NOVELS

 Since I started to use the university library,I can't help myself not to loan-out books especiallyfrom  the fiction area.

Here are some novels that I have read from the library, I also added some titles from my very own collection

Slumdog Millionaire by Vikas Swarup
The story of Jamal Malik, an 18 year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, who is about to experience the biggest day of his life. With the whole nation watching, he is just one question away from winning a staggering 20 million rupees on India's "Kaun Banega Crorepati?" (2000) (Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?) But when the show breaks for the night, police arrest him on suspicion of cheating; how could a street kid know so much? Desperate to prove his innocence, Jamal tells the story of his life in the slum where he and his brother grew up, of their adventures together on the road, of vicious encounters with local gangs, and of Latika, the girl he loved and lost. Each chapter of his story reveals the key to the answer to one of the game show's questions. Each chapter of Jamal's increasingly layered story reveals where he learned the answers to the show's seemingly impossible quizzes. But one question remains a mystery: what is this young man with no apparent desire for riches really doing on the game show? When the new day dawns and Jamal returns to answer the final question, the Inspector and sixty million viewers are about to find out. At the heart of its storytelling lies the question of how anyone comes to know the things they know about life and love. 

BRIDA by Paulo Coelho
The conflict within all of us to be with someone whom we have known since long, or to be with someone whom we have known for a lesser time but who touches our heart more or to just leave everything and submit ourselves to a lone path with no partner forms the crux of this story. There are not too many sub-plots but the ones which are there (hint  - voices, previous life) are short and will bring back you to the story very quickly.Wont reveal much except the fact that the main character of this story has been portrayed beautifully. The internal conflicts, external temptations, fears, and joy are so beautifully penned that you would easily connect with the character and that's quite a brilliant quality for a writer to have! The two main male leads have been carefully outlined as well. Its very easy for a writer to plunge into personal bias against/in favor of any character due to her/his own personality traits. But PC doesn't do it here. The Magus (I mention him here because apart from Brida he is the only character you would know the moment you start reading this book...don't expect anymore freebies of revelation from me here!

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
he Alchemist details the journey of a young Spanish shepherd named Santiago. Santiago, believing a recurring dream to be prophetic, decides to travel to Egypt to find treasure. On the way, he encounters love, danger, opportunity and disaster.

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
In a garden surrounded by a tall fence, tucked away behind a small, quiet house in an even smaller town, is an apple tree that is rumored to bear a very special sort of fruit. In this luminous debut novel, Sarah Addison Allen tells the story of that enchanted tree, and the extraordinary people who tend it.…

The Waverleys have always been a curious family, endowed with peculiar gifts that make them outsiders even in their hometown of Bascom, North Carolina. Even their garden has a reputation, famous for its feisty apple tree that bears prophetic fruit, and its edible flowers, imbued with special powers. Generations of Waverleys tended this garden. Their history was in the soil. But so were their futures.

A successful caterer, Claire Waverley prepares dishes made with her mystical plants—from the nasturtiums that aid in keeping secrets and the pansies that make children thoughtful, to the snapdragons intended to discourage the attentions of her amorous neighbor. Meanwhile, her elderly cousin, Evanelle, is known for distributing unexpected gifts whose uses become uncannily clear. They are the last of the Waverleys—except for Claire’s rebellious sister, Sydney, who fled Bascom the moment she could, abandoning Claire, as their own mother had years before.
 When Sydney suddenly returns home with a young daughter of her own, Claire’s quiet life is turned upside down—along with the protective boundary she has so carefully constructed around her heart. Together again in the house they grew up in, Sydney takes stock of all she left behind, as Claire struggles to heal the wounds of the past. And soon the sisters realize they must deal with their common legacy—if they are ever to feel at home in Bascom—or with each other.

Enchanting and heartfelt, this captivating novel is sure to cast a spell with a style all its own….

A Walk To Remember
In the prologue to his latest novel, Nicholas Sparks makes the rather presumptuous pledge "first you will smile, and then you will cry," but sure enough, he delivers the goods. With his calculated ability to throw your heart around like a yo-yo (try out his earlier Message in the Bottle or The Notebook if you really want to stick it to yourself), Sparks pulls us back to the perfect innocence of a first love.In 1958 Landon Carter is a shallow but well-meaning teenage
r who spends most of his time hanging out with his friends and trying hard to ignore the impending responsibilities of adulthood. Then Landon gets roped into acting the lead in the Christmas play opposite the most renowned goody two-shoes in town: Jamie Sullivan. Against his best intentions and the taunts of his buddies, Landon finds himself falling for Jamie and learning some central lessons in life.

Conrad's Fate by  Dianna Wynne Johnson

Brisingr

GOOD ATTITUDE: Something we really need to buy!

          It was a long holiday. So, I decided to go home at Baguio City. From Umingan, I have to ride a Jeepney going to Carmen,Rosales. I am with some of my colleagues and our student assistants. Anyway, they are all from Tarlac, making me the only the thorn among the roses. The trip from Umingan to Carmen takes almost an hour for the distance is around twenty five kilometers.  The scenery are of a typical rural community: green lush fields, thick fruit-bearing trees, a long high way and some couple of small concrete bridges. I am not used to these for I am a home-grown of the City of Pines. Choosing a "promdi" life over my nightlife and metrolife is hard but self-fullfiling. I'm close to nature (mango trees,cows, goats and chickens) and away from the city mayhem.


          The Jeepney heads to the terminal just beside SM City Rosales and the bus stop going to the North is just at the entrance of the establishment. When I travel, I am used to stopping over an American or Chinese fast food chain to eat and buy extra food from the Hypermarket: usually two rolls of California Maki. But this time, I got lazy to eat so I went straight to the hypermarket and bought a  can of shoe string potatoes, two packs(one large and one small) of corn chips, a bar of cookies and cream chocolate, a pouch of dark chocolate coated raisins and a medium-sized black forest pearl shake. I went out of the mall and joined the big mass of people in the bus stop area. I stood in front of the pizza restaurant and patiently waited for the bus going to Baguio. After fifteen minutes, a bus arrived. I rode this fully air-conditioned Victory Liner Bus and as I felt the cool damp temperature inside the public vehicle, I was reminded of Baguio City and it aroused my excitement to see the verdant hills, the crazy streets and the busy people of  Baguio. During the trip, I started to dig in the small pack of Kornets and afterwards, the pack of chocolates.  I was not yet satisfied so I pitched in  the can of  shoestring potatoes. I was not used to this, I badly need to eat a heavy meal. Fortunately, we had a stop over in Pozzorubio, still in Pangasinan. I roamed around the stop over areas; looking at the food stalls, stores and restaurants. I came to stop in front of a doughnut stand. The vendor(if that's the right term) is not there but I patiently looked around to see someone designated in that area. I was distracted when a voice spoke, it was her; she politely apologized for keeping me waiting. I just smiled to answer that it's all right. She asked for my order. I ordered a classic Bavarian doughnut and a chocolate Bavarian doughnut. I was telling my order when a young lady (sixteen or seventeen in age) grumpily butted in asking if a can of soda is available. I looked at her from head to toe. She has lion brown hair, a dried hair effect(LOLZ), she's wearing a "Chicana"; a long sleeve checkered polo(got that term from my seventeen year old sister). The lady in the stall politely gestured that I am still there; ordering (as so obvious). I asked politely if their coffee is available to show how to ask a question with manners and right social graces. She answered back that yes, it's available. Then, for heaven's sake, that teenager butted again ordering for one can of soda. It irritated me. If I could just get that can, open it and pour it on his head to wake her up or if I could just insert the whole can of soda inside her mouth,the hell I will. The stall lady looked at me and I slowly nodded. She gave that can of soda to that teenager. And guess what's the next thing she did? She just forcefully put her payment on the glass. HELL! That was so rude and then she left without saying thank you.


          Some parents really could not teach their children good attitude. If that food stall just sell good attitude; I would buy some and give it to that teenager. As much as possible we should know how to deal with other people. Your actions show what kind of family you came from or what kind of environment you live in. It's a shame for the parents of that lady because they could not if not  educate  their children; they have to train them to have good manners and right conduct.     

THREE STARS AND ONE SUN: Rising of Filipino Pride

“Philippines is a disgusting place. Are they really Asians? They are JUST Filipinos.

                                                                                                (From an Alleged author of a hate mail)

                The Philippines is currently the apple of the world’s eye due to the recent incidents that emerged some of our brothers. Prior to the Quirino Grandstand Hostage drama, the pearl of the orient seas was disliked by foreigners and some cross-breed Filipinos. Hate mails and blogs has been circulating since the 1990s; hence, degrading the Filipino community all over the world. Filipinos were labeled as uncivilized, corrupt, incompetent, backstabbers and many negative impressions to mention. Even their “Asianness” was questioned. These are reflected from Youtube, Multiply and other social networks that do not tolerate freedom of speech.

                Despite racial discrimination, most of the Filipinos and foreigners still love the Philippines especially its unique Asian traits. The following public figures proved to everyone that Filipinos have something to offer; something world class.

                Artists with Filipino blood denominated the billboard hit list. Allan pineda or a.k.a Apl. D. ap. is very vocal about his nationalism which reflected upon the songs of his hip-hop group, Black eyed Peas. Bruno Mars or Peter Gene Henares in real life is a half Puerto Rican and half Filipino by blood. He hooked us with his “Nothin on You”. Most of the country music lovers do not know that neal McCoy is half Filipino and half Irish. Indian culture was presented in the movie “Slumdog Millionaire” but behind the official soundtrack is a voice of a proud Filipina, Nicole Scherzinger, the lead singer of the all girl group, pussycat dolls. Hot RnB singers Cassie Vintura and Jasmin villegas are also Filipinas by blood. Filipino musicians also made a name, Kirk Hammet is the lead guitarist  of the American rock band,Mettalica and Anthony Improgo is the drummer of the cute band, ”Metrostation”. Charice Pempengco and Lea Salonga used not only their singing talents but also their acting skills. Lea is famous of the theatre while Charice is a stay-in for the pop musical show, Glee.

                Creativity is seen through the works of world class artisans. In graphic arts, Lynda Barry, is a creator of the hilarious cartoon, “The Simpsons while Ernie Chan works at the Marvel and DC comics. Transformers is a work of a Filipino,too. Don Figueroa is one of he men behind the success of these emo robots. “Johnny Bravo”, a muscled but foolish cartoon character is created by Van Partible. In the fashion industry, Zaldy Goco, Monique Lhuiller and Josie Natori are some of the famous Filipino fashion designers that are respected.

                The Philippines is known for their melting pot of culture and cuisine. A Filipina brought this at all the way to the White House. Cristeta Comeford is the first woman executive chef.

               

Filipinos are playful in nature but are serious in bringing their motherland pride. In boxing, the world is knocked out by the looks and the power of Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquioa or Manny “Pacman” Pacquioa, the pound for pound boxing king and the seven division world champion boxer. Nonito Donaire is the current IBF and IBO World Flyweight Champion. World Wrestling Federation or now is the World Wrestling entertainment is a never to miss TV program. Batista is a Greek- Filipino wrestler who fell in love with the Philippines since his first visit. In addition, Brandon Vera, a martial arts fighter is currently at UFC or Ultimate Fighting Championship.

America’s Best Dance Crew is a hit TV program which took the world by storm. Almost every season winners have Filipino members. Jabbawockeez(ABDC 1 Champion) is consist of Rynan Paguio, Chris Gatdula, Phil Tayag, Joe Larot, Randy Bernal and Mark John Garcia. Super Cr3w (ABDC 2 Champion) Filipino members are Ronnie Abaldonado, Angelito Casal and RJ Puno. Dominic Sandoval, Ryan Cnferido, Brian Hirano, and Aris Paracuelles ae the members of Quest Crew (ABDC 3 Champion) while Lawrence de Vera, Chad Mayate and justin Valles are the Filipino members of Poreotix (ABDC 5 champion). Hype 5-O (ABDC 5 Third Place) consists of the true blue Filipinos Allen Charles Pascual, Brittnie Aguilar, Jonathan Ramones, Joshua Ulep and Mark Ruey.

Indeed, these people proved their way to the top and became a part of their motherlands’ legacy. No discrimination or inequality would stop this race from surging to the top. Filipinos would always be fine, fresh and fierce in every field they want to enter.

URBAN DICTIONARY

Twenty first century, the growth of technology is rapid and with just a swoosh of modernization; almost everyone had became a “techie wizard”. Everything changed like in cuisine, fashion, but the most affected is the field of lifestyle. Men and women of this generation or also known as Generation Z or Generation Alpha; presented a fiercer style of living. Guys wearing pink are a shocker to the machismo society. Hence, it served as a stepping stone for men to reconstruct the face of being “macho”.

            Metrosexuals (bachelors or married men pampering themselves) stepped in the scene causing people to argue about their true identity. Well, according to these people who are still inside the box of classic thinking; it is not pleasing to see a gentleman applying face powder. That was in the golden days, men today seen to it that their physical appearance is in good condition. Hence, labeling them as the male version of “Kikays.”   

            Matronas are like so whatever; but not anymore. The transformation of these people is “major-major” amazing. They are known called as “Cougars” (above 40 in age) or “pumas” (above 30 in age). People nowadays are more conscious about their health. We need to ready ourselves for change and it is our choice if we will follow or not the thread of modernization. Be not afraid if changing your lifestyle will make you happy. In contrast, let us not lay our judgment to these people but instead, let us accept that it is their choice.   

Black Nostalgia

I've been living in a picture perfect memory

 Until an orb of you fell into my life.
It sucked every little bit of it into nothingness.
As you take everything, I feel pleasure amidst the destruction of my life.

SHATTERED!


You exploded.


I wander through this blackness. I slowly die.

       I fall like a wilted leaf, slowly in the river of life. I drift, following its ways.
I reminisce  in this auburn summer.


I PULSATE!


I shall live again!!!

HYPNOTIZED

Just a word and I'm mesmerized;
You cast a spell in my mind;
Encapsulated me in your heart;
You wink and then smile, I'm hypnotized;
You are my happy ending forever.

So before I forget, I adore you;
Behind your back, I gaze at you;
My heart beats fast, it'll blow my mind;
A thought of you brings chill down to my spine;
Every bad day turns to be better.

Everyone loves to hate and hates to love;
But you are never in either side;
You are a star, my angel from above;
Never gonna run again, I'll never hide.
I'm your hero and you're my scarlet letter.

And just in case, it slips from your head;
I'll bring back our yesterday;
Never gonna get out of my bed;
A dream of you makes my day;
Gonna end this into a happy ever after.

AT THE BEGINNING

Call Center Interview

            I am almost done with my studies. A common worry of a graduating student is work. I am so afraid of being in the list of unemployed. It was then one of my friends convinced me to apply as a Call Center agent in one of the known call centers in Baguio City. I guess it was a Saturday when we went to the Human Resource Department of that call-center. I was not that nervous since I tried being intervied by various people. Their office is nice. The front desk was just on the left of the entrance and infront of it are chairs somewhat the same(or even the same) with the ones in an airport. I am clueless with the application process. Now, I have to go through the same process which one of my friends went trough. The last time I heard of May is she is a Call Center Trainee but as of today I am not sure if she continued to be one of them. I reluctantly waited for the person-in-charge or whatever they call the person in the front desk. I am watching a movie being played  in the flat screen TV just beneath the front desk. A Japanese-American themed movie starring Shane West and a Japanese actress who speaks with American accent.


        I was distracted when someone shouted, addressing the applicants to pass our resumes and so, we did. I am observing her(the lady in the front desk). I can tell that she's checking every resume passed. Afterwards, she let us enter this certain room filled with computers. The room is brightly lighten, somehow relaxing because of the photographic murals of the waves of the sea coming forth to the rocky shore. the lady lets us choose a computer we would like to use. I chose one at the back. She explained that we have to fill-in this on-line application. So, I started to fill-in whatever they are asking me. I finished everything within fifteen minutes. I looked for my companions (Jenny, Janet and Miriam). One by one, I saw them. Then, this man from my left side talked to me. He said that he's from Ilocos Norte. I just said that I have relatives in Ilocus Sur. When most of us were done with the on-line application, we were instructed to wait in the lobby. So one by one, the applicants start to crowd the lobby until not a single applicant was left in the computer room. Then, another person called names from us. The first batch entered in one of the rooms in the one-story building. Another batch was called and another and another until only two applicants were left, me and Janet. Then, a short chubby lady called us both and we entered one of the rooms. The lady went out as she instructed us to wait for her. Janet and I started to talk about graduation and the lives we have to live after that event. As we talk, I scanned the room, searching for CCTV Cameras that may be spying us(I am thinking that the reason why she went out for too long is we were being watched)

                                         

            Then, she entered the room, greeting us. We greeted her back. She explained that we will undergo an English Proficiency Test. She interviewed us.I find it odd when she asked me about the death row in China and the major problem in the Philippine's educational system. Then, she brought up a topic(UNEMPLOYMENT) which me and Janet will have to talk about. I tried my best to talk naturally as possible to conceal the nervousness inside me.


          After the English Proficiency Test, we are each given a chance to listen for her assessment. She told me that I was spontaneous but sometimes I talk too fast which affects the clarity of what I am saying. She also commented about my tenses and some words I tend to repeat. Then, again, another person interviewed me in one of the rooms in the building(Behavioral Interview as what they call it). During that interview, I realized something: I am not for this; my heart seeks for teaching and not for a job that requires me to work at night time, talking to unknown people. After that interview, she lets me follow her to the same room where I was interviewed for the first time. She turned of a computer, opened the web browser and typed the website of the company. She instructed me what to do. She just left without a word and I started this computer assessment . An interactive questionnaire started to flash on the screen. I followed what it was saying. At the end, I answered a three hundred item questionnaire. Then, I waited for someone to arrive. Someone did and this person gave me a thirty minute break.


             As I walk in the hallway, the lady from the front desk saw me and asked me if I will not continue my application anymore. I said that one of their staff gave a break. I am quite shocked when not a single applicant is in the lobby area. It startled me when I saw my bag on one of the chairs(I remember that I gave it to Jenny),I looked for my phone and thank God it was there. As I reached my phone, I saw a sticky note posted on the screen of my phone. It says that they went ahead for lunch and asking me to send them a message if I'm done. I wen outside the office and sent each of them a message. I lost track of time. It's almost three in the afternoon and I did not yet still had my lunch. I found them in a store, eating and talking to this chick who looks like a character in BRATZ. I joined them. After I bought food, I started to chat with them. I have known from them that after the English Proficiency Test, they were not called anymore. They encouraged me to continue the application but I told them what I really feel. So, we just went home and not regretting our decision.