project 102: mirror mirror

Delivery day! However today I had to start early because I had to hitch a ride with my sister. I really thought I could hitch a ride when they fetch daddy from the airport but his flight was 4pm pa in the afternoon. Eh I was supposed to deliver by 10 AM, so ayun maaga na lang ako sa Makati. Passed the time at Starbucks, continued reading this book but with only 4 hours of sleep, I catch myself sleeping. Seriously, I wanted to sleep right there pero nashokot lang ako kasi baka humilik ako. Nakakaloka diba?

After delivery, walked all the way to Greenbelt from The Enterprise. Killed some more time at Powerbooks and just when I have money to spare on this book I've been wanting to read (Jessica Thompson's This is Not A Love Story), it was out of stock naman. Bummer. I guess we were never meant to be. Maglabas na kasi ng ebook eh.

Free movie c/o AD! The only movies that I could use my compli pass is either Mirror Mirror or Hunger Games. Obviously, I went with the former having watched the latter already. I remember A said that she didn't like it as much ata so my expectations weren't really that high.

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I loved it! It was light and for a change, a deviation from other Snow White- inspired movies. Julia Roberts who played The Queen did a superb job. And as the narration went, this story was really about her. I honestly think that The Queen stole the show from Snow White on this one. Her character's mean but very funny. Of course, only we the audience thinks she's funny but her fickle-mindedness isn't too entertaining for her minions.

Lily Collins... sino magaakala na tatay niya si Phil Collins. Haha. I like her. I like her portrayal of Snow White. Although I'm really annoyed by these hand gestures princesses doing with their hands. Enchanted's Giselle also did such and I was mega annoyed by it. In fernez, medyo subdued na yung kay Snow. She's really pretty and she actually reminds me of Audrey Hepburn

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Lily Collins as Snow White

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Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday

Maybe it's the eyebrows, no?

And Prince Alcott *sigh* I swear, sexy accents will be the death of me ;) I remember watching this snippet of him on The Insider last night and I didn't know who he was. Pero ngayon knows ko na siya ;) He's not that cute, really, but it was the accent and the deep voice that sealed the deal for me.

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Prince Alcott was really adorable in the movie.

I really liked it even if the critics didn't or even if it didn't rake in lots of moolah. Naloka lang ako ng slight sa Bollywood-inspired dance number nila at the end.

project 102 + book # 6: the hunger games

Ycel already recommended some time ago that I read this trilogy, but I didn't really pick up until the movie's here. Of course I wanted to read the book before I watch it on the big screen. Got myself a Hunger Games ebook then started reading away. True to what A said, the book could be finished in hours. Actually, she finished the whole trilogy in one weekend! But since I was constantly ambulant, I can't finish reading the book which requires a computer or a PC or those new thingamajigs that cost a fortune. I swore I won't watch the movie until I finish reading the book.

I didn't keep my promise.

I watched The Hunger Games without finishing the book. Pero in fernez, I was already in Chapter 22 that time.

The Hunger Games: Book Edition

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The good thing about reading the book first before watching its film adaptation, I have my own set of characters in my mind. I'm grateful I have this very playful imagination that allows me to see what I'm reading in my head. And this is also why I refused to watch even the trailer.

The Hunger Games is definitely a page-turner- you'd want to know what happened next RIGHT AWAY. Like with my favorite series and books, this is a criterion. It is actually a sad book. It's post-apocalyptic so supposedly they have had the chance to set things right, start on the right foot since they're working with a clean slate. But unfortunately it's the same old story of unequal distribution of wealth, resources and power. Sad.

The Hunger Games: Movie Adaptation

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The feel of the movie was that of an art film- quiet, shaky and has this sad feel to it. It was okay but of course they cannot put all the details in the movie and details are part and parcel of why it was a good read. I can't even imagine how those who haven't read the book could properly get the story. 

Like in my case, by the time I watched the movie I've read only until Chapter 22 meaning I still do not have the tiniest idea how it would end. Well, except maybe for the fact that Katniss will live because it is a trilogy after all. I liked it that the ending was something to anticipate for. However, when I read the remaining chapters, there were some details that I felt weren't that obvious from the movie which, in my opinion, could be easily misconstrued by the viewers. Or baka ako lang yun? Hmm.

Also, I know the cast has minions and rabid fans, most especially Peeta (judging from the shrieks he elicited from teenage girls inside the cinema) but I was imagining someone cuter. I wanted someone more attractive sana kasi para medyo mahirap yung choosing process between Peeta and Gale. 

So there, Book wins over Movie again as expected.

Also, there's this debate over which book series is better: Twilight or Hunger Games.

My answer is this: content-wise, it's Hunger Games. Kung paguapuhan ng male lead, it's Twilight. And Hunger Games gets a bonus for having a likable cast. With Twilight, I could only take Bella for so long. I didn't even finish reading the Twilight series because Bella has gone from annoying to more annoying to most annoying to most annoying to the nth power. 

Vanity Fair did a photoshoot on the Hunger Games cast~

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Just one look and I was instantly reminded of this

Diba? But this was also a Vanity Fair shoot. They ran out of ideas na siguro.

It is understandable why the book will always be better than the movie adaptation, but sometimes there are movie adaptations that doesn't do justice to the book. I agree with A that the movie was nicely made and it was almost faithful to the book version. I say almost because in the movie it was Katniss who found the mockingjay pin and bought it for herself, while in the book it was the mayor's daughter, Madge, who pinned it to her dress before she was sent off to the Capitol. 

Definitely looking forward to reading the second and third part of this trilogy, most especially that A has sort of filled me in on what's happening next. 

tumbling.

Just got back from a premiere. Le cousin issu de germains invited us to attend her little premiere which was some sort of culminating activity for their acting workshop. Of course we went (kahit we didn't want to) kasi dyahe naman but I guess hindi tinatamaan ng dyahe-ness ang ibang tao. What happened was Star Cinema most probably oversold tickets (meaning they sold more tickets than there were seats) ergo, not everyone had seats (ie. US). Eh we weren't too crazy to watch the movie do we opted out na lang cos we wouldn't sit in front. Dapat kasi ipagbawal ang pagse-save ng seats- so jeje, I swear. I mean all of us got in line so it's just fair that those who got in late should sit in front. We didn't watch the movie which I think was for my own good. Bwahaha.

And oh em gee... I have never seen so many GGSS people aka mga emoterang palaka. I am allergic. Blech.

Anyway, after waiting for them for forever [actually, mga 5.5 hours lang naman], they just decided that they're going to attend the afterparty na lang pala. Tumbling. Amp*ta ginawa kaming PA niya! Nahiya pa daw siya sa lagay na yun. I swear parang gusto kong manakit ng tao. Haha.

Just wanted to get that off my chest.

Anyway, I have SO MUCH to be thankful for. Clinched a contract ☺ Yay! Thank You so much. I know I'm a good person naman eh, hindi ko lang talaga ma-take ang mga GGSS. Ayoko na nga sila tingnan kasi nagkakasala ako eh. But I'm really trying to hold back on the word vomit. I just can't help it tonight because I was so miffed and I needed to take it out on something - or someone - and there so many available victims. Pero Lord promise I will try to see the best in everyone.

And remember We Got Married. I've only three more episodes left of Hwang Bo and Hyunjoong. Kilig to death but I have a nagging suspicion that it's scripted. It's reality TV so it's supposed to be real but then again they're after ratings more than its realness. Pero I swear Hyun joong's so pretty. Oh who cares if he looks too feminine~

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If I were Hwang bo, I'd look at him that way, too ;) soo purdy... 

Hell, I don't care if he crosses his legs like a lady (btw, I really like it when guys cross their legs) ~ I am so smitten. Well, prettiness aside, I like his childish/child-like ways more. Basta.

I especially liked this episode where he serenaded Hwang Bo. Siempre google naman ako agad because I thought that song's beautiful and somewhat sounded familiar...

Falling Slowly - Once OST *MUST LISTEN*


pero hindi naman pala masyado familiar, hehe. Must have heard it somewhere. Although it's from the OST of Once which incidentally, I have a copy of. Though I haven't seen it yet. AB recommended this to me 2-3 years ago but I never got to watching it yet and after seeing the trailer and reading some comments, I will see to it that I watch this.

I hate you, Hyun joong, because you sucked me into the K-drama vortex once again. After Boys Over Flowers, Playful Kiss naman. Oh my pretty, pretty boy~ Haha.

update!

Kahit mugto na ang mga mata for sleeping at 4am in the morning (sa kapapanuod ng We Got Married) and am super sleepy now, I still want to write this post because it concerns actual, daily life events which I don't get to write about the joys of everyday life.

Saturday Sunshine with a Friend
Saturday day-out with bff, A. First, I needed a valid excuse to get out of the house- getting my flyers done. And after that, it's all fun fun fun!

I really feel guilty when I go out with friends whilst shop is open but I swear I am going to go crazy if I don't leave the confines of my house and this community. I am a social being; therefore, I need to get social. That coming from a self-confessed anti-social.

A and I were supposed to begin la mierda (to be taken in the local context) in Megamall. I like Megamall because it is accessible and has everything I need. May Forever 21 pa. Although I don't really go shopping for clothes. I prefer groceries and bookstores. But A had to drive her sister to Rockwell, so to Rockwell we went. Had lunch at Kaya which I swear serves food in baby portions. I had a 180-pesos jap chae on a tiny oval plate. I can have a good-for-5 persons pancit malabon for the same price. But this was Rockwell so I guess I was paying for the "ambiance." Movie afterwards c/o her handy dandy movie pass. We watched The Lorax, which was a cute movie perfect for little kids pero pwede na rin for isip-kids like me. I slept through some parts but it movies like this doesn't really require one's full attention. I just hope the kids (and the adults!) got the message the movie was trying to get across. Merienda after movie, more like pig-out pala. 6-pc nuggets with large fries and large coke and hot fudge sundae ♥ Of course, kwentuhan during the course of pig-out sessions. Hope I could do this with friends more often kaso lang magastos.

PS. I'd choose Megamall over any mall ALWAYS.

Sunday @ the Circle
It's my turn! These weekly Sunday lunch-outs are fun until it is your turn. Haha. Siempre gastos ko, but in the end, we get to coax mommy to treat dessert.

Siempre ako wala naman masyadong alam sa mga puds. I just love to eat and usually I "discover" good food via my sisters or friends. AD suggested that we go to Quezon City Circle so the kids can play at the park.

As we were parking, J saw the colorful jungle gyms and expressed his excitement. He was jumping inside the van, saying "Wow! Yehey! Good job! Good job!" Good job for taking him and JJ to the playground. After trying out the slides and trying to distract them from the countless balls they want mommy or lola to buy, we had lunch first at... Max's.

AD, who just came from a styling sesh with ze cousin, joined us after lunch. Since J and JJ's parental units needed to be somewhere (to a help a friend daw), which left mommy, AD, me and the two yayas with the two boys. They tried the Pagoda, the train and the go-karts. They enjoyed the train the most. Big boy na si J because he was alone in his seat, without a yaya but with his seatbelt on. I took so much pleasure seeing the boys so happy. I hope they'd be forever happy and that life would be good to them. I'll teach them the trick which the internet taught me in my mid-20s. They rode the go-karts last. With their yayas doing the pedaling, they were comfortably strapped on their seats. I don't know how long they're supposed to rent out the bikes/karts but after five laps, low batt na ang mga boys. JJ was actually sleeping in his seat!

In fernez, well-kept naman ang Quezon City Circle. Medyo worn-out na yung mga free jungle gyms but the paid rides were well-maintained. Hopefully the cities can allot part of their budget on parks where families can  have cheap fun with their kids. Buti na lang it was a fairly cool day that it made staying outdoors bearable but even if it weren't, I'd still stay because those expressions on the boys' faces were PRICELESS.

Korean-popping Once Again
I blame this on Lee Min-ho, City Hunter and on bumping into a high school friend.

Because of my propensity towards all things nakakakilig (sorry naman, pagbigyan ang mga nakaka-experience ng kilig vicariously) and my slight crush on Lee Min-ho, kaya na-rekindle ang aking love for Korean dramas. And maybe the powers of the Universe have conspired kaya I met my high school classmate, Jing. Pinahiram niya ako ng mga DLs niya and now I have lots of Korean series to watch :) Yay! I'm watching Boys Over Flowers (BoF) and We Got Married now.

Super nakaka-addict We Got Married. Ang kulit. Favorite ko sila Hwang bo and Hyunjoong. Actually, I didn't like Hyunjoong in BoF pero I swear he's super funny in WGM. Although sometimes I feel for the girl kasi ang obvious na hindi siya masyado like ni Hyunjoong :( And Hwang bo is pretty ha. Maybe Hyunjoong is really just a child. Naloloka ako when he takes out his comic books.

Suburgatory
New series alert!  Okay fine, not so new. In the absence of new episodes of my favorite series, I searched the wonderful world of torrents for new series. I tried Suburgatory and loved the first episode so I ended up downloading the 16 episodes after that :) I know Tessa's the protagonist but I have to say Dahlia is my favorite character. I super liked that scene where she said that Tessa's life is tragic because Tessa's room is smaller than her house (duh). To wit Tessa replied that tragic is wearing too much mascara that Dahlia can't even blink, then Dahlia tries to blink but her lashes on her right eye gets stuck to her lower lashes. Do I even make sense? Panuorin niyo na lang.

Eek. It's almost 11pm... I have to end this now so I can continue with my WGM marathon. Toodles xoxo

hairy deal

Now that my l'il nail spa is offering waxing, I've been searching the net for related waxing literature and also pictures I could use for my site. There were lots of images- a lot were funny, some were disgusting. I don't even dare google brazilian waxing for fear of what I'd see. Anyway, here's one image I stumbled upon~

Funny, no? I love this Ancient Aliens show but sometimes I find it preposterous already. They blame everything on the aliens, even to the extent that these aliens had a hand on the evolution of man. That is why I find this funny. As if blaming everything on the aliens will solve our problems.

Anyway, I am in looooove with waxing. I wasn't into it before but after I tried it using this waxing system I bought, I am so hooked. I really thought it's painful and uncomfortable but to my surprise, it was not what I expected it to be.

I used to love tweezing my hair off, but now I am a convert. Aside from the fact that waxing is much speedier, this waxing system of mine smells so good ♥

catch-up post

Happy Monday!

I am still convincing myself that today is a good day. I'm irked at I-dunno-what and that's annoying the hell out of me even more.

Hunger Games
It's a rainy, summer day. Started my morning with a little journaling and reading a few pages of Hunger Games. Ycel has mentioned this to me awhile back and suggested that I read the trilogy. And just recently, Juno and Armida also mentioned Hunger Games to me. Kaya naman I got curious and wanted to get a copy of the book but I am too stingy to actually buy one so I got myself an ebook. So in the meantime, David Sedaris' Dress Your Family in Corduroy has been bumped off my reading list. Uunahin ko Hunger Games since I want to read the book before I watch the movie. And according to A, she finished reading all three books in one weekend. It is that good. But I know better than to expect too much.

Gossip Girl Catch-up
I've been meaning to write about Gossip Girl a few episodes back but laziness got the best of me and there were some errands and work I had to do so I hurriedly scamper off after watching.

Well, I'm so over the moon with Dan + Blair happening. I know some fans weren't too crazy about the pairing but I've been waiting for this ever since season 1. I already kinda saw the potential ;) Every time Blair ridicules Humphrey, he finds her even more adorable and cute. Yes, we are all masochistic that way. But see, it paid off ;)

Sorry na lang to all Chuck + Blair fans because my boy won. Plus, I think the appeal of Chuck and Blair's love team is the fact that they could never be together. Way too complicated, if you ask me. And here is my boy Humphrey, with less complications but also without a trust fund. Let's just see  how this will play. Hopefully, this pair wills see it through the end (which I think is imminent).

Hart of Dixie Catch-up
My other pick-me-upper- Hart of Dixie. I'm actually concerned about this series because I think the American viewers didn't receive it as wholeheartedly as I did and I fear there may not be a second season. Maybe because Rachel Zoe isn't really convincing in playing a role of a doctor, a heart surgeon for that matter. I mean, if she's all professional, I guess she knows better than to wear short shorts in the clinic. If she wants people in Bluebell to take her seriously, she should dress the part.

But what gets me hooked on this one is the kilig. Unlike my other Hart of Dixie co-fans (Team Wade), I still haven't made up my mind who I like for Zoe, Wade or George. I like George because he's serious but also has a sense of humor, he's cute and he's accomplished. Well, more accomplished than Wade. Wade is sometimes cute but I really enjoy those silly banters between him and Zoe. Either way, I get my kilig fix.

I really loved the last episode where Zoe kind of exposed her true feelings for George. Now that George knows for sure that Zoe is harboring romantic feelings for him and he's a little irked at Lemon for that tiff with his father, I sense a break up. And Wade deserves what he's under right now because he already had the chance but he let it go. But it also breaks my heart to see Wade like that. Yan kasi. That is a lesson learned for people who don't grab perfect opportunities even if they're right there in front of them, people like me. FML.

The anticipation is killing me and they know for sure how to torture me. New Hart of Dixie episode will be out April 9 pa.

New Girl Catch-up
Short, 20-minute series such as New Girl, I can't comment much about. But I just want to say that this may be happening soon~

Good for me, a new New Girl episode is out on Wednesday. Anyway, what's up with March? Gossip Girl and Hart of Dixie will be showing their new episodes on April. Both series are from CW. Baka may outing, haha. Whatever... Gotesco :P

Ayan, happy nako :)

this was supposed to be a 'frak, i'm so fat' entry

I'm not as atat as before to blog about stuff. Maybe because this is not my computer. My own computer/PC is endangered and on the brink of death. Naturally, I would want to extend its life para naman I won't spend on a new one soon. So while I can still use my sister's PC and the other sister's notebook, I am in denial and am holding off any decision to either 'revamp' 6-year old desktop computer or buy a new desktop pc or a laptop. For sure I'll try reviving my old PC first and if I still would have to wait a bazillion light years before accomplishing anything and can't run Photoshop and the internet simultaneously, I need to buy a new one. I don't want to keep borrowing my sister's notebook cos she has this tendency to make sumbat everything and she does that sometimes which makes me want to tell her that before she had a notebook, she was using the computer V and I bought with our money. Eh basta sana magka-funds ako for a new desktop computer and/or a laptop. I want sana a laptop cos it would allow me to work anywhere, bring my work to the spa, but a desktop is more budget-friendly and easier to upgrade and fix. Whatever. I'll just think about this when the time comes...

Anyway, it was a nice week in general. There were small kainit ulo instances but they were easily dismissed cos I reckon they're things I shouldn't even be fretting about. Kumbaga, I'll just cross the bridge when I get there. So the nicest thing that happened to me was attending the wedding of A's kuya. Siempre ang isang ma-showbiz person like me, mega kilig over seeing Hayden Kho, Frenchie Dy, Rachelle Ann Go in person. But I got starstruck the most with Tado and Ramon Bautista- Brewrats fan here! Pare, I swear I crush Ramon Bautista. Bentang-benta sakin ang sense of humor. I really wanted to have a picture with him, yung ako lang at siya sa picture, pero super mega over dyahe ako to the max. Well, I let the opportunity pass. Haynako. Story of my life. Ikamamatay ko talaga tong hiya na to.

Also enjoyed catching up with high school friends. It's been, what, 10 years? More, even. Can't bloody believe it's been a little over a decade already since I graduated from high school. But man, I don't feel my age at all. I'm pushing 30 and I don't feel anywhere 30. Everything's pretty much the same, only I can hear my egg cells counting down to zero.

Today, met up with J- lunch at Almon Marina. She had turkey sandwich with grilled cheese. I had the pasta + sausage platter and her turkey sandwich. And I still wonder why I am fat. Pssshh. Storytelling lang while looking for a dress she'd wear to her "inauguration ball." Hehe. Gong Cha after then Mary Grace's cheese rolls. Had to go home in time for dinner.

Siempre sabi ni daddy, had I not withdrew from law school, most probably I'd be a lawyer by now. Siempre sabi ko, kung makapasa ako ng bar o pag hindi pa ako loka-loka. Fortunately for me, my sisters were around to back me up, saying it's not what I want. Apparently, hindi pa rin nakapag-let go si Father Dearest.

I have so many dreams, yet I don't know how to get the ball rolling, how to start acting on it. Nakakaloka. Sana naman medyo mabawasan ang procrastinating powers ko at ma-realize ko na ang pera ko sa Cityville ay wala talagang kwenta. 11 million na din yun. Shet.

Anyway, Happy Sunday already! :) Toodles.

wee~

So far, 2012 has been very, very good to me. Business has been consistently okay although I am still hoping it could do better. Orders are coming in one after another. There hasn't been major employee problems/drama. A far cry from the start of my 2011. I'm just very grateful for all these blessings pouring in. Just keep them coming, Lord :) Thank You.

• Movie dates and lunches with friends. I enjoy catching up with my friends over lunch and coffee. For the second year, A and I went out on a Saturday before February 14, which I find funny kasi parang it turned out to be out little Valentine thing. Sorry naman at laging may corny Tagalog rom-com before Valentine's that I drag her to watch with me. 
• Orders, orders and more orders! I wasn't able to do my Rex Manning duties anymore cos I had to go to my suppliers for my materials and then I had to make everything by myself- from the products to the labels to the packaging. The only step I leave to someone else is the making and assembling of the pouches. But you know what, if only I could work a sewing machine, I'd sew my pouches myself. But I'm already very thankful that my sister has a modista who is very kind and accommodating to my requests. I just wish that I'll have 2 to 3 projects every month, plus recurring orders, then I'm all good :) 
• Free upsize coupon for my mocha frap
• My two nephews are back from their other grandparents' house. They're the most adorable kids ever, kahit pa tinatawag akong 'baliw.' 
• "Care package" from my Auntie Madre. Well, this was what happened- we were in this gathering and I made pansin her shoes because she was wearing black, close-toe slingback flats. Natuwa lang ako cos it's different from what nuns would usually wear- yung Moses-inspired sandals nila. Then one day, a package from JRS Express arrived for me from my aunt. The black slingbacks were there, plus a hygiene kit that comes free in PAL flights ( I reckon this was given to her by my uncle who came her for a visit from the States) and a can of prunes. Happiness :) 
• My friend passing the bar exams! I am so happy for her :) 
• Books for free. Well, not exactly. I borrowed A's copy of Before Ever After, meaning I didn't have to buy a copy. And Tina Fey's Bossypants in ebook form. Both were good reads. I still have to finish reading listening Bossypants which is hilarious. Ever since I found out it was Tina Fey who wrote the screenplay for Mean Girls, I've liked and loved her works. How I wish I could be as brilliant as her. 

I know I have so much to be thankful for but I've forgotten them already. Basta all I know is February has been very good to me and I hope March will be even much, much better. I've yet to start going to the gym to lose the frakkin' weight not just because I look like a blob already but also for health reasons.

an attempt at the herringbone braid

before sunrise

spending valentine's with my family

 Sinong nagsabi na 2012 ay pangit na year for Dogs? Pwes, mali sila. Thank You for a very good month.

P.S. I really find it unsettling that time is in hyperspeed these days... before we know it, Christmas na naman.