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Book Review: More Than Him – Jay McLean

Posted on May 31, 2014 | Leave a comment

More Than HimMore Than Him is the third book from the More series by Jay McLean. It’s the continuation of what transpired during the second book of the series (More than Her.) Basically, it’s still about Logan and Amanda. Personally, I was not at all excited to read this one because I thought the author could’ve concluded their story in the second book and moved on with the other characters. You see, their story has become repetitive. There’s too much going on in it- too much drama, too much sex, too many conflicts. It felt like the author tried to stretch the story which became utterly unbearable. I’m very disappointed with this after having high regards on the first book. This one didn’t live up to its promise at all and review ratings for that matter. It’s such a shame because it could’ve been great. At the end, it’s obvious that there’s an impending book again and it’d be about Cameron and Lucy – whilst I love these two, I think I’d skip a Jay McLean for now after reading the last two titles from her. It was just exhausting reading those. Gaaaahhhh! I’d love for it to work but it just didn’t (atleast for me)….it was just frustrating and all. The whole POV writing style also became a bit inconsistent – like there are moments that the characters will be talking directly to the reader and it will change again. This was just utterly disappointing for me. Maybe I’d give it time and perhaps I’d be able to read Luce’s story – she’s my favorite character to begin with.

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: The Fault In Our Stars – John Green

Posted on May 31, 2014 | Leave a comment
via wikipedia

via wikipedia

I’ve read this one like a few months ago and I still enjoyed re-reading it every now and then. This was the first John Green book I’ve read as well. This book is narrated by Hazel Grace Lancaster, a sixteen year old cancer patient who is forced by her parents to attend a support group where she met the handsome Augustus (Gus) Waters whom she eventually fell in love with.

Hazel’s a rather quirky girl and does have a unique sense of humor. Gus on the other hand was more carefree on the surface but deep inside, he’s someone who take things a lot more seriously. For the record though, I’ve read this book prior to learning that there will be a movie adaptation set to be released this year – next week actually! (exciting huh?!)

It was so hard letting go of Hazel and Gus, I mean finishing the book – I was a bit depressed and was feeling so bad because of how it ended. You see, It’s actually a beautiful ending – bittersweet perhaps? It’s a connection from the characters that you fell in love with and if something bad happen to them – it feels like youre heart is breaking for them. I’m getting overly-sentimental here but it’s true. This book is an inspiring book, a spirit-lifter and a book that tells you that nothing’s really permanent in this world. And yes, I did cry reading this book. I know, I know but hey’ crying is good right?

‘tis one of my favorite quotes from the book:

“There will come a time when all of us are dead. All of us. There will come a time when there are 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 millions of years away, but even if we survive the collapse of our sun, we will not survive forever. There was time before 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.”

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: More Than Her – Jay McLean

Posted on May 30, 2014 | Leave a comment
via goodreads

via goodreads

The story of More Than Her centers on Logan Matthews (Jake’s best friend from More Than This.) He’s got a very interesting back-story. He was abused as a child and was adopted by the Doctor who checked on him when he was brought to the hospital by his biological mother. Unlike Jake, Logan here is the resident playboy amongst his group of friends. He’s fooling around like a normal teenage boy does and it was revealed here that he actually thought that he’s in-love with Mikayla (Jake’s gf) until he realized that it’s actually just a sisterly-love of some sort. Then enter Amanda, the girl whom he eventually dated for a night and things seemed to fall into places – only it did not. You see, Logan’s a very good character – actually, he’s much more interesting than Jake but his story / history became too much over the course of the series. It was alarming how slow the pacing was when the dates in the book are moving. I mean, the whole Amanda-Logan-Shit-WeLoveEachOther-But-WeCannotBeTogether was getting redundant by the time that you actually realized that you’re at the last chapter. I mean, seriously now? I can’t even begin to comprehend the stupidity of both parties. I’m just glad that every now and then, Lucy came along the picture and gets into a Drunk Lucy state. Man’ those are the best parts of the book. After easily giving More Than This a very good rating, I was hoping and expecting that the second book would surpassed it but unfortunately – it was a rather wasted effort to read the whole thing. I’m sad and disappointed with the outcome of this second book.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: More Than This – Jay McLean

Posted on May 29, 2014 | Leave a comment
via goodreads

via goodreads

If you’ve read The Secret of Ella and Micha, you’d notice a striking resemblance on the writing style of Jessica Sorensen and the author of this book, Jay McLean. Not that it’s bad but it feels like reading a book from the former. But hey, this first book from the “More series” is actually truly much more than the “Secret series by Sorensen”. This I enjoyed reading tremendously. I appreciate the characters more and the story development is more enticing and fast-paced.

 You see, Mikayla and Jake met each other under some horrible circumstances. Mikayla caught her boyfriend cheating with her bestfriend, then her whole family was murdered and these things happened in just one night. A girl couldn’t handle that much right? That’s where the knight in shining armor, Jake Andrews shows up and helps Mikayla get through all of these. With all of these things, both developed feelings for each other but they are both scared to admit it believing that they’re not yet ready for it or the other may feel differently.

 I just love how progressive the characters here are. They are funny in a very strange way and they’re adorable all at the same time. Jake’s character so reminds me Micha that is why I mentioned the book by Sorensen but the reminder only begins at their “loyalty” with one girl and it stops there. I love the chemistry between him and Mikayla. I love that they have friends who are much involved. I love one of their friends Lucy who loves reading e-books and is a mean drunk! That girl’s way too funny! My one slightly unfavorable critique is the interchanging POV. It gets a bit confusing a couple of times but I guess that’s okay. I mean, the story’s beautifully written and the characters are well introduced. It was a strong book and a great start of a series!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Review: Maleficent (2014)

Posted on May 29, 2014 | 5 comments
via impawards

via impawards

She’s one of Disney’s most iconic villains and she’s the “evil” fairy that casted a spell on Princess Aurora – the princess we came to know as the beloved Sleeping Beauty. This film was told from the perspective of Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) – the once good fairy whose heart was shattered by the only man she loved which turned her into a lost and angry villain. Truly, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. The events on the film mainly focused on what transpired after she gifted a curse to the newly born princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) and from there we see another persona of Maleficent as the misunderstood, hurt, angry and someone who is also capable of love.

Angelina Jolie owned this character into perfection. Her portrayal was beyond graceful. I’d even think that this was Angelina at her best. She was graceful, composed and that evil smirk just gave me goosebumps! I thought the that narration went well into the film highlighting each event and the characters. I was particularly drawn to Diaval (Sam Riley) because he’s got it good with Maleficent. There were some fun moments in there. Fanning was an okay choice but was rather dull most of the time. Perhaps, that’s what her role was supposed to portray (Anyway, I find the character of Sleeping Beauty the most boring amongst the Disney Princesses – no pun intended) and if that’s the case – she did well then. Sharito Copley was barely there and I could easily replace Brenton Thwaites with any other actors who could play a good prince charming role better than him.

The whole vibe of the film was okay. ‘Love the scoring, the story development and the animation but it’s really Angelina who gave the film an absolute curiosity to be seen. It’s a movie about this villain Maleficent and she did her part to make it all about her. Angelina Jolie is one and only – singular. And I should think that she’s enough reason for you guys to watch this one.

Director: Robert Stromberg
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharito Copley, Sam Riley, Brenton Thwaites

Rating: 7/10

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The Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2014 Schedule

Posted on May 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

For those of you guys who would like to check out the Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2014 – here’s the schedule of the shows lined up. I actually missed to post this a little bit early but better late than never right 🙂 If you didn’t get any invites, you can still see some of the shows which will be held in MOA Atrium as stated below or check out the collections at the official website of the Philippine Fashion Week HERE.

via philippinefashionweeklive.com

via philippinefashionweeklive.com

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Jodilly Pendre & Katarina Rodriguez on the cover of Metro Magazine – June 2014 Edition!

Posted on May 28, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Metro Magazine

via Metro Magazine

Jodilly with her copy!! Yay!

Jodilly with her copy!! Yay!

Yesssiirr! I am totally loving the next month’s cover of Metro Magazine which features the second and third placer Pinay models in Asia’s Next Top Model Season 2  – Jodilly Pendre and Katarina Rodriguez. It’s just so refreshing to actually see working models making it in the cover of a fashion magazine esp. here in the Philippines!!! I’m so glad that Metro decided to to go with this and I’m very proud of these two ladies as well!!!

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Book Review: The Forever Of Ella And Micha – Jessica Sorensen

Posted on May 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

Published October 15th 2013 by Forever

via goodreads

via goodreads

Maybe I’m truly a masochist because reading this book was terribly painful and I went through it even if it hurts – bad pain that is. I was thinking that I owe it to my friend (who bought some ebooks for me including this one and eight titles from the same author) to finish the book since I’ve already started it but this one’s just utterly disappointing! It’s probably one of the worst books I’ve read so far this year.

Ella and Micha have survived tragedy and heartbreak. When they’re together, anything seems possible. But now they are thousands of miles apart, and managing their long distance relationship will put their love to the test.

Ella is back at school, trying hard not worry so much about her future. But with her father in and out of rehab, she’s having a hard time making it through the days. All she wants is Micha by her side, but she refuses to let her problems get in the way of his dreams.

Micha spends his days touring the country with his band, but deep down he knows something is missing. Being away from Ella is harder than he thought it would be. He wants her closer to him-needs her with him. But he won’t ask her to leave college, just to be with him.

The few moments they do spend together are intense and passionate, but it only makes it more difficult when they have to part. They know they want to be together, but is wanting something enough to get them to their forever? (source)

The pacing of the story was my main problem here and the story arc isn’t going anywhere – that is beside the fact that it tends to be predictable. I wasn’t even hoping for redemption of some sort at the end because the whole thing feels so heavy – just unbearable. I didn’t expect that I’d have such intense dislike of these first two titles from the series. For now, I think I’m going to skip the rest and delay reading the other eight titles that I’ve gotten from the same author.

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: The Secret Of Ella And Micha – Jessica Sorensen

Posted on May 27, 2014 | Leave a comment
via goodreads

via goodreads

I’m currently on the second book (The Forever Of Ella And Micha) while writing this review. I was able to finish this book in six hours and it’s not because it’s that good but because I just want to get over the whole thing. It’s not that bad though, I’m just really disappointed with the whole story.

Ella and Micha have been best friends since they were kids. But one tragic night shatters their friendship and their lives forever.

Ella used to be a rule-breaker with fiery attitude who wore her heart on her sleeve. But she left everything behind when she went to college and transformed into someone that follows the rules, keeps everything together, and hides all her problems. But now it’s summer break and she has nowhere else to go but home.

Ella fears everything she worked so hard to bury might resurface, especially with Micha living right next door. If Micha tries to tempt the old her back, she knows that it will be hard to resist.

Micha is sexy, smart, confident, and can get under Ella’s skin like no one else can. He knows everything about her, including her darkest secrets. And he’s determined to bring his best friend, and the girl he loves back, no matter what it takes. (source)

I thought the beginning was very promising and the characters of Ella and Micha are very interesting but the whole vibe of the story’s just borderline boring. I love the setting but I didn’t like the narrative at all. Ella’s character’s just too overbearing for me. Whilst I love Micha’s character – I thought it lacks characterization. I’m even more interested with Ethan and Lila’s character (their respective bff’s and I’m glad that they have their own book which I’m more excited to read in the coming days.) Anyways, I’m gonna make this quick. I still want to give this two a chance (since I’m having more fun this time reading the second book) but the first one was just a total snooze fest. I thought the title’s great but really – the inside of the book is nowhere near the impressive and curious title.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

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Review: Mad Love (1995)

Posted on May 26, 2014 | 3 comments
Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8345481

Mad Love remains one of my personal favorites from Chris O’Donnell. It may not be his best or most acclaimed film, but it was one of the first I saw of him—and it stuck with me.

O’Donnell plays Matt Leland, a straight-laced teenager who falls for Casey Roberts (Drew Barrymore), the wild and impulsive new girl next door who struggles with bipolar dhttps://amzn.to/3V6fpRpisorder. Fueled by young love, rebellion, and a desire to escape their troubled lives, the two run away together in hopes of finding freedom. But Matt soon learns that love isn’t enough to outrun reality—especially when mental illness is part of the journey.

Despite its lukewarm reception from critics, I still find Mad Love watchable and emotionally resonant. Yes, the story has its flaws—the plot is thin, and at times, the pacing falters—but there’s a quiet honesty in how it portrays teenage angst, first love, and the complexities of mental health.

The film doesn’t get everything right, but it has heart. The chemistry between O’Donnell and Barrymore carries the story, and the soundtrack adds just the right amount of 90s grit and sentimentality to give the film its own flavor.

Mad Love may not have delivered a perfect narrative, but with a solid cast, a moody soundtrack, and two compelling leads, it still deserves a second look—especially for anyone who grew up in the era or has a soft spot for 90s teen dramas.

Via PEx Movie Challenge – Movies Released Before 2000

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