The first time I saw this book, I was surprised by its subtitle [not even a hint: guarding your heart against lust]. Considering it was by Joshua Harris, I got intrigue and browsed over the pages. I told myself that I would buy the book on my second bookstore visit, when I finally have the money on May 5, 2007.

The author Joshua Harris was first introduced to me by our professor (Sir Nuevo) in Theology/Marriage during one of his classes. He was discussing that "true love can wait", and so is sex. He recommended the books I Kissed Dating Goodbye for singles especially those who are lonely and Boy Meets Girl when the time is ready. Both books were written by Joshua Harris.

At the bookstore, to see an intriguing new book by Joshua Harris really caught my attention.

Later on, I discovered that he was able to explain a lot of things that the church couldn't. After all, I had a strong grip of faith since I have learned a lot from school ever since prep (thanks to OLGA/SMACC and UST).

I recommended the book to a lot of people. Especially to those who are committed and prone to temptations. I understand that today's time and age are different and the word "liberated" became very misused. But I just had to hold on to what I believe in. And that's respect.

Here's a cable movie we catched at Gelai's house last Friday.

It's a sci-fi futuristic film where humans are genetically chosen and labeled all throughout their lives. As mentioned in the movie, 10 seconds after birth, their fate is already determined... health, life-span, attractiveness, etc.

For me, this movie mirrors the capability of humans to exceed their limitations that science could not explain (eg. science expected him to live for 2 1/2 years but he grew and lived longer). A person's determination could bring him to places. One's disability or imperfections would not hinder him to achieve this goal.

So even if i find the ending as bitin, i still liked the movie, its concept, and other ideas that left me a mark, especially during these trying times. =)

UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe took its 5th Championship award this year.
As mentioned by a UST - UAAP Representative, there's no surprise that UST won the competition. "Think like a Champion, Act like a Champion."
It just shows how competitive Tomasians are, and I'm proud to be one. =)

Talking about Thai cuisine, Oody's serve hot foods.

I used to eat at SR Thai near UST for a taste of Thai cuisine. Compared to this resto, Oody's is nothing. I can say that Oody's serve Filipino modified Thai food. My favorite Pad Thai was not as tasty as it should be. By the way, never order Pad Thai Chicken. Choose Taiwanese or Vietnamese style Pad Thai instead. They are closer to authentic. Some other food were sweeter than they should be. And since it's a Thai resto, i suggest that they put hot and spicy condiments on their tables to suit customer's taste.

Automobile racing at its finest. With its 3D film technology, you'll surely feel the pressure on the racer's seat.

This 45-minute film looks back at a little automobile racing history and shows the smalllest details and complexity that this sport has. Include technology and everything would be a great racing action. See the thrill and the behind-the-scene contribution that would truly make you conclude that "this sport is not a solo sport but a team sport".

If you think this restaurant serves Japanese cuisine, dine in, and you'll be surprised with its American/Italian food listed on the menu.

Their food and best sellers are all American/Italian -- Pasta, Pizza and Sandwiches. But I find their food very unique and tasty. I choose American as their cuisine because it is more American than Italian even if the crew greets you in Japanese. Even their Tabasco hot sauce is made in USA.

So what the heck! Dine in at Tokyo Cafe -- sounds Japanese but American.

Consider it "practical". I find it very affordable to dine-in at a restaurant in Greenbelt 3.

Food served are Filipino dishes with all kinds of meat, seafood, and veggies. Fruit juices and salads are also available.

Prices range from Php 105-400 per viand with servings good for 2. Softdrinks and iced tea are priced at Php 36 refillable. Beer are priced at Php 35-45, Red Horse is Php 35. Of course, cocktails are of different range.

If not only for the limited seats and slow customer service, i would have perfectly rated this restaurant. But I surely recommend that you try this place for a night at Greenbelt.

Worst of all the trilogy, I can see that this movie really is "the last stand".

Cyclops had a very short scene. I didn't like the way it ended for him. Charles Xavier leaves with his school for mutants. Diminished roles goes for Rogue, Mystique and Angel.

The Phoenix, who goes against the X-men, had a great molecular destruction of everything. I really liked the scene where everything is flying, floating and breaking out, including Wolverine's skin.

The always stubborn Wolverine had his own solo actions. At least he agreed to team-up in the end. Storm and Wolverine had the leadership roles in the movie and showed what the real battle is.

The movie just had a little of everything but the battle conflicts are uniquely X-Men.

DEFINITELY FICTIONAL. I agree with one comment i've read over my emails, that during the movie, you'll get bored.

Perhaps one reason is because I'm not interested. When they started talking about Mary Magdalene, i lost all the interest. Simply because i know it isn't true. I remembered my friend telling me to stop reacting while watching the movie. She said, "Marian, it's fictional." And she was right. It was never true. My faith never moved a bit unlike what other people think that this movie would change one's faith. They are simply making a big deal out of it. Perhaps they are talking about the uneducated Christians and those who have little or weak faith. As for me, my faith built on 21 years of my existence cannot be changed by 2 hrs of fictitous movie.

Looks like this movie, rated R by MTRCB, became a blockbuster hit just because everyone got caught by the controversy it brings to the Catholic faith.

Another vampire (Methusalas) vs. human (Terrans) anime series, i find it very similar to the anime series Hellsing. More demonic vampire figures shows up with names and places derived from Christian faith and Holy Bible like the names Abel and Cain. And again, like Hellsing, the major character Abel is fighting for the human/Vatican side and has a girl "follower" in the name of Esther.

Personally, i find their way of presenting Christian faith as somewhat offending. Choosing a boy character for a Pope is quite troublesome. How can someone like a boy be an important person in the world and lead it with fear, few knowledge and very dependent on his Cardinals? But i find effective portrayal by the Pope and that is innocence and a representative of a new generation. The story has a goal of finding peace between humans and vampires.

Effects and story transition is something i'd give a thumbs up.

Some points were also not explained fully but it shows a hanging ending that gives you an idea of another season for this series.

I'm not really a coffee addict neither do i have the money to spend on classy coffee shops. I was even prevented (somewhat prohibited) to drink coffee for some health conditions. But my lifestyle was never easy and being a sleepyhead is out of my context. To keep me awake, i drink the cheap, over-the-counter regular coffee -- and found out that Cafe Puro as the strongest (so far) of the cheap ones. And oh! I drink coffee out of my mom's sight... as in, secretly.

As my taste buds got sick with the regular coffee brands, i tried out GRANDEUR coffee mix that i saw at the San Miguel Food Shop at UST. I never thought it would taste this good. It simply isn't the regular coffee at all. Unique and blended with sweet taste and aroma, i couldn't resist it. Good enough to spend Php 12.50 per 12g sachet and taste the little difference compared to expensive, classy coffee.

Based on a true story and compilation of Aya Ikeichi's diary, this live Japanese series will definitely make you cry at least a litre of tears. It will also make you realize that one should cherish life and appreciate the smallest things.

I better not say more about this series because I highly recommend that you should see this yourself. I never watched anything that made me cry like this series did. Then tell me, "How much tears did you shed?"

WARNING: If you're not ready to cry, better not watch this.

Check out http://www.jdorama.com/drama.959.htm

Vanship pilots Claus and Lieve have a goal of flying through the Grand Stream where their fathers died while delivering their ten-star letter to end war.

Meeting the little girl Alvis and upon the completion of a seven-star mission lead them to the invincible air-battleship Sylvana.

COMMENT:
War as conflict in animes are no longer new but the old-looking Vanships as war machines and having complicated mechanisms is something. How were they able to acquire, maintain and purchase vanship parts when they claim to be poor? They even managed to survive youth when they became orphans (as in no guardian at all). Quite impossible.

The ending has the most fantasy relying on the EXILE ship to save the world. It didn't even explain how Alvis Hamilton became the key of the Exile and how the child came to the picture. The child just appeared as the "cargo".

As to the effects, the war have lots of it. Ships floating in the air with all kinds of clouds, wind and air disturbance has successfull gave in to the desired thrill of action conflict.

Short and simple... One toned-down music among all other Evanescence songs and far more silent than their My Immortal. Perfect for cooling off the head.

LYRICS:
playground school bell rings again
rain clouds come to play again
has no one told you she's not breathing?
hello i'm your mind giving you someone to talk to
hello

if i smile and don't believe
soon i know i'll wake from this dream
don't try to fix me i'm not broken
hello i'm the lie living for you so you can hide
don't cry

suddenly i know i'm not sleeping
hello i'm still here
all that's left of yesterday