Thursday, June 28, 2018

Sam Smith and Brandon Flynn from '13 Reasons Why' Have Broken Up!

In case you've been living under a rock, Sam Smith and Brandon Flynn (Justin in '13 Reasons Why') have been dating for the past nine months or so. Or had, at least. MY HEART IS BREAKING.

Apparently, the two broke up recently, and it looks like it's official. *insert a bunch of sad emojis here*


So apparently, Sam was recently seen partying somewhere in Boston last weekend with his friends while Brandon was at the Pride March in New York with his friends, and that's not such a big deal, really, since everybody deserves time away from each other to hang out with their friends.

BUT!!!

(Yes, very sadly, there's a BUT!!!)



It turns out that Sam and Brandon have already unfollowed each other on Instagram. So, okay, fine, let's admit it: we unfollow our S.O.s when we're pissed off sometimes, too.

BUT!!!
(Yes, very sadly, there's a second BUT!!!)



Sam Smith has also deleted all of his Instagram photos with Brandon Flynn in them... or at least Archived then. Still, I'd say that's proof enough that it's over. Huhuhu. I loved them so much together. Didn't you? :(

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Here's the Most Effective Way to Reduce Your Alcohol Intake

Oh, alcohol. How I love you when I need you, but how I hate you in the morning. Unfortunately, it can be quite hard to stop drinking, especially when you're not really thinking about the consequences like the amount of alcohol you've already consumed or the crazy hangover you'll end up having in the morning because of it.

If you're hoping to cut down on the booze intake, then you'll be happy to hear that Australian research has revealed the most effective way to do so - and it's actually not rocket science. All you have to do is keep count of your drinks.


Curtin University and researchers from the University of Newcastle and Cancer Council Victoria assessed different protective behavioral strategies that might be able to reduce alcohol intake.

Out of the 16 different strategies that they investigated, 11 off them didn't work at all, 4 actually increased people's alcohol consumption, and only 1 proved to lower levels of alcohol consumption over time: counting your drinks.


Believe it or not, I have tried this before - and I can attest that it actually works. If you know your limit, stop there, no matter what. Switch to water and good conversation. The best part is that you won't just reduce your alcohol intake; you'll also save a lot of money. ;p

In case you're wondering, the ones that increased alcohol consumption were asking a friend to let you know when you've had enough, adding more ice to your drink, having a designated driver, and leaving the drinking venue at a predetermined time.

The results were published in the Addictive Behaviors journal online.

Monday, June 25, 2018

Your Little Ones Get to Watch Movies at SM Cinema for Free!

Ahhh. I remember the days when Syrena was tiny and I would show her photos of characters in the movies I wanted to take her to before actually taking her to the cinemas. I did this for two reasons. 1) I wanted to make sure she wouldn't freak out like she did when she saw Randall in 'Monsters, Inc.' at home. And 2) I wanted to see if she liked the characters enough for me to say that my money would be worth it. After all, I would be paying the same amount for her as I was going to pay for myself and I was pretty kuripot at the time. :p

Why did I feel the need to bring her to the cinemas, you might ask? Well, I remember the very first time I went to the cinemas when I was a kid and I thought it was incredibly magical. I hoped she would feel the same way. And while 'Kung Fu Panda 2' wasn't very magical for any of us (she spent a lot of her time screaming and running up and down the center aisle), she has grown to love the magic of movies since then.

Now if only I could turn back time and turn my almost-dalaga back into an adorable shorter-than-4-ft-tall toddler again... See, you lucky mommas (and poppas) with lil kids are able to bring them to SM Cinema FOR FREE nowadays!!! (I know, where was that when I had a tot, right? :p)

Of course, it's a given that you'll still have to buy a ticket for yourself in order to get a free ticket for your kid... but isn't that awesome? No longer will you try and convince your kid to sit in their seat (coz you paid for it and sayang) when they want to sit on your lap during the movie. :p No longer do you have to think about the amount of money that you will shell out to watch a movie with your kid coz you'll just be paying for one ticket. No longer will you have to be annoyed when your kid complains all throughout the movie coz they were free anyway. Ah, what a time to be alive!


This free ticket promo only applies to kids 4 feet and below, though, so make sure you coach them on how to squat in front of the ticket counters before you pay. Hahaha. Just kidding! Enjoy the free movies for your kids until December 4, 2018!

Kids Watch for Free is also available on IMAX and Director's Club! (I am crying inside...) You may book your tickets through the website or download the SM Cinema mobile app for your convenience. You may also like SM Cinema on Facebook and follow them on Instagram (@SMCinema) for updates!

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Boku no Hero Academia Season 1 Introduces a New World of Superheroes to Fall in Love With

When I first heard about 'Boku no Hero Academia' (or 'My Hero Academia' in English), I never in a million years thought that I would fall in love with it the way I have.

For starters, the plot sounded like 'Sky High': a kid growing up in a world of superheroes learns that he doesn't have any. Yup. That sounded very much like 'Sky High', alright. Right after I watched the first episode on Netflix, though, I realized it was going to be different.

And when I found myself laughing out loud at a basketball court while a bunch of guys were playing basketball around me (that was during episode 2), I knew it was something I would end up binge-watching when I got home. And I did. And it was awesome. So awesome, in fact, that I ended up teaching myself Japanese through an app during the same week that I started watching it.



What makes it so awesome? Despite what it might sound like or look like at first glance, Boku no Hero Academia is not just another superhero release. With so many superhero movies coming out left and right, the superhero genre is a difficult one to get into, no doubt; but Boku no Hero does it with flair. Here, superheroes don't just pop out whenever something bad happens. Here, superheroes (and super villains) are the norm... and Deku, the protagonist, just happens to not be part of the norm. (Basically, in our world, he would probably be the guy who hasn't watched a single Marvel movie 
in his life.)

Still, the protagonist is likable, not just because he is relatable; but because he is the definition of a true hero. One of the morals of Boku no Hero Academia  is one that I have believed in all my life: that everyone can be a "hero". All it really comes down to is dedication, passion, and a whole lotta heart - and Deku just happens to be have all of that. He's this anime's Luke Skywalker (pre-The Last Jedi Luke Skywalker, anyway).

However, beyond the morals of the story, Boku no Hero rocks because it is just downright bad-ass. Here, you'll get to meet brand new superheroes outside of the traditional DC and Marvel worlds we have become so accustomed to nowadays. Here, we get to marvel at awesome superhero powers (which they call Quirks in the show) that are outside of the norm. While they may seem familiar in some way, you will never consider them as a rip-off.

This girl, for example, is quite similar to X-Men's Toad, but she can also eject her stomach and secrete toxic sticky liquid out of it. :p

And while this guy may seem like Ice Man or Pyro, but he actually combines both pyrokinesis and cryokinesis into one: double the awesome!

This guy has engines on his legs.

This girl makes things levitate.

And this guy can make... sticky balls... appear out of his head? Hahaha.

The interesting Quirks aside, though, it's the personalities that really shine through in Boku no Hero. It's hard not to find Mineta funny what with his insecurities, strange superhero powers, and manyak tendencies. And while Deku, if you think about it, is pretty much like a male Sailor Moon, he's likable because of his beliefs and pure heart.

By the time I reached Episode 11 ("Game Over"), I was already so invested in the characters, I couldn't bring myself to stop without finishing the entire season. The Eraser Head issue made me gasp more than once, while my heart couldn't stop beating after the No. 13 issue... and to think, I only "met" the No. 13 during that same episode.

My favorite superhero, however, is definitely Iida. I fell in love with him at first sight and I rooted for him so hard when he was given that task to do in Episode 11. Of course, it's hard for me not to like Bakugou, either, since I am so much like him, after all. :p

And All Might? My God, do I love All Might!!!



And the costumes? I found myself wishing I could at least resemble at least one of the characters so I can cosplay them this upcoming comic con.

The action scenes are a ton of fun to watch, too! I found myself gasping externally and screaming internally quite a lot out of excitement. I may have let out a few "Bam"s and "Yehboi"s while I was at it, too.

But Boku no Hero isn't just about action, either. It isn't afraid to tackle issues like bullying and how to rise above it or even family issues and, I guess, in a way, "health" issues. There's a moment where Deku goes in for a doctor's exam and it brought out all the feels, I swear!

Suffice to say, Boku no Hero Academia is an anime worth watching. The storyline is cool, the soundtrack is amazing, the action scenes and animation will blow you away, the character development is 100% on point, and the characters themselves all bring something amazing to the table.


Sunday, June 17, 2018

This was not in the cards for you.

Dear Syrena,

Another Father's Day has come and gone, and as I watched you playing with your toys in the living room earlier today; I thought about how we got here and about all of the decisions I've made in life that led us to this point - this point where, well, you don't have a father to celebrate this day with.

Before anything else, I need you to know that this was not in the cards for you, this not-having-a-father thing. No, Henry (the sperm donor) and I were very much in love once upon a time. Or at least I was once in love with him. We both dreamt of a beautiful future for you; but because of cheating and physical abuse (reasons you will understand when you're older), things didn't work out. And now we're here.



I used to feel horrible on Father's Day the first few years after I left Henry. I used to avoid this day at all costs and hate it when people pointed out that single moms should be celebrated on this day, too. Celebrated for what? For being a failure? But after you started going to school, I realized that I had absolutely nothing to worry about.

I still remember the day I walked into your classroom and saw the family tree you made... with Darth Vader's face pasted under the word "Father". I still giggle inside when someone asks you who your father is and you proudly tell them it's Vader, like you really believe it, like Henry doesn't even exist. But then there are times when we talk about when you were younger and you very clearly and obviously know who the hell Henry is. Did we build this Darth Vader defense mechanism together or are you simply aware that Vader is more of a father to you than your actual father ever will be?



If there's anything I learned through these past few father-less Father's Days is that you, my child, are so much more stronger than I am. I always worried that you'd feel a void in your heart and in your soul for not having a father, but all you've done is embrace all of the love that you do have and filled your heart and soul with it.

You never get angry like I did as a child. Sad, yes. Tampo, sure. But never angry. Your heart is full of love and kindness, the kind that I can only wish to have in my own heart and soul. And I have so many people to thank for this, all these people who have contributed to your beautiful growth: my parents and family, my best friends, and all of my exes... hahaha. All of which, like an expert, you never treated like a father. :p



I love you, little one, and I am so proud of you. This day shouldn't be for me or for Darth Vader or for anyone who helped raise you. It should be for you - you, who have proven that kids don't need a father to be strong and independent and downright awesome. I love you so much.

Love,
Mommy

Saturday, June 16, 2018

5 Classic Panic! at the Disco Songs I Still Can't Get Over After All These Years

 I've been a fan of Panic! at the Disco since I was in high school. That was a whiiiiiiile back... more than half my life ago. Wow.

Ahem. Anyway, I remember falling in love with their style. They sounded so different to me back then. I remember people telling me that they were just like Fall Out Boy; but I was never a fan of Fall Out Boy, so that couldn't be it.

It isn't until I delved more into their lyrics that I realized and felt like somehow, Panic! and I were meant to be. See, Panic! references a lot of other favorite things in my life, such as the play and movie 'Closer', and various Chuck Palahniuk's books.

And while I have come to love all of Panic!'s albums to date (though admittedly, it took me a while to get used to their sudden shift of sound in Pretty. Odd.), nothing really beats A Fever You Can't Sweat Out! Am I right or am I right?

So let's go down memory lane and enjoy some of their classic songs, shall we?


5 Classic Panic! at the Disco Songs I Still Can't Get Over


I Write Sins Not Tragedies






Lying is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off






But It's Better If You Do


 


Build God Then We'll Talk


 


Nine in the Afternoon




Are you a Panic! at the Disco fan, too? If so, then you'll be delighted to hear that MMI Live is bringing Panic! back to perform here in Manila on October 20 at the Mall of Asia Arena!

Tickets for the Pray for the Wicked tour will be available starting on July 8 at SM Tickets. Prices range from Php1200 for general admission to Php7800 for VIP standing.




Trust me: it'll definitely be worth it. I mean, come on: it's Brendon Urie.

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Here's the FIFA World Cup 2018 Schedule for the Philippines

Basketball season is over, but don't fret because this year, FIFA is baaaaaack!!!

I've been a football fan since I was a kid because, well, I grew up in Germany, where football is about a big a deal as basketball is here. So if you're a football fan, you and I will get along reeeeeal fine. (On that note, I'm looking for people to watch the games with here in the South, so hit me up if ever! :D)

Anyway, if you're tired of whipping out Google to figure out when each game is showing, I've got you covered... and I'll be updating this for the duration of the FIFA World Cup 2018, too, so bookmark away. :D


Thursday, June 14

11PM: Group A - Russia vs. Saudi Arabia

FINAL SCORE: 5 - 0


Friday, June 15

8PM: Group A - Egypt vs. Uruguay

FINAL SCORE: 0 - 1

11PM: Group B - Morocco vs. Iran

FINAL SCORE: 0 - 1

2AM: Group B - Portugal vs. Spain

FINAL SCORE: 3 - 3


Saturday, June 16

6PM: Group C - France vs. Australia

FINAL SCORE: 2 - 1

9PM: Group D - Argentina vs. Iceland

FINAL SCORE: 1 - 1

12AM: Group C - Peru vs. Denmark

FINAL SCORE: 0 - 1

3AM: Group D - Croatia vs. Nigeria

FINAL SCORE: 2 - 0

Sunday, June 17

8PM: Group E - Costa Rica vs. Serbia

FINAL SCORE: 0 - 1

11PM: Group F - Germany vs. Mexico

FINAL SCORE: 0 - 1

2AM: Group E - Brazil vs. Switzerland

FINAL SCORE: 1 - 1

Monday, June 18

8PM: Group F - Sweden vs. South Korea

FINAL SCORE: 1 - 0

11PM: Group G - Belgium vs. Panama

FINAL SCORE: 3 - 0

2AM: Group G - Tunisia vs. England

FINAL SCORE: 1 - 2

Tuesday, June 19

8PM: Group H - Colombia vs. Japan

FINAL SCORE: 1 - 2

11PM: Group H - Poland vs. Senegal
2AM: Group A - Russia vs. Egypt


Wednesday, June 20

8PM: Group B - Portugal vs. Morocco
11PM: Group A - Uruguay vs. Saudi Arabia
2AM: Group B - Iran vs. Spain


Thursday, June 21

8PM: Group C - Denmark vs. Australia
11PM: Group C - France vs. Peru
2AM: Group D - Argentina vs. Crotia


Friday, June 22

8PM: Group E - Brazil vs. Costa Rica
11PM: Group D - Nigeria vs. Iceland
2AM: Group E - Serbia vs. Switzerland

Saturday, June 23

8PM: Group G - Belgium vs. Tunisia
11PM: Group F - South Korea vs. Mexico
2AM: Group F - Germany vs. Sweden


Sunday, June 24

8PM: Group G - England vs. Panama
11PM: Group H - Japan vs. Senegal
2AM: Group H - Poland vs. Colombia


Monday, June 25

10PM: Group A - Saudi Arabia vs. Egypt
10PM: Group A - Uruguay vs. Russia
2AM: Group B - Iran vs. Portugal
2AM: Group B - Spain vs. Morocco


Tuesday, June 26

10PM: Group C - Australia vs. Peru
10PM: Group C - Denmark vs. France
2AM: Group D - Iceland vs. Croatia
2AM: Group D - Nigeria vs. Argentina


Wednesday, June 27

10PM: Group F - South Korea vs. Germany
10PM: Group F - Mexico vs. Sweden
2AM: Group E - Serbia vs. Brazil
2AM: Group E - Switzerland vs. Costa Rica


Thursday, June 28

10PM: Group H - Japan vs. Poland
10PM: Group H - Senegal vs. Colombia
2AM: Group G - England vs. Belgium
2AM: Group G - Panama vs. Tunisia

'Wonder Woman' Sequel Photos Show Us that Steve Trevor is Alive!!!

I don't know how to feel about this. I've cried my tears. I've made my peace. I've accepted that Chris Pine couldn't be my new favorite Chris (Chris Pratt has been my favorite Chris for a long time now, FYI) because he died and has bid goodbye to the comic book world that I live and breathe... so what is this, Patty Jenkins? What. Is. This.


That, my dear friends, is a photo of Steve Trevor alive and breathing in the upcoming 'Wonder Woman' sequel. It was tweeted by Patty Jenkins herself (the director of 'Wonder Woman') and I don't understand what is happening!!!

Is this a flashback? Is he really back? Does someone bring him back to use him as a weapon against Diana? Is it a twin we didn't know? Is it a son? A grandson? Why does he have to look go good??? I'm at a loss. I mean, I loved Chris Pine in the first movie, but they'd better have an AMAZING explanation for this.

And oh, she also tweeted a photo of Diana in front of a bunch of TV screens, which I also don't understand, but at least it makes sense coz she lived 'til the end of the movie.


What do you think is the explanation for this? Does it need one? LOL. TALK TO MEEEEE.

Saturday, June 9, 2018

6 Original Netflix Movies You Need to Watch Soon

Overwhelmed by the amount of choices on Netflix? I feel you. Fortunately, I'm such a Netflix addict that I can help you out in your hour of need.

If you have no idea what to watch right now and haven't gotten around to watching any Netflix Originals yet, now is the time to do so. Here are 5 of them that you simply shouldn't miss.


6 Original Netflix Movies You Need to Watch Soon

You Get Me


I wouldn't say I love this movie, but it was definitely entertaining enough to pass the time with. And I actually finished watching the whole movie, so I can say it definitely wasn't bad. I guess I liked it because it's been a while since we've had a stalker movie in our midst? (Remember Wicker Park? Good times!) In this movie, Holly becomes obsessed with Tyler after a one-night-stand and, well, she stalks him. I think we all know how this one ends (hint: not well).

Ibiza


For anyone who has ever had a summer fling (or any fling of some sort, really), this is a must-watch. The movie follows Harper, who is sent to Spain for work. Her friends decide to tag along (because hello, it's Spain!) and they convince her to MOMOL a famous DJ (because hello, it's Spain!) You'll be able to relate to this on some level. And FYI: the DJ is played by Game of Thrones' ROBB STARK!!! And he is looking gooooood.

When We First Met


If you're just looking for a quick feel-good movie, this is it. Starring Adam DeVine (the Jack Black-esque dude from Pitch Perfect), the movie follows the life of Noah (played by DeVine) who discovers a magical photo booth... with the power to send him back in time!!! Since Noah is a lovesick dude, he keeps going back in time to try and win over the girl of his dreams. Aside from being a feel-good movie, though, When We First Met will also make you think about the possibilities of time travel once again. And it will also make you look at photo booths differently afterwards.

Alex Strangelove


Alex Truelove is basically a high school senior who has decided to lose his virginity to his girlfriend. But things change when he meets Elliot. And yes, Elliot is a dude. Trust me: this is one movie you shouldn't miss... and not just because it's Pride Month.

Revenge


Everyone is talking about Revenge right now - and for good reason. Not to be mistaken for the TV series called Revenge, Revenge (the movie) is about a woman who is left for dead in the desert after being assaulted. Obviously, this girl wants revenge. Watch the movie to find out how that goes for her.

Cargo


As if I haven't gushed about it enough in my previous blog post, Cargo is another movie that I highly recommend you watch. Read my full review on it here.

Have you watched anything good on Netflix lately? Give a Netflix addict some good recommendations!!! PLEASEEEEEEE.

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

So This is Me Post-theworstdaysofmylife

The past year isn't something that I like looking back on. It was full of pain and loss - a never-ending series of disappointments and  heartache. And yet, at the same time, it was all part of my mental health journey and finding peace within myself... finally.



A few months ago, I was diagnosed with schizophrenia, making people look at me as if I might burst into flames at the mere mention of something slightly emotional. Add to that the pills designed to mute the influential whispers in my ear and the elaborate stage plays in my mind... the same pills that made my muscles tremble and recoil, taking away the one thing that made me feel like there was purpose in my life: my world of aerial arts.

During my first month of medication, I lost who I thought could well have been the love of my life. Slowly turning the key to the door of my mind, I let its contents slowly pour out because I thought that The One would understand. I thought The One would be supportive and hold my hand and tell me, "Everything little thing is gonna be alright". As it turns out, all that 'The One' did was splash around in my misery, flick the contents onto my face, and blame my mind for all of the failures of our relationship. He was not The One.



As the amount of pills mounted up, so did my nights in bars and my nights in bed with anyone who would fill the void. Interventions arose and stomach rolls piled up as my blood slowly but surely turned into a pool of whiskey, tequila, and beer; and as I, as a whole, turned into a gooey ball of misery.

Friendships suffered, in that I literally let go of a lot of the people that I held dear to me. Family suffered, in that I hardly showed my face anymore. Work suffered, in that I felt like such a useless burden, I came close to letting it go. As it were, the truest friends persisted, my family waited, and work understood and endured through the toughest of times. #blessed



And so here I am today, grateful not just to be alive, but to have so many people in my life who never give up on me: my girlfriends who are always there whenever I need them, no matter how long we don't see or talk to each other; my family who doesn't pry or force me to interact with them on days when I just want to be alone with my unicorns and my pillows; and my bosses who patiently and constantly give me second chances when I'm a mess.


Most importantly, I would like to thank God for you. You, who doesn't judge me when I burst into tears in the middle of the night mid-sleep for no reason at all. You, who just hugs me tight and lets me cry when it's been a particularly bad mental day. You, who asks me questions about the goings-on in my mind without cringing or making faces. You, who sincerely wonders what I'm thinking when I stare into oblivion.


I won't say I'm better, but I'm definitely in a more stable state because of you and your support. I will be forever thankful that you came into my life unannounced and unexpectedly, providing laughter, pears, and love until I am once again allowed to have coffee, kwek kwek, and chocolate cake.

I don't know if I'll ever be better, but I don't mind being 'just okay' if this is what 'just okay' feels like.

Photos by Motec Migallen.

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Want to Win Some Makeup from The Colour Collection?

Someone recently gave me a bunch of Colour Collection products and I just found out that they don't actually have any physical stores. Instead, they're kind of like Avon. So you actually have to find someone who sells Tupperware Brands products and order from them. Oo, may ganun parin nowadays.

Generally speaking, I'm pretty happy with the products that I received, especially since all of their products are pretty affordable (I do believe every Colour Collection product costs less than Php500.) Here are some of the products that I was able to try:

The Colour Collection All Day Wear Lengthening Mascara


This is probably my favorite of the bunch, mostly because you can hardly tell that it's there. There are some mascaras out there that look a bit too heavy or thick for my taste, but this one looks really natural - just the way I like it.

All Day Wear Lipstick (Suede Collection)


I really like these! They smell really good and last long enough for an event or a meeting. Plus, they're really easy to apply and they keep my lips moisturized, hydrated, conditioned, and vibrant all day.

The All Day Wear Eyeshadow Trio Palette in Daytime Glam


This is perfect for any woman's everyday makeup look, thanks to its soft neutral tones. But let's face it: I'm never giving up my Naked palette. :p

The Colour Intense Face Palette


If you want something that will take care of your entire look in one, there is also the Colour Intense Face Palette, which includes eyeshadow, brow powder, and blush. Add the All Day Wear 14HR Liquid Eye Liner Pen to the mix and you've got your life all figured out, methinks.

The Colour Collection High Definition Dual Powder Foundation


Unfortunately, the shade given to me was far too light for my color. I still tried it on for a day anyway, and I ended up with acne the next day. :( That's just me and my sensitive skin, though, I think.

Want to win some Colour Collection products? I'm giving away two makeup sets to two winners!

All you have to do is share this article anywhere on social media with the hashtag #WWRxCC and make sure to follow me on Twitter (@the_lil_miss) and Instagram (@lilmisswonderwoman) Good luck! :)