Between the Lines: "Women's Health" magazines

The most popular New Year's resolution is "to lose weight." For me, it's get healthier. This can be a challenge, though, since I never feel like I have the time to exercise, and eating healthy isn't as feasible as I would like. Enter Women's Health magazine.

It's packed with health facts and figures, as well as various articles meant to make becoming healthier as easy as possible. The highlight of the January-February 2010 edition would probably be the "We Dare You" article, which is the ultimate 2010 fitness plan. There's already a cardio plan provided, as well as various exercises grouped according to the muscles that get worked and what it improves (strength, flexibility, agility, and balance).

Other articles I found interesting are: "Kick Your Kitchen Skills Up a Notch" (simplifies 5 important cooking skills: roasting, broiling, boiling, sauteing, and braising); "Inside a Healthy Pantry" (lists healthy ingredients to stock up on); "Survival Crib Sheet" (think "Worst-Case Scenario Survival Guide"); and "Get Him to Groom Like Beckham" (tips on how to get your significant other to be more conscious of his looks and personal hygiene).

P125 (available at bookstores nationwide)

Between the Lines: "45 Home-Based Business Ideas"

*author's note: I intend to edit this piece for use in my writing portfolio for BusinessWorld. - MB

During these still shaky economic times, it never hurts to have a sideline business. But how do you decide what kind of business to set up? For some people, lack of experience or even just a general idea of what they're going to do is enough of a deterrent to their dreams of having their own business.

Well, Entrepreneur's book will change all that. "45 Home-Based Business Ideas" presents different home business ideas for you to consider, ranging from home and craft items like stuffed toys and aromatherapy candles to food items like siomai, siopao, and even Spanish sardines. And the best part of it is, step-by-step instructions are provided for each item. Also included are the list of materials you will need, the estimated start-up capital, and what would be a fair price for your items. The last one is a very important detail for me since I'm never quite sure how to compute for a competitive market price.

P195 (available at National Bookstore)

Between the Lines: "Akibakada" and "Go Beerkada: The Rise of the Jhologs"

For the past ten years, readers of the Philippine Star were entertained by the exploits of one barkada in the aptly-titled comic strip "Beerkada." "Akibakada" is the 9th Beerkada book by Lyndon Gregorio.

For the benefit of those who aren't familiar with the characters, below is a rundown of the main characters in the series:

Glen: the quintessential boy next door

Chompy (real name: Andrea): nicknamed as such because of her penchant for biting Glen; Glen's girlfriend; "newest" addition to the group

Boopey: law student; taray queen (occasionally, anyway)

Alan: Boopey's boyfriend; finally graduated from college

Brian: resident manyak, annoying at times but generally harmless

Jimmy: clueless. 'nuff said

Fe: Jimmy's girlfriend

Jay: activist-turned-teacher

Harry: just plain creepy

In this book, find out:

• what happens when Dana, Glen's ex-girlfriend and an original member of the barkada, returns from Europe
• what happens during a typical day for Glen and Chompy
• what happens in Tokyo when the Beerkada is sent to the Asian Cartoon Exhibit in Japan

Longtime fans of Beerkada will not be disappointed by this installment. On that note, let's proceed to the next Beerkada book.

"Go Beerkada: The Rise of the Jhologs" is the 10th book in the Beerkada series, and is the first part of a two-book adventure.

Fans who are used to the usual drawing style of Beerkada may be in for a shock. This book is done manga-style. Of course, this new style may draw in some new readers. Sam, for one, said that if the comic strip was done in this style, he would consider reading it.

This graphic novel of sorts starts with Harry recruiting an army of jhologs after a disastrous encounter with the university student council. Enter the Beerkada who gets transformed into a Filipino version of Bioman/Power Rangers. I won't divulge how that comes about, though, since it's a nice little twist in the story.

Take note that this story is set in an alternative universe to the other books and during the pre-Chompy era, prior to Dana and Glen's relationship.

Akibakada: P120

Go Beerkada: Rise of the Jhologs: P110