twelve 2012 highlights

*in no particular order*

one: bawled throughout the phantom of the opera

two: attended the natasha wang pole workshop 

three: was pleasantly surprised by wicked's ending

four: acted real immature in universal studios singapore

five: experienced pregnancy and being a parent for the first time 

six: arya, the sweetest KSP dog in the whole world

seven: rediscovered baguio thrice

eight: had an eating spree with my best friends in boracay

nine: got crafty

ten: finished reading the entire bible

eleven: finally got my 7 year long wish to go to casa san pablo

twelve: esther <3

*what are your 2012 highlights?*

pensive about pens

I've thought of myself as someone who's very particular with pens. I'm not loyal to any specific brand or model but I do know how which type of pens make my handwriting look nice. Sometimes I'd prefer gel pens or fine-tipped pens or colorful pens or whatever I feel like using. I could spend 15 minutes or more choosing which pen to buy to the amusement of my friends and to my husband's annoyance. My default pens right now are the Panda Super Ballpen - has a grip, nice ink flow, and dirt cheap (only around 5 pesos) and the Pilot Hi-tecpoint V5 grip for writing on my planner.

Anyway, my calligraphy nib broke and I wanted to replace it right away while I still have both of my hands available and time to practice. While searching for sources, I stumbled upon this blog. And I think it changed my life.

Aside from making great art and calligraphy, she also collects fountain pens. She knows fountain pens well and she describes the technical specifications of each pen like she's talking about some gadget Apple just released. Come to think of it, pens are actually gadgets! And most of us can't live without it and the model we use often reflects our personalities. I found myself browsing through the blog for almost an hour and I think I won't see pens, inks, and papers the same way again.

Here's a video of her work. Amazing. I didn't know I could love Sweet Disposition even more.

Mt. Cloud Bookshop

Every nook and cranny is <3

One of my greatest dreams is to have a personal library or a small bookstore and. Mt. Cloud Bookshop's space in Baguio is my ultimate inspiration - their stuffed owl bookends, cozy chairs, and other quirky displays made me want to stay all day.  They also stock locally published books which are hard to find in regular bookstores in Manila (I'm drooling over the Cafe by the Ruins book but it was a bit pricey). I wish there would be more shops like Mt. Cloud but unfortunately they cannot compete with big stores like National Bookstore and Fully Booked. What if small shops unite and do something to market themselves?

Book Report: The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Hugo Cabret is an orphan, a clock keeper and a reluctant thief who lives in the Paris train station. The only object left by his father was an automaton with a hidden message locked inside.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret  is a combination of words and illustrations by Brian Selznick. It's a different kind of story where the illustrations are part of the story narrative. In some pages, you are flipping through detailed drawings which will flow to written word when you turn to the next page. Every part of the book was part of the experience: from the colorful but subdued book jacket to the typography. Everything was thoughtfully created which is one of the favorite traits I like about the author/illustrator.You can even visit the book's website to know more about the book and how it came to be.

This book is recommended for young adults and not-so-young adults who are into films, art, and history. I'm also reminded of the movie Cinema Paradiso while reading Hugo.

This book just became one of my most favorite books of all time and Brian Selznick is one of the people I would like to meet someday.

Give Colorfully

This is such an adorable video! Now I want to wrap gifts using lots and lots of crepe paper and not just in one color (orange) which I'm doing right now.