Smart Girls Rule the World

High school sophomores Gigi Dubois, Bea Honeycomb, and Neerja Padwami are straight-A-overachievers who aim to enter an Ivy League school upon graduation. They aren’t that concerned about their popularity status, or the parties that they’re missing. After all, they have each other. But when an unexpected twist (which you’ll have to find out for yourself) occurs, the trio faces a reformation like no other.

Upon making a pact to tackle their biggest challenge, Gigi runs for student rep, Bea joins the ski team, and Neerja steps out of the sidelines and into the spotlight in the drama department.

With high-flying ambitions and a bunch of homework to do, will this triumvirate be able to achieve their goals, score high GPAs, and rock their sophomore year in high school? Read the book to find out.

I picked up Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer thinking, “Overachievers, best friends, and girl power—what’s not to love?” But oh, it was so much more. The book deals with your typical high school hierarchy, but from the point of view of fabulous and goal-oriented Gigi, who dreams of getting into Brown. Not only was I in love with her extremely relatable and comedic character, but I also enjoyed the personalities of her best friends. Bea, the brimming future-lawyer, had hilarious amounts of sass. No conversation was boring with her in it while Neerja, whose “golden” sister is now studying in Princeton, impressed me with how she strived to leave her sister’s shadow and sterling reputation and make a name for herself. The three main characters were a powerhouse like no other, each with equally interesting and witty dialogues, problems, and great attitude.

image: http://www.mb.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Sarah-Strohmeyer-238x300.jpg

The author
Sarah Strohmeyer

What struck me most about Smart Girls Get What They Want was how relatable the book was. The scenarios were very realistic—Gigi’s late-night homework sessions and Bea’s debates on feminism reminded me of how my high school experience has been so far. The author, Sarah, gave readers a peek inside the brain of overachievers. She perfectly depicted Gigi and her friends’ needs to be more than just pretty faces, and to excel not just academically but also in extra-curriculars. Throughout the book, the rollercoaster that were the lives of Gigi, Bea, and Neerja would not fail to put a smile on anyone’s face.

So if you are looking for a fun, lively, and inspiring read, Smart Girls Get What They Want is just for you. Who knows, maybe you’ll even want to hit the books, too.  Available at National Book Store.

Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/smart-girls-rule-the-world/#DIgPSpJ16tqcQC6h.99

What I Learned At Harvard Model Congress Asia

CX Harvard Model Congress Asia—those four seemingly intimidating words stared back at me as I stepped into the campus of Seoul National University. Little did I know that when I leave the campus, several days after, my brain would be filled to the brim with amazing experiences and lessons that would last a lifetime.

At the HMCA newsroom, I met tons of people who have different interests, culture, and personalities. Despite those differences, we were one with our passion for writing and covering the news. As member of the media committee, my fellow delegates and I worked ‘round the clock to publish updates on meetings, delegates, and debates. This did not only challenge our ability to produce quality articles in such a short time but also tested our interview skills. It also taught us how to have grace under pressure and be cool-headed even in the face of deadlines. Being in the media committee gave me the opportunity to go out in the field and look into the works of other committees, watch debates, and share the news with everyone in the conference immediately.

The 21st century has redefined what it means to write good and informative news articles. When the Gutenberg press was invented in 1440, more people, not just the upperclass, started to have access to the Bible. In 1844, newsprint was born and it opened the gates to the field of media, giving people greater and easier access to information and news. For over a century, people have been taking journalism for granted. Few are able to understand and appreciate the hard work, research, and analysis that journalism entails. It is more than sharing your thoughts but sharing it in such a way that others can benefit and be better people.

In the modern world, practically anyone can write a blog and share their thoughts on social media but not everyone can call themselves “journalists.” Famous writer Ray Bradbury once said: “Journalism keeps you planted in the earth.” Reporting current events and worldwide problems may be one thing, but understanding the issues in our society and striving to find solutions for them is another thing. And I challenge people to do more than just flipping the pages of newspapers or clicking on sites. Use our accessibility to media and information today to contribute to society.

At HMCA, I have learned a lot on how to be a future-ready leader. On-the-spot writing and doing introductions are two things that I was able to practice at the conference. Being surrounded by delegates who are passionate about society and solving its problems really inspired me to seek and continue to make a change in any way that I can. After all, the aspiring young leaders of today may be the future leaders of tomorrow and its future.

Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/what-i-learned-at-the-harvard-model-congress-asia/#UZfr2xw1EcucKRqU.99

An Afternoon with YA Royalty (Kiera Cass interview)

Last week, we had the rare opportunity to meet Kiera Cass, the author of The Selection series, those books with a girl on the cover wearing a different colored gown in every book. The New York Times bestselling author is back in the Philippines to promote her new book The Heir, which tells the story, this time, of America and Maxon’s (the hero and heroine in The Selection series) daughter Eadlyn. Thankfully, after the initial shock (we were both starstruck!), we recovered quickly and managed to get her to reveal her writing style, her favorite characters in The Heir, and yeah, her favorite Directioner.

WELCOME BACK! WHAT HAVE YOU MISSED MOST IN THE PHILIPPINES?

I remembered last time that everybody was super sweet and really kind, so it’s nice to see that it’s exactly the same. They took me last time to Cebu and I tried lechon with the rice and bamboo. It was so good.

HEARD THAT THE SELECTION  IS GOING TO BE MADE INTO A FILM. HOW TRUE IS THAT AND ARE YOU GOING TO DO A CAMEO? INCIDENTALLY, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?

Yes. It’s true but it is still in the planning stage. No concrete details yet. Yes. I want to do a cameo. I’m kind of hoping that I’d get to dress up as a maid and be in the background.

As for my favorite movies, I think That Thing That You Do is precious. (It’s) kind of about a boy band, which makes sense considering how much I love them. I also love the new and the old version of Pride and Prejudice. The one with Kiera Knightley is really lovely, visually. I really like Disney movies. We watch a lot of Frozen, Cars, and Tangled in our house. I really love The Wedding Singer. Callaway, my husband, used the song “I Wanna Grow Old With You” which Adam Sandler sang in the film, to propose to me. That one’s got a special place in my heart.

SPEAKING OF BOY BANDS, DO YOU LIKE ONE DIRECTION?

Yes! I am a Harry (Styles) girl. I am a hard core Harry girl.

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUIRKS, OR A ROUTINE, WHEN YOU WRITE A BOOK?

There’s always a lot of music playing. This is the first year I’ve had to go back and forth between two narrators.  I was working with Eadlyn for The Heir in book 5 and Kahlen for The Siren. I also have lotions for each of them. Depending on the day, there’s a different smell depending on who I am writing about. I also draw blueprints, design clothes, and whatever else it takes to sort of make things fun.

NOW THAT YOU MENTIONED MUSIC, WHAT SONG COMES TO MIND WITH THE SELECTION SERIES?

“Fairytales” by Sara Bareilles is probably the song for The Selection series. In a way, it kind of also works for Eadlyn.

WHEN IT COMES TO THE PLOT, DO YOU BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND OR DOES IT USUALLY PROGRESS AS YOU GO?

I’m usually asking my characters: “So what happens next?” I have to wait to be told.  Every once in a while, I can kind of write with a piece of the end in mind because sometimes they would share that with me, but a lot of times no. It’s almost inconvenient sometimes because I don’t find out about certain things until the very last second and I’m like, “Oh, maybe I could have added that in the previous book if I had known this was coming.” Like I could have foreshadowed or talked about this person, and I don’t necessarily get the opportunity to do that. Sometimes I have little peeps of things, but not always.

WHILE WRITING THE BOOK, DID YOU REALLY SEE AMERICA ENDING UP WITH PRINCE MAXON?

 In the beginning, I got America wrong. I thought I knew exactly who she was and what she was all about. And so I wrote the book to kind of put words in her mouth and make choices for her. But by the time I got to the end of the first book, I got to know her. I realized I had written it wrong and I had to go back and redo it and when I did that, I realized that the end would change. The ending that you know now is not the original ending.

SO WHAT WAS THE ORIGINAL ENDING?

Originally, Clarkson was supposed to die. Maxon would die, too. Amberly would live and she would adopt America because she always wanted a daughter. America would eventually choose Aspen and they would become king and queen, which I was fine with because I think Aspen would be a great leader, I thought he would’ve done a great job but I realized that Maxon was the harder choice for America. In order for Maxon to even have a chance, he had to be alive. I know it’s a lot to take in, but it happens the way it happens, on paper.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON WE CAN LEARN FROM THE SELECTION SERIES?

I don’t go trying to make a lesson happen, but there are little things that pop up. One is being yourself and accepting and respecting others’ individuality. Someone says that bravery hides in amazing places and that’s true. I think sometimes, we get stuck on thinking, we have to be a certain thing or that we can only be a certain thing, and then we step out of that and get to know the people around us and we stop judging. We stop seeing life like what we’re supposed to see it and it changes us. So I think just be more open minded and kind to other people

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SCENE TO WRITE IN THE HEIR?

It might’ve been the group date with the cooking scene. A character in the book got into a fight over a vegetable. That’s still funny to me. It’s the funniest part for me and my favorite line is “It was asparagus. He literally punched someone over a vegetable.”

WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER TO WRITE, AMERICA OR EADLYN?

I love my girls, so it’s hard to pick. I guess maybe, America has an edge because she’s been with me longer, far longer than my actual children have been with me. So I love her. But I do love Eadlyn even though she is so headstrong and difficult at times.

WHO INSPIRED THE CHARACTER OF EADLYN?

No one. She just kind of came out of the blue. I remember sitting down to sort of write about this girl and she has this first couple of paragraphs where she’s talking about “I don’t like having all this responsibility necessarily” but whatever. Like she just came out really sassy and very, you know, opinionated, very strong. And that’s exactly who she was right out of the gate. Almost 100 percent of the time, characters are just based on themselves. Sometimes you pick up little ticks of things from other people but they are who they are and I’ve got to roll with it.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FUTURE WRITERS OUT THERE?

I think that you should read everything you can get your hands on. It helps you sort of understand and develop your own voice. Grow a thick skin because people will be mean when you start sharing your work. And daydream. I think that it’s imperative to find time to let your mind wander.

WHAT BOOKS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO THOSE WHO LOVE THE SELECTION SERIES?

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Adieh is very nice. There’s a royal element to it, but it’s much more diverse. I think people have been asking for this, so it’s pretty great. There’s a book coming out soon from Amy Tintera called Ruined. It’s another sort of royal book with a lot of action and drama. It’s up and coming, so I’m going to recommend that now so you can watch out for it.

Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/an-afternoon-with-ya-royalty/#DqEbJG1SXYu7fJC5.99

Make A Difference

Hi there! Lately, I have been pretty busy with school, exams, and an international competition that I participated in (more on that in an upcoming blog post). In celebration of the closing of my home country's month (Buwan ng Wika) here is a poem that I wrote about contributing to society, and overall, making a difference. 

Time will come

when questions will rise

about life,

and how it may tip the scales

in favor

of another.

But one must have tenacity

against the blunders

to be able to catch on

about how equilibrium

will work in its own time.

Although, that shouldn’t

stop us from

chasing our dreams,

achieving our goals,

and making a difference.

I pledge to this generation,

to place my best effort,

into helping make the world

a better place.

We are the children,

the leaders,

the hope of tomorrow.

And with that power

as well as responsibility,

we can lead

the future.

Book Review: To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Lara Jean Song writes love letters to boys. They are letters that she will never send. She pours her heart into them by writing all the thoughts and feelings (for the guys) that she would never reveal or say to anyone. Her system goes like this: fall for the guy, write the letter, and slowly get over him. But one day, all of the letters get sent, including the one to her sister’s ex-boyfriend, Josh. In a desperate attempt to convince Josh that she doesn’t like him anymore, Lara Jean creates a “fake” relationship with one of her past crushes, and letter receiver, Peter Kavinsky. From there on, Lara Jean’s (love) life turns upside down.

            In my opinion, this is one of the best young adult contemporary novels in the business. This is because of many, many reasons. The characters are realistically flawed. They’re not perfect, far from it actually. But when you read their dialogue or immerse yourself in their persona, one can’t help but think that s/he can relate to each and every single character in this novel.

            Jenny Han, the author of “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” has set her story in contemporary America, while still adding on to her main character’s Korean roots. Although Lara Jean Song lives in the USA, she very well incorporates her Asian culture into the food that she eats and clothes that she wears. But aside from the iridescent setting and resilient characters, the most outstanding things about “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” are the morals that you grasp throughout the book. Similar to the other people in the novel, Lara Jean is flawed. But what makes her such an amazing character is that she embraces her imperfections and insecurities while striving to set a good example for her little sister, Kitty. When faced with rigid times and perplexing decisions, Lara Jean always thinks of her family, and does whatever it takes to support them. Her ability to empathize with her siblings and do what is right are two traits that we should all strive possess. After all, boys and crushes may come and go, but family is forever.

FUN FACT: The second book in this duology, entitled P.S. I Still Love You, comes out this May 26^th! 

Points that I Liked:

-diverse characters

-unpredictable plot

-page-turning dialogue

-witty humor

Rating:

5/5 hearts

Movie Review: The Fault In Our Stars

Hazel and Gus are two cancer bitten teens who share a love for certain books, a contempt  for the conventional, and a kind of a love that sweeps both them—and us—on a roller coaster of a journey. Their relationship was extraordinary given that it started at a cancer support group. The Fault In Our Stars, based on the number one award winning novel by John Green, explores the ups and downs of being young and in love. 

Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) was diagnosed with lung cancer when she was thirteen years old. She’s sixteen now, and still on medical treatment. She also attends a cancer support group wherein she meets the funny, witty, and (at times) metaphorical, Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort). He’s been in remission for about a year and a half and purchases cigarets but doesn’t light them. 

“It's a metaphor, see: You put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don't give it the power to do its killing.” 

He and Hazel share a love for a certain book that ends in (somewhat) a cliffhanger. When Augustus contacts the author’s assistant in hope of getting a reply to get some closure on the story, what happens when they do get a reply? Find out on this whirlwind of a story.  

The Fault in Our Stars is one of my favourite young adult books of all time. Like any great book, the Fault in Our Stars has not only been limited and recommended to the young adult audience. Many adults have read and enjoyed this book as well. So, of course, I had very high expectations for this book-to-movie adaptation. I was definitely not disappointed. At all. I love this movie as I loved the book. I cried and laughed throughout this movie. I learned many lessons from it, and can say that this book (and movie) changed my perspective on life, to appreciate the world we live in and to see the beauty of it. Even the little things from the hellos from people you greet, to the goodbyes to things that you just can’t change.

I’d recommend watching this movie with your mom, or any feminine figure in your life. Hazel and her relationship with her mom was just so heartbreakingly realistic that I couldn’t help but hold on to my mom’s hand while watching the movie. 

Inspired by Esther Earl, a young girl who died from thyroid cancer in 2010, her story provided John Green the direction that he needed to tell the story. You can read more about Esther and her story in her recently published book entitled “This Star Won't Go Out: The Life and Words of Esther Grace Earl.” 

Shailene Woodley, who plays Hazel, is also the young star of Divergent and the Descendants. She says that the Fault In Our Stars will forever leave “a lasting impression on her.” She quotes, “It was truly one of the biggest honors of my life to be a part of this project.  Both the film and novel explore the most powerful and universal themes.  The story taught me that all is fleeting, that nothing is guaranteed, and that however long or short a life you live, it is the small moments that mean the most. 

“I wanted the role so badly I sent John Green a long, long email about how much I loved the book, and how I had to play Hazel,” Woodley continues.“So I sat down with the studio executives and producers and said, ‘I’ll be a P.A. or an extra, just please, please let me be a part of it!’”

Ansel Elgort, who stars as Gus, got to work with Shailene in the movie Divergent as her brother. Shailene notes that this previous onscreen pairing was “a blessingfor our work together in the Fault in Our Stars because we already knew each other and had this on-screen chemistry, so it was easy to connect as Hazel and Gus. Ansel’s like my brother; he’s so curious about the world and everything excites him.”

Things I liked:

-the transition of the book to script

-the amazingly accurate and talented casting

-the beautiful musical screenplay

-the loyalty of the movie to the book

I’d give this movie:

5/5 stars ;)

A Cupcake Adventure

Today, my family (including some relatives) and I went to the Vanilla Cupcake Bakery. In this cute and eye catching cafe, we tried cupcakes and hung out on this Easter Sunday.

These are the cupcakes that we tried! :) The delights above are chocolate, cotton candy, and strawberry with lemon flavored.

The ambiance of this place was wonderful! With comfy seats and pretty wall art, you won't get bored.  

Happy Easter! :)