Maybe completely desecrated is not the proper term to coin it but I did appreciate the book better than the actual movies in the Percy Jackson and the Olympian series. I mean, it has a lot of potential to be as huge as the Harry Potter franchise story-wise. Uncle Rick's writing is something that is so engrossing, inclusive, innovative and fun. I cannot help but admire his wit and the way he presents old Greek and Roman mythology and tradition in a fun and modern way. It is presented in an enjoyable and comical  way that even though there is violence (you know how mythology is) and the way demigods are conceived may confuse the hell of the younger readers, the flow of the story is easy to grasp. Moral and relevant lessons include acceptance of one's disability, exposure and acceptance to/for the LGBTQ community, love, trust, friendship, family and faith. The Trials of Apollo spin-off is also a hell of a fun ride (it is currently on its third installment and I am loving every bit of it.)

But what exactly went wrong? Timing, perhaps? The world is not ready for another fantasy-driven series (and because Harry Potter is so huge that the general public tend to compare the two.). They are not ready for another teen hero. Most of my bookworm friends loved both HP and PJO series, though and that is all I need to know.

I love Logan Lerman and the other artists and to be honest I think they were perfect for their roles (Alexandra Daddario did kick arse!). Whether it is the promotion, the production team itself, or maybe the way they have presented the plot that it felt lacking to some? I don't really know. I enjoyed it back then (I remember rocking hard to Fall Out Boy's My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark when it has played during the film, I wasn't aware that it was a part of the official soundtrack) and if they are to reboot it, I am down for it, too. I look forward for the series to redeem itself. 

Maybe the world is ready now? (Netflix, come on! Do it!)

***

I decided to update this book challenge. It's been years and yet I am still halfway through it??? I hope I could update it often. We'll see.

April x

2018 is a great year for fangirling and music and we had the chonce (you know I had to) to see two of the five lads from One Direction (in separate concerts) namely Harry Styles and Niall Horan and they both did not disappoint. Their style and genre are different but they have both delivered as we all know they would.

Hazza's aesthetic has always been the 70's and his set has more of that rockstar vibe. I am an old soul meself, that is why even though the lyrics from his debut album may not appeal that much to me, and that I don't find it as honest and genuine as what he would describe them (honestly speaking), I do admire his passion and I liked the self-titled album enough for me to try to get a hold of the ticket as soon as the event is announced. I even went as early as 7AM to queue surprising some of my Harry stan friends as they all know how much I love Zayn more than the others and yet I would not mind giving maximum effort for us to get a good view of the stage from our standing pit then.

Our favourite Irish boy, however, bared his whole soul and heart with all those heartstring-tugging lyrics and acoustic/alternative rock vibe. (Who hurt Nialler? The world may never know). And I really looked forward to hearing everything from Flicker as those are my kind of jam. I chose a seated area for our location because his set is chill and that you just vibe with it without body-slamming and stuff.

I enjoyed both concerts and I also loved getting to spend my time with my friends whom I know appreciates them just as much (and my cousin who is a major fan as well).

I just hoped the bouncers would learn the difference between a non-pro/point and shoot camera and a DSLR because it is such a hassle to try to argue and explain to them every now and then. It spoils the whole experience as they would threaten to confiscate or kick you out of the venue even though you have paid for it and basically you are following the guidelines that were posted. Not that I'd capture everything because I am more of the be in the moment kind of concert-goer too but we all have those favourite songs that we would like to watch over and over, is what I am saying and them having to interrupt you is really a pain in the arse.

That didn't stop us from enjoying the concerts, though!

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HARRY STYLES LIVE ON TOUR
SM Mall of Asia Arena
Manila, Philippines
May 1, 2018

The setlist:

Only Angel

Woman

Ever Since New York

Two Ghosts

Carolina

Stockholm Syndrome

(One Direction song)

Just a Little Bit of Your Heart

(Ariana Grande cover)

Medicine

Meet Me in the Hallway

B-Stage:

Sweet Creature

If I Could Fly

(One Direction song)

Anna

What Makes You Beautiful

(One Direction song)

Sign of the Times

Encore:

From the Dining Table

The Chain

(Fleetwood Mac cover)

Kiwi

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NIALL HORAN: FLICKER TOUR IN MANILA

SM Mall of Asia Arena

Manila, Philippines

June 10, 2018

Hello, all! So while slacking with the Japan trip blog, might as well update a couple today as I have missed writing (sort of) and I have not been doing this in a while. It is not that I have been so busy because it's been a pretty chill life with bouts of anxiety attacks once in a while (I mean, nothing too exciting except living the daily life, I guess) but yes, life.

Being friends who've met only met online, residing and working far from each other, I am glad Rhiane and I still find time to meet at least once a year (twice if we are lucky) and catch up like the previous get-together activity has happened only yesterday. It usually starts with me messaging her or vice versa out of nowhere since we are the kind who don't get to talk every day, but you know the usual "Hey, are you free this coming [insert date]? I  haven't been to [insert place/museum] so...wanna hang out?"  with an itinerary that goes like:

(1) hearing the Sunday mass in the morning (it's the only day that we could meet because of our schedules)

(2) going to a museum (We've been to the National Museum and explored some 3D museums together) or whatever activity that we have decided to do

(3) going on a food trip, hanging out and basically hangout the whole day. 

There may not be a perfect friendship to exist in this world but our kind of low-maintenance friendship is perfect for us. A friendship requires effort on both parties for it to work and it's been nearly fifteen years and we are still making it work so it's really a win for us. I am glad to have her as one of the friends that I'd trust my life with if a situation would ask me to. (I am such a sap but it's the truth haha). 

ANYWAY, so for this year's art escapade we went to The Dessert Museum!

The place is very accessible as it is located on a hotel near the largest mall in the country so basically people flock in the area. It is very Instagram-worthy although the free desserts are basic for my taste. (Also, the lack of chocolate basically concerns me knowing that it is the preferred dessert of most people that I know? And it's a dessert museum, so I was expecting more? I didn't check the website prior to heading there apparently.)

The aesthetic will give you a run for your money somehow. We did have a good time and took as many photos that we hardly noticed that it's already been two hours. It is also nice to note that the staff are friendly and most of them would even help you have your photos taken (and you can purchase some of your photos at the souvenir area, too)

Here are some of mine (as taken by Rhiane):

***A PHOTO SPAM, you've been warned***

We capped the day off feasting with some Korean food and Taiwanese tea (as I go on with my matcha fix) and talking about anything under the sun. We all deserve that chill kind of day spent with our friends. Til our next museum adventure!

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THE DESSERT MUSEUM

Location: Unit 124, 126, 127a, S Maison, Coral Way, Conrad Hotel Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Barangay 76, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila

Contact No.: (02) 838 7927

Entrance Fee: 799.00 php (walk-in), 699.00 php (online booking)