Weekend Getaway: Tagaytay 2017

Marga, Dez, Kia, Kim

 It's been forever since our friend Marga went to the States and last Christmas she and her family came back here in the Philippines to visit some relatives and friends and we were lucky enough to have had some quality time together (despite our busy work schedule) since we really missed her so much! They stayed here for about three weeks and during those times we were able to see each other twice!

 

Marga went to the same University with us but during our third year her family migrated to Reno, Nevada so she wasn't able to finish her degree with us. It's been years but now we're just happy we were able to spend some time together again. 

She had to squeeze her schedule meeting everyone she wanted to see during her stay here and right before they flew back we already planned on having a weekend getaway. So there we were at Tagaytay one weekend, having fun and catching up on everything (though we regularly talk in Facebook!).

 

 We went to People's Park, Picnic Grove, Pink Sisters' Convent and had late lunch at LZM Restaurant. There were a lot of people as usual and the weather was so good we wished we could stay longer. Picnic Grove was a tiring one since we had to walk the trail but it was fun! We also planned on visiting the Korean Temple we passed by on our way to People's Park but we were short in time and we had to come back to Manila by 7pm. 

It was really a day well spent with them and how I wished time would slow down so we could spend more time together. But of course, time is a bitch. 

Now Marga and her family is back in Reno and we will surely miss her again! But she promised to visit again sooooooon. :)

Book: Bitter Sweet Love by Michael Faudet

★★/★★★★★

My heart has become a broken compass. Everytime I try to leave you, I always find myself running back into your arms.

  I seriously don't know what to say about this book. I didn't have any expectation so I can't say I'm disappointed though I think I'm a little dismayed. There's nothing especial about this book and to be honest I was bored most of the time. The words didn't speak to me and there was no connection whatsoever. And seeing that I was also disappointed with Dirty Pretty Things, now I can say Michael Faudet's books are really not meant for me.

Proximity
We joined the dots
   from A to B,
   the line we drew
   from you to me,
   traced empty shore
   across the sea,
   over mountain top,
   over the sea,
   along the roads
   and walking tracks,
   all bridges burned,
   not looking back,
   for the love
   we have,
   no gate can stop,
   no barking dog
   or bolted lock,
   for what is real
   is meant to be,
   when two hearts
   beat—
   in proximity.

Poem: Can you?

I didn't care when you called
I ignored all your messages
I always made you wait long
I just took you for granted.

But you continued calling
You kept sending 'good mornings'
You always made sure I was home safe
You gave me everything I wanted.

But now you realize what I am
Than I'm the girl who hurts you
So you start keeping your distance
And now I'm brokenhearted too.

Because I was starting to fall
I regretted not giving you importance
I don't deserve you at all
But can you give me another chance?

This time we'll talk for hours
I will never ignore you again
I'll accept every chocolate and flower
I'll hold your hand forever.

Just give me a chance
I will never hurt you again
I know it's late but,
Can you love me again?

Movie: Assassin's Creed 2016

★★★★/★★★★★

Main characters:

Michael Fassbender as Cal Lynch / Aguilar

Marion Cotillard as Dr. Sophie Rikkin

Jeremy Irons as Alan Rikkin

Ariane Labed as Maria

Michael Williams as Moussa

Director: Justin Kurzel

IMDb:

When Callum Lynch explores the memories of his ancestor Aguilar and gains the skills of a Master Assassin, he discovers he is a descendant of the secret Assassins society. 

***

A friend of mine told me that if you've played the game, then you won't like the movie because (as always) there have been some major changes on it. My friend used to play Assassin's Creed so she didn't like the movie that much but I, on the other hand, loved it! I watched the movie with a friend (and his friend) last Thursday and surprisingly, even though they've played the game, they loved the movie! Well, I guess we all have our own opinions about things (and movies!). Anyway, I enjoyed it too and I think the action was great and the stunts were impressive. It was a bit bloody but I'd already expected it since from the title alone, you'd expect it to be. I also think that the plot was well-developed and Michael Fassbender gave justice to his role. 

Overall the movie was good, for me anyway. The story line was a bit vague at first but as the movie went on I started to get it and enjoy it. I was also actually expecting my friend to talk while watching, comparing the movie with the video game or explaining things to me, but he didn't. He was actually focused and by the end of the movie he was asking for more. HAHA. I guess he and his friend loved it that much.

Anyway, you should watch the movie if you want an action-packed and fast paced movie!

KDrama: Seven First Kisses 2016

[SEVEN FIRST KISSES]

The excitement was real when it was announced that Lotte Duty Free was making a promotional web series and seven of Korea's top male actors were going to be in it. Everyone went crazy, I did, because when the first six lead actors were announced, it was heaven. I mean, Lee Joon gi, Park Hae jin, Ji Chang wook, Kai, Ok Taecyon, and Lee Jong suk in one web series? Dream series of every girl!! And the hype didn't stop there because when they finally revealed that the last lead actor was going to be Lee Min ho, Oh. My. God. Have I told you how much I love Lee Min ho?! So there, I was sold the moment I found out that Lee Jong suk, Ji Chang wook and Taecyon would be in it but when I heard that Lee Min ho would be in it too? OhmygodOhmygodOhmygod!

 The series opens with our pretty Min Soo jin (Lee Choo hee), an employee at Lotte Duty Free, on her 25th birthday. Soo jin has never been in a relationship before and thinking back she kinda feels sad about spending her past birthdays always without a boyfriend. But it must be her lucky day because the goddess of fate (Choi Ji woo) happens to be at Lotte Duty Free to give her a present.

Ji woo stops by Soo ji's desk to ask for some information and leaves without noticing that she's left her passport behind. Soo jin, seeing the passport, runs after her but isn't able to catch her. After returning to her desk, Soo jin notices for the first time that it's not really a passport. And while she's busy examining the passport-look-alike, Ji woo has returned to her desk. For returning what Soo jin thought is her passport, Ji woo decided to grant her a wish in return. She lets Soo jin pick among 7 different men the one to be her first kiss. (Yay. I hope I have a fairy godmother like her!) One moment Soo jin is talking to Ji woo, the next Ji woo is gone. And there begins the seven first kisses when Soo jin finds the 6 blank cards in front of her. (Yes, only six. *wink*)

"First Kiss." Lee Joon gi
First among the seven is Lee Joon gi, a handsome, rich guy, who suddenly marches in front of Soo jin at her desk telling her he's going to wait for her outside. Of course, Soo jin is stunned when she realizes that Joon gi is actually talking to her. Later, she's surprised to see Joon gi waiting and leading her inside his car after asking to just give him a chance to spend the day with her.

I'm not a big Lee Joon gi fan but I like him as this tech billionaire who pampers his girlfriend! And that little video by the end of the episode is really sweet!! :)

***

"Dangerous Boss." Park Hae Jin
Next one is the strict but romantic boss, Park Hae jin. After the "kiss" Joon gi and Soo jin shared, Soo jin finds herself back on the same spot before that Lee Joon gi experience happened. And looking at the cards in front of her, it surprises Soo jin to see Lee Joon gi's photo now on it. Enter Park Hae jin, Soo jin's boss who catches her using her cellphone during work. Because of it Hae jin confiscates the cellphone telling her to get it at his office after work. So Soo jin drops by his office to get her cellphone after work but ends up having dinner with Hae jin. Later, their story turns dark when Soo jin finds pictures of her at Hae jin's table. Thinking that Hae jin is a stalker or something, she runs away.

I personally like this episode because I like boss-likes-employee stories and I actually didn't expect this web series to get a little dark. Lol. And either way, Soo jin and Hae jin get to share a moment alone and I liked Hae jin's straightforwardness!

 ***

"Till the End of the World." Ji Chang Wook
Just like what happened with Joon ki, Soo jin finds herself back on the same spot as before right after "kissing" Park Hae jin. Aww :"( Then we are given a new man in the name of Ji Chang wook! After realizing that Hae jin is gone now, Soo jin receives an envelop from his actual boss saying it is for her without any explanation. Naturally, Soo jin opens it and inside is a usb. Later, when she's walking home, Ji Chang wook suddenly grabs her into an alley retrieving the usb. After a while, Chang wook says his goodbye to Soo jin and is about to leave but a gun to his head stops him. He's been followed by some goons but good thing Soo jin is there because it turns out that she's a former agent and she's able to handle those goons.

I love Ji Chang wook and I think stories like this (like Healer and K2) really suits him. I love him with guns and fighting and doing dangerous jobs because it means I get to see him sweaty and bloody and worked up and I liked seeing him worked up! HAHAHA. And, and! Dramas like this always end up with the guy protecting the girl with his life!

 See what I mean? :P

 ***

 "I'm your teacher. You're my student." Kai
Returning to her desk after the "kiss" with Chang wook, Soo jin feels frustrated for being with those men but not actually having even one of them as her boyfriend. (I'd feel bad if I was her too!) Distracting her from her thought, we then see Soo jin being called by her boss and introducing her to a Chinese couple who need an interpreter. And suddenly Soo jin surprises even herself by speaking and translating Chinese. After a while, she gets a call and we see Kai waiting for her to pick up on the other end of the line. While walking home, she wonders who she's going to meet this time. And ta-da, Kai appears in front of her. She then realizes that she's Kai's Chinese tutor. Soon they're enjoying a date; walking around, doing funny stuff and eating. Soo jin actually still feels frustrated because she wants to keep seeing Kai but of course life (or fate) always has its way of ruining things.

This episode is actually adorable and that rain scenes is REALLY sweet. I admit I don't like Kai (maybe because my sister hates EXO) but this character fits him well. Anyway, I'm getting frustrated for Soo jin as well but wait for it, Soo jin! Hihi :")

 ***

"Too Much To Handle." Ok Taec yeon

This time, Taec yeon is Soo jin's boyfriend and she can't help but be happy. Taec yeon is a chaebol who only wants to date Soo jin, buying her everything that can make her happy. But of course Taec yeon's mother doesn't approve of Soo jin and tries to separate the two but Teac yeon feelings for Soo jin are true and so he fights for her until the end. (Uhh! Sounds like your typical drama) He then holds a press conference announcing he's giving up his inheritance from his family so he can marry Soo jin. (Uhhhhhhhh! Soooo sweeeeeeet!)

It's actually a funny episode and I laughed a lot when I watched this. Soo jin just wanted to kiss Taec yeon so it would end because she can't handle the drama but Taec yeon isn't ready to give her up just yet. The part where Soo jin is forcing Taec yeon to kiss her is really funny! And when Taec yeon is doing the press conference and some reporter asks who's the woman next to her? I'd die of happiness when my rich boyfriend (if I have one and if he's rich) answers the way he did! Like, seriously!

And then the ending cracked me up, again, when Soo jin is trying to stop Taec yeon from kissing her because she knew that if he does then he's going to disappear.

***

"How to fall in love with a celebrity." Lee Jong suk
Feeling dejected once again, Soo jin is back on her desk. And knowing that only one last blank card is left doesn't help at all. But her disappointment disappears as soon as she sees the next man she's meant to meet. Lee Jong suk's smile is melting her heart and she can't believe she's shooting a commercial with him. But Soo jin is nervous and she's not an actress so the shoot is not going well. Luckily, Jong suk is there to give her some pointers (and butterflies in stomach!) Feeling that Soo jin is nervous, Jong suk asks the director to give them a short break so he can talk to Soo jin privately. The break gives Jong suk and Soo jin time to know each other better and it somehow helps because after it the shoot finally goes well. Except for that last part where they're not supposed to shoot a kissing scene but they did.

Waaaaaahh. I know I'm biased (because I REALLY REALLY LOVE Jong suk!) but this is my most favorite episode! I mean, just look at him! How can you not fall for a guy like Lee Jong suk? He's a great actor and he's really charming!

Because he's a pro!

***

Feeling disheartened, Soo jin tries to convince herself that it was a wonderful experience that she got to date those celebrities she doesn't stand a chance to date in real life. Then, out of nowhere, Ji woo just suddenly reappears telling her it's not over yet. This time Ji woo finally asks her to choose just one celebrity she likes and she will send her back to that moment when they were about to kiss. And that's when Soo jin went crazy for she doesn't know who to choose! Huhuhu :"( The dilemma of choosing among 6 handsome celebrities!

***

"Last gift." Lee Min ho
With the thought that she gets to choose one among the 6 celebrities she met earlier, Soo jin feels really happy and is working merrily that her boss commends her about it. And then, suddenly, slowly, heart flutteringly, Lee Min ho walks up to Soo jin's desk.

At first Soo jin thought that Min ho belongs to the celebrities she can choose from so she braves it and tries to make some connections with him asking where did we meet before? and such. But it turns out that Min ho is just an author of some travel book and he doesn't even know Soo jin. Still thinking Min ho is pretending, she embarrassingly tells Min ho that he just wants to ask her out on a date. She even boldly ask if he wants to have her number and tells him that he'll eventually come to like her. Quite taken a back, Min ho explains that she's gotten the wrong idea and tries to talk to the other employees at the Information Desk, inquiring about something. Finally realizing that she actually got the wrong idea, Soo jin begins to feel ashamed of what she did. After work, we see her walking out while finishing Min ho's travel book. And then there he is, calling after her.

They say hi and Soo jin apologizes for her behavior earlier, saying she mistook him for someone else. Min ho, of course, forgives her. Then Soo jin talks about Min ho's book, that she enjoyed it and loved a quote from it. "It's daily life to search for something that will love me. But searching for something I will love is a journey." Min ho admits that not many readers get the real meaning of what he really wanted to say but surprisingly she did. And I think in that moment they made a connection! *Squeal*

And then, and then! Soo jin asks why he'd called her and Min ho tells her that she dropped something then producing a familiar card from his pocket and handing it to her.

And of course Soo jin is happy for she doesn't need to choose anymore! :D

Lee Min ho equals Lee Jong suk so this episode is also my favorite! HAHAHA. (And because I can't really choose between the two of them, I'll just have them both!) I really love this web series and if only they made it into a full drama then it'd be wonderful! I also like the message it says that we don't need to push ourselves to people who don't love us and just find someone we love. Anyway, I really enjoyed it and would recommend to anyone who basically loves Kdrama! :)

Book: The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon

★★★★/★★★★★

“There’s a Japanese phrase that I like: koi no yokan. It doesn’t mean love at first sight. It’s closer to love at second sight. It’s the feeling when you meet someone that you’re going to fall in love with them. Maybe you don’t love them right away, but it’s inevitable that you will.”

I've read and loved Everything, Everything (read review here) so when I heard that Nicola Yoon was having another book, I was sold right away. I instantly liked Yoon's writing style in Everything, Everything and I love how creative she can get. And having read her second book, she became an auto-buy for me beginning now.

The Sun Is Also A Star is the story of Natasha and Daniel, two people destined to meet but not fated to stay together. Natasha and her family are only hours away from getting deported back to Jamaica. Years ago, her father went to America to chase his dream of being a broadway actor and with the promise of better life, Natasha and her mother followed. The only problem is, they are undocumented. Now Natasha is spending her last day in America trying to get help from USCIS so they can stay. Daniel, on the other hand, is a Korean-American boy whose life is already planned out. His parents immigrated to America to take their chance and now they have a successful business there. Always been a good boy, Daniel is also ready to follow his parents' dream of him becoming a doctor. He's supposed to have an interview to get to Yale but one unexpected meeting has changed everything.

I really enjoyed The Sun Is Also A Star because it's beautifully written and the characters are well-developed. I love how Natasha and Daniel's meeting changes a lot of things; their perspective, feelings and a lot others, and by the end of the book you can't help but feel overwhelmed by how things turned out. I also think that this book is more than just a boy meets girl because despite being somewhat light, it deals with some heavy issues.

There are also back stories to some secondary characters and some random people Natasha and Daniel meet and I think they make the story more compelling. I also admit that I was a bit disappointed with the insta-love (at the beginning) but at the latter part, Natasha and Daniel make me feel like it's okay to fall in love with a person you just met. Maybe it's destiny or the stars or the universe intervening but I do believe in that, too. I believe that when fate decides that you're going to fall in love with this person, then you will.

“Human beings are not reasonable creatures. Instead of being ruled by logic, we are ruled by emotions. The world would be a happier place if the opposite were true, For example, based on a simple phone call, I have begun to hope for a miracle. I don't even believe in God.”

Natasha believes in science, in numbers, in things provable. She doesn't believe in things she cannot see and prove. That's why when Daniel tells her he's falling in love with her, she thinks it's a joke. Daniel is a dreamer. He believes in the stars, in the forces in the universe and he believes in the power of words. He's a poet. That's why the first time (or maybe the second time) he sees Natasha, he knew he's going to fall in love with her. And he did.

This books is more that just a story. It tells us things about families, life, love and life's mishaps. It's beautiful in a way that Natasha and Daniel have learned that sometimes, it will only take you one day  to figure out your whole life. One day and your life can change. One day and Natasha and Daniel have found love, new dreams, gotten their heart broken and in that one day they also learned how to live their life.

“We are capable of big lives. A big history. Why settle? Why choose the practical thing, the mundane thing? We are born to dream and make the things we dream about.”

Gahd, this book is just wonderful. If you love stories about destiny, fate and chances and how they can change things in your life, you should definitely read this book!

Book: Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer

★★★★★/★★★★★

“I knew they would kill me when they found out, but…” He struggled for words, releasing a sharp breath. “I think I realized that I would rather die because I betrayed them, than live because I betrayed you.”

I finished this book a couple of months ago but wasn't able to write a proper review until now. After loving Cinder, I decided to dive into Scarlet's world, the next installment in The Lunar Chronicles series. And I tell you guys, I'm loving this series more and more!!

Goodreads Blurb:
Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

***
First of all I want to say that Oh. My. God. this book is brilliant and I. Love. It!! I enjoyed Cinder but I definitely loved this one! There are new characters in this book and I really didn't expect that Cinder and Scarlet's story will be told at the same time. I think Marissa Meyer did a good job weaving their stories together. And Scarlet with Wolf is my favorite of all! I'm not a fan of insta-love but I'll make an exception because I did enjoy the time Scarlet and Wolf spent together. They faced a lot of danger and I think that connection they have just strengthen the feelings they have for each other.

“Wolf.” Her tongue was parched. She tires to wet her dry lips and tasted blood. “What have they done to you?”

“You.” The word was spat out at her, full of hatred. “What have you done to me?”

I still love Cinder because she's still a kick-ass heroine but Scarlet is a different type of kick-ass. She's brave and strong-willed, determined to find her grandmother. When Wolf shows up, I knew where their story will end but I love it anyway. And Thorne, oh my god Thorne!! He's my favorite ever. He's adorable and witty, never failed to make me smile/laugh everytime. I also love it whenever he and Cinder banter with each other.

A relieve grin filled up Thorne's face. “We're having another moment, aren't we?”

“If by moment, you mean me not wanting to strangle you for the first time since we met, then I guess we are.” Cinder slumped back on the floor.

As much as I want to tell you everything about this book,. I don't have time. I'm writing this in a computer shop (my computer broke down again!!!) and I need to go soon. But overall I enjoyed this book (more than the first) with all the plot twists and other surprises. Cinder's fight with Queen Levana are getting more and more interesting now that things are unraveling. I actually just finished Cress (the third book) last week and now I can say that this is my new favorite series. I think it couldn't get any better! 

Book: Eléonore: An Iníonaofa Novella by Faith Rivens

★★★★/★★★★★

Firstly, I want to say thank you to the lovely Faith Rivens for giving me an ARC of her book. I was given this a couple of months ago (I think) and was able to finish it a couple of weeks later but wasn't able to write a review right away because you know, busy with work and all. And I know this review is way way late but I'm writing this anyway because I want everyone to know how much I enjoyed this book.

The story revolves around Eléonore, part-time librarian/part-time demon hunter/full-time mother. Being a demon hunter is a legacy passed down to her by her late father but being a mother to Etienne is a job she chose and loves. When suddenly a bounty is placed on her head and demons start hunting her down, she's determined to find out who and why someone would do that. What enrages her more is Etienne's life is in danger too as long as she has the bounty on her head. So she sets off to hunt down these demons instead and is determined to find out who put the bounty even if it means being separated from Etienne.

"The world was big and could be terrifying; if I wanted to survive it, I had to be bigger, braver."

 I was sold right away when I read the blurb and I knew I was going to love this novella. i certainly did! I think Eléonore is the kind of character you can't help but love. She's a kick-ass heroine, not perfect but a strong-willed one. She loves Etienne so much and would do everything, anything, to keep him safe. And I think any mother would've done what she's done just to protect their child. Like I said, Eléonore is not perfect, she makes bad decisions but she makes up for it by learning from it. 

The secondary characters are also adorable. I didn't expect Raphael at all but I loved him! And I may have not expected the romance but I love Eléonore and Raphael together anyway. Lol. (I'm a sucker for romance, you see). I also like the simplicity of the world-building. I admit I haven't read many books set in Canada so it was refreshing to read about the place and the descriptions are lovely. Also, it was beautifully written. Everything felt natural, no forced dialogues and the narrative is impressive. 

Overall I really enjoyed this novella and would definitely want to know the rest of Eléonore's story! So if you want a kick-ass heroine, a compelling story with a lot of action, you should read this one! :)

Welcome 2017!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! :D

May this year be even fruitful for all of us! God bless and take care always guys! :D

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