August Wrap-up: Books + Musings + Journal Spread

“I like the idea of looking at the world through a lens. That you can create borders around what you see, the focusing and capturing of a moment that will never happen again.”

Gabriela Lee, Instructions on How To Disappear

What I Actually Read for Buwan ng Wika

Last month I shared my reading list for Buwan ng Wika, or National Language Month in the Philippines. I’m glad to report that I was able to read nine local titles, and I enjoyed each and every one of them. Here’s a quick rundown:

Talik: poems by Mesándel Virtusio Arguelles 5⭐
Better At Weddings Than You by Mina V. Esguerra 4.5⭐
Instructions on How to Disappear by Gabriela Lee 4.5⭐
Ang Sandali ng mga Mata by Alvin B. Yapan 5⭐
Carnal Banahaw by Bambi Eloriaga-Amago, Roland Amago, BK Pena 4.5⭐
Sixty Six (Books 1-2) by Russell Molina, Ian Sta. Maria, Mikey Marchan 4⭐
Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay 4.5⭐
Sikami: Pangasinense Comic Book Anthology by various artists 3⭐

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It was also my first time to join a readathon (reading marathon). I was not able to resist joining fellow Filipino bookworms in the Walang Tulugan Readathon (rough translation: The No Sleep Readathon). I was only able to finish two short reads but it was a lot of fun just reading Filipino books with Filipino readers for 24 hours.

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Tulog o libro? 😂 #WalangTuluganReadathon

A post shared by #WalangTuluganKilig sa 09/27 💘 (@walangtulugan_rdthn) on Aug 25, 2020 at 4:42am PDT

Other Books I’ve Read

I was finally able to finish Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture collected by Roxane Gay. As expected, it was heartbreaking but also insightful. Definitely something everyone should read. I also read In the Dream House: A Memoir by my favorite Carmen Maria Machado. Machado has a way with words that feels really innovative and adventurous. Her skill really shines through this raw and powerful memoir that explores domestic violence in queer relationships.

I give both books perfect 5⭐ratings.

What I Plan to Read Next

I have no idea. Haha. I was planning to finish Milkman, the book that has been on my current reads pile the longest (since May!!) but then I just had the urge to start Yoko Ogawa’s Revenge earlier today. I guess September will be another no-TBR-list kind of month.

My August Journal Spread

⁣For this spread we have the usual: favorite quotes and list of books read, but I also wanted to capture the sombre mood that I was in for the last couple of weeks of August, so there’s not a lot of colors or bright flowers. I was bitten by what I’m now calling as the Pointless Bug. It’s a condition wherein whenever I think of doing anything, an inner voice answers back, “What’s the point?” It’s a feeling of standing outside of time, and reality is only seen through a layer of indifference.

It’s not a happy place to be in, and I’m glad I’m at least feeling functional again. ⁣

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5th Wedding Anniversary

So many plans have been cancelled due to this pandemic, and another milestone has been reached without the celebration it deserves. However, I really couldn’t complain as long as my family and friends are safe and doing well during this tough time.

As always, my husband made an adorable artwork for our special day, and I want to share it with you all.

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Five years ago, ganitong oras, pinapapak na namin yung mga tira-tirang handang pagkain sa munting kasal namin ni @pryngols. Marami pa tayong mga midnight snacks na pagdadaanan lalo na ngayong may makulit na batang nakikisabay din sa atin na ayaw matulog. I love you! Salamat sa pagsabay sa akin sa buhay na ito. Magagawa natin ang lahat kapag magkasama tayo.

A post shared by Mervin Malonzo (@mervinmalonzoart) on Aug 28, 2020 at 9:11am PDT

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If you are wondering if I ever found the answer to the question “What’s the point?” Well, the point is that I will never know the answer if I don’t continue connecting with people and expressing myself through creating content that I’m passionate about. I guess what I’m trying to say is that, sometimes the journey is the destination, and the process is its own product. So let’s live and enjoy living, shall we?

Do tell me about your August favorites, bookish or not! ⁣🧡