From the shelf: Mga Tagpong Mukhang Ewan at Kung Anu-Ano Pang Kababalaghan (Kiko Machine book 1)

Title: Mga Tagpong Mukhang Ewan at Kung Anu-Ano Pang Kababalaghan (Kiko Machine book 1)

Author: Manix Abrera

Genre: Filipino Humor

Date read: September 17, 2015

Dawn Rates: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

‘Eto na… Hwooh! 
Ang kauna-unahang KikoMachine Komix Collection! Rakenrol! Asteeg!...

My Review: (also in goodreads)

I was once at the book signing event for this. This is one of those comic books where one could only just read to relax even in a long bus ride. This was one of those comic books where one could just laugh about the topics being discussed in it. This showcases Filipino humor and I think that Filipinos or anyone who has lived in this country will definitely enjoy this.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: The Bubble Bible by Bitoy

Title: The Bubble Bible by Bitoy

Author: Michael V.

Genre: Filipino Humor

Date read: December 5, 2015

Dawn Rates: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

“Thou shall finish reading this book laughing.” That is the ultimate commandment of The Bubble Bible by Bitoy, a collection of Michael V.’s 12 most famous characters on the long-running, much-loved GMA Network gag show Bubble Gang.

The collection, out now from Summit Books, lets readers enjoy the irreverent comedy of the comedian, actor, singer, composer, rapper, and parodist over 20 decades of making Filipino audiences laugh on Bubble Gang. The Bubble Bible by Bitoy includes images of his memorable incarnations, the hilarious gags that have made them unforgettable, and funny anecdotes from Bitoy himself.

In The Bubble Bible by Bitoy, fans will be treated to the “tiis-ganda” secrets of Yaya Rosalinda “Cha-Cha” Lucero, the hidden tattoos of Tata Lino, the untold riches of Don Miguel De Ayalabang, the workouts that Sexballs swears by, and the monologue that only Cecilio Sasuman can do justice to. Laugh out loud at other unforgettable personalities that Michael V. has breathed life into, such as Junie Lee, Madam Rocha, Mr. Assimo, Mr. Matapobre, Bonggang Bonggang Bongbong, DJ Bumbay, and Doña Yna Moran.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

I have always been a fan of Michael V. He is one of the pillars of Philippines' longest running gag show "Bubble Gang". His humor of my taste and I love how he good of a cameleon he is formulating all those amazing characters with distinct personalities. And having the gag show run for 20 years now is no joke. This showcases Filipino humor and for that I really enjoyed this book.

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: The Best of Chico, Delamar, and Gino's The Morning Rush Top 10, Book 3

Title: The Best of Chico, Delamar, and Gino's The Morning Rush Top 10, Book 3

Author: Compilation from The Morning Rush

Genre: Filipino Humor, Top 10 entries

Date read: December 5, 2015

Dawn Rates: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Did you miss them?

Chicio, Delamar and Gino are back with 100 of the funniest, craziest, most quotable lists from The Morning Rush Top 10, the award-winning, crowd favorite radio on RX 93.1.

Laugh out loud over viral lists like the following-and see if your own contributions made it

#BasagKaSaHirit

#PayoSaSawi

#DramaFail

#MyMamaTaughtMe

#AstigKaKung

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Lookback: The Morning Rush Top 10 Book 2

Like what I said before, since I can remember I was and still am a fan of the radio show. From 6AM to 10AM they help me wake up as I go through early morning school or work. And I am glad to buy this book that would let me reminisce the mornings I laughed along with them. 

Till the next read...

From the shelf: The Harder We Fall (Addison Hill #1)

Title: The Harder We Fall (Addison Hill #1)

Author: Mina V. Esguerra

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Date read: October 31, 2015
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

She knows it won't last...

Nicholas is unlike anyone Daria has ever dated, and yet he hasn't left her mind since she got her hands on the 23-year-old rugby player when he took a tumble during a game.

But they aren't even really dating; a fast fling is all they have time for. He's heading to Japan to play pro and is only in town to tie loose ends. She's graduating in three weeks, and is only covering his struggling rugby club to win a internship spot in a documentary that'll start filming in Europe.

Getting what they want means they don't get to stay together. But that doesn't mean they can't have fun -- as long as they don't fall hard.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Looking back: Learning to Fall

This was a gift to me by my best friend who went to Mina Esguerra's book signing. I was ecstatic having this signed book that I read it in one go.Which was very weird because I already read the 3rd and latest book in the series before this first. Now where does the first and third book intersect? Apparently this Daria is Steph's roommate. And Grayson was once co-captain with Nicholas. I loved their chemistry, the tension was there and the witty banter was also there. But if I would compare the Learning to Fall and this, I would definitely choose Learning to Fall. But that doesn't mean I didn't like this...I did.

Till the next read...

Book Review Request: Learning to Fall (Addison Hill #3)

Title: Learning to Fall (Addison Hill #3)

Author: Mina V. Esguerra

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Date read: October 14, 2015
Dawn Rates: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

“Go out with a stereotypical romance novel hero WHO ISN’T YOUR TYPE.”

Avid reader and art student Steph is participating in a monthly blog challenge to Live Like Fiction, and this was the task for October. When Grayson, former co-captain of her university rugby team, walks into her class, she knows it’s meant to be – she has to go out with this guy. Even if she’s never been attracted to big, hunky, athletic types. With Grayson’s “player” reputation off the field, Steph thinks he’ll be good for one date that’ll be worth blogging about, and that’s it. 

But you know how it goes: Soon, it becomes more than just one date – and Steph and Grayson are caught up in “living like fiction.” How long can they keep playing their roles before reality steps in?

My Review: (also in goodreads)

It's always an honor to receive a book from the author asking you to give an honest review about it. It means they value your review and your ability to review without any pretense. Therefore, I'm going to give this an honest review:

I got this ARC...yay! I enjoyed this book. I am excited to buy my physical copy. I even did a cover reveal of this.

Having a female blogger (book blogger to be exact) as the protagonist hits close to home. Steph is an art student who currently resides out of her hometown to pursue her dream while fixing the setbacks that happened just before she graduates. She is an avid (book) blogger who is currently doing the Live like Fiction book challenge, and for October she is willing to date someone who is not her type. To fulfill that challenge she has to ask Grayson, the typical jock, to be her date. Their then deceit will pile up. I know that the basic frame of this story might be cliche: girl meets boy, gets into a 'pretend' relationship with boy and eventually they get together but what made me like this is because of Steph's ideals. I can definitely relate with Steph...definitely. This is the problem with book worms. They tend to overthink and follow their ideals closely. This is most definitely the problem with FEMALE bookworms, female being the operative word. The more we read, the more we want something perfect. Especially with FEMALE HOPELESS ROMANTIC bookworms (I know some). Ouch. Crazy but true. It takes a lot to get out of the comfort zone. It takes a lot to courage to get past the ideals and just take the leap. This story made me think about things. LOL. But the truth is, what I loved about this, is that I could definitely relate to Steph.

Mina Esguerra is one of my favorite Filipino authors (support local!). Her first book that I read is "My Imaginary Ex" around 2009 or 2010? It was a long time ago. Oh, Zack *still swooning* I definitely recommend that book.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Parang kayo, Pero hindi

Title: Parang kayo, Pero hindi
Author: Noringai
Genre: Humor, Love, Contemporary
Date read: January 6-7, 2015
Dawn Rates: ★★★ (3/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

The “parang kayo, pero hindi” stage. Others call it MU or mutual understanding. Pseudo relationships. Pseudo boyfriends. Flings. Almost like a relationship, but not quite. It is a phase where the persons involved are more than friends, but not quite lovers.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

I don't usually read essay type books but it changed when I read Bob Ong's years back and with that said I enjoyed this book. This book is a breeze to read, best read on a day where you decide to just chill out and relax. Although there are some chapters that are in your face (the fact that you can relate), I thoroughly enjoyed browsing through the pages and even laughed out loud ironically at some. Only a person who truly had those experiences could write something like this.

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: Ang Boyfriend Kong Artista

Title: Ang Boyfriend Kong Artista
Author: ModernongMariaClara
Genre: Filipino Chick-Lit
Date read: January 20, 2014
Dawn Rates: ★★☆ (2.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

One night, I waited for hours to see a falling star. But when I finally caught sight of it, it was gone bago pa man ako makapag-wish. That night, I vowed to never look up at the sky again. Siguro kasi na-realize ko that no matter how long I wait, hindi mapapasaakin ang tinitingala ko at kung bumagsak man ito, malayo pa rin para maabot ko.

Fast forward to the present. Enter Bryan Lim sa eksena.Guwapo, matalino, mayaman, pinagkakaguluhan. Every inch a star. At ako, si Daniella, isang simpleng high school girl, hindi kagandahan, hindi kayamanan, hindi katangakaran (lahat na yata ng hindi gaano, ako na, pero matalino naman, sabi nila), biglang naging girlfriend niya?

Spell HIMALA.

Hindi kaya ito na yung star na hinihintay kong bumagsak sa lupa?

My Review: (also in goodreads)

It's amazing to see famous Filipino wattpad stories being published. And even more amazing to know that people are beginning to love reading. I read this story out of sheer curiosity. The title already summarized what to be expected in the book what I wanted to read about was how did it come to end. Daniella is that simple girl surviving a break-up caused by her boyfriend and her traitorous ex-best friend colliding to the world of a world-famous artist. I know that these type of plots are cliche and sure some scenes were cringe-worthy but if you are looking for a book you could read in one sitting, I guess these ones are for you.

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: Diary ng Panget 4

Title: Diary ng Panget 4
Author: HaveYouSeenThisGirl
Genre: Filipino Chick-Lit
Date read: January 18, 2014
Dawn Rates: ★★☆ (2.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Ito na ang ika-apat at huling libro ng Diary ng Panget series. Nagasimula sa pagkadapa ni Eya sa may Corridor at sa pagtawa sa kanya ng antipatikong si Cross Sandford na naging amo niya, napunta sa walang katapusang bangayan hanggang ang inis sa isa't isa ay unti-unting nauwi sa isang damdamin na parehas nilang hindi maipaliwanag. Ano nga kaya itong namumuong damdamin nila para sa isa't isa? Pag-ibig kaya o gutom lang? Seryoso ba si Cross sa pagtatapat niya bigla ng damdamin niya o nauntog lang niya ang ulo niya nang malakas sa pader? Kung tila mga pusa't asong ito ay papasok sa isang relasyon, ano kaya ang mangyayari? Magkakagulo kaya? Parati pa rin kaya silang mag-aaway? O ito n ng oras na magmamahalan na talaga sila at kikiligin na tayong mga mambabasa? Pero teka, paano kung may umepal? Silang dalawa na nga lang, magulo na, paano pa kaya kung may dadagdag na mas magpapagulo pa?

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Lookback: Diary ng Panget, Diary ng Panget 2, Diary ng Panget 3

Just to finish this series, I held my breath and carried on. Okay, I did this to pass time while waiting for my turn at Gayle Forman's book signing. Cheesy, mushy, cringe-worthy are all the things I dread to read and see, unfortunately that would sum up everything about this book. So Cross and Eya are now a couple..I get it. But having them do stupid mushy things...UGH. The ending? Unexpected. Let's just say...it circled around the beginning. That's it. Again and again, I would say that my teenage self would've liked this more, but now I'm starting to doubt myself.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Diary ng Panget 3

Title: Diary ng Panget 3
Author: HaveYouSeenThisGirl
Genre: Filipino Chick-Lit
Date read: September 16, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★ (2/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Let's backtrack: Diary ng Panget, Diary ng Panget 2

Okay..let's see here. First I need to remind myself why I wanted to read this book. Yes, I was curious and yes, I loved the bickering. But so far, this is my least liked installment. Why? Though I love the bickering I hated the fact that it is dragging on. It's like Eya is going round in circles with what she's feeling. Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that Cross finally told her he liked her (Hallelujah) but I hated the fact that the lines were beyond sarcasm. But of course, I would read the last installment to this series and again as I always said during the last two books, my teenage self would've like this better...sort of.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Diary ng Panget 2

Title: Diary ng Panget 2
Author: HaveYouSeenThisGirl
Genre: Filipino Chick-Lit
Date read:August 18, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★☆ (3.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

My Review: (also in goodreads)

I suppose this would be the sequel to Diary ng Panget. Though, I think that it was just a continuation of the story, that it could be mashed up together. Again, as usual this is an easy read...the author had this quirky, hilarious one-liners and bickering between the protagonists. And again, I'm consistent in saying that my teenage self would've enjoyed it better. A great way to pass time and I guess I'll be reading part 3.

Till the next read...

From the shelf: Diary ng Panget

Title: Diary ng Panget
Author: HaveYouSeenThisGirl
Genre: Filipino Chick-Lit
Date read:August 17, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★☆ (3.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Mahirap at panget si Girl tapos magnet siya ng mga poging mayayaman na boys? YES! Cliché? YES! So what makes this book special? This story has made a lot of people online laugh, as in hagalpak talaga with matching headbang pa! This is Eya's diary, a girl who believes she's ugly and will meet Cross Sandford, the most annoying nilalang ever. Samahan natin si Eya sa nakakaloka niyang adventure sa Willford Academy! A Cinderella story with a twist katatawanan! A story na pwedeng-pwede sa mga kabataan at pati na rin sa lagpas kabataan, para sa kababaihan, kalalakihan, binabae, o pusong lalaki. A very funny and kakilig story.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Jumping into the bandwagon, that's what I'm doing. I had to read this story especially if everyone is gushing about it. I began to become curious when it was in the popular section of local bookstores. Sure enough, I finished it in one day. It was sort of funny....hilarious even. But I think my teenage self would've enjoyed it better. Cross and Eya is that typical tsundere couple...add in Chad and Lory and it is a party. This book might be predictable, at least its edge is that...its a breeze to read.

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: The Best of Chico, Delamar, and Gino's The Morning Rush Top 10, Book 2

Title: The Best of Chico, Delamar, and Gino's The Morning Rush Top 10, Book 2

Author: Compilation from The Morning Rush

Genre: Filipino Humor, Top 10 entries

Date read: March 15, 2013
Dawn Rates: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

They're baaaack!

And they brought the whole barkada! Get ready fr another round of pee-in-your-pants LOLz wth 100 more of the crazy lists from Chico, Delamar, and Gino's The Morning Rush Top 10, from the award-winning hit radio show on RX 93.1.

This follow-up to the bestselling book, The Best of Chico and Delamar's The Morning Rush Top 10, includes lists like:

- Top 10 Beki Problems
- Top 10 Bromance Rules
- Top 10 Date Fails
- Top 10 Nicknames for Your Naughty Bits
- Top 10 Fun Menu Entries 

The Best of Chico, Delamar, and Gino's The Morning Rush Top 10, Book 2 also comes with a set of stickers that you can use to pimp the cover and accessorize the Kikay Barkada!

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Chico Garcia and Delamar Arias, hosts of 93.1 The Morning Rush, is the most sought out tandem in the 90's. They have surpassed the 15 year mark and they are doing it so well that you couldn't even feel that they've been on air for that long. I used to listen to them back in elementary but stopped when I was in high school. I was a silent Rusher (that's what they call their listeners) and I came back listening to them, surprised that there was the Chichi and Gigi show...I was thinking, were was Delamar? It turns out she was on maternity leave and when she came back...the Chico and Delamar love team became the kikay barkada with the addition of Gino Quillamor...the show was never the same again, it became more kikay and gay (?)..lotsa laughs...included and it renewed my love for the show. I even laugh when on the road and in my cube at work. This book is the compilation of Rushers most hilarious entries for the out of this world top 10 topics. The first book was to commemorate the duo's 15 years on radio and this sequel one year later is as funny as the first one. The DJs even wrote each other's about the author (well technically the Rushers are the authors and they should be called compilers (?) but oh well...) pages and it is downright funny; more like what is this person in their eyes. And the cartoons in those pages...hilarious!

me at the book signing

me and my friend Arian at the book signing

finally meeting C, D and G

yay~

me with C, D and G

Arian with C, D and G (she even made them do a kikay pose...daya~ *inggit much?* haha)

my TMR Top 10 books..book 2 even have stickers for you to design your book...cool~

finally got my books signed.

Till the next read...