Migrating to Blogger

I truly am fond of sharing my ideas to people around the world especially those who share the same interests and passion with me. This is the reason why I moved to Blogger from Friendster Blogs. I believe that I could attract more audience with blogger.

I still am firm on the belief that a person writes for another person to read it. An actor needs an audience for him to be called an actor, which is the same with an author for he can never be called an author if he has no reader.

I know that blogs are supposed to be somewhat personal and reflective, but I am more adept at writing things which interests me most and which catches my attention, otherwise, it wouldn't be interesting to read for a reader who happened to drop by.

So to catch up with the time I've "wasted" at Friendster Blogs, I posted all my notable entries starting May, 2007 so that those who would visit could read some of the articles I have written before out of my desire to share my thoughts.

However, this blog WILL NOT BE SOLELY DEDICATED TO MY REVIEWS ON BOOKS WHICH I HAVE READ. It will still function as my online diary, the venue where I could pour out the overwhelming ideas in this thick head of mine.

By the way, if you are curious about the MEANING OF THE TITLE OF THIS BLOG, well, here it is: biblio = book and sensei = japanese for teacher/mentor. So this blog is literally named as BOOK TEACHER.

For those people who find my assertions unjusttifiable, improperly stated or just irritating, I'm sorry to say but we have different perceptions about the world, we don't have the same mind and most importantly, please remeber that opinions are always honored in the civilized world.

Thank you very much!

Uzumaki Naruto vs. Harry Potter

It's quite a long time since i've written my last blog (in Fiendster Blogs). I really missed writing one. Although I don't particularly know if anyone truly read this, the good thing behind is the fact that I could enhance my writing skills in some ways and I could reflect the things that are happening to me or those which I am doing in another. On top of that, I feel fulfilled everytime I see my works or rather writings published online. One day, through this, I might find whether I truly have improved in different aspects of my life.

Lately, I have been really hooked at watching the anime NARUTO which basically forced me to rename this blog with sensei which, of course, I learned from the series. I was quite astounded at how they give meaning to a sensei - a teacher or mentor in English, but is far more different and somehow complex to its equivalent in English.
The NARUTO series gave me the perfect definition of who I want to be once I embark in the field of teaching. It's quite impossible to express it in words, though, but I'll make sure to be a sensei some day.

As for the anime NARUTO, I find it truly addicting, which if I reflect back to the days when I was reading HARRY POTTER, I found that they share the same excitement that any reader or enthusiast would feel. Furthermore, both of their stories are somehw related in terms of the background of the main characters.

Take a look at Harry. He's a kid who grew up without his parents and who have been outcasted by the society he lives in. As for Naruto, they are the same, he, who grew up without the love and care of parents and who was considered a monster by the village of konoha.

When they learned who they really are and who they really want to be, they became a different person who little by little gained friends and acceptance from people around them.

But there's one thing that I like more about Naruto than Harry. Naruto has a great determination to become a Hokage, the village chief, who is entrusted with the welfare of the villagers. But as for Harry, I can't really dewcipher what he's aiming at until the end. And with that, I was quite moved by Naruto's story more than how I felt back when I finished Harry. The Harry Potter series do gave me the sense of suspense, which I guess became its primary asset. But I feel that I am much more impressed at how Kishimoto and his team molded the character of Naruto. Truly impressive, I must say. And I feel that if it was originally written in English, it would have gained far more recognition than the Potter series.

Well, these are just my opinions, though. I don't know if you would feel the same. But try watching Naruto if you find time. Be sure to watch it from the start...

The Japanese word above is actually my nick name's japanese versions, Nicky, which in Japanese is pronounced as NIKKU. I planned to include it on this blog's title but it's a JPEG image and my computer does not support Japanese caractres, so I guess, I'll just leave it posted on this article.

Posted by Nicky Guinto on April 25, 2008 at 01:15 AM in Weblogs at Friendster Blogs

My 2007 Top 10 Books

In my quest to find a good story, I probably have stumbled upon the ones that I've been looking for. But I believe, there are more that are just lying around the corner waiting to be discovered and I must say that I am looking forward to that day, likewise I'm positive to really uncover one that is far from what I perceive to be good at this time.

Meanwhile, among the books that I've read starting December 2006 - December, 2007, I hereby commend the following books ranked according to their excellence in my point of view.

Rank No. 1 : GAPO by Lualhati Bautista

Rank No. 2 : OF MICE AND MEN by John Steinbeck

Rank No. 3 : HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS by J.K. Rowling

Rank No. 4: THE JESTER by James Patterson

Rank No. 5 : YOUNGBLOOD 1,2 and 3 by Various Authors

Rank No. 6 : THE ALCHEMIST by Paolo Coelho

Rank No. 7 : MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA by Arthur Golden

Rank No. 8 : THE TRUMPETER OF KRAKOW by Eric P. Kelly

Rank No. 9 : CATCHER IN THE RYE by J. D. Salinger

Rank No. 10 : THE NOTEBOOK by Nicholas Sparks

[These are regardless of whether they are fiction or non-fiction, novel or just a compilation of essays]

Notable Books*:

THE GIVER by Lois Lowry
HOLES by Louise Sachar
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA by Lauren Weisberger
MACARTHUR by Bob Ong
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING by J.R.R. Tolkien
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBEby C.S. Lewis
DICEY'S SONG by Cynthia Voigt
THE DA VINCI CODE by Dan Brown
ANGELS AND DEMONS by Dan Brown
JOHNY TREMAIN by Esther Forbes
THE SLAVEDANCER by Paula Fox
ANIMAL FARM by George Orwell
WITHOUT SEEING THE DAWN by Stevan Javellana

* These notable books may either have an appeal for me but did not pass my standards for the TOP TEN or books which I have read on the previous year that still is worthy of attention.

However, I would also like to set my wish list for this year so that I could better have a mindset and some sort of a guide on particular titles I hear to be great.

1. THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO by Junot Diaz
- the book proclaimed by TIME to be the best of 2007 in Fiction

2. OF GRAPES OF WRATH by John Steinbeck
- I was stunned by Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, I think it would do me the same in this since this novel is known to be Steinbeck's best.

3. A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS by Khaled Hosseini
- a National Bookstore bestseller and TIME's Top 3 best fiction book

4. THE LORD OF THE FLIES by William Golding
- I hear so much about this [it's goodness, that is] from one of my classmates and one of my teachers in my major subjects and also in the lists of some consumers in Amazon.com. I already have this and when time permits, I would start leafing through its contents.

5. NUMBER THE STARS by Lois Lowry
- I want to find out whether Lowry not only did great on The Giver but on his other works particularly this, which is also a Newbery Medal laureate.

6. ERAGON by Christopher Paolini
- I'm just curious. They say, he has written this when he was 15 or younger?

7. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee
- I have seen the film but I'm quite disappointed. However, I found many consumers from Amazon.com consider it to be one of the best. So I think, it's better read than seen.

8. THE DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL by Anne Frank
- I hear so much about this. I think I really have to find out why many people say it's a classic.

9. LADY CHATERLIE'S LOVER
- I forgot who the author is, but my literature professor speak of it many times and he urges us to read it soon. I hope I could find a copy.

10. LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATES
- I don't know whether it's really the title of that book but It always catches my attention whenever I pay a visit to the bookstore. It was also mentioned once by one of my professors.

MY MUST HAVES:

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS and THE RETURN OF THE KING
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN - this will be shown on May, 2008, so I feel like I need to read it first before going to the cinema.

Posted by Nicky Guinto on January 12, 2008 at 07:53 AM in Books at Friendster Blogs

On FRODO, HARRY and LUCY

This review is virtually late for I have promised one right after I read each, though I've done one with The Hallows. But, nevertheless, though I can hardly remember vital instances that could beef up this review, I would rather cite important points which could give you something to ponder about if ever you've read any of these or rather wants to read the other ones sooner or later.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA [The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]

Yes, you could see two books in the picture but sad to say due to the unrelenting wave of responsibilities piling up on my stack of unfinished tasks, I only managed to finish the one with the movie version already, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

However, I've read some 1/4th of the 3rd one in the row entitled The Horse and His Boy but I'll just talk about it as soon as I manage to complete all of my tasks at hand.

Well, Narnia is actually a book which could be most appropriately given to growing up children for I personally find it to be written for them. The story is told in simple terms which virtually everyone could understand and contains out-of-this world points which most likely would be of interest to young boys and girls.

The plotline is simple and every bits and pieces of the story could all be recalled in a flash top it up with illustrations which could eventually foster faster comprehension to its readers.

Although the universe of the story could, in some ways be similar to that of TLOTR and HP Series, i find it very short to the point that it seems I was deprived of vital circumstances that could have pointed the reason as to why this or that happened. I hate to say this , but the story seemed dull. Add up the scarcity of characters who most likely are very hard to picture in mind should illustrations were not present.
I've seen the movie and it seemed better than how it went in the book. I did not picture a whole battlefield with green grass enveloping the travelers who come in search for Aslan nor did I vision a batallion of gargoyles, tree ghosts, elves, dwarves and trolls battling under the evil queen's command. Neither did I saw a good battle between the protagonists and the antagonist. It all seemed to me as children on stage portraying the character traits suggested in the book. It's dull, truly dull and I honestly felt the hunger for more DETAILS.

I should say now that it was due to the book that I learned the importance of side stories which frequently adds more volume to novels. It quenches the reader's thirst for something to ponder about which later in the story could give dramatic changes to how readers hoped or foresaw the whole story to end.

The bottomline, The Chronicles of Narnia, with all its seven books did not much satisfied my craving for a world I longed to be utterly familiar with. It is indeed a children's book as its label suggests.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS [The Fellowship of the Ring]

You are right if you've guessed that the book is thickly clad with descriptions ranging from the clothing of the characters to the weather situation as it happens in the story. TLOTR is definitely the opposite of Narnia.

The universe of the story is richly written in carefuly selected and arranged prose narratives making it as vivid as the real world can be. What particularly amazes me is that it seemed to me as if the writer, J.R.R. Tolkien really did made some sort of a History of Hobbits to the point that it's not a fiction but a revealing fact. I've felt that with Tolkien's narrative. And it could have possibly been even more clearer to me if ever I've read the prequel first to the series, entitled The Hobbits before leafing through the pages of the first one.

But with that, it had been so confusing on my part. When I was in some 1/4th of the story already, only then that I found that Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves, Men and wizards in the story share similar attributes physically, only, they differ in height and ornaments that they put in their bodies.

I usually picture an elf and dwarf to have an image that is very far from that of humans, and so as hobbits, if ever they've been a part of folk tales.

Yes, the plotline seemed realistic due to the clarity of descriptions, but sometimes, I feel the whole novel is outpouring with unnecessary points which could be trimmed out to achive brevity and speedy comprehension.

It's much like those classic novels containing an immense number of descriptions that could have been written rather simpler than the way they are seen today.
I came to the point that I am totally intrigued about what would come next but due to the overwhelming statements and unworthy citations I literally fall out of my desire to finish the whole story.

I even had resigned to continue reading it at one point but with my inclination to know what happens next won over my boredom. Thank God or else you probably won't be seing this review.

Nonetheless, overall, I should argue that the story is worthy of being comapred to Rowling's books for it somewhat contains the same elements which readers of Harry Potter have found very exciting and worth finishing to the very end.

HARRY POTTER SERIES

The picture is a shelf-ful of my potter books. the first six are of course in paperback covers since it has just been recently that I discovered its wonders and the seventh one, the hard cover. But as soon as I leave school to pursue my goals, I'll find a way to buy the first six in hard cover version and I would be happier if I could buy it personally in a bookstore from the U.S. Hehe..

Now with my review. Without bias or anything, I should say that the Potter series still hold the number one spot on my list with regards to these three books.

It's detailed and is written in the simple lexicon having a world that is richly painted with characters and settings that highly supports the narratives. It's as if a reality brought in print and an interesting historical record of a boy who, at first do not contain the bearing of a hero, as literature defines it, or a powerful protagonist who could blow away adversities and hindrances in a flash.

In my opinion, the subtlety of the friends C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien have all been combined in the head of Rowling, less the negative sides of the former and more of the creative side of the latter.

As you continue reading the potter books, it's as if for every event in the story is a climax which later on would be replaced by an increasing feeling of satisfaction as the story nears its end.

And in every volume is an ever-perplexing twist which could paint a smile on reader's faces after saying "I thought the story would end this way..." then after finally releasing the copy from the tight grip, "... but better end it that way..."
**More to follow...

Please leave some trace by commenting on what you've read.. thank you.

Posted by Nicky Guinto on December 28, 2007 at 10:16 AM in Books at Friendster Blogs

time's perfidy

Life's ecstatic sense is bit by bit, beginning to become obscured by the treacherous nature of responsibilities hanging about my disposition.

There's so much I want life to provide me answer for but above all these is the rhetoric "why time is pushing my energy to the limits at a period when I should have been doing better, pleasure-imbedded things in my life that I would bring forth and treasure later."

There's so many things I want to do but then, as responsibilities rise at a mountain height, I find it harder to seek for unadulterated hours of bliss for myself. Time's unbearable pace is pushing the young I know a little about out of my dimming awareness. Dimming. For I'm now under the impression that a stranger has taken over the life I thought I'm still in control of.

I know there's someone out there who omnisciently keeps my path straight but I can't seem to find the road laid down for me though I know that everything's spoonfed upon me.

This article isn't supposed to be like this. It's just that the idea had just sprang out of my mind. I don't know why. But I think it just have to end this way. Everything that preceded is nonsense and so don't mind what i've said ok?

Posted by Nicky Guinto on August 18, 2007 at 06:49 AM in Weblogs at Friendster Blogs

Youngblood 3

Lately, I've been hooked at reading the essays of this compilation which now falls under my favorite's list. Ok.. I know what you'll say "Every book you read is always your favorite. What's new?" But this book totally hit the spot. Everything a budding writer and a story-hungry person like me would share the same thoughts with me. It's complete, compact, consice and most of all, it's young at heart.

Yup.. I can relate to some of the articles and to tell you the truth, I have moved from mourning to the end of the Harry Potter series [which I now created a shelf cum altar at home] to expanding my reading interests such as these essays straight from the heart of the youth.

I'm now planning to collect all the three compilations. The second is still out in the market but the third, I fear, I could only find in Manila. Well, that's not so bad... I'll be going to Manila next Saturday to buy an overhead projector as a project of my organization... I'm sure I won't go home without the first compilation in my hands and i'm sure my companions wouldn't mind. But if so, I'll have to ask another favor from my good friends in Manila... Hey, could you? Pretty please?...

So now, I'm urging you to immerse yourself to reading these compilation for I'm sure you'll thank me sooner or later...

Posted by Nicky Guinto on August 04, 2007 at 09:45 AM in Books at Friendster Blogs

The Jester - James Patterson

As I've mentioned in the bulletins [that is, if you happened to read though] I've claimed this book as one of the greatest I have read. To tell you the truth, I read it straight from the beginning 'till end last Saturday despite a mountain of assignments and reports I should have done first hand. Patterson even beat my J.K. Rowling faves in terms of keeping you musing over what may come next. It's just.. great!

To brief you with the book, it's a story of Hugh de Luc, a french commoner during the time of the crusades who keeps an inn with his wife, Sophie. One day, the crusaders came and asked men to join them in their pursuit to claiming back the holy land, which at the time has been invaded by the Muslims. At the middle of the battle, after about a year, he planned to go back with a lance given by a priest who was killed in the battle. In his return, he learned that his wife and child, whom he had never seen yet were killed by men with a black cross as a mark. But he never believed that his wife was killed. That she's alive somewhere.

He sought for his wife and he sought for revenge for his innocent. He stumbled accross a wild boar on his way to the duke yet he fortunately survived. He was found by Lady Emily, a noble from the next "dukedom" and was cared for for several months although opposed by the wife of the duke. It was she who planned the "pretext" - his being a jester to the Baldwin, the duke whom he believed to claim the lives of his family. An there he went. But later, he discovered that its not Baldwin but it's Stephen's army, the duke where Lady Emily lives who killed his wife and son.
Later on, he went back to where Lady Emily resides and sought for his wife which he only slightly had a little time to talk with for she died minutes after he found her. He wanted revenge but Emilie forced him to go back home. And so, he returned but he plotted a fight against those who would cause havoc and mayhem once again in their town.

He succeeded and he, at this point found out why he was so wanted by the Tafurs [the men with the black cross]. It's the holy lance [the lance that pierced Christ's body in His crucifiction. He feared that if he did not act now, more and more lives would be taken away for his sake. And so, he urged the townspeople to seek for justice with Baldwin. But the news spread that a jester has the holy lance in his hand. As they come close to the duke, in every towns that they pass, more and more people join their army.

Baldwin was eventually been brought to prison, but he was bothered by Lady Emilie who left as they took hold the duke's seat to see the condition of Lady Ana in their place. He followed Lady Emilie and later found that some of those who were with him to imprison their lige have also came to help. After several loss, Stephen, the duke who killed the innocent just for the holy lance to fall within his reach, was killed by his wife, Lady Ana with the lance. The lance was burried together with the body of Stephen.

Hugh found out that Lady Emilie is the King's daughter and eventually, Hugh was educated and was married with Emilie.

There you have it... The way I retold it here may have made it seem uninteresting to you but I hope I have not deceived you. Just read it and thank me later ok?

Posted by Nicky Guinto on August 04, 2007 at 09:45 AM in Books at Friendster Blogs

CNN's God's Warriors

As words spread out in this composition, I am simultaneously watching CNN’s GOD’S WARRIORS. It's amazing how Christian Amanpour, the reporter sought after the deepest mystery inside the three major religions in the world. But it's so ungrateful to say that I missed the last part - those about the Christian Warriors yet I'm in strong faith that I soon will catch the show again.
Here are the facts I've gathered from the documentary.

:: God's Jewish Warriors ::

"When politics and piety collides, it will form a volatile combination."

1. Jews believe in the fact that their Messiah will only come if they all have settled in the land appropriated for them by God. Their Torah [their holy text] tells that Moshiac [roughly spelled Hebrew for Messiah] they must secure once again the lands that for so long have been occupied by other faiths, the Islam, the Christians and other minor sects.

2. Israel is the melting pot of religious grounds for in a single part of Jerusalem lies all the sacred places of the three religions. The Muslims built a wall around that space which included the lamenting wall of the Jews, the nativity for the christian and the temple of the rock for the Muslims where Mohammad, as they believe, have been concieved by God to spread Allah's words.

3. After the three-day war initiated by the Israelis, they've won the lands they were fighting for. However, although they've secured once again the sacred lands, which includes the place where an immensely sacred temple for the Jews once stood [now having only the lamenting wall as remnant] have been prohibited by the international community specifically the United Nations to create settlements in those area and throw away those who were residing in those place which majorly constitutes the Muslims. Nevertheless, Israel never yield. They built several settlement areas leaving several muslims homeless.

4. The United States, for so long have abhorred the actions of the Israeli government not until the time of Bushearned their approval. But this led to a more tacit battle between international leaders.

:: God's Muslim Warriors ::

1. Islam women in Iran aren’t allowed to run for higher position in the government because “God says leadership is for those deserving ‘men’.”

2. Islam women do not admit that their religion and their governments are discriminating them from the patriarchal society, instead, they vowed to defend their country as what their Messiah has done if need be.

3. Majority of Muslims believe that suicide bombing should not be viewed solely as a heinous crime but a task which has reasons.

4. Iranian people are waiting for their messiah Imam Hussein, the son of Mohammed who fought his way to death to protect his land, which as of now is being done by Iranians.

5. Islamism is actually not a religion but a law which must be followed.

6. “Women under veil is not a sign of discrimination but a sign of respect for the women”

Personally, I apprase Christian Amanpour for her brave act of presenting such facts which for long years leaders and ordinary people alike have left into oblivion or worse forgotten.

If you've seen her strong and direct-to-the-point questions during the interview, you'd also be impressed at how such a woman gathered the strength to question vital points in religion which no one have ever done before. To think that the person's she's interviewing are leaders of the respective religions.

Posted by Nicky Guinto on August 27, 2007 at 01:37 AM in Television a Friendster Blogs

the story behind my deathly hallows quest

I'm sorry... this should have come before the first review...

On the 21st of July, the 7th and last installment of the Harry Potter series will be released after a very long wait. But the agonizing fact lies also on the release day as it will mark the end of Harry Potter and everything that comes with him. Although there's two more movies to go, readers will not have something to pacify their longing for Harry Potter's life after school. What may probably happen next? - a question that may be left unanswered after the apple has been picked out from the shelf and eventually been chewed, swallowed and digested.

Sadness... yes... I for one will forcefully keep myself up when all the mysteries about the life of harry will be revealed. I'm afraid such would be hard to imagine... Oh my... why? why should Rowling stop writing harry? Had she been all fed up after that long and tiring years of writing about him? Well, as for me, i'd rather put up a wizard university because life without harry, in my case and in those fanatics, would eventually be dull.

Hmmp... well, the book's will be out on saturday snd i hope you'll permit me first to read the contents before finally reading my review...
Huhuhu... no more harry potter?..... Hmmmp...

THE STORY BEHIND MY HARRY POTTER 7 QUEST

[as seen in NBS Customer Reviews] Let me share you how I striuggled to obtain a copy of the hallows before I give a little review [w/o spoilers of course]. I have reserved a copy in NBS Lucena branch, July 14. In July 20, the organization which I am the president of had an acceptance party to new members up until 6 in the morning - no sleep at all. That's in Lucban. I left at 8am and hurriedly run to SM Lucena and arrived, 10 min before opening [w/o taking a bath... hey, i'm not smelly though]. I tried to see what was happening in NBS outside the mall doors and people are lining up with us outside. [i'm with my sister] Immediately after the woman's voice told "the mall is now open" I tried my best to be on the first line but I failed. But I'm greatful to see that I'm the first customer to enter the store premises. There I saw several copies of the book that for several months I have satisfied myself to see the cover art, thinking that on that day {july 21] it will fall in my hands. I hurriedly went to the customer service area after the cashier kindly instructed me what to do. After paying, signing and confirming of receipts, I got hold of the book and I felt as if the world stopped spinning [no, i'm not being stupid nor over reacting, i'm just telling the feeling I really had felt that time] and then I started leafing through the pages as we head home. I finished the whole reading, July 24 due to so many "disturbances" and also I feel and see through every word printed on those pages. I intentionally delayed my reading for some time because I tried to make myself ready for what might happen next, thinking over the things that happened on the previous chapters before proceeding.

I tried to tell the whole story detail by detail to my eager classmates but some things are better read than heard. I advised them to read it themselves because i was sure I missed certain salient points...

To those who feels my fanatism is somewhat over-reaction, you just don't get my point. Try reading some and I'm sure our minds would meet. If not, well, you're just not one of the prospect readers of Rowling. Try using the Hermeneutic Approach of literary criticism [the work is an entity in itself] As proud as I am, I say that it is an honor to be a part of this great literary history.

Posted by Nicky Guinto on July 14, 2007 at 04:37 AM in Books at Friendster Blogs

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (my first review)

Far more than any other literary work in the history of mankind has a book been so highly anticipated and highly appraised than the Harry Potter series of Joanne Kathlene Rowling. Now that the seventh and last installment is now in circulation, mostly in the hands of muggles [non-magical people], you probably have heard the fate of Harry as well as his faithful friends, Ron and Hermione from the mouths of your die-hard acquaintances. Statistics say that it is the FASTEST-SELLING BOOK in history with 70 M + copies sold in over 93 english-speaking countries in the first 24 hours of its release. Could you imagine that? Well that’s the magic of Rowling’s unwavering wit and unrelenting talent in story-telling. To Harry Potter faithfuls, never fear, for I will only fill this article with critical analysis and some non-essential [in my point of view] parts of the book.

The book started with a very intriguing scene where Snape is seen to spill out the plans of the Order of the Phoenix to he-who-must-not-be-named. Snape’s loyalty has long been contested upon by various HP fanatics reaching into the internet and up to television programs and yet, the most detailed and probably the best part of the book lies in chapter 33, THE PRINCE’S TALE. Yes, if you ask me, this book is now my number one in terms of adventure and suspense pushing my previous 1st, HP and the Order of the Phoenix in the 2nd spot on my list. Honestly, in the 46 novels [in counting] that I have read, this, I can consider is the best among the rest. It seems as if you really are one of the novel’s characters as opposed to those that I have read which isolates you as a reader who imagines what the texts assert. I’m sure other fanatics would agree with me in that sense…

Rowling truly did the magic great this time as if fans have been under the imperius curse [a curse which would follow the will of the one who conjured it] with such a considerable number of books sold in a single day and reviews booming in every part of the world chronicling the wonders they have experienced in in just a read...
Months before the official release, speculations as to what the Deathly Hallows are sprang from one dedicated Potter site to another and yet Rowling gave them more of what they had expected. Every part of the book really is elating as if from chapter to chapter, hunger to find out what's next will penetrate into your stomach. Delicious, as all reveiwers say, has the book been described as and a worthwhile book to spend a considerable amount [in the Philippines, that is] and extend 24 hours in 36 and more... Nothing, I say nothing can ever break such a tough record.

Let's cling to the story once again. The book, at large, is overwhelming with moral lessons from friendship, to love and eventually, death. Who says Harry Potter is for children only? Every line in the text proves critics wrong that adults are out of their mind to follow Potter's bandwagon, yet the series, particularly the Deathly Hallows, provided adults with an avenue to explore horizons which they so deliberately disregarded in exchange of the mediocre and materialistic world. The novel has taught me that life is not just all about sleeping, waking up, eating meals, going to school, mingling with friends and sleeping again. Its more of giving attention small things - that this small things can turn into something huge and prodigious. [I'm still on the novel okay.. It's just that, it's really what I felt although if you would examine it explicitly and even implicitly, none of the words I'm saying would come out.] Friendship. Never have I felt so pure and distinct. The friendship shown in this novel by the author, if you would allow me, is something surreal in this modern world. And yet, Rowling tries to inculcate this to her readers' minds. If you would only open your eyes to the reality only a handful of cliques can be said as true and the majority, only for the sake of being socially involved.
Death...

... I CAN'T QUITE FIND THE BETTER WORDS FOR NOW.. CONTINUATION AND FURTHER REVISIONS WILL FOLLOW...

Posted by Nicky Guinto on July 22, 2007 at 07:05 AM in Books in Friendster Blogs

MACARTHUR - Bob Ong

You may find it far from the accepted literary norms due to the radical use of explicit langauge, but then I must say that Bob Ong did reinvent his literary career quite successfully, although I think it's wise also to mention its flaws later.

I found myself comparing his style to Tony S. Perez' Cubao 1980, only Ong produced an allegorical account of the harsh truths that today's Filipino youth have been expriencing with. His humor, I must say have yet to fail him and his implicit way of extending some lessons in life is quite impressive.

"...di naman kailangan ng mga estudyante ang cellphone e...tangina, kayabangan lang yon! Ba't kailangan nila ng latest model? , di ba para magyabang? kung importante sa buhay ng tao ang teleponong may camera, dapat dati pa tayo lahat namatay!" - this for me is one of the best lines I found reflecting with, not that it hit me hard on my face, but that I came into a conclusion that such fact have been ignored by students of today. Sometimes, we find certain, usually delicate facts in life being left out because we are too busy with finding ways and means of fitting in with the fast pacing time.

The story goes like this. There are four friends (Cyrus, Jim, Noel and Voltron) who each have their individual problems. To at least lighten up their load, they resort to drugs which brings them short-lived pleasure. They did all things just to provide themselves at least one bag everytime they have their "sessions". But in the end, Noel, through the kindness shown by Cyrus' grandfather, Mang Justo, and the plight that happned on the latter due to Cyrus' addicition, he found himself mulling over the things he and his gang did in the past. And so, he realized something that he must do at once for him to save his future. At this point, that something is for me to keep in secret and for you to discover.

Bob Ong amazingly rebuffed the wrong doings of "kotong cops" tacitly in the novel through the character of Topak who after Cyrus robs tails him afterwards to force him to surrender what he have to sell it for himself. This is only one view but I believe there are more in the true world worser than this.

As I said earlier, there are certain flaws I must also mention. I wouldn't be honest if I say that i never felt bored at some parts of the novel. It even came to the point that I want to put it down and stop reading but I did follow my great professor's principle in dealing with literature - that there are certain ways in treating different kinds of literary work, that you just have to shift from your standard ways to a more scholarly one. I did this and I used the platinus theory (that literature is a noble work and thus give noble ideals) as well as the dialectic (that literature can create a revolutionary change) and classical (that literature gives values) theories in dealing with the work. I hate to sound technical but to make it short, I kept in mind that it is just one part (the part which I felt bored) and it does not give judgement to the latter parts. Another is that I know that the author do have something to tell his readers and which kept me leafing through the pages until I reached the end. I strictly advice those who would also feel what I felt to do what I also did or perhaps think of other things which you could make yourself eager finishing it.

I think I said much for now. Probably next time I would add soe more or revise my comments. What are you waiting for? Rush to yur nearest bookstore and secure a copy for yourself!

Posted by Nicky Guinto on June 17, 2007 at 03:14 AM in Books in Friendster Blogs

Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden

I was stunned by how Memoirs of a Geisha has changed my views on what Geishas really are. In my early years of education, I was influenced by my teachers that geisha's have nothing more similar with an ordinary prostitute, but then, judging by the customs an traditions of the "early 19th century" geisha's they do deserve to be given due respect. Being a true Geisha is not merely an occupation, rather it is a profession that gave more light to the history of Japan. I learned a lot from this book. It would be easier to enumerate them.

1. Geishas have their own customs and traditions which sprang back from the time Japan was not the Japan we have in mind today. From the way they talk, to the way they walk, everything should follow a strict rule in order to fulfill their sole purpose - to entertain, thus bringing more money to the okiya (geisha house) to where they live. Yes, bringing up a Geisha was a big business in Japan in the time the war had not erupted yet.

2. Geisha came from the word "gei" which means "artist" and so every geisha must learn every art which could help her in entertaining when the time comes that she is to be proclaimed a full-fledged geisha. Such arts are in particular to dancing, singing and the art of conversation. Being a good conversationalist and humorist as well can spell success to a geisha. A chance to perform in a Kabuki theatre is one thing a geisha must seek because being chosen as a performer was a measure of being a great geisha.

When I was just a child, I sometimes stumbled upon TV channels which shows dancing women in full white make-up dressed in the most colorfull wardrobe. Back then, I know not a single hint about geishas and so I just asked myself why they do such things. They seemed like robots - only they are more flexible. Now I learned that those women are dancing and that such dances have meanings, I mean, it has a story to tell!

3. Geishas attend a school where they learn the different arts they need to know for entertaining. They attend each and every class until they reach their 20s and until they have mastered all the arts.

4. Geishas sell their mizuage (virginity) to the highest bidder. They are subjected into a bidding competition among the men to whom they offered an ekubo (a special kind of cake which have meaning when given by a geisha to a man).

However, any man can bid even if he was not given an ekubo by the geisha herself. The bidding is undertaken in a teahouse conducted by its mistress. After the bidding and after the price has been settled, the mistress will ring the okiya to tell who won for them to settle when and where the mizuage ceremony will be done.

5. A woman who intends to become a geisha needs an older geisha who would take her as a younger sister. Once the older geisha agreed, a ceremony will be held to bind them as natural sisters. Usually, it is the older sister who seeks for her younger sister because her future depends also to her younger sister. A part of the earnings of the younger sister will go to the older one.

The main reason for this however is for the younger one to be known by the older's clients and t make it easier for her to enter in the geisha world.

Younger sisters usually take a part of the name of her older sister for her to be known by the clients easily. But in the case of Mameha and Sayuri, Mameha was told by the fortune-teller that all the names that can be associated to her for Sayuri give bad omens and so, they chose Sayuri instead.

6. Geishas are very superstitious. In every move that they take, they need to consult their almanac or the fortune-teller so that they can bring about good tidings not only for themselves but also to those people who lives by her earnings.

7. The perception of people around the world about geishas have dramatically and radically changed after the war. That is because after the war, anyone can just dress up just like a geisha to sell her body to men. The registry department have been disordered because of th war and records have been lost - the reason why nowadays, people associated geishas to prostitutes.

I think, these would be all for now. I would add more once i remeber the other things. However, I urge you not to be discouraged by the thickness of the book but think about the wonderful things you could learn from it.

Posted by Nicky Guinto on June 16, 2007 at 01:32 AM in Books in Friendster Blogs

The Devil Wears Prada

Humor, drama and suppressed anger - these and everything else can be found in this best selling and beautifully hewn book by Lauren Weisberger.

From the start, up to the end, especially when Andrea Sach, the protagonist met and worked with the demanding, strict and insensitive Miranda Priestly, the antagonist, you will find each and every part hilariously funny yet with deeper points to review. Although Andrea is already heating up with the treatment of her boss to herself, she still did not give up because she knows that sooner or later, she'll "learn this thing" about fashion. (F.Y.I. - she has no idea about anything in fashion when she stepped in the doors of the fashion magazine she worked in for several months) In addition to the previously-mentioned statement, if you would read beyond the lines, it can be seen that her ego is springing up, blinding her eyes and numbing her senses for the ill-treatment of her superior. She doesn't want her parents as well as her boyfriend, Alex to know that she's weak, that she screwed up her first job which many say "a million girls woul die for". (Well of course, it's not she who's the problem but the attitude of her boss, that is...)

But there deep inside her heart is the eagerness to be known for being a writer which while she was under Miranda's doors clouded such a dream of hers that sprouted in her student days. She has been hired as a junior assistant to Miranda which explicitly saying, she's a virtual slave to her. But still, she kept on fighting. (That I guess was what it tells - never to give up so early) However, in the end, she blurted out and there, she knew that it's she who really have to decide and proceed achieving her dreams, not through the help of a big fashion magazine which if you would consider would be a great asset for a struggling writer who want's something to light up her resume.

COMPARISON WITH THE MOVIE

Well, the movie is another entity in itself since it did not follow the plot sequence of the book. I can say that I liked both the endings of the movie and the book. The movie, although at first I was disappointed for not keeping in with the way the story went in the book, but as I reflect more intently, I find both a great literary and production feat. The movie producer/ director made sure that there will be something unique about it apart from the book, something which made me give due credit to the people behind the silver screen.

I I were you, I would start reading the book because I could say that you would definitely miss half of your life!!!

Posted by Nicky Guinto on June 01, 2007 at 09:07 AM in Books at Friedster Blogs

Dicey's Song by Cynthia Voigt

I have been into Newbery Award-winning books lately, all because of Bangee (Joyner). After reading those books she offered me, I was urged to read more books receipient of such award, and as of now, it has yet failed me. Every story of every book is worth reading and worth commending. First on my list of course is The Giver by Lois Lowry due to its satisfying futuristic and utopian-turned dystopian plot. Second would be Holes by Louis Sachar because of the sudden twist in the end, and now, Dicey's Song. The books I have mentioned earlier deserves no particular rank in my opinion since they are equally unique in different terms. However, I will later say what book is on my no. 1 list. As for now, let's talk about the book.
It is a story that would prick your hearts since children who were already abandoned by their father and who's mother was victimed by a life-threatening disease struggle to continue their lives together. Actually, this is already the sequel of one of the books of Voigt (Homecoming), nevertheless, it's quite comprehensible still.
The story began with Dicey and her siblings, James, the bright boy, Sammy, the troublemaker but decides to keep away from fights when they migrate to their grand mother's house since he is blaming himself for what happened to his mother, and Maybeth, the slow learner but a gifted child when it comes to music, migrating to their grand mother's rickety house in Provincetown after running away from their relatives who treated them improperly.
Dicey is a 13 year-old girl and the eldest among the four. She decides to work at a nearby grocery store who's owner is her grandmother's friend Millie to make it a little less burdensome in her grandmother's side for keeping them. Millie's store was once successful until her husband died. The store have been left uncleaned and goods were improperly placed in the shelves causing the neighborhood to find it awkward buying the food they eat from a dirty and disordered store. Another thing is that Millie is not that bright (she can hardly read and write properly) making her orders from retailers to come out as those which she actually did not choose. And so, Dicey came into the rescue, asking $1 per hour of work since she's still a minor and laws are strict with it. Dicey supposed that Millie knows nothing about the law but she was happy for it because she could at least lend a hand to her grandmotherwith the expenses.
So much for Millie's store. Their grandmother, whom they call Gram decides to adopt them, but Sammy and James seemed to oppose because they still hope that their mother could recover. But Gram says that if that would happen, she would transform the kitchen into a bedroom for their mother. They eventually agreed. Several days passed before Gram finally secured the adoption papers from the local authorities and after passing in the news, the children were all delighted.
Winter was fast-approaching and the children have not a single winter clothing to wear since they came in the farther south of the United States (where the climate is so much like ours). Gram decided to knit them sweaters. Gram and Dicey, one Saturday went downtown to a shopping mall to buy some wool and other stuff they would need. Then, they discussed several things, from James' being pressured by the status quo in his new school, Sammy's being not true to himself and Maybeth's being a slow reader yet a superb pianist.
James was a bookworm and personally likes thick books. He once said that "if you have a big idea, you have to write it down in a big book, otherwise, you wont be able to explain the complicated parts..." The problem however was seen when his teacher asked them to create an essay which his all of his classmates would find interesting. After writing the essay, he asked Dicey and Gram to read it and they both agreed that it was superbly written. But when Gram went to his school for a homeroom meeting, Gram found out that James' essay was different from what he had shown them before. This time, Gram and Dicey decided that James is having a problem mingling with his new classmates and it seems like for his new classmates, being a "show-off" is utterly disagreeable, so they concluded that James is trying to fit in and that he really was having a hard time with it. However, they never talked about resolving it since they know that James has his solutions in every promlem he may encounter.
So now, the problem is only left to Sammy and Maybeth. Sammy had learned to blame himself for what has happened to their mother. He thought that because of his being a trouble-maker in school and everywhere he goes, he helped his mother have her ailment. Sammy has been behaving properly lately but they never thought it to be a problem until his teacher told him that she has never seen such a behaved young boy. He doesn't even try to mingle with his classmates and was reluctant in playing during recess.
What Dicey did is, she had a little talk with Sammy telling that causing a little truble in school is not a great sin to do for it is a part of growing up. Dicey mentioned that she herself had been a troublemaker once. And so, after the talk, things went normally with Sammy. But Dicey and Gram can't get away with the fact that Sammy is causing no "little trouble" but big ones. He always arrive home with cuts and bruises but they knew that it's how things go with Sammy - that he learns through his mistakes.
Now, it's not only Dicey's brothers and sisters who's got the prblem. She also have her personal problems which Gram iterated her to resolve as soon as possible because she's not getting any younger. First thing is the fact that she's already in her teenage years, that some of her clothes are utterly inapprpriate fr her age. But it's a minor problem. The more pressing problem of her is her inability hesitation to make friends. Gram told her that if she wuld not work that out, she would turn out just like her (Gram) who is being the subject of various rumors in town because of her unfriendliness. Gram stated that it's not too late for her t wrk with that and much s is Dicey.
To give Dicey an example, Gram entertained the company of Maybeth's music teacher, Mr. Lingerli which if Gram would still be the Gram of yesteryears, nobody would be nearing her house. Gram tld her about reaching out and holding on. Those she said were the words she neglected through the years but learned to accept only when everything was gone from her.
The ay after that, Dicey decided to try that reaching uot and holding thing and eventually, she ended up being a friend of the kind and bright nigger named Wilhelmina. She felt really fulfilled for overcming the negative aspects of her personality and they became really happy with the company of each other.
But the time had come to accept the truth that her mother will n longer be coming back. She and Gram went to Boston to see her mother who was in deep sleep until she died, to pay her soe respect. They decided cremation better than bringing home her mother's corpse and it won't happen withuot the kindness of Mr. Lingerli. He gave Gram a cnsiderable sum of money, enough to do the necessary tasks. Now, in this part, the author tries to impart how this reaching out give psitive impact with those who accepts it.
In the end, they brought home the remains of her mother and Gram became very open to them about the family she once tried to build. She showed them pictures of her children, which in the earlier part, she never even wanted to mention.
Now, this novel tells that we must never turn our backs with people and even opportunities that may arise because that's what we're made for - to help fulfill other person's purpose on earth the same as they fulfill yours.

Posted by Nicky Guinto on May 20, 2007 at 02:55 AM in Books in Friendsterblogs