THE ONE: The Selection Series Book Three

"This isn't happily ever after. It's so much more than that."

- THE ONE

The One is the 3rd book of The Selection Series. It was published last May 6, 2014. At the beginning of the book The Selection changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. It comes down to four in The Elite and now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen - THE ONE. 

The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illea, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen - and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice. She never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown - or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose - and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants. 


The One  is my favorite book of the Selection Series. Well, you can't blame me for feeling like a little girl who believes in happy ever after. Here, America will finally have her happy ever after with Prince Maxon. This book thought me how you have to sacrifice for the one you love and let them go to make them fully happy even if in the process of doing so you might get hurt and left heartbroken. The One is proves that happy ever after do exist and not just a mere fairytale that our grandmas told us. 

If you dont believe in happy endings this might sound cliche but love can really beat all odds. It may be a long, hard, rocky process with ups and down of a roller coaster but in the end, while facing your other half; you can really say it's all worth it. I may not find my other half now but I do believe that I have my own fairytale to share when the moment is right. And as I wait I'll have America and Prince Maxon's love story to moon about. 

These are my favorite lines in The One:

"Break my heart. Break it a thousand times if you like. It was only ever yours to break anyway." - Prince Maxon

"This isn't happily ever after. It's so much more than that." - America Singer

"The best people all have some kind of scar." - America Singer

"When I'm with hime I feel like I'm America. I'm not a caste or a project. He's just him, and I'm just me." - America Singer

But as I approach the end of the book, I find myself wanting more. I have question that keeps on popping in my mind. How will America rule the kingdom of Illea? How would she act as queen to her people? What will happen to the caste system? How do America and  Prince Maxon's own family would look like? These questions will be answer on The Heir - the fourth book of the Selection Series. Check out the fourth book of the Selection Series. Happy reading.


Synopsis credits to: The Selection Wiki / theselection.wikia.com

THE ELITE: The Selection Series Book Two

"LOVE is a BEAUTIFUL FEAR"

- THE ELITE

The Elite is the second Book in The Selection Series, preceded by The Selection.  It was published last April 23, 2013. With the second book, the thirty-five girls was slowly diminishing until only six remains to compete in the Selection. Out of these six girls only one will marry Prince Maxon and will be crowned princess of Illea. America still isn't sure where her heart belongs to. When she's with Maxon, she's swept up in their new and breathless romance. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, she is overcome with memories of life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over - and time is running out for America to decide.
Just when America is sure she has made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she's struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.


The Book 2 of the Selection Series helds different emotions. I got so frustrated with America for he can't easily choose between the two men. I'm Maxon's avid fan, so sometimes I can't help but be bias if scene about Aspen came up. I can feel the love flowing and hearts popping out of the book when America and Maxon are together so why be straight forward to admit her feeling and to let poor Aspen let go, right? I also want to point out how the characters change in Book 2. They got mature to think the things that surrounds them. Even America got so fearless to act out her emotions which the readers (for sure; like me) got so affected by it. Though emotions are overflowing in this book it still held the serenity it started from Book 1.

Compared with The Selection Book 1, The Elite is not so appealing to me. I kind of feel deja vu with every page because the scenes are quite repetitive. Attacks from the rebel, hiding in the basement, America turn between Maxon and Aspen, other girls seducing Maxon, Aspen trying to win America back and the cycle repeats again. When I read it, I just want to finish every page not because I'm so eager to know what's next but because I already expected what will happen. The element of suprise is kind of gone and what is left for me is to skim which part of the book is exciting. Nevertheless, I still find part which I like that motivates me to read futher. It's quite an informative book that will lead you to understand certain things in Book 3.

These are my faovrite lines from THE ELITE:

"You've changed me forever. And I will never forget you." - Maxon Schreave

"Sometimes I feel like a knot; too tangled to be taken apart." - America Singer

"I want it to be as easy as breathing for you to say YES." -  Maxon Schreave

I may not super like Book 2 but still I'm going to give it a passing rate for being such a nice source of emotional wreck on me. It holds that impression of continuity with Book 1 though I really see the effort of holding back events to be part of Book 3 which was a good job. So what are you waiting for, finish up Book 1 The Selection so can get started with The Elite. Don't forget to prepare a tissue with you because it will make the waterfall effect broke.


Synopsis credits to: The Selection Wiki / theselection.wikia.com

Pangan-an Island

"Travelling feels good. Doing good feels better. Doing both feels great."

Ever since I was young I am already into charity work. I was fascinated by this activity when I was in high school and I was able to pursue it when I reach college since my scholarship is into charity works. At that time I really felt amazing helping people that are in need. It gives a warm feeling that's difficult to explain when you I see people smile and thinking you're one of reasons behind those smiles make it better. When I graduated college I thought I would never have the opportunity to help and serve again but luck is on my side when I met Miki-san and Tamo-san in my current work place. They are the one who established a charity tour in Pangan-an Island. It's an island-barangay that belongs to Lapu-Lapu City. It is situated east of Mactan and right next to Olango. To go there is quite a long journey. From I.T Park, Lahug to Marigondon, we rent a van which would take 45 minutes to 1 hour travel depending on the traffic. As we reach the shore of Marigondon a boat was waiting for us that will send us Pangan-an Island. Travelling by boat would take another 45 minutes or so.

   

La Vie Parisienne

Feel like in Paris with La Vie Parisienne

France? Never been there but I got a glimpse of what its like with its food. 

Last August 2014, my friends and I went to this newly built french restaurant in Gorordo Ave in Lahug. It's so popular because of this cherry blossom lights at night, sumptuous breads and sandwiches and their infamous wine cellar which held a collection of wine from various part of the world. With its lights at night I doubt if no one would ever be curious of what this restaurant could offer. Like my previous posts here in my blog its my first time here in a French restaurant especially in La Vie. When we went there is kind of late at night and they are almost closing at 2 am but still they were able to entertain us. At first we don't know what to choose since they only have a few breads left but the staff were kind enough to guide us to French food 101. Indeed they serve us a delightful meal though some of my friends find it foreign their taste, I find it interesting. We pair our meal with some hot chocolate and soda since not all of my friends drink alcoholic beverages. If the fancy facade and interior of the restaurant wont give you a hint of its price range, I'll tell you now it's way above average. I even got self-conscious when we went there because most people that are left dining seems a part of alta sociedad, riding with their individual four wheels and drink buckets of alcoholic drinks and bottles of wine. Though we're a bit intimidated, these things didn't stop us to explore what La Vie could offer. Too bad, we weren't able to go the wine cellar due to time constraint. Nevertheless, our first French cuisine experience was worth the try.

La Vie Wine Cellar

New La Vie Parisienne interior

La Vie Bakeshop

CALDA PIZZA

"PIZZA is the only LOVE TRIANGLE I ever want."

Cebuanos can't get enough of pizza. When we're happy we eat pizza. Bored? Eat pizza. Sleep overs? Order pizza. Everyone is hooked on pizza we sometimes crave for it from day till midnight. But want amazes me is the fact that 9 inches pizza is not enough to satisfy our cravings, we want MORE. Then CALDA PIZZA was born. It offers the biggest pizza in Cebu, a 36 inches wide pizza wont only satisfy you but the whole gang as well. 

Calda Pizza in Lahug

Calda Pizza has been a part of my friends and I's life. Special occasion like birthdays, passing exams or just plain hungry time, Calda Pizza is open for us 24/7. Here in Calda Pizza Lahug Branch is our local destination if we crave pizza. Having a large number of friends, it fits the criteria of budget friendly, good taste quality and the 36 inches size if enough to fill our famished stomachs. Unlike other pizzeria, Calda Pizza offers a wide range of flavors from our barkada's favorite: HAWAIIAN PIZZA to their very own CALDA SPECIALE. You'll never go wrong in choosing the flavors for each held its own taste distinction that is for sure under Cebuanos taste standards. 

CALDA SPECIALE with their birthday dedication 

A birthday special @CALDA

The after math (HEHEHEHE)

Last May 23, 12:00 midnight I celebrated my birthday with friends in Calda Pizza. Again another memories of fun and laughter and most especially the shared pizza we ate made to our CALDA PIZZA MEMORY BANK. People may think we're JUST eating pizza but for us its more of pizza itself. It's the shared memories, talks and bonding we created through this pizza. 

For deliveries/inquiries:

Please call: +63-32-5164665

THE SELECTION

"True Love is usually the most inconvenient kind."

- The Selection 

Last March 26, 2012, Kiera Cass published her first book of The Selection Series. This book is a young-adult, romance novel. It reflects the new face of fairy tale. It is a story of a America Singer and the thirty-four other girls who was choosen to be part of "The Selection". It is a chance of lifetime opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth by a Caste System. The palace will be there world for which they will act like a princess and dress like one in glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the place and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon. But for America, being a Selected is a nightmare. It means turning back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for the crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks. Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she made for herself and realizes that the life she always dreamed of may not comapare to futures she never imagined.

I really like fairy tales, princess story with a prince charming in a night and shining armor is one of favorite books to read. After reading The Selection Book 1 I got hooked up with the book. It's like a drug that you want to have more you got so addicted with it. The setting and plot of the story give a fairy tale effect but with a twist with all the competition being made. I also like America's character. It depects how love is so powerful even in midst of a forbiddenand secretive relationship. Every page of the book revels unexpected happenings which deepens your eagerness to read more. As a whole the book can be read by everyone. Words used in the book is not so difficult to understand. With the busy schedule, it just took me 3 days to finished it. Not so bad right? 

These are my favorite lines from The Selection:

"I hope you find someone you can't live without. I really do. And I hope you never have to know what it's like to have to try and live without them." - America Singer

"Listen to me, kitten. Win or lose, you'll always be a princess to me." - Mr. Singer

"So far, I had a solid collection of my honest opinions. . ." - America Singer

"You deserved to be loved. And I hope you go get to marry for love and not for number." - Mr. Singer

"Im going to stay no matter what." - Prince Maxon Schreave

So to all those hopeless romantic reader out there I highly recommend this is book for you to read. It will surely drive you crazy and cheezy but in a good way. 

TUSLUB BUWA

"I'm not a GLUTTON - I'm an EXPLORER OF FOOD."

- Erma Bombeck

Filipinos are well-known for its creative mind in making simple things extraordinary. Aside from that Filipinos like to eat - scratch that; love to eat I mean. To combine this two qualities we create delicious and out-of-this-world food recipes. One that kept me hanging for months to try is this TUSLOB BUWA. 

TUSLOB BUWA came from two Bisaya words "tuslob" meaning "to dip" and "buwa" meaning "to bubble up/boiling".Thus, it is how you also eat it. You dip your "puso" (hanging rice) into a boiling mixture of pork's brain and liver in sauteed garlic and onion then add some soysauce to taste.

Tuslob Buwa's main ingredients                     

To try this exotic food they called Tuslob Buwa, my colleagues and I went to Azul (a famous Tuslob Buwa restaurant) near Asilo, Gorordo in Lahug. We went there around 12:30 midnight. It's usually open from 10:00 am to 7:00 am. This is really a convenient hang out place to those who work the night shift like me. 

One set of Tuslob Buwa @120

Since we're a bit many at that time, we ordered 4 set of the Tuslob Buwa, 10 pieces of siomai (8php per piece), 1 order of chicken lumpia (65php per order) and some drinks. It is my first time eating this food so I didn't want to expect too much but it turned out good plus the fun in cooking it adds vibes of uniqueness to the dish. 

Everything was good. My only concern is the staff of the restaurant. They didn't entertain us quite well. Most of our food was given so late and we need to remind them to deliver it from time to time. Nevertheless, other than the not so good service we manage to keep to ambiance cool. Again this is another experience to add in my food trip escapade.

P.S.

Great experiences comes with great courage. Never be afraid in trying something out of usual. Sometimes gambling to try these experiences is worth risking for. 

Korean Restaurant Chosun Galbi 조선 갈비

" You don't need a silver fork to eat good food, an ordinary chopsticks will do."

Trying a foreign dish is knowing the culture of that country. Korean influence has reach Philippines many years ago has been contributing to our multi-cultural aspect. K-pop, Korean fashion, Korean products, Korean movies and dramas and Korean cuisine has been a part of Filipinos venture exchanging culture. 

Last February, I tried this famous Korean restaurant near IT Park, Lahug. Chosun Galbi is well-known for its tasty Korean dishes. My friends and I didn't want to lose the chance not to taste of these Korean dishes and also have a touch of Korean culture.

Chosun Galbi near IT Park

Since we went there a little after 12 midnight, Chosun Galbi was not so crowded. Again this is my first time experience in a Korean restaurant like my few post in my blog. The waitresses were kind enough to teach us the basics of Korean cuisine and introducing us to their specialty dishes. Being a fanatic of Korean dramas, I already got the basics of the food names and utensils. We tend to compare those Korean drama scenes with what we were dealing at the restaurant. Now, let the food battle begin.

Korean Dishes 101 (Our Orders)

• Samgyeopsal 삼겹살 - It consists of thick, fatty slices of pork belly meat. The meat, usually neither marinated nor seasoned on a drill at the diner's table. Usually diners grill the meat themselves and eat directly from a grill. It is most commonly dipped in sesame seed oil mixed with salt and pepper.
• Galbisal 갈비살 -  Unseasoned beef meat cooked on a grill.
• Bibimbap 비빔밥 - The word literally means "mixed rice". It is served as a bowl of warm white rice topped with namul (sauteed and seasoned vegetables) and gochujang (chili pepper paste), soy sauce, or doenjang (salty soybean paste). A raw or fried egg and sliced meat (usually beef) are common additions. The hot dish is stirred together thoroughly just before eating.
• Soju 소주 - Korea's most popular alcoholic beverage containing ethanol and water.

Side dishes :

• Kimchi 김치 -  is a traditional fermented Korean side dish made of vegetables with a variety of seasonings.
• Sukjunamul 숙주나물 (mung bean sprout) - The sprouts were cooked only a minute in boiling water before seasoning.
• Gochu 고추 (fresh green peppers) - 5-6 inches in length and half in diameter with medium thick skin are mildly hot and well-flavored.
• Sigeumchi namul 시금치나물 (Spinach side dish) - Lightly blanched spinach dressed with spring onions, garlic and sesame seeds. 
• Ssam 쌈 - refers to various leaf vegetables which are used to wrap a piece of bite-size meat along with dwenjang (fermented soybean paster), gochujang (chili pepper paste) or ssamjang (mixed paste of gochujang dwenjang and other seasonings) and some rice into bundle. The vegetables used for wrapping can vary but primarily consists of fresh red leaf lettuce, sesame leaves or parboiled cabbage.
• Soondubu jjigae 순두부찌개 - Korean tofu soup

Sigeumchi namul and Bibimbap with Soju

Samgyeopsal in action.

Ssam on the roll to our mouths.

This Korean dishes made our mouths water. It was a sumptuous meal to remember. Chosun Galbi made our first Korean cuisine experience worth repeating.  Though the food price was above average it was still worth it. Why not spent a little more than usual if it pays great experience. 

Food Prices:

Samgyeopsal - 250 php

Galbisal  - 700 php

Bibimbap  - 300 php

Soju  - 200 php

Plain rice - 50 php

Mango Juice - 50 php

We may have spent over than usual but when you go Dutch with your friends it will pay you less. Nevertheless, our first Korean cuisine experiences wont match we the money we paid.

The Sacred Place of Simala

"When Life is Rough, PRAY. When Life is Great, PRAY."

It was in the middle of a hot August that I went to the sacred place of Simala. My colleagues and I went there to pray for the success of our Licensure Examination for Teachers. This is my first time going there. I've heard many things about Simala so I want to experience it first hand.

Simala Shrine in Sibonga Cebu

Going to Simala is easy if you just hired a van or an owner car. At that time, we hired an owner car to lessen the hassle and since it's our first time we really don't know the route in going there. The famous Simala Church is found in Marian Hills, Lindogon Sibonga, Cebu a 2 hours travel from Cebu City. When we arrived there I was so amazed with the number of people present there. You can really see how devoted are they and how strong their faith is. Even if its so hot people still want to pursue their interest in going to the top of the church which is really a long line. 

The long queue going to the top of the church.

When I reached the top, it was heaven. I've never seen such a wonderful church with an amazing view. The long line, the hot weather, and all of the waiting was worth it. On top held many things that left me in daze. There are relics of the Virgen Mary, testimonies of different miracles experienced by many people, petition hall, prayer station and a line that leads to the statue of the Virgen Mary where we will be given the chance to kiss her altar and pray. The site of all the other devotees was so overwhelming. They all held the same faith as I, the same motivation to surpass whatever problems and give thanks to all the miracles and blessings that they experience.

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

"I was always hungry for love. Just once, I wanted to know what it was like to get my fill of it -- to be fed so much love I couldn't take any more. Just once."

- Toru Watanabe

Reading Haruki Murakami book for the first time creates a different refreshment to me. I've never read such sophisticated yet so delicate book like this, While reading the book I feel like being transported to the old Japan where love is evident and powerful. I got a lot of learning on how Japanese and perhaps each of us would do if Cupid's arrow would hit our heart. It depicts adolescence love showing ow vulnerable love is in youths and the effect we could all get. I admire how Haruki easily showcase the intense emotions each pages could give. This book give me edgy moments when I'm hang on unto some scene which gave me sleepless nights in a row. 

Another thing I find amazing in the book is how Haruki wrote the sexual scenes without malice. I don't find it disgusting nor malicious, rather I saw love and compassion. It expresses a great deal of passion between characters that you don't find but exciting anfd intriguing which you makes you want to read more. Norwegian Wood don't just stay in the old Japan setting it also depicts young love of our youths today. It maybe a nostalgic scene for Toru Watanabe but for me it's like a real life scene was set in front of me. 

All in all the book reach or even surpass critics eyes and judgement. Haruki is really a pride of Japan with evident writing and dedication with Norwegian Wood. What keeps me hanging is I WANT MORE. Funny it may seems but I hope Norwegian Wood would have a Book 2. I really what to know how Toru and Midori's life would likely turn out. I what to have more of their shared life moments and how would they face more of the future now that Toru has finally let go of Naoko and their past. Well, can't blame a girl for hoping. Having so many sleepless nights with book is worth it. I'm looking forward to reading more of Haruki's works.

Haruki Murakami's book on hand in the beach is a great combo.

P.S

I've heard reading Haruki Murakami's book is like solving pieces of puzzles. It makes you think hard which piece fits the other perfectly well. I then got so intrigued with his books. Luckily a student of mine sent two books of Haruki and one of those is the Norwegian Wood. I don't know what to expect on this book. I've never read Haruki's book in the past, I don't even know what's his style of writing. In the end I got so overwhelm. Yes, it made me do some scratching on the head trying to comprehend what the characters what to portray but I got most of the gist which makes me fell relieved and contented. Indeed, Haruki Murakami is one hell of great author!