Time of My Life - Cecelia Ahern

Category: Books

Genre: Chick Literature

Author: Cecelia Ahern

 Lucy Silchester's life is stuck in a rut and she is currently living a life full of lies while pretending to everyone she's okay. Three years after her breakup with her beloved boyfriend Blake, she pretended and managed to convince herself she was over him. But, apparently her life was stuck. So, Life decided to show up and show her how she is messing their lives.

What would you do if your Life is a person who mirrors how you live your life? What would your Life look like? Lucy's life was a horrible little man when she first met him and she hated her Life so much. She didn't even want to set up another meeting with her Life. Now Lucy and Life is on a mission....

Ever since, reading the previous novels of Ahern, Where Rainbows End and If You Could See Me Now, I got hooked with her writing. I don't even bother read what is the story about. Haha. Just mentally remembering the title of the book whether I bought it already or not. I am like that when I really fancy the author!

Anyway, this could be one of my favorites from her yet! Well, the other two got their own charm.... but this one is equally riveting and endearing.

The first few chapters were actually annoying. Sorry about that! The... "Okay. I lied." parts of Lucy because it actually confused me for awhile.Actually, the first few chapters were boring.... but, actually it was supposed to be that way because you can see Lucy has been living a very mechanical and meaningless life.

This is a very good book for people whose lives are stuck in a rut, for people healing after a breakup in a bad way and did not allow himself/herself to grieve but pretended everything was okay after everything.

This actually made me cry (boohoo!), because I got to reflect about... yeah ... how about if my Life would meet up with me...? Would I be excited? Would I hate him/her? How would I feel? Would I actually love spending time with my Life?

It's a really cute concept Ahern placed in this one story... pretty similar to If You Could See Me Now... only with a different "magical/modern" agency.

Army Navy Burger

Category: Food





One regular order of their burger can make you burp errr full already!

And I had fun with the Liber-tea!! Whooppeeeee!! I take a fancy with teas named after Liberty or any item named "Liberty". Haha.

T.G.I.F. - Davao

Category: Restaurant

City: Davao



Yum! Sauce!!! Love it! And I tried their strawberry mojito! I like trying out cocktail drinks thats why. woot woot!

Not much to review since this is a popular dining place for people in Luzon.

Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Category: Books

Genre: Fantasy / Fiction /

Author: C.S. Lewis


Ever since I was a child, I was a fan of his(C.S. Lewis) books, specially the most acclaimed Chronicles of Narnia. It's enchanting and very creative.

It would make you imagine a different world. Though some people may not see it, their lives (the kids in the book, and the characters too) are somewhat related to how we live today. It's a picture language... of reality, and has deeper meanings ... but i dont wanna spoil everything.. you have to find out the deeper magic(reality) within the dream.  :)

More reviews each book to come as I re-read them for this blog-review of mine.

Boses - 2008

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama / Indie

Director: Ellen Ongkenko- Marfil

Writer: Rody Vera, Froilan Medina

 Cast: Coke Bolipata, Julian Duque, Ricky Davao, Meryll Soriano, Cherry Pie Picache and more


I saw a trailer of this indie film over TV some 2 weeks ago, and it got me curious. I never wouldve imagined that I would be meeting the Director and 2 actors of the said movie right here in Davao City.

I got an invitation for a film showing over at Cinematheque, and since two offices invited me, Tuburan Institute and Happy Team(Councilor Avila of Davao), I grabbed the chance. But, I didn't realize the title was "Boses". All I saw at the invite was: "The Heart Speaks", cocktails and live violin by The Cast.

And I was pleasantly surprised to realize it was a film showing of Boses.

This film is about a child who is being abused by his Dad...

I find this movie simple yet very moving and it sure is worthy of your time. It has multi-dimensional aspects of the film from child abuse, to child welfare, how to run a shelter, isolation rooms, bullying, suicide, dreams, family, father & son, depression, music, therapy and so on and so on. There are so many points of discussion. It's educational. More films like these should be made. :)

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - J.K. Rowling

Category: Book

Genre: Fantasy / young Adult

Author: J.K. Rowling


Yahoooo! I finally finished it!

This was the book I borrowed way back in high school ... that I lost... because someone stole it from me. And ever since then. I got discouraged. T_T


It took a month or two of my savings to buy a replacement. Which Ive never done in my whole high school life. Limited budget here for fiction books in the past(mom does not approve of them in the past).

And it was just some 3 years ago... that my mom gifted me the whole set! And it was just this year that I started reading them again.

Anyway, I had a good time. Specially, whenever Remus gets mentioned in the book. The name has a soft spot on me. Right, my boo?

It's riveting and makes you want to read every bit of it. The classes in Hogwarts gets really interesting. (Okay, I sound like Hermione already). Haha... and so do new creatures being introduced in the book.

Kangaroo Coffee Company - Davao City

Category: Cafe

City: Davao City


I wanted to visit this coffee shop ever since it opened... however it was only today that I finally got to experience it.

It's basically more than three years old already. Woot.

I liked the idea because on the outside I could see it has some books. However, it's different when one is in there.

I liked the fact that you can probably stay there for quiet some time and not order while waiting for a friend. It's not a "hurried" place, meaning you can stay long to study. It has two ideal area  I would have preferred to sit however, the occupants took their time and didn't leave until after an hour or so.

My friend told me they have a lot of meals. But, was disappointed to see a few sets and were only served for certain hour.

I liked that you can add additional ice cream on top of your frappes though. I liked the nachos 7 layered dip as well. And their nachos too!
They have limited pastries, and pica pica's too. But, a lot of tea-choices and drink choices.

I don't think it's a place you go to when you are hungry :P But a good place to go to for snacks and to chill out.

 

nachos 7 layered dip.

300 Rise of An Empire - 2014

Category: Movie

Genre: Action / Drama / Fantasy

Director: Noam Murro

Writer: Zack Snyder, Kurt Johnstad

Producer: Warner Bros., Legendary Pictures, Cruel & Unusual Films

Cast: Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Heady, Hans Matheson, Callan Mulvey, David Wenham, Rodrigo Santoro, Jack O'Connell, Andrew Tiernan and more

Tagline: Seize your glory

The Persian Army under the command of Xerxes marches towards the major Greek city-states. First they arrived at the city of Athens.

The lady in the film here was pretty harsh. It was gory.. but it had a good ending.... which brings justice from the previous installment (which I haven't seen yet).

It's a film about vengeance, brotherhood and fighting for one's freedom.

Transcendence - 2014

Category: Movie

Genre: Sci-Fi / Mystery

Director: Wally Pfister

Writer: Jack Paglen

Producer: Alcon Entertainment, DMG Entertainment, Straight UP Films

Cast: Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, Paul Bettany, Cillian Murphy, Kate Mara, Cole Hauser, Morgan Freeman, Clifton Collins Jr. and more.

Tagline: Yesterday Dr. Will Caster was only human

A scientist by the name of Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) in the field of Artificial Intelligence is working on creating a sentient machine that will combine the collective intelligence of everything with human emotions. He became famous with his experiments and made him susceptible from people who wanted to stop him. It took on dangerous implications when his consciousness was uploaded in one of his programs.

It's a good film to watch before or after the movie Lucy. Looks like movies of these kinds are getting popular nowadays. Consciousness.... and Singularity or Artificial Intelligence.  I didn't quiet expect the ending though... I was totally geared on the wrong side nyahahaha...
But I love how it turned out in the end..... True Love won...... T_T

Great acting and wonderful storyline.

Quotes:

Will Caster: For 130,000 years, our capacity to reason has remained unchanged. The combined intellect of the neuroscientists, mathematicians and... hackers... in this auditoirum pales in comparison to the most basic A.I. Once online, a sentient machine will quickly overcome the limits of biology. And in a short time, its analytic power will become greater than the collective intelligence of every person born in the history of the world. So imagine such an entity with a full range of human emotion. Even self-awareness. Some scientists refer to this as "the Singularity." I call it "Transcendence."

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - J.K. Rowling

Category: Books

Genre: Young Adult / Magic / Fiction

Author: J.K. Rowling

I've been re-reading the Harry Potter series, just so I can add it up here in my espresso break blog.
It took me awhile to finish this because I kept putting it off... but  one night... my boo was snoozing(quiet early).. I finished this!

It's always a pleasurable moment to be inside the world of Harry Potter. Here, you will encounter new spells and new characters.

While re-reading this, I suddenly had this A-ha moment, where... Voldemort and his cohorts.. begin to resemble the famous Hitler archetype. Who wished to eliminate the Jews because they were thought to be not "pure" which is pretty much the case of Voldemort. And I was like...woooooo. tinunini tinunini.[ insert Twilight Zone music ].

Anyway, one of the considered serial classics of all time after the Chronicles of Narnia. A Harry Potter is always a great read. 

The Fugitive - 1993

Category: Movie

Genre: Thriller / Drama

Director: Andrew Davis

Writer: Jeb Stuart, David Twohy

Producer: Warner Bros.

Cast: Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Sela Ward, Julian Moore, Joe Pantoliana, Andreas Katsulas Jeroen Crabbe,  and more

Tagline:  A murdered wife. A one-armed man. An obsessed detective. The chase begins.

Dr. Richard Kimble, a well respected surgeon was wrongfully accused of murdering his wife. He escaped from the law after being convicted and sentenced to death. On the pursue was a team of US marshals led by Deputy Samuel Gerard, a detective who will not stop until Richard is captured.  On the other hand, Richard is investigating the death of his own wife while hiding from the authorities.
 
I had a good time watching this film. It's simple and at the same time it makes you think, about what really happened. Very 90'ish set-up. It was edgy with a classic ring to it. The director of the film sure knows how to keep the action going. And of course, it wont't be classic without Ford and Jones starring this film.

Lucy - 2014

Category: Movie

Genre:  Action / Sci-Fi / Thriller

Director: Luc Besson

Writer: Luc Besson

Producer: Canal +, Cine, EuropaCorp

Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman, Min-Sik Choi, Amr Waked, Julian Rhind Tutt, Pilou Asbaek, Nicolas Phongpheth and more.

Tagline: She has the Power

A woman was supposed to do a very simple job. All Lucy needs to do was deliver a briefcase to a certain Mr. Jang. But almost immediately she was caught in a dark deal where she is captured and was being turned into a drug mule. But, then she turns the tables around and transforms into a warrior they've never seen before.

From it's trailer.. I deduced it to: "Ahhh not another limitless film". But, although the "drug" was similar ... this one's more scientific and intelligent. And it has a deep sense of perception when it comes to Time. I find it cool. Scarlett did a wonderful job portraying her character, from the hangover party-girlfriend of Richard, to a terrified blackmailed errand girl to becoming a hostage and a witness to barbaric and gruesome cold, calculated kills of that Asian Mafia ... to becoming Lucy - the one who is slowly colonizing her own brain... :) Perfect!

Something Borrowed - 2011

Category: Movie

Genre: Chick Flick

Director: Luke Greenfield

Writer: Jennie Synder Urman, Emily Griffin (novel)

Producer: Alcon Entertainment, 2S Films, Wild Ocean Films

Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, Colin Egglesfield, John Krasinski,  Steve Howey, Ashley Williams, Geoff Pierson, Jill Eikenberry, Sarah Baldwin and more

Tagline:  It's a thin line between love and friendship.


Rachel was the one who introduced Dex to her best friend Darcy. At that time she was  still in law school and is already attracted to Dex however Darcy made a move and gets Dex before she even got to say her feelings. Now, she finds out that Dex is already engaged to Darcy. Friendships will be tested and secrets will come to the surface.


I actually didn't like the idea of the "affair" between the two while the engagement was still on. However, this is the effect when there's a connection and both didn't act on the connection, until well it's almost too late. I love the best friend part and it did play a very tricky light on the whole complicated scenario thing.

Once again, this is a story of taking chances....and what happens when one doesn't take on chances.

I love the soundtrack of the film!

She's All That - 1999

Category: Movie

Genre: Chick Flick

Director: Robert Iscove

Writer: R. Lee Fleming Jr.

Producer: Miramax, Tapestry Films, FilmColony

Cast: Freddie Prinze Jr., Rachel Leigh Cook, Matthew Lillard, Paul Walker, Jodi Lyn O'Keefe, Kevin Pollack, Anna Paquin, Kieran Culkin and more.

Tagline: These two opposites attract... but EVERYONE'S trying to keep them apart!


Zack Siler (Prinze) the high school jock was dumped by his prom-queen girlfriend Taylor Vaughan.
Zack's buddy, Dean Sampson (Paul Walker) engages him on a bet to make an ordinary girl a prom queen and picks the geeky looking Laney Boggs (Rachel Leigh Cook).

Throwback 90s! This is quiet a reminiscent of the usual chick flick from the early days... but then it reminds me of Sweet Valley High and their endless prom stories. And stories of "bet's" and all that.

But, theeeen!! I remembered.. that Freddie Prinze Jr. used to be one of those Hollywood stars that Im crushing from way back then! Haha.

I like the tall guy short girl thing here..... reminds me of my Boo and I :P

Anyhow, it has a cute ending..... and a wonderful story of "making a choice."

Also, I just noticed Paul Walker was in this fim during his early years of filming. 

21 Jump Street - 2012

Category: Movie

Genre: Comedy

Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller

Writer: Michael Bacall

 Producer: Columbia Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayr MGM, Relativity Media

Cast: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Brie Larson, Dave Franco, Rob Riggle, DeRay Davis, Ice Cube, Dax Flame and more.

Tagline:   The only thing getting blown tonight is their cover.

 Schmidt(Jonah Hill)  and Jenko (Channing Tatum) joined the police force and ended up as partners riding bicycles in the city park. Both of them looked young, and were assigned on a special undercover task to infiltrate a drug ring that is supplying the high school students with synthetic drugs.


I had a good laugh at this. It's oftentimes comically weird. Its about friendship and partnership.

From Prada to Nada

Category: Movie

Genre: Chick Flick

Director: Angel Garcia

Writer: Fina Torres, Luis Alfaro

Producer: Oddlot Entertainment, Gilbert Films

Cast: Camilla Belle, Alexa Penavega, Tina French, Luis Rosales, Pablo Martinez de Velasco, Alexis Ayala and more.

Tagline: Coming Pronto


A Latina spin on Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility," where two spoiled sisters who have been left penniless after their father's sudden death at age 55 were forced to move in with their estranged aunt in East Los Angeles. Mary is the spoiled sibling and was mortified when she learned about her situation, while elder sister Nora is a law student and decides to get a job as a legal intern.

I enjoyed watching this one maybe because I watched at an emotional time.. that's why I really find it heartwarming.

Although it's a typical chick flick... but it is something to entertain you during one of your down times.

Valentine's Day - 2010

Category: Movies

Genre: Chick Flick

Director: Garry Marshall

Writer: Katherine Fugate

Producer: New Line Cinema, Rice Films,

Cast: Julia Roberts, Jamie Foxx, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba, Kathy Bates, Jessica Biel, Bradley Cooper, Eric Dane, Patrick Dempsey, Hector Elizondo, Jennifer Garner, Topher Grace, Ashton Kutcher, Carter Jenkins, Queen Latifah, Taylor Lautner, George Lopez, Taylor Swift, Shirley Maclaine and more

Tagline: From the director of Pretty Woman comes a day in the life of love.


People from Los Angeles is navigating Valentine's Day from early morning until midnight.
Some relationships will undergo challenges, and would their relationship be saved?On the other hand a grade school kid wants to give flowers to his first true love while twho high school seniors plans their first time sex together, and many more.  Cupid's got a lot of work to do! Can Cupid finish his work by midnight?


It is similar to the movie Love Actually. (which by the way is also star studded). Although, it's not something to be really serious about. It's something you can watch at home and just have a laid back evening. I had fun the whole time watching the film. I like the best friend story part... and I find the kid cute here. Very matter-of factly.

Bride For Rent - 2014

Category: Movie

Genre: Romance / Comedy / Chick Flick / Drama

Director: Mae Czarina Cruz

Writer: Charlene Grace Bernardo, Carmi Raymundo

Producer: ABS CBN Film Productions, Star Cinema Productions

Cast: Kim Chiu, Xian Lim, Empoy Marquez, Martin del Rosario, Pilita Corales, Tirso Cruz III, Dennis Padilla, Matt Evans and more.

Tagline: 

Having one thing in common, both Rocco Espiritu and Rocky Espiritu created a scheme to get money, FAST.

Losing a match from poker, Rocco needs his money from his trust fund fast, or else lose the client he needs to defeat his Father's TV commercial production company, while Rocky needs to pay the rent or else her whole family will be homeless. The only way Rocco will get his money from his trust fund was to fulfill the conditions of his grandmother and that is: to get married.

Rocco then hires Rocky to play his bride... but along the way something goes amiss....


Its the usual chic flick but it had good values at the end. I liked the interview part of the couples in the film. Its not an intellectual drama, but if you want something light.. this can be a good upperthingy.

So this is where the expression: Isnt it amazing? Isnt it surprising? came from!

For awhile I wondered.. from what movie ... did it spring forth! :) 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - J.K. Rowling

Category: Books

Genre: Fantasy

Author: J.K. Rowling


This is the first novel of the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. This follows, Harry Potter as he discovers his magical heritage and makes close friends in his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.


This is one series that I would never tire of re-reading again. It took me awhile to finish my second round but, I had fun spending time with Harry, Ron and Hermione at Hogwarts. As they build their friendship. This book is mainly about friendship, unconditional love and bravery.

But, for this set, it's about a budding friendship in a magical tale. Ahhh, it's so great to immerse in the world of Magic, specially if its the world of Harry Potter.  :)

Rowling's writing is simply filled with simple humor and direct and wonderful imagination. 

Guess Who - 2005

Category: Movie

Genre: Comedy / Romance

Director: Kevin Rodney Sullivan

Writer: William Rose, David Ronn

Producer: Columbia Pictures Corporation, Regency Enterprises, 3 Art Entertainment

Cast:  Ashton Kutcher, Bernie Mac, Zoe Saldana, Judith Scott, Hal Williams, Kellee Stewart and more

Tagline: His daughter's Mr. Right just turned out to be... Mr. White.

Theresa(Zoe Saldana) brings home her boyfriend Simon (Ashton Kutcher), to meet her parents who will be renewing their vows for their anniversary. And both Theresa and Simon planned to announce their engagement over the weekend. There's one thing, the Jones' family is black and Theresa neglects to tell them Simon is White. Percy, Theresa's father has a general mistrust of any boyfriend for Theresa and let alone... Simon being white.


It is a very funny, light and family oriented film.  My Beloved Boo made me watch this and I always admire how he chooses his films. It's always light and fun. And very family oriented. You are the best sweetheart! It's a simple film about "meeting the parents" of your wife-to-be and how to get along with the "parents".

Best take from the movie, was this line.....

"Pride aint nothing when it comes to the matters of the heart".

Aling Foping's Halo Halo - Food

Category: Food / Dessert / Snack

This is one of the best Halo halo in Davao City. Located in Matina Town Square, Davao City. It's the perfect or stop over after having fun around the city.

For people who don't know Halo Halo, it's a Filipino Summer dessert which you can translate as
"mix mix". It's main ingredients are: shaved ice, milk,  kaong (sugar palm) , kidney beans, leche flan, ube, langka (jackfruit), nata de coco, pinipig, tapioca, sugar  and served on a tall glass, plastic cup, and sometimes on a buko fruit.

The Halo Halo in Aling Foping's is famed for its soft shaved ice making it easier and perfect to eat alongside with abundant rich and creamy milk. Also with lots of "sahog" into it. But, even better than that... you can customize your own halo halo mix.

Locals would surely tell you, your Davao experience won't be complete if you don't at least try out Aling Foping's Halo halo!

Aside from that you can also try out some Filipino snacks like bibingka and other kakanin. They are also very famed for their bibingka... so you might as well try it if your tummy is not yet full.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - 2002

Category: Movies

Genre: Fantasy / Adventure / Family

Director: Chris Columbus,

Writer: J.K. Rowling

Producer: 1492 Pictures, Heyday Films and more

Cast: Daniel radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Toby Jones, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Julie Waters, Bonnie Wright, Mark Williams, Chris Rankin and more...

Tagline:  Hogwarts is back in session.



A year after the Sorcerer's Stone was released, Chamber of Secrets was due next.

Harry Potter is forced to spend his summer holidays with the Dursleys. But, then Harry gets a real shock when he gets a visit from a house-elf named Dobby, who warned him not to go back to Hogwarts because there would be terrible things about to happen specially to him. Harry chooses to ignore Dobby's warning and continues to go to Hogwarts as scheduled. But, then the school began to be plagued by a serious of mysterious attacks and a strange voice trying to haunt him.

I once again watched this for the second time with Boo on my birthday!! There are a couple of scare moments in this installment and it was indeed well-made. This is one of the darker installments of the series. This will keep you on the edge. Once again, the musical score of John Williams' matches the whole wizard world feel albeit this one darker. Important, unforgettable scenes from the book were squeezed in this two and half hour film. Great special effects.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - 2001

Category: Movie

Genre: Fantasy /  Adventure / Family

Director: Chris Columbus

Writer: J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves

Producer: Warner Bros., Heyday Films, 1492 Pictures

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Robbie Caultrane, Ian Hart and more.

Tagline: Journey Beyond Your Imagination

This is the first film of the Harry Potter series. This is a tale of an ordinary 11 year old boy named Harry Potter who was left behind his aunt and uncle. In a way he is the male version of Cinderella who serves as a slave to the family. But, then a letter came and he has been invited to attend the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. And he was snatched away from his mundane existence in Pivet Drive by Hagrid and was thrown into the magical world of wizards.


I watched this for the third time with my boo today....

This movie brings to life the world of Harry Potter as based on JK Rowling's novels. It brings good Harry Potter enchanting memories come to life and how one can easily want to be part of the world. Oh, dream on!

It has wonderful special effects and the musical score is absolutely the best! The music gives you the feels of what the world of Harry Potter can feel like. But, a movie aint great if the cast are ill fitted but this film is an exception... because it has great casting, great set of chemistry between the cast and their characters.

You'd love to watch the movie again and again... just like me and my boo did!