Time of My Life - Cecelia Ahern

Category: Books

Genre: Chick Literature

Author: Cecelia Ahern

 Lucy Silchester's life is stuck in a rut and she is currently living a life full of lies while pretending to everyone she's okay. Three years after her breakup with her beloved boyfriend Blake, she pretended and managed to convince herself she was over him. But, apparently her life was stuck. So, Life decided to show up and show her how she is messing their lives.

What would you do if your Life is a person who mirrors how you live your life? What would your Life look like? Lucy's life was a horrible little man when she first met him and she hated her Life so much. She didn't even want to set up another meeting with her Life. Now Lucy and Life is on a mission....

Ever since, reading the previous novels of Ahern, Where Rainbows End and If You Could See Me Now, I got hooked with her writing. I don't even bother read what is the story about. Haha. Just mentally remembering the title of the book whether I bought it already or not. I am like that when I really fancy the author!

Anyway, this could be one of my favorites from her yet! Well, the other two got their own charm.... but this one is equally riveting and endearing.

The first few chapters were actually annoying. Sorry about that! The... "Okay. I lied." parts of Lucy because it actually confused me for awhile.Actually, the first few chapters were boring.... but, actually it was supposed to be that way because you can see Lucy has been living a very mechanical and meaningless life.

This is a very good book for people whose lives are stuck in a rut, for people healing after a breakup in a bad way and did not allow himself/herself to grieve but pretended everything was okay after everything.

This actually made me cry (boohoo!), because I got to reflect about... yeah ... how about if my Life would meet up with me...? Would I be excited? Would I hate him/her? How would I feel? Would I actually love spending time with my Life?

It's a really cute concept Ahern placed in this one story... pretty similar to If You Could See Me Now... only with a different "magical/modern" agency.

Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Category: Books

Genre: Fantasy / Fiction /

Author: C.S. Lewis


Ever since I was a child, I was a fan of his(C.S. Lewis) books, specially the most acclaimed Chronicles of Narnia. It's enchanting and very creative.

It would make you imagine a different world. Though some people may not see it, their lives (the kids in the book, and the characters too) are somewhat related to how we live today. It's a picture language... of reality, and has deeper meanings ... but i dont wanna spoil everything.. you have to find out the deeper magic(reality) within the dream.  :)

More reviews each book to come as I re-read them for this blog-review of mine.

Boses - 2008

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama / Indie

Director: Ellen Ongkenko- Marfil

Writer: Rody Vera, Froilan Medina

 Cast: Coke Bolipata, Julian Duque, Ricky Davao, Meryll Soriano, Cherry Pie Picache and more


I saw a trailer of this indie film over TV some 2 weeks ago, and it got me curious. I never wouldve imagined that I would be meeting the Director and 2 actors of the said movie right here in Davao City.

I got an invitation for a film showing over at Cinematheque, and since two offices invited me, Tuburan Institute and Happy Team(Councilor Avila of Davao), I grabbed the chance. But, I didn't realize the title was "Boses". All I saw at the invite was: "The Heart Speaks", cocktails and live violin by The Cast.

And I was pleasantly surprised to realize it was a film showing of Boses.

This film is about a child who is being abused by his Dad...

I find this movie simple yet very moving and it sure is worthy of your time. It has multi-dimensional aspects of the film from child abuse, to child welfare, how to run a shelter, isolation rooms, bullying, suicide, dreams, family, father & son, depression, music, therapy and so on and so on. There are so many points of discussion. It's educational. More films like these should be made. :)

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - J.K. Rowling

Category: Book

Genre: Fantasy / young Adult

Author: J.K. Rowling


Yahoooo! I finally finished it!

This was the book I borrowed way back in high school ... that I lost... because someone stole it from me. And ever since then. I got discouraged. T_T


It took a month or two of my savings to buy a replacement. Which Ive never done in my whole high school life. Limited budget here for fiction books in the past(mom does not approve of them in the past).

And it was just some 3 years ago... that my mom gifted me the whole set! And it was just this year that I started reading them again.

Anyway, I had a good time. Specially, whenever Remus gets mentioned in the book. The name has a soft spot on me. Right, my boo?

It's riveting and makes you want to read every bit of it. The classes in Hogwarts gets really interesting. (Okay, I sound like Hermione already). Haha... and so do new creatures being introduced in the book.

Transcendence - 2014

Category: Movie

Genre: Sci-Fi / Mystery

Director: Wally Pfister

Writer: Jack Paglen

Producer: Alcon Entertainment, DMG Entertainment, Straight UP Films

Cast: Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, Paul Bettany, Cillian Murphy, Kate Mara, Cole Hauser, Morgan Freeman, Clifton Collins Jr. and more.

Tagline: Yesterday Dr. Will Caster was only human

A scientist by the name of Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) in the field of Artificial Intelligence is working on creating a sentient machine that will combine the collective intelligence of everything with human emotions. He became famous with his experiments and made him susceptible from people who wanted to stop him. It took on dangerous implications when his consciousness was uploaded in one of his programs.

It's a good film to watch before or after the movie Lucy. Looks like movies of these kinds are getting popular nowadays. Consciousness.... and Singularity or Artificial Intelligence.  I didn't quiet expect the ending though... I was totally geared on the wrong side nyahahaha...
But I love how it turned out in the end..... True Love won...... T_T

Great acting and wonderful storyline.

Quotes:

Will Caster: For 130,000 years, our capacity to reason has remained unchanged. The combined intellect of the neuroscientists, mathematicians and... hackers... in this auditoirum pales in comparison to the most basic A.I. Once online, a sentient machine will quickly overcome the limits of biology. And in a short time, its analytic power will become greater than the collective intelligence of every person born in the history of the world. So imagine such an entity with a full range of human emotion. Even self-awareness. Some scientists refer to this as "the Singularity." I call it "Transcendence."

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - J.K. Rowling

Category: Books

Genre: Young Adult / Magic / Fiction

Author: J.K. Rowling

I've been re-reading the Harry Potter series, just so I can add it up here in my espresso break blog.
It took me awhile to finish this because I kept putting it off... but  one night... my boo was snoozing(quiet early).. I finished this!

It's always a pleasurable moment to be inside the world of Harry Potter. Here, you will encounter new spells and new characters.

While re-reading this, I suddenly had this A-ha moment, where... Voldemort and his cohorts.. begin to resemble the famous Hitler archetype. Who wished to eliminate the Jews because they were thought to be not "pure" which is pretty much the case of Voldemort. And I was like...woooooo. tinunini tinunini.[ insert Twilight Zone music ].

Anyway, one of the considered serial classics of all time after the Chronicles of Narnia. A Harry Potter is always a great read. 

The Fugitive - 1993

Category: Movie

Genre: Thriller / Drama

Director: Andrew Davis

Writer: Jeb Stuart, David Twohy

Producer: Warner Bros.

Cast: Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward, Julian Moore, Joe Pantoliana, Andreas Katsulas Jeroen Crabbe,  and more

Tagline:  A murdered wife. A one-armed man. An obsessed detective. The chase begins.

Dr. Richard Kimble, a well respected surgeon was wrongfully accused of murdering his wife. He escaped from the law after being convicted and sentenced to death. On the pursue was a team of US marshals led by Deputy Samuel Gerard, a detective who will not stop until Richard is captured.  On the other hand, Richard is investigating the death of his own wife while hiding from the authorities.
 
I had a good time watching this film. It's simple and at the same time it makes you think, about what really happened. Very 90'ish set-up. It was edgy with a classic ring to it. The director of the film sure knows how to keep the action going. And of course, it wont't be classic without Ford and Jones starring this film.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - J.K. Rowling

Category: Books

Genre: Fantasy

Author: J.K. Rowling


This is the first novel of the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. This follows, Harry Potter as he discovers his magical heritage and makes close friends in his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.


This is one series that I would never tire of re-reading again. It took me awhile to finish my second round but, I had fun spending time with Harry, Ron and Hermione at Hogwarts. As they build their friendship. This book is mainly about friendship, unconditional love and bravery.

But, for this set, it's about a budding friendship in a magical tale. Ahhh, it's so great to immerse in the world of Magic, specially if its the world of Harry Potter.  :)

Rowling's writing is simply filled with simple humor and direct and wonderful imagination. 

Aling Foping's Halo Halo - Food

Category: Food / Dessert / Snack

This is one of the best Halo halo in Davao City. Located in Matina Town Square, Davao City. It's the perfect or stop over after having fun around the city.

For people who don't know Halo Halo, it's a Filipino Summer dessert which you can translate as
"mix mix". It's main ingredients are: shaved ice, milk,  kaong (sugar palm) , kidney beans, leche flan, ube, langka (jackfruit), nata de coco, pinipig, tapioca, sugar  and served on a tall glass, plastic cup, and sometimes on a buko fruit.

The Halo Halo in Aling Foping's is famed for its soft shaved ice making it easier and perfect to eat alongside with abundant rich and creamy milk. Also with lots of "sahog" into it. But, even better than that... you can customize your own halo halo mix.

Locals would surely tell you, your Davao experience won't be complete if you don't at least try out Aling Foping's Halo halo!

Aside from that you can also try out some Filipino snacks like bibingka and other kakanin. They are also very famed for their bibingka... so you might as well try it if your tummy is not yet full.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - 2002

Category: Movies

Genre: Fantasy / Adventure / Family

Director: Chris Columbus,

Writer: J.K. Rowling

Producer: 1492 Pictures, Heyday Films and more

Cast: Daniel radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Toby Jones, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Julie Waters, Bonnie Wright, Mark Williams, Chris Rankin and more...

Tagline:  Hogwarts is back in session.



A year after the Sorcerer's Stone was released, Chamber of Secrets was due next.

Harry Potter is forced to spend his summer holidays with the Dursleys. But, then Harry gets a real shock when he gets a visit from a house-elf named Dobby, who warned him not to go back to Hogwarts because there would be terrible things about to happen specially to him. Harry chooses to ignore Dobby's warning and continues to go to Hogwarts as scheduled. But, then the school began to be plagued by a serious of mysterious attacks and a strange voice trying to haunt him.

I once again watched this for the second time with Boo on my birthday!! There are a couple of scare moments in this installment and it was indeed well-made. This is one of the darker installments of the series. This will keep you on the edge. Once again, the musical score of John Williams' matches the whole wizard world feel albeit this one darker. Important, unforgettable scenes from the book were squeezed in this two and half hour film. Great special effects.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - 2001

Category: Movie

Genre: Fantasy /  Adventure / Family

Director: Chris Columbus

Writer: J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves

Producer: Warner Bros., Heyday Films, 1492 Pictures

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Robbie Caultrane, Ian Hart and more.

Tagline: Journey Beyond Your Imagination

This is the first film of the Harry Potter series. This is a tale of an ordinary 11 year old boy named Harry Potter who was left behind his aunt and uncle. In a way he is the male version of Cinderella who serves as a slave to the family. But, then a letter came and he has been invited to attend the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. And he was snatched away from his mundane existence in Pivet Drive by Hagrid and was thrown into the magical world of wizards.


I watched this for the third time with my boo today....

This movie brings to life the world of Harry Potter as based on JK Rowling's novels. It brings good Harry Potter enchanting memories come to life and how one can easily want to be part of the world. Oh, dream on!

It has wonderful special effects and the musical score is absolutely the best! The music gives you the feels of what the world of Harry Potter can feel like. But, a movie aint great if the cast are ill fitted but this film is an exception... because it has great casting, great set of chemistry between the cast and their characters.

You'd love to watch the movie again and again... just like me and my boo did!

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - 2009

Category: Movie

Genre: Fantasy

Writer: J. K Rowling (book), Steve Kloves

Producer: Warner Bros., Heyday Films

Director: David Yates

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Dave Legno, Jim Broadbent and more.

Tagline: Dark Secrets Revealed; Once again I must ask too much of you, Harry

This time, Harry Potter begins his sixth year at Hogwarts and discovered a book entitled " The Half Blood Prince" and begins to have an insight and learns a lot about the Lord Voldemort's past. At the same time, Lord Voldemort's is increasingly becoming active.

Moviedate with Boo! This is one of the best days with him ever!!!

This is my second time to watch the film. Just  to satiate the Harry Potter whimsical craving. (However, this time it is most sweet... because I am watching it with my boo *swoons*)

This series was filled with Love Triangles! And well, it's basically everyone.... partnering with someone. hahaha. Or maybe im just in love thats why... hahhaa. :)That's why I always tend to see the romance part these days. The characters are maturing in this film and their acting are getting better with each film. But, it's pretty much loaded for one film... I think it;s not enough and left a few pieces from the book. It could've been better.

But, either way, it's perfect for me.

Majid's Persian Kebab - Davao City

Category: Food / Restaurant

Location: Rizal St., Davao City



Conveniently located at the downtown part of the area, this is the favorite of students and most locals. Aside from it being affordable, it also serves yummy Persian dishes. And if you are lucky, you get to see "Majid's" himself, who used to be a star for action films before retiring here in Davao. You see photos of his movies around the area.

The place is not air conditioned, which makes it even more quaint.

People's favorites:

Beef Cholo, Chicken Yogurt

and my favorite dash.... Grapeseed Powder

I also fancied their Yogurt Juice. However, it fills you up quickly, so I think taking the pitcher won't help unless you are a group of 7 :)

Much Ado About Magic - Shanna Swendson

 Category: Books

Genre: Chick Literature / Fantasy

Author: Shanna Swendson



To Do: Manage Magical Mayhem, Save the Company, Save the World
 

Once again, Katie Chandler is back in New York and at Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc. as the new director of marketing – and it's about time she is back!  New York is being gripped by a magical crime as waves of spells from a rogue firm called Spellworks is now beginning to market and is raising it's profile wanting to be known by the magical community by selling protective amulets. It is now war in the world of magic!

Among the Enchanted Series... I find this the most exciting and action packed. Although, it kind of brought me back a bit a Harry Potter world-ish moment, but distinctly an "Enchanted Inc." experience. It is fast paced, and very readable.  I can't wait to read the next series!

Oh Owen, when will you stop holding back your feelings for Katie??? :) Hayyy another one of those book character crush. Woot. *blushes*

Enchanted Inc. #4 - Don't Hex With Texas -

Category: Books

Genre: Chick Literature / Fantasy

Author: Shanna Swendson



This time magic hits Texas when Katie chose to leave New York after the subway incident, thinking being far away or lying low from the magical community will bring everybody peace.

However, magic seems to follow Katie, whether she likes it or not.

I liked this particular part of the series because this is the time when Owen got to visit Katie's family. Also this focused much more on Katie's relationship with her family and her roots.

I love how this way ended too! :) I love the series! woot woot!

Warm Bodies - 2013

Category: Movie

Genre: Comedy / Horror / Romance

Director: Jonathan Levine

Writer: Jonathan Levine, Isaac Marion

Producer: Summit Entertainment, Make Movies, Mandeville Films

Cast: Nicolas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, John Malkovich, Analeigh Tipton, Rob Corddry, Dave Franco, Cory Hardrict

Tagline:  Bros before brains

The world's population is slowly becoming an undead horde, however R, is a young and odd zombie who thinks. While feeding on humans one day, R meets Julie (still human) and suddenly has an urge to protect her. What happens is the start of a very strange and warm relationship that allows R to begin having his human side back. Soon, this strange phenomenon is spreading in the undead population.... which brings about another issue they have to challenge that would threaten their friendship.

 ---------

Okay, seems like today is filled with really interesting films that is infused with something deeper.

This film may seem comedic on the surface but if you actually look past or go "exhume" the film... you get to see that it's actually deep.


Being a Zombie is a metaphor for people living a life without color, without passion, and a life that takes it as it is with no questions, cautionary. It's also a life where one forgets who he/she really is.

Being a bonie on the other hand are people who gave up or can be that part of self which buys fear, our shadow, the dark force.

This is actually beyond apocalyptic but is actually an awakening veiled.

There are many references to remembrance, forgetting, triggers, and the 100th monkey concept plays as well, and that change can often just come from one person and a small group of individuals who are crazy enough to challenge the norm and who does not fit the "norm".

Also, music plays an important role to the person here...

And this also shows that whenever there's change, there's always a counter-force, when your Imaginal self steps in.

this movie reminds me of this: "“Burnout is nature's way of telling you, you've been going through the motions your soul has departed; you're a zombie, a member of the walking dead, a sleepwalker. False optimism is like administrating stimulants to an exhausted nervous system. ” - Sam Keen

Magnifico - 2003

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama / Family

Director: Maryo J. Delos Reyes

Writer: Michiko Yamamoto

Producer: Violett Films Production

Cast: Jiro Manio, Lorna Tolentino, Albert Martinez,  Gloria Romero, Celia Rodriguez, Marc Gil , Tonton Guiterriez, Amy Austria, Cherry Pie Picache, Danilo Barrios, Susan Africa, and more

Tagline:


Magnifico may not be good in school and belongs to an unfortunate and poor family, he has a big heart and has this positivity that permeates him everywhere he goes. He has not only helped his family, but the community he lives in.


T_T

It's a heartwarming story about a kid who has touched the lives of many people in their neighborhood. It's a simple story, very close to Filipino culture and Filipino values with Filipino issues as well.

Thanks to my friend Juna who recommended that I watch the film.

I think we'd fare really well if we make good films like these. Inspiring. Simple. Touches us and stirs our heart.This is good drama, compared to other dramas that is often fed to the masses.

Cafe Demitasse - Davao City

Category: Cafe - Coffee Shop

Well, I've been frequenting this cafe the past few months with my Liwanagila peeps and zee Imaginals :)

We fancied using their function room which can be around 2K for 2 hours and it's consumable for our meetings. :)

They have awesome service! I specially liked their super friendly staff and would make you want to go back.  Their vanilla shake is powdered.. it's a bummer for vanilla milkshake lover like moi. But, it's all cool :)


Yummeeeh!  The food choices!!! It caters to all palette's and they are not substandard.

From pizza, pasta, to beef, pork, chicken, fish meals, desserts, frappes, smoothies, yogurt, tea, they even serve san mig light :) So, if you have friends who likes different food and can't seem to agree, I'm sure they'll find something they'd like to order here. 

My favorite here is the Bannoffee Pie.... I usually treat out of towners to this place ...They also serve a very unique cake called "Halo Halo Cake" and they serve it with ice cream! Nomnom!

Howl's Moving Castle - 2004

Original Title:  Hauru no ugoku shiro

Category: Anime

Genre: Fantasy

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Writer: Hayao Miyazaki, Diana Wynne Jones

Producer: Buena Vista Home Entertainment, DENTSU Music and Entertainment, Mitsubishi

Cast: Chieko Baisho, Takuya Kimura, Akihiro Miwa, Tatsuya Gashun and more.

Tagline:

When Sophie, a young 18-year old girl, was cursed with an old body by a witch, her only chance to break the spell lies with a young insecure wizard, named Howl, who lives in a "moving castle".


From the makers of Spirited Away comes this amazing tale of wizardry and love with a dash of a funny bone.  It has a unique storyline, that when it ended I found myself going... "ahhhh.." I enjoyed it albeit it's often weirdness and  unpredictability.. it keeps you guessing till the end. It's a film, where you would still mull over what happened, and it leaves you with something..... maybe something magical. Highly creative and most imaginative film yet. His storytelling is outside the common way of how westerners would tell stories.

Miyazaki, you are the best!!

Quotes:

Sophie: They say that the best blaze burns brightest, when circumstances are at their worst.

Photo Source: Cartoon Online

People Like Us - 2012

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama / Family

Director: Alex Kurtzman

Writer: Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci

Producer: Dreamworks SKG, Kurtzman Orci Paper Products, Reliance Entertainment

Cast: Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Michelle Pfeiffer, Michael Hall D'Addario, Olivia Wilde, Mark Duplass, Sara Mornell, Philip Baker Hall and more

Tagline: Find your family.

Sam, a smooth talking salesman thought his father who died left him any money so he can get out of the jam he got himself into but discovered something else. He then later found out that he has sister named Frankie.

I wasn't really expecting what I would see and I never knew the plot and most of us were like guessing what would be next or why this and why that. We had a ball watching it though. It has a good enough character development which actually added mystery to the whole film.

This film has a mature take on supposedly "dysfunctional" families. Or skeletons in a family's closet. Where you can really work things out. That sometimes you really have to go out of the way to understand your family. It is artistic, and all actors really did well in pulling this film off.

Another unique storyline, written wonderfully.... about family, brotherhood and sisterhood. Seems like films nowadays has just gotten better or my sister is just good at spotting or hearing about good films. :) Good musical score as well.

It has a heartwarming ending...one that can make you go "awwwww".


Quotes from Film:

Six Rules: 1. If you like something because you think other people are gonna like it, it's a sure bet no one will. 2. Most doors in the world are closed, so if you find one you want to get into: you damn well better have an interesting knock. 3. Everything you think is important, isn't. And everything you think is unimportant, is. 4. Don't shit where you eat. 5. Lean into it: the outcome doesn't matter. What matters is that you're there for it. 6. Never sleep with someone who has more problems than you do. 

Photo Source: Glow Gaze