Things You Should Consider When Shopping for Furniture

Choosing the right furniture is essential for creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing living space. Here are some tips to help you make the best furniture choices for your home:

Determine Your Budget: First things first. Before you start shopping, establish a budget that you are comfortable with. This will help you narrow down your choices and stop you from exceeding your budget. 

Consider Your Space: Measure the dimensions of the room where you plan to place the furniture. Ensure that you have enough space for the furniture you want without overcrowding the room. 

Define Your Style: Decide on the style and aesthetic you want for your space. Do you prefer modern, traditional, minimalist, or eclectic furniture? 

Choose colors and finishes that coordinate with your room's color scheme. Neutral colors are versatile and can be paired with various decor styles, while bolder colors can make a statement. Try imagining how your furniture will work with accessories like rugs, curtains, and lighting. These elements can enhance the overall look and feel of your space.

Quality Matters: Invest in quality and durable furniture that lasts. High-quality furniture may be more expensive upfront but can save you money in the long run by not needing frequent replacements.

Check the materials used in the furniture. Materials differ in terms of durability and the maintenance required. 

Think About Functionality: Consider the purpose of each piece of furniture. Will it serve a specific function, such as storage or seating? Ensure that the furniture you choose meets your practical needs.

Comfort is a Priority: When selecting items like sofas, chairs, and mattresses, prioritize comfort. Sit or lie on them to assess how comfortable they are, as you'll be using them regularly.

Whenever possible, try out the furniture in-store or view it in person to get a better sense of its quality, comfort, and appearance.

You can also read online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family who have purchased similar furniture. This can provide valuable insights into the quality and their experience using it. 

Delivery and Assembly: Factor in delivery and assembly when making your decision, especially if you're buying large or heavy items. Some retailers offer delivery and assembly services which can be convenient.

Keep in mind that choosing furniture is a personal and creative process. Take your time to explore options, and don't be afraid to mix and match styles to create a unique and comfortable living space that suits your needs and preferences.

Frighteningly Good: How Aswangs Captivate Young Readers

Halloween is months away, but children worldwide are eager to snuggle up with their favorite spooky books. However, most of these books are not actually scary but rather fantastical stories with elements of adventure and heroism. In the Philippines, scary children's literature is a rare commodity, but it doesn't have to be. 

Enter Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan, a middle-grade novel for young readers exploring the rich tapestry of Philippine folklore and myth through intriguing and petrifying legends. Authored by Andrew Jalbuena Pasaporte, it has received glowing reviews from young readers. The book's first printing had also sold out during recent book fairs around the country, surprising many.

The Philippines has an extensive collection of stories rooted in folklore, specifically aswang myth, answering what kids love hearing about - gruesome terrors that have kept generations of Pinoys on the edge of their seats. Pasaporte sought to explore this in his novel, utilizing his creativity and knowledge to share stories that have long been ingrained in Pinoy culture.

With his extensive podcast production and marketing background, Pasaporte has combined diverse skillsets to produce a book that aims to introduce today's generation to the rich tapestry of Philippine folklore and create a world for imaginative readers.

Manila International Book Fair 2023

Don't miss Andrew Jalbuena Pasaporte's book signing event on September 17 at 11:30 a.m. (Sunday) at the Manila International Book Fair 2023 - SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City. Meet the author and learn more about his inspiration for writing Gimo Jr. and the Aswang Clan.

It's about time that we immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of Philippine folklore and take this fantastic opportunity to understand more of our cultural identity through stories of aswangs. See you on September 17 and enjoy free merchandise giveaways.

25 Most Iconic and Romantic Movie Lines of All Time

It is not expected that we remember every movie that we have watched. However, we can't deny that there are just some movies that get to us. Movies that resonated with our feelings and lines that we still remember after so many years. 

Here are some iconic and memorable romantic movie lines that have touched the hearts of many, in no particular order. 

1. "I'm not a smart man, but I know what love is." - Forrest Gump (1994)
2. "You had me at hello." - Jerry Maguire (1996)
3. "It was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were supposed to be together." - Sleepless in Seattle (1993) 
4. "To me, you are perfect." - Love Actually (2003)
5. "I wish I knew how to quit you." - Brokeback Mountain (2005)
6. "I'll never let go, Jack." - Titanic (1997)
7. "Here's looking at you, kid." - Casablanca (1942)
8. "You are the first boy I ever kissed, Jake, and I want you to be the last." - Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
9. "Love means never having to say you're sorry." - Love Story (1970)
10. "When I look at you, I can feel it. I look at you, and I'm home." - Finding Nemo (2003) 
11. "You are my greatest adventure." - The Incredibles (2004)
12.  "Love is like the wind; you can't see it, but you can feel it." - A Walk to Remember (2002)
13. "I'm also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her." - Notting Hill (1999)
14. "I would rather have had one breath of her hair, one kiss from her mouth, one touch of her hand, than eternity without it." - City of Angels (1998) 
15. "When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." - When Harry Met Sally... (1989)
16. "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return." - Moulin Rouge! (2001)
17. "My heart is, and always will be, yours." - Sense and Sensibility (1995)
18. "You make me want to be a better man." - As Good as It Gets (1997)
19. "I vow to fiercely love you in all your forms, now and forever." - The Vow (2012)
20. "So it's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, you and me, every day." - The Notebook (2004)
21. "It doesn't matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each other." - Good Will Hunting (1997)
22. "I have waited for this opportunity for more than half a century, to repeat to you once again my vow of eternal fidelity and everlasting love." - Love in the Time of Cholera (2007)
23. "You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how." - Gone with the Wind (1939) 
24. "I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I've ever had." - The Notebook (2004)
25. "To love is to suffer. To avoid suffering, one must not love. But then, one suffers from not loving. Therefore, to love is to suffer; not to love is to suffer; to suffer is to suffer. To be happy is to love. To be happy, then, is to suffer, but suffering makes one unhappy. Therefore, to be unhappy, one must love or love to suffer or suffer from too much happiness. I hope you're getting this down." - Love and Death (1975)

How about you? What movie line has struck you the most? 

Tips on Designing Your Home Library

Designing a home library can be a rewarding project, creating a space that's not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and conducive to reading and relaxation. Here are some design tips to help you create the perfect home library:

Choose the Right Location: Select a quiet and relatively secluded area in your home where you can read without distractions. Consider one near a window to maximize natural light during the day. 

Determine Your Style: Decide on a design style that suits your taste and complements the rest of your home decor. Whether it's traditional, modern, rustic, or eclectic, make sure it's cohesive.

Choose a color palette that promotes relaxation and focus. Neutral tones, deep blues, or earthy greens can be calming choices.  Incorporate textures like rugs, curtains, and upholstery to add warmth and coziness to the space. 

Here are some of the most common things that you should consider: 

• Bookshelves - Invest in high-quality bookshelves or built-in shelving units. Adjustable shelves allow you to accommodate different book sizes and decorative items. Use a combination of open and closed storage to keep things organized and visually interesting.
• Seating Options - Choose comfortable seating options like armchairs, reading nooks, or even a cozy window seat with cushions and throw blankets.
• Lighting Fixtures - Ensure good lighting for reading, such as adjustable floor or table lamps.

Personalize the Space: Add personal touches like artwork, family photos, or other decorative items to make the space feel more inviting and reflective of your personality.

Organize Your Collection: Organize your books in a way that makes sense to you. You can categorize them by genre, author, or any system that works for you. Consider investing in bookends, decorative bookplates, or labels for a polished look.

Keep the space clutter-free and uncluttered to minimize distractions while you're reading or working.

Lastly, design your library with flexibility in mind. As your collection grows or your needs change, make sure you can adapt the space accordingly.

Remember that the key to a successful home library design is to create a space that inspires you to read, relax, and enjoy your books. It should reflect your personal style and be a place where you can escape into the world of literature.

How to Protect your Books from Foxing

Foxing is a form of deterioration that causes brownish or reddish stains, mold-like spots, or other discolorations on paper, particularly in books and documents. It is primarily caused by the growth of fungi or the oxidation of metal-based impurities in the paper. 

To protect your book from foxing and to prevent further damage, follow these steps:

Proper Storage:

Keep your books in a room that is well-ventilated, and has stable temperature and humidity levels. Avoid extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity, as they can encourage foxing. Make sure that your books are away from direct sunlight or any source of heat, as these can accelerate the deterioration of paper.

If you live in a humid environment, consider using dehumidifiers or air purifiers to maintain optimal humidity levels for book storage.

Use Acid-Free Materials:

Whenever possible, use acid-free book covers, dust jackets, and archival-quality book sleeves to protect your books from environmental factors.

Proper Shelving:

Store books on sturdy, clean, and dry shelves. Avoid wooden shelves that may release acidic fumes over time. Personally, I use metal shelves for my books. 

Use bookends to keep your books upright and prevent them from leaning, which can lead to uneven exposure to light and air.

Regular Cleaning and Proper Handling

Handle your books with clean, dry hands to prevent transferring oils, dirt, and moisture to the pages. Consider using gloves when handling rare or valuable books. Make sure that you regularly dust your books and bookshelves to remove dirt and dust particles that can attract fungi.

Important: If you have a book that is already showing signs of foxing, isolate it from your other books to prevent the spread of fungi.

Consult a Professional

If you have rare or valuable books that are already affected by foxing, consult a professional conservator or book restoration specialist. They can assess the damage and provide appropriate restoration or preservation advice.

Remember that prevention is the best way to protect your books from foxing and other forms of deterioration. By creating a suitable storage environment and handling your books with care, you can significantly extend their lifespan and keep them in excellent condition.

Top 5 Books You Should Read in your Lifetime

Choosing the top 5 books to read is not easy. After all, we have varying interests and preferences; not to mention that there are so many great books available. In fact, it is estimated that there are more than 1 million new books published annually making it quite impossible to choose. 

Anyway, I am happy to share the top five (5) books from various genres. These books have had such a significant impact on literature and culture that at least everyone should read them at least in their lifetime. 

1. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee - This classic novel about a young girl's coming-of-age story and it explores themes of racism, prejudice, and justice in the American South during the 1930s. It's a thought-provoking and beautifully written story that continues to be relevant today as it probes how good and evil can coexist in a single community or individual.

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2. "1984" by George Orwell - A dystopian novel that explores the dangers of totalitarianism and the loss of individual freedom as it controls the actions, thoughts, and even emotions of its citizens, exercising power through control of language and history. It's a chilling, thought-provoking work  and is a passionate political warning for today

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3. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald - This novel captures the decadence and disillusionment of the Jazz Age in New Year. It's a beautifully crafted story about wealth, ambition, and the American Dream.

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4. "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger - A coming-of-age novel that follows the adventures of Holden Caulfield as he navigates the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. It's a timeless exploration of youth and alienation.

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5. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez - A masterpiece of magical realism, this novel tells the multi-generational saga of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo. It's a rich and imaginative exploration of Latin American culture and history.

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These books cover a range of themes and writing styles, so you can choose one that aligns with your interests and reading preferences. Remember that what makes a book "the best" often depends on individual tastes and what you're looking to gain from your reading experience.