32×22: New Year’s Resolutions

Every year the list gets longer and gets harder to fill. Also, I’m running out of things to make a list of. But it’s an annual tradition and I’ll feel like I’ve failed myself if I don’t do it so here I go…

This year’s list is about my new resolutions and goals. Some are short-term (meaning I hope to accomplish in a year or three) and some are long-term (which I hope I get to accomplish before I die). I don’t know if I can cover the list but this definitely covers all aspects of my life. So without further ado, here is my 32×22 list:

Resolutions:

1. To sleep early. I’ve been adjusting my sleeping patterns for the last 5 years to earlier than it was. Hopefully this year I’ll manage to sleep at 10pm.

2. Exercise. I used to exercise regularly but for the past year, I’ve been lazy. And I really wanted to bring myself back in shape. I realized last LGUlympics how easily I got tired of a short run.

3. Eat healthily. I have a really bad diet. This is a big goal for me.

4. Limit coffee to once a day. It’ll be tough but I should be able to endure it.

5. Gain weight. I should ask Maymay Entrata how she managed her 10 kilos in a year. It sounded like a miracle. I know you’ll say I just need to eat plenty but believe me, gaining weight is not that easy.

6. Avoid retail therapy. Should I delete my online shopping apps? It’ll be hard but I’ll try to avoid them.

7. Extend my patience. I’m actually a very patient person even if a lot of people will not agree with it. I guess I have to work more on it.

8. Get back to reading. I’m so sad I haven’t hit my reading goals last year and probably this year. I’m just not in the mood to read a lot these days. 😭

9. Get back to blogging. I miss it. I’ll get around to doing it again one day.

10. Get back to writing. I feel like I’m not totally me anymore since I stopped doing this. But I made plans already and decided I’ll start with baby steps. I’ll be putting up my Wattpad soon. I decided to make some sort of an online diary where I tell about my days. I don’t care if nobody reads it as long as I write it.

11. Get back to drawing. I don’t even have the talent, I know but I love it and it helps me relax and destress. It eases my mind and maybe I’m so stressed because I don’t do it anymore.

12. Meet with friends. This may sound so simple but as I’m living so far away, this is really getting hard. I miss having friends.

Here are my short-term and long-term goals for my physical mental and spiritual well-being…

13. Travel to a place I’ve never been to before alone. Maybe in 2021 or 2022.

14. Have Lasik surgery before my 35th year ends.

15. Travel to Japan and/or Korea before 2025.

16. Celebrate my birthday by doing a charity event for kids. Feeding Children, Teaching out-of-school children, Technically I am hoping to spend it by making children happy and maybe make that an annual thing.

17. Be part of a cause. I mean officially be part of a cause. I don’t know which yet but probably something to do with children.

18. Encourage people at my church to have the same courage and confidence that I have in serving Him. Not because I’m good but because I am willing and I know that to Him that is all that matters.

19. To teach and inspire my young brethren not only to be good kids as they grow up but to be good leaders as well.

20. Buy/Build a house.

21. Learn to drive. I want to add, buy a car. But the truth is, I want to learn to drive but I don’t really want to drive. Just imagining being on the road makes me nervous. So…

22. Save a million pesos before I’m fifty.

23. Donate blood. I’m underweight so I can’t. I’d been dreaming of doing this since college but I simply can’t.

24. Have a tattoo. I think my religion is forbidding me to get one. But I really want to experience it. Will God punish me for wanting it? This one makes me feel like I’m such a rebel.

25. Meet my online friends. At least one of them if not all of them. There was a phase in my life when they’ve been a great help. I probably wouldn’t be this fine if I didn’t meet them. So I want to meet some of them in person.

26. Learn to bake. Or learn to cook a dish. Or something that is not my thing. I don’t know if I can but I should at least try.

27. Have a check-up. It sounds simple but this is something I should have done months ago but I keep putting it off. I hate going to the hospital. I may be old enough but I guess I’m not adult enough.

28. Buy an alarm clock. You probably wonder why. It’s because I said about a month ago that I should put my phone away before bed. But I cannot do it because it’s my alarm. Lame excuse right? And it’s also a lame part of the list because I’m running out of things to add to this.

29. ….

30. ….

31. ….

32. ….

I couldn’t think of anything more right now but I’m sure I’m forgetting something. So allow me to leave this space and get back to it one of these days.

For now… this is the end of this year’s annual tradition.

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31X22: Let’s Talk About Relationships

Every year, fewer and fewer people remember my birthday. No. I don’t think it’s because lesser people love me. It’s more like people are getting older and are getting pretty bad at remembering occasions. How did I know? Because when I woke up today, I didn’t even remember that today is my birthday. So from the bottom of my heart, I am really thankful for all the people who never forget that today is a special day for me.

For the past ten years, every time this day comes it has been obligatory for me to write a blog. From Friendster, to Multiply, to Facebook, then a few years ago I started posting it on my blog site. Last year, I was so busy adjusting to a new life that I didn’t get the chance to write something. This year, I don’t want to make that excuse again. That’s why I tried so hard to think about what to write about. Usually, do it by listing stuff. Like facts about myself, things I like, people who made in fact in my life. But as I am getting older, the list that I need to fill gets longer. I don’t think I can do that anymore. So this year, I thought of doing it differently. Still, the bigger question was, what about? I jokingly said that maybe I should talk about love. But I can’t cause I’m no expert. Well, I’m not really an expert at anything. In the end, I decided to do relationships instead. Not romantic relationships per se, but all sorts of relationships with people.

With that, this year, I give you:  THINGS I LEARNED ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS.

1. FAMILY. Let me quote from one of my favorite books a few words that based on my observation of mine and those around me pretty much describe what family relationships are like. Hermes from Rick Riordan’s book Sea of Monsters said,   “Families are messy. Immortal families are eternally messy. Sometimes the best we can do is to remind each other that we’re related for better or for worse…and try to keep the maiming and killing to a minimum.”

 Of course, we don’t really want to get to the maiming and killing part because (1) that’s a sin. (2) Unlike Hermes (from the story) none of us are immortal. But the rest of the words are pretty accurate for every family. We all have misunderstandings. My older sister and I are like Tom and Jerry half the time even at this age. But still, that doesn’t discount the fact that we love each other and that I know I’ll have her back anytime I need it. And vice versa. There are those who we sometimes wish, we could be detached in our lives and forget we’re family at all but still when tough times come we forget about all the animosity and are willing to lend that hand. No family is perfect. But you can never deny that you are related for better or for worse.

2. FRIENDSHIPS. For me, friends are families sent to us by God through a different set of parents. Throughout the years, I met a lot of people. But unlike your blood-related families, these people can sever ties from you any time they want. The most important lesson I’ve learned about friendship is that you can be at your worst and the true ones will remain by your side. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve known each other. Or how many trials you both went through together. Friendship is a fragile thing. I found myself losing friends because I don’t want to take sides in quarrels among my friends. The one remained and understood that I can’t go between whatever is going on between them, and the other felt like I was fraternizing with the enemy and removed me from their life. Of course, there are also those who you go a long period without talking but once you do, nothing changes between the two of you.

Another thing I’ve learned about friendship, being best friends doesn’t have to be a mutual thing. Of course, it would totally be a blessed thing if both of you feel the same. But I realized that it’s okay if I consider someone as my best friend even if I am not the best for her.

And with today’s technology, I even learned that one’s friendship could mean so much to you even if you haven’t them in person (hello to my online friends across the globe).

3. WORKMATES AND COLLEAGUES Many people don’t know but I’m not really a people person. If I have a choice, I’ll take a job that does not involve talking with anyone at all. I guess it was partly because I was bullied, back-stabbed, betrayed, and cheated a lot during my formative years I didn’t really develop a sense of trust for people. Adulting 101 though involves going out of your comfort zone. That’s why through the years, I have tried so much to adjust myself. I’m really thankful to all the people who extended their patience for me until slowly I develop confidence within me.

There was a time in one of the places where I’ve worked when I felt everyone was against me. I even heard rumors flying around. One very wise stranger told me, “Don’t keep it to heart. Maybe they are envious. Or scared of you. Scared you might take their job. I know it’s hard to take it in now but you gotta be strong and patient. Along the way, they would forget they ever did that to you. Or that they even said things about you. If you take it to heart, you would always feel and think negative about them. Just give it your best all the time. If they see that you are not out to get them and that you are just like them doing their best to survive the tide you would eventually earn their trust and respect. It’s always hard to be the new guy at any workplace. But if you keep in your heart any ill feelings, you would strain your working relationship even before you get started.”

These words really helped me survive a lot of months. And the stranger was right. I was so stressed bottling up my emotions but in the end, everything work out. Along the way, the people who I felt were against me eventually supported me in my journey and even became my allies when things got bad. The stranger does know what he was talking about. I even learned to deal with people better. Today, at my current workplace, it helped me to extend patience I didn’t even know I have so that I can talk to people even at times  I don’t feel like it. Of course, I also have those moments when I lose my patience. And people do talk when I do. But it’s okay. What people don’t know is I am really hard on myself. If I make mistake I chastised myself so much about it. There is always room for learning. And people around you at work can always help you get better no matter how they treat you.

4. LOVE. Since we’re talking about relationships, I felt like it would be cowardice to not talk about this one. I really don’t want to since among all kinds of relationships, this is the one I’m worst at. Either I love and care too deeply or I’ve been hurt so much I am so after to put my feet in the water that it tends to not work out. They say that loving someone involves getting hurt. And I know first-hand how true that can be. And that was why I also learned to take caution. But someone also said, loving someone cautiously is not loving at all. Hmm… too complicated noh? I’m with you there. There’s also that question, how do you really know if you met the one? I really have no answer. Like I said, this is one is what I’m worst. But still, I learned a thing or two from “all the boys I’ve loved before” (see what I did there?).  Here they are: (1) Loving someone means taking the risk of not getting loved back even if you give it your all. Time would come when you eventually have to admit defeat even if hoping would be easier. (2)Letting go is a process, but moving on is a decision. You can never really move on unless you decide that you have to and that you need to. (3) If a person wants to be with you, no miles or distance or time zones will get in the way. (4) When you say goodbye, mean it. I actually heard this a while ago in the grocery where a concert of Vice Ganda was being played. I remembered the words me and my friend used to say to each other back in college. “Kapag ex, ex na. Hindi na binabalikan.” And I think I silently observed this rule. She might have broken it about once or twice. But she’s happy now. And you may have observed that none of my learnings ended up in a happy ending. Just to be clear, it may not be a happy ending but that doesn’t mean that I’m not happy. ‘Cause one of the things that I also learned is that (5) I’d rather be alone than being with someone who will go running the other way at the first sign of trouble.

 I haven’t been into a lot of relationships. But the few that I’ve been through gave me enough lessons to hope that the next one might be better. It may not be much to some people but it taught me the difference between someone willing to give it a try, someone who wants to make it work, and someone who is looking for the first excuse to quit. I’m not closing my doors that true love may find me someday. I’m not also beyond looking for it myself. Who knows maybe my Mr. Right has a bad sense of direction and got lost in the way, right?

I have limited knowledge about relationships. But all the relationships that I have and had that I mentioned above, I value them and tucked within me the learnings that I gained through them. Above all. I thank the Lord above for this relationship I have with Him that has kept me sane, strong, patient, forgiving and loving all through the thick and thins of all the relationships that I have.

I’m running out of time. I have to have this up in my blog before my birthday ends. Since it’s already 9:38, I’ll have to end it here. Might have more to share one of these days. But since it’s already crunch time, here’s your birthday gal, signing off. I hope you enjoyed reading this year’s birthday blog from yours truly.

-vs092218

Let It Burn by Ruth Cardello Release Blitz

Release Blitz, Let it Burn by Author Ruth Cardello

Let It Burn

The Barrington Billionaires, Book 4

By Ruth Cardello

BLURB

His questions will put her in danger.

Her love will set him free.

Billionaire Andrew Barrington walked away from the lavish lifestyle he was raised in to serve as a Marine. Until recently, he would have said he’d made the right choice. A tragic set of events, however, has him not reenlisting and emotionally hitting rock bottom.

Helene Franklin is visiting her uncle as part of an extended vacation in Aruba. She trades her bikini for an office job when he says there is trouble brewing at his clinic and asks her to keep an eye out for anything unusual.

Every Marine needs a mission. To appease his family, Andrew heads to Aruba to track down what he believes is a wild goose chase. Expecting to discover nothing, he meets a quirky, irresistible virgin who is just about to turn his whole world upside down.

What will they gain and what will they lose when they both decide to. . .let it burn?

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve always love books written by Ruth Cardello. This one is a really great addition to the series.

At first, I’m not really sure how I felt about Helene. I kinda dislike her but she proved me wrong along the way. I like when characters prove me wrong about what I think of their character. So yeah, Helene is now among my favorite heroines from a Ruth Cardello novel.

Like always, how the novel talks about family touches me. I love how Helene helped Andrew to find his way back to his family. I also love seeing how the Barrington family, most especially Sophie develop into a better family than they were before the start of the series.

While Helene helped Andrew find his way back, I also enjoyed reading how the two of them helped each other realized their dreams and the things that would make them truly happy.

And though this is a romance novel, for me it’s more about family, facing your fears, growing up as a person and fighting for your dreams. Of course, the romance aspect of it was also really really great and romantic and that’s why that felt like the icing on the cake.

I can’t wait to read more of the Barrington brothers and the other families surrounding this series.

 

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sharing link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b8ea4d1916/?

BOOK LINKS

iBooks | Amazon |Barnes and Noble|Kobo |Google Play|AmazonUK

OTHER PUBLISHED BOOKS BY RUTH CARDELLO

The Legacy Collection

Also available in audio

Where my billionaires began.

Book 1: Maid for the Billionaire (Free Download)

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Nook | iBooks | Kobo| Google

Book 2: For Love or Legacy

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book 3: Bedding The Billionaire

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book 4: Saving the Sheikh

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Book 5: Rise of the Billionaire

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book 6: Breaching the Billionaire: Alethea’s Redemption

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book 7: A Corisi Christmas Novella

Amazon US | Amazon UK

The Andrades

Also available in audio

A spin off series of the Legacy Collection with cameos from characters you love from that series.

Book 1: Come Away With Me

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book 2: Home to Me

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book 3: Maximum Risk

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book 4: Somewhere Along the Way

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book 5: Loving Gigi

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Recipe For Love: A Hot Andrade Christmas Novella

Amazon US | Amazon UK

The Barrington Billionaires

A new, seven book series about the Andrade’s Boston cousins.*

Book 1: Always Mine (Free Download)

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play

Book 2: Stolen Kisses

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play

Book 3: Trade it All

Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks | Nook | Kobo | Google

Book 4: Let It Burn

iBooks | Amazon

A Billionaire for Lexi

Amazon | iBooks | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Google Play | AmazonUK

Other Books

Taken by a Trillionaire

J.S. Scott, Melody Anne, and Ruth Cardello

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play

The Temptation Series

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play

Gabe ( 7 brides For 7 Brothers)

iBooks I Nook I Google I AmazonUS | AmazonUK | Kobo I Paperback

*Look for a linked Barrington Billionaire series set in the same world, written by Jeannette Winters (my sister) and Danielle Stewart (my niece).

You won’t have to read the other series to enjoy mine, but it sure will make it more fun. Characters will appear in all three series.

Author Jeannette Winters

Book 1: One White Lie

iBooks | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |AmazonUK

Book 2: Table for Two

iBooks | Amazon | Barnes & Noble| AmazonUK

Book 3: You & Me, Make Three

iBooks | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | AmazonUK

Book 4: Virgin for the Fourth Time

iBooks | Amazon |AmazonUK

Danielle Stewart

Book 1: Fierce Love

iBooks | Amazon | AmazonUK | Barnes & Noble

Book 2: Wild Eyes

iBooks | Amazon | AmazonUK| Barnes & Noble

Book 3: Crazy Nights

iBooks | Amazon |AmazonUK | Barnes & Noble

Book 4: Loyal Hearts

Amazon | AmazonUK

ABOUT AUTHOR

Ruth Cardello is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She was born the youngest of 11 children in a small city in northern Rhode Island. She spent her young adult years moving as far away as she could from her large extended family. She lived in Boston, Paris, Orlando, New York–then came full circle and moved back to Rhode Island. She now happily lives one town over from the one she was born in. For her, family trumped the warmer weather and international scene.
She was an educator for 20 years, the last 11 as a kindergarten teacher. When her school district began cutting jobs, Ruth turned a serious eye toward her second love- writing and has never been happier. When she’s not writing, you can find her chasing her children around her small farm, riding her horses, or connecting with her readers online.

Connect with Ruth

Website: www.RuthCardello.com

FaceBook: www.facebook.com/RuthCardello

Twitter: @RuthieCardello

Email Notice of New Releases:ruthcardello.com/contact/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ruth-Cardello/e/B005HZXDKW

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4820876.Ruth_Cardello

HAPPY READING!

https://www.facebook.com/JoandIsalovebooks/

Why I Support MaryDale “MayMay” Entrata For Big Three

 

Reasons Why I Support Mary Dale “MayMay” Entrata for Big Three

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As PBB Teens is coming to an end, I know most of us have our own bet. I also realized that a basher can find unending fault at one housemate while others see none. I don’t plan to contradict anybody.  I am merely expressing my opinion and sharing why I love my bet.

1. From Day 1 she exuded good vibes inside the house.

Kung nasimulan mo ang season na ito ng PBB, then like me, you still remember that day. I think every single soul who watched the show that night laughed as she said, “Hala, bakit ganon. Kain na lang ako.” While Nikko and McCoy pretended to be having a fight.

It was her positive vibes that drew her housemates to her those first few days and made everyone felt at ease and welcomed. Her positive vibes is really a charm.

It was also this positive side of her that helped Edward to enjoy dancing even if it’s not his thing during their first lucky task. Ito din ang dahilan kaya nagawa nya ang first secret task ng season nila, at yon ay maisagawa ang iba’t-ibang request ng mama ni Heaven para sa 100 secs nila.

2. She’s not really an ate outside the house but she tries her very best to be a good ate to her housemates.

She has her worries that she might not be a good ate the day the celebrity housemates left. But as days go by, she step by step proved that she can be an Ate to all of them. Minsan, we think na isip bata s’ya. Siguro dahil parati s’yang tumatawa, ginagawang biro ang lahat. Pero hindi rin maitatanggi na kapag kailangan ng voice of reason nandiyan siya. She knows how to step up and take control of the situation when it’s needed. Isa sa mga halimbawa nito ay ang mga pagkakataon na nagkaroon ng hindi pagkakaunawaan sa loob ng bahay ni kuya. Noong nag away si Christian at si Rita, Si Christian at si Marco, Si Marco at si Kisses. Hindi naging madali yon para sa kanya pero makikita natin yong effort nya na ayusin ang gusot ng walang pinapanigan.

At bilang isang ate, nakita din natin iyong concern nya noong medyo lumalampas na sa limitasyon ang ibang housemates. Hindi iyon naging madali sa iba na tanggapin pero pinanindigan nya ang kung ano sa palagay niya ay tama.

3. I saw her beautiful soul when Lola Pina came in.

Habang ang ibang housemate ay pinipilit ang sarili na pakinggan si lola sa walang katapusan nyang kwento, si Maymay makikita mo na very genuine sya sa kung ano mang kwento ni lola. Halos ayaw na nyang umalis sa tabi ni lola. There were a few conversation that really stuck with me and here they were (Please note that all conversations from here onwards are non verbatim):

Fenech to Maymay when they got Lola’s things in the storage room: May diaper ate Maymay, paano to? Sino maglalagay?

Maymay to Fenech: E di ako, ginagawa ko din naman ito sa lola ko.

She said it so casually I felt the sincerity in my bones. Walang pagdadalawang isip. Walang pag-aalinlangan. She said it like it’s the most natural thing to do.

When they were planning their show:

Kristine to Housemates: Nasaan na ba si ate maymay? Kailangan natin si ate maymay sya ang magaling dito.

I think it was Aizan who answered: Na kay Lola. Ayaw na umalis sa tabi ni Lola. Namimiss ata lola nya.

This stuck to me because, that same day, I saw one of the housemates a little bit earlier to this scene rolling eyes at lola’s stories when lola was not looking. The housemates may not have noticed but the camera sure did. And I did. While this housemate was acting like she cared, Maymay was there who truly cared.

And I guess all Prime Time viewers remembered that night that MayMay took care of lola while everyone else was still asleep. Her words:

“Pag matanda na tayo, maghahanap din tayo ng pagmahal at pag aruga. Kung gusto natin na ‘yon ang gawin sa atin, ngayon pa lang gawin na natin yon sa mga lolo at lola natin. Lahat naman tayo ay papunta don.’

At her young age, she was brought up to never forget respect for the elderly, to care with them with genuineness, to love them unconditionally.

Kung nanonood ka ng Livestream alam mo na to listen to lola was not an easy feat. Hindi sya nauubusan ng kwento as in. Pero Maymay and a few other housemates never ran out of patience for her either. Never got tired of listening and Maymay most of all, she never got tired of attending to her needs despite how tired she was with the task at hand.

4. The way she looks at life is an inspiration.

If you’ve watch since the beginning of this season, you probably know her life story. How her father left them when she was still a baby because her mother is poor. How her father’s parents tried to buy off her mother like the way people do in teleserye. You probably also know the story of the ex-bf who’s family looked at her at the same way.

The great thing about this story was that the situation made her strong but it also never let her lose sight of what’s important.  And that’s to love and accept people for what and who they are.  Never s’yang nag judge ng tao dahil sa estado sa buhay. And that’s why she’s best friend with Kisses even though the latter was rich. She cried to kuya about never meeting her real father but still, there was no bitterness. There was only longing. A longing to be hugged and loved by a real father. She may be funny most of the time but her life story is not a funny one. It was tough. But in spite all of that, her heart remain good and pure. And that just made me love her more.

5. When she cares for someone, she does with all her heart.

Kisses and Edward are the two closest housemates to her. I like how she bonded with Kisses despite their differences in life. The first time Kisses was nominated, I remember her telling Kisses that if ever she got evicted, she will look for her and find her when she go out too. There was even this conversation with Kisses, MayMay and Fenech while they were cleaning that goes like this:

Maymay: Kisses pag lumabas tayo ditto ayos lang ba kung puntahan kita sa school mo tapos kakain tayo sa labas.

Kisses: Oo naman.

Fenech: Kayong dalawa lang talaga?

Maymay: Selos ka?

Fenech said yes but I don’t know the exact words because it was in Bisaya but ain’t that sweet? They bonded like the real sisters they never had in real life.

Edward on the other hand is another matter. What really stuck with me that made me realized how much MayMay cared for him as a friend was this conversation between her and Kisses in the girl’s bedroom that goes like this:

Kisses: Sabi nya ate May, ‘You’re not Paulo and you will never be Paulo. Tapos nandon si Edward. Kung ikaw yon ate may? (referring to Heaven practicing a dialogue with Marco).

Maymay: Supportahan na lang natin si Edward. Kung masaya man sya, maging masaya tayo para sa kanya. Kung malungkot man sya iparamdam natin na nandyan tayo para sa kanya. Kasi si Paulo ilang buwan na ba niya kilala tapos si Edward? Kasi si Edward hulog na hulog na sya. Basta tayo nandito para sa kanya.

I would need the video for the exact conversation but it was almost like this. Some say it was backstabbing the other housemate. For me, it was Maymay and Kisses showing concern for the person they are closer to. Because that’s the way Maymay is, she doesn’t do things half-heartedly and that includes loving and caring for a friend.

6. Never say die, never give up attitude.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a task she’s good at or a task which is not at all her forte. Hindi uso kay MayMay ang salitang hindi ko kaya. Kaya ko yan. Kaya natin yan. Kakayanin natin yan. Those are the only words you will ever hear from her. Kahit minsan parang imposible. Ang maganda sa kanya, she’s not just words. Her words come with determined action. Kung ano ang sinasabi nya, iyon din ang ginagawa nya. And that’s what make her succeed in every task kuya has ever thrown at them. The Pageant, the Army Mission and even the Domino tower tasks that were not her comfort zone, we saw how determined she was to win them all.

7. She’s a dreamer and she never lost sight of them and who she’s dreaming it for.

   I always admire people who dream big dreams and work hard to reach them. Watching Maymay everyday has given me inspiration to fight for my dreams and work hard even for those dreams I have let go because it deemed impossible. At kahit mahirap, lagi syang determinado kasi hindi nya nakakalimutan kung para saan ang mga ipinaglalaban niya sa buhay. At hindi rin siya nakakalimot magpasalamat at makaappreciate kapag naabot nya ang mga pangarap nya.

   

   

8. There is no such thing as language barrier when it comes to her.

Never mind if she can’t speak English well. Never mind that her tagalog is not at best either. Her love and care for people transcend barriers including language barriers. Maria and Stephanie was a testament to that when she got very close to them in a short amount of time and let them feel the love that a Maymay Entrata can give. With her personally, she can make everyone feel loved and welcome no matter where you came from. And I think if you can’t feel that, the problem was probably on you and not her.

Actually, I believe her personality even cross tv screens. That’s why she’s loved by many. And that includes me.

9. She’s beautiful, strong and independent.

Actually, this was how Maria described her when she was asked about MayMay. 70+ days of watching her every day and I couldn’t agree more. Maymay is all this and more.

10. She’s a certified happy pill.

Some people say she’s over reacting lalo napag may artista na involved. For me she’s being real. All her antics and reactions always made me laugh to boot from day one till the present. She’s so fan to watch because just watching her is enough to relieve a stressful day of work. Kiber na kung mukha man siyang baliw, buang o ano pa man. Hindi niya iniisip kung ano ba magiging hitsura nya. Basta kung ano reaction nya the moment something happened, yon na yon. Buang na kung buang. It’s probably this reason that kuya enjoys having her in the confession room so much. Kung nanonood ka ng livestream, alam mo na it always takes her forever bago lumabas kapag pinapatawag sya ni kuya. And to those who watch PBB, I’m sure whether you like MayMay or not you can’t deny that there are times that she made you laugh too.

But even though she’s such a funny girl, makikita mo din yung depth ng character niya. Like when Lolo Joe happened. She tried to be so strong and tried to smile sa kabila ng pinagdadaanan niya and for me that was really inspiring. The way she boost the confidence of Vivoree when she was crying because she felt short at being a leader, when she was advising Kisses about love and moving on. Her not so 19 year old antics makes us so happy but she can also show us that she’s also really a 19 years old that has a wisdom of someone older than her age. She’s mature enough to know her priorities and enough of a child in her to see the beauty of life despite her life’s tragedies. I think it’s because of these things that she can make people happy. Her beautiful soul carries her through and that reflects in her attitude and radiates to people.

I’ve been a fan of PBB since season 1 but among all the seasons, I admire MayMay the most. As a fan of PBB, I can whole heartedly say that Mary Dale Entrata is one of the best things that happened to PBB.

Note:

• I know we all have opinions, and we all have bets. I respect yours but please respect mine. I wrote this to express my opinion about why I support Maymay and love her. No hate.
• All conversations are not exact, I wrote them as I remember them.
• I’ll try to add video links if I can find them.
• Credits to the owners of the pictures that I borrowed.

P.S.

If any of you have a link to videos of scenes, kindly send them to me so I can add the link in her. Thank you very much!

Her Darkest Nightmare by Brenda Novak

Her Darkest Nightmare by Brenda Novak

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THE HUNT FOR A SERIAL KILLER
Evelyn Talbot knows that a psychopath can look perfectly normal. She was only sixteen when her own boyfriend Jasper imprisoned and tortured her—and left her for dead. Now an eminent psychiatrist who specializes in the criminal mind, Evelyn is the force behind Hanover House, a maximum-security facility located in a small Alaskan town. Her job puts her at odds with Sergeant Amarok, who is convinced that Hanover is a threat to his community…even as his attraction to beautiful Evelyn threatens to tear his world apart.
BEGINS WITH AN ESCAPE FROM HER PAST
Then, just as the bitter Alaskan winter cuts both town and prison off from the outside world, the mutilated body of a local woman turns up. For Amarok, this is the final proof he needs: Hanover has to go. Evelyn, though, has reason to fear that the crime is a personal message to her—the first sign that the killer who haunts her dreams has found her again. . .and that the life she has so carefully rebuilt will never be the same…

I fell in love with Brenda Novak’s writing the first time I read a book of her which was The Hanover House. I don’t think I ever enjoyed reading a psychological thriller as much as I enjoyed this one. Brenda Novak definitely knew what she was doing when she wrote this. I was almost at the edge of my bed gripping at the pages (figuratively since I read an ebook copy) and was both nervous and anticipating as I delve into it. It was an intense read. There were moments that I need to take a pause because I was not really sure I’m ready to face what will happen next.

At the end of the book, I was even torn. I felt like something was wrong with me because I hoped there was something more about Hugo. I could even see where Evelyn’s fascination in all these was coming from.

Of course, the romance aspect of the story was like just an icing on top. I would have enjoyed reading it even without it but I must admit it made everything better.

After reading this one, I’m sure now a fan of this author’s work.

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Taking Charge (Lone Star Burn #4) by Ruth Cardello

Taking Charge
by Ruth Cardello
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

Lucy Albright never wanted her family’s Texas ranch, but now it’s in foreclosure. She’s already lost so much she can’t bear the thought of losing one more thing. Lucy learned the hard way not to accept help from a man when there are strings attached, so she’ll do whatever it takes to save the ranch on her own terms—even if that means launching an online business marketing high-¬tech sex toys.

Ranch manager David Harmon has a reputation for being a cowboy with a heart of gold. Even if she refuses his help, down-and-out Lucy is the kind of woman he’ll do anything to protect. And while David may not know much about Lucy’s naughty side business, that won’t stop a cowboy from doing something he’s set his mind to.

With the ranch threatened by a scheming neighbor, Lucy can’t help but keep David around. Their attraction may be undeniable, but will the spark between them burn her entire future to the ground?

David is one of the characters in this series that I was really curious about and was looking forward to reading the story ever since book 1. And I’m happy that the way the author wrote His and Lucy’s story dd not disappoint.

I like the progress and the flow of how their relationship was build up. I almost felt like I was in the story myself and witnessing it first hand. And like most of Ruth’s books, I enjoyed the life lessons it shared or reminded me off.

I’m not really a pet person but I was highly fascinated with David’s job. I even wished I was there to witness it first hand and maybe experience the same thing. His character’s patience was very inspiring while Lucy being both stubborn and tough inspired me in a different way. I enjoyed how they have overcome their struggle to reach their happy ending.

The appearance of other characters from the previous books was a bonus. I can still say that Mason is still my favorite character in the series and I enjoyed his appearance in here. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

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Paper Castles by Terri Lee

Paper Castles by Terri Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BLURB

Where do you go when you find out everything you wanted isn’t what you need?

Savannah Palmerton picks up a brush and heads to an art class, desperate to find a piece of the girl she used to be, before the country club dances and the boring dinner party conversations. In 1963 the country is still playing in her innocence, but there are rumblings beneath the surface. The fabric of America is just beginning to fray around the edges. So it is in Savannah Palmerton’s life.
Love, betrayal and family secrets create a lethal cocktail that has Savannah’s world unraveling at her feet. Set against a southern backdrop of garden parties and civil rights marches, Paper Castles is a sultry mix of sweet-tea and murder. Sex and secrets.

Paper Castles is the best kind of love story. Where a woman must first learn to love herself.

MY THOUGHTS

A few chapters into the book, I feel like walking away from it. “Great, another cheating story,” was what I thought. And cheating is not really my cup of tea. But as this is a book I was requested to review, I thought I should at least try to read half of it before telling the author this book is not for me.

But I was surprised. It’s not what I judged it to be. Somewhere by the end of the chapter at 30 percent, Savannah had my respect and I was now set to see this book to its end. And things went even more unexpected after that. I am surprised by the turn of events. The issue of diversity and legalities was handled well by the author there was no way to not enjoy the story. The last time I enjoyed a 60s story like this one was when I read Danielle Stewart’s Flowers in the Snow.

I like how the author pictured the black issues. And I loved Neenie’s character so much. Each character was also developed well that you can feel where each of them was coming from. That said, I can’t even fault Angela for feeling the way she did.

Technically speaking, I like the writer’s style. Every event goes smoothly. I don’t know if this is her first book but I can tell that the author did a magnificent job at it.

All in all, I have a great time reading this story. I was even a bit emotional at some point and the romance aspect was well blended too. I will be looking forward for more of this author’s work in the future.

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The Barrington Billionaire World Book 3 by Ruth Cardello, Danielle Stewart and Jeannette Winters Reviewed

 

Trade It All by Ruth Cardello

Lance Barrington’s priority is business, not pleasure. Only one woman has ever been able to turn him inside out: Willa Chambers, his sister’s best friend. Forbidden. Scandalous. Unforgettable.

They’ve spent the last ten years trying to forget one night.

When Willa and Lance are thrown together again, things heat up fast. Loving him almost destroyed her the first time.

This time, will it heal her?

MY THOUGHTS

Trade It All by Ruth Cardello

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like this story because it’s not one of those fast developing romance. In fact, this one has history.  A past that was hunting both the characters. I like how the characters develop throughout the story and how they faced the hurdle between them. I also like how Willa’s friends stood up for her even without her spilling everything.

I also like how the characters get to know not only each other but only their own self throughout the process. I’m just a little hung and wanting to unravel the mystery around the family. Hopefully the next books will give justice to all of that mystery. I’m looking forward to the next one.

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Crazy Nights by Danielle Stewart

Emmitt Kalling isn’t satisfied unless he’s smashing something. It can be a punching bag at the gym or some jerk’s face at the bar. He’s not picky. Since arriving home from his last deployment, he’s itching for some action. But he only finds the same problems he faced before he enlisted.

Evie Pike has been exiled from her budding acting career with few future prospects. On a journey to find her purpose, she discovers her path is only paved with disappointment and the coffee she keeps spilling on her bosses. Feeling painfully unqualified for almost everything, she realizes a chance to hop a plane with Emmitt is like a ripcord on a parachute; she’d better pull it before it’s too late.

She’s desperate to connect. He’s a master at no strings attached. Their attraction is magnetic, but their opinions are polarizing. Will their sizzling chemistry be enough?

MY THOUGHTS

Crazy Nights by Danielle Stewart

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had me in a roller coaster of emotion. I was thrilled, I was confused, I feel sorry and annoyed at the characters too, but most of all I learned a lot from both Emmitt and Evie.

Just like most of Danielle’s books, this story deals a lot about family and their issues. I get where Emmitt was coming from but I also understand how Evie felt the way she did. At some point in the story, I felt like Evie should just give up her ideals and go on with Emmitt’s plan because it sounds better for everybody. But in the end, I was happy she stood up for what she believe in.

I was holding my breath when the news about Emmitt came out. How Danielle weaved and spun the story was so good that even though you may have an idea what might coming next you still find yourself surprised when it finally came.

I love the story of hope, trust, and faith that this story delivers. This for me is the best one from all of Danielle’s contribution to the series. Of course, I’m still looking forward to the next one. Because with Danielle Stewart, every story just gets better and better.

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You and Me Make Three

Shaun Henderson learned young that the best defense is to strike first. It’s perfect in business but not in matters of the heart.

Morgan Pereira had walked away from a high profile position to protect her son. Years later she is given another opportunity to climb the corporate ladder.

Taking the job opens wounds Morgan thought had healed.

If Shaun really does want her, he’ll have to learn that some things can’t be forced. Love plays by its own rules.

MY THOUGHTS

You & Me Make Three: Barrington Billionaire’s Series: Book Three by Jeannette Winters

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story started a bit slow for me. At first, I wasn’t really into it but every turn of a page takes me deeper into the story until I find that I can’t put the book down until I get to the end.

I like the added diversity of the story. It gives more feelings and emotions into it. In fact I feel like there should be a book two fo this book three. Because I want to know what happened after they became three. How did Tyler feel about that? How did Shaun develop their relationship? I would like to see how that one build up. Because much as I like the diversity, I feel like it wasn’t really explored. Like Tyler was just there to add as a conflict to the budding romance between Shaun and Morgan. So yeah, another story or maybe a novella starring them would be something that I’ll love to see.

Storywise, it was really good. The first part as I said was a bit slow for me maybe because of the lack of dialogue and too much self-thought. Although I like knowing how characters really think I also like being shown these things through scenes that involved dialogue and interactions. It gets better throughout the story as the characters show you a part of themselves and when you really get into the heart of it, I guess it doesn’t really matter how it started.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this story and I can’t wait to find more of what happened to the other Henderson siblings.

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The Curse Workers by Holly Black Reviewed

Title:

Book 1: White Cat | Book 2: Red Glove | Book 3: Black Heart

Author: Holly Black
Narrator: Jesse Eisenberg
Format: Audiobook

BLURB – BOOK 1

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers—people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they’re all criminals. Many become mobsters and con artists. But not Cassel. He hasn’t got magic, so he’s an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail—he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Cassel has carefully built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts to crumble when he finds himself sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He’s noticing other disturbing things too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him. As Cassel begins to suspect he’s part of a huge con game, he must unravel his past and his memories. To find out the truth, Cassel will have to outcon the conmen.

my thoughts

I read the ebook version of this series several years ago and I fell in love with. I love the unique concept of the mob family as was portrayed in this series. I also loved all the characters. They all have good sides and bad sides to them which you can relate to. The romance aspect was also nicely portrayed. Not too much and just right for their age. It also tells a great story of family and friendship.

This year, I borrowed the whole audio version of the series in the library and I’m happy that I was able to. At first, I felt kinda off with the narrator. Not that he was bad but I was imagining Cassel’s voice a different way. But towards the next books, I slowly get used to the voice of the narrator and enjoyed it. I still find the series very fascinating even though I have read it already years ago. I also still wondered what will happen next as I forgot some of the details already and listening to Jessi Eisenberg give life to these characters paint a more vivid picture in my head.

I fell in love with Holly Black’s writing with this series and I’m planning to read her other books.

Overall rating for audio : 

Overall rating for ebook :

Ten Lives (The Respawn Saga Book 1) by Christian Terry Reviewed

Ten Lives
by Christian Terry
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

 

 

After agreeing to hunt down an ancient relic on an alien world, Mike Wesley may have gotten more than he bargained for: the mark of the hero which gives him the ability to respawn after death, ten times.

Now, between the deadly booby traps and the cute, cuddly yet murderous cat creatures that inhabit the world of Kelenia, he’ll need each one of his new lives if he wants to make it back to Atlanta in one piece.

This book was quite exciting and I think gamers would like this book too. For a debut novel, the author did a good job with this one. For a short novel, it was filled with thrill and action. The story and the setting were unique too and I love those aspects of the story.

The only downside of this book was that, since it was short I felt like there are some things that were a bit rushed. Also, I feel like Mike’s character has more to tell than what was portrayed in this book. I kind of like to know him deeper, like what his past has been, why he reacts to his environment, people and events the way he did now and much more. I also wanted to know more about this world they were brought into. But it’s also because of these that I’m looking forward to the next book. I’m hoping that the next one will be longer.

All in all, I can say I had a great time going through the adventure with Mike and Lou and I’m looking forward to getting to know these two and the other characters in the next books.

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