Abused Storyline + Heist + Exes = Different Chic-lit

My Imaginary Ex by Mina V. Esguerra

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Having a heist plot with flashback effects and making it fit in a little chic-lit novella is really amusing. I cannot help but gush over the skill of the author having the capacity to put the plot and make it so cohesive, it captured the target market of women and teens who giddy over a good read and the man of their dreams.

While Zack and Jasmine are good friends, they played with the relationship, for the sake of the anecdotes that they keep. You know the memories from the old times that you cherish, or if you're brave enough - told then anonymously through sharing of your experiences? They have that. The feeling of a shared experience is very much present between the two characters. Some girls will feel grateful that they have had that with their special someone, for the memories lingered on and on - especially those good ones.

Zack moved on, and fell in love, but you cannot help but wish that these two friends will cross their paths again and again, and finally, be honest about their feelings to each other and will end up together. Yes, Mina will give you the treat, but the value-added of a weird situation where all exes gather together is a bit of different, but a laughtrip still.

What else? There are still glitches in our femme fatale named Jasmine but we learned to love her character still. And we still learned to hate Kimmy from the eyes of the former. We are still sold to the idea.

And all the feels of mushyness - totally sold. That's why the abused plot plus those different add-ons made this novel very much loveable.



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In Our Darkest, In Our Brightest

Brightest by Johann de Venecia

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Firefly. There is something symbolic about this being. It may not be noticeable during the daytime, but it is when the dark comes, its light shall shine.



Brightest, a children’s book, is about a firefly catcher that got lost in a mushroom patch. As he tried to find his way home, he met a lost firefly. And with a smile they became friends, and both found their way home.

In an orange book with simplistic illustrations, looking at the panels is not enough – albeit it is a children’s book with beautiful sketches, it needs the eyes and the soul of the reader for one to convey its true message. And for me, this book is meant to be read by a parent or a guardian to a kid. The story will make you move in a depth might bring you to tears – for you may pour out all your own stories of darkness, of hope, and of our beauty. By reading this to the kids, we are not just reading the lines, or showing the pictures, but also we are sharing our own stories, teaching the life lessons that one has to impart to another.

For when we’re in our darkest time, we see our own light.
For when we’re about to be forgotten, we tend to remember.
For when we are lost, we are bound to be found.

These are some of the lessons that one should not forget, and these are some that needs to be bequeathed.



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Roaring 20s, Upcoming Movie, and Green Light

After the First World War, a period of economic recession persisted for more than a year. Nations encountered an economic deflation as their recuperation, suffering a period of depression. People having their wages earned from the war are not enough, and as returnees, the unemployment from the civil labor force rose up. Such is the adjustment from the wartime to the peacetime economy.

Then the breaking year came. Economists believed that there is a necessity for the economic adjustment to give way to economic progression. Like the cycle of life, the start of 1922 is a start of a change for the economic lifestyle of the Americans, and liberalization of the economic policies. Roaring twenties became a decade of widespread prosperity – Government growth policies, booming construction as industry and the rapid growth of automobiles. This is also the year where American people are reintroduced to consumerism – since one has adequate fund sources, you are encouraged to spend it in consumer goods.

These golden years also influenced the American Society, having the radio as the most expensive medium, and influencing the societal breakthrough. Many people are being engaged in music, particularly the Jazz as musical genre. Not only had that, but also of the influences brought about by modernization and urbanization, having increased liberal views of sex, alcohol, drugs and homosexuality. The isolationist theory gave way to enhancement of the White Supremacy idealism, having xenophobic tendencies towards the minorities and the foreign.

I may not be an American, and this novel may not be my required read, but in the words of F. Scott Fitzgerald, no matter how short the novella is, American situation in the roaring years have been reflected in the sceneries and the characters of The Great Gatsby. Known as a required read for American schools, the story is about Jay Gatsby and his escapades, businesses, and engagements, as told by Nick Carraway, his friend from the World War. Gatsby loves to hold large parties, as he enjoys the intimacy of it, and hoping that one day this will be known to his loved-one named Daisy Fay-Buchanan, who by the way, is married with Tom. It also includes side stories of Tom’s mistress named Myrtle Wilson who is married with George, and Daisy’s friend named Jordan Baker who later became Nick’s girlfriend; and Gatsby’s long-time friend named Meyer Wolfshiem.

Readers may find this classic appealing since it has a love story element and action delivered in a language that is easy to understand. It may be very much different from other classics (like Tolstoy and the Bronte sisters), but for me, this novel best described the American dream, the social politics and human aspiration, and the excesses of the rich and recklessness of the people. I shall not dwell much into detailing the story since an upcoming movie adaptation is coming soon in Manila theatres.

But if one is really curious, the green light is the poetic delivery of the author describing the character's resolve and his aspirations for greater heights - reaching the American dream. One having this scene being written in words that are in form of tall tales is very much remarkable.

citations from chapter 1: “…he stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and, far as I was from him, I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward – and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away…”

From Ranting to Rethinking

Dear reader,

Thank you for visiting this review and my blogsite.

In here, I will be able to relax the policy of Php1.00/word and be able to freely write my sentiments to Alan Navarra’s work.

Try to read this book. And if you want to own a copy, it will only cost you Php200 (the number of words in my other review).

Dumot is an illustration – a perfect manual for imploding one’s angst toward his boss, his work, and his anti-social-non-growing resolve. And his will to get out. As a reader, you are able to see irate and angst-y episodes of Michael Perez as an Assistant Department Head of a Communications Division.

Do you see the paradox? He is not able to rant freely because he has to be careful with words. He is, after all, an assistant to the Department Head. He has to kiss-ass – all the time.

Just like those people who want to go up the corporate ladder, one needs to hone political skills. Because the general truth about the corporate world is that managers are the most hated people by most of the workforce. I remember my office mates, both from previous and current work, who do this kind of imploding, and sometimes, when they are at their limit, confiding (and NO, confidential IS confidential, apologies) to me as their stress outlet. 

(Good thing I have my book clubs as my sweet escape!)

Actually, page 1 will make you feel intrigued. The next few pages will make you feel so angry that you either: (a) lose your patience and drop the book; (b) read and rant at the same time; or (c) patiently reading it with excruciating pain. I cannot help but take the second choice. Then comes some statements that are true to the heart, and you cannot deny that at one episode (or maybe at your lowest point) of your life you said the same sentiment.

Being prudent or not, the trash-talks are trash at first, and then you tend to like it too, in a way inexplicable. Maybe because you are slowly turning into Michael Perez, seeing what he sees, feeling what he feels.

From the letter formats, to memo notations, to application forms, to upset alphabetical definitions and “floating thingies”, you learn to love this creation for this is not a novella or a comic book – this is a different type of non-linear illustration. It may not be an excellent read, but it is an excellent example of how an employee faces the toxicity and monotony of a corporate setting – with all the overwhelming workloads, superfluous bosses, tall buildings and never-ending traffic – to the point of just quitting.

TRUE RATING: FOUR STARS.

Post-scripts: 

1. I am a new fan of the author. 

I tweeted him, and he replied. 

(batch 1 of tweets, reading style: bottoms-up; batch 2, reading style: top-to-bottom)

I cannot help but gush when he added this picture:

2. He's now my friend in facebook, so I can insta-link this review to his profile page.

3. I promised to read his other works, for the sake of "research".

4. I shall recommend this book to my bookish friends who want to expand their Filipiniana shelf.

5. "Floating thingies" remind me of the negative spirits that are willing to eat those who can see. Like this guy:

Watanuki being chased by the bad spirits - xxxholic episode 1 by CLAMP

Thematic Reading for May 2013

I invest tears in reading. 

A friend told me Matrons do the same. 

That is why in my book club I have the title - The Matronic Reader. 

To celebrate Mother's Day, I shall dedicate my tears with these books about Mothers. I am not a mother, but someday I will be. :)

Please Look After Mom is a story of the family's search for the lost mother; Battle Hymn is a Mother/Lawyer's take on her upbringing her kids; and The Last Time I Saw Mother is a reunion with a mother who wrote a letter that she is to reveal something about her past.

Here are their synopses: 

Please Look After Mom. A million-plus-copy best seller in Korea—a magnificent English-language debut poised to become an international sensation—this is the stunning, deeply moving story of a family’s search for their mother, who goes missing one afternoon amid the crowds of the Seoul Station subway.

Told through the piercing voices and urgent perspectives of a daughter, son, husband, and mother, Please Look After Mom is at once an authentic picture of contemporary life in Korea and a universal story of family love.

You will never think of your mother the same way again after you read this book. 

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. All decent parents want to do what's best for their children. What Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother reveals is that the Chinese just have a totally different idea of how to do that. Western parents try to respect their children's individuality, encouraging them to pursue their true passions and providing a nurturing environment. The Chinese believe that the best way to protect your children is by preparing them for the future and arming them with skills, strong work habits, and inner confidence. Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother chronicles Chua's iron-willed decision to raise her daughters, Sophia and Lulu, her way-the Chinese way-and the remarkable results her choice inspires.

The Last Time I Saw Mother. Caridad's mother never writes. So when a letter arrives for her in Sydney from Manila, Caridad doesn't even recognize her mother's handwriting. There is more distance than just miles between the two women. And that is why Caridad is called home. Her mother needs to talk. And to reveal a secret that has been weighing heavily on her for years.

As Caridad hears at last the unspoken stories, and the never forgotten tragedy of the war years, she will learn a startling truth that will change her life forever. For Caridad is not who she thinks she is. . .

A Korean, A Chinese/American, and a Philippine Lit. A healthy dose of the different cultures and different takes of being a mother.

May the Lord of Time bless me to read them all and to shed tears to these mothers. :)

Sonata, Chivas, and Love Talk

The Kreutzer Sonata by Leo Tolstoy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Dearest Leo,

Come and have a shot of Chivas (sorry, I don't have any Russian rum right here) with me, and let's do the Love talk. Let me gather my thoughts before I use them in this review. What I can say in the meantime is this:

Leo, you really are frustrated.

Yes, I do understand your sentiment, which is why in this novella of yours, the first time it was released; it was censored by the Russian Authorities. You dare to open their eyes wide open through the sharing of Pozdnyshev’s life story with Proshchayte (which the former says it as prostite). And this era of mine, I was able to understand what you want to say to them. Maybe because in your time debauchery was very rampant; and the society is slowly going sinful out of these immoralities brought about by the supposed changing times.

I wish to cite some of the quotes/statements and give my opinions about them:

“True Love… if true love exists between a man and a woman, then marriage too, is possible.”

–yes, it may not be apparent in your place before, but this is true in our place. People wed out of true love, not out of carnal love. If they see each other as their partner in life, then marriage will come as beautiful as it can be. There are cases when one is being betrothed to another, but if they learn to love each other truly, then marriage will be sweet. Marriage is a big thing both to a man and woman, since they have to work together through it. And yes, I do agree that “there can be love that’s founded on shared ideal – on spiritual affinity”. It is through faith that marriages work.

Pozdnyshev says that he felt terribly sad because of his first time to enter the world of debauchery

– it would feel like your innocence is stolen by a wisdom thief, and will never ever be restored. You have that impression on everything and anything like it. For example, if one is a rape victim, the victim will forever be doubted on a man, if he has clear intentions with her or not. No matter how hard you try, you simply cannot remove the stigma.

“It’s really quite remarkable how complete the illusion is that beauty is the same as goodness. A pretty woman may say the most stupid things, yet you listen, and you don’t notice the stupidities, it all sounds so intelligent.”

– can I make a rebuttal on this? Women, not only in your time, but in ours do not do these always out of whimsical wishes; we do this because she feels that she has no right. Right, in a sense that she feels that she is under a man’s authority or she is the object of man’s sexuality, thus she is looking for a weakness, most of time identified as men’s sexual desires. I remember reading this in another book – “Look as if you are hanging on to his every word, even if it is just a lot of blah; and you will have him following you like a puppy”.

“Imagine if God created human beings in order to achieve a certain goal and had created them either mortal, but without the sex instinct, or immoral.”

– At times, I do reflect on these. If people are immortal, then what is the use for us experiencing carpe diem or even taking risks, or having opportunities that come once in a lifetime..? Immortality means dullness, there will come a time that development is not a school of thought no more, since stagnancy is the best way to outlive. If on the other hand, sexual instinct is absent – or everyone practices sexual abstinence – then where the natural order of things will be placed? I follow the meaning that we need to procreate in order to survive. And yes, I do concur that the society is slowly misleading the true meaning due to the lust that one feels, like you mentioned all those anti-pregnancy pills. It is not because of sexual protection, it is because men wanted to address their sexual desire out of wedlock. But notice this – aren’t we both being conservative?

I shall stop here, for this is spoiling the future readers already.

As you, my dearest, explained everything in your afterword; mine were simply reiterations of it. I am echoing this for the future readers to understand that the times of prostitution and immoral values are evolving. But yet again, you have mentioned, that these are deeply rooted in our society. Is it because that we are living our humanity – being sinful at best?

...Or simply because we have ideals – too high for everyone to reach for it?

My Chivas is always open,
Ella

PS: Let’s try riding the train together and understand your government. I shall read your next creation, Anna Karenina.



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A Novella To Appreciate Peace

Hunger by Elise Blackwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


It was tough to express sympathy to those victims of the Siege of Leningrad without doing additional research.

I've recently learned that:
a. Leningrad is the previous name of St. Petersburg, it may not be the Capital of Russian Federation, but it is their naval base.
b. The geography of St. Petersburg is landlocked by other capitols, and their only opening is the Neva River on the Baltic Sea - where the Baltic Fleet is on defense.
c. The seige took more than 800 days, with the only aim is annihilation.

With these snippet of facts, before reading the book, the siege would give you curiosity, and yes, additional information to appreciate. While reading along, the book gives soul, since the story of the siege is told in a first-perspective view of the botanist. After closing the book, I was a bit disappointed that tears did not come to me, but I heaved a deep sigh and appreciated that I was not part of that world. I was born after the revolution here in Manila - a nonviolent one - and that is why I am grateful that I live in a peaceful place.


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Weekly Diary Snippets

Hi reader,

As much as possible, I would jot down all those significant events in this blog, including the field trips, the book reviews, and all other discussions - together with its mundane-ness - of them. 

Last Saturday we have had the book discussion of Gilead, together with the celebration of the book club's third year anniversary. Part of the activities was to share our diary entries - events, no matter if highly significant or not - on weekly basis. So for the whole month of April, we are to jot down and share these with our book club buddies. 

(I forgot to read the instructions for this activity; it was supposed to be short, and it would fit 1/2 of the letter-sized bond paper. But my entries are too long - almost fit that whole letter size. So I decided to create a blog entry on this.)

Here we go:

Week 1, 04.03.2013 Tue

After shift, I walked straight to the sleeping quarters, tiresome head brought about by stress of the heavy workload that day. Carrying my stress to sleep about law school and commute to and fro office-school-home, tuition and book and other finances, and dedicated time and discipline to read – I asked myself if I can face law school while juggling with workloads. I cannot resign because I have the advantage of conducive workplace (with free WI-FI; quiet room; study room; and sleeping quarters), and being a part-time student will take years just to complete the degree. Sleeping it off, I dreamed. There was a voice telling me, “Relax. I shall provide you with whatever you need.” After hearing that, I woke up, and heave a heavy sigh and prayed to God that I am grateful of your message. It may not be the dream car (to ease my transport) or a higher pay, or a lighter workload, but at least he told me that He will provide.

The man who unluckily chose my paper for it to read with everyone immediately knew that those are my words due to the context clue SLEEPING QUARTERS. Everyone in the book club knows (via my random tweets) that I even conduct a self-proclaimed pajama party because of its cozy environment with nobody to share it with. Heee. 

Week 2, Thursday, 04.11.2013

If there is an issue that I haven't accepted or outgrown yet, it is the confidence that no one will appreciate me because I am not that physically attractive. There is an officemate who recommended me to a textmate. Gullible enough, I fell to his trap, believing that this random texter will be a new friend. I always hoped for those moments when you just want to tell stories or rant your stress out and he's there to console you. An effective scheme, this officemate bragged his successful plan and me being gullible and too hopeful, I felt victimized by a bad joke. I ran to the quiet room, sighing at everything and read Gilead. 

Then the quote from page 52 hit me.

"The little incandescence you see in people when a charm of a thing strikes them."  

I can’t help but cried. And I remember mum. She always says that there is beauty in every person, even to me. Yes, I may not be that attractive, she says, but there is a "light in your eyes" that make people come to you. That light, that iridescence, the charm that will never be stolen. 

Dear officemate, thanks for this bad juju, I finally have a textmate. We have a common friend that made ways for us to get to know each other. Good friends, we are, sharing snippets of whatever is happening in our residences, our frustrations - and I really hope that we keep in touch for a long term. I wish to tell him my lawschool escapades and to hear his gaming tactics soon. :)

Week 3, Wednesday, 04.17.2013

During work downtime, I went to the quiet room to read some more excerpts of Gilead. I read this excerpt:

“It is one of the best traits of good people that they love where they pity. And this is truer of women than of men.” 

And I remember the talk that I used to have with the man who got away. I told him that I love him, but it is not the love that I first felt. And maybe that is one of the reasons why we broke up - maybe he couldn't accept this confession. I am sharing this not because of the bitterness I maybe felt from the short-lived relationship, but because it is for us to enlighten that love just "grew". You learn to understand the person, then you appreciate the person... and as you go along spending your good times together, the feeling just emanated. I believed that the shared experiences that we have had lead me to learn how to love him, regardless of who he is or where he comes from.

I used to have live-tweets of the remembering! Haha, I hope that guy will not be bothered by this bit. A friend of mine told me that one of my therapies of moving on is through letting it all out. So there. Maybe that's why some of my friends know this anecdote before meeting him in person. We haven't met for a long while, and hopefully, we can be good friends (or at least civil in a way), since we both have surpassed the period of bitterness.

Week 4, Thursday, 04.25.2013

How do you define happiness in workplace? And if you haven’t attained it in full, are you ready to compromise? Or are you to walk away?  

Last night, I’ve seen friends in the government who are in different offices – sharing stories on how they were happy in the office they belong to. Friends work in different policy institutes, some even in Govt. Financial Institutions. They say that they contributions to the policy papers matter, and they felt fulfilled when they contributions are being considered.  

I remembered my days in DOF where my drafts in positions paper got refurnished and submitted to multilateral agencies, even to the legislative department. I felt that I mattered, no matter how little I am. And this feeling was never present in the current workplace. Yes, I handled institutional funds, but I performed as an off-shored unit from US – contributing my expertise to an American Investment Bank.  

Maybe, this is the compromise that I have to face and will continue to face as I currently work in the private firm. But instead of sinking in frustration, I chose to look at the positive side – the free sleeping quarters, the okay pay, and the cool work-shift.

People noticed that all of these diary entries are about the workplace! It doesn't mean that I lack social life, it just so happens that I created those entries in my workstation! Drafting them and remembering, then edit these entries at home. Every chance of downtime, I typed them in. And since the guy who unluckily picked my paper did not go through all of these too-long-to-read-entries, I am sharing this with everyone who's willing to read them. 

It may not be inspired to create a daily journal of my life (since reading along is time-consuming already), but by creating a blog entry of this may inspire the others. Even you may start your own weekly snippets, until you get used to writing diary entries.

-Ella, matronic reader

PS: congratulations to Mami Louize for moderating the Gilead's F2F discussion and I really appreciated all those questions and digressions (that are composed of more than 500-word limit, HAHA). And of course, in repitition - YAY TFG 3rd year Anniversary~ Thanks Anna for the souvenir postcard - 

PPS: Lesson learned: "Thou shall not judge Ella, even with all her moments."

Book Trip 2013: Día del Libro

Last year, I realized that book-shopping in groups is more fun. And so I did it again! This time around, I've got the logistical advantage since it is nearer my residence. YES, this year, it was held in Bonifacio Global City. Tambling mula bahay, tambling mula office - yahoo! 

Dia Del Libro 2013, held last 20 April 2013 at the Bonifacio High Street

Lookie! Spanish books floating around the walkway. Nice exhibit! 

Día del Libro is the Spanish translation of Book day, where all books are sold at a discount. In exchange of every book purchase, you will receive a rose - a sign of gratitude for patronizing the event. The program is being held annually, sponsored by the Instituto Cervantes - Manila, a non-profit organization created by the Spanish Government in 1991. Spanish culture will forever embedded in our being as a Filipino, together with the interest in literature.

I may not understand Spanish language in books - it doesn't matter, since the major bookstores are also joining the event. Not only that - F. Sionil Jose's Solidaridad Bookstore is one of the stores participated! Oh, how I remember my first time. 

To add some of the fun fun fun - my books are signed by the author himself! And the box giveaway for the Rosales Saga "completist" have been signed too! I also have my 30 seconds of fangirling with the author. 

"My name is Ella. Betos is the family name. I think it is Spanish-sounding, don't you think?"

"Sir, please sign the box, too - I'm about to give it as a gift to a die-hard fan of yours!"

Having this conversation with him is priceless. He is so smart, and at 90, you see all his works being appreciated not only by the kababayans and kapwa Pinoys, but the foreigners, as well. Ermita is one challenging read, but it is also a bestseller - the name itself gives appeal and rings noodle of the readers.

He laughs as I give him my ultimate fan-girling punchline

My 30-second fangirling session:
Ella: Sir, forgive me for being so forward and frank, but I love your prose - especially those quotable quotes about SEX! (flashing a huge grin)
F. Sionil Jose: Hahaha, pambihira! Hahaha

Ella: Siguro lover-boy ka noong bata, ano po?

F. Sionil Jose: Don't you see? Even now, I am that lover-boy still. Hahaha!!!

"Sir, picture-picture."

After the book-signing-slash-fangirling session, we walked along and we took lots of pictures. We bookish friends simply felt infinite that night. Hanging out, girl-and-boy-talking and book-browsing, and being silly and having all the joys, without the pressure whatsoever. For me, it is in this peer that I felt the beauty of the true book club. Everyone respects your choice, and you seem to be glued together if you have shared interest in reading (not only on the same genre, but reading as an ideal activity) - and you have shared experiences in reading the same book - in this case, we are all dedicated to read (and some already read and willing to re-read) Ermita and Rosales Saga. We, having the same advocacy of enriching Philippine Lit, have full of feels. We even dedicate our group masthead to the National Artist, as our drive to render effort to read all his works this year.

Jungle of Books: Mind Your Head!

People walking and people minding their heads.

 Ara, Clai, Ella, and Phoebe, enjoying the jungle of books and having their solo moments.

 Groupies: We do not just love the books, we also love picture taking. HAHA

Too much feels: Everyone simply felt infinite

Phoebe and her open-minded boyfriend. :P

And Ella, having her moments of trolling around the Spanish Reads! 

Oooh, love love this portrait~ (And Ayban missed the photobombing haha)

What is this abstract picture, I cannot even!

Hmmm, what is this though?

We are the bookish people that bond together and stays together. :) 

Photos are owned by Phoebe Andamo. Read her tweets about political rants, manga fangirling, and buhay-buhay bitterness here.

Book Trip 2012: Philippine Lit Raid

Walking down memory lane... 

I was first introduced to an online library and social network Goodreads a year ago, months after my training outside of the country. My friend invited me to their gathering / palengke meet-up after their first valentine outreach program. And so my love for reading and bookish trips has grown from there. 

Little did I know that this Group, named as The Filipino Group conducts book raids. This is the first time I attended a bookish-field-trip of the group and it was all about Philippine Lit Book Raid. Ayban, a hardcore fan of F. Sionil Jose, took the lead and suggested to go to Solidaridad publishing. And for all his books to be signed.

And so it was, I joined the bookish raid last March 17th 2012. And yeah, it is my first time to visit Solidaridad.

Field-trip attendees (from left to right): Ella, Doni, Ayban, Cary, Sheryl, Kwesi, Rollie

 A photo-session taken, before we go along with book raiding. And trolling. And being torn to buying best books. Actually, books are an expensive investment. 

Counter: Solidaridad bookstore, being a vintage publishing house, houses cash-only cash registers. Too bad we cannot use our credit cards to defer our payment. That made my book hunting a little bit harder, and smarter.

Good thing that Ayban was with us. He recommends good Filipiniana reads. Not only just because it was a best-seller, but also he says some books are full of soul.

Let the book hunting begin - Kwesi looking for additional reads aside from F. Sionil Jose's Rosales Saga.

Overwhelmed: There are lots of books here that I haven't seen in bookshops inside the malls. Novels and short story anthologies coming from other regions of the country.

Torn between two poems: Jim Pascual's or Merlie Alunan's? Since the latter is cheaper, I bought the second one. Poems are hard to define since they are subject to different interpretations. And as a tear-jerker towards books, poems are one of the reading challenges. I even made a poetic review about it.

This is a perfect example of trolling. Photo title: "I'm sorry."

Another trolling! This time it is Rollie's turn. Can't you see the difference? :P

Solidaridad bookshop is not only full of Philippine literature, but also of magazines from abroad. There are tons of NEW YORKER ISSUES from way way back five years. :D

It was a fun-filled field trip! And my love for Philippine literature increased. Level 1 to Level 2, I guess. From that moment on, I decided to read more works from the home country, and try to appreciate the writings, and hopefully, be able to shed tears from all those drama scenes.

KD's diary entry composed of Kudos to Ayban and to all participants who made habol with the bookish raid, for we also visited other bookstores in SM Mall of Asia. And we have had dinner together, and talked about book and simply being perky about it. The cute thing  is, we have had tulaan sa sasakyan because KD brought a soundtrack of poems from Alvin Yapan's Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa. :)

[photos are courtesy of Kwesi Junsan; see his bookshelf and bookish rants and reviews here.]