Reviews – C. Militar Writes

‘Kindness and hope’ – This is what the 2025 Superman movie is all about

Warning: This blog contains spoilers from the 2025 Superman movie.

Over the years, we’ve seen countless versions of the iconic red-caped hero. From Christopher Reeve to Henry Cavill, fans of the superhero franchise have seen almost every version of Superman come to life in both TV and film.

This year, we’re introduced to yet another version of Kal El/Clark Kent – a version created by James Gunn and portrayed by David Corenswet.

Admittedly, I was a part of the group of people that was hesitant over this reboot. For one, as a Henry Cavill fan, I was devastated that I wouldn’t be able to see him don the red cape once more in the cinemas. Second, I was worried that Gunn’s creative (and somewhat quirky) style might not fit in with the character profile of Superman.

However, after watching the film, it’s safe to say that Gunn’s version stays true to what Superman is all about – a symbol of kindness, selflessness, and hope.

Also, his eccentric and colorful filming style made viewers feel as if they’re watching scenes straight out of a comic book – which is what many fans seem to want in their superhero movies these days.

Not to mention, Corenswet held his own as the Man of Steel. He made me a fan of his Superman; and I’m excited to see what other projects he has in store for us moviegoers.

There are a few more things I enjoyed about the movie. Here are some details worth watching out for:

Although there were many side characters, it wasn’t overwhelming.

When the full-length trailer of the movie dropped, I was worried that with so many characters, the story would end up convoluted. Fortunately, I was mistaken.

The movie introduced a lot of side characters such as Jimmy Olsen, Guy Gardner (a.k.a. Green Lantern), Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, Metamorpho, and Supergirl. Although this is quite a number of personas added, it didn’t overshadow the main storyline of Superman. In fact, it helped build on the atmosphere of metahumans living on earth, and added to the movie’s overall plot.

It also sets the stage for a potential spinoff – was this James Gunn’s plan all along?

Moreover, I enjoyed the small cameos, especially from Christopher Reeve’s son, Will, who told Variety that it was the “right decision to do this [cameo].”

Lois Lane gets her spotlight.

What I liked about the 2025 Superman movie is that it highlighted Lois Lane’s personality. In previous films, like Superman Returns and Man of Steel, I didn’t feel Lois Lane’s feisty, go-getter personality shine through as much.

In this movie, we see Lois (Rachel Brosnahan) as someone who will fight for her ideals and do everything to uncover the truth; because that is what’s right. It shows us that she’s her own person– strong-willed, confident, and flawed – and not just Superman’s love interest.

On a personal note, I also enjoyed seeing on the big screen how passionate reporters like Lois can be about their job. As someone who once worked in media, I can relate to how hectic life as a writer can be and yet, how rewarding the outcome is when you know your articles have helped others out.

Krypto is the real hero.

This may be biased (since I am a dog owner), but I absolutely adored every single Krypto scene. From the moment he first appeared to the end of the movie, Krypto showed moviegoers that even dogs can be super.

Honestly, I don’t want to give too much away, but just know that Krypto was essential to Superman’s fights; and to be honest, I can’t wait to see more of this canine should there be a sequel to this movie.

Political conflicts are part of the plot.

In the movie, Superman aids Jaihanpur when it is first attacked by its rival country, Boravia.

The reason why I agree with the filmmakers’ decision to place political conflicts in the movie is because it is realistic. Let’s say Superman was real, wouldn’t you expect him to intervene when two countries are on the brink of war?

It makes it feel more realistic, and supports what Superman stands for. So, for me, it was a good decision on the part of production.

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Although I’ve been giving plenty of praises for this film, there is a not-so-nice detail I want to mention, namely:

At times, it did feel a little too cartoonish.

Now, I know that it’s a part of the movie’s charm. However, there were moments that just felt impossible in the real world. I think it would have been better if it was toned down just a bit – but then again, that’s just my opinion on this.

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Overall, it was a solid, entertaining, and uplifting superhero movie. Given that, I would probably rate it a 7/10. Still definitely worth the watch!

Reviewing the Vice Cosmetics lip oils – should you give them a try?

*NOTE: This is not a branded article. I purchased these lip oils through an online shopping platform, with my own money, and decided to give my honest opinion about them. Hope you’ll enjoy what I have to say about these products.

Unless you were living under a rock these past few years, you’d know that lip oils are all the rage in the makeup industry today. Brands like Dior, Fenty Beauty, and most recently Rare Beauty, have each created their own version of the in-demand lip product. In fact, the fashion and lifestyle website In Style explains that Rare Beauty’s lip oils are “bound to sell out” due to its popularity with the makeup and beauty community.

Given this, it should come as no surprise that local makeup brands like Vice Cosmetics have also jumped on the trend and created their own line of lip oil products.

Introducing the Vice Cosmetics Perfect Kizz Lip Oils.

According to the brand’s Shopee store, the Perfect Kizz Lip Oils are “high-shine lip oils [that] are infused with sweet almond oil to soothe and hydrate the lips for a healthy, juicy lip lewk (look).” They also reportedly come with a “plumping variant” that can emphasise your lips and make them appear fuller.

These lip oils come in three types, namely Kendi Glaze, I Lava Yew, and Dynamint. For this review, I’ll be going through each kind of lip oil and giving my opinion on them.

Kendi Glaze

The Kendi Glaze lip oil is the brand’s tinted pink variant. It comes with a sweet, candy-like smell and gives a light pink shade to the lips.

What I like about this particular variant is that the smell is very pleasant and addicting. It kind of reminds me of the strawberry-flavoured lollipops that you can buy at the drug store or supermarket––a reminder of my childhood when my parents would indulge me with these candies (definitely nostalgic).

Plus, its light pink hue gives the lips a little bit of colour in the most natural way. It’s not over-the-top and it’s not too understated that you won’t notice you’re still wearing the gloss.

Of the three, this one is definitely my favourite and one I recommend everyone to try first if they’re considering buying the lip oil.

I Lava Yew

I Lava Yew is the makeup brand’s second lip oil variant. It comes with a glittery finish and gives off a (very) subtle yellow hue on the lips.

Unfortunately, this one is my least favourite of the three lip oils. The reason for this is that I found the smell of the product very off-putting. I’m not exactly sure how to describe it other than like a wilted rose scent––not a fan of it.

Other than the smell, the product does apply well and gives off a nice glittery finish on the lips, which is perfect if you’re planning to apply the oil above your matte lipstick.

Dynamint

Dynamint is the brand’s third lip oil variant. Although it appears blue in the container, the lip oil gives the lips a clear, gloss finish and comes with a mint scent.

What’s nice about this variant is that the added minty scent gives a cooling sensation, which feels great on the lips. It’s also clear, which means you can apply it over any lipstick shade to give it a glossy look.

Performance as a lip oil

As a lip oil, these three variants do their job well.

First, these items provide enough shine to give the lips a fuller and more put-together look.

Second, the lip oil formula feels very sheer and light and does not feel sticky on the lips––making it ideal to wear under your mask when you’re going out of the house.

Third and more importantly, these lips oils feel hydrating to the lips. Not once did I feel my lips feel dry or crack while wearing the product, which is a major bonus to this item.

However, what I do find that is lacking in this lip oil is the longevity. There were a few times I needed to re-apply this product on my lips because they came off during the course of the day.

Overall, I’d give these lip oils a solid 7/10.

The question remains though, can this local brand of lip oils compare to the popular, international ones?

Now, I can’t speak for brands like Fenty Beauty and Rare Beauty (since I have yet to try their lip oils) but I can compare it the Dior Lip Glow Oil, which is in my possession and is an item that I have been using for quite some time now.

Let’s discuss the differences:

First of all, the Dior lip oil has a vastly different price point compared to the Vice Cosmetics lip oil. In the Dior store, the lip oil amounts to 2,500 PHP while the Perfect Kizz Lip Oil costs only 195 PHP. The Dior lip oil is clearly a luxury item, while the Vice Cosmetics lip oil is an affordable lip product.

Second, the two products have different formulas and I think this makes a huge difference in the longevity of the product on the lips. For example, the Lip Glow Oil, from my experience, is more long-lasting in the lips and requires less re-application compared to the Perfect Kizz Oil.

It’s also good to note that it’s because of this formula that Dior has been such a hit with the online beauty community. According to an article by Byrdie, the reason for Dior’s lip oil success is because it has met the needs of the younger generation––which includes quality ingredients such as cherry oil.

I mention these differences not to undermine or uplift one brand from another but to compare them. And in my opinion, the Dior Lip Glow Oil is still the better lip oil between the two.

However, if you’re tight on a budget and are just looking for a hydrating, glossy lip oil that can give your lips the plumping effect, then the Vice Cosmetics Perfect Kizz Oil can be your go-to product since it is still a very solid lip oil.

Via GIPHY

Hopefully, this review gives you an insight into this local makeup brand’s lip oil products and can help you decide whether or not you would like to try it out.

Until the next blog!

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Here’s why ‘Spy x Family’ is worth the watch

If you’re itching to watch a lighthearted yet funny anime series, then look no further, Spy x Family may just be the show you’re searching for!

As explained by the Internet Movie Database (IMDB), the show is about “a spy on an undercover mission [who] gets married and adopts a child as part of his cover. His wife and daughter [however] have secrets of their own, and all three must strive to keep together.”

This series was based off of Tatsuya Endo‘s manga of the same name and the show’s first season is available for streaming in video platforms like Netflix.

Since the anime series was released on April of this year, it has garnered a plethora of online fans who can’t get enough of the show. In fact, in the movie and TV rating platform Rotten Tomatoes, it has received a 100% fresh rating and a 90% audience score––proving just how well the show is faring among viewers.

I, myself, couldn’t help but binge-watch the entire series in a span of three days. And there are a number of reasons why I (and a number of viewers) can’t stop watching the anime––too many that I may not be able to list them all down.

So, let me share with you three reasons why I think you should give the show a try.

The plot is interesting

The beginning of the series introduces viewers to the brewing tension between the countries Ostania and Westalis––and gives the reason why Loid Forger, a spy, is needed to go undercover to help stop a potential war from happening.

Although this concept alone is interesting enough, the show takes it a step further by introducing the catch of his mission: he must have a fake family.

Unbeknownst to Loid, the fake family he puts together is composed of Anya, a telepathic child, and Yor, an assassin. This twist in the plot makes for a very exciting storyline and keeps you on your toes as to what will happen within the family, given all their secrets.

And just think about it, what will happen when a spy, a telepath, and an assassin live under one roof and pretend to be a family? Can they really keep up the ruse? And what will happen when they all discover each others’ secrets?

Add in the fact that Yor’s brother works for the organization that is against Loid’s mission, then you’ve got a show that will keep you glued to your screens, to know what happens next in the series.

It’s a lighthearted show that *literally* knows how to pack a punch

Although the way I described it in the previous paragraphs make Spy x Family seem like a serious show, it’s actually very lighthearted and humorous. Sure, there are action scenes (which are impressive btw) from Loid and Yor; but there are also funny scenes between the three and the other characters in the show.

A good example of this is the scene where Anya smiles at her bullies––which in itself has become a meme all over the internet.

I’m pretty sure you’ll find this meme almost anywhere on the internet. Via iQiyi on GIPHY

This makes Spy x Family very fun and easy-to-watch. It also makes it a great show to binge-watch when you’re feeling tired from work or you’re just simply having a bad day (It will genuinely make you smile in spite of your troubles).

Anya is quite possibly the cutest anime character on TV

There’s no doubt about it Anya Forger is one of the cutest anime kids on TV! Her small stature and funny antics make her a fan favorite among viewers.

And although Loid and Yor are awesome characters in themselves, Anya’s cuteness has made an impact on people watching the show. In fact, Comic Book Resources (CBR) wrote an article on why “Anya Forger is the hit anime’s best girl” which perfectly sums up why she’s an absolute joy to watch on screen.

Given these three reasons, I sincerely hope you will all give Spy x Family a try. Who knows you might be joining the multitude of fans that can’t get enough of this unconventional anime family!

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‘All The Bright Places’ explores love and loss in a beautiful yet tragic story

Trigger warning: This book contains topics on suicide and mental health issues. If you are easily triggered by these, I suggest either reading the book with caution or delay reading it until you’re more mentally-prepared.

As someone who has struggled with her own mental health issues, it took me a while before I could pick up this book. In truth, I might have even delayed reading this novel if it weren’t for my friend who suggested we discuss it for our book club.

So, with a bit of courage (and caution), I went forward with reading it; and little did I know, All The Bright Places would become one of my most memorable reads for 2022.

For those of you who are not familiar with Jennifer Niven’s 2015 novel, it follows Theodore Finch and Violet Markey, as they find love and solace with one another all the while dealing with their own personal traumas.

It’s a heart-wrenching and tragic love story that will leave you drowning in a pool of your own emotions (God knows how much I’ve cried while reading this novel).

More than just a romance, this book has substance, since it explores the reality and gravity of mental health issues today.

Through Violet’s and Finch’s alternating perspectives, readers get a glimpse into how their struggles can affect their mental health and lead them towards less-than-pleasant situations. It also stresses the importance of checking up on the people you love because you might never know the extent of what they’re going through and how it’s greatly affecting their overall health and well-being.

You’ll never know unless you ask. Via GIPHY

Although this book is classified as young adult fiction, I think a lot of people––whether they’re a teen or an adult––will greatly benefit from its messages, which are:

– There’s more to a person than what you see on the surface.

– Help is available to those who seek it.

– Everyone is going through struggles of their own, so it’s important to be kind.

Overall, I consider this another five-star read and I can’t wait to see more of what Jennifer Niven has to offer in her other novels.

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Here’s why you should read ‘Flowers for Algernon’ by Daniel Keyes

Trigger warning: This novel mentions scenes about animal testing and contains slurs that are considered derogatory in this day and age. It’s important to remember that this book was written in 1959––a time when animal testing may not have yet been questioned and people were not as socially-conscious of the words they used to describe individuals with disabilities. Given this, I’d like to mention that I don’t condone some of the words and scenes mentioned in this novel and that I take it solely as a work of fiction.

At least once in your life, you might have encountered the idiom of “putting yourself in another person’s shoes” in order to understand them.

Whether this saying was told to you by a friend, colleague, or family member, you’ve most likely taken their advice and tried to imagine yourselves in other people’s situations. Oftentimes, this gives you a clearer picture of what the other person is going through and allows you to better empathize with them.

This particular sentiment is exemplified in the book Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes.

It’s a story that explores the mind and experiences of Charlie Gordon, a 32-year-old man with a learning disability who undergoes surgery in an effort to make himself “smarter” and more “normal.”

Through Charlie’s progress reports, you (as a reader) will get to witness all the challenges, accomplishments, and emotions Charlie goes through as he experiences the effects of the surgery. And when he notices Algernon––the mouse that has undergone the same experiment as him––seemingly regressing long after its surgery, it begs the question: will the same fate await Charlie in time?

Flowers for Algernon is a beautiful yet somewhat heartbreaking story that most people should read about. In fact, here are a few good reasons why you should consider picking up the novel for yourself:

The writing is great and immersive

The book begins with Charlie’s entries before the surgery. Through these initial reports, Keyes shows readers how Charlie is quite different from the other people around him. This is emphasized in Charlie’s earlier progress reports, wherein he would often misspell words and use the wrong grammar and punctuation in his sentences.

However, as the book progresses, you’ll slowly see the change in the writing, highlighting Charlie’s increased mental development after the surgery. And the way Keyes wrote this was so gradual that it’s only when you focus on the words on the page, you’ll notice a big difference in the way Charlie documents his progress.

It’s this aspect of the book that really allows you to see first-hand how the surgery is affecting Charlie and how it’s changing the way he views the people and the places around him. This, in turn, makes the book immersive and draws the reader in towards the story.

You’ll be turning every page until you realize you’ve actually finished the story! Via GIPHY

And I’m not the only one who feels this way about the book. A number of people reported on the book review platform Goodreads about being affected by the story.

One reviewer wrote, “I am finding it hard to put into words the vast range of emotions I experienced while reading this tale of hope, perseverance, truth and humanity.” And another online user described it as “captivating and heartbreaking.”

The book lets you think about the question: What makes a person human?

One aspect the book frequently touches on is the idea of what makes a person human. It begs the questions: Is it their IQ that makes them human? Is it measured by their ability to process emotions? Is it gauged by the accomplishments they have? Or is it just the fact that they’re alive and breathing that makes them a person worthy of love and respect?

These questions all come to mind as the reader sees how other people interact with Charlie, especially before his surgery. In the early days, you can clearly see how badly Charlie was treated; and when he got his surgery done and he was getting more and more intelligent, people around him started viewing him differently.

The truth is Charlie was already human even before his surgery––capable of feeling emotions and making memories. And this point is clearly emphasized in the many events in the novel.

Moreover, it shows that even people with disabilities can leave their mark on the world. Through the character of Charlie, readers can see that any person (with good intention) can make a huge difference to those around them.

In Charlie’s case, it was about helping others like him who may undergo the same operation. As Charlie said, “If I can find out and if it adds, even one jot of information to whatever else has been discovered about intellectual disabilities* and the possibility of helping others like myself, I will be satisfied. Whatever happens to me, I will have lived a thousand normal lives by what I might add to others not yet born. That is enough.”

Overall, it is a meaningful and timeless story that deserves more attention from today’s generation. And it easily is one of the five-star books I’ve read this 2022.

Here’s to hoping you’ll give Flowers for Algernon a try!

(*word was replaced to make it more politically-correct)

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‘The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue’ is a five-star read that you’ll surely remember

I’ll be honest–it’s been a while since a novel has drawn me in and excited me. Many of the books I’ve recently finished have all been three-star reads, interesting enough but not memorable.

However, when my friend recommended The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab for our book club, little did I know, this would become my first five-star book read of 2022.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue tells the story of twenty-three-year-old French girl Adeline “Addie” LaRue who sold her soul to the darkness to gain her freedom. Unbeknownst to Addie, this exchange comes with a terrible price; because along with her freedom comes the catch of being forgotten by everyone she meets.

You see, when Addie talks to a friend or family member or makes a connection with someone new, she inevitably faces the future of them not being able to remember her. And even when she tries to leave her mark–via written notes or drawings–she will find them being erased and returned to its original blank slate. Because of this, Addie isn’t able to leave a mark, making her almost “invisible” to everyone she comes in contact with.

For 300 years since she made that deal, she has struggled with this type of existence… that is, until she meets bookstore seller Henry who is unfazed by her curse and remembers every little encounter and detail about her.

Describing it as a mix between The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Time Traveler’s Wife, I’d say Addie LaRue is a page-turner that will leave you feeling all types of emotions, from sadness about Addie’s situation to a sense of hope when she finally meets Henry. It’s a literal roller coaster ride that will have you experiencing “all the feels.”

I was literally crying by the end of this novel. Via GIPHY

Moreover, V.E. Schwab’s writing style is so descriptive and immersive that you will feel like you’re actually in the story. And with the time jumps, you, as a reader, can really envision that specific point in history wherein Addie’s story takes place and see how it’s affected her life.

Schwab also uses alternating viewpoints between chapters, so you’re able to empathize with these fictional characters and remember them for all their beautiful, messed-up, broken, and (very) human experiences.

In fact, Stardust author Neil Gaiman describes the book, “for someone damned to be forgettable, Addie LaRue is a most delightfully unforgettable character, and her story is the most joyous evocation of unlikely immortality.”

Lastly, I found a plethora of wonderful and relatable lines throughout the course of this novel, and I think this is a testament to Schwab’s wonderful storytelling. I particularly loved the following lines from the novel:

“Books, she (Addie) has found, are a way to live a thousand lives––or to find strength in a very long one.”

“The nicest days are always the ones we don’t plan.”

“Nothing is all good or all bad. Life is so much messier than that.”

It reportedly took Schwab ten years to complete the novel and her hard work really shows just how great the story came to be.

I really encourage everyone to go and read The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and I can’t wait to read more books from the author moving forward.

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Here’s my problem with the ‘Morbius’ movie

Warning: This movie review contains spoilers.

Last month, production house Sony released the film Morbius, starring Oscar-winning actor Jared Leto, as the vampiric anti-hero Michael Morbius. Although the trailer made the movie look gritty and promising, the film itself seemed to be a let-down for many critics—garnering it a 16% rotten score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Some of these reviews cited the movie as being “generic as hell” and a “poorly-produced comic book adaptation.”

While a lot of these critics’ points are understandable, the movie itself was not too bad. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t great either–but it was action-packed and entertaining enough to watch through. Leto and Matt Smith also gave great performances as Morbius and Milo respectively, and the action scenes were well done as well.

However, the problem I had with the film was the forced Spider-Man storyline. I understand that this was the production house’s attempt to further develop the Spider-Man universe, but in my opinion, this move just threw away Morbius’ character development.

Here’s why: Morbius didn’t like hurting people. He knew after he was injected with the bat DNA and felt its side effects that it was a mistake. He had difficulty controlling his thirst for blood and had the potential to kill more people if left unchecked. He even went so far as to fight his best friend and “brother” Milo (Smith)—who was also inoculated with the serum—in an effort to stop the bloodshed. Given this, why would he team up with the Vulture and cause more chaos? It just doesn’t make sense.

Also, what does Morbius have against Spider-Man? There was no prior interaction or build-up of the feud between Morbius and the young Avenger throughout the movie, not even a mention of it at the start or the middle of the film. It felt like a forced move on the part of the studio just to integrate Morbius into the Marvel universe and (for me) defeated the purpose of his origin story as a new Marvel character.

And it seems like I’m not the only one who feels this way. In an article from The Direct, writer David Thompson clearly explains how this was a failed attempt by the studio to continue the MCU’s Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Thompson writes, “Morbius offers no connection, no explanation, just a dead, insulting post-credits scene that retroactively makes No Way Home a worse film.”

According to a tweet by DR Movie News, the Spider-Man line has reportedly been deleted in some of the movie screenings.

As the tweet reads, “In the (stupid) mid-credits scene, Vulture flies up to Morbius, thanks him for meeting w/ him, & says ‘it has something to do with Spider-Man’. The Spider-Man line has inexplicably been removed from every single print at ALL of my local theaters.”

https://twitter.com/DRMovieNews1/status/1524130820340031491

Only time will tell if the production house continues with a Morbius sequel or if they choose to scrap the franchise altogether. Until then, I’d probably give this movie a 6/10 given that it’s watchable but not exciting enough to continuously watch on repeat.

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Unboxing my 2021 limited edition Funko POP! figure of Mose Schrute

Disclaimer: This is not a branded post. The item reviewed here was purchased using my own money and I do not receive any commission or payment on the links in this post.

Sometime last month, I finished watching the entire nine seasons of The Office (US version) and truth be told, I’m still not quite over the series. Because for the past few months, it’s kind of been my stress reliever. There, I could always count on Michael and Dwight to make me laugh, swoon over Jim and Pam’s blossoming romance, and enjoy the crazy antics that happen at the Dunder Mifflin Scranton branch.

In a way, the series became a safe place for me to unwind and relax and it helped me a lot in forgetting my anxieties. That’s why after finishing the show, I couldn’t help but check local collectible shops for The Office Funko POP! toys. Since then, I’ve bought the collectible figures of Jim Halpert, Kelly Kapoor, and Angela Martin.

Recently, I decided to splurge a little more on a limited edition figure of a quirky yet lovable side character in the series. In this blog, I’ll be unboxing and reviewing the 2021 Funko Exclusive Fall Convention vinyl figure of Mose Schrute.

Viewers of The Office will remember Mose (who was played by Michael Schur) as Dwight’s strange cousin who lived on his beet farm. Although the character had little screen time, a lot of people (including myself) enjoyed his over-the-top actions and couldn’t help but laugh out loud at his unusual mannerisms. In fact, there’s a whole compilation of clips on YouTube that’s all about Mose–proving just how much fans love him!

This Funko POP! figure highlighted a funny scene between Mose and Ryan in season 3, wherein Dwight, as part of Ryan’s initiation to becoming a salesman, asked Ryan to fight his cousin Mose in an attempt to “wrestle fear to the ground.”

I purchased the figure through the Big Boys Toy Store website for 1,100 PHP (excluding shipping fee). It arrived a few days later, well-packed in bubble wrap and the store’s box covering. After removing the plastic and box, I saw Mose through the clear POP! box protector.

I unpacked the figure from the box (which had a 2021 Fall Convention sticker) to reveal Mose Schrute. Now, I’m not going to lie and say that I didn’t fangirl while unboxing the figure. It looked exactly like the character did in the scene, complete with Mose’s bushy black beard, ‘Fear’ shirt, and gray pants and overalls.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the figure with a screengrab of the scene from YouTube

Unlike other Funko POP! figures in the series, Mose doesn’t have a clear base plate. The figure, however, didn’t need it since it could balance well on its own.

At first glance, everything seems to be in place–the figure’s a good size, it stands well, and twists easily from side to side.

But upon closer inspection, the figure had a few paint defects. Mose’s hands, in particular, didn’t look smooth and well-put together. And there were some minor paint mistakes in the front and back of the figure.

The collectible toy brand Funko has addressed issues like this on their website, stating that they “cannot control slight manufacturing variations and are not able to replace items based on these variations, including but not limited to minor paint flaws or figure positioning.”

Personally, I don’t mind these minor flaws since they’re not super noticeable in the figure. If they were bigger, then that would become an issue.

Overall, I am satisfied with this special edition figure and would probably give it a 9/10 based on character accuracy and design (removing one point over those paint flaws).

It’s on the pricey side for a Funko POP! (compared to other The Office figures) though, so only get it if you’re a really big fan of the character or just can’t get enough of The Office-related merchandise.

Until the next blog!

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I bought a few sustainable jewelry pieces online–and here’s what I think of them

I first learned about sustainable jewelry back in 2018, when I came across a news report that said Twilight actress Nikki Reed partnered with Dell to create a line of accessories made from recycled computer parts. Curious to understand how this could even be possible, I started to do further research on this topic. It was only then that I discovered the existence of sustainable jewelry. I then began to understand that it was more than just recycling discarded, old pieces of gold and silver–it was also about processing the source materials in an ethical and more environmentally-conscious manner.

With this in mind, I became intrigued with the concept of sustainable jewelry and was definitely on the lookout for stores that supplied this type of accessory.

How I probably looked like scrolling through my feed in search of sustainable jewelry pieces 😂 Via GIPHY

Then, just last year, I came across a Facebook advertisement for Penny Pairs. There, I discovered that the brand not only offered a variety of cute, stackable earrings but they also had a line of sustainable jewelry. And when they released their “Buy One, Get One at 30% Off” Mother’s Day promo earlier this month, I decided to purchase a few of their sustainable jewelry items for myself.

Here’s what I thought about their sustainable jewelry pieces:

On Packaging

When the package arrived at my residence, I was pleasantly surprised to see the words written on the “plastic”. It read, “this [is a] 100% biodegradable cornstarch bag.” And my excitement only continued to grow when I opened the bag and found that my order was wrapped with honeycomb bamboo paper–an eco-friendly alternative to the typical bubble wrap packaging.

So, right off the bat, the brand was already taking the initiative to reduce plastic waste by using a compostable bag and a biodegradable protective covering (major plus points IMO).

After unwrapping the bamboo wrapper, I then found a plain white, canvas zipper pouch. The contents of this pouch included the two jewelry pieces I ordered–each stored in an individual pull-out box and pink pouch–and two information cards that discussed details about the items and how it impacted the environment.

I particularly appreciated the brown card as it had Spinach seeds ingrained inside; thereby allowing you to plant the card once you’re done reading through it.

Moreover, the pull-out boxes seem to be very strong and sturdy–assuring the products’ protection while in transit–and the small pink pouches make for easy storage (especially when you want to pack these pieces up for travelling).

On the sustainable jewelry items

Now, the items I have ordered are the following: one (1) Flora Gold Necklace and one (1) Mini Baguette Ring (Gold). So, with this, I’ll be starting off with the necklace…

The Flora Gold Necklace was stored in the bigger box and featured a 1 centimeter (cm) cubic zirconia flower pendant. The necklace chain is 39 cm-long but can be extended to 44 cm depending on your desired length.

Upon closer inspection, the item seems to be very sturdy, with the cubic zirconia stones firmly placed inside the pendant and the necklace chain strong. The item is also very shiny and would honestly make you wonder if it is really made out of 100% recycled silver! (It is though, according to the website’s product description).

And what I like best about it is its extendable chain that allows you to layer it with other gold-colored necklaces to achieve a more chic look.

The gold-colored Mini Baguette Ring was also a stunning piece of jewelry. It featured a slim 10k gold-coated silver band and a small, rectangular cubic zirconia stone. It even has an “open back” to allow you to adjust the size if you need to.

Also, since the stone isn’t too big and imposing, you can even choose to wear it together with your other rings. It really is the perfect piece for everyday wear!

Overall, I am very happy with the sustainable jewelry pieces I have ordered. Both items are very dainty and work well with my other pieces of jewelry. And just by looking at them both, I would have never even have thought that they were made out of recycled materials–further proving the excellent quality of these items.

On pricing

Penny Pairs prides themselves in providing “affordable, well-made jewelry,” as stated in their website. Although their items are well-made (based on what I’ve seen in my recent purchases), I would have to disagree with the idea that it’s affordable.

Of course, the concept of affordability differs from person to person. But personally, I would consider the brand a bit higher-priced than other “everyday wear” jewelry shops.

Because an affordable piece of jewelry, for me, would be one that ranges from 100 to 500 Philippine Pesos (PHP), but the items I purchased here each went over 800 PHP–to be exact, the necklace costed 2,399 PHP and the ring amounted to 839.30 PHP (original price was 1,199 PHP but I got it at a lower price because of the discount).

So, even though I don’t doubt the quality of the items they make, I do warn you that it’s also not as cheap as you think it is.

My overall assessment

Through it all, I absolutely do not regret the sustainable jewelry pieces I bought from the shop. I would also definitely consider buying more from them in the future… but only when my budget would allow it.

If you want to know more about the brand’s sustainable jewelry initiative, you can check out the Penny Pairs website. And to better understand the concept of sustainable jewelry (in detail), I suggest visiting Sustainable Jungle.

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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!

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