“Some things must be done however much we wish to avoid them.”

The Prophecy of the Sisters is a trilogy done by Michelle Zink who started publishing its first book in 2010. In the first book, the Milthorpe twins are introduced, namely Lia and Alice. Down in history, every female twins are tasked to be the Guardian and the Gate. After their parents` death, strange marks appear on their arms that revealed their roles into the prophecy. One the guardian, one the gate. Lia and Alice, respectively, are forced to go against each other to play out their roles. Lia is to become the guardian who is to keep the gate closed so as not to allow Samael, the greatest evil of all, to enter the world we live in today. The series` setting is in New York State, sometime around the late 1800s.

What I enjoyed most about this book is that it involves other dimensions other than where we are. The story opens at the Milthorpe mansion where the twins grew up. As they both learn about their roles in the prophecy, as for Lia, she flies through portals so as to learn more about her own role. She is helped by other teenage women who have the same mark as hers for they play as the keys to the gate. To be honest, the trilogy has always kept me tied to my seat because of its body-chilling plot. The fact that the author used old-English words, especially with the chants, poems, and letters that were presented in the book, add more depth to it. Personally, though I am easily frightened, I love to read books that have something to do with other dimensions with a romantic twist to it. Throughout Lia`s journey to find out what her role really is, James accompanies her as she understands what she has to face and discovers her power to conquer Samael. The book does not entirely focus on the romantic genre, which makes it stand out from the rest of the books that are in demand today.

To be honest, I am not the type of person who reads books on a regular basis. Every time I enter a bookstore, I automatically proceed to the 'top 10 books' section to actually avoid reading those books. I would rather read books that are hidden in the 'young adult' section rather than those books that people talk and fangirl about. I also avoid books that are 'soon to be a major motion picture' cause I get more excited about the movie rather than to read the actually story. When people ask me what books I read, the most common response would be "what`s that?" or "who wrote that?" and other comments such as those. Not to be particular about authors but I`ve noticed that the books I like to read, since they are not usually on the 'top 10' shelves, are series` that are hard to find. I`ve had a number of incidents where I would walk up to the customer service area and ask which branch of theirs has a copy of the book I`m looking for, get it reserved, then ask my mom to drive me there to purchase the book. I am not a fast reader as well. Sometimes, it takes me 3 days or a week to finish a book, depending on how the plot`s flow goes. I`ve read books that only excite me at the beginning and the end but hey, I still end up loving those books!

Sources:

Zink, M. (2010). Prophecy of the sisters. Guelph, Canada: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

[Book cover] Retrieved on December 3, 2013 from http://letthewordsflow.wordpress.com/2010/08/17/book-
recommendation-prophecy-of-the-sisters/

Love is more than just a game for two ❤

Christmas is just around the corner! Last time I checked, it`s happening in less than a month. It`s another time for family reunions, road trips and tons of picture-perfect moments! What I love the most about Christmas is actually the weather. Christmas breaks are a time for me to relax at home with my family, have Christmas songs playing around the house and have cups of hot coco!

It`s been a tradition in our house to play Christmas songs but what I love the most are the Michael Bublé ones! I actually have a playlist of his songs that suits any season all-year round. Personally, I think his songs can make you fall in love instantly and can turn you into a hopeless romantic with all those dreamy lyrics! ❤ Let me share to you my 5 favorite Michael Bublé songs!

5. Haven`t Met You Yet

And I know someday that it'll all turn out
You'll make me work, so we can work to work it out
And I promise you, kid, that I give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

Given with the title itself, the song is for a future lover. The artist has had his heart broken for how many times but he isn`t giving up on love just yet. He believes that the next woman he will love would be the right one for him. With all the relationships that he has been in, he believes that their relationship won`t be perfect but rather, it would be worth the while! Isn`t that the sweetest?

4. Everything

And you play it coy, But it`s kinda cute
Ah, when you smile at me you know exactly what you do
Baby don`t pretend, that you don`t know it`s true
Cause you can see it when I look at you

In this piece, the artist is falling for the woman already. He sings about what makes him like the woman so much such as her awkwardness whenever he looks at her. As you hear more of the song, the artist unravels more of the reasons why he is falling in love with the woman more and more.

3. Some Kind Of Wonderful

I only know when I`m in your embrace
Then this world seems a better place
And something happens to me
You know it`s some kind of wonderful

The artist sings with an overwhelmed heart. He is in a relationship such that they are in a state where they are very happy and he knows that they are going strong with it. The overflowing feeling of love makes the artist feel that he cannot fathom it any longer to the point where he is left speechless and ends up repeatedly saying "it`s some kind of wonderful". 

2. Save The Last Dance For Me

Oh I know that the music`s fine
Like sparkling wine, go and have your fun
Laugh and sing, but while we're apart
Don`t give your heart to anyone
But don't forget who`s taking you home
And in whose arms you`re gonna be
So darling save the last dance for me

With this song, he is allowing the woman to go have fun with other men in the club or maybe in a bar so long as the woman should remember that at the end of the night, she will be back in his arms once again. What`s romantic is that he wants to end the night by having a dance with the woman so she will not forget their special moments.

1. L-O-V-E

L is for the way you look at me
O is for the only one I see
V is very, very extraordinary
E is even more than anyone that you adore

I first heard this song when I was a little girl watching The Parent Trap. This was the opening song wherein the couple was on a ship during their wedding. I find it really romantic until now because it`s such a romantic song with all the love going on in the scene and fireworks were everywhere. The song has little and simple lyrics yet it gives a beautiful message. My favorite version of this would obviously have to be Michael Bublé`s. The artist sings about how much they are in love. He is also knowledgeable that she can just take his heart and break it but begs her not to, and it practically says that the artist wants to be with her for a very long time or even forever. Sweet! ❤

"You were my new dream." "And you were mine."

Let`s take a stroll down Paris, shall we?

Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Paris

Of course, most of knows this famous church from ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ movie from Disney. Due to its old structure, the church features medieval art which can be seen inside and out. The west façade of this famous church boasts a beautiful stained glass that lights up beautifully at night!

Musée du Louvre

The Musée du Louvre houses the Mona Lisa painting, the Venus de Milo sculpture and many other pieces of art that dates back to the Medieval Era. Though museums can get us bored, I have a good feeling about this one. Since the pieces come from different eras and centuries, it would be an honor to see these at least once in your life, wouldn`t it? The mix of old and new architectural designs of the place makes it even more interesting to visit!

Disneyland Paris

Who in the wrong mind would want to miss this treat?! Yes you`re a grown up, no you`re not too old for Disney!

The warm welcome of the cast and crew, the cotton candy you eat while strolling around the park, the rides that will make you go crazy… What more can you ask for? It`s like getting a part in your Disney fairytale!

I`ve only gone once to Disneyland (in Hong Kong) and what pissed me off was that I had an asthma attack on the exact same day. I haven`t had the chance to go back but from then on, I always keep my inhaler in my pocket or in my bag. While waiting for the fireworks show, I went to the nearest souvenir shops to get myself a jacket and some character pins. I remember getting a lot of Mickey-shaped pens and candies that my mom kept putting back because I was so in love with everything in the shop! HAHAHA!

Wouldn`t Disneyland be a perfect venue for a date? You get to share you childhood craziness with the love of your life and you get to see their childhood craziness too! Who knows, you might even have the same favorite movie or habit when watching one! :”>

(I am blushing at the moment while doing this blog hihi)

Avenue de Champs-Élysées

Here`s the start of my Audrey Hepburn-like trip around Paris: The Avenue de Champs-Élysées houses shops such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Elie Saab, Tiffany & Co. and the like. Diamonds are a girl`s best friend, isn`t it? ;)

Ladurée

Since the start of the macarons` fame, I have been on the lookout for the perfect ones! So far, I haven`t been disappointed with the brands that have it here in the country but they say that Ladurée has the best ones since they paved the way for the birth of these delicious treats! I bet a few of those, together with some tea or French-pressed coffee, and a long day around Avenue de Champs-Élysées will surely give me the perfect Audrey Hepburn experience!

La Tour Eiffel

Paris is known to be the ‘city of love’ for they say that French is the language of love. Many couples dream to have a kiss on top of the Eiffel Tower or for the bachelors or bachelorettes, they dream to stroll around the park and find ‘the one’ that will sweep them off of their feet.

As for my case, I have NO idea as to whom I`ll be sharing that magical kiss with on that tower but I`ve had my prospects. ;) Close your eyes and think of Tinkerbell flying around with pixie dust then a curtain of flowers open and behold, the Eiffel Tower. You`re walking hand in hand with the man of your dreams just like in the movies where the wind perfectly plays with your hair and you don’t trip while wearing your heels. You walk further into the park but he stops and pulls your hand, making you stop as well then pulls you into his arms and holds your face with warmth. He looks around your face and you know that he looks at you with perfection. You start to blush as he slowly kisses your forehead, the tip of your nose and before you know it, the magical kiss has begun and ‘forever’ has unfolded before you.

So much for all that daydreaming. See you guys soon!
Bonsoir! 

Sources:

[Vintage map of Paris] Retrieved on November 30, 2013 from http://www.art.com/products/p11899717207-sa-i6201323/ladyleia-vintage-map-of-paris.htm

[Notre Dame de Paris] Retrieved on November 30, 2013 from http://heurchon.deviantart.com/art/Notre-Dame-de-Paris-by-night-2-369616631

[The Louvre Museum] Retrieved on November 30, 2013 from http://impressivemagazine.com/2013/06/20/interesting-facts-about-the-louvre-museum/

[Disneyland Paris castle] Retrieved on November 30, 2013 from http://citymocha.com/2012/12/disneyland-paris-at-night/

[Woman in Disneyland] Retrieved on November 30, 2013 from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2285781/Murad-Osmann-Photographers-amazing-pictures-girlfriend-leading-hand-globe.html

[Avenue de Champs-Élysées] Retrieved on November 30, 2013 from http://thebestparis.info/tag/champs-elysees/

[Ladurée shop] Retrieved on November 30, 2013 from http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2011/08/laudree-upper-east-side-nyc-macaron-shop-opening.html

[Eiffel Tower in spring time] Retrieved on November 30, 2013 from http://alohabonjourgirl.tumblr.com/post/31831290839/springtime-in-paris-jaime

This or that?

Hey, guys! It`s been a while since I last posted due to the workload I have. But, do not fear for Mango is here! HAHA

Most of us, especially teenagers, are very hooked up on numerous TV series. Just like you, I have my own list of favorites that I go crazy about! Not to mention, have you guys tried the show tracker of Sidereel? It keeps me updated about all my favorite series, just click on the ‘track show’ button!

I`d be leaving you hanging if I don`t tell you my own list, right? So, lately, I`ve been thinking a lot about sharing my own list so we can all talk about the 'ships' we like or would want to have, those annoying antagonists who just pisses you off and so on! ❤

Awkward

A documentary-like show that revolves around the life of a teenager, Jenna Hamilton, whose going through high school like any other teenager but with more awkward situations coming her way. Now on it`s 3rd season, the show has gained a lot of supporters especially during the first season`s #TeamJake or #TeamMatty debate! The show also features real-life situations of teenagers, especially in Western countries, where students get bullied, get called as the ‘Asian mafia’, the ‘elite’ cheerleaders and jocks, and the list goes on.

Like Jenna Hamilton, I am a very awkward person too. Intimidating teachers can make me feel queasy, I can sometimes be gullible, I`m not as girly as the typical teenager, I can get way too emotional when problems come my way and so much more. ‘Awkward’ is my feel-good show cause I get to relate with those awkward situations and feel normal instead of feeling mortified.

Pretty Little Liars

5 best friends, 1 mystery: What really happened to Alison that night and where is she now?

During a sleepover, Alison DiLaurentis disappeared and was never found. A year later, the people of Rosewood believed that she was dead yet to the 4 girls, anonymous messages started coming up that put their secrets and lives at risk. From then on, the anonymous messages labeled as ‘A’ have made them do tasks that would give them clues and ideas as to what happened to Alison. The Pretty Little Liars has touched the mysterious side in me. Every episode would leave you breathless from the thrilling scenes.

Gossip Girl

A now concluded series, Gossip Girl highlighted how the elites in Manhattan live and what they do to that makes them be featured on page 6 of a newspaper or rather, buzz of the Upper East side. High fashion clothes, galas, high-end bars, hotels and a lot of travelling, Gossip Girl is the insider on what the elites do and how they do it. Personally, my favorite character would be Blair Waldorf, also known as the ‘Queen bee’. Though she has done a lot of evil schemes and mayhems, Blair sure does have the rich taste in everything. From Vera Wang to Ladureé, she sure does take the elite living to another level. And besides, who wouldn`t want to have a nanny like Dorota and a boyfriend like THE Chuck Bass, right? 

Once Upon A Time

In the land of Storybrooke, Emma Stone is helped by a boy named Henry to discover that she is the lost daughter of Snow White, also known as Mary Margaret Blanchard, and Prince Charming, David Nolan. Emma`s mission is to break the spell in Storybrooke for the people to be awakened and realize that they are the people of the Forbidden Forest. When Emma and Henry discover how to break the spell, the Evil Queen, also known as Regina Mills, tries to stop them but fails. Now that Storybrooke has been awakened, what will the people do in order to get back to their world?

This is series is one of my favorites simply because it is about fairytales. What I like about it more is that it combines all the fairytale stories and brings them ‘alive’ to create a new and more exciting story about them! It also includes my favorite princess, Ariel, who is shown in the series in its third season. The series brings out the child in me and allows me to know that I am still a kid that only grew up.

How I Met Your Mother 

Now on it`s ninth and final season, the title basically says it all. ‘How I Met Your Mother’ is a series about 5 friends namely Barney and Robin, Marshall and Lily and the only bachelor left in the group, Ted Mosby. Ted has been in a number of relationships but it seems that he cannot find ‘the one’. At the start of the series, Ted believed that Robin Scherbatsky was ‘the one’ until one day, she fell in love with Barney Stinson and the latest season, they are about to get married.

The beauty of friendship has always been highlighted throughout the series. The ladies have always been gal pals and the men have always been bros yet they come together as a group every time they need one another and whenever they would sit down at the MacLaren`s bar. This has always been reminding me that though the people I trust the most are in different schools and different time zones, when we are going through the worst or the best times of our lives, they will be always be there til the end.

Til the next episode airs!

Sources:

[Awkward poster] Retrieved on November 28, 2013 from http://www.tomorrows-news.com/tv/2013/awkward-season-3-tv-review/

[Pretty Little Liars poster] Retrieved on November 28, 2013 from http://www.eonline.com/news/428925/pretty-little-liars-season-4-premiere-recap-spoiler-dies-and-trunk-mystery-revealed

[Gossip Girl poster] Retrieved on November 28, 2013 from http://www.tvfanatic.com/gallery/gossip-girl-season-6-cast-photo/

[Once Upon A Time poster] Retrieved on November 28, 2013 from http://stargate-sg1-solutions.com/blog/

[Walt Disney quote] Retrieved on November 29, 2013 from http://bestquotesaboutlife.org/walt-disney-quotes-270-adults-only-kids-grown-anyway/

[How I Met Your Mother poster] Retrieved on November 28, 2013 from http://www.entertainmentwallpaper.com/download/20031870/

"The way to a man`s heart is through his stomach."

I am most definitely not a man BUT food will always be my weakness! ❤

Well, since I`m on my I-want-to-eat-everything mode, I thought of sharing my top 10 favorite foods of all time! Even my best friends could tell you these, especially when I`m in a really bad mood.

10. 'Cupcakes by Sonja' cupcakes

Their cupcakes are really moist and the cheesecake cupcake`s reeeally creamy!

Although, some may find them a bit too sweet because of too much icing.

[L-R: Cookie Monster, Vanilla Sunshine, Berry Delight

Strawberry Cheesecake, Pistachio Berries & Cream]

9. KitKat`s matcha green tea

Green tea is lalala-love!  ❤

8. Hakao

Anywhere`s fine, really but my go-to places for Hakao is either Mr. Choi Kitchen or Mann Hann!

7. Army Navy!!!

I usually get a Starving Sailor (steak) sandwich, onion rings (or freedom fries)

on the side and a big cup of their famous Libertea iced tea! Yum!

6. Noel`s Barbecue

Well, this is where my blockmates and I have lunch whenever we`re broke since

they have got the tastiest yet cheapest barbecues in the area!

[This adds up to all the barbecue 6 girls ate in one sitting!]

5. Teriyaki Boy!!!

Here goes the Asian in me: I LOVE LOVE LOVE Japanese food! ❤❤❤

This are my top 3 in their menu: Tempura Tuna Sashimi Tartare, Ebi Tempura and their Yakimeshi rice!

I suggest you try their Buffalo Tori Karaage, Crunchy Salmon Salad or

Teriyaki Boy Chicken Ju, one of their best sellers!

4. Mr. Kurosawa`s Crunchy Tuna roll!

Another thing I love about Japanese food? Spicy tuna! ❤

3. Starbucks Caramel Macchiato (Iced with extra caramel sauce) &  Cinnamon Roll

I have tons of favorite drinks and food from this coffee shop but this combination is my regular order!

Some of my other favorites:

Drinks: Mocha frappe, Green tea frappe (with cinnamon powder on top), Café Americano & Caramel frappe (with hazelnut syrup)! And in the Christmas season, their Toffee Nut latte!

Food: Ratatouille-like breakfast sandwich, Roasted chicken pesto sandwich and their healthy bagels!

2. MACARONS!!!

My ultimate favorite (redundant, isn`t it?) dessert of ALL TIME!!!

Not really of "all time" since it just started to become famous but, you guys get the point haha!

My favorites would be those from TWG and Tous Les Jours!

[My favorite from Tous Les Jours would be their green tea macarons!]

[These are my favorites from TWG: Bain de Rose Tea, Vanilla Bourbon Tea & Matcha!]

and lastly.... *Drumroll*

1. 'Yabu: The House of Katsu'`s katsudon!

I love how crunchy on the outside and succulent on the inside their Katsudon is!

What I like the most about their Katsudon is that they have bonito flakes (those wood shaving-like stuff on your food), a sweet sauce, nori strips and an egg to top it all off!

Plus, all their set meals comes with unlimited Japanese rice & cabbage, fresh fruits and a bowl of Miso soup! Aaand, they have this one-of-a-kind dip where you have to do the "Katsu Ritual"!

Now that you guys have an idea of what I crave for the most...

Do you wanna hang out with me? Pretty please? ;) Haha!

[All photos used were taken by the author]