Last September 24, my family and I (excluding my brother, who was prohibited from travelling by his doctor) went on a trip to Australia for 2 weeks. We spent about four days in each state (is that what they call it there?) we visited; namely Gold Coast, Sydney, and Melbourne (which I loved the most). My iPhone was rendered useless since I couldn't call or text anyone, so I used it as an iPod for the whole trip. The songs included in this playlist (although I did not include some of them in the zip file so that you guys will have to buy the songs yourselves to support the artist. I did, however, include a link to where you can listen to the songs online) were the songs I listened to on repeat during the entire trip.
While we were in Sydney, I came across three bands performing in the streets and I just about fell in love with their music. I bought their EPs and had it signed by them, and later asked if I could feature them on here (I have legitimately asked one of the band members for their number so I could contact them using my mom's phone later that day... Guts). I'm currently working on it so sit tight! :) Anyway, without further ado, here are the songs!
This month's playlist is a special one, and they're songs I believe most of us, if not all, grew up with. Our theme is classic Disney songs! They're songs from our favorite Disney movies, and I'm sure you're all familiar with it. It brings back a wave of nostalgia, and it's nice to feel like a kid again. I had a little help from my best friend, Paola, who has all the Disney songs in the world! Even though I'm turning seventeen and she's turning eighteen, we still know every word to every song in the playlist. True kids at heart! We hope this playlist reminds you to live while you're young, and to always treasure today. Carpe Diem!
The Perks of Being a Wallflower has been my one of my favorite books ever since I read it back in freshman year. It's funny, it's different, it's heart-wrenching, and it's real. The characters are so true to real-life beings, that I can almost feel their emotions in every situation in the book. Perks was created into a film, and it was released on September 26, 2012 here in the Philippines. I had the opportunity to watch the movie today, and I thought that it would be great to talk about the similarities and differences it has with the novel, as well as the positive and negative remarks I had about the adaptation! If you haven't watched the movie yet, I suggest you don't read the latter part of the post, unless you are willing to be spoiled!
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Novel)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower was written by Stephen Chbosky, and it was published in 1999. It revolves around "Charlie" (this may or may not be his real name), who starts off the novel by writing a letter to an anonymous person. The novel goes on as Charlie writes to this person, telling him/her about his life as a freshman high school student.
Charlie, a socially awkward introvert, starts his freshman year, and he feels like no one notices him. He's recovering from the tragic accident that just happened, wherein his only good friend Michael committed suicide. His family doesn't seem to understand him the way his Aunt Helen does, and she too has passed away. Feeling alone and misunderstood, he starts to blend into the crowd and doesn't want to be seen. That is, until Sam and Patrick came along.
Sam and Patrick are step-siblings, and as seniors, they introduced Charlie into the real life of high school. He's put out of his shell, and throughout the novel, he strays away from being a wallflower and tries to live life the way he should be. As he's introduced to parties, drugs, and the common high school scene, he starts to fall in love with Sam. He meets new friends, experiences new things, and he finds himself in the process.
In my opinion, this book is a teen classic. Even if it's written in 1999, it applies to today as well. Charlie develops throughout the book, and you can see how true he is to himself. He sees things his way, and the way he perceives things is just so natural. Everything is seen in a different perspective because of his innocence, and the characters in the novel don't impose their personalities on Charlie, they're molded because of him. It's like they carry out his youthfulness.
The Sam-Charlie-Patrick friendship made this book a great one. Charlie, a loner, was welcomed into the circle of friends, who are all loners themselves. In a way, their experiences are intersecting with one another, and they get what it's like to feel that way. I love how Charlie is so easily accepted, and how through all the heartbreaks, triumphs, tragedies, and enlightened moments, they're there for each other every step of the way.
Favorite Quotes
"It was the kind of kiss I could never tell
my friends about out loud. It was the kind of kiss that made me know I
was never so happy in my whole life." — Charlie
"But even if we don’t have the power to choose where we come from, we can still choose where we go from there." — Charlie
"And I think everyone is special in their own way. I really do." — Charlie
"Things change and friends leave. And life doesn’t stop for anybody" — Charlie
“We accept the love we think we deserve.”
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Novel)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (film) was directed by the novel's author, Stephen Chbosky. The film stars Logan Lerman as Charlie, Emma Watson as Sam, and Ezra Miller as Patrick, the three main characters of the book.
The film stays very true to the book, and all the scenes you expect to see are there. It's wonderful to see this, since not much movie adaptations of famous novels stay true to the book, most probably because they want to up the entertainment appeal. Sometimes, it's unfortunate that the scenes fans are most excited to see on the big screen are the ones cut out from the film. Not this one, for it follows the book scene per scene. It's portrayed really well, it's complete, and the essence and impact the novel had was not lacking in the film.
Logan Lerman was an amazing actor. He portrayed the awkwardness of Charlie really well, and the emotion seen during his breakdown moments was flawless. He captured Charlie to a tee, and it fit him really well. We all know that he is a good looking man, and this movie transforms him into this awkward yet adorable teenager; he will be a hit with the ladies for sure. The chemistry between him and Emma Watson was undeniably there, and to see the two main characters gel together so well is a great key factor to any movie. Not to mention that they're the two hottest stars in film today, what more can you ask for?
My favorite character in the movie is Patrick. Ezra Miller is just so funny, so characteristic, and so uplifting. He made me smile throughout the movie with his antics, and the way he just portrays Patrick is just perfect.
To me, the movie did the book justice. It was exceptional, and it truly showed the reality of adolescence, love within a group of friends, injustice and tragedies, and being accepted. It's funny, it's witty, it's real life. The actors add more depth to the characters, and whilst many movies attempt to give off the vibe that Perks does, nothing can compare to the quality this movie brings.
One of my favorite scenes in the book is the tunnel scene, where Sam stands on top of her moving pick-up truck, listening to the "tunnel song", with her arms wide open. This is where Charlie concludes one of the most famous lines of the novel, "And in that moment, I swear we were infinite." The movie exceeded my expectations, and I got goosebumps watching it.
I do encourage you all to read the book first before watching it, because then you can really compare and see for yourself if it was up to par or not. I believe that the movie is definitely worth watching as well, and with Logan Lerman as the lead, how can you not?
A sort of spontaneous post, but this song has been stuck in my head for days. Additional to that, Swedish House Mafia is announcing the tour dates to their One Last Tour today, so watch out for that! Fingers crossed that our country will be on the list! I quote,
"Today we want to share with you, that the tour we are about to go on will be our last. We want to thank every single one of you that came with us on this journey. We came, we raved, we loved."
For those of you who do not know, Swedish House Mafia is a trio of disc jockeys who produce quality house music. They are known all over the world for their upbeat tracks, infectious tunes, and hypnotic beats. Sadly, the group decided to disband after their last tour.
Don't You Worry Child is the sixth and final single to be released by the group, and it's also known to be their farewell single.
This music video speaks volumes, and the lyrics are specially apt to the situation. Definite ear candy, and I have a feeling this song will be on repeat not only in my iPod, but in yours as well.
I blogged about Invitation House when Synergy first started last July (you can look at it again here), and I'm here again to feature the new items that just arrived! Invitation House produces high quality invitations, notebooks, notepads, stationary, and everything paper. Recently, more things were added, including home decors, accessories, bags, and many more quirky things that you would love to have! Here are the new arrivals that are being sold in Greenbelt 5 and Alabang Town Center:
VINTAGE SUITCASES
These suitcases are classy, and conventional. They come in three size - small, medium, large - and can be used to stash anything inside. Perfect for people want to travel in style!
LEATHER ACCESSORIES
These leather accessories are the up-and-coming trend this season! Made from real, genuine leather, they can spice up an outfit and make you look classy, stylish, and put-together. With different bracelets to choose from, you'll never want to buy just one! Each design is available in nine different colors: lime green, hot pink, orange, yellow, gold, silver, tan, brown, and black.
FOLDED NOTECARDS IN A BOX WITH ENVELOPE LINING
Designed by the artists behind Invitation House, the notecards come in a pack of 12, complete with matching envelopes decorated with lining, and a clean-cut box. It's practical, beautiful, and can be used for special occasions.
If you're interested in buying any of these products, you can visit Invitation House at Greenbelt 5 and Alabang Town Center. You can also email me at bgmarqz@yahoo.com for the prices per product, and for delivery details :)
When I have too much time on my hands, you would catch me either on twitter, reading, looking through blogs, or watching YouTube videos. I love seeing raw, natural talent on YouTube. It's always a treat seeing my favorite songs being sung in a different way, with people putting different twists to it. I'm always looking for good covers that can spice up my mood, and I want to share them with all of you! Here are some of my favorites, credits to my sister for helping me look for the best:
Kids by MGMT // HeyHiHello x Poppy
Poppy is an AMAZING singer. Her voice is different and raw, and her cover of Kids is out of this world. She made the sound more natural, kind of putting an indie vibe to it.
Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men // HeyHiHello x Poppy
Another collaboration by the same artists, this song is one of my favorites. Giving a stripped back, acoustic rendition, this one never fails to make me happy.
Lego House by Ed Sheeran // Stooshe
One of my favorite artists ever, and one of my favorite songs by him, sung by an amazing girl group. I love the fact that they kept their British accents!
As Long As You Love Me by Justin Bieber // Eli Lieb
I love this song on Bieber's new album, Believe, but with this soulful rendition, it gives it a whole new meaning.
A Drop In The Ocean by Ron Pope // Clinton Cave x Jesse Mann
I have a thing for saxophones, and this cover is, without a doubt, incredibly sexy. Must watch!
More Than This by One Direction // Band At Sunset
For all you One Direction fans, these boys do them justice.
I Will Follow You Into The Dark by Death Cab For Cutie // Gavin Mikhail
This piano driven melody sends chills down my spine. Simple, but effective.
Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye ft. Kimbra // Jayme Dee
Jayme Dee is one of my absolute favorite YouTube artists, and all her covers are flawless. Here's one that I really like. Her voice is so smooth!
Thinking About You by Frank Ocean // Tori Kelly x Angie Girl
What a great duo! This song is amazing, and with Tori's voice combined with Angie's beatboxing, this cover is definitely worth watching.
Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys // Ed Sheeran
The amazing Ed Sheeran taking his own risk with a rap song! As usual, he slays it.
The Cave by Mumford and Sons // Dia Frampton
The runner up to The Voice season 1 does her own cover of the coveted Mumford and Sons song.
Ho Hey by The Lumineers // James Alan
I love this boy's voice. He's a natural, and his gritty tone + guitar skills really makes the song come alive. It's perfect for him.
Call Me Maybe x Payphone // Jessica Jarell x James Alan
A mashup! SO SO SO good, I love it so much, I made it the last one!
I hope you enjoyed all the videos, I'll be posting more in the near future :-) Support these YouTube artists by watching their videos, liking them, leaving comments, or subscribing!
Laureen Uy is an emerging icon in the Philippine fashion scene. Along
with her eclectic style, her daring risks, and her outgoing personality,
she is not afraid to express herself through the thing most girls love:
fashion.
With Vince Uy (creative director of Preview magazine) and Liz Uy (celebrity stylist, fashion editor of Preview Magazine, style icon) as siblings, there is no doubt that Laureen was influenced by her family. Aside from being a designer for her shop, Break My Style, she's also an upcoming actress. Catch her on your television screens when you tune into channel 2!
We were very fortunate to have Laureen answer a few questions, despite her hectic schedule. I'm sure many of you would want to know about her style secrets, so here are a few!
1. Tell us about yourself and your blog.
I'm a 22 year old fashion blogger and I love to travel.
2. Who is/are your fashion icon/s?
Rumi Neely, Kate Moss, Nicole Warne, Anna Dello Russo
3. Name one fashion item you own that you can’t live without.
A white top.
4. Where do you get inspiration for your outfits?
From magazines and blogs.
5. What is your favorite fashion trend?
Print on Print. I just can't get enough of prints!
Laureen dares to be different, and she showcases her moods and personality through her style. She's one of our ultimate style icons, so it's a pleasure to have her answer our questions!
