My Paulo Coelho Collection

          None of us can know what tomorrow will hold, because each day has its good and its bad moments.” — Paulo Coelho

      I'm back in this blog. It's been almost a year since I last posted on this blog. I have been busy with my Indian themed blog, that I did not post anything here. Well, my fascination with Indian culture has stopped. I moved on to my next theme and that is my Paulo Coelho books. I started reading Paulo Coelho books when I was in my 20's. Now I am already in my 40's and it is only now that I hurried to collect all of his books available here in the Philippines.

Yesterday, I was able to get hold of his first novel, "The Pilgrimage". I got it from an online seller, it was pre-loved but even if it's so, it is still in very good condition.  His latest novel is "The Archer", and if I am not mistaken it was released on 2020. The other collection that I got was a daily planner 2018 and Love (selected quotations). I also got my dream graphic novel, "The Alchemist". 

I just finished reading, The Devil and Ms. Prym. It was a challenge for me that after a long time, I finally finished a novel. I still have lots of books by the author for me to finish. For the moment I don't have a fascination for something. 

A lot of us have been inspired and encouraged by his book, "The Alchemist". I don't know but I have stopped pursuing my dreams... maybe it has something to do with age, and because I am busy now with my own family. Just had a baby last year. Anyway, I still enjoy reading Coelho's books for they are inspirational and we always have something to learn from it.

Beatrix Potter The Creator of Peter Rabbit

            This pandemic, I have immersed myself in arts. Mostly drawing, coloring with colored pencils and watercolor. I recently re-watched Miss Potter (2006) movie starring Renee Zellweger, and I have seen a classic movie about her life, "Beatrix: The Early Life of Beatrix Potter", starring Helena Bonham Carter as Beatrix Potter. I am also enjoying watching the old classic cartoon, "The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends". I also bought a few Beatrix Potter/Peter Rabbit memorabilias online. But I did not splurge much, because my husband is telling me to be careful in spending money especially during this time of pandemic. I am presently enjoying re-creating Beatrix Potter's characters like Peter Rabbit and the mice from the "Tailor of Gloucester". 

Though Beatrix Potter's stories are written mainly for children, it is also entertaining for us adults. Her stories are not boring, and the message from her stories is not really shallow. I also love her artworks. From her book by Elizabeth Buchan. We can see at an early age she showed her potential, she draws animals like insects, caterpillars etc. in a detailed way and she draws them very well. 

The book that I bought is only the lone one available. I was blessed because its price was already marked down. The book is hardcover, and the pages were all very good, it is glossy and it contains photos. So its not boring at all to read. I was able to finish it for 2 days.

Beatrix and her brother Bertram loved to draw and paint, they have many sketches of their pets ranging from rabbits, mice, frogs lizards and bats. What I like about her is that she followed her heart, and not anyone when it comes to pursuing what she wants in her life. The first artwork that I did was Peter Rabbit which Beatrix Potter was really known for. She is considered as a mycologist (someone who works with fungi), in her young adult years she met and collaborated with Charles Macintosh, a musician and also known as a "Pertshire Naturalist". You can see Beatrix Potter's beautiful and detailed works as per the advice of Sir Macintosh who encouraged her to  make her drawings even more detailed. Thus, she began using watercolors. Her work was rejected by the Linnean society (which was obviously a sexist). In those days, women didn't go to school, Beatrix was tutored by a governess. During her time formal education was inaccessible for women. Perth museum and art gallery has a collection of her works. If she wasn't rejected, we wouldn't have "Peter Rabbit" today. So look for the silver lining in everything. 

The man who helped her and was instrumental for her success, Norman Warren was also her first love, and became engaged but unfortunately no wedding happened because Norman got sick and died. She later on got married to a lawyer named William Heelis. Beatrix has no children. She lived on happily in her old age together with her husband in a farm she bought. 

Her best known books for the children's were tales of "The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends", are 23 all in all. Her unpublished book, "The Tale of Kitty in Boots", with illustrations by Quentin Blake was a bestseller again, and was published on September 1, 2016, to mark her 150th anniversary of her birth. She wrote 10 other books which includes a coloring book, painting books and an almanac. In 1936, Beatrix flatly declined Walt Disney's offer to make an animation of Peter Rabbit. So critics were saying that the modern adaptation by Sony of her character Peter Rabbit wouldn't make Beatrix happy, and she would disagree with it. It is not because she was possessive of her works but because she has a clear idea in her head what her characters should be like. I have seen the latest Peter Rabbit film from Sony, and I can see that Peter was portrayed as a somewhat notorious bad rabbit there, which shouldn't be.

I like to imitate and copy her artworks, it is a sort of relaxation therapy for me, especially this pandemic and as my date of delivery nears (expecting my little angel to come out of this world in November!) I bought a few of her books so I can tell my baby about her and her stories. If you want a very good documentary about Beatrix Potter, I suggest you watch, Timeline World Histories Documentaries - Who Was the Real Beatrix Potter hosted by Dame Patricia Routledge. I also bought Beatrix Potter memorabilias (book and cd, plush toys Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle duck, cellphone case and mug). I also have an old dvd movie of Miss Potter starring Renee Zellweger.

The British people are really artistic and talented. Once I was hooked with the works of Jane Austen, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien. I also like Paddington, very brilliant creator Michael Bond. What about you, who is the artist that you look up to? Let's do art, and make our world more colorful and lovable!

Joywish Coloured Pencils (oil-based)

               It has been raining these past few days. So, that made me love being indoors even more. I was counting my watercolors collection, and all in all, I have already collected 7 sets of watercolors (one in set of watercolor paint in tubes, and the others in dry pans). I also counted my colored pencils collection, and I did not realized that they aren't equal in number with my watercolor collection, so I ordered another oil based colored pencils. I bought it from shopee online, from seller lirose03 for around Php291(around $5.78), in 48 colors. I was just a bit disappointed when I unboxed the item because, some of the leads were broken, maybe because due to the handling in delivery. I have already 3 wax-based colored pencils so I bought another oil based colored pencils to break-even with my collection. I also have one watercolor colored pencils which is the Faber-Castell.

Anyway, I did color swatching. You can check out my vlogs on YouTube, my channel's name is Leah's ARTventure. You will get to know me through my vlogs, and my artworks. 

Joywish colored pencils is made in Guangzhou, China, and they also have the watercolor pencils. This colored pencils comes also in canister type tube packaging  but I prefer the box type. The 48 color set comes with a cardboard separator. As you can see from the photo, the colors are very vibrant. They are also smooth in application. I am satisfied with my purchase. I got a bit of discount with this purchase of mine because I timed my purchase when it is on sale. So if you want quality colored pencils that's affordable you can try this brand. 

Deli Color Emotion Colour Pencils

            I bought another set of colored pencils. This is again a wax based colored pencil. I bought this from shopee online, the seller is deliph (probably their official online shop in the Philippines). Deli company, according to my research is from Ningbo, Zhejiang in China. It is a well-known brand. 

Like the Mont Marte colored pencils, the name of the color of the color pencils are printed or embossed on the pencils. Unlike the other colored pencils that I own, which is only named or coded through a number. Deli Color Emotion comes in 12/24/36. This set is 36 colors. Deli colored pencils boasts of rich pigment colors,and triangular shape ergonomic design. This is my first time to see  colored pencils with a  very cute and lovely design. They're so cute to look at, that's why I am hesitating to use them. The name of the colors are very unique like "Angelic White." Aside, from the unique and catchy color names, you will notice that the design for each colored pencils are different. So the pencils are really lovely to look at. I was just not that impressed with the box, because the colored pencils were just encased in a carton. I was expecting that there is a plastic tray just like what is shown in the photos online. But I guess, the packaging varies from every country.

When it comes to swatching, I just love how the colors pop out. They were really nice! Noting that, these pencils are only 36 colors. I have no problem with the colored pencils. The quality and there was no damaged at all. Unlike with my previous experience from another brand, which i am sure was also a good inexpensive brand of colored pencils. If you want to try and work on with funky pencils, try Deli Color Emotion Colored Pencils. Believe me, you will be delighted as much as I am. Color expressions has never been this cute! 

Mont Marte Colour Pencils Signature

           This week I bought 2 new sets of wax-based colored pencils. This is the Mont Marte brand. This is a popular art brand that originated from Australia. Most of the colour pencils that I have got are color coded by numbers. Mont Marte is not. The pencils have their real color name embossed on the pencil itself. I bought the 36 colors. 

Mont Marte Colour Pencils Signature are just the same with their Essential Colour Pencils. They just updated the packaging. I bought this 36 color set from shopee online. I was just disappointed because the pencils that I got, one has a damage, the color Peach, and I got 2 double colors of Coral Blue, so I have one of the colors missing and that is the Aquamarine Blue. So the color swatches that I made lacks the Aquamarine Blue color. The seller said he did not check the colored pencils, he just got this from his supplier. Anyway, that's just one color missing. I know I can still make a beautiful artwork even if I lack one color. This set comes in a carton box with a cardboard separator for the colored pencils. 

This set comes in 12/24/36 colors. The colors were vibrant. The pencils are hexagonal in shape, and according to the specifications, thay have break resistant leads. The pencils were also smooth with regard to application. I am satisfied so far with this brand. I can say this is one of the good wax-based brand of colored pencils that we have in the market. Try for yourself! 

Brutfuner Oily Pencils (72 colors) and Colleen (Wax-Based, 60 colors) Colored Pencils

          Just recently, I bought 2 new sets of colored pencils. I just feel like buying a few more, so they will be added to my art material collections. I'm supposed to give birth around last week of October, or first week of November. So while, I am on-leave from work, because my pregnancy is considered high-risk. Doing artwork, either by drawing, watercolor and using colored pencils, relieves my stress, and it relaxes me. In short, it makes me happy. I know when our baby arrives, my love for arts will be on-hold again so, I'm making the most of my free time now. 

I have been wanting for a long-time to buy this popular and budget friendly colored pencils, Brutfuner (made in China). They come in sets of 48/72/120/180. I bought the 72 set. I bought this on sale at Lazada online for around Php406 ($8.08). I am very satisfied with my purchase it also came with a free adult coloring book, Secret Garden by Johanna Brasford. 

Brutfuner Oily Colored Pencils comes in an envelope-like plastic case, the carton cover design was really nice, so colorful. The colored pencils comes in 3 trays. I have swatched all of the colors, and I am glad that they have vibrant colors, very pigmented, and not chalky. Also, the colored pencils were designed simply, round shape, and sharpened already. They have a somewhat odor like very mild paint, but it is tolerable. The pencils also feels smooth when applied to the paper (sketch pad).The brand name is embossed on each pencil with their color coded number. 

I would like to inform you that for every set of Brutfuner colored pencils, the colored coded number will not be the same. (For example, in my 72 set, colored pencil number 002 is white, but for another Brutfuner 72 set it can be different. I just compared through videos that I have watched online, together with my colored pencil set. Over-all I am very safisfied with my purchase. Aside from Giorgione, this brand is my next favorite.

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Next review that I will do is about Colleen colored pencils. These are wax based. This set, has 60 colors and they are wax-based. I bought this brand for 2 reasons, one is they are wax-based, I have never owned a wax colored pencils. Next is that they have special neon colors included. I like happy, pastel colors. What can I say? They don't give off a strong paint odor. Their colors are nice, bright, pastel and lively colors. They are hexagonal in shape, and also sharpened but not that much. I bought this from shopee online for around Php625 ($12.44)

You can watch the swatching and review on my YouTube channel. Just visit: Ukelei's World.

Colleen colored pencils brand originated from Japan. But now, I read that they have already closed the business in Japan, and Colleen colored pencils are now manufactured in Thailand. Colleen colored pencils was also popular before, and well-loved by a number of art enthusiasts. 

All the art materials that I wrote about were the ones that I like. I don't buy and I don't have  really expensive art materials. I just patronize the art products that I think that are budget-friendly and good. Until the next blog. Happy ARTventure! 👩‍🎨

My Latest Art Materials Haul

          Last week, the art materials that I have bought online was delivered. I bought 3 watercolor brands, namely, Giorgione G-800 Bird's Song Series Professional Watercolor Set (48 colors), Berkeley For Studio Watercolour (in 12 tubes), and Pretty Excellent Watercolor (36 colors), and Giorgione Classic Coloured Pencils (48 colors). I bought all of these from shopee.ph. 

All of these art materials that I have mentioned were I approved of, and I like them. I have watched a lot of reviews about these art materials, not all were positive but since I have tried these watercolors, and colored pencils. They are okay for me. Also, like what I have said before, if an artist is professional, they can make the most out of cheap art materials, turn it into a really good artwork! 

I love all the colors of these watercolors. I have swatched them, and tried them. I also did a few artworks in watercolor using the different brand of watercolors that I bought. You can see from the photo that I have included in this blog of mine. I used my Giorgione G-800 series Bird's Song Professional Watercolor Set in this artwork, I followed the instructions at the back cover of the Giorgione watercolor pad. Watercolor painting, or painting using any medium like acrylic or gouache, drawing, sketching this quarantine is really something worthwhile to do.

About is Love (大约是爱) Cdrama Review

                I just finished watching a Cdrama also known as: 大約是愛 , Da Yue Shi Ai. I started watching dramas that involves art. I first started watching the Cdrama Art in Love. The story is about college classmates who developed feelings for each other, but were separated along the way, and they crossed paths again in the future. Not that impressed with this drama.

So I decided to try and watch another drama entitled, About is Love. This is about a poor art student, who got involved with a rich guy who runs an Art museum, and who has an OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder with regard to cleanliness.

I really enjoyed the story line the lead actor and actress (Yan Xing who played Wei Qing and Xu Xiao Nuo as Zhou Shi) are really good looking, I also like the supporting role cast. My favorite is the character Fei Fei, and Xiao Ran. 

I also like the message of this Cdrama. That you should put your heart in the artwork that you are doing. Aesthetic beauty is not enough, the emotions of the Artist should also be seen and felt in the portrait or painting. This drama has 30 episodes. If you have not seen this drama I suggest you should. This is for the romantic at heart, and art lovers around. 

My Watercolor Collection

           I just started my watercolor online class yesterday taught by Broderick Wong at Udemy. I paid around $13 plus. (When it was still discounted). Before enrolling in this art class online, I did a few color swatching to the watercolors that I own. I started to be interested in watercolor painting 5 years ago. Wayback, I own a  Faber-Castell Connector Paint watercolor, and Zig Kuretake Pearlescent Jewel Box watercolor. Now, I recently purchased two watercolors, Watercolour Artis Decor (Php 470), and Simbalion Watercolor Cakes (Php200) in 36 colors, both of which I bought from an online store, here at shopee.com. 

Faber-Castell, is good for watercolor enthusiasts who are beginners like me, and for kids. They have a rich and vibrant colors as you can see in the photo. It is priced fairly, and is not that expensive. The brand known for pencil and pens, originated from Stein, Germany. Most of my art materials are from the same brand, as I have mentioned in my previous post.

Zig Kuretake, is from Japan. The Pearlescent Jewel Box watercolor is tiny, and I think it is a bit expensive. Now in shopee.com this is priced at around P800 plus pesos. The colors are not that bright, they are pale. Obviously the color has that glittery, and shimmery effect. I will not use this often, maybe for highlights only.

Artis Decor Watercolour. I love the design on the box, the instructions are in Spanish. There is not enough information online about this watercolor. This brand reminds me of Superior watercolor which is very affordable, and yet is very good in quality. The pans are small, and I am very careful in getting the colors in every pan. The colors are also rich and bright. The kit comes with two sponges, and two brushes, one round and one flat.

Simbalion Watercolor Cakes, this is the most affordable of all the watercolor that I've got. This one is from Taiwan. Brand is named after the famous cartoon character Simba, from the Lion King movie. I am aware that most comments with regard to this brand of watercolor is not that good, they say that it is chalky. I have also swatched the colors, and they're good for me. They also have a color chart in their website, and information about their products. I like the bright pastel like colors of Simbalion watercolor Cakes, also they are pigmented. It is not chalky to me when I tested it. There are also people who patronize this watercolor. I personally like it, and I am happy with this brand. 

Do you have your favorite brand of watercolor?Like what I have said in my vlogs. A person who is good in playing a musical instrument can create beautiful music whether it is through a cheap or expensive musical instrument. Same with the art materials. In whatever you do, just be passionate. Art is cool! 

Rekindling My Love For Art 🎨

           I started buying art stuff, and my interest in watercolor painting started in 2016. My first watercolor set was Faber-Castell connector paint watercolor. Almost all of my art materials came from that popular art brand, which started in Stein, Germany. They are know for their quality pens, and pencils.

I am in my 5th month of pregnancy, and while I am on-leave fron work (pregnant women during this quarantine period are not advised to go out of the house often, risky to catch covid) I did a vlog of my collections -- my art books, drawing, and sketch book. I noticed I didn't have a watercolor book, so I purchased 3 ebooks (The Art of Creative Watercolor by Danielle Donaldson, Everyday Watercolor by Jenna Rainey, and Your Year in Art Watercolor by Kristin Van Leuven) from an online store. 

I also did a few watercolor swatching, with my two old watercolors, Faber-Castell connector paint, and Zig Kuretake pearlescent watercolor. I posted this on my YouTube channel. I am waiting for my latest watercolor to arrive which is the Simbalion watercolor cake. I bought the 36 colors. I saw a lot of reviews about this watercolor online, and most commented that it is chalky. I even watch a lot of vlogs about this watercolor brand. Well, as a beginner watercolor enthusiast, I think this just suits me. I also like its bright, and pastels colors. Plus, what I learned in the arts. It is not how expensive your instrument is, it is how the musician plays it. For me, its just the same in art, it is the artist that makes the art beautiful. Sure, you will see a difference in the quality of watercolors, but it is the artist who makes the outcome sketch, drawing, or painting impressive. I noticed artists who used cheaper watercolor, and painted something, the outcome is still stunning!  

I also bought a Van Gogh sketchbook, and a few att stuff this week. I am also happy with my new Artis Decor watercolor in 36 shades. I have already swatched it. I love the outcome. Would love to share with you my future artworks. Stay tuned!

(P.S. I also enrolled today in an online watercolor course at Udemy. Will share my artworks with you all soon!) 

Getting Busy this Quarantine

          My OB doctor advised me to be on bed rest because my pregnancy is considered high-risk. These past few days, I like watching religious films. My husband and I recently watched Ben-Hur, and I found spiritual gems online like The Catholic Talk Show, and I also started to watch the popular series The Chosen. 

I also finished a course and recently got my certificate from the Liturgical Institute. I am so happy because finally I have a Roman Catholic course that I have finished. I did a few Protestant Bible and theology studies before at Ligonier Connect. 

I also bought another book, Understanding the Scriptures, a textbook by Scott Hahn, and by another author. (I am sorry I forgot the name). It is a bit expensive, and I spent the money from the books that I sold online. This is a very good book, companion to the Bible. If you are having a hard time understanding the Bible, you should get a copy of this. I am currently selling books that I have, mostly Protestant and non-fiction books which are all still in good condition, and others are unopened and still good as new. 

I hope to make this quarantine season from pandemic worthwhile, and I hope the growing baby in my tummy will also have similar hobbies like his/her mom.

Unexpected Gift!

           Last March 6, we received the best ever news that we've got! I'm pregnant. During that time, I was 5 weeks pregnant already and I did not know it. The previous month has been hard for me because my workmate has been absent for quite awhile due to pregnancy also. It has been very stressful at work and being the lone person in the frontline services is really hard, especially during this pandemic. My co-worker, and friend at the office would sometimes help me in the afternoon wherein many people would come and file their pleadings or cases. 

I never thought that I would get pregnant so easily, we just got married last year in October and now I am on my 10th week! Also, its not that easy to get pregnant that fast, since there are many factors to consider. I am not that young anymore, and at my age I am already considered as a high-risk. The day before I found out I was pregnant I was feeling really tired, and I've had a very bad stomach cramps, feels like you are going to have your monthly period. I contacted my OB gyne doctor and she said to take a pregnancy test. I was not that hopeful because I have had negative results before. My husband and I prayed. I noticed my husband was anxious, and then he showed me the test, it has 2 lines, positive. I cried because I never thought that I am pregnant. We thank God from our hearts, this is indeed one milestone in our marriage that we will never forget. It is not easy being pregnant, but I will bear it all for love, and with our Lord God's blessing, and guidance. 

Can you guess if its a boy or a girl. Comment down below, and I will update you soon, wait for our gender online party reveal! 

Weekend Movies: Alfred Hitchcock

          Hello dear readers! Happy weekend to all of you! These past few days I have become so interested in reading thriller/mystery novels, starting with Agatha Christie, and now I just seem to remember Alfred Hitchcock. I think I used to watch his series when I was still a kid. Reading and watching mystery novels, movies and series just pumps up my monotonous life.

This week, I saw a classic movie remake of Hitchcock's, "Dial M for Murder." It is not the 1945 movie. It is about a scorned husband's diabolical plot to get rid of his unfaithful wife. I am not pleased with the ending, because I suddenly had sympathy for the husband. I have yet to see the 1945 version. The movie that I have seen is the 1981 remake, starring the late Christopher Plummer, and Angie Dickinson. 

Then after that movie, I have watched Strangers on a Train. This movie is about a popular tennis player crossing paths with a psycho stranger, suggesting how to get rid of someone they don't want in their life. I enjoyed watching this movie, same with Spellbound, which stars Ingrid Bergman. I came to know and like Ingrid Bergman when I first saw the movie Anastasia. This was also a good movie, it deals with psychoanalysis as explained in the first part of the movie. You should also see the very artistic dream sequence part in this movie. This is about a female doctor, named Constance who falls in love with a young doctor, who is not what he seems to be, turns out to be an impostor. 

The last movie for this weekend that I have seen, and truly recommend is the,  "The Lady Vanishes," I really enjoyed this movie, and I have liked the character of the little old Englishwoman, played by the late Dame May Whitty. There has been several remakes of this movie, but I was not that impressed. Of course, nothing beats the original one. This movie, is about a young English lady travelling on a traim, and then she lost her old lady companion. None of the passengers on the train admits seeing that English lady named Ms. Froy. I really loved this movie. Now, I realized modern movies uses the same plot. If you haven't seen these movies, I suggest you should. I guess I am an old soul, I appreciate classic movies and music. I love classic movies!

My Agatha Christie Collection

           Hello everyone! Sorry for my very late post. It is 2021! Happy New Year to all of you my dear readers!

I started the year with a book haul. For those of you who are not aware, I got married already! I am officially a Mrs. this 2021. I miss buying books. As an early Vday gift and also post-holiday gift from my husband. I asked for books.

I am very much interested in mystery books right now. I just purchased this month a lot of mystery books. I purchased the popular young-adult mystery books by Karen McManus entitled, One of Us is Lying, and One of Us is Next. After that, I bought the world's best mystery writer boxed set of books, Dame Agathe Christie. I recently rented on YouTube, The Murder on the Orient Express, and it is indeed a good movie. There is an unexpected twist! No wonder Agatha Christie's books are well-loved all over the world, and it her stories are timeless. I was able to buy an original shirt of the said movie from a local specialty bookstore which is Fully Booked. I also bought online a copy of Agatha Christie's, Evil Under The Sun illustrated version.

I am on sick leave now, and I just finished reading one of her bestselling novel, And Then There Were None. I enjoyed reading it! After maybe  a year or two of not finishing a book, I finished it, in less than 2 days! I hope to order more books from her, but of course under my husband's supervision. Because he doesn't want unwise spending of money. I plan to watch the tv-movie version of this.

I also learned a lot about the detectives in her stories like Hercule Poirot, Miss Jane Marple, husband and wife duo Tommy and Tuppence, and Parker Pyne. Did you know that the first 3 detectives that I have mentioned has a tv series? The actor David Suchet played Poirot very well. The actresses who played Miss Marple are also very good in their own right.

Almost all the best things can be found in England. That is why I am fond of anything Brit. Until my next post. Thanks for visiting my blog!

(Please visit my other blog, theletterwriterpilgrim.blogspot.com )

God is Good! I Got Married!

      Every long lost dream led by me to where you are. Others who broke my heart, they were like Northern stars, pointing me on my way into your loving arms. This much I know is true. That God  blessed the broken road, that led me straight to you. Yes, He did.

  October 11, 2020 was an unforgettable day for me. After waiting impatiently for this month to come, on this day, I married the love of my life. I admit that I didn't like him at first, things have changed. I have waited all my life for this moment. 

I was heartbroken because of a person before, it is not because of love that I was heartbroken, because love is a good thing, and it comes from God. It is man that is cruel. Every pain that I felt, and tears that I have shed before was washed away now. Anyway, I thank God that I met someone like my husband. When we conversed a bit longer at work, I already felt a connection between us. He may not be my ideal man physically, (I am more attracted to chinito guys) but he's more than I could ever ask for. We were similar in a lot of ways. 

This year has been a blessed year for me even if it is not so good for everyone of us because of the pandemic. When he proposed to me this year, on the 28th of May, the day of his elder sister's birthday also, like what he told me, it indeed changed my life. 

Standing in front of the altar, reciting our marriage vows, feels surreal. I thank God for making all of these possible. Even if the first day of our married life as a husband, and wife was not that smooth. 

I would like to take this time to thank the ever supportive family of my husband. Thank you to his parents for supporting, loving, and raising a good, responsible, and a loving son. Someone who is very respectful, and who honors his parents, and very loving to his mom. One character that I look for in a guy is that he should be loving to his mom. Because it will reflect on how he will treat his wife later on. I also would like to thank his siblings for being a good elder, and a younger sister to him. Thank you for accepting me. Thank you for your generosity. May God bless all of you more! I am also proud that he is wise in terms of financial matters, and very orderly in the house. I also love that he loves music. Almost all the positive qualities that he has, I have prayed for in a future husband. I really never thought that I would meet my future partner at work, but like my late aunt said. I did! 

I also would like to thank my immediate family member. To my parents, and especially to my Dad, I know it has been a long time prayer and wish of yours to see your daughter get married someday. Thanks also to my nephew who is the representative of my older brother, and his family. Thank you also to my relatives who greeted me/us.

Thank you also to our wedding suppliers namely,

Ivory and White Bridal Store (for my wedding gown, the groom's suit, and for the other wedding accessories like the veil, arrhae and cord.)

Erin Shop PH and Micka Fabulosa online shop (for our wedding souvenirs)

April's Cup-Cakes and Muffins (for our lovely powdered blue, 3 tiered-layer wedding cake and for our post-nuptial single-layer naked cake.)

The New Albergus, Inc. (for our family, and wedding sponsors food)

Studio Namu (for our pre-nup, and wedding photos and video)

To our dear aunt, Mrs. Jane San Diego, for the engagement and our wedding rings. 

Thank you also to The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, also known as The Manila Cathedral, Mother of all Churches, Cathedrals and Basilicas of the Philippines. To Fr. Kali Llamado for interviewing us in our canonical interview, and to Fr. Junbim Torres, OSA, for officiating the mass of our wedding. Also, to the head of the office section services Ms. Donna. 

Last but not the least, to our Almighty God the Father, for making this day possible. For this match was written by you. We ask that you continually guide, us, bless and protect our marriage, this we ask in Jesus name. Amen.

I almost gave up in finding the one meant for me. As they say, good things happen when you least expect it. Also, be nice to everyone. For you may never know he or she could be the angel in your life. This is just the start of my journey, and I know God will be always on our side, with the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary. I came back home, and He has given me more than what I deserve. A loving God, who loves his prodigal son, and daughter unconditionally. 

My Ukelele Collection

   I'm back! Sorry, I have not updated my blog as often as I should do. What's new? Nothing much. I just want to share with you a new hobby of mine. Actually, I have my old ukelele with me for quite awhile. I got my ukelele, 3 years ago, from a local music store inside the mall, RJ Music at SM North. What made me interested in buying a ukelele? Well, I just wanted to play a love song, entitled LAVA, from Disney Pixar. Yes, I'm a romantic by heart, even if I'm not that young anymore.

My first ukelele was a Soprano ukelele. This was the most common ukelele. Just last year I became engrossed in playing the ukelele. I love to play contemporary music, and sometimes classic ones. My love for music was rekindled because of a special person in my life. I really haven't played for a long time, and not even everyday as I did with my ukelele. By the way, I have no formal training, or tutor with this one, unlike with the other instruments that I have learned in the past (piano, organ, guitar, and the recent one was the Chinese instrument, called erhu - 2 stringed fiddle).

Last month, I bought another ukelele. Before buying I did a research first. There are four ukelele sizes, Soprano, Concert, Tenor and the Baritone. I only have the first 3 sizes, since, they are all tuned in the same key G, C, E and A. While the Baritone ukelele is the biggest size among them all.

I love using my Kala Tenor ukelele. It is made of mahogany, and larger than the Soprano, and Concert ukelele. I even put a Sakura flower design on it, so I can say that's really my ukelele, because I personally put a design on it.

 Kala is one of the most popular and well-loved ukelele brands. My Kala has an equalizer, and a built-in tuner. It is now priced at $197.99. It's a bit expensive. In my experience, high-priced instruments are more reliable in terms of durability and sound quality than the cheaper ones. I often use this, so its worth it.

As I mentioned earlier, I ordered the world's first smart ukelele by Xiaomi. It is called the POPULELE. I love the design, it reminds me of Mickey Mouse. The fretboard lights up, and with the downloadable app, it can teach you the chords where, and what fret to press as it lights up. This app is really good for  beginners. The package comes with a bag, extra strings, two picks, and a USB line for charging. It is made of maple wood. I bought it for around $96.

So that's about it. I hope you also find the right musical instrument for you. Playing an instrument is another way of relieving stress, and it makes you happy. After all, the ukelele is one happy instrument.

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!"