City of Bones (The Mortal Instuments, Book 1)

Title: City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, Book 1)

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret McElderry
Edition: Paperback

One of my favorite books. I liked the characters a lot especially the arrogant Jace Wayland. This book is fast paced, full of action and unpredictable. I read the book and listened to its audio edition. I don't like the audio though. She doesn't bring justice to the book. Everything you thought would be the outcome was not what you expected. That is why I liked it. I read some of the bad reviews and I'm not going to change my mind on this one. It's still a good book in my opinion.

Clary never knew she belonged to another world. She was just an ordinary teenager. She got Simon as her best friend and trying to enjoy her teenage life at the Pandemonium. This ordinary life ended when she saw 3 teenagers with tattoos and weird weapons who were about to commit a murder. She was surprised when they went for the kill, the teenager just disappear into thin air. The three teenagers also disappeared. That was the first sign. She doesn't understand what has just happened but she just let it pass because she has no explanation for it.

Then she got into a fight with her mother. She left the house to cool herself down only to encounter one of the 3 teenagers she saw at Pandemonium. He met Jace. He has the most angelic face but behaves like a total jerk. When she received a call from her mother telling her she must not go home, she knows something is wrong and her mother is somewhat in danger.

Her mother disappeared and then she was attacked by a demon. Her world turns upside down and was pulled to the world of Shadowhunters who killed demons. Now her world not only consists of demons but werewolves, vampires, faeries and all kinds of monster she never knew existed before. Valentine, who was also a shadowhunter after the mortal cup that leads to her mother.

All she knew about her life now was a lie. She needs to find her mother. She also needs to figure out Jace.

The ending just got crazy. It's all up to you to find out.

Room by Emma Donoghue

Title: Room

Author: Emma Donoghue
Publisher: Little Brown and Company
Edition: Trade Paperback

I totally loved the character Jack. He's such a wonderful, brave and smart kid. I liked its honesty, innocence and the way Jack perceives and understands everything around him. The author gives the story a flavor of realness. It was like entering the mind of a child. It was not a happy story. It's disturbing but its hopeful. I also admire the mom despite the abuse of her captor resulting a baby, she never thinks of hurting the baby even if she hates the man who did this to her. She loves and raises Jack as best as she could. It's a story of love, hope, courage and survival.

Jack just turned 5. He reads books, loves to watch TV, knows how to count and color and loves to play with her Ma; but he's not like any other 5 years old. He lives in a small closed room without a window with her mother. For him life is just the way it is and he doesn't complain. He only needs to hide inside Wardrobe every night because they have a visitor he called Old Nick and he must not be seen. This is his life.

It started to change when suddenly Ma explains to him a lot of things; about the world outside. He doesn't understand what it all means but he knows he needs to help Ma. He needs to be brave for her. When that time happens he didn't fail her Ma. They were rescued. Now, he's a hero and then everything in their lives change.

In the Outside, they need to deal with a lot of things. Because of the changes that happened, Jack needs to learn and cope. People from Outside may not understand him but you can't help but love him. Follow his journey to freedom and the new world he lives in.

go to: http://www.amazon.com/Room-Novel-Emma-Donoghue/dp/0316098337/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301323133&sr=8-1

Divergent (Divergent Trilogy)

Title: Divergent

Author:Virginia Roth
Publisher: Harper Collins
Edition: Advance Reading Copy
Publication date: May 3, 2011.

When this book arrives together with my usual stash of samples from the post I got a note from the publisher saying that I might enjoy the book because she enjoyed reading it. I got curious and when I read the synopsis I said to myself I am going to read this later. The cover is not that appealing for me but when I start reading it that night I just want to finish it right away. True enough, I enjoyed it. It was full of action and I am very sure this will go straight to New York Times Best Seller list. I have to be careful on this because the book will be released this May and I don't want any spoilers here.

Beatrice Prior is turning 16. She lives in a society divided into five factions. Each of these factions follows a particular virtue: Candor (the honest and truthful), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave and bold), Amity (the peaceful and cheerful) and the Erudite (the smart and intelligent). On an appointed date every year, all 16 year olds gets to choose the faction that they want to grow up and live for the rest of their lives. It's going to be hard for Beatrice. Being with her family or who she really is would be the only choice. When she made the decision, she surprised everyone including herself.

Next thing is the initiation. Just because you chose doesn't mean you're in. You have to pass it first and she got some very serious competition. She also needs to know who her real friends are. She also needs to figure out what she really felt for the boy who fascinates and infuriates her at the same time. That's not all. She also has a secret. A secret she kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned about it.

Outside conflicts are brewing. Now the perfect society is on the verge of collapsing. Her secret might be the only thing to save her and her love ones.

go to: http://www.amazon.com/Divergent-Trilogy-Veronica-Roth/dp/0062024027/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1301330212&sr=1-1

Angelology

Title: Angelology

Author: Danielle Trussoni
Publisher: Penguin
Edition: Paperback

I really loved this dark, edgy, supernatural novel of Danielle Trussoni. I've read a lot of the teenage version of the fallen angels which were usually okay for young adult. The fallen angels are usually the mysterious, perfect, and the savior of the story. This one is quite refreshing for me. The fallen here are the bad ones. Angelology actually gives it justice. It's more close to the myths and legends of their kind. I was totally hooked from beginning to end.

It all started when Sister Evangeline received a letter from Verlain asking permission to look at the precious archive of St. Rose convent. She already replied with a no which was the default answer to anybody who wants to gain access on their precious library. She got curious, investigates about the inquiry that was written on the letter and found something interesting. The correspondence between Mother Innocenta and Abigail Rockefeller really does exist and it mentioned about a successful exploration in a mountain during the 1940's.

Verlain not knowing the real intention of his client got involved in this mystery which eventually put his life in danger. He had the opportunity to meet Sister Evangeline which led them to a very dangerous, fascinating and at the same time horrific story of the fallen angels and the musical instrument they want back.

I welcome you to the world of Angelology.

I can't wait for the next book.

Wither (The Chemical Romance Trilogy, Book 1)

Title: Wither (The Chemical Romance Trilogy, Book 1)

Author: Lauren Destefano
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Edition: Advance Reading Copy
Publication date: March 22, 2011

I don't really know if I really like it or not. I've been reading a lot of dystopian novels lately and most of them I enjoyed reading. I guess this one is quite different. I find its characters weak. The concept was great and unique in its own way because it's not so violent but it's still harsh and brutal.

The book introduces Rhine, age sixteen, who grew up in a world who suffered the failure of genetic engineering. Before their generation, there was a successful experiment wherein scientists discovered a perfect DNA with no disease for everyone. Unfortunately, this experiment fired back when they found out that every child born to this perfect people get only to live until 20 for women, and 25 for men. A lot of people tried to find the cure for this "accident" but they all failed. Because of this situation girls are often married off at a very young age, forced to bear children just to keep ahead on the time limit that they have because of this disease killing people.

After Rhine was kidnapped from the home she shared with her twin brother, she was sold together with 2 other girls named Jenna and Cecily to Linden, a very rich socialite who became their husband. Polygamy has been well accepted in this world. Linden's father, a scientist who is also desperate to find a cure for his son needs new subject to find the cure and they are the chosen candidates.

Every day the girls live together as sister wives sharing a husband. Rhine desperately needs to escape, Jenna just accepted the situation as it is and Cecily who was the youngest was surprisingly enjoying her status. In the mansion she met Gabriel, one of the servants who make her tolerant of everything around her. They've developed a very dangerous relationship which got them into trouble. The danger is not Linden but his father. Rhine knew something is wrong and she needs to escape before it's too late. She knows she has a chance being the favorite of Linden but the danger is getting bigger and bigger for her.

The escape needs to be soon or they all die as prisoner.

Meet the Robinsons (Movie 2007)

Movie Title: Meet The Robinsons
Screening Time: 1:15am
Where: Home
Format: DVD

I'm tired but I can't sleep. Nothing's nice on cable. I decided to watch Meet The Robinsons. This is one of my favorite Disney movies. I love its story line. Not the typical. I wanted to collect all the Disney movies. I'm just waiting for the sale.

The story is about a smart orphan boy named Lewis who lives in an orphanage and likes to invent things. He has a roommate named Goob. He's a bit worried because he's turning 13 and still nobody wants to adopt him. He got this great idea of inventing a memory machine because he wants to go back in time when his mom left him in front of the orphanage. Every day he works and got ready for the presentation.

Before his presentation began, he met another boy named Wilbur. On the demo, the project didn't work so he abandoned it because he was so upset. The bowler hat guy, who sabotaged his project stole it went back to the future, tries to sell it and broke it by accident. When Wilbur appeared again he took Lewis to the future to prove that he came from there but they got into an accident and the time machine got damaged. They brought it to their house and there he met Wilbur's family. He kinds of like it.

A surprised thing happened. Wilbur's family wanted to adopt him but after showing the "hair", he was surprised by their reactions. Now he needs to get back from the past. He felt betrayed and the bowler hat guy convinced him to go with him. He was asked to fix the memory machine in return he'll get him back to the time. He was duped and discovered that he was Wilbur's father and the supposed villain was actually Goob. He was rescued but the bowler hat guy and Doris already changed the future.

It's is now up to Lewis to change it back again...

'Mortal Instruments,' 'White Cat' Authors Prepare To Share Their Evil Genius With Us

'Mortal Instruments,' 'White Cat' Authors Prepare To Share Their Evil Genius With Us

The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus Book 1)

Title: The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus Book 1)

Author: Rick Riordan
Publisher: Hyperion Book
Edition: Hardcover

I totally love the Percy Jackson series and I am all excited to read the next hero of Olympus when it was announced. I am a fan of Rick Riordan books because he's full of humor, always got a great story, and the research in reference to his books are just wonderful.

It was never the same with all his books that's why it's so exciting to read. Characters always got great personalities and I always enjoyed reading it. The Lost Hero was just the next level of Percy Jackson but better. From the very beginning you will be intrigued on the new character named Jason. Since most of the reader of this book already read the Percy Jackson series their presence on this book will be missed since it's the same camp. No worries because Anabeth is still there.

The story started in bus where Jason woke up with no memories beside a beautiful girl who was supposed to be his girlfriend named Piper and a guy who claimed to be his best friend named Leo. They were going on a field trip going to the Grand Canyon with other kids.

They were attacked and he discovered that he can do something special. Their coached was captured and there they met Anabeth who was looking for Percy because he was missing. They escaped the attack and were brought to the camp. He knows a lot of things only he couldn't remember everything. They now know that they were sons and daughters of the Gods only now they're in their Roman form.

They went on a quest to find out what happened. This lead them to Hera that they need to rescue in 3 days to accomplish it or the Giant King will rise. On the way they met other gods that will led them to Hera. And that's where they met the different challenges. Jason, Piper and Leo needs to be together in order for them to be successful on their quest. It's a test of a lot of things - friendship especially. You will definitely enjoy this book like I do. Great story!

Heaven And Earth - Massage @P199.00

It's been a while since my last full body massage. I'm just cheap. I usually go to this place where blind people have a massage corner. There's another one in Market! Market! The Big Apple Express Spa. I liked their service.

Just around the corner from where I live, there's this new massage place called Heaven and Earth. It's along J.P. Rizal, Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City, across the Caltex station. It opened last year and I've been passing this big sign of 199.00 for a full body massage almost every week for over a year already. Every time my colleagues see this sign they always ask me if I tried this one. Being near to the place unfortunately, no I haven't. Not until today. My friend has been planning to try this massage place for quite some time.

Finally today we decided to check out this place. It turned out to be okay. It's clean and the place is just simple. I'm not supposed to go and try but since I'm already there and I haven't gone to a massage parlor for a long time, I said yes as well. Anyway, it's cheap and the place looks okay.

The massage itself was okay. I feel a bit tender because its been a long time since my last massage. I heard my bone went pop every time the lady tries to pull my arm or stretch my body. They only have the mineral oil for the 199.00 massage. You actually have 2 choices - the mineral oil or the menthol oil. I chose the mineral oil because I'm allergic to the menthol one. I felt better afterwards because at least my back became relaxed. I just wish she massage my neck more but it was fine. They have other kind of services as well.

Will I go back again? - Yes!

Surf And Turf (beauty = pain)

I never had a facial before but yesterday I had a thought to do facial today. I went to Power Plant Mall and arranged an appointment at VMV Hypoallergenics shop. In here aside from selling the products, they do facial and other beauty services. My supposed schedule is 5:30 pm but I think someone didn't show up so I was rescheduled to an earlier time which is great.

On their menu there are different kinds of facial. I chose the Surf and Turf facial because I'm oily on the T-zone and they told me that this is the best facial for me.

I received a text message around 4:45 pm saying that I can already come in at 5pm. I told the lady that it's my first time to do a facial. She doesn't say much. She just told me to lie down and so I did. My eyes are closed most of the process because I don't want to be looking at the face of the person cleaning my face. First she cleans my face and put some cream. Then something warm is blowing on my face she just asks me if the temperature was okay. I said its fine. It's kind of hard to breathe through a steam I'm telling you but I endure. I just relax and wait. I don't know how many minutes passed by. Then she dried up my face and the torture began. Some area are really painful but most of the time I just feel a prick and sliding of some tool on my face.   I have high tolerance when it comes to pain but sometimes I can't help myself so my eyes just got all teary.

Afterwards, she puts some anti-bacterial liquid which stung. Then she puts on another cream and then she told me that the next one is a facial mask. I lie very still and try to relax my face. She left me again for a while to dry up the mask. After several minutes, she came back and cleans it again. She puts another stinging liquid and then another cream. This time she massages my face which felt really good. I almost fell asleep. Through the whole process she just told me I have lots of facial hair. I don't know if it's good or bad. I just wish she give me more information.

Then it's done!

Now, my face is red because of it. Hopefully tomorrow its not red anymore. I still feel that she missed out some white heads but I'll just come back for the next session. I don't know if she's thorough since this is my first time. I feel sleepy afterwards. My nose feels clean and I'm happy about it.

Check them out at http://www.vmvhypoallergenics.com/

How Do You Know (Movie 2011)

Movie title: How Do You Know
Screening Time: 7:55 pm
Where: Power Plant

It's Saturday and by late in the afternoon we decided to watch a movie after work. This movie is something that I wouldn't choose for myself but a friend of mine told me that this is a good movie. Some people would say yes it's good and others would find it plain and simple. I find it funny and smart. "As Good As It Gets" was still better in my opinion though.

The story is about this woman named Lisa who is an athlete that already reached her prime. She has a boyfriend named Matty who is a successful athlete as well. They get along together very well.

Her life became complicated when she was cut from her team. She is a kind of person who doesn't really know how to express herself and has difficulty in opening up to anyone about her feelings and how to cope with things.

During this time he met another guy named George who is in a lot of trouble in his corporate world which also involved his dad played by Jack Nicholson. Lisa got close to George and eventually started to open up to him. George amidst all the trouble that he is in finds himself more liking the company of Lisa more and more. He fell in love with her even though he knows that Lisa still got a boyfriend. No matter, he's still hopeful so he might as well give it a shot.

Now, Lisa needs to choose...

Dinner at Mary Grace (The Fort)

What: Friday night dinner
Where: Mary Grace (Serendra - The Fort)
Food: Pasta

It's Friday night and we decided to have dinner at Mary Grace. I usually go out with my colleagues every Friday if we don't have anything else to do after work. Either we dine out or watch a movie. Movie was yesterday and it was great. Now, we decided to dine out. Dining out in Bonifacio High Street or Serendra area is no joke because the cheapest that you can go here would be 200.00-300.00 per person. One of the restaurants that we usually go to is Mary Grace because one, it falls on the 200-to-300-pesos category and two, the food is good.

This time I ordered pasta. I usually ordered the same thing every time we go here. This meatball pasta is one of my favorite. The other one is the herb and tomato pasta. Before the meatball pasta I usually order the herb and tomato but now I feel like eating the meatball pasta.

I really need to remember the name of this meatball pasta... (Next time.)

The serving was very generous and the food is good. The price is very affordable. This place is usually jammed pack on a Friday that's why we ended up eating outside. It was okay for us because the air was cool anyway. Quite unusual for March because that is the start of summer in the Philippines but I'm not complaining. I like it. I enjoyed eating with that kind of weather.

Nice Friday.

The Red Riding Hood (Movie 2011)

Movie title: The Red Riding Hood

Screening Time: 8:30 p.m.
Where: Power Plant Mall
Note: Advance Screening (March 10, 2011)

Being me has its perks. One of these is being able to watch advance screening of movies for free. Thanks to my friend JC, he invited me to watch this with him. We're kind of unsure about this movie because the director is Catherine Hardwicke who also directed Twilight which was from most people a failed movie. She proved us wrong. She was good on this film and I give her thumps up on this. I kind of enjoyed its darkness, its mystery and suspense. I never really expected that it will turn out good but it did.

The movie is about this girl named Valerie who grew up to be a very beautiful young woman. He has a best friend named Peter and been very happy together when one day, a young woman was attacked. They know that it's the werewolf. Now Valerie's world turned upside down.

Their village is being attacked. It's been a long time since the last one. Now they need to find it and kill it. They thought they did but they were wrong. They seek help from Solomon who supposedly know a lot about this creature. They need to find out who it was... Friendship and relationships are tested here.

The turn of event turned out to be very satisfying. You'll know what I mean when you watch it. It was really good.

The Scorch Trials

Title: The Scorch Trials

Author: James Dashner
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Edition: Hardcover

The end was just the beginning.

Most of the Gladers survived apart from Chuck who sacrificed his life for Thomas.  The surviving Gladers are now facing another trial. The sun flares already killed and devastated the earth. It had developed a virus they called flare which makes people crazy and eventually turned them into zombies which were called cranks. They were also told that they already have the virus.

They only have 2 weeks to find this place and get the cure. Along the way they've encountered cranks, killer storms while travelling the hot and scorched land. The relationships between teens were being tested. Teresa was missing, replaced by another person, and cannot communicate with her telepathically anymore; Thomas and the others are determined to find her. This book has more flavors, more actions and a lot of things going on. I cannot put this book down once I start reading it. I just have to convince myself that I needed to sleep because it's already the wee hours of the morning. You may already anticipate that it's not yet the end of their journey. I can't wait for the third and final installment of this book called "The Death Cure".

http://www.amazon.com/Scorch-Trials-Maze-Runner-Trilogy/dp/0385738757/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1299683328&sr=8-1

The Yellow Puffer Fish

Subject: Animal
Camera: Canon 1000D
Where: Ocean Park Manila

I always like photography. I try teaching myself by looking at the photos of professional photographers in all kinds of subject. I don't exactly know what kind of photographer I am so I just take a shot of things that I like and of interest to me. Sometimes its random. I just take out my camera and start shooting. I only take photos of people when they're not looking. On events (yes, sometimes I was assigned to take photos of our store events where I work) I have to ask people to smile for me. That's another story...

Right now my subject is a fish. This was photographed inside Ocean Park Manila. I've been to Ocean Park Hong Kong and Manila would be really small compared to Hong Kong but of course love your own. I love taking photos with colorful subject that is why I took interest on this fish. One, it doesn't move a lot. That was good because my subject get blurred if they move too fast. I only have the basic Canon DSLR so the shutter is not that fast. I'm not complaining. I still love this camera; Second, I liked the lighting on where the fish was. It brings all the color to life; and third, the fish is round and yellow =). It's really the color yellow that attracts me.

The Maze Runner

Title: The Maze Runner

Author: James Dashner
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Edition: hardcover

This has been out since October 6, 2009 but it was only February of this year (2011) when I had the chance to read this book. I heard and read so many good reviews about this book so after I got my copy I prioritize on reading it (because I have a long reading list). I was quite surprised because I actually liked it. It has this tone of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games series but totally different on how it was written.

I don't particularly like predictable books and this one... was just very unpredictable. When you read it, you sort of think that this will happen next but it's going to be different again and again and again which make it good I guess.

I highly recommend this for those who liked and enjoyed Hunger Game series. The second book - The Scorch Trials is as crazy good as well. This year I think dystopian novels would be the in thing for young adults.

Synopsis:

The book is about this guy named Thomas who woke up with no memory in a place called Glade with a bunch of teenage boys running the place. He was already expected because every month in the Glade a new boy appeared. There he met a lot of interesting people.

In the Glade there's a huge maze that stood a hundred feet high. Every night this maze closes and a monster like creature they called Griever appeared. All of them has no memory of their life before the Glade and only remember their names.

The next day another kid appeared on the Glade. This time its a girl with a very surprising message. Then a lot of things went wrong. Now, it's up to them to solve the maze or die. Time is running out...

http://www.amazon.com/Maze-Runner-Trilogy-Book/dp/0385737955/ref=pd_sim_b_3

I Am Number Four (The Movie)

Movie title: I Am Number Four

Screening Time: 7:50pm

Where: Power Plant Mall

I've read the book and I enjoyed the movie. I just wish they get someone new to play Daniel/John Smith in the movie. Alex Pettyfer is still gorgeous though. I've seen him in Alex Rider and I guess he's perfect for the role.

For those who haven't seen the movie - its about this teenager named Daniel/John Smith from another planet called Lorien who was hunted by Mogadorians.

The planet Lorien was destroyed and 9 children with their guardians escaped. They came to planet earth to hide until the time that they're all trained and ready to defeat the one who destroyed their planet. The first three already died - killed by the Mogadorians and they are now on the hunt with number four. Daniel/John Smith is number four. They can only be killed in sequence (this info was from the book so better read it) and every time one of them get killed they get a burn wound on their legs.

After John Smith got the third one, they left their present residence and went to Paradise, Ohio. There he met a girl named Sarah whom he fell in love with. During this time he's already developing some powers. They were tracked down eventually but fortunately when all hope is gone number six appeared.

I loved how they made it. Great action scenes! Watch it!:)

Hong Kong - The other side

I've been to Hong Kong so many times for the past 3 years and on my recent trip, I was glad I went to a hiking trip with my friend. Hong Kong has this spectacular view from the mountain and amazing beaches.

The place that we went to was in Lamma Island and I fell in love with it. It was a great experience. The hiking was not that difficult because... thanks to my Sony Ericson mini Xperia, I can play some music while walking on the side of the mountain and passing on its awesome beaches. I really had fun. Unfortunately, I wasn't able update my music  in my phone so were stuck with Justin Beiber, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift songs.

Lamma Island

This is the map of the island where you can view how far you will walk

The B.B cafe

The First Beach

view from the mountain top

going down now

The second beach

its time to rest, eat and wait for the next ferry back to the city

Its still fun, fun, fun!!!

new start

I just hope I do justice on this blog. This will need some discipline and dedication on my part but I am ready. Let's do this! The hunting starts now.