Monday, October 20, 2014

I LOVE YOU TO DEATH Book 2

Ako'y humihingi ng pasensya dahil sa matagal na pagpo-post ng ikalawang bahagi ng aking review. Una, nahiram kasi ang libro sakin. Pangalawa, I'm not in the writing mode these past days. Mas trip ko magbasa ng magbasa. Sana naman ay hindi pa kayo nakaka-move on sa bonggang bongga na punerarya story ni Marian, Miguel, at ni Aleng Poleng. Well, hindi pa rin ako maka-get over sa hotdog ni Marian. Hihihi.

1. Kawawang Marian. Broken hearted ng dahil sa ating fafa na si Miguel. Masyadong pa-fall naman kasi si Kuya. Mambabasted lang din naman pala in the end.

2. To the rescue si pareng Val. Isang nurse at elementary bully ni Marian. Nakarelate ako, infairness. Yung lalaking inaaway-away ka lang nung elementary, magkakagusto sa'yoo in the end. The difference is, hindi naman nanligaw sakin yung nambubully sakin nung elem. Nalaman ko lang na may gusto siya sakin dahil sinabi niya sa best friend ko. :D

3. Pagpapaselos ni Marian kay Miguel. Infairness naman at nagseselos naman si Miguel. May kilala akong ganyan eh. Pero syempre, discreet sa pagpapakita ng pagseselos.

4. Hello Miguel the Knight in Shining casket! Este, armor pala. Walangyang Val yan! Bet na bet ko pa naman siya kasi pa-fall siya to the highest possible level! Tapos, gaganunin niya lang si Marian! Mabuti na lang at mahilig sumilip sa bintana si pareng Miguel at sumaklolo naman siya kay ate.

5. Pagiging best ate in the world ni Marian dahil huling araw na niya sa mundo. Pagbibilin ni Marian sa kanyang mga BFF tungkol sa magiging service ng burol niya. Hmm. Planadong planado ang lahat, ate? Mabuti na lang at wala kang nakalimutan, nuh? :D

6. Ang pagpapakamatay ni Marian. Well, pati ba naman si lola, nag aantay pa ng true love? Hihihi! Well, kinilig ako sa public confession ni fafa Miguel. For sure maraming nainggit ng bongabels kay Marian. Hehehe! Sana lang makakita ako ng ganitong eksena, LIVE! Or makakilala akong matchmaker na may free services. Hahaha!

Naiimagine ko yung panic, pag ngawa, at depression ni Marian. Syempre, mukha ni Marian Rivera ang nasa isip ko na nagpo-portray nito. Magaling naman siyang actress, di ba? :D

7. Ok na sana ang lahat ng dumating ang ex-gf ni Miguel. Este, ni Calvin. Nagpanggap pa talaga siyang customer ah. Hmm. Magaling ate. Magaling ka tumayming. Ang sarap mo ilagay sa couple's casket ng mag isa!

8. Ang pagre-reveal ng misteryo sa buhay ni Calvin. Ganun naman pala eh. Mabuti na lang at naintindihan nitong si Marian. Ikaw na teh!

9. Ang party. Ang trying hard na English ni Marian. Haaaay! I can only imagine how awkward it was to stay on a place na pilit kang pinalalayo. And, Marian did what she thought was right, ang umalis at lumayo sa buhay ni Miguel. Minsan ganun talaga eh. Susuko ka kasi assumed mo na wala ka naman laban sa mga babaeng kakumpetensya mo sa kanya. So sad, Marian bebe. So sad.

10. Ang kidnap scene ni Aling Poleng. Akalain mong sa tanda niyang yun ay naisipan niya pang kumidnap para pumatay ng nakabanggaan sa negosyo. Hmmm. At naloka ako sa reason niya kung bakit siya nagtayo ng funeral parlor. Bwahaha! YUN LANG? CAPITAL LETTERS PARA INTENSE! YOOOHOOOOO! hahahahah

11. Ang pagdating ng ating pinakamamahal na fafa! Ang galing mo, Miguel! You're just at the right timing, baby. Hahahahah!

12. Ang happily ever after! Propose agad. Yes agad! Papatagalin pa ba yan? Hihih

I'll admit, maraming mga eksena din ang nagpakilig sakin, pero yung tipong saktong kilig lang. Hindi naman super duper mega kilig na halos magpagulong-gulong ako sa higaan ko. Hmm. It's a nice story, and I'm sure mag-eenjoy ang fans ni Heart Yngrid sa pagbabasa nito. :D


Rating: 7
*unting hugot pa* :D


LoveLoveLove!
thedespicablehuntress

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

I LOVE YOU TO DEATH by Heart Yngrid




“I wanted to die old with you.”

Have you ever said that line to someone special? Hmm. Ilang beses ko ng narinig yan, at ilang beses ko na rin yan ba-bluff. Hahaha! Hindi pa nga nagiging jowa, patayan agad? Wag ganun.

Anyway, itong librong ito ay isa sa mga natatanging pastrybug/LIB imprints na nabili ko noong MIBF. Gaya ni Atalanta, nabili ko lamang ito dahil sa nag-iisang dahilan. Ako’y poor book collector na nag-aantay ng mga book sale para makapag angkin ng libro.

Sige na nga. Naintriga din ako sa funeral iringan nila Aling Poleng at Marian kaya ko binili ang librong ito. Nagtataka ako kung paanong nai-relate ng author ang funeral business at competition sa isang romance novel. Infairness naman, nagustuhan ko siya. Slight nga lang.

Hindi pa rin ako maka-get over kay Atalanta at Raphael, pero kailangan kong tapusin ang review na ito. So, heto na ang aking natatanging mga komento bilang isang maarteng reader. Trabaho lang po, walang personalan. Hihihi.

1. Ang taray ng cover. (Well, ang gagara naman talaga ng mga cover ng LIB. Gusto ko lang ulit punahin.) Nakilala ko si Heart Yngrid bilang writer ng PHR, ngunit ngayon ko lang nalaman na nagpo-post din siya sa Booklat.

2. May something in common kami ni author, ang necrophobia. Ang pagkakaiba nga lang, nakakapunta pa naman ako sa mga funerals AS LONG AS MARAMI AKONG KASAMA. Kailangan maraming buhay na nag-iingay habang malapit ako sa patay.

Minsan na din na-test ang fear ko na ito. Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan ang group project namin sa Filipino nung college ako. Kinailangan namin na mag-interview ng isang embalsamador. BUTI na lang at kakalabas lang daw nung corpse nung dumating kami. Nakahinga ako ng maluwag after that. Pero bumalik ang hilakbot at takot ko ng nagku-kwento na ang aming embalmer.

3. Back to the story. Gusto ko yung unang scene niya. Pinakilala ang magka-away na punerarya sa pamamagitan ng isang kliyenteng naghahanap ng isang customized kabaong para sa papatayin niyang asawa. Pinag iisipan ko na tuloy ang magtayo ng customized funeral parlor sa probinsya namin. Or kahit dito na lang sa metro manila.

4. Agawan ng namatayan sa ospital. Mukhang napakawalang puso naman ng mga funeral parlors kung ganito ang nagiging eksena. Yung mag-aagawan pa sa harap ng kliyente. Alam ng namatayan eh, kita pa rin ang nasa isip. Anyway, ganito ba talaga ang proseso ng mga funeral parlors? Yung may nag-aabang sa ospital ng mamamatay? Hmm. Na-curious tuloy ako.

5. Marami akong nalaman na marketing strategies sa labanang Poleng at Marian. Pati gift bags pala uso na sa punerarya. Akala ko pang birthday at weddings lang yun eh. Lahat gagawin para maungusan lang ang kalaban sa business. Bet ko yan!

6. Si Marian, isang dalagang walang ibang inatupag kundi ang Rest In Peace Funeral Homes na pamana pa sa kanya ng kanyang mga ancestors. Bilib ako sa determinasyon niyang mapanatili ang negosyo ng kanyang pamilya, even if that means forgetting herself once in a while. Isa din siya sa mga typical na babaeng sawi sa pag-ibig, ngunit umaasa pa rin sa happily ever after.

7. Ang kapatid niyang si Biboy na parating naglalaro ng Candy Crush. Wala na atang ibang ginawa ang batang ito kundi maglaro ng Candy Crush sa buong story.

8. Ang dalawang BFF, sina Mane at Gigi. Hindi talaga mawawala sa kwento ang mga kaibigang parang tanga, kulang-kulang, pero mahal na mahal ng heroine. At pak na pak ang pagtuturo ni Gigi ng diga moves kung paano ipa-pirate si embalsamador. Hmmm.

9. Si Miguel, ang mysteryosong fafa na biglang nagpagulo sa buhay ni Marian. Kung gusto niyong malaman kung anong ginawa niya kay Marian, basahin niyo ang story. Maging stalker din kayo ni Miguel. Hahaha! Ang akin lang, masyadong pa-fall si Kuya.

10. Ang pagsubo ng hotdog. Hindi maka-get over ang boyfriend ko sa eksenang hotdog. Well, maging ako naman. napabili pa nga ako ng Jombo Cheesy Footlong sa Angel’s Burger para gayahin ang nasa story. Hahaha! Joke lang. :D

11. Stalker mode si Marian. Reminds me of someone. Hahaha!

13. Minsan talaga, mag ingat kayo pag may sinabihan kayong bading. Baka laflafin ka ng bonggels. Unless you want it more than he does. *wink wink*

14. Actually, feeling ko masyadong mahaba ang kwento. Puro additional information lang kung paano nade-dedma ang ating bidang babae. Kung paano siya sinasaktan ng bonggang bongga. At kung paano siya inaapi. Cliche.

15. Jump to lamay scene. Ang sarap ibaon sa lupa ni Aling Poleng! Nakikiramay lang yung tao, kung anu-ano pa ang nasabi. Pati tuloy ang love life niya, isinama. Haay. Ngayong alam na niya kung bakit siya hiniwalayan ng kanyang ex, natuto na siya. I hope.

16. Sa totoo lang, nakaka-drain naman talaga ng utak pag walang sense ang kausap mo. When it comes to relationships, dapat give and take. Hindi yung ikaw lang ng ikaw ang nagsasalita tungkol sa science tas showbiz ang pinagtutuunan ng pansin ng partner mo. Either magagaya sa kanya na ganun na lang alng IQ, or mapapagod ka’t hahanap ng iba. *based on experience*

17. Ang dami na ng sinabi ko, pero bored pa rin ako habang nagbabasa nito. Jump to couple’s casket. Yum yum yum!

18. Pusong bato. Theme song na yan ng maraming tao.

19. Move on. Yun lang. Haha!

20. “May love life lang, girlfriend na agad?” – Not related sa libro, pero nabasa ko somewhere. Haha! Ano naman ang masasabi mo? :D

21. Ang pagdating ni Val. Si Val na walang malay. Haha!

Okey. Book two naman? Naaah! Mamaya. :D


Love,
thedespicablehuntress ♥

Thursday, October 9, 2014

ATALANTA by Fleur de Liz

Disclaimer: Ako'y hindi isang technical at professional writer, so wala akong karapatang magbigay ng isang technical at striktong book review. Hayaan niyo akong magbigay ng konting reaksyon sa aking nabasang mga aklat. Be good to me. No negativities allowed in here.


Hindi ko makakalimutan yung araw, or gabi, na tinanong ako ni Fleur (via FB or Booklat, hindi ko na matandaan, hehe) kung bakit ko binili ang libro. Honestly, hindi ko rin alam. Ang sinagot ko sa kanya ay dahil magnda ang cover at dahil mabait sa sakin. Well, nakalimutan kong sabihin na isa ito sa mga librong pasok sa budget ko noong MIBF.

ATALANTA is one of my first LIB books. Tatlo pa lang silang LIB books sa aking shelf. Lahat yun ay nabili ko sa MIBF; thanks to their discount. Pasensya naman. Ako'y isang dukha na umaasa sa book sales at book discounts. Haha!



Halos dalawang oras ang ginugol ko para matapos ang libro. Sa sobrang bilis ng mga pangyayari sa kwento, nakalimutan kong matulog. Alam yun ni author dahil nagpo-post pa ako ng status sa Booklat habang binabasa ko ito. Di ba, Fleur? :D

Without further ado, here are my reactions about the story:

1. Ang kikay ng cover. Pink na pink. Maganda din ang choices nila ng color ca background ni Atalanta. Well, I think it's better na ginawa nilang black yung lips sa cover photo. Yun naman kasi ang style ni Atalanta sa story eh. :D

2. First time kong nakabasa ng story na nauna ang man's POV. Usually kasi puro babae ang may bonggang bonggang POV.

3. Masyadong nag-enjoy sa pagbabasa ng librong ito ang boyfriend ko. Bakit? Dahil iyon sa mga ginamit na pangalan mula sa mythology. Akala ko noon yung The Oath lang ni Frank E. Peretti ang babasahin niya. Nacurious siya sa mga characters ng Atalanta.

4. Raphael's personality is one of a kind. Let's admit it; bihira na ang mga mayayaman na down to Earth. Mahirap na rin humanap ng isang lalaking tulad niya - yung college student na tapos NBSB pa. Common kasi ang NBSB sa mga babae eh. Bihira sa mga lalaki. Take note ah, galing pa siya sa "pamilya ng mga barako." I can only imagine his dad while thinking na nading si Raphael dahil nga sa single ito. Hihihi. Saka, bilib ako sa kanya kasi ang lakas ng fighting spirit niya. Hindi siya sumuko kay Atalanta until the end. Well, bibihira na talaga ang mga lalaking tulad niya.

5. Si Atalanta, ang babaeng biktima ng bullying. Marami na ang nagsusulong ng anti-bullying sa bansa, at sana mabasa ito ng lahat ng bully! Malalaman nila dun ang feeling ng isang taong binubully at kung ano ang pumapasok sa isip nila once they're bullied. Hindi tama na i-bully ang sino man since you don't know their story. Gaya ni Atalanta.

6. Gusto ko yung pag-italicize sa flashbacks sa story. At least mas madaling ma-distinguish yung nangyayari sa kasalukuyan at yung mga nanggagaling lang sa memorya ng character.

7. "Gary had a great fear with doctors and hospitals." - Page 9. Hay naku, Gary! It's time to overcome your fear! Haha! Nakarelate ako sa kanya. Takot din ako sa hospitals. Haaay. Well, salamat sa info tungkol sa saging at tinik. Ma-try nga yan minsan. :D

8. LOVE LETTER. Stalker. Perfect. Perfect na perfect katakutan. Buti na lang hinyaan lang siya ni Atalanta.

9. Si Daphne, ang maharot na babaeng bigla na lang kumandong kay Rap-Rap. Bakit kaya may mga babaeng ganun, anu? Lalo na sa school. Haay. Sarap itusok sa flag pole. Hahaha! (Bitter much?) Anyway, walang nananaig na kasamaan laban sa kabutihan. Kaya kahit igapos niya sa loob ng CR si Atalanta, mahahahanap at mahahahanap siya ni Rap-Rap.

10. Si Missy, ang dakilang vice president. Marami-rami din ang role niya dito, including yung lunch date with Atalanta's siblings. Siya yung nagre-represent sa mga crush ng bayan at super friends ng lahat. She was even a representative ng mga babaeng nagpaparaya at nagmo-move on sa mga crush na hindi magiging kanila forever.

11. "But I won't change just because people demand me to change. I like being alone. I don't care if people are afraid of me." - (page 41) PERFECT! Nung mga panahon na binabasa ko si Atalanta, we had an argument about fashion choices. Paki nila kung outdated yung mga sinusuot kong damit? Paki nila kung hindi ako fashionable sa mata nila? Fashion for me means being comfortable of what I'm wearing. Hindi yung ipe-please ko lang ang mata  ng mga nakapalibot sakin. Duh? That's waste of time and effort.

12. "Now, everyone knew and there was no turning back." - (page 59) Pak na pak ang public confession ni Raphael! Wala man lang akong nasaksihan na tulad nito in real life, and I really wish naranasan ko ito. Hahah! On the other hand, malutong naman ang pagkakasabi ni Atalanta na "You're going nowhere, Mister Larriega. Your feelings don't matter to me." Hayun. Rejected for the nth time si kuya. Haaaay.

13. Ang pagkidnap kay Raphael ng dalawang kapatid ni Atalanta. Nice one! Magaling naman mag-isip si Keeper. Hindi nga naman sasama sa kanya si Rap kung kakausapin niya lang. Hehe!

14. Ang ka-eyeball na si Roiri a.k.a Aurora Iris Bradford. Ang cute lang. Ate ni Atalanta ang nag add sa FB at nakipagmabutihan kay Rap. :D

15. After the Founder's Night, dun napatunayan ang kasabihang, "malalaman mo ang halaga ng isang tao kapag wala na siya." Basahin niyo na lang sa book kung bakit ko nasabi yun. Hehe!

16. Yung panunuod ni Atalanta nung soccer game. <3

17. "Then I need to apologize to you. Because I can't do that" - Hanapin niyo kung saan na eksena yan. Kilig much. :D

18. First lunch date. Another must read. <3

19. Habang nagta-type ako nito, kinikilig ako sa backgroud music. Can I Have This Dance from High School Musical. Hahah! Gusto ko lang sabihin. :D

20. "Mr. Heartthrob and Miss Nightmare." It happens. Di nga lang masyadong halata.

21. Fast forward. Pagkadiskubre ng sikreto ni Atalanta. Haaay! Bakit ba kailangang umeksena ng mga kontrabida pag okay na ang lahat? ('Cuz they're created for that role) Idagdag mo pa ang mahaderang nanay ni Atalanta na binalak siyang itago ulit. Hmmm

22. Ulan scene. Tears were rushing through my cheeks while I was reading that scene. Mabuti na lang at tulog na tulog ang jowa ko nung mga oras na yun. Iisipin nun masyado na naman akong affected. Well, affected naman talaga ako. At sadyang madali lang akong mapaiyak. Hehehe.

23. I love the ending. Sana tulad din ako ni Rap-Rap na pabalik-balik ng London. Masaya yun, for sure.

24. Ayoko na sanang umabot sa puntong mag e-edit ako. Kasi sabi ko wala akong karapatan. However, it bothered me. Sorry. Hehehe! On page 42, "He eyes were still closed so he didn't have any idea.." Dapat kasi HIS yung ginamit na word. Just sayin'.

25. Anong ginagawa ng DP ni Sinagtala dito? Hahaha! If you could notice, meron kayong makikita na black circle na may star sa loob. Tinanong ko si Fleur kung bakit nandun ang DP ni sinag. Hindi niya daw alam. Well, LIB should answer that for me.

So I have this scale of 1-10, one being the lowest and 10 the highest rating sa mga foreign books na binabasa ko. Gagawin ko rin yun para kay Atalanta. Hmm. I'll give Atalanta an 8. :D

Basahin niyo na ang story na ito. For more information about the author, visit niyo na rin ang Booklat account niya to read more of her works. Here it is:


Ciao!


Love,
Huntress

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

REFRESHING THE SWEET SIDE OF ME

This poem was written about a year ago, and was posted in our group blog. As I scan the posts in that page, I wonder if this poem is still worth reposting. I do hope you'll enjoy this poem, with all the confused and contradicting thoughts that you can read here. Criticisms are allowed, as long as you say it in a proper way. Toodles! :D


JJA.. 

It’s so absurd, you may not believe it;
But this is so true..
From day one my attention was captured by you.
I know this day will come that you’ll know the truth.
It’s just that I never expected this is too soon.


You never know how excited I am when I was transferred to your team.
It wasn’t a good news for me though, since I know I have to fight the feelings.
Until I sat beside you, and you knew there was nothing else behind the way I look at you..
That moment when I said I’ll never take my eyes off you..


Every time you ask who’s the mysterious guy.
My mind keeps on asking so many why’s.
Why do you have to know?
Why do you even care to ask?
Why are you so interested?
You said it was just natural curiosity..
I assumed something that’s not right..


I never told you that I simply look at you when you’re asleep..
I always wish you won’t wake up and catch me staring at you.
It’s funny that I can watch over you and work on my assignment at the same time..
I guess I never want to miss the opportunity that I can freely look at you.. Look at you that close..


Somebody might call you a frog, but you’ll always be my prince.
I’ll deal with your natural curiosity rather than calling you my paparazzi..
I’m just sad that I deleted my chat history..
‘Cause that’s where I can track my joyous moments with you..


You’re a great TL, everyone knows that..
It’s such an honor to work with you in a short span of time.
Whatever happens in the next days, I’m sure your tips will always be on my mind.
I’m sure I’ll remember you all this time.


Please act like you knew nothing.
Please act like you never read my post.
Never stop smiling.
Don’t feel creepy when I tell you I’ll never take my eyes off you.
I just want to cherish the little moments that I can have with you.
Moments when I’m still here and you’re just there...




Love,
Huntress

Monday, August 18, 2014

IF I STAY by Gayle Forman


This book have been recommended by my friend, Xerlyn, about a year ago. Due to my "obsession" with vampire novels, I just finished reading it yesterday.


Here's a blurb that I found on the author's website:

On a day that started like any other…

Mia had everything: a loving family, a gorgeous, adoring boyfriend, and a bright future full of music and full of choices. Then, in an instant, almost all of that is taken from her. Caught between life and death, between a happy past and an unknowable future, Mia spends one critical day contemplating the one decision she has left—the most important decision she’ll ever make.
 
Simultaneously tragic and hopeful, this is a romantic, riveting and ultimately uplifting story about memory, music, living, dying, loving.


The accident scene broke my heart. I feel like I don't want to finish the whole novel 'cause I think it won't make any sense anymore. Who would love to live alone? I mean your parents are already dead and you still don't know where your little brother is. However, the twist and turns of the scenarios made me decide that I should finish the book. Finish it up to the very last page.

I can imagine myself at Mia's position - physical body that's oblivion to anything around her while the soul was lingering at the hospital. It's heartbreaking for her to see her Gran and Gramps watching her suffer, as well as her best friend and boyfriend. She's overwhelmed with the presence of caring nurses and social workers, as well as the presence of family friends.


This story proves that love conquers all. Love will make you want to stay, even if you think everything was already in a losing battle. Love will make you feel strong when you think you're at the edge of the cliff. Love will make everything possible. Love will put your hopes up.

Love's a bitch, or so they say. But in this novel, it's one of the reasons why she chose to stay. Love from her grandparents, from her family members, from her friends, and from Adam.


The question is, "What would happen to Adam's promises now that she stayed?" 


Time to read book two, Where She Went.


Final Rating: 8
Yes, I'm a fan of tragic novels. But I wanna read the second book for my official final rating for the series. Hehe!




Love,
Huntress

Thursday, August 14, 2014

My Social Media Love

A day won't be complete without a glimpse of you;
Just a few  minutes of reading a post or two.
Opening the links you have shared for the night;
And the songs that brighten your mood so bright.


Night after night, I feel like a fool for trying;
To glance at your station and see what you're doing.
A simple smile on face satisfies my day;
That presence that takes the stress away.

You're like a well-written Facebook status;
Or a well-versed Twitter post.
And then I'm hooked and linked into you;
Plus all the fun that you brought my world.

Reminiscence, all that is left of me;
All that lingers in my head are your memories.
Your favorite show, your favorite movies;
All the events that causes your bliss.

And now, after a year and a half;
I am left here without you and the spark.
Worse, I've been left out in the dark;
Worst, I was blocked.



Huntress

All Rights Reserved © 2014

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green


 We usually blame our "stars", our destiny, and our fate in every negative thing that happens to us. We always have to blame someone, or even ask what's wrong with us. We always have to find fault somewhere to release yourself from the tortures of life.

I guessed that's the reason why John Green entitled this novel The Fault in Our Stars.

Let  me just remind you that this is just a book review, not the movie review. I'd be posting another article about the comparison between the two. Moreover, suggestions and constructive criticisms are all welcome.



So, here's a blurb I've found on the Internet:

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.


It's not an ordinary story about a cancer patient. I used to hear stories of cancer patients who are trying hard to live a normal life. Hazel was different. She preferred to be alone. She preferred to be indifferent. Attending the support group meant invading her lovely, little world. Meeting Augustus was never in her priority, moreover falling in love with him.

I love the fact that John Green used another fictional novel in his novel. An Imperial Affliction wasn't a real book, and Peter van Houten is just another fictional character. Technically, he just wrote two stories in one book; the story of Anna and Hazel.

After reading An Imperial Affliction, Hazel was left with lots of questions; what happens to Anna's mom, to the Dutch tulip man, and to Anna's hamster. You know what? I wanna send an email to John Green right now to ask him about what happens to Hazel, to her family, to Isaac, and to Augustus' parents.

I love how JG used the novel to share how love works in wonders. When you're in love, you'll have all the reason to live and to fight for your love. Hazel's love for her parents motivates her and her lungs to continue breathing. Same with her love for Augustus. They have to live longer for each other, and for their families.

Please add The Fault in Our Stars in your reading lists! It's worth the time.



Final Rating: 9

Like Hazel, I'm always saving my 10! :D




Love,
Huntress

Friday, August 8, 2014

Fear Can't Stop Me


Neither Augustus Waters nor I spoke again until Patrick said, "Augustus, perhaps you'd like to share your fears with the group."

"My fears?"

"Yes."

"I fear oblivion,"
he said without a moment's pause. "I fear it like the proverbial blind man who's afraid of the dark."
- TFIOS

Yes fellas. That was quoted from the novel that I'm currently reading, The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. I started reading the book last week, and I can't find ample time to continue the story. Sigh.

Anyway, after reading that scene, I instantly researched for the meaning of oblivion. According to Webster's dictionary, it means "the state of something that is not remembered, used, or thought about any more." Another meaning told me that it was "the state of being unconscious or unaware : the state of not knowing what is going on around you." I guess the worst definition that I got said that it was "the state of being destroyed." 

I understand Gus' fear of being forgotten. Who would want to waste all those efforts that they've exerted to be memorable and remarkable? Who would want to waste all the things they've done when they were living? And who would want to be forgotten by the world that he/she used to love?

And, I understand Gus' fear of being unconscious or unaware. I remembered the time when I was at the hospital, totally unaware of the procedures and treatments that they've been giving me. I was half-asleep and I can see people moving. However, I can't feel what they're doing with my body. If you don't know what's going on around you, you might be considered indifferent. You might be called weird. They might say you're one of those people who always run away from fun.

Lastly, I understand Gus' fear of being destroyed. Obviously, yes?

However, I really LOVE Hazel's reaction with his answer. Again guys, I quoted it from the story:

"There will come a time that all of us area dead. All of us. There will come a time when no human beings remaining to remember that anyone ever existed or that our species ever did anything. There will be no one left to remember Aristotle or Cleopatra, let alone you.Everything that we did and built and wrote and thought and discovered will be forgotten and all of this will have been for naught. Maybe that time is coming soon and maybe it is million years away, but even if we survive the collapse of our sun, we will not survive forever. There was a time before the organisms experienced consciousness, and there will be time after. And if the inevitability of human oblivion worries you, I encourage you to ignore it. God knows that's what everyone else does." - Hazel | TFIOS

Who knows when we'll be dead? You  might die in as soon as possible, (GOD FORBID!) or you might live longer. We really don't know. Whatever good or bad things we do everyday, there will come a time when everyone will forget you too. You might be the best writer today, but your memories will die someday. You might be the black sheep of the family, but the next generation won't know that anymore. You might be exerting all your efforts to please the society, but time will come that they'll never care.

I admit, I also fear oblivion. I've been enjoying the comments and appreciation that I've been getting from my blog. I've been loving the friends that I've been knowing here. I've been trying so hard to post the best article and the most entertaining post for everyone to read. However, I have to face the fact that there will come a time that everyone of you might stop blogging. I might stop posting. I might be preoccupied by other stuff. My writing skills might be unused, my literary pieces forgotten, and my blog will be destroyed.

However, going back to Hazel's comment, we should bear in mind that everything will pass. Our thoughts might be important today, but will be forgotten someday. Our experiences might mean so much to us at the moment, but can be replaced in the future. Everything has to evolve. Everything will change. It's inevitable.

I'm not saying you'll went out of your house, so fierce and fearless, to break the norm and say they'll forget about it. What I wanted to tell you is to open yourself for new things and adventurous events. Savor the fun, the moment, and the joy that you have right now. Enjoy the freedom at your own risk. Be fearless in such a way that you won't be called a criminal. You only live once, fella. Don't fecking waste that one chance! :D





Love,
Huntress

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Expressing Gratitude


Expressing Gratitude

I’m lost for words; I don’t know what to say;
All I know is the fact that You made my day.
Your words, Your thoughts, Your presence;
Enlightens and enhances my senses.

I’ve been in my darkest times,
And I thought I’ve been left behind.
You’ve shown your power and guidance all the time,
All Your greatness in every thing and dime.

Thanks for the air that I’ve been breathing;
Thanks for the food that gives me energy.
Thanks for everything that I don’t have;
Thanks for the life that I’ll always love.
 




Huntress
08072014 
All Rights Reserved © 2014

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Wonderful Wednesday

It's a wonderful Wednesday indeed! Aside from the fact that I have less sleep, I'm really happy with whatever had happened today. One thing I wanna share to you is my invention dish. I named it, Chicken in Pineapple Juice!

Let me share a quick background of this dish. My friend cooked this when he was staying at my apartment. He never told me how it was cooked, so I kinda "experimented" on how I'm gonna end up with that dish.

Before anything else, I wanna tell you that I won't be able to upload photos of the dish. My cam would ruin the awesomeness of the dish, so I decided not to take any photo. If I'll have a better cam next time, I promise to publish it here.

Moreover, I wanna warn you that I'm not really good at cooking. I might give you inaccurate measurements of the ingredients. I suggest you follow your intuition if you're going to try this dish. Hehe!

Lastly, I'm not promoting any company for this dish. You can use any product that you wanted and you preferred. I guess you knew more than I do when it comes to cooking, so again, trust your instinct. :)



So.. let's get this started!

The ingredients I used were:

1 small onion
5 cloves of garlic
1/2 kl of chicken (drumsticks)
powdered juice (pineapple flavor)
3 to 4 tablespoons of soy sauce
salt and pepper for seasoning


Procedure:

1. Prepare your pineapple juice. Dissolve two tablespoons of pineapple powder in a glass of water. Make sure that you'll use enough water to soften and cook the chicken. You can add more pineapple juice powder if you want more sweetness.

TIP: You can also use those ready-made pineapple juices in cans. (Like Del Monte Pineapple or whatever) Just don't put too much water that might remove it's taste in the dish. 

2. Mix your chopped garlic, onion, and chicken in a frying pan. You can also use pots if you don't have any pan that's deep enough to hold much water.

3. Add four tablespoons of soy sauce.

4. Add your pineapple juice.

5. Cook until the chicken is soften. It could take about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the class of meat you've bought.

6. Season with salt and pepper. If needed, you can add more soy sauce. Again guys, it depends on your preference.

NOTE: It's faster to cook younger chicken meat than those from adult ones. According to the Internet. Hehe! 

AND YOU'RE DONE!

I admit, it will look like a simple chicken adobo. However, the taste of the pineapple juice should overpower the taste of the soy sauce. That's actually the twist in that dish. :)



So.. here's another Filipino dish with a sweet twist. If you're gonna try this, hope you'll tell me what happened.



Thanks for reading! :D



 PS: This is dish #1 for my bucket list! ♥



Love,
Ayin

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

The Art of LDR

Everyone hates that phrase. Long distance relationships. It's usually associated with unlimited fights, awful arguments, betrayal, and treachery. Come to think of it, not all LDR's ends with breakups. It depends on you, two people, who could make it last.


What makes LDR's fail? Let me give you a hint on some of the things I was frightened years ago.

Love at Proximity 

I've read an article before and it says relationships start 'cause of each other's presence. If you had much time with that person, you could start to care and to love and to treasure them.

It happens all the time. I myself is a witness to that. There were some who only love a person while they're near you. Others think they'll stop loving him/her when you're having geographical problems. Others think that their partner would find someone more attractive wherever they are. The truth is, if love is true, distance won't make you feel abandoned.

Insecurities 

Our partners will meet someone new once they've been working away from us. Let's deal with that. Yes, he/she might tell you who's adorable, who's the sweetest, who's the sexiest. There were times that we might feel insecure, and might start to doubt about the things our partner have been doing there.

Lack of trust


I could've listed lots of reasons here, but it all ends up with that phrase. Lack of trust makes LDR impossible! As long as you've been doubting about your partner's love and loyalty, you don't have to expect a happy and stronger relationship amidst the distance.




I know and I understand that being away from your partner is so darn hard. However, you can make this work! Believe me!

NEVER cut your communication.

It's OK if he/she's been telling you how great his/her new work was. Or how nice her seatmate/office-mate was. Or if he/she told you he/she had a great time with office-mates. He/She should still have a social life. I'm sure you'll have tons of stories to share too, right?


Keep the communication open. Don't hesitate to tell him/her that you've had a bad day, that you need to hear his/her voice to be comfortable again. Speak of sweet things whenever possible. Call to say 'Good morning', or just to ask him/her if he/she has eaten already. Simple text messages mean a lot, guys! Send emails. If possible, send snail mails. Social media gave you lots of chances to send your thoughts to you partner wherever you are and whatever you do.

REMAIN Loyal

You won't start doubting your partner's relationships if you're not doing something wrong, too. Yes, there's no harm in making friends, but please set your limits. Don't forget you're in a relationship. Let friends be friends. Not friends with benefits or other than that.

Don't PROVOKE any conflict.

He didn't text you on time? Might be he was rendering overtime at work. She didn't call when she told you she'll do? Maybe she fell asleep as soon as she come home. It's never hard to understand your situations, people. Ne matured enough to strengthen your relationship. Don't act like high school students who were falling in love for the first time.

NURTURE the Love 

How would you do that? Keep on doing the three things mentioned above. That's how you'll nurture the love. If possible, set a date when you could see each other. Use that time wisely, and don't waste a chance to tell him/her how much you missed him/her. Don't forget to assure your partner that your love won't fade amidst the distance. Let those assurance be your guide in the days that you're not together.




LDR's aren't that bad. It depends on your commitment. Let's make this work people! We'll avoid broken hearts and drunken nights in the end! :D




Love,
Huntress

Monday, July 14, 2014

The Daily Post: Now? Later!

My coffee-free week starts tomorrow.

I've been quite successful in reducing my coffee intake for the past two weeks after my consultation with the gastroenterologist. I believe my so-called condition was getting better, and I decided to TOTALLY remove caffeine in my system. I planned to start that cleansing today. But, never mind. XD

I am so, so sleepy. Two hours of sleep for the whole day shuts my minds and made me feel so weak. My only remedy? A cup of coffee. *sigh*

Forgive me for procrastinating today. I just needed to be awake for the next 9 hours. Back to work, yah know. ^_^


 Oh by the way, my blogs are mainly my favorite procrastination destination.




Love,
Huntress

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Goodness Campaign



Who wouldn't be tired of all the negativity that are spread out through different media? It is, indeed, time to focus on the brighter side of life. I assure you, you won't hurt your eyes in doing so. *wink

Kate's post for her Wacky Wednesday made me realize that we're a bit lucky. Well, I guess we're lucky.

Yes, there were LOTS of negative things broadcasted in our media. People were killed. Rape cases. Politicians abusing their positions. Overseas Filipino workers that were deported or killed. Well, if I'm gonna state all of those negative news here, you'll definitely close my post as early as this point.

What I love about the Philippine media is their constant pursuit of finding good news to the people. I've heard a recent story of a man from Sultan Kudarat who invented an injection against cocolisap, the pest that destroys coconut trees. As stated on the news, the plant vaccine was composed of decaying plants, insects, and molasses.

I also remembered the news about how Catholics have been expecting Pope Francis' visit at the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan, international name). Since Philippines is considered a Catholic country, the much-awaited visit of the pope would help a lot in their recovery after the typhoon.

If you could notice, I've stated more bad news than good ones. My main reason is that I could remember more of the bad news than the other. Just like Kate's plea, I also hope that the broadcasting networks would focus on the most important news. Moreover, they should add stories about doing good and being good. :D

Bottomline is, we should believe in goodness. It still exists in our cruel world.



Love,
Huntress

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Special As It Is


"Time is gold."


I've heard that motto for a million times, especially when I was in high school. Our EMIS (classroom identities, something like that) won't be complete without a student saying that his/her motto is the one above. The question is, "How do we really value our time?" 


My weekend gave me some important lessons on how I am wasting my time. Continue reading, fellas. You might relate yourself in some of these thoughts.


1. I'm stuck in a job that's prohibiting me to become productive.

Yes, auditing tasks are very routinary. No challenge at all. Well, the fun really begins when I have to replace the void comments. That time, I'll feel like I'm just an ordinary OWL member. I'll be searching for new blogs, think about the comments that I'll write, and then post it at after editing.

I've been looking for other opportunities for the past year, but I was missing great opportunities 'cause I can't prioritize what I really desire. Sleepless shifts makes me lazy, thus I waste interviews and exams that were scheduled for me.

It's such a waste of time, I know that. And now, I learned my lesson.

 

2. I'm far from my family, missing all the love in the world.

When you're down and lonely, you'll be thinking of how your parents would've comforted yu if they're near. Before, I thought it was craziness, since we don't talk about sad things. But now, I realized how I miss my parent's messages during my down times.

I've always wanted to go back where I belong. But I'm afraid of going back to my comfort zone. It fears me that I'm not a part of their everyday living. And it scares me to be a burden to them once I return without anything beneficial.



3. I've wasted some years of my life thinking about myself.

It's now time to reach out. It's now time to help. Life isn't as long as we wanted. It's like a smoke that easily disappears.




Let this post be a reminder of how I'll be doing things differently this time. New lifestyle. New hobby. New workout. Definitely, a new time to reach out.



Love,
Huntress