Transformers overload

When I went to my brother’s house recently, I was shocked at his and his sons’ collection of Transformers. I knew they were collecting, but I didn’t know it was this many already! Even their tv stand was full of action figures!

 Some were even unopened! And they had another shelf full of these! I honestly don’t understand why they have to have so many of these! It’s not as if they play with it…nakadisplay lang naman! [Picture taken by camera phone.]

I wonder how much all of these cost? Ibenta ko kaya? He He! My brother will surely kill me!

Where are the books?

My sister and I were talking recently about how we ran out of books to read. When we went to the bookstore, we didn’t know what to choose! And most were expensive!

I then lamented how we didn’t have a decent library in Manila where we can just borrow books. Other countries have them, high-tech pa! How come we don’t have one? Is it really that hard to put up one? Maybe we can start with a few shelves, some discount lighting, a few sturdy tables, and some must-read books! Then we’ll work from there and just let it grow.  I am truly dreaming of a nice library here.

Paging our mayors and congressmen!

[Another side to this is the saddening fact that not that many people are still interested in reading… hu! hu!]

Book recommendation 3: Three Weeks With My Brother

This book holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of the time my sister and I vacationed in Europe [yes, for three weeks].

 Three Weeks WIth My Brother by Nicholas Sparks and Micah Sparks

Nicholas Sparks, together with his brother Micah Sparks, write this touching memoir about their family. Together, the brothers embark on a trip around the world to rediscover themselves and renew their bond. And as the two recount their happy adventures in the countries they went to, Nicholas reflects on the family’s past, from since he was young to the present, and tells us the story of his family.

If you are are a Nicholas Sparks fan or you read his books, you will find this interesting because there are many revelations [like opening a secret diary or keeping an unlocked phone for everyone to read] in this book, like what life was like for Nicholas Sparks since he was young, what his family was like, and, more importantly, the inspirations for the characters of his books. You will meet the inspiration for Jamie of A Walk to Remember [my favorite person among all the characters of his books; find out who inspired Nicholas Sparks to write this novel], Ryan of The Rescue, Savannah of Dear John, Garrett of Message in a Bottle, and, who wouldn’t know about them, Noah and Allie of The Notebook, among others.

I loved the book because it was like being on a personal level with Nicholas Sparks, and this story is HIS story! What a life he’s had! The concept of “sewing” his past story with his and his brother’s adventure around the world was also great, which reinforces the bond that the two has. Another great story on love and family from Nicholas Sparks.

A tip though, you might want to read the Nicholas Sparks books first before this one so you will be able to relate with the persons after whom Nicholas Sparks based the characters.

Click here for a synopsis of the book.

Book recommendation 2: Sundays at Tiffany’s

I know it’s a rare occurrence for us, but when you were a kid, during the times you rolled in the mud while playing with industrial hand wheels, did you have an imaginary friend?

If you did [but then, even if you didn’t], I highly suggest you read this book:

Sundays at Tiffany’s by James Patterson

The story revolves around imaginary friends and love, but with a deeper take on these of course. It’s a light read [at least for me], that’s why I found it so easy to finish. But what I loved most about the book was that the story is simple but enough to stir up your emotions and keep you reading. It brings out the kid in us [at least in me]. It was sweet and engaging! Makes me want to have an imaginary friend!

Click here for a synopsis of the book.

Book recommendation 1: For One More Day

I am no good in critiquing, not movies, not foods, not books. But that doesn’t mean I cannot reccommend.

With the number of books I was able to read over the past weeks, I am recommending some reads that some of you might be interested in.

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All of us have stained lives…yes , all of us; yes, stains [like those found on your bathroom tiles or copper sinks]. Oh, how we wish we could change some things in our lives to remove these stains! Some of us have lived a life of regrets without knowing that we can do something!

The first book that I will recommend is a touching take on regrets, love, and family.

 For One More Day by Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom, in keeping with his other books,  has made another touching story with a plot involving a world we don’t live in. The chapters are short, and you will soon find yourself finishing the book in an hour. I loved the simple story and the fact the main character, “Chick” Benetto, has a bit of himself in all of us. As I read the book, the more I was able to empathize, the more I got “emotionally involved”. For those who have neglected a loved one [especially your mother], this one is for you.

Trivia: I finished this book in under an hour!

Click here for a synopsis of the book.

My workout with John Lloyd Cruz

Did you know that I exercised with John Lloyd the other night? Yes, I did! And I have to thank him because he spared me the burden of finding diet pills that work because my workout with him was 100% foolproof!

Well, the workout consisted of laughing and laughing, as I was able to catch his movie with Sarah Geronimo, A Very Special Love, which was so funny! As in!

Laughing brings so much benefits, don’t you know?

• Laughter reduces the levels of certain hormones, namely cortisol, growth hormone, epinephrine and dopac, which are associated with stress response. Thus it helps relieve stress, depression, anxiety, grief, anger and irritation. Laughing also decreases pain by releasing a hormone, endorphins. It improves our attentiveness, pulse and heart rate.
  
• Laughing is proven to be very beneficial for the people suffering from hypertension. It helps lower the blood pressure to normal. Laughing causes deeper breathing and increase in blood flow, due to which oxygen and essential nutrients are supplied to all body parts. 
• Laughter is a good workout for respiratory, abdominal, leg, back and facial muscles. It tones intestinal functioning, massages abdominal organs and strengthens abdominal muscles. This activity is advantageous for digestion as well as absorption. Laughter also helps burn calories and is beneficial for weight loss.
  
• In addition to physical health benefits, laughing offers several psychological health benefits. It boosts self-confidence and gives mental strength to cope with conflicts and challenges in life. It also helps us come out of anxiety and depression. It improves out mental health and makes us forget all the tensions in our daily busy lives.
  
• Laughing enhances our ability to connect with others. It also causes a number of behavioral changes. It makes us energized and increases our interest in daily activities.
  
• Laughing also offers many social benefits. A person with a smiling face is always popular amongst a group. It lessens the distance between two individuals and brings them together. It increases healthy communication with others.
  
• Laughter positively affects many aspects of your life, including your health, well-being and energy, leading to a healthy, quality life. So always smile, it improves your face value too (from Buzzle.com). 

I was able to catch only one fourth of the movie, and yet, I was able to get a whole-body workout from laughing. It was soooo hilarious. So just imagine if I watch the whole movie! My sisters were actually shocked that I haven’t watched it yet that the youngest plopped a DVD in an instant [”Oh ayan, panoorin mo na ng buo!]! Well, maybe I’ll watch the whole movie as my exercise next week!!

So I advise you to laugh and laugh! It’s free, and you can practically do it anywhere!

Denice the Menace of our family

If there was a Dennis the Menace in the family, you would be it. From your micshievous smile [showing your toothless gums, reminding us that you need to see a Frisco Dentist] to your uncanny tricks, we are always wary of what you are planning to do next. Bumps andbruises are part of your body because of you kalikutan. And yet, we are always amused by your antics! And how I miss you when days go by and you don’t visit! Have I told you how I enjoy playing with you? Oh, how I love you my dear pamangkin!

Happy 4th birthday Eaomer!

My wish is that you grow your teeth soon [picture taken in March, whe he still had his whole set of teeth. He lost his front teeth in a minor accident.]!

Scary food

Do you notice how bizarre your food can get sometimes? When I ordered a Chinese soup once, this was what I got.

The tofu and squid balls, I got, but that thing in the middle? Looks scary and something you may put on Halloween invitations! Ohhhh! Someone told me it was an intestine. Oh really? Truth be told, I actually eat isaw, I love it. But this is a totally different scenario [grilled vs stewed]! And it looked like something I would faint after eating. So I refused to touch it. He! He!

Someday I might have to guts to eat it, but not now. Not now.

Can you give birth to a 3-year-old?

Sometimes, don’t you feel like looking for a fulfillment company because you feel there’s something you need to make your life more complete? One of these things for me is the “pressure” [mostly coming from Wendy herself] of giving Wendy a sibling [a sister specifically]. I’ve been asked over and over again if I have plans of having another child. “Of course,” I’d tell them.

Although I’d like to experience what it’s like to be pregnant again [the paglilihi thing and, hopefully, giving birth the “” way], at the back of my mind, there’s the possibility of adopting. This thought has come back to my head time and time again. Mostly, I’d love to adopt if that means helping an “unwanted” child feel loved and wanted.

One day, I expressed this idea to Wendy:

KG: Wendy, what do you think of us adopting a kid?

Wendy: I don’t like! Gusto ko yung galing sa tyan mo [I want the baby that comes from your stomach!]!

So there, someday, if that time comes, I guess I’ll just have to convince Wendy that the 3-year-old toddler that suddenly comes into our lives came from my stomach!

Think she’ll bite?

Error of the decade

Whoever wrote the caption for this picture must go into hiding inside steel buildings [if they haven’t yet], where they can hide for the rest of their lives!

(picture snagged from bitchy gay)

Imagine “killing the president”. I heard that a lot of people made this slip, even broadcasters. Is it a case of thoughts put into words? While most of the Filipinos are laughing, I bet the Palace isn’t.