Where Do Broken Hearts Go?

Giving your heart to someone is like taking a leap of faith. Never would you be so vulnerable yet so strong in your entire life. It’s terrifying and exciting. You believe in everything that you and that someone stand for. You feel that as long as its you and him/her against the world, then you’d be able to conquer all. But what happens when that love fails, when love simply was not enough? Where do broken hearts go?

I have just realized that you could never make someone promise you or prove to you that they will never leave you; that their love would be for always. Because maybe at that time when you asked them to: they meant it in every way and that they believed in it too. But sometimes, there comes a time when what you had is forgotten because of the trials you both had gone through, promises doesn’t mean a thing anymore, and you’re left with nothing but memories and nothing solid to hold on to.

The thing about a heart breaking is that it feels like you’ve just been hit by a bus, dragged by a train, exploded with a bomb, and yet no one knows it, no one hears it but you. They might see the tears running down your cheeks, and hear your screams of pain, but they would never understand the deepest pain and deepest sorrow that only you could experience. You would wish to just rip out your heart, and toss it somewhere so that you could never feel that pain again, but sadly, you could never do that.

I would like to say, that time heals all wounds, and maybe it does. But there would always be scars, and you would never be the same again. You would never love the same and you would never trust the same. So where do broken hearts go? They go back to you, though broken and shattered, you could take the pieces back one by one. All you have to do is figure out where to start. But if you’re lucky, your broken heart goes back to the one you truly love. For if they are still willing to keep your heart, then they are the only once who could fix it almost as good as new… almost.

Thank God For Friends

My friends amaze me. They amaze me in more ways than one. They amaze me with their craziness, their temperaments, their loudness, and their complete understanding of me. They amaze me because despite seeing who I was, who I am, and who I might become, they make me feel that they would still and always be a part of my life. If I could tell them in anyway that I appreciate having them in my life, this would be the time.

I have always known that I’m not the best kind of friend. I cannot come to my friend’s rescue at their beck and call. I don’t spend as much time with them as I should; and at times I can’t even call them or send them a simple message. I also know that I’m the type of person that is not easy to like, and I’m even harder to love. But despite all these, my friends continue to be there for me. They make me feel that I would always be a part of their lives as they are in mine. My world may not revolve around them and I cannot halt my life for them, but I hope they know that if I could share at least a moment’s time with them, I would.

Friendship, for me, is such a magical relationship. For me, it’s the foundation of love. It gives you security and assurance that someone will always be there for you even if you stumble and fall. It gives you that warm feeling that even if you have turned your life upside down, if you have at least one true friend, then you would be all right. That’s how they make me feel. No matter what form they take: the grumpy, the jolly, the shoppaholic, the bookaholic, the brother, the encouragement, the loud one, the crazy one, or the sweet one, they will always be my kind of people and no matter who I become or what I do, they would not judge me. I will always be that same girl they met way back when. 

Dedicated to: Janeth, Czarlette, Sorah, Joni, Pipan, Tin, Mary, Anne, Kuya Mike, Pao, Rigel, and to my closest friends... ^_^

I Fell in Love with a Rake

A rake (lower-case) is youthful and immature. He flaunts his exploits, behaves with utmost idiocy, and thinks himself dangerous to women.

A Rake (upper-case) knows he is dangerous to women. He doesn't flaunt his exploits because he doesn't need to. He doesn't behave like an idiot for the simple reason that he isn't an idiot.

Lady Whistledown's Society Papers,

20 April 1814

I have read a number of romance novels, but never did any of those books have gripped my heart as much as that of the Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn. I know that I have a lot of reading to do before I can say that this might be the best, but for a hopeless romantic such as I, I believe that the entire series leaves you falling…and falling desperately in love with not only the heroes and the heroines but also with their relationships and with the entire Bridgerton clan.

I read a romance novel because I want to fall in love. After reading the first book of the series, I did just that- and I fell over and over again while reading one book after another. And as much as it pains me to say this, but the kind of man I’ve fallen with the most is a Rake.

The series is set in the Regency era in the year of 1813 where Daphne the eldest daughter of Violet and Edmund Bridgerton starts this series of books in: The Duke and I. All of the eight books of the series, stars heroes that are, what you would deem as imperfect. Yes, they are so dashingly handsome, quite a Rake, but mostly, if not all, have issues in their lives that gives you the impression of a wounded hero. But it is these very same qualities which makes them all the more appealing to readers. They are anything but boring. Each has their own personality which sets them uniquely apart from each other. And though they are quite a Rake, you’d end up falling for them anyway! Forget that they’ve been with countless of women! ‘Cause when they do fall in love, Heavens! You end up catching your breath and sigh longingly along with the heroines.

It is such a wonderful read. So wonderful that you end up giving into fits of laughter, be thrown into an emotional whirlwind with the characters, and of course wishing that there are Viscounts, Dukes, Earls for each girl out there. I say, I wouldn’t mind a Duke myself if it meant having Simon Basset as a husband! And of course, unlike other romance novels that you end up being jealous of the heroine, in all eight series you wouldn’t mind giving them the heroes! They are the type of heroine who you would want to spend a nice afternoon with, talk, and giggle just like you would with a best friend. They are all so adorable and show strength every woman should have.

I just love everything about the series. It gives you a light hearted background story, an intriguing plot, and a heated romance. It is for those people, like me, who wants to drown themselves in a book just to escape reality. But I don’t suggest you read it out in a very public place, ‘cause of sure, you will be grinning from ear to ear, blushing, and sometimes (most of the time) laugh out loud while reading the books. It’s not the most sane thing to see when others have no idea how entertaining the book truly is. But I suggest you read it during a peaceful afternoon, with tea on hand then share the book with a friend. And in the end, you and your friend might end up falling for one of the heroes too!


Disclaimer:
The photo I used here does not belong to me, it belongs to Josephine-Marie of Deviantart. 

Whose Opinion Really Matters

I found myself wondering one day whose opinion matters to me most. Was it my parent’s, my friend’s, my special someone, my co-worker’s, my acquaintances? The list goes on and on causing me to stop, think, and actually reflect.

I’ve met and seen people who- in the midst of wanting to fit in, all they had ever cared about is how people sees them. And I feel quite sad for them. ‘Cause, it might be so sad to live out your life trying to please everyone, trying to make everyone think better of you- that you lose yourself in the process. I’ve also met people in whom all that ever comes out of their lips are things that they can brag about- whether it be the brand of their clothes, their shoes, or their bags. They look down on people who they think can’t afford such luxuries. And yes, I was subjected to such kinds of pressures.- of wanting to fit in to get a little respect. 

It was then that I realized, their opinions never really mattered to me. I really didn’t care whether they think I’m rich or not, intelligent or not. Yes, it made me angry when they choose to think I have less of a brain that I actually have, but then again, I chose to walk away. I realized that at the end of the day, it’s not their opinions that matter most to me. Not even my parent’s, my friend’s, or my special someone. The opinion that mattered to me was God’s. 

Because when the time comes, God won’t ask me what brand of clothes I wore, or where I bought my shoe, or whether I ate at expensive restaurants or not; He would ask me, what I have in my heart. If my heart was honest, and strong. If my mind was innocent. And if He stripped me down to my very core, would He see a person He can call His child, or would I be a disappointment.

It is not wrong to prove yourself to someone who thinks less of you. It’s not even wrong to try to fit in to avoid confrontation. It only becomes wrong when you lose yourself in the process. When you don’t even know who you truly are anymore. I leave you with a quote that really made me think:

“Do what you love and what makes you happy. Don’t be afraid of what other people would think or say, because even if you do everything that pleases them, people always have something to say.”

Mortal Instruments: A Sexy and Dangerous Ride

I've been ranting on and on about Mortal Instruments trying to get my other friends to read it too, but only now did I get a chance and the time to blog about it. And now I'm stuck with how I can possible start to write about the series that held my attention and my heart for quite some time now. So I think I'll start off by warning you that some information might spoil you. If you don't want to be spoiled then maybe you should think twice on reading the following post. ☺

The Plot

The Mortal Instruments series is originally consisted of three books: The City of Bones, City of Ashes and City of Glass. The first two books of the Mortal Instruments series takes place in the urban part of the city that never sleeps- New York City. It is dark, dirty, with the characters that makes the story sexy and dangerous. The series is about Clary Fray a normal teenage girl who lived with her mother, who parties with her best friend Simon, complete with the normal teenage angsts. But one fateful night in Pandemonium, she saw and met Jace- who was dispatching a vampire, and the wierdest part of it was, only Clary can see them. From that moment on, Clary's life begin to take a surprising turn that left her world upside down. With her mother held hostage and the secrets about her life that has been kept from her began to unfold in a breathtaking whirlwind of events, she could only make herself brave enough and trust Jace to face this world that was a stranger to her and brace herself for the ride that could change her life forever.

The plot of the Mortal Instruments Series, is in my opinion very unique. On the outset it might seem like your typical Young Adult/ Fantasy book genre that is complete with vampires, werewolves, magical items, and forbidden romance. But if you take the time and read through it, you would discover a unique treasure that you cannot bring yourself to put down. A one of a kind plot full of twists and turns, and intertwined fates.

The Characters

Aside from the plot, the characters of the Mortal Instruments series are all very charming yet dangerous, and lovable- even some of the villains! ^__^

Jace Wayland - My Perfectly Perfect Hero

How will I start to describe Jace? How can I possibly put to words what I feel every time I hear or read his name? ^__^ I guess I'll start with the basics:

Name: Jace Wayland (City of Bones); Jonathan Christopher Wayland (end of City of Bones);
           spoiler alert!! Jonathan Christopher Morgenstern (City of Ashes)
Occupation: Shadow Hunter- said to be the best of his age ^__^
History: Orphaned at a young age by the murder of his father, he lives with the Lightwoods at the Institute in New York City.
Physical Description: golden hair, eyes, and skin, making him popular with girls

Jace Wayland may be the sexiest hero ever written. He may be arrogant, reckless, and at times his actions seem suicidal, but deep inside is an honest, thoughtful, and very caring young man. He truly is a wounded hero having to witness the so-called death of his father. He never truly opened up and felt at home towards anyone, not even  towards his stepsiblings Alec and Isabelle Lightwood. But when Clary entered his life, he suddenly became alive.

I love Jace's character because he shows vulnerability, his thoughtlessnes. He is indeed perfect, but because of his imperfections that I came to love him more than any other hero I've read about. He can be really reckless, and hurtful but with a single honest words, I find myself catching my breath hoping that he is real. ^__^ I love how he cares about Clary, and how he can't deny to himself what he feels about her. How it was described on how his eyes always seem to fall on Clary and how his eyes seem to follow her wherever she was in a room. I love the truthfulness and the honesty of his feelings towards her, even if he doesn't seem to say it out loud. With Jace, the quote "Action speaks louder than words", seem quite true indeed. ^__^ I could go on and on about how I love Jace Wayland, but no words can bring him justice. You just have to read about him for you to know what it really feels like to fall in love with a fictional character. :)

Clarissa Fray- The not-so-damsel in distress Heroine

Name: Clarissa Fray (City of Bones)
            spoiler alert!! Clarissa Morgenstern (end of City of Bones)
Occupation: normal human (City of Bones), Shadow Hunter (end of City of Bones)
History: a Shadowhunter brought up as human by her mother for her protection
Physical Description: a little over 5 feet tall and has wavy red hair

It is not surprising when I say that I absolutely loved Clary's character. She's unlike other heroine who waits for someone to come and make everything right in her life. She is the kind of person who knows what and who her priorities are and is brave enough to go and get things done. She is brave because of her love- her love for her mother, for Jace and for her friends. I love how she can put her "love" problems aside, and prioritize saving her mother or her friends. She isn't the type of girl who would go mopping around, crying her eyes out whenever something bad happens between her and Jace. I love how pure and innocent her love is for Jace, and her love for her mother- despite all the secrets she kept from her. I commend her for recognizing Luke as her father, because for her- family is more that sharing the same blood, the same DNA. ^__^ For me, Clary is one of the best heroines an author could ever write about. ^__^

Valentine Morgenstern- The Misunderstood  Villain


Name: Valentine Morgenstern
Occupation:powerful, evil yet charming Shadow Hunter
History: he is consumed by the belief that he must purify the Shadowhunter race and convinced of the righteousness of his cause, there is nothing he will not do to eradicate the earth of anything associated with vampires, werewolves and faeries.
Physical Description:with white hair, strong and large build

I don't know why, but I can't seem to bring myself to hate Valentine. Maybe because despite all his evil actions, you could sense how he truly loved Jocelyn and how pure his intentions are towards purifying the Shadowhunter race- though it was totally twisted and psychotic.

I could go on and write about all the main characters of Mortal Instruments but I'm afraid I don't have much time for that. ^__^ I hope you can read the series to truly get to know all the appealing and lovable characters of Mortal Instruments.

My Final Take on the Series

I have read my share of YA/Fantasy book genre and even read a couple of romance novels, but up till now, nothing compares to this series. I can still remember all the unforgetable moments, the most quotable quotes like I have only read the series yesterday. It is a series full of wit, sarcasm, humor, horror and thrill. It has everything that makes you don't want to stop reading and put it aside. It has the quality to be one of the best YA genre if people would give it a chance. But one thing's for sure, I would want to re-read it again and again until I can memorize each line, each encounter ^__^ haha I think I'm starting to or I am obsessed with the series. I'm looking forward to have that date with Jace and pretend I'm Clary once again. ^__^

That's it for now! I hope I gave enough justice to the series. :) I'm off to re-reading City of Ashes. Ta-ta!!

Welcome 2010!!

Yes, yes, I know it's pretty late to be welcoming 2010 when it's nearly the middle of January. And yet, I still feel like welcoming 2010 officially here in my new blog. ☻ So start off the year, I want to show you some of the things that caught my attention during the first week of January, and of course some my personal most essential things for 2010. ^__^

First off, I found this picture in my FaceBook account, and found it really sweet and really true! Men like these really are LIMITED EDITION. It's like being in a sale, you have to grab one that's really the best and hold on to it, cause once you put it down, someone might try to rip it right under your nose. 'Cause like being in a sale, there's no mass production of a particular item. ^__~  So if you have a man like this, hold on to him and don't let other people rip him right off your grasps! :)

Hmmm... Moving on... I've been looking for a particular planner/journal since the last week of December till the first week of January. I've been through eBay but found the Korean Planners really expensive! I just can't bring myself to spend that much money on something I can't really commit to using. So instead, I found the next best thing.

I went to this "Korean store" called Kore Kore at Rizal Sta. Ana, Davao. It's a small place, but my friend told me they have cute goods. So I said, why not and gave it a try. In there I found what I've been looking for. It wasn't really a planner/journal I found but a cute little and medium size notebook perfect for what I had in mind.

These are what I found. :) It's pretty simple but I like it ^__^

Then, I finally convinced myself to but Julia Quinn's "The Viscount Who Loved Me". I've already read 6 of 8 series of the Bridgerton Series and I absolutely fell in love with it. My personal favorites are "The Duke and I", The Viscount Who Loved Me", and "Romancing Mr. Bridgerton". I might come back for some reviews, and I hope you would be able to read them. It's one of the best Historical/ Romance Novels I've come to love.

 And with the coming of 2010, I said to myself that I should spend more time with God. Yes, I pray everyday. Actually in all honesty, I pray a lot. But starting this year, I want to be able to spend time, even at least 5min of my day, to stop, read and reflect God's gospels. So, went and bought my self, my favorite Daily Devitional Book, "The Experience".  I like this book because it's easy to read, and it's full of honest reflections, and some explanations of the verses, that really makes you realize things.

With these, I'm good for now. :) I'm excited for all the things to come this year of 2010. I hope that this year will bring peace, harmony, good health and prosperity to my family, my friends, my self, and to you. ^_~ Let us thank all the blessings of 2009, and let us rejoice for this new year :)