Sweetbriar: A Period of Reflection

Sweetbriar: The Serenade of a Weathered Rose by Rowena Liwanag Suarez is a period of reflection. I say this because I recognize the practice of writing as a period in time, and the author has used this time to look introspectively in order to produce a wonderful solo poetry anthology. It gave me a glimpse into her thought process, as well as the emotional turmoil she had to face. 

Being a self-aware person is the key to finding contentment and meaning, and the author has achieved that in herself. This self-awareness has brought forth realizations which gave way to the poems she has written in this book. What struck me was the raw honesty which she presented in her poems. I also get the impression that she has a problem solving approach to life, and this is evident in some of her poems. I can see that the author finds writing therapeutic, and that she lives a multi-faceted life.

Her poems inspire me to journal more. I am no poet, so journaling my thoughts will do. Writing with such raw honesty can give me better insights about my life and its present conditions. I know that writing can also be a form of letting go, such as anger and resentment. Like the author, I look forward to facing life with honesty and the power to write about one’s experiences without holding back. I also want to have more quiet moments to reflect and focus on the lessons I have learned so far.

The author has an extensive writing resume, and I look forward to reading more of her works in the future. I salute her for her debut poetry book, and I hope that this also inspires more people to read, reflect, and write.

Sweetbriar: The Serenade of a Weathered Rose by Rowena Liwanag Suarez is now available!

To the One and Other: Where Wisdom Lives

To the One and Other: Poems and Prose by Karina Maria Lagdameo-Santillan has inspired me to write again. At 39, I sometimes feel that I no longer have new material to draw inspiration from. However, Lagdameo-Santillan has shown me that inspiration is everywhere, and writing needs to be a continuous process.

Her poems reflect a life filled with wisdom. Her simple writing style makes her message clear and easy to understand. While there is a refreshing quality to the bare essentials, the author manages to insert the important life lessons that she has learned along the way. I appreciate how often she describes the feeling of being alive, and how meaningful it is. I also enjoyed reading her reflections through her stanzas.

Her prose shines because it shows the reader how much life has impacted the author. Her lessons have given her contentment and satisfaction. If there is a way for her spirit to manifest itself, then it has already done so in the short paragraphs in this book. It was an honor to have a glimpse into her thoughts, and how she sees life has given me a sense of hope and wonder.

Where can prose and poetry meet? Maybe they never will, or perhaps, they are better off separate from each other. The author has shown that prose and poetry can co-exist. The multitude of themes in her writing has formed a tapestry that is filled with different shades and colors. The thread of her life is sewn into her own experiences, and she gladly shares them through her written work.

It is never too late to write, and in my case, I am inspired to write again thanks to Lagdameo-Santillan and her book.

To the One and Other: Poems and Prose by Karina Maria Lagdameo-Santillan is now available!

Maria ni Mayari : A Journey to Self-Acceptance

Maria ni Mayari: Mga Piling Tula by Mark Carascal is a bittersweet journey to self-acceptance. I brought this book with me to a coffee shop, and it was the perfect companion while sipping my americano by myself. It was the right book to read during a rainy afternoon, as I drowned out the noise around me.

The author has highlighted the concept of freedom in his introduction and in the poems in this anthology. Reading about his struggles and pain was challenging because I could relate to his experiences. The illustrations by Maville Carascal were helpful in highlighting the author’s emotional depths. I wish that some of the poems would go on and on, but that was the beauty of this book. The short poems allowed me to reflect on my own pains, while appreciating the author’s efforts in exposing himself through poetry.

I am not a poet, so I have great respect for those who can write a poem or two. The author’s scientific background is evident in his usage of natural themes and concepts. His artistic usage of metaphors give me a glimpse into his thought process as he navigates through life and emotional turmoil. My hope is that the author has already found enough freedom to move forward, while writing poems about his continuous journey through life. I also hope that the illustrator can provide more drawings in the future, even those with color for a change.

I know that freedom is relative, but I can say that this book is worth reading because it was written with vulnerability and honesty. Perhaps the author can write a poetry anthology whilst applying the scientific method in the future? Only time will tell. That will definitely be an interesting read.

Maria ni Mayari: Mga Piling Tula by Mark Carascal is now available!

Grief with Hope: A Journey of Encouragement

Grief with Hope: How to Navigate Loss Without Losing Yourself by Nerlisa Elyza Francisco Rivera a.k.a. Lady Elyza is a journey of encouragement. As someone who has experienced multiple deaths and tragedies in my personal life, I have learned to befriend grief along the way. My goal now is to continue living while grief remains, and this book has been helpful in unlocking blocked emotions such as anger and resentment. Indeed, grief is a dynamic reality, and dealing with it should not be linear. 

I empathize with the author because her description of loss is all too familiar. Like her, I was also shocked when I lost my loved ones. I also faced the similar process of denial, disbelief, and shock. I am happy that the author has a solid support system who helped her navigate through the pain while also dealing with their own sadness. 

There is hope, because life is a process of going through highs and lows. The only consolation about grief is the knowledge that loss is acknowledged, and that it can be a familiar presence in one’s life. 

The biggest takeaway that I got from this book was that our loved ones are not ours. We do not own them. We have no control over them. When they pass away, it is up to us to deal with their loss, not the other way around. We have the free will and the agency to pick ourselves up. We can still show up for ourselves. This book is a gift for the grieving, as well as their caretakers who sometimes do not know how to deal with the changes in their lives. 

Grief with Hope: How to Navigate Loss Without Losing Yourself by Nerlisa Elyza Francisco Rivera a.k.a. Lady Elyza is now available!

Heroes in the Arab Kingdom: Honoring our Remarkable OFWs

Heroes in the Arab Kingdom by Ulysses V. Espartero is a tribute to the Overseas Filipino Workers who have made their mark in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As someone who does not have OFW relatives, I found this book fascinating because the 200 biographical profiles in the book all compose a remarkable picture of hard work, dedication, and commitment. It is not easy to make an impact in a foreign land, more so if this country is situated in a desert. It makes me feel honored to be a Filipino just like these 200 OFWs who not only excelled in their jobs, but also brought pride to our country through their achievements.

It touched me that most of the Filipinos featured in this book have made philanthropic endeavors on top of their demanding work schedules. It only shows that Filipinos will really look after each other, especially when they are in a foreign country. Their love for family also continues to be strong as most profiles included the educational attainment of their children, information about their parents and spouses, as well as their influences to pursue careers abroad. It also highlights the importance of education, as this brought the 200 OFWs from their humble beginnings to their storied careers. Indeed, education is transformative.

This book not only inspires, but also informs Filipino readers who are interested to also become OFWs not just in KSA, but in other countries as well.

This book is a gift to Filipinos everywhere and is a timely reminder that our resilience is not just a lifeline, but is also a gift to the world. We are remarkable people. The world needs more Filipinos who are not just excellent workers, but compassionate human beings as well.

Heroes in the Arab Kingdom by Ulysses V. Espartero is now available!

Why The Night Is So Lovely: Understanding Seniors Around Me

Why The Night Is So Lovely: The Joys of Being a Senior by Victor Martinez Arguelles, PhD is an enjoyable read. I appreciate the straightforward language used by the author in order to describe his journey as a senior citizen. It has also helped me understand the seniors in my life through his anecdotes.

This book is an inspiration for senior citizens everywhere. The author shows concrete examples of how to cope with the everyday life of a retiree. He has found purpose in the simple joys of his existence, such as in music, in lasting friendships, and in acceptance. He has also become real with disappointments, boredom, and loneliness. His essays are a balance of the positive and the negative aspects of growing old, and even if I am not yet a senior, I can relate to his writing.

I am a PWD and I do face discrimination from senior citizens whenever I queue with them in priority lanes in public transport and to avail discounted groceries and medicines. My disability is non-apparent, so usually, seniors raise their voices at me and ask me to leave their queue. I used to be very aggressive towards them, but after reading this book, I resolved to be more patient in explaining to them that I have every right to be in their queue because I am a PWD. Given their setbacks and challenges, I will keep the author’s book in mind whenever I encounter an irate senior citizen who thinks fighting with a PWD is okay. I will also try to reframe my mindset towards senior citizens. They are struggling with their identity, and maybe those who pick fights with me think that life should be fairer towards them. Life is unfair, even more brutal to those who are part of marginalized sectors. 

Why The Night Is So Lovely: The Joys of Being a Senior by Victor Martinez Arguelles, PhD is now available!

My Life is a Slice of Pie: An Invitation to Heal

My Life is a Slice of Pie by Coach Arms is one heck of a book. It is different from the usual self-help books because it is a short read, and it does not have preachy language in it. From its first page up to its last, I felt like I was conversing with a friend. I felt like that friend knew and understood me, and that made my reading experience extra special.

As someone who has been called ugly and belittled for my lack of resources, I could relate to the author’s struggles. Reading about a Filipina who was called ugly and poor was refreshing. I felt seen and heard. It inspired me to keep going on. After all, being ugly has only taught me to discern who to trust and respect. As for being poor, it has taught me to be creative and innovative, just like the author.

The author’s struggles have given me an insight into her problem solving mindset. I felt like the friend that I was conversing with in her book was oversharing but not overstepping. I knew that through her struggles and growth I could also apply the same strategies into my own life. Right now, I am facing some personal challenges with people who refuse to accept me for my limitations. Despite this reality, I choose to carry on without shame because the author has shown me that there is a way through these struggles, and it is through believing in myself.

Coach Arms has shown me that being unwanted, humiliated, and ridiculed is only the beginning. It is up to me to make this slice of pie worth savoring, even if I am allergic to some of its ingredients.

My Life is a Slice of Pie by Coach Arms is now available!

Dandelions against a Frozen Clock: A Story of Change

Dandelions against a Frozen Clock by Junwoo William Park is a story of change. This collection of poetry is about the changes experienced by the author, who is Korean by birth. His formative years in Southeast Asia has given him the resiliency to survive anywhere. This does not mean that he does not have questions about his life, identity, and culture. In fact, his poems explore these questions and he answers them through his experiences in nature. After all, nature has the power to heal, restore, and inspire positivity.

We all have different responses to change. Some people go with the flow. Others, like the author, bask in each day and observe how they feel amidst their surroundings. I admire the author’s writing style because he uses his observations to write original poems. His words come from his heart. I can see that he does not write to impress, but rather, he writes for himself. His journey has taken him across different countries and cultures, yet through this book, he was able to redefine what home is and what his story continues to be.

The author does not seem to find himself establishing in one place so to speak, and he seems to have the capacity to learn and grow even if it is already beyond his own comfort zone. I admire people like him who create art from uncomfortable experiences. It is definitely something that inspires me as an author myself. 

I look forward to reading more works from the author in the future. I am also curious where his journey will take him. His unique perspective will definitely be fun to read. For sure, his stories will be just as interesting as the one in this book.

Dandelions against a Frozen Clock by Junwoo William Park is now available!

Don’t Keep Love Around: A Tale of Awkward Love

Don’t Keep Love Around by @latteowl_ has reminded me of novels which I have read on platforms like Wattpad in the 2010s. It has a memorable meet-cute, an awkward beginning, and an addictive storyline. It pretty much reminded me of my younger years when going to school meant seeing my friends and being with my crush. @latteowl_ has managed to give me a trip down memory lane in the form of this poignant tale.

The best kind of love has awkward moments. I think it is because we are still unsure of ourselves when we are young. Elara and Aven’s story is about being uncertain of themselves, and that makes it difficult for them to navigate through their own emotions. It was frustrating at times to read their encounters especially with the secondary characters because sometimes, all it takes is a face to face confrontation in order to deal with their feelings for each other. Yet, the author manages to divert my frustration into kilig because somehow, the characters remind me of my own love stories back in the day.

Outside forces have challenged their love story, and yet Elara and Aven transform into strong characters as the novel progresses. I feel that they can teach readers, especially those who are still figuring out who they are, that love is fleeting and that it takes work in order to make it last. This novel has made this thirty-something swoon, even if at times I wish I could shake the characters into action.

I wish that this novel has a sequel. I am not okay with how the special chapter ended, and I want to know what is next. I think that the author can turn this into a series, and it definitely has potential to hook readers with its relatable text.

Don’t Keep Love Around by @latteowl_ is now available!

The Manila Sound Machine: A Love Letter to the 70s

The Manila Sound Machine by Danna Rose has reacquainted me with Filipino music from the 1970s. The author has ingeniously included a Spotify playlist containing the songs that she featured at the beginning of each chapter. It was such a mood, I must say. The songs alone have given me enough feels to power through her latest novel amidst rainy weather.

The novel’s protagonist, Annee, is a curious and loveable character. I saw myself in her because I also love music, vintage objects, and adventure. She is also an old soul. 

The novel has her recounting events before and after the dream, which takes the reader from 2012 to 1977 Manila. I personally found the two timelines charming because 2012 was the height of my corporate career, and 1977 was when my parents were prominent in their respective jobs. Reading the novel felt like eavesdropping on my own family’s adventures, and the 2012 bit was like being back in my office uniform. The author has the ability to make different timelines relatable and sentimental without being suffocating.

It was quite a trip.

From requesting songs on the radio to having a Miguel in your life, this book felt like it was written for someone like me. I used to request songs on the radio too, and yes, I have a penchant for guys named Miguel. Maybe I am a little too similar to Annee for comfort.

The Manila that the author took me to in 1977 did seem simpler, even if there was Martial Law. It was a welcome reprieve from my own stressful reality, and I would like to commend her for writing this vacation novel. I have a feeling she will enjoy listening to contemporary Manila Sound singer, Shanne Dandan.

The Manila Sound Machine by Danna Rose is now available!

Working Abroad: A Helping Hand for OFWs

Working Abroad: A Guide Based on My Experience Volume 1: Preparing to Work Abroad by Franz David Lim is a helping hand for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). There are several movies and books available about being an OFW, but most of them tackle the horror stories of being an expatriate worker. In the 90s for instance, there were movies about Filipina helpers who were unjustly sentenced to death. In the 2000s, there were movies about long distance relationships between Filipino workers. This is why this book is such a breath of fresh air. The focus is on having the best possible chance of thriving in another country. And as someone who does not have any plan to work overseas, I still found this book to be informative and entertaining. 

I would like to commend the author for his easy to understand text and relatable stories. He does not write with a condescending, know it all tone. I like how he emphasized the importance of learning the language of the country where you plan to work. While English is the universal language, speaking the native language will give you more chances of succeeding in your chosen field and city. It will also help you befriend people and have an active social life.

Another emphasis in this book which I found valuable was culture. Understanding the cultural nuances of the place where you will work is key to having a smooth transition. It will also enable you to appreciate local customs and traditions.

At the end of the day, being an OFW is a choice. The author helps the reader choose wisely, from his education to his foreign language lessons, in order to succeed in his career in a different country. This book is an easy read for those who would like to begin again outside of their comfort zones.

Working Abroad: A Guide Based on My Experience Volume 1: Preparing to Work Abroad by Franz David Lim is now available!

It Ain’t Winning If Without You: A Focused Love Discussion

It Ain’t Winning If Without You by Michelle Ayon Navajas is a reminder that love is everywhere. Since I frequently join focused group discussions, this book has reminded me of the FGDs that I have previously been part of. The focus of this book is love, whether it is told through the lens of pain, or of longing, or of celebration. The poems written by the author have always moved me, and the ones in this book were no exception. This book made me feel that winning is a shared experience with the one who inspires you the most.

I appreciate that the author has also tackled grief in this book, which is uncommon as most authors choose to tread along conventional topics. I also appreciate how the author presented time and location as mere actors in her theater of love. Certain settings remind her of the person who means the most to her, and her poems show that moving along this love means moving alongside this person.

I remember in the author’s previous book Locker how she used flash fiction to encapsulate big feelings into bite-sized stories. This book does the same, albeit in a different format. Poems have the power to capture deep emotions in one page. The author may have used fewer words this time, yet she has managed to show a multitude of feelings in this collection of poems. I appreciate her gift, and it has moved me just the same.

This book is recommended for those who are starting to appreciate poetry, as the author’s works are relatable and pleasant to read. It is also perfect for those who are going through challenges, because it reminds the reader that life happens in phases, and better days will eventually come.

It Ain’t Winning If Without You by Michelle Ayon Navajas is now available!

Wayward to Wayfinder: A Workbook for Success

Wayward to Wayfinder: My Leadership Journey through Mental Models by Richard S. Javier is an effective workbook for success. I have answered the worksheets in his book, and I learned how to fix a broken system. This broken system was fixed through regrouping and transforming my fears into opportunities for growth.

We all have different definitions of success. The author has expertly shared his personal and career trajectories in his book without sounding like he was bragging. While he does not preach about his own methods, he encourages his readers to also define success in their own terms through the worksheets that he includes in this book. He was able to illustrate that fear is not the end of one’s journey, but rather something that can be worked with. He also included many worksheets on calculating risks and analyzing threats in order to properly balance them with resources and opportunities. While I still have yet to apply what I have learned in this book, I can say that the results of my worksheets look promising. I was able to map out some paths which I should take and which opportunities I should continue to pursue. I was also inspired by his years in leadership, because he was not only able to mold people. He was also able to shape his own growth mindset.

I can see this book being useful to students, mentors, jobseekers, employees, freelancers like myself, and even stay-at-home parents. Everyone has their own paths to take and their own fears to conquer. What matters most is how these paths are pursued and how those fears are analyzed and reframed. The worksheets have a universal appeal, and everyone can benefit from them.

Wayward to Wayfinder: My Leadership Journey through Mental Models by Richard S. Javier is now available!

The Designated Route: The True Path: A Conversation with Oneself

The Designated Route: The True Path by Angeles Quimson Feliciano has initially prodded me to judge it by its cover. It featured a headless man who is staring into the sea. The horror movie fan in me was initially fascinated by the prospect of a scary plot, but its title invited me to look beyond its cover. Once I read its introduction, I realized that I was holding a spiritual journey in the form of a readable book.

You see, not all spiritual books are readable. Some are stiflingly boring. Others are painfully deep, that they are already unrelatable. This one, however, does the job of both entertaining its reader and engaging them with its simple prose. Before I knew it, I was on an introspective trip into my own inner world. I was reading the book while unknowingly facing my own uncomfortable truths.

The author expertly tackles difficult topics such as disillusionment and purpose without sounding preachy. Indeed, her many years of experience in running a formation center has given her the skills to move the unmoveable. My favorite part of the book was about courage. As someone who loves hiking, I like that the author has written her book as if it were a journey. The destination may not be a summit or a waterfall, but rather the knowledge that the route in itself is the most important part of the path. This lesson has given me a sense of peace which I have been yearning for. I am definitely exploring this and I will be reflecting more on it moving forward. And following the author’s advice, I will no longer dwell on my failures. Instead, I will continue working on myself and accept that many things are beyond my own control.

The Designated Route: The True Path by Angeles Quimson Feliciano is now available!

The Kingdom I Came to Love: A Celebration of the Mundane

It is easy to dismiss The Kingdom I Came to Love by Fernando G. Ting as the average boring memoir. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself enjoying this book even if I do not have any connection whatsoever to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I have come to appreciate the author’s simple writing in plain English. His straightforward style has given me an in-depth look into his years in Saudi, making his life a momentary source of entertainment and wisdom for yours truly.

As someone who does not have any close ties with Overseas Filipino Workers or OFWs, it was fascinating to learn about life as an expat. For example, recording your voice on blank cassette tapes sounds so nostalgic yet efficient in communicating before the age of emails and voice messages. Coincidentally, one of my most treasured heirlooms from my late grandfather is a Rado watch, and the author mentioned haggling and purchasing one. These mundane details gave me a personal connection to the author, even if his industry is worlds apart from my own. 

Additionally, I appreciated the author’s mention of celebrating holidays overseas, dealing with natural disasters, surviving multicultural work environments, and the photos of documents during his working years. These stories and photographs paint a colorful picture of a life well-lived, and a career that has supported his family. 

There are many intriguing parts about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, yet this book demystifies work in that country through human connections and memories. I am sure that this book will resonate with readers who have family members who work abroad, as well as to those who plan to become OFWs as well. It can also become a valuable resource for students who are still discerning about their career options.

The Kingdom I Came to Love by Fernando G. Ting is now available!

Under One Umbrella: A Shared Vision

Under One Umbrella by Alvin B. Cruz is a shared vision in the form of poetry. I have been a fan of the author for many years now, and his works have always been approachable and direct to the point. He does not disappoint in his latest collection of one hundred haiku, senryu, and tanka. I found myself reading his new book on a rainy day, and the sound of the raindrops provided the perfect scoring for my afternoon read.

Alvin has always been an expert in weaving nature in his poems. He has artfully formulated a method of writing poetry which combines common themes that bind us all, and most of them can be found in the world around us. In this book, I could sense a yearning for companionship. Loneliness is a repeated theme, and they are tackled with calculated measure. He effortlessly balances his solitude with poems on his exploits with nature.

The photographs taken by the author have given his poems a moody feel. While poetry is not for everyone, nature has its own universal appeal which the author has successfully anchored on in this book. The photos invite the reader to ponder on their own forays in the mountains and by the sea, while delving deep into the author’s words.

I look forward to reading more of the author’s works in the future. His works have given me hope during dark times.For now, his poems on solitude and longing accompany me in my own quest to find my place in this chaotic and ever-changing world.

In a sense, nature has always been comforting and present. Yet, human connections define our best memories, and Under One Umbrella highlights the need for shared experiences amidst life’s unexpected downpours.

Under One Umbrella by Alvin B. Cruz is now available!

Ellie’s First Day at the Dentist: A Teaching Tale

Ellie’s First Day at the Dentist by Dennise Jean P. Manuben is a tale designed to teach kids about dentists. Many children have not visited their dentists yet, especially since the pandemic has prevented face to face checkups. I myself am guilty of that, since I was only able to recently visit my dentist for cleaning since the pandemic. I am thankful that I did, because I would like to preserve my smile. I hope that more people, especially kids, will visit their dentists as well.

This book was written and illustrated by the precocious author. I would like to commend her for inspiring children to have their teeth checked. I find the illustrations whimsical and appropriate for her age. The layouting and editing by Nellen B. Coronado is also noteworthy as the overall book is pleasant and inviting.

More children should be cautioned about avoiding sweets, such as candies. This book successfully does that. I know that more and more child authors are self-publishing their books. I hope that they will focus on stories that teach moral lessons and educational values. Visiting the dentist is a lifelong habit that must be instilled without unnecessary fear at an early age. This book achieves that, and also provides an enjoyable reading experience. Even as an adult, I was encouraged to continue observing proper dental hygiene through this book.

I would like to see more stories by the author, along with her illustrations. She has the potential to go a long way. This is only the beginning for her. She has the makings of writing more books in her career.

The layout artist also deserves commendation, and I hope that she has more projects not just in children’s books, but in other genres as well.

Ellie’s First Day at the Dentist by Dennise Jean P. Manuben is now available!

Mythica Obscura Volumes 1-4: A Heritage Project

Mythica Obscura Volumes 1-4 by Karl Gaverza is a heritage project like no other. The author is the unparalleled founder and scribe behind Philippine Spirits, a website that features mythical horror stories of our country. I am a fan, and this book was a treat that arrived just in time for Halloween weekend.

I am already a fan of the author, particularly of his efforts to preserve our country’s horror literature. Most of them were passed on through oral tradition, and this has been greatly affected by several factors such as colonization and the passage of time. Discovering our rich horror stories happened during the pandemic, when I felt the need to unwind from working at home by listening to podcasts. There, I discovered horror and true crime podcasts from the Philippines. Additional research on my part has led me to Philippine Spirits, which was my introduction to the author’s works both as a writer and a researcher. 

Mythica Obscura is filled with familiar stories such as Mr. Brown. I am no longer afraid while reading these stories because I am a horror fan myself. The illustrations have brought back the zine feel in the book, which I actually appreciate given that I do encounter zines myself during conventions and book fairs. To have all of these folk horror tales in one book is thrilling because it will be a valuable resource material for students who can further study them. It can also provide casual entertainment to readers like me, and ties to the motherland to those who are part of the Filipino diaspora. 

I would like to commend the author for commissioning Filipino artists to illustrate his book. It is also noteworthy that he is working with people from different parts of the country to translate his stories into different local languages and dialects.

I am excited to see what’s next for the author, as well as for Philippine Spirits. 

Mythica Obscura Volumes 1-4 by Karl Gaverza is now available!

The Requiem Thesis: A Love Letter to Psychology

The Requiem Thesis by Christian Khiel Pineda Unto is a love letter to psychology. The author is a psychometrician by profession, and his work is evident in this novel. Including Freud in his novel is a brave effort considering that not everyone is into novels that are intellectual in nature. It is fortunate and beneficial to the reading public though that authors like Christian are unfazed by the general idea that Filipinos do not like intellectual novels. In fact, he enriches Philippine literature at large by contributing this rich and atmospheric novel to its fold. 

Reading The Requiem Thesis is a journey through escapism. I enjoyed being in another time and place through this novel, as I was reading this during a challenging time in my life. I am diagnosed with two mental illnesses, and I found this book to be a valuable resource considering that I have to work harder than most people in order to function properly. I am far from normal, and yet, this book made me feel that through diligence and hard work on my part, I will be able to reach a level of normalcy which can enable me to function and become productive. The most important components of my healing are that I am conscious and that I am willing to let my doctor help me become a better version of myself.

It is remarkable that I was able to see semblances of hope that I will have mental stability in a work of fiction. I think that novels are meant to guide us through stories and experiences which the author considers to be helpful to his readers. The Requiem Thesis was an enjoyable read. I even found the experimental study at the end of the book entertaining because my best friend happens to be a scientist.

The Requiem Thesis by Christian Khiel Pineda Unto is now available!

The Art of Forex: A Strategic Approach

The Art of Forex by Alexander Wee Gonzales is a strategic approach to trading. My first impression of the book was that it was different from the typical books I have encountered on the subject. Most of them were thick, hardbound, and intimidating. This book by Xander is written in plain English. Also, he did not promise the moon and the stars, but rather the ability to develop his approach called “Chart Vision”. He made forex approachable and comprehensible in less than one hundred pages.

It is evident in the book that the author is passionate about his craft. His way of teaching trading as both an art and a science cannot be achieved without the innate love for his work. In the beginning of the book, he wrote that no two traders are the same, and that it is an individual journey. This is true, and his “chart vision” approach is a solid foundation as a strategy.

My favorite part is the chapter on the psychology of the forex game. Here, I was able to understand the author’s roots in Taekwondo and how his background in martial arts has honed his resiliency and creativity. He was able to develop his own style in his sport, which was the similar game plan he had for forex trading. While learning the basics and the rules of the game, he built his own strategies through experience, wins, losses, and developing his signature style. I like this because it is not only applicable to trading, but to everyday life as well.

While I do not engage in forex trading, I have definitely learned some key concepts which I could apply to managing my own resources and continuing my journey as a published author and writer.

The Art of Forex by Alexander Wee Gonzales is now available!