On Adventures We'll Go

Writers from various backgrounds came together in the book launch of In Our Words, an anthology of works by the writers in the Young Writers Hangout by Where the Write Things Are.

Where the Write Things Are is an organization that aims to promote creative writing. With workshops for kids, teens, and adults, it culminates its workshops for teens and kids with the release of In Our Words, a compilation of notable works written throughout the year.

This year, the book launch was held at Fully Booked BGC, where writers small and tall gathered to read aloud and celebrate the works of their young peers.

Being asked to submit my short tribute to Roald Dahl, following my participation in the Roald Dahl-themed workshop, was an amazing experience. I was able to narrate my love of Roald Dahl’s books, and how they shaped my imagination and creativity.

Seeing my words printed alongside other young creatives’ was a spectacular treat to cap off the year. Reading my piece aloud to the book launch’s crowd gave me a sense of belonging—an indefinable feeling that I wasn’t alone in my words.

During the book launch, other writers got to read their pieces to the audience as well. Stories about epic battles and poems about self-discovery reverberated in the room as the authors gave voices to their words.

Throughout the event, I had the opportunity to reflect on the impact of literature on the young, and how it shapes them to be the people that they will grow up to be. As a teen who grew up reading Geronimo Stilton, I can say that I’ve come a long way from cheesy adventures, but still appreciate what those books taught me.

Growing up, I never fully realized how much books and stories meant to me until I started practicing what they had taught me. Through Geronimo Stilton, I learned about being courageous, and alongside Neville Longbottom, I stood up for what is right.

Just like kid and teen authors from In Our Words, I will continue to advocate for my love of the written word through promoting literacy in any way that I can. So I encourage you to pick up a book, or a pen, and go on adventures as vivid and spectacular as those of the young writers of In Our Words.

This review was originally posted on mb.com.ph. 

Love and Light

An ecstatic crowd gathered around the stage that greeted Addison Timlin, Harrison Gilbertson, and Lauren Kate—the stars of the first ever Fallen movie premiere. Lauren Kate, author of the New York Times bestselling Fallen series, describes her Philippine reception as something that she wants to “bottle up.”

Jeremy Irvine as Daniel Grigori and Addison Timlin as Lucinda ‘Luce’ Price (Manila Bulletin)

Fallen tells the story of Lucinda “Luce” Price, a girl who sees shadows that bring death and destruction along with them. When accused for a crime of the shadows, Luce (portrayed by Addison Timlin of the film Stand Up Guys) is sent to Sword and Cross reform school for her senior year. In the eerie and gothic campus of Sword and Cross, she meets the troublesome Cam Briel (Harrison Gilbertson of Need for Speed) and the mysterious Daniel Grigori (Jeremy Irvine of War Horse). She is inexplicably drawn to Daniel and how she can’t shake off the feeling that they had met before. Despite rude encounters and awkward conversations, Luce is determined to find out more about Daniel and how he ties into her past.

Filled with romance, heartbreak, and friendships, Fallen is a film that gives a fresh perspective on falling in love with someone that you can’t have. The poignant storytelling and beautiful scenery (the movie was filmed in stunning Budapest, the capital and largest city of Hungary) compliment the plot perfectly.

Cameron “Cam” Briel played by Harrison Gilbertson with Luce Price in the Sword and Cross campus (Manila Bulletin)

But besides matters of the heart, the friendships in the movie are just as meaningful. When Luce befriends Penn (Lola Kirke of Gone Girl), they hit it off and lean on each other during tough times. Penn helps Luce process the tragic event that led her to Stone and Cross, while supporting Luce throughout her journey to understand her odd visions and her past. Their friendship shines light and humor on the film through Penn and Luce’s banter and witty remarks.

The writer with Lauren Kate, author of the book Fallen (Manila Bulletin)

As an audience member who has never read the book, the Fallen film makes me want to pick it up right away. The hardcore fans that watched the premiere squealed in delight in particular scenes, making me want to read the novel to find out if it was a faithful adaptation.

The movie’s plot twists and turns make for for an exciting, mystical, and interesting ride for moviegoers. Religion and beliefs tie in to the movie as well, as one of the characters chooses love above all else.

Fallen teaches you to stand by your beliefs and dreams—no matter how crazy they may seem. All her life Luce has been called “crazy,” only to find out that the shadows and visions that she sees are completely real. Who knows, maybe with the right friend who supports and brings out the light in you, you’ll find the Penn to your Luce, too. Although I don’t have visions and shadows like Luce, she’s taught me that no matter how outlandish and bizarre your dreams or beliefs are, staying true to yourself is the most important thing that you can do.

Watch Fallen in Ayala Cinemas near you.

Repost: Manila Bulletin (http://lifestyle.mb.com.ph/2016/11/11/love-and-light/)

Happiness Comes From Within

Small bodies and long, flowing hair characterize the multi-generational doll known as Trolls. From the creators of Shrek, the Troll toys were given life and were reimagined as characters in a new movie with all-star voices and stellar art.

Enter the world of overly optimistic Trolls, whose sunny personalities and incessant singing and dancing bring joy to anyone who eats them. The Bergens, miserable creatures who consume Trolls for happiness, keep the Trolls in a caged habitat that they soon escape. For years the Trolls lived in happy and carefree existence, until a Bergen found their new habitat and kidnapped many of their kind. The film narrates the journey of two Trolls, iridescent Poppy (voiced by Anna Kendrick) and pessimistic Branch (Justin Timberlake), who together go on a wild adventure to save their friends from being eaten by the Bergens.

At first glance, it’s easy to dismiss Trolls as a purely kiddie movie. But it’s so much more than what meets the eye. The protagonists of the film, Poppy and Branch, symbolize optimists and pessimists, respectively. As they journey to find the kidnapped Trolls and work together to achieve a common goal, the audience learns about teamwork and what it means to make sacrifices for the good of all.

The premise of the film’s conflict is how Trolls are eaten in order to give happiness to the perennially miserable and grumpy Bergens. Throughout the plot, the characters of the film display in a subtle—yet thoughtful—way how joy comes from inside and not out. Food doesn’t equate to happiness, and materialistic things are not true sources of joy. The Trolls taught me that joy comes from friends, family, and the meaningful relationships that you share with others.

Throughout the film, the audience gets a sensory experience (especially when watched in 3D). The top-notch felt and scrapbook animation style of Trolls is a cross between cute and creative, as each component of the film looks equally interesting and well thought of. The musical performances are frequent in the film, as they narrate pivotal scenes through covers and original compositions. Parents should recognize the classic tunes of Lionel Richie and Cyndi Lauper.

Overall, Trolls is a great movie for all ages, as its plot foreshadows important morals and its music can bring a smile to anyone’s face. Sing along to a song or two, look on the bright side, and enjoy a whirlwind adventure with Trolls in cinemas near you.

Trolls opens on Nov. 2 in cinemas (also in 3D) from 20th Century Fox and to be distributed by Warner Brothers.

Repost from: Manila Bulletin (mb.com.ph) http://lifestyle.mb.com.ph/2016/10/28/happiness-comes-from-within/

I Made a Bookstagram!

A couple of weeks ago, I created my very own bookstagram (aka books + Instagram). In this social media account, I've been perusing photos of beautiful books and have gotten quite inspired to up my book photography game!

 Check out my profile here: https://www.instagram.com/abookishgirl14/

What really inspired me to do this were two extremely talented bookstragrammers, @blueeyedbibilio and @bookishnessandcoffee. Their posts made me think, "Sure, we shouldn't judge books by their covers, but I would love to have beautiful books on my shelves!" 

I hope that you all are as inspired by their photos as I am, and will pick up a book very soon. Spreading literacy through photography has never been this pretty! Hope you're having a great day and if you want to check out more updates, please do follow me on Bloglovin' and Instagram! 

Bloglovin': https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/crinkled-spines-unfolded-pages-12632333

Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/abookishgirl14/

The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spalding

Blurb: 

Things I know about Reece Malcolm:

1. She graduated from New York University.
2. She lives in or near Los Angeles.
3. Since her first novel was released, she’s been on the New York Times bestseller list every week.
4. She likes strong coffee and bourbon.
5. She’s my mother.

Devan knows very little about Reece Malcolm, until the day her father dies and she’s shipped off to live with the mother she’s never met. All she has is a list of notebook entries that doesn’t add up to much.

L.A. offers a whole new world to Devan—a performing arts school allows her to pursue her passion for show choir and musicals, a new circle of friends helps to draw her out of her shell, and an intriguing boy opens up possibilities for her first love.

But then the Reece Malcolm list gets a surprising new entry. Now that Devan is so close to having it all, can she handle the possibility of losing everything?

The Reece Malcolm List is a coming-of-age novel that appeals to YA contemporary fans of various backgrounds. As the author, Amy Spalding, writes about growing up and adjusting to new environments, she also dabbles into what it's like to find yourself amidst the halls of high school.

What made this book stand out from other YA books are the friendships formed throughout its plot. The main character, Devan, used to be what some would call a "loner" in her old school. Upon moving, she gains a bunch of friends. Why? It's because of their shared interests and experiences. If there's anything that I learned from the friendships in this novels, it's that real and sincere relationships (both platonic and romantic) stem from a shared understand and passion about anything. For Devan, her new friends formed from their shared love of theatre, performing, and music. 

The second aspect of this novel that I enjoyed the most was the dynamic of Devan and her mother. Amy Spalding crafted a mother-daughter relationship that was not sugarcoated. She encapsulated teenage angst, doubt, and frustration within Devan, while portraying her mother as a figure who took a very little part in the preceding years of Devan's life. And when Devan reunited with her mom, it wasn't melodramatic. In fact, I find a scarce number of their conversations together melodramatic because they felt so real. 

If you're looking for a YA novel that has a realistic mother-daughter portrayal with a hint of comedy and a whole lot of theatre kids, then pick up The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spalding. 

“It's hard to do that, to completely let go of who you are, even for only a few minutes. I'm not even completely sure of who I am sometimes and I still find myself hanging on to me when I act.” 
― Amy Spalding, The Reece Malcolm List

*photo is from Goodreads

Bodacious Book Covers

"Don't judge a book by its cover." Now, how many times has this been quoted to you? Or, how many times have you heard it? Well, although that may be true, the covers can be what may lead you to or to not buy a book, regardless of how good it is. To help you out, I've created a list of novels that have covers that are equal to their inner amazingness. Let's begin!

1) The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

For those of you who haven't heard of this series, you better hop on the band wagon! This series is one roller coaster of a ride! 

In my humble opinion, words cannot truly encapsulate how much I love this series. From the characters to the setting and the dialogue, Marissa Meyer has crafted a world that will forever burn into my memory. 

2) To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

No matter how many contemporary YA books I read, TATBILB always has a special place in my heart (and shelf). 

Told from the point of view of a girl who writes love letters to boys, this book may seem a tad bit too girly for some. But reading through it made me realize that it was so much more than a love story. It's about family, friendship, and growing up. 

3) Very Good Lives by J. K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling wrote this. Need I say more? 

4) The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

TFIOS (you've probably heard of it so I won't put a description on that) 

5) P. S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say that it's the sequel to TATBILB. 

6) Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Set about 20 years ago, Eleanor and Park is a story of two teens and how they go through how they are treated in high school. Filled with music, comics, and witty dialogue, this book is one that any YA lover shouldn't miss.

That's all for today! DFTBA! 

TechClash 2016: Into the World of Technopreneurship

Last month, I participated in TechClash 2016, a competition that encourages the youth to come up with the next successful startup in the tech world. Having attended both the orientation (where representatives from companies such as Uber and Thinking Machines spoke) and the competition day, I can say that TechClash was definitely a fun-filled, 2-day event.

Having never joined a tech competition before, I was amazed at how diverse and supportive its community is. From college students to startup CEOs, TechClash’s volunteers and speakers gave us high school participants an array of resources and knowledge on how to enter, work, and succeed in the tech industry and make our product pitches stand out.

the two teams of the Multiple Intelligence International School (MIIS)

After long days of planning and research, my team and I made it to presentation day and successfully delivered our pitch. Upon making it to the top three groups, we presented again and nabbed first place for our product, EduGo, an online app that empowers both students and mentors.

The entire team was ecstatic that we won and our school and families showed their support. And now, a month later, I tell myself that my passion for tech and entrepreneurship won’t stop from there.

Currently, I am learning how to code so that one day I will be able to make my ideas a reality. With the help and inspiration from organizations such as YouthHack, Girls Who Code, and Code.org, I am working towards speaking (or more like typing) the language of creators, dreamers, and coders all around the world.

Team EduGo

Thank you to The Garage PH for all of the great photos! 

This was originally posted in: http://youthhack.net/blog/2016/03/20/techclash-2016-world-technopreneurship/