Favorite Guy from Ms. Mina Esguerra's books: Manolo

I already answered this using my Twitter account but after answering another question in line with this and since I made a new blog, I thought it was better to answer here. Manolo, Manolo, Manolo. *sigh* He's a character from one of Ms. Mina Esguerra's books, "Love Your Frenemies". I loved how I could think of a real person who exists like him. He wasn't the far-fetched guy you read about in other books. He wasn't perfect but that's all the more reason why I love him.

I saw his transition, how he matured all those years. That bad boy/heartbreaker image he had going was accompanied by his real feelings for Kimmy and his kindness. He may not show it or talk about it as much but he really cares for her deeply. I kind of want to have me a Manolo someday. I love, love, love him.

Main Character from Ms. Mina Esguerra's books: Kimmy Domingo

Oh God. The excitement when I read about the giveaway was... wow. I'm not usually active with blogs and stuff. I could have just posted my answer on Twitter for this but I just thought I could not use the limited number of words there to explain my answer. So, here goes.

Of all the main characters from Ms. Mina Esguerra's books that reminded me of myself was Kimberly Domingo from "Love Your Frenemies".  At first, it was because we share the same first name. We were both Kimberly, Kimmy. But after reading the book, I knew I saw myself in her. And at the same time, I saw the woman I wanted to be in her. We were both easily misunderstood, especially when it comes to the actions we do. Even the ones we love can't seem to understand where we are coming from.

Showing people that you're not affected by your emotions, that you're strong enough but deep inside, you know that's not the case. We were both so blinded by everything that was happening to us that there came a time where I, personally, wasn't able to see that I was already being selfish. There was a point in my life where I felt that the people around me were the ones responsible for my miserable state. I failed to realize the things that they were doing to help me. The things that they were doing for me. 

That's why I was able to sympathize with Kimmy. Misunderstood when all she was doing was sucking it up and giving the best she can. Through her, I realized that sometimes you need to take a step back and stop focusing on yourself, on your pain. Because sometimes, you just have to open yourself to the other side of the story and other people's point of view. And I do hope, I can find that independence that she had exhibited and the strength to be a better person.