Change The Way You See Love

When people are on the topic of love, certain scenarios pop into our heads.

Meeting the one, date nights, romantic walks, and growing old together with that special someone. In short, most of Nicolas Sparks' books turned into movies. (If you ask me, the best ones are the ones who haven't been adapted into movies yet).

Kidding aside, I realized that modern society, social media and the norms demand that we be in a romantic kind of love.

On television, you will see barely-legal teenagers declare their love for each other, giving promise rings (where did they even get the money to afford that?), going on romantic trips, and promising to spend the rest of their lives together. People don't even question if this should be their priority when instead, they should be focused on studying. "Nakakakilig kasi, so shut up na lang".

On social media, you will see millions of pictures, quotes and articles with hashtags #relationshipgoals. People do not wonder about what goes behind those perfectly-curated instagram profiles, the hours spent on thinking up the perfect caption and getting the angles right to get that magazine-worthy, candid look.

On reunions with your families, you are often asked the question, "So, when will you get married?", "Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend yet?". Like, I'm only 24 years old folks, I can't even afford to buy a car yet, let alone get married.

On dinners with friends, people ask you, "Kamusta love life?".

And for those who have been single for so long that we don't even know how to be in a relationship anymore, we answer dejectedly, "Wala eh, matumal". Like it's a sin to be single.

Don't get me wrong, romantic love is not something I'm against with. The pressure of getting into a relationship though, that's another thing. For me, romantic love is overrated. Lucky are those who have found true love. Because romantic love is only romantic if people work on it. It does not happen miraculously like in the movies; people strive, prepare and think about doing the romantic stuff for their loved ones to make them happy. And that's the kind of love I appreciate. Love is hard work. But it wouldn't feel like work if it's for the one we love.

Being single for more than two years now has taught me a lot about myself. It taught me to change the way I see love. Even though I went on a few dates, nothing has really lasted. But that's OK, because that's not what defines me. I've learned to enjoy my own company, go on sentimental walks alone, read books overnight, getting that much needed workout and right after, devour a meal (or two, or three) like a beast. I laugh at my own jokes (why not, I think I'm hilarious), praise myself for a job well done at work, treat myself to a shopping spree, and plan my solo travels.

I've learned that love could be found everywhere. And what's sad about it is that, these types of love, are often neglected and taken for granted.

Love for our family. Friends. God. We all take it for granted. The way I see it, people do not exert much effort to grow and nurture this kind of love because deep down, we feel that these people will always be there for us.

No matter what we do, our families will be there for us. 

No matter what we say, our friends will be there for us.  

No matter who we are, God will always be there for us. 

(My goodness, that sounded like a backstreet boys song, sorry, just wanted to lighten things up a bit).

In short, we can afford to take them for granted. Which is why we only see romantic love as worth working for. Because we are so afraid to be alone in a world that demands us not to be. A world that says being single means there's something wrong with you because you have nobody to call your "bae". A world wherein a romantic relationship not documented on facebook means you're not on good terms. A world where single means lonely.

This is what I'd like to be changed in modern society. Let us love everyone. Maybe you've forgotten to thank your dad for driving you to work on a rainy monday morning, or your mom for doing your laundry even though you said you would do it yourself, your brothers/sisters for helping you carry your bags and getting a massage from them when you've had a tough day, for your friends who are always there to cheer you up, teach you all kinds of things like they're your personal guru and be your dates for the night, and for God, who will always be there no matter how many times you've failed Him. Maybe you've forgotten to thank yourself, for being strong and not letting others disrespect you or take you for granted.

Let's revel in the beauty that we see all around us. We are lucky that in our generation, we have the means to document our experiences and share it to the world. We are able to capture precious moments and freeze it in time. The quality of the pictures that we take have always continued to impress everyone over the years. From analog cameras, where we used to develop our photos in a dark room, to high-tech phone cameras that can save and publish your photos with a press of a button. One of the new technologies that have emerged is a dual-lens phone camera, the Huawei P9. This phone was co-engineered with Leica. It produces high quality photos and allows users to take amazing monochrome, slo-mo, colored, light painting photos among others. Paving the way for more innovators to change the way we see everything. What a time to be alive.

So I encourage everyone, let us change the way we see love and life. We only have one life. Let's stop chasing the future, looking for the perfect love and just live in the moment. We don't have to be caged in expectations set by people who don't matter. Love is not black and white. Love is not just two people in love.

Love, like air, is everywhere. - Paige Jason (Gonna quote myself on that one if it hasn't been registered for copyright yet).

The Purge: Movie Review

I've been trying to become more active in blogging so I decided to write a review about a movie I watched this weekend. This would be my first movie review and I hope to write lots more in the future.

I know that this movie is 3 years old and I'm already kind of familiar with the story. For those who haven't watched this, don't read on, because this review is sure to have a lot of spoilers.

**SPOILER ALERT**
You have been warned.


Plot Summary:

The story opens with the news on tv announcing the incoming Annual Purge in America. Back in 2018, the Purge has been mandated by the "New Founding Fathers" after America has suffered from economic collapse. This tradition's purpose is for Americans to have an outlet to release their inner beasts and innate violence and contain all these into a single night. There will be no repercussions for whatever crime committed within the 12-hour purge. This event commences from March 21-22 every year. For the past 2 years, the purge has been successful in helping improve America's economy and decrease the crime and unemployment rate.

The protagonist, James Sandin, is a well-off businessman who sells high-end security systems to those who can afford protection during the annual Purge. Most of their neighbors have bought their services and a few of them have expressed their jealousy/insecurities towards their success. James comes home to his wife, Mary, preparing dinner for tonight's lockdown. Not even an ounce of worry on their faces. After lockdown, everyone separates and goes to their own rooms.

Their daughter, Zoey, was surprised to see her boyfriend hiding in her room. Being that he was much older than Zoey, he wanted to convince James about his love for his daughter. He tried to sneak in the house before lockdown; knowing full well that he can't be kicked out because of the ongoing Purge.

On the other hand, Charlie, the Sandins' son, was lurking in the control room and he noticed that there was a man shouting for help outside of their house. He opened the doors and lets the mysterious man inside. Frantic, James shut down the gates but it was too late. He found the mysterious man on the threshold. James tried to confront him but he was distracted by Zoey's boyfriend who was walking down the stairs with a gun in his hand. He tried to shoot James but James was faster and had better aim. Zoey pulled him to her room and there, he died.

A few minutes passed and the Sandins' had more visitors on their front lawn. The group were comprised of young elitists who were trying to chase the mysterious man that was now given refuge and is currently hiding in the Sandins' home. They demanded that the man be released to them alive or else, they will break down the walls and kill them all. Their power supply have been cut off to send a message. Zoey, still traumatized by his boyfriend's death was nowhere to be found. Their son used his mobile robot to direct the man to his secret hiding spot. Zoey makes a mistake to hide in the same spot and was held hostage by the man.

Running out of time and with their conscience stopping them to hand over the man to the group outside, the whole house was invaded by the murderous group. James and Mary tried their best to eliminate  most of them to protect their family but they were overpowered. A few of their neigbors noticed the commotion and went over to kill the group. Grateful, Mary thanked their neighbors for the help.

However, their plan was to kill the Sandins themselves. James was unconsious from his knife wound and so Mary and the children were bound together, begging for mercy. The group prayed over them before they start the murder. All of a sudden, the mysterious man reappears and holds the group's leader hostage. Their neighbors were forced to release Mary and the kids. The mysterious man asked Mary if she wanted to kill the neighbors. She refuses and makes them wait in the dining room until the Purge was over. Mary thanks the mysterious man and the movie closes with the news reports announcing that this year's Purge was the most successful one to-date.

Review:

Wow, that's a long summary. I had to edit it over and over again to make it shorter and this was the best I ended up with.

Anyway, we all know whose fault it was when everything got fucked up (please excuse my language). Yes, Charlie. The eccentric kid who liked to freak out his mom. Not just once did he screw up. No, it wasn't enough that he let the mysterious man in, who could've been a serial killer by the way. Nooooo, he hid the man in his secret hideout so his father and mother would not find him. I know that he was only trying to be decent, but, in a world where this tradition (the Purge) exists, he should've been more careful. I know that it turned out well for them in the end because they were saved by the man (I can't remember his name, or if he ever mentioned it, too lazy to google). But they wouldn't have been involved in that mess in the first place if it weren't for that stupid kid. I constantly gritted my teeth while watching Charlie the whole time.

As for the daughter, just like most American families in movies, the teenage daughter acts all entitled and disrespects the parents. Meh, nothing new. I thought she was gonna get killed for sure, because who roams inside the house when the power's out??? Go to your parents' room or the control room for crying out loud. These children are so stupid. Also, when you sell security systems, why would you not install cameras INSIDE the house? Just why?? That could've made it easier to look for missing children/wanted people. And why don't you guys have a bunker, inside the house, for worst case scenarios? You obviously can afford it. I know these are all part of the movie to make it more exciting so don't hate on me. I know all of these. This is just one of the reasons why I rarely watch thriller/horror movies (besides being a scaredy-cat and having a hyper-imaginative mind). The people in the stories all do stupid things. Like they don't watch horror movies like any normal person.

Anyway, I'll still probably watch the other two movies that followed so let me know if you have other suggestions on what movies I should watch.

Thanks for reading my review!

Magnus Chase and The Sword of Summer: Book Review

It's been a while since I've last read a book. I haven't had the luxury of time to spend all-nighters reading and catching up on my favorite published works. I think the last one I read was Ernest Kline's Ready Player One (which I'm also planning to write a review about). Also, I've been hooked to a lot of tv shows (ehem GOT and Walking Dead) that it took all my extra time. Now that the tv shows that I was watching are done with their current season, I'll be focusing more on books. Add to that my situation in my new apartment wherein I don't have internet connection yet, so all I have our books to burn time. Not that I'm complaining.

Anyways, on with the review.

I've been reading the Magnus Chase ebook on and off for the past few months and I feel a lot of guilt towards Rick Riordan. I've been a big fan of the Percy Jackson series and the Heroes of Olympus series for a long time and I should be excited about Riordan's take on Norse Mythology. I was a bit hesitant to read it at first because I didn't want to venture out of Greek and Roman Mythology but there's something good here that I didn't expect.

**SPOILER ALERT**
Alright, I don't understand people who read reviews and get upset by spoilers but here's a warning to those who do.

Plot Summary:

Magnus Chase is a sixteen-year old, homeless teenager living in the streets of Boston. (I realized that my description is exactly the same as in the Wikia so, no copyright infringement intended). He lost his mother 2 years ago when she was killed by a group of wolves and since then, he was on his own. He met two fellow homeless people, Blitz and Hearth, and they have become Magnus' new family. One day, he discovers the true identity of his father; a Norse god named Frey. Being his only living child, Magnus had a pivotal role that might affect the destiny of all the Nine Worlds. He is to retrieve his father's sword, Sumarbrander, also known as the Sword of Summer, and keep it from the hands of a fire giant named Surt. Only then can he delay Ragnarok from happening. He makes his last stand against Surt and falls to his death into the Charles River while trying to defeat the fire giant.

Magnus finds himself resurrected in Valhalla as an einherji when a valkyrie named Samirah al-Abbas deemed his sacrifice worthy of a hero's death. His arrival was not well-received by many because of Samirah's reputation as a daughter of Loki. Also, being a son of Frey, a Vanir (nature-god), Magnus' skills as a fighter were looked down upon. On the night of his arrival, the Norns (counterpart of the Greek Fates) appeared and recited a prophecy:

Wrongly chosen, wrongly slain,

A hero Valhalla cannot contain.

Nine days hence the sun must go east,

Ere Sword of Summer unbinds the beast.

Hearing this, Magnus was convinced that he did not belong in Valhalla. The Thanes debated on whether they will keep Magnus alive or kill him to prevent the prophecy from happening. Before they were able to do this, later that night, his friends Blitz and Hearth dropped from the branches of Yggdrasil (World tree) into his room and helps him escape.

They find themselves in Midgard, the human world, where they reconnected with Sam, who was banished from her Valkyrie duties on the night she brought Magnus to Valhalla. Sam explained to Magnus that Ragnarok was foretold to begin with the Sword of Summer breaking the chains of Fenris Wolf. Now that the Sword of Summer has resurfaced, Surt will be hunting them down to retrieve it and use the sword to free the Wolf. They learned that the rope chains binding the Wolf was starting to weaken and with or without the Sword of Summer, the Wolf may be freed.

Together, they embark on an adventure to stop Fenris Wolf from breaking free and delay Ragnarok from wreaking havoc throughout the Nine Worlds.


Review:

I'm fairly new to Norse Mythology so this was a refreshing book to read. I'm sure that most of us are only familiar with Odin, Thor and Loki because of the recent Marvel movies. But for those who have played the RPG game, Ragnarok, they would be more knowledgeable with Norse Myth.

It's difficult not to compare Magnus Chase to the Percy Jackson series because the latter has set the standard so high for all of Riordan's published works. The writing style was the same - casual and a little informal, coming from a teenage point of view, just like the Percy Jackson series. The beginning of the book was a little boring, that's why it took me longer to finish the book. What got me excited was when I saw that Annabeth Chase from the Percy Jackson series was in the book as well, her role being the cousin of Magnus. Also, the combat activities reminded me of the "Capture the flag" and "Siege" game from the Greeks and Romans respectively. The only difference is: they are allowed, no, encouraged to kill. Being that they are already dead, they will just get resurrected before dinnertime. The purpose of the combat games is to train the heroes in preparation of Ragnarok. Even though Magnus wasn't much of a fighter, he was a great healer, and that scream thing he did, Alf Seidr, was awesome.

I thought that the fight scenes were just gonna get better from then on. However, I was heavily disappointed during their adventures outside of Valhalla. Sam did most of the fighting, Blitzen the dwarf had self-realization, Hearthstone the elf became very skilled with rune magic, and Magnus, well, his sword fought for him (literally, the sword has a mind of its own) and he fainted everytime he touched the sword after the fight. He did improve after some time, being able to recover faster as the story progressed. In the end, he used his wisdom to undermine the prophecy and bind Fenris Wolf again to his island prison.

Maybe I was just used to all the fighting from the Greeks and Romans that I was expecting more from Magnus Chase, especially that the Vikings are reputed to be great in battle. (I just always relate Vikings to Norse myth). It was also interesting that the female protagonist in this story doesn't seem like she will end up with the hero (or I may be wrong, I don't know). Samirah is currently engaged with someone and Magnus didn't seem attracted to her in that way.

Anyway, the ending was great because everyone got the recognition they deserved. Also, Magnus decided to stay in Valhalla. I hope this means he's going to be a better fighter from now on. The epilogue also got me very excited. It looked like Annabeth and Magnus was going to share stories of their own crazy lives. Can't wait to read the next one!


Rating: 3.8 out of 5. Still have high expectations for the next book, but not to bad to start off with. :)