10.1.14

The Sky's the Limit



The sky is like a canvas that beautifies whatever is framed within its vastness. There's something about this region in the atmosphere that makes a picture dramatic and appealing. Might it be the clouds? The stars? Or maybe because of the fact that we see it everyday but it's a complete stranger to us. We are unaware of what's beyond. The sky is a space that we haven't mastered just yet that's why it always seem to mesmerize. Is the sky really the limit? There's so much more in this boundless expanse. The unexplainable is most of the time enchanting indeed.

I can't help but use up this natural background as I click away...


















7.1.14

Yoshitomo Nara




Art that sticks in your head are those that stir up something in you. Many say, great art touches the viewer's mind, heart and soul. Yashitomo's Neo-pop pieces will do just that, meddle you like an itch (in a positive way at least). 



Influenced by anime and manga, Yoshitomo Nara's works feature cartoonish wide-eyed children and animals. The juxtaposition of innocence and horror sparks interest to viewers. Although his paintings and sculptures are simple, there's a certain mysterious element that raises curiosity. The angry, annoyed look of the subjects let's one wonder if it might attack you anytime soon if you stare any longer. This unsettling feeling is what makes Nara's art unique and striking. His artworks perfectly fit the saying, "If it's not disturbing, it's not art".







6.1.14

Glitter and Two-toned

Although not a newbie online shopper, I'm a first-timer in purchasing from Zalora Philippines. I've been eyeing a pair of glitter flats which has been residing in my wishlist for some time. After letting periods of sleep pass by, the adorable pair still sparkled in my mind that's when I decided that I really wanted them embellishing my feet. 

Sister style with our new kicks



I bought a pair of copper Mambo Chilli Margarita shoes. I got really excited when I opened my package that I wore it right away to go out with friends. It's glittery but not flashy, just the way I like it.

Chilli Margarita Mambo shoes

The second item was my sister's purchase-- two-toned (black/tan) Gretchen Flat sandals by Scarlet. It fits her perfectly and it matches her relaxed casual style. They're comfortable and light to wear as well.

Scarlet Gretchen flat sandals


Shopping at Zalora Philippines is smooth and hassle free. Plus, the items are are of top quality. I'm more than happy to have transacted with them and is excited to browse again for other beautiful stuff they have in stock.

Happy feet

4.1.14

The Shadow of the Wind

It's been a while since my last post. Something came up that I had to stop writing for a while. Anyway, let me start 2014 with a review of my "2013 year-ender" book-- The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Just like the previous read I had, this too is borrowed (again from my sister's shelf). Let me add that I'm blessed to have a book buddy for a sister, it's convenient and I get to read a number of her copies first before she does *wink*.


The Shadow of the Wind

After finding a book to take home from the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, Daniel Sempere come across various riveting characters who will turn his life around. A man with grotesque features, who calls himself Lain Coubert, demands to acquire the book from him for the sole purpose of burning it to embers. Daniel find ways to hide the book from the perpetrator. Such confrontation raises his curiosity causing him to go around Barcelona to seek answers with the help of his new found friend and confidant, Fermin. They start piecing together a puzzle that will soon lead him to finding out what truly happened to the book's author, Julian Carax.


One thing's for sure, The Shadow of the Wind is a must-read. It's thrilling, suspenseful, funny, romantic, dramatic rolled into one pile of pages you hardly want to put down. Now, who wouldn't want to read that?

By the time I started reading, it felt like a movie (which is no surprise since Carlos is an experienced screenwriter as well). As I advance in the story it seemed that I, myself, was walking the streets of Barcelona. The details of Daniel's exploits and encounters allowed me to create a lush world in my imagination that I feel I'm a part of. The compelling and engrossing story makes me want to continue on to the ending but at the same time causes me to not hurry so as I'd remain embraced in the mysteries that are haunting the characters.

This tale is one of the few that I would want to see on-screen. I hope Carlos would team up with a good filmmaker to bring this novel to life. Of course, it would be ideal that he himself work on it as the screenwriter so that it would stay loyal to the magnificent story he created. My fingers are crossed for an equally fascinating motion picture.

I'm grateful to have ended the year with a worthy read. Now... off to my first book for 2014. How about you, which novel's pages will you immerse yourself into this year?

17.12.13

Photo Inspiration: I Want to Go Places

Sea cave near Armação de Pêra, Algarve Coast, Portugal

Festival of Lanterns, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Peaceful Setting at Krabi, Thailand

Machu Picchu, Peru

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Burano, Italy


*All images from Pinterest

14.12.13

Fleur


Flowers are symbols of beauty and abundance. The elegance they exude make them favorites for various occasions and for decorations. They're delightful in appearance and smell that's why these flourishing things often brighten up a space, better yet put a smile on someone's face.

Here are some blossoming shots thru film:












11.12.13

Anime Love

Source: www.mojackotagalogtv1.blogspot.com

I'm a late bloomer regarding this viewing pleasure. If I haven't met friends who are avid fans I'd be missing out a lot of the amazing and extraordinary world of Japanese Animation. 

When I was in high school I considered watching this stuff stupid, without even thinking that the late afternoon show I was obsessed with during grade school (Mojacko) was actually anime. Jokes on me. I was wrong... so so wrong. My classmates were all over Ghost Fighter, Slam Dunk, and the like. The first anime I ever watched from start to finish was Fushigi Yugi, being influenced by a close friend. Off to college, watching any more of them went out of the picture. I met new friends after graduation who are anime lovers. As we kept hanging out I soon appreciated the diverse art form. Getting engrossed with different animation series got me into trying to learn the Japanese language and made me more interested with their culture.

To date I still watch anime, particularly One Piece, because they go on forever. Well, I hope they never stop creating interesting stories. They can go on and on and I wouldn't mind following their marvelous adventures.

Here's my top 5 (so far):

Source: www.deepgraysea.com
 Kimihiro Watanuki has the capacity to see spirits. He meets a witch, Yuko Ichihara, who grants his wish of removing said ability on the condition that he become her temporary part-time cook and housekeeper. Watanuki goes on hair raising errands making him more accustomed to the paranormal world.


Source: www.fragileheartsjourney.blogspot.com
Light Yagami discovers Death Note, a supernatural notebook that allows the holder to kill anyone by writing the persons name on it. He uses the notebook to exterminate criminals making it a utopia that he wishes to rule. A cat and mouse game begins between him and L, a world famous detective, when the latter's attention is caught by a series of unexplained deaths.


Source: www.wallpapers.brothersoft.com
Individuals contact the Hell Correspondence through their website, which can only be accessed by midnight, to take revenge on their antagonist. When the request is accepted Ai Enma (Hell Girl) offers the client a straw doll with a red string. Once the string is pulled the object of hatred is ferried to hell. In exchange of this service, clients will also go to hell when their life ends.


Set on Edo era Japan (with a tint of modern and hip-hop), three strangers come together on a journey across the nation. Fuu is a brave young girl who asks Mugen, a rogue with a unique fighting technique, and Jin, a calm and cool bespectacled ronin, to join her in finding the "samurai who smells of sunflower".


Monkey D. Luffy sails off on a journey from the East Blue Sea to find Gol D. Roger's treasure, One Piece, and to become the King of the Pirates. Along his quest he meets exceptional characters who soon become part of his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates. They encounter many battles and defeat unimaginable rivals. Their great adventure continues in the New World...