I've been wanting to write a comeback post since I-don't-even-remember-when but I just can't find time to do it. So let me start with this: a lot has happened since my last post.
1. I finally got a job. (Yes, I'm not a bum anymore.) I now work as a Subtitler for a media company in Makati. We translate and put subtitles on ABS-CBN shows being broadcast on TFC. It is an enjoyable job. I don't even feel like I'm working considering its load. Before, I could just see subbed TFC shows whenever I'm in the States. But now, I'm the one doing it. It feels weird.
2. I'm also about to finish the 2nd season of How to Get Away with Murder. It's such an intense series. It surprises me with its twists and turns although for me, its first season has a more interesting flow of events. Nonetheless, Viola Davis is such a great actress. She seems very jolly in real life (I watched her Ellen interviews) but she has a dark character in the series. That just shows how great she is! I also love that the series goes beyond the usual. They tapped actors of different races, they show the relationship of same sex couples, and the cases were smartly plotted. Looking forward to its third season on September.
3. Speaking of comeback, my other fave series, Jane the Virgin is returning on October 17!!! I can't wait!
4. And the other thing that I'm looking forward to is Ed Sheeran's return by Autumn. I haven't got any dates yet when he'll be releasing the album, but from what he last said, he'll come back in Fall, so I'm hanging on until he lifts his hiatus.
5. I haven't read in a while so I bought some Philippine Literature books. Bob Ong x Eros Atalia. I will let you know about it next time. I'm still reading Bob Ong's "Si", and so far so gooooood!
It has been a while since I last saw an American series. The last one that I watched unfailingly was Battle Creek which lasted only thirteen episodes. (Josh Duhamel fangirl alert!) Currently, I’m binge watching Jane the Virgin. It made a great buzz in 2015 and I’ve been wanting to watch it before but I just did not have much time. Recently, I’ve learned that it will be shown on free TV but it’ll be translated into Filipino. I tried watching it and it’s kind of weird at first but to be honest, it wasn’t that bad at all. So, let me list the things I liked most about it.
Plot. The plot is very gripping. The main conflict was well-thought-out. It’s actually one of the main reasons why I love this show. I do not want to miss a single episode of it because each episode is different from the other. The sub conflicts that arise are unpredictable. The storyline is dynamic and compelling. What am I supposed to say next? It’s just so great I might ran out of adjectives.
Script. The script is well-written. It also seems like its pool of writers has an unlimited supply of creative juice. I love how they incorporate metaphor and satire on the lines delivered by the characters.
Characters. I am not familiar with the actors beforehand but I fell in love with all of them as I go through the series. I feel like they were all meant to land on those roles and the characters fit them perfectly. Also, I love how they play with Jane’s character. A lot of things are going on in her life. She plays the role of a daughter, a granddaughter, a mother, a girlfriend, a hotel employee, a student, a teacher, and an aspiring writer. She represents the millennial woman – an effective multi-tasker.
Transition. One more thing that I like to highlight is its transition. I love the recurring elements. The flashbacks are so fitting with the scenes. The narration is also crazy! It’s refreshing how they incorporate different elements which makes Jane the Virgin more interesting and exciting to watch.
I am still on the second season but I am looking forward to seeing more episodes of Jane the Virgin.
Southern California is a place I always go back to. From the time I first stepped on its land, I knew I would have a deep admiration for its beauty. SoCal is all about the sun and the sand. But aside from having nice beaches, they also have a good share of beautiful spots to visit where you can do a wide range of activities that matches your interests. Let me list here some of the SoCal places I have visited which you might enjoy as well when you make a trip to Cali.
1. Disneyland. I mean, who doesn't like Disneyland? The happiest place on Earth! The park is located in Anaheim. It is actually separated into two -- the Disneyland Park and the Disneyland California Adventure. If you're in for subtle, kiddie attractions, then you should choose the former. On the other hand, if you want some intense adventure then go for the latter. But if you want to make the most of your Disney experience then you should probably visit both! You need at least a day to experience one park. It was my first time to visit a Disney park in 2013. We chose the Disneyland park and it brought out the kid in me. I enjoyed the rides and I also took the chance to take pictures with the Disney characters I've grown up with.
2. Universal Studios. Enjoy different rides and attractions
inspired by your favorite Hollywood films like Transformers, Jurassic Park, and
Despicable Me. You may also interact and take selfies with the different
characters roaming around the lot. I got to meet Spongebob Squarepants and Doc
Brown from Back to the Future! When we went there, the Wizarding World of Harry
Potter was still under construction but here’s the good news for you, geeks –
it’s already open!
3. Los Angeles County Museum of Art. If you’re a
person with a big love for art, then LACMA is the best place to go to. With an admission fee of $15 for adult and $10 for seniors and students,
you can enjoy viewing the wonderful works made by different artists. By the way, members and children (17 and under) do not need to pay! You may also view the famous Urban Light installation
outside the LACMA which has been used as a location in the film, No Strings
Attached.
4. Walk of Fame. Your visit to Hollywood would never be
complete without visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You may not be lucky
enough to see your fave celebrities but at least you can have a picture with
their stars on the pavement and you can claim that you’ve been to a place where
that personality has been! You can also enjoy shopping at the different stores
along the boulevard or visit attractions like the Ripley’s Believe It or Not
and the Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum.
5. Hollywood Sign. When you’re just in the vicinity, you may
have a glimpse of the big Hollywood Sign on the mountain. But it would be
really cool if you get to see it up close. There’s the Griffith Observatory
that you can head on to but when we went there, the GPS took us to a residential
area near the spot where the sign is located. The road leading to it is steep
but you’ll surely have the best view.
6. The Last Bookstore. Are you a book enthusiast? I highly
suggest you visit the Last Bookstore located in Downtown L.A.. Aside from the
thousands of books available, there are also records and other stuff sold like
bags and shirts. You may also score some used books at lower prices. Besides
that, the place is so fantastic. There are different installation arts inside
and I’m sure you’ll love the vintage-y feel of this book haven. There are also
different events held here. You may visit their Facebook page to be updated (The Last Bookstore).
7. LA. Live. Since you’re already in downtown, why not go to
L.A. Live? To make the most of your visit, check in advance if there’s any show
or game you want to watch at the Staples Center or at the Microsoft Theater.
Just a little stroll would also take you to the Grammy Museum where you can see
different music-related exhibits. There are also embedded records of the Grammy winners on the
pavement outside. I successfully found and took a picture of the Fun. record
back in 2013.
8. Santa Monica Pier. Want to go to an amusement park on a beach? Head on to Santa Monica Pier! You just have to drive a bit over than fifteen miles from L.A.. and you may either enjoy the rides at the Pacific Park or plunge yourself in the ocean. You can also go running or biking on the area. It was spring season when I got to visit the place and what I personally like about it is the cold breeze and of course, the picture-worthy view.
A video posted by Henna Rose Geronimo (@hennageronimo) on
9. Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. Far away from the city, but nearer to our place
(Mexicali), you can enjoy some sand adventure. It is a four-hour drive from Los Angeles but it is totally worth it. You can bring your own ATV or just rent there. Feel the
adrenaline rush as you drive on perfectly fine sand dunes!
10. In-N-Out. After exhausting yourself from all the
sight-seeing and adventure, look for the nearest In-N-Out. Have a taste of California’s staple. Try their delightful burgers and partner it with animal
fries and milkshake! It’s a taste you would go back to.
SoCal is just a portion of California and a chunk of the
whole USA. There are more to see and explore! I’d love to visit other places
next time. How about you? Have you been to any of these or planning to
go to one? I would love to hear you SoCal stories too! Share them below.
Henna Rose Geronimo is a communication graduate. Ironically, she rarely talks in public but whenever she feels like sharing her thoughts, she turns to what she knew best – writing.
