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The Breakup Diaries
The Anatomy of a Breakup...
Twenty-three-year-old self-proclaimed nice Girl Monica Tanseco is finding out the hard way that in order to survive a breakup, you have to grow up - fast. Sure, breaking up is hard to do, but who knew it involved:
- Denial, followed by desperate bid to get back together involving promises to do everything to make him happy
- Sever loss of sleep, appetite and self-esteem
- Acute paralysis - or maybe death - of good judgment
- Compulsive tendencies to document every event, feeling and fantasy in a manner of reporter trying to make sense of things
- More compulsive tendencies to over-examine relationship carcass and over-analyze cause of death as couple
- Getting a life
When her perfect boyfriend - college hoop star certified hottie and young hotshot eagle Itos Ongpauco - decided to call it quits, Monica, barista by day and dreamer by night, found herseld stepping out from behind the coffee counter and out of her comfort zone - into the mad world of magazine publishing.
While starting out at the bottom of the food chain as the overworked, unpaid intern at "M" magazine can obliterate any trace of self-esteem, anything - including bitchy bosses, temperamental photographers, rather dull but oh-so-hot male models - is a welcome balm to her pains. Never mind that her freebie-obsessed boss treats her like an on-call, 24-hour proxy service. Never mind, that, sometimes, when she's had too much alcohol, male models become irresistible. Never mind that, despite having just had her heart broken, the possibility of love presents itself again.
Twenty-three-year-old self-proclaimed nice Girl Monica Tanseco is finding out the hard way that in order to survive a breakup, you have to grow up - fast. Sure, breaking up is hard to do, but who knew it involved:
- Denial, followed by desperate bid to get back together involving promises to do everything to make him happy
- Sever loss of sleep, appetite and self-esteem
- Acute paralysis - or maybe death - of good judgment
- Compulsive tendencies to document every event, feeling and fantasy in a manner of reporter trying to make sense of things
- More compulsive tendencies to over-examine relationship carcass and over-analyze cause of death as couple
- Getting a life
When her perfect boyfriend - college hoop star certified hottie and young hotshot eagle Itos Ongpauco - decided to call it quits, Monica, barista by day and dreamer by night, found herseld stepping out from behind the coffee counter and out of her comfort zone - into the mad world of magazine publishing.
While starting out at the bottom of the food chain as the overworked, unpaid intern at "M" magazine can obliterate any trace of self-esteem, anything - including bitchy bosses, temperamental photographers, rather dull but oh-so-hot male models - is a welcome balm to her pains. Never mind that her freebie-obsessed boss treats her like an on-call, 24-hour proxy service. Never mind, that, sometimes, when she's had too much alcohol, male models become irresistible. Never mind that, despite having just had her heart broken, the possibility of love presents itself again.
146 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
13 people are currently reading
515 people want to read
About the author
Maya O. Calica
4 books26 followersHello, my name is Maya O. Calica, a freelance writer/editor/storyteller based in Auckland, New Zealand. Given my job description, my “office” changes daily: from the pink rose-fringed studio next to our garage, the local library, to just about every coffee shop that has free Wi-Fi and serves a fantastic flat white.
Just a few things about me…
• I love magazines
I’ve worked on five magazines across two cities (my hometown of Manila and Singapore), and have been privileged to have refined my skills with the best in the industry. During my stint with Cosmopolitan Philippines, I learned about the biz from my talented editor, Myrza Sison — an education that prepared me for a career in editing teen titles Candy and Seventeen Philippines, working as a lifestyle and beauty ed for the fashion magazine Female (Singapore) under editor Susanah Cheok, and being at the helm of Smile, Cebu Pacific’s exciting inflight magazine.
• I’m also a published author.
I still get a bit shy telling this to new friends. But it is the truth. My first book, The Breakup Diaries (Summit Books), is a chick lit novel published in 2003 (it has since been made into a five-episode TV special for ABC 5′s Love Books) and republished last year. My second book, Undercover Taitai (Marshall Cavendish) came out in late 2008, and is about a reluctant book editor-turned-undercover agent (with a Chihuahua as a sidekick). My latest book, Good Night, Lala (Adarna House) is written by my late mother, Corazon O. Calica, and edited and illustrated with sewn illustrations by me.
• Being my own boss has its perks.
I have the time and freedom to try new things now that I am a freelancer. Since I moved to Auckland, I’ve fallen in love with sewing, crafting and illustrating, tried my hand at gardening, pursued cooking (I enjoy trying new recipes for my husband and stepdaughters), and even teach Sunday school to kids at my church. I sail with my husband, and have also taken up driving. And of course, there is the joy of traveling — whether to a nearby winery or jetting off to cities like Tokyo, Singapore, and the many provinces of my country, the Philippines.
Just a few things about me…
• I love magazines
I’ve worked on five magazines across two cities (my hometown of Manila and Singapore), and have been privileged to have refined my skills with the best in the industry. During my stint with Cosmopolitan Philippines, I learned about the biz from my talented editor, Myrza Sison — an education that prepared me for a career in editing teen titles Candy and Seventeen Philippines, working as a lifestyle and beauty ed for the fashion magazine Female (Singapore) under editor Susanah Cheok, and being at the helm of Smile, Cebu Pacific’s exciting inflight magazine.
• I’m also a published author.
I still get a bit shy telling this to new friends. But it is the truth. My first book, The Breakup Diaries (Summit Books), is a chick lit novel published in 2003 (it has since been made into a five-episode TV special for ABC 5′s Love Books) and republished last year. My second book, Undercover Taitai (Marshall Cavendish) came out in late 2008, and is about a reluctant book editor-turned-undercover agent (with a Chihuahua as a sidekick). My latest book, Good Night, Lala (Adarna House) is written by my late mother, Corazon O. Calica, and edited and illustrated with sewn illustrations by me.
• Being my own boss has its perks.
I have the time and freedom to try new things now that I am a freelancer. Since I moved to Auckland, I’ve fallen in love with sewing, crafting and illustrating, tried my hand at gardening, pursued cooking (I enjoy trying new recipes for my husband and stepdaughters), and even teach Sunday school to kids at my church. I sail with my husband, and have also taken up driving. And of course, there is the joy of traveling — whether to a nearby winery or jetting off to cities like Tokyo, Singapore, and the many provinces of my country, the Philippines.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 14, 2013
Originally posted here.
I don't get to feature Filipino fiction as often as I'd like here on the blog so it feels like a treat when I get to do so. I can still remember the first time I read The Breakup Diaries a few years ago. I was still in college then and this title was my favorite out of all the Summit Books that were available at that time. After I finished reading it, I worked on convincing my girlfriends to pick it up as well so we could discuss it. Preferably while hanging out in a cafe because Monica, the main character, is a barista. When I saw that it has been reissued, I decided to grab a new edition and read it on my flight back to Singapore from Manila. I ended up enjoying the book just as much as when I first discovered it.
One of the main reasons why I enjoyed reading The Breakup Diaries so much is because it's easy to relate to Monica's situation: how difficult it us to pick up the threads of your life after a breakup, especially when you didn't see it coming. Monica had no idea that her boyfriend would decide to call it quits on their anniversary dinner date. Pretty harsh, noh? I felt so bad for her but what I liked about the book is that it was still fun to read even though the character was experiencing a major setback. There were several hilarious moments within the story and all throughout everything, you're rooting for Monica to heal her broken heart. Her reaction to the breakup felt realistic, from wanting to get back together with her boyfriend to re-evaluating her life and seeing things in a different light. It's also nice that Monica had friends and family who were there to support her - as with any problem, it really helps to know that other people have your back. I also liked how The Breakup Diaries gave me a better idea of what it's like working in a magazine publishing company. I don't want to say too much about the book because it's a short and sweet read, something that you can finish during a flight or an evening when you're in the mood for something light. I think it's fitting that my first review for 2013 is about an old favorite. If you've ever experienced a breakup, then you'll probably be able to relate to Monica as well.
One thing I noticed about the new edition is that it had several typos. I don't remember seeing those in the original edition - it's a minor thing but I thought I'd just take note of it. I do like the new cover more than the old one:
I don't get to feature Filipino fiction as often as I'd like here on the blog so it feels like a treat when I get to do so. I can still remember the first time I read The Breakup Diaries a few years ago. I was still in college then and this title was my favorite out of all the Summit Books that were available at that time. After I finished reading it, I worked on convincing my girlfriends to pick it up as well so we could discuss it. Preferably while hanging out in a cafe because Monica, the main character, is a barista. When I saw that it has been reissued, I decided to grab a new edition and read it on my flight back to Singapore from Manila. I ended up enjoying the book just as much as when I first discovered it.
One of the main reasons why I enjoyed reading The Breakup Diaries so much is because it's easy to relate to Monica's situation: how difficult it us to pick up the threads of your life after a breakup, especially when you didn't see it coming. Monica had no idea that her boyfriend would decide to call it quits on their anniversary dinner date. Pretty harsh, noh? I felt so bad for her but what I liked about the book is that it was still fun to read even though the character was experiencing a major setback. There were several hilarious moments within the story and all throughout everything, you're rooting for Monica to heal her broken heart. Her reaction to the breakup felt realistic, from wanting to get back together with her boyfriend to re-evaluating her life and seeing things in a different light. It's also nice that Monica had friends and family who were there to support her - as with any problem, it really helps to know that other people have your back. I also liked how The Breakup Diaries gave me a better idea of what it's like working in a magazine publishing company. I don't want to say too much about the book because it's a short and sweet read, something that you can finish during a flight or an evening when you're in the mood for something light. I think it's fitting that my first review for 2013 is about an old favorite. If you've ever experienced a breakup, then you'll probably be able to relate to Monica as well.
One thing I noticed about the new edition is that it had several typos. I don't remember seeing those in the original edition - it's a minor thing but I thought I'd just take note of it. I do like the new cover more than the old one:
November 4, 2014
Cross-posted at The Library Mistress
Bought this one 10 years ago and absent-mindedly forgot that I haven't finished it. Thanks to 7-Eleven's rack, I saw this book's 10th year edition and that instantly reminded me that I actually have this at home. A friend of mine even told me, I hoard books too much and treat them like wine, but srsly, I wanted to retort that I now plan to read all my 'owned and unread' books right away, if only time will permit me to. Oh well, I just wish it won't take 10 years before I read all those books I hoarded.
Okay, now unto my real review. I have mixed feelings about this book. That is all. Perhaps, now at 23, same age as the protagonist, I find her a little bit immature for our age, child-like and very guarded. But that didn't stop me from reading it, it was actually well-written, you'll just find Tagalog words in it and that might annoy you (Phoebe, don't tell me I didn't warn you haha) but by large, this book is something I'd recommend to girls who devour Chick Lits as all the aspects of everything Chick Lit is in it, but yes, it's also too good to be true. I just find it annoying that it ended that way, I almost felt the writer and publishers took away almost three chapters and jumped to the conclusion right away.
This is a break-up diary, but if you'll ask me if I'll recommend this to girls nursing a broken heart, I think, I won't, I'm kind of sure about that. Nothing in this book will help you kiss your ex goodbye permanently except from the last chapters of the book, it will just make you feel more miserable, with the realization that some people are lucky enough to find a new job, make out with hot guys and make their dreams come true because they are heart broken. Life is not as blissful as that. Never.
I'm glad I didn't read this when I was 13, else I'd be programmed to believe that breakups will bring out the best in you, because coming from personal experiences that it won't... maybe, just maybe it will, but most of the time, it isn't as pleasant like that.
Bought this one 10 years ago and absent-mindedly forgot that I haven't finished it. Thanks to 7-Eleven's rack, I saw this book's 10th year edition and that instantly reminded me that I actually have this at home. A friend of mine even told me, I hoard books too much and treat them like wine, but srsly, I wanted to retort that I now plan to read all my 'owned and unread' books right away, if only time will permit me to. Oh well, I just wish it won't take 10 years before I read all those books I hoarded.
Okay, now unto my real review. I have mixed feelings about this book. That is all. Perhaps, now at 23, same age as the protagonist, I find her a little bit immature for our age, child-like and very guarded. But that didn't stop me from reading it, it was actually well-written, you'll just find Tagalog words in it and that might annoy you (Phoebe, don't tell me I didn't warn you haha) but by large, this book is something I'd recommend to girls who devour Chick Lits as all the aspects of everything Chick Lit is in it, but yes, it's also too good to be true. I just find it annoying that it ended that way, I almost felt the writer and publishers took away almost three chapters and jumped to the conclusion right away.
This is a break-up diary, but if you'll ask me if I'll recommend this to girls nursing a broken heart, I think, I won't, I'm kind of sure about that. Nothing in this book will help you kiss your ex goodbye permanently except from the last chapters of the book, it will just make you feel more miserable, with the realization that some people are lucky enough to find a new job, make out with hot guys and make their dreams come true because they are heart broken. Life is not as blissful as that. Never.
I'm glad I didn't read this when I was 13, else I'd be programmed to believe that breakups will bring out the best in you, because coming from personal experiences that it won't... maybe, just maybe it will, but most of the time, it isn't as pleasant like that.
December 19, 2012
"Since the split, you've gone out with:
a. Two boys - one that ended at 9pm and the other with your guy best friend, with whom you've realized you could never get it on with romantically."
b. ...
c. ...
Screw you, Monica Tanseco and your diary entries.
Yes, I've dated two guys:
One is a review friend from a distant past, we meet three years after passing the exams. What we were before, what we are now, what we will be in the future is the Talk. We see ourselves excelling in our respective fields. Yet alas, the date is bound to end at 8:30, since my shift starts exactly at 9PM.
The second is my closest guy since college, the man who supported me as we made our way to the summer classes and octoberian graduation. We have had the most awkward date ever with a movie called Breaking Dawn 2 (if you are following my twitter account, you should have known my trashtalking skills: RAISED TO INFINITY)
But yeah, screw the fate and unexpected events in this book. Too unrealistic. Too mushy. Too - 23. I guess 3 years difference aid in looking at a different perspective. Or maybe because the author mentioned this:
Mostly As: Go for it - but give it time.
a. Two boys - one that ended at 9pm and the other with your guy best friend, with whom you've realized you could never get it on with romantically."
b. ...
c. ...
Screw you, Monica Tanseco and your diary entries.
Yes, I've dated two guys:
One is a review friend from a distant past, we meet three years after passing the exams. What we were before, what we are now, what we will be in the future is the Talk. We see ourselves excelling in our respective fields. Yet alas, the date is bound to end at 8:30, since my shift starts exactly at 9PM.
The second is my closest guy since college, the man who supported me as we made our way to the summer classes and octoberian graduation. We have had the most awkward date ever with a movie called Breaking Dawn 2 (if you are following my twitter account, you should have known my trashtalking skills: RAISED TO INFINITY)
But yeah, screw the fate and unexpected events in this book. Too unrealistic. Too mushy. Too - 23. I guess 3 years difference aid in looking at a different perspective. Or maybe because the author mentioned this:
Mostly As: Go for it - but give it time.
March 11, 2011
This is one of the most memorable books I’ve read. I was entirely engrossed with Monica’s life. She’s the typical girl living a simple life, happily committed and responsible. It seemed she had everything settled out for her. Until, her boyfriend broke up with her on their anniversary. That sucks! And that just where her story begins…
The Break Up Diaries reminds us that there’s always a rainbow after the storm.
I love the lessons that have been laid out with the story and I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants a quick and sweet read.
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog:
The Blair Book Project @ www.theblairbookproject.blogspot.com
The Break Up Diaries reminds us that there’s always a rainbow after the storm.
I love the lessons that have been laid out with the story and I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants a quick and sweet read.
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog:
The Blair Book Project @ www.theblairbookproject.blogspot.com
July 5, 2013
It took me forever to finish reading this, primarily because I didn't like the main character. She sounded like an air head and pretty much immature halfway through the story. She was totally unrelatable. I felt like the romance part only kicked in at the latter part of the story, which was already too late. Her Love Interest seemed a bit underdeveloped to me (because he was introduced at the latter part). And that twist in the end felt like a failed attempt to make things interesting for Monica.
I rated the story with 3 stars because there were some very funny moments with the people at M magazine. I'd probably rather read a story about Carla or Siobhan than Monica's.
I rated the story with 3 stars because there were some very funny moments with the people at M magazine. I'd probably rather read a story about Carla or Siobhan than Monica's.
December 1, 2012
I really liked this book. It is inspiring not only for, well, girls who are going through a break up but to girls who are in different situations.
Either happy, in love or well, hopeless romantics. I really liked the message in the end of the book.
And some of the inspiring quotes that the book has given.
Like how even though a guy broke up with you, everything would be okay because there would be someone who'll treat you better-who'll be better and who'll make you feel like you're home.
Really nice!:D
Either happy, in love or well, hopeless romantics. I really liked the message in the end of the book.
And some of the inspiring quotes that the book has given.
Like how even though a guy broke up with you, everything would be okay because there would be someone who'll treat you better-who'll be better and who'll make you feel like you're home.
Really nice!:D
September 16, 2011
I remembered this book way back when I was at may 6th grade. I think this is the time I was starting to devour reading at the young age.:) I highly recommend it to young readers out there..:)
November 1, 2012
Thanks to Summit for reprinting this book! :)
It's a real guide to coping with heartbreaks and finding a new love.
It's a real guide to coping with heartbreaks and finding a new love.
October 11, 2012
The convenience store version of a literary classic. Still love this tho, a light read but left a mark.
December 4, 2012
My go-to read when love life is in a rough patch.
December 25, 2018
★★★★★ // like literally reading a girl’s journal about a recovery from heartbreak. affecting.
November 12, 2022
i realized recently that all the summit books i passed up because i wasn't the target audience are now more suitable for me and went on a hunt for the early-2000s ones i'd been curious about, because i knew they would be a neat little snapshot of life in manila at the time. this was one of them.
the weird stream-of-consciousness diary syntax put me off, e.g. "am not very keen on reading any more sentences that drop subjects, prepositions, and articles so character ends up talking like caveman." but i powered through and ended up enjoying the parts about editorial life (the author was the inaugural eic of both candy and seventeen magazines) and even the you've got mail via text/secret identity romance. everything else, even the main character, felt mostly incidental to me.
the weird stream-of-consciousness diary syntax put me off, e.g. "am not very keen on reading any more sentences that drop subjects, prepositions, and articles so character ends up talking like caveman." but i powered through and ended up enjoying the parts about editorial life (the author was the inaugural eic of both candy and seventeen magazines) and even the you've got mail via text/secret identity romance. everything else, even the main character, felt mostly incidental to me.
December 29, 2022
This is a reread. Way before I discovered Goodreads. I don't usually buy books written by Filipino authors because mostly the what I read were Precious Heart Romance, which steamy sometimes. But when I found this book. I knew I would like it. The story is simple, and you can relate to it. Plus, I love coffee.
January 9, 2020
Love it!!! Finally had the time to read this. It's been sitting in my shelf for almost 7 years. "But then again, better latte than never."
September 9, 2016
"And all it took for her self-esteem to shrink from its former size XL to a diminutive, breath-constricting size XXS were three words: “This isn't working."There really is no easy way to survive a break up especially if you are the one left behind. It’s nice to read books and articles about it but there is no black and white systematic instruction of how one can get past the heartache. The road to recovery is not the same for everyone. Sometimes a person would take just weeks to bounce back; others take longer, months, even years. It doesn't matter if the relationship lasted 5 days or 5 years, the emotional investment you gave in the relationship will gauge your recovery process. It’s a little cliché but I think there is some truth about the statement, “The more you love, the more it hurts.”
Monica Tanseco is a nice girl who had her heart broken by a Class-A jerk. This book is her journal entries of how she handled the break up and how she recovered from it. I did relate to her situation but I think some things she did to survive from it are a little implausible. Thinking of how she loved and adored Itos for a long time, I don’t think a month was enough for her to totally get past everything. I would have believed it if it took her 3-6 months to reinvent herself, go into the dating scene, be in a relationship or simply enjoy being single. A month is susceptible to a rebound.
I also didn't see the difference between Monica and Monique. I had a hard time imagining Monica, how much more her alter ego, Monique? Since it was written as journal entries, it’s hard to picture when she’s being the super-sweet-and-nice-Monica to the fun-fearless-bold-Monique. Or maybe the break up messed up her brain really bad. Haha. Seriously, she became better but not a different person all together.
One of the characters I had fun reading was Jordasche. Yes, he’s a happy-go-lucky-guy you wouldn't ever think of bringing home to your mother but I have to admit he is so funny. I was thinking of Fabio Ide the whole time I’m reading this. And I love the way Tanseco described him:
In general, the novella is light and amusing. It shows how one person can go crazy with a break up. There are people who drastically change after they've been heartbroken. I only wish that the relationship between Beach and Monica didn't happen that fast. I would still count it as rebound thinking it was just a month after Itos broke up with her. Monica’s trysts with Jordasche then with Beach are not normal situations someone who moved on would go into. Or maybe, I’m being judgmental. Like I say, the “moving on” phase is different for everybody. But I think we should still be smart even if we’re heartbroken.
And yes, Maya has a point in here:
Challenges:
Book # 190 of 2012
****
Review also posted @ Off the Wall.
September 23, 2013
The Breakup Diaries
by Maya O. Calica
Perhaps it's the most painful thing when your boyfriend would decide to call it quits on your anniversary dinner date. Ouch!
Well, written in a girl's point of view, I clearly understand how girls think and act in the given situation.
I'm not really sure about this one so I ask some of my girl friends. In my opinion, they can't move on until they meet someone better than their ex. Also, the good thing is, they're going to cry and let it all out for days but they eventually manage in holding their emotions, doing things to keep themselves busy and turning their attention to other things. With this, they become stronger. They also come to realize that they have life to live productively -- knowing what's best for them.
Girls have feelings too so don't mess with them because you don't know what they can do and are capable with.
I am happy that the girl in the book has super friends and family that help and support her in healing her broken heart. The story is well written, it's light, short and basically tells what happened to her after the breakup.
What really got me is the scene when she wake up one day without any idea of what happened the night before. Just read the book if she lost it, if you know what I mean. :) A good twist in the end.
Interesting book to read over a cup of coffee.
by Maya O. Calica
Perhaps it's the most painful thing when your boyfriend would decide to call it quits on your anniversary dinner date. Ouch!
Well, written in a girl's point of view, I clearly understand how girls think and act in the given situation.
I'm not really sure about this one so I ask some of my girl friends. In my opinion, they can't move on until they meet someone better than their ex. Also, the good thing is, they're going to cry and let it all out for days but they eventually manage in holding their emotions, doing things to keep themselves busy and turning their attention to other things. With this, they become stronger. They also come to realize that they have life to live productively -- knowing what's best for them.
Girls have feelings too so don't mess with them because you don't know what they can do and are capable with.
I am happy that the girl in the book has super friends and family that help and support her in healing her broken heart. The story is well written, it's light, short and basically tells what happened to her after the breakup.
What really got me is the scene when she wake up one day without any idea of what happened the night before. Just read the book if she lost it, if you know what I mean. :) A good twist in the end.
Interesting book to read over a cup of coffee.
August 8, 2014
An easy read but not something that would leave an outstanding impression. The character is too airhead in my opinion. The love between main character and the guy she eventually ended up with was underdeveloped. Nevertheless, the book entertained me.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews