Movie Review: Love and Cooking with Little Italy

Last Saturday, I was one of the lucky guests of the special screening of Little Italy. It happened at Cinema 8, Greenhills Promenade. 

This was the second time that I watched a movie in the said cinema house. My friend whom I invited was truly happy because it was her first time to see a film there and it was free. Thank you, Banana Peel, for the tickets!

And yes, it been a while since I had a movie review, the first this year (hopefully not the last though). 

Pros:

1. Hayden Christensen, hallelujah! 

Photo from Mudabare

I'm not a fan of this guy but it was a breath of fresh air to see him acting again! Like omg! The last time that I've seen him was during his Star Wars days (yeah, I'm just too old! Hihihi...) and he is still a cutie after how many years!

2. Pizza everywhere!

Photo from Metro US

Photo from Now Magazine

If you are a lover of this heavenly food that could ruin your diet, then you would be hungry from the beginning until the end of this movie. I like that they show different kinds of pizza and I became familiar with how to make one. I wish there is a real Pizza Organico.

3. Career versus Family

Emma Robert's character, Nikki didn't want to go back to Little Italy because she believed that nothing would ever change. 

Photo from Trailer Addict

The feud between the two fathers which affected their families and the guy she loved seemed to be the same. Yet, in her heart, she knows where happiness truly lies.

Photo from Product Placement Blog

Photo from Eater

4. The Secret Ingredient...

It was a great thing that this film not only focuses on pizza but it pinpoints the importance of other factors that can make a long-lasting relationship and life. And it is none other than love. 

Photo from The Globe and Mail

Apart from seeing Emma Roberts (Nikki) and Hayden Christensen (Leo), they have awesome chemistry by the way! 

Photo from Los Angeles Times

Their super cute Nonno (Danny Aiello) and uber charming Nonna (Andrea Martine) are lovers but they kept their affair secretly. 

Photo from Mohits Movies

They are so funny to watch and their advice to the young couple is priceless.

Cons:

Airport scene: A bit dragging and I don't think it can happen in reality.

There were dull moments in few parts of the movie yet it highlights aspects of life that are very applicable. 

I hope to see more romantic comedy films like this! Awesome casting! 

Photo from twitter.com

Perks Be With You rating: 8.5/10

Little Italy is said to be out by October 3 in cinemas nationwide. 

MIBF 2018: Experiences and Book Haul

This Manila International Book Fair was truly special to me.

The most beautiful entrance ticket that I've seen!

It happened last September 12-16 at SMX Convention, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. 

I decided to attend the exciting event twice in the first and last days. Rain or shine, I would be there! 

I was thrilled that my self-published book: Elvyn's Eyes for the first time was part of MIBF. 

Can you spot it?

It was displayed at Edushop booth together with A Time for Heists, a romantic suspense anthology in which I had a short story. 

I was truly grateful that my first Fantasy English short story is part of Out of this World, an anthology that was launched in MIBF and produced by 8letters. Thank you, Marigold and the rest of your team! 

Isn't she beautiful? :)

Why the first day? 

My boss told me that she went to MIBF last year and she liked that there were few people. She had a great time checking every booths and stall. It actually encourages me to do it this 2018. And I did.

I visited the booths where my books could be found. No book shopping for me because I need to go back to work.  Not so much crowd and the first day was intended for teachers and students, great job with that MIBF. 

And the last day... 

I was expecting that there would be a lot of people. And I was not wrong. 

I arrived at five in the afternoon and went straight to National Bookstore because I won from their twitter giveaway. I claimed the only International book that I got from MIBF. Yay! 

Some BDJ 2019 planners! I like the new planner covers!

I was having second thoughts if I would push through book signing because it would take a lot of time lining up and I was waiting to finally meet and greet my blogsite's winner. 

If you are reading this Aica, you know the real reason why I wasn't able to meet you up earlier. Sorry! 

Yes, I lined up for the meet and greet with Lourd De Veyra. 

Early in the line...

The popular host and commercial actor released his latest book entitled History with Lourd under Summit Books. 

It was a short but happy book signing for me because I was able to thank Mr. Lourd. 

A friend of mine recommended me to watch his show and it helped me when I was doing my romantic suspense short story. It was awesome telling it to him and he said, he hoped that I learned from it. Which I did. I could not wait to read his book. 

My MIBF 2018 was remarkable with the people I met but the downside was, I didn't have time to shop for books, explore the whole convention and check out every booth. I was lucky enough to buy three books which were written by fellow Filipino authors. 

Book Haul! I'm so behave, right? 

My advice to those who are planning to attend the event for the first time next year, the first day is the best time to go, be early and bring a friend or two. 

And to myself, for MIBF 2019, I will surely be there but this time around I will visit every booth from first to the second floor and will bring extra fund. 

To end this blog, thank you from the bottom of this author's heart for joining my last giveaway.

Congratulations to the only #TeamMIBF entry and to the lucky entry of #TeamBahay that was chosen by my dear friend unicorn. Check out the photo and video that I will upload after this blog post. 

Please do send me a PM on how to claim your prizes before September 26!