K-drama Review: VINCENZO (Warning: Major Spoilers Ahead!)

Netflix's latest hit Korean drama "Vincenzo' just ended and we can't help but feel sepanx. If you are not familiar, this Korean drama series is all about a Korean-Italian mafia lawyer (Song Joong-ki) who visited South Korea, his motherland. During his brief stay, he gives an unrivaled conglomerate a taste of its own medicine with a side of justice.

Just a head-up, the series is not a "feel-good" or something romantic that you'll get "kilig" when watching this thus, it is not recommended if you simply want to relax. You might even be so engrossed with it that you'll also be angry, frustrated, and pissed off. 

The story was quite common and it did not really have many surprising twists. In fact, many scenes are predictable. However, we just love how bad-ass Song Joong-Ki is in this series and it was "satisfying"  (sorry for the term) to see how justice was served (e.g. how the villains of the story were made to pay for their crimes)

One thing that was instrumental to the success of the series was the perfect casting. Song Joong Ki's baby face was just perfect for the smart, funny, and merciless consigliere. 

Also, the supporting cast was also great. Korea's Cassano Guemga had real chemistry and had surprising stories (talents) on their own. They definitely gave us a good laugh while watching. 

The series had a total of 20 episodes which is more than the usual 16-episode series that we are used to. Unfortunately, the finale episode came a bit short. In the first few minutes of the last episode, Vincenzo's reaction was a bit off and out of character. It seemed that he was so helpless when he just rushed into the scene with no proper plan as if he just let Jang Han-Seo die and Hong Cha-Young shot. It was kind of lame. 

We actually expected a "bigger" ending but I guess because of the limitations of the production there were many parts that did not have proper closure. With this, we just hope that Vincenzo will have another season because we still have lots of questions or things that we would like to see. :) 

• How does Vincenzo's island near Malta look like?
• Did he fulfill his promise to be a godfather? 
• How did International Security Intelligence Agency maximize the guillotine file? Were they able to punish corrupt individuals like Jung In-Kuk and Kim Seok-U?
• Was the gold shared among other tenants? 
• What happened to the Babel group? 
• Who owns Geumga Plaza now? 

And many, many more... 

Overall Rating: 4/5 

Definitely, Vincenzo is a must-watch. You might as well enjoy it with corn salad too *wink*! 

How about you? What do you think of the series? Do you want a sequel (Season 2) too? 

Let us know in the comments section below. 

 

Business Ideas To Earn In Your Condo

We are truly in the new normal and there seems to be no more turning back to our old, comfortable ways and lifestyle. Gone were the days people get to go out and mingle with family, friends, and associates, without the fear of contracting the dreaded virus. This health crisis has been sad and depressing to many, but we need to survive through it all. Health protocols are in place but it really isn't the same as before when people can freely travel and do business. 

If you are one of the many who lost their jobs or are simply thinking of ways to earn from the comfort of their condo/ home, here are some ideas that you might want to consider. 

First, which is by far the most popular is to be an online worker/ freelancer such as a Virtual Assistant. Yes, being a VA is a business. You are your own boss, and your clients are your associates. You work hand in hand in making the business grow. Before the work starts, you both lay down a contract or a service agreement just like most consultancy firms do. All you need is a stable internet connection and a dependable laptop or desk computer and skills which can be learned over time and along the way. 

Then, there's the growing popularity of the Food Business. Nowadays, people suddenly became bakers and cooks. And online food selling is on an all-time high. From Shawarma wraps to native delicacies, cookies, seafood specials to elaborate wedding cakes, can now be ordered online. Thus, a need for a trusted partner delivery service provider or rider. 

Then, there are the fun entrepreneurs who are into the Clothing Business. Selling all sorts of clothes, and accessories like jewelry, bags, and shoes, whether authentic brands or pre-loved, factory manufactured sold by the volumes or 'ukay-ukay.' They even sell via Facebook live, showing their wares while in the comfort of their condo units. The younger set and common housewives are also into online selling of beauty products, ranging from soaps, lotions, and toothpaste. 

Many as well became agents, from real estate to cars, and educational plans, pension plans, and condo insurance. Having the time to immerse themselves online, people have become business-minded and eventually became professional marketers as well. 

There is no business like show business. Thus, many Pinoys became online celebrities. Even fashion and showbiz personalities have turned to the power of the internet and became influencers. They have put their celebrity status to good use. Brand Managers of different products have since then commissioned their services to promote different product lines. These influencers do not stop there, they even have invaded Tik-Tok and YouTube platforms, and have since become online content creators monetizing from each of their episodes.

A lot of people have suddenly relied on online selling during the pandemic as almost everything has shifted to digital now. The majority has embraced online shopping and digital transactions creating a huge potential in the e-commerce industry. One does not even have to techie to be able to sell online as there are readily available e-commerce platforms that one can use to sell and promote your products. 

With all these products stashed, many of these budding business professionals have no warehouses, making their living rooms and even their bedrooms their stockroom. All these stocks piled and displayed like a store, these online sellers show these products to their online buyers. There is a danger however in mixing home and business. One must make sure not only for their products' safekeeping but most importantly their safety, that they live with peace of mind knowing their condo insurance is in place to protect against fires, earthquakes, and natural calamities. 

This pandemic has suddenly taught people to rely on their hidden talents and skills they never knew they had. And the best part --- they can do all these in the comfort of their condo. 

Book Feature: New Normal New Beginnings + Exclusive Author Interview with Mae Gomez

Mother's Day is just around the corner and with the new month starting, it is just right that we feature a book about Moms. 

New Normal New Beginnings is a compilation of inspiring stories from 23 moms as they journey through different phases of motherhood in this pandemic: giving birth, coping with fear, dealing with grief, homeschooling, and many more. 

This book was curated by Mae Gomez, a mom of three boys, an authority member of the Non-Fiction Authors Association, founder of Thrive&Grow Book Publishing, and author of The Joyful Stay-at-Home Mom, a book for moms of toddlers coping with depression. 

Now, we are lucky to have the opportunity to interview this remarkable woman as she shares more about her latest book, New Normal New Beginnings. 

1. Can you share with us something about the book that isn't in the blurb?

Most of the moms who wrote the book are first-time authors. The book is written by moms, for moms, with a mission to help mothers in need. It supports the Grace to be born Foundation in the Philippines. It is a perfect book to give to moms this mother's day.

2. What inspired the idea for your latest book?

I was inspired by a post I saw on social media, "Despite all that is happening, is there something that you are thankful for today?"

3. How long did it take you to complete the book?

It took me 2 months to complete the book. 

4. What part of the book was most challenging to write and why?

The most challenging part is not the writing itself, but the curation and coordination process - bringing together moms of different backgrounds and belief systems, encouraging them despite their self-doubts, and meeting timelines (As moms, we always have our family duties to juggle with writing.)

5. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

I hope that readers will be able to realize that as a mother, you can thrive, grow, and be resilient amidst the pandemic.

6. If you’re planning a sequel or write the next book, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?

I am writing a book for work-at-home moms.

7. Where can they buy your books or find out more about you? 

If you want a copy of the book, you may reach me through my social media accounts:

Facebook: New Normal New Beginnings Book

The Joyful Stay-at-Home Mom

Instagram: New Normal New Beginnings Book

                    The Joyful Stay-at-Home Mom

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Thank you, Author Mae, for agreeing to this interview. We are inspired by your new book project and we truly believe that this message is very important to share with others (especially moms) as we are facing the biggest crisis of our lifetime. Thank you for encouraging us to continue to thrive and grow.

For those who are looking for Mother's Day gift, this book is a great idea! 

Book Feature: Where Silence Ends: A Memoir + Exclusive Author Interview with Angela Ruiz

Where Silence Ends is the captivating memoir of a Mexican-American, mother-daughter duo and their chillingly beautiful family journey of generational trauma and healing was published last March 2021 in time for the celebration of Women's month. 

Now, we have the privilege to interview the author, Angela Ruiz as she shares with us more about this beautiful memoir. 

1. Can you share with us something about the book that is not included in the blurb?

I wrote the book at 32 years old, but in reality, this journey was in the works for over a decade. My mother first approached me when I was 16 years old and voiced that one day, she’d like to write the story of her twisted and yet triumphant life with me. Alas, Where Silence Ends is the result of a tiny seed growing roots and shooting up towards the sun.

2. What inspired the idea for your latest book?

As I mentioned, this book was a long time coming — but the final inspiration to dive all in was an ayahuasca ceremony I participated in. Ayahuasca is a powerful mixture of nature that helped awaken my consciousness to my purpose at that moment. The message came through lovingly, and yet somewhat forcefully: “My Dear Beloved, write the book!” And so, I did.

3. How long did it take you to finish writing this book?

It took me two and a half years to interview over 15 people, transcribe the audio, and write the book to begin rounds and rounds of editing with my trusty editor. My team also transcribed the entire book into Spanish during this time. I love the process of creating through writing, and though this is my debut novel, I hope to write another book soon.

4. What part of the book was most challenging to write and why?

What a great question. Honestly, I remember my chest feeling heaviest as I wrote the last 3 chapters. This was a combination of coming towards the end of writing my first book, and more so than anything, processing all the emotions and stories I was holding throughout the 2 years of writing the book. It’s an intense read, there is no way around that, but I also try and stay true to who I am and who my mother is — and we are women filled with love and happiness. My hope is that the lightness in such a dark story shines through.

5. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

I believe every reader will take away what serves them most. There is so much to learn from a raw story of a Mexican American family dealing with generational sexual abuse, and unfortunately, so many people in this world can relate. My hope is that it helps readers find even more strength than already exists within them and inspires others to use their voice.

6. If you’re planning a sequel or write the next book, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?

Absolutely! I’m thrilled to share this. My next book is somewhere between a sequel and a parallel partner of Where Silence Ends. This next book will be all about my dad’s life, although I think I’ll make it fiction rather than non-fiction — yet largely inspired by true events. His life story is fascinating and brings to life so many aspects of my beloved Mexico, the intricacies of immigration, and what so many people refer to as the American dream. There are several characters that will appear in my dad’s story that is also in my mom’s story, so I’ll be using the same names for those characters — keeping the two books connected with special little details as such. I feel a rush of excitement when I think about starting this next book.

7. Where can we buy your books?

Where Silence Ends is my debut novel and can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, and almost any other online platform that sells books. Simply search “Where Silence Ends, Angela Ruiz.” I hope that all readers or someone in their lives will benefit from this story.

8. Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

I invite you to visit my website: WhereSilenceEnds.com

Here you’ll find some gems in the form of author photos, featuring me and my mom together. You can also contact me through my website. I love hearing from readers and connect.

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Thank you, Angela, for agreeing to this interview. We are thrilled to learn more about you and your book and we are excited for the sequel as well. 

For those who are interested to order the book, you'd be happy to know that a portion of every purchase will be donated to providing therapy for survivors of childhood sexual trauma. Just go to WhereSilenceEnds.com

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