Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Love a girl who writes...


LOVE A GIRL WHO WRITES
Love a girl who spends her time trying to look for words to tell you how she feels. She’ll try to flip the pages of a dictionary, or even search the web, sometimes go through a few pages of a book. Then end up writing stuff she didn’t find there, all because her heart really knew what she was supposed to say. Love a girl who sits down with a pen and paper, trying to scribble out a few lines of a poem for you. She’ll even stay up late at night, just because she couldn’t sleep without being able to have put into words what she really feels about you. She’ll strike out all wrong words, all the wrong ideas, because she believes you deserve perfection.
Buy her a piece of notebook. Or better yet a beautiful journal. She will fill it with random thoughts. Random thoughts of you.

Love a girl who would try to write a song for you. She doesn’t care if you will hear her song, or the words, or what she wants to tell you. She just wants to put into words her sentiments about you. She doesn’t need any compliment about what she wrote. Because she knows she did it out of love.
Read her works without her telling you. She’ll be very thrilled. Appreciate every single work she did, she’ll love you more for it. Try to tell her what else to write, give her more ideas, motivate her to continue her passion. She’ll never let you go.
Love a girl who writes. She’ll write every sweet thing you said, and keep it in a notebook. She’ll even list down things she likes about you, the things you like, and the things she wishes you would do together. You may fall apart, but the words she wrote for you are forever. Time won’t erase it. Unlike the feelings you once had.
Love a girl who writes. Even a girl who blogs. She’ll spends hours typing, and trying to think of what to tell you without even mentioning your name. She knows it’s for you from the moment she typed the first letter, until she clicks on “Post.” She’ll gladly waste her time surfing the internet for a post, a photo or the lyrics of a song. She might even create typographic with thoughts about you, and the possibility of you two. All because she wants to capture all her thoughts. And all that’s in her blog, is an outpour of emotions, of words unsaid to you, but she would like the whole world to know. All because she loves you.
Believe me, she’ll even create a blog for you. Posting letters for you, pictures of you, and what she feels about you. Whether it be public or private
Usually girls who write, well, they are not so hard to please. Just a stroll in the park would do, or a simple picnic. Try to surprise her once in a while though, write her a short note of how amazing you think she is. Better yet give her a personalized and handwritten card. She’ll appreciate your effort. Give her gifts with cards in it, she’ll keep it until the end. All because everything you’ve handwritten, matters so much more.
In the middle of class, or a very boring day, she’ll find herself scribbling down your name, drawing little hearts around it. She’ll randomly think of you at any time of the day. And write down whatever she thinks will be worth reading. Probably a quote, a two paragraph essay, or even a short poem. She’ll write and doodle, and scribble and pen something, maybe not all of it will be about love, or about you. But most of it will be.
It isn’t easy, but love a girl who writes. It may take her hours, and hours to tell you how she really feels you. It may take her minutes to reply to your message, or your chat, but it’s just because she is trying to carefully choose her words, and let you know that you deserve the best words, because you are the best for her. Once her mind has decided that she likes or loves you, then every single word from her, will be probably about you.
She will spend her money on books, pens and papers. Let her. She’s doing it to express herself better.
She’ll write on a piece of paper, even a table napkin, just to remember that day and what her thoughts were about you. She’ll either keep it in her wallet, or tell you to keep it. All because she wants to remember that day.
Unexpectedly, you’ll find yourself wanting to write, even a little something for her. That’s how powerful her words are. Her writings will move you, will change you and at the same time, will make you love her more.
The thing about a girl who writes is, whatever happens, she will write. And when she puts it on paper, or up on the internet, that memory of you will be forever. Whatever happens between the two of you, the memory will live on. Because at that moment of her life, she put it into words. And once she put it into words, she will never forget it.
When she’s writing something, do not disturb her. She wants to concentrate. Because once all her thoughts have been organized, it will be easy to distract her. And don’t even think about doing it, because she’ll get mad at you. Let her drown herself with her emotions. The result will be a masterpiece.
If you find a girl who loves to write, never let her go. She’ll spend her whole lifetime writing about you, trying to surprise you once in a while. Even sweeping you of your feet, even if you’re the guy. She might even write a book about you, and how your love has lasted. You will be happy with her, you will smile at every word she writes. She will think of the most awesome way to say something to you, and you’ll never find her boring. She will come up with something crazy, all because she believes that although words remain to be her best friend, still actions speak louder than them. Every day is a chance for her to prove how much she loves you.
Love a girl who writes. Because words are timeless. And her love is, too.



Author: Rej Relova

Tuesday Thoughts




*Sighhhhh* Im getting a little sentimental (again) but i guess it's okay. We all do get that kind of feeling sometimes, dont we?
Well, this past hours i've been thinking a lot.. And most of my thoughts are circled around people. (certain people in my life) and how things has changed for me, for them and for all of us. It's really weird. I mean everyday we dont really notice things are slowly changing, and yet when we looked back and really really try to LOOKED at it, everything are somehow different. Time had changed, so as the people, and our feelings too. And it's sad that there is nothing we can do about it..
I really find it so sad and (weird) how people can be so close at one moment, then strangers the next.

Well,I dont know if what im saying makes any sense. It's just about my thoughts today---Tuesday.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

out now!!! :)

After waiting for 5 months, my book finally came out yesterday! YEY AT LAST!!! It's my 4th released book--sequel ito ng 3rd book which is Photographs and Memories. Im really excited for this one. Hope you could grab a copy!!!


Teaser:

The Other Half Of My Heart
                                                          (Released date: May 08, 2012)

Hindi na niya kailangang marinig mula rito ang mga salitang inaasam niya dahil sa bawat paggalaw ng mga labi nito sa mga labi niya, nasisiguro niyang mahal na rin siya nito.

Nagwakas ang easy-go-lucky attitude ni Lara at ang kanyang hilig sa nightlife nang ianunsiyo ng mga magulang niya na palugi na ang negosyo nila sa Amerika. Napilitan siyang magtrabaho sa taong pinakiusapan ng mga magulang niya para makatulong siya sa problemang pinansiyal ng pamilya niya. Hindi niya inasahan na si Julian pala ang magiging boss niya—ang ultimate crush niya noong twelve years old siya na nang snub sa kanya.
 

Kahit ramdam niya ang pagpapahirap nito sa kanya sa trabaho, patutunayan niya na hindi siya quitter at kaya niyang magseryoso sa buhay. Determinado siyang ipakita rito na hindi na siya ang dating Lara na spoiled brat, at higit sa lahat, patay na patay rito noon. Ngunit hindi niya napanindigan ang huli dahil nang makasama niya ito, isang ngiti pa lang nito ay lusaw na ang inis niya rito hanggang sa hulog na hulog na ang loob niya rito.
 

Hindi naglaon ay nagbago na ang trato nito sa kanya. Hindi man nito sabihin, ramdam niya na may gusto na rin ito sa kanya. Ngunit hindi yata nakatakdang maging maligaya siya sa piling nito—dahil isang lihim ang natuklasan niya na nakapagpabago sa pagtingin niya rito.

Story Behind the Story:

As i've mentioned, this one is the sequel of my 3rd book. Story ni Julian. Obviously hindi happy ending ang naging story nila ni Liz sa Photographs and Memories so i had to create another plot for him. (which is the hardest part for me!) 
Julian's personality was more on the serious side. He's workaholic, business-minded and very competitive. Naisip ko na mas exciting ang kwento kung ang ka-partner nya ay yung total opposite nya--someone like Lara, childish, bratty at pasaway! Isipin mo pa lang kung papano sila magkakagustuhan sasakit na ang ulo mo di ba? =)
Anyway, I really had fun writing their story. I think this is very light compared to my other books, though i must admit nahirapan rin ako sa ilang dialogue. Maraming kulitan scene dito sina Lara at Julian at dun ako pinaka nahirapan. Kulang pa talaga ako sa sense of humor! hehehe =) But im so glad that i was able to do it. Lara had turned out to be one of my most favorite heroine. I just find her cute. And fierce. 
I dont wanna give anymore spoilers, syempre mas okay kung mababasa nyo na lang di ba?? :P

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The girl with the velvet voice.

As you all know, im a big fan of the 1970's. Some of you may find that weird coz im only 24 years old now and I wasnt even born in that generation but for some weird reasons, I feel like im a seventy's kid warped into this present time. LOL! Seriously, I dont exactly know why everything back in that era is so appealing to me. I  guess number 1 reason is the music. It's quite different at that time. Everything was just so wonderful and tender and raw and nothing like what we have on the radio now.
Anyway, a lot of my favorite musical artist came in the 1970s--ONJ, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt and so on.. But one singer stands out for me and she's the girl with a voice like velvet-- KAREN CARPENTER.

I know. Most of you know her as the anorexic lady, the singer who starved herself to death. It is true that she was Anorexic. It's sad and tragic but let's not elaborate that. It happened years and years ago and since discussing that wont bring her back, I wont bother. What i wanted to talk about is her music, her voice and her passion because up to now, it was all still alive.

For starters, did you know that Karen was an excellent drummer? Yes! That is so true. How cool is that?!  I mean it's very unusual for a girl to play drums (especially during those times) but she do play drums and she's a bad-ass drummer!

here's a little sneak peak of her excellent drumming skills:

Her singing is another story. That voice.That rich alto tone of her voice. The rawness and the clarity. She possessed that epic, hair raising voice that sounded like no other. There's no other singer who does it like she does it. (or if ever there was, she is simply trying to sound like her.)
Even her speaking voice carries a mystique.

Here's one of my favorite song from her:


Such a shame we will never hear that voice again LIVE. :((((((

All she had left us was her wonderful music, which i'd like to believe is enough.--Enough to keep her legacy  alive.

“We came out right in the middle of the hard-rock period... it was hard-rock everywhere! But we were ready to make our music, you know? And it was such a turnaround, I guess it caught people by surprise.”
--
“It's kinda nice to be remembered by your peers and your fans, because you can achieve a lot of success and be a creep too! But we try to be nice, just normal people.”
--
“I enjoy money. Not enough people in this world are happy. I'm determined to be contented, and having plenty of money from working makes it easier for me.”

--Karen Anne Carpenter (March 2, 1950 – February 4, 1983)

Friday, April 20, 2012

Message in a Bottle


Okay.. So here i go again!!  Last night, i watched "Message in a Bottle" for the second time, this time with my brother. He didnt say a word while we were watching so i thought he's bored. I  kind of expected that  considering he's not really a fan of romance and drama. Well, I thought differently. I think the movie was good. Not the oh-my-god-i-want-to-see-it-again movie but you know on a boring night? I think spending an hour or so watching the movie is time not wasted.
Ofcourse if you're a fan of happy endings, you should avoid a Nicholas Sparks movie. As for message in a bottle, it came across to me as a painful and emotional movie--in a good way.I dont know why i enjoyed watching sad movies so much, is it because im a sad person? Nahhh.. Im not. I'd like to believe that i am not! lol.


Anyway, I have a PDF version of the book but i am too lazy that i couldn't finished reading it so i end up downloading the movie. I think the movie didnt do quite well in the BO like The Notebook but personally, i think it was okay. I mean it's really impossible to topped The Notebook! 
Going back--another thing that i liked about the movie is the beautiful chemistry between Robin Wright Penn and Kevin Costner. I think they're perfect as Garrett and Teresa. Especially Garrett! And aside from that, i just like the whole plot--it started off and ended with a letter.


I personally love the Letters that Garrett wrote to Catherine. The letters that he tossed on the sea and was inside the bottle. 
A letter that bound to change their lives forever.

If you'll scroll down my blog, you'll see a letter from The Notebook. Uhmm really. i dont know. Maybe  im obsess with letters. (Particularly, the writings of Nicholas Sparks! haha. :D)

This is Garett's first letter to Catherine (his deceased wife) and later on, the letter found it's way to Teresa. 

And yeah. They fell in love. 

(This one's from the movie, not from the book so technically, this isnt Nicholas writing. The letter from the book isnt exactly like this one so I dont know who the heck wrote this letter but i think she/he did an amazing job.)



Dear Catherine,

I’m sorry I haven’t talked to you in so long.
I feel I’ve been lost…no bearings, no compass.
I kept crashing into things, a little crazy, I guess.
I’ve never been lost before.
You were my true North.
I could always steer for home when you were my home.
Forgive me for being so angry when you left.
I still think some mistake’s been made…
And I’m waiting for God to take it back.
But I’m doing better now.
The work helps.
Most of all, you help me.
You came into my dream last night with that smile…
That always held me like a lover… rocked me like a child.
All I remember from the dream…is a feeling of peace.
I woke up with that feeling….and tried to keep it alive as long as I could.

I’m writing to tell you that I’m on a journey toward that peace.
And to tell you I’m sorry about so many things.
I’m sorry I didn’t take better care of you…
So you never spent a minute being cold or scared or sick.
I’m sorry I didn’t try harder to find the words…to tell you what I was feeling.
I’m sorry I never fixed the screen door.
I fixed it now.
I’m sorry I ever fought with you.
I’m sorry I didn’t apologize more.
I was too proud.
I’m sorry I didn’t bring you more compliments…on everything you wore and every way you fixed your hair.
I’m sorry I didn’t hold on to you with so much strength that even God couldn’t pull you away.

All my love,
G




Monday, April 2, 2012

Hopelessly Devoted To Olivia

Last night, I watched Olivia Newton-John's concert in Manila with Daryl and my brother and all i can say is: IT IS THE BEST CONCERT I HAVE EVER BEEN TO!!!! 
I'm already a BIG Olivia fan when i entered Araneta and i came out of the venue even a BIGGER fan! (if that's even possible! :D)


I was in awe the moment Livvy emerged on stage! That's the first time i will ever laid my  eyes on her (personally) and so im really excited. The dramatic lighting of the stage made her entrance more enthralling as she sings "Pearls on a Chain" which was a slow but rather captivating song. 
The crowd was instantly drawn to her as she kick off the night with her well-loved songs such as "Magic", "Suddenly", "Xanadu" and "A Little More Love". 






She was dynamite on stage! Wearing a black form-fitting blouse and leather pants and a matching black high-heeled booty. She doesnt looked 63 at all! I didnt know how on earth did she manage to look so young despite all those years of touring and singing to people around the world. I think the fact that she was diagnosed of breast cancer way back in the 90's makes it all the more astonishing! 
She was so lively and vibrant onstage that it was really hard to picture her being sick of something like cancer. Anyway, the good thing is she survived it and im so glad she did!! :)


Going back to her concert last night-- she had sang so many songs. From her early hits like "Let Me be There", "Take Me Home Country Roads", "Please Mister Please","Sam" (which is my favorite!!!) up to her famous "Physical" and even her most up to date singles like "Not Gonna Give Into It" (w/c she compose during the time she was undergoing her treatment)


I knew most of the song by heart and a lot of them were personal favorites. I felt giddy the whole time she was onstage. It was surreal watching her live and hearing her voice so close to my ears like that. I also love the way she relates her personal experiences with the audience. 
The way she talks-- endearing, gentle, sweet but she did manage to cracked us up a few times with her jokes! "I had fun filming GREASE mainly because i got to kiss John Travolta!" she quipped during GREASE portion.





Ofcourse, Livvy's concert wont be complete without the GREASE portion. I think most people are really looking forward to that part. We all love her as Sandy, dont we?? 
Her rendition of "Hopelessly Devoted To You"  is just  so incredible. It was so magical that i feel like I was instantly transported to Frenchie's home that moment. It gave me goosies! Especially as she hit  the high notes towards the end of the song! She also sang "Summer Nights" and "We Go Together" with the band which i love very much!


Here's a video of Hopelessly Devoted part:




Another highlight of the night was when she sang "Physical". She started the song with guitar accompaniment then stopped halfway through the song which caught the audience by surprise. She then ask if the audience wanted the original arrangement of the song. The people eagerly replied "YESSSSSSS!!" so the band pumped it out with the original, fast-paced arrangement as Olivia danced her way through the stage. The crowd went crazyyy! People couldn't help but stand up and get physical with her. I have never seen such energetic and responsive crowd before. It was sort of surprising for me because most of the people there are not of my age group. It was cool to see mom's, dad's even grannies sway to her music! 
A mother next to my seat even asked me "How come you are here? She's not your ERA!" I simply answered: "Im a big fan of Olivia and i love her on GREASE!" and yeah. That is so true. I love that movie eventhough it was shown 9 years even before i was born.


 I was born on the late 80's but i love Olivia's music. I grew up listening to her songs. Her ballads are the best. And GREASE!!! Im so glad I've find my way to that movie recently. I'm actually thinking of re-watching it again after writing this blog :)


All in all, Olivia's concert in Manila was wonderful! I enjoyed every single moment of it. The band is also great. People loved them. 


Olivia wrap up the evening by singing "I Honestly Love You." I've heard that song countless of times but she had sung it with such emotions and intensity. It almost melt my heart!
It was simply unforgettable. People from my side are even shouting "I Love you Too!" everytime she would sing I love you... I honestly love you... 


My boyfriend took the video of that final song as well:




GADDDD...That voice! I'd give anything to watch her live again! :D



Thank you Olivia Newton John for giving me the most magical night of my life. Thank you for coming to Manila and making my dreams come true! :)



Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Noah's last letter to Allie..

I was browsing through the internet when i came across this wonderful letter. I love reading letters. It always touched a personal chord in my heart. And this one is from my favorite movie so i wanted to put it here. It was really one of the most touching letter (love letter) i've ever read.

This Letter was from the movie "The Notebook"

This is Noah's last letter to Allie after a year of not getting any response from her. His 365th letter to her.




My Dearest Allie, 

I couldn't sleep last night because I know that it's over between us. I'm not bitter any more, because I know that what we had was real. And if in some distant place in the future we see each other in our new lives, I'll smile at you with joy and remember how we spent the summer beneath the trees, learning from each other and growing in love. The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that's what you've given me. That's what I hope to give to you forever. I love you. I'll be seeing you.


Noah. 




Isn't
 that the sweetest thing?? It's truly amazing how a single letter had the power to convey so much love and emotion.


 I wish every guy in the world could be as patient and as loving as Noah.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Goodbye Whitney. . .

Legendary pop singer Whitney Houston passed away this morning. It was the news that greeted me this morning when i checked my twitter. The horrible news saddened me. Im not really a huge fan of Whitney but her music had been a big part of my growing up years. I grew up listening and singing her songs in videoke. I think her voice is one of a kind. The clarity and the power is just superb.
 Who could've topped her rendition of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You"?
And who could ever forget her movie with Kevin Costner? I love that movie. She was dynamite in that one. I think i will rewatch it tonight just for the nostalgia.





May you rest in peace Miss Whitney Houston.
Lots of Filipino artist got their breaks singing your hits. With that i guess you deserve a big THANK YOU♥



“We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.” - Whitney Houston




Monday, February 6, 2012

HAPPY AS A BEE :D

Im so happy and i wanted to share the good news to everyone! Last Saturday, i finally received the feedback from PHR editorial staff. The sequel of Photographs and Memories is now approved!!! Im excited for Julian's story! :D
3 more novels and i will be fulfilling my goal this year. I hope i could write more approved manuscript.

The start of 2012 had been really really good to me. Hope this luck will last all year long!

Wish me more luck :)

And let's all wait for my books to come out! :)))))))))))

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

A better me this year.

Just a few hours from now, we say goodbye to the month of January. *SIGHHH* time really fly so fast. I wonder how it all went just like that.
Anyway, January had been pretty good to me. This month I've finally got my 4th approved manuscript, my family was finally able to purchase a new car, i bought myself a new wedge sandals, i bought my mom a new dishcabinet and I started out with this blog. :)) That's a lot of blessing and im really thankful for that.
Im really glad that things are starting to look up now because my 2011 didnt really turned out the way i want it to be. Sadly, i  think it wasnt a good year for me (especially the last quarters)

Okay. Enough of remembering this and that. This is a new year and i intend to make it a good one for me.
To be able to do that, i think i'll have to be more serious with life this time. I cant believe i will be turning 25 this July! Im not getting any younger so i think i really have to set goals for myself now. Not just goals, i think this year is also the time for me to enjoy and really go out there and experience life. I've been a home buddy, loner and coach potato for too long and i think i needed to change that.

So these are the things that i wanted to do/accomplished before the year ends.

1. Write more novels. Last year i only got 3 approved manuscripts. This year i intend to write more. My goal is to make it 5. :)

2. Read/Buy more books. I really do love to read but lately im just too lazy or too pre-occupied to do it. This year i'll try to finished at least one book in a month.

3. Be more fashionable. Im not a girly girl. Im not the type who loves dressing up. This year, i'll try to be more fashion forward and shun the usual jeans and tees.

4. Learn to walk in heels. haha. i know this is funny but i think any woman who could walk in heels is sexy. I wanted to feel sexy! lol.

5. Learn how to apply a perfect make up. I always have a problem in this department. At my age would you believe that i dont know how to curl my lashes and apply mascara? i suck at doing my eyes. Maybe i'l have someone teach me to do it well. :)

6. Spend time with my dogs. Last year i lost Andrei (one of my dogs) and i've felt like i'd never spend enough time with him when i should have. So this year, i will make it to a point to walk my pets and spend some cuddling time with them.

7. Shed a few pounds. I wont explain this. Probably any girl would understand me. :P

8. Watch a concert or a theater play. That is one thing i really never get to do very often. My goal is to watch a few concert this year. (The Olivia Newton-John is on my top list)

9. Acquire a new hobby or learn a new thing. Swimming, photography or enrolling myself in a crash course. Any of those. I have to get this lazy ass movin and be more creative and productive. :)

10. To do everything that i've listed. 





Monday, January 30, 2012

Footprints in our Hearts ♥







Some people come into our lives and quickly go,
 Some people move our souls to dance. 

They awaken us to new understanding with the passing  whisper of their wisdom.

Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. 

They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints in our 
 hearts..
 and we are never, ever the same again. . . .



EVER. </3





                              

Friday, January 27, 2012

my kind of movie

Aside from books, music and food. Im also a sucker for movies. Im a big movie fan! (hollywood films mostly) I love tagalog movies too but right now i think im more fond of watching foreign films. (old or new)
Well sadly, i didnt get to watch movies a lot these days because i've been too busy writing and im too caught up with so many other different things. blah..blah.. Today however, i feel tired, worn out and useless.
I think i could finally use a break now. And so i am declaring this day as a
MOVIE MARATHON DAY!! :)))

(to hell with my unfinished manuscript!!) *poke tongue!*

HAHA. Okay. So these are the movies i've selected.



Music and Lyrics
I saw this one months ago, and i love it! And so im re-watching it again now. Anything with Drew and Hugh is worth repeating :)



BridesMaids
This is one hell of a movie. Kristen Wiggs is such a hoot! I just love her craziness. 



Dirty Dancing
My all time favorite. I will never ever get tired of watching this one. EVER. This is such an epic movie.




My Week with Marilyn
Firtsly, i wanted to see if Michelle Williams really nailed this most coveted role. Secondly, because i simply love Marilyn Monroe.



Now where's my popcorn????!!!



Thursday, January 26, 2012



 Really.
Impossibly.
Intensely.
Extremely.
Fuckingly. 

SADDDD :'(









Friday, January 20, 2012

Music speaks louder

Aside from being a sucker for books. I also am a sucker for music. Singing is like my passion too. I love doing it especially when im alone--in the shower, kitchen,in my room. Practically everywhere. lol
Tonight is one of those nights when i just wanted to lay down and drown myself with some good music. Well actually I do this very often (when im not busy writing and especially before i sleep.) Sometimes i'd even sleep with my earphones on. YES. I love music like that. I dont think i could survived a day or a week without ever listening to any songs.
I dont know if this is weird but there were many times when i actually found myself listening to the same song over and over.
WHY?
because the song speak about my true feelings at the moment.
(you know that feeling when a lyric hits you to the core? And as if the song was actually written for you?)





Well, darn it. Im having that feeling right now. I have tons of songs in my laptop that i played randomly every now and then. And then i came across this song and the lyrics were hitting me like arrows. Im not going to tell why. But yeah. Kinda sad tonight. Kind of unsure and worried about my future too. I dont know. Just see the lyrics of this song just so you could understand how i really feel now.

This one's by Carole King. Debbie Gibson has a version too. Both works for me.




WILL YOU  STILL LOVE ME TOMORROW?


Tonight you're mine completely,
You give your love so sweetly,
Tonight the light of love is in your eyes,
But will you love me tomorrow?

Is this a lasting treasure,
Or just a moment's pleasure,
Can I believe the magic in your sighs,
Will you still love me tomorrow?


Tonight with words unspoken,
You said that I'm the only one,
But will my heart be broken,
When the night (When the night)
Meets the morning sun.


I'd like to know that your love,
Is love I can be sure of,
So tell me now and I won't ask again,
Will you still love me tomorrow?
Will you still love me tomorrow?



I dont know what's going to happen tomorrow. Uncertainty is always scary. I can only wish that my tomorrows are going to be a lot better than today. But for tonight, i'l give in to this sadness i guess. And it's okay. Just for tonight.
it's okay. :(

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

A girl named Catherine...

Catherine Anderson is my favorite romance author. I dont know if any of you ever happened to read some of her works. She was no Nora Roberts or Stephanie Meyer but her books are to die for! Especially the Coulter-harrigan Series. (my favorite) I started collecting her books 2 years ago and so far i've got eight. I still have a long list to complete though. Ang dami dami ko pang kulang!
Anyway, as i was browsing on her personal site i've found this question and answer thingy. It's quite interesting so i thought about posting it here. Catherine is such a fun storyteller. Her stories about love were unique, sometimes out of this world but heart warming and very very entertaining. I wish everyone would discover how wonderful her works are. I love love love her. And im hooked with her books. :)

Here are few of my favorites:

A GIRL NAMED CATHERINE

As a very small child, I played dolls at my mother's feet while she clacked away on an old Underwood. Yes, you guessed it. She was a writer. This has always led me to wonder if the writing bug is passed down genetically or something we catch, like a flu virus. I can build a very good case to back up either theory.

My mother often read her work aloud. Long before I knew my alphabet, I had been introduced to the wonderful, magical world of fiction. While she worked at her desk, I created stories for my dolls. Writing, if not in my blood, was drummed into my head by the clack of those typewriter keys. By the time I was a teenager, I was writing my own stories-in notebooks or on paper sacks. It was a compulsion, something I absolutely had to do. I can honestly say that being a writer was never a choice I consciously made, but more an intrinsic part of my makeup. Imagine if you will, choosing not to breathe. That was how I felt about writing, that it was necessary to my survival.

My mother was always supportive of my writing bent in those early years. Later, my husband Sid joined my support circle. With both of them so firmly behind me, it's hard for me to believe now that I didn't immediately pursue a writing career. Perhaps every writer must dabble for a while before taking the leap. Whatever the reason, back then I was what I now term a closet writer. I stole time to write and hid my work in a drawer. Breaking into book publishing is difficult, and I was savvy enough about the business to know that. Becoming a published writer had always been my dream, but back then, I considered it to be an impossible one.

Meanwhile, I had a "real" life to live, and I decided I should go to college. After I took my entrance exams, the dean telephoned to inform me that my scores were very high, but what impressed him most was my grasp of English. That should have told me something, but I thought the dean called everybody. "Hello, this is Dean So-and-So, and I'm calling to tell you that you flunked." I'd always excelled at English. So? I needed a real profession.

Sid was an entrepreneur, so I decided to major in accounting. It only made sense. I reasoned that I would be able to keep the books, get my credentials to be a CPA, and be a valuable asset to him. Big mistake. Though I excelled in those studies, proving to myself and everyone else that I did indeed have some left-brain activity going on, I was bored to tears. I often had an awful feeling of claustrophobia. Was this really what I wanted to do with the rest of my life? I began considering a change of major, but nothing sounded exciting to me.

One afternoon when I came home after classes, there was a letter in the mail, inviting me to join a sorority exclusively for women with high GPAs. I'd worked hard to pull those impressive grades. I should have been elated. Instead, I sat down, put my head in my hands, and wept. I felt as if I had dug a deep hole, jumped in, and would never find my way out. I know that sounds insane, but when you force yourself to walk a path that doesn't beckon to your heart, you really are burying yourself, in a way. If I'd never heard the words, "debit" and "credit" again, I would have been happy. The next day I trudged to my classes and dutifully took notes. We'd spent too much money on my education for me to quit.

When I look back on it now, I know God truly does work in strange ways. That morning one of my professors asked if she could use samples of my creative writing on an overhead projector to teach. I actually skipped economics to stand in the hall and listen to what she said about my work. That old adage that you'll never hear anything good about yourself when you eavesdrop is false.

That night I went to Sid and asked if he'd get mad if I quit school. I didn't want to keep books. I wanted to write them! I just knew he'd be furious. Instead he bought me my first electric typewriter. A couple of years later, he sprang for a word processor. He never berated me for dropping out of school, and now he laughingly says the money he spent on writing equipment was the best investment he ever made.

THE ROMANCE WRITER

With a man like that in my life, how could I become anything but a romance writer? I wish I could say the rest of my journey to becoming published was a slam-dunk, but I had a long way to go before my work was good enough to make the grade. Having the desire and a good command of English isn't enough. Most of us must first learn our craft.

I will take a moment here to thank one very special person for helping me to do that. Her name is Stella Cameron. In those early days when I was struggling to perfect my work, she was a dear friend to me. I will always admire her, not only as a fine writer, but also for being such a wonderful person.

THE PUBLISHED ROMANCE WRITER

I sold my first book to Harlequin Intrigue and went on to write three more before I tried my hand at single-title historical romance. Nine books later, I did a single-title contemporary, followed by "Cherish," another historical. I plan to start switching back and forth between contemporary and historical again soon.

AWARDS

Most authors offer a list of the awards they have been honored to receive for their work. I would as well, but my office is presently in the blue print stage, and much of my stuff is in storage. Besides, the most meaningful awards I have received have been the unofficial variety—the letters from my readers. Hundreds of you have taken the time to write to me, and you'll never know how much each and every letter has meant. Thank you for your enthusiasm and unfailing support. Without you, I'd be lost.

THE PRESENT

I am now living my dream. The child who yearned to be a writer is now a woman who has accomplished her goal. Two years ago, Sid and I moved to Central Oregon. For several months, we lived on the river in a three-bedroom log cabin, which we loved, but it wasn't large enough. Adding on to a log structure is tricky, and that was determined to be an unwise choice by several designers. Spring a year ago, we finally found a one-of-a-kind property, 160 acres of Ponderosa pines, surrounded by state and national forestland. The house, which sits on a ridge, offering spectacular, panoramic views of the mountains, has potential—which is why my office is in the blue print stage. Eventually we will have the home we want, sitting on the land we want.

For now, it's adequate, and the seclusion is ideal for writing. In my leisure time, I love to go walking with my dogs. It's incredibly freeing to set off from my front door and walk as far as I wish without seeing another house. In the evenings, weather allowing, we sit on the deck, sipping wine and enjoying the fabulous view. In cold weather, we watch it snow from the Jacuzzi. Occasionally deer or elk come calling. Being an animal lover of longstanding, I've become a vegetarian. Our land is posted with No Hunting signs. I even have a No Hunting sign on my birdhouse. Life is good up on Cinnamon Ridge, not just for us, but for all our furry friends as well.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

excerpts

Just a few days ago, nagsubmit ako ng bagong manuscript. :))))))))) Hayyyy.. Finally! may pag asa ng ma-release si Julian! (hehe oo kailangan positive! LOL) The one im talking about is the sequel of my 3rd book (Photographs and Memories)
Im super excited for the result of this one! Last year pa dapat ito ehh, kaso ngayon ko lang talaga sya napag ukulan ng time. Grabe. Sobrang iba yung sense of accomplishment nung finally matapos ko ang story na toh. First sequel ko kasi toh, at ilang beses rin akong nagpalit palit ng plot at storylines so HOORAYYY talaga na naisubmit ko na sya. AT LAST! :) This one is a personal favorite too. I love how the whole story turned out, and i love the bantering between Julian and Lara! :)
Anyways, sa sobrang excitement ko magpopost ako ng excerpts from the novel. The unofficial title is "The other half of my heart"
I will be the happiest girl on earth kung ma-approved ang story ni Julian!

#hopingandwishing:)))

♥ The Other Half of my Heart ♥




“Si Lara? Yung anak ni Tito Simeon? Sila iyong nagpupunta sa Rest house naten San Miguel Bulacan pag summer di ba?” tanong ni Julian sa kanyang ama habang nasa loob sila ng isang restaurant sa San Juan. His dad asked him to come over and meet him for lunch dahil mayroon daw importanteng sasabihin iyon sa kanya.

“Yes that’s right. Sya nga iyong anak ni Juliet at Simeon. Mabuti naman at naaalala mo pa sya?” sagot nito.

Bahagya syang natawa ng binalikan nya sa kanyang isip ang huling pagkakataong nakasama si Lara at ang pamilya nito. “Paano ko ba sya makakalimutan? She almost set our rest house on fire!” Natatawang tugon nya sa ama.

Natawa rin ang kanyang daddy na tila ba naalala rin bigla ang mga nangyari nuong huling summer na nagbakasyon ang mga Quisumbing sa kanilang resthouse sa Bulacan.
It was the summer of 2002. Second year high school siya nuon. At sa pagkakaalala nya ay grade six naman si Lara. Inimbitahan ng kanyang daddy ang mag asawang Simeon at Juliet Quisumbing para sa isang Linggong bakasyon duon sa rest house nila sa San Miguel Bulacan. Kaibigan ng daddy nya ang ama at ina ni Lara nuong college. Kaya hindi kataka taka na paminsan minsan ay binibista at dinadalaw sila ng mga ito. His memory of Lara was very vague. Ilang taon na rin naman kasi ang nakalipas. Isa pa, hindi rin naman sya naging malapit rito sa loob ng mga panahong nagbakasyon ito sa kanila. And besides, Lara was too bratty and childish nung mga panahong iyon para gawin nyang kaibigan. Hindi na nya maalala masyado ang mukha nito, basta ang alam lang nya ay cute si Lara lalo na kapag nakangiti iyon.
Isang bagay lang tungkol rito ang nakatatak sa kanyang ala ala at hindi nya malimot limutan—ang pagiging clumsy nito. Iyon rin ang dahilan kung bakit muntik muntikan na nitong masunog ang rest house nila nung minsang magkaroon duon ng brownout. Hindi sinasadyang natabig nito ang kandelabra at nabuwal iyon sa kurtina ng kanilang living room. At dahil yari lang sa manipis na tela ang mga kurtina nila, madaling umapoy iyon at nagliyab. Nagising na lamang silang lahat sa pagtili ni Lara nuong gabing iyon. Mabuti na lamang at naagapan iyon ng mga kasambahay nila kung hindi ay abo na ngayon ang rest house nila.
“B-bakit nyo naman po biglang naitanong si Lara Dad? What about her?” muli ay tanong nya sa ama. Bakit nga ba biglang si Lara ang naging topic nila? Anu ba ang kinalaman nito sa mahalagang sasabihin ng kanyang daddy?

“Actually hijo, she’s the reason why I invited you over lunch. Darating ang Tito Simeon at Tita Juliet mo maya maya. And they will ask you a little favor concerning Lara.” Seryosong sagot ng kanyang daddy.

“Favor concerning Lara? A-anu naman pong klaseng pabor iyon?” naguguluhang tanong niya.

“Don’t worry. Kayang kaya mo yon. It’s just a little favor.” Tipid na sagot nito. Bago pa sya makapag tanong muli ay nakita nyang papasok na ng restaurant ang mag asawang Simeon at Juliet. Nakangiting lumapit iyon sa kanila.

“Im sorry to keep you waiting hijo, Rodrigo.” Bungad ni Mrs. Juliet Quisumbing sa kanya at sa kanyang ama.

“It’s okay Juliet. Tamang tama lang and dating nyo ni Simeon. Mabuti pa kayo na lang ang magpaliwanag kya Julian.” Sabi ng kanyang ama pagkatapos ay tinapunan sya ng makahulugang tingin.

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So what do you think? Hmmm. Sana ma-approved ang isang toh para mabasa nyo rin sya ng buo. Feb 11 ako magfofollow up so wish me all the luck!
For now, let's keep our fingers crossed! :)

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

The Novels

Since i promised to post about my published novels, and since im in the mood to post another blog naisip ko na gawin na toh ngayon! :)

Hmmm so far i have 3 published novels under PHR (Precious Hearts Romances)
Well, to be honest it didnt occur to me that i will become a writer one day, more so, be a romance writer. Im not so romantic myself. haha i know it's weird. :D
Siguro nakatulong lang talaga na mahilig rin akong magbasa ng romance.
I thank PHR for opening the doors for me. Im proud to say that i've come to love writing now.
And i cant imagined myself getting tired of doing it. EVER.

Now, meet my babies! :))

My Missing Puzzle Piece
Release date: June 01 2011

Teaser:

Alice thought she had found the man of her dreams. Iyon ay sa katauhan ni Sid. Pero nawasak ang pangarap niya nang tuluyang iwan siya nito. Isang mapait na katotohanan ang nagpabago sa damdamin nito at walang kasinsakit iyon para sa kanya.
Then under a very unexpected circumstance, she met Jake Ferrer, a car shop owner. He was everything a woman wanted in a man—matalino, simpatiko, successful, and, oh, so seductively handsome! Sa una pa lamang nilang pagkikita ay hindi na maipaliwanag ang kakaibang atraksiyong namamagitan sa kanila.
She was afraid to love again, but he was crazy in love with her. Ito na kaya ang kasagutan sa matagal na niyang pinapangarap sa buhay—ang magkaroon ng kabiyak sa buhay?

Story behind the story:

This story wasnt conceived and born over night. It took me months--5 months i think to wrote Alice and Jake's story.
Well, this story is really different from all the usual romance stories. Alice (the heroine) is a woman who is not capable of rearing a child of her own. In short--BAOG sya. Yeah. that's pretty unusual for a romance story. Kasi minsan kadalasan yung ending the guy and the girl would get married and have a child. But Alice, her situation is different. hehehe ayoko namang ilagay yung buong kwento rito. Kung interesado kayo, maybe you should go buy it, and see it for yourself kung ano nga ba ang naging happy ending nila ni Jake. :P
I didnt now where did i get the inspiration to wrote her story. It just occur to me one night. Parang naisip ko lang na magsulat ng story tungkol sa isang babaeng baog. Medyo kakaiba kasi yun di ba? Not all novels tackles that issue. And if im not mistaken, this is only the second novel under PHR who happened to tackled that sensitive issue.
I say Im proud at the uniqueness of it.


My Wicked Love
Release date: June 07 2011

Teaser:

Pinatigas ng mapapait na karanasan ang puso ni Blair kaya ipinangako niya sa sarili na hinding-hindi siya gagaya sa kahinaan ng kanyang ina. She made a vow to herself that she won’t shed a single tear for any guy. Bagkus, siya ang magpapaiyak sa mga ito!
Then she met Calix, ang balikbayang apo ng kanyang boss. Hindi maganda ang paraan ng unang pagkakakilala nila. Lalo pa siyang nainis dito nang pairalin nito sa kanya ang pagiging mayabang at arogante nito. Pero bakit gano’n? Napakalakas ng dating nito sa kanya. Kahit parang isang malaking parasite ito sa buhay niya ay hindi niya makontrol ang pagbilis ng tibok ng kanyang puso tuwing tinititigan siya ng mapanuksong mga mata nito. Lalo pang tumindi iyon nang nakawan siya nito ng halik…

Story behind the story:

The movie "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds had been my inspiration for doing this story. Blair (the heroine) I basically patterned her personality to Sandra's character in the movie. Nakakatuwa kasi yung character ni Sandra dun sa movie, para syang amazona so naisip ko na i also want a heroine like her. Yung tigreng tigre ang ugali. hahaha :D
Yung inspiration ko naman kay Calix hmmm i dunno. Nag isip lang ako ng hero na bagay sa personality ni Blair so ginawa ko naman si Calix na uber ng yabang! haha. Yung tipong God's gift to women kung maka asta.
This one is a personal favorite. Bukod duon, ito rin ang pinaka mabilis kong natapos. I wrote the whole story for only 2 weeks. hehehe I dont know how the hell did i do that pero ang bilis talaga non. :D

Photographs and Memories
Release date: July 06 2011

Teaser:

Tahimik ang buhay ni Liz sa piling ni Julian. She thought she was happy with him and they had a perfect relationship. Ideal boyfriend ang tingin ng nakararami rito dahil bukod sa guwapo, saksakan pa ito ng yaman. Iyon nga lang, madalas ay wala itong time para sa kanya. Pero okay lang iyon. Tanggap naman niya na first priority nito ang kompanya nito.
Nagbago ang lahat nang biglang dumating sa buhay niya si Darius. He ignited a passion in her that she never knew existed. May kakayahan itong pasayahin at pangitiin ang kanyang puso nang higit pa sa nagagawa ni Julian. Alam niyang mali na mahulog ang loob niya sa binata at lalong hinding-hindi siya puwedeng umibig dito dahil nakatali na ang kanyang puso sa iba. Pero bakit kabaligtaran ang sinasabi ng kanyang damdamin?

Story behind the story:

Hindi ko alam kung saan ko nakuha ang inspiration to wrote this one. Wala lang naisip ko lang. hehehe pero ang naaalala ko nanuod kasi ako nung time na yun ng "My Amnesia Girl" i was drawn to Toni Gonzaga's character--si Irene. Para kasing napaka complex nung character, she was funny but when she cried parang naapektuhan ka talaga nung luha nya. So ayun, but i didnt really patterned Liz (my heroine) on Toni's role, instead ginawa ko lang photographer si Liz. (just like the profession of Toni G's character in the film)
Maraming nagsasabi sa akin na ito raw ang pinaka nagustuhan nila sa lahat ng sinulat ko. Hayyy. Ewan ko. hehe kanya kanyang opinyon naman yan. Siguro kasi maraming nakarelate dito! hehehe plus, this one i think has the most emotional scenes. Love na love ko si Darius! (the hero) at hindi lang sya, dahil sa nobela ring ito pinanganak si Julian. (my hero in my 5th novel)
Sana ma-approved ang sequel para formally maipakilala ko sa inyo ang baby ni Julian. :))




The Other Half Of My Heart
Release date: May 08, 2012


Teaser:


Nagwakas ang easy-go-lucky attitude ni Lara at ang kanyang hilig sa nightlife nang ianunsiyo ng mga magulang niya na palugi na ang negosyo nila sa Amerika. Napilitan siyang magtrabaho sa taong pinakiusapan ng mga magulang niya para makatulong siya sa problemang pinansiyal ng pamilya niya. Hindi niya inasahan na si Julian pala ang magiging boss niya—ang ultimate crush niya noong twelve years old siya na nang snub sa kanya.

Kahit ramdam niya ang pagpapahirap nito sa kanya sa trabaho, patutunayan niya na hindi siya quitter at kaya niyang magseryoso sa buhay. Determinado siyang ipakita rito na hindi na siya ang dating Lara na spoiled brat, at higit sa lahat, patay na patay rito noon. Ngunit hindi niya napanindigan ang huli dahil nang makasama niya ito, isang ngiti pa lang nito ay lusaw na ang inis niya rito hanggang sa hulog na hulog na ang loob niya rito.

Hindi naglaon ay nagbago na ang trato nito sa kanya. Hindi man nito sabihin, ramdam niya na may gusto na rin ito sa kanya. Ngunit hindi yata nakatakdang maging maligaya siya sa piling nito—dahil isang lihim ang natuklasan niya na nakapagpabago sa pagtingin niya rito.


Story Behind the Story:
As i've mentioned, this one is the sequel of my 3rd book. Story ni Julian. Obviously hindi happy ending ang naging story nila ni Liz sa Photographs and Memories so i had to create another plot for him. (which is the hardest part for me!) Julian's personality was more on the serious side. He's workaholic, business-minded and very competitive. Naisip ko na mas exciting ang kwento kung ang ka-partner nya ay yung total opposite nya--someone like Lara, childish, bratty at pasaway! Isipin mo pa lang kung papano sila magkakagustuhan sasakit na ang ulo mo di ba? =)Anyway, I really had fun writing their story. I think this is very light compared to my other books, though i must admit nahirapan rin ako sa ilang dialogue. Maraming kulitan scene dito sina Lara at Julian at dun ako pinaka nahirapan. Kulang pa talaga ako sa sense of humor! hehehe =) But im so glad that i was able to do it. Lara had turned out to be one of my most favorite heroine. I just find her cute. And fierce. I dont wanna give anymore spoilers, syempre mas okay kung mababasa nyo na lang di ba?? :P

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(Next novel to be release: Cyrus and Debra's story.)