Himala: Isang Musikal gave me an intimate, one-of-a-kind, magnificent experience
Tuesday, September 24, 2019 • cultural capital, Filipino musical, musicals and live performances
There's not much that I know about the Himala film of 1982, except for one, the main lead was Nora Aunor; two, it was written by Ricky Lee; and three, the film is constantly played in local TV stations during the Holy Week. When I saw the poster of the musical I got thrilled, and told myself that I should see it after 2 musicals slipped off me. Plus it's a Ricky Lee classic. So I got myself a ticket to one of the shows during the opening week. Turns out, it's going to be one of the best things I forced myself into.
The venue isn't that huge - I suppose the PowerMac Center Spotlight can hold not more than 500 people. The audience surrounded the stage, kinda like what they did in Si Saldang, Si Marvin at ang Halimaw ng Gabi that reminded me of the classroom-held plays back in high school. The performers didn't require lapels and microphones, and there was only a single piano that accompanied their powerful theatrical voices. They didn't have makeup (maybe except for Nimia and her pouty red lips relevant to her role) and their clothes were typical of the neigborhood where I grew up. I was sitting on the first row and it allowed me an up-close and intimate moment the entire show, like I was one of the casts - albeit a mere expectator but still part of the production.
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| With Elsa |
I'm not gonna lie, I got sad when I realized it wasn't Aicelle that's gonna be playing Elsa in the show I was in. But my sadness dissipated within the next five seconds because Celine Fabie is just splendid - she and her powerful voice gave me goosebumps in various parts of the show. Then there's our favorite pokpok, Kakki Teodoro who plays Nimia, Cupang's cabaret owner and for many times I am reminded of the people I've met in my life who were too relatable to her character (or similar). I've read somewhere that it's not impressive when art imitates life too closely but to hell with them because I stan relatable art. And I am not just talking about Nimia, but also Orly the journalist played by David Ezra who was staying at Cupang only to make a name for himself out of Elsa's alleged miraculous faith healing. And of course, how can I forget Chayong and Pilo, played by Neomi Gonzales and Sandino Martin respectively - the lovers whose dreams and future plans brought me back to when I was a kid and my aunt would listen to drama series in the AM station at two in the afternoon. Needless to say, I drowned in nostalgia and familiarity.
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| This is Nimia and Orly. |
I can no longer remember the story from the 3-decade old film. And even if I still do, I suspect I'd still have the same goosebumps, speed of heartbeat, and teary eyes during what have become my favorite scenes. Himala isn't just Elsa's story. No, it's not even just Barrio Cupang's story. It's about us, the Filipinos, who made fanaticism and relying to miracles a tradition and our ultimate salvation. It's about us who claim to be afraid of God and yet we practice faithless religion. The magnificent portrayals of the characters though, is another story. Everyone should watch it.
The making of Right Where You Left Me
Sunday, September 15, 2019 • passion projects, publishing, writing
Right Where You Left Me is my latest release to date – I introduced it to the world in April last year, two days after my birthday. It was supposed to be for a workshop but I wasn’t able to finish it on time. While I must say that I had so much fun writing this book, needless to say, the making of this book was actually more challenging than doing all my other books combined.
The inspiration
Just like If I Knew Then, some people in this book exist in real life. Dan Almendras is based on Dr. Danni Diestro, the neurologist behind my successful battle against myasthenia gravis. He gave me full consent to do this, provided insights on a day in the life of a resident doctor and even gave me the permission to use one of his adorable graduation photo as the book cover, courtesy of the UPCM Collective. Sahara Sevilla is based on the female lead of that random Thai romantic comedy movie I saw on Facebook (yes, on Facebook) one lazy, rainy afternoon. The lady was an ESL instructor and she was so cute I decided she deserves a spot in one of my books. The Judgmental Titas are just a collective persona of the Filipino elderlies I meet every day who have the most toxic traits of being know-it-alls oozing with superiority complex. And Jaymie… of course, how could I ever forget my LGBT friends?
The challenge
Resident physicians are busy people and they do not have the time for this kind of life and I have said this again and again, says one critic and another person (or maybe two) agreed to this. Not that I don’t welcome criticisms but it could have been something like, hey, I love to see how this story unfolds because I happen to know resident doctors don’t normally have the time for love life. Maybe this is one of the reasons I lost the motivation to finish the story in time for the workshop. I didn’t want to be one of those who had to revise their entire plot just because people thought the writer only cared about how TCVS surgeon is a cool sounding job and didn’t really know what they’re talking about. It was a challenge because, I wanted to continue writing about a resident physician who barely has the time and at the same time I was trying to prove a point. I guess I don’t care about the criticisms. What I care about are people who believe in possibilities.
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| Like I said, the cover is adorable. |
I had to consult actual doctors and teachers to make sure the story is plausible. Dr. Sharon Borromeo was too kind and too willing to write down all her comments and suggestions and I considered each one of them. Kim is a grade school teacher, and more or less knows the comings and goings in the academe. Nicole and another romance writer friend helped me come up with the ending. This is also the first time that I included vivid love scenes in my book as I was trying to fulfill certain requirements. It was a scary but at the same time liberating move – a chunk of my network consists of friends from the church and I dread their judgment but again, I care more about people who want possibilities.
Where to get the book
I am trying to make my books available in all forms. Amazon print on demand requirements are too simple I find it so hard to comply (I can’t seem to get the right size for the book cover image). But the digital version can be bought there. PH residents can always buy the print book here, but if you’re from overseas, I’ll keep you posted as to when the Amazon print version is finally available.
Right Where You Left Me is a light and entertaining read, or Dr. Diestro told me so when he finished reading it. And I was glad about it because it was basically what I was trying to produce to begin with. Books that are light and entertaining. Because after a long day, all we want to do is curl up, relax, and maybe fall in love a little bit.
If I Knew Then has a new book cover and I am excited
Sunday, September 8, 2019 • passion projects, publishing, writing
If I Knew Then is my first self-published book in print – it was released back in October 2016. After almost 3 years, I can still remember the euphoria that washed over me. I mean, it wasn’t the first book that was published in print under my name, but it’s definitely one of the projects I did that required me more energy, sleepless nights and midnight coffee. You know that feeling of giddyness and excitement and butterflies in your stomach when you finally see the successful fruition of all your hardwork along with the blood, sweat and tears spilt? That feeling. Amazing, right?
The inspiration
I wrote this book in honor of my high school girl friend Nicole, who became the official beta-reader of all my books eversince I started going indie. I’ve always talked about writing a story based on her character, as most of the stories I wrote when we were teenagers featured me, my crushes and the people I hate (yes, I was that self-centered! 😂). Rafa the chef is based on a celebrity crush, and I made him half-Spanish because I personally think that Spanish-speaking guys are smart and sexy, plus I went to Instituto Cervantes for two terms. He’s a chef because… why the hell not? I mean, Erwan the French chef is sexy and I believe he makes a perfect love-interest material that I actually started seeing him in my head as Rafa eversince he translated that Miss Universe question in French. So there, if you like to read more about this book, please click here.
Where to get a copy
Readers located in the Philippines can fill out this order form to get print copies of my books. Digital edition is also available via Amazon (all my indie-published books can be procured there). Currently, I’m trying to make print copies available via Amazon’s print on demand, so readers outside the Philippines (including Nicole) can get them as well, but I still need to work on the PDFs because damn my current materials just don’t seem to work! Anyway, I’ll keep you posted via my social media pages when it’s done, so maybe you want to consider following me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @bethgstories (TIA).
I’ve been thinking of writing my journey as an author, how I started and how I made it to have 5 books published in print. There could be a bunch of information I can share, especially those who also want to start printing their own books. Let me know in the comments section what information you need, and let’s get you started. Feel that euphoria. 🙂
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| The new cover. Photography by Nathan Hill featuring his wife, Nicole Hill. |
I wrote this book in honor of my high school girl friend Nicole, who became the official beta-reader of all my books eversince I started going indie. I’ve always talked about writing a story based on her character, as most of the stories I wrote when we were teenagers featured me, my crushes and the people I hate (yes, I was that self-centered! 😂). Rafa the chef is based on a celebrity crush, and I made him half-Spanish because I personally think that Spanish-speaking guys are smart and sexy, plus I went to Instituto Cervantes for two terms. He’s a chef because… why the hell not? I mean, Erwan the French chef is sexy and I believe he makes a perfect love-interest material that I actually started seeing him in my head as Rafa eversince he translated that Miss Universe question in French. So there, if you like to read more about this book, please click here.
 |
| The old book cover. |
Where to get a copy
Readers located in the Philippines can fill out this order form to get print copies of my books. Digital edition is also available via Amazon (all my indie-published books can be procured there). Currently, I’m trying to make print copies available via Amazon’s print on demand, so readers outside the Philippines (including Nicole) can get them as well, but I still need to work on the PDFs because damn my current materials just don’t seem to work! Anyway, I’ll keep you posted via my social media pages when it’s done, so maybe you want to consider following me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @bethgstories (TIA).
I’ve been thinking of writing my journey as an author, how I started and how I made it to have 5 books published in print. There could be a bunch of information I can share, especially those who also want to start printing their own books. Let me know in the comments section what information you need, and let’s get you started. Feel that euphoria. 🙂
It all comes down to who’s By Your Side: A book review
Monday, September 2, 2019 • books, cultural capital, reviews, romance, young adult
Kasie West has to be one of the contemporary young adult authors who writes interesting plots. I read The Fill-In Boyfriend a couple of years back, and that’s why I picked By Your Side as one of the items to complete my NBS Thank You Sale book haul. I just knew this decision would never let me down.
And yes, it didn’t.
What is it about?
The plot couldn’t be more typical at first, until the conflict unfolds in just a few more pages. 17-year old Autumn Collins got trapped in the public library on a long weekend. No phones, no computers, no means of communication to the outside world. How this no-communication-to-the-outside-world thing happened is kind of unfathomable, given the fact that she’s in – technically – a research facility. Apparently it happens and the reasons for this were actually well-established. The second game changer is that she discovers she wasn’t alone. Dax Miller, a guy that no one knows but goes to her school was also trapped in there. He’s dark and mysterious and had to serve in the juvie the previous year. The final game changer? Autumn has anxiety disorder and her medication is not with her.
What I think about it
I decided to read this book because I was in the need of a bit of light reading. Light and entertaining read, that is. Though this book has served its purpose, some health issues were brought up and I can’t help but think about people like Autumn in real life. People who have health conditions who find it challenging to live a normal life (normal is overrated, I know but…). Until it dawned on me – oh wait, I used to be one of them. I do not have anxiety disorder, or maybe not that I know of since I’ve never gone to a doctor to get me checked. But I have a condition that not only makes me drug dependent, but also tangles my thoughts every damn time that I have to tell my friends I’m cancelling plans with them because I have symptom manifestations. And that sucks!
Autumn’s friends do not know about her condition, and that left them unanswered questions. Was she being unfair with them? Maybe. They have to know because they are her constant companions, and she’s actually doing herself a favor by telling them about it. On the other hand, her friends might treat her differently. What if they stopped inviting her to parties because she always needs to be alone? What if they stop being true to her on the account that they don’t want to hurt her feelings and that would trigger her anxiety? What if they just stopped being friends with her?
It all comes down to who’s by your side
Dax was a welcome distraction. Didn’t they agree to call it that, a distraction? This is the danger of pouring your heart and soul to one person, in my opinion. You become attached to them. You’ll have this constant need to talk to them and be with them. Then you’ll wake up one morning confused, not knowing if it was love, or just the desperate need for someone to talk to and understands. Oh yes, you’ll mistake it for love. Or maybe attraction, at first. But definitely more than how you felt when you just first started. But until when should this person be willing to listen and understand, you have no idea. Then another morning comes and you’re alone, the person is nowhere to be found and you’ll be broken. But since we are talking about a romance book, it should have a happy ending, right?
Should you read it?
Absolutely. Especially if you have anxiety disorder, or maybe any other condition for that matter. I have a reason to believe this book’s sole purpose is to raise awareness on anxiety among young people. Adults too, and anyone who needs to know more about it. And if you’re too blessed to be healthy in mind, body, and soul, you should read this too. Because healthy or not, I think each one of us has that part that would want to be trapped in the public library with a hot-and-nice dude.
Ugh, lemme plan my trip to the National Library.
xo
And yes, it didn’t.
What is it about?
The plot couldn’t be more typical at first, until the conflict unfolds in just a few more pages. 17-year old Autumn Collins got trapped in the public library on a long weekend. No phones, no computers, no means of communication to the outside world. How this no-communication-to-the-outside-world thing happened is kind of unfathomable, given the fact that she’s in – technically – a research facility. Apparently it happens and the reasons for this were actually well-established. The second game changer is that she discovers she wasn’t alone. Dax Miller, a guy that no one knows but goes to her school was also trapped in there. He’s dark and mysterious and had to serve in the juvie the previous year. The final game changer? Autumn has anxiety disorder and her medication is not with her.
What I think about it
I decided to read this book because I was in the need of a bit of light reading. Light and entertaining read, that is. Though this book has served its purpose, some health issues were brought up and I can’t help but think about people like Autumn in real life. People who have health conditions who find it challenging to live a normal life (normal is overrated, I know but…). Until it dawned on me – oh wait, I used to be one of them. I do not have anxiety disorder, or maybe not that I know of since I’ve never gone to a doctor to get me checked. But I have a condition that not only makes me drug dependent, but also tangles my thoughts every damn time that I have to tell my friends I’m cancelling plans with them because I have symptom manifestations. And that sucks!
Autumn’s friends do not know about her condition, and that left them unanswered questions. Was she being unfair with them? Maybe. They have to know because they are her constant companions, and she’s actually doing herself a favor by telling them about it. On the other hand, her friends might treat her differently. What if they stopped inviting her to parties because she always needs to be alone? What if they stop being true to her on the account that they don’t want to hurt her feelings and that would trigger her anxiety? What if they just stopped being friends with her?
It all comes down to who’s by your side
Dax was a welcome distraction. Didn’t they agree to call it that, a distraction? This is the danger of pouring your heart and soul to one person, in my opinion. You become attached to them. You’ll have this constant need to talk to them and be with them. Then you’ll wake up one morning confused, not knowing if it was love, or just the desperate need for someone to talk to and understands. Oh yes, you’ll mistake it for love. Or maybe attraction, at first. But definitely more than how you felt when you just first started. But until when should this person be willing to listen and understand, you have no idea. Then another morning comes and you’re alone, the person is nowhere to be found and you’ll be broken. But since we are talking about a romance book, it should have a happy ending, right?
Should you read it?
Absolutely. Especially if you have anxiety disorder, or maybe any other condition for that matter. I have a reason to believe this book’s sole purpose is to raise awareness on anxiety among young people. Adults too, and anyone who needs to know more about it. And if you’re too blessed to be healthy in mind, body, and soul, you should read this too. Because healthy or not, I think each one of us has that part that would want to be trapped in the public library with a hot-and-nice dude.
Ugh, lemme plan my trip to the National Library.
xo
Book review: Doppelganger by David Stahler Jr. and the discovery of one’s self
Sunday, August 25, 2019 • books, cultural capital, reviews, young adult
This book heavily reminded me of David Levithan’s Everyday series. Stahler actually released this book in 2009 and I wonder if A’s story is based on the heganger.
What is it about?
We all know what a doppelganger is, but this book has a far more morbid idea of what a doppelganger is all about. The book is about a teenager who refers to himself as a monster–he is a doppelganger, a shapeshifter that kills humans and takes the physical appearance of their victim. But this teenage heganger is totally different from the ruthless, heartless monster that he is supposed to be. As he assumes the body and the life of a teenage boy, he is suddenly confronted with complex human emotions and caught himself dealing with them like a normal human being does.
He doesn’t have anything else but himself
He doesn’t have a name, his mom said their likes don’t need or even deserve one. So he calls himself just that, a heganger. I could understand how he could probably handle mingling with other human beings as this was very well established in the book. He spent most of his childhood watching TV in his cabin hidden in the depths of the woods, otherwise he read everything he could get his hands into. But the moment he assumes Chris’s body, and technically Chris’s overall identity, I wondered how is he going to try to cope with it. He doesn’t know Chris–at all. But it wasn’t for very long that I realized it was actually what the book is about, discovery of oneself. Referencing Shakespeare’s Macbeth, it was probably meant to make us understand why we did the things we did. That maybe that’s just who we are, and even if a part of us don’t want to do it, it’s just what’s in us.
I got this book from last year’s Book Binge Bazaar, and looking back, I don’t understand why I had to put off reading this book until two nights ago. If there’s a sequel to this book, I’d give the moon just to get a copy. I’m dying to know what’s gonna happen to Echo and Sheila and Barry. How Amber would deal with this truth the only she knows. I’m so down to following their love and life story. But maybe the book is meant to keep me wondering, which is cruel. But either way, this is far much better than Levithan’s Everyday series. I didn’t read its last installment as I was told it was crappy but now I think I’d like to give it a shot just to prove a point.
What is the book you’re currently reading?
What is it about?
We all know what a doppelganger is, but this book has a far more morbid idea of what a doppelganger is all about. The book is about a teenager who refers to himself as a monster–he is a doppelganger, a shapeshifter that kills humans and takes the physical appearance of their victim. But this teenage heganger is totally different from the ruthless, heartless monster that he is supposed to be. As he assumes the body and the life of a teenage boy, he is suddenly confronted with complex human emotions and caught himself dealing with them like a normal human being does.
He doesn’t have anything else but himself
He doesn’t have a name, his mom said their likes don’t need or even deserve one. So he calls himself just that, a heganger. I could understand how he could probably handle mingling with other human beings as this was very well established in the book. He spent most of his childhood watching TV in his cabin hidden in the depths of the woods, otherwise he read everything he could get his hands into. But the moment he assumes Chris’s body, and technically Chris’s overall identity, I wondered how is he going to try to cope with it. He doesn’t know Chris–at all. But it wasn’t for very long that I realized it was actually what the book is about, discovery of oneself. Referencing Shakespeare’s Macbeth, it was probably meant to make us understand why we did the things we did. That maybe that’s just who we are, and even if a part of us don’t want to do it, it’s just what’s in us.
I shrugged. “Maybe that’st just who he is.” I said. “Even if a part of him doesn’t want to do it, it’s just what’s in him.”Anyway, if there’s anything else in this book that kept me wondering, it’s how Sheila (Chris’s mom) wasn’t able to figure out that the boy living in her house wasn’t actually his son, and how come Amber (Chris’s girlfriend) sensed it more that Sheila did. Look, moms know everything. If you think that you were able to outsmart your mom by smuggling your girlfriend in your room, think again. Mom knows. She just doesn’t want to confront you about it to save you from embarrassment. But she knows. So how come Sheila doesn’t know? But then again, maybe she does. Maybe she just doesn’t want to talk about it, but she knows.
I got this book from last year’s Book Binge Bazaar, and looking back, I don’t understand why I had to put off reading this book until two nights ago. If there’s a sequel to this book, I’d give the moon just to get a copy. I’m dying to know what’s gonna happen to Echo and Sheila and Barry. How Amber would deal with this truth the only she knows. I’m so down to following their love and life story. But maybe the book is meant to keep me wondering, which is cruel. But either way, this is far much better than Levithan’s Everyday series. I didn’t read its last installment as I was told it was crappy but now I think I’d like to give it a shot just to prove a point.
What is the book you’re currently reading?
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