When I was a child, my dad would often bring me to the National Bookstore branch at Cubao. Being the spendthrift that I was (and probably still is), I would never buy something that I think that is too expensive, so every summer, during National Bookstore's sale, my dad would bring me again to this paradise and he'd let me choose books I longed to read. It doesn't matter whether it was published even before I was born, as long as the synopsis calls for me, I know that it will be mine to read.

I remember during my sophomore year in High School when the Asian Crisis started and when the fall of the value of Peso got my heart broken. Foreign books only cost around Php30 then, that is easier for me to save up, but after the devaluation of our domestic currency, the prices of the books I loved rose up to Php100, and that is enough to have my heart broken with regrets.

Being the bookworm that I am, I raided 3 bookstores to find numerous books for my heart's delight.

First Stop (02/28/08): National Bookstore @ Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.
(The books I bought were at least 50% off)
- Someone to Love by Jude Deveraux
- A gift of love by Judith Mcnaught, Kimberly Gates, Andrea Kane, Judith O'Brien and Jude Deveraux
- Pants on Fire by Maggie Alderson

2nd Stop (02/29/08): Powerbooks @ Shangrila Mall
(For my supposed trip to Bohol this summer)
- Your Guide to Bohol Philippines by Quennie Sanchez-Bronce, Honey Jarque Loop and Daniel Carpentier

3rd Stop (03/02/08): Book Nook at Blue Wave Mall in Marikina
(2nd Hand Bookstore, the most expensive book I got here costs Php75)
-Catriona by Jeanette Baker
-Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
-The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
-Le Divorce by Diane Johnson
-The Pursuit of Happiness , Government and Politics in America by John A. Moore Jr. and Myron Roberts.

I got this from one of my officemates...

Year of the Earth Rat Forecast

Rat	The Rat-born feels lucky because 2008 is their year. It signals new beginnings and opportunities both in life, career, and love relationships. For some, there is the urge to move to a new place to seek greener pastures. Goals this time will be easy to achieve as the Rat is more determined to succeed. In love, the Rat will meet a new love prospect, and relationship that started this year has a high chance of lasting for a very long time. For married Rats, having a baby is auspicious.
Ox	Your hardwork during the previous years pays off during the year of the Rat. Even if you don’t look for it, luck will track you down. It’s just a matter of choosing the right opportunity that will present itself to you. Some will enjoy a career boost from their bosses or moving to another company with tons of benefits. For those who incurred loans the past year, this is a nice year to settle your financial obligations.
Tiger	The year of the Rat opposes the luck of the Tiger-born. If last year is smooth-sailing for you, you will find yourself with unforeseen problems this year. However, if you keep focused and always have a back-up plan, then nothing can stop you from getting your goal. Also, you need to get along with the flow of events. Resisting change can spell disaster for you. In love, there’s always a room for improvement.
Rabbit	The Rabbit is in harmony with the Rat year but there is a need for cautiousness. Though generally a lucky year, you need effort to make luck possible. Investing money may also be tempting but watch out for unwise decisions. If in doubt, seek the opinion of elders or your mentor. Being in contact with people full of negative energy can also be detrimental for the Rabbit and this can affect health.
Dragon	You are fiery and this sits well with the Rat year. You can make things happen even if you will it. It is a nice idea to begin a new phase in your life like a new job, getting married, living independently, and the likes. You are full of charm and single Dragon will find themselves swamped with admirers.
Snake	This is your love year. A new love prospect is likely by the middle of the year. If you and your partner survive a difficult first half, marriage is likely by the second half of the year. Your career will be have good luck as well as you get support from someone older than you. Financial luck can come when you least expected it so this is the year for you to concentrate on what you can do and put worries away.
Horse	The horse-born will find this year a bit hard and unpromising. It is best for the horse to stick with the tried and tested formula that he applied in his life the past year. Even if there’s room for improvement, venturing into the unknown is not advisable. However, studying is favored this year. Add another diploma to your belt. Patience is called for this year.
Goat	The Goat has a lot of nice surprises and celebrations in store this year. Rewards from the past year’s efforts will be given this year. Financial stability is not a far-fetch idea. On the other hand, you must not be too trusting even to friends. Being used is possible so be careful. Love relationship will be more passionate and intense than usual. Having a baby is possible.
Monkey	Stop clowning around this year and be serious in life. However, the year of the Rat is favorable for the monkey-born and he will find support from family and friends. There’s a need to be more responsible in career and life in general. And always be sensible. Being emotional can cost you a lot of wrong decisions. Love life takes a backseat this year. You need to focus more on life-long plans.
Rooster	Always put your best foot forward and you’re on your way to a lucky and prosperous year. But be warned because being too successful can make you forget your good manners. Finances will be stable. Make sure that you invest your money or save it in the bank for future use. For some Rooster-born, buying a new house or condo is possible. Social life will also take off to new heights and single Roosters will meet a love partner.
Dog	Just be patient and your loyalty will be rewarded. You’ve had a hard year last year but everything’s looking rosy now. However, avoid breaking your back while working too hard. Take some time off this year to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Treat yourself to some travel and shopping. In love, your sweetheart can be too clingy. Your domestic life needs some changes.
Pig	Think prosperity and it will be yours. The pig’s luck moves uphill this year. You have to be more aggressive though so that you’ll reach your goals ahead of time. Family and friends will show support if you need them. In love, getting married is possible. Relocation is not advisable this year but you can buy a property, and maybe just rent it o