Book Review: Chance Of The Heart – Kade Boehme

Chance Of The HeartBLURB: Chance Becket’s life was mapped out. He’d one day own the ranch he grew up on, have a family, and be the son he was raised to be, like all good boys in Small Town, U.S.A.

When his high school sweetheart calls for a break during her last semester of college, the last place Chance thought he’d end up was in his old friend Bradley’s bed.

Bradley Heart blasted out of the closet before his family could name him heir apparent to his father’s church. After six years away, a job layoff has him coming home to work behind the scenes. He and his father have little interaction and he’s fine with it staying that way when he returns home. Going back into the closet, for any reason, is not on his list of things to do. But Chance may prove too much a temptation, especially with the simmering feelings they’ve had for one another since they were teens.

Confused over his sexuality, Chance has to decide what’s more important — loyalty to his family and the path set forth, or the promise of happiness with not just the only man, but the only person, he’s ever really wanted.

***

I’m definitely enjoying reading Kade Boehme’s books. His style reminds me a bit of M.J. O’Shea and Piper Vaughn – mostly low-angst but there’s something very Kade about his books. This was his first “cowboy-themed” book – not like hardcore cowboy – I guess, more on country boys suppressing themselves – oh poor boys. Don’t worry though; it’s not that intense when it comes to keeping it inside the closet. Chance Becket is in the closet but upon reuniting with childhood “crush” Bradley Heart, he’s actually getting there and all he’s asking of Brad is time and patience. I thought the whole story was smooth and may have lacked of a stronger conflict. I ain’t complaining though, sometimes I loved such stories to go smoothly and never be bothered about things that would make these lovely characters suffer much. Kade is fast becoming one of my favorite MM authors. He knows how to tickle his readers and this book is another must-read for those who are in need of low-angst, light feels fix – cmon’ ya’ll – check it while it’s hawt [I didn’t just say that?!] ^_^

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

BUY LINKS
Amazon

Book Review: Fit For The Job – Darien Cox

Fit For The JobBlurb: When fitness professional Jay Capello is unexpectedly offered the job of training a movie star’s teenage daughter for the summer, he thinks he’s scored a fairly cushy gig.

But once let inside the locked gates of the actor’s residence, he begins to realize he’s been dropped into a web of family secrets, and the unconventional challenges of this assignment may be more than he can handle.

When he starts to fall for Bodie, the girl’s personal security guard, he tries to stick with it, and his simple summer commitment becomes a struggle to perform his job duties without losing his heart in the process.

***

I thought the whole story was awfully long with its thinly veiled plot. The beginning was a bit interesting although the pacing was uber-slow that I’m almost skimming through it. Midway, it became almost unbearable because of its predictability. I kept on turning the pages because I just want to get over Sassy’s histrionics and I when I got to her dealio – I was like, that’s it???! It’s a snooze-fest of a story. The book does not offer anything new. There were unnecessary scenes [mostly prolonged sex scenes] which made the story even more flat.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Published July 14th 2014 by Dusk Notes

About The Author
Darien Cox lives in New England, bouncing back and forth between the mountain and the ocean states, anywhere there’s a wave or a ski slope. A nature lover and thrill seeker, he enjoys exploring the intensity, insanity, humor and chaos that accompanies cupid’s arrow, whether it’s love at first sight or just the overwhelming power of lust.

website: http://dariencox.com

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Book Review: Coming Home (Rock Bay #1) – M.J. O’Shea

[Book 1 of Rock Bay Series]

coming homeBLURB: Tallis Carrington ruled Rock Bay with his gang of jocks and an iron fist-until a scandal destroyed his family’s name. Ten years later Tallis is dead broke, newly homeless, and on the walk of shame to end all walks of shame. He needs money and needs it fast, and Rock Bay is the only home he knows. But the people of Rock Bay haven’t forgotten him-or the spoiled brat he used to be. The only person in town willing to overlook his past is Lex, the new coffee shop owner, who offers Tally a job even though he appears to despise Tally based on his reputation alone. When Tally discovers his gorgeous boss is the kid he tortured back in high school, Lex’s hot and cold routine finally makes sense. Now Tally has to pull out all the stops to prove he was never really the jerk he seemed to be. After all, if he can win Lex’s heart, the rest of the town should be a piece of coffee cake.

***

I always loved me some M.J. O’Shea’s goody and she’s one of my favorite authors when it comes to light-feels, low-angst stories. This would’ve been perfect if not for the last half. I both loved Lex and Tally and how their relationship developed overtime but midway – the plot went a bit downhill with how childish the conflict was. I am also extremely annoyed with Drew’s character – really brew? balls-less much? I was even thinking that Brock retaliated because he’s actually in the closet himself but that doesn’t matter. The ending was a bit anti-climactic and I thought with the length of the novel, there should’ve been more about the bigots in the story getting served and not just getting a punch in return. There’s definitely more about Tally and Lex here that I would like to read in the future books in the series – I want Tally’s character to get a full-redemption story arc and Broc’s crew get what they deserved. This is what I didn’t get, the coffee shop was thriving and people were very accepting with Lex’s sexuality and liked him so much but a crew of capital A-hole get to harass him almost in their entire encounter? It feels like no one’s siding with Lex at all which is very ironic given how he was very much liked.

I’m not sure if I’ll get the second book in the series because Drew’s awfully annoying, tbh so I’m going to chill it a bit with this series. I’d still recommend this book though because it’s still a good read despite some things I didn’t like about it.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

BUY LINKS
Dreamspinner Press
Amazon
Barnes&Noble

Review: Ang Lalake Sa Parola [The Man in the Lighthouse] (2007)

Ang Lalake sa Parola has big, big potential. Director Joselito Altarejos could’ve steered this film in a different direction and possibly created a masterpiece. “…Parola” chronicles the journey of Mateo (Harry Laurel), a lighthouse caretaker in a rural town, and Jerome (Justine De Leon), a gay man from the city who seduces the naïve Mateo into a homoerotic relationship.

The plot is deceptively simple yet emotionally complex. It’s a symbolic take on how homosexuality exists even in the most remote corners of society. The myth about fairies serves as significant parallelism to the film’s central theme. And that might be the issue—the film is so full of parallelisms that it fails to deliver a cohesive storyline, resulting in a rather confusing finale.

Probably the best thing about this film is the lead actor. Harry Laurel delivered an incredibly strong performance, especially considering this was his first feature film. His subtle approach to each scene felt natural and believable—you’ll find yourself rooting for him. His slight accent added depth to Mateo’s naïveté, and his occasionally awkward, almost deer-in-the-headlights expressions were oddly charming, fitting the character perfectly.

Justine De Leon, on the other hand, felt a bit forced. While his character was meant to come off as discreet upon arriving in the small town, that restraint quickly faded. He became clingy and overly needy, which didn’t quite align with what the role seemed to demand.

Overall, the film was okay. It may suffer from a weak structure and rely too heavily on symbolism in an attempt to appear intellectually deep, but those flaws are forgivable. The intent was there, and the film still manages to communicate the message it set out to deliver. So yes—despite its shortcomings, it’s still an okay film.

Director: Joselito Altarejos
Starring: Harry Laurel, Justine De Leon, Jennifer Lee, Crispin Pineda, Allan Paule, Sheree, Richard Quan, Dexter Doria

Rating: 6/10

Review: Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank [The Woman In The Septic Tank] (2011)

Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank

Everything about this film from the cast to the script resonates deeply, and when I say deeply, I mean it has a voice all its own! It’s witty, emotionally stirring, and simply brilliant!

The movie follows three aspiring filmmakers striving to create an Oscar-worthy masterpiece! JM De Guzman, Kean Cipriano, and Eugene Domingo nailed their performances in this film! I was captivated by its clever blend of humor and thought-provoking moments in each scene.

Beneath its ordinary façade lies a captivating narrative that takes us on an exhilarating journey, with the actors infusing their lines with unwavering passion. Kean Cipriano shines as the meticulous director, while JM De Guzman adds a touch of sensitivity to the screen with his supporting role. Cai Cortez leaves a lasting impression playing the efficient production manager.

Eugene Domingo’s depiction of Mila, a mother of seven, and her fictional persona, provides a solid force in the film, offering crucial support to the newcomers.

I won’t spill any more secrets since this film has been out since 2011 (and I’ve watched it a few times already). But seriously, if you haven’t watched it yet, what are you waiting for? Oh, and about that question from my friend about whether this film could actually bag an Oscar? I say, why not?

 The film was chosen by the Film Academy of the Philippines to represent the Philippines in the Best Foreign Language Film category of the 84th Academy Awards.

Rating: 9/10

Director: Marlon Rivera
Cast: Eugene Domingo, JM De Guzman, Kean Cipriano, Cai Cortez, Cherie Pie Picache, Mercedes Cabral

Binibining Pilipinas 2015 – The Official Portraits!

The portraits of the final (hopefully) official candidates of this year’s Binibining Pilipinas pageant are now up via the pagean’t official website.

From here on, the girls will battle it out for the five crowns at stake in this year’s edition. Amongst the photos below, I’m keeping my eye on number 10, 11, 12, 19, 25, 28 and 34 – all perceived by pageant fans and pundits to be the front-runners from this batch.

1 Samantha BalbinCandidate No. 1
Name: Samantha Balbin
Age: 26 years old
From: Quezon City
Height: 5’5″
Vitals: 34 – 25½ – 34½

2  Jenny Feliz GonzalezCandidate No. 2
Name: Jenny Feliz Gonzalez
Age: 24 years old
From: Cainta, Rizal
Height: 5’6½”
Vitals: 32 – 23½ – 31

3 Ria RabajanteCandidate No. 3
Name: Ria Rabajante
Age: 25 years old
From: Pasig City
Height: 5’5½”
Vitals: 31½ – 24½ – 32

4 Renee Soraya R. HassaniCandidate No. 4
Name: Renee Soraya R. Hassani
Age: 23 years old
From: Cubao, Quezon City
Height: 5’5½”
Vitals: 30 – 23½ – 31

5 Cannielle Faith SantosCandidate No. 5
Name: Cannielle Faith Santos
Age: 25 years old
From: Marilao, Bulacan

6  Toni Alyessa HipolitoCandidate No. 6
Name: Toni Alyessa Hipolito
Age: 25 years old
From: Makati City
Height: 5’5½”
Vitals: 32½ – 27½ – 35

7 Enrica Roxiele GuiebCandidate No. 7
Name: Enrica Roxiele Guieb
Age: 23 years old
From: Angeles City, Pampanga
Height: 5’6½”
Vitals: 31½ – 24½ – 33

8 Kimverlyn SuizaCandidate No. 8
Name: Kimverlyn Suiza
Age: 26 yrs old
From: Marikina City
Height: 5’6¼”
Vitals: 32½ – 25 – 30½

9 Maolin YalungCandidate No. 9
Name: Maolin Yalung
Age: 20 years old
From: Mabalacat, Pampanga
Height: 5’6″

10 Pia Alonzo WurtzbachCandidate No. 10
Name: Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach
Age: 25 years old
From: Cagayan de Oro City
Height: 5’6½”
Vitals: 35 – 26½ – 33½

11 Janicel LubinaCandidate No. 11
Name: Janicel Lubina
Age: 19 years old
From: Palawan
Height: 5’7″
Vitals: 34 – 23½ – 33½

12 Kylie VerzosaCandidate No. 12
Name: Kylie Verzosa
Age: 23 years old
From: Baguio City
Height: 5’7″
Vitals: 32½ – 25½ – 32½

13 Mae Liezel RamosCandidate No. 13
Name: Mae Liezel Ramos
Age: 24 years old
From: Camarines Sur
Height: 5’7″
Vitals: 32½ – 26 – 33½

14 Princess Joy CamuCandidate No. 14
Name: Princess Joy Camu
Age: 20 years old
From: Albay
Height: 5’7½
Vitals: 32½ – 25 – 32
15 Paula Rich D. BartolomeCandidate No. 15
Name: Paula Rich D. Bartolome
Age: 24 years old
From: Laguna
Height: 5’7½ ”
Vitals: 31½ – 25 – 34

16 Marvi Ann Razon De LimaCandidate No. 16
Name: Marvi Ann Razon De Lima
Age: 24 years old
From: Iriga City
Height: 5’8″
Vitals: 32 – 25½ – 32
17 Brenna Cassandra S. GamboaCandidate No. 17
Name: Brenna Cassandra S. Gamboa
Age: 24 years old
From: Parañaque City
Height: 5’8½”
Vitals: 34½ – 26 – 34½

18 Crissa Marie MendiolaCandidate No. 18
Name: Crissa Marie Mendiola
Age: 19 years old
From: Bulacan
Height: 5’10”
Vitals: 32½ – 27 – 35

19Candidate No. 19
Name: Christi Lynn McGarry
Age: 24 years old
From: Nabua, Camarines Sur
Height: 5’9½”
Vitals: 34½ – 24½ – 32

20Candidate No. 20
Name: Tanya Angelina Nicole Hyde
Age: 23 years old
From: Masbate
Height: 5’8½”
Vitals: 32 – 24½ – 31½

21Candidate No. 21
Name: Alaiza Flor Malinao
Age: 21 years old
From: Davao Del Sur
Height: 5’8″
Vitals: 31½ – 24½ – 32½

22Candidate No. 22
Name: Anja Vanessa Peter
Age: 26 years old
From: Antipolo City
Height: 5’7¼”

23Candidate No. 23
Name: Justine Beatrice Dellosa Felizarta
Age: 20 years old
From: Davao del Sur
Height: 5’7″
Vitals: 33 – 24 – 31½

24Candidate No. 24
Name: Ann Lorraine Colis
Age: 22 years old
From: Mexico, Pampanga
Height: 5’7½”
Vitals: 32 – 26 – 32½

25Candidate No. 25
Name: Rogelie Catacutan
Age: 23 years old
From: Cebu City
Height: 5’7½”
Vitals: 32½ – 25 – 33½
26Candidate No. 26
Name: Anabel Christine Tia
Age: 26 years old
From: Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental
Height: 5’7″
Vitals: 33 – 25 – 34

27Candidate No. 27
Name: Ina Dominica Guerrero
Age: 21 years old
From: Capalonga, Camarines Norte
Height: 5’6″
Vitals: 32 – 24½ – 32

28Candidate No. 28
Name: Hannah Ruth Lulu Sison
Age: 26 years old
From: Oas, Albay
Height: 5’6″
Vitals: 32½ – 24½ – 32½

29Candidate No. 29
Name: Nancy Lee Leonard
Age: 24 years old
From: Zamboanga City
Height: 5’6″
Vitals: 31½ – 24½ – 32

30Candidate No. 30
Name: Patricia Lae Ejercitado
Age: 26 years old
Height: 5’5½”
Vitals: 34 – 24½ – 33

31Candidate No. 31
Name: Mia Allyson Hernandez Howell
Age: 24 years old
From: Quezon City
Height: 5’5½”
Vitals: 34 – 27 – 35

32Candidate No. 32
Name: Danita Joan Ruazol
Age: 24 years old
From: Cavinti, Laguna
Height: 5’7″
Vitals: 32½ – 25 – 31

33Candidate No. 33
Name: Namarata Neesha Murjani
Age: 21 years old
From: Cebu City
Height: 5’5½”
Vitals: 33½ – 25½ – 33

34Candidate No. 34
Name: Teresita Ssen Marquez
Age: 22 years old
From: Paranaque City
Height: 5’5″
Vitals: 33 – 24½ – 31½

 

 

This batch is looking to be a fierce battle of charms and wits – so who do you think will make the cut this year at this early stage of the competition?

photos courtesy of bb.pilipinas

 

Review: Water for Elephants (2011)

Director: Francis Lawrence
Based on the book by Sara Gruen
Starring: Resse Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Hal Holbrook, Christoph Waltz,Tai, James Frain, Paul Schneider, Ken Foree, Tim Guinee, Mark Povinelli, Scott MacDonald, Jim Norton, Richard Brake, Sam Anderson, John Aylward

Water For ElephantsWater for Elephants is about the young Cornell Veterinary undergrad Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson) who found himself in the midst of the Circus world as the in-house veterinarian who fell for Marlena (Reese Whiterspoon), the wife of the circus’s owner August (Christoph Waltz.)

Jacob and Marlena had the same passion for animals and their love ensues until August suspects them having an affair. The two escapes by jumping off the circus’s train but August easily discovered them. Marlena appeared in her last show as August’s wife and Benzini’s Circus star attraction when that fateful fight ensues that would change hers and Jacob’s life forever.

I thought Christoph Waltz was amazing [as usual] as the villain August and was very much effective as the cruel Circus head master. His acting here reminds me of his award- winning Col. Hans Landa portrayal in Inglorious Basterds. He’s got that subtle darkness in him that makes you hate him terribly. Robert Pattinson was rather disconnected into this film. I didn’t feel enough emotion from him, there was too -much “Edward Cullen-ish” in his acting which isn’t good at all. Reese on the other hand kind of disappoint as the circus’ star attraction. For a short period of time, how could someone be so in love with a perfect stranger???? It was like as good as an escape scapegoated as falling in love. Moreover, there was no chemistry between her and Pattinson at all. I also thought that the dialogues were a bit off.

For some good points, the cinematography and the musical score are to die for. The sceneries were exquisitely shot and the music was perfectly rendered.

It thought the whole film was trying to be melancholic but failed miserably which made me think that they’re trying to recreate a The Notebook v2. Really?! Unfortunately, it didn’t work. No Sirreee.

 Rating: 5/10

Thank You,MJ Lastimosa! Mabuhay Ka!

Thank YOu MJ!Much has been said about the recently held Miss Universe pageant and how our rep Miss Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa continued the semi-finalist streak of the Philippines for five consecutive years now. I still remember how the Philippines experienced a ten-year Miss Universe drought from the year 2000 with Nina Ricci Alagao up to Bianca Manalo’s Bahamas stint in 2009.  The following year, Venus Raj paved the way for the Philippine delegates to take center stage in the Miss Universe pageant yet again with Shamcey Supsup, Janine Tugonon and Ariella Ariella following her footsteps in the succeeding years – all with runners-up finish.

This year’s pageant is definitely one of the toughest editions to judge and one of the strongest batches to date (along with 2008 and 2010). It’s no surprise that anyone from the Top 15 semifinalists could easily win the title. With MJ failing to advance into the Top 5, most of us (Pinoy pageant fans and pundits) were disappointed of course (including moi) and has probably blamed her horrendous evening gown (which I did and that’s just for me when I said that BPCI’s choice of evening gown was horrendous). And since what’s done is done, we have to remember that what MJ accomplished is no mean feat. Guys, she just bested 78 other ladies in the competition and she made every pinoy pageant fans and pundits extremely proud of her on that stage. With that being said, I just want to express my heartfelt gratitude and respect to the girl who not only showed the world how beautiful and gracious Filipinas are but also for her sheer determination that is truly awe-inspiring.

 MJ, Salamat sa iyong kahanga-hangang pagpapakita ng kagandahan ng isang Filipina at sa pagpapamalas mo ng halimbawa sa bawat Pilipino dito sa Pilipinas at sa buong mundo na kapag may nagpursige ka, hindi malayong maabot mo rin ang iyong pinapangarap. After your heartbreaking loss in 2012 – you didn’t give up on your dreams of representing the country in the Miss Universe pageant. You came back stronger than ever at sa pagkapanalo mo, you inspired not only your fellow beauty queens but the rest of the Filipino people! Maraming Salamat! Ikaw ang aking Miss Universe – ikaw an gaming Miss Universe 2014!

image courtesy of OPMB

Review: Goodbye America (1997)

Director: Thierry Notz
Cast: Alexia Arquette, Alma Concepcion, Angel Aquino, Corin Nemec, James Brolin, John Haymes Newton, Maureen Flannigan, Michael York, Nanette Medved, Daria Ramirez, Wolfgang Bodison

Goodbye AmericaThrough some coaxing, I was able to get a copy of this film which I’ve seen in the late 90’s and I remember liking it back then. Watching it again, I rather find it a wee bit over the top but it’s still an okay film. The story took its premise from the closing of the US naval base in Olongapo City back in 1991.

There’s enough drama going on with most characters [I mean the navy seals] getting friendly with lovely Filipina women and their struggle to deal with their inevitable separation. This didn’t end though with most of them just leaving their Pinay beaus behind. There’s a plan assassination of a US senator which made the film a bit contrived but nevertheless made the plot not too Hallmark-ish. I was confused why said assassination plot became the epicenter of the film’s premise.

The ending was heartwarming yet heartbreaking and interestingly, it was the supporting character of Paul Bladon’s (played by Alexis Arquette) romantic involvement with a Filipina woman Emma (Alma Concepcion), who used to be a prostitute (not Alma, but the character Emma lol) that made the most impact in the film.

It was also such a pleasant surprise for me to find out that Alexis Arquette [sibling of Boyhood star Patricia Arquette] has already transitioned into a woman! Yay!

Alexis Arquette before and after. Alexis Arquette before and after.

Anyways, I guess some people could torrent this since it’s not available on Amazon, if the film interests them. It’s an okay film overall for a minimally budgeted B-Hollywood movie.

Rating: 6/10

63rd Miss Universe [2014] Results & Ramblings!

(gimme a few sec please… )tumblr_m5p44lAxxf1qlle7ro8_r1_400

And there you go… Miss Colombia Paulina Vega conquered the Universe and bested 87 other delegates from all over the world clinching the title as the 63rd Miss Universe victor!

Miss Universe 2014 - Paulina Vega

Miss Universe 2014 – Paulina Vega

Top 15 

photo courtesy of www.inquirer.net

photo courtesy of http://www.inquirer.net

Top 10

photo courtesy of www.inquirer.net

photo courtesy of http://www.inquirer.net

Top5 [In OrderTop 5
1. USA – Nia Sanchez
2. Netherlands – Yasmin Verheinjen
3. Ukraine – Diana Harkusha
4. Jamaica – Kasi Fennell
5. Colombia – Paulina Vega

1st runner-up: USA
2nd runner-up: Ukraine
3rd runner-up: Netherlands
4th runner-up: Jamaica

Miss Universe 2014: Paulina Vega – Colombia

Special Awards
Best in National Costume: Indonesia – Elvira Devinamira

Indonesia's costume comes from Central Java and depicts the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Borobudur Temple. The temple was built with the concept of promoting and establishing serene spiritual living just like the purpose of becoming the Miss Universe.

Indonesia’s costume comes from Central Java and depicts the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Borobudur Temple. The temple was built with the concept of promoting and establishing serene spiritual living just like the purpose of becoming the Miss Universe.

Miss Congeniality: Nigeria – Queen CelestineNigeria
Miss Photogenic: Puerto Rico – Gabriella BerriosPuerto Rico

*Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa failed to advance into the Top 5 and I honestly blame her horrendous white evening gown! She was confident and sassy on stage and that gown totally destroyed her chances!!!!

lintek na Barraza...

lintek na Barraza…

This is like the worst thing ever to happen for every beki in the Philippines ATM. Ugh. Bwiset!

why, oh, why - bakit wala sa top 5 si mj????!!!!

why, oh, why – bakit wala sa top 5 si mj????!!!!

I was hoping that USA or Jamaica would clinch the title but yeah… Colombia obviously was poised /”prepared” to win it all albeit the booing public.