#LangLeavinPH (and How to Survive a Book Signing Event)

Ah! What a weekend that was! Did you enjoy it as much as I did? Hmmm, maybe I half enjoyed it. For one, international bestselling author Lang Leav went here in PH! Everyone of us got excited when we heard the news, right? And I have never been to a book signing event before. So, I marked it on my calendar, bought a book, and waited for almost a month for June 25 to come...

But alas! Even if I arrived in Glorietta five minutes before 10 AM, the security announced that all the slots have been taken. Yep, a thousand slots gone in a flash! (T_T) Okay, so it was my first time, and as the old saying goes, "Charge to experience". Yep, I guess I was comforting myself. Feeling bad, I just indulged myself in ice cream...

Definitely one of the Sad Girls right now... (T_T) I arrived early to secure a slot but... Waaaaaaa! I'll be seeing you from a distance @langleav :( :( :( #sadgirls #book #books #bookstagram #langleav #icecream

A post shared by Angel Mariel (@myangelmariel) on Jun 24, 2017 at 9:28pm PDT

But no worries, even if felt disappointed that I couldn't get my copy of Sad Girls signed, I still stayed at the barricades for a short coverage of the event. I, too, wanted to see Lang Leav in person. 

Fans screamed with delight as Lang Leav went on stage. The energy in the mall rose. I saw the smiles on the people's faces and enthusiasm in their eyes. I think that was how I kinda looked like, too. Hehehe~

The crowd was awesome! #LangLeavinPH

Fans asked the author about the book, some gave their artworks, and a man read his heartwarming poem to us. Here is a short video about Lang Leav during the fan interaction portion.

Lang Leav! ♥♥♥ #LangLeavinPH #langleav @langleav

A post shared by Angel Mariel (@myangelmariel) on Jun 24, 2017 at 10:41pm PDT

After that, lucky fans queued up for the most awaited part: fan meet and book signing! :D

So guys, this failure inspired me to write about how to survive a book signing event. Hahaha! Ah well, these are written on my own experience. I hope it can help. Here goes nothin'...

1) Arrive as early as you can
Never mind whatever the announced time of start is. Be there hours early. From the Sad Girls event, I heard that some people went in line at 8:30 PM the previous day. Crazy right? Had I known that the organizers would let people in before 10 AM, I could've gotten there at 6 AM or something. Hahaha~ Just kidding. I won't recommend it though, unless you have the patience of waiting in queue and the strength to stand for a long time. 

2) Bring an adequate supply of snacks and water
Talking about queues, food and water are the basics. Eat when bored and drink to stay hydrated. What? I eat when I'm bored. Haha~ Oh, and don't drink too much though, it's going to be a big problem if you need to go the toilet and leave the queue. Noooo!

3) Bring something for your entertainment
For people who don't eat when bored, a cellphone will do (bring a power bank, too). Or better yet, read or reread the book the author will sign later on! :)

4) Prepare questions for the author
Who knows if you'll be able to share the spotlight with your favorite author. We don't want to be stuttering in front of the cameras, do we?

5) Look good for the photo op
Well, I know that after long hours of queuing can really make us all haggard-looking. Hahaha.. up to you to bring makeup or just flash your winning smile! :D

6) Buy books from authors you like
So even if you won't get a chance for an autograph and photo op, you won't regret buying the book because, hey, you can still enjoy reading it. (^_^)

So there you go guys, I hope the tips can somewhat help. I'll remember these lessons, for sure. Hmmm, I wonder when the next book signing event will be... 

For The Love of Coffee

I always make time for coffee. When the opportunity to know more came through the Starbucks Coffee Appreciation Festival, I cleared my schedule and headed right away to Glorietta. 

Cups of coffee, anyone?

The Starbucks Coffee Appreciation Festival happened on June 11, 2017

All the participants were given a coffee passport as a ticket to explore the various booths that were all about coffee.

Ready to explore the world of coffee!

Along the way, I met people who are fans of Starbucks, too. Especially Viemer, who instantly became my friend, all thanks to coffee! We took pictures of the event. Photos that are not watermarked were shot by her.

Yay! First stop was coffee exploration per region where coffee grows. We compared the various flavors and strength of coffee sourced from Africa, Latin America, and Asia Pacific.

Learning how elevation affects coffee here at the Starbucks Coffee Appreciation Festival. Wheee~~ #SbuxPHCoffeeFestival #starbucks #StarbucksPH #coffee #elevation

A post shared by Angel Mariel (@myangelmariel) on Jun 10, 2017 at 11:22pm PDT

Me at the Kape Vinta booth

Viemer and I learning about coffee from Latin America

We learned Roasting, too.

The next booths were my favorite! They showcased the high end equipment they have, exclusively used in Starbucks Reserve stores. Truth be told, this was the first time I saw these...

The concept of Chemex was shown to us.

Siphon is an amazing process, looks almost Alchemical to me. Hehehe~

Aside from the scientific methods, the event also featured art. At the center of the place is an exhibit of paintings made of coffee.

Yep, always.

My favorite painting in the exhibit.

There's more to that, I signed up for the coffee painting workshop with renowned artist, Rev Cruz, too.

Our instructor, Mr. Rev Cruz

The first coffee paintings in my life, as taught by @revcruz :) The greatest freebie I got yesterday is the creative knowledge from a coffee artist.  #SbuxPHCoffeeFestival #coffee #coffeepainting

A post shared by Angel Mariel (@myangelmariel) on Jun 11, 2017 at 10:03pm PDT

Seeing the baristas made my day, too. One of my childhood dreams is to be one (next to being an astronaut haha~). So, we didn't miss a chance for a photo op!

Wit Mich and Simone.... hmmm.. I look like a barista, too. Hehe~

With Toshi, my barista crush of the day

With Miguel, the Starbucks Coffee Ambassador

I greatly admire their knowledge on coffee, especially when the Coffee Ambassador, Miguel, gave a talk onstage.

Miguel talks about coffee sources on stage

I enjoyed the day filled with coffee knowledge and art! They gave us freebies, too…

Freebies from the coffee festival. Yay!  #SbuxPHCoffeeFestival #freebies

A post shared by Angel Mariel (@myangelmariel) on Jun 11, 2017 at 3:52am PDT

This event satisfied my thirst for all things coffee. Since I'm a chemist, I could easily understand and appreciate the complicated processes of serving coffee. What I admire about Starbucks is the dedication they have to the scientific technicality of the whole process, from farming to brewing. All the procedures are followed, the meticulous steps and the temperature required, as well. They have the necessary skills and equipment to ensure the perfect cup of coffee.

Different roasts give out a distinct color

Starbucks has a wide range of coffee to, suit your preferences

Awww…. I love my Caramel Macchiato even more now, knowing how every coffee bean has traveled from the farm to my cup.

Oh~ my barista dream has come true for a moment. Hehehe~

Cuteness Overload at Cat Cafe Manila

Pet cafes originated in Japan. This was due to the fact that city apartments did not allow residents to keep pets. So,  dog and cat cafes where born where people could go to relieve stress. Pets are such a source of good vibes. Yep! 

It is true for me, as well. Life gives me so much of stress that it drives me insane! Thankfully, we have our cute little dog, Hershey. In addition to that happiness, pet cafes have made it to the Philippines. Whee~

This year we visited the cats in Cat Cafe Manila. My sister suggested the place. So one Monday morning, we set out on a trip to Maginhawa street. The tricycle drivers were very helpful. They know the place, just give them the building or house number.

We were the first customers of the day and had the place all to ourselves. Yay! We were so excited, we played with the cats even before placing our orders.

Cute cats in the cafe

More cuties!

The entrance fee was PhP200, of which PhP100 goes to food. The menu features a lot of choices. They have snacks, frappes, and cupcakes!  Oooh~ We couldn't decide at first,  so we ended up with three frappes. My cousin got her favorite matcha while my sister and I got the bestseller, Pawreo Cheese Shake.

My very own Pawreo Cheese Shake. Yum!

Our yummy frappes! :)

What's cool is that the cats are trained not to eat your food. So we were allowed to eat there and play with the cats at the same time.

Meet my new feline friends~~ Meow~ meow~  @catcafemnl #catcafe #cafe #iceblended #cat #feline

A post shared by Angel Mariel (@myangelmariel) on Apr 30, 2017 at 9:52pm PDT

I enjoyed playing with the cats. It took them some time to play with me, though. But ah, cats are like that. I guess they're like people, you have to show that you're friendly, first. Hehehe~ With the help of the staff, the cats warmed up to us. They posed for photos, too. They're all so cute and cuddly. And my favorite was Jackie.

Jackie is my favorite among the bunch. She is not camera shy and is undoubtedly one photogenic cat. Awwww.... #ccm_jackie #cat #catcafe #cute

A post shared by Angel Mariel (@myangelmariel) on May 11, 2017 at 5:49am PDT

Jackie of Cat Cafe Manila 

She's not shy of posing for the camera.

But of course, all the others were a bundle of joy, too. 

Blanche's unique eyes are beautiful

Awww... I miss them already. I really want to go back to the cafe to see the cats again! Not only that, I want to try out the various items in the menu, as well. I think it's one of the perfect places for me… food, pets, and a whole lot of friendliness in between.