Double Cause for Celebration: Big Bad Wolf in Manila and Dana's Birthday

03 March 2019

One of the biggest book events that we always look forward to is the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale.  If you haven't heard of it, it's a week-long event that's open for 24 hours with tons of books on sale.  This year, it was held between Feb 22 and march 4 and we went twice :)

Also, the 2nd day that we went coincided with Dana's birthday and this was where she wanted to spend it so Hurrah for books! :)

Check out our "haul" from the two days at the Big Bad Wolf :)

10 Reasons Why the Big Bad Wolf Books Event at the World Trade Center is Bad for Me (and my wallet)!

17 February 2018

What a fitting picture! I found that book at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale at the World Trade Center.  You'll find over 2 Million books with 60% to 80% discounts.  The event runs from February 16 to 25 and they're open 24 hours!  Admission is FREE!

We went there around 8PM and we left at 2AM and we didn't even get to see all the books!! Check out our experience and we hope that you get to visit too :)

Wow! 2 floors at the 2017 Manila International Book Fair #2017MIBF

16 September 2017

It's that time of the year again when everyone is on their toes and itching to get into the 2017 Manila International Book Fair.  Since we were here last year, we kind of knew what to expect.  But this year, there's more in store because there was an additional exhibition space on the 2nd Floor which meant more books and stuff to browse and buy from.

Still, it was surprising to see long lines outside of the SMX which made us feel uncertain at first because we thought that was the line to get in.  But, as we neared the entrance gates, it seemed that it was the line to buy tickets from.  We were fortunate that I had printed out tickets from the UST Facebook page and we were able to get in without any fuss.

Honestly, this time, we were really aiming for specific books and other school supplies but we still took our time visiting the other exhibition booths :)

Dylan's class is Munting Aklatan #95 thanks to Books for a Cause

20 July 2017

Today, Dylan's class became Munting Aklatan #95.  We were fortunate to be the beneficiaries of books for Dylan's Autism class courtesy of Sir Ramil Sumangil from the Books for a Cause advocacy.

Books for a Cause receives any and all books (and even toys) and in turn donates these to people who need them.  Thank you for our books!! :)

Crazy, Frantic Day at the 2016 Manila International Book Fair #MIBF2016

16 September 2016

The Manila International Book Fair is among the many annual events that we look forward to as a family.  This year's MIBF is held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia from Sept 14-18, 2016, from 10AM - 8PM.  Admission Fees are P20 (Adults) and P15 for Seniors, PWD, and kids below 4 feet.  I think Students also  get a discount :)

We were able to bring home several books for the kids and possibly early Christmas gifts for close friends ;)

Check out what we saw at the Book Fair!

Donated my books to "Books for A Cause"

07 January 2016

Reading books is my favorite past time.  If I didn't have any limits on the number of books I can store I'd probably have my own library/bookstore by now :)  But, the reality is, you need a lot of space for books and you need to make more space if you want to read new ones.  So, I made the choice to donate my books to the Books for a Cause organization.

Went to the Scholastic Book Warehouse Sale

23 December 2015

I appreciate blogs that regularly post about sales and bargain deals that happen in Metro Manila.  It gives us a lot of choices for shopping and saving.  Just like the other day when I was scouting for sales because my sister wanted to know where they are.  I found a link that pointed to "The Big Christmas Blowout Warehouse Sale" and I sort of went into panic mode because I only had a few days to go and visit.  On the last day, we managed to travel to Pasig and check out the sale.

Book Review: Shades of Doon by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

After reading Book 1 of the series, I was caught up in it and immediately read Book 2, "Destined for Doon".  I couldn't get enough of it and it was fortunate that BookLook Bloggers has the 3rd book, Shades of Doon, and offering complimentary copies in exchange for honest reviews so I took advantage of the offer.  I finished it so fast I hate myself for reading so fast hahaha







Summary
Book 2 ended rather excitingly and I'm afraid to say more because I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read it.  This book follows immediately after that fateful day and is all about the best friends Vee and Kenna encountering a new threat coming from a possible old nemesis.  New challenges are up for Kenna on the romance side too.

Review
Funny enough I thought this book was the end of the series.  I don't know why I thought that but it worked for the best because I didn't want the series to end.  The way that plot evolved at the onset made me think of conspiracy theories, second guessing myself as to whether the circumstances being described were real or imagined.

It's nice to see our protagonists having their share of good and fun days this time around.  But I guess that's really a kind of a foreshadowing for what's coming next.

I am sure that the "reveal" near the end of the book will be a shocker for readers ;)

I can't wait for 2016 for the next book :)

Disclaimer:
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255.

Book Review: Doon By Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

I love having new books to read and Doon by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon did not disappoint.  I got this complimentary eBook from the publisher through BookLook Bloggers. I enjoyed reading it and want to continue the next books in the series.

Book Review: This is your Brain IN LOVE

March 16, 2010

Who wouldn’t want to know how their brain behaves when they’re in love?  I, for one, was caught by the title of this book (that comes complimentary from BookSneeze) and was instantly interested to find out what Dr. Henslin (the author) had to say about it.

Basically, this book is about “improving a troubled marriage, fueling the fires of passion and keeping a life-long love alive”.  The difference is that  Dr. Henslin uses brain imaging scans to bring therapy to a whole different level.  He discusses the five types of Lovers in detail:  the Scattered Lover, the Overfocused Lover, the Blue Mood Lover, the Agitated Lover and the Anxious Lover to provide insights you and your partner can evaluate on your own or as a couple and recommends solutions to facing such challenges. 

I really liked this book because it talks about the totality of marriage like a work in progress.  There’s the element of sex and intimacy between the couple (I found that list on Jewish tradition to be really fascinating that I had to share it with partner) and how it relates to the spirituality of their marriage.  Then, there’s the whole section on the Five Types of Lovers.  There are tables, checklists and brain scan images that are really fun to explore.  If you find that you’re not of that type, then you can skip it and focus on yours.  It’s very readable even though there may be scientific and medical terms to understand.  The anecdotes about the couples he had in therapy put a realistic stamp on his practice.  I also really loved the fact that he doesn’t rely on giving you pills immediately but offers a refinement of your diet and nutrition as part of the solution. 

This is a book that you can refer to again and again.  It is very useful for couples and even as individuals if you’re feeling lost in your marriage.  I found it fascinating, interesting and hard to put down.  Thumbs Up!

Book Review: "What's Age Got To Do With It"

I recently read a book entitled, "What's Age Got To Do With It?" by Robin McGraw. When I first got it, I didn't realize that the author, Robin, was married to the infamous Dr. Phil until I started reading the book. Though it didn't really matter in any way, it was just interesting to get a peek at the way how they are as a couple and as a family through the book. Here's what I thought about it.

I was looking forward to reading this book because when I first read the excerpt on the jacket, it was like the book was echoing my thoughts. I felt that maybe I can find some of the answers to my mid-life crisis questions and point me in the right direction. As I was reading it, I felt that I identified with Robin’s feelings especially since my questions were also prompted by the recent sudden death of my mother. Other than that, I knew that her lifestyle, her work environment were so different from mine that I realized I should just take what she’s saying at face value and take whatever I can from reading the book.

It’s nice that the book has lists, highlights and opinions from experts just to give you a general idea on what to do and she even often mentions that though she consulted these people, it’s not necessary that you find the same people too. You simply need to find someone in your area or at least in your budget range that will be best for your situation.

I appreciated the fact that she delved into most of the problems that people, specifically females, are often plagued with when they reach a certain age like hormones and fashion. You’ll also find great tips to follow (if you’re so inclined) with respect to skin care, hair care, make-up and general nutrition especially if you want to lose weight and keep the weight off.

I like the book. I found it helpful and easy to read. I liked the way she used many of her personal stories as examples to illustrate a point. You just need to take whatever it is that she’s provided and apply it to your life. Though you may get the sense that she has the resources to achieve her goals, it may be true, but still you know from reading the book that she also has worked hard and has put time and effort into achieving them. So should you and so will I.

If you want to know more about the book, check out this link.