Watson In Love.

As promised, I started reading the first volume of Sherlock Holmes. The first in the collection is the A Study in Scarlet, the novel in which John Watson met Sherlock Holmes. If you have watched BBC Sherlock, you might already be shipping Johnlock or Cumberman. And if I am right, I suggest you read the books too.

Since the novels were written in John Watson’s POV, I can feel how much he adored Sherlock Holmes. I am just past the first 42 pages and I can already feel Watson’s deep attraction to Sherlock Holmes. If I hadn’t known better, I would say  that he’s plain gay and is completely and madly in love with Sherlock Holmes. The way he described Holmes’ quirks and powers of analytical deduction can be compared to a blind man seeing the light for the first time in his whole existence. And trust me, I am not in anyway exaggerating this. John Watson admired and somehow worships the ground Sherlock walks on. His curiosity of Sherlock’s whole personality is close to obsessive but not in a creepy way. 

Plus, being a classic book, it was written in an old-fashioned way and I like it very much. I am a sucker for British literature and films especially Victorian-Era-related ones. And this book satisfies both category. And I am pretty sure I am going to enjoy this read.

Day 15 – Favorite male character

SEVERUS SNAPE from The Harry Potter Series

He was the first male character that popped into my head when I read this day’s challenge. And I have several reasons as to why Snape is my favorite male character. There’s just so much about him that every reader admires.

In the first 6 books of the series, Snape was considered by many as the vilest and most hateful character, except perhaps Voldemort. Even for me, he was the worst possible professor Hogwarts has ever met. He is so biased of his house, unfair with students, unapproachable, unfriendly, and very cold. From the very beginning, he seemed to hate Harry for no apparent reasons. Every part of the books just depicts him as an evil man.

But then, we come to the 7^th book, the last of the series. And there, we all witness the revelations about the life of Severus Snape. Every truth hidden behind his despicable actions were revealed and suddenly, the readers were slapped with the realization that this hateful man was actually the bravest and most loving man in the book. We came to understand that his aversion to Harry was because of his past rivalry with James, Harry’s father. His attraction to the Dark Arts and Lord Voldemort was actually an act in order to save Harry, the son of Lily—the girl Snape loved his whole life. And we also got a glimpse on his relationship with Lily during his childhood years. In that, we realize how painful it was for Snape to watch his great tormentor snatch the only girl who really accepted him as a friend.  

I guess I just admire Snape because I can feel his struggle with himself in protecting Harry, the son of the girl he loved the most and the man who made his life miserable during their years at Hogwarts. A normal person would have let Harry die, given that kind of circumstance. But Snape disregarded his hate and anger, and focused on preserving the only living reminder of Lily. He let his love overpower all the negative feelings he had to the point of sacrificing his own life, being the spy to the most evil wizard known to the magical world. His everlasting love and true bravery was a big key to Harry’s survival. Even though he knew that people would look at him like some scum and forever shun him, he still continued to play the role of Voldemort’s lap dog.

Severus Snape gave everything just to show his deepest love for Lily, even though he knew that it will never be consummated. And he even tried everything he could to prevent Lily’s death. After so many years, his love for Lily never withered. It was the kind of incredible love, a love very rare that nothing can ever compare.  And I think that these reasons are enough for me to love his character. Truly, he is worth my respect and admiration.

Capturing the unseen beauty.

At first, I thought that Paul Quiambao is just a student who’s good at taking pictures. He is famous and well-known in UST because of his amazing talents in photography. He is currently a graduating student from the College of Architecture. He is assigned as the official photographer for the UST Quadricentennial Celebration.

Hearing him talk about photography, a while ago, in the alternative class is a whole new story. It’s not just about the picture but more about the story behind the moment captured by the lens. Listening to him voice out his adventures on finding the right angles and timing is just inspiring. His passion for the art of photography is very admirable. He really took pains and effort into taking the most stunning and meaningful photos. He even had to break a lot of rules just so he can get the right view for the subject of his photo. At one point, his life was even put at risk when taking a shot of the waves of Batanes coast.

I’m not into photography but hearing him speak passionately about all the unseen beauty makes me want to try and learn more about this hobby/work of art. He’s not just after the money or the recognition or awards this will bring him. I can say, by the way he talk about photography, that his heart is very much attached to it. Another brilliant thing is that he can find time for this in spite of numerous plates he needs to work for in his architecture course. I really envy people who can balance their time between their responsibilities and hobbies and whatnots. His efforts and works are just remarkable. He’s my new role model for his amazing talent and unwavering perseverance. He really did gave his all (blood, sweat and tears included) in the name of excellent photography.

Here are some of his great work:

ALL PHOTO CREDITS TO PAUL ALLYSON R. QUIAMBAO