November 2016 Music Video

 Better Man - Little Big Town (Nov 1)

Guys My Age - Hey Violet (Nov 2)

 Dangerously - Charlie Puth (Nov 2)

All Night - The Vamps & Matoma (Nov 3)

 Stars in the Rain - Aimer & One Ok Rock (Nov 3)
 

Labor of Love - Bon Jovi (Nov 4)

Still Breathing - Green Day (Nov 7)

Champagne Problem - Hick Jonas (Nov 7)

Still - Kyuhyun (Nov 9)

Blah Blah - Kyuhyun (Nov 9)

 Love Me Now - John Legend (Nov 11)

By Your Side - Jonas Blue ft. RAYE (Nov 16)

Sleep On The Floor  - The Lumineers (Nov 17)

Numb - David Archuleta (Nov 17)

 All We Know - The Chainsmokers ft. Phoebe Ryan (Nov 17)

Play That Song -Train (Nov 18)

Slumber Party - Britney Spears ft. Tinashe (Nov 18)

Do You Miss Me At All - Bridgit Mendler (Nov 18)

FAB - Jojo ft. Remy Ma (Nov 29)

Perfectly Perfect - Simple Plan (Nov 29)

True Disaster (Part of Fairy Dust) - Tove Lo (Nov 29)

Let Me Love You DJ Snake ft. Justin Bieber (Nov 29)

All Night - Beyoncé (Nov 30)

Book: Lullabies by Lang Leav

★★¹⁄₂/★★★★★

 I don't write to you anymore. Nor do I write for you. But I do write—and every word still aches for you.

 Continuing with Ms. Leav's sequel to Love & Misadventure, I was hoping to love this book even more but just like the first, it let me down. I really wanted to like it, to love it like others did, but I just didn't feel any connection with the words. Okay, maybe I did with some but most I didn't care. Maybe I felt something at times but more than a little tug, there was nothing more. But hey, it's just me. 

Love's Inception
I did not know
   that it was love
   until I knew.

There was never
   another to compare
   with you.

But since you left
   each boy I met
   will always have you
   to compete.

Forewarned
If a boy ever says, you remind me of someone—don't fall in love with him. You will never be anything more than second best.

Almost
Do you see
   how I love him true—
   it could've been you.

As for you
   and your love for she—
   it could've been me.

But we were a maybe
   and never a must—
   when it should've been us.

Book: Love & Misadventure by Lang Leav

★★★¹⁄₂/★★★★★

Do you remember the song that was playing the night we met?

No, but I remember every song I have heard since you left.

 

I've been wanting to read this one for quite some time now and finally, finally, got to now! I was expecting to love it much more than I did but unfortunately it didn't wow me that much. I have my favorites and, don't get me wrong, it's wonderful, but I've read better ones. 


Always
You were you.
   And I was I;
   we were two
   before out time.

I was yours
   before I knew,
   and you have always
   been mine too.

Closure
Like time suspended,
   a wound unmended-
   you and I.

We had no ending,
   no said goodbye.

For all my life
   I'll wonder why.

   

Book: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

★★★★★/★★★★★

“We always think there's enough time to do things with other people. Time to say things to them. And then something happens and then we stand there holding on to words like 'if'.”

I've had the audiobook version of this book  for over a year now but just managed to listen and get around it last week. And if I had known that this book is a gem, I would've read it the same day I got it! Because A Man Called Ove is the kind of book you will love no matter how grumpy and inflexible Ove was! It'll make you contemplate life, time and the people around you. The kind of book that will make you smile and think and laugh and cry. Absolutely a thought-provoking and must read!

I actually didn't expect to love Ove this much since, I think, this is the only book I've ever read with a protagonist older than 50 years old. I was expecting it to be light, a few giggles here and there, but there were times when I found my cheeks wet with tears, my heart aching. Honestly, it's a sad book but with its great humor and compelling characters, Backman was able to make us laugh despite the heaviness of the story. 

“She just smiled, said that she loved books more than anything, and started telling him excitedly what each of the ones in her lap was about. And Ove realised that he wanted to hear her talking about the things she loved for the rest of his life.”

One thing I love most about Ove is his love for his wife, Sonja. Ever since Sonja died, Ove believed that there's no reason to continue his life anymore. Being grumpy and all, Ove is the kind of guy who thinks he's always the wisest man in the room and he refuses to adapt to the modern world of technological advancement. But despite his cranky attitude, Sonja loved him. Sonja was his sun, his colors, and without the one person who truly understood him, Ove sees no point in living anymore. So he's determined to follow her, he's even prepared everything from cleaning the house to his letter with instructions, but everytime he tries, something comes up that postpones it. It all starts when a family moves in next door and accidentally flattens his mailbox. Ever since that family moved in Ove finds himself tangled with their business and one after the other, problems and issues happen. And of course, everyone needs Ove's help to solve those problems.

Throughout the book we see Ove's life before and after Sonja. Through flashbacks we see parts of his past starting with his kind father who taught him how to be honest, decent and fair. We also come to see Ove's kindness in several occasions and those times really warmed my heart! But it's also sad how some people only took his kindness for granted. And then he fell in love with Sonja.

This book is really heartwarming and sad and lovely and heartbreaking! I love Ove and though he's rude to his neighbors, or to anyone for that matter, he can't help but lend a hand everytime they need one. He shows them kindness despite acting all cranky. And Parvaneh is such a funny and lovely character! She's the only one beside Sonja who can order Ove around and I liked it everytime Ove finds her irritating! Lol. And all the characters in this book will surely warm your heart and each one of them is special to Ove in a away.

This wonderful story of Ove really moved me. It's funny, deep and will surely warm your heart. I enjoyed every second of it and I guess there's really power in the ability of people to touch each other's lives.

“Death is a strange thing. People live their whole lives as if it does not exist, and yet it's often one of the great motivations for the living. Some of us, in time, become so conscious of it that we live harder, more obstinately, with more fury. Some need its constant presence to even be aware of its antithesis. Others become so preoccupied with it that they go into the waiting room long before it has announced its arrival. We fear it, yet most of us fear more than anything that it may take someone other than ourselves. For the greatest fear of death is always that it will pass us by. And leave us there alone.”

Book: Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas

3.75/5 stars! 

“He hurt me, and I  hurt him, but shit happens and love doesn't change. He makes me happier, he makes me stronger, and he knows everything and still wants me. If he can say the same, then this is it. The real thing.”

This is my second book from Penelope Douglas, the first was Bully which was disappointing, and I really think she and I have a very peculiar relationship! I mean, I like her writing style and her characters but there's just something about her stories that, I don't know, doesn't really get into me. With Bully, I really wanted to love it because I liked Tate but Jared confused me so much and there was something about the story that didn't impress me. It was okay but it could've been better, I think. Now with Punk 57, the characters felt real to me but Ryen sometimes irritated me, which is not a bad thing. I don't have a problem with the plot, it's actually good, but then again I don't know why I'm not giving it a higher rating! See? That's my problem. I like her books but I can't bring myself to give them a higher rating because *shrugs* something is missing? Or is it too much? Either way, I enjoyed Punk 57 and I think Misha is the reason for the added .75 star!

 “Those letters are everything. They're her and me, kids just trying to figure themselves out and going through our growing pains. They're where I first started to fall for her and need her. They're my fucking songs and a part of me.”

Ryen and Misha are childhood pen pals. They began writing to each other in fifth grade as part of a school project but even though it already ended, they continued writing their letters with a few conditions; no social media, no pictures and no phone numbers. For seven years they write to each other, confiding and saying everything they can't tell other people. They are best friends and they feel like everything is okay as long as they write to each other. Until Misha breaks his promise.

It's no doubt Penelope Douglas can write a good NA and there's something about her stories that's compelling and intriguing. Her characters are also not hard to sympathize with and I love how she can make grade A assholes like Misha that you can't help but love anyway! I admit I had a hard time liking Ryen but Misha won me over. He can be mean to Ryen but I think it's his way of punishing Ryen for not being what she made him believe she is. But then I understand Ryen because really, who didn't have a hard time in high school? I guess we all went through that phase when we felt all the insecurities inside and around us and we struggled to find our place in the crowd. That's why Ryen turned out to be a bitchy cheerleader so that she can be popular because it makes high school bearable. And she might've found a way to fit in but it makes her feel guilty. She doesn't really want to be one but she knew what it feels like to be an outcast, to not fit in. It's hard to pretend but she decided to put up with her bitchy friend, Lyla, the asshole Trey and high school, as long as she can. That's the reason why she writes to Misha. Because though she pretends to be a bitch in front of her friends just to keep her status, with Misha she can be just herself. She can talk about lyrics and poems and everything and Misha is her safe place. The person she can tell everything to. That's why when Misha stops writing her letters, she needs another outlet.

Don't change, Ryen wrote in a letter once. There's no one like you, and i can't love you if you stop being you. I guess I shouldn't say that, but I'm a little drunk right now-just came back from a party when I saw your letter-but what the hell? I don't care. You knew I love you, right? You're my best friend. 

So don't ever change. This is a big ass world, and when we leave our small towns, we're going to find our tribe. If we don't stay true to ourselves, how will they recognize us? (Both of us, because you know we're on the same tribe, right?)

And even if it's just the two of us, it will be the best. 

 Misha, Misha, Misha! Well, I might be in love with him! Unlike Ryen, he fights for what he knew is right, he protects the people he loves and he doesn't put up with other people's bs! He cares for Ryen and his family and I liked that he makes mistakes that he regrets. It may be his decision to lie to Ryen but he has his own reasons. And oh my god that sexy romance between him and Ryen!

This book has a complex story but I love how everything ends. It's very high school but I think that's what makes it more relatable because it feels real. The high school drama, the angst, the chemistry between Ryen and Misha, I think they're all perfect! Though I admit I've guessed some turn of events earlier in the book. And aside from the main characters, some of the secondary characters are also endearing. I liked Ten from the start and J.D. and Dane as well. They're funny and I liked that Ten and J.D. stick with Ryen in the end. I also like the lyrics and the letters and the vandals, in short, I like the art in this book!

Overall I enjoyed this book! It doesn't only focus on Ryen and Misha's romance (though it's my favorite) but it also deals with the issues of acceptance, belonging, betrayal, loss and love. It talks about high school pressure, insecurities and finding your true self. But like I said earlier, the author and I have a peculiar relationship because no matter how much I enjoyed this book, I feel like there's something missing and I can't give it a higher rating than 3.75. But, but! That's only me. I see that others have really really loved it and I'm glad they did.

* * *

You're not alone, it gets better.

You are important, and you can't be replaced.

Hang on.

COLDPLAY LIVE IN MANILA 2017

Finally, finally, finally! Coldplay is heading to Manila for their A Head Full of Dreams Tour! Presented by MMI Live and Globe, Coldplay will be performing live at MOA Concert Grounds on April 4, 2017. 

When the British rock band released a teaser video for their upcoming Asian Tour three nights ago, everyone was happy to see that Philippines is included and that was when it became official. We've been patiently waiting for them to visit our country and now, they're finally coming! Though it's not until April of next year, everyone is very excited and though some are complaining about the ticket prices, I'm sure we're all going to make a way just to see them. Right?

The Scientist ♫♪

A Sky Full of Stars ♫♪

Yellow ♫♪

For more details visit Philippine Concerts.

Book: Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer

★★★★/★★★★★

“And the prince did know her now, sort of. He'd been kind to her at the market. Perhaps he would ask her to dance. Out of politeness. Out of chivalry when he saw her standing alone."

Cinder has been sitting on my TBR pile for a while now and since I was determined to finish off some series this year, I decided to put the it on my list of top 5 series I'll finally, finally, read in 2016! So there I was reading this book and oh my god did I love it! It's probably one of my best reads this year! And to be honest, I didn't expect to love it this much. Maybe a little but not this asdfgfdjhfkdghlhg much! If you know what I mean. ♥

“She was a cyborg, and she would never go to a ball.”

The book centers on Cinder, a sixteen year old mechanic in New Beijing. She can fix anything tech-related and is the best in the field. Also, she's a cyborg. She doesn't really remember her life before the surgery but she knows that she's from Europe and her father, adoptive father, took her home with him five years ago. But it was not long after that her father died because of Letumosis, a plague that's been killing both human and cyborgs alike. Now Cinder lives, works, to be exact, for her stepmother Adri and stepsisters Pearl and Peony. Fortunately she has her very useful android Iko who accompanies and helps her get through everyday. Peony is actually kind to Cinder and they get along well. But when Peony gets infected by letumosis, Adri blames Cinder and soon volunteers her for the cure trials against her will. Meanwhile, Prince Kai has his own problems and is mourning the death of his father caused by the plague. He'd met Cinder on her booth before to ask her to fix his android and obviously there was attraction between them, though Cinder tried to deny it. And now that Cinder is brought to the labs for the trials, she and Prince Kai meet again. Enters Dr. Erland, the scientist conducting the trials. No one survives the trials but surprisingly, Cinder does. It makes Dr. Erland curious and after some research here and there, he finally realizes why. But he keeps his findings to himself only sharing a little to Cinder because he knew it could be dangerous once people learn about this information. After explaining to her, Cinder voluntarily agrees to do the trials thinking it could help Peony and other people. Dr. Erland also lets her leave the labs but to check in once in a while. On the other hand, Queen Levana, the Lunar Queen everyone hates, is visiting the Earth to pay respect to the late Emperor. For so long she and her kind has been threatening the people of Earth and the leaders of the Earth have been trying to make a peace agreement with her but her demands are unbelievable. And now that Kai is to become Emperor, she wants to be Empress. But of course there's no way Kai will agree to marry an evil Lunar like her. That's why Kai is nagging Cinder to finish fixing his android because there's information in there he badly needs that can somehow help him dethroning Queen Levana. And while he's at it, he also starts working his charms on her. Cinder knew she can't accept anything from the Kai, not his princely manners, not his ball invitation, especially not a gift! Besides, Cinder thinks that once Kai finds out that she's a cyborg (yes, he didn't know because neither Dr. Erland nor Cinder has informed him about it), he'll probably be disgusted at her just like everyone else. But when a crucial information gets passed down to her that can probably save Kai from Queen Levana, she doesn't really have much of a choice but to attend a ball and meet the new Emperor even if it means facing the evil Queen Dr. Erland warns her about.

He met her gaze, surprised, as if he'd forgotten who he was speaking with . Then, “You can call me Kai.”
She blinked, “Excuse me?”
“No more 'Your Highness.' I get enough of that from... everyone else. You should just call me Kai.”
“No, that wouldn't be―”
“Don't make me turn it into a royal command.” He hinted at a smile.

This book is plainly amazing. When I first read the blurb I was intrigued as to how the author would re-tell the story of Cinderella with cyborgs and Lunar people and a plague but surely Marissa Meyer made it work. With the dystopian world she created where there are humans and cyborgs living together and yeah, moon people, she definitely nailed it! It's actually creative, the worldbuilding fantastic and the concept is refreshing for me. The characters are also great and I love Cinder. She's a strong protagonist and Kai, oh my god, Kai! Isn't he charming? Well, he's a prince for one and even if he's not, I think he'd still be charmingly princely!

“Not that I have anything against dancing. I can dance. If you want to dance.”

 I can talk about Kai all night long about how he's sooo cute and funny and hot and everything but let's move on with the other characters. Iko is another I really love! She's very entertaining and I actually felt really sad for what happened to her. Curse Adri!  Queen Levana, on the other hand, is quite evil but I'd love to read more about her. And maybe I will in the next book. And I know I've talked about Cinder and Kai already but I just really love them both! Together! I love how Kai flirts with Cinder and asking her to the ball is really sweet of him. Those moments they're together are my favorites and though Cinder ends up hurting Kai, we all know what will happen next. Cinder is Cinderella after all.

“I know this is stupid, but part of me felt like if I could come see you today, if I could convince you to go with me tonight, then maybe I could still change things. It's dumb, I know. It's not like Levana cares if I, you know, might have actual feelings for someone.”  

Like I said, this book is one of my best reads this year. It's very engaging and had me all hooked up from the very beginning. There are twists and turns though I've guessed right about some of them early on. Nonetheless, I enjoyed every page of this book and with that kind of ending, who wouldn't get excited to find out what happens next? I have tons of books lined up this month but I don't think I can wait longer to read the next book.

Movie: A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits 2016

Main Characters:

Sofia Carson as Tessa/Bella

Thomas Law as Reed West

Jennifer Tilly as Divine

Amy Louise Wilson as Athena

Jazzara Jaslyn as Olympia
Nicola Fortuin as Georgie

In a Cinderella musical competition, Tessa is forced to accompany her evil stepmother Divine and stepsisters Athena and Olympian to become their personal assistant. As much as Tessa hates it, she can't do anything but follow their orders. While at the competition, Tessa finds herself wanting to take part in the musical and realizes she has what it takes to be the next Cinderella. With the help of her new friend (and fairygod mother) Georgie, she reluctantly agrees to disguise herself so she can audition. The problem is, she gets the part and now she has to play Cinderella and become Bella (her disguise name) while trying to avoid getting caught by Divine and her crazy daughters. In addition, she starts to like Reed West, the one playing Prince in the musical. Tessa and Reed unexpectedly became close when Reed asked Tessa's help on fixing the motorbike needed for the musical since Tessa is a mechanic like her father. As they spend more time together, fixing the motorbike, Tessa struggles to play her role as Tessa and Bella at the same time. Soon it's time for the actual musical but Tessa's evil step-sisters learn her secret and they're determined to ruin her.

A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits is the fourth installment in the A Cinderella Story series. The first one, A Cinderella Story is actually my favorite of all but I always love a Cinderella story! I love Sam and Austin but the other characters from the series are also wonderful.

Sam and Austin from A Cinderella Story 2003

 Joey and Mary from Another Cinderella Story 2008

 Luke and Katie from A Cinderella Story: Once Upon A Song 2011

 And now we have Tessa and Reed from A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits 2016.

I'm hoping for more Cinderella movies because I don't think I'll ever get tired watching one! :)

Book: Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

★★★¹⁄₂/★★★★★

“If this were a Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks movie,” Lincoln said, “I'd just kiss you, probably in the middle of a sentence. That would fix everything.”

I really think this book is cute. It's my third Rainbow Rowell book and like the first two (Fangirl and Eleanor & Park), I enjoyed it. Even before picking this book up, I'd been hearing a lot of buzz about it from my online friends and having it recommended to me several times, I decided to finally give it a go. It was just right that I did because I was totally entertained by this book. And honestly, I like Rowell's writing style and Eleanor & Park was surely a good read for me.

So, Attachments is about Lincoln who works at The Courier, a newspaper company that pays him to monitor its employees' e-mail accounts for inappropriate usage. In short, he's being paid to read the employees' e-mails. Lincoln doesn't really like it, he feels guilty for reading the e-mails but a job is a job. And if only he knew that 'internet security officer' really meant 'reading other people's e-mails' then he shouldn't have accepted the job in the first place. But there he is, reading and flagging everyone who writes rude, dirty or what-not contents to each other. He's close to finding a new job but when Beth and Jennifer start to entertain him with their bizarre e-mail exchange, he suddenly looks forward to doing his work every night. He also knew he has to flag them but since they seem nice and their conversations are harmless, he doesn't. And soon, Lincoln finds himself falling for Beth.

Have I told you that this book is cute? It is! I loved Beth and Jennifer's e-mail exchange and Lincoln is a charming one! Throughout the book we get to see Lincoln's life, working as the IT guy, having no social life except playing Dungeons & Dragons on Saturdays with a bunch of guys he knew ever since, having no girlfriend since Sam (which was years years ago!) and having to live with his mother which his sister, Eve, thinks is ridiculous. I know it sounds like Lincoln is a loser but he's more than that. Maybe he's a little lost, not knowing what he really wants to do in life, but he's trying and making small steps one at a time. And I loved that he gets to finally move on from his first love Sam after so many years because Sam didn't really deserve him. And he deserved someone better! Like Beth?

Beth and Jennifer are both fun characters. We get to know them through their exchange of e-mails, talking about everything under the sun. They're lively, quirky and they don't care whether they get flagged or not for writing some not-work-related stuff in their e-mails! They talk about their work, Beth's boyfriend, Jennifer's husband, movies, cute guys, their families and at some point about their personal problems. It actually reminds me of the e-mails/chats I send with my friends and makes me realize how embarrassing it must be if someone other than us reads them! Because we all talk about some stuff with our friends, right? :D

From: Beth Fremont
To: Jennifer Scribner-Snyder
Sent: Wed, 09/22/1999 2:38PM
Subject: Roo-ah-rooo-ahhh.
Roo-ah-rooo-ahhh.

{{Jennifer to Beth}} What's that?

{{Beth to Jennifer}} It's the Cute Guy Alarm.

{{Jennifer to Beth}} It sounds like a bird.

{{Beth to Jennifer}} There's a cute guy working here.

{{Jennifer to Beth}} No, there isn't. 

{{Beth to Jennifer}} I know, that was my first response, too. I thought he must have come in from the outside, a repairman, perhaps, or a consultant. That's why I waited for two confirmed sightings before sounding the Cute Guy Alarm.

 Aside from the cute stories of our characters, I also love the mention of some 90's movies and that Beth is actually a film critic! The movie references are so cute that it suddenly made me miss watching good 90's romantic movies! The family aspect is also present in this book and it was nice to see that Lincoln and his mother somehow get to work out their relationship in the end. And, there are a bunch of good secondary characters in this book. Eve, Lincoln's sister, is one of my favorites and also Justin! I don't know what, but there's just something about Justin that I really like! Lol. Doris is also a sweet heart. She works at The Courier with Lincoln and somehow she and Lincoln become friends. They share foods with each other spend breaks together. 

Well, other than that, this book is a fun read! And if you like light, fun, and lovely stories, this one is for you! Not at all cheesy but really cute! :)

From: Beth Fremont
To: Jennifer Scribner-Snyder
Sent: Thurs, 09/30/1999 3:42 PM
Subject: If you were Superman …

…and you could choose any alter ego you wanted, why the hell would you choose to spend your Clark Kent hours—which already suck because you have to wear glasses and you can’t fly—at a newspaper?

Why not pose as a wealthy playboy like Batman? Or the leader of a small but important nation like Black Panther?

Why would you choose to spend your days on deadline, making crap money, dealing with terminally crabby editors?

 

{{Jennifer to Beth}} I thought we agreed not to swear in e-mails.

{{Beth to Jennifer}} We agreed that it would probably be a good idea to stop swearing in e-mails.

{{Jennifer to Beth}} Still thinking about Lois Lane?

{{Beth to Jennifer}} Sort of. I mean, I get why Lois Lane went to journalism school. I know her type. Wants to make a difference, wants to uncover great truths. Nosy. But Clark Kent …why not Clark Kent, sexy TV weatherman? Or Clark Kent, mayor of Cincinnati?

{{Jennifer to Beth}} Aren’t you missing the point? Clark Kent doesn’t want to be famous. He doesn’t want people to look at him. If they really look at him, they’d see that he’s just Superman with glasses.

Plus, he needs to be someplace like a newsroom, where he’s the first to hear big news. He can’t afford to read “Joker attacks moon” the next day in the newspaper.

{{Beth to Jennifer}} You make an excellent point. Especially for someone who doesn’t know that Superman never fights the Joker.

Poem: Sunday Rain

It was Sunday when you called me at home
You asked me out so I was smiling at my phone
Soon you picked me up in your old blue truck
It was all lovely and all I could ever asked

Then we drove down to our favorite place
I was so happy to see a smile on your face
We were laughing and dancing and happy
We were everything we wished we could ever be

Suddenly the angry rain poured down on us
It was when I hoped for everything to last
Your hands on my waist, my arms around your neck
That was the best night 'cause everything was perfect

Then you brought me home that cold rainy night
I still remember when everything felt so right
  You slowly made your way to keep me warm
And I was so thrilled to be tucked inside your arms

You lent me your shirt and asked me to stay
Of course I wouldn’t have it any other way
And then your hand found mine after a while
Soon we were tangled together which made me smile

Book: The Princess Saves Herself in this One by Amanda Lovelace

★★★★★/★★★★★

when
someone
offers to
save you
make it
your
mission
to
save yourself.

  —i believe in you.

Wow. I mean, wow. Okay, maybe what I'm really trying to say is that this book is so emotional and powerful and oh my god I can't stop crying when I was reading it! I think this book just hit me so hard because it's so damn beautiful! Like, seriously, read it!

The Princess Saves Herself in this One is a poetry collection divided into four parts; the princess, the damsel, the queen and you. I loved all the parts but I guess the one that really got to me was the YOU part! And at some point I didn't notice but I was already crying and well, some just really hurt.

There's nothing really to tell except for you to read this book to know what I mean. And I'm sharing some of my favorite ones here.

once upon

a time

the princess

rose from the ashes

her dragon lovers

made of her

&

crowned

herself

the

mother-fucking

queen of

herself.

―how's that for a happily ever after? 

he

opened me up

like a book

& poured the

poetry

back into

me.

―my personal pen & paper

the princess
locked herself away
in the highest tower,
hoping s knight
in shining armor
would come to her
rescue.

―i didn’t realize i could be my own knight 

I'm pretty sure you have stardust running through those veins.
―women are some kind of magic.

Book: The BFG by Roald Dahl

 ★★★★/★★★★★

‘I is a dream-blowing giant,’ the BFG said. ‘When all the other giants is galloping off every what way and which to swollop human beans, I is scuddling away to other places to blow dreams into the bedrooms of sleeping children. Nice dreams. Lovely golden dreams. Dreams that is giving the dreamers a happy time.’

One night, by the witching hour, Sophie sees a giant. Because Sophie has seen him, the giant decides to kidnap her from the orphanage. Sophie is scared and thinks the giant will eat her but to her surprise, he doesn't. When they reach the Giant Country, the giant explains that he only took her so she can't tell anyone about his existence. Soon, the giant tells her that he doesn't eat human beans like the other giants, that he's a Big Friendly Giant. As Sophie and the BFG spend more time together, they become closer and each learn a thing or two from each other. They avoid the other bully giants who always go away to find new human beans to eat at night, they go dream collecting and later will pay the Queen a visit to stop the other giants from eating more human beans.

 My first book of Roald Dahl was Matilda which was brilliant. This time I read The BFG and no doubt loved it too! Sophie and the Big Friendly Giant are soooo fun to read!! It's only my second book of Dahl but definitely not the last! It's very entertaining but beyond that I think it's very ironic too that it'll make you ponder at times.

‘Do not forget,’ the BFG said, ‘that human beans is disappearing everywhere all the time even without the giants is guzzling them up. Human beans is killing each other much quicker than the giants is doing it.’ 

‘Human beans is the only animals that is killing their own kind.’

I enjoyed everything about this book! Sophie is a brave and smart girl while the BFG is a kind, thoughtful, well, friendly giant. I loved their adventures and somewhere along the way they formed a beautiful friendship. I liked it everytime the BFG talks in a funny way and Sophie corrects him everytime. They're hilarious and I found myself cracking up at the BFG's words most of the time.

‘You is welcome to go and search my cave from frack to bunt,’ the BFG answered. ‘You can go looking into every crook and nanny. There is no human beans or stringy beans or runner beans or jelly beans or any other beans in here.’ 

And the more I read on, the more I loved the BFG!! He dislikes the other giants because they eat human beans and it's really cute that instead of eating them, the BFG gives them pleasant dreams. And because the BFG is only 24 feet tall, not 50 feet like the others, and he doesn't eat human beans, the other giants bully him but of course, he doesn't hurt them back because for him, “Two rights don't equal a left.”

I think this book is amazing! When talking about giants children always think they are scary but Dahl was able to write a book about a friendly giant who befriends a sweet girl. Yes, there are scary giants in this book but Sophie and the BFG are able to punish them for being brutish. It gives the idea that even little girls and friendly giants can do great things together. I also like that it shows us that not all giants are scary and eat human beans. In short, don't judge a book by its cover!

This book is really entertaining with Sophie and the BFG's adventures, the BFG's silly words but I especially loved the dream collecting part and when they visited the Queen! And the fact that they involved the Queen is brilliant enough!

Then out he came!

Twenty-four feet tall, wearing his black cloak with the grace of a nobleman, still carrying his long trumpet in one hand, he strode magnificently across the Palace lawn towards the window.

The maid screamed.
The Queen gasped.
Sophie waved.

The movie adaptation came out months ago but I'm yet to watch it. The trailer looks great and it's really cute so I'm really excited to watch it! :)

Porter Robinson & Madeon – Shelter (Official Video) (Short Film with A-1 Pictures & Crunchyroll)

I just have to share this video with everyone. It’s only 6 minutes long but very emotional and beautiful!

Shelter tells the story of Rin, a 17-year-old girl who lives her life inside of a futuristic simulation completely by herself in infinite, beautiful loneliness. Each day, Rin awakens in virtual reality and uses a tablet which controls the simulation to create a new, different, beautiful world for herself. Until one day, everything changes, and Rin comes to learn the true origins behind her life inside a simulation.

Original Story by: Porter Robinson
Music: Porter Robinson and Madeon

 My friend sent me a link to this video and next thing I knew I was crying. :"( It's beautiful!

Book: The Maze Runner (The Maze Runner #1) by James Dashner

★★★¹⁄₂/★★★★★

“Just follow me and run like your life depends on it. Because it does.”

Maybe I was too excited to read this series because of the movie but now that I finished the first and second books I'm not too excited to pick up the third book anymore. It was also recommended to me by a friend, saying she really enjoyed it and things but for me it was a little disappointing. But either way, it was engaging and intriguing and a bit frustrating.

The first book in the series tells the story of Thomas when he wakes up in a lift called the Box and next thing he knows he's surrounded by dozens of teenage boys. He remembers nothing, only his name, and to his luck no one tells him anything about the Glade, his new home. He tries hard to gain information, asking this and that, who and where but even his new-found  friend, Chuck, tells him only the basic things he needs to know. But spending a day in the Glade, seeing the runners, the walls closing, knowing about the Maze, witnessing what happens when a glader undergoes in the Changing, and hearing the Grievers, Thomas knew he has to find a way out of the Maze, one way or another. The next day, the Box brings them another newbie glader, but this time it's a girl, Teresa, with a note saying she'll be the last one ever. Whatever that means, they all know it couldn't be a good thing. And true enough, after Thomas and Teresa showed up things start to change and others start to blame them both.

“Holy crap, I’m scared.”
“Holy crap, you’re human. You should be scared.”

I liked the concept of the book with dozens of boys trapped inside a big Maze, the scary Grievers that roam around the Maze at night, the Changing when get sting by Grievers, the mystery behind the Maze and everything else and it was kind of intriguing why it's happening to Thomas and the other gladers. I was glued right from the beginning until the middle part but when I realized that the book wouldn't tell me anything about what's happening, I started to get a little frustrated. The characters are also likeable but underdeveloped and there were times when I can't tell them apart. I mean, Alby was the leader but Newt was running things around and I honestly still get confused about who is who even after reading two books. Who I liked a lot is Minho. He's the Keeper of the Runners in the Glade and probably the best  among the gladers. Chuck is also a cute character. I liked that he became friends with Thomas and that he's the youngest and therefore the all-around glader. 

 “I just...feel like I need to save everyone. To redeem myself.”

Anyway, Thomas as the main character is fine. He's driven, curious and well, the reason why things started to fall apart. He eventually wants to be a Runner like Minho, analyzing and solving the Maze so they can find a way out. He can be annoying and hardheaded at times but I understand his will on solving the Maze. Being stubborn and breaking one the rules also earns him a few haters and it doesn't help that people who went through the Changing seem to remember him from it. Thomas is also quite special from the others because of his ability to talk to Teresa in his mind. Or rather, he can hear Teresa talking to him in his mind. I didn't really get their telepathy thing because for me it wasn't necessary but well, it was there. Teresa is a so-so character. For the first part after she showed up in the Glade she is asleep and when she wakes she and Thomas start to feel connected with each other.

“It was you and me, Tom. We did this to them. To us.”

The writing didn't impress me that much. The prose is disappointing and I was actually hoping it would eventually improve but it didn't. It felt flat that even though I wanted to feel something, anything, about what's happening, I can't because the writing somewhat lacked emotion and it was very tell-y, just saying this and that and nothing else. The slang words are also kind of annoying sometimes. Okay, maybe a lot of times but you get used to it at some point. What infuriated me so much was the lack of information! Seriously! Because there are so many questions asked but the book only answered one or two and it didn't help that the characters also don't really know anything since their memories are erased when they were thrown inside the Maze. Ugh! But the turn of events are satisfying and I was resolved on just finishing the series for the hell of it. Like I said, it was fine but I really think it could be better if the writing is improved and the characters are well-developed.

So for me, The Maze Runner is an intriguing book with some infuriating aspects. A bit long (for me) but enjoyable enough. I also got to finish to second book in the series (will write a separate review soon) and thinking of reading the third book some time next week.

Movie: Doctor Strange 2016

I had a chance to win invites to an exclusive screening of Doctor Strange a couple of weeks ago courtesy of Cadbury Dairy Milk and Nuffnang Philippines. Since I scored two tickets, I went with my friend and we both definitely enjoyed the movie!

 ★★★★/★★★★★

Main characters:

Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange 

Chiwetel Ejiofor as Karl Mordo

Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer

Benedict Wong as Wong

Mads Mikkelsen as Kaecilius  

Tilda Swinton as Ancient One

 Doctor Strange is a character from the Marvel Comics of the same name and tells the story of Stephen Strange, a neurosurgeon who, after a tragic accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions in search of a way to heal his hands. 

Strange is a talented but arrogant doctor who chooses his patients and thinks highly of himself. After losing the use of his hands due to a car accident and not finding a way to heal them through traditional medicine, he ventures on a journey to Kathmandu after hearing the story of Jonathan Pangborn, a paraplegic who is able to walk again. Strange finds Karl Mordo in Kamar-Taj who then brings him to the Ancient One. The Ancient One shows Strange her power, revealing the astral plane and other dimensions such as the Mirror Dimension. Strange is skeptical at first but when the Ancient One shows him more, he begs her to teach him. The Ancient One initially refuses because of Strange's arrogance and because he reminds her of Kaecilius, a former student who turned rogue and now seeks greater mystic power. Eventually, the Ancient One agrees to teach Strange and soon Strange finds himself fighting to save the Earth from evil forces from other dimensions.

As expected from Marvel Studios, they did a good job with Doctor Strange. I admit I didn't have the chance to read the comics but I'm a huge fan of Marvel movies! And like their other superheroes, Doctor Strange is a brilliant, engaging and funny character.

 Visually satisfying and mind blowing, Doctor Strange will surely capture everyone's interest not only because it's a Marvel movie but also because the effects are incredible. I mean, how cool is it to see the whole Manhattan turning into a Rubik's Cube while Strange and his enemies, who can pull weapons out of thin air, can teleport and can leap out of their bodies into their astro form, fight each other?

  I also love the characters! Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange was an excellent choice and Rachel McAdams as Christine was perfect! I loved Rachel McAdams' character, a co-worker and past lover who puts up with Strange's not so good attitude. She cares for Strange and even though Strange is kind of a jerk for misinterpreting her kindness, she still understands him. Strange actually reminded me of Tony Stark for being arrogant, filthy rich and somewhat self centered at times. They're both invested in what they do but when life threatens to take everything they've worked on and a new opportunity to prove themselves appears, they decided to take the chance.

For me, Doctor Strange is a huge success for Marvel! And though it's not my most favorite from Marvel, Doctor Strange is a very entertaining movie. :)