Taylor Swift's LOVER Album Review

  As promised, here is my review of Taylor Swift's new album. This is her Seventh studio album, and the very first one that she owns. As I have mentioned in my previous post, this is my very first time ever owning a record of Taylor Swift. This is not yet available locally during the early September, so I ordered mine online. It is a bit expensive but its worth it. The deluxe album comes with freebies. I ordered the first deluxe album. The deluxe album comes in 4 types. Each has a free poster (different versions), diary entries from Taylor's old journal (also different versions), and the journal also has blank pages wherein you can write anything. It also comes with a lyric booklet. From the shop that I ordered online, it has a free reusable bag, Taylor Swift lover keychain, and colored photos.

About the packaging of the album. I like the album design. It is more like of a bubblegum pop style. Baby pink color, with shades of sky blue, and yellow. It is very pleasing to the eye. Happiness, is what describes the style of the album cover. The design of the cd has pinkish clouds, and the title "Lover" in white font. This album has that personal feel because of Taylor's old diary entries that were included in the journal notebook. I give the album packaging a perfect ten!

Let's go to the songs. First of all I like the Foreword that was written on the first page of the journal, and on the lyrics booklet. The album contains 18 songs with 2 bonus recordings, "I Forgot That You Existed," and "Lover." It was cool listening to these recordings. Imagine 18 songs! This album is really loaded. With the 2 bonus tracks, we get to hear how Taylor came about these songs in the album. Below is the lists of all the songs, and my thoughts on each one.

1. I FORGOT THAT YOU EXISTED - The opening part has that "happy go lucky" beat. This song is about a person who has become a part of our lives, we thought they can be there for us but after all that we did for them, they gave us disappointments, and heartaches. Inspite of all the happenings, suddenly, they just don't matter to us anymore. What we feel about them is not hate but indifference. Nice moving on song.

2. CRUEL SUMMER - I get the "Style" vibe here. I love the melody. This song is about the crazy summer days we had. Nice beat.

3. LOVER - I just love this song so much. My second fave track from this album. This reminds me of the golden days of our grandparents, slow dancing in this sweet melody. This song speaks of our undying promise of love to our lover. Passionate sweet.

4. THE MAN - Another nice upbeat tempo. I also enjoyed listening to this one. How it would be like if we were a man. It would be fun isn't it? We would have a different take on things if ever we became a man. Powerful song.

5. THE ARCHER - This is the theme song for all Sagittarians out there. Another favorite of mine since, I am also a December baby. This is track 5, and they say this is another personal song from Taylor's album.

6. I THINK HE KNOWS - This is another upbeat track from the album. This song is about the guy that we fancy about, and he is not clueless on how we really feel about him.

7. MISS AMERICANA AND THE HEARTBREAK PRINCE - I think this song is about the homecoming king and queen, which obviously I can't relate. Young wild love.

8. PAPER RINGS - This is another fun song. Catchy, and upbeat. I love how this songs tells about friends become lovers. This song is like cheering for the one you adore.

9. CORNELIA STREET - Haunting song. This song talks about Taylor's place, obviously in Cornelia street.

10. DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS - Nice tempo. This song is about separation, and how we really feel after that.

11. LONDON BOY - Okay this one has that funky beat. We all know what this song is about. Taylor really loves her English boyfriend.

12. SOON YOU'LL GET BETTER - This is another of my favorite. It has that country vibe. Taylor collaborated with the Dixie Chicks, because they were her mom's favorite. She wrote this song for her mom. Let us all pray for the health and well-being of her mom who is fighting cancer again. This song just simply melt my heart. We all lover our mom's right?!

13. YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN - I love the music video of this. It is all star studded. From Ellen Degeneres, to Katy Perry. You know with all the issues around. We should not ride with it. We should just live peacefully, and harmoniously, with everybody. Respect one another.

14. FALSE GOD - Well this song speaks about love, and the relationship that we have in our lives, and how we put it first in our lives. Chaotic love.

15. AFTERGLOW - Relationship is messy. Still we try to fix it.

16. ME - This is a happy fun song. I just love the music video. This is a duet with Brandon Urie. Yes, I like the message of this song. No one can love the one we love like we do.

17. ITS NICE TO HAVE A FRIEND - Another nice song. We all have that one special friend in our lives.

18. DAYLIGHT - My most favorite song in the album. It is about finding that one person who made a change in your life. Because of that person there is no darkness anymore, you can see daylight. A beautiful tomorrow with him. There is no one else that you want to be with, except him.

So there you go. Whew! This is one lengthy post. If you haven't grabbed an album of Taylor, you can order online, or listen to it for free in her official YouTube channel, wherein she uploaded it. Happy listening!

My Taylor Swift LOVER Items

  It was in 2009 that I first got a taste of Taylor Swift's music. I remember watching her music video, "Love Story, " while I was at my late aunt's hospital room. Through the years I became familiar with her music. I enjoyed listening to her music but I haven't bought a single album of hers. Among the songs that I like in her previous albums were, "You Belong With Me," "White Horse," "Jump Then Fall," "Fearless," "Enchanted," and, "Everything Has Changed."

It was late this year when I got to listen to her new song entitled, "Lover." Listening to it... makes me feel like I was transported back in time, back in the days of my grandparents. It is a slow, romantic, danceable melody. I imagined myself dancing this with the person I like. I was also attracted to the album color and design of Lover. It is full of happy colors pink and blue.

I am going to do a review of the album soon. Just wait for my post. In the meantime, here are some of the "Lover," memorabilia, that I purchased recently. I have this nice cool mug that I use in the office. I often play her songs in my office pc. Also, I have these set of buttons. The Lover button/badge I clipped on my everyday bag. I also have my celphone Lover themed case, keychain, and Taylor's deluxe album. It is currently not available here. I pre-ordered it abroad. I just got it today. It comes with a lined journal, Taylor Swift poster, entries from Taylor's old diaries, and lyrics booklet. You could say, I'm a late Swiftie convert.

Repertory Philippines: THE DRESSER

  Finally, I was able to watch, "The Dresser," starring veteran stage and tv/movie actor, Audie Gemora. He was a former judge at TV5 "Talentadong Pinoy" (Talented Filipinos). I remember, eight years ago I sent a message to him online. I told him that I saw him on tv as a judge in a contest, and I told him about my love for singing. Imagine my glee when he replied (just a short message), he said to me to just, "Keep on Singing." This play ran for about a month. This is the 82nd season of REP's staging plays. The next play that they're staging is Ibong Adarna. I'm looking forward to more of their plays next year.

Quoting from REP's introduction about this play. "The Dresser" is about Sir, a troubled thespian, and his loyal dresser Norman, The Dresser takes place during a wartime production of King Lear. Sir arrives on set in a delusional state, while Norman does all he can to ensure that the show goes on, much to the disapproval of the company, who have had enough of Sir’s erratic behavior. As the theater fills up and an air-raid commences, Sir steps onstage as Lear while the company crosses its fingers. Meanwhile, Norman and the other characters question whether their dedication to the theater—and even the people they love—is worth the hardship and heartbreak.

I am amazed even more with theater actors/actresses after watching this play. Its really hard to become a stage actor, it is a very demanding job. Also, here in the Philippines , basing from the video of Mr. Gemora, their salary now is similar with what they were given before when they're still young. Theater artists are really passionate in what they're doing, all for love. Another reason why I love theater artists, is that I know its not easy to act like in tv or movies. Also, its hard to memorize a long script with no cut from the director. There are a lot of foreigners who also watched the show. The story is really good. It tells us whats going on in the theater world. Another actor said that, "Every theater artist should see this play." 

After the show, the cast went in front of the stage, and I took the opportunity and I asked Sir Audie Gemora to sign my program souvenir. The program souvenir costs around a hundred pesos only. Overall it was a great experience for me, and I'm looking forward in seeing another of REP's offering next year.

Phantom of the Opera Movie Adaptations

  As a Phantom of the Opera Phan (not fan, members loved to call themselves that in honor of the Phantom), I have seen a few adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera movie based on Gaston Leroux's novel.

The first movie that I have seen was the 1925 silent film starring, the man with a thousand faces, Lon Chaney who during that era was considered the top special effects make-up artist. He did a really wonderful work on the Phantom. But it was not yet fully recognized back then. His talent was really amazing since back then prosthetics and make-up was not really known. He has really good make-up skills. This silent film, here the phantom wears a one of a kind mask making him look like someone from the middle-east. He wears a cap with this mask that resembles a face, and a dust muffler under the nose. Without the mask he is really grotesque (corpse like looking, and with a few hair in his head), so this movie was really quite faithful to the book. Funko Pop Vinyl Toy Figures released this Phantom figure. I have this one. Most Phantom of the Opera fans are familiar with Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. Lord Webber's version of the Phantom is the half-masked Phantom that we all know. This 1925 movie I kind of find it dragging at first. I really don't like the ending wherein The Phantom was mobbed! I prefer the alternate ending,  wherein the Phantom died of heartbreak.

Next movie that I have seen is the 1989 slasher film starring Robert Englund. From the trailer itself this is one old movie that I really wanted to see. I like the storyline a bit, but the Phantom was portrayed as a psycho brutal killer, because he skins his victims. I like the sort of time travel thing element in the story, and when the Phantom and Christine met at the present time. I wished that they ended up together instead of the Phantom being killed by Christine, and she threw the compositions and file of Erik Destler into the sewer. A lot of people hate this adaptation, but in my opinion if they tweaked the storyline a little it would have been a great adaptation.

The last movie that I have seen is the tv movie version starring Charles Dance. This is the Kopit musical version. This version is not that well known compared to Lord Webber's musical. I like the Phantom here best. He is a gentleman, sarcastically amusing, and mild-mannered. A lot of people really like this adaptation. This is just quite long. This is a two-part series. This is really worth-watching.

There are a lot of The Phantom of the Opera movie adaptations, and in one old movies, we see The Phantom's cause of disfigurement was due to the acid that was thrown on his face. There's even a rock version. I tried watching the other versions but I got bored. So I will just share this top 3 old and classic movies that I have seen. I hope you will enjoy watching these films as much as I have. "The Phantom of the Opera, is there....inside my mind!"

The Phantom of the Opera Stuffs

  Aside from my official Phantom of the Opera items that I have bought before, I would like to share to you some of the stuffs that I have bought these past months because of my sort of obssession with The Phantom of the Opera.

I have ordered online a charm bracelet with black stones, and sort of a white small similar to pearls, pearly white stones, with nine (9) charms all related to the Phantom of the Opera (I will just use the abbreviation POTO). The charms are as follows a ballet shoe with signifies Christine, and her fellow artists knack for ballet, a piano, musical note staff, and a sort of viola which we all know is related to music, and the Phantom's genius, a masquerade mask which highlights an important part of the play, a candelabra or candlestick which reminds us of the Phantom's lair, a single red rose which reminds us of the Phantom's affection for Christine, and the half mask of the Phantom, and of course The POTO tag. The only difference of this charm bracelet to the official charm bracelet is that the official charm bracelet has light blue stones and it has fewer charms.

I also bought the novel of Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera. I bought two, the cover design of each is different and they're from two different publishers. The other one is the centennial edition, and the other one has a red rose cover. I also bought the Funko Pop vinyl toy figure which is the 1925 POTO version starring the man with a thousand faces, Lon Chaney. I also got the cd Original Broadway Cast Record of the sequel of the POTO, "Love Never Dies," by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, and the boxed set of the POTO featuring the 25th anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall, and the Love Never Dies dvd featuring the original Australian cast starring Anna O'Byrne as Christine Daae. I also have the vcd and the dvd of the 2004 movie. So that's all about it for now. I'll just update you if I have acquired a new POTO stuff

The Phantom of the Opera in Manila

  I cannot believe that I have seen The Phantom of the Opera today! I was just listening to the movie OST these past few days when I came to know the play is up until the first week of April at The Theatre in Solaire Resort and Casino. I have work during weekdays so I've decided to watch it this weekend.

I just wore a casual clothing, a sort of Bohemian inspired top, and gray fitting pants. I also brought my coat with me just in case its very cold at The Theatre. The traffic as usual was worse. It took me one and a half hour to get there. I arrive thirty minutes before the start of the show. I chose the afternoon schedule. I don't like to watch at night because its really tiring. I am sure the traffic is going to be twice as heavy, and its just late for me.

The Theatre is not that so big but I find it still nice. The seats at the balcony are not that spacious. I wish for more leg room. I often get a seat near the aisle since I frequent the restroom. What can I say about the show? The show was fantastic! Its just quite similar to the movie version. The only difference is the actor can change their lines like Boracay was mentioned but its not really in the original script. The lightning, and the special effects, and sounds were superb! Very good cast. For me they are all talented! (I have experienced being a part of a theatre play before, and I can say its hard. I played the Pharaoh in "Joseph the Dreamer," before for our English class during my college days.) So I have big admiration for all of the cast, and staff of the production.

I have always enjoyed watching theatre plays even before. We used to watch local plays before as a requirement for our Filipino class during my high school days.

I also enjoyed buying a few items, souvenirs from The Theatre Shop, located near the entrance to The Theatre. The merchandise were pricey but its okay because they are not always here. Today was the last day of the Phantom of the Opera show. I also spoke to one of the store staff, all the merchandise will already be pulled out today. I bought the unisex shirt (P 1,500.00), Diamante necklace (P 1,500.00), coffee mug (P 800.00), phantom bear (P 1,500.00), silk rose (P 600.00), original soundtrack cd (P 1,000.00), and souvenir magazine (P1,000.00).

Its a tiring but fulfilling day today. Watching The Phantom of the Opera, has been a great reward for myself. It has been a truly great Saturdate!

(April 6, 2019 Saturday was the last day of The Phantom of the Opera in Manila)

Movie Review: Lady and the Tramp

  Last week, I watched a Disney classic animation, entitled "Lady and the Tramp." I am familiar with the appearances of the dog characters in the movie since, we have these Disney classics story books when we were still kids. In fact, we still have these books at home.

At first, I was not really that focused in watching the movie but as the story progressed, I really find it okay. According to Wikipedia this movie was a 1955 musical romance film that centers on an American Cocker Spaniel named Lady. Jim Dear, gave this dog as a gift to his wife, Darling. The couple was childless at first, but after some time, Darling became pregnant, and there was the baby! One day the couple needed to travel, and they needed someone to take care of the baby. They asked Aunt Sarah to look after the baby. Aunt Sarah has two cats, and she is not very fond of dogs, especially with Lady.  So this is where the problem started. I will not tell the whole story here. If you have not seen the movie, you can try watching it.

What I like about the movie is that it focuses on how a dog might feel in a family. Dogs might feel unloved. I am aware that this could be possible since I have a poodle, and she is kinda sensitive. Having a dog is really a commitment, just like when you enter a relationship, its not only love that keeps you going, but bear in mind that you are committed to someone, and this is not something that you are going to neglect, or leave, when you get tired of it. This is a good family movie, and I really like the lesson that it teaches, especially to those who are dog lovers. A family with a dog is really more special.

Book Review: A Dog's Journey (W. Bruce Cameron)

  "Some people just don’t appreciate having a dog around. It’s sad to think there are people like that. I knew Gloria was that way—maybe that’s why she could never be truly happy." - A Dog's Journey

   I have just finished today reading the sequel of "A Dog's Purpose," book by W. Bruce Cameron. He is my new favorite author when it comes to dog novels. I have seen all of his novels that were made into movies namely, "A Dog's Purpose," and "A Dog's Way Home." I have both enjoyed watching these films.

"A Dog's Journey," will be shown in theaters this 2019, and I am excited to watch it. Movie adaptation, aren't really 100% the same as with the novel. There's a difference. Plus, you cannot really put all the story details in the movie, because of the limited time. If you plan on reading the book, and watching the movie, then you shouldn't continue reading this blog post of mine.

I have read, "A Dog's Purpose," and there are differences in the novel, and movie. In the book, Ethan died, while in the movie the ending is happily ever after with Hannah, and Buddy (Bailey). The novel, "A Dog's Journey," picks up after Ethan died, and Buddy was recalling his memories with 'his boy' Ethan, and then Clarity or CJ for short was introduced as a tiny tot, together with her mom Gloria, whom I considered a sort of villain in the novel. In the movie Ethan asked Buddy to take care of Clarity as Bailey (Buddy) did for him. Then in the book we see how Molly (Bailey, Buddy in his past life) crossed paths with a grown Clarity. We are also introduced to her best friend Trent, who has a dog also, named Rocky. In this lifetime Molly (Bailey), and Rocky were siblings. The writer of this novel incorporates the theory of reincarnation in his stories, as Bailey becomes reborn again, until he finds the person he's meant to watch over.

Molly will die in the beginning of the story, due to a car accident. Then she will be reborn again, and be a small dog named Max. He will find his way, and will be back in Clarity's arms. She's an adult now. The character of Clarity, or CJ is kind of problematic. She has issues with herself. You will know that she has an eating disorder. She always pukes (vomits) after eating. I'm glad that she has a good friend like Trent who has been there all her life. CJ seems to be choosing the wrong things in her life, especially the man in her life. During her teenage years she was imvolved with a delinquent guy, and because of that guy, she was ordered to do a community work. She chose a dog program. After all the ups, and downs in the story, CJ and Trent ended up together. But its not happy ending still. Trent has cancer. Max, having the memory of Molly makes the signal when he smelled Trent's breath. CJ will remember the previous actions of her late dog Molly. In the novel, dogs were trained to signal, when they smelled something off in a person's breath. In the book it is mentioned that dogs have a sense of smell that's as much as a hundred thousand times more intense than ours. I believe in this. Dogs have a super sense, and a super smell. since I read that a dog helped a person with a skin cancer detect her condition in an earlier stage. (The dog licked a suspicious mole everytime, and the woman had it checked. It was skin cancer.)

Fast forward, Trent was cured. CJ continued her treatment and medication. She committed suicide before, and it resulted to the damage of her kidneys. Because of that they cannot have babies. Despite of that, Trent didn't love her less. Trent died ahead of CJ, she's a bit older now, and her mom, Gloria is in some sort of facility where they care for the sick elderly. CJ also worked there after the death of her mother, and she even got herself admitted. This time Toby (Molly, Bailey) was there again. Toby helped a lot of patients. He knows when a person is gonna go (die), and he goes to them to comfort them. What I like in this novel is that it is really realistic. Life is not always a bed of roses. We each all have a burden to bear. Not all of us have perfect families. We all get depressed. Also, death is inevitable. I remember when I posted on the social media before that "I am sad." My former co-teacher/friend before, commented "Get a dog." I took that advice negatively before. Because, I thought what I want is a person, not an animal. It is only now that I get to appreciate, and realize how special dogs are, now that I have my own dog.

The novel has a happy ending. Ethan, and Bailey were united in the afterlife together with CJ, and all of their loved ones. I'd like to think that there are dogs in heaven too, and when I also leave this world, I and my beloved dog will meet again someday. I'm sure, God made dogs to be our companions, also because dogs are good teachers too of loyalty, and love.

"A Dog's Journey," is one beautiful, tearjerker novel. I did cry while reading this. I'm glad I picked up this novel. If you are a dog lover/owner. I recommend this book for you. Two thumbs up!

Movie Review: Hearty Paws (Heart Is...)

  I have just finished watching Hearty Paws, also known as Maeumi. This is a 2006 South Korean film. Spoilers ahead! If you plan to watch the movie, please do not read this review of mine.

This movie is about two siblings, Chan yi and So yi. They live in their aunt's house since their mother left them. For her younger sister's birthday Chan stole a puppy to give to his sister, as a birthday present. They named the dog, Hearty. The dog's real life name is Dolly, and she's a Labrador Retriever. (Dolly also starred in another Korean suspense/thriller movie entitled, Blind.) Just an update Dolly left this world on May 2016.

Life was happy for them even if they live a simple life. Then, their aunt, and uncle needs to relocate because of his uncle's job. Unfortunately, their aunt cannot bring them to their new place. Before they left, she gave Chan the address of their mom. During winter time an accident happened. Hearty, while looking at the kite fell in the cracked icy floor, and into the ice cold water. So yi, walked to where Hearty is, and so the icy floor cracked further, and she also fell in the ice cold water. Chan was not able to save So yi because he was relieving himself. Hearty was able to get out of the water but So yi died. Chan came to hate the dog, Hearty. When Chan set out to find his mom in Busan. Hearty followed even if it meant a long travel for her. Chan was not welcome in his mom's place, and he found out his mom was leaving for the U.S. with her partner. Along Chan's journey, he came across children who works for a syndicate. They solicit money from people in the bus saying they are looking for their parents. The gangster's leader was a cruel man, with a rough dog, named Becky. (I am not an expert in dog breed, but she looks like a German shepherd to me. Correct me if I am wrong.)

Hearty risked her life many times for Chan's life. It is painful to see Chan despising Hearty, and being cruel to her even if Hearty continues to follow him around. This movie really made me realize how loyal, and loving is a dog compared to a human. Also, in the movie the mother of Chan was not around most of his lifetime. Only Hearty proved to be the most loving, and loyal companion to Chan. This movie was truly a super-duper tearjerker. I cried a lot. Of course, the very sad scene when Hearty was dying made me cry, and think... What if it is my dog Happy?

The ending of the movie was very realistic. For us, dog lovers, and dog owners. We know, and we are very sure that a dog won't break our hearts ever. Maybe, only just one time, and that is when they will leave us. They say that our dog's life span is not that long compared to us humans, so we should cherish every moment that we spend with them.

By the way, the photo that I posted here, were all screen shots from the movie. The movie poster was taken online. Over-all the movie was good for me. It shows how dogs love. They are great teachers of unconditional love. Life is not really smooth for everyone of us. I think the reason why God made a dog is to give hope, and joy to  people who are lonely in this world. Dogs are like sunshine. I recommend this movie to all dog lovers out there, and to those who aren't. Just give this movie a try, and open up your heart.

Supernatural TV Series

  I have enjoyed watching Supernatural tv series before that I even bought dvd copies of the series. But now I have no trouble watching it because I can watch via Netflix, by using a vpn of course. It is about two brothers and how they came to be involved in solving Supernatural events. Along the way they died but were resurrected, and they met this angel named Castiel, and also they butt-kick devils. The famous line, "Saving people, hunting things, the family business." never grows old. They also have a cool ride, a 1967 Chevrolet Impala.

Before I got hooked on Grimm tv series and its also good. I have also liked Supernatural but I got bored when I reached Season 10. I became a fan before. I even joined the Supernatural Fans for Life group in Facebook. I also wrote to studio fan mail asking for a signed photo of Jensen Ackles. I requested for it last year and it has arrived this month of February.

I also have two Funko Pop keychains of the Winchester brothers Sam, and Dean. I haven't continued watching the series because I am so hooked on dog novels now. You can binge watch it on Netflix U.S. In the later seasons, a special episode with the Scooby doo gang is worth looking forward too.

Care Bears

  If you are an 80's kid probably you may have heard of the Care Bears cartoons. It was one of the most popular cartoons back then. I remember my brother had a blue Care Bears lunch box before. This is one unforgettable cartoons along with Rainbow Brite.

According to Wikipedia, Care Bears was first introduced in 1981 in greeting cards from American Greetings, painted by Elena Kucharik. Then later, the characters were used for toys, and tv. There are around 218 Care Bears characters now.

I'm really fond of Care Bears, and they are still known until now. I tried buying a few  Care Bears merchandise. A decade ago, I asked for a Bedtime Bear plush toy. It was almost a thousand bucks at that time. It has a heart shaped button, with a Care Bears print, and tag at the back. I like the color blue that's why I asked for it. I also have with me a Care Bears hanging door/wall decor with a painting of Love a Lot Bear, and Bedtime Bear.

I recently bought a Funko pop vinyl toy of Love a Lot Bear, Care Bears pin and necklace set that I ordered abroad, which is by the way really expensive because its vintage, and a Care Bears movie dvd. In the Care Bears display box set of accessories, only a single box case was damaged.

Care Bears cartoons was also aired locally in my country before. Who doesn't remember these Care Bears characters? Braveheart, Love a Lot, Grumpy (I took a Care Bears character test, and this one came out), the cute baby Care Bears, Hugs and Tugs, Tender Heart bear, Funshine bear, Cheer bear, and Wish Bear. Actually, there are a lot of Care Bears. The ones that I mentioned were the ones that I recall. Care Bears cartoons is running on Netflix Philippines also. It is 3d like, and it seems like the bears version there have slimmed down. Its nice, but I still prefer the classic cartoons. Yeah! I'm an old soul, for I also enjoy listening to classic songs from 50's to 70's.

For me the best cartoons are those during my childhood days. More values, and quality compared to the cartoons that are airing now. Ah! How I love the 80's and the 90's.

Movie Review: A Dog's Way Home

  Today I have watched another film based on W.Bruce Cameron novel, entitled "A Dog's Way Home." The cinema tickets now are expensive. This is another "dog" story. It is about a pitbull Bella, and her long journey way back home. I have read a lot of negative comments with regards to this movie. One article I've read is from the organization PETA. My personal opinion. I don't think that the movie gives out bad messages. Actually, there's a lot of good lessons from the movie that some don't see. In the movie pitbulls should not be seen outside or they will be captured, and sent straight to the pound. There's a part wherein Bella was surrounded by a pack of wolves. I think that animals really do clash, or just don't get along. Its not the intention of the writers of the movie to portray wolves as savages. Its just the same like the snakes. They are often portrayed as dangerous in some movies and where are the critics here? I don't think this movie is sending out negative messages. I also like that they used a pitbull in the movie. There's a wrong impression that pitbulls are deadly, fierce and ferocious. In the movie Bella is a loving, and obedient dog, and she is also shown as a therapy dog in the movie.

If you have loved the first movie of W.Bruce Cameron, "A Dog's Purpose," I'm sure you will also love this movie. This is a family friendly film. There is also a book/novel by W. Bruce Cameron with the same title. If you want to see a light, and heartwarming movie, then this one's for you. A very beautiful message echoes in this film, that no matter how far you are to your loved ones, love will always find a way! I am excited for prequel of "A Dog's Purpose," and that's "A Dog's Journey."  I also have a copy of this book. Finally, a film that has no sex, and violence. So if you're free during this weekend head on to the nearest cinema and watch it together with the whole family.

Gifts For My Beloved Pet Happy!

  This week I have splurged a lot again for my beloved poodle, named Happie (Happy). Yesterday she turned 8 months old. My order from an online shop arrived this week. Over-all I spent around P4,000.00 plus for all her dog accessories and stuffs. The dog stroller is priced at around P3,500.00, and another thousand plus for her accessories which are poop bags, toothbrush, clicker, nail file and nail cutter for small dogs, and all-in food and water container.

 Yesterday, was a special day because I especially had a silver necklace made to be worn by me, with Happie's photo engraved on it. I actually had been planning this since last year but I have no time to do it. I also bought a special toothpaste for Happie. Yes, you cannot use a human toothpaste for dogs. Not all food that we eat or products that we use are safe for our pets. Chocolates, grapes, salty food, preserved food like ham, and cured meats are not advisable to give to our pets. Because it can harm them.

Before, I was really angry with my mom because she gave a pork bone, and rice with soy sauce to Happie. I already told her to never give a bone to dogs since it can injure them. Why did I become angry. You should know, I never let Happie eat just anything. Every night I am the one who prepares her food, mixture of rice, pellets, and alternating with chicken liver or carrots. I also give her multivatimins everyday. Some of you might say she is just a dog. But you don't know how we pet owners feel. For us, our dog is our family. I consider Happie as my own even if I did not bore her. She is God's gift to me. For she taught me how to be patient, and caring. She also has shown me unconditional love.

Love Is (Book 1 and 2) by Puuung

  Yesterday, I got my copy of Puuung's 'Love is' illustrated book. I bought these books because it was featured in one of the best Kdrama that I have seen, W Two Worlds. I also like to have Puuung's creation. So even if this book is a bit expensive. I still ordered it. It is not available here in my country so I ordered it online.

Puuung is a popular illustrator in Grafolio, an online website that features comics illustrators in South Korea. I came to know Puuung 3 years ago. I got attracted to her drawings because I like her style in drawing characters. It is so postcard like.

Another thing that I like about Puuung's creation is that it is based on real life situations and happenings. I also like the message that her drawings convey. You don't need to spend a lot in order to show your concern, care, and love for another person. You can show your love by showing acts of love and kindness to him or her. Puuung has a facebook page and YouTube channel. To all comics and book lovers. I recommend the nice illustration book.

Books for Dog Owners and Dog Lovers

I recently got the books that I ordered online from my trusty local bookstore, National Bookstore. Since, I am very much interested in the canine family, particularly of the dog family. I am a new owner of a very cute, charming female poodle, named Happy. You can read about her in my previous blog post.

One of my favorite family movie about dogs is 'A Dog's Purpose.' It is based on the written work of W. Bruce Cameron. I have seen the movie twice, and yes! I cried tons again. This is a touching movie about a dog's love for his human master. Among the books that I ordered, it includes the Boxed Set of W. Bruce Cameron works, A Dog's Purpose, and A Dog's Journey. A Dog's Purpose was a 52 week New York Times bestseller. According to amazon.com, A Dog's Purpose is not only emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's eye commentary on human relationships and the undreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. I really like to believe that when I and my beloved pet will leave this earth someday, we will meet, and be united again in the afterlife. After all dogs are one of God's amazing creation too! Also, in the bible there are creatures, and beasts that are mentioned. This is one good fiction book for dog lovers. Some facts about the author from Wikipedia, W. Bruce Cameron is an American author, columnist, and humorist. He wrote weekly columns for around 50 newspapers in the U.S. and Canada.

Next book that I ordered is about The Love That Dog Training Program book. My poodle pup is still not trained but she knows how to obey some commands, like when I say "kiss, kiss!" She will lick my feet, and when I say "Himas, himas!" (Rub, rub), she will lie on her back, and let me belly rub her. She always like belly rubs! I think every dog does! The author of this book, Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz was also the trainor of some prominent people's dogs in the U.S. Among them are Senator Ted Kennedy, and the Obama family.

The last book that I bought is entitled, The Genius of Dogs, by Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods. I wanted to know what's going on the mind of a dog, that's why I bought this book. This is another New York Times bestseller. According to amazon.com, it offers mesmerizing insights into the thoughts and lives of our smartest and most beloved pets.

Another addition to these books of mine. Are these two books, Finding Gobi, and Dog Medicine. These are true to life stories, of dogs and human relationship. The Dog Medicine is about the story of Julie Barton and how her dog Bunker saved her from depression. Check out her reply to my message! Finding Gobi, is about a runner, and how he crossed paths with a dog on a desert in one of his marathons. These are not available locally.

So these are just some of the books that I can recommend for dog owners, and dog lovers out there. Happy reading!

W-Two Worlds Korean Drama

  I have a lot of favorite Korean tv dramas but they are all from the past. I enjoyed The Successful Story of Bright Girl starring Jang Nara, Winter Sonata starring Choi Ji Woo and Bae Yong Jun, Save the Last Dance For Me, Love Truly starring Eugene of S.E.S, Kim Sam Soon, Full House, Jang Geum, and the latest Kdrama that I have seen which I really liked was What's Wrong With Secretary Kim, and now I have recently finished W-Two Worlds starring Lee Jong Suk and Han Hyo Joo. I have seen a few dramas of Lee Jong Suk, I Can Hear Your Voice is a good fantasy drama too!

The story of W-Two Worlds is about the creator of the popular W comics, and his surgeon daughter who was able to travel to the webtoon and meet Kang Chul the main character of W. I really liked the story because I can relate. I am a fan of cartoons/animation and manga/comics. So that is why I really enjoyed watching this drama. I also cried again in some scenes while watching this. This drama has all the elements  to really pull you into it. It has Romance, Suspense/Thriller, Comedy, and Drama. This drama was aired on 2016. I am kinda late in watching this so I also did not get the chance to buy the merchandise. I badly wanted the Manhwa (comics) but it is only available if you pre-ordered the box set, and that includes the W #34 manhwa as seen on the Kdrama.

As with the other Kdramas which has a lot of plush stuffed toys like the popular drama, Goblin. W, has a few merchandise items too. I was only able to buy the book that was read by the main couple, it is an illustrated book by Puuung, entitled Love Is. I Also ordered the wedding ring worn by the female lead Oh Yeon Joo. I have no bf, I am still waiting for my very own Kang Chul! ha!ha!ha! So if you have not seen this Kdrama, I strongly suggest, you must! Korean drama is still the number one worldwide because they are not afraid of expermenting, and they know that dramas must not be too lengthy, unlike some of our local Filipino soap operas. Add to that is the very touching soundtrack. My favorite song from the W album is Without You, and that what makes Korean tv and drama series truly world class.