Books I Got From Malaysia

I prefer spending my savings on experiences than on things.  When we travel, I like putting our money into touring places than for shopping.  However, on this trip to Malaysia, I really couldn't stop myself.  :)  I went there armed with a book wishlist!  Besides,  I am totally convinced that getting these books doesn't equate to shopping.  These books are investments in my craft education. hehehehe! :)

 After spending hours in Kinokuniya (and after painfully discarding other books I wanted too), here's what I got :

Books from Kinokuniya, Times Bookstore and Popular Bookstore

These illustration books are the main reason why I went there. I first learned about these illustration books from Hobby Depot and then when my sister brought me home some from Eslite (a Taiwanese Bookstore chain in HongKong), I was hooked.  The problem was,   I don't even know what language they are in (either Japanese or Chinese).  I couldn't even find them on the internet.  

Chinese/Japanese Illustration Books

Once you open them, it won't really matter if you can't understand a word in the book.  The illustrations will get you hooked too.  I also found other illustration books on using watercolor and ballpoint ink.

Watercolor Illustration books

  

Ballpoint Ink Illustration books

And some on fashion illustration.  By the way, I used the ISBN number of one of the books I already had so that I could find others to add to my wishlist (my sister's tip).  One of the websites I go to is Kingstone.com.tw.  It's not in English, so good luck! :)

Fashion Illustration Books

 I also got books based on my current interests:  art journaling, lettering, stamping and doodling.

Other books

By the way, it is not my intention to brag about what I bought.   I posted these hoping to inspire you to find something from the crafts section that might interest you.  I'll share more about these japanese/chinese illustration books in my future posts.

If you want to know which bookstores I got these from, go here.

The Constant Reader in Malaysia

Ask most people what's on their travel bucket list and they'll give you the usual: France, Italy, Spain, etc ... chances are, you won't find Malaysia on that list.  It was not on mine but that is where we decided to go.  Why Malaysia? Because it was our first time to do international travel with our 2 year old toddler.  I needed a place that we could explore at a least intensive pace (just in case we find time in between feeding and changing diapers, hehe).   In other words, I picked Malaysia because I thought that other than the Petronas Twin Towers, there would be nothing much to see or do.

with my Berlitz Kuala Lumpur Pocket Guide

But I was wrong!      True, other countries are more drool-worthy or facebook-envy inspiring, but if there's anything I learned from this trip, it is that each country is special and unique.   There's more to Malaysia than just the twin towers.  I hope you go there and find out for yourself.  

more beautiful at night

The Constant Reader in Baguio

Sharing with you some photos from our family trip to Baguio last December.

Leisure + Adventure Travel Magazine Vol. 1 - 2013

 

See you again in 2016 when the TPLEX is finally completed or when Luis is less fussy on road trips, whichever comes first!

The Constant Reader in Bataan (Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar)

          Luis was turning two.  Because I had no money to spend on a lavish birthday party and I am an introvert, the chances of Luis celebrating with a birthday party are very slim, hehe!  But, really, I find that special occasions are best celebrated exploring new places with the people who matter most.  In that way, we create special memories that will last a lifetime.  Walang kupas, walang laos.

          This year, we went to Bataan, which, coincidentally,  was a good follow up to our Corregidor trip because of its many historical landmarks.

Looking for Historical Landmarks in Bataan= Parang nagdeath march sa pagod

                  Then, we went to the real jewel of Bataan.  And it's not Anvaya Cove, (sorry, Anton), hehe!  It's Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan.

At Casa Byzantina with TRAVEL Leisure + Adventure Magazine, Vol. 5, 2013

     Para akong nagtime warp to the past.  Ang ganda dito!  Truly a good place to learn more about our culture and heritage.  It's more fun in the Philippines!

The Constant Reader at Corregidor Island

      Before I decided on this trip, I was worried about a few things.  One, I have a fear of riding boats (and planes!).  Two, I would have to leave little L behind.  Three, the trip might rekindle M's childhood dream of becoming a soldier, hehe.

      Good thing I didn't let these worries get the best of me.  This trip was one of the best and most tiring trips I have ever had.  I hope that with my pictures, I can convince you to go to Corregidor too.

This is me with my fave travel magazine, TRAVEL Leisure + Adventure (vol. 1, 2012) by Mega Publishing

                            

                              

    

The Constant Reader in Tagaytay - Overnight at Taal Vista

There's nothing new about me being in Tagaytay.  Except that this time, we stayed overnight.  That's something that's been on my bucket list!

 Dahil birthday ni A, parang birthday ko na rin.  Because he pretty much lets me do what I want. 

 This was one of the 3 rooms we got from the Lakewing of Taal Vista.  Loved the room, just don't ask me about the toilet, hehe.

Typhoon Gorio checked in along with us.  We were treated with rains, howling winds and zero visibility.   Sarap, ang lameeegg!!!!   We thought we were going to get stranded for another day, but the weather improved dramatically and we were able to check out (sayang!).

This is me with my Travel Magazine.  This is my third "new" place this year.  Hoping to be blessed with more. :)

The Constant Reader in Anilao

Spent a weekend in Anilao this May for my three water guppies.

This is me with Town and Country Philippines, April 2013.







The view from Z Cafe in Vivere Azure.

Expect a rocky beach when in Anilao.  Expect lots of beautiful fish and corals, too, (according to my 2 water guppies).

 I love warm pools!

Best part of the resort ... for me.


I love weekend getaways!

The Constant Reader in Cebu

    

     This was taken in Cebu last holy week.  We stayed at Crimson Resort and Spa on Mactan Island.   We did not expect much because this was our second choice (we planned on going to Boracay because we have never been there!), but we loved Cebu!  

      

 

 My goal has always been to travel to at least one new destination each year. 8)

These pictures are fake!  I didn't get a chance to read at all because of my tiny toddler who loves to swim and explore.

The Constant Reader in Bohol

     I am sharing with you a picture of myself at Amorita Resort in Bohol, Philippines taken last November 2012.  I was rereading Justin Cronin's The Passage then.  I plan to commemorate each new destination I visit by having a picture of myself reading in those places.

Singapore Bookstores

     Because I was our itinerary planner for our Singapore trip, A and M had no choice but to let me indulge in my bookworm whims.  Hehe!  

     Sunny Bookshop is a small bookstore located in Plaza Singapura on Orchard Road.  They sell mostly second hand books.  There's no need to make 'halungkat' as I do in Booksale, Philippines, because books are arranged neatly according to author.  The books are in very good condition.

     San Bookshop is also located in Plaza Singapura.  They also sell second hand books.

     Bookaburra is a bookstore for kids.  It is located at The Forum, a mall dedicated for children's clothes and toys.   I love the children's bookstore niche.   I want to bring L here when he's bigger.

      Still on Orchard Road, Times Bookstore is in Paragon Mall.   Very small, but with a cute logo.  It was my lucky day!  Got a picture with L's favorite character, the Very Hungry Caterpillar!

     Harris Planerds is in 313@somerset.  It would be the best place to buy comics and comic trade paperbacks.  Good thing I've quit collecting comics! That's A,  mr. constant reader este mr. constant seller, hehe.

     On our last day,  we went to Books Kinokuniya(from the Japanese bookstore chain) in Ngee Ann City Takashimaya.  I am so sorry that I was not able to make enough time to browse through the   43,000 sq. ft. store.  Super Big! Huhu!  I was also too chicken to take pictures inside the store (remember, we're in Singapore!).