Image Credit: Channel 4

Boy meets girl. Girl lives in New York. Boy lives in London. Girl is a bo-ho babe. Boy is a hot-shot stockbroker.

Sound familiar?

I’m talking Ny-Lon. This seven-part series was first screened on Channel 4 back in 2004 and charted the relationship woes of a couple brought together by a chance meeting, but separated by the Atlantic Ocean. I loved it first time around so when I stumbled across the series on 4OD one dreary Sunday evening I was super-excited to indulge in a second viewing.

Image credit: allstephenmoyer.com

Was it as good second time around? Oh yes! Michael’s arrogant city banker juxtaposed against Edie’s boho rock chick. The sweeping shots of London and New York. The unexpected gritty twists and turns. The will they, won’t they love story. Even my husband, who usually rolls his eyes at my TV choices, has got into it.

We’ve got two episodes left to watch and I honestly can’t remember how the series ends which is making it even more gripping.

If you want something to cheer up the chilly nights check it out!

I love… Harry Potter.

Here’s the new cover for the new editions to be released this year.

Move over Twi-hards because this year marks the 15th year anniversary of this awesome work of literature: The Harry Potter book series. I’ve been a fan since 2001. I remember reading my first ever paper back Harry Potter book: The Chamber of Secrets for a book report. It was sophomore year in high school and I didn’t know what it was about or that it was a series that’s why I read Chamber (Book 2) first before The Sorcerer’s Stone. I just knew that I had to find a book that’s easy to read. Being a crammer that I was, my plan was to skim the pages and skip some chapters and be done with the project but then after reading the first few chapters I was… enchanted. That was the beginning of my magical journey with Harry Potter.

My first ever Harry Potter book dated July 3, 2001

The pages are already aging, the book’s been with me for 12 years. That’s half of my existence on earth.

It all sounds so geeky, right? But really, I’m a big fan. I got all seven books. Read them cover to cover at least 3 times. The first two are paper back while the rest are hard bound. I remember waiting for the release every single year and I would line up at the stores and search everywhere because it was sold out most of the time.

Books 1 to 7 occupy my top shelf.

To say that they were well written books would be the understatement of the century. I can get lost in the books and be taken into the halls of Hogwarts and I could simply imagine hanging out at Hogsmeade drinking a butterbeer. What’s also amazing is how J.K. Rowling came up with all the spells in the book. She’s got spells for mundane stuff like lighting a room (lumos) and for keeping dementors (expecto patronum) and killing bad wizards (avada kedavra). How cool is that?!

I am still amazed how J.K. Rowling managed to keep us on the edge of our seats for 7 books. Turning every page of this “unputdownable” book. Their adventures every semester made my heart race and the losses made me shed some tears. It was heartbreaking to know that Sirius Black, Dobby, Lupin, Tonks, Dumbledore, and others had to die fighting off the forces of the Dark Lord that is Lord Voldemort.

My favorite is Book 3: The Prisoner of Azkaban

Thinking about it, I now understand why it has a strong following. The story progressed as its readers matured. I always felt like I grew up with the characters. That’s why I cried when I read the dedication of the last book: The Deathly Hallows, it read:

The dedication of this book is split seven ways: to Neil, to Jessica, to David, to Kenzie, to Di, to Anne, and to YOU, if you have stuck with Harry until the very end.

YOU. She was talking to me! Haha. I’m totally fan-girling right now but I was one of those who stuck with Harry and his story for almost a decade. It’s so awesome.

Harry Potter is a magical book that showed the enchanting world of witches, wizards, goblins, elves, giants, dragons, spells, Triwizard Tournaments, magical sports (READ: Quidditch), and most importantly it’s a story of friendship, courage, and the power of love. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Went to see Ed Sheeran perform this past Sunday night at the Nokia Theater (aka LA Live) and it was definitely an experience I’ll keep with me.

I was lucky enough to see him perform live while I was still the early stages of my (slight) obsession. The week I found out about this amazing talent of his, I automatically went onto Amazon and bought his CD and a week later the tickets for this concert went on sale and I managed to get decent seats and I am extremely glad that I did.

Earlier in the day my friend and I were talking about the concert and what songs we hoped he would perform, and this song was the one that we really hoped he would play, and it was a beautiful surprise that it was actually the opener getting good energy going and so excited for all the songs to come.

Before you peep the video, I do apologize for any shakiness (although it’s not as bad as some other videos I have taken), also please avoid the screaming and singing in the background (I could not resist). With that said, please enjoy! Even if the visual isn’t as good, the audio is really good. So please, watch, listen, and enjoy!

JackTV is bringing Patrick J. Adams (Mike Ross in character) to Manila to promote Suits. And if you want to be part of an exclusive meet and greet with Mike Ross, here’s what you should do:

1. Like JackTV in Facebook. Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/solar.jacktv
2.Like and share a particular photo and answer the question “What do you love about Mike Ross in Suits?” here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=508024325914545&set=a.155270807856567.61049.155244027859245&type=1&theater

Deadline’s on Feb 22, 2013 so keep on liking and sharing, everyone!

I want to see you in person! JackTV please make it happen.

P.S
Hey JackTV, can you make me win and be one of the lucky people please? Thank you! #Truth #AwesomeBdayGift #FanGirl

This year’s valentine, is, just like the past years, the same regular day to me. Thank God that most of my friends, single or not didn’t take the day extra special too! But I have to say that this “valentine’s” became special for me.

As you may know, I am a football fan. And that I have a huge crush on this Filipino-German footballer playing in our local league and the national team, Denis Wolf. And my cousins and I decided to watch their team, Global FC play on Vday. It was actually unplanned. My other cousin texted me days before about the scheduled match and invited me to watch. I declined however, because what I initially planned was go to the gym and workout. The schedule changes on the day itself after I felt very tired to hit the gym, so I decided to inform my other two cousins that we watch the game instead. (The cousin who invited initially wasn’t able to come due to her classes at the uni.)

So there, at the newly built Emperador Stadium in the city where I live (and where Denis also lives. hahaha Seriously, I love my city!), we went and watched Global oven over Nomads with the 2-1 score. Denis came later though as a sub. Prior to that, I was watching him doing warm ups on the side and gosh, how lovely is the view! Hahaha

Global vs Nomads

It ain’t the first time I saw him in person, but this is I think the closest I got to him because this new stadium is just very intimate and football fans can see the action in the pitch at close range.

I swear even though I have a crush on him, I would watch the game, even if he isn’t playing or not the one who has the ball. Reminds me how my best friend Idy would always tease me, “Eyes on the ball, not on him!” Haha Of course I do watch the game, not just him. :p But something happened last thursday. Gosh, my eyes were fixated on him, even if he was just on the side, warming up. And boy, was he gorgeous! Hahaha… My cousin even reminded me that the ball is already on the other side. Hahaha

Denis warming up during the half time

Then after the game, we, along with the other fans waited for the players to come to the audience area to give their autographs and all. Denis on the other hand started running around the pitch. We would call him but he won’t stop running. Gosh, suplado? He had an injury weeks before and I think that is the reason he was running.

After a few minutes, still running, but this time, towards to our direction, I waved my hand at him. I waved at him like the way I would when calling a cab, and without even calling his name. LOL. And he stopped! And he started walking towards us. Gosh! This is it I thought!

We immediately went to him and I said, “Hi Denis, can you sign my football and can we have a picture after?” He smiled and said, “of course, sure, sure…”

As the other group of fan girls went to where we were too, I handed him my sharpee, without even taking the lid off, LOL and showed him my football. It’s not an actual football, but a stress ball actually, designed like a football given to me by my 7-year old cousin. I told Denis that that is my football and he laughed because it is very small. LOL. We both laughed.

Denis and I. My valentine’s date!

After that we had a picture together. Gosh, I was nervous I could feel my hand shaking. Hahaha. My other girl cousin had her picture too, then another girl. But even before another fan would take her turn, I immediately told Denis, I want another picture with him with my cousin and he obliged. But this time, I grabbed the chance to put my right hand around his waist! Hahaha It is already my chance so why not do it I thought. (Chance ko na chumansing! hahaha) Gosh, even if he just finished running, boy he smelled so good. Hahaha. I thanked him and greeted him Happy Valentine’s and he said the same. He is really nice.

We stayed a little while the other took turns to take a picture with him also. God, he was just inches away from us and even though the stadium lights were blinding, I had a chance to stare at his face closely and gosh, his eyes are just beautiful! A really good looking man! And the body… I should have told him Emma Stone’s line in the movie “Crazy, Stupid Love” - “Seriously? It’s like you’re photoshopped!” Hahaha (Lord, can I have him? Please pretty please? Hahaha)

We also went to other players and had some pictures with them and like Denis, they are also nice enough to pose with the fans.

My little football signed by Denis.

My dad picked us up after the game to have our late dinner. And because of too much excitement from the game and from meeting Denis, I forgot that I am doing the 40 Days of Water, I had Iced Tea! My bad. I blame Denis for that. Hahaha Kidding!

Btw, when best friend Idy saw the picture of Denis and I (it is actually a stolen shot), he asked, “Please tell me you didn’t exchange numbers with Denis Wolf?” Hahaha… To which I replied, “Why? What is wrong with it? I’m single, he is single. Hahaha” Of course it didn’t happen, I wish it did though. Hahaha!!!

So that was my Valentine’s night with my hot date! Hahaha

What a day! What a Valentine’s day!

Gosh, I am such a fan girl! Hahaha!!!

Also, if you guys are completely obsessed with the Bloodlines series like me, and feel Adrian-deprived I highly recommend going to fanfiction.net and skimming through the Bloodlines section. I honestly would not have lasted until now if it weren’t for some amazing fan fiction writers!

Here are some of my favourites:

• http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8308254/22/Of-Magic-and-Misery
• http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8346069/1/The-Indigo-Spell
• http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8691503/1/The-Fiery-Heart
• http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8881713/1/What-Happens-At-Weddings

As always, happy reading everyone!

Jay

那是她們多麼崇拜F4 搜集一切有他們的東西
我卻愛5566 常比較誰比較紅

那種感覺很令人懷念
十年了 人都會變 但是有些事 怎麼樣都不可能忘記和改變

Why did I just rant about Fan-girls? because today we are going over Twilight.

What is it about?

Twilight is about a young highschool girl, Bella, who has to leave her home in Phoenix,  because her mother and new step dad are traveling with his minor league baseball team. Bella then goes to live with her father, who is a cop searching for an animal that has been attacking the town. Bella eventually gets involved with Edward, who is a vampire.

Is Bella a Hero?

The Ordinary World to Bella is her move to Forks and the stress of being a new student, who has arrived in march…which is about three months before the end of school. Being a new student is a big deal for her since the town is so small so everyone seems to be interested in her.

The Call to Action occurs when she meets Edward Cullen a vampire. After a long and awkward courtship she decides to continue a relationship with him even though he tells her that he wants nothing more than to kill her and that “you are my own personal brand of heroin”. I guess girls like to hear that.

Refusal of the Call never really happens. She never really questions his intentions. I think it has something to do with the diamond skin. After all, diamonds are a girl’s best friend.

Meeting With a Mentor….her dad gives her advice from time to time, but as he doesn’t know what she is going through and isn’t part of her adventure it’s hard to call him a mentor.

Crossing Over the Threshold  happens when Bella decides to visit Edward’s family and plays baseball with them. She becomes an unofficial member of their vampire family.

Tests and Tribulations, during the baseball game other vampires that have been killing the towns people show up, and due to no fault of her own, a freak gust of wind blows her scent to one of them, James. James, an expert tracker decides he wants her dead, even though it would just be easier on him to just find someone else to eat rather than to fight a family of seven vampires alone. But you know, to each his own.

The Approach, so Bella and new fam decide to run back to Phoenix while the others run through the forest rubbing her scent on trees.

The Ordeal and The Resurrection, so this is actually the best part, because James tortures her and actually gets her to show some emotion. Though even after a broken leg I don’t remember her shedding a tear. Broken bones hurt like hell. James basically pretends that he has her mother and tells her to come to her old ballet studio, where he throws her against stuff. He ends up poisoning her with his vampire bite. (Though the ordeal and resurrection should be different, they are the same in this film)

The Reward, she gets to keep her life and her relationship.

The Elixir, she decides to be a vampire even though there really isn’t much reason behind that choice, besides everyone and their moms telling her no.

The Verdict 

Bella isn’t a hero in this film according to Joseph Campbell. I would have used the Heroine’s journey, but it really doesn’t apply to her as she never separates from the feminine. There is just too many questionable and missing steps for her to be a true hero to me. However if you think Bella is a hero then you are welcome to idolize her as you please.

However

In order to do this review I had to borrow the movies from a friend of mine. I bought them for her for Christmas and she is a fan (not a fan girl though…per se (she might read this)), She told me that Bella’s Hero’s Journey stretches over the course of the saga. Sooo in light of that development I’m going to watch the other films that are out and see if that is the case. I just finished New Moon, and I might see how that could be the case. Be prepared because I’m doing this for you. Team Jacob.

Interested in having the book read to you?

Check out Alex Day and his interpretation of the entire book. If you are a fan girl don’t watch this.

Up Next!

The Heroic Heroine. I’ll get back to the Twilght Saga after I finish the series.

What in the world is happening?! I was scanning movies on my laptop and I realized I had Gokusen SP. I was never a fan of Gokusen, though many people loved it before(I heard). Three seasons, I guess I only watched one episode of it because Haruma Miura(I was crazy over him) was there. I still find it soooooo @#$%ingly corny especially those Yankumi’s kicking-ass moments! But my jaw dropped when I saw this guy in a suit and soooooo @#$%ingly handsome:D Oh gosh, I might hit my head somewhere, because before… I hated HIM! A LOT! When I saw him on pictures and on TV. I was like “Dang! that guy looks like a lizard! how come he is sooo popular?” haha.Sorry Kame fans! just saying my thoughts. I didn’t like him! On Gokusen, Nobuta wo Produce and Yamato Nadeshiko. To tell you the truth, I really loved that anime but when he played Kyohei… I refused watching it! haha. Earlier, I got the itch of watching Gokusen out of nowhere and he’s there *poof* I drooled. haha. His face got a little chubbier compared to that skinny looking Kame before, and his hair doesn’t look like a broom anymore! Not bad. From a lizard to Blizzard, he severely stormed my heart! cheesy<3 Proving that there’s only a thin line between love and hate. Right? OH KAME :3

Can I add? he kinda looks like Takeru Sato on some angles, isn’t he?

First of all, how can you not love Jesse McCartney? The thought of him makes me go all fan-girl-ish. Let alone seeing him dressed up in military gear makes me want to cry tears of joy.
And secondly, HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE A GUY WHO COLLECTS TOYS WITH THE U.S. Marines?!?!

Sigh~~~ I wish I had a Jesse McCartney.

I’ve never had a real black and white cookie in my life…well, not a fake one either for that matter, but yes, so maybe I’ll try baking one in the near future (and we all know how close a ‘near future’ actually is when it comes to pinterest repins). Inspired by this Christmas post by Caitlin from CaitPlusAte, and Dr Zoe Hart from Hart of Dixie (played by Rachel Bilson) mentioning how it is her favourite cookie from New York. Shows how I’m totally hooked on that show from how I even mentioned it in my previous post too.

Speaking of tv shows…how awesome is Downton Abbey. I don’t want to put in any spoilers here, but just saying, considering the fact that it is a BBC show, I’m surprised at how minimal the number of deaths has been thus far. Well I guess they can’t really kill everyone too quickly (not saying this in a mean way, I promise).

Oops, sorry, another BBC show. Love this gif from Sherlock.

Stationery like this makes me want to write a letter to a friend on a whim, for no special reason, imagining a smile on her face. In a non-creepy way (damn I just have to spoil a beautiful sentimental line like that).

What I need: some flail-for-Daniel-Craig time with girlfriends, stat. No I just like staying stat.

Feels like I haven’t had a good sandwich bigger than my head in ages. Craving me some baguette with a million fillings and awesome condiments, please.

A craft idea in the back pocket, to execute one day.

Want to strut out in these onto the dance floor, donning on a dreamy floaty dress, pin-curled hair and bright red lips.

Or skirts and dresses like these (images via the blog Coffee Addict of my lovely friend Greta).

And in spite of my dreamier side, the fan girl within thrives forever. Forever love, Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory.

I wish I could go on forever with these photos but I’ll keep this post so long for now. Now time for more internet fandom for me

xx

(Images via Tumblr and Pinterest)

I love you Enrique! You just made my night complete. So handsome and perfect! You’re really amazing! Yuhoooo! <3

It’s almost New Year’s Eve. What better occasion is there to contemplate the year that has passed? I was wondering how to go about it. Then I thought, no, a list naming my favorite movie (“The Dark Knight Rises”), concert (Bruce Springsteen) and TV show (“Breaking Bad”!!!) might be too boring. So I decided to keep it simple and pick two things that happened to me this year that were important and left an impression. A good one and one far from good. Let’s start with “The X-Files”, shall we?

So, what about my favorite show? How could there be possibly anything new in 2012 when the show ended 10 years ago? Well, believe it or not, the fandom is still extremely active – and not only when it comes to a third X-Files movie. There are plenty of events where we can get together and meet. VERY special kind of events took place this year. In short: A fan girl’s dream come true.

It all started in my hometown. None other than Frank Spotnitz, writer and producer of “The X-Files” (and a loyal supporter of the fan community), came to Berlin to give lectures in a workshop for screenwriters. So, we simply asked him via e-mail whether there would be a chance to meet him at all. Hey, the worst he could say was “no”. By the way, in case you were wondering, Frank answers fan questions via e-mail. He’s a teddy bear at heart. Frankenbear.

And guess what? Frank said yes! I almost missed that meeting since I was in Frankfurt for business reasons when he met with the Berlin philes. But than he actually decided to do another meeting the day after – just when I was back in Berlin. Sometimes fate likes me, I guess. So there we went, spent more than an hour with Frank talking about “The X-Files”, our lives in Berlin and any questions we had. It was plain awesome.

Actually being an X-Files fan, I was never one to hope to meet any of the people involved with the show. It was just too damn unrealistic. But then 2012 came along and proved me wrong. Big time. I thought Frank was THE highlight and could not be topped anymore. Boy, was I wrong. One word: London.

I had actually never been to London until this year. It’s not that I never wanted to – I LOVE city trips. I like to believe exactly because London is so close and flights are cheap that I can always go sometime and don’t have to right now. But this year I finally did. I stayed at a lovely couple’s home in Notting Hill, courtesy of airbnb. In case you are traveling to a city you have never been to, try airbnb. It gives you the chance to meet locals right away and get interesting insights.

Besides the endless hours of discovering London by foot, the weather, the shopping and amazing markets, there was one very special hightlight: The London Film and Comic Con. Including the presence of not one, not two, but three actors from “The X-Files”. Gillian Anderson aka Special Agent Dana Scully, Mitch Pileggi aka Assistant Director Walter Skinner (you might also know him from “Sons of Anarchy”) and Nicholas Lea aka “Ratboy” Alex Krycek. There were photo opportunities, autographs, Q&A’s and merchandise. Anything a fan heart could desire.

That day was utterly crazy and fantastic at the same time. I was amazed at how beautiful and fragile Gillian is, how tall and down-to-Earth Mitch (and hairy) and how cute Nic. And I am not just saying that because he told me I looked lovely. No, no. The whole experience was even much, much better thanks to the presence of other philes from Berlin and Germany. Being able to share something like this is very special. Like I always say: The best thing about “The X-Files” are the people I have met through the show. And the friends they have become.

So, that was obviously my personal highlight of 2012. I am sure anyone who has been following me knows what the other decisive thing is that happened to me: Adriana going missing.

Almost five months now. Too long to still be hopeful, too short for the pain to lessen. I am sure I will get used to the hurting over time, but the hole will always be there and can never be replaced. Ade was very, very special. There are many times I hardy manage to look at pictures of her. And I still feel guilty for bringing Bosco into this household, as if I was trying to replace her. Even though rationally I know nothing and no one can replace her and Cooper seriously needed a feline companion considering how much he was suffering.

Sometimes when I walk down the streets I like to daydream. I imagine what it would be like if I were to suddenly come across her. How I would feel, what I would do, what favorite food I would get for her very first dinner back home. Only a dream. But sometimes even the most impossible dreams do come true. Hey, it did with “The X-Files”. Maybe, just maybe, it will one day with Adriana.

There is politics in every work environment. People will judge and people will talk. Focus on doing an excellent job. Submit reports on time. Finish your readings. Jot down observations. Be up on your toes. Always challenge yourself to be a better.

Keep your oldest friends closer. They loved you when you still had unruly eyebrows, bad taste in boys and naked from all titles and achievements. They will keep you grounded.

(topmost picture: Stela, whom I fondly call Tween, in one of our many dates April 2012; Boracay with best buddies Timmy and Grace with Ramon Bautista May 2012)

If Plan A does not work out, remember that there are 25 letters left.

New friendships will blossom. Be silly together. Pose like true jejemons in a public place. Share job related woes then promise that you will both help each other no mater what (if done while devouring a Yellow Cab pizza and nacho chips, better). Go on dates and share secrets. Laugh. Go shopping. Cherish the relationship.

(goofing and posing like true jejemons with co-teacher and winner of this year’s Sympathetic Ear Award 2012 JC Edition, Celene; October and December 2012)

Choose your battles. Not every situation should be given too much thinking and energy.

Brace yourself for disappointments. It is part of life. And there will be many.

Fangirl-ing is not a crime. Go ahead and do it. Tweet your favorite basketball boys after the game. Better yet, flood them with tweets (okay not flood but shower them with enough tweets) telling them how awesome that acrobatic lay-up was or how your jaw dropped with that windmill reverse. Watch a basketball game live whenever you can. Shout and throw fist pumps in the air. For a better cheering experience, here is a tip: stand, clap, jump and shout ALL AT THE SAME TIME. It is liberating.

Ask for photo opportunities. Do not be shy. People are nice as long as you ask nicely. Smile.

(Chris Ellis, everyone. Photo taken after watching a Smart Gilas tune up game vs Kuwait. August 2012)

(We were Jasonified! With wedding videographer emeritus Jason Magbanua, January 2012)

(Jimmy Alapag, May 2012)

(DJ Suzy of Magic 89.9, November 2012)

(Bianca Gonzalez, February 2012)

Take your vitamins. Get more than 5 hours of sleep a day. Health is wealth.

Girl, dab some color on your cheeks. Avoid looking like it’s Halloween everyday. A little color will not hurt. Go on, go on.

Be open to new experiences. You will gain, not lose. Besides, you will never know that you can if you do not give it a try. It is perfectly okay to feel afraid. Fear reminds you that you are on to something important.

Enjoy being single. Have fun and flirt. Stop being a hermit and go out more often. Meet new people. Wear skirts once in a while. Let your hair loose. Smile.

Laugh a lot, especially at your failures.

Declutter. Just do it. Be it your desk, closet or life (why not?). Sort out what you need and what you don’t. The less baggage, the better.

Be thankful. You are blessed and you know it. Show gratitude.

And trust me on the going after what you want.

(Photos without caption are from tumblr.com)

Currently Watching Hi My Sweetheart. I just wanna share how awesome Show Lou can portray extreme opposite characters and isn’t he just so handsome here?!haha. Da Lung Da Lung Da Lung Da Lung Da Lung Da Luuunnnnnnggggg!XD