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.

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. 

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!

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.

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".

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!

Diary ng Panget 2 - HaveYouSeenThisGirl

Category: Books



Genre: Chick Literature 



Author: HaveYouSeenThisGirl (Wattpad)




This is a continuation of the journey of Eya and Cross and their love-hate relationship.


Finally! I grabbed the DNP 2!!! After weeks of waiting and of going back and forth from the bookstore.

Huwaaaaa. I enjoyed it once again. I can't wait for the next installment. It's still the same.. kilig to the bones scenario.. however bitin. I wanted more! :)

Okay. Shoot me! Hayaan nyo na ako. In love lang eh.  And when you are in love.. all things goes cheesy weezyyy.... :P

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - 2009

Category: Movie

Genre: Fantasy

Writer: J. K Rowling (book), Steve Kloves

Producer: Warner Bros., Heyday Films

Director: David Yates

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Dave Legno, Jim Broadbent and more.

Tagline: Dark Secrets Revealed; Once again I must ask too much of you, Harry

This time, Harry Potter begins his sixth year at Hogwarts and discovered a book entitled " The Half Blood Prince" and begins to have an insight and learns a lot about the Lord Voldemort's past. At the same time, Lord Voldemort's is increasingly becoming active.

Moviedate with Boo! This is one of the best days with him ever!!!

This is my second time to watch the film. Just  to satiate the Harry Potter whimsical craving. (However, this time it is most sweet... because I am watching it with my boo *swoons*)

This series was filled with Love Triangles! And well, it's basically everyone.... partnering with someone. hahaha. Or maybe im just in love thats why... hahhaa. :)That's why I always tend to see the romance part these days. The characters are maturing in this film and their acting are getting better with each film. But, it's pretty much loaded for one film... I think it;s not enough and left a few pieces from the book. It could've been better.

But, either way, it's perfect for me.

Ted - 2012

Category: Movie

Genre:Comedy / Fantasy

Director: Seth Macfarlane

Writer: Seth Macfarlane, Alec Sulkin

Producer: Universal Pictures, Media Rights Capital, Fuzzy Door Productions

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Seth Macfarlane, Joel Mchale, Giovanni Ribisi, Patrick Warburton, Matt Walsh, Jessica Barth and more

Tagline: Ted is coming.

John (Mark Wahlberg) made a Christmas wish when he was a childhood and that was to bring his one and only friend to life, his teddy bear - Ted. The two grew up together but then their friendship will be tested as Lori (Mila Kunis), John's girlfriend of four years, wants more from his relationship with John.

I gave up watching this on my first round but this time I managed to pull through. Finalmente. And glad I did. It's not one of the best storyline.. but it has an interesting character though... a "talking teddy". And even worse... a teddy that curses! For one, who is not used to potty mouths, this was extreme! You'd think teddy bears are warm and cuddly... but Ted oh Ted is not that at the beginning of the film.

Anyhow, this is not my type of funny. :) But, well..... that's all I can say.

Enchanted Inc. #4 - Don't Hex With Texas -

Category: Books

Genre: Chick Literature / Fantasy

Author: Shanna Swendson



This time magic hits Texas when Katie chose to leave New York after the subway incident, thinking being far away or lying low from the magical community will bring everybody peace.

However, magic seems to follow Katie, whether she likes it or not.

I liked this particular part of the series because this is the time when Owen got to visit Katie's family. Also this focused much more on Katie's relationship with her family and her roots.

I love how this way ended too! :) I love the series! woot woot!

Warm Bodies - 2013

Category: Movie

Genre: Comedy / Horror / Romance

Director: Jonathan Levine

Writer: Jonathan Levine, Isaac Marion

Producer: Summit Entertainment, Make Movies, Mandeville Films

Cast: Nicolas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, John Malkovich, Analeigh Tipton, Rob Corddry, Dave Franco, Cory Hardrict

Tagline:  Bros before brains

The world's population is slowly becoming an undead horde, however R, is a young and odd zombie who thinks. While feeding on humans one day, R meets Julie (still human) and suddenly has an urge to protect her. What happens is the start of a very strange and warm relationship that allows R to begin having his human side back. Soon, this strange phenomenon is spreading in the undead population.... which brings about another issue they have to challenge that would threaten their friendship.

 ---------

Okay, seems like today is filled with really interesting films that is infused with something deeper.

This film may seem comedic on the surface but if you actually look past or go "exhume" the film... you get to see that it's actually deep.


Being a Zombie is a metaphor for people living a life without color, without passion, and a life that takes it as it is with no questions, cautionary. It's also a life where one forgets who he/she really is.

Being a bonie on the other hand are people who gave up or can be that part of self which buys fear, our shadow, the dark force.

This is actually beyond apocalyptic but is actually an awakening veiled.

There are many references to remembrance, forgetting, triggers, and the 100th monkey concept plays as well, and that change can often just come from one person and a small group of individuals who are crazy enough to challenge the norm and who does not fit the "norm".

Also, music plays an important role to the person here...

And this also shows that whenever there's change, there's always a counter-force, when your Imaginal self steps in.

this movie reminds me of this: "“Burnout is nature's way of telling you, you've been going through the motions your soul has departed; you're a zombie, a member of the walking dead, a sleepwalker. False optimism is like administrating stimulants to an exhausted nervous system. ” - Sam Keen

Damsel Under Stress - Shanna Swedson

Category: Books

Genre: Chick Literature / Modern Fantasy

Author: Shanna Swedson



I thoroughly enjoyed this series as dragons made an appearance under the tunnels of New York. Well, a damsel won't be completely under stress  when there's no dragons right? So, what will our knight in shining armor Owen Palmer do?







Can I have my own Owen Palmer tooooo? Huwaaaaaaa. He is absolutely pretty much one of those guy characters I'd fall in love with. Handsome but not cocky and not really knowing he is.... a bit "suplado" or "serious" but then warms up and gets all mushy and concerned when with someone he likes/loves.

Great series Shanna!

Enchanted Inc. - Shanna Swendson

Category:  Books

Genre: Chic Literature / Fantasy / Modern

Author: Shanna Swendson

This is a romantic urban fantasy about a girl named Katie Chandler.  She has been living in New York City for about a year already but is originally from Texas. One day, she was offered a mysterious job. When she looks into the job, it turns out that she is one of the 1% in the world who are immune to magic, and that the company offering her the job is a magic company called MSI Inc, which stands for Magic, Spells, and Illusions Inc. It soon becomes apparent that the world is in trouble from the evil wizard Phelan Idris and it is up to Katie and her friends to save it. - from Wikipedia


I enjoyed this whole new refreshing novel about magic and the modern world. It has a unique storyline in a sense that being immune to magic was seen to be special. An angle that wasn't explored by many plots.

It's like a Cabot, Ahern, with a dash of Rowling thrown in between.

It gave me "kilig" moments as well. Ahhh so fun!

The Roommate - 2011

Category: Movie

 Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller

Director:  Christian E. Christiansen

Writer: Sonny Mallhi, Nick Blysma

Producer: Screen Gems / Vertigo Entertainment

Cast: Minka Kelly, Leighton Meester, Cam Gigandet, Shirley Norris, Lauren Alfano

Tagline: She's cute...loyal...and a psychotic. No one's perfect.


Fresh from Iowa, Sara Matthews has just landed in Los Angeles as a college freshman studying fashion design. She meets Stephen, Tracy, and her roommate Rebecca. Sara then finds out that her new roommate Rebecca has an obsession with her, which quickly turns violent.

It was quiet predictable. There's not much uhmm spark between some of the leads. Some of the acting was off. It's just out to give you a few scare about what if you end up with a psychotic room mate. Which can be quiet eerie if you have one actually.

Photo Source: Papaes Review

Love, Rosie (Where the Rainbows End) - Cecilia Ahern

Category: Book

Genre: Chick Literature

Author: Cecilia Ahern


Is a delightful, enchanting read....  about what happens when two people who are meant to be together who just can't seem to get it right.

Rosie and Alex are destined for one another, and everyone around them seems to know it but them. Best friends since childhood, their relationship gets closer by the day, until one day Alex gets the news that his family is leaving Dublin and moving to Boston. At age 17, Rosie and Alex have just started to see each other in a more romantic light.

It's a charming, romantic, addictively page-turning novel that will keep you laughing and guessing until the very last page.

This is a story about best friends and their funny tale of how they can't seem to get it right..... maybe it's not the right time? Or too much: "this could ruin everything else if"

The whole book is basically "letters" or emails. I remember reading something similar from a Cabot. Although, I enjoyed the whole thing. There was a time you just want to strangle the heroine for her to wake up and see all the hints the guy is dropping. But, it's that part that you would love to hate. It's that feeling of "oooof, how can you miss all those opportunities?" The whole thing makes you read and read and wanting to find out what will happen in the end.

Note: Funny, I bought both books, thinking they both have different stories. ooof! this is what happens when one doesn't read the back cover. Huwaaaaaa

Liar Game Season 1 - 2007

Category: TV Series

Genre: Psychological

Episodes: 11

Casts: Toda Erika, Matsuda Shota, Kitamura Soichiro, Wada Soko, Iwasa Mayuko and more

This is an adaptation from a manga.

It's always interesting to watch the psychological tv series from Japan. This one involves around one philosophy or belief: "Not everybody can be happy." and that "Humans will lie, cheat and steal to survive."
 

Nao Kanzaki (Toda Erika) is known for being naive and innocent. She is a high school student.
One day, she receives a black postcard indicating that she has been selected to participate in the "Liar Game Tournament". Along with that postcard is a box with 100 million yen (about $1,000,000). The goal of the first round of the game is to trick the other player out of their hundred million yen. At the end, the winner would get to keep the hundred million earned, and the loser owes the LGT (Liar Game Tournament office) 100 million yen, "will be collected by any means and at all costs".


One might think that the series is quiet unnecessary, placed on an impossible setting (but I'd rather have this over SAW who tests the "human fiber").

I like how it ended and how the events turned around.

However there's a slight implication or definition of MLM that is quiet misconstrued. They should have used the term "binary" or "pyramiding" company. Oh well.

Bloody Monday - 2008

Category: TV Series

Genre: Action / Technological / Crime / Suspense

Broadcast network: TBS

Original writing (manga): Bloody Monday by Ryumon Ryo
  
Screenwriter: Makita Mitsuharu, Watanabe Yusuke

Producer: Makita Mitsuharu 

Director: Hirano Shunichi, Hatano Takafumi, Miyashita Kensaku


Theme song: Over the rain ~Hikari no Hashi~ 

Cast: Miura Haruma, Sato Takeru, Kawashima Umika, Fujii Mina, Tokunaga Eri, Hisano Masahiro, Tanaka Tetsushi, Matsushige Yutaka, Narimiya Hiroki, Kichise Michiko, TET, and more


A biological terrorist attack kills off the population of a Russian town; Japan's Special Third-i unit believes that the terrorist organization responsible plans to have the same virus known as Bloody X in Tokyo. THIRD-i then recruits, Takagi Fujimaru a genius, notorious hacker to find out what happened in Russia.


It's absolutely a good tv series. One that would keep you wanting to see more. Great storyline. Also this reminds me of Jack Bauer, only this time, it's not focused on Jack but on Fujimaro, a civilian, helping Third-I. It took me awhile to get the relation of "THIRD-i" and Third Eye. It's pretty much designed like CTU of 24.

I like how each episode made you want to check the next episode. And missing one might make you miss the ingenuity of the storyline. It has good character build-up. It gets nifty on Episode 3. It has a very good psychological warfare script.

This is as much about crime and suspense, but also about friendship and family. It's about courage, honor, pride, life.... love....

I like the lyrics of the song they have: (translated into english)

Though the cold rain drenches my forehead, flower petals fall like raindrops overlapping with you...
if that can be called "light"
the radiance doesn't fade, right?

no matter how it is contaminated.. i think it disappears.
not only this but also the sad memory does not vanish
holding back the tears
light that is more beautiful than anything esle, is gathering;
walking towards the clouds;
the rainbow forms after the rain...
trust only your dream and walk towards it...

Quotes from Bloody Monday:

"If you are given a talent... you are entrusted with a mission."

Photo Source: Anaherarika

Life of Pi - 2012

Category: Movie

Genre: Adventure / Drama

Director: Ang Lee

Writer: David Magi and Yann Martel (novel)

Producer: Fox 2000 Pictures, Haishang Films, Rhythm and Hues

Cast: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain, Ayush Tandon, Gautam Belur, Tabu, Ayan Khan,

Tagline:

An Indian storyteller Pi Patel (Suraj Sharma) was visited by a writer and asks him to tell a story. He talks about a time in his life where he survives a disaster at sea and set on an epic journey of finding himself and discovering his beliefs. While cast away, he forms a connection with another survivor: a fearsome Bengal tiger.


Well, even if we are in the middle of Liwanag frenzy, I managed to sneak in with a movie with my family. Great film actually, (such a shame I wasn't able to read the book first. busymuch). I watched it on 3D and it was super! Great cinematography.. and it also moved me to tears every now and then. Oooffff. I find it memorable. One of those films, that you can always watch over and over again.I love the night scenes with all those glow in the dark plankton. The characters in the film also played their part well and you find yourself actually being drawn to how the story goes.  It's also a layered film, like an onion there's always something else hidden that only you can interpret and discover.

In the end, it would give you a question that would make you still think or wonder about the film.

Some people would say this is a metaphor of Pi's belief and in the end will also spell out what you believe in - spiritually.

Photo Source: 400 Club