Style Reader

My Life Lately: September 2016

Sunday, September 18, 2016

It has been a series of blah. I don't feel like I'm enjoying it lately. But I still have to try. I browsed my old blog posts and tried to contemplate on what had changed, what am I doing with my life, etc. I'm not sure if I lost the spark and the passion to strive for something, or anything. I lost touch of my groove and succumbed to the dull life of adulting. Am I losing every hour, minute, or second while doing this? Or is this the break I need? I feel relentless, pacing back and forth on what should I do next. After finishing a game, a book, a show, and/or task, why do I still feel empty? I'm bored to my wits and sooner or later, I will definitely lose it.

Anyway, enough of the hullabaloos and let's get started with the quick update.

Books

I'm currently reading the following (yep, all at the same time. Don't ask me why.):

I don't know when I'll finish these but I will try. My Goodreads keeps on reminding me to finish my challenge or to add more. But I lack on the willpower department as of the moment.

I also bought numerous books when I was super stressed out so I don't know how I'll be able to finish everything.

Music

It'll be either my R&B playlist or this one that I recently discovered called Running Thru a Field of Smiles. Whenever I listen to it, I feel like I'm in a movie or a TV show and something good or momentous is happening. You'll feel like you're going to conquer the world.

Games
I'm trying to finish Legend of Zelda: Link Between Worlds in my 3DS. I will never get tired of this franchise. It will always be a favorite. I'm down to the last boss in the quest and I can't wait to whoop his ass.

I also started this game called Life Is Strange and I wasn't able to play it again. So far, the storyline is pretty interesting and I also love the soundtrack. But I'm having a hard time with the controls. I guess I'm not really used to First Person view.

When in transit, I also play the Potion Punch on my iPad and Disney's Enchanted Tales. Cute games to distract you when you're stuck in traffic. I need more games like Potion Punch that are free. If you know any, share them below!

Movies

Thanks to Netflix, I was able to binge-watch the following flicks while working:

Love & Other Drugs
He's Just Not That Into You
The Notebook
What's Your Number?
Clueless

TV Series

I don't know if you can call that achievement but I already finished the following shows:

War & Peace - An adaptation of the famous book of Leo Tolstoy. It only has 6 episodes. A very nice touching tale.
Stranger Things - Need I say more?
Pretty Little Liars - Can't wait for this show to end. It sucked even more now that they prolonged it and is it just me or the last episode totally looks like the movie, Don't Breathe? Tsk tsk.
Between - It bored me mid-season 2 but the ending was the redemption factor. I feel like they're causing their own problems. Too many immature characters in this show, seriously. But I'm curious on how the third season will play out.
Atelier - This is a nice J-drama series and hey, it's a Netflix original. I love Mayumi Nanjo. It reminds me of The Devil Wears Prada.
American Crime Story: The People vs OJ Simpson - This show is the best one so far. You'll definitely get hooked. I'm literally speechless all through out the show because it really happened! I feel like I had so many realizations after watching it. You better try it.

All my commentaries are on TV Showtime. :P

Currently watching:

Blood and Oil - It reminds me of Dallas and just by watching a few episodes, you'll know why it got cancelled.

Waiting For

October...because I can't wait for my Japan trip again this year.
December...because my office is invading Taiwan this year plus Christmas. I want to feel that jolly and giving spirit again.
January...because it will be my first time to go to Hong Kong. Yep.
Secret Hitler - I've been waiting for this Kickstarter game a long time now and I still don't have it.
This War of Mine - I'm truly excited for this one. I got hella good deal with this.
Pebble 2 & Pebble Core - Rewards to myself that I can't wait to have and use.

Plans & Wishes

So here I am again with my goals and I really hope to accomplish them all:

My writing challenge - I wish I can pull it off because I failed with #2. I guess I have to give easier exercises. But it definitely gave me a rush to push people to their limits.
A Book Club - I've been itching to do this. I don't know if I have the right tools to accomplish this.
To write for me - I wish I can write more for my blog. It's been a while.
To dance again - I miss it. I believe it makes me sane and forget all about my worries.
I want my old self back - me as a blogger, me as a bookworm, me as being generally happy and passionate with everything.

That's it for today!

Love lots, xx

Style Reader

2016 Reading Challenge

Book Review: Think Like A Copywriter by Alastaire Allday

Monday, August 01, 2016

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Think Like A Copywriter by Alastaire Allday

(Started & Finished: July 31, 2016)

Summary/Description:

This isn’t a book about following rules. This is a book about breaking them.

You’ve seen enough copy over the course of your life to know what it looks like. All you need is the analytical framework to start putting your own words together.

By thinking like a copywriter, you will learn to approach the task from a problem solving perspective — instead of following someone else’s method, you will develop an approach and style of your own.

In nine short chapters, I cover everything from inspiration, research, and tone of voice to writing copy for the web, for advertisements, and even how to make effective emotive appeals when writing B2B. You’ll also learn about structure, editing, and how to integrate copy with design.

Featuring seventeen practical exercises to be completed as you work, this book isn’t about memorising tips or tricks, or learning how to write in a certain style — it’s about giving you the ability to find your own voice and start writing unique copy that works for you. (From Goodreads)

Review: 3 stars

Publication Date: October 28, 2012

Shelf: Goodreads

As I am embarking on a new journey towards the copywriting world, I can't help but think if I am already prepared for this. Clearly, I need help and more tips on how to write better. Good thing, I discovered this book through our Grammar Workshop. I was told to read the first chapter and to review it. But I decided to finish the 128-page book and it did open my eyes to some points that I need to work on.

From the first few pages, I already gathered a few lessons to help me get by. It tackled the very basic but correct way of good writing to the more complicated ones--like writing for the web, which I will be doing soon enough. It did make me realize that I somehow end up taking the more cliche road of writing when I feel burnt out, tired, and out of ideas. I take the easy way out because it's easier to just say what you usually hear from ads rather than bending a few rules and challenging the norm. Bottomline is it really hit me hard.

I like how this book was straightforward and has that "what you see/read is what you get" feel to it. It promised to deliver enough juice for you to fuel your mind without using overwhelming words just to sound "smart." I also appreciate the exercise portion after each chapter. It encourages the reader to participate and to engage in the lessons. The reader will experience first hand what the author is talking about. I wish I had the time to explore these but maybe in my free time.

There was also that sarcastic wit that was obvious but not too imposing. I also sort of feel motivated after reading it. I can't say that it was truly inspiring or not but it did have an effect on me.

I'm glad to have learned new things that can help me in my field. I believe that this book is a good start or intro for beginners.

I recommend it for all aspiring writers, bloggers, digital marketers, and all those who lives a creative life.

Happy Reading Everyone!

Love lots, xx

Style Reader

memes

Sunday Social: 10 Things I've Learned So Far This 2016

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Disclaimer: I'm currently trying to write differently--making things simpler and more "conversational". But I figured, why not bend some rules for a change.

A lot has been happening and I can't help but wonder what I've accomplished and realized for the past six months. Here are the 10 things I've pondered on:

1. Time. I've been passing time watching trains go by.

So literal na parang train nga or better yet, shinkansen ang dumaan. Pagbaba ko, ibang buwan na!

Have you noticed how May, June, and July went by so quick? It felt like I fell asleep for months and woke up in August. See, I'm not sure if I'm just really busy working on so many things that my personal life can't catch up. You'll be surprised that we will celebrate Christmas and another year, in no time. We just need to keep up and follow the pace because if you don't, you'll surely get lost in the way.

Survival of the fittest na talaga if hindi ka makasakay. Sorry nalang. Next train ka na.

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2. Patience is truly a virtue.

Dahil kung hindi ko pa-practice-in 'to, pasyente abutin mo sakin kasi mainit ang ulo ko! Char.

Whatever it is, we should always be patient. I lost it last Friday and I felt bad. For the first time in so many years, I just want to f*cking scream and punch all those in my way. Clearly, I was in a lot of pressure and adding more to that didn't quite help. I think I really have to release it all out and make sure I do it every now and then.

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3. With great patience comes great responsibility.

Ipilit mo pa. Charaught.

A wise friend once told me, "Kaya ka nga nandyan kasi malawak na pag iintindi mo at kaya wala pa sila dyan." Things are clearer now. That's why we just got to do what we have to do. No matter how big the rock they'll throw at us, you just have to dodge and ignore. Just remember that whatever you are doing will help them in the long run and believe that eventually, they will understand it. It'll be their call to take it or not.

Moreover, you just have to tell yourself that you're not yet on the same page and hope that you'll eventually get there with them. Everything will make sense in time and you won't have to repeat what you've said so many times ever again.

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4. You can't save everyone.

'Wag tularan si Jack. Kung kasya naman kayo, iligtas mo na din sarili mo. 'Wag pa-hero. Di ka gagawan ng rebulto.

Two of my friends told me that I can't keep saving everyone. They have to help themselves, too. If you've already done what's necessary, then that's it. Let them do the rest.

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5. Self-entitlement won't get you far.

'Wag maraming hanash kung walang ibubuga. Gayahin niyo si Ash Ketchum at ang kanyang goal: Be the very best like no one ever was.

I still don't understand why so many people these days feel like they have to demand the things they think they deserve. Why can't they just work hard and show others what they got? Just because you're too comfortable in what you're doing or in the environment you're in, you'll just gonna settle and remain in that state. Then you'll expect to be given this and that? That's not how the world works, kids. Nothing happens in an instant.

Hindi 'to instagram o snapchat. 'Yang mga instant na yan pwede din yan mabura agad sa isang iglap. Saveeeeh?!

More than tangible things, the true reward is how you've become at the end of the journey with the knowledge and the skills you've never imagine you'll have. Plus, the legacy your name will leave in everything you do. No amount of money or whatever it is that you've been pining for can replace that.

Mas masarap pakinggan kapag sinabi ang pangalan mo at puro magagandang salita o papuri ang maririnig. Mas masarap asamin ang reward na alam mong pinaghirapan mo ng wala kang reklamo o ginawang mali kaysa naman hingi ka ng hingi pero yung totoo wala ka naman talagang nagagawang kakaiba na matatandaan ka. At pakatandaan na ang gantimpala ay madalas dumadating kapag hindi mo inaasahan. Mas ibinibigay pa ito sa mga hindi nagaabang pero sa mas karapatdapat.

Okay sige. Paki-translate ng English. Chos.

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6. Trust is granted to those who deserve it.

Hindi ito nabibili. Kung gusto mo 'tong bilhin, iba lang talaga ang pakay mo. Chos. Pero aminin iba ang hugot na 'to.

Read between the lines. I guess, I'm still learning. I thought in this day and age, I will be vigilant enough to know who should be trusted or not. But I guess, I have to trust my instincts more and I shouldn't ignore it. Remember that even the nicest smile and the most angelic face can deceive you.

Moreover, it's something we should work hard on. It's something we earn after proving ourselves to others. Same with work, a more challenging task will be granted to you if they trust you enough to handle it. Just feel proud and do whatever it takes to overcome it.

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7. You write your own destiny.

Ang mga bituin ay gabay lamang. Tayo ay may free will gamitin natin ito. Next station, Betty Go Belmonte Station.

Every decision you make shapes your destiny. If you opt to relax and chill or pump hard work with determination, at the end of the day, it's your life. It's your choice. Just make sure that you have the backbone to face whatever it is that will come your way. Embrace the result.

Panindigan mo!

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8. Limitation is the breeding ground for success.

Dahil tumatak talaga 'to sa isip ko.

We're more challenged when we are in such situations. That's why it's much difficult to play Breakout or those type of games because it's simpler but we can't seem to think out of the box. But like how my boss puts it, that's where you'll find your creativity and I'd like to believe in it.

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9. Your one true enemy is yourself.

Ikaw ang tunay na bida-kontrabida ng buhay mo.

The real battle happens within and truth be told, I've been struggling with it. Having a stronger mindset and emotional capacity is difficult. That's why I have to improve so that I can push all those negative thoughts away. So that I can believe in myself again. Once you tell yourself that you can't do it, you'll definitely won't. But if you think otherwise, then maybe you can find a way around it.

Sabi nga ni Jessy Mendiola sa commercial niya, "matter of perspective lang 'yan." Naisingit ko pa talaga siya. Che! Chos!