Author Archives: Topher

Into the wild: ‘the good place’

Posted on October 14, 2026 by Topher

What does it mean to be a good person? A few months ago, I streamed Into The Wild on Netflix. Sean Penn directed the film, based on Jon Krakauer’s bestselling book. The read per se is timeless and has been … Continue reading →

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A Serbian Film (2010): reimagining boundaries

Posted on October 10, 2026 by Topher

What’s the weirdest movie you’ve ever watched? It’s the most radically different film that I ever saw. I’ve beheld many: those from David Cronenberg, Lars von Trier, Jordan Peele, and Catherine Breillat. Hostel seems like child’s play compared to this. … Continue reading →

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The Alchemist (1988) reviewed

Posted on October 5, 2026 by Topher

What’s a personal mantra or philosophy you live by? ‘And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.’ Some might be familiar with the phrase, taken from The Alchemist. I should’ve read this book … Continue reading →

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Life hacks, inc

Posted on September 26, 2026 by Topher

What are some life hacks that you practice? Just like time, sleep is precious. Snoozing well solves a lot of issues. Improved mood and concentration. Able to multitask and think critically. Boosted alertness and more energy for everyday tasks, like … Continue reading →

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‘Weight training 101’

Posted on September 20, 2026 by Topher

What’s one thing you wish you had started doing earlier in life? A couple of years ago, weight training was recommended to me. I had to research the exercises by myself. Currently, I’m lifting 2x2kg weights. I also have 3kg … Continue reading →

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1Q84 (2009) reviewed

Posted on September 16, 2026 by Topher

What’s the longest book you’ve ever read? After many weekends, I finally finished Haruki Murakami’s piece de resistance. 1Q84 was published in three volumes between late 2009/early 2010. Don’t believe the reviews. Yes, the book is quite detailed but it’s … Continue reading →

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Toru the cat

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Topher

If your pet could talk, what would be the first thing it says? If my fictional feline, Toru, could talk…he would pat me in the back. With his untrimmed paw, he’ll say Pasensya ka na, nakakataram na ako. (My bad, … Continue reading →

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The boy who sewed

Posted on August 29, 2026 by Topher

Share a hobby you’ve picked up recently — what got you into it? Lately, with DIY sewing, I’ve repaired three jumper sleeves’ length. Aside from this, half-chest, shoulder width, and body length matter. Minus a sewing machine, you save $25+ … Continue reading →

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The Namesake (2006): an excursion

Posted on August 26, 2026 by Topher

Which fictional world would be the most fun to vacation in? With fictional worlds, obvious choices are Game of Thrones, Squid Game, and Stranger Things. I’ve reviewed all three. No need to rehash. Ages ago, I saw The Namesake on … Continue reading →

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Videoke nation

Posted on August 22, 2026 by Topher

What’s a cultural tradition from your country that you love? Previously, I mentioned pasalubong, fiestas, and churchgoing as Filipino traits that I admire. This time I’ll focus on another: videoke. In Mandarin, the latter is spelled as卡拉OK (pronounced Ka’la-okay). While … Continue reading →

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