Review and Reaction / Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

To be honest, after the ECQ, i became a kdrama fanatic. I always find series worth my time watching. There are series i like, but there are also cringe-worthy one’s that i just let pass by. However, you might be wondering why i am writing a review and reaction to this series, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, i don’t know either. But what i can say is, it is relatable.

The series’s setting shifting from modern to old time back to modern world. It started when the protagonist, Hae Soo, had a near-death experience in the modern world, then woke up a thousand years before where Kings, Queen, Princes and Princesses exists. Apparently, Soo is the cousin of the sick Lady Hae married to the 8th prince (Wang Wook). She was said to be a different person after her believed injury which also caused her memory loss (because she remembered her modern life). She is said to changed from a quiet and shy to opinionated and rascal girl. Her encounter with the princes and princess were quite memorable for them too.

Not in chronological order, let’s start with the 10th Prince. Their official encounter was in the bath, followed by when they fought and the prince got beaten. But instead of hating or having a grudge, he favored Soo to be the first girl who treated her that way and even became his first love.

After the beating of 10th prince incident, 8th prince tried to talk to her on how she should behave. Surprisingly, she displayed enthusiasm to be better on her own which the prince is not expecting. This made him curious and fascinated by Soo that made him confess to his wife that Soo is a “breathe of fresh air”. This is also the time that Lady Hae suspected her husband falling for Soo.

Soo’s encounter with the 13th prince has something to do with the growing feelings of affection of the 8th prince to her. He was the one who read the poem 8th prince gave to Soo to learn, which turned out to be a confession of love. This made him resent Soo, and the fact that he has feelings for Lady Hae. But later on admitted that Soo is special to him because of the bond they had after Lady Hae died.

The 4th prince encounter with Soo is somewhat, out of ordinary. He saved Soo from falling by riding her along his horse then pushed aside after. A very superficial scene though. Then a lot of unexpected encouters happened, including the bath scene where his scarred face was seen by Soo.

14th prince on the other hand, had an interesting and funny scenario. His arm was saved by the rascal side of Soo. While gangsters try to cut his arm, Soo attacked with a stick in hand. Well, they’re saved by the 8th and 4th prince, but her relationship with the 14th prince deepened because of that.

Soo’s encounter with the princess were in rough edges though. She accused Soo of spying the couple (Lady Hae and the 8th prince). Then got a beating from the princess because of a misunderstanding. In this scene, you’ll see who cares for Soo. The 3rd prince on the other hand, said that the beating was just appropriate for them, and was agreed by the 9th prince. Well, they’re the rude one’s obviously.

Soo became close to the crowned prince during her stay in Damiwon. There’s an incident when the crowned prince was in terrible situation, Soo helped him. Though she was reprimanded by butting in, she was still favored by the crowned prince allowing her to treat him in secret and gave her a gift in return.

The princes got more fond of Soo during the birthday of the 10th prince. Soo prepared a surprise solely for the 10th prince. She decorated a small pavillion, sang and danced the modern version of Happy Birthday until the other princes joined in unexpectedly asking Soo to sing for them. After that song, some princes fell for her or at least distinguised their feeling for her.

Soo’s life changed after Lady hae died. This is also where the princes care for her blossomed even more. When she was arranged to be married to a 60-year old man with lot of children, they plotted for her escape. It turned out that it’s the king who she will marry. Well, the reason is  political, that’s how kingdom rule. But the effort for the wedding to be cncelled is on 8th and 4th prince but was unsuccessful. However, Soo found a way to cancel it for good by wounding herself enough to have a scar. Woman/Lady with a scar can not marry a king. Interesting, right?!

After the wedding had been cancelled, Soo worked in Damiwon, under the supervision of Lady Oh. Their task was preparing beverages and medicinal tonics for the Royal family. This was also the time that Soo and the 8th prince secretly meets. Their feelings for each other grew and even talked about settling down. But they are caught redhanded by Lady Oh who opposes the relationship. This, i think, is a classic case of right love at the wrong time. Because this is the time that throne is vulnerable and the people around the 8th prince was pressuring him to have it as well. But fate was not with him. Even though he has a thorough plan, it was always unsuccessful. The 8th prince and Soo differ in principle afterwards that they fell apart. Given the circumstances, i still root for their love story. I personally wanted them together, i wanted them to end together. Because i believe that they compliment each other and they would grow together. Plus, they are both kind and caring to others. But then again, this is not their story.

The gist of the story though is the relationship of Soo and the 4th prince. They may have met on the wrong side of the bed, but the 4th prince insisted Soo to be his person. Naturally kind girl Soo was, 4th prince was infatuated by her and pursued her for more than two years. When Soo finally gave in, the situation became different and quite difficult. Under the reign of the crowned prince, now the king, their life went smoothly. But after the 3rd prince took the throne, it is more difficult for them. Until the throne was abdicated (or at least self proclaimed) to the 4th prince, the relationship was too toxic, specially to Soo as she witness the dark side of having power and the things you must sacrifice to maintain that power.

That’s when she decided to leave the palace with the help of the 14th prince and a little from 8th prince as well. Fast forward, Soo was ill and pregnant when she left the palace, 14th prince was happy and contended with Soo’s decision to go with him as his husband, born a daughter, and later on she passed away.

Okay, i may have shared the story by bits and pieces so as not to spoil the series too much for those who are interested to watch it. These are my crying moments:
1. When 8th prince walked away from Soo
2. When 10th prince died
3. When 14th prince cried over Soo’s death
*Well, i may have other teary-eyed moments but this’ where my tears got the best of me. It just naturally poured and have to sob even after an episode later. Got it?!

Also, one of my realizations was about the bonding of the royal siblings. The good thing is, the bonding the princes and princess has. Despite being royalties, they are still humans who pick on the other siblings. But in times of need, they help each other, whether for a good or for a bad reason.

What i like about movies or series is the story or the story line. This series talks about life, love, and career in general. That old times and modern times experience.

Life. The decisions you make are your own doing and you must take responsibilities for it.
Love. There are a lot of love shown in this series: love for family, love for your significant other, love  for friends. Trust and loyalty is in unison with betrayal and greed. Being honest is essential to (any) relationship.
Career. It is lonely at the top. To be on top, you have to sacrifice what is dear to you. Don’t be greedy.

And most of all, it says here in this series that, “you can’t have it all”. But through it all, you must be kind at all times and love unconditionally. 

Disclaimer Alert: Random Thoughts Ahead

So, it was just a regular day at work. I went an hour or so earlier because i was informed that I need to meet my newly added load. Upon arrival, we met and talk, yadda yaddah yaddah.

Next stop, coffee... I feel like a freeloader today. I was treated with coffee and a donut from my beloved friends/colleague. (thank you!)

Then, work work work. Rain poured, still work work work.

Fast forward.... Going home, I need to take home some books. So I went to my locker, arranged some stuff and wa-la, ready to descend now (coming from 6th floor). With my friend/colleague who's very anxious because it's raining hard (as in very hard) and also because she have a massage appointment in thirty minutes.

Ground floor, still raining. Met another friend/colleague along the way (it's a small world after all). With the heavy rain, we decided to put our backpacks in front of us to avoid getting it wet. Easy at first, we just need to avoid stepping on potholes. As we are approaching the exit, I am already feeling a little choked (it's the bag). I wasn't able to adjust the strap of my bag.

Fast forward again... already riding on a jeepney and still raining (it went a little heavy while we were traveling). Then, I thought of a strategy on how to get off the jeepney - quickly, as in without delaying other passengers. My umbrella is not automatic that's why. Again, I thought, should i still put my bag in front or at my back (the struggle is real)? Then I realized, my bag's still got wet, so i didn't see any difference if I use my backpack bag the way it's supposed to be.

Again, I remembered that choking feeling earlier. Why is it relevant? Because i realized that it is really difficult to breath if you put your baggage in front of you. It is more comfortable and freeing if it is placed at your back.

As I said, random thoughts. That's it!

My Private School Teaching Experience

After i decided to shift into the academe, it's always been in my Sintang Paaralan. Simply because i want to give back what i reap from the university that trained me in so many ways. So i just feel the need to have my pay back. But of course, i'm not closing my doors for any possibilities. And so, a friend of mine referred me to this private and exclusive school for girls located in Makati.

I don't know what i'm thinking during my interview and during my teaching demo... until i finally received the good news: i'm in! *ginalingan

Excitement is more of the feeling i felt before the semester begun. Then when it started, more on nervousness, anxiety, and stress. Don't get me wrong, I didn't regret teaching here. The expectation's just a little different that's why. Plus i must make my own syllabus, prepare my lecture (using multiple books - well the school's very generous in lending them), and  adjust my teaching style.

To clear things up, my students are not conyo, i don't feel that they're brats as well. Maybe, they just have that look of scrutinizing you and testing you if you know what you're talking about. They're also typical millennials - having short (as in very short) attention span, easily distracted and participates mostly in activities (rather than class discussions and recitations). Nevertheless, they're fine. 😃

So, why am i blogging this. I'm not sure too... Maybe i'm thinking of not pursuing teaching here next semester? Devote my time solely at my sintang paaralan? Go back to the industry? Put up my own business?

So far, i'm enjoying what i'm doing -Teaching. It gives me a different kind of fulfillment.

I just hoped that i somehow influenced my students in a positive way and learned something from me.

Happy Teacher's Day to me!

But most importantly, happy Teachers' day to the parents and teachers around the world, the universe rather. 😍

Review: Miaow Miaow Snack

Me and my mom arrived at the mall 30 minutes early, so we decided to roam at the grocery store to kill the remaining time (we plan to attend the 7pm service).  I also plan to buy prize for my students, and while doing so, i saw a new cracker in the shelf. It says "cutlefish flavoured crackers". I became curious and wonder how it tastes like so i bought it. I had second thouths though, because the product's new and i believe it is not locally made, so i thought it would be expensive.

Actually, it is somewhat expensive. It costs Php35+, 60 g. Yeah, it kind's is expensive for me. 😊

Above is the actual aesthetic of the product. Upon opening, the content is only half of the packaging (feel the disappointment there).

Moment of truth, how does it tastes? It's crunchy. Not salty, actually it has a sweet-blend taste. I taste a hint of fish (also smells like). Overall, it's okey.

That's it, it is just okey. If you ask me if it is worth my Php35+? I don't think so. I'd rather buy the local crackers.

My Trip to Palawan

There's always a first time to everything. Yup, including this trip to Palawan.

Even before i started travelling, Palawan's always been on top of my bucket list. Maybe because i wanted to see the underground river, which happen to be the 8th wonder of the world (as of 2015). This dream trip was built with my mom, but up-to-date, i wasn't able to bring her. Thus, when the opportunity came... I had mixed emotions: 1) happy because i'll be able to go to one of my dream destination; 2) sad because i am not going with my mom; and 3) anxious because i'll be going to work, without any guarantee that i can visit the places i want to. Well, it's up to me how i'll spend it though.

The airport in Puerto Princesa is welcoming enough.

This is a glimpse of what i will be seeing here.

Since this is an official business (OB) trip, we were fetched by our service car. I was told that we will be travelling 5-6 hours from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. But our trip, is more than that because of some errands of our engineers.

Along the way, we had our lunch to a canteen with this ⬇️ view.

It is very soothing in the eyes (the beach and the greens).

We arrived at the office late, so our purpose was moved the following day. I was saddened by it because my hope of having a tour vanished. Though, working is our main purpose in going here. Thus, i just spent the afternoon, well, i really don't remember what i did (FBing, Youtube-ing, i guess?). I even attended their daily meeting and butted in. We were asked to wait for dinner because our Japanese boss will celebrate his birthday (he gave a budget for it). Our very own (driver) cooked our sumptuous meal.

Patatim, Ginisang Monggo, Sauteed Shrimp, Igado, Adobo, Sweet and Sour Fish and Fruits (pineapple and banana).

Had a groufie with the birthday boy (man)... He's in stripes. (Sorry boss, you should've always open your eyes.)

Just when we thought bad news is over we were told that the hotel we were supposed to stay for two nights cannot accommodate us so we'll have to find a new place to stay, hoping that there still available rooms knowing that it is a weekend after all.

And the winner is... (Drumroll) Bill Tourist Inn! And this ⬇️ is very welcoming!

I have to share the room (and the bed) with my boss though.

Despite the 'puyat and pagod' i slept late, and i can hear the unending rain outside the hotel room. True enough, it is still raining when i woke up.

I can see the clouds move on that montain top.

I felt a little devastated, we cannot enjoy the beach if it's raining. Well, we have to work, work, work then. But ofcourse, we ate breakfast first ⬇️.

Our choice of rice meal or bread, coffee or juice or can be both since this is a buffet.

We arrived a little late to the office, thus we started work immediately.

(werk werk werk)

We went to our project site and based on what we heard, we have to walk on a very muddy way to it. But first, visit our batching plant:

Our batching plant.

From our batching plant via road 25 - 1.3 kms.

Just showing my blue boots, and loving it.

The road we need to take.

Just snapping some photos while walking.

This is just part of the project site.

Clueless that i am, the view that i've been looking for is right here where our project site is:

I forgot that we are constructing a jetty port, so work location include sea side (with a very good view)!

Returning to the office via road 1 - 1.8kms.

Snapped photo along the way.

We had lunch at the office again.

Continuation of boss' birthday celebration? I guess so... Crabs, pork adobo, fried fish and clam shells.

After lunch, we had a quick stop at the hotel and came back to the office. In time that our PM and engineers are already available to accompany us visit a tourist spot in the area, the Nacpan Beach.

I'm not sure if i've given justice to the nature's view with my snaps of it. But it is very overwhelming!

We left while i am still in awe. 😂😊😜

I guess the trip made us hungry, me and my boss were taken to a 'turo-turo' where you'll just pick any fresh viand then they'll deliver it to our table (on the sea side) cooked the way we wanted.

The gang, este, the team - the happy team.

Grilled Tuna, liempo, calamares, shrimp.

That wrapped up my second day, and the last but not the least dinner at El Nido, Palawan. 👌

Sunday, oh Sunday... It is still gloomy outside but we need to rise up early because we will be travelling another 5 hours to get to the airport. We left at around 7-7:15am and arrived at Puerto Princesa at around 12nn. We had a quick stop at Robinson's to buy some pasalubong before we had our lunch. What i am excited all about is the food we will be served.

Grilled platter good for 4-5 pax.

Crocodile sisig - my most after sought dish.

Aside from the dishes, the restaurant has a very unique ambiance and concept.

After lunch, we had a 5min-ride to the airport. So, i guess this is it - my memorable trip to Palawan.

It may not be the trip i wanted, but it exceeded my expectation. If you'll ask me if i still want to go back... It is definitely a YES!

Until we see each other again Palawan!

My Review: Everything About Her

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My tears for the night comes in two... But let's concentrate on my tears for the movie.

Everything About Her is basically a story of a successful woman, Vivian, who was diagnosed to have stage 3 cancer. As the CEO of her company, she must not be seen weak even under her medical condition. Her attending physician recommended a private nurse for her, Jaica. She, however was introduced as another executive assistant to conceal the real deal.

Vivian's son, Albert, was called by Jaica to help on the project they are working on. To convince him, Jaica told him the status of his mother. By the way, Albert is not close to his mom because he felt work is more important to her than him. For short, kulang sa pansin. 

Jaica relates to Albert's hatred for her mom because she also have issues with her mother. The good thing about Jaica's character is that she paved the way for Vivian and Albert's reconciliation. On the other hand, Vivian also helped Jaica soften her heart for her mom.

I think the movie is more appropriate during the celebration of Mother's day because it tackles the sacrifices of mothers and the consequences of their choices. It also showed how children respond to those so called sacrifices, positively and/or negatively. How this children react and cope with it.

For the mothers, there's nothing wrong with wanting your kids to have a better future. However, communication is a very strong tool while working hard on your goal. Let your children understand what you are doing. And also, once in a while give time to them even in special occasions at least.

For the children, as you grow and mature, learn to forgive sooner. As Vivian said in the movie, "wag mong hintayin ang cancer" to reconcile with people you have conflict with, specially with family members, and most importantly with your parents. We are only given one so learn to forgive and spend time with them as much as possible. Even when you felt that they deprived you of that, just remember that you are not what you are and where you are if things didn't go the way it did.

Pardon my eyes... They've just been cleansed.

Our Makati Trip

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Our Makati trip was an invitation by a real estate broker. They wanted us to listen as they present their new projects.

I also took this opportunity to treat my parents out, joined by one of my nieces. 

At the stairs of New World Makati Hotel.

The reception area...

And treated them to one of quick service restaurant that serves one of the best burger in town.

I hoped they enjoyed Makati, and the short walk in the nearby mall.