by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 14, 2023 | Book Reviews
The Arena by Cooper was a change of pace for me. For the longest time, I have been reading shifter stories with werewolves and lycans as the main characters. The Arena brings into play many different types of shifters such as lions, a Bengal tiger, a polar bear, and kestrels. The main characters, however, are Cedric (the last Lycan) and Tana (the last Elemental Fire Dragon).
The last of their kind
For many years, humans have hunted and killed supernaturals (or supes) out of fear. But something changed recently. For the past year )at least), supes have been hunted and captured. Why? For entertainment! They were imprisoned, starved, and then forced to fight to the death against other supes gladiator-style in the Arena. This is while being in their human form and unable to shift.
In the world, only 4 dragons remain, one for each element – earth, air, water, and fire. Tana is the last fire dragon. Her family chose to kill themselves rather than be captured by humans.
His pack was attacked on the day of Cedric’s ascension to Alpha of Alphas. His parents were killed while he and many of his pack members were captured and sent to the arena.
The Arena is where Tana and Cedric meet. They have been fighting in the Arena for about a year … which proves that they are very good fighters as they have not lost once. The hunters think Cedric is an Alpha werewolf. Cedric thinks Tana is an Alpha werewolf as well, and she has not taken the time to enlighten him otherwise. Cedric also thinks that Tana might be his mate but can’t be sure because of the suppressants the hunters have been given them to prevent them from shifting.
Mate!
I thought that seeing how the mate bond manifests for different kinds of shifters is interesting and it made sense that it wasn’t quite the same thing for dragons. A major difference is that simply biting or getting bitten is not enough. Dragons need to be claimed.
When Cedric and Tana finally get together and he bites her, he finally realizes that she isn’t an Alpha werewolf but something else altogether that is probably even more powerful. In his confusion he leaves her, presumably to work things out in his head. Unfortunately, Tana took this as a rejection and left with a broken heart.
This becomes the turning point for everything that happens in the rest of the story.
The Review
I have what I like to call a “cinematic brain”. It means that when I read I can picture what is happening in my head and, often, the words actually disappear and I am reading the book as if I were watching a movie. This translates to if the movie in my head is bad or subpar I figuratively walk out of the theater.
Cooper describes scenes in The Arena so vividly I find myself living in the story. I would put her in the same league as Chris Columbus and Peter Jackson if she were a film director. Yes, that is how gorgeous the scenes play in my head. While prone to not using the Oxford comma (hyuk!), Cooper skillfully manages to keep me so engaged that I find myself savoring all the pages, rather than flying through the book as I usually do. I spent more time reading, not because it was a struggle, but because I would rewind to see a scene more clearly.
I would classify The Arena by Cooper as a fantasy/adventure/romance and at that, I would say it is more fantasy than romance. Yes, steamy scenes can get pretty steamy, but possibly 90% of the story has nothing to do with sex … which I thought was masterful! This opens up the audience of this book to more than just thirsty women.
If a fantasy story with dragons, lycans, werewolves, etc. is something you are interested in, you may want to check out The Arena by Cooper on the Goodnovel app. This is a story I highly recommend and eagerly await on Amazon.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 8, 2023 | Lifestyle Tips
The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) and GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the country, remind the public to be careful against so-called lottery scams.
“The modus operandi of these scams begins with victims receiving notices of winning a grand prize for a competition, lottery, or sweepstakes. Scammers will send these announcements through email, phone calls, text messages, or social media. To claim the prize, victims are asked to pay for insurance, taxes, bank fees, and courier charges. As if that wasn’t enough, the scammers also request personal financial information to verify the victim’s identity, which they exploit to initiate an account takeover,” said PNP-ACG Spokesperson, PCapt Michelle Sabino.
To avoid these scams, the PNP-ACG and GCash are providing valuable tips to the public.
- It is important to carefully inspect any envelopes received from sweepstakes mailers, paying close attention to the details.
- Never divulge personal information to individuals who solicit it through email, SMS, or phone calls claiming that you have won a prize.
- Always take the time to read and understand the fine print in lottery or sweepstakes forms, ensuring you are aware of important information such as the start and end dates, methods of participation, and any legal disclaimers.
“By following these precautions, you can safeguard yourself against potential scammers and cybercriminals,” Sabino explained.
GCash reiterates its warning to users to never share their MPIN or OTP with anyone and to avoid clicking unknown links from websites, emails, or messaging apps.
For assistance, users can contact the PNP-ACG through their hotlines at (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116, or via email at ac*@*****ov.ph.
To report scams and other fraudulent activities, users can also visit the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com, message Gigi, and type “I want to report a scam.” Customers can also reach out to the official GCash hotline at 2882 for inquiries and other concerns.
For more information, visit www.gcash.com.ph.
About GCash
GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines which is a part of the country’s leading digital solutions platform, Globe Group.
GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 7, 2023 | Business
The Manila Hotel, a symbol of elegance, grandeur, and Filipino hospitality, proudly celebrates its 111th anniversary. Since its founding in 1912, the Grand Dame has been an iconic landmark reflecting the rich history and heritage of the Philippines. To commemorate this significant milestone, The Manila Hotel is delighted to present exciting offers to its valued patrons.
111 Memories at The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel invites guests and patrons to share their cherished memories at the hotel over the years, whether it’s a captivating photograph of their celebration or a memorable keepsake with a heartwarming story. Participants can submit their entries on the hotel’s official website from July 4 to 18. The first 111 entries will each receive a regular Prestige card, while the Top 11 entries, selected by a set of judges, will each receive a staycation voucher and an exclusive The Manila Hotel coffee table book.
Experience Luxury at the Presidential Suite
As part of its anniversary celebration, The Manila Hotel is offering a luxurious stay in its Presidential Suite. From the spacious living area to the elegantly designed rooms and breathtaking views of Manila Bay and Intramuros, every corner of the Presidential Suite exudes elegance and comfort. For a special rate of PHP 111,000+++ per night, guests can enjoy an overnight stay, a buffet breakfast in Café Ilang-Ilang for six (6) persons, a complimentary mini-bar, and a 24-hour butler service.
The booking period is from July 4 to 31, while the stay period is from July 5 to December 30. For bookings and inquiries, guests can call 632 8527 0011 local 1174-1179 or email re***@************el.com. Terms and conditions apply.
The Manila Hotel: True Heart of the Philippines
Discover the captivating story of The Manila Hotel through its exquisite coffee table book. This visual journey showcases nostalgic photographs, architectural splendor, fascinating anecdotes, and remarkable stories that celebrate the Grand Dame’s 111 years of history and heritage. Available for purchase at The Manila Hotel’s gift shop, the coffee table book serves as a treasured keepsake for guests, history enthusiasts, and admirers of the hotel’s enduring charm.
“As we celebrate our 111th anniversary, we look back on our storied past with pride and gratitude. The Manila Hotel has been an integral part of Philippine history, and it is an honor to continue our tradition of providing exceptional experiences to our valued guests. We are thrilled to share this momentous occasion with our patrons and invite them to join us in celebrating our cherished memories and timeless heritage,” Marvin Kim Tan, The Manila Hotel’s Director of Sales & Marketing, expresses his gratitude to guests for their unwavering support throughout the years.
For more information about The Manila Hotel’s 111th-anniversary offers, please call 632 527 0011, email in**@************el.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph/.
About The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel is situated in the heart of the City of Manila. Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, The Manila Hotel maintains to be the choice hotel of the most distinguished clientele. Over the years, The Manila Hotel continuously provides the best services and amenities for a truly memorable experience. It has more than 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms including three (3) ballrooms.
Apart from these, the hotel offers five-star relaxation and wellness experiences with the Manila Hotel Spa, adult and children’s pools, and Manila Hotel Health Club. The hotel is home to the Heritage Museum, a treasure trove of priceless memories that narrate its illustrious past. It also has an Art Gallery which offers a window into a contemporary world, captured through the objective point of view of different artists.
It has six (6) dining outlets, each offering a unique culinary adventure: Café Ilang-Ilang which is a favorite spot for its extensive selection of International buffet delights; Champagne Room with its Old European style fine dining and also hailed as the most romantic room in Manila—it features European cuisine in a posh, fine-dining setting; Tap Room, an Old English pub-inspired outlet where one can enjoy an evening of live music; Lobby Lounge which is ideal for casual dining, aperitif, post-dinner nightcaps, or leisure meetings; Red Jade, a fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Chinese cuisine; and Delicatessens that offers the hotel’s signature pastries, breads, chocolates, and pralines.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 6, 2023 | Travel
Thirsty can mean two things. It could either mean you want to drink or it could mean you are looking for something more of a sexual nature. Whichever one it is there is this place that answers those needs in a tongue-in-cheek manner.
I am writing this article right now because I encountered this reel on Instagram (on the right) that just had me in stitches. I suppose it helps that I am mostly open-minded which is why I found it funny, not offensive.
It made me think of Andre, a character in the story Hybrid Alpha by Bryant who, when he was still unmated, was known for his sexcapades with shifters and humans alike. He is openly and unapologetically gay and I just know that Turrisi Bar would be a place he would go to for giggles. Also, Andre lives in Sicily so it surely isn’t that far from where the Incubi pack is located.
You know what? I’ve thought about it and, yes, I am convinced that Andre is a regular of Turrisi Bar, lol!
Turrisi Bar is in Sicily
Turrisi Bar or Bar Turrisi is an establishment in Castelmola, Sicily that has been around since 1947 and, yes, phalluses are a thing there. You will see it in the statuary, paintings, door handles, furniture and fixtures, some of the wine bottles, and let us not forget the faucets.
That faucet in the video was interesting, I must admit. Not that it is shaped like a phallus but that it needs to be handled like an actual penis to make the water come out! I don’t want to explain the how or why for the uninformed but suffice it to say, this is definitely not a place we would want to bring our “innocent” friends if we want to preserve their innocence or naivete.
To be clear, though, it is a faucet so there better not be anyone attempting to mount it. That would just break the sink!
What is the story behind all the phalluses in Turrisi Bar?
I went to the website (which is in Italian) I used Google Translate to read what it says on the page called “The Phalluses” found within “The Bar” main link with some minor tweaks from me. Note, on the page there are paintings on the side that support the text I copied and pasted below. Here is an excerpt of what it says:
It was these places that hosted the first gay communities under the Mediterranean sun, in the last decades of the nineteenth century: fragile, restless, and refined offspring of illustrious and wealthy families, who cradled here the “existential torments of an already decadent Europe”, real and presumed intellectuals, darkened in the salons of London, Paris, Berlin, who in the small “oasis” of Sicily indulged in all kinds of extravagance, unbridledness and freedom.
The idea of the phallus certainly initially aroused great dismay, especially for the parish priest, but in reality, it is a symbol by no means vulgar, it is also found in the culture of the Greeks, ancient colonizers of this land. It is the god Priapus who represented fertility, freedom, luck, life, and beauty in ancient Greece. These ideals, which have always hovered in the air of this hot and arid land, find a well-defined location in this bar, which together with the other choreographic elements, such as Sicilian carts, puppets, cart keys, etc. tries to synthesize part of Sicilian culture.
The phallus is also a symbol that in ancient times represented the antidote against the evil eye, whose effectiveness certainly cannot be denied. Today this place continues to carry on what history has left, without neglecting the needs of the present.
Turrisi offers more
Having a phallic-themed establishment may not be unique in itself but it is certainly different a good way to start a conversation and drum up interest not only in the bar but also in the town where it is located. They even have a B&B called Casa Turrisi where travelers can stay and appreciate the beauty of Castelmola.
Phallic bottle wines
If you want to bring home a little bit of Turrisi Bar with you they also have an online store called Vino Mandorla. I don’t know if their wines are expensive or not but the Phallic Shot that contains 3 cl costs €7, 10 cl Phallic bottle costs €12, and the 50 cl bottle is €25.
When I converted that to Philippine Peso I fell out of my seat. The wines are supposed to be good but I think we are mostly paying for the uniqueness of the bottle. As a matter of fact, we COULD purchase an empty phallic shot bottle for €3.
A must-see in Sicily
You can be sure that if I ever find my way to Sicily, Turrisi Bar will be one of my stops. I have to try one of those faucets for myself, lol!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 5, 2023 | Food & Beverage
The Manila Hotel is delighted to announce an exciting culinary venture that brings together two esteemed establishments for a dining experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Laguna province and its heritage cuisine.
Café Ilang-Ilang, The Manila Hotel’s iconic dining destination known for its extensive international buffet spread, has partnered with Calle Arco, an ancestral home in Pagsanjan, Laguna, transformed into a restaurant famous for its authentic Filipino dishes prepared with heirloom recipes. This partnership will showcase Laguna’s annual food festival called Anilag or Ani ng Laguna which honors the region’s rich culinary heritage.
“We are excited to introduce AniLag to the valued patrons of Café Ilang-Ilang. This partnership presents a wonderful opportunity for us to pay tribute to our cultural heritage,” says EJ Yap, The Manila Hotel’s Assistant Director for Food & Beverage.
Throughout July, patrons of Café Ilang-Ilang will have the opportunity to experience the Anilag festival through a carefully selected menu highlighting Calle Arco’s revered recipes passed down through generations. Some of the featured dishes include Binagoongang Crispy Pata, Hurnong Lechon, Kare-Kare (Galapong), Pancit Habhab, Sinigang na Baka na may Langka, Grilled Pla-Pla with Pako, and Kamote de Leche. These dishes are available on a rotating line-up at Café Ilang-Ilang’s lunch and dinner buffet until July 31.
For more information, please call (+632) 8527-0011 or (+632) 5301-5500 or email re************@************el.com.
About The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel is situated in the heart of the City of Manila. Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, The Manila Hotel maintains to be the choice hotel of the most distinguished clientele. Over the years, The Manila Hotel continuously provides the best services and amenities for a truly memorable experience. It has more than 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms including three (3) ballrooms.
The hotel offers five-star relaxation and wellness experiences with the Manila Hotel Spa, adult and children’s pools, and Manila Hotel Health Club. The hotel is home to the Heritage Museum, a treasure trove of priceless memories that narrate its illustrious past. It also has an Art Gallery which offers a window into a contemporary world, captured by different artists’ objective points of view.
It has six (6) dining outlets, each offering a unique culinary adventure:
- Café Ilang-Ilang which is a favorite spot for its extensive selection of international buffet delights;
- Champagne Room with its Old European style fine dining and also hailed as the most romantic room in Manila — it features European cuisine in a posh, fine-dining setting;
- Tap Room, an Old English pub-inspired outlet where one can enjoy an evening of live music;
- Lobby Lounge which is ideal for casual dining, aperitif, post-dinner nightcaps, or leisure meetings;
- Red Jade is a fine-dining restaurant that serves authentic Chinese cuisine; and
- Delicatessens offer the hotel’s signature pastries, bread, chocolates, and pralines.
GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines which is a part of the country’s leading digital solutions platform, Globe Group.
The Manila Hotel invites guests and patrons to share their cherished memories at the hotel over the years, whether it’s a captivating photograph of their celebration or a memorable keepsake with a heartwarming story. Participants can submit their entries on the hotel’s official website from July 4 to 18. The first 111 entries will each receive a regular Prestige card, while the Top 11 entries, selected by a set of judges, will each receive a staycation voucher and an exclusive The Manila Hotel coffee table book.
As part of its anniversary celebration, The Manila Hotel is offering a luxurious stay in its Presidential Suite. From the spacious living area to the elegantly designed rooms and breathtaking views of Manila Bay and Intramuros, every corner of the Presidential Suite exudes elegance and comfort. For a special rate of PHP 111,000+++ per night, guests can enjoy an overnight stay, a buffet breakfast in Café Ilang-Ilang for six (6) persons, a complimentary mini-bar, and a 24-hour butler service.
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