We Can All Be Beautiful, You and Me

Tuesday, July 6, 2021


When I was younger and so oblivious of what really matters in life, I thought beauty is only skin deep. that beauty can only be achieved only if you are perfect, if you aren't, then being beautiful is too far from your reach. And this kind of mindset pestered me unceasingly during my adolescent years and early and late 20s, I thought I can only be called beautiful, only if I am perfect, free from all flaws and imperfections. I wanted to be a good example of the manufactured beauty of society. I did the best I could in my own way to be perfect, but in the end, I was far more than being perfect, even light-years away. The sad part during those times of insecurities and dissatisfaction with my physical appearance is I took for granted some people who appreciated and accepted me the most, the real me, the imperfect me, with a beauty that I failed to recognize because of the unrealistic expectations from myself.

It is only in recent years that I finally accepted that true beauty is more than meets the eye. That anyone and everyone can be called beautiful. The true beauty that we all possess within us is something that we fail to recognize most of the time. I thought beauty is something that I see physically from celebrities, models, and the likes. They are all gorgeous and I thought I wanted to become like them, look like them, but I was so wrong trying to copycat them. I may not look like any other celebrities or models out there, but I am glad that it is never too late for me to accept and appreciate the imperfections I have and recognize the true beauty God has given me. 

You can be beautiful outside but completely rotten inside. Cliche and supernatural it may sound, I feel most beautiful when I have peace and contentment, and when I said peace, I mean "the" true peace.

3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 
1 Peter 3:3-4


You Can Be Beautiful by Diana Reyes is another preloved book that I got from my co-teacher. It took me more than a month to finish this book. I have to be honest I disagree with some of the ideas I encounter from this book. You may want to read the book to know exactly what I mean. In general, it is a self-help book that showcases practical tips on how to be beautiful, especially for women. You have all the right to apply or not to follow the recommended tips that you may come face to face from the book. It is helpful in its own way and you can get some helpful reminders to improve or add light to the way we see beauty.

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Jujutsu Kaisen makes GojoHime a Canon (Onegaishimasu...)

Monday, June 28, 2021

I just finished another series. 

Jujutsu Kaisen is an anime series based on a manga by Gege Akutami. Attack On Titan Season 4 led me here. They are both produced by Mappa Studio. I like the style of the characters I mean who wouldn't. (hehe) So, as I watched the series I learned that Jujutsu Kaisen is translated in English as Sorcery Fight.

I was hesitant to take a chance on this series since it has a violent theme and a lot of fight scenes are to be expected that's why I withdrew from watching JJK right away after finishing the season of AOT. After a month or two have passed, I finally had the courage to watch Jujutsu Kaisen. I had a high expectation for JJK since I heard and read a lot of raving about it, and again I repeat, the graphic style of the characters really got me at first sight. Just like many of us, if not all, I must say that Gojo Satoru did all the luring. He expectantly charmed the anime fans into watching Jujutsu Kaisen. (haha)

I haven't read the manga, and I am never planning to. I guess I'll stick to its anime series for now, and wait for the second season since the author is on hiatus. 

Jujutsu Kaisen falls under the genre of adventure, dark fantasy, and supernatural, I decided to prepare my heart and mind, and it is a good decision I made. There are a lot of fight scenes in JJK and deaths are something that is unavoidable. Heartbreaking as it is, it is a reality that humans have to reconcile with; be it in your favorite story or in real life. But still, it is difficult for me to move on whenever someone has to say goodbye in the series. There are also hilarious scenes in the series which I think balance the morbidity a little.

Mappa Studio never fails to amaze me with their production. The fight scenes were incredibly and smoothly executed. It felt eerie watching the fight scenes and your heart won't be able to rest. It is a good anime to watch if you prefer this kind of genre, but if not please pass on this one.

This is not a romance-themed story and I am aware of that, but I just can't help to notice the chemistry and possible budding of romance between Iori Utahime and Gojo Satoru. If you have watched or you are planning to watch the series I am sure that you will notice it too. I totally ship them. They can be a canon, soon. (hehe)

Canon or Fanon?

Have you watched or are you planning to watch JJK? Share your thoughts. 

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Boy Meets Girl, But When Will My Turn Come?

Monday, June 21, 2021

If I'll be honest, this book definitely got tons of tears from me. It is not about a drama, but this book made me realized of the wrong things this I have been doing and worldly perspective of being in a relationship. It hurts a little, but really I must say it hurts so much to be convicted of how wrong I was in the past. I was self-centered and wanted a relationship that was centered on me. I imagined a very unhealthy and ungodly relationship. I was always looking for the wrong kind of relationship which thankfully never transpired or even migrated to the next level. I now consider those unfruitful longing as God's way of protecting me from the worst.

Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship by Joshua Harris is a self-help Christian book about dating and relationships. It is a pre-loved book I got from my co-teacher who persistently asked me to buy the book along with other titles, and I am so glad I gave in to her and bought them. She even lured me by saying that if I buy those books I would be able to get a partner right away and I knew that she was just bluffing, and honest to goodness, I didn't give in to her because of that (hehe). I just genuinely like to get the books even though I was hesitant at first since I just recently bought a few titles from NBS Sale at that time, so I was trying to cut my expenses with book buying and didn't want to got beyond the budget.

So again, as I mentioned I am happy to have this book and finally read it since I have always been curios about this title because I have seen it many times from some of the book themed group page on Facebook. Unlike any other books that I sell after reading them, this one is for keeps I have no intention of selling it even thought it has some misprints particularly on chapter 7, there are two chapter 7 in this edition. But if I get to buy a better edition then I might change my mind. 

Boy meets girl, but when will my turn come? Hmm... I no longer dwell so much on that question these past few years. I learned from my D-Group leader to pray for it, to pray for him, if he is part of God's plan in my life. I even prayed that if it isn't His will, please remove or take away this desire in my heart, but guess what He hasn't. I already surrender this to the Lord and through His grace I try to live a life that is glorifying to His name and I am still trying until now. I desire to have a relationship that is wholly God-centered. I may doubt my faith in Him sometimes, but He remains faithful. 

"God's way really is best. His timing is perfect. Waiting on Him is more than worth it. Honoring Him and practicing His principles as you walk the path to marriage will lead you to the greatest joy and fulfillment." ~Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris

    

Page 211 got me sobbing and reflecting hard, and I was greatly reminded of God's love and grace. I super recommend this book. It offers a holistic approach to dating and relationship and covers everything you need to know before getting ahead of yourself if you are "under the influence".

Read this book and tell me what you think, I would love to hear your thoughts.

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Big Bad Wolf Returns to PH in the New Normal

Thursday, June 17, 2021


Finally, alas! Our waiting is never in vain. The Big Bad Wolf is coming to town.

This is what we all have been waiting for my fellow bookworms. For those of you who do not know what or who is the Big Bad Wolf. Let me brief you a little. According to their Facebook page, Big Bad Wolf Books (The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale or BBW Books) is a Malaysian book fair frequently held in Malaysia, Thailand Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. The books were majorly taken from the stocks of BookXcess, a book store dealing in excess or remaindered books from international distributors. The Sale was the brainchild of BookXcess founders Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng. It was first held on 13–18 May 2009 for 5 days at Dataran Hamodal, Petaling Jaya. 

The book fair sells all kinds of book genres, for example, fiction, non-fiction, novels, literature, children's literature, and young adult fiction. It also sells merchandise including collectible books and posters, wallpaper, movie posters, tin-plated signs, and their own merchandise.

Big Bad Wolf first arrived in the Philippines in the year 2018 and has been going on since then. We are so used to physical displays of thousands and thousands of books and for me, it is always a sight and a paradise to experience BBW at the World Trade Center, Manila. I am glad that despite our situation right now, the team behind BBW made it possible to bring us the book fair we all have doubted to come into reality this 2021. But here we are now, it is happening again, finally!

Our most awaited book sale will go online this year and we will all experience and enjoy discounts up to 99% OFF for everyone in the Philippines, nationwide. Isn't that a lot better compared to the other years? The book fair will be OPEN ONLINE from June 30 - July 7 in the BBW's exclusive portal: https://signup-ph.bbwbooks.com/. Sign up now, because I already did!

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Arlene Manocot's books on Goodreads
Once Summer Days Once Summer Days (Fangirling Series, Book 3)
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My Hopeless Case My Hopeless Case (Fangirling Series, Book 1)
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Chasing an Elusive Dream Chasing an Elusive Dream (Fangirling Series, Book 2)
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Yearning for the One Yearning for the One
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ratings: 2 (avg rating 3.00)

The Gung Ho Lady The Gung Ho Lady (Gung Ho Series, #1)
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ratings: 1 (avg rating 5.00)

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