Back in 2016, I failed to get a slot for Lang Leav’s Sad Girls Tour. It was supposed to be the first book signing event that I would go to. I didn’t know what to expect and I arrived at the venue too late. I was disappointed because I waited weeks for it. And I failed. So, when National Bookstore announced that they’d be bringing Lang Leav back, hope filled my heart. It’s my second chance to see her and get a book signed!
At the date of release, I went to buy her new book right away. It has a very apt title, “Love Looks Pretty on You”. The exclusive NBS edition is so cute with its pink edges. It’s so adorable to look at.
I read it a few days later. And what a beautiful book it is! Poetry touches the heart in a very profound way. Lang Leav shares her experiences and encourages other women to be strong and to accept themselves. I am particularly drawn to this book. It has a lot of happy poems, especially the one entitled “Love Looks Pretty on You”. No wonder they chose that to be the title of the book!
Then came February 24! Of course, I learned my lesson from 2 years ago and I went to Alabang Town Center waaaaay earlier than its opening hours. I found the loooong line and queued up for two hours. Yep. Two hours. 😂
And the early bird catches the worm... or in this case, a book signing slot! Yay! 😃
My book and slot stub!
The ATC Activity Center was packed! There was excitement and anticipation in the air. Also, copies of Lang Leav’s books were on display, too. Sigh, if only multiple books were allowed, I could’ve bought more. Hihihi~ 😂
ATC Activity Center
More copies of Love Looks Pretty On You...
...and other books by Lang Leav. :D
The crowd erupted with cheers and applause when Lang Leav arrived! Even I couldn't contain my excitement.
Lang Leav on stage.
Lang shared a moment with us and talked about her new book. She also told us about her life experiences for the last ten years as an author. What really struck me the most was her advice on doing your work with integrity. Though honesty brings about the longer and harder way... in the end, you’ll get to where success is. “In the end, you’ll always find your way,” she said. And I think, it’s more rewarding to bask in success when you know you earned it with integrity and without hurting other people.
Lang Leav sharing her life experience with us.
And lastly, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! The chance to get my copy of Love Looks Pretty on You signed! During my turn, I told her that I’m glad that she wrote it. I like the book because it has a happy theme. And she told me how delighted she is in hearing that. Wheeee~ Aaaand yes, a posed photo with her! 😃
Lang Leav is as beautiful as her poetry! She’s so kind and gentle. And looking at her makes me feel so calm. If ever there will be another of her book signings next time, I’ll surely be there to listen to her and to see her again.
What about you? Have you read Lang Leav’s books?
It’s been a week and I’m still not over the feels of The Phantom of the Opera! The music plays endlessly in my head. Would you believe that I’m currently listening to its soundtrack in Spotify while writing this? Hahaha! 😂🎶🎭
It’s been two years since I went to watch the theater, with Wicked back in 2017. When I found out that The Phantom of the Opera is coming back here in Manila, I decided to go without a speck of doubt. I invited my family along. My aunt loved the movie, and for sure, she would love the theater even more!
And just like that, we bought tickets right away! Together we went to The Theater at Solaire last March 7 for the evening show. The whole place was all about POTO feels!
Hi guys! I'm beside the POTO poster
....and also by the entrance!
Me and my family at the mirrors photo booth.
Woah! That sculpture will put you further in the feels~
Of course, the mask has a food version, too!
Nearing 8PM, we were called to go inside for the show was about to start! 😃 Excitement filled my heart because entering the theater is like going into a new world.
Something wonderful is going to happen on that stage!
Excited for Phantom!
And when the lights came off, the show completely consumed my attention. Sorry guys, taking photos of the scenes is not allowed. But I tell you, the show will blow your mind!
The first scene with the chandelier, with all its captivating lights and movements, literally gave me a jaw dropping experience. Literally, yes. I knew it would be good, but it exceeded my expectations. Makes me wonder how they did that. 😲
The main cast, Jonathan Roxmouth (Phantom), Clara Verdier (Christine Daae), and Matt Leisy (Raoul Vicomte de Chagny) were impeccable in their acting. Their singing are all enchanting! I got goosebumps at every scene, the voices of all the main and supporting actors… and the harmony of the orchestra! The sets, costumes, the props! Everything was well done and well coordinated.
And here’s the thing, I have watched the movie a lot of times. But it was the theater that gave depth to the experience. I already knew the ending, but it didn’t stop me from getting emotional, too. 😭 Overall, the performance was spellbinding! The thunderous applause of the audience was proof! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
And if at the end, you too, would be mesmerized by the show, you can check out the souvenir shops for these gorgeous finds! I personally love the Phantom bear. Cutieee~
Those Phantom bears! :D
Trinkets mugs, aaaand masks
Shirts and hoodies, too!
Woah! Pins and more souvenirs!
I have been smitten by the Phantom. The Angel of Music has entranced me! I left the theater with The Phantom of the Opera singing in my head...
Heya dearies! Do you like comics? For me, I started reading thanks to comics. I can vividly remember Archie, Betty and Veronica, and other Riverdale characters in my youth. Back then, if you have an Archie Double Digest, you were popular in school. Oh! I loved Richie Rich, too! 😃 Comics taught me the love for reading. Rich, colorful pages filled my youth. It is still true for now. I may have moved on to reading novels but once in a while, I still go back to my first love. Archie, Avatar the Last Airbender, and manga like Fullmetal Alchemist and Attack on Titan are just a few of what I usually read. So, I really got excited when Fully Booked organized an event with comic book writer, Marjorie Liu. One of my 2019 goals was to go to a book signing event. It clicked right there! I decided to attend on February 10 in Fully Booked ATC. It was the third day, and I’m happy that they have that slot because it’s my only free time of the week.
Montress Book Tour Manila poster
I arrived at the location early because I expected a lot of people due to my previous book signing experience with Lang Leav back in 2016. But no, the crowd was manageable and the event was a cozy meet and greet. The venue at Fully Booked was very apt. I felt comfortable being surrounded by books. Other comics written by Marjorie Liu were on display, too! Han Solo. X-Men, Monstress... It was eye candy!
It was my first time hearing of Monstress. When I saw it, the covers called out to me. Power. Pain. Monsters. People. Magic. Mystery. It was enough to convince me to buy the first volume. Gorgeous art encompasses the covers, showing the main character as a beautiful and strong heroine.
Monstress Volume 1
Marjorie Liu is an empowering woman. Her aura is welcoming. She’s very kind and beautiful. We had a chance to get to know her more at the Q&A part. She shared with us tips on becoming a writer and taught us the necessary attitude of being one.
Ms. Marjorie Liu
Marjorie giving us advice on how to be a writer.
After the Q&A was the book signing and photo op. I got to meet her up close. She smiled and shook my hand. I told her that I read comics and I’m excited to read Monstress. She talked with me as she signed my copy. And then we posed for a quick photo to remember this chance of a lifetime! 😃
Marjorie’s talk inspired us to follow our dreams. To appreciate art and support comic book writers and artists. I’m happy that I decided to attend. It turned out more than just a book signing event, it became a life-changing one for me. Marjorie Liu has made an me instant fan and I look forward to more of her works, especially Monstress.
