Jill and the Books Talk

Poignant. Horrifying. This book is all about political upheaval and detailed historical events that led to the murder of the Romanovs. The author ensured that her readers will get to know each of the family members, as well as, their murderers by providing unbiased truths. She wrote in a way that will evoke strong emotions as the reader unconsciously empathizes with the characters. Beware! This book is absorbing, words will come alive as you flip through the pages. Allow your imagination to take you back to that tragic, bitter cold day in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

Interesting facts this book has. Spanning five hundred years of adultery, power, rivalry and revenge. Yet the author failed to captivate me with her writing style. Thoughts were disorganized. She jumped from one mistress to another. I could hardly keep track of who was who. I found myself having to flip pages backwards in order to recall roles, characters and events. If you have great patience to overlook the way this book was written, you will find yourself a wealth of intriguing facts. 

It was a cool day in Barcelona when I visited La Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with my friend Marlon. My first impression was: "The basilica was massive. Gothic. Weird looking but amazing at first glance." (Excerpt from my travel journal) Antoni Gaudi, the genius architect behind La Sagrada Familia's creation, was inspired by unusually tall and slim forest trees. He loves to read the book of Mark in the bible. His design is vey Christ-centered. In fact, if you look closely, the basilica has many scenes depicting Jesus' life and ministry on earth.  La Sagrada Familia has 3 facades one of which remains unfinished to this very day. Gaudi believed that his creation should not surpass that of God's. Gaudi built Sagrada in 1883 but did not live long enough to complete his masterpiece. He died 3 days after being hit by a passing tram on his way to church for his daily prayer and confession.  La Sagrada Fa...

We are a unique species of women whose identities are not defined by having our own offspring neither by our ability to bear children nor the choices we make in life about motherhood. Rather we are a group of women who have so much love to give to the little ones in our families. Just like us, do you have what it takes to be a certified Tita of Manila? Presenting the Titas of Manila: (L to R) Vie, Cheshire, Vannah You have to be a certified tita. Meaning you have at least a nephew or a niece whom you perennially shower with love and “blessings.” You are present in every milestone, play nanny when ze parentals need to take a break, play silly games and goof around while sporting your otherwise delicate designer OOTDs.  You are also unfortunately perceived as someone who has a bottomless well of moolah and an all season Santa. Kung alam lang nila gaano kahirap kumita ng pera. Kayod pa more!  My eldest nephew and I. Vannah and her eldest nephew....