Tag Archives: Review

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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‘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.

Via GIPHY

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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I finished watching Stranger Things season 4 volume 1–and I have thoughts about it

Warning: This blog contains spoilers from volume one of the fourth season of Stranger Things

Fans have long awaited the return of the Netflix show Stranger Things since season three ended back in 2019. However, because of the pandemic and other reasons surrounding production, the release date for the fourth season was moved to May of this year. 

Luckily, May has since passed and we’re already in the first few weeks of June, so viewers (like myself) can happily binge-watch volume one of the fourth season. And let me tell you, it’s one hell of a ride!

Seriously, you might not be ready for it! Via GIPHY

This fourth season introduces viewers to the stronger, more powerful supernatural being called Vecna. This creature can inhabit the minds of people with trauma and cause them to hallucinate and eventually die. And with the deaths piling up in Hawkins, the gang must find a way to defeat Vecna and stop him from ever reopening new portals in their small town. 

With the characters divided into different groups including Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) who is still figuring out a way to restore her powers, only time will tell if they can succeed and save their home town from yet another attack from the Upside Down.


Overall, it was a solid half of a season… but I did have some thoughts about it while watching. Here’s what came to mind while streaming the series: 

It had a slow start but picked up by episode three 

The first two episodes, in my opinion, were a bit slow. Although I understand the showrunners needed to establish what the characters have been doing––especially since some of them did already leave Hawkins––there were scenes where it felt slow and could’ve picked up the pace a bit. 

However, when episode three came, the flow of the story felt gradual and the build-up to episode four was great. 

I appreciated the parallels with ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’

Vecna’s method of killing is very similar to that of Freddy Krueger on Nightmare on Elm Street, wherein Krueger would trap his victims in their dreams and then kill them there. Vecna acts similarly by invading his victims’ mind and then slowly killing them in their possessed state. 

Additionally, I liked the idea that the producers cast Robert Englund, the actor who plays Krueger in the horror film franchise, as Victor Creel in the Netflix show. It’s a good nod to fans of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies and an interesting easter egg for Stranger Things viewers. 

Max was the star of this season 

This season’s plot gave Sadie Sink’s Max a story arc that allowed her to showcase her acting prowess. From portraying a sister traumatized by her brother Billy’s death to becoming a young lady that finds new hope in her friends, Sink’s ability to express emotions on screen is admirable and it’s what keeps you on the edge of your seat while watching the first half of this season. 

I’m not a fan of the whole Steve and Nancy rekindling their relationship 

Personally, I think the ship has sailed for a Nancy-Steve relationship. Fans, like myself, have seen Nancy (Natalia Dyer) choose Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) over Steve (Joe Keery) in the past seasons; so the fact that the showrunners are starting up this whole Nancy-Steve-Jonathan love triangle again is just repetitive and (sorry to say this) just plain boring. 

And I’m not the only one who thinks this. In an article written by Therese Lacson for the Collider, Lacson describes the idea of putting Nancy back in a relationship with either Jonathan or Steve as “unnecessary.” 

“She’s (Nancy) a strong enough character to stand on her own, something we clearly saw in the most recent season. The series should focus on cultivating her platonic relationships and framing her as the lead detective of the group,” she explains in the post. 

Moreover, I think the show creators and writers should just keep the Nancy-Jonathan pairing and give Steve a love interest that can complement his character’s growth and give him a happy ending in the series––and let’s be honest, Steve, of all the characters, deserves it! 

Steve better NOT die in volume two of the fourth season 

Speaking of Steve, the writers better not do us dirty and kill him off in the second half of the season. 

The reason I’m bringing this up is because we saw Steve get attacked by those bat-like creatures in the first half of the fourth season. This left him with a massive wound on his abdomen area, which Nancy bandaged to stop from further bleeding––a potential sign that he might not make it to the end of the show.

This theory is supported by this Pop Buzz article, which explains that it can be a likely scenario because Steve has been a little “too heroic” in this new season. And as fans of the show have come to find, characters who become a little too selfless end up dying––like Bob Newby (Sean Astin) and Billy Hargrove (Dacre Montgomery). 

The Duffer Brothers have also since chimed in on this rumor, saying that fans should be “concerned” about the characters in the second half of this fourth season. 

“It feels wrong to say ‘excited,’ but I’m excited that people are concerned. And they should be concerned going into the final two episodes [of Season 4] — for everybody,” Ross Duffer tells TV Line in an interview about Steve’s fate in the show. 

Like the multitudes of Stranger Things fans, I’m not sure I’ll forgive Netflix or the showrunners if they kill off Steve in the next half of this season.

How us, fans, will react if Steve dies in the second half of the season. Via GIPHY

We need more scenes with Amybeth McNulty 

As an Anne with an E fan (or kindred spirits, as we fans call ourselves), I know just how amazing and diverse an actress Amybeth McNulty is. So, when it was announced that she was cast in the fourth season of Stranger Things, I was excited for more people to see just how talented McNulty is. 

Unfortunately, McNulty only had one scene in the first half of the fourth season, wherein she was introduced as Robin’s (Maya Hawke) love interest. That’s why I’m definitely hoping she’ll have more screen time in the second half of the fourth season and perhaps, even more scenes in season five! 

The series has been exciting throughout its seven episode run, and I am hopeful that volume two will just be as explosive as this first half. Here’s to hoping Netflix won’t disappoint us this coming July 1, 2022!  

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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.” 

Photo Credit: MorbiusMovie via GIPHY

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.”

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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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). 

Wait, it’s how much? Via GIPHY

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. 

My thoughts exactly. Via GIPHY

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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‘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. 

Screengrab from Netflix.com

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). 

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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.

Via Giphy

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

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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! 

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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? 

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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!

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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!

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