Category Archives: Others

The Story of this Campaign | Hillary Clinton | #ImWithHer

hillary-2016-copy

Happy 7th!

7thApparently, it’s my site’s 7th anniversary today according to WordPress! Yay!

I think the last time I celebrated my blogging anniversary here was in 2012 when I was still with my then boyfriend Dom. Teehee.

From a fashion blog to a travel blog to movies and books review blog – I think I pretty much covered every aspect of my life that I’ve an interest with.

So there ya go, in case you’re wondering – this blogsite turns 7 today!

Thank you readers!!!!!!!

A Quick Message From Manila’s Pride Festival 2016!

Pride Parade 2016

I attended the 2016 Metro Manila Pride Festival yesterday and I was astounded by the support of a lot of folks for our community. There’s just that beautiful sense of belongingness and I just loved how welcoming they are! It was such an incredible experience and I’d definitely do it again next year!

Sa uulitin!

Like the page of Metro Manila Pride here!

 

Book Review: Playing To Win (Glasgow Lads, #2) – Avery Cockburn

Playing To WinDate of Publication: June 17, 2015
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ, Romance, Politics
Format: 361 pages, ebook
Publisher: Self-Published
ASIN: B0116LBLKE
Cover Art: Damonza
Characters: Colin MacDuff, Andrew Sunderland

So how do I go about with this second book of my favourite series this year? It’s Colin and Andrew’s story so that ought to excite fans who loved them in the first book because sexy, crass Colin is back and the too-cool for school Lord Andrew is ready to go all-out in wooing the very political and youngest player of Woodstoun Warriors. Yes, I did say political because their story was set in the midst of Scottish-Independence struggle and as much as I’d love to tell you much about that from what I’ve learned from the book itself – I don’t think there’ll be much I can accurately say about it. Truthfully, I wasn’t even aware of it when it happened so I ain’t touching that one baby.

The story though is nothing short of special as a follow-up to that super-awesome Playing For Keeps starring Fergus and John. Colin and Andrew are so very different from said couple and I loved how they set their difference aside in order to meet halfway to try to make their relationship work.

Both are young so I loved that Ms. Cockburn was able to flesh out their personality in such a way that shows where they are in terms of maturity. Colin for me is the idealist one whilst Andrew is the realist in the relationship. ‘not saying the other one has more maturity but again, they have differences when it comes to not only their social standings but also their point of views which is why they hit it off to begin with. Andrew needs someone who will keep him grounded while Colin needs someone equally stronger emotionally keeping him from his bouts of histrionics when it comes to his political views. I said that I won’t touch the “political” side of things but I keep on bringing it up. I hope I am not offending anyone with my views towards Colin’s character. It’s just how I view his views ‘politically.’ So if I were to compare myself from either Colin or Andrew, I’d say I’m more of an Andrew person.

I obviously enjoyed it although the first couple from previous book is still my favourite, I thought this one sends a very strong political message (I know, sorry) and the characterization of both MCs is a strong depiction of them young people at the moment. Millenials they call them?

This review may sound way subdued from the first book but I think a lot of people will enjoy how very different this one is and readers (like my friend Riina who recommended this series) will fall for Colin onset of the story!

I absolutely recommend this book and this series!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Hiya, I’m Avery Cockburn (rhymes with Savory Slow Churn). In a previous incarnation I wrote over a dozen novels for major publishers. Some of these books even won awards, which was pure awesome. But last year I decided to “go indie” so I could write exactly what I wanted, how I wanted, and publish as fast as readers wanted. Now my days are filled with beautiful men who play the Beautiful Game in the most beautiful place in the world—and who happen to love other beautiful men. It’s pretty much the best job ever.

I currently live in the United States with one infinitely patient man and two infinitely impatient cats. Readers make my day, so email me at avery@averycockburn.com, or sign up for my mailing list at http://www.averycockburn.com/signup to get loads of exclusive Glasgow Lads bonus material. Cheers!

Colton Haynes is Out and Happy!

SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 26: In this handout photo provided by Warner Bros, Colton Haynes of "Arrow" attendss Comic-Con International 2014 on July 26, 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Smallz+Raskind/Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. via Getty Images)

SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 26: In this handout photo provided by Warner Bros, Colton Haynes of “Arrow” attendss Comic-Con International 2014 on July 26, 2014 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Smallz+Raskind/Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. via Getty Images)

I thought I should post something about Colton Haynes after officially coming out! Of course, we all knew him as Jackson in Teen Wolf whose character got offed (?) at the second second season of the show and as Roy Harper/ Arsenal in Arrow but I guess, like myself – you were equally surprised when he left both shows. Apparently, there’s a reason for that…

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly’s Marc Snetiker, Haynes said:

“I asked to step away because I cared more about my mental and physical health than my career at the time,” the actor tells EW, opening up about his personal and professional life for the first time in quite some time. “I’ve had terminal anxiety my entire life. Physically ill, fainting. I’m 27 years old, and I have an ulcer. I had to step back.”   

And I’m glad he did because according to him, he’s happier and healthier than ever and I think that’s most important yeah? Well done Colton!!!! Well done!!!!

p.s.
#TeamJacksonForever

The Complete List Of Winners at the Oscars 2016 And Some Random Thoughts

Winners oscars 2016Best Picture – Spotlight
Best Director – Alejandro G. Inarritu
Best Actor – Leonardo DiCaprio for The Revenant
Best Actress – Brie Larson for Room
Best Supporting Actor – Mark Rylance for Bridge Of Spies
Best Supporting Actress – Alicia Vikander for The Danish Girl
Best Original Screenplay – Spotlight
Best Adapted Screenplay – The Big Short
Best Animated Feature – Inside Out
Best Foreign Language Film – Son of Saul (Hungary)
Best Documentary Feature – Amy
Best Documentary Short Subject – A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness
Best Live Action Short Film – Stutterer
Best Animated Short Film – Bear Story
Best Original Score – The Hateful Eight
Best Original Song – Writing’s On The Well OST Spectre
Best Sound Editing – Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Sound Mixing – Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Production Design – Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Cinematography – The Revenant
Best Makeup and Hairstyling – Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Costume Design – Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Film Editing – Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Visual Effects – Ex Machina

Seriously tho, I loved Mad Max: Fury Road but to win all (most of) those awards over The Revenant? I just don’t understand! Sure I locked its win for film editing but for the rest of the category? I thought it was absurd! Hell, what do I know right? At least Rylance got the Oscar! Although I’m real sad for Stallone. Ooh, I’m ecstatic about The Hateful Eight win as well. I mean, only three noms for the film? Travesty! And yasss! I knew Sam Smith will win the Oscar for Writing’s on the Wall! And big congrats to Mr. Inarritu! A historic back to back win!!!!! Whoot Hoot! And finally, finally, finally! Leo!!!! Leo!!! Leo!!!!! After so many snubs!!!! finally!!! Crying IRL for you Leo!!!! Congratulations!!!!!

Manny Pacquiao Views On Gay People and Same-Sex Marriage : “… Are Worse Than Animals.”

Manny on an LGBT IssueA new video is being shared and talked about all throughout the social media at the moment about the new tirade of Filipino world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao on same-sex marriage and homosexuality in general.

Manny stated, Ginawa ang babae para sa lalaki, ginawa ang lalaki para sa babae (Woman was made for man, man was made for woman)

“Common sense lang. Makakita ka ba ng any animals na lalaki sa lalaki o babae sa babae? Mas mabuti pa yung hayop. Marunong kumikilala, kung lalaki o lalaki, babae babae” (It’s common sense. Will you see any animals where male is to male and female is to female? The animals are better. They know how to distinguish, male or female).

“Ngayon kung lalaki sa lalaki, babae sa babae, mas masahol pa sa hayop ang tao” (If it’s male on male, female on female, then that’s worse than animals)

If you recall, Pacquiao was mistakenly quoted in May 2012 when he supposedly remark that “gay men should be put to death.” The writer of the article later retracted and claim the quote was not from the boxer.

Pacquiao however has a very strong opinion about the issue stating, “God only expects man and woman to be together and to be legally married, “It should not be of the same sex, so as to adulterate the altar of matrimony, like in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah.” on a 2012 interview with the National Conservative Examiner.

Oh, and he’s running for Senator this coming election. Your thoughts?

On a more positive note, Manny recently shared on his social media accounts the free houses he built for his constituents in Sarangani Province! Kudos to you Manny for doing that and spending “your own money” for the project. 

video via Juicy Minds

Book Review: Cold Fusion – Harper Fox

Cold FusionKier Mallory is a tree-hugging poet who made a fatal decision on one of their anti-whaling missions that took the lives of his two crewmembers. Disgraced and with everybody turning him away, he found himself heading to Spindrift. The place that is once a lair for artists and such is now deserted and dilapidated save for its lone inhabitant.

Vivian Calder is the son of a local laird. With Asperger’s syndrome, it leaves the young scientist emotionally and socially awkward. His lonesome existence however led him to perfecting cold fusion – a clean, free, and limitless source of power.

With this groundbreaking discovery and their unlikely friendship blossoming into something unexpected, uncertain instances clouded above them that may threaten it and their lives.

At first, Mallory’s character was highly unlikable. I thought he was a real douchebag snapping on Viv all the time. It’s obvious that he’s got some anger management issue or perhaps it’s everything that has happened to him prior to meeting Viv but it doesn’t excuse his behavior towards Viv whose detachment over emotional things made him a clear target for such attitude – I didn’t like it at all. Then when things started to unravel between them, post-Allan’s betrayal – everything seemed perfect and they just easily complimented each other. I liked that despite the insta-love (10 days of knowing each other and love is in the air) in the story, the romance does not feel forced at all.

Viv is a real riot at times. His awkwardness is way too adorable and I loved his forgiving nature. I also loved how he felt comfortable with Mal disregarding all his inhibitions. Love is the ‘cure’ after all. *wink*

“Do you get erections?”

“Yes, at awkward times. Over some things you’d find strange.”

“Let me tell you something I never thought I’d share with anyone. When the discovery of the Higgs boson was confirmed in the LHC at CERN, I went upstairs, lock myself in my room, and I came so hard I thought my eardrums would burst. Does that answer you question?”

The science aspect of the story didn’t bother me at all. There was ample amount of explanation that didn’t go beyond info-dump-zone and I loved that the author eventually veered off from it at the latter part of the story.

I thought Alan deserves more than a bruiser. I don’t care if he’s the one who got in contact with Viv’s sister – he’s still a criminal. And a douchebag. Period.

The semi-twist that was conveniently laid out at the second half of the story was a bit surprising to me. I mean, the guy has Asperger’s syndrome (nothing wrong with this but he’s been alone all his life) and then he’s got to suffer that. Poor guy, really.

As usual, the story ended with a very solid conclusion. Harper Fox is one of those authors that does not know how not to write beautifully. Cold Fusion is another wonderful piece of literature! Highly recommended.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Kindle Edition, 297 pages
Published January 5th 2016 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

About The Author
Harper Fox is an M/M author with a mission. She’s produced six critically acclaimed novels in a year and is trying to dispel rumours that she has a clone/twin sister locked away in a study in her basement. In fact she simply continues working on what she loves best– creating worlds and stories for the huge cast of lovely gay men queuing up inside her head. She lives in rural Northumberland in northern England and does most of her writing at a pensioned-off kitchen table in her back garden, often with blanket and hot water bottle.

She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn’t letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she’s yet to discover them.

Book Review: It’s A Wonderful Death – Sarah J. Schmitt

It's A Wonderful DeathDo you believe in the afterlife? Do you believe in Heaven? In Hell? What about Angels? Well, this book surely has it all when it comes to these things. I’m still in deep when it comes to discussing such stuff seriously but these are the things I’ve grown up with hearing from my friends, family and just about everywhere. I thought the blurb was interesting and it sounds real fun.

When seventeen-year-old mean girl RJ found herself in the afterlife by being accidentally collected by a distracted Grim Reaper, all “hell and heaven” breaks loose.  She found herself being tried on whether she deserves a second chance to live or not.  But she’s got to pass different tests in order to do so.

I honestly can’t find it in myself all throughout the book to like RJ as a character. She’s mean, selfish and just care about being popular. Very typical high school mean girl. Of course, she gets to redeem herself at the end but I’m still not a fan even after that. I think what made me keep reading this are the secondary characters.  As for RJ and her fate – Uhm, no. I feel like I just didn’t care at the end.

On a more positive note, I thought the story’s very fast paced and most of the characters are pretty vibrant. I initially thought that there will be a bigger plot point in the story involving the ring but the story got pretty much about on how RJ could go back on earth. I was rather disappointed that the story didn’t go much deeper.

There was nothing extremely unique about the story. It’s funny and fun enough but it lacks charm that I thought should be coming from the main character. Perhaps, I’m too old for the book so this may be enjoyed by its target audience. Overall, the writing and the story was decent. I’d still recommend it if you’re up for a quick read.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Expected publication: October 6th 2015 by Sky Pony Press

About The Author
Sarah J. Schmitt is a K-8 school librarian and Youth Service Professional for Teens at a public library who, in addition to planning a variety of events, enjoys opening up the world of books to reluctant readers. She runs a teen writing program that combines Skype visits from well-known authors and screenwriters and critique group style feedback.

Prior to immersing herself in the world of the written word, Sarah earned her Masters of Science in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs from Indiana University where she worked with first year college students as they acclimated to college life. Sarah lives outside of Indianapolis with her husband, two kidlets and a cat who might actually be a secret agent. She is an active member of SCBWI, ALA and the Indiana Library Federation and is a regular participant at the Midwest Writer’s Workshop. Her debut novel, IT’S A WONDERFUL DEATH, comes out Fall, 2014 from Strange Chemistry.

An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange of an honest and fair review.

Book Review: The Understatement Of The Year (The Ivy Years, #3) – Sarina Bowen

The Undertatement Of The YearI bought this title because I was so impressed with “Him” co-authored by Miss Bowen with Elle Kennedy and how wrong I was in thinking that this book will be at par with Him because it totally failed in everything that the latter managed to accomplish.

The story is about two twenty-one year old boys who fell in love as teens and because of a hate crime, each took their separate ways until their reunion at college where they end up playing at the same hockey team. Only this time, one of them is out and the other one is so deep in the closet he has already developed pussy.

I’m not a big fan of sports-themed stories but when the storytelling is really good, I don’t mind hearing all about the sports involved in it as long as it’s accompanied by great plot lines and characters. The thing is, I never liked both MCs that much. First, Graham (the one in the closet) was irritating as hell and his paranoia doesn’t even make sense. I’m like, sorry what’s the timeline of this story? The 9o’s? Gawd, I was rolling my eyes all over Graham’s bitchin’ towards being caught.

“Not to be dramatic, but I kept thinking about Peter’s denial of Jesus. Except I was worse than Peter. Instead of denying Rikker three times, I denied him every fricking day.”

He was so paranoid on getting caught with Rikker and being called fag, sick or whatever “gay, hateful” things in his face but he was the first one to pounce on Rikker and even gave him a blowjob and that was like his first blowjob. And then, he asked Rikker to top him – Rikker then asked if he’d ever done it before and Graham answered, “Only with toys?” – huh? Where the hell did you get those toys and where are you keeping them Graham? You’re even trying to make your appearance and your stuff inconspicuous in order to not look gay and this revelation surprised the hell out of me. *Rolls Eyes*

Secondly, we have Rikker the martyr.

“When it comes to Graham, I could never keep my head on straight.”

Rikker is stupid for love. Man’ why’d you have to be like that?

“What Am I going to do with you, G?”

My answer: Dump his sorry ass.

Don’t even get me started with Bella. She’s an annoying slut. Period.

And Big-D. The coach and Hartley just let those remarks against Rikker slide so easily like nothing’s happened? Not even a reprimand for his behavior? Those are not fucking jokes. Those are fucking insults disparaging a teammate, attacking him on a personal level. Fucking A.

The book should’ve been edited down by 100 pages to avoid the repetitive ignore, talk, sorry, sex, ignore, talk, sorry, sex theme and it would’ve been much better. The grandma angle was good but not enough to save this story. No can do baby.

I’m sorry (not sorry) but the conclusion didn’t even do it for me. The title should’ve been “the pussy of the year” but that would be awkward I guess. *rolling my eyes again* *smh*

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars (I’m adding another star because of Skippy and the cover)

Published October 15th 2014 by Rennie Road Books (first published September 29th 2014)

About The Authors
Sarina Bowen writes steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction from the wilds of Vermont.

She is the author of The Ivy Years, an award-winning series set amid the hockey team at an elite Connecticut college.

Sarina enjoys skiing, espresso drinks and the occasional margarita. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.

To be kept abreast of new releases, please feel free to sign up for the mailing list at http://www.sarinabowen.com/contact. Or visit the her Facebook page, or tweet her @sarinabowen.