C. Militar Writes

In case you missed it, ‘Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure’ turns 10 this year

Back in 2006 to 2008, kids and teens alike were obsessed with the movies and songs of the High School Musical franchise. Because of this, Disney created multiple projects centered on the pop culture phenomenon. This included a North American concert tour, sing-along and dance-along versions of the films, and even a 2019 Disney+ drama series inspired by the movies. And until now, fans (including myself) continue to sing the songs and talk about the movies–especially since the first film turned fifteen in January of this year.

However, there is one High School Musical spinoff that does not necessarily get as much attention as the television series and the original three movies–and that’s Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure.

As you can already tell from the title, this 2011 film focuses on the life of the East High alum Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale) as she moves to New York and attempts to make a career in Broadway. But when things don’t go according to plan in the Big Apple, Sharpay is left reassessing her goals and dreams as a theater actress. What happens next is a journey of rediscovery and love that will remind Sharpay (and viewers) why she deserves to be in the spotlight.

It’s a lighthearted and fun movie that more High School Musical fans need to be talking about. And this April–particularly today, April 19, 2021–the movie officially turns ten!

To celebrate its tenth anniversary, I’ve rounded up four reasons that make this High School Musical spinoff worth watching (or rewatching). Here they are:

Sharpay finally gets to shine in this movie

Let’s face it, back when we were younger, a lot of us thought that Sharpay was the villain of the movies. Though, now that we’ve grown up, many of us have come to realize that she was actually robbed of recognition during her high school days. I mean imagine this, you and your brother work tirelessly for days practicing and rehearsing for the musical and then, some newcomers show up and immediately take your spots onstage. Annoying right?

But in this film, we get to see Sharpay in all her much-needed glory on the stage. And finally (after three movies), her talent and dedication to the art gets recognized by the world, albeit after some less-than-pleasant events.

Sharpay is finally seen as more than just a spoiled drama queen

In the first High School Musical film and in the first half of the second movie, Sharpay was portrayed as Ryan Evans’s (Lucas Grabeel) narcissistic, spoiled twin sister who was obsessed with getting everything she wanted no matter the cost. But in the latter half of High School Musical 2, viewers finally got to see the goodness that was inherent in her character–especially when she decided to give up her duet with Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) so that he can patch things up with his girlfriend Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens). This particular scene also showed viewers that there’s more to this pink-obsessed queen than meets the eye. In fact, in Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure, we get to see different facets of her character.

For one, we got to see her generous and selfless nature, which was evident when she chose to share her dog Boi’s stage time with his canine competitor Lady, even after going through so much trouble dealing with her handler.

Second, we got to see her learn to adapt and make the best of her situation–especially when it came down to improving her living arrangements.

Third, we got to see her openly admit to her mistakes. In this movie, she wholeheartedly acknowledges her wrongdoings against Peyton (Austin Butler) and becomes a better person from it.

Honestly, her character development alone makes this movie worth the watch!

Sharpay finally gets a love interest that’s worthy of her

Throughout the first two High School Musical movies, we saw her character constantly obsessing over Troy Bolton (Efron). And in some parts of all three movies, it was hinted that she might have had a romantic fling with the baking-basketball player Zeke (Chris Warren). However, none of these two boys seemed to truly appreciate her character and dedication for theater.

In Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure, she gets introduced to Peyton Leverett (Butler), the son of her mother’s friend–and finally, Sharpay finds a love interest that’s worthy of her!

Not only was Peyton very attentive and helpful towards her, but he also never tried to change her or force her to be something she was not. Instead he embraced her as the overdramatic (and somewhat, high maintenance) go-getter that she was.

Moreover, he encouraged her love for the theater and even helped her gain back confidence when it was initially lost. It’s because of him that she was even recognized by theater producers as a possible lead for the musical. Without him, she would have never made her debut performance on Broadway–so yeah, he really was a great catch!

The Evans twins finally get the endings they deserve

Earlier, I mentioned that Sharpay finally got her spotlight in this movie. But another thing that I absolutely loved about this film was the fact that it gave viewers a look into Ryan’s (Grabeel) promising future as well.

In the ending credits of the movie, Ryan makes a surprise appearance wherein he congratulates his sister for her success and shares that he’s been touring the country starring in a musical.

This is the perfect ending for two siblings who have worked hard to master their craft and go after their passions!

So after reading this, I really hope you watch (or rewatch) the movie on this special anniversary. And to Ashley Tisdale and the rest of the cast and crew of Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure, happy ten years!

***

If you want to stay updated on my latest articles and stories, you can follow me on Facebook or Instagram.

These affordable, flavored chicken wings will definitely satisfy your food craving

NOTE: This is a personal review of the product and not a paid, branded post. This means the author does not receive any money from the publication and clicks made on this article.

I don’t know about you but one food item that I often crave for is chicken wings. Whether it’s mixed in a sweet, soy garlic glaze or coated with a spicy buffalo flavor, it’s one dish that always seems to get my mouth watering when I see it.

So, when the Mandaluyong-based shop My Food Grabs PH let me sample their newest chicken wing variants, I was definitely excited to dive in and eat their newest creation. And here’s what I thought about it:

The chicken wings were full of flavor

The chicken wings were carefully packed into two food containers and they came in three variants–namely, sweet soy, sweet chili, and buttered buffalo.

The sweet soy variant and the buttered buffalo chicken wings were placed in the rectangular plastic container, while the sweet chili-flavored wings were placed inside the circular one.

A photo of the My Food Grab PH’s food packaging.

The sweet chili wings were coated in a thick layer of sauce that dripped down when picked up. And it wasn’t necessarily spicy, but it did have a delicious sweet and tangy flavor that paired quite well with rice.

A photo of the My Food Grabs PH’s sweet chili chicken wings.

The sweet soy variant, on the other hand, was not as “saucy” as the sweet chili one, but it was glazed evenly and topped with sesame seeds. It wasn’t too sweet either–which was good (since not everyone likes their food to be overly sweet)–and the soy flavoring gave it a nice, savory taste.

A photo of My Food Grabs PH’s sweet soy chicken wings.

The last set of flavored wings–which is, perhaps, my favorite of the three–was the buttered buffalo wings.

These chicken wings were such a delight to munch on as the butter gave it a sort of creamy texture that complemented the ‘buffalo wing’ flavor. And out of the three variants, this is definitely one I’d come back to order!

A photo of My Food Grabs PH’s buttered buffalo chicken wings.

Although these flavored wings don’t come with dip, I think they are flavorful enough and could stand on their own. Plus, they make for a scrumptious ulam (viand) come lunch or dinner time.

The chicken wings come at an affordable price

Personally, I think these chicken wings are well worth their price. Because for only 160 Philippine Pesos (PHP), you can enjoy six (6) pieces of these delectable, flavored wings.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by My Food Grabs (@myfoodgrabsph)

You can also expect more exciting things from the shop in the near future

I caught up with store owner Sabrina Mata to get more insight on why she decided to add these flavored wings to My Food Grabs PH’s menu. To this, she said that she was inspired to create and offer new food items due to the dining restrictions brought about by the quarantine.

“I think this is a perfect opportunity to innovate my products. So, I’ve decided to add flavored chicken [wings to the store’s existing menu] which is [made] accessible to anyone across Metro Manila through online [orders and food delivery],” she explained.

Recently, the online store shared its newest variant, Korean spicy chicken wings. And this new addition is just the beginning of what the 25-year-old envisions for her food shop in the near future.

“I’m planning to further innovate the products by adding more flavor options and dips to my chicken wings,” she shared. “Also, I’m planning to partner my chicken wings with french fries and bring back [customer] favorites on the menu–which are the dynamite and cheesy lumpia [dishes]. So, stay tuned!”

You can now order and stay up-to-date with My Food Grabs PH by liking and following their Facebook and Instagram pages. Happy eating, everyone!

***

If you want to stay updated on my latest articles and stories, you can follow me on social media at Facebook.com/CMilitarWrites

‘Derry Girls’ might be a quirky comedy show but it’s one that will grow on you

The first time I heard about Hat Trick Productions’s television series Derry Girls was through a comment I found on a video about Bridgerton. In that video, the online user mentioned that Nicola Coughlan–the actress who played Penelope Featherington in the Bridgerton series–was amazing in her role as Clare Devlin in the Irish-based sitcom. Curious about it, I searched for Derry Girls and found that all two seasons of the show had been placed on Netflix.

So, after around three or four days of watching, I finally finished the show–and here’s what I think about it:

Although set in the 90s, Derry Girls is a coming-of-age comedy you can relate to

Derry Girls is set in the early 1990s when Ireland was experiencing ‘The Troubles.’ Although the show’s timeline was set during a political conflict, the series takes a light-hearted tone and features the lives of four 16-year-old Irish girls and one English boy as they navigate the trials and tribulations of a typical high schooler. This includes going on exciting adventures with your friends, understanding young love and its trivialities, and even, discovering one’s sexuality.

It’s a coming-of-age sitcom that will let you remember all the fun (and oftentimes, embarrassing) moments you and your friends have probably gone through at that age. And if you’re like me, who went to an all-girls Catholic high school, you might even be able to relate to how these girls interact given their surroundings.

The characters all have quirky personalities–which make for a hilarious show

When I started watching the show, I was taken aback by how strange a lot of the characters were, particularly Orla, who’s out of the blue comments and absentmindedness seemed weird at times. But as I continued watching, I came to realize that all of them had unique, over-exaggerated personalities, which all come together to make for a hilarious show.

Admittedly, it took me the first few episodes to really understand and enjoy the dynamic between the characters. However, after seeing their quirks and eccentricities complement one another in each 22-minute episode, it made me appreciate and enjoy the jokes on the show all the more.

So, if you’re considering watching Derry Girls, I suggest giving it time. You will definitely grow to love the characters on this series!

Overall, I give the series a rating of 9/10–and I’m hoping season 3 can continue its upward momentum

As a comedy series, I give the show a rating of 9/10. And with season three confirmed, I am hoping the show continues its upward momentum of producing quality entertainment.

This is the show’s current ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Photo Credit: Screengrab from the online review platform

Moreover, I hope it would hint at a potential romance between the characters, particularly between James and Erin. Like many of the show’s fans, including actress Nicola Coughlan, I agree that the two would make a sweet and unconventional pair. And if you’re still unconvinced, take a look at the prom scene from the show!

Until then, I really hope you all consider watching the show and who knows, you might later find yourself screaming #IAmADerryGirl (just like James did on the show).

***

If you want to stay updated on my latest articles and stories, you can follow me on social media at Facebook.com/CMilitarWrites

IN PHOTOS: Unboxing my first-ever Funko POP! Alien Remix figure

As many of my loved ones already know, I am a huge fan of the Toy Story franchise. From the moment Pixar introduced the animated characters back in 1995 to its final movie in 2019, I have loved every part of this four-part film series. So, when the Funko brand announced that they were releasing their second set of Alien Remix POP! vinyl figures to celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary, I was rightfully excited to get my hands on some of these collectible toys.

Luckily, my brother decided to give me one item from the second wave of the Alien Remix POP! figures and one POP! keychain from its previous collection, as a birthday present for me this year. So, this is the first time I’m unboxing and reviewing them.

Please note that this is a personal review and not a paid, branded post. And I’ll be starting with my thoughts on the figure and then, the keychain.

With that said, let’s begin unboxing…

On the POP! Alien Remix figure

The POP! figure was encased in two boxes. The outer box was just a regular box that showcased details about the item (this was most probably a spare box from the store as it said that the figure was from “Pretty Woman” when it really was not). The second box featured the logo of the store where the item was purchased from.

Upon opening, I found that the figure my brother had chosen to give me was the Pixar 25th Anniversary Alien Remix #759 Sulley Pop! Vinyl Figure.

The item was securely intact within its clear protective covering and there were no damages on the box itself and its protector.

The plastic covering was also very strong and sturdy–so, it took me a while to get the POP! figure out of it. It’s also good to note that this POP! protector is ideal for customers who want to keep the collectible safe inside its box.

The POP! figure itself was in good condition. The head was easily moveable and Sulley’s features–his furry eyebrows, neck fur, purple spots, and even the gray ridges on his back to his tail–were perfectly captured in the figure.

I particularly liked how the designers were able to seamlessly showcase the Pizza Planet alien’s annoying (yet very likeable and endearing) personality through the figure. It’s almost as if you can hear its nasal-ly voice saying “The claw” as you look at the collectible toy.

Overall, I am very happy with this collectible figure and if I were to rate it, I would give the item a solid 10/10.

On the POP! Alien Remix keychain

The keychain was wrapped in a few layers of bubble wrap when it arrived at my house. Although it seemed to be properly wrapped, there was a dent on the box probably made when the item was still in transit.

Now, this is definitely a deal-breaker for collectors who want pristine casing. However, I was okay with it since I really plan on taking the keychain out of its box packaging.

The keychain I got was a POP! Alien Remix of Russell from the first wave of the Funko POP! Alien Remix collection.

Upon closer inspection, the keychain was very detailed–even more so than the #60 Funko POP! Russell figure.

Compared to that POP! figure, the remix version has a bit more detail, particularly in the back where it showcases Russell’s backpack of knick knacks. This is impressive especially considering the size of the keychain compared to the standard four-inch vinyl figure.

And much like the Alien Remix version of Sulley, I liked how this one also exemplified the Toy Story character’s quirky personality.

Through it all, I really do like the appearance of the keychain. Though one part I do question is the hole found at the top of the figure’s head behind the keychain pin (as seen in the right most image).

After some research, I found out that that is where the alien’s antenna should be. Here’s a comparison of the one I received to one being sold at Amazon.

Given this product defect, I’d have to give this specific item a rating of 7/10.

***

If you want to stay updated on my latest articles and stories, you can follow me on social media at Facebook.com/CMilitarWrites

I painted a stylized portrait of Merlin–and here’s how it went down

The months following May 2020 was a difficult time for me. Because not only was the country under community quarantine, but I was also unemployed and grieving the death of my beloved dog Kia. But one thing that helped me get through it all was spending time at home, binge-watching Netflix with my mom. And one of the TV shows that helped me get through this trying time was the 2008 BBC show Merlin.

Thanks to the streaming platform, I was able to watch all five seasons of this awesome series.

Now, there’s so much I can say to describe how obsessed I am with this fantasy show–but I’ll have to save all that for another blog post. This time around, I wanted to fangirl by creating a stylized portrait of the series’s titular character, Merlin (which was played by actor Colin Morgan).

Here’s how I came about doing it:

On sketching

First and foremost, I am by no means a professional artist; I just paint as a personal hobby. So given this, there are a few imperfections that I still have to improve on as a painter–many of which I hope to apply in future projects.

In this particular piece, I started off with a rough sketch of the character’s facial features on a sheet of A5 canvas paper. Then, I went on to mix different shades of acrylic paint to begin painting.

I started with the character’s face as it would require the most attention to detail. Then, I proceeded to do the hair and apply highlights to both areas.

The left image shows the rough sketch of my portrait, while the right photo shows my initial painting of the face.

I also decided not to follow my initial sketch and create a bigger set of eyes for a more “caricature”–like appearance.

On mixing colors

This was probably one of the hardest parts of painting because I had to try and get the closest possible colors to the one shown in the reference photo.

This is a photo of the completed stylized portrait beside its reference picture. Color of the image might look different due to lighting.

I admit, this required a lot of trial and error, but I do believe that I was able to mix the right light and dark shades for the skin, hair, and the clothing.

On shading

Finding the right tones to use on the shadows of the character’s face was a bit difficult to do, as well. I had to experiment with varying degrees of black and gray shades to get the desired color. Then, I had to blend those in with some light dabbing strokes using my paintbrush.

Here’s a close-up version of my stylized portrait.

The end result may not be totally perfect but I am definitely happy with the outcome of my painting. And hopefully, in the near future, I’ll get to paint other characters too like Arthur, Morgana, Guinevere, and Gaius.

Until then, I hope you give Merlin a try–and who knows, you may even end up enjoying it as much as I did.

***

If you want to stay updated on my latest articles and stories, you can follow me on social media at Facebook.com/CMilitarWrites

This online shop makes the most beautiful paper flowers–and they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day

NOTE: This is a human interest story and not a paid, branded post. This means the author DOES NOT receive any money from the publication and clicks made on this article.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, a lot of people are rushing to malls and online stores to purchase their loved ones a present. Whether they would buy something simple like chocolates or something lavish like diamond encrusted jewelry, gift-giving on the day of love is a tradition that has been present since time immemorial. And one gift that will always be available during this holiday season is flowers.

From roses to orchids, many have chosen to show their love and appreciation for their friend, family member, or significant other by buying bouquets of these colorful floras. Although these gifts are beautiful in themselves, one downside to them is that they don’t last forever. After a week or so, these flowers will wilt and you will only be reminded of their beauty through pictures.

But what if there was a way to give a flower that will never wilt? Would you be open to that?

Well, now there is. Local online store Alaya Paper Blooms offers shoppers the chance to give their loved ones flowers that are not only beautiful, but will also last far longer than a week.

Photo Credit: Kevyn Tapnio via Facebook.com/alayapaperblooms

Created with quality colored paper, these flowers are the ideal presents to give come Valentine’s Day. And to help you better understand more about the shop and its products, I got to chat with its owner and designer Kevyn Tapnio. Here’s what I learned during my interview with her:

There is an ‘everlasting’ beauty in paper flowers

Typically, when people think of flowers, they don’t relate it to paper. But there is a sweet and genuine kind of beauty to receiving paper flowers–a sentiment that Tapnio realized when she decided to make these floral creations.

“Some people think flowers are overrated, myself being one of them up until recently,” she explained. “As I started to learn more about them, flowers started to become dear to me. Paper flowers take the fleeting nature of flowers out of the equation, so you wouldn’t have to throw them away.”

Tapnio first started making paper flowers in 2017 when she helped create a bouquet for her aunt’s wedding. Then fast forward to 2020, she decided to return to paper flower-making while waiting to start her new job.

“My start date was moved back due to the community quarantine that was put in place. With nothing much to do at home, I ended up making paper flowers, learning more about the craft, and falling for a different flower every day,” she shared. “I didn’t intend to make a business out of it at first, but then I thought, why not?”

Today, the shop has over 300 followers on its Facebook page and continues to produce intricate paper flowers.

The flowers are each a tedious yet rewarding work of art

Much like any masterpiece ever made, a lot of time and effort go into creating them. The same principle applies to each of Tapnio’s flower creations, which take multiple hours to make.

According to her, a “single, long-stemmed Ecuadorian rose can take 2 to 3 hours to make” and a “sunflower can take around 3 to 4 hours.” Boxed flowers and bouquets–on the other hand– take even longer to create because there are many elements that go into them.

“One full arrangement of our heart-shaped boxed blooms takes me a whole day of non-stop work. [And] Bouquets with stems take longer, since I have to add the leaves and several fillers as well.”

Also, crafting these floral arrangements isn’t always easy. Tapnio admits that there are times she has faced difficulty in making them.

“It can be frustrating when you’re unable to get the look that you’re going for. Paper does have its limitations, and it could take hours and hours of experimenting to really achieve the likeness of certain flowers. Even the tiniest of details can affect the look of the whole flower–the curl of a petal, the length of the stamens, the ridges in the leaves.”

Despite the complications she has faced, she still finds the end result worth it and she is always elated when her customers find delight in her products.

“Made to last forever, our paper flowers are created with utmost love and care, and with only one goal in mind: To make you smile,” she added.

Shoppers have variety of flowers to choose from

The online shop offers a variety of products to choose from and the prices differ depending on the item ordered.

Though for Valentine’s Day, Tapnio highly recommends their boxed creations.

“Our heart-shaped boxed blooms are a crowd favorite, though all slots for those have already been reserved as of writing,” she said. “I do recommend our Mini Gift Boxes though. Many people go for roses and hydrangeas, but we also make them with different flowers by request.”

If you’re interested in ordering any one of her paper flower sets, visit their Facebook page and send a message. You and your loved ones will definitely not regret purchasing any of these gorgeous paper flowers!

***

If you want to stay updated on my latest articles and stories, you can follow me on social media at Facebook.com/CMilitarWrites

Fans are going to love these new Star Wars-themed postage stamps

For years, the Star Wars universe has delighted fans with a series of epic adventures. From Han Solo, Luke, and Leia’s first mission to destroy the Death Star in Episode IV: A New Hope to The Mandalorian’s exciting quests with Grogu (a.k.a. Baby Yoda), it’s understandable why many viewers can’t seem to get enough of the franchise. And with Disney+ announcing a new lineup of shows for the fandom to enjoy, it’s safe to say that the Star Wars phenomenon will just continue to grow in popularity in the years to come.

That’s why it’s not surprising that many companies have decided to capitalize on its success, creating collectible figures, clothing pieces, and even footwear inspired by the George Lucas films. But now, fans have another thing to consider adding in their collection of Star Wars memorabilia–and it’s this new set of Droid postage stamps.

This is not an actual picture of the stamp but a creative representation. To see the full set of designs, visit the USPS website **here**.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced the new line of Star Wars-themed postage stamps last January 26, 2021. According to their website, the stamps will feature the following droids: “IG-11, R2-D2, K-2SO, D-O, L3-37, BB-8, C-3PO, a GNK (or Gonk) power droid, 2-1B surgical droid and C1-10P, commonly known as ‘Chopper.’”

These stamps come in a timely manner as the Star Wars franchise is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.

More than that, these stamps will reportedly help support Lucas Films and Disney’s efforts in further promoting STEM learning amongst the youth via the organizations “Star Wars: Force for Change” and “FIRST” (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).

As of now, there has been no formal announcement on the release date of these Droid postage stamps. So for now, I guess fans should stay put in and enjoy re-watching their favorite Star Wars movies and television series. May the force be with you all!

***

If you want to stay updated on my latest articles and stories, you can follow me on social media at Facebook.com/CMilitarWrites

Three important lessons I learned from the book ‘I Decided to Live as Me’

Hi reader! The author would like to inform you that she might receive a share of sales from the links on this article. Hope you enjoy the product/s placed here!

When I was around thirteen or fourteen-years-old, I remembered my teacher telling me and my classmates to create a projection map as to where we would see ourselves ten years from now. At that time, I pasted pictures showing what I wanted to be as a twenty three or twenty four-year-old adult–this included having a house of my own, a stable job, and a husband. Little did I know that attaining all of those things isn’t easy. And now, in my late 20s, I am starting to question all the goals and aspirations I had initially planned in my life.

But thanks to my friend Ves, who introduced me to the Apop published book ‘I Decided to Live as Me, I was able to avoid what could have been a quarter life crisis.

Written and illustrated by Korean author Soo-hyun Kim and translated to English by Ma. Kristina Carla Rico and Kyung-min Bae, this book gave me a better perspective on life and helped me understand that adulting is hard and messy–but there’s no other way to live through it than by being yourself.

Here are three valuable lessons I got from reading the book:

Life is not a horse race–and it’s okay to not always be in the lead

Whenever we attend reunions among relatives, friends, or former classmates, it’s inevitable not to get jealous over their stories of success. Whether it’d be that they recently got promoted in a job that they love or that they got engaged to the supposed “love of their life,” it’s easy to start comparing your life and your accomplishments to theirs. And sometimes, when you realize that the way you live is not “up to par” with theirs, you feel disappointed and upset.

Personally, I understand what this feels like and thinking about this often leads me down a path of depression. But reading I Decided to Live as Me reminded me that life isn’t a competition and that your growth and development is something worth celebrating–despite it being gradual and slow.

Remember, your worth is not determined by comparing your list of accomplishments with others, but it is based by how you see value in yourself. As the book explained, “True value isn’t measured in numbers. Therefore if you want to be incomparable rather than senior, you should eliminate numbers from your life. What is truly important in your life lies beyond numbers.”

‘Haters gonna hate’–but that shouldn’t stop you from living your life

It’s an undeniable fact that not everyone’s going to like you or be a friend to you. And as you go through adulthood, you will meet a series of people who are like this–with some even shooting you down with their harsh words and criticisms.

When this happens, it’s easy to feel defeated and worthless. But remember their words are not a reflection of you and what you can accomplish–it is a reflection of them and their insecurities. And this book reminds me of this sentiment.

The author wrote, “We get hurt, numb our hearts, and develop hatred dealing with these people’s personal frustrations disguised as business-related, insults presented as worries, and rudeness posed as questions. [But] Even if we numb our hearts, moan to ourselves, and hate these people; they are just passersby in our lives.”

At the end of the day, what matters is how you see yourself. So, forget the haters and just continue doing you!

Don’t forget who you are and what you love

For many of us, working endlessly has become the norm, turning us into lifeless robots that value money over anything else. And the problem with this scenario is that we end up being unhappy.

As the book effortlessly explained, “People who suppress their desires in order to do what they have to do lose sense of what they like, what they want, and eventually, who they are. Their life remains in the spectrum of the unknown since they’re never able to discover the life they want.”

I Decided to Live as Myself reminds us that although we have to succumb to the daily grind, we shouldn’t forget to give time to ourselves and explore the things we are passionate about. Whether this is writing short stories or creating memes, take a few minutes from your day (or week) to enjoy doing these activities.

In the end, I think you will be happy to know that you’ve lived your life balancing work with the things you love. And who knows, maybe someday you can even be able to turn your passion into full-fledged business?

There are so many wonderful things readers can learn from the book. And thanks to Apop, you can now enjoy a 7.5% discount from the total price when you use the promo code CMWxAPOP at checkout.

Click here to visit the website and purchase a copy of I Decided to Live as Me today!

***

If you want to stay updated on my latest articles and stories, you can follow me on social media at Facebook.com/CMilitarWrites

‘Bridgerton’ fans might enjoy these underrated Jane Austen screen adaptations

If you are anything like me and you are obsessed with regency era films and television series, then you’ve probably already binge-watched Netflix’s Bridgerton.

The first season of the historical drama followed the whirlwind romance between Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page). And through its eight episode run, viewers were able to see how the two turned from friends to eventual spouses.

Understandably, many people were drawn into the Duke of Hastings and the eldest Bridgerton daughter’s love story. And many of them–including myself–are eager to see more of the Bridgerton romances unfold. But until the streaming platform can confirm a possible next season, here are a few Jane Austen book-to-screen adaptations that Bridgerton fans can enjoy as they wait for more news on the show.

Emma (2009)

Through the years, there have been many screen adaptations of Jane Austen’s Emma. From Gwyneth Paltrow’s 1996 version to Anya Taylor-Joy’s 2020 adaptation, many Austen fans have seen different versions of the titular character portrayed on both TV and film. However, out of all of these adaptations–many of which I have seen–the BBC 2009 mini-series was the best one of them all.

Not only did it gradually showcase the friendship-turned-romance between the two best friends, but Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller seem to be the best embodiments of Emma and Mr. Knightley.

Garai’s tenacious and effervescent portrayal of Emma made the character very likeable and Miller’s stern yet endearing Mr. Knightley will leave fans rooting for him throughout the series’s four-episode run.

Why Bridgerton fans might like the show: Much like Lady Whistledown or Queen Charlotte, Emma enjoys meddling into the love lives of those around her. So, fans might take pleasure in watching her succeed–and oftentimes, fail–at her attempts in matchmaking, whilst realizing all along that she herself has found her perfect match and it was the man standing right in front of her.

Northanger Abbey (2007)

Although this is one of Jane Austen’s less popular novels, I enjoyed Northanger Abbey for its unconventional hero, Mr. Tilney. Unlike the likes of Mr. Darcy or Mr. Knightley, Mr. Tilney is not always so formal and likes to tease Catherine quite a bit. And the movie version of the Austen hero is not far from how the author described her character to be in the book.

Played by JJ Field, Mr. Tilney presents a comical and amiable persona that complements Felicity Jones’s portrayal of the shy and naive Catherine. And it’s through their meetings in Bath and subsequent stay in Northanger Abbey that the two realize their true feelings for one another.

Why Bridgerton fans might like the movie: I think fans might enjoy the “rich vs. poor” kind of love story the 2007 film shows. Because like many of the socialites in Bridgerton, Mr. Tilney’s father wants to make an advantageous marriage for his son. But upon learning that Catherine has no money to her name, he forbids a possible union between her and Mr. Tilney and sends her away. But little did he know that Mr. Tilney will do a lot more for the woman he loves… even if that means disobeying his father’s wishes and giving up his inheritance.

Persuasion (2007)

Persuasion focuses on the romance between Frederick Wentworth and Anne Elliot.

Frederick and Anne were two young people in love. However, Anne’s parents refused the union, noting Frederick’s lack of fortune and title. So, the two parted ways.

Eight years later, Anne’s family is struggling with their finances and Frederick has now become a wealthy and recognized Royal Navy Captain. With their heart-wrenching parting still lingering in both of their minds and with the tables turned, it begs the question: is there still a possibility of romance between the two despite everything that has happened?

Starring Rupert Penry-Jones and Sally Hawkins, Persuasion reignites the viewers’ belief in the possibility of second chances, when it comes to love.

Why Bridgerton fans might like the film: Fans might be able to appreciate Captain Frederick Wentworth’s unwavering love and devotion to Anne, in spite of the hardships he faced while being with her during his younger years. And despite having more options for a partner when he returned, he still chose her above everyone else.

Moreover, if fans loved the Duke of Hastings’s “I burn for you” line in the show, wait ‘til they hear Captain Wentworth’s “I am half agony, half hope” spiel–as he pours out his immense love and affection for Anne even after all these years.

NOTE: This review is not sponsored by Netflix or any other production houses. This was written purely from the perspective of the writer as a fan of these TV shows and movies.

***

If you want to stay updated on my latest articles and stories, you can follow me on social media at Facebook.com/CMilitarWrites

Did I get ‘way more than I paid for’ with the Papemelroti Surprise Box?

NOTE: This is a personal review of the product and not a paid, branded post. This means the author does not receive any money from the publication and clicks made on this article.

Ever since my college years, I have been a fan of Papemelroti‘s products. Whether it’d be their stationery pads made with recycled paper or their colorful wall art, I have always been enthralled by the creativity and farmhouse-like design of their products. And truth be told, I have a variety of their items stocked up in my room–particularly their stationery sets and cards which I use to write letters and notes to my family and friends.

So when I found out that they were selling surprise boxes online, I was eager to buy one of my own and see what goodies I can find inside them.

According to the store’s Shopee page, these boxes are said to “contain a unique selection of products that are worth way more than its price” and that they range from 199 to 499 PHP (excluding shipping fee).

Since I was a bit tight on budget, I opted for the lowest priced box. And combining the 199 PHP cost of the item to the 40 PHP shipping fee, I spent a total of 239 PHP on the whole order.

Here’s what I discovered about the Papemelroti Surprise Box:

On packaging

Seeing as my last boxed purchase showed some external damage upon its arrival, I was a bit skeptical with this one. But to my surprise, the item was securely wrapped in corrugated paper before it was placed inside the courier’s plastic packaging.

This extra step ensured its protection while in transit and I am grateful for it since the box was not damaged upon receipt.

The box was light brown and featured the brand’s logo and a gift carricature in black ink. It also had a dedication note which allowed buyers to give the box as a gift to a loved one.

I personally liked this idea because now, the customer doesn’t need to find nice packaging if she or he would choose to give this item as a present.

Inside the box, I found the following items:

– One (1) black, faux leather bag tag with the word “Hope” on it
– One (1) square notebook with a Christian-themed cover
– One (1) Shakespeare-themed stationery pad
– One (1) inspirational designed notebook with a hot air balloon design
– One (1) free teacup card (this item was not inside the box but inserted in between the box cover and the corrugated paper covering)

Let me go through each of these items one by one…

On the black, faux leather bag tag

The bag tag looks to be made out of black, faux leather and has a copper plate with the word “Hope” engraved or stamped to it. The tag’s lock also seems to be very tight and sturdy–which makes it ideal for luggages you would choose to check in when traveling.

It basically satisfies everything that a bag tag should be. However, in terms of design, there’s nothing particularly special about it. And compared to the whimsical designs of their other products, I have to say that I am not totally impressed with this item.

And after much digging on their website and Shopee account, I can’t seem to find the price for this product. But I found a similar item online that retails for about 85 to 138 PHP (excluding shipping fee)–and I’ll be using this price range as the basis for my overall calculation.

On the Christian-themed square notebook

Everyone who is familiar with the brand knows that it showcases a lot of Christian-themed designs on its products. From bible quotes to religious images, many of their items immediately show customers that this is a store that is highly influenced by Christianity.

And in this particular case, I received a square notebook designed with a blue background, a dove image, and the Philippians 4:6-7 bible quote that says, “I am not anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, I present my requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.”

As someone who is diagnosed with severe anxiety and is also a practicing Roman Catholic, I do appreciate the message being shared in this item’s design cover. Plus, its overall appearance is also quite pleasing to the eyes and the pages are clean and made out of recycled paper.

This item also doesn’t seem to be listed on any of their selling platforms, but if I would guess its price, I believe the item would lie somewhere between 80 to 100 PHP (I based this amount on the store’s ring notelets, which look like a smaller version of this notebook).

On the Shakespeare-themed stationery pad and the inspirational notebook

Earlier in this article, I mentioned how the store has a lot of pretty, whimsical designs–and these two items are proof of it!

Even though the stationery pad has a relatively simple design, I liked how it was laid out on the page with Shakespeare’s quote seamlessly integrated on the lower left side of the pad.

Likewise, I liked Robert A. Alejandro‘s hot air balloon design on the notebook. It also featured clean, ruled pages–which is ideal for me since I like writing on notebooks with lines.

But I think the highlight of these two products (and possibly almost all their products in the store) is that they are both made locally and created with recycled paper.

On their website, a colored notepad like this would sell for 28 to 35 PHP and a large notebook like this would sell for 50 to 64 PHP.

On the free teacup dedication card

This free item was lodged in between the box and its corrugated paper covering. It featured a colorful floral and bird pattern created by Robert A. Alejandro and was shaped exactly like a teacup.

This was, for me, the prettiest and most aesthetically-pleasing from all of the items I’ve received. It’s also the cheapest in the bunch as it sells for 8 to 10 PHP on their website.

So, when added all up, did I really get “way more than I paid for?”

Upon calculating everything, at the very least, all of these items would amount to 251 PHP–only a few Pesos away from my total purchase of 239 PHP. So surprisingly, the brand did deliver on its claim of “getting way more than you paid for.”

Despite this finding, I don’t totally recommend buying the surprise box for the sole reason that you can’t choose the items that go in it. Just like in this review, I received a bag tag that I don’t necessarily find pleasing or have a need for.

Moreover, if you are thinking about giving this as a present, I suggest giving it to a friend who likes stationery items and is okay with receiving religious-themed items. The brand has a very unique set of designs and products and that might not appeal to everyone.

Lastly, I recommend choosing from the store’s gift sets instead of buying the surprise boxes. At least, in this way, you can be assured that you will like the items you have ordered from the brand.

Hopefully this review helps you make a decision on whether or not you should buy the Papemelroti Surprise Box. And until you make that choice, I wish you all the luck in shopping!

***
If you want to stay updated on my latest articles and stories, you can follow me on social media at Facebook.com/CMilitarWrites