Author Archives: paddylastinc

Asia’s Next Top Model Star Amanda Chan on the cover of MITH Magazine (March 2016)

Posted on March 10, 2016 | Leave a comment

Amanda Chan On Mith MagazineYou Asia’s Next Top Model fans still remember Amanda from last cycle right? Yup, I know. She’s everyone’s favorite – and was such a hit even with Judge Alex Perry with her super adorable accent and charming personality!  In addition, her first foray to modeling was truly a joy to watch on TV!

Ya’ll be glad to know that little Miss Amanda Chan is gracing the cover of New York and Los Angeles based fashion and entertainment magazine, MITH with the cover story, “Imagine Learning Modeling in front of Millions.”

“That’s what 17-year-old Amanda Chan did when she appeared on Asia’s Next Top Model with zero modeling experience. Fans adored Amanda’s cheerful personality and carried her to the final four. Get to know the real Amanda in our cover story interview.”

If you’d like to subscribe to MITH magazine, you can check out the details here: http://www.mithstore.com/products/mith-magazine-annual-subscription-digital

I think this is totes amazing for Amanda!!! I really hope she’d really pursue this career because she’s truly got massive potential!

Congratulations Amanda!

#TeamPhilippinesFTW

Leave a comment

Posted in Magazines, Models

Tagged , ,

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 4 Episode 1 – Bubble Couture (Recap)

Posted on March 10, 2016 | 4 comments
Tuti snatching this cycle's first FCO!

Tuti snatching this cycle’s first FCO!

It’s another season and another Asian fierceness showdown we’ve witnessed tonight as fourteen girls from the region battled it out in the hopes of becoming Asia’s Next Top Model!

It was not a good start for Team Philippines; let me tell you that right off the bat. There was a preview of what’s to expect for the rest of the season and it’s not looking good for my homegirls boohoo!

The first challenge was on a runway and I think I just fell in love with Patricia!!! Angie was a bit stiff but looking gorgeous like Patricia. Sang In looks like those Asian girls walking the runways in Europe! OMFG! Gwen looks very well, the judges were right – very pageantry. And to be fair, she was a beauty queen! LOL

Winner of the challenge was very obvious – Patricia!!!! Yay!!! (Bad news tho – for those who loathed the scoring system employed in the last few cycles of America’s Next Top Model, it’s here people so there’s that – I’m not totally happy with this)

Challenge Scores
Patricia – 9.5
Tuti – 9.0
Tawan – 8.3
Alaiza – 8.0
Julian – 7.7
Tugs – 7.3
Gwen – 7.3
Aldilla – 6.7
May – 6.7
Sang In – 5.3
Jessica – 5.0
Angie – 4.2
Mai Ngo – 4.0

At the house there are only 13 beds but 14 models so someone will get an early boot and unfortunately for Maya Goldman – her runway skill was adjudged to be the weakest so that’s Team Thailand getting their first casualty. FYI: Wanvisa Maya Goldman was a runner-up during the Miss Universe Thailand 2013.

On to their first shoot, can I just say how totally fab the idea was!!!! They will be dressed up in 60’s inspired outfit while inside bubble! It was like a hundred times better from half of the shoot last year! Yeah, yeah…sorry but it’s true!

During the shoot, my favorite has got to be feisty Mai Ngo!!! Girl, you givin’ me ma life-force!!! It ain’t Top Model if it’s drama-free! LOL

At panel, the girls are looking absolutely divine in white!!! Wow!!! Tuti was an obvious hit with the judges from runway to her photo and TBH, I thought Mai Ngo’s photo looks ridiculously good!

So here’s the ranking this episode:
Challenge + Shoot:
Tuti – 37.5
Aldilla – 33.2
Alaiza – 32.5
Patricia – 31.5
Julian – 30.7
May – 29.2
Mai Ngo – 27.5
Sang In – 26.3
Tawan – 25.3
Jessica – 19.0
Tugs – 18.5
Angie – 18.0
Gwen – 17.3

Please hover your mouse here: Gwen was supposed to go home but since Maya got the booted earlier, she was given another chance! So there’ that! Make it work next episode, Gwen!

Don’t forget to watch the show every Wednesdays, 9PM 8PM JKT/BKK/VN on StarWorld!

pictures via Asia’s Next Top Model

4 Comments

Posted in TV Shows

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Book Review: High Contrast (Evolution Ink, #1) – Tess Bowery [ARC]

Posted on March 9, 2016 | Leave a comment

High ContrastDate Of Publication: May 3, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Romance, New Adult
Length: 226 pages, ebook
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Ebook ISBN: 9781619234574
Cover Artist: Kelly Martin
Characters: Jacob Shain, Cody Turner

I had a total blast reading this one. I didn’t expect much from it but I totally got more in return!  I’ve never read anything from the author before this and now, I’m thinking of getting her two other books released in 2015!

High Contrast is highly relatable, at least on my end. Jacob Shain is a lowly unpaid intern who shares an apartment with his twin brother Ethan and is the geeky-comic-book-video-games-loving brother in contrast with his much-cooler-tattoo-artist twin. I mean, I’m basically living the life of Jacob! So with that I can totally see eye to eye with his character although I’ve to say that Jacob’s way fun and funnier! He’s so adorkable! His inner monologues are my life-force in this book!

Enter uber-gorgeous-tattooed-piercer Cody Turner, the new employee of Evolution Ink where Ethan was a co-owner and where Jacob usually hangs out. Cody is quiet, smart, kind and doesn’t give too many personal information but it was lust at first sight for Jacob baby so he’s so ready to take on the challenge of getting Cody to open up.

Only it wasn’t that easy and simple especially after a number of hooligans suddenly showed up that threatens Cody, their friends and their budding relationship!

Truly, this is one book I will recommend for anyone looking for something that is angst-free and just feel-good all over. There was humor in it, the romance was very palpable with unbelievably hot steamy scenes and the writing was truly entertaining and engaging overall.

I will definitely be on the lookout for the next installment!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About Tess Bowery
Tess has been a fan of historical fiction since learning the Greek and Roman myths at her mother’s knee. Now let loose on a computer, she’s spinning her own tales of romance and passion in a slightly more modern setting. Tess lives on the east coast, with her partner of fifteen years and two cats who should have been named ‘Writer’s Block’ and ‘Get Off the Keyboard, Dammit.’

Connect to her on Twitter: @TessBowery and visit her website: www.tessbowery.com

Leave a comment

Posted in Books

Tagged , , , ,

Kim Ross, Disqualified from the Binibining Pilipinas 2016!

Posted on March 9, 2016 | Leave a comment

Kim Ross

I’ve just heard the disheartening news that Kim Ross Delos Santos was disqualified from competing at this year’s Binibining Pilipinas edition. She apparently had sexy test shots from the past, which didn’t really fit into the criteria of the organization. Seriously, this “criteria” is hindering worthy joiners of the pageants.

Jonas Gaffud Statements

In 2013, Megan Young was apparently disqualified to join the pageant because of her Rogue magazine photoshoot – and mind you, that is not in any way a “porn” publication and look at what happened, she ended up winning the Miss World beauty pageant that same year so that is definitely a blessing in disguise. I also remember the case of Grendel Alvarado a few years back when she was disqualified along with a  fellow Philippines’ Next Top Model alum because of their nude shoot during the show; And that shoot was for Breast Cancer Awareness mind you!

There are also tons of similar cases in the past and I think it’s high time for the organization to really change their rules or at least be clear about what is REALLY ALLOWED and what is NOT. I know that rules are made for a reason but let’s take Megan’s Rogue’s shoot for example, does it violate the morality clause of the Binibining Pilipinas criteria? Does it affect the name of the pageant at large? Then why did Miss World Philippines readily accepted her application and even went on to crown her? I mean, cmon’ people – we’re wasting these beautiful Filipinas for what? Nothing – just way too dated views about morality.

I really do hope that Kim will be given due process or at least a broad explanation on why she was disqualified in the first place. Binibining Pilipinas, please – say something about this issue and don’t just keep mum about it like this is nothing at all to fuzz about. Banat naman kayo diyan!

This was the picture that cause her disqualification, apparently which I found via pageant site Misossology 

Kim Ross

What are your thoughts about the picture and her disqualification?

images from Kim Ross Delos Santos and Jonas Gaffud‘s Facebook Page.

Leave a comment

Posted in Beauty Pageants

Tagged , , , , , ,

[ARC] Book Review: Where There’s A Will (Panopolis, #3) – Cari Z.

Posted on March 6, 2016 | Leave a comment

Where There's WillDate Of Publication: May 2, 2016 by Riptide Publishing
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Sci-Fi, Romance, Contemporary
Length: 290 pages, ebook
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Ebook ISBN: 9781626494053
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase
Characters: Freight Train, Craig Haney, Ari Mansourian

In this third installment of the series, the grit is way more intense that not even ‘Maggot’ from the last book could compete. Freight Train who is the center of the story showed us the human side of the so-called “Supers” of Panopolis, the good and the ‘awful lot’ bad side of them and how ugly the people are behind all of these.

Enter Dr. Ari Mansourian who may have the all answers to all of Freight Train’s questions that he wasn’t supposed to ask. And he wasn’t supposed to feel.

What does it really take to be a hero?

I think Cari Z. just made this whole Panopolis series ‘a way legit must-read’ when she decided to go dark with its third installment. I don’t mean to say that the first two books, Where There’s Smoke and Where There’s Fire aren’t worth the read – uh, no – definitely not. I loved those two books and are two of my favorites from last year but this one just up the ante when it comes to fleshing out its characters and I totally loved what the author did here exploring deeper into the Panopolis and its Supers.

Fan of the series will feel for Craig Haney aka Freight Train and what he has been through that you’d just want to give him the biggest hug ever regardless of his force field. There was this vulnerability about him that I think people could easily relate to. His sacrifices and what he’s willing to give to save others, least prioritizing himself – being selfless that is makes up the core of Freight Train and I think readers will totally root for him. I know I did. It’s also fun to see the Mastermind (Edward Dinges) and the Mad Bombardier (Raul) again! So there’s that. I’m a happy kid!!!

While reading this, it also reminded me of Five For Fighting’s “Superman” – a very apt song for this book!

Again, what a truly delightful addition to the series that I can’t recommend this series highly enough! Do pick this one up and I swear, you won’t regret it!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Cari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she’s put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.

ARC was provided by the publisher for an honest and impartial review.

Leave a comment

Posted in Books

Tagged , , , ,

Thank you, Mr. Pat Conroy!

Posted on March 5, 2016 | 2 comments

‘Tis a sad day for me as I was greeted with the terrible news that Pat Conroy lost his battle to cancer, one of my literary heroes. I became a massive fan of Mr. Conroy after reading Beach Music several years ago, which inevitably changed my perception of life and helped me through my darkest moments. Also, reading every book he’d written in between made me realize so much about myself, other people, and, as I’ve said, my perception of life in general.

via https://patconroy.com/

Pat Conroy was born Donal Patrick Conroy on October 26, 1945, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the eldest of seven children born to Marine Colonel Donal Conroy and Frances Peek. He’d written several acclaimed novels and memoirs, including The Prince Of Tides and The Great Santini, made into Oscar-nominated films.

Pat Conroy died at his home Friday in Beaufort, South Carolina, surrounded by family and loved ones, according to his publisher on March 4, 2016. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer. He was 70.

Your legacy will live on! Thank you.

2 Comments

Posted in Authors, Books, Personal

Tagged , , ,

Book Review: Taylor Maid – Tara Lain

Posted on March 3, 2016 | Leave a comment

Taylor MaidPublished March 1st 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Romance / Contemporary
Length: 218 pages, ebook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Ebook ISBN: 9781634768146
Cover Artist: Paul Richmond
Characters: Taylor Fitzgerald, Alessandro Macias, Ally May

On the eve of his twenty-fifth birthday, Taylor Fitzgerald discovers that he must marry a woman before midnight or lose a fifty-million-dollar inheritance. Only problem is that he’s gay and who will he convinced to play as his last-minute bride?

Enter the beautiful maid, Ally May from Vegas. She’s the perfect candidate for Taylor’s plan but Ally is actually Alessandro Macias, son of a Brazilian hotel magnate who’s also on the run. With all these pretense, will they be able to make it work and realized in the end that they’re actually made for each other?

This was just sweetness overload! I really enjoyed reading this one! I loved Taylor and Ally so much and their love-story is just oozing with cuteness! It’s obviously a play from Chris O’Donnell’s The Bachelor and I just adore everything about it! It also reminds me of Sinders and Ash from the autho’s. Remember Sinders penchant for wearing her own designs?

This was my first from the Dreamspun Series and I’ve read not so many good reviews from the earlier books so I’m kinda worried on picking this up and I’m sure glad I did because it was everything I needed at the moment – something feel good, something really sweet and truly romantic! I highly recommend this one!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Tara Lain never met a beautiful boy she didn’t love – at least on paper. A writer of erotic romance, mostly ménage and male/male, Tara loves all her characters, but especially her handsome heroes. A lifelong writer of serious non-fiction, Tara had the first novel she ever wrote accepted for publication in 2011. She’s now on book 27 and counting. After an exotic life of travel all over the world and work in television, education and advertising, Tara settled in Southern California with her soul-mate husband and opened her own small marketing business. She paints, collages, and started practicing yoga “way before it was fashionable”. Passionate about diversity, justice, inclusion and new ideas she says on her tombstone it will read, “Yes”.

Leave a comment

Posted in Books

Tagged , , ,

Book Review: Lap Dog (Shelter, #2) – Kate Sherwood

Posted on March 3, 2016 | Leave a comment

Lap DogPublished February 27th 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Drama, Romance / Contemporary
Length: 202 pages, ebook
Publisher: KSB (Kate Sherwood Books)
Ebook ASIN: B01CC1DDY4
Cover Artist: A.J. Corza
Characters: Tristan Beck, Simon Yeung

Tristan Beck sells his body for a living – he is a freelance prostitute. Everything is working fine in his life until Simon Yeung decided to swoop in like a boss forcing him into becoming a contracted escort to another high-paying Chinese family which Simon’s family is trying to get in good relationship with. Tristan naturally didn’t like this one bit and along the way, the spineless henchman that is Simon grew some conscience. When shit started to hit the fan, Tristan is still the one receiving the brunt of Simon’s doing. So really, I don’t even have to say how I totally despise Simon 80% of the story. He’s a family robot whose loyalty never faltered until he met Tristan.

I still don’t like Simon by the end of the book unfortunately. Although I really liked Tristan, I thought everything about his job and personality was simplified. He’s obviously a smart boy when he talks “shop” with Micah and I would’ve liked more exploration on his character.

Also, I didn’t feel the romance aspect of the book. I didn’t think there was a really prominent one either. It felt more like a friendship – something similar with Tristan and Shane’s relationship.

To be completely honest, I thought this was a bit of a downgrade from the awesomeness of the first book, Feral with  Shane, Noah and Dodger. I thought their appearance here added to the likability of the book. Not saying this is a total drag but it would’ve been way better for me if there was more to Tristan than his job and friends, and the whole thing about the development of his relationship with Simon was given more space. I’d definitely still read the next book in the series, that’s for sure.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Kate’s goal with her writing is to make readers feel, but also to make them think. She works hard to create realistic, flawed characters who are desperate for love, and also terrified of it.

Find more information at http://www.katesherwoodbooks.com

Leave a comment

Posted in Books

Tagged , , , ,

Australia’s Next Top Model Cycle 10 – The Judges

Posted on March 2, 2016 | Leave a comment

UntitledAustralia’s Next Top Model Season 10 is set to return this year with Jennifer Hawkins still hosting the show and Alex Perry returning as (one of my favorite Top Model) judge (s ever!). They will also have with them former Project Runway Australia host and one of last cycle’s guest judges Megan Gale as this upcoming season’s permanent judge! Isn’t this exciting?

Megan Gale

As of press time, no date has been confirmed yet for the new season’s airing. Be sure to watch out for more updates!

via AuNTM 

Leave a comment

Posted in TV Shows

Tagged , , , ,

Book Review: Feral (Shelter, #1) – Kate Sherwood

Posted on March 1, 2016 | Leave a comment

FeralPublished December 5th 2015
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Romance / Contemporary
Length: 282 pages, ebook
Publisher: KSB (Kate Sherwood Books)
Ebook ASIN: 0988153041 (ISBN13: 9780988153042)
Cover Artist: A.J. Corza
Characters: Noah Reed, Shane Black

I don’t know what’s so different about this book from the author’s earlier efforts because this was surprisingly good! I mean, I didn’t expect it to be so good. I’d even say that this is my favorite book to date from Kate Sherwood! I liked both MCs because they are very likable and realistic. I loved the progression of their relationship – not hurried and very tender. I also liked that despite the super-charged sexual tension between the MCs, it didn’t go overboard with the sex scenes (I don’t even remember if there was any at all which doesn’t bother me at all) – I mean, I’m perfectly fine with romantic stories from this genre and admire a great deal of authors who could write one without inserting heaps and bounds of sex into it.

Noah Reed is trying to get back on track after unfortunate incident happens to him in the past. When Shane Black stumbles into a clinic where Noah volunteers to seek medical help for his puppy, Dodger, they found out that the dog was poisoned. Together, they search its source and both were able to understand each other’s world and somehow found that there could be something more between them.

People will also get a kick out of Dodger’s cuteness! He’s the super-adorable dog that Shane Black found from the dumpster and the reason why he went to the pet clinic in the first place. Dodger keeps on making me grin whenever he’s on the scene.

I would’ve like a longer epilogue or an additional chapter perhaps because I want to see more in-depth interaction between Shane and Noah. I want them to explore their relationship more but I guess we’ll see them in the second book so it’ll do for now. ‘Tis a very solid writing! I’m very much looking forward to reading Tristan’s story.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Kate’s goal with her writing is to make readers feel, but also to make them think. She works hard to create realistic, flawed characters who are desperate for love, and also terrified of it.

Find more information at http://www.katesherwoodbooks.com

Leave a comment

Posted in Books

Tagged , , ,