UPDATE: I'm still alive and breathing

I am mad-typing this right now because I can't go without saying anything. I've been out for the past 2 weeks because of technical difficulties(lol). I've since then changed my internet and fixed my laptop. I did try to blog using my Mom's laptop but I just couldn't get inspired or motivated.


I felt so disconnected after all those days I'm without internet. I go on Twitter and I am like, 'Who are all these people?' I don't know how to talk. Even writing this post is a special kind of challenge because I just don't know what to say. THE WORDS, GIVE ME MY WORDS BACK. Somebody dangle a chocolate outside my shell please.

Or a kiss will do. (source)

Anyway, I'm actually in the middle of packing. I'm moving to Manila today in preparation of working again on Monday. Why am I just packing? Ever did something at the last minute because you want to delay doing it as much as possible? I hate packing and just thinking about work on a Monday takes the cake in the mind-torture section.

But I've also corrected my body clock and this was one of the few positive things that happened while I was gone. I now sleep at 9 pm and wake up at 6 am.

I'm fabulous I know (source)

I've also finished all my review books for this month but haven't reviewed them yet so I'm quite behind in that department. Just please bare with me while I get back to the swing of things.

I think I'm forgetting something here but yes, I am back for good. I'll keep you posted on Twitter about how cool (not really) my job is. I'll also try visiting your blogs again tomorrow. I just hope to the internet gods that wherever I'm staying for the rest of this year has internet. Wish me luck?

Annnd there's my Mom shouting in the background again. Gotta run and finish packing. Tata for now.

2014 Favorite Reads so far + Emoticons

Are you aware that we are entering the ber months already? Because I'm not and it's not fun getting jolted back to reality. How can there be only four more months left until 2015? How could the first 8 months flew by so fast? I guess we'll never know. Time is just sneaky that way. Anyway, today I am going to share my 2014 early favorites (books I've read from Jan 1 to August 29, 2014), in hopes that I can force influence some of you to pick them up and bask in their glory.

To make this post even more special, I included emoticons (source) that best describe my feels while I was reading. This is in line with the Emoji + Books tag by my good friend Meg, blogger extraordinaire at Adrift on Vulcan. I am finally doing it Meg, but I'm breaking all the rules coz' I'm a rebel. Heh.

Without further ado, here are my early 2014 favorites:

The Kiss of Deception

(add to Goodreads)

What? Is that groaning I hear? Well for some reason, this book came just at the right moment and it even made its way onto my favorites shelf. In a different kind of day, this story won’t work for me. The love triangle that I loathe so much was practically mocking me while I was reading. But something clicked and it’s not every day that I get blindsided by character reveals so go you, book!

I Confess!

Today, I am going to confess to something that I recently realized about my blogging self: I dread writing reviews. *le gasps*

Please don't tell me.

I know this seems crazy when you have a review blog but I didn't really start reading to review books. I read books because I love them. It's who I am ever since I can remember. But then on 2009, Goodreads came along and I was introduced to a whole new level of loving books. It will then take me a year or so before I started reviewing. I sucked big time at first (but I still think I do BTW) and I really looked up to those reviewers who were clearly more eloquent than me.

Me when I started blogging.

Then I thought why don't I create my own niche? I pretty much know what to do, what to talk about, what I like and don't like in my books. So I created this little blog here and everything was on point for a while. Until, I took a humungous blogging hiatus not too long after and it's been troubling me why I can't seem to enjoy books like I did before.

Every once in a while I get like this, and yes, I inhabit a male human form at a beach.

Last week I finally got to pinpoint the main source of this unrecognizable hamper in my reading lurve. It is surprisingly because reviewing books don't excite me. 

Every time I start a book, this internal critic would wake up inside my head, and I would read a book while it points out stuff and I have to write notes to remember. This makes my reading experience quite jarring. Then when I'm this close to finishing, I find that I would keep on putting it off because it means I'm finally going to write a review. This cycle would obviously repeat, and before long the black-hearted reading slump monster would rear its ugly head.

How can something you love make you frustrated and happy at the same time?

Don't get me wrong. I love writing and sharing anything about books. It definitely makes me happy when I inspire someone to pick up a book because they appreciated my review. I think I'm dreading the process itself, of having to read a book and having to write a review afterwards. Or maybe, I just really miss reading for myself and I long for the push to just keep on reading books after books and not having a care in the world.

It's also strange because what I struggle with the most is the thought of writing another review. I don't know how to adequately explain it. I fret when I'm about to begin writing, but once I'm in the zone I'm happy, and then once I'm done I feel so accomplished. It's like the feeling of having done something right.

Me after finishing a review. I vomit rainbows. Wanna know my secret?

I do think I have a problem with my reviewing process since I tend to review books right after finishing them. So I don't actually let the reading mojo build up, not like when I finish one book after another. I'm looking into changing this but I am not really effective when I review books in sets or in groups.

Now that the cat is out of the bag, I would like to ask everyone if you ever had this kind of feeling? Am I alone in this? If I am, then tell me what to do. I am overthinking again? Do I need help? What steps do you think I need to take?

Let's Talk About Anime

To celebrate my upcoming birthday tomorrow, I would like to share what I do in my spare time besides reading. But really, I just wanted to have an excuse to make this short list. *winks*

I'm a total book nerd but I'm a huge anime nut job too. Although I don't watch a lot of anime like I used to, I have a few favorites that I find myself rewatching every now and then. Without further ado, here they are, in no particular order: 

(source)

1. Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan)

This anime just came out last year, rocking and blazing with its addictive OST, and that might seem not too long ago but fans have been waiting for the second season since forever. This includes yours truly and as we all know there's no fun in waiting. Plus, this just increases the chances of being spoiled (right, Meg?) by all those who read the manga. *shakes fist*

Struggling to survive inside the wall against man-eating Titans, Shingeki no Kyojin depicts humanity at its weakest and most vulnerable state. It is chock-full of action, twists and deaths that once you start watching, you'll end up gobbling up everything in one-sitting. This happened to me and it's bound to happen again. You have been warned.

(source)

2. Death Note 

Many will say that Death Note should have quit while its ahead, but it is definitely one of a kind and deserves more episodes—no matter how convoluted the story became.

This anime is so sick and twisted that the evil in me was extremely delighted in watching the antihero deemed himself god and savior of humanity. He's cleansing out the world by killing all those who are evil using the notebook provided by a bored Shinigami, and the scary thing is, I don't see anything wrong with what Light Yagami/Kira is doing except perhaps trampling on the justice system. It's exciting to watch everyone try to capture this elusive and lethal Kira and it became even more nerve-wracking when L entered the picture. I'm quite ashamed to admit that I kept switching alliances between the two brilliant leads.

Controversial and engaging, this anime is a must watch for those who love dark, suspenseful anime.

(source)

3. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Magical girl anime are meant to be light, so I started watching this expecting a Sailor Moon-esque fun, only to find out I was in for some deep, bleak shite. I definitely meant that as a compliment on account that I was pleasantly surprised and I loved every second of it. 

Deconstructing the magical girl genre, possessing stunning visuals, pyschological and heavier in theme, Madoka Magica intends to enthrall neophytes and lovers of the genre.

And out of all the anime listed here, I would definitely egg you on with Madoka Magica because you'll be more inclined to check this out since it only has 11 episodes. I repeat, it only has 11 episodes. Yeah!

(source)

4. Cowboy Bebop

So if you're one of those persnickety people who value lists above all and check them for recommendations, you'd see this on top anywhere, and it's not without valid and satisfying reasons. This is a mature anime that showcases odd yet compelling characters and relevant, weighty episodes. 

Since it was episodic in nature, I didn't immediately fell head over heels in love with Cowboy Bebop. In time though, I was pretty sucked in and once I read some fantastic analyses (yes, I read them just because) regarding each episodes, I realized Cowboy Bebop is more than what meets the eye and I loved it even more. Heartbreaking and jaunty, Cowboy Bebop would definitely appeal to young and old anime lovers alike.

5. Bleach

You won't see this on any Top Anime Series of All Lime list and I know many hardcore anime fans would dismiss this as mainstream anime with no substance. But you know what? I don't care. We're all entitled to love what we like and vice versa. I love this so much that I started reading the manga because I simply cannot wait for the anime, and I terribly miss Ichigo Kurosaki and the gang. Being a Shinigami or Death god is the name of the game and Ichigo Kurosaki became one despite being a human.

I understand and acknowledge that there are glaring flaws in the series but my unconditional love would still be undeterred. I've watched this series since 2007 and I've seen the characters grow not only in strength but also as individuals, and I'll be in the Bleach bandwagon for the long haul. Even the critics have to admit that Bleach started really strong and it boasts a wonderful OST. Like, Will of the Heart and Never Meant to Belong, which I'm listening to right now for added inspiration and feels. 

I know watching 366 episodes might seem daunting but trust me, you'll fly through it. I suggest skipping the filler episodes and you'll wait with me in no time for the hopeful return of the anime.

So these are some of my favorite anime. Do you watch anime? 

What are some of your favorites? I'm open to any recommendations.

Typhoon Glenda + Weekly Recap

Some of you might have noticed that I was nonexistent for the past few days. Aside from the scheduled posts, I wasn't really able to respond to comments and return them back. Our country has once again been the gracious host to another typhoon with a mean streak, and if you would check this #GlendaPH hashtag you'd know how a darling she was at being a typhoon.

Yep. This is pretty much Typhoon Glenda.

So on Wednesday, it felt like the clouds were on a wide scale pissing contest only when it wasn't enough, they decided to empty out their water baggage on us. The rain along with the wind sounded like waves and it felt like being trapped in an ocean vortex. It was chaotic and wet, and the air enjoyed it too much that it whistled its delight. I can't even freaking whistle but the air did, and it did it wonderfully and effectively (and by effectively, I mean we were pretty scared shitless). It wasn't long before the power outage happened and I was really grateful for the small victories I could consider that day: I had a fully charged phone and I wasn't in Manila so I survived the flooding.

Power outage for 3 straight days brought us back unwillingly in the medieval era and I seriously didn't know what to do with myself. There was no internet, phone lines aren't working, network signals are hard to come by, and to top it all of, there's no water. We're pretty much cut-off from everything and it's a nice change of pace but I would have gone ballistic, if it lasted for more than a week. I even wrote a draft of this post in a notebook, old-school style. This unexpected plunge into the darkness only meant two things, I need to seriously consider buying an ereader (what would you recommend?) and I'd get to read all my dust-collector books on the shelves (yay!).

I managed to finish Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs and started on Allegiant by Veronica Roth, which kind of murdered my eyes. But I'd still say reading by candlelight is pretty romantic.

You can never have too many Chupa Chups.

This week recap on Smitten over Books: 

• I reviewed Breathe, Annie, Breathe, a new Contemporary novel by Miranda Kenneally and it failed to impress me. 
• I waited on Mosquitoland by David Arnold. 
• I reviewed Some Fine Day by Kat Ross. This fantastic debut is a must-read dystopian novel by dystopian lovers and action-junkie alike.

There goes the recap. So have you ever experienced a nature diss/tantrum that led to a prolonged medieval period stint? How did you manage?

I am back!

Sorry for being weird.

HELLOOO!! I am back from my almost 1 year blogging hiatus. It's so unbelievable how much time has passed since my last blog post.

I've been planning on coming back since August, and it was not without serious thought that I decided to blog again. Keeping a blog is one thing, but running it is a different matter altogether. One of the most important realizations I had, while I was away, was I regarded blogging like a demanding, stressful job. As a result, blogging became a dragging commitment. That's why I decided to change my blogging perspective to keep the dreaded blogging burn-out at bay. I could still be overwhelmed, yes, but it will be totally up to me how I would handle it. So from now on, there will be no more pressure.

Now that I have my blogging mantra out of the way, let's talk about the modifications in the blog. Have you noticed the drastic change in my blog's design? From a dark, mysterious, edgy look, I opted for a lighter and cleaner color palette. This was how my old blog looked like:

In hindsight, it might've been quite difficult to read posts with bright font colors in a dark background. Yikes. I also changed my blog button to match my blog design, and I updated my Review Policy, Contact and About sections.

So what do you think of the blog's overall new look? Is it too girly or is the font too small? In my opinion, I think it's quite dainty and pretty, but then again I was the one who made all the customizations so you could say I'm a little biased. Ha!

I am so happy to be blogging again. I'm definitely excited to continue sharing the reading bug. Here's to keeping it fresh and fun!

A Quick Post from the Dead

Image from nekkedbeararmy.com

Hello you guys! Just typing this short post for everyone who's been asking about my whereabouts. I'm still alive, thank God! I'm currently preparing for my upcoming graduation this March 22 so I am every bit as busy as those who are taking their final examinations before the term ends.


Hopefully when all the crazy subsides, I could come back. But that's not for another 2 months, I guess, because I'll be taking my licensure examination this coming June. Maybe after that?


I hope you guys are doing okay. I can't wait to fully start reading and blogging again. My reading pile is in dire need of a reader and I wish that could be me soon. I wish to come back with a very good news and a fantastic giveaway to spark things up again.


That's all. Tata for now.

Where Have I Been?

Image from ralphtherobot.com

So here I am again. I can't believe I have neglected my blog for almost 3 weeks straight now. And I can't believe I am going to write this type of post again. I thought I am going to have time to finally blog again because our schedule is not as crazy as before. But again, I was wrong. 

Just last Wednesday to Friday, we had our retreat. Then on Sunday, we had our Grad Pic. I am graduating soon! I am so excited for that end goal, I keep forgetting about the remaining days I have at college. So I decided to take a step back yet again in blogging to try to spend more time out there. It's just that I keep my head buried in books all the time, not that it's a bad thing, but I will try to tone it down this time. 

I don't know when I'll be back. Maybe next week, after Christmas, next year. I just don't want to push myself into committing to a definite time I am fairly certain I couldn't follow. The thing about me is the more I try to schedule stuff in advance, the more I deviate from it and procrastinate. That's why I think I'll work as I go. :)

My blogoversary giveaway is still ongoing by the way and I'd post long overdue reviews soon but I can't comment or reply to comments as much as before. 

That's it, I guess. I'll be back indefinitely. But I think the more important thing is, I'll be back. Until then, folks. 

Taking A Break

Well, not really. ;)
Photo taken from remoteoutposts.blogspot.com

This topic is actually kind of moot since I've been MIA since last week. I just want to make it more formal so that everyone can be assured that I'm still alive. 

Just last Sunday, my mom went ballistic and hacked my Facebook account so she could get a hold of me since by her mommy instinct I was in trouble which is not really the case. At all. I've just been asleep in my dormitory bed dreaming about something particularly important when I was still in REM sleep. Bottom line, I woke up finding everyone looking for me like I'm some kind of abducted person. 

Not that any of you care about that drama but yes, I'm really taking a break. My wide schedule was apparently not wide enough and we, graduating students, have been really busy sharping our minds these past weeks. There was no reading done but I am really going to catch up. I am going to read till I drop. Pinky swear!

I know this post has gone for far too long and I'm really eager on starting my reading marathon so I guess it's tata for now. I'll be back sometime in November to celebrate my blogoversary! I am so excited!! Can you feel it?! EEEEEP!

Also, I am praying for everyone who will be on Hurricane Sandy's path. Stay dry and safe everyone. Stack up on books, too. I promise it'll be of great help. I know. ;)

Random Ramblings (20): Cover Limelight (2)

It's been a while since the last Random Rambling post. Today, I'll share to you the final installment in the Transcend Time Saga by Michelle Madow. This will be released on November 20, 2012. 

Add it on Goodreads.

The e-version of Remembrance, the first in the saga, is available at only $ 2.99 on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ibook, and Kobo so if you haven't started it yet, now's your chance. :)

For more information on Michelle Madow and her books, please visit www.michellemadow.com.

Random Ramblings (19): What Have I Been Up To?

If you haven't noticed the last review on the blog was last May 22. That's more than a week without a review here on the blog. So what have I been doing this past week?

Well, my schedule was in fact jam-packed. I have 2 days of completion in the hospital and then I have a bit of mourning time which consisted of me moping around. I swear I just lie there in the bed,watching How I Met Your Mother. HIMYM wasn't even successful in making me laugh but still I watched cause I feel like the whole gang were my friends. I switched my internet off and you know mope and cry. 

There was one thing I found out that day, I was a champion emo. I was a moper. But really, I looked into my reading schedule and I was way behind. Now that's university is starting (actually it's starting tomorrow. heh!), I'll do what I do best. And nope it's not moping but multi-tasking.

So yes watch out for the reviews of the following books:
-BaSatai: Outside In by Suzan Battah
-Kevin's Point of View by Del Shannon
-The Glimpse by Claire Merle
-Timepiece by Myra McEntire
-Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown
-Dust Girl  by Sarah Zettel
-One Moment by Kristina McBride

Since classes are starting my online presence will be very sporadic not that any of you would mind or be concern. I'll be getting back my commenting love hat on by the end of every week so I'd like to warn you all not to be frightened if I suddenly flood your blog with my comments. ;)

Over and out.

Random Ramblings (18): My Hedwig

We all have Hedwig's in our lives. Beloved pets and home companions. It could be your goldfish, your cat, your dog, your parrot, monkey, toad, or whatever it is you keep at home well-fed and smothered with love.

Today is the saddest I've ever felt in my life. I was trying to distract myself tonight and I keep telling myself not to blog about it because it just hurts so much but I couldn't stop myself. 

Hegwig's 1st photo

Hedwig came into the family last May 12, 2012. I was so surprised to find her in the house that day because we already have 2 grown cats which made our lives very busy and it surprised me even more that mama was behind the adopting. She said we already reached our cat quota in the house. 

But here was Hedwig.  She was too adorable and charming; my mama didn't stand a chance. She was still a baby so she couldn't eat or drink anything yet besides milk. We were all up for the spoon-feeding challenge because my first cat, Miming, was spoon-fed as well. My dad and I took turns but mostly it was me who fed her because my dad's at work. 

I was rereading the Harry Potter that time and that's where I based her name, from Harry's snowy intelligent owl. I could tell she liked the name since she gets all excited and meowy whenever she's called. In the short time she was with us, I knew she already meant a lot to me, to us. She was very cute and sweet and she really liked to be cuddled.  

She loved the camera. This was
her last photo.

5 AM today, Hedwig watched me leave. She ran out of the house as I locked the gates and she just sat there outside. She didn't chase me around like she used to do, she just sat there and looked at me. It was the first time she did that. I didn't thought that was the last memory I'd ever have of her because tonight as I came home from my duty in the hospital, I was told the most devastating news ever: my little kitten, Hedwig, died. 

I thought it was a nasty joke but my mom really looked upset. My dad couldn't believe it either. She was run over by a tricycle. It was an accident but some irrational part of me still blames the driver. She was so tiny and she was just starting to learn how to handle her body, how would she be able to survive that? I wasn't there when it happened and I don't know if I should be grateful or not. 

It just wasn't fair. She was just starting to eat solid foods and bond with my other 2 cats. I just couldn't believe there'd be no Hedwig anymore. No more squeaky meow response whenever I call her. It really felt like I lost something really dear to me. 

I'd also like to  say thank you to all the thoughtful people in Twitter and my friends for all the hugs and support I got tonight. You are all so kind. 

Hedwig be safe wherever you are. You'll be missed. 

Random Ramblings (17): Cover Limelight

ANNOUNCEMENT: These 4 books are must-haves. I repeat. These 4 books are must-haves. Surely, your bookshelves will be looking forlorn if you don't get yourself a copy of at least one of the books I'll mention today.  So today's features: 

Asunder (Newsoul #2) by Jodi Meadows

Comes out 2013

Jodi Meadows pretty much wins the book cover lottery every single time. You can learn more about why the second book is called Asunder by visiting Jodi's blog. 

***

Stormdancer (The Lotus War #1) by Jay Kristoff

Comes out in September 18, 2012

Say hi to Yukiko. I guess it's clear you won't mess with someone who looks that bad-ass. I won't. I heard that tattoo comes alive too. And of course, I'm kidding.

You know what you can win an ARC of Stormdancer because Jay is awesome like that. Enter here. You might have to fight your chances through a throng of Jay's worshipers though, so good luck. 

***

Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas

Comes out in August 17, 2012

If you thought the US cover was incredible, think again. C'mon, that girl wields 2 swords and I have a feeling she wouldn't hesitate to cut or to kill if it comes to it.

***

Days of Blood and Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #2) by Laini Taylor

Comes out in November 6, 2012

The Daughter of Smoke and Bone cover is blue now the second book is red. You just have to love the look of this series on your shelves. PS. Daughter of Smoke and Bone rocks so...

***

So folks what do you think? Pretty amazing covers right? 

You're welcome. ;)

Random Ramblings (16): TBR Overload! SOS!

It's not really cool getting left behind by your reading peers. Yes, we all know that this is not a WHO-HAS-READ-THE-MOST race but it really sucks big time if you can't relate or join in a discussion because, alas, the book they're talking about is still on your to-read list.

There are a million reasons behind this but basically it all boils down to: THERE ARE JUST TOO MANY BOOKS! 

In fact, because our TBR pile is in the hundreds and thousands (and millions? Oh God, I do hope not), you just have no idea what to pick. And because we bloggers and reviewers have reading commitments, what with all the requesting spree we do in Netgalley (guilty!), blog tour, and review requests to attend to, we just do not have the time to work on our ever-growing, distressing TBR.

So I thought of making this post to at least keep track of what books I haven't read yet but should've supposed to read by now and at least help perk up my reading. I hate living under my reading cave and my reading is in serious need of intervention.  I've been experiencing the dreaded reading slump for about a month now and I need help. *gulps*

Since there are so many books that I really want to read, I handpicked the Top 11 in my list.  No throwing of rocks, though. I hurt easily. ;) In no particular order, here they are: 

1. The Fault in Our Stars or any John Green for that matter
2. Angelfall by Susan Ee
3. Divergent by Veronica Roth
4. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
5. Blood Red Road by Moira Young
6. Anna Dressed In Blood by Kendra Blake
7. Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
8. The Iron King and the rest of the series by Julie Kagawa
9. The Tiger's Curse and the rest of the series by Colleen Houck
10. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
11. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

So what do you think of the books above? 

Any favorites? What book should I dive in first? 

Recommendations aside from the books mentioned are very much welcome and please do not contain yourself, I love squealing! :D

Random Ramblings (15): Getting Creative

So I tried to utilize some of my saved-up creativity, to finally make a Random Ramblings button. It doesn't look much but I'm really proud of it since I've got the creativity of a mutton. To be honest, I do not even know what a mutton is, but it sounds terribly off so I'm guessing it fits moi. 

Anyhow, before I took off into a rambling spree, I guess I have to stop the talkin' and do the showin'. Like that? *waggles eyebrow*

What do you think? Do you think the colors alright or a little bit too much? By the way, I color that baby Cupid myself. He likes his hair pink and ticklish. ;)

Now I have 15 RR including this and still counting. Looking back, I did not know I will talk this much about anything nor anyone would care. It specially makes me happy that you guys read them, if you have no idea how awesome you are then I'll be sending all of you mental hugs and kisses. All of you seriously rock my world.  I hope you'll not get tired of how crazy and bizarre I am. 

Oh God, I just googled mutton and it turns out that it roughly means prostitute. Oops.

Random Ramblings (14): The Avengers Saved Us

Guess what happened today? I got a haircut! Nah, just kidding. I've watched The Avengers today. That's right. I indulged myself with hawt superheroes and mindblowing action scenes.

The Avengers (from left to right): Hulk, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Nick Fury,
Black Widow, Captain America and Thor

I do think that a little disclaimer is needed here. I'm no comics addict. Never read one, my knowledge is as far as the movies I've watched go. This post would be unbelievably full of fangirling about Chris Hemsworth (He's my man! *winks*) and blurting shameful things like bulging muscles, and bulging muscles. I know that is totally shallow and unprofessional but what the heck I'm not a movie critic, I go out and watch movies for exactly 5 reasons:

1) My Johnny Depp will be there. Or any other fave actors of mine.

2) It's one my most anticipated film of the year. Or it's on my bucket list. Whichever comes first.

3) It's a movie adaptation of a book I've enjoyed. Ironically, the movie adaptation seldom gets it right.

4) I'll be with my friends so I could endure the torture of a movie that's surely going to bomb. Case in point, ah no case in post, let's keep this clean.

5) Johnny will be in a different costume with a mixed-up accent. Wouldn't miss it for the world.

I love going to movies, I even go alone if no one wants to come with me.  So there, not a movie critic, just a movie lover. Let's get to business then and I'll promise to try to keep the muscle word count under 5. 

Frown like you know
you're business

What do you get if you assemble several remarkable people to save the Earth? One amazing spectacle of muscles and buttkicking. I am a big fan of superheroes, I remember wishing to be a Power Ranger when I was a kid.

But I digress. This was such a dream come true for me. You get Iron Man (Yo!), Captain America (I don't really care about him), Thor (Woot!), Hulk (Norton, where are you? Ruffalo nailed it), Hawkeye (Really cool archer), Black Widow (Cool spy), and Nick Fury (He just sits around and cooks schemes to get his team to work, but he still rock it). 

Do not insult me petty, tiny people.
I am not a demigod.

And man, they have their scenes and moments to shine. It was kind of a torture to wait for Thor for about 45 mins into the movie but when he came out, he was gloriously muscular, blonde, and fully charged with thunder. His voice was so godly and he was big. He was really something. 

That was really wrong. *shakes head*


Anyway, I was sitting on the theater seat for about 3 hours and never once was I distracted, OK, a lil' bit.  I was half-plotting to bash this little kid behind us because he keeps talking, in a shrill, loud voice, like we care. And his father was trying to shush him which only added to the ruckus his child is making. I do not know why, but there's always this someone who has to tarnish the movie experience. 

RAWR. Translation: I smashed Loki like a ragdoll. 
Puny god.

The humor was right on cue. Everybody was laughing in the theater and I have this insane thought that all the people in the other 4 theaters that time we're laughing as well. Yeah, all 5 theaters in that mall, was booked just for The Avengers. Surprisingly, Hulk got the most laugh out of me. And he was a green monster then. Iron Man (Downey, Jr.) was spot on, quirky as always. Thor (Hemsworth) booms. Capt. America (Evans) leads. Hawk Eye (Renner) jumps in tall buildings with just a bow. Black Widow (Johansson) tied up in a chair can still beat you up. Even minor characters rocked. Smulders aka Robin in HIMYM as Agent Maria Hill, was kinda different in a good way. Agent Phil Coulson (Gregg) managed to snag a little spotlight to himself as well. 

Well, sorry Loki. The Avengers have Hulk.

Loki (Tom Hiddleston) has a whole section because he was just pure awesomeness. I admit to have a little budding crush on him. He was just right for his character. All the Avengers were on to him, so we have to really feel that he's badass, and he delivers. Like he was born to be Loki, the scheming badass. There was this vulnerable side to him too that only Thor could reach and it was utterly believable. 

CaptA: Big man, in a suit of armour...
take that away, what are you? 
Iron Man: Uh...genius, billionaire,
playboy, philanthropist...

The dynamics was also surprisingly well done. I was not expecting a lot here. Because it's complicated to work on several superheroes on just one screen but I truly enjoyed it.Great ensemble, incredible movie effects, marvelous feel, splendid story telling, this movie would be a "smash"-ing hit. At least I hope. That's why go watch and support them, so we could see future The Avengers  movies (with I hope X-Men and Spiderman included) in the years to come. 

PS. Do not be fooled by the rolling credits. There is an extra scene after, that will introduced us to the next adversary in the sequel. I heard the name was Thanos. Do not know him, but I'll research.

Muscle word count: 4. Told ya! ;)

PPS. Joss Whedon, YOU ARE THE MAN!

What about you? Are you planning to watch The Avengers? 

What movies are you anticipating this summer? This 2012? 

Share 'em down below. 

Random Ramblings (13): Hi Ya'll! I AM ON

Yeah, I'm pointing to you.

Hello everyone! I've been so gone these past weeks, I didn't even get to have a wrap-up post for my THGReadAThon event. All of this started because of my hectic college schedule, lack of internet resources (terrible, I know!), and everything just went downhill from there. 

I've been meaning to blog again for a while but I just couldn't get the heart to do it. *le gasp* I know I couldn't admit it at first.  One minute my blog is taking over my life and the next it just started slipping through my fingers. Overly dramatic, yes but I really thought that was what's happening. 

Because of the super-duper requirements at college, I decide to leave my blog for a while. The minute I announced it, I'm itching to take it back and act like nothing was said at all. It was hard, but I didn't realize that getting back was harder. Most specially if you have left some unfinished business, case in point my botched attempt at a blogging event. I have so many draft reviews waiting to be aired on the blog but I kept thinking that when I started posting again, I have to keep up. The more I think about it, the more planning I done, the more difficult it is to bring myself to do it. 

So it all boils down to me. It is my fault. The pressure was coming from me. I keep pushing myself to do things I'm not ready to do yet. This is my niche and I realized that no one's going to take it away from me just because of my faults and absences. I'm ready to go back, I think. But please bare with me since I'm still getting my blogging zone back.

What I learned from all this is I love blogging, I'm just much of a coward to admit to myself  that I let down people. To heat things up, I'll be hosting a giveaway very soon. So, watch out for it. ;) Again, I apologize for all the people I've disappointed. Here's hoping I never ever do them again.

Over and out.

Random Ramblings (12): Man, I'm Still Alive!

Hullo, everyone! I'm taking a breather from my mountain of workloads to say that I am still very much alive. 

After about a month of not posting anything, not reading any book, not visiting any blog, I'm so closed to poking my eyes out and eating it after. I have miss my blog as much as I miss you guys. You don't know how much it's killing me not to have an internet connection at my dormitory. I can't even access my Twitter account!  

But I only have about 10 days to endure this insufferable hectic days till our vacation. Yes, we're going to have our summer break! How exciting is that? But I know it's not coming any closer, that's why I'm so glad that there is The Hunger Games movie and Lauren Oliver to look forward to. 

So you guys hang on, OK. I'm going to make up for everything this summer so watch out. I'm gonna be unstoppable! *evil laugh*  

Now I'll share my deepest secret about why I'm still alive right now: 

PS. Since you're here why don't you check these out and support our THGReadAThon event:

1st Guest Post | 2nd Guest Post | 3rd Guest Post

Discussion Questions: Part I, Part II 

Highlight Post: 1st week, Mr. Book Wonder's 

Sign ups are still open! Click here to participate. 

Random Ramblings (11): My (Kind-of) Book Splurge Day + Announcement

So I was on the hunt today for a copy of The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis for my Lit thesis. I especially like the compiled one with Aslan on the cover because 1) It's Aslan on the cover 2) It's less expensive. 3) It's less expensive. Ha! Anyway, if you're wondering what it looks like, then lookie here:

It looks cool, right?

But it's not available. They do have the little ones from Harper Collins which cost P 295 ($7) each and it's not really practical when the Aslan cover version was only P 800-est ($19). So I went home.

Kidding. 

I actually ate my words today. I threw practicality out of the windows and splurged. A lot. I couldn't actually contain my excitement right now because I have 2 new books. I mean, the other is a Trilogy but yes, I have awesome new books for my non-existent bookshelf. Woot!

What did I buy? *drumrolls* 

The Hunger Games! And it's 20% off! I got it at around P 796 ($18.5) when it's original price was P 995 ($23.14). I finally got my own copies just in time for The Hunger Games Read-A-Thon we're having. /shameless plugging Have you joined yet? Don't be left out, sign up now! /shameless plugging over

The other book is from one of my favorite authors when I was in Elementary. I was prowling the bookstore's perimeter, drooling and all, when I spotted Dan Well's Partials and Lauren Oliver's Pandemonium. I'm currently reading Partials by Dan Well, courtesy of Netgalley and I love it and I really liked Delirium so my hands are definitely itching to buy at least one of the 2 books. So I picked them up, weigh them in, when my attention was caught by this really gorgeous cover. I read the blurb and it was really intriguing. Then I saw the author, and it was Francine Pascal.

Francine-freakin-Pascal! One of my most-read authors back then. I was like she had a new book!! What?! Why didn't anybody tell me?

So after sweet talking my father to buy the Trilogy set of The Hunger Games *nods head like a boss*, I bought Fearless myself and reluctantly let go of Partials and Pandemonium (next times babies, next time) . I was so excited to go home, smell my new books (I'm weird like that) and took limitless pictures of them. I also browsed Goodreads and saw that Fearless was first published last 1999. You should've seen my face. Nevertheless, still excited to read it. It's Francine-freakin-Pascal anyway. 

That's it for my uber long Book Splurge account of the day. I think I'll finally be able to do my very first IMM post next week, just waiting for some other books to arrive here. ;) For my announcement, read more.

Random Ramblings (10): Just thought I'd let you know + Giveaway Winners!

Help! I'm stuck. 

I am so ashamed because I'm saying this again.

I will probably sound like a broken record right now.

And because of that I am deeply sorry...

I will be on a hiatus next week.

There, I said it. Mad? Don't worry I'll be suffering for the next 10 days as well so I think that will even things out.

The sitch

We're going to have our preliminary examinations and submission of our Chapter 2 for our thesis next week. I have to concentrate on this because our courses are extra difficult this semester and I honestly believe I hardly learned anything so I have to study more to compensate with my empty head. The thesis? Ugh. Just mentioning it give me the creeps.

After that, I think I have a clear schedule ahead. So I'm going to make up for all the days I've been gone.

On a much happier note, I am going to announce the winners in my first ever giveaway. I celebrated my 100th follower milestone as well as my 3rd month blogoversary, and I seriously can thank you guys enough for making the Giveaway Extravaganza a success. Over 1800+ entries were collected and your overwhelming support will definitely lead to another giveaway in the future. ;)

So without further ado, here are the winners!