2014 goals

 

My Friday Bible Study group and I watched Frozen earlier because of a persistent group member who recommended it. He got us intrigued so we watched it, which we did not regret because it was fascinating. The ending was foreseeable because it IS Disney therefore we expected a happy ending but what I did not expect was how love was depicted. I am glad that Frozen has a timely moral lesson, something I haven’t seen since Lilo and Stitch. It has reminded us that there is no “love at first sight,” that sometimes we think we think withdrawing from people would avoid hurting them but it does otherwise, that love comes in places we least expect it, and that love conquers all.

Frozen was more than a love story. It was more than love at first sight, more than finding your true love. It was about fixing lost relationships, about being indifferent. It was about family. No matter what happens, no matter who comes by, nothing can ever take the fact that you are bonded with your family.

Frozen made me realize what my goals would be next year, since this year I have accomplished, through God’s grace, my goals for the year 2013, which was getting a career and focusing on ministries. God has been generous with both. I have prayed for a career where I would grow and love what I do, so far, I am loving what I’m doing and enjoying the people God has introduced me in my work place. God has also allowed me to grow in my ministries especially in music department.

Hence, here are my goals for 2014:

• Relationships. Renewing relationship with current friends and family, hoping for a more Christ-inspired one. Severing ties with people who are distressing me and my relationship with God.
• Ministries. I want to grow more in the music ministry whether in my home church or in the fellowship at work. God has given me two hands, an ability to hear notes and read them, and an electric keyboard, so I pray that he would use me.
• Financial stability. I want to save money for my future.
• Small group. I have been praying for a small group but only after I’m financially stable, but if God wills it on 2014, why not?!

Last year, I have 2 goals, and now, it has doubled. May I be continually reminded of God’s grace and may God be glorified in my goals.

Walking Disaster

Walking Disaster, a follow-up to Beautiful Disaster, by Jamie McGuire

An amusing book about the inner workings of Travis Maddox. The story that Beautiful Disaster had laid hadn't been changed only the perspective. Walking Disaster was a story of a boy who promised his dying mother to fight hard for love and fulfilled it at the end.
His mind was not a beautiful place to be, but because of his passion and drive, you would want to stay in his head to see what he would do. I guess, he would just do anything for Abby. From abstinence to kneeling and laying out his heart, he would do anything to prove that he belonged to Abby and that he was insanely and irrevocably in love with the girl.
To be honest, his version of love was scaring me because it was bordering on obsession. Their love was like a hurricane; it was so fast and so powerful that they didn't know what hit them. Abby was stuck in the past and was trying out the clear waters of the present when Travis appeared and brought the waves back in and the jagged rocks of the past.
I liked how this version was told.I liked reading about the Maddox men and the tightness of their family bond. Even though it was the same story, it has a different feel to it. The readers of Beautiful Disaster has both sides of the story. I think we just wished a longer epilogue for this one.

My rating: 3 out of 5

***

The Elite

After waiting for months, I have finally read this book and I couldn't believe that I have finished it in 6 hours. Was that good or bad? I think I need the third book!!!
I was amused that my qualms against Prince Maxon was answered in the first chapter. I recalled saying that Prince Maxon was "too like-able" in The Selection, and here in The Elite, he was even more likeable because of his adoration for America.  I was quite satisfied to have seen more complexities in Prince Maxon's character.
I was as confused as America when choosing between Aspen and Maxon. Even though I love Maxon more than Aspen, I couldn't help thinking that America might still choose Aspen because of his tenacity and perseverance. I think that was his redeeming quality in this book. Maxon on the other hand was being his usual princely charming self that we ladies couldn't get enough of. America... well, she was slowly realizing her worth and what she could do, very like Ms. Katniss Everdeen.
The characters have evolved a little bit but I'm still waiting for them to fully bloom. I was expecting some political revelation and actions to emerge and it did happen, but I wish there were more. The plot was great, sustained by an average amount of surprises. It wasn't dull considering that it gripped me for 6 hours but as I have said, I was expecting more revelations from this book.
I've enjoyed this book as much as the first one. I am curious for the third book and I couldn't believe that I have to wait for a year to read it. I guess more time to read The Selection and The Elite again! :D

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars because of Prince Maxon <3

The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

An elaborate tale of a young man, Dorian Gray, who was introduced to vanity and was reared by a vile amoral influence, Lord Henry Wotton. Even though Basil Howard, his friend, tried to pry him from the claws of the wicked ways, Dorian Gray had already traded his soul to the immoral pleasures of the world.
This was a tragic tale. No heroine to root for and not a single thing to love. The only thing you could take from this book was the lesson of having a narcissistic life. You have nothing to gain from the immoral pleasures of the world aside from temporary satisfaction. This book was a reminder of what was important in life than having a good time, which was having a friend who rebukes you to lead you to the right path, and a friend who would stick to you in the worst of times.
I would still recommend it but only to those who have strong sense of their values because this book is not for the easily swayed. I would recommend it for it’s a classic.
My rating: 3 out of 5

Clockwork Princess

 

"At last, the wheel comes full circle..."

 

Clockwork Princess (Infernal Devices #3) by Cassandra Clare

I could not ask for a better ending than this, but I could ask for another book! The conclusion was similar with Mockingjay and the Deathly Hallows; our beloved characters have their hearts broken and was mended over time, then lived through their days in contentment or as they say, "happily ever after."

Even though the Mortmain issue was resolved in a predictable manner, I was very taken by the peculiar love triangle between Jem, Tessa, and Will. I had to pause my reading several times because I was in an emotional distress with Jem's dire situation. In the wee hours of the morning, I was crying silently trying to relieve some of the agony Jem has given me in the first half of the book. I have fallen for Jem's character more than Will's and I guess because he was musically inclined and naturally sweet in a shy kind of way. Don't get me wrong, I love Will's character as well because he was a book nerd and who wouldn't fall for someone who quoted the classics? With his flowery words and sarcastic antics, Will could be our generation's Mr. Darcy.

If this novel would have a classical music soundtrack it would be Paganini's Violin Sonata 6 together with Antonio Vitali's Chaconne and Elgar's Salut d'Amour. Listen to it, you'll know what I mean.

Have you ever heard a violin when it glides over a high note and produces that thin string sound that makes your heart soar? Or when a cello plunges into a series of pulsing notes caressing it with a vibrato and gives you a melancholic feel? I have felt those in the scenes mostly when Jem was in. This book has been a musical ride. I felt like every scene had a classical song accompaniment in my head. I was emotionally taken by the exceedingly passionate confessions of love from both Jem and Will. Both sweet in their own way and both rang of purity and honesty.

-----

I have so much to say about this novel but I still have to gather my thoughts about the other characters so that my review wouldn't be all fan-girling about Jem and Will. I would edit this review when I have read it again and have settled my feelings over the things that have happened. I am still overwhelmed. Whew!

I would leave by saying that Madam Cassandra Clare has scored not only a 5 starred rating but a "turkey."

*applauds*

Uglies

Honestly, I wasn't excited to read this book. I was only intrigued by the good reviews from my friends so I decided to give this book a chance. It turned out well.
Though there were twists that I found predictable, such as David and Tally's romantic affair, the detonated tracker, and the Specials, I was still intrigued by the history of the different towns. I was also curious in progress of David and Tally's relationship.
I guess I'll have to read the other books to determine where I stand. Would I love this series or not?
*on to the next book*
*** Will edit this when I have something better to say >.<

Verdict: 3 out of 5 stars.

Mortal Instruments: City of Lost Souls

I have finally read the fifth book of the Mortal Instrument series, City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare.

What you wouldn't miss about this book was the kissing. There's a lot of mouth to mouth action. After reading this, I'm like, "what just happened?"


Aside from the abundance in the kissing department, there had been a lot of Magnus and Alec action too! Fans of Malec would squeal their lungs out! As a matter of fact, most of them were paired up only Sebastian was left out, which is understandable since he planned to wreaked havoc with his dear old daddy.


The only progress I saw in this book was the growth in the relationship of the minor characters, in Alec and Magnus, Izzy and Simon, Maia and Jordan. Other than that, it was the same old plot, Clary saving the world while Jace was helpless and possessed. In most of the scenes, Clary and Jace were making out... so yea, not much progress there.


As much as I liked the series, I am not excited for the next book as I was with the others. I would only read it for more information about Magnus' origin which I hope would be in the Bane Chronicles. Actually, I was really wondering who was this powerful father of Magnus. And yes, I wouldn't say no to some more of Alec and Magnus.


Verdict: 3 out 5 stars

Clockwork Prince

I have decided to start posting my reviews here on my blog, which was my plan before but was postponed due to my poor memory and laziness. Anyway, without further ado... my review on Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Prince.

Clockwork Prince is my new favourite among all Cassandra Clare's books.

This book reminded me of a lot of scenes from different books, but mostly from the Harry Potter series (sorry, Potterhead here)...

1. Jem and Will's parabatai relationship reminded me of Jonathan and David in the Bible
2. The Lightwoods reminded me of the Malfoys in Harry Potter.
3. Henry was like Arthur Weasley in Harry Potter, who loved to tinker with muggle(non-magic folk) things.
4. Henry's invention, the Phospor reminded me of Dumbledore's Put-Outer.
5. I can't help but compare witchlight with the spell Lumos in Harry Potter. >.<
6. Will was like the Phantom in the Phantom of the Opera. ( I dare not elaborate for spoilers)
7. Jem reminded me of Jake in the TV series Awkward (which makes Tessa as Jenna.)
8. Mortmain was very much like Moriarty. A spider tangling you in his web.
9. No one would disagree with me when I say that Will has so many similarities with Jace.


I was not judging the book by my comparison so don't think I don't like it. I love it. As I've said it is my new favourite. What I love most about this one was how Cassandra Clare poured snarky sarcasms from Will, and balanced it with Jem's quiet rebuff, mixed with Tessa's smart remarks. I find every character interesting especially the development in the Immortals like Magnus Bane and Camille who have lived both in Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices series.

So that's my verdict, 5 stars because I simply love it. <3

Madness and Olympians

Two days ago, Muse has released a song from their album “The 2nd Law” called “Madness”. Some of the fans weren’t as enthusiastic with Muse’s style and were always commenting about the dubstep. I, on the other hand, was playing it on loop. Muse should be considered as gods of music. They are continually reinventing and exploring their capabilities in music. I am positive that the album will be an epitome of awesomeness. The previous album, “The Resistance”, has surprised me and has grown into me. It is my favorite album to date.

 

On a different note, I have finished reading Rick Riordan’s The Lost Hero and I am amazed at Mr. Riordan’s expansion of Mythology personalities. He’s like a spider weaving an intricate web of Olympians and demigods, like tossing a bowl of salad mixing the Greek and Roman deities in the recipe. I am absolutely sure that girls will swoon for Jason if this will have a movie adaptation. I am so looking forward to Jason and Percy’s meeting. Will it be disastrous? I have a big feeling that they will clash but eventually be the best of friends. Please, Mr. Rick, let it be not too predictable for me. I’d hate to be amazed and disappointed at the same time. >_<

I have nothing but praise for Rick Riordan’s works! I bet he’d be an amazing English professor with a bagful of stories for his class.

Classic thriller

“Psycho” was my first classic thriller. I have watched this movie because my friend recommended it to me and because it was the inspiration of one of his photography featuring… me. Of course, I was intrigue so I watched it, though I was a bit adamant of the satisfaction it will give my movie standards.
This was one of the most ironic moments for me. Do you know the feeling of watching a film with new computer graphics styles or has a 3d effect? Same feeling I had with this movie, but the irony was in the classic movie. It has no complex movie effects, no jaw-dropping computer graphics, nor head tumbling lines, you can see the glitches in the stability of the camera but you can see the rawness, the purity. It has this “new” effect for me. I guess I’m used to all the CG stuff that I have appreciated the simplicity of the film.
Frankly, I was demeaning the movie. I thought that I wouldn’t be on the edge of my seat, I thought that I would find other things to do while I’m watching the movie. I was wrong. I was engrossed with every action, paid attention to each word, looked for clues, tried to analyze the character and what made this film a “classic.” That’s why I can truly say that I enjoyed the movie.
It’s funny how we see or learn new things from the old. This is what the classics gives us. new things to learn from the past. No matter what, when, where, why, or how it happened, we could still learn  from them, we just have to open our minds.

Deathly Hallows 2 review

I have said this before, “I feel empty.”  This post was due the night before but I can't complete it because I am still mourning for the characters that died. 

For a Harry Potter fan, we all know how this was going to end. Without further ado, let’s start with the effects. As expected from a high-budgeted film and an experienced one, the computer graphics was superb. Hands down to the animators and visual designers, you’ve done a fantastical job. Once again, we were transported, or should I say “apparated”, to the glorious world of Harry Potter. Costume designers were awesome. Every dress, fabric and fiber made fitted like a glove to each of the characters, it made the movie more magical and at the same time grungy. The Goblin prosthetics was amazing. Sound effects were as expected, dramatic and melancholic. There were times when I felt like the scene was too silent, but I guess the director wanted us to savor the scene without the help of the music.

To be honest, I want to watch it again for the fear of missing some details that I need to write, I’m still in a sad trance, but I will watch it again next week so… I’ll just post again. Anyway, let's discuss the scenes.For me, every moment must not be missed. From the simple breathing of the goblins to the fiery breath of the dragon, everything was at its right place. I noticed that a lot of scenes from the book were missing, but as I have learned from several movie adaptations, if you expect the movie to be as good as the book then you will be disappointed. I believe that this movie was done with severe care, staying true to Jk Rowling's masterpiece as well as the art of movie making. This was not an easy feat, for Harry Potter has collected millions of fans all over the world, each of them wanting to be pleased. 


***Spoiler starts here highlight if you want to read*** 


In the previous Harry Potter movie, they opened with a heart-breaking scene, Hermione obliviating the memories of her parents, knowing the danger she's going to face. Now, the movie opened with a quiet but grave tone. Then the scene in Hogwarts, Snape as the headmaster. If you haven't read the book you would loathe Snape in the movie. I am truly awed at Alan Rickman's acting ability, the villainous side of Snape is still seen so is his vulnerability, the ache in his eyes as he duels with Professor Mcgonagall. His duel with Mcgonagall was radical (and short). I applaud his performance, he should win an Emmy or an Academy Award. The tear in his left eye when he died.. that was heart wrenching.. His death will be the most remembered death in the series and it was duly justified for his character was magnificently flawed but tragically beautiful. 

The Battle of Hogwarts was a beautiful mess. *sigh* I might start crying now, as I remember who fought in it. The bodies that lay unmoving, slain unmercifully by the fellow wizards and witches with different opinions about power and magic. I will never forget the bodies of Remus, Tonks, and... our beloved Fred. When I saw the cluster of Weasleys I was bawling because I knew who died. *sniff*

Another heart-breaking scene would be Snape's and Dumbledore's conversation. The word "Always" will have a different meaning now. We'll always remember the person who said it and to whom it was addressed. Snape's silent passion was so bittersweet that it made the readers love him in his last moments in the book as well as in the big screen.  

Now, on to our hero, Harry Potter... his momentous walk toward the creature who made his life a living hell. This dramatic scene was given to us as softly as the actors can. It was a resigned yet powerful moment. I just wished that Daniel Radcliffe could have brought more, but no matter, he still performed well.  




Oh, now I remember... Neville! Kudos to Neville Longbottom for beheading that gruesome snake, Nagini! And to Ginny, For shouting at Voldemort. Haha. I must applaud the Brits who made this movie as British as they can. It was truly awesome to have walked with Harry in the past 10 years... I believe that this will only be the start of many of the decades to come. Many more years of patronizing Harry Potter. This book deserves every bit of praise... it was bound to be a classic.


This should have been longer but I think i forgot the other things that I was going to say or put so, i'll just them in the next blog. Yes, there will be another Harry Potter review because I'm going to watch it again. I will be writing a tribute too.. so yeah, wait for it.