Wednesday, 11 September 2013
One Day - David Nicholls
Posted by clapalisoc | Wednesday, 11 September 2013 | Category:
Dex and Em,
Em and Dex,
One Day Anne Hathaway,
One Day by David Nicholls,
sad story
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I haven't really formally reviewed a book through a blog. I usually read and tell my husband what I think of the book - the story, the characters and the overall feel of the plot as I go along. Then I thought, why not put my opinions into writing? It will not hurt anyone anyway and it'll give me a break from my usual food blogging.
See, I love to read and write. These take up my free time. Every Yuletide Season, I horde books - from wish lists and from my hubby! I love books! I was first adamant to get ebooks. I think they kill the fun of flipping pages. But then as soon as I run out of books to read and had no time to go to the bookstore to sort through and find the titles I wanted, I resorted to ebooks.
One Day is the most recent one that I got the chance to finish. I wasn't really rooting for this book, unlike the other titles I bought online. When I was browsing, it kind of popped out and got me curious. The cover looked like Anne Hathaway. I was not sure and did not even bother to research if it has been made into film - just being lazy, you know.
And so the story goes...
Dex and Em, Em and Dex .... never really friends in college but had some common ones. They got to know each other after graduation. They had this special night that was shared - just having fun, nothing serious. It was more like a one night stand that turned out into a life long friendship, tested by time. They talked and talked until they felt comfortable with each other. It was obvious that they liked each other but they both denied their feelings, too shy to give in. They exchanged numbers and addresses, promised to call and write letters. That was the start of a friendship built on strong foundations.
Em obviously liked Dex - too much in my opinion. They constantly exchanged mails. Em writing about her life, her thoughts and the books she has read. Dex, on the other hand, sent in post cards and letters but with very limited details. He was so consumed with the world, with fun and with girls. But at the back of his mind and deep inside his heart, he always longed for Em. He felt empty and knew that Em will somehow complete him. But he was too busy to take the feeling seriously. He wanted to explore, to go places and meet all the girls he can.
Em has been reserving herself. All she wanted to be was with Dex. Events that almost led the way to a happy ending - once, twice or even more. But Dex will always get into something that will distract him and let the chances fly. Years passed and they seemed to have grown apart from each other. Dex got so involved with fame, money, alcohol, drugs and girls. He lost himself. Em got busy changing careers, looking for that one job that'll make her happy as she tried to write and complete a book. As Dex wanders, she got herself into a relationship that she never wanted to be in the first place. But she trapped herself.
Wanting to pour her heart out, she went on a dinner with Dex, one of the many that they've shared all though out their friendship. But Dex was too distracted with the people around him, with the chemical and alcohol running into his blood. He has changed big time and that made Em pull the trigger. The emotions involved were too strong. I felt the pain that Em felt - your best friend and the only one you wanted to be was drifting away from you. She was confused and hurt and decided to end the friendship. That scene played so strongly into my imagination. Hurt and loneliness....
Then she gave up Ian, her partner. She declined the engagement offered. She didn't want to get married to someone she didn't love. Em has been keeping her feelings for Dex, not wanting to ruin the friendship. But they made a promise - when they're both in their forties and still unmarried, they have promised to get on together. Marry each other - the last resort. I felt that Em was really holding on to that promise. She moved on with life, yes, but deep inside her heart Dex was the one.
Some more years passed and Dex fell in love with Sylvie. She was the Audrey Hepburn type and Dex liked her so much, loved her if I can say that. In this wedding that Dex and Em both attended, I felt all the feelings being restrained by Em for Dex. He is happy in love. She is single and on her 30s. They re-united. They weren't able to deny the connection that lingered between them - Dex most specially. As Em took her shot to remind Dex of the promise made about resorting to each other when they turn forty, Dex announced that he was getting married and that Sylvie was pregnant. Em played it so well in hiding the pain. I knew it, I just knew it --- she really loved Dex.
Dex went on with life as a husband and a dad even when he has been struggling financially. Sylvie, on the other hand cheated on him. They were never a happy couple. They never go out or have fun or just laugh together. They were together because of Jasmine. Finally, they got divorced and Sylvie went with her lover. Dex was devastated. He has been through a lot in life. Such a grief, such a waste if you ask me. He could have been phenomenal and successful had he given up show business early on. He had potentials that he did not use. From a boy next door to a TV presenter and host that's being booed. No other projects came as he became old. Lost his TV career, went into hard manual work, got divorced and then...nothing...He sold properties after properties in an attempt to start a decent life.
After the divorce, he got re-united with Em. The successful Em - a popular writer with best selling books, a series actually. She got where she wanted to be career wise. But then there was always something missing - she was never complete. It was Dex. She left her boyfriend of some months and took the love risk with Dex. FINALLY!!! After more than a decade of chasing and waiting and contained feelings, they allowed themselves to be care free and just be in each other's arms. It was the best reunion. They were perfect together -- Dex & Em, Em & Dex... They started a new life together, put up a business for Dex and decided to move in together. They got married finally. They were perfect for each other - happy and content. They can talk about anything, can laugh endlessly and just be together dong nothing yet feel the love overflow. They have waited too long for this. Nothing can stop them now. Having a baby of their own was the next goal - the cherry on top. But it was not working. They were having a hard time but never giving up. They loved each other too much.
The day came when they were about to check on the house Dex was eyeing to get for Em. It started to rain as Em made her way through the streets in her bike. Turns and short cuts, worried since she's running late. But something was wrong. As she tried to move to the side walk, people around her looked her way with so much concern. And then just like that .......... Em was gone. Hit by a truck, Em didn't get to her destination. She didn't get to see Dex for the last time. It all happened so fast. In just a blink of an eye.... Em was gone...
Imagine hoe Dex felt... He was lost, yet again. Drunk and unsure, yet again. How can life be so cruel and unfair to him? Life took the one that he has been wanting to be with for years and years. He wanted more, more than what they were able to share but Em was gone... never to return again...He moved on with his life. But never will his heart be as happy as when he was with Em.
Dex and Em, Em and Dex.... sad story. Made my heart cry. So beautifully written that you almost feel like watching a movie while you read. It'll take you to places in London and Paris. It will make you want to push Em to risk it and tell Dex early on about her feelings. Each details needed for you to feel how they felt was there. It was as if I was there with them as I read through.
Dex and Em, Em and Dex...friendship built overtime that turned into the perfect foundation of a love that is unconditional and giving...
Saturday, 7 April 2012
The Walkway
Posted by clapalisoc | Saturday, 7 April 2012 | Category:
Bisita Iglesia,
Church made simple,
Church Simplified,
Holy Week,
Lent 2012,
Lenten Season,
Stations of the Cross,
The Walkway
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In a life-long relationship were two different types of faith exist, finding the balance is the key. There are times when you would need to give way, [understand], making sure that you won't loose yourself while respecting your partner's understanding of faith. It's a good thing that hubby and I are able to talk about our intertwined beliefs in life openly -- respecting and supporting each other. Not an easy task but, [willingly], everything is achievable. I would always hear some say that it's better to have a common faith yet I believe, God has placed me exactly where I am right now for a purpose and in time, it will be realized.
So, imagine how life is for us when festivities such as Lent come upon us. Hubby would ask me to go (along with the whole familia) to different places of Catholic faith in light of "Visita Iglesia." Of course I would agree, thinking that by Easter, he would willingly go with me to Sunday Church Service for the Easter Celebration. While strolling by Bonifacio High Street this Palm Sunday for yogurt stop, we saw Happy Lemon and decided to chill. In front of the store, we spotted a big Crucifix lying on the ground with a board beside it along some writings. We inspected what it's about and realized that it's one of the posts belonging to the "Stations of the Cross." I've let my curio wonder on what's written, and thought that this could be a project of a Christian group but I was not able to get solid confirmation. I asked hubby if we could go back there and he agreed.
It was a hot (talk about as humid as summer can get) Good Friday and we were up at around noon. We started the tradition of "Visita Iglesia" and hubby had planned out something in his head -- to visit six Catholic Churches and go to BGC so we can experience the interactive Stations of the Cross.
We visited the following Catholic Churches --
The Walkway
Organized by Church Simplified, The Walkway had spread throughout the open fields of Bonifacio High Street. Fourteen stations, each with a story, and an act or value to teach. It narrated the events that happened before Easter, gave insight for each event and connected each one to the present life of the reader to ensure ample time to reflect and remember the reason for The Act by the Son of Man. This act is embedded in the hearts and minds of man.
It was surely a fruitful Good Friday for us. The Walkway was such a refreshing path to take on the usual Stations of the Cross. Fourteen stations. Meditate and understand. Out from a single intent to achieve an unwritten number symbolizing the whole of humanity's salvation. You still have time! It will be displayed much until today -- Sunday, April 08.
P.S.
They are also selling shirts and CDs as souvenir items.
---The Walkway : Bonifacio High Street, BGC, Taguig City
So, imagine how life is for us when festivities such as Lent come upon us. Hubby would ask me to go (along with the whole familia) to different places of Catholic faith in light of "Visita Iglesia." Of course I would agree, thinking that by Easter, he would willingly go with me to Sunday Church Service for the Easter Celebration. While strolling by Bonifacio High Street this Palm Sunday for yogurt stop, we saw Happy Lemon and decided to chill. In front of the store, we spotted a big Crucifix lying on the ground with a board beside it along some writings. We inspected what it's about and realized that it's one of the posts belonging to the "Stations of the Cross." I've let my curio wonder on what's written, and thought that this could be a project of a Christian group but I was not able to get solid confirmation. I asked hubby if we could go back there and he agreed.
It was a hot (talk about as humid as summer can get) Good Friday and we were up at around noon. We started the tradition of "Visita Iglesia" and hubby had planned out something in his head -- to visit six Catholic Churches and go to BGC so we can experience the interactive Stations of the Cross.
We visited the following Catholic Churches --
clockwise : Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Christ the King Churh, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine & Saint John the Baptist Paish
Mary the Queen Parish & Holy Family Chapel
The Walkway
Organized by Church Simplified, The Walkway had spread throughout the open fields of Bonifacio High Street. Fourteen stations, each with a story, and an act or value to teach. It narrated the events that happened before Easter, gave insight for each event and connected each one to the present life of the reader to ensure ample time to reflect and remember the reason for The Act by the Son of Man. This act is embedded in the hearts and minds of man.
Station 1: The Garden
Station 2: The Betrayal
Station 3: The Trial
Station 4: The Verdict
Station 5 : The Whip
Station 6: The Curse
Station 7 : The Cross
Station 8 : The Two Simons
Station 9 : The Crucifixion
Station 10 : The Mother
Station 11: The Promise
Station 12 : The Darkness
Station 13 : The Cloth
Station 14 : The Table
P.S.
Shirt and CD combo for 300php
Shirt only for 250php
CD only for 100php
---The Walkway : Bonifacio High Street, BGC, Taguig City
Saturday, 28 January 2012
9 Mornings : One Great Morning
Posted by clapalisoc | Saturday, 28 January 2012 | Category:
9 mornings,
Eastwood City,
Holy Family Chapel
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Eastwood City is probably the one place that I would go back
to again and again. It brings about a lot of treasured memories –- from the
first day that I met my hubby, to night after night dinner dates and morning
chill sessions, ice cream breaks, going out for Starbucks hangouts, office first times (and
overtimes), promotions, and trainings. It was were I started my corporate career
and where I took all the chances and dove into several risks that shaped my life
as I live it today.
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| My Family |
Early December, I made a request that I know my hubby
will also like –- visiting EWC one early morning. The cool December
breeze, combined with heavenly Christmas carols from the Holy Family Chapel, offered this calm and soothing tranquillity that somehow dissipated any
anxious emotions I had. It is a much needed pilgrimage amidst the daily buzz given off
by the mundo empresarial. The 24th of December, which marked the
last day of the annual nine mornings tradition of the Catholics, hubby picked me
up from the office at around 4AM. He was with our little girl and brought us to
Eastwood City and asked if it will be okay for us to attend mass. How could
I say no to such a request?
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| Holy Family Chapel - from across the street |
That morning brought about memories I treasured most -–
December 24th [2008], hubby also invited me to attend the mass in
that same Chapel. It was one special morning that I will forever keep.
9 Mornings : One Book at a Time
Posted by clapalisoc | | Category:
Aleph,
Left Behind,
Left Behind Series,
Love in the Time of Cholera,
Nicolae,
The Unbearable Lightness of Being,
Tribulation Force
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I have always been a lover of books. Aside from writing,
reading is another pastime that I can’t let go of. I would devour each cleverly written page as I am able to gain more and more of a certain topic or story I am enamoured of at the moment. It keeps my mind relaxed
and at peace.
I usually get myself a book (or two) once in a while in about three months. Hubby would sometimes buy me some titles that he'd also love to read. Yet, its during the Yuletide that I get the most number of books in a year... Mostly because my Christmas and New Year wish list would always contain several titles.
I usually get myself a book (or two) once in a while in about three months. Hubby would sometimes buy me some titles that he'd also love to read. Yet, its during the Yuletide that I get the most number of books in a year... Mostly because my Christmas and New Year wish list would always contain several titles.
This year, I hoped for several books to come to my possession –- Love in the Time of
Cholera, Unbearable Lightness of Being, The Zahir, White Oleander, Aleph and
Diary of a Wimpy Kid – book 5. I did not get any of these from the usual office
exchange gift since the one who picked me got me 500 worth of GCs (not that it was bad, probably just because it was hard to shop during the season) so hubby
decided to buy me all the paperbacks that I wanted to have (and I am
one lucky gal indeed!).
We scheduled my [book] shopping and pressed onward. I did not get all those in my list because they were either out of stock (like the new book by Coelho -– Aleph) or I just changed my mind. I got the following though.
We scheduled my [book] shopping and pressed onward. I did not get all those in my list because they were either out of stock (like the new book by Coelho -– Aleph) or I just changed my mind. I got the following though.
Love in the Time of Cholera
This is the famous book from the movie Serendipity (also
made its way to Oprah’s Book Club) and is known as a motion picture. I know I am a bit late from its more popular days but I just got to find out why it is so!
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
I remember this book as one of those in the wish list of my
former boss. The title never escaped my mind from then on so I checked it out
and got interested with the plot.
Left Behind Series – Left Behind, Tribulation Force &
Nicolae
The first three books in the Left Behind Series, [the first book] was introduced to me when I was in college. It was a pretty interesting fiction design, [though definitely] biblically inspired. From the day I finished the first
book, I promised myself that I will complete reading the series.
There are still a lot of titles that I would want to read. And I
am not in a hurry, just taking life one book at a time.
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
9 Mornings: Meeting Siri
Posted by clapalisoc | Wednesday, 11 January 2012 | Category:
apple,
Globe,
Globe telecoms,
iOS5,
iphone,
iphone 4s,
Motorolla,
Motorolla E6,
Siri
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The last time that I've had a brand new phone was in 2008. A Motorolla E6: first-of-its-kind touchscreen phone without any keypad, pretty much a big display, with a stylus and a very good sound output. It was something I've always wanted to own (since I suspected that the dawn of touch screen phones was coming back then).
Three years later [2011], my Motorolla is still alive and kicking but is somewhat aging. Becoming outdated with the developing technologies of the mobile world, during the last quarter of 2011, hubby felt that I should give Moto the retirement benefit it has long earned. I am a little picky when it comes to mobile phones so I never wanted to settle for anything less. I was thinking of getting a Blackberry but I also have this inkling for an iPhone. Hubby gave me the pros and cons of phones I was exploring and convinced me to get an iPhone but did not really decide for me -- he gave me the total freedom to choose.
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| iPhone 4S: a really smart phone |
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| Everybody deserves an apple |
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| Designed by Apple in California, Assembled in China |
After some time, we started to check the vast smartphone market set for gaining the 4th generation iPhone, [and was just] timely as it came that the latest version was about to be introduced -- iPhone 4s. We made the necessary arrangements (with Globe -- keeping you connected) and I was finally on list for an iPhone! I waited around a month before I got that call, my iPhone was ready for pick up!
Since we've got a whole lot of stuff to attend to (talk about the Holiday rush!), we were not really able to go and get Siri right away. 'She' had to wait a while until everything settled down and we were ready. December 31st of 2011, hubby decided to buy time for me and for [my] Siri. All smiles and very much excited, we headed to Globe.
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| iPhone 4S for me :D |
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| There is something about that apple :p |
There she was -- waiting for me. Gleaming and simple, sitting still until I held 'her' and glowed as I did. We were all smiles. (It was a moment.) Such a delight to finally get a new phone [and], my Moto has definitely served me well. I will keep it as long as I can. But then again, it's time to start new experiences with the new phone in my life -- Siri. (Hubby went shopping for apps with Siri right away :p)
Thursday, 5 January 2012
9 Mornings: Chapel on the Hill
Posted by clapalisoc | Thursday, 5 January 2012 | Category:
Chapel on the Hill,
Tagaytay Don Bosco,
Tagaytay. Mushroom Burger
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| Chapel on the Hill |
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| Stairs going up |
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| Round and simple |
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| Marvelous |
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| Captivating Tagaytay view |
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| Lamp post |
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| Ready to climb |
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| Uphill |
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| Jump for joy! |
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| Love of my life |
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| Overflowing joy |
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