2 Cents / Reaction

I cannot help but voice out my reaction upon reading the first few pages of the book Cloud Atlas.

Circa 2008

I always doubt myself when it comes to my talent in writing. This is the only thing that I could really embrace and that best fits the answer to 'what is your passion'. But I am also one of those who doubt that I have the ability to write impactful message or perhaps, believe that my writings are nonsense. 

And today, again, I was reminded, that writing is really for me. And this time, perhaps, for the rare times. I would like to congratulate myself for writing beautiful messages and stories.

Let me be the one to say to myself that I am amazed with the words and thoughts that you are writing about. Shella, you are a great writer. I am reading stuff you have written from decades ago and I was amazed. And let me remind you that I seldomly get amazed with authors and writers, and yet, here I am left with pure admiration and awestruck with your writings from decades ago. So, keep writing. I know you are not writing for anyone nor awaiting for their applause but simply trying to express things out. So just do it like how you always do it, merely expressing.

Modern Day Pharisees

I recently had a discussion with a friend about Christian Lifestyle. Actually, I tried hard not to pop his bubble but as he kept repeating, "As a christian, dapat lahat ng software/subscriptions mo original/legal", I reached my limit and disagreed. I told him,"You cannot go there. You cannot say as a christian. Paano kung legal nga netflix mo, pero panay blasphemy naman ang pinapanuod mo. Or legal nga lahat ng software mo cheater ka naman."

He didn't stop. He continued to agrue his point and so I was. We ended the conversation without agreeing to eachother, and I guess, we agreed to disagree. 

But it made me realize, given that he is a church goer, there is really a high possibility that there are a lot of self-righteous christians out there. Our argument is no different with "church goers being more holy than those who don't". I mean you can be a consistent church goer but a gossipper everyday, degrading other people's lives and the example goes on. I could list it all and take forever. 

I know we are not perfect and will never be. That's why church is there. That's why we constantly need Jesus. But please, since we are not perfect, the least we can do is avoid putting wordly classifications to our faith. 

Imagine a person trying his best to live a righteous life with Jesus, and you try to desensitize his faith by saying you are less of a christian because your software/subscriptions aren't legal, which he can't afford because he has no budget for it and he is prioritizing to supply the needs of his family. How dare you. Shame on you. You are worse than him using pirated software/subscriptions.

Jesus is more concern with your heart and your walk with Him than the worldly standard they have set for you to be able to fully accept you a christian. Your relationship is with Jesus is far more important than their opinion, please remember that when they look down on your faith. As long as you don't compromise your walk with God and Christlikeness, these modern day pharisees' hypocrisy rebuke is nothing but a clinging cymbal.

Innocence is Bliss

Someone asked me what is my happiest moment in life. I think most people would agree that their happiest moments were back when they were still a child. Of course, you would only know that once you are in the past-paced world of adults.

Once you are bombarded with responsibilities that come with adulthood you would realize that arriving at home from school with snacks already prepared by your mom and eating it while watching your favorite anime on tv, or the times when the school were suddenly postponed due to the bad weather condition that made you able to watch Batibot or Wansapanataym, your favorite child oriented shows, were actually the best times in your life.

It's also the only time where the whole family is complete without occasion. This hits big time to a large family, especially when you and your siblings are closely bonded. Because back here, where you are all grown-ups and your parents are old, is a different place already and all you can do is look back to those good old days. I hope we knew back then that it will be our good old days, perhaps we had took the time to savor those moments and forget the idea to grow old fast. It's funny that back then, we thought that we need to get old fast and be matured so that we can conquer the world and our aspirations immediately. We were wrong. We had the world back then.

Maybe that's why older generations love seing nostalgic things... because they bring us back to the time where we are genuinely happy. Such nostalgia that we can only look back to.

Indeed, innocence is bliss. So, to the younger generation out there, savor your family time. Enjoy the fleeting moment of being a child. Don't grow old fast. ☺️ Be silly with your siblings. Be present and enjoy the company of your parents. ☺️

Para Kay Bob Ong at sa Masugid na Tiga Basa ng mga Sinauna Kong Blog

Kamusta ka na Bob Ong? Dekada na din ang lumipas mula nung mabalitaan kong may bago kang librong isinulat. Nagsusulat ka pa ba? Namimiss ba kita? Oo, naman. Ikaw kaya ang nagudyok sa akin na posible pa lang maging manunulat kahit hindi nakapaloob sa teyoryang itinuturo sa literatura. Magsulat ka kung paano ka magsalita, parang ganun. 'Di mo kailangan pekein ang personalidad ng paglalahad mo ng istorya, parang ganun. 

Anyway, hindi naman ako sumulat para lang kamustahin ka kasi malabo namang sumagot ka at malaman ko ang kalagayan mo. Pero, gusto ko lang malinawan at masiguro sa sarili ko na hindi naman siguro madumi ang isip ko no... Pero kasi, pareho ba tayu ng iniisip dito? 👇

Dahil ito ang pinakapaborito kong libro mo, binasa ko ulit. Ngunit ngayon, may mga detalyeng kagaya niyan, na ngayon ko lang naunawaan ang subtle meaning, kung meron man. Pero sinadya mo 'yan. Please,aminin mo. 😅 Marahil nga ay hinulma na ng panahong lumipas ang aking pag-iisip kaya kung ano-ano na ang napapansin. 😅

Hindi ko pa tinatanong ang iba kung anong palagay nila diyan sa talata na 'yan. Dumeretso ako sa'yo, sa may akda. Kahit alam kong 'di naman aabot ang liham na ito sa iyong lingid.

At sa'yo na masugid na humahalungkat ng aking mga panunulat. Ikaw naman ang pangalawa kong tatanungin... Anong naunawaan mo sa talatang iyan 😅? Nagpapasalamat na din ako dahil dahil sa'yo, nanunumbalik ang paghanga ko sa sarili ko sa mga nailalabas kong salita/talata/pag-iisip sa pamamagitan ng pagsusulat. Parang pwede kong sabihin, "I was a good writer 10 years ago." Pero hindi ko 'yun alam 10 years ago. Ngayon ko lang naappreciate na talaga palang may potential ang mga sinusulat ko.  Tama lang palang inilathala ko ang mga iba kong panunulat dito sa world wide web.

At sa mga hindi naniniwala sa akin, pasensyahan tayo, patuloy akong magsusulat. 🤪 Magsusulat na lang ako ng magsusulat kesa maging decipherer. Kaso, bakit ganun, kahit ayokong magdecipher kusa itong inihahain sa aking harapan. Pero, hindi na nga ako magdedecipher, isinusuko ko na. 'Ba naman the last time I did, saan ba ko pinulot at nakarating? Tulad nitong, liham kong 2in1, kung san-san na nakarating.

O siya, iiwan ko na lang ang isa sa remarkable lines ng kwentong ito. Halos ang buong istorya naman ay remarkable. Kaya nga paborito ko ito, ngunit kung hihingi man ng remarkable line, isa ito 👇 (Hanggang sa muli, Shalom)

"Mga bata pa kayo. Pag pinaniwalaan...

Remarkable Scene: Moving Series

Moving is a superhero themed k-drama series. Just like Umbrella Academy, it was originally from a webtoon. And just like Umbrella Academy, I came to love the story primarily because of the quality of background music and sound bites they meticulously used. The story line just came second.

For me, the remarkable scenes are found at the latter episodes. It is also where the moral and heart of the story takes place.

The latter episodes give us the pov of the villains from the north; how they come to know their power; how their power have been discovered; and why they attack the heroes of the south. And it's sad. Sad to the point that I sympathize with them than the heroes.

I will not be posting here all the remarkable scenes, but here is one of the best: 

Let me know your thoughts too after watching this series.

I'm sorry it took me long to make a stand with you, Johnny Depp

 Uh-uh, not my Johnny. 

I didn't know the man personally. I am just a fan who adores him from a distance. I don't know anything about their relationship nor how and what really went wrong. But I know, that they both have lapses, it's not just Amber.

For a girl to act like that, his partner perhaps fell short of the girl's definition of love and relationship. Perhaps Johnny had failed her somewhere on the line. But to treat your partner like that doesn't justify it. It doesn't give you the right to be abusive of your partner just because he always fall short of your expectations. And to devise evil against him is a big no-no. You don't do that to the person you love. You just can't.

It makes me wonder if she really had loved Johnny. 

It's a good thing the truth are all coming out. I adore Johnny, but it is only now I took a stand with him, now that the evidences of violence to him has been given. Because I thought it's not right for me to make "sawsaw" on their private relationship I know nothing about.. 

But now it's clear that this isn't about making "sawsaw" on their private relationship anymore, nor standing up with Johnny because you're a die-hard fan. It's speaking up against domestic violence. And we should fight against it and make a stand. Domestic violence should have no place in any homes. Regardless of the gender, no one should be a victim of it.

And, yes, not my Johnny. You don't do that to my Johnny. 

Sincerely Mainit-ang-ulo-kay-Amber,

One of Johnny Depp's number 1 fans.

(Yes, madami kaming nagkeclaim na number 1 fan niya)

Remarkable Scene: Star Wars Series

For some reason, after watching the latest sequel (The Rise of Skywalker) of the latest Star Wars Trilogy, I decided that I'll make some time to watch the whole series. 

I have watched just one Star Wars movie before this, and I was pretty much young to remember the details or the story of it (Phantom Menace, Star Wars Ep 1). So I never quite understand pretty much most of it while watching the last sequel. 😅

And now, obviously, since I have made this blog, I got the chance to watch the whole series. If you are planning too, here's the chronological order of the whole series:

I must admit that Star Wars Series are pretty much amazing. And now that I get to understand the story, it is now officially included in my favorite movie series, together with The Lord of The Ring, and The Hobbit, Narnia, Pirates of the Caribbean.

One of the most remarkable scenes is on Ep. III, where Luke and his Father (Anakin) defeated Palpatine. I like how redemption and forgiveness were portrayed here. It's like reminding us that it's never too late to be a better person; to ask forgiveness from pur past mistakes and sins. And these lines, were so remarkable:

Luke: No, I'm not gonna leave you here. I got to save you. 

Anakin: You already have. 

But my most favorite among it's series is Ep. VIII. I literally clapped my hands upon learning the twist at the end--- making it my favorite scene and episode and thus, the very much remarkable scene for me. Not the lines, but the whole scene. 

Anyway, here are the quotable lines I find worthy noting down:

"Fear is the passage to the dark side

Fear leads to anger

Anger leads to hatred

Hatred leads to misery"

-Yoda, SWEP1

"That's how we win. Not fighting what we hate but saving what we love."

-Rose, SWEPVIII

And if you are looking for a Star Wars Collectibles, I am selling book series, trilogy and stand alone, and you can check them out here: Star Wars Book Set

Thank you and may the force be with you. 💕

Remarkable Part: Muling Nanghaharana ang Dapithapon ni RM Topacio-Aplaon

Ito na marahil ang pangalawang libro na akda ng Pilipino na nagkaroon ako ng interes basahin ng isang upuan lang. Hindi sa literal na natapos ko ito ng isang upuan, kundi 'yung mayroong pagnanais na ipagpatuloy mong basahin ang kwento hanggang sa matapos ito. 

Kung nasusubaybayan niyo ang mga book reviews o reaction ko, marahil ay alam ninyong umaabot ng ilang buwan, mayroon pa ngang taon kapag nagbabasa ako ng nobela. Well, to be honest, maiiksing nobela lang din naman 'yung natatapos ko ng agaran, kagaya nitong MULING NANGHAHARANA ANG DAPIT HAPON ni RM Topacio-Aplaon na overnight ko lang nabasa (natulog ako ha).

Bukod sa hinihimok ng nobelang ito ang mga manunulat na muling magsulat o huwag bumitaw sa sining, mayroong tatlong "remarkable" na nagustuhan ko sa istorya. Hindi ito mga linya o excerpt, katulad ng iba kong nagawa sa book reviews, kahit mayroon naman. Kundi yung para sa kabuuan ng pagbasa ko dito.

1. 'Yung may namagitan sa dalawang bida ngunit hindi kinakailangan may mamagitang halik o higit pa. Gusto ko 'yung nagkaroon ng respeto ang manunulat sa dalawang character na parehong may unresolved issues at hindi niya ipinilit magkaroon ng ganuong relasyon. 

2.  'Yung kahit maliliit na detalye maiimagine mo na parang nanunuod ka ng pelikula na mayroong extreme long shot, wide angle, extreme close up at iba pa. 

3.  Na naiisip ko yung fiance ko kapag dini-describe ni Rafael ang dagat dahil ganuong-ganuon din ituring ng fiance ko ang mahika nito sa kanya. 

Marami pa akong nais isulat patungkol dito ngunit masyado nang personal para sa mambabasa ko (katulad nung No. 3) at sa tingin ko ay hindi na healthy iyun dahil magiging puro patungkol ito sa akin at hindi na sa libro. Kaya kung ako sa inyo, basahin niyo na at nang maintindihan ninyo ang pinanggagalingan ko. 

Sa maiksing salita, isa sa magagandang nobelang nabasa ko. Gayunpaman, hindi ako sang ayon na hindi na maganda ang Manila Bay. Marahil ay nagsawa lamang titigan ng manunulat dahil sa araw-araw nitong nakikita ito sa biyahe, ngunit maganda pa din ito, lalo na kung sasapit ang dapithapon. Tanungin niyo 'yung taong unang beses itong nasilayan. Pustahan. 

Hanggang sa muli.

P.S. Oo, mabagal ang Globe. Lahat ng network mabagal.

Kamusta Passion Mo?

Minsan pagod na 'ko makibahagi patungkol sa topic na 'to. Pagod na kong magbigay ng opinyon at ipalaganap na sa buhay dapat ipinaglalaban mo ang passion mo.

Kasi hindi madali. Baka gumagawa tayo ng "make believe" sa mga tao lalo na sa kabataan tapos sa huli madidismaya lang sila.

Kasi kahit ako dumating na sa puntong tinalikuran ko na yung passion ko dahil tingin ko, wala naman pinapatunguhan. Kailangan ko tumanda. Nandyan ang mga obligasyon na dapat punan; responsibilidad na dapat tugunan. Hindi na kasi tayo bata na meron gagamot ng sugat kapag nadapa; merong sasalo sa t'wing mahuhulog. Hindi ka na bata na laging inaalalayan. Kailangan mo tumayo sa sarili mong paa at para mangyari 'yun may mga bagay kang dapat bitawan katulad ng paghabol mo sa itinuturing mong passion.

Pero alam mo kung anong nakakatawa, kasi kahit sinukuan mo na ang passion mo hindi ito titigil na ipaalala sa'yo kung ano siya sa'yo at kung gaano mo siya minahal o minamahal kasi kahit tinalikuran mo na ito hindi naman ibigsabihin nun na tumigil kang mahalin ito. Kahit anong mangyari karugtong mo na ito; nasa iyo ito. Na may dahilan kung bakit inilagay ng Diyos 'yang bagay na 'yan sa puso mo. Huwag ka sana mapagod manalangin para dito dahil maniwala ka, hindi ka pababayaan ng Diyos. At sana kung hindi ka na naniniwala sa passion mo, wag ka tumigil maniwala na may plano ang Diyos sa buhay mo.

Hindi ko alam kung tama pa rin bang sabihin sa panahon ngayon na gawin mo ang passion mo. Pero ang alam ko, kahit hindi 'to sabihin manunumbalik ito sa'yo at nasa iyong desisyon kung ipaglalaban mo ito ngayon. At kahit hindi mo ito ipaglaban, manunumbalik pa din ito at nasa iyo pa din ang desisyon kung papansinin mo. Paulit-ulit itong babalik at paulit-ulit kang magdedesisyon.

Dalawang Sentimos ko sa Hindi Na Nga ng This Band

Kaya siguro dumadami ang broken family, broken relationship kasi mas nasesensationalized yung ganitong klaseng anggulo ng love story.

Huwag mong boyprinen o girlprinen o pakasalan kung based lang sa nadadama mong "love" ngayon ang dahilan. Instead, alisin mo yung "love" na 'yan na nadarama mo at tanungin mo ang sarili mo kung pipiliin mo pa din ba siya anuman ang mangyari?

Truth be told, kabataan, we will fell out of love 'dun sa taong sinasabi mong mahal mo, but we can fall in love again if you work things out. It's a cycle: love, courtship, marriage, and you must both remain committed and faithful. Cycle sa same person you're in a relationship. Hindi 'yung kapag 'di ka na kinikilig, 'di mo na mahal, 'di ka na naarouse, iiwan mo na, iba naman. Kaya nga may kasabihan sa mag-asawa na dapat araw-araw magligawan kasi the spark will naturally disappear if not ignited.

Kaya kung hindi naman siya yung nakikita mong kaya mong panindigan kahit 'di na siya kamahal-mahal. 'Wag mo na jowain. 'Yun lang, nainis lang ako sa nampoprovoked na kanta pero, 'di ko sinasabing 'di maganda 'yung kanta nila.

Remarkable Scene: Guardians of the Galaxy

The world is too dramatic already, it's a plus point if a movie made you laugh genuinely.

I am not going to tell what's happening on the screenshots I provided below. Only the people who have watched will get why and if you want to know why, better watch this film.

1. I didn't get this scene until I watched it for the second time. And this made me like Starlord. 😂

2. "Who put up sticks on their butt? That's cruel."
😂😂😂

There are lots of funny scene in this movie that will make you laugh genuinely but these two are my favorites. :)

Mobile Legends Etiquette

It's been months since I started playing Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and so I have observed many things.

I have decided to make an etiquette list for this certain MOBA because this is what it lacks. Many are playing this game, even younger than 13, and I think they should learn some etiquette though these were just based on my observations.

I am not imposing these, but I am highly suggesting.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Etiquette
1. Avoid profane/sexual language/terms - As I have mentioned above, kids (17 YO below) were also playing this game. I know, it was their parents' job to keep them away from these apps but why not play a part by avoiding such language.
2. If your hero/character is already selected by other teammate, ask politely if you can have it instead. If he declines, tell him to use it well because you can 😅 - Do not trashtalk your teammate just because he declines. That's why you have to learn how to use at least 2 heroes/characters because not all the time you get what you want.
3. During battle, chat only when you are on ressurection count down - Do not waste your time chatting when you should be Pushing or fighting or backing up. Huwag masyadong madaldal. Or, enable your mic na lang.
4. Do not go on battle, especially rank mode, if your network signal is color red - You will be automatically penalized for going afk even if your teammates don't report you. Wait for your network to be okay before joining a battle.
5. Do not begin trashtalk, answer only when necessary - There were times you need to speak up, there were times to stay quiet, know the difference.
6. Support/Back up your teammates - Do not run away or ignore your teammates when he is in need of back up when you can.
7. Do not use a Hero/Character that you don't know how to use in Rank Mode - Do I really need to explain why?
8. Do not engage in a game if you are doing something - There will be a big possibility that you will leave the game intentionally.
9. Do not play if you have other things to do - please, know your priority. Studies first; Business first; House chores first, etc.
10. ANSWER YOUR GF/BF/PARENTS/SIBLINGS' CALL EVEN IF YOU ARE ON RANK MODE.

You are free to add on this list if you like. I might have missed something. Again, these were just suggestions, it's up to a well mannered person to do so. 😜

Remarkable Part: The Return of the Young Prince by Alejandro Guillermo Roemmers

I know you have clicked the link because you want to know this book's remarkable part. And I might just break your heart's expectation and admit that the title of this article is some kind of a click bait. Because there's no remarkable part. Well at least for me.

The Return of the Young Prince has a lot of life lessons, wisdom, and realization written on it but I'm pretty sure that we've heard or read it all before. It seems that the book is only repeating what we already know. The book's main message can also be found in any other book, the very reason it lost its remarkable part.

But don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the book is a failure, it is still something I would recommend to a friend. It has things and values in life that we should be reminded of, only it's not very authentic.

Another thing, if you are a fan of the first book, The Little Prince, I suggest that you skip this sequel. A lot of emotions and presumptions brought to us by the story of The Little Prince will be scattered away by this sequel. I prefer to end the story of the boy bitten by a snake than the one written in this sequel.

Anyway, this is just my opinion and mine alone. You could still see it on your own if our opinion matches regarding The Return of the Young Prince. Thus, let me end this article with one of the lines from this book, "It's strange how easily we assume that others must be going in the same direction as us." Alejandro Guillermo Roemmers should have thought of this too before deciding to write this sequel.


P.S
If there's one thing I like better in this sequel than the first, is that it acknowledges the existence of God. The writer mentioned many times the sovereignty of God and that is something great. 

Be counted. Practice your rights.

Days before the Barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan election I have decided not to participate. Simply because I didn't know who to vote. I don't know the background and the personalities of those running candidates. Consider this my fault for not knowing them so well but I believed it's not my obligation to do so. And before you feel bad for my reasoning, I must say that I indeed, voted.

Hours before the election, I suddenly felt the urge to practice my right as a citizen of the Philippines. I mean, this thing I'm letting me pass by is actually an opportunity to practice my freedom and it's a privileged one should not ignore. So there was I, asking my parents who were the candidates because they know some of them. That's when I realized that not knowing the candidates was not a valid reason for me not to vote. There are ways how to know them: ask somebody who does.

Aside from that, you are giving yourself the right to voice out whatever observations you may notice with the elected Barangay Officials because you have participated. You have the right to rant just in case they do something stupid. Yes, I'm a bit of an activist (but not rebellious), please bear with me. :D

This post is freaking late to encourage people to participate and vote but I am still posting this for the next election. Please use your rights and freedom. Be counted. Practice your rights.

Remarkable Part: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Several months ago, the TV series of this book was released and have watched by many. And for quite some time it went trending on line. While I, who's not into "what's in and what's not", managed to ignore the hype -- the way I am ignoring Game of Thrones. Well, I don't know if ignoring is the right term, but seriously, I don't give an F ;p or they're just aren't my thing.

Anyway, a friend from work has a copy of the book even before the series came to life. I wasn't aware of it. I didn't know that Thirteen Reasons Why was originally from a novel. So, I asked her the difference between the two and which is better. She said, the series changed several things from the original story. And she suggested that I should try reading the novel and later compared it with the TV series.

And now, here I am sharing my thoughts regarding its remarkable parts... remarkable parts for me, of course. Who else will be the judge here?  ;p

1.

 ...money.

(Halfway reading this book, I started to question the story. Like, "Gosh, what kind of town / school is this? Why all the characters are evil? Lahat na lang masama ugali? Duh!" And then, finally, I read something like this. At least, the book still proves that there's still hope in humanity.)

2.

(I feel Hannah. People need to stop talking when they don't even understand what they're talking about: the subject or the situation. Sometimes we just think what to say, but obviously failed to feel. And the truth is, we become a sounding cymbals. It's so annoying. And sometimes, irritating. And that won't help anyone.)

3.

(This book didn't mention about God. Not even a single word about Him. What the book failed to tell as a whole is that people who go through situations like Hannah should surrender everything to God. Yes, give up! Give up and give all your burdens, heartaches, disappointments, failures, brokenness and everything in between. Give it up to God. Cry it all out to Him -- The Great Listener, The Father, The Comforter and so on. He knows what you are going through and He wants you to stop looking around you and fix your eyes on Him. You are seeking help almost to everyone except God. Hannah did look and seek help to people around her, although indirectly, and she keeps on failing. Why? Because people, or whoever that person is, they will eventually fail you at some point in your life. We do that and we are so good at that. But God will not. And the lines above, reminds me of God. This is a perfect representation of Him and someone who completely leans on Him. We should be that car and God is our owner. He is always around to fix you.)

4.

(This reminds me of my man. The only man, next to God, who tried harder and keeps on trying harder. And wouldn't it be nice to do the same with your loved ones? They will thank you in the end and you will probably thank yourself too. They will feel good, and you will too. It's a win win situation. :D)


So there goes your penny for my thoughts.  ;p
And by the way, I'm still not going to watch the TV series. So, will you do the comparison for me. :D

Remarkable Scene: Stuck In Love

I have no idea what this film is all bout. I just saw one of its scenes on twitter and then decided to download the film and probably watch it someday.

And that someday happens to be an hour later. And it is one of the awesome films I've watched. I'm glad I am following a page on twitter, which features scenes from wonderful movies. :D

I was kinda laughing when I learned that this film is about a family of writers struggling in their own personal life as writers and as a human. I can relate to some of the scenes and characters of this film. And below were those I considered remarkable in this film:

1.

Daughter: You're a well respected novelist. You won a &*^*&^((&&** twice. You can't behave like that.
Dad: She's coming back.
Daughter: At least tell me you've been writing.
Dad: (unable to answer)
Daughter: Look what you've let her do to you Dad! Seriously!

2.

Brother: You've never been in love?
Sister: If love is setting up a table for a person who's never coming home. I think I'll pass.

3.

Dad: A writer is a sum of their experiences. Go get some.

4.

(in front of aspiring writers)

Dad: The reason why Leslie could never get me up here to talk about the process of writing is... I'm not sure of what to say about that could benefit you. And I still find it all very mysterious years after I wrote my first book. And I'm not sure what it is that compels a person to continue to play make believe even after they're an adult. 

5.

Husband: Here's a confession: I'm not a great writer. I'm a great re-writer. I haven't written anything since you left. 

Ex-wife: You are a great writer. Don't waste all your imaginations on me.

And I have to admit that (again -_-) this film made me cry but I'm not going to tell you which part. You have to experience it yourself. :D

Remarkable Part: Traveler of the Century by Andres Neuman

(warning: spoiler alert)

I've been reading this book for several months and just two weeks ago, finally, I have read its last sentence. 

This was actually the first time I've seen this kind of format when it comes to narrative novel and I got confused on the first few pages of this book -- making me read a sentence twice or thrice in order to understand who's speaking the lines. But as I continue reading, I got used to it. 

There are scenarios that bore me, like those parts when the characters are having discussions about philosophers, wirters, of which I have no idea if they exist in real life. And maybe that's the reason why it took me several months to finish the book. 

But there are lots of interesting part, I must say. And there are, of course, remarkable parts (for me). And below are they:

1.

I just wonder why Neuman should be so heartless in this part -- instead of letting the butterfly free, he killed it rather. I guess, I don't know, maybe sometimes no matter how good your intentions are you will only end up hurting someone or maybe we should not intervene with the law of nature. Anyway, whatever is the reason behind this part, this made me feel sad. I mean, for me, Sophie is right, man!

2.

This is remarkable, well, because I find it funny. 😂 

3.

I cried for Rudi while reading his words.  No one deserves betrayal. No one deserves to be let down by people they love. No one. 

4.

(Reread the description at no. 3)

5.

The tautology part. That literally made me LOL.

It goes something like this:

"We realized that we're looking for a man who is unhappy of his baldness."

"What a stupid tautology! What kind of man is happy with his baldness?"

😂😂😂

6.

You could have prevented this, Hans. But, you didn't. 

There you go.  I hope this post gives you interest to read this book. Although, I must say, I don't quite like the ending. 😁

Remarkable Scene: Shattered Glass

Warning: Spoiler Alert! (Stop reading now if you have not yet watched the film... But still, it's up to you... :D)

Shattered Glass was based on a true story but I was not expecting that the protagonist in this film will turn out as antagonist in the end. We all hate liars, and that Stephen Glass (the main character of the film) was not just a liar, he's a perfect liar. The kind of liar that would make another lie just to justify or cover the lies he had made. I HATE THAT KIND OF PERSON and I DON'T ALLOW THEM IN MY LIFE ANYMORE ONCE THEY GET BUSTED. I freaking hate how they can lie to you so perfectly. And to top it all, this guy worked in a world where truth and facts is a must, and is highly expected from them.

And since, I don't know nor have any idea about Stephen Glass, I have no idea how the story will turn out. And while I am watching the film, I was expecting that somehow things will be justified for the guy: that he has just been fooled by a source or something like that; that he did it on purpose to show or prove something regarding the world of journalism; that it was his first time to do such act; that he was really incapable of lying. But nah.

Anyway, although I hate those kind of jerks, I must admit that we all have flaws. We all have our favorite sin, some just sin differently. Or maybe it's a kind of sickness that they should be healed from. And still, we can learn something from the film, especially those aspiring journalists. :D

Below are scenes that somehow match the name of this blogsite :D

1. Reality can be so funny...

2. Her question will give a different meaning once you re-watched the film.

3. The word "influence" -- one of the main objectives in writing (well, at least for me)

4. Well, this is based on truth and facts. :D

5. He did his best, and tried more... I guess, Stephen didn't realize that.

6. Your friends? They will even defend you. But in the end, they'll discover that they too have been fooled.

I feel sorry for Stephen. I've watched some of his interviews and I felt sad for the consequences of what he had done. But that is what sin can do to us. They can break us; shatter us like glasses. And before that thing happen to you, might as well stop now and quit sinning. It is hard but God is just a call away. And redemption is always at hand. You just have to decide to be redeemed. And this is based on truth and facts, whether you accept it or not. :)

Remarkable Scene: Little Miss Sunshine

I was following a page in twitter (I don't know if 'page' is the term, but I know almost everybody has Facebook so probably you'll get what I mean ;P) which features movie lines and quotes. And then,  one of their posts caught my attention or probably moved me in some ways. So, I look at the description to see the title of the movie and it says, "Little Miss Sunshine". I immediately, watched its trailer and then decided to download the whole film.

I was not expecting too much from the film, but then as the movie began playing, I was literally hooked on it already.

Here are some of the remarkable scenes that are worth sharing because they remind us of the reality of life and the lessons to get through it. It gave me the idea that it's alright if reality beaten and bitten you hard; 'life's a bitch' that's what they say and you gotta be bitchier than it together with your family or friend and don't forget God, please. :D

These scenes below were not in chronological order though.


1. Dad talking to his son who just failed a business deal. What made it heartwarming was connected to their personality. So, find out what personalities they have. :P You will have a hint as you continue to read this blog. :D

2. Of course, everyone of us needs to be reminded of this.

3. Yeah, it is remarkable because I can relate to the old man. :p 

4. This is what apathy looks like. -_-

5. You'll find out why I considered this remarkable when you watch the film. The first line was from the Mom.

6. Reality bites, indeed.

7. Don't listen to the standard of media when it comes to beauty. ;)

8. We all been here.

9. Because sufferings mold, shape and make a better version of us.

Now the list below were the remarkable scenes that made me cry. Literally cried the hell out of me.

1. Yes, that very moment.

2. (T.T) (T.T) (T.T)....

3. Mother knows best. :)

4. You'll know why it's part of this list when you watch the film. :p

So, there you go. I hope I didn't spoil the movie for you. ;P