Happy Birthday, Rio Alma! ♥

Kids nowadays may know this guy as that person lobbying to kill 'Pilipinas' and use 'Filipinas' instead when referring to our country or the person locking horns with Carlo J. Caparas on the issue of the National Artist Award, but I've always known Rio Alma or Virgilio Almario as the guy who tell the tales. The stories I've known since I was a kid were harnessed by him and I turn to those narratives whenever I need a quick read or to just clear my mind.

Believe me when I say I've been planning about this post for quite a while now, it actually is evident in my Reading Plan. I will read a lot of Virgilio Almario books this month simply because it is his birth month. I planned on collecting all the books I owned that was authored by him. I was pretty sure that they are a lot, not as many as my Tiempo and Sionil Jose collection, but I know they are pretty many. I was dumbfounded when I only found these.

These are collections of poems. I also have Estremelenggoles (signed!!!) but someone borrowed it from me. (You know who you are. Bring it back or else...)

I had this signed during the first Aklatan last year. My friend, Rise of In Lieu of a Field Guide gave it to me. (Thanks again!)

And of course, this book! I promised to read it before it hit the bookstores but I still haven't! Bought this during its launch last year, also Rio Alma's birthday celebration.

I also have Rizal: Makata (lent again, oh boy, you have to give that back!) but you know, I was a bit dismayed. I've always been under the impression that I have enough Rio Alma books but I don't. And so, I told myself that I will head to Adarna House (not tomorrow, I'm busy tomorrow) on Tuesday and buy more books. And I know I'll buy his latest book soon!

#FridayReads no. 1

As if you can't see it on my Goodreads widget, I shall post the books I'm currently reading every Friday!

1. From the Memoirs of a Non-Enemy Combatant by Alex Gilvarry

Reading this with friends and something tells me that I will finish it in one sitting so, I try to stop every chapter. I find it really enjoyable. And it's all about fashion! Fashion! Lauren Weisberger fans will enjoy this.

2. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Anyone who says that listening to audiobooks is cheating must be living a lie. Listening to books doesn't deprive you of the reading experience, it does take away the printed word, but in turn, you will experience the story in a whole new fashion. (Yes! Fashion again! Haha. Kidding) Oh now, I invite you to listen to Neil Gaiman telling the story of this boy, and.. oh boy, it'll make your skin crawl.

This is what I probably look like as I listen before sleeping...

What to Read Next: Books for the Love Month (Girls Edition)

If you are a bookworm (and I know you are because you are reading this), you've probably once in your life thought of thematic reading. I considered that while designing my reading plan this year. I actually wanted to plot a theme per month but I decided otherwise. I instead, thought of the best way to read all my purchased books -- yes, as may as possible. But, being the hopeless romantic that I am, I still want to read love-related books this month of February even if my reading plan doesn't require so. I asked my friends for some recommendations and here's what they have to say.

My BFF Clai is a huge GGM fan so this recommendation is a no-brainer.

Maria Ella Betos of Markings of a Dreamer adds may it be a first read or a re-read, this will revisit your definition of loving - loving your family, your significant other, and of yourself.

In Over Her Head author Anne Plaza says this gem from Nicholas Sparks still resonates with her. 

Save the Cake author Stella Torres Anne also suggests Staking His Claim by Tessa Bailey if you're into insane levels of steamy.

In Chrissie Peria's All's Fair in Blog and War, Five Cuevas writes about food and travel. Will she like this book too?

Cover (Story) Girl author Chris Mariano touts, "I found it hitting all the right kilig notes,".

And now, something for everyone who loves reading non fiction books. Liana recommends A Natural History of Love

In case you are wondering, I asked my guy friends too. Come back tomorrow for their answers.

Happy Reading! :)