Category Archives: Books

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 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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Reming

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Topher

What’s the funniest misunderstanding you’ve ever been part of? The following is from my first book. It’s based on a true story. Once she bought a 10kg bag of white rice from Woolies. Having seen a cheaper match at the … Continue reading →

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The task: Topher Wins

Posted on July 13, 2026 by Topher

Which book have you read more than any other? I’ve read my 300 page memoir/self-help, cover to cover, a dozen times. I saw it evolve from 151 pages to 224 and finally 300 pages. I did most of the proofing, … Continue reading →

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The Poltergeist

Posted on July 3, 2026 by Topher

What do you do to improve your sleep? Recently, I’ve been battling insomnia. Here’s a snapshot of my experience. Note: This poem was published as part of my poetry collection last year. For this piece, alternate rhyming is utilised. Awake … Continue reading →

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The city and its uncertain walls (2023) reviewed

Posted on June 25, 2026 by Topher

If you could change the ending of any book, which one would it be? I’ve finished reading this Murakami novel, the year’s first physical book. I’ve crested only one other read, Robert Parish’s bio. My last hard copy was John … Continue reading →

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Rizal in miniature

Posted on June 22, 2026 by Topher

Who are you most inspired by? I’ve been under the weather, so I did some web-based research on Jose Rizal, the ‘first Filipino’. Though we studied him, I had assumed that he was mere pen pals with Leonor Rivera. She … Continue reading →

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SIGNED PUPPIES! SIGNED COPIES!

Posted on May 9, 2026 by Topher

What is your career plan? ‘I look forward to your book signing one of these days. You remind me of Hugh Howey. He started off by self-publishing.’ -Victoria, guidance counsellor …He dreams of a book launch If realised, all are … Continue reading →

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‘Gawad Kalinga‘

Posted on April 5, 2026 by Topher

What job would you do for free? Easy. In a heartbeat, I’d volunteer to be a beta reader. For the uninitiated, these bookworms are given ARCs (advance reader copies). The latter are final drafts before the books go live. Netgalley … Continue reading →

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