Book Review: The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants

Based from experience, I watch the movie first before I read the book. It always happens that way and I don't mind it that much if the book is not as good as the movie or either way around. But I take note of the differences. Just like this book by Ann Brashares. I really love this movie and I've watched all it's sequels. I didn't get the chance to read the book but when I got the chance, I enjoyed every page of it. I wish I'd read it before. It's enriching especially if you cherish your friends too much. 

The book is all bout these girls: Carmen, Bridget (Bee), Tibby, and Lena who are getting ready to spend their first summer apart since they have known each other, which is pretty much since birth. Carmen will spend the summer with her father, Lena is heading to Greece to stay with her grandparents, Tibby will stay home and work at Walman’s, and Bee is heading to California for soccer camp. Before the girls part, though, Carmen buys a pair of jeans at a thrift shop, and they magically fit each girl, in spite of their different shapes and sizes. The jeans look amazing on each of them, and so they decide the pants should travel between them throughout the summer.

As the pants travel, so does the book, and we get to experience the summer through each girl’s eyes. Carmen arrives at her father’s to discover him living with a fiance and her two teenage children – a whole other family. Shy Lena gets involved in a multi-cultural misunderstanding. Bee falls in love with an older coach and discovers that not every impulse should be rushed into headlong. And Tibby learns that life is fragile and that people are much deeper than first impressions go.

I loved this book! I can actually rate it 5 stars, and Ann Brashares has created four wonderfully real teenaged girls, each with her own quirks and strengths and weaknesses. Plus, she really has a way with her words.  The author, wrote each girl in her own perspective which ended up really nice, each girl is different from one way to another.  Over the course of the summer, they each learn an important lesson about life – but this isn’t a preachy book, as each story simply unfolds naturally. I can’t wait to find out what happens in The Second Summer of the Sisterhood which I will also read soon. I really want to update my reading prowess. Reading is really enriching. I hope they'll have another sequel of the movie though. But I won't expect anyway. :) 

If you haven't read the book, I recommend for you to read it. Really worth it. :) 

Cocoaphilia Philippines by Van Houten

I'm a certified chocoholic and I would do anything just to have my cravings satisfied. One of my favorite chocolate brand is from Van Houten. I totally love their chocolates simply because it's not too sweet and it makes me want to eat some more. I love their very own Dark Chocolate, whole hazel nuts as well as their Almonds. I believe that chocolate is the world's most favorite food and dessert at that. I totally recommend Van Houten. 

Van Houten recently shared their 180 years of existence and still, they're celebrating something sweet in their official facebook page. Like their Facebook page: Cocoaphilia Philippines and share it to your family and friends via posting it on your facebook timeline and voila! you might just win gift packs from Cocoaphilia! :) Isn't that simple?:)

I just received my gift pack last week and yes, I totally savored every bit of it. I feel truly lucky to be one of the lucky winners to be chosen. :) 

We must always remember that quality chocolates tends to have long, pleasant after taste that lingers in the mouth. That's Van Houten for you. If you want to experience what I'm talking about, try Van Houten chocolates.  It definitely tastes like Heaven :)

Once again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much CocoaPhilia Philippines for the gift pack! I'm a faithful fan of your chocolates :) Hopefully, you'll have another re-launch just like before at Society Lounge, I've heard from some bloggers that it was a blast and a very sumptuous chocolate appreciation delight! :) Wishing that next time, I'll also get invites with that ind of event. :)

More power Cocoaphilia by Van Houten! :) 

~xoxo~

Chocolate Lover - no chocolate? that's a suicide for me :))

Stalker Alert: Rachel Weisz in Manila

YES! Rachel Weisz is already here in Manila. Wish I can see her in person. These are some of the latest pictures circulating the web right now when she arrived here in Manila. These are taken at NAIA Terminal 3. The academy award winner actress arrived last Sunday around 6:30 p.m. together with her two other companions. 



According to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino, Weisz' husband and "James Bond" star Daniel Craig may visit his wife in Manila in the coming days. If that happens, stalker mayhem will be the result. For sure, women of all ages will try their best to stalk them around the metro. :)) 

“There are rumors that Daniel Craig would want to visit Rachel here, so that’s a possibility,” Tolentino was quoted as saying.


Meanwhile, aside from Weisz, "Bourne Legacy" lead actor Jeremy Renner had reportedly arrived in Manila last Saturday. Renner will be playing the role of Jason Bourne, previously portrayed by Matt Damon in the past "Bourne" films.


The filming of the movie, reports say, will start this week. The following streets will be closed off for the shoot: San Andres street (from Jan. 11 to 15); streets in Remedios (Jan. 18 and 19); San Andres corner Quirino and Taft Avenue (Jan. 14), areas in Intramuros (Jan. 25, Feb. 17 and 18); Jones Bridge (Feb. 5), and Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard (Feb. 8 to 15).


Forty-percent of the movie is going to be shot in the country.


I'm really excited about the movie, I mean who wouldn't right?:) This is going to be an action paced movie and I know for sure, just like the earlier series, it's going to be another amazing movie. 

Its More Fun To Eat In The Philippines! :)

Since Department of Tourism recently launched their new slogan and logo which is "It's More Fun In The Philippines" with this logo.Bloggers together with celebrities, the social media community, Press, Broadcasters and the rest of the country is now helping one another to promote our wonderful country which is the Philippines. What's not to love right? In the essence of being proud becuase I live here in Manila and I love everything about being a Filipino, I'll be listing down my TOP 10 things that I love about the Philippines. I'll be starting off with the things I love most: FOOD! :)

Check out my Top 10 Favorite Filipino Dishes:

10. ) PANCIT

It is difficult to point to one noodle dish and call it pancit. Pancit may be made with rice noodles, wheat noodles, or noodles derived from another source of starch. It may be served with a dry sauce, a thick sloppy sauce, or even a broth or soup. Toppings for pancit are incredibly varied, including things like hard boiled eggs, shredded meat, and finely sliced vegetables, and the flavors of this dish are quite diverse.

One common variant of pancit is pancit bihon, which is made with extremely thin rice noodles, soy sauce, citrus, sliced meats, and vegetables. Many versions of pancit incorporate multiple meats; pork, shrimp, and beef are all common. Sauces can be spicy with chilies, rich with ground peanuts, or savory as a result of the addition of soy sauce.

9.) PORK BARBECUE

Pork barbecue is a fast selling street food item. It’s easy to cook and convenient for the hungry customer. It is very common on the sidewalks, outside the schools, offices and you can also find this at the native restaurant in the Philippines. This dish Often serve at a house party like birthday, wedding, anniversary etc.

8.) CHICKEN INASAL

When Spaniards colonize the Philippines they discovered this mouthwatering dish in Bacolod. They assumed that the chicken they taste was roasted so they called it “Asar”. Asar is the Spanish word for roasted. The natives of Bacolod adopted the word but they could not pronounce the word “R” at the end. So the “Inasal” word was born.

Chicken Inasal is marinated in native herbs and spices, skewered on bamboo stick, and then basted with achuete and grilled. This was always been beloved staple of the Bacolod cuisine.

7.) LECHE FLAN

This is a very popular dessert in the country. In every special ocassion, you can always be sure that this dessert is present.  Even when I was a kid, I would always ask my Grandmother "Inang" to coo this for me. 

6.) LECHON

Lechon is the Spanish word for suckling pig. In the Philippines it is connoted with a roasted whole pig or lechon baboy.  The process of lechon involves stuffing of lemon grass, garlic, soy sauce, salt, thyme vinegar and black peppercorn after that the whole pig/piglet is slowly roasted over charcoal. A small pig is roasted for about 3-4 hours and the larger one takes about 5-6 hours. This day-long and arduous method of roasting leaves a crispy skin and very moist meat inside.

5.) VIGAN LONGGANISA

This is my favorite longganisa of all time, why? simply because I love the garlicky taste of it. Just the thought of it makes me hungry. It's always nice to pair this with Sinangag and a cup of brewed coffee.

4.) PORK/CHICKEN ADOBO

Adobo is Spanish for seasoning or marinade. The noun form describes the marinade or seasoning mix. Meat marinated or seasoned with an adobo is referred to having been adobada. Adobo relates to marinated dishes such as chipotles en adobo, which are chipotle chili peppers marinated in a rich, flavorful, tomato sauce. Adobo is prepared in regions of Latin America and Spain, and forms with the same name but with different cultural roots, are prepared in regions of Asia Pacific. Pork, spices, and especially red pepper are used.

3.) EMBUTIDO

Embutido is a type of meatloaf prepared Filipino style. Though a well known dish for the holidays, Embutido can be enjoyed everyday without any hassle. Several meat processing companies now produce this meatloaf for commercial purposes; all you have to do is grab one from your favorite grocery store.

2.) PASTILLAS DE LECHE

Pastillas de leche are sweet milk candies that are usually served for dessert. An authentic recipe will require the use of Carabao’s (water buffalo) milk and cooking is also necessary. This is my favorite as well, I can eat a dozen or more of this without getting tired of it. 

and for my number 1:

1.) SINIGANG 

Sinigang is a Philippine dish consisting of meat or seafood and vegetables simmered in a sour broth, often with a base of rice washing. The sour soup goes well with rice, the staple food of all Filipinos. Fish, pork, chicken, shrimp, or beef may be used for sinigang. There are usually leafy vegetables like gabi (taro), siling labuyo (red chili), or malunggay leaves, or kangkong (water spinach). Other vegetables cooked in sinigang may include okra, radish, eggplant, tomatoes, sitaw (snake beans), and string beans. The vegetables are chosen to complement the dish’s flavor.

Don't you love love eating here in the Philippines? It's really more FUN in the Philippines! :)

Feast of the Black Nazarene

For as long as I can remember, I've been hearing a lot about the Feast of the Black Nazarene. My family have been a devotee. I can still remember when my mom and my tita would go to Quiapo to join the procession. We used to have a Black Nazarene in our house but ever since we moved to a new home, we left the Black Nazarene there but one of these days we might buy a new one. 

The feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9 is considered one of the most spectacular religious events that take place in the Philippine history.


Every year thousands of devotees from all walks of life come to the district of Quiapo to take part in the procession as a way of strengthening their faith or fulfilling their “panata” (vow) to Lord.


The Black Nazarene is the patron saint of Quiapo, a small but well-known part of Manila, a hub of trade and commerce because of the Quiapo market and the many stores located there.


The life size image of the Black Nazarene shows a “black” Jesus Christ carrying a cross. The statue has been housed at the Saint John de Baptist Church in Quiapo, Manila also known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene since 1787. The image of the Black Nazarene is brought out in procession on its feast day and Good Friday.

The statue was brought to Manila by a Spanish priest in 1607 aboard a ship. The ship caught fire, burning the image and thus came to be known as the Black Nazarene. Though the image was burnt, the people decided to preserve and honor it. Since then, miraculous things have been reported to those who touch the image.


The celebration starts as the huge door of Quiapo Church opens and the image of the Black Nazarene is within sight. The ocean of devotees start to yell “Viva Señor” while some wave white towel high in the air along with the scripture of the Black Nazarene.


The statue is placed in a gilded carriage for the procession. As the procession starts, procession participants garbed in maroon tops grab two long ropes and pull it to make the carriage move. Many will attempt to touch the image while some throw their handkerchiefs and towels in the air. People who join in the procession walk barefooted as a sign of humility.


The devotion to the Black Nazarene is long time practice of the Filipino Catholics and they believe that through their faith with Jesus Christ, there will be peace and harmony among families, long life and good health among people, deliverance from all calamities and disasters, and prosperity, joy and love among nations.

Some of the most noted personalities who's been a devotee for years now is VP Noli De Castro. 

Wish I can capture this amazing feast. I know it's hard but who knows. :)

Check out this link for amazing pictures:

http://digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=29575&page=3

Bourne Legacy: Manila Locations

Recently, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino said in an interview that the Bourne series part 4 will be shot in different location here in Manila. 

He reportedly said The Bourne Legacy will be filming for a month and the places for the shoot will be Intramuros and Navotas Fishport among others such as Marikina Market, San Andres Market, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Ayala Avenue, Nagtahan, Pasay Taft, and Jones Bridge.

Tolentino did not confirm whether or not a report that the shooting will start on January 14, 2012 is true. But chances are they will shoot the movie mid week to first week of February.

Several sources say The Bourne Legacy will be written and directed by Tony Gilroy. It topbills Oscar-nominated actor Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker) as new CIA operative Aaron Cross. The film also stars Edward Norton and Rachel Weisz.

The Bourne films are a series of action thriller spy films based on the character Jason Bourne, a former CIA assassin suffering from extreme memory loss, created by author Robert Ludlum. All three of Ludlum's novels were adapted for the screen, featuring Matt Damon as the titular character in each. Doug Liman directed The Bourne Identity (2002), Paul Greengrass directed The Bourne Supremacy (2004) and The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), and Tony Gilroy co-wrote each film. The series is noted for its realism, in contrast to the growing use of CGI in the action genre.

How I wish I can see them in person and have an autograph from them especially Jeremy Runner and Rachel Weisz :)


More about the latest movie:



"Matt Damon will not be involved in any more parts of the Bourne franchise".
Incorrect. Damon stated that he would like to be in the Bourne movies again in the future, and that even if this movie doesn't do well, they could still make another staring Damon and forget about legacy. So, just because he isn't in this one movie, that doesn't mean that he won't be in the rest of the entire series. This movie had a deadline before a script was even finished, so both the director and Damon walked out.

watch this video as Matt Damon talks about the latest movie:

The Runaways: Movie Review

The Runaways in real life

The Runaways from the movie

I've always wanted to watch this movie, this was released sometime in 2010 or late 2009. I got a little too excited because it was a film that starred Dakota Fanning & Kirsten Stewart. The movie is all about high power rock n' roll during the 70's and the story of Joan Jett, and her band back The Runaways then when it disbanded, she had another group which is Joan Jett & the Blackhearts where her famous song "I love Rock n' Roll" got famous. 

This movie also depicts what goes on in the life of famous rocks bands. What they go through before they hit stardom and after stardom. Kirsten Stewart played the role of Joan Jett while Dakota Fanning played the role of Cherie Curie. The movie focused with the two main roles with their lowly beginnings and unlike stardoms. It also focused some low lights like drug addiction, sex and more which I got a little surprised since I was used to watching Daota Fanning in movies that she portrays a goody-goody role. We might get used to the fact that she's a grown up now. 

I also loved the role of Michael Shannon who played the Kim Fowley, a sexed-up music producer who never fails to catch every scene with his antics. In real life, he is indeed one of the most colorful character in rock n' roll. He has made a lot of contribution and produced/write most of the songs. One of the bands he created before are The Runaways and Kiss. As of the moment, he can be found around California sporting a red hair hairdo. 

Between the story, the acting and the scenes, the movie is an eye opener to the movie goers. Not everyone can hit stardom but one you get to the top, you might want to do everything to maintain it and be a good role model not only to others but also to yourself. It's a classic treat to people who loves rock n' roll. It's a journey lost adolescence to achievements and moving on.  

watch the trailer here: