MIBF 2019: My promise last 2018!

I'm a certified book lover and hoarder. When I see discounts and sales at the bookstore, I would always make time to visit and save money.

The 40th Manila International BookFair was my fourth (if I'm not mistaken) attendance and I was still amazed by how many publishing houses especially locally exist.

It took place at SMX Convention from September 11 to 15, ten am to eight in the evening. Luckily, I got my MIBF tickets again from the generous Fullybooked.

Here was my promise last year and did it happen?

Congratulations to me!

I went to the MIBF twice again!

One, on the first day which was Wednesday because I need to claim a book. I was able to check out most of the booths except the Pop Hub because I was too hungry and it was nearly closing time.

There were creative and artistic booths again! Posted some below!

My favorite booth this year! 

I only bought these books! Yet, I took photos of the items that I would buy when I come back.

Luckily, a lot of them were still present during the last day of the event.

I was extra ecstatic that my bookish friend Mariel was with me. Though I visited most of the booths again, I still found something new.

I stuck on my list but apparently, I purchased a lot in the end. I always told myself that though my pockets are empty but my heart is happy.

Here is my stash!

I didn't line up for any book signings but surprisingly two books were signed up!

With Miss Grace Chong

Meet the Illustrator and the Author!

Should I do five days trip to MIBF next year?

Let's see!

Fantasy and Action with the Dragon Seal

I admire Jackie Chan especially when I learned that he does his kung fu moves and sometimes he doesn't have doubles. When I found out that he has a new film with Arnold Schwarzenegger, I want to see it!

Luckily, a friend of mine won advance screening tickets and I was tagged along. Wohoo! 

It happened last September 19 at 8 pm in Cinema 1, Sm Megamall.

Should you watched it or not? 

Here is my take with the film.

1. The Master and the Princess

Photo from Jackie Chan France

-The story started with a narration about a dragon and how greedy people became because of power. 

Photo from Filmous.com

Yet, they were good people like the Master (Jackie Chan) who keeps the seal and his daughter Chen (Yao Xing-Tong) who is the Princess and who would do everything for their people.

2. Meet Hook

-By the name itself, all I can think about was Peter Pan's nemesis. But, (Arnold Schwarzenegger) James Hook is the commander of the prison that held the Master. 

Photo from Wirewag

He likes displaying how strong he is and collecting things from famous and heroic individuals. 

3. Gigantic Villains and Evil Witch

Photo from Calvert Journal

-There is a witch who pretends to be a princess with her nasty masks and devilish ways to punish the people. 

I was totally surprised by the gigantic human machines as enemies. 

Photo from Kungfu Magazine

Wow! They are scary to me. 

4. Maps and Umbrellas

-Jonathan Green (Jason Fleymng) is a talented cartographer and it led him to discover the conspiracy in Russia. He met a young boy who brought him to China. 

Photo from Russia Beyond

The idea of umbrellas as a battle gear was incredible! It was like Icarus flying for the first time! The shape of the umbrella too was awesome. 

5. Dragon and the Seal

Photo from Movies Room

-I love Dragons because I find them beautiful but fierce and seeing a blue dragon with its long eyelashes was cool. The film focused on the seal that could command the legendary dragon to fight the evil and why not?

Verdict: A round of applause for the story-wise and characterization. I'm not a fan of the ending though. 

Photo from LADbible

Perks Be With You Rating: 8.5/10 (The kung fu moves by Jackie Chan and the other characters are a must-see!) 

Perk's New Discovery: Lip Fixer? Niacinamide?

Honestly, I have never been into skincare.

I'm contented with my skin because I know how sensitive it is. I'm okay with the products that I was using as long as they didn't cause a breakout.

Last July, I attended the first #ABCommunityPH meet-up by @skincaresph and I was glad that I did. I discovered new products and for the first time in my life, I have a complete set for facial care! 

I'm grateful for the freebies that I received that I'm going to feature those lovely items. Most of the skincare brands are from Korea and of course, there are locally made too!

I list down the three products that I tried from the loot bag.

~S.A.A.T Insight Lip Fixer~

Have you heard of a lip fixer? 
It was my first time to saw one and I didn't have a clue about it. Before I applied it, I researched about a lip fixer. I only find SAAT Insight as recommended lip fixer! 

Packaging: Prettiest! I love the design and color of the box!

How to use this: Apply it before your lip balm or lip gloss. Let it stay for 5-10 minutes.

Effectivity: When you drink liquids, your lip application won't stain on the glass.

Recommended: Yes! I like how long-lasting it stays. I'm currently using my 2nd tube!

~DR & CO Real BB Cream (Shiny White 30 ml SPF 40/PA ++)

I'm hesitant with this BB Cream because the color might not compliment my skin. But, I was totally surprised that it combines well with my face! 

Packaging: Very simple.

How to use this: Apply it to your clean face with your fingers. Let it blend with your skin.

Bare

Just applied. Poreless!

Effectivity: Face looks fresh for quite some time.

Full coverage!

Recommended: Yes! I'm in love with the smell of this BBB cream! Would buy one! 

~Herbs and Hyssop 10% Niacinamide Serum~

I've been into facial serum lately. I like the last brand that I used and I was a bit in a dilemma if I should try a new serum for my sensitive skin.

A serum with Niacinamide is different from the usual serum that we usually buy. You shouldn't combine it with products that contain Vitamin C. Your skin would react to it. 

Packaging: Plain

Effectivity: When I first applied it during nighttime, my skin had a bad reaction. I gave it another try in the morning and my face was happy. I used it as my face serum every morning.

How to use this: Clean your face with a toner. Applied a small amount of serum and spread it out in your face.

Recommended: I like the texture of it and the smell won my heart! I could feel that my skin absorbed it. I'm looking forward to buying one soon.

*So far, I become an instant fan of these three skincare products! Great for those who have sensitive skin like mine.*

Circa: Mga Rolyo at Misteryo (Movie Review)

Ang Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino ay isa sa pinakahihintay ko bilang isang tumatangkilik sa mga pelikulang Pinoy.

Ako'y nagagalak dahil nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na mapanood ang isa sa tatlong kalahok sa #PPP2019 Sandaan Showcase, ang Circa noong Setyembre 10, alas-siyete ng gabi sa Gateway Cinema 1. 

Maraming salamat sa tiket Gateway Cineplex!

Photo by Manuel M.

Ang Circa ay kwento ni Dona Atang na humihiling ng reunion sa kanyang mga mahal na mga artista at empleyado para sa 100 niyang kaarawan. 

Narito't hihimayin ko ang nais iparating sa mga manonood ng Circa. 

1. Si Dona Atang

- Ang kilalang movie producer ng panahon maningning ang mga pelikula. Strikta sa mga artista at direktor kung trabaho ang pag-uusapan niya pero ito'y mabait at mapagbigay sa kanya mga empleyado. Sobrang kahanga-hanga ang galing pa rin sa pag-arte ni Miss Anita Linda. 

2. Isang Hiling

-Masuwerte ang umaabot sa isang daan taon ng kanilang buhay kaya naman gagawin ang lahat ni Michael (Enchong Dee) para matupad ang hiling ng kanyang Lola. Hanapin at imbitahan ang mga nakasama niya sa dating production house. Naging mahirap ang paghahanap pero masaya si Michael na marami siyang nalaman tungkol sa pinakamamahal niyang Lola. 

3. Lumang Pelikula

-Nakakatuwa na pinaalala ng pelikulang ito ang mga dating kahanga-hanga at tunay na malikhain pelikulang Pinoy sa pinilakang tabing. Nakakalungkot nga lang na nakalimutan na ito ng karamihan mga Pilipino dahil sa makabagong teknolohiya. 

4 Si Delfin

-Sino nga ba siya? May teoriya ang aking kasamang nanood at masasabi kong may punto siya. Maaring nakipagkasundo si Dona Atang kay Delfin upang tumagal ang kanyang buhay at maging successful siya. Siya ang kanyang pampaswerte. 

5. Hiwaga at Pantasya

-Akala ko ay pangkaraniwan lamang ang kwento ng Circa pero may mga kakaibang simbolismo at elemento lalo na sa dulo ng pelikula. 

Sa totoo lang ay hindi kasali ang Circa sa tatlo nais ko talagang makita sa sinehan ngunit matapos ko itong mapanood, akin napagtanto na maganda ito lalo na ipinakita ang buhay ni Dona Atang at ang pagmamahal niya sa mga pelikula. Nasasalamin rin ito ng tunay na kalagayan ngayon ng industriya ng mga artista at pelikulang Pilipino. 

Panoorin at tangkilikin ang sampung pelikula kasama sa Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino. 

Photo by Manuel M.

Mabuhay ang Circa! 

(Blog feature is written in Filipino as requested by the blogger's readers.)

Eat like a King or Queen at Hodai!

A close friend of mine is into Japanese foods and when we met, most of the time we dine at Japanese restaurants.

When I saw an invite to try a Japanese and Korean fusion restaurant, I didn't hesitate to sign up.

Hodai Unli Japanese Restaurant is located at 14 Examiner St. West Triangle, Quezon City.

If you are coming from Sm North Edsa, the best way is to ride a jeepney going to West Triangle. You just have to tell the driver to drop you off to Examiner St and from there only a few minutes walk.

The house turned to the restaurant was still closed when I arrived for the lunch event.

Their accommodating supervisor introduced us the promo sets for July. We were going to try their gold set.

They have two sets that you can enjoy, the Silver Set and Golden Set.

Aside from the differences in the prices, one dish is served only if you choose the Golden Set.

Here are the sumptuous foods that serve to us.

*Sushi Rolls

For bloggers only

Usual plating

-Combination of our favorite sushi and Maki! Heavenly!

*Rose Cream Pasta

-This make look simple but this I am warning you, this is too spicy to handle!

*Kani Salad

-Just the typical one.

*Korean Fried Chicken

-Another spicy dish that is perfect for those who likes fiery flavors.

*Fish Teriyaki

-The fish compliments with the teriyaki flavor.

*Japchae

-The regular one too.

*Kimchi Gyoza

-I like this type of Gyoza! Not too spicy and very crunchy.

*Tempura

-Quite bland. I need to dip it with a sauce.

*Tonkatsu

-Again not something new.

*Cheese Cream Spicy BBQ Bowl

-This is only available if you avail the Golden Set.

This bowl is definitely fit for a King or Queen who loves to eat. The cheesiness and spiciness with the barbeque is truly a bomb.

Hodai means 'all you can' in Nihonggo and the foods that served to us definitely could make one's tummy full in an instant.

Thank you to Clarissa and Sir Carlo for the invites!

Will go back to Hodai soon.