Covid Proof Your Soul

I recently finished reading Covid Proof Your Soul by Marjorie Duterte. The book was “unputdownable” due to its practical tips on how to survive the pandemic and beyond. The author wrote about her goal for the book: for it to become a vaccine for our souls during these unprecedented times. I think that she was able to fulfill this goal because of the following:

1. She shared her own personal stories on how she overcame personal challenges which strengthened her and emotionally prepared her for the pandemic.

2. Her experience with grief and heartbreak has allowed her to be more empathetic. She was able to write a book on this and has enumerated steps on how to overcome the emotional challenges that we will experience during this time.

3. She integrates scriptures into the book. She reminds the reader that God is in control.

4. She shares online resources that the reader could call or email should the need arise for counseling and professional help.

Get your copy of this ebook today and be blessed! I really hope that it helps you as much as it has worked wonders for me.

Stay safe and healthy!

Unlove

I recently finished reading Unlove: Healing Yourself from Toxic Romance and Love in a Healthy Way by Marjorie Duterte. The inspirational author has been on my radar for quite some time now, but I did not have the courage to read her books- until now. The lockdown has provided me with the perfect opportunity to learn from my mistakes and to improve through reading. This book has worked wonders in helping me let go of self-sabotaging habits that prevented me from loving myself and attracting a God-fearing partner.

It was only when I started working on myself this year that I began to let go of hatred, envy, bitterness, anger, and pessimism. The pandemic has taught me that life is too short. I should start being the best version of myself now in order to thrive in the new normal and beyond.

A huge part of thriving is the social aspect of my life. I have been vocal about my desire for a life partner, but I carried with me negative baggage (hatred, envy, bitterness, anger, and pessimism) which became my roadblocks in my dating journey. However, God has been good to me and He sent me my partner Lorenz this year. Not only is Lorenz God-fearing, but he is caring, intelligent, strong-willed, and tenacious. He has accepted me for who I am whole-heartedly, that is why I wanted to let go of the negative forces that has pulled me down. This was why I bought this book and answered all the journaling prompts at the end of each chapter.

Armed with a pen and my journal. I healed myself through the book’s guide questions. I felt lighter after completing the book and the exercises. It was cathartic.

I highly recommend this book to every woman who has ever been hurt and would like to improve herself. Buy the book here and learn from home today!

Stay safe and healthy, everyone! May God bless us all.

Finding You

I recently read Finding You by Elaine Marie Factor. It is the author’s memoir on her journey inside the convent, and her realizations about her discernment, faith, and her goals in life.

I knew that it was an insightful read, but I was not expecting myself to relate with the author’s struggles inside the convent. This book gave me the satisfaction of knowing that I made the right decision to follow my heart and pursue dating in the hopes of entering married life. Elaine candidly described enjoying the camaraderie with her fellow aspiring nuns yet she struggled with her health issues. She also felt like she could do more outside the convent.

Her realizations were beautifully written, and her heartbreaking loneliness inside one of the holiest places to be in was palpable. I found myself rooting for her whenever she experienced small wins and when she finally made the decision that would dictate the course of her life.

I highly recommend this to any woman who has ever considered entering the convent, and to those who would like to know how it is like to be inside one. This book will teach you about faith, self-love, and fulfilling your goals. Buy it here to also find yourself and be blessed!

Eat That Frog!

I recently finished reading Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy. I wanted to learn more on project management now that I am self-publishing my first book. I was not disappointed as this book was packed with practical tips on how to accomplish more goals.

Time management and planning were the key aspects taught in this book. The frog refers to the unpleasant tasks that weigh us down, causing us to procrastinate. Instead of wasting time, the author dares us to tackle that unpleasant task first before finishing the other tasks on our list. If that task cannot be done within the day, he recommended breaking it down to steps so that we get to accomplish it bit by bit. It was refreshing how unpleasant tasks were presented as doable, actionable goals.

At the end of every chapter, there were guide questions pertaining to goal setting, ideation, and writing down the concrete steps needed for us to tackle the frogs in our life. I answered these guide questions myself, and I learned that self-publishing was more doable than I thought, at least as far as the things beyond my control were concerned. I just have to be more patient when it comes to the factors on the publisher’s side, which are delayed due to the pandemic.

I highly recommend this book as it helps you finish your tasks so that you can accomplish more and move on to other areas of improvement. Buy it here and learn more on how you can finally eat that frog!

Mama Mary and Her ChIldren Book Six

Are you in need of a miracle at the moment? Here is something that might help. I recently read my copy of Mama Mary and Her Children Book SIx which is a collection of personal faith testimonials edited by Cherry Aquino and Rowie Matti. I attended its book launch last September 7, 2019 to support my friend Rowie. Little did I know that this book would reinforce my faith during a global pandemic.

As of this writing, Metro Manila is still on lockdown due to Covid-19. To pass the time, I have revived my passion for reading. After finishing a few books of late, I decided to read this book as I need prayers. I am currently facing some delays in publishing my first book due to the pandemic. I am also feeling cabin fever, and I really wish that I can go out again.

The book features personal testimonials from Catholics who experienced Our Lady’s intercession. I have reflected on those that have touched my heart, and I prayed the Marian prayers interspersed with the essays. I was not expecting much, but I kept an open mind while doing so.

I was surprised when an overwhelming feeling of peace and serenity washed over me as I finished reading this book. I got to sleep better, and I also felt less anxious about my status quo. I realized that the prayers were working.

I realized that Mama Mary’s got my back.

I am no longer worried about the delays in my book’s registration and publishing. My publisher will handle all the legwork for me. I am also optimistic that the pandemic will end soon. I no longer feel sad about being home all day. I am healthy, and that is all that matters.

I highly recommend this book as it is helpful during these trying times. May you experience Our Lady’s mantle of hope upon you. I wish you all the best, and may God bless us all!

Single, Taken, Or Building My EmpIre

I recently finished reading Single, Taken, Or Building My Empire by “Asia’s Millennial Guru”, Jonathan Yabut. The book centers of love and how it can fuel one’s career to greater heights, while finding the love of your life- or the passion that keeps you alive.

I enjoyed reading this book because I learned how to weigh my options when making decisions about my career. Life outside of work is a different story, but the tips that Jonathan shared in this book are also applicable. For example, he wrote about his heartbreak and how he realized that he was holding on to someone for fear that she could be his last. That fear could also occur in the workplace. He moved on by “improving his own algorithm” through practicing gratitude and reflecting on what he loves. I felt inspired after reading this because I am keen on improving my own algorithm too in order to land a good corporate job someday.

I also want to have better opportunities for myself as an author. Now that I am in the process of publishing my first book, I learned the value of managing my energy, and not just my time from this book. Work-life balance is a choice, so it is up to me to prioritize what matters most.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to make smarter decisions in life and work. Buy this book here and discover the best practices that will make you work smarter, love wiser, and live better!

Fast Forward

I recently finished reading Fast Forward by Jonathan Yabut, and I enjoyed it. It lived up to its claim to be “the ultimate career guide for millennials on the move.” As a millennial just like the author, I was able to relate to the experiences he has shared on this book. His lessons on his storied career was truly worth writing about, as he has worked for ten years in as a marketing executive in some of the most established companies across various industries.

My favorite part of this book was his tips on how to achieve work-life balance. These were very simple tips. Examples of which were recognizing that work-life balance is a choice, and that we should stop eating lunch on our desks. They may be deceptively straightforward, but they actually teach us that finding fulfilment in the office while still having a life is possible if only we know how to work smarter.

The gospel of working smarter includes knowing how to communicate to your boss, succeeding in job interviews, and learning how to love your job. Jonathan shares his practical insights so that his fellow millennials will be able to have rewarding careers while enriching their lives. I appreciate that his prose is direct and easy to understand. It is accessible to all millennial readers and even those who are no longer within that age group, but still willing to understand people my age better.

I highly recommend this book! Buy it on Shopee via this link and learn how you can fast forward your way to an amazing career!

From Grit to Great

I recently finished reading From Grit to Great: The Journey to Becoming Asia’s Apprentice by Jonathan Yabut. I bought myself a copy of this autobiography because I have become a regular attendee of his webinars of late. By engaging with his Facebook community, I was able to polish my communication skills and interact with Jonathan himself through the Q&A rounds.

From Grit to Great has provided me with the necessary background on the person who runs one of the most popular online learning academies today. I never knew that he was a lifelong scholar and a debater like myself until I read this book. His strategies for winning The Apprentice Asia Season One can be applied not just in the office, but also during our daily interactions with our peers.

I especially enjoyed learning how he developed and strengthened his grit. He treated grit like a skill that could be harnessed through life experiences and professional growth. I am eager to apply his best practices to my own career, especially now that I am about to launch my career as a published author. Realistically speaking though, my career does not encompass the whole Asian region like Jonathan has achieved, but his life story has inspired me to dream big and never stop learning. I am confident that everyone can learn a thing or two from this autobiography.

It was one of the most readable and relatable autobiographies I have ever read. Best of all, the author donates a portion of his royalties to educational causes. I hope that these reasons will convince you to purchase your own copy here!

Become great and read more books today!

The Philippines is Not a Small Country

Every once in a while, a piece of art will stun and prod you to think about your country and its social conditions. In my case, it was the book The Philippines is Not a Small Country by Gideon Lasco.

The Palanca-award winning essayist, MD, and anthropologist has written an engaging collection of articles mostly derived from his Philippine Daily Inquirer column. His topics range from health, travel, music, video games, food, and more. What kept me reading was his delightful and vivid writing. There were some points raised in his book wherein I would agree to disagree with the author, but I still remained glued to the book because I simply found myself beaming with pride. The author has successfully highlighted key points in our history, geography, biodiversity, and culture to support his titular claim that the Philippines is indeed not a small country.

My favorite part of the book was when the author reflected on death and how we as a people approach mortality. This fragile topic is still largely taboo in our society, yet it still underscores our family ties. We practice pakikisama until our last breath. In a country which we ourselves mistakenly perceive as small, death is a huge event that is quietly observed yet audaciously taken for granted.

I recommend this book not only for its ability to restore national pride, but also because it is an enjoyable read which can transport the reader across the archipelago whilst on lockdown. With more free time at our disposal, we could use some patriotism and critical thinking to sustain us during the pandemic and beyond.

Buy The Philippines is Not a Small Country here today! I hope you will appreciate it for its capacity to inspire every Filipino to serve our country.

The Bachelor

I recently finished reading The Bachelor by J.D. Ruiz. The novel is set in the US, and while it was loosely based on the reality show of the same name, there were many differences depicted on the novel. I liked the novel better than the show, to be honest, because the author gave the girls more air time and the protagonist, Zach, was not a heartless, opportunistic sadboi.

The dialogue was witty as its female protagonist, Julianne. She was a novelist who was forced to join the reality show by the producers in order to snag a coveted writing job. It was an interesting premise which was spiced up by the fact that she was not dressed skimpily unlike the other girls. She dove right in there with her comfortable clothing, unkempt hair, and thick glasses. Just when she thought that she was in the clear when it came to attracting Zach, she actually caught his attention from the very start due to her nonchalant attitude. Hilarity ensued when Zach does everything to win her heart, and Julianne continues to become the bestselling author that she is.

I learned from this novel that love is not a formulaic plot that is written for TV. It is an unscripted story between two people who consciously win their own battles in order to pursue the person that they choose to be with each day. It is a touching reminder as our own lives are closely resembling reality shows with our increasingly ubiquitous presence on social media. Real love takes work, effort, and dedication. It is up to us to discern whether the love of our life makes each gesture worth it.

If you enjoy romance, reality TV, and honest to goodness banter, check out The Bachelor on Wattpad. You will not be disappointed.

The Quiet Ones

I just finished reading The Quiet Ones by Glenn Diaz. It won the Palanca Grand Prize back in 2017, and I purchased it because I wanted a well-written Filipino novel that I could sink my teeth into while on lockdown. I was not disappointed

The plot revolved around Alvin, a twenty-something call center agent who worked for an American telco in the heart of Makati. Set mostly in 2008, it was filled with pop culture references from that era. I graduated from university in 2008, so the setting was relevant for me. Coincidentally, the skyscraper where Alvin and his call center officemates worked was also where my first job was located. It felt like a blast from the past, albeit with different characters who could have been my friends, classmates, and contemporaries.

I enjoyed this book because the plot became interesting when Alvin and his friends on the floor wired money from their rich telco client to a dummy account which funded their own respective accounts. It was a clandestine operation which was so illegal yet interesting given how cunning and discreet they were. While I will never do this for the life of me, I still found it engaging because of the colorful backstories of each character which later motivated them to take part in the crime. The result was a satirical, hilarious, and oftentimes relatable drama which is a result of globalization, outsourcing, and robotic call center culture.

I worked in a BPO myself, so this book resonated with me. I empathize with the characters, and I feel sad that several of our countrymen have to endure hours of irate phone calls just to escape poverty. However, I also feel renewed respect for these Filipinos who choose to work as outsourced employees in order to provide for their families. It would be better though if clandestine money wiring would only be within the confines of this novel.

I believe that this novel is required reading for BPO workers and aspirants alike. It is a slice of life take on the BPO industry and the motivations of Filipinos in entering this lucrative industry. It could either be a cautionary tale, or a fairy tale. The choice is yours.

Buy The Quiet Ones on Shopee today!

Toto and the Boys: Jackie

I just finished reading Toto and the Boys: Jackie on Wattpad. It is an English novel by Filipina author J.D. Ruiz. I enjoyed reading it as it was set in Bacolod, which is a different environment from urban Manila, where I am based and quarantined due to the Delta variant. The setting gave me the impression of a lush, green scenery where people were friendlier and more laidback.

The protagonist, Jackie, was a marketing professional who was avoiding a creepy stalker while developing a relationship with her elusive yet artistically-inclined boss. The novel is told mostly from the POV of Toto, the Beetle that Jackie and her girl friends drive. It was refreshing and humorous to read a novel from the perspective of a car. It gave the novel a fun and light twist.

Aside from the summery plot, I learned these lessons while reading Toto and the Boys:

1. Life is not predictable. Some things are better left unplanned. Enjoy the sponteneity!

2. Being creative has its perks. Think out of the box!

3. Forgiving and accepting yourself is the greatest gift you can give to yourself.

4. Find a partner who will love and accept you for who you really are.

I highly recommend this novel to people who enjoy rustic settings and coming of age plots. Do check out Toto and the Boys on Wattpad now and enjoy your road trip with Jackie!

The Day She Said Goodnight

I recently finished reading The Day She Said Goodnight by Owwsic. I read this after watching this video by AnakNiRizal on her Tales of Demi YouTube channel. I was instantly hooked by the bad boy meets sick girl plot, and it was supported by solid Taglish storytelling.

The novel was memorable not just because of its appealing storyline, but because I was able to empathize with Rome, the male protagonist whose first person POV was moving and direct to the point. The storytelling may have a predictable plot, but Owwsic managed to craft one that was far from cheesy and pitiful through Rome’s POV. I liked it, and it definitely hit me hard.

I learned the following lessons from The Day She Said Goodnight:

1. Life is too short, so make each moment count

2. Love makes life more meaningful

3. Success is best achieved through hard work and healthy collaboration

I highly recommend this book if you like romance novels that will tug your heartstrings while reminding you of the meaning of life.

You may access The Day She Said Goodnight on Wattpad.

So, This Is Youth

I recently finished reading So, This is Youth on Wattpad. It was written by AnakNiRizal, who is my favorite writing teacher on YouTube. I read this novel before I turned 35, and I must say that it was filled with life lessons on growing up, learning for its own sake, and moving on.

Here are some of the lessons I have learned from reading So, This is Youth:

1. Getting older does not mean getting wiser

2. The whole point of school is to teach you how to continue learning how to learn

3. Money does not buy happiness and fulfillment, but it can be the means to pay for an education, to support worthy causes, and to invest in oneself

4. Life begins when we realize what we are made of

I recommend this novel if you are a fan of inspirational yet numerous writing. You will definitely enjoy this light yet insightful read.

You may access this complete novel on Wattpad.

Money & Me

I recently finished reading Money & Me by Sha Nacino. I read this book because I wanted to improve my spending habits while I am staying at home for now due to the lockdown. I am glad that I read this because I learned some key takeaways which I could apply to my life:

1. Money is simply a tool to buy our basic needs. In order to make it grow, we should use it to invest in ourselves. One of the ways that we can improve ourselves through self-investment is through seminars. I personally believe in this because seminars have enabled me to learn, network, and develop my skills.

2. We can all recover from credit card debt. I have never experienced this, but I believe that this chapter is important because so many people my age are in credit card debt.

3. Happiness can be achieved if we learn that money is not the only way to achieve it. Living within our means is one of the ways that we can achieve happiness and peace of mind.

I recommend this book to everyone who would like to improve their financial literacy. Get this book here and learn more on how money can help you invest in yourself!

The Time Capsule

I just finished reading The Time Capsule by J.D. Ruiz a.k.a. GreenWriter on Wattpad. I purchased the physical copy of the book prior to the current lockdown, because I wanted to support local authors and rekindle my love for reading. Little did I know that this book would teach me valuable life lessons.

The novel follows Steph, an entrepreneur who goes to Bacolod for her late grandmother’s wake and burial. She then discovers her grandmother’s diary, and this leads her to an adventure that would trace important scenes in her late grandmother’s adventurous life. She also forms a bond with Erik, the local who would prove to be an entertaining guide and the key to Steph’s self-discovery and transformation.

The novel made me want to explore Bacolod myself! This book has the power to transport the reader to the beautiful province. I felt like a third wheel in Steph and Erik’s road trip, and this felt magical. We need more books like this during the pandemic because it gives us a semblance of travel and adventure while we are on quarantine.

I also learned a some key lessons from this book:

1. “Why would I go back to my old life when I knew I had found more to live for? Love does not always have to be the reason we should fall…” (Erik, p.186)

2. Travel is an invaluable tool for learning and self-discovery.

3. Grief is a period to recover and know ourselves better.

4. Our late loved ones can teach us a thing or two about life, love, and work. Reading their diary or writings can enable us to continue their legacy by applying their “teachings” to our own lives.

5. We should not look down on people in the province, especially those who do menial work. Farmers, manual laborers, and those who work in the market have innate wisdom and trade knowledge. We should treat them with utmost respect as they can teach us lessons about their craft and lives.

I highly recommend this book if you are itching to travel during the pandemic. Not only will you enjoy a love story, but you will also learn lessons that you can apply to your pursuits in love, life, and work. Get this book here and experience a road trip that you will never forget!

At Home With Kali

I just finished reading Keeping Miss Kalila by Filipino romance novelist Tara Frejas. I received an ARC (advanced reader copy) from the author herself, and I am so thankful that I signed up to be one of her advanced readers. Luzon is currently on enhanced community quarantine due to the Covid-19 virus, so I am experiencing cabin fever.

This book helped pass the time in a very good way!

Here’s the synopsis from the author:

Keeping Miss Kalila
Release date: Wednesday, April 1, 2020

With a job that she loves, an adorable senior dog, and a baby she fought hard to conceive on the way, life is going well for thirty-one-year old school teacher Kalila Rayos. That is, until her ex-boyfriend and first love, filmmaker Datu Alvez asks if they could try again.
 
Saying yes shouldn’t be too difficult. After all, she’s still also in love with him and Datu’s efforts to be there for her make her feel she truly has it all. But on top of her worries as a soon-to-be mom, a crisis that hits her school forces her to shift her priorities away from her own desires.
 
Will the one who got away be strong enough to stay, or will their second chance at love crumble and break her heart once more?

Content Warning: miscarriage (backstory), casual sexism, and verbal and physical abuse from a parent. This book follows #romanceclass guidelines requiring HEA/HFN for romance,
and is Heat Level 3 (at least one “open door” sex scene).

I liked this book because:

• The protagonist, Kalila is an empowered woman who decides for herself. She is also a teacher in a consumeristic age, which shows heart and passion for a vocation.

• The romantic interest, Datu, is actually a kind person. He does not undermine Kalila’s interests and priorities, and chooses to support her. He is also established in his own career as a filmmaker, which brings an interesting mix to their love story.

• The novel included amazing causes like early childhood education for the needy, aspin adoption, and women empowerment.

• The supporting characters are also interesting with their own careers and witty remarks.

In these trying times, we need more books to uplift and inspire. You don’t need to pick up a self-help book to feel better. Why don’t you pre-order this novel and discover fiction that drives you to be a better person along the way? Who knows, this might also be the door to meeting people and seizing better opportunities.

To pre-order this book, please click here.

Cover sent by Tara Frejas

Hail Mary!

Yesterday, I got to attend the launch of Mama Mary and Her Children Book Six. It was a packed event at National Bookstore Glorietta, where the book’s contributors and friends of the late Fr. James B. Reuter, SJ gathered to witness this event. I got to see faith in action during the party as one of the authors, Rowie Matti, personally welcomed me. It was quite awkward for me to be there as Fr. Reuter was a friend and mentor to my ex. We would even visit his grave at Novaliches, to pay respects and to recharge amidst the trees planted on Jesuit property. While it was a blessing to have discovered the Mama Mary book series in 2017, I had to let go of this relationship as it was no longer serving me as a person.

Since then, I focused on myself and rebuilt my faith. I was genuinely surprised when Rowie messaged me a few weeks ago to invite me to the book launch. I explained to her my hesitation, but she reassured me that she will see me there. And she told me, it’s Mama Mary’s birthday after all.

And so, armed with courage, I attended the event. My ex was not there! But Rowie, who is now my friend, was there to welcome me. So was an army of fellow Marian devotees! I received a rainbow rosary and a Divine Mercy stampita, which is bittersweet as it was my late father’s devotion.

I bought the signed copy of the book, which is a compilation of personal stories of people who were blessed through Mama Mary’s intercession. Not all of these stories can be considered miracles. Most of them in fact were about everyday breakthroughs and challenges which were overcome through prayer. In an age where technology is overtaking our lives, it is refreshing to read ordinary stories of faith, hope, and love.

I highly recommend this book, as it is a reminder for everyone that when God closes a window, He sends us his Mother to help us pass through the door He has opened.

‘Til the next book launch! Ave Maria!

MIBF 2018

Yesterday, I went back to the Manila International Book Fair. My trip last Thursday was only ten minutes long, so I braved the typhoon to return to my favorite annual book event. 

My haul for this year consists of my Didache Bible reflections for next year and a bunch of history books. I had authentic pho for lunch at the Vietnam Pavilion and it was delicious! Of course, I took the chance to fangirl and take pictures with Rizal props. 

I love attending book events because I get to see like-minded individuals and purchase hard-to-find reading materials. I still have Goyo hangover and I can’t wait to read my history haul. I’m sure that I’ll attend more book-related events in the future, because these inspire me to tell my own story and speakoutsam!