Yennefer is the Real Star of 'The Witcher' Series

'The Witcher' is finally out on Netflix and I can finally talk about it in detail!!!

I first watched 'The Witcher' a couple of weeks ago through press screeners, but I didn't have anyone to talk to about it. I'm hoping that now that it's out on the app, more people have watched it. I am also hoping that the people who have watched it are fans of the books and/or the games. Coz seriously. I need to geek out about this. If you've seen it, please hit me up!!!

So, as just mentioned, I have been a huge fan of the Witcher books for a while now. And then, a few months ago, somebody forced convinced me to buy the game on Switch - and my life changed forever. What I thought was already pure love for the books turned into an intense passion bordering on obsession and it literally made me turn almost every topic that people would bring up into a Geralt moment. I even thought about getting a WWGD (What Would Geralt Do?) bracelet made, but I don't know where to get that done. If you have leads, please let me know. :p

In the Witcher series, however, my love for Geralt has faded and has instead turned into a love for Yennefer.

Don't get me wrong. I loved Yennefer in the books. I felt like I could relate to her more than to Triss. But when I hit that part in the game where Geralt takes Triss to a masquerade ball (which is like my ultimate favorite type of event in real life), I let my girly feelings take over and chose Triss. My love for Yennefer has come back to the surface through the series, though. In fact, Yennefer totally steals the show for me, and I watch it solely for her.

When I first started watching 'The Witcher', I'll be honest and say I wasn't really 'feeling' it. I felt like too many parts of the book had been left out, no matter how cool the battle scenes were and how much it gave us the gamer feels in the fight scenes and with the scenery.

By Episode 3, however, I found myself clapping and shouting. "YES. THAT IS HOW IT SHOULD BE DONE," I thought to myself. Yennefer single-handedly - okay, that's not true... she had some help from the striga, which was as spot-on to the book as could be imagined - turned my entire feelings for the show around. EPISODE 3 WAS BAD-ASS.

And from there on out, I found myself looking forward to seeing Yennefer more than seeing Geralt - which is really saying something since I am a Superman-loving straight woman, who used to crush on Henry Cavill real bad.

And it's such a great thing how the female leads in this show don't feel forced. I've seen many shows and movies where I felt like they were trying too hard to portray women as strong to the point where it was too forced. But everything about Yennefer in 'The Witcher' is believable and relatable. And she is just so darned... ergh. I just... I wanna be her.

As mentioned before, I wasn't entirely happy with the show in the beginning. I hated the cast and how they didn't fit any of the descriptions of the books or any of the looks that I had become accustomed to in the game. They even just sorta set Triss aside as a side character, ultimately forcing you to ship Geralt and Yen (though before playing the game, I was on that ship myself).

But if you decide to stop comparing the series to the games and to the books and just enjoy it for what it is, I have to say that it is definitely a good watch. You might struggle to like it in the beginning, as you did with 'Game of Thrones' (come on: we all did!); but I promise you that Episode 3 will change your mind.

And if it doesn't, then I guess we won't be able to geek out together.

Watch 'The Witcher' on Netflix today.

Little habits go a long way.

A lot of people have been commenting on how different I've been lately. The resting bitch face has been replaced by a constant genuine smile. The impatience has been replaced by understanding and a helping hand. The anger has been replaced by pure happiness. And the constant feeling of annoyance has been replaced by contentment.

I honestly don't know what it is (kidding - I know exactly what it is :p), but it's like a heavy load has been lifted off of my shoulders. I've made little habits that have apparently gone a long way in terms of my general overall demeanor, and people have been noticing.

Flex ko lang new phone ko. Char.

I wake up everyday (when I'm not groggy on meds) at 6AM, carry my puppy to my daughter's room and wake her up gently and with a smile on my face, no matter how tired I may be from work (or Netflix-binging) the night before. I do my errands when I realize I have errands instead of procrastinating until the last minute. I drink more water than I do coffee. I quit smoking.

I practice breathing exercises when my mom is cranky so I don't add onto the negative vibes in the house. I reach out to workmates when I feel like they need some help. I make it a point to spend more time with my friends instead of locking myself up at home, even if it's just to go out to work together in a coffee shop. And I always ask people how they are at random times because I genuinely want them to know that I care and that I'm here.

Glasses or no glasses?

I also make sure I get enough me time, be it in the form of getting my nails done, getting the perfect bikini wax, or putting on a facial mask before bed. I also make it a point to allot time in my schedule to put away my phone to read or play a bad-ass video game for a few hours just because those are the little things that truly make my geeky self happy.

Check out my beautiful new necklace that reminds me so much of Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen in 'Game of Thrones'. It was a gift, but you can check them out at @talabykyla on Instagram for more pretty accessories.

Most people automatically assume that I'm "blooming" because I'm in love. And while I have gone on a couple of dates recently (if you can call it that... I don't really 'date', so it's awkward for me to say that), I wouldn't attribute the changes in myself to him specifically.

I basically just made my New Year's resolutions early, consciously making the decision to make changes in my life in order to feel at peace and to improve as a human being. After all, with so many shitty people out there, why add to the negativity, amirite? So from today forward, let it be known that I am the new and improved Angel - Angel 2.0, if you will - with a brighter Instagram feed, an active TikTok account (follow me: @lilmisswonderwoman :p), and a better outlook on life.

What are your New Year's resolutions for 2020?

You deserve better.

(These are old photos.)

When you're stuck in a bad relationship, your friends will usually tell you that you shouldn't settle for whatever it is that you're in. They will tell you: "You deserve better." And most of the time, you won't believe them. It's hard, after all, to believe that someone whom your current significant other can't even stay loyal to would deserve anything better than exactly that. But I am here to tell you that what your friends are saying is 100% true: you do deserve better.

You deserve to be pursued every day of your life. Don't settle for someone who makes you feel like you're a burden or a mere option in theirs. You deserve someone who makes you feel like they really want to see you - someone who tells you their intentions and makes sure your plans push through when you make plans.

You deserve to fall asleep with a smile on your face every single night because you're in the arms of someone who makes you feel safe. You deserve to keep smiling when you wake up in the middle of the night seeing and hearing them sound asleep on the other side of the bed because they know you like your personal space in bed. You deserve to then wake up in the morning to them smothering you with snuggles and cuddles and light kisses - and not because they're secretly hoping for morning sex, but because they genuinely just appreciate your being next to them.

You deserve someone who listens to your strong opinions and accepts that you don't always agree on everything, and that that's okay. You deserve to spend long road trips that you love in utter silence, taking in the scenery and the music and the moment, without being interrogated about why you're being so quiet. You deserve peaceful mornings, peaceful meals, and a peaceful heart. Always.

You deserve to feel contentment and happiness in ways you have never felt before. You deserve to be snuggled and cuddled when you least expect it. Your hand deserves to be held by one that reassures you and makes you feel secure. You deserve to be part of someone's plans - not just today, but in their future. You deserve to be told that you matter. You deserve to be cared for, loved, and adored. You do. All day everyday.

If they make you feel otherwise, leave. Don't waste your time on a dead end and open yourself up to the possibility that there is someone better out there - the 'better' that you deserve, the 'better' that I have finally found.

Kristoff is Now One of My Favorite Disney Men

I watched 'Frozen 2' with my baby girl yesterday and I was honestly really surprised by how much I enjoyed it. This is actually exactly how I felt after watching 'Frozen' six years ago - on DVD, I might add. Yes, that's how long ago it has been since the first 'Frozen' movie came out. DVDs were still a hue thing.

Anyway... I still remember watching it on DVD and bawling my eyes out during the sister scenes because, well, I simply wasn't close to my sister growing up and it made me wish I had that kind of sisterly love in my life.

The only scene in 'Frozen' I could relate to. :p

This time around, I found myself bawling my eyes out because of all of the mother scenes because, well, my mom and I have never gotten along and it made me wish I had that kind of motherly love in my life. The only thing I can really do from here on out is be that kind of mother for Syrena.

The sappiness aside, I absolutely loved the soundtrack and how the songs in the actual movie are completely different from the songs in the credits - though both versions of each song are equally amazing. (Check them out on Spotify!)

Fun fact: Olaf's Samantha line was improvised by Josh Gad and made it into the film.

I was also surprised to find myself loving Olaf and almost dying of laughter at his one-liners. See, I used to get annoyed by Olaf. He was the C3PO of 'Frozen' for me. But in this one, he really stole the show. I especially loved his re-enactments of past events ala Luis in 'Antman'.

And let's not forget that ultra adorable salamander Bruni. PLEASEEEEE. He was like a puppy and basically everything I look for in a Disney toy.

Most importantly, though, Kristoff's character arc was downright mindblowing. In the first installment of 'Frozen', he didn't really make an impact on me and let's face it: Hans stole that show, being the villain and having one of the best songs in it and all.

In 'Frozen 2', however, Kristoff is nothing short of amazing. He has a boyband-like solo in the woods. He doesn't get mad at Anna for always doing what she has to do, even if it ruined his proposal plans several times and left him alone in the woods with a bunch of reindeer. And most importantly, when Anna is running towards the dam, he (literally) sweeps her off her feet and instead of being the knight of shining armor, he says, "I'm here. What do you need?" LET'S. GO. KRISTOFF.

Clocking in at 1h43m, 'Frozen 2' is just the right length for a Disney movie. It won't leave you longing for more, and it won't make you check your watch to see how much longer you need to sit through it. 'Frozen 2' is a breath of fresh air and I'm honestly still on a 'Frozen 2' high, singing the songs everywhere and even learning it on the ukulele. It's worth the cinema visit. Go watch it.

'The Mandalorian' is a Dream Come True for Star Wars Fans

I honestly had no idea how to feel about 'The Mandalorian' when I first started watching it today. It felt so cliche at first, like the beginning of a bad Star Wars joke. "A bounty hunter walks into a bar..." I also didn't know how to feel about his all silver armor having grown up thinking Boba Fett in his green armor was the bomb and then eventually getting to know Jango Fett in his blue armor.

The more I watched the first episode, though, the more I found myself hooked on it. (Please take note that there will be some spoilers in this review, so do not keep reading if you do not want spoilers of the first episode.)

The 'Star Wars' series has always felt like somewhat of a classic Western, but it feels even more like that in 'The Mandalorian'. Except this time, they prove that Star Wars can actually work on the small screen in non-cartoon form - and I loved every minute of it. Screw my doubts. Finally, they focus on the world of the bounty hunters in more detail, including how the whole bounty-hunting system and the Bounty Hunters Guild work. We get to see little bits and pieces that will bring about nostalgia, like Hoth and people frozen in carbonite.

It isn't really surprising that it's so awesome, though, with Jon Favreau at the helm and with a stellar cast, including Pedro Pascal of 'Game of Thrones' and 'Narcos' fame as The Mandalorian himself and Taika Waititi of 'Avengers: Endgame' as the short-lived droid IG-11.

While it's definitely too early to sing too many praises for the show, 'The Mandalorian' is definitely off to a great start. And the best part? Its success isn't relying on any of the previous Star Wars releases. In fact, if this had been he first time I've ever seen a Star Wars anything (it's obviously not), I'm sure I would've been hooked onto it anyway.

BIGGER SPOILERS COMING UP. LAST WARNING!!!

Just as with the 'Star Wars' movies that I watched as a child, I found myself falling in love with creatures in the show (I WANT A BLURRG. RIGHT. NOW.) and practically crying when I realized who was in the carrier (SPOILER: IT'S BABY FUCKING YODA!)

Although obviously, it can't be Yoda coz last I heard, 'The Mandalorian' is supposedly set seven years after 'Return of the Jedi' and according to Favreau focuses on all new characters. SO CAN SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN WHO THAT ADORABLE LITTLE GREEN THING IS?!?? Did Yoda have sex and make babies? That's a cringe-worthy though. Was he reincarnated? Is it a clone? I don't understand!!!

I'm obviously not the only one confused, either. Even The Mandalorian is confused because he knows he's hunting someone who is supposedly 50 years old. This actually makes sense in the Star Wars universe since Yoda died at 900, but still. If this is a brand new character, why does he/she (I'm not gonna assume it's a dude) look exactly like Yoda? We don't actually know what Yoda's species is, so this is really interesting.

Fortunately, episode 2 is already showing on Friday, so we hopefully won't have to wait too long for answers. Hopefully.

What did you think of the first episode of 'The Mandalorian'? Geek out with me!

This Red Horse Planner is Perfect for Drinkers Like Me

When Starbucks announced their planners this year, I was so proud of myself for not running to my nearest branch to start collecting stickers for a planner I was probably never going to use.

When I saw this ad for the Red Horse planner, though... SIGN ME UP!!!

This planner is a different ballgame. I love how they market it as the 'planner for people who don't have plans'... coz honestly, that is so me. :p Plus, it's from Red Horse, and I'm a pretty big drinker.

That's not all, either. It has surveys in it ala old-school magazines, as well as crossword puzzles (my inner Amy Santiago is screaming!) It also has other fun stuff in it, like mini games and passes for drinking. Check out the video for it here:

Subscribe to the Red Horse Lakas-Tama YouTube channel here for more updates on how to get this epic planner!

RELX Brings Its Advanced E-Cigarette Products to the Philippines

The rise of e-cigarettes and RELX Technology

The use of electronic cigarettes has surged worldwide over the past decade with the global market valued at US$10.3B in 2018 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 24.9% from 2019 to 2025 per multiple reports. Though there are several major players in the vaping industry, most of them owned by tobacco companies, one recent independent entrant, RELX Technology – pronounced “relax” – has stood out from the competition.

Origins: Female entrepreneurship and concern for family and friends

Founded by ex-Uber China Head Kate Wang in January 2018, RELX Technology’s products have experienced tremendous success with adult smokers globally, catapulting it to the position of the leading closed-system e-cigarette brand in Asia.

Motivated by her father’s lifelong struggle to quit cigarettes and the lack of suitable new generation products in the market, Wang took it upon herself to start a company that prioritizes innovation, safety, and product quality.

An independent e-cigarette brand that works ethically

With a mission to empower adult smokers through advanced technology and user-friendly design without sacrificing ethics, RELX Technology’s core business encompasses independent R&D, product design and development, and sales. From its inception, RELX Technology has conceptualized and put into effect its ‘Guardian Program’ - a company-wide initiative that stretches from product development to sales, ensuring that the company puts the necessary effort in preventing and discouraging the use of e-cigarettes by minors, whether this be through concerted efforts with retailers to step up on-site identification of purchasers, or launching facial-recognition vending machines in China that dispense products only to adults against their national ID cards.

Cutting-edge R&D that focuses on problems faced by adult smokers wishing to quit cigarettes

In an industry focused on top-line growth, RELX Technology has invested millions of dollars into building its own facilities and operates the first CNAS-certified lab owned by an independent vape brand. RELX Technology also holds more than 20 international patents on its groundbreaking innovations in e-cigarette technology, all geared towards improving safety, quality, and user experience that helps smokers quit cigarettes more efficiently. Its products such as the RELX Alpha and RELX i include a haptic feedback feature called SmartPace, which vibrates to let users know when they should stop vaping and put down their devices. RELX Tech’s latest product, a smart e-cigarette called RELX i, connects to the companion smartphone app that features in-depth usage statistics and a child lock that prevents unauthorized use.

RELX Technology brings its advanced e-cigarette products to Philippines

RELX is now available in the Philippines through its physical stores and online partners, such as Lazada and Shoppee. The RELX starter kits are available in the variants of Classic Black, Rose Gold. Space Gray, Navy Blue, Red, and Turquoise and just recently they have released the Celestial series, which features the stunning
variants of Sunset Glow, Solar Eclipse, and Mystic Aurora.

RELX also has a wide range of pod flavors such as Mango, Lemon Tea, Blueberry, Grapefruit, Ludou Ice, Fresh Cucumber, Mint, Classic Tobacco, Banana, Greentea, Peach Oolong, and Icy Slush. All RELX starter kits comes with 1 vape electronic cigarette, charger, and 1 pod priced at Php 1,599.

Check out relx.com.ph to check physical and online stores near you. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram at @relx.ph

Timothee Chalamet Looks Mighty Fine in the 'Little Women' Character Posters

'Little Women' is one of the first books I read as a kid. I don't remember much of it, but I do remember the movie that came out in the 90s. :p

Well, the remake is coming soon, and I have to say: I absolutely have no complaints about the cast, especially after seeing the stars of Columbia Pictures’ heartwarming coming-of-age tale featured in their individual character one-sheets. The studio has shared them with the fans. Check them out:

Timothee Chalamet as Laurie

Saoirse Ronan as Jo

Emma Watson as Meg

Florence Pugh as Amy

Eliza Scanlen as Beth

Laura Dern as Marmie

Meryl Streep as Aunt March

In case you haven't seen it yet, here is the trailer of the upcoming remake:

Writer-director Greta Gerwig has crafted a version that draws on both the classic novel and the writings of Louisa May Alcott, and unfolds as the author's alter ego, Jo March, reflects back and forth on her fictional life.

In this take, the beloved story of the March sisters is both timeless and timely.

'Little Women' is distributed by Columbia pictures, the local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

There are things worse than ghosting.

Ah. Ghosting. So many people hate it and yet so many people do it. I've already been ghosted twice in my life. But while it was horrible the very first time it happened, the second time was actually totally bearable. You see, by the time I was ghosted the second time, I had already experienced things so much worse than ghosting. In fact, at this point, I'd take ghosting over the rest of the shit that I've been through any day. :p

If you think about it, the mere term itself should already show you how basic of a level ghosting actually is. See, ghosts by definition are apparitions of dead people. They're dead. They no longer exist. You might see them from time to time in your dreams or you might get a whiff of them and remember them every now and then; but generally speaking, they are no longer a part of your life. The thing is: there are a lot of bad things that happen in the dating world that people simply don't acknowledge as much as ghosting.

What about those people who are no longer a part of your life and then suddenly start viewing your Instagram stories without even following you? They don't just do this once. They do it multiple times, so that you notice, get bothered by it, sometimes even to the point where you end up starting a conversation with them about why they're viewing your stories without following you.

And what about those people who come back into your life as if nothing happened in the first place? They strike up a casual conversation as if they didn't break your heart into pieces and stomp on them months or even years ago. 

And what about those people who suddenly start talking to you again because they noticed you lost weight and are looking fab and living your best life after they left, or the ones who suddenly start talking to you again just because they need something from you?

And the worst kind: the people who message you in the middle of the night, asking if you're up for sex as if you're not lying in bed with a face mask on and watching Netflix like the (not-so-)responsible adult that you've become? Hey, just because you didn't evolve doesn't mean that I didn't.

I don't mean to make parinig to all y'all's, but it is what it is. If you're one of my marupok sister friends reading this, then I hope that you one day get out of that cycle and find someone who will truly appreciate you for who you are and treat you right.

On the other hand, if you're one of the losers doing any of the things that I mentioned above, please go back to being a ghost. Stay 'dead', please. Thank you. :)

The UNIQLO and JW ANDERSON Fall/Winter 2019 Collection is Inspired by Modern and Open British Outdoor Style

If you've ever gone on vacation to a colder-than-the-Philippines country, then you'll know the struggle of finding good fall and winter wear in Manila. I don't know about you, but my number one ultimate go-to for fall and winter wear has always been UNIQLO.

Because of this, hearing about the UNIQLO and JW ANDERSON Fall/Winter 2019 collection has gotten me super excited for my next out-of-the-country trip. The fourth collaboration line with the London-based JW ANDERSON brand is out now with the theme the Great British Outdoors.

Drawing inspiration from the town of St. Ives in Cornwall, England (which is known for its seamless blend of art and nature), this new LifeWear offering fuses traditional British elements with the modern designs of JW ANDERSON.

Inspired from his childhood memories, traditional British patterns such as tartans and warm Nordic designs are the main patterns for outerwear, skirts, innerwear, and accessories.

Once again, this collaboration also includes reversible items that have become a collaboration standard.New this season are down jackets and coats with splashes of vivid yellows and greens over an earthy base. Down jackets for both men and women feature neutral and classic tones on the outside with contrasting colors on the inside.

And my ultimate UNIQLO lifesaver: the HEATTECH line. The HEATTECH Warm Easy Pants of this collection are lined with HEATTECH fleece, and come with exceedingly practical features including a webbing belt that can be easily adjusted with one hand and side pockets accented with colorful bungee cords.

The women’s AIRism leggings and half-zip tees, on the other hand, prevent stuffiness and maintain comfort even in winter with striking triple color borderline designs that give edgy accents to traditional collection items. To check out the rest of the collection, visit the UNIQLO website today. :)

'Vagabond' is Constantly Keeping Me at the Edge of My Seat

A couple of months ago, I wrote an article on 6 Original Titles on Netflix that K-Drama Fans Will Love. And while I have already watched some of the titles on that show, this is the only time I felt the absolute need to write a review.

As much as I love K-Dramas, in general, my favorite Korean shows are the ones that involve a lot of action. I have always loved action movies and the like, after all; so this isn't really surprising. Some of my favorite Korean shows include 'W: Two Worlds Apart' (despite its confusing storyline) and 'Healer'. My current obsession? 'Vagabond'.

'Vagabond' is an action spy drama series starring Lee Seung-gi and Bae Suzy. The story revolves around stuntman Cha Dal-geon, who gets involved in a plane crash and ends up discovering a national corruption scandal in the process.

Watch the trailer here:

Honestly, though, the trailer hardly does it any justice. From Episode 1, I have been hooked to the series. Every single episode keeps me at the edge of my seat. I find myself screaming, cursing, and hating that I have to wait a day or a week to watch the next episode. The season hasn't ended yet and I am impatiently waiting for the next episode to show this week, but man. It. Is. So. Good. If you haven't started watching it yet, now is the time to do so.

And this is saying really something, too, coz I don't usually rave about K-Dramas unless I have a crush in an actor in them (hahaha sorry I'm shallow like that sometimes). I don't have a crush on Lee Seung-gi, but his acting really deserves tremendous applause.

I'm not a fan of Bae Suzy, either, or of Shin Sung-rok; but damn, do I love Sung-rok in this! And the action scenes? It'll make you jump up and want to enroll in a martial arts studio stat!

The setting of the show, which is partly set in Morocco, also lends a refreshing take to the K-Drama troupe. Despite considering myself a K-Drama fanatic, I know I have only scratched the K-Drama surface so far in terms of how many K-Dramas I have seen. But scenes in K-Dramas usually just make me want to go to Korea to explore the place. 'Descendants of the Sun' aside, this is the only K-Drama I've seen so far that made me wanna explore a country that isn't Korea.

Another thing that I love about 'Vagabond' is that the love story in it isn't in the forefront of the series. Although it is there, it is only introduced a bit later on, and usually lends a bit of comedy in the series. They add it in so casually, you won't mistake it for a love story. No, this is definitely an action series and I hope they stick to that for the rest of the season. I also hope that the season won't end abruptly in the middle of something important like 'Love Alarm' did.

Most importantly, though, the writing of 'Vagabond' is really well done. They know exactly how to hook you in with each episode and they keep adding new, literally unexpected twists to really make you go "WTF!" If you love action, I guarantee that 'Vagabond' will get you hooked.

Stream 'Vagabond' on Netflix today.

My Hela Cosplay Debut at Kontrabida Ball 2019

Despite most of my friends telling me that Valkyrie reminded them of me the most when they saw 'Thor: Ragnarok', my heart has always been with Hela. You see, underneath the alcoholic IDGAF facade that most people see, I am really so much more of a Hela.

Add to that the fact that she was portrayed by Galadriel - the wonderful Cate Blanchett - in the film, plus the fact that she gets to don an awesome headdress that she can simply tame down as she pleases... it was a cosplan just waiting to happen.

I had actually been planning to cosplay Hela for the longest ass time now. However, that cosplan was put on the shelf when both Defenders Iron Fist and Luke Cage came here for AsiaPOP Comicon last year. (Read my blog post on meeting Mike Colter aka Luke Cage here.) I ended up dressing up as Elektra that year to match the 'theme' of the visiting actors. I once again planned to cosplay Hela for comic con this year, but it was sadly cancelled and I thought, "Hey, maybe Hela and I simply weren't meant to be."

But lo and behold! After merely ogling at photos of the Kontrabida Ball last year, I actually got the best email invitation of the year in the form of this year's Kontrabida Ball. With just a few weeks left to prep a Hela cosplay, I took on the challenge (albeit with a lot of worrying about whether I would fit into it when the time comes and whether I would survive a night of drinking with a massive headdress on). Well, the dream has finally become a reality - and yes, I survived a night of drinking with a massive headdress on, in case you were wondering. :p

Naturally, the first order of business when we got to the KonBall was to take photos while the makeup was still fresh, the tummy was still decent, and the mind was still sober:

A massive shoutout and thank you goes out to my pretty friend / on the spot makeup artist / forever plus one Gizelle Caoile (subscribe to her YouTube channel here) for putting up with my indecisions, constantly offering to take photos, dancing like there's no tomorrow, unzipping my costume when I needed to pee, listening to me spazz when I saw Joffrey, hiding me from clowns, and even making pa-cute to the bartenders to give us extra shots when they were already packing up. :p

I'm sad we don't have a proper photo together coz we only took photos of each other. This will have to do:

Thank you also to our unexpected third wheel (yes, you're the third wheel :p) Stephen for keeping us drunk from beginning to end, putting on eye makeup just to be able to join us, and making sure we got home safe and sound. Buti pa tayo may picture.

Words can't really describe how epic the party was, to be honest. It was one of those "you had to be there" nights. Everyone dressed up for the theme. The food and drinks were free-flowing. Burlesque PH put on an amazing show. And people actually danced all night long. I've been to many parties where the booze and the company simply didn't cut it, and this party just proved and showed how close-knit the bonds of the PH cosplay community are. Everyone went to have a blast and they fucking did!

My favorite kontrabida of the night: Joffrey Baratheon.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the amount of new people I met... and not because they wanted to hit on me, challenge me to a game of beer pong, or pick a fight with me; but simply because they wanted to ask about my costume or take a picture of it. It was refreshing!

Of course, the party wasn't perfect, though. Since I'm a coulrophobe (watch a video of me crying while watching the 'It' trailer here), there were far too many clowns at the party for my liking. In fact, I found myself moving around the room every few minutes as clowns came my way, and I even teared up a few times:

Still, it was nothing not wearing my glasses and drinking a lot of booze couldn't fix. In fact, nearing the end of my night, a pretty clown came up to me and asked for a picture, and I held it together long enough to take it without absolutely dying of fear. I did have to go close my eyes and compose myself afterwards, but it's a start.

It turns out alcohol seems to help my coulrophobia a little bit, so maybe I should take a few shots before watching the last season of 'Hunter x Hunter'? :p Maybe I can even survive an actual Halloween night out despite all of the Jokers and Pennywises roaming the city. What do you think? Should I give it a whirl?

What are your Halloween plans this year? Dressing up as anyone / anything cool? And what do you think of my Hela cosplay? Yay or nay? Would love to hear your thoughts! :)