could've killed you guys three times by now. Stop flirting with my sister and get your head in the game. I'll give you a ten-second head start.”

Second reason, Charlie's family. I freakin' love her goofy brothers! Each of them has their own personalities and they're adorably protective of Charlie. They love her and would punch anyone who messes with her. Especially guys! I personally love Gage the most since he's the craziest and closest to Charlie. But Jerom and Nathan are cool as well. I liked it everytime they tease and harass Charlie. Lol. We also see Charlie's father and his struggle on how to raise a daughter. It's obvious he doesn't have a clue how so he depends on a book by Carol which is really heartwarming. Then there's Charlie's mother who died when she was young and I think it plays a major role in her character development. Sometimes it makes Charlie wonder if things will be different if only her mother is around. Will she spend more time with her than with her brothers? Will she be more feminine? Will she not play sports but go shopping and learn make up? And now that she discovers that she actually likes putting on makeup and dressing up a little, she's afraid to let her dad and brothers know because she thinks they might not approve. She thinks it will disappoint them to see her a little girly because they're so used to seeing her in baggy clothes and playing sports with them.

“What are you doing and why did you have a goofy grin in your face when you came in here? You sneaking around? Is there some boy I need to beat up?”

This book actually made me want to have brothers because how cool and fun would it be to have brothers like them? But either way I got my three super girly and fun sisters and I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. Well, maybe except for Braden? Lol. And that leads us to the third reason why I love this book. Braden. He's charming, sweet, kind, caring, athletic and he's perfect! He knew Charlie more than she knew herself and Charlie claims that she knew him more than he knew himself. They're actually perfect for each other! The romance in this book is slow but really sweet. Like ohemgeethey'resoadorable sweet! Charlie's interactions with Braden are my favorites and I so so love seeing them bantering with each other.

“If you can't be yourself around him, then you shouldn't be dating him.”

I think it's really sweet that Charlie and Braden started off as friends then eventually developed feelings for each other. They've known each other since they were kids so they knew everything about each other. They're comfortable goofing around and interacting with each other—sitting too close, holding each other, playing around—but when when Charlie starts realizing her real feelings for Braden, even looking at him becomes torture because she thought Braden only see her like a sister. Little does she know that Braden has been feeling the same way but only stopping himself because he doesn't want to ruin their friendship and I think he's afraid to face the wrath of Charlie's overprotective brothers, and father, in a way.

And, and! I really liked that scene when Charlie just came back from camp and everyone is watching a rom-com movie courtesy of Amber and Charlie wishes they're watching an A's game and then Braden just starts spelling something on her knee with his finger letting her know that he wants to watch the A's game too but can't do anything about it. That's a really sweet scene! And oh my god that soccer scene where Charlie bites Braden on the neck and Braden bites her back. All the feels, you guys!! :")

I also remember Skye from The Distance Between Us and if I liked her there, I  loved her in this book! She and Linda are charming and it's good to see that she gets along well with Charlie too. The other secondary characters are also amazing. Amber and Evan are both likeable and Evan is actually nice. And I like that Amber and Gage end up together.

Overall it's a very sweet, charming and fluffy read! A cute contemporary that will surely give you all the feels. Charlie and Braden are so good together but can I please have Braden? I don't play any sport but I'll learn just for him. Or I can be his cheerleader! ♥ It's my fourth book of Kasie West and now I can't wait to read her next book!

* * *

He stared at me for a long time, as if trying to read my sincerity. His breath touched my lips. It took everything in me not to close the distance between us. When his lips brushed against mine, I let out an involuntary gasp. Had I done that?

“Am I reading you wrong?” he asked.

I shook my head no. I couldn't find my voice, couldn't dare to believe this meant what I  thought it meant.

He let out a slow breath of air that smelled so familiar. “I was going to tell you that.”

“You were going to tell me that you wanted to kiss me?”

He nodded. “Is this going to change everything?”

“I sure hope so.”

He smiled and his gazed went from my eyes, to my mouth then up to my hair. He tucked a piece behind my ear. “You're so beautiful.”

October 2016 Music Videos

24K Magic - Bruno Mars (Oct 6)

 Love Me Now - John Legend (Oct 6)

 Lagi Mong Tatandaan - Parokya Ni Edgar (Oct 7)


Body Moves - DNCE (Oct 11)

Grow Up - Olly Murs (Oct 12)

 No Regrets - Magic! (Oct 14)

 Don't Wanna Know - Maroon 5 (Oct14)

Famous - Nathan Sykes (Oct 17)

 Voodoo - Nick Jonas (Oct 17)

Shout Out toMy Ex - Little Mix (Oct 20)

Closer - The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey (Oct 24)

My Way - Calvin Harris (Oct 28)

Book: Vampire Kisses (Vampire Kisses #1) by Ellen Schreiber

★★★★/★★★★★

“The moon is so beautiful tonight,” he said, staring out the gazebo.

“Makes me think of werewolves. Do you think a man can change into an animal?”

“If he's with the right girl,” he said with a laugh.

This one is a re-read. I first read the series years back when my friend lent the first book to me and I remember loving it. I admit I wasn't into vampires back then, well, except to Edward Cullen, I guess, but Vampire Kisses was somewhat cute and entertaining so I guess that did it. And it's a vampire ROMANCE so, yeah, I was sold right away.

 Raven Madison is obsessed with vampires, she actually wants to be one. Her obsession started when she was in Kindergarten and since then it's become her ambition to find an actual vampire and be one. Now she's sixteen and her dream hasn't changed. She likes black, watches vampire movies and she dresses in a gothic way branding her a little different from the others. Her style also doesn't get her a lot of friends except Becky, a timid farm girl everyone makes fun of. And if there's one thing in Dullsville Raven loves, it's the abandoned mansion sitting on Benson Hill. Now when the creepy Sterlings suddenly claim the mansion, rumors say they are vampires. And what more can pique Raven's interest than a family of vampires right under her nose? One way or another, Raven knew she has to find out the truth about the Sterlings, she especially likes to know more about the son, the Gothic Prince, Alexander Sterling.

Vampire Kisses is a light but engaging read. I liked Raven so much because she's perky and funny and she never lets anyone boss her around. She has a weird family but don't we all have? Her parents used to be hippies but until now they're still cool. She finds her little brother, Billy—Nerd Boy, annoying but he can be cute and sweet too. I actually love their scenes, when they're fighting and annoying the hell out of each other!

“You didn't go to Oakley Woods with a poster. You didn't dress up like a vampire to impress a poster. And you didn't hide my dad's racket so you could gain the attention of a raging poster!”

Aside from Raven's family, there's also Becky, her shy but very supportive bestfriend, and Trevor, her nemesis who annoys her all the chance he gets. Trevor is obviously crushing on Raven but he denies it by bullying her. I liked that Raven doesn't fear Trevor and she actually provokes him once in a while which just makes things more exciting.

“You want me so bad,” I shouted in his face. “And you can't have me!”

Now, now, let's get to Mr. Gothic Prince. Alexander Sterling is the son of the new family living in the creepy mansion. I remember adoring Alexander back then and now, well, he's still okay. He's nice but awkward in a sexy way! He likes hanging around the cemetery, doesn't go out in the day and loves the dark. Throughout the book we see Raven trying to figure out if Alexander is a vampire and really wishes he is. They eventually hit it off, Alexander inviting Raven to the mansion (not sneaking in, this time) and then decided to somewhat become friends.

“I want a relationship I can finally sink my teeth into.”

The humor and the darkness of this book mix quite well that I can't help but love it more and more. It's only the first book, I think I got through until the fifth back then, but I plan to finish all the books in the series now. And I know there's a bunch of other vampire books out there but if you want a quick, funny and very entertaining vampire romance, you should try this one.

Book: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

 ★★★★/★★★★★

 “The best discoveries always happened to the people weren't looking for them. Columbus and America. Pinzón, who stumbled on Brazil while looking for the West Indies. Stanley happening on Victoria Falls. And you. Amy Curry, when I was least expecting her.”

This might not be my most favorite Matson book but I surely loved and enjoyed it! Amy and Roger's Epic Detour is a perfect summer read with an exciting road trip and likeable characters. This actually reminded me so much of With This Heart by R.S. Grey with the road trip and a cute boy for a company. Light, heart warming and entertaining, this book is one of those you will certainly enjoy.

I always love road trip stories especially because they mean exciting destinations, good music, lots and lots of snacks and road trip games! I admit I want to have a bizarre road trip myself (of course, with a cute guy with me!) and who knows someday I might write a book about my epic trip too!

“But there are two things that are absolutely necessary if you're going to be hitting the road.”

“And what are those?”

Roger smiled at me as he paused at a stoplight. “Snacks and tunes.” he said. “Not necessarily in that order.”

Amy Curry just lost her dad in a car accident. Ever since the accident, Amy found herself afraid of driving and somewhat distant from her mother and twin brother. And it didn't really help that her mother decided to move to Connecticut to start anew. Now Amy is living alone in their old house, finishing school but once it ends, she must travel to Connecticut to live with her mother. Everything is going as they planned until Amy's mother tells her she has to drive her car all the way to Connecticut because it'd be cheaper that way than to ship the car. Instantly, Amy knew there's no way she can but, of course, her mother knew it and tell her she's got her a driver who's willing to drive her. Enter Roger, Amy's childhood friend and now driver. It's awkward at first but soon Amy and Roger find themselves enjoying and taking a little detour from the route Amy's mother had planned for them. It's an epic detour with lots of music, snacks, 20 questions and spontaneous stop overs. A journey that lets both Amy and Roger realize and accept some things in life.

“It’s not about the destination. It’s getting there that’s the good part.”

 I love all the characters! Amy is the kind of character that is so hard not to like and she's been through enough pain. There's the guilt from the accident which she really struggles from that she can't even talk about it and then there's her issues with her mother and brother Charlie. The trip also reminds her so much of her dad which just breaks her heart because she, her dad and Charlie were supposed to go on a trip their dad had planned and was so excited about. And Amy just seems so hurt and broken I want to hug her myself! Roger, on the other hand, is so good to be true! I mean, he's a total gentleman, adorable and sweet. He takes care of Amy all throughout and I love that along the way he gets to clear some issues of his own too.

The secondary characters are also as lovely and likeable! Walcott, Bronwyn, Loenard and Lucien are a hell of secondary characters and I enjoyed them all. I think they made the book more exciting, inspiring and entertaining. Amy's short but meaningful encounter with them surely teach her a lot about some things. And Lucien? If I didn't like Roger enough, I would've shipped him and Amy! Lol. 

“Tomorrow will be better.”

“But what if it's not?” I asked.

Walcott smiled and let go of the CD. “Then you say it again tomorrow. Because it might be. You never know, right? At some point, tomorrow will be better.”

I loved that Amy and Roger both enjoy the trip and along the way they meet new friends, discover new things and feel new feelings. They both learn a few things and Amy finds herself slowly opening up and mending her relationship with her bother and mother. Same with Roger for he finds himself moving on from a relationship he doesn't deserve. And the romance between them is really sweet. Though it doesn't happen until the latter part, it's there. And I'm actually glad it's not an insta-love!

 

This book is really an entertaining read, has a simple plot, interesting characters and a bit emotional. I don't live in America so I also found it a bit informative with all the details about some of the states. The scrapbook part is one of my favorites too.The playlists, the pictures and notes make it more interesting and fun.

* * *

“Sancho Panza.” Drew repeated. “It's from Don Quixote. The navigator. But listen. The thing about Magellan is the thing about most explorers. Most times, they're just determined to follow impossible things. And most of them are so busy looking at the horizon that they can't even see what's right in front of them.”

Why I want an OPPO F1s

When choosing a new phone, we consider a lot of things. The look, the camera, the RAM, its OS and of course the other important specifications. I, myself, am choosy when buying a new phone. The camera should be at least 8MP, it should have big memory since I love downloading music, and it should be user friendly among other things. I admit I'm not an expert when it comes to the latest gadgets but I know what I want. And what I want is OPPO F1s and there's no doubt about it since it has the best features I'm looking for in a phone.

I first heard about OPPO F1s when it made a noise about its camera branding it Selfie Expert. I was intrigued so of course I made my own research. Sure enough, I've read a lot of good reviews about it and was convinced I needed to get one for myself.

But what I like best in OPPO F1s is its 3GB RAM because, really, who wants a slow phone that always lags when you're watching a YouTube video or playing a game? I'm a fan of watching online videos and I also have soooo many apps on my phone so it'll be perfect if I have an OPPO F1s to make switching between apps easier and faster.

In short, I really really want to have an OPPO F1s! It'll be the perfect Christmas present because, hey, Christmas is just around the corner! I also just said goodbye to my old phone of 4 years, if you believe it, so now I'm looking for a new one and like I said, I really want to have an OPPO F1s! A friend of mine also has an OPPO phone and told me she's loving it. The camera is her favorite feature because, of course, everyone loves to take selfies! :)

 And I believe I've been a good girl this year so I think I deserve a little present this Christmas. How I wish Secret Santa could hear my prayer! ♥

If you want more information about OPPO F1s, visit here.
To know more about the contest, visit Nuffnang.

#FreeTheJoy with Limited Edition Cadbury Dairy Milk Christmas Flavors

It's October, you guys!! And Ber months mean Christmas is just around the corner. Yay! But, but! That's not all, because Cadbury Dairy Milk’s limited edition Christmas flavors are back which make Christmas even sweeter and merrier! :D

I remember everytime our dad comes home from abroad with a bag of Duty Free and my sisters and I are all excited to find Cadbury Dairy Milk bars inside. You can actually say that we're Cadbury Dairy Milk kids because since we were little until now it's our favorite. These limited Cadbury Dairy Milk Christmas flavors actually remind me of them and now I know what to give them this Christmas! 

For each of them I decided to give these Cadbury Dairy Milk’s limited edition Christmas flavors.

My older sister, Anne, likes chocolate cookies and red jellies so I really believe she's going to love Cadbury Dairy Milk Black Forest. Since she's working even on holidays, Cadbury Dairy Milk Black Forest will keep her company and I'm certain she's going to enjoy its crunchiness and chewiness.

Yana, on the other hand, likes her chocolate to be filled with flavors so I think Cadbury Dairy Milk French Vanilla is perfect for her. The French vanilla cream will surely surprise her and I can't wait to see how she's going to love it.

 And then our youngest sister, Aly, will definitely enjoy Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Mousse since chocolate mousse is just her favorite! This light and airy chocolate-flavored cream enveloped in classic milk chocolate shell compliments her personality of being a sweet sister.

Now I know what to give my sisters this Christmas thanks to Cadbury Dairy Milk. I'm sure all of them are going to love it and I hope this will earn me votes to be the Sister of the Year! :D

Are you looking for the best gift to give this Christmas? Why not give a Cadbury Dairy Milk to your loved ones? I'm sure they're going to love these limited edition Christmas flavors too!

“Cadbury Dairy Milk Black Forest, Cadbury Dairy Milk French Vanilla, and Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Mousse are available in 180g packs for a suggested retail price of P180.00. Hurry and get all flavors – available until supplies last! #FreeTheJoy this Christmas with Cadbury Dairy Milk! ”

Book: Paper Princess (The Royals #1) by Erin Watt

3.75/5 stars

“You want me to say it?” he whispers. “Fine I'll say it. I want you. I fucking want you.”

A lot of my blog friends seemed to have really loved this book so I decided to read it, too. While this book is unputdownable and entertaining, it explores a darker path of family drama, angst, revenge, secrets, betrayal and all sorts of NA stuff. The plot is not really new to me, rags-to-riches-Cinderella kind of story and I admit it's one of my favorite themes in books because really, who doesn't get inspired (and jealous) when reading one? I mean, the main character starting off to be poor and all then becoming filthy rich the next second. I just have some issues like how the Royals are a bit dysfunctional and they seem to have all the mature stuff happening inside their house, no, I'm sorry, palace. But anyway, this book is no doubt addictive that now I understand why everyone enjoyed it.

It's actually my first time to give a 3.75-star rate in a book because while this book is entertaining, there are so many wrong things happening inside it and I don't think it wowed me that much. Okay, maybe that's where my problem lies because I loved the book but didn't loved it too much. I'm torn between loving it just fine and loving it so so much but anyway, you get my point.

Ella Harper's mother died of cancer a couple of years ago and since then she's been struggling to support herself—necessities, school and all—by working part-time jobs to the extent of working in a bar. It's hard but she's making it on her own until Callum Royal shows up at her school and declares himself Ella's legal guardian. Ella, might or might not, put up a fight to make Callum fudge off but when Callum tells her about Steve, her father, her curiosity gets the best of her. Of course, deep inside her she wants to know the father she never met and understand why he wasn't there for her and her mother. Callum then makes Ella an offer and it just gets better when he promises to give Ella cash for every month she stays with him, and his five sons. It's a good deal for Ella since Callum Royal is nice and rich but to her luck, Callum's sons are not so generous like him.

The Royals are totally fucked up. Gideon, Reed, Easton, Sebastian and Sawyer are Callum's sons and each is messed up in their own way. They hate Ella even before they met her and they make sure to make her feel as unwelcome in their home as unwelcome can be. They try to scare, intimidate, play and torment her but Ella is a tough girl. She never backs down. She plays their game because she knows she can handle them. But as they continue to spend time together Ella begins to understand why the Royals behave and act the way they do. She sees why they are so messed up that she can't help but to understand them.

“Look, I like you. Didn’t think I would but I do, and because I like you, I feel the need to warn you that we Royals are pretty fucked up. We’re good in bed, but out of it? We’re like a stage four hurricane.”

The things happening inside this book are sometimes scary. The parties, the tension between Ella and the Royals, the highschool drama, the deceit, the money, and I don't think I would ever want to go to a school like Astor Park Prep. Lol. The NA stuff I understand because they're in highschool and I think it's automatic with the Royal boys since they're all handsome, arrogantly rich and of course, hot! I actually liked the sexual tension between Reed and Ella because it makes things harder for Reed and come on, we all know it's bound to happen. 

I admit I was sucked in by this book that it was 2 in the morning but I didn't care. Like I said, it was addictive. You wouldn't help but to keep reading until you find out what happens next that you wouldn't notice you already reach the last page. And oh my god that last page!

Paper Princess is a pretty messed up story but bf you want a crazy addicting story, you should read this one! 

* * *

“Maybe another time, away from this place, you and me would have a different story.”
 

An ex-almost...

“No, we didn’t date. Technically he wasn’t an ex-boyfriend. But he was an ex-something, an ex-maybe. An ex-almost.” 

He used to tell her everything. From his crappy morning to where he'd go to bed and why he can't fall asleep. They used to laugh at every funny joke he loved to tell and at all the crazy things he always did. He was sweet. He was stubborn. He wasn't the nicest person in the world but he can be at times.

He was a guy who once confused my feelings.

She always knew he wanted them to get closer but she wasn't ready. They were friends, she though that was enough. They enjoyed each other's company and they were happy. She knew in herself that she never hinted him that she wanted to get their friendship to the next level (she was even verbal with it) but as they spent more time together they grew closer and closer. She never said she didn't like him, she did because he was a good guy, a bit difficult at times and super flirty but an okay guy nonetheless. She thought they clicked because she was a bit crazy like him and they had the same circle of friends in school.

Sometimes she tried turning down his offers of eating out or accompanying him somewhere but he was persistent. He had his ways of always making sure she said yes. Days went by and she was feeling more and more uncomfortable with their friendship because he started asking her (in texts and chats) more personal things about relationships and stuff. It was when things between them started getting awkward because she knew that sooner or later he'd eventually ask the can we be more than friends? question. They would see each other in the morning but not talk about the stuff they'd talked about the night before which just made everything worse. It was really awkward that their friends have started asking questions. Of course, she told them everything and that was when they started teasing them. Well, that's what friends are for, right?


Until he finally asked her. He dropped the I like you. Can we be more than friends? speech and she gave him the Can you wait? Because I'm still not ready... speech. It worked just fine because the following days they were back to their old selves. And in the following weeks he started to confuse her feelings. That was when she decided to finally give him a chance. She was ready.

I was ready but he'd already moved on.

She never told him but she was kinda falling for him. She also didn't tell him about the decision she made because she wanted to see if he would actually wait until she was ready. He told her he would and a part of her actually hoped he would. But one of her problems with him was that he was extra friendly with girls. She wasn't the jealous type but people were saying bad things about his being flirty with girls and she saw that herself. It was also one of the reasons why at first she didn't want them to be more than friends. It'd been four months since he asked her and things between them were fine if not great. They still spent time together just eating, laughing and having fun all the the time. They would see each other in the morning, text at night and tease each other all the chance they got. Things were working out for them. Another month passed and she was ready to tell him. She was excited, if you believe it. 

 Until she found out about this other girl. Maybe it was her fault for making him wait too long. Maybe it was her fault for not telling him sooner. Maybe. But that moment she was more relieved than angry because then she knew it was right that she didn't tell him her feelings right away. Then she knew he couldn't wait. Or maybe he wasn't really planning to. Who knew? She was hurt, of course. And she would be lying if she tells you that she didn't expect him to find another girl while he'd been telling her that he liked her because she did. Deep inside her she knew he was that kind of guy but somehow she was hoping, and praying, he wouldn't do that to her. Turned out, he already had. Because while she was falling for him, he'd already moved on to the next girl

 He was a friend who was an ex-almost.

They drifted apart after a while and she can't believe he just stopped texting her. She was mad because he could've at least told her that he can't wait anymore and be man enough to tell her he liked another girl. She would've forgiven him if he was honest to her and blamed her for making him wait too long because then she'd understand it was her fault. But to just leave and not say anything was a jerk move. Because all those times he was acting like he still liked her but in truth he was already making a move to another girl. It was like one day he was confessing his love to her but the next all his feelings were gone and he didn't know her anymore.

She was pissed because she should've known. She shouldn't have let her feelings get the best of her because she knew the guy! He was her friend and she knew him. But the funny part was she really hoped he would change for her. That was foolish, she knew, but you can't blame her for hoping. He was her friend after all. The guy who was an ex-almost.

 (8-25-15 /8-21-16/10-17-16)

Book: Howl's Moving Castle Diana Wynne Jones

★★★★★/★★★★★

“In the land of Ingary, where such things as seven-league boots and cloaks of invisibility really exist, it is quite a misfortune to be born the eldest of three.”

Oh my god this book is amazing! I loved the movie then loved the book as much! I've watched the movie a hundred times before and finishing the book just made me love it even more. The book is actually very different from the movie but both are brilliant and charming and entertaining! :)

 Sophie Hatter is the eldest of three sisters and always blames it for her misfortune. Their family owns a hat shop and when her father dies, being the oldest, the shop automatically becomes hers to manage while her sisters get send away to do what they've always wanted to do. Sophie doesn't really mind making hats, at first, but at some point she realizes that interesting things always happen to someone else but not to her. Again, she blames it to being the oldest and it doesn't really help when she attracts the attention of the Witch of the Waste who puts her under a nasty spell of turning her into an old woman. It leaves her no choice but to go and seek out her own fortune in hopes of breaking the Witch's spell. It then leads her to Howl's ever-moving castle. Everyone fears Howl because he's a wizard who collects young girls' hearts. But Sophie, being an old grumpy woman now, doesn't fear Howl anymore. So she insists her way into Howl's castle and soon finds herself bargaining with a fire demon to break her curse.

 I really enjoyed Sophie and Howl's story! Everything in this book is brilliant and the characters are all charming and mysterious in their own way. Howl is sooo adorable! He's conceited and powerful yet he's very sweet and funny. And it's sad that people think of him as evil when in truth he's just a fine young man who's trying to get away from the real-evil Witch of the Waste. Sophie, on the other hand, is bossy, stubborn and at times grumpy, which I think is because she's now old (and we know how old people can be sometimes). I loved how she can boss around Howl and Calcifer! Lol.

Calcifer and Michael are both endearing. They grow to love Sophie as she spends time with them and Calcifer and Sophie's relationship is funny! It's said that only Howl can make Calcifer do things but with Sophie, Calcifer cowers down. I guess it has something to do with Sophie always threatening and bullying Calficer. Hahaha. But really, Sophie only has to bribe Calcifer for him to obey. Tsk. Calcifer is a fire demon who has some contract with Howl that he thinks Sophie can break. In return of breaking his contract, Calcifer promises to break Sophie's spell. Michael is sweet. Movie-Michael is extra sweet (and younger) but novel-Michael is lovable just the same.

Howl and Sophie make a good pair. While Howl likes it dirty, Sophie likes it clean. Hahaha. Their interactions always cracked me up especially when Howl complains how Sophie likes to clean. It's also funny how Howl can be sooo dramatic at times especially when it comes to his appearance. And I feel like Howl actually enjoys teasing Sophie sometimes.

“Annoyed?” said Sophie. “Why should I be annoyed? Someone only filled the castle with rotten aspic, and deafened everyone in Porthaven, and scared Calcifer to a cinder, and broke a few hundred hearts. Why should that annoy me?”

And Howl might be vain and conceited but he has conscience, you guys!

“I didn't mention the matter before.” said Howl. “because the king might have thought you should have had the sense to sell him another dud. I had a conscience about it. Conscience. Notice that word, Mrs. Longnose. I had a conscience.”

Howl also reminds me of Kell from Shades of Magic series. Or rather, when I read ADSoM, Kell reminded me of Howl. I pictured Kell to be like Howl, a mysterious, powerful Wizard who everyone fears. And, and! They're both my favorites! ♥

Howl's Moving Castle is probably one of the best fantasies I've ever read (and watched)! It's just so beautiful and whimsical and entertaining that I'll read it again and again until I turn 90! You wouldn't help but love it as the story unravels and it's really a magical and fun read that will surely entertain you!

Howl said, "I think we ought to live a happily ever after." and she thought he meant it.
"And you'll exploit me," Sophie said.
"And then you'll cut up all my suits to teach me," said Howl.

* * *

More about Howl? Sophie thought desperately. I have to blacken his name! Her mind was such a blank that for a second it actually seemed to her that Howl had no faults at all. How stupid! “Well, he's fickle, careless, selfish, and hysterical,” she said. “Half the time I think he doesn't care what happens to anyone as long as he's all right—but then I find out how awfully kind he's been to someone. Then I think he's kind just when it suits him-only then I find out he undercharges poor people. I don't know, Your Majesty. He's a mess.”

Book: A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir

 ★★★★/★★★★★

 “So long as you fight the darkness, you stand in the light.” 

Past midnight some time last week I started reading this book and finished around 4 in the morning having mixed feelings and everything. Don't get me wrong, I loved it but I think not as much as An Ember in the Ashes. I guess I was so blown away by AEitA that I set expectations in ATAtN only to find myself a little disappointed. Maybe I was expecting something else but regardless, ATAtN is a very enjoyable book!

 A Torch Against the Night picks up where Am Ember in the Ashes has left off with Elias and Laia running away from Blackcliff after Laia saved Elias from his execution. They agreed on helping each other—Laia will save Elias and in exchange Elias will help Laia break into Kauf prison to save her brother Darin. With the soldiers, Helene—the new Blood Shrike, and the Commandant out to hunt them, Laia and Elias must flee the city of Serra, trusting each other and the new and old friends they meet along the way. 

“There’s hope in life,” he says. “A brave girl once told me that. If something happens to me, don’t fear. You’ll find a way.”

The second book in the series is as action-packed, thrilling and dark as the first. We see Laia and Elias fighting for their lives and using every way they can just to escape the people hunting them down. Worse, Helene, being the new Blood Shrike, has to join the hunt because the new Emperor, Marcus, wants Elias dead. But worst, the Commandant, as merciless as ever, is able to track down Elias and Laia as soon as they thought they're free. And if you find AEitA violent then this book is way way brutal with lots and lots of deaths it's a nightmare!

Tahir did a great job in the world-building as well as with the pacing. This book is very intense that I found myself so engrossed and the slow pacing helps in building the thrill and tension of what will happen next. The plot is well-constructed though at times I found myself wishing it didn't go that way. Lol. It's also told in three different POVs (Laia's, Elias's and Helene's) and I really liked reading from Helene's POV.

“Most people,” Cain says, “are nothing but glimmers in the great darkness of time. But you, Helene Aquilla, are no swift-burning spark. You are a torch against the night—if you dare to let yourself burn.”

We also see a lot of character development in this book. Laia matured a lot in this book by becoming braver and making bolder decisions. And though she's nowhere near Helene's prowess, she comes to discover her own abilities that somehow help her in facing their battles. Her unfailing determination to save Darin is what keeps her going and the thought of seeing her brother again keeps the fire inside her burning. Elias, on the other hand, is still that selfless, loyal and courageous man we met in Ember! But in here, he goes through an agonizing phase which causes him to slip off back and forth to the other-world. And being righteous and all, he honors the promise he made to Laia that even though it might kill him, he's still willing to help her break Darin out of Kauf. Helene is becoming my favorite more and more. My heart broke for her because now that she's the Blood Shrike, she's ordered to hunt down Elias—her best friend, her love. And as if it's not torture enough, Marcus threatens to kill her family if she disobeys him. Torn between her family and Elias, my heart was aching for Helene all throughout.

But I love him. How do I kill the man I love?

Aside from Laia and Elias trying to break into Kauf to save Darin, there are also other things happening inside the book. The Commandant, if anything, becomes more and more evil by suppressing the Scholars after they revolted. She turns into a crazy blood-thirsty evil by killing every Scholar she gets her hands on. She's so cruel and heartless that I can't wait to see how she dies! Grr. Emperor Marcus, on the other hand, wants to strengthen his power by making alliance with Helene's father but of course not without threatening Helene's family first. He needs Helene to be loyal to him because he knew he'll need her to take down the evil bitch. We also get to meet Elias's adoptive family who helps Elias and Laia along the way and there's also Afya Aya-Nur, the woman who gave Elias a favor coin when she thought Elias was going to be the Emperor. Then there's the Soul Catcher, Shaeva, who pulls Elias into her realm. A lot of things are actually happening inside the book and each character is dealing with their own stuff; Laia—practicing her newly discovered ability, worrying about Darin, dealing with her feelings, Elias—trying to stay awake, planning how to break into Kauf, dealing with his guilt because of the Third Trial, and Helene—having a difficult time thinking of ways how to save her family and Elias, trying to prevent a war, dealing with her own feelings. This book is just so beautifully messy and so insane I loved it!

Now let's get to the romance. I hate to admit it but I actually liked Keenan with Laia. I never doubted him because he seems to really care about Laia and he's loyal but, but, but!! I wasn't a big fan of him in Ember but when he reappeared in this book I started to grow fond of him. And you know what I hate more? It's the fact that there was a certain point that I've come to accept him to be Laia's happy ever after considering Elias's condition. How foolish of me! Sorry Elias! Anyway, I'm just happy Keenan is out of the picture now. But Elias, oh, Elias! My heart still aches for him. Actually, my heart was aching for him the entire time just like with Helene because what he's been through is pure torture—knowing that he's slowly slipping away and can't do anything about it. And it doesn't help that he pushes away everyone because he's convinced that anyone who gets close to him dies. He pushes Laia away and doesn't let himself feel anything towards her.

I stare across the fire and into her dark golden eyes, the way I've tried not to for days. When I do, I remember why I haven't looked: the fire in her, the fervent determinations—it speaks to something at my very core, something caged and desperate to be free.

But Laia, being assertive that she is, won't let him blame himself for the death of the people around him. She will show him that it's okay to feel guilty but that he shouldn't let it consume him. And eventually Elias comes to accept that it's okay not to be responsible for everyone. That it's not his responsibility to keep everyone safe.

“Don’t lock yourself away from those who care about you because you think you’ll hurt them or—or they’ll hurt you. What point is there in being human if you don’t let yourself feel anything?”

Another thing that really saddened me is when Elias and Helene meet again and Elias said his goodbye to Helene one last time. (I might've cried on that one) Knowing they used to be best friends—and each other's first love, it was really heartbreaking to see them killing each other. Even in Ember I was hurting for these two because they were best friends but they had to fight each other.  

“I'm going to let go of you,” I say. “If you try to take me down, so be it. But before I do, I want to say something, because we both know I'm not long for this world, and I'd hate myself if I never told you.” Confusion flashes across her face, and I barrel on before she starts asking questions. “I miss you.” I hope she hears what I'm truly saying. I love you. I'm sorry. I wish I could fix it. “I'll always miss you. Even when I'm a ghost.”

Laia and Elias are bound to be together. I was sure of that. With everything they've been through they just deserve to be together. I loved them both since page one of Ember and until the last page of Torch I was rooting for the both of them. All the torture, all the pain, all the soldiers who hunt them down, and all the other forces—human or otherworldly—they've faced be damned just as long as in the end they finish their mission together. And they did.

Overall I really enjoyed this book! With all the twists and turns, you just can't help but finish this book in one sitting. But as much as I wanted to give this book 5 stars, there are a couple of things I have issues with. For one, like I said, a lot of things are happening inside the book all at once. I'm not saying it's a bad thing but for me it just didn't work. Like Elias being pulled into Shaeva's realm and dealing with lost souls while on the other side he's traveling with Laia and then fighting his way into Kauf. I also felt like some of the turns just appeared out of nowhere and though they have backgrounds, I just didn't quite expect them to turn that way. And then what happened to Elias really frustrated me because really? After all that he's just going to be the Soul Catcher? But then there are still book 3 and 4 so let's just see about that. 

“You are my temple,” I murmur as I kneel beside her. “You are my priest. You are my prayer. You are my release.”

I highly recommend this book to everyone so read it, you guys! :)

BRYAN ADAMS LIVE IN MANILA 2017

Wilbros Live presents: BRYAN ADAMS Live in Manila for his GET UP World Tour. It's happening on January 18, 2017 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Bryan Adams is known for his hit songs like Summer of '69 (a personal favorite), Heaven, Please Forgive Me, I Finally Found Someone and (Everything I Do) I Do It For You. I actually grew up listening to his songs and you can say that my family is a fan of him that is why we're excited for his tour. Hopefully we get to see him! 

Heaven

Please Forgive Me

Summer of '69

For more information you can visit Philippine Concerts.

PASSENGER LIVE IN MANILA 2017

Pulp Live World presents: Passenger Live in Manila on January 11, 2017 at The Theatre at Solaire Resort.

 Remember when the song Let Her Go became popular everyone seemed to be singing it? Well, it wasn't too long ago and now Passenger, the man behind that hit song, is going to Manila to perform not only Let Her Go but also his other songs. I, myself, am excited to see him perform live since I love his music.

Let Her Go

Somebody's Love

For more information you can visit Philippine Concerts.

Book: Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

★★★★/★★★★★

“She wasn't exactly sure when it happened. Or even when it started. All she knew for sure was that right here and now, she was falling hard and she could only pray that he was feeling the same way.”

 My third Nicholas Sparks book and like the first two, I loved it. I've actually watched the movie before but that didn't make me less excited on reading the book. In fact, finishing the book made me love it even more. And I don't think Sparks can write a book I wouldn't like.

When I hear of Nicholas Sparks, the first thing that comes to mind is a romantic story. And then heartbreaking moments and life lessons and cheesy love quotes. But Safe Haven also has a touch of mystery and suspense which made it more engrossing.

The story tells the story of Katie who is running away from her abusive husband, Kevin. Katie and Kevin started off with a good marriage but as time went on, Kevin began to hit her. It went on for years until Katie started planning her escape. She wanted to leave him, she wanted it to stop, so when an opportunity presented itself, she grabbed it. Now she's in Southport, North Carolina trying to live a new life as a waitress. She works to earn money in case she needs to run away again. Enter Alex, a local store owner, and his two kids, Kristen and Josh. Katie regularly visits the store for her needs and after a while finds herself warming up with Kristen and Josh, and eventually to Alex. From there they form a beautiful friendship that soon blossoms into something more. On the other hand, Kevin hasn't given up on finding Katie, or more exactly, Erin, after she left him. He's a mess without Erin so when a new information that is helpful on finding Erin appears before him, he decided he'll take Erin back no matter what.

 I loved that Katie is a strong character. She endured Kevin for so long, hiding all the pain inside. I can't imagine how hard it must be for her but good thing she found a way out. She's brave and kind and I liked that she found Alex. At first she doesn't let her guard down, keeping her distance from others but with Alex and his kids, she finds comfort, she finds a safe haven in them. Then at one point she realizes that she's staring to live and be happy again and though she's still scared that Kevin could find her anytime, she decided to take a risk, to stay and start a new life with Alex, Kristen and Josh.

“‎When she looked up at him, it was suddenly easy for her to imagine that her fears were pointless. That he would love her no matter what she told him, and that he was the kind of man who loved her already and would love her forever.”

Alex, for me, is the perfect husband/father. I mean, he's kind and responsible and sweet and everything! He's actually too good to be true but I want to believe that somewhere, somehow, there are really men like him. He makes Katie feel safe, he makes Josh and Kristen feel safe. He takes care of everyone he loves and I think I want to marry him. Lol. And Josh Duhamel portraying his character in the movie just made him a hundred times more perfect! Josh and Kristen are also sweethearts. And Jo, she's an angel. I mean, she guides and makes sure Katie ends up with Alex. Katie found a friend in her and I'm sure I would've cried a lot reading about Jo if I ever didn't see the movie. Because the twist in her part is unpredictable.

“I truly believe that while love can hurt, love can also heal…”

Kevin is the only thing I hated in this book. He is abusive and crazy and a monster. I was also actually reading This Savage Song and A Monster Calls the time I was reading this and given that TSS and AMC had actual monsters in them, I believe that in this book Kevin is the monster.

The plot, the writing and the characters are all perfect. There are also a lot of twists in this book and though I already knew what happened next, I still can't help but get thrilled. Overall it was a good romantic suspense. A fast-paced story that will surely get you emotionally attached.

Book: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

★★★★★/★★★★★

“Stories are wild creatures, the monster said. When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak.”

 I'm okay. I told myself after reading this book. But no, I wasn't! I am not! Because it's been days and I still want to cry everytime I remember Connor. I've been warned many times that this book will break my heart and it did! It wasn't what I expected but it turned out to be more, better! It was my first book of Patrick Ness but definitely wouldn't be the last.

This book hurt. So much. Like, seriously. It's heavy and really heartbreaking. It tells the story of Connor whose mother is receiving treatment for cancer. Right about the same time his mother started the treatment, he also started having this night mare. The nightmare that always wakes him up in the middle of the night. In the nightmare there's a monster, but it's very different from the one that visits him that night. It's not the monster he expected, not the typical hideous-looking-sharp-teeth-red-eyes monster but more like a yew tree. No, it's definitely a yew tree. And this monster likes to tell stories and is determined to know the truth.

More than anything, this book is dark. It's not only about cancer that you'd feel all sort of emotions reading but it's more than that. It deals with loss, grief, and much more important things in life. My heart broke for Connor because as if watching his mother gets eaten away by cancer is not enough, he also has to go to school every day where everyone either tiptoes around or bullies him. It's like the monster that visits him is nothing compare to the everyday life he's having which is really not easy. And no, I am not crying!

And the illustrations, however creepy they are, make it more enticing. They're unbelievably beautiful!

I recommend this book to everyone, no matter how old, or young, you are! You can be 10 or 30 or even 50 but I'm sure this book will still touch you. It's heartbreakingly beautiful and unbelievably sad! So read this one people!!

Because humans are complicated beasts, the monster said. How can a queen be both a good witch and a bad witch? How can a prince be a murderer and a saviour? How can an apothecary be evil-tempered but right-thinking? How can a parson be wrong-thinking but good-hearted? How can invisible men make themselves more lonely by being seen?