#HeistClub: The Launch

Let’s write Crime! Filipino writers were challenged to write tales of dark pathways and mysterious psyches, misdemeanor and trouble, dread and doubt.

#HeistClub was an online workshop facilitated by Mina V. Esguerra in the last quarter of 2015. The class was organized by Bronze Age Media and sponsored by Buqo and Enderun’s The Study.

Each crime story had to be set in the Philippines, and it had to be written in English. Each story should pave the way for a series, so it should be Case #1, with the next cases in the works for subsequent release. A foreign language needed to be incorporated into the story, with our sponsor, Enderun providing the writers free translation services.


 The following mentors gave invaluable tips and lessons to the writers during the course of the workshop: Jennifer Hillier, F.H. Batacan, R.J. Taduran, Kevin Uy, Juliet Grames, and Andrea Pasion-Flores.

 In the end, sixteen crime stories were produced. They were released in three ebook bundles on the Buqo application early this year. The bundle names are: What We Fear, Why We Run, and What We Hide.

#HeistClub: Why We Run ·
 Bayawak’s Trail by Justine Camacho-Tajonera ·
The Fraud Hunter Book 1: Chasing an ATM Schemer by Racquel Sarah A. Castro ·
The Retreat by Yeyet Soriano ·
Come With Me by Michael Recto ·
Inertia by Sette Luis

#HeistClub: What We Fear ·
Till Death Do Us Apart by Irene Nicholas-Recio
Soul Makers by Jee Ann Guibone ·
 Classified by Georgette S. Gonzales ·
 High Stakes by Ana Valenzuela ·
 Dressed to Kill by Cassandra Javier

#HeistClub: What We Hide
Snakehead by Bianca Mori
Sampaguita by Mark Manalang
Let’s Play Murder by Farrah F. Polestico
Corpus Delicti by Porcupine Strongwill
The Flame Squad: Sly Prince by Jessica E. Larsen
The Gung Ho Lady by Arlene Manocot


On June 25, 2016, at 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Enderun’s The Study, located at 4th Floor, Podium, Ortigas Center, the sixteen stories will be officially launched to the public. From the time they were released in their ebook bundles, some of the authors have refined, updated and enhanced their respective stories for release as stand-alone novels/novellas in multiple platforms: Buqo, Kindle, Smashwords, and print.

Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1623193478001367/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/heistclubthelaunch/

Read: Forever Night Stand by Ysa Arcangel

Brandy is a strong willed woman who only wants no strings attached hook-ups. That's why when she was in Italy, she put that out to handsome Ivo. A vacation fling, and nothing more. As the days progress, she seems jealous of Ivo's ex, can't get enough of him, and more.

The reason why Brandy only wants one night stand is because of her mother. She's worried about getting Alzheimer's as her mother is suffering it. Too worried in fact that she might have actually conditioned her mind into that( just me, okay). Too worried that she had set herself up as a test subject. Tsk tsk.

I really love the names of the characters. Although when you say Brandy, it's actually Brandy the singer who first comes to mind. But glad to have met this second Brandy.

Brandy has a short fuse but Ivo goes into beast mode when Brandy is concerned.

Eventually, Ivo and Brandy moves their romance from Italy to the States. When Ivo plans a beach getaway, they do the impulsive and get married in the Philippines (forget the documents, it is more fun in the Philippines after all). Glad that Arcangel chose the Philippines (Boracay!) as the setting for the two main character's beach wedding.

When Brandy decided to to undergo surgery for her condition, she forgets the last few years of her life, making Ivo pursue her again.

Think of it this way it's the Notebook meets the Vow. If you cried in any of those, ready the tissue. Not a fan of Nicholas Sparks, then maybe a little (er actually a little more and a little more than that hahah) bed action can convince you to give this romance a try.

References this Sunday night

There was this one story I read about St. Augustine of Hippo back when I was a child that struck me.

St. Augustine was walking by the beach thinking about the Holy Trinity, how can there be one God with three personas. He walked along that beach puzzled and in deep thought ubtil he saw a child who was digging a hole through the sand.

St. Augustine asked the boy what he was doing, and the boy answered he is diggingahole and getting water from the sea. This is so he can transfer all of the water of the sea into that hole that he was digging.

The boy made one of the doctors of the church realize something. How can the sea fit into this tiny hole? How can his mind comprehend something as big a mystery such as the divine Trinity?

Ever since then, each time I cannot come up with the answer to anything related to God, I reflect upon this story that I read in My Book of Saints. How can we understand such big a mystery such as this? It is bigger than ourselves thanwhat our world is.

A while ago, the priest retold this story in his homily. What puzzled me a great deal was that the priest said that the boy was Jesus who then suddenly disappeared. I like to believe that the story I read had more truth to it and if ever it was a divine power that brought the kid there, then it was done by God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

*****

A refernce made by the bad boy of Philippine cinema in Pilipinas Got Talent finals made me twitch. He commented to the last contestants that they were the "Helen of Troy" of Pilipinas Got Talent.

I wonder what he meant by that? Helen of Troy is the face that launched a thousand ships and was known for her beauty. Certainly this was a talent competition and not a beauty contest. Hay. I wonder if Robin Padilla even knew the story of Troy? Anyway, it is said to be true as some archeologist dug up evidences.

If it is, did the gods really played a big part as what Homer's epic tells. 

Read: Badger by CM Kenna

I have been a fan of Cara McKenna's prose ever since a friend raved about her work Willing Victim and Hard Times. As always Cara has fleshed out her characters (a vigilante who rides a yellow bike and a recovering pill addict) and the plot is always great. I found this one's more entertaining than all that steam and heat (you know what I'm talking about). Not unlike in her other books, which I found all those scenes crucial to the plot. I take that half back, it actually showed the pain in the characters.

McKenna often has a Happy For Now ending, well this one kind of, sort of has,I guess for me in the romance department. HAHHAH! Well it's a bittersweet ending. Plus, I wanted Adrian to end up with the other guy, Rey (just like how I felt in Ruin Me, where I wanted the girl to end up with Jay).

I don't have to hide it already as the summary here in Goodreads already say that there is a death somewhere. So, I was waiting, waiting, waiting for it, checking on what page I was. LOL

Review: Cover (Story) Girl by Chris Mariano

There is more to Boracay than the powdery white sand.There are activities on Bulabog Beach, there's the party scene in White Sand Beach, but this book gives more than just that.

Enter Gio, a local guy who had to go back to the province to work for his family's museum so that he support his little sister's studies and at the same time be there for his mother and grandmother. Gio plans things to the littlest detail. So, imagine when Min Hee, a Korean model, CEO, amnesiac, and other things which you can believe what she says asks that he be her tour guide, well let's just say he also planned those two days carefully. LOL!

There is a flight to Kalibo from somewhere in Korea flight, that's probably why I can see Min Hee choosing Boracay as her quiet spot. However, just like what the book did say, there are a lot of Koreans in Boracay, Last time I was there July last year, it was like half of the tourists where Koreans.

I like the premise that it is a tourist and a local, especially since I've heard stories like this. Plus, I think that if you are a tourist, there is no one or less people who will recognize you. People wouldn't know if you are the daughter of a CEO, a boss of a big start-up, a model or an actress, or just about anything.

I knew it, Min Hee is a Korean actress, that's why she hides whenever she sees fellow Koreans.
This book has a Notting Hill feel to it, especially the ending! I really, really, really love this!

The story has been told from Gio's point of view, and it is a welcome change. You feel like it is not only Min Hee who is getting toured around Boracay, you too. There's the bat cave, the pineapple farm, and the indigenous village that I can only wish I could visit the next time I go there.

Plus, the apology gift, the calamansi muffin, I wish I could have one right now! 

The author certainly had done her research and has (I think) lived it. Well, according to her bio, she is from there.

Forget #laBoracay and instead have Chris Mariano transport you to these beautiful islands.

Trees V Humans

Data by the numbers:

7 Billion +++  Human Population
3 Trillion Estimate number of trees
24 Billion Estimate number of livestock
100 Billion Estimate number of land mammals
1 Billion to 1 Trillion Estimate number of land reptiles
1 Billion to 1 Trillion Estimate number of land amphibians
22 trees needed to provide oxygen for one person

In 2006 72.39 Million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide which gave a 20% increse in the last two decades, bigger than the 7% growth of US and 5% growth in Russiaa

Links and additional readings:
http://reducing-suffering.org/how-many-wild-animals-are-there/
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/datablog/2009/sep/02/carbon-emissions-per-person-capita

Review: Cities by Carla de Guzman

The book opens on a rainy day in Manila with Celia Alix navigating through the streets of quezon city to reach her best friend Henry as today is the day of her other best friend's, vivian, wedding. The catch? Vivian is marrying Ben, an old lover of sorts of Celia Celia, prodded by her father and Vivian, wonders what would have happened if she continued on with her program at South Korea. With this, the story takes us to ither multiverse., Manila is the setting of the first timeline.

Second Timeline:

The 2nd timeline plays almost like a koreanovela, rightly so, as this is conveniently set in South Korea. The elements are there rich boy, poor girl, with two guys pining for one girl (one of them aggresive, Ben who in this universe the son of korean millionaire,  and the other prefers to watch at the sidelines, Henry). Plus there is also a love traingle number two with a scheming gurl, Vivian, who wants to break apart the 'main' couple.

Third timeline: 

London, apparantly Celia was not the only one who was offered scholarship abroad as our hero was offered one in London. In this timeline, everybody's British except Ben. Henry is now the son of a rich dude. Ben is partners with benefits with Vivian and Celia is Viv's roommate. Henry, who is Celia's classmate at grad school, is all puppy dog eyes for Viv.
This timeline ends like a romcom with one admitting love for the other and *boom* fireworks.  

Fourth Timeline: 

Just after Ben and Vivian says their I Dos in the first timeline, Cely gets a vision of her and Ben, married and living in new York. What's the problem of these newlyweds in a strange, new, and utterly big city? Well, this is where Henry and Viv come to play.

On the Characters

CELIA:

A llttle too romantic and desperate in the first timeline, your bestfiremd is getting married to your dream guy and you are still hoping you need a good whack in the head. The korean timeline, that made me mad at her. Come on girl, this guy is accusing you of being a stalker! I like her better in the next timelines, as she showed strentgth and her love for all things nerdy, este, geeky.

BEN: 

In all timelines his love for Iced Americano comes in as a signature.  He also shared a love for scif with Celia in some of the timelines (Star wars, star trek, Doctor who), probably why when you move to another timeline that they do get togethet you know why.
However,  I didnt like him that much and didnt want Celia to end up with him. Alam mo yung paasa. That's what he is, especially in the first timeline. In the second timeline, he was such a douche. Thankfully, he redeemed himself in the third and the fourth timelines. 

HENRY:

Sorry Ben, but I like Henry better. He seems to be the beta male, always there when you need him, silent at times. (But this does not mean that Ben is the Alpha, okay. Vivian is. Hahaha)

Probably why he deserved that happily ever afyer as much as Celia did, as they finally get together!

VIVIAN:

As I read this book, I hoped that in other universes I won't make my bestfriend an archenemey for the love of one man. She is smart and all the timelines depict her as such. Only the Manila timeline is she not much of a schemer. Love her just the same.

Thoughts:

I assumed that the Korean timeline will bump off Vivian completely (as she and Celia met because she didn't go to Korea and met in Manila at that time, not that Ben is suddenly Korean and rich at that) and so on affecting the story and other elements similar to this in other timelines (Vivian and Ben growing up together in California, everybody else is British; etc). 

For me, a parallel universe will is of what ifs, what if I graduated from another school? What if I took that scholarship? But, the author seems to think another as there are what if we were Korean? What if we just met? Plus, the characters (to be more specific Ben and Cely) knew about the alternative timelines.

Yet, this is the author's universe so best to take in an everythibg as fact or take in what you may attitude when reading this work of fiction. Especially also, it would't be titled Cities if it was set only here in Manila. 

I have to admit that it was really the cover which drew me to this story. I've seen it so many times on the romance class site and have always wanted to read it, that was why I grabbed the opportunity to review this book. Shala!

Dead by 2030?

I have never considered myself an advocate of the environment. However, I do little things such as reusing plastic bags, reusing plastic containers (and even making my work teammates to do the same), and keeping small later in my pockets or bag.

But, after watching Bill Nye (the science guy) get therapy from the governator on National Geographic, this made me realise that there is little time for us to act now, or face the eminent end of the world with a estimated 100 million (like the Philippine population) dead by the year 2030.

Did you hear me?

Dead by 2030! The apocalypse is near, and it is even worse than any zombie apocalypse.

In fact, there was an ecologist featured in the documentary who decide to leave his tenureship and live in New Mexico as he finds that the environment there can sustain him bit much after 2030. This is the same guy that predicted the 2030 end of the world.

So what is happening? How is climate change affecting us?

Climate change can see that the Philippines will sink. Parts of the Philippines will submerge, as in our country's sea levels is rising five times faster than the global average. Think about those at the fishing villages. Not concerned, okay? Think about Boracay, think about El Nido, think about Puerto Galera, and all your favourite beaches. Where then will you go for the summer? Where will you take your next selfie with that bikini bod?

People often fear that the sea levels are rising because of the rising temperature, making snow caps melt. One would think that more sea equals more fish right? Wrong! For a paper that I did for my MA studies, I found out that climate change can affect even the marine life.

As the temperature rises, so too is the temperature in the seas, and most marine life are not susceptible to hot weather. Probably why as deeper you go into the ocean, the colder it gets.

Climate change affects all of us. Your dog, the lion, or any of your spirit animals will be wiped out due to the gases that we emit.

What can you do? 

1. Reduce, reuse and recycle
2. Don't waste water
3. Walk, especially if its just a short distance (plus it will also be good for you)
4. Let your wallet of the talking by buying environmentally products and not buying from companies with large carbon footprint.
5. Make suggestions. It might be through your company or even by writing to a local official.

Additional links:
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/explorer/episodes/explorer-bill-nyes-global-meltdown/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/tv-and-radio-reviews/11998951/Explorer-Global-Meltdown-review.html

Read: The Mystery Knight by George RR Martin

This prequel series deserves its place alongside the main books.

The bond between Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire has grown deeper. I just find Egg funny and heart warming, and Dunk's 'clout in the ear' threats and his sincerity to Egg to be of equal value.

 I wish I had read this sooner, but since I am saving up on my ASOIAF and GoT text (since WoW still has no release date), I just had to suspend reading the third novella. Also, so glad to have read this after the World of Ice and Fire. I kept on consulting the Daeron II and Aerys parts of this encyclopedia. Finally, glad to have uncovered the second Blackfyre Rebellion.

With the Red Dragon getting caught in the end. 

So happy that Brynden Rivers

the Three Eyed Crow in the ADWD

has made his appearance, as Bloodraven was only mentioned in the second book. I am more interested in his story

(with why he was sent to the Wall, if his powers were realized before he became hand, etc)

rather than the Blackfyre rebellion. But, if ever Martin does release a short story of any of these, I would be more than willing to buy and read. I wish and hope against hope that this isn't the last of Dunk and Egg's adventures. P.S. if you think the Game of Thrones is confusing (which some of my friends often complain) try reading this series or the Princess and the Queen and the Rogue Prince.


Goodreads blurb: 

The Mystery Knight is a novella published in 2010 as part of the Warriors anthology, edited by George R. R. Martin and Gardner Dozois. It is the third in the series of "Dunk and Egg" stories. Previous stories are The Hedge Knight and The Sworn Sword.

Read: Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Sharp Objects

by Gillian Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gillian Flynn slowly weaves out the story of Camille Preaker. First giving hints of her alcoholism, then her cutting streak, and most importantly what was it about her (numb and stiff neck) mother that made her who she is.

Camille comes back to Wind Gap, Missouri against her better judgement to cover a possible serial killer who kills young girls and takes out their teeth. As the story progresses, Natalie, the second victim is found, confirming her editor's hunch and making Camille stay with Wind Gapians (that's what they prefer to be called). But, it isn't only the police or her friends that Camille gets to interact with, there is also her mother Adora, never present step-father Allan, her crazy, attention-craving step-sister Amma (whose named bothered me because that's my mama's name on my phone), and the ghost of her sister Marian.

Who killed Natalie and Ann? Hmm, read the book, promise you won't regret it.

My first guess was really the mother. How can she be so cold to her own daughter? She does not even address or communicate with Camille? She was, she was, as it turns out an attention seeker and she took it out on her daughters. This was confirmed later by what Camille found on Marian's files.
Amma, I ruled her out because of her age. I mean a 13 year-old killer. But hey there have been younger killers (I checked), plus the girl had accomplices. This really is a good case of the nature vs nurture. Adora was making her sick, and then she suddenly pours her attention to other girls who reminded her of Camille. Adora made her into this killer, sorry, but I just had to call it. Thankfully, she needed the approval of Camille later on, which am sure the girl and her family from Chicago was not that thankful for.

Blurb

WICKED above her hipbone, GIRL across her heart 
Words are like a road map to reporter Camille Preaker’s troubled past. Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, Camille’s first assignment from the second-rate daily paper where she works brings her reluctantly back to her hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls.

NASTY on her kneecap, BABYDOLL on her leg 
Since she left town eight years ago, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed again in her family’s Victorian mansion, Camille is haunted by the childhood tragedy she has spent her whole life trying to cut from her memory.

HARMFUL on her wrist, WHORE on her ankle 
As Camille works to uncover the truth about these violent crimes, she finds herself identifying with the young victims—a bit too strongly. Clues keep leading to dead ends, forcing Camille to unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past to get at the story. Dogged by her own demons, Camille will have to confront what happened to her years before if she wants to survive this homecoming.

With its taut, crafted writing, Sharp Objects is addictive, haunting, and unforgettable.

Free Copy! My Imaginary Ex by Mina V. Esguerra

Get a free copy of Mina V. Esguerra's first novel My Imaginary Ex.

Click on the link: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/fkw4f This ebook is free until March 15, 2016.

Goodreads blurb:

When Zack asks Jasmine to pretend to be his ex-girlfriend, she gamely agrees, thinking it would be fun. A few years later, she still has to keep convincing people that they were never together! Then one day, she finds out he’s getting married—to someone she'd just met once! All of a sudden, things aren’t so clear-cut anymore. Can Jasmine sort out her feelings (sometimes, she can't even tell real from pretend when it comes to her and Zack) before it's too late?

About the author:

Mina writes contemporary romance, young adult, and new adult novellas. Through her blog Publishing in Pajamas (minavesguerra.com), she documents her experiments in publishing.

Read: Room by Emma Donoghue

My review:

Saw this film before the Oscars, but I read this just after the awards show, as one of my favourite podcasts said that the book was better than the film.

Like most books, yes, it is better than the film. Although there are some parts of the film which are better, like the hair strong and the Great Escape (which I think is only referenced in the book).  The writing style reminded of one of the poems my Lit professor, wherein grammar was side-tracked, the best I can remember was from a female poet who used me instead of I. My Lit professor said that it was a matter of rhythm, and this is what this book somehow achieves.

The narrative is entirely from Jack's point of view, which makes me wonder were we all like that one point of our lives? Trying to figure out what adults meant and learning rules, what and what not to do, and most of all believing that our parents knew everything. :)

On the last point, wonder now if children feel that way that their mom and dad knows the answer to every question, as because of Google, times have changed.

Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads blurb

To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.

Told entirely in the language of the energetic, pragmatic five-year-old Jack, Room is a celebration of resilience and the limitless bond between parent and child, a brilliantly executed novel about what it means to journey from one world to another:

Review: In Over Her Head by Anne Plaza

Just when you were ready to bring the relationship to the'next level', that's when the bad news arrives.

He's leaving for greener pastures abroad and is breaking up with you, now!

Then he comes back after a decade, Is ten years enough to get over the love of your life? Erika and Richard, the love team of the century, I could almost hear the anime characters from Daimos shouting off the names.

Don't you just love the cover?!

On the party you were supposed to see your ex (after ten years), there's this cute DJ host, Jerome, who Erika's friends tease her about, and one of her friends conveniently mention to Richard that Erika is dating.

So its basically love team of the century versus this newbie, spur of the moment, and made-up tandem, which ship would you think prevail?

Plaza's prose is so convincing that one minute you're rooting for one guy and then the next its the other guy. You have yourself convincing that it was utter magic when they kissed, and then the next you doubt it was ever meant to happen. Your falling for Jerome on one scene, but then you recognize Richard's plight.

Erika, on the other hand had a late confession, she knew already who she wanted to be with,  From the first time the guy (no spoilers here) told her how he felt, Erika knew what her response to that was and felt liberated for having her feelings returned

Plaza sets up her heroine as someone becoming of an antisocial that Erika needed her bestfriend Lorra, to convince her to attend a barkada's wedding. What is the matter with you Erika? I guess that's what heartbreak does. Apparently she's been caught up in her past to be able to look ahead at the good things that are happening.

For that, Plaza points out the obvious that when girls have their heart broken, we sulk and keep busy with work or some other activity. We bury ourselves so much with the prospect of a flourishing career that we forget of our friends have had a thing with this guy, quit her job, or even found a new one. Not only Erika but her best friend, Lorra as well. Tsk! Tsk! We forget out support group. On that note, Plaza paints a great, crazy, and definitely hilarious set of supporting characters. I felt like I was an invisible member of the clique, Erika's confidant and Lorra's cheerleader, or just Elaine.

In the end, it is with that firmly rooted friendship that makes way for the (two) heroine's happy ever after.

Personal Thoughts / Others: 

Erika's beauty queen assistant, eh?

I just had to point out that I could picture Abbygale Arenas as Erika's assistant.

Plus, if I were Erika, I'd probably given Richard a pretty good beating. Shame on you! Erika could have been there if you only told her about your problem. (Yes, you have your reasons, but communicate! Damn the pride of men.) Don't you think that she was worth it! A love and a girl worth fighting for. Oh well, Erika' story wouldn't be the same if you did anyway.

Would have wanted Erika to end up with Jerome, all those revelations about him (SPOILERS: his mom, his philanthropy, and oh that kiss!).

Also, this book had me wishing that I have seen Quezon Memorial Circle before it is what it is today---roses and all greens. I wish that the government does not equate urbanizing a place with development.

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.

Goodreads Blurb:

All she wants is to get even...

Erika Apostol's quiet and unassuming life gets disrupted when she learns that Richard Javier, the very same person who broke her heart many years ago, is now back in the country. Her world is turned upside down as old feelings she thought were buried resurface to haunt her once more.

Determined to give Richard a dose of his own medicine, Erika finds herself involved in an outrageous plan devised by her friends. They enlist the help of Jerome Gonzales, an attractive and charismatic DJ (with a playboy reputation), to pose as her significant other.

As the plan goes in full swing, Erika discovers Richard's jealous side, and that there's something more to Jerome than meets the eye. Will this grand charade work out the way it should, or will she be left with nothing in the end?

In Over Her Head by Anne Plaza is available:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G63DGYC
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/370212
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/in-over-her-head/id732666332?mt=11

Read: A Scandal in Bohemia

For Doyle's first story about Sherlock Holmes, the ace detective is hired by a king. This tells us of the gravitas and greatness of Holmes. Also, it is interesting to note that the antagonist (?) is a woman, who matches and even surpasses Holmes' wit. Great read :)

Goodreads Blurb:

Holmes is hired by the King of Bohemia to recover blackmail evidence, held by the woman whom the king once promised to marry, but who he abandoned for a woman of noble birth.

Read: The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin

Book Review:

The reason why I read this book is because of the supposed fact that it will be a movie soon.

If this was a movie, some who will say that is a bit cartoony, as the managed to survive a month in the cold mountains with little sustenance. But, as Ben Payne (the main character) did say, it was all luck, the next time he will go hunting he will probably end up empty handed.

I like Rachel, I like her better than Ashley, maybe that's why the whole love story between Ashley and Ben seemed a bit "I don't know, please don't." But, hey after surviving that horrendous trip together, psychology will tell us that these two have shared a wonderful bond.

I think I would have rated this a bit higher if the women were not all that cardboard one dimensional characters.

As for the movie version, well that's still to be made. I pictured Rosamund Pike as Rachel and Margot Robbie as Ashley, but I think both actress have bowed out. As for Ben, talks are between Charlie Hunnam and Idris Elba.

Goodreads Blurb:

From the author of Where the River Ends, comes this page-turning story of love and survival.
On a stormy winter night, two strangers wait for a flight at the Salt Lake City airport. Ashley Knox is an attractive, successful writer, who is flying East for her much anticipated wedding. Dr. Ben Payne has just wrapped up a medical conference and is also eager to get back East for a slate of surgeries he has scheduled for the following day. When the last outgoing flight is cancelled due to a broken de-icer and a forthcoming storm, Ben finds a charter plane that can take him around the storm and drop him in Denver to catch a connection. And when the pilot says the single engine prop plane can fit one more, if barely, Ben offers the seat to Ashley knowing that she needs to get back just as urgently. And then the unthinkable happens. The pilot has a heart attack mid-flight and the plane crashes into the High Uintas Wilderness-- one of the largest stretches of harsh and remote land in the United States.

Ben, who has broken ribs and Ashley, who suffers a terrible leg fracture, along with the pilot's dog, are faced with an incredibly harrowing battle to survive. Fortunately, Ben is a medical professional and avid climber (and in a lucky break, has his gear from a climb earlier in the week). With little hope for rescue, he must nurse Ashley back to health and figure out how they are going to get off the mountain, where the temperature hovers in the teens. Meanwhile, Ashley soon realizes that the very private Ben has some serious emotional wounds to heal as well. He explains to Ashley that he is separated from his beloved wife, but in a long standing tradition, he faithfully records messages for her on his voice recorder reflecting on their love affair. As Ashley eavesdrops on Ben's tender words to his estranged wife she comes to fear that when it comes to her own love story, she's just settling. And what's more: she begins to realize that the man she is really attracted to, the man she may love, is Ben.

As the days on the mountains become weeks, their survival become increasingly perilous. How will they make it out of the wilderness and if they do, how will this experience change them forever?

Why is virginity so important? the first time i heard of sex as sex

The first time I found out that the way to consummate is through a man driving his shaft through the aperture of the woman's thigh was when I was in High School, over the phone.

Yeah, I was that dense, or maybe not just paying enough attention during Science Class.

I was in second and third year, my friend was appalled at me not knowing that that was the way babies made, or to put it in slang, "kajuk".

It was something a guy friend told my girlfriend. Moments of teasing led the guy to comment "Kajukin kita dyan e," if  remember it exactly. Curios, I asked what kajuk meant, and she in her house and me in mine, went ballistic and told me well what it was. Over the phone.

The telephone line shattered my premonition of innocent lovemaking.  My regards that kissing was sex had gone kaput. Okay, so that's why people need to get naked in the movies.

That friend of mine, eventually had her first kajuk a few years after, with a different guy.

why is it regarded as some prize, to men and women, both.

I never heard my mother say the word virginity, sex. I heard her say love, when she says I love you.

But why is it, we have a belief that being a virgin is sacred.

Maybe it was reinforced. My mother did never say those words, but there would be hints here and there. Like when a sex scene is being hsown, they wanted me out of the room, or to cover my eyes. Hints such as wagmong isuka ang bataan, and back when I was little I did not know what that meant instead of course as an allegory to World War II.

Now, in my late twenties, i heard one of my aunts use the wag mong suko ang bataan again. We were in a car, all ladies, my two sisters, my aunt and my mother.

One of my sister, being the only one of us involved in a romantic relationship, was asked again and again, if she had given up that part.

My mother pissed at my ever makulit na auntie, ordered her to stop it.

Is virginity about love or timing?

I have a guy friend, who does not turn away a girl's invitation on a first date but then afterwards the act, he pulls on a disappearing act.  You wouldn't be hearing from him again.

Women have all the control in sex. They can say no or yes. For example, if the woman says no, and the man is saying yes yes yes, then the act is no longer consensual, making it rape. This is what I am talking about control.

You can always say no, but why do we say yes. Yes to sex, and yes to losing your virginity.
Is it because of love or is it because of your libido?  When you think about it, how can you then trust your instincts if what it is telling you is love or lust?

I asked my bestfriend google, what made it so special. At first, I did not expect any clear answers, but then there were a few.

says one use named KHnofp7 "Virginity, in the classical context, meant simply a person's sense of self." and even put to context why a Van Gogh is more priceless than your neighbour's scribbles.

This reminded me of a short story back in college, if only I can remember the title. It's about princesses' first night as married women,  they would frame a part of the bedcovers that says that she was a virgin. Frame it and hang it somewhere in the caste. However there was one with no name and only a white sheet.

Read: Don't Forget the Parsley

A great collection of stories about growing up Filipino in a different country. There are so many things to pick up from this book: family life lessons, career lessons, friendships, and litmus tests (which the author is so into).

Truly blessed to have a sneak peek to Lim-Moore's family, which has more memories than hearts can hold.

Alice Kamatis rating: 4 out 5 stars 

Goodreads blurb:

Marie Claire Lim Moore builds on her first memoir, Don’t Forget the Soap, offering more entertaining stories about her family in this follow up. Like her first book, Don’t Forget the Parsley is a collection of anecdotes from different points in Claire’s life: stories from her second-generation immigrant childhood in Vancouver and New York City mix with recent expat experiences in Singapore and Hong Kong where she balances multiple roles as wife and mother, corporate executive and author. Her positively Filipino parents continue to have a big influence on her whether it comes to managing family and career, meeting heads of state and world leaders or simply making new friends. 

From stray observations (everything is funnier at church) and midnight anxieties (if Jessica Simpson gets to go to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, why shouldn’t I?) to life mantras (don’t let perfection hold you back) and litmus tests (would you serve drinks at my mother’s art show?), Claire’s warm and honest storytelling will resonate with readers and leave them smiling.

Read: Russian Roulette by Mike Faricy

Dev Haskell is, as some reviewers did say, misogynistic, but I guess that's how a normal man would think. In a way, he's full of himself, (hell he said he was handsome but I guess his charms did work to the women in the book) which the author refutes with the turnout of events. His curiosity is both a plague and an advantage.

The author's upbeat writing was the only thing that kept me reading. Enjoyable indeed.

Will I be reading other Dev Haskell mysteries, I guess. That's something to think about, but maybe another from the author.

But, I just have to post this question: would you still continue on a case if your client has gone incognito and has admitted to accidentally hurting (no spoilers here) you? Well, if yes, then go ahead read it.

Alice Kamatis rating: 4 stars

Goodreads blurb: 

Russian Roulette is the FIRST novel in the highly entertaining Dev Haskell Private Investigator mystery series. 

Bestselling author Mike Faricy kicks off his mystery series with this humorous, suspenseful tale of intrigue, rank ineptitude, and one night-stands. 

Read: I Am Malala

Reading this book made me think about what role did the US play to start their now on-going battle against terrorism. The first chapters of Malala's story briefly touched this, and now I want to watch Charlie Wilson's War, as my family did say that the movie was all about this.

I guess the influence of the US can also be seen not only in political wars but also in how a girl (Malala  in this situation) lives her life and what she aspires to be. There were references about Ugly Betty (Malala's dream because of this show was to be a magazine editor) and Twilight (where in she and her friends would often pretend to be vampires.

It also made me think about how lucky I am to be born in a family (and a country) which values education. Malala's mother was learning to read and write when Malala had been fluent in English already. :(

Question on goodreads:

Did you find any sections in the book that were a little slow?

I never skimmed any page of this book. There were some parts that were heavy, thus making it slow. Just like those who comment here the parts about Pakistan's history was that. It had me googling who Benazir and General Sia was. It also had me questioning what part did the US play for Muslims to start thinking about war (the Russians in the textbook). That was why it took me a long time to read this book, because of the so many characters and the horrifying incidents that these people live on a daily basis.

The other half was actually a lot better and this made me quicken my reading pace.

Goodreads blurb:

I come from a country that was created at midnight. When I almost died it was just after midday.

When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan, one girl spoke out. Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education.

On Tuesday, October 9, 2012, when she was fifteen, she almost paid the ultimate price. She was shot in the head at point-blank range while riding the bus home from school, and few expected her to survive. 

Instead, Malala's miraculous recovery has taken her on an extraordinary journey from a remote valley in northern Pakistan to the halls of the United Nations in New York. At sixteen, she has become a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

I Am Malala is the remarkable tale of a family uprooted by global terrorism, of the fight for girls' education, of a father who, himself a school owner, championed and encouraged his daughter to write and attend school, and of brave parents who have a fierce love for their daughter in a society that prizes sons.

I Am Malala will make you believe in the power of one person's voice to inspire change in the world.

The First Time I Self-Published my Work of Fiction

Yipeee!!!

Cover by Elaine Samonte

I am literally ecstatic as I write this post, I am doing a victory dance of sorts while sitting at my chair in our office.

After 9 months of slacking, I finally up-ed my little YA book in Amazon. I wrote this for Mina V. Esguerra's BuqoYa class, with the premise that it has to be timebound, set only on one day.

#4 BEST DAY EVERThe Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, Before Sunrise, Everything Has ChangedMC and LI spend the entire story discovering each other, in a flirtatious manner.Your challenge: Show how history and personality can be creatively revealed and why small discoveries can lead to the hope of a more lasting relationship.

I successfully finished it last year.

Here's the blurb:

What’s making Mayumi anxious on her best friend’s birthday party? 
Is it her long time best friend Marie? Marie is now in college, and Mayumi starts to doubt their friendship as Marie meets new people and gets closer to them. 
Or is it this basketball player named Micah? A guy she recently met and is making every girl fall for him---Mayumi included.

To purchase the book: please click here.

Am willing to give away copies in exchange for HONEST reviews, thanks!