Showing posts with label Harry Potter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harry Potter. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Love, according to Fandoms


One of the weirdest things I've ever did while I was going through puberty, was to base my standards for a potential life partner on my fandoms. Mostly anime shows. Back then, I thought it would be really great to just wait and see if I can actually have my very own carbon copy of Gaara of the Sand from Naruto. But you know, life happened and I completely forgot what kind of attributes I look for in a man.

Many of us do this all the time. This fictional character or person is so perfect, you just need someone like this in your life. Let's be real here; as a girl with random cliched thoughts, it would be amazing to wake up every morning to a Ryan Gosling-looking guy who can cook you breakfast every morning and rant about ducks while you read about The Tale of Two Cities. That's basically the effect our fandoms can have on most of us. Fandoms make us go beyond our imagination. We want their reality to become our reality. But let's be more specific and talk about love here.

Every fandom has their own definition of love and romance. And as members of each fandom, we have our own way of interpreting them. So here are my very own lovely interpretations on some of the most famous and cliched romantic fandoms ever! I won't be surprised if you disagree with me, though.

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The Fault in Our Stars- "Love demands to be felt."

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Once Upon A Time- "You know its love when prince charming still chooses you in spite of the Storybrooke amnesia."

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Arrow/The Flash- "Heroes have failed to avoid the friendzone."

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Frozen- "Love is an open door."

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Harry Potter Series- "I will put my life in the line because I love you. Always."

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The Hunger Games Trilogy- "Ain't got no time for love. But love has got time for the press."

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Percy Jackson and the Olympians/Heroes of Olympus- "You know a guy is dam serious about you when he gives up the gift of immortality--or at least, a major part of himself, just to be with you."

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Twilight Saga- "You need a super perfect, protective guy and you have to be naive and surprisingly attractive in order to have the best mysterious romance of your life." 

If you haven't really based your ideal girl or guy on the shows and books you love, then wow. I actually admire you. Many would want a girl who can play video games, because of Sword Art Online. Girls dream to meet the man of their dreams in a gloomy courtyard of some academy that they thought they would dread. I'm not saying that's it is abnormal to think that way, because it happens a lot. It somehow irritates me when a character is perceived as too hot or too perfect. It makes me feel conflicted, actually. I love how they're described, but I hate how it tries to ingrain into my mind that I need to marry someone who is almost like this character. In other words, fandoms like that encourages other girls like me that they should pick this mysterious, complicated god-like man with a high disposable income and the ability to come up with romantic gimmicks over a very simple guy who may not have much to offer but only has the sweet intention of getting to know you because to him you're pretty special. If every girl in the world would always chose this god, then yeah...nice guys will end up finishing last, unfortunately.

Whether we like it or not, the realities of our fandoms is so much different from the reality we are currently in.  Because in the end, finding someone who has the hair of Jace Herondale, the kind nature of Peeta Mellark, has the rock-hard abs of any vampire, and the flawless talent of Daniel Grigori, is almost impossible. If you have someone who is as majestic as that, then congratulations. But if you're that frustrated person who thinks they can't have a love life, I say don't fret. I know, who am I--a random person on the internet--to tell you this? Trust me, I used to be that girl who would make those lists about what she wants in a man. So, hang in there. Your man (or girl) will come. And if that person does not have the gorgeous features that you were expecting, then I guess it won't matter once he or she comes along. Which is why, I challenge everyone lurking on the internet to do one task...Don't come up with standards.

Do not raise them, nor lower them. Just come clean and see what kind of partner you will attract. Because every great story every told always has an element of surprise. Yes, even love stories. Bella never expected to have a man like Edward Cullen. Percy Jackson thought he would never amount to anything until he received the best underwater kiss of his life from the girl he's cared about since they were kids. And Felicity Smoak probably just wanted a boyfriend, not two chiseled vigilante businessmen. These characters only did their thing, and love came to them just naturally. They didn't do any sort of voodoo, nor did they bother to wait. They just continued being awesome. And that's something you can also do. Don't spend your precious free time thinking of what your future husband or wife should be like. Be yourself and let the story of your life surprise you.

Till the next post~





Tuesday, March 3, 2015

10 Times You Became Harry Potter

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If you're a Potterhead, then surely you're one of the many readers who would do anything to attend Hogwarts and be part of something that is obviously more than just a "Potter" experience. And believe it or not, you did live like Harry Potter (so far). It may not involve cloaks and wands, but in some instances of your life, things became magical. In a way, this is a pretty blog post discussing ten life lessons we can get from the brilliant series. Your egotistical minds may say that you already know this, but it does not hurt to be reminded.

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1.) We had a "Snape" in our life
I'm sure anyone who has had at least 7 years of education can realize this. As much as it is hard to admit, we had tough teachers and professors who would push us around and we would think that they're doing this just so we wouldn't pass the subject and hence, ruin our lives. Because of this, we can't help but loathe them at some extent. But then we learn that they push us for a surprisingly good reason. They may not have died a heartfelt death like *spoilers* Severus did, but they would suddenly give us this feeling of gratitude and what's funny is that we notice it in the latter part of our lives. I'm not surprise if you are reading this right now and you are remembering a particular educator who may have been so mean to you, but really wanted to prepare you for the harsh realities of life. And once we do remember, we don't remember the tears or the humiliation; all there is left was the lesson, we smile and we eventually name our kids after that professor (it could happen).

But if you guys had to go through classes with the likes of her:

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Then I feel sorry for you, but not completely sorry. I'm sure there's something we can learn, no matter how gruesome they can be.

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2.) You've been called a mudblood...sort of
If Harry was not your favorite character in the series, then fine. Let's take a quick look at Hermione Granger, the brightest witch her age. Everyone has a gift, but in reality you can never please anyone. Certainly, not everyone was able to appreciate how intelligent Hermione was except for the ones who truly mattered in her life. In other words, there will always be that one person who refuses to see the best in you and shall call you a "mudblood" for reasons that you may never know. And that's the thing; you may or may not know why you're being called that and what Hermione taught us is that it doesn't matter why. It may hurt (and it will), but name-calling didn't stop Hermione from studying her butt off.

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3.) We use the Polyjuice Potion all the time
As we all know, this famous potion can give us the ability to transform into whoever we want. And what's best about the real world is that we don't need to make a potion in order to become someone else. We're the masters of copying others. Heck, a lot of people have been doing it even before Rowling ever thought of writing about Polyjuice. The idea of it is cool at the same time, scary. Sadly, not everyone is truly original. And I guess it is up to you if you want to take this in a good way or a bad way.
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4.) Most of us live in a cupboard under the staircase, already
Harry Potter is not the only one who thinks he has the worst family members. Most of us do, until we learn how to be truly grateful for the things that are already there for us. And I am speaking for a lot of children and teenagers when I say this. We would think that our family is just ruining our lives until...*remember the first point*. I'm not saying you should just stop whatever you're doing and randomly hug all your brothers and sisters, but you should know that you're not the only one who actually thinks they have it worse. And sometimes, thinking about how worse other people's lives are can be therapeutic. So remember, if you think you have the worst and mortifying parents ever, just be kindly reminded that your parents love you enough to give you an actual room...and they're alive.

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5.) You have a wand
The way I see it, wizards and witches use the wand to direct whatever spell they wish. And what's interesting is that all wands are unique and very different. What's even more interesting is that a wand must be compatible with the owner. That's a really cool concept, Rowling! And yes, you already have your wand. You just need to find it you do not chose the wand...the wand chooses you.

6.) Amortentia is right under your nose
One of the many things I love about the Harry Potter series is how they value love. For me, it is the most romantic and heartwarming YA series next to maybe Percy Jackson and the Olympians (eh, maybe not even close). If there is one way I can describe how love was written in these books, then it would be this: love comes naturally. It came naturally when Lily Potter protected Harry from the Dark Lord, and it came naturally when Hermione and Ron agreed to help Harry with his problems no matter how dangerous they were. Basically the act of love came in naturally throughout the series. It was natural as Amortentia. I know it's a potion, but the good thing about the real world is that we don't need any of that to feel that. When we know that we love someone, it will just come naturally. Now how many times did I say "naturally"?

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7.) Exams exist
Whether you are in Hogwarts or not, there will always be freakin' exams.And yes, Harry Potter went through exams just like you.

8.) Harry also had no time for fun because of schoolwork
Honestly, I enjoyed Harry's short montages when he would always describe how stressful his schoolwork was getting. I'm sure he enjoyed those times too, because the boy who lived would certainly want a taste of an ordinary life. Surprisingly, there would be times when we would feel the same way. After wanting so much interesting shiz to happen in your life, you eventually want to keep things simple and ordinary.

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9.) You are a chosen one, and there are times you won't like it
Reading Harry Potter makes you feel that having an extraordinary life is impossible. Harry and a lot of YA protagonists are trying to tell us that leading that extraordinary life is not easy, and it is more than just being not easy. It involves a lot of work and sacrifice. This gave most readers tugs in their hearts, thinking whether or not they still wanted a life of wizardry and adventure. But that's just how it is, even in real life. Having an adventure is not as easy as walking down the yellow brick road (now I'm straying to another book). So instead of reminding yourself how much your life sucks, then "Carpe Diem". You can wait until something unusual is thrust upon you or you can easily look for adventure (or sometimes trouble). And if you end up fearing for your life just like Harry, all you can do is have a little faith on what will happen next because the most exciting thing about life is that you don't know what the next page is because you're already inside a story.

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10.) We're all about that sass.
If you can sass, congratulations you became Harry Potter

Till the next post, Potterheads~

Monday, August 11, 2014

OTPs that I Tolerate

There are couples that we ship till the ends of the Earth and there are also canons we do not approve at all. But there can also be ships we rate as, "okay". These are the couples from random fandoms (haha, that rhymed) that I actually tolerate. I don't really love them as much, but at the same time I don't really hate. I'm sure you've experienced that whenever you watch or read any of your own fandoms, right? And if you disagree with the content of my post, then that's fine. Not everyone has the same taste. So let's get started. 

WARNING: The following post contains spoilers. Read at your own risk.

1.) Aang and Katara (Avatar: The Legend of Aang) 

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We all knew that from day one, they were going to be the it couple. Although romance has been subtle in this show, most fans can't help but ship Katara with other male characters--particularly Zuko. But I have to admit, they make a pretty decent couple. Aang is the childlike wonder while Katara has a motherly nature. Quite unusual but very compatible, I must say. And if you think about it, they have a very harmonious relationship all throughout the series. Whenever Aang goes Avatar mode, Katara is always there to calm him down. In other words, they complement one another. So it is not surprising if they had an everlasting marriage (as implied in the Legend of Korra). I think what makes them less interesting is that there weren't too much complications between them. Sometimes, it's the reason why we love a certain couple so much; the obstacles they have to face keeps us to the edge of our seats. Unfortunately, Aang and Katara didn't show much of that. Their development was pretty much smooth sailing. Sure, there were hints of jealousy here and there, but it wasn't enough to trigger the feels. Zutara had a bigger chance to be a much more interesting couple because they had a little spice, or a complication. They hated each other at first, and Zuko is much more aggressive compared to Aang. Imagine Katara calming--cooling him down--and let's see if that scene will make you squeal or not. So yeah, Aang and Katara's relationship was simple and pleasant… but it was too simple and pleasant. 

2.) Jace and Clary (The Mortal Instruments) 

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No it's not really because of the assumed incestuous relationship. Call me a sadist, but I enjoyed the struggle they had in the first three books. It was depressing, but it somehow drove me to read on. But when they finally became a thing and then City of Fallen Angels came out… yeah. Let's just say there was too much passion between them.

Sure, they had another obstacle to face, but Clary kinda reminds me of Anna from Frozen. A little annoying but too stubborn. My only problem with her is that I am not sure where her priorities lie. She's a lover and a fighter, but sometimes I wish she should just shut up and calm down for a minute. She can be too intense and her emotional state tends to overwhelm me. As for Jace, I still find it hard to believe that he fell for Clary in just a snap. But at least he explained that at City of Lost Souls, which I find very satisfying. For a couple, their passion is off the charts (but hey it's YA Fiction. What could you ask for?).  Basically my only issue is their compatibility. They just have too much similarities, and there's not much to add up to their chemistry aside from passionate make-out sessions and cheeky arguments. Both of them are stubborn, both have a temper, and both are actually too emotional (even if they won't admit it). If you think about it, them together will be too chaotic. But then again, that's what brings out the feels between these two right? Perhaps it's also another reason why I tolerate this ship; they're just another typical couple and they live in a world that does not really approve the both of them together. But at least there's a decent reason: they're just too explosive. 

3.) Oliver Queen and Laurel Lance (Arrow) 

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Yes, rejoice Ollicity fans! I ship Oliver with Black Canary! Haha, I'm kidding. 

The series keep on telling us that Oliver will forever love Laurel and Laurel will forever love Oliver. But that's kind of hard to believe when there are other eligible single ladies in the series. Not to mention the chemistry they emit whenever they have at least one scene with Green Arrow. But let's face it: Laurel Lance is not entirely a sucky character. In fact, she's pretty badass. She's a lawyer who managed to make guys shit their pants the moment she starts intimidating them. Laurel is a strong woman and I can understand what Oli and Tom (may he rest in peace) see in her. I mean, she's managed to face actual danger a lot of times and she was able to roll with it even though she was completely aware about the possibility of dying! Put her next to Mary Jane Watson, she's the real deal. However, that's the thing. I see her as an independent woman who doesn't really need a guy. She becomes a much more impressive character if she can be badass in her own way. And again, there are other female characters who are much more shippable with Green Arrow in my opinion. If ever he still chooses her in the very end, all I can do is simply nod. They would make a good couple, because I think Laurel can handle anything that Oliver has to go through because she definitely knows how to keep her shit together. 

4.) Batman and his ladies (DC)

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We've seen Bruce Wayne with Thalia. We've seen him with Selina Kyle. We've also seen him with Black Canary and Wonder Woman. But in the end, I still can't find a permanent ship for him. I'm not saying that he deserves to be forever alone. In fact, I want him to settle down with the right girl. But then again, he's the Batman and his enemies are dangerous and psychotic and they're not afraid to break you physically, mentally and emotionally. If you think you can handle that kind of commitment, then I salute you. But the fact that he can't have one permanent girl kinda proves that his Bat identity is hindering him from having a social life. 

5.) Ron and Hermione/Harry and Hermione (Harry Potter)

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The best thing about the entire series was Rowling's definition of love. It's unconditional, and it is seen between family, friends, colleagues, and even among enemies. I've noticed we fans tend to ship our hardest when the fandom's romance department is at its lowest. And ever since Rowling confessed about her pairing decisions for the book, Potterheads around the globe turned--as the British would say---bonkers. I honestly did not keep track on the pairings as I read the books. I simply enjoyed the adventures the golden trio had. The love stories (or quarrels) they were experiencing were just bonuses for me. If you ask me who I ship in the Harry Potter series, then it would be most definitely be James and Lily. And if you want to know what's my say on the whole, "Hermione should've been with Harry" issue, then here it goes. 

Well, I agree with Rowling. Harry and Hermione seems more idyllic compared to Hermione and Ron.  I actually enjoyed the times when Hermione would help Ron with his school work troubles because it was proof that they don't completely hate each other. Realistically, Ronmione will not be able to work out. If you've read the book or at least watched the movies, you would be able to notice Ron's fatal flaw which is jealousy. And when he's jealous, he tends to throw fits. Furthermore, he covers it up with his manly pride and it is evident whenever he argues with Hermione in the first few books. In case you still haven't noticed, he also harbored jealousy towards Hermione and not just Harry (note: most people will most likely focus on the jealousy he feels towards Harry because of "chosen one" issues, if you know what I mean). I mean, she nailed almost every class and she tends to correct Ron all the time. And apparently, Ron is not and won't get used to being corrected considering the initial development he had in the beginning of the story (ex. always being bossed around by his older brothers, and all). Furthermore, he showed another jealousy tantrum in the last book. He may have calmed down till the end, but there's no guarantee if he was able to get rid of that fatal flaw or not (fatal flaws are just terrible habits that are hard to break). So if he managed to swallow his pride and envy, then that's great. But if he didn't? I can hear shifting of divorce papers in the future. And signs of their attraction or infatuation was somehow a surprise. For me, I'd like to know how one falls in love with the other and the series didn't show how they became officially attracted to one another. They were just arguing and arguing until the next thing you know, they already have feelings for each other. I'm sure there were scenes where they were getting along, but I wished there were more of those, that way I was able to see how they would be like as a couple. I think that's what the ship lacked, I guess. 

Harry and Hermione do get along better, but I'm not sure what Rowling meant when she said she preferred Hermione with Harry. If it was her initial plan for Harry and Hermione to happen, then I guess she could have changed their interactions in the books a little bit differently for the sake of a little chemistry. As friends, they are great together. They support each other and when they have a disagreement, the scene becomes adorable (especially when Hermione educates Harry about girls). So yeah, I have to admit, they have the potential of becoming a great canon. However, my only issue is that it would be too little predictable if they do end up together. Harry is the leading man and Hermione is the leading lady, and it would be too obvious if they do become a thing. 

Personally, I think Krum would make a better match for Hermione. He admired her just as she was.  He didn't have to deny it or anything. It was straightforward but different. Plus, she somehow supported him and maybe (just maybe) brought out the best in him. In the book, he was always at the library of Hogwarts. I guess that made him feel a bit lonely. Luckily for him, Hermione enjoyed going to the library and that's how they got to connect and develop. 

So once again, if you don't agree with me, then it is more than fine. The following post is just a series of my thoughts and opinions regarding, OTPs, ships, and canons. It is not my intention to persuade all of you to agree to my words. Anyway, I hope this post was engaging and I'll see you in the next post!