Thursday, June 22, 2017

CRAZY RICH ASIANS by KEVIN KWAN

Rachel Chu caught herself overwhelmed upon discovering that her boyfriend Nick Young was crazy rich - as in rich beyond belief.  During their stay in Singapore for his best friend's wedding, she was exposed to the culture and lavish lifestyle practiced by his family. But more than the extravagance, what would turn Rachel’s emotions upside down was  the  interference by those who were against the relationship and the thought that maybe keeping their relationship would not work for long.

Crazy Rich Asians has become abuzz again lately since the shooting for its motion picture has begun. Everyone's going crazy over the actors who will be playing the roles, especially for many Filipino fans ever since Kris  Aquino  has become a part of the cast. Also, it's always an intrigue anticipating how a book's movie version is going to turn out regardless of whether comparing is a good idea  or not.
It only takes a spark,
to get the fire going.
And soon all those around,
can warm up in its glowing.
- Botticelli's Venus

This is just a quick review since it's been quite a while when I finished reading this book, and I thought I would give this book a spur-of-the-moment kind of reflection.

The reason I wanted to read this was mainly because some say it's a lot like Gossip Girl, and, well, I love Gossip Girl. I had been missing  GG, and I thought to myself this was the cure I needed. They were indeed similar with all the over-the-top showing off, the bratty gal pals and the nonstop bullying. There were even bullying scenarios that almost bordered to being high school-ish  which I am still not sure how I feel about.  

It was also in many ways personally relatable because I am Asian and familiar with some names, places and superstitions mentioned here. I like how it felt so real, especially their conservativeness  and the preservation of their traditions. I mean, it could not get any more Asian than that.

Perfection comes at a sacrifice. - Jacqueline Ling

Romance was there, of course, but not all over the place which was refreshing. The love story was cute and gave me butterflies sometimes. That said, it was still good to read a novel that, despite having sweet moments, does not impose so much of it to the reader like it was the only thing about the book.

This place is very real. You're the dream. - Nick Young

As for the conclusion, I was surprised to find out that it already ended when it did. I was so ready to read more because the situation was only starting to get better. I would say there was no real solution to the complication. In my opinion, the resolution could've been explored a bit more instead of just leaving it at its tip. The weight and intensity of the story could've also been played up a bit more.

While I enjoyed my time reading this one, I would still say that there was not anything unique here. Except for the twist in the Asian flavor, honestly, I have read the same plot in another book.  I guess all the hype did not help because even when I did not expect too much, I still expected something from it. 

That said, I would still read other Kevin Kwan works because I think they would make for a relaxing escape.



Thursday, May 11, 2017

The Happy List: Random List #13

Here’s another list for y’all and me!
  1. Playing Jenga for the first time
  2. One whole day with my college friends and too much potato in my system, hahaha
  3. Swimming with Basty in his toy pool
  4. Fully booked classes
  5. Sweet words of appreciation from my students warming my heart, awww
  6. De-cluttering our double deck and putting a curtain in my room
  7. A new backpack ‘cos that Vans’ crazy sale was too good to pass up
  8. HTGAWM S03, Suits S05, 13 Reasons Why
  9. Looking forward to my next adventures
  10. Acceptance being a key factor in the survival of the fittest
  11. Holding onto good things

Yup, let’s go and do that… hold onto good things. :)


*Photo source: Justine Dador

Friday, April 21, 2017

The Happy List: Random List #12

Long time no blogging!

I had been hating on myself for setting this blog aside since the turn of the new year, but you know, life’s life. You got to deal with it.

Life’s been pretty busy for me. I dealt with something personally important. I had been meaning to do something meaningful. An opportunity came. And knowing that the timing was perfect, I grabbed it right away. I wanted to be sure that I’d get it, so I put all my attention and time there. Everything eventually paid off! Now I’m one happy being again! Yipeeeteeee!
Here are some of the things that keep me cheery lately:

  1. Trying out something new – online teaching! Cutest job ever! It may not sound major to anyone else, but the thing is, change scares me and it took me a hell of nerves before I decided to do this.
  2. Fast and stable Internet connection. Never thought I would have this much appreciation for the Internet. Hahaha!
  3. My mini-makeshift work station. It’s a bit narrow, super messy and not yet finished, but I’m already liking the feel of it and being cramped inside it. J
  4. Reuniting with high school friends!
  5. More social time with workmates
  6. Nicole, my niece, graduating in elementary and Aly, my other niece, completing high school. Congratulations, you guys!!! I am so proud!
  7. My well-spent Holy Week vacation
  8. My annual Way of the Cross panata and the scenic route we followed
  9. Boodle fights with my family, the best kasalo ever
  10. Choosing to be the nicer, bigger person and actually feeling pure about it
  11. Helping someone become better at something
  12. Work balance? Still arguable but yeah hehehe
  13. Finding inspiration and encouragement in other people’s words


I AM SO BAAAACK! :)

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

ODE TO MOM

What would this world be without your vibrance?
This household without your tenderness?
This family sans your devotion?
Me in the absence of your affection?

You’ve got more than character
You’ve got verve, got candor
You don’t do ordinary, boring love
It’s either silent love or tough love

I’ve grown to be stubborn and spunky
So much so that at times I fight even Mommy
And for that, I’ll never stop apologizing
Selfless, you deserve no less than a child so revering

But I could also be laidback and funny
Able to carry myself around uncaringly
Others never let their kids go un-chaperoned
But you let me do my thing, look after my own

They would think you don't pay attention
Truth is I've become my best version
All because you never confined your child to rust
The greatest yield of our maternal bond is trust

What would this world be without your vibrance?
This household without your tenderness?
This family sans your devotion?
Me in the absence of your affection?


Happy birthday, Mommy! 

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Family Christmas: 2016 Christmas Photo Dump No. 4

December 25, 2016 | Sunday

Here’s to the most eventful Christmas day I’ve had with #TheRimases to date!
I had fun enduring each other’s noise, taking photos for memory keeping’s sake, exchanging gifts with them for the first time, playing (and winning) bingo (which was total madness btw), devouring potluck dishes, and munching on some leftovers after every game.
It may not be that obvious, BUT I TRULY AND SINCERELY LOVE MY FAMILY! :)
Happy New Year again!
Photo sources: Charina Iraola and yours truly!

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Friendsgiving: 2016 Christmas Photo Dump No. 3

December 17, 2016 | Saturday

Tastes Around the World was the chosen theme of our batch for this year’s Friendsgiving! From decorations to games to food, we have all made sure to follow it.
There were kids! Many of them! What was funny was how the kids who were supposed to be the cause of noise were the ones who were actually deafened many times by the shouting, cheering, stomping, and clapping of the supposed adults. Hahaha! Sorry, kiddos!
Props to Nhika Marfil and Sarah Danao not just for putting up this yearend party together for all of us but for also planning and organizing all the other events and beach trips of the past year. They did so well! We benefited! Harhar! Thanks, guys!
Good luck to our 2017 planners: Antoniette and Joeyleen! You go, guys!

Happy New Year!

Photo sources: Joeyleen Aquino, Antoniette Pulutan, Justine Dador, Jerome Satera

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