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Buti Pa Ang Roma, May Bagong Papa
Single. Alone. Solo. Lonely. Dried out. Unfortunate. NBSB (no boyfriend since birth). Searching. Waiting. Hoping. This book is for you. So you will know that even if you do not have a significant other, you are not alone. You will never be alone. Short essays in Filipino by the bestselling author of Parang Kayo, Pero Hindi.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 16, 2014
I can't remember the last time I laughed my hard out, chapter after chapter, and at the same time get hit by a sadness so overwhelming because you have come to a realization that you are in that point in your life wherein you can fully intake a book in its entirety because it talks to your soul, digs up your fears and overwhlems you with your unspoken feelings.
In short - isa kang malaking Grand winner, NORINGAI. Alam ko naman sa sarili ko na hindi ako isang Kris Aquino o Direk Erick Salud pero nais ko lang naman ang malaman mo na ikaw ay bukod na pinagpala - You are that kind of writer that perfectly shoots the infamous saying 'You want to have your cake and eat it too?' and at the same time snap back an answer 'Ay OO, I want to have my cake, and eat it too at alam mo gusto ko rin siyang i-take out kasi in the first place, CAKE KO NGA TO 'Eh.' Ms. Noringai, I can never deny myself the feeling of admiring a woman who owns up to what she stands for. So let me reiterate so we can proceed - isa kang diyosa.
So upon hearing reviews and word of the mouth recommendations, I finally caved in and bought this seemingly pink book entitled ' Buti pa ang Roma may bagong Papa.' Prior to buying I had a fair idea on what his book might be talking about but only because the title bluntly says it so - and just so we are clear, it really isn't about Rome's pope. So the blurb suggests:
Single. Alone. Soloista. Lonely. Tigang. Sawi. NBSB. Searching. Waiting. Hoping. This book is for you. Para malaman mo na kahit wala kang dyowa, hindi ka nag-iisa.
Check, check, check at isa pang malaking check. For only P185.00, you get to hold in your hands a funny, laugh out loud, heartfelt ledger in life and in love. The book is a series of essays covering different topics of a woman's struggle in the day to day things that she encounters - from daydreaming about your (x years ko na siyang crush) crush, stalking your hottie of the month on social media, wishing for the next prince charming from Santa Claus, brushing off that one guy in the office who pronounces inbox as invox and your everyday thoughts on WHEN AM I GOING TO FINALLY FALL IN LOVE.
Come on, ladies. We all know the struggle is real (#TheStruggleisReal2014). In this age and day of Thoughtcatalog thoughts and EliteDaily daily news- we have all set our standards to find that one perfect man who will love us to the littlest of things - to that guy whom we will snuggle with at night, to that man who would be so good with babies you'd cry at just the thought of it and to that one person whom we'd always think of whenever we come across such articles. We are such pricks, truthfully and we really ought to be because BAKIT BA? Ayaw nating mag-settle eh. Diba, NORINGAI? This is just one of the many thought provoking thoughts (HAHA, thoughtception) that disrupted my seemingly 'content' single life and as ironic as it may sound, I found myself a little sad. But it's a happy kind of sad because I knew that feeling of wanting to fall in love was still in me, despite all the years of denying. Everyday kilig is normal, everyday pintas of the guys who are way too out of our league is normal but acknowledging that there is someone out there who will eventually disrupt your normal life is totally scary and at the same time exciting. Hay, NORINGAI - bakit nga ba ganito ano? Ang weird lang talaga, sa tagal tagal ba naman ng panahon ngayon ko lang napagtantong isipin ulit iyon. Iba ka, Ibang iba ka girl.
This book was like a friend, a true friend who talks straight into your face and honestly blurbs out life and love in the most real sense. Noringai writes from experience and there's nothing more reassuring in this world than knowing that you are definitely not alone. Di ka nag-iisa, infairness nasa blurb niya yun. I felt so relieved after because finally hindi lang pala ako ang natuturn-off kapag may isang lalaking fa-keyd ang pag pronounce ng facade at eto matindi, hindi lang pala ako ang nagkakacrush ng taun-taon pero ni minsan hindi pinansin. I've got the power, I feel it.
This book just made me feel happy all over. I finished it in one sitting, almost highlighting every single line. I loved how the essays were cut according to themes, it was practically a breeze to finish. I was just flipping through the pages wildly. I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IN CAPSLOCK AND IN 17 ! MARKS. Noringai's wit and humor are so chunky and rich but at the same time so strong and true. Masakit masaktan pero at least tumatawa ka, at least may natututunan ka.
So did I like the book? HELLO. Handa na akong mag-shopping at mag random-gift giving ng kopya sa mga not-so-random-kasi-alam-kong-matatamaan-sila kong friends.
Lahat ng ginagawa niya, gusto mong lagyan ng malisya (From Pechay, Buti pa ang Roma may bagong Papa) - If feeling mo naka relate ka, medyo nakakarelate, gustong makarelate, magbasa ka na.
November 22, 2014
I liked this better than the first Parang Kayo Pero Hindi (2 stars) not because of the almost pathetic (for me, being a man, married and old) topic of women assuming that the a male friend is in love with them. I mean, why not ask? Why do some women automatically assume that the guy that is sweet has amorous feeling for them? That for me is one of the reasons why there is still a double standard when in comes to gender. Women should assert their status as being equal to men by showing that they can stand up to us on any issue or problem including those about love or relationships.
In this second Noringai's book, the issues that she tackles are varied. The first and the last chapters are still about man-woman relationships especially single women who have no boyfriends yet (NBSB - no boyfriend since birth) and they sometimes feel sad about it. These parts tell the reader (presumably, Noringai's market: single women, average-looking, twentyish, thirtyish, etc. who long for lovers) that it is okay to be single and one can have as much fun even if you are with your friends. This is true: your happiness does not or should not be dependent on other people. You choose happiness. You don't get happiness from somebody. You can be happy even in solitude. That is if you decide to have a happy life.
The reason why I liked this book, however, is that part where Noringai shared her experience about almost dying of stroke (cerebral bleeding). She detailed the expenses and the lifestyle that she had to forgo to pay her hospitalization bill. She ended by advising her readers to save and not to splurge money while still young. We all know that when we are young, we believe that we are invincible and we don't save money because we think we are healthy and we will not die yet or even be hospitalized since we feel energetic, robust and virile. I think that part should be expanded into a book of its own and be marketed for an upper age bracket.
There are so many life lessons in this book other than heartaches. Norangai maybe a simple, non-literary writer but she does make sense and her advices are practical and serious. I am not surprised that this book, like the first, is being read by many young Filipinos.
Kudos, Noringai!
In this second Noringai's book, the issues that she tackles are varied. The first and the last chapters are still about man-woman relationships especially single women who have no boyfriends yet (NBSB - no boyfriend since birth) and they sometimes feel sad about it. These parts tell the reader (presumably, Noringai's market: single women, average-looking, twentyish, thirtyish, etc. who long for lovers) that it is okay to be single and one can have as much fun even if you are with your friends. This is true: your happiness does not or should not be dependent on other people. You choose happiness. You don't get happiness from somebody. You can be happy even in solitude. That is if you decide to have a happy life.
The reason why I liked this book, however, is that part where Noringai shared her experience about almost dying of stroke (cerebral bleeding). She detailed the expenses and the lifestyle that she had to forgo to pay her hospitalization bill. She ended by advising her readers to save and not to splurge money while still young. We all know that when we are young, we believe that we are invincible and we don't save money because we think we are healthy and we will not die yet or even be hospitalized since we feel energetic, robust and virile. I think that part should be expanded into a book of its own and be marketed for an upper age bracket.
There are so many life lessons in this book other than heartaches. Norangai maybe a simple, non-literary writer but she does make sense and her advices are practical and serious. I am not surprised that this book, like the first, is being read by many young Filipinos.
Kudos, Noringai!
December 25, 2015
"Ganoon naman talaga ang love. Hindi pinipilit. Hindi inuutusan. Hindi kayang pigilan. At kapag naramdaman mo na, ang tanging magagawa mo na lang ay tanggapin at pagdaanan."
It is one of those books wherein the author is so obsessed with the idea of love and being single or married. I cannot say that I can't relate, because I do. I can relate about her "hugot" with every single thing in her every day life. I can relate her ups and downs. I can relate how painful love is. Actually, the book is about a woman in her thirties that is still single who gives advice to her readers about love and life. Some pages are dull or nonsense. But most of her words, it feels like she's putting a knife into her reader's hearts. It is an okay book. Relatable and easy to read.
It is one of those books wherein the author is so obsessed with the idea of love and being single or married. I cannot say that I can't relate, because I do. I can relate about her "hugot" with every single thing in her every day life. I can relate her ups and downs. I can relate how painful love is. Actually, the book is about a woman in her thirties that is still single who gives advice to her readers about love and life. Some pages are dull or nonsense. But most of her words, it feels like she's putting a knife into her reader's hearts. It is an okay book. Relatable and easy to read.
August 9, 2014
And, so I jumped on the bandwagon (AKA I gave in to CJ's recommendation) but picked Noringai's second book instead. But why do I feel this one's a little bit forced and insufficient?
April 24, 2020
It was okay. May pagka-TH ang pagpapatawa pero may sense yung hindi tungkol sa pagkakaroon ng boyfriend/jowa.
July 16, 2025
I was craving for a Filipiniana read and I stumbled upon this book which features the struggles of adulthood and living solo after graduating.
Second, as someone who loves reading and still dreams of becoming a writer, this short read inspired me to keep hoping and dreaming. That someday you will do whatever it is that you desire, like the author who ended up becoming a creative writer for a popular broadcasting channel.
I remember when i was in my primary years, i wrote a short fantasy story in my old plain writing composition notebook featuring me and the whole class as mystic characters with powers. Surprisingly, my classmates loved it and enjoyed the stories stating that it was funny and entertaining. And so, i wrote a sequel lol for them to devour. Also, during my hs years, i also wrote another short story which sets in my school. And yes, my friends would toss around that plain spring notebook to read.
Second, as someone who loves reading and still dreams of becoming a writer, this short read inspired me to keep hoping and dreaming. That someday you will do whatever it is that you desire, like the author who ended up becoming a creative writer for a popular broadcasting channel.
I remember when i was in my primary years, i wrote a short fantasy story in my old plain writing composition notebook featuring me and the whole class as mystic characters with powers. Surprisingly, my classmates loved it and enjoyed the stories stating that it was funny and entertaining. And so, i wrote a sequel lol for them to devour. Also, during my hs years, i also wrote another short story which sets in my school. And yes, my friends would toss around that plain spring notebook to read.
January 29, 2015
Unlike her other book, this one didn't get me hooked. Maybe because some of the lines are forced to make it feels funny.
But the good thing about this book, this isn't all about love, some entries talks about herself that makes me motivated in life. Her goal in life was so inspiring that she didn't give-up on pursuing what she really want. As expected, she's always write truthfully to herself that makes me idolized her alot.
But the good thing about this book, this isn't all about love, some entries talks about herself that makes me motivated in life. Her goal in life was so inspiring that she didn't give-up on pursuing what she really want. As expected, she's always write truthfully to herself that makes me idolized her alot.
August 20, 2022
For some reason, simula nung nabasa ko yung title habang nagb-browse sa Mt. Cloud eh hindi na ako naghesitate na bilhin agad. Buti na lang at si kuya ang kumuha at pareho naming naisip na baka patungkol ito sa Christianity at LGBTQIA+. Ang perfect sana na title kung ganoon ang naging topic ngunit dahil hindi nga namin binasa yung short description kung saan ito patungkol... sabihin na lang natin na ma-aappreciate ko pa itong libro na ito kung nasa Marcelo Santos III era pa ko.
Wala, disappointed in a sense na akala ko magkakaroon ng mahaba-habang discussion or a single essay na magsasabing okay lang hindi magkaroon ng ka-relasyon (it's not for everyone, keme), pero hanggang sa dulo eh iisa lang yung mensahe niya at yun ang 'maghintay ka lang, dadating din 'yon.' Sayang sana yung pagpasok ng women empowerment or independency for young adults na target audience nitong libro na ito. Hindi ko rin malampasan yung mga unpleasant narrative na nabitawan, "Ngayon kasinglaki na ako ni Ate Shawie" o kaya naman "Kaya 'pag may nauna na sayo, huwag na lang sumabit" na advice para sa mga 'babaeng' sabit sa relasyon. Nakikita ko naman yung appeal kung bakit napamahal yung ibang readers dito, pero hindi lang talaga nagclick sa akin yung overall message na gustong ipa-remind sa atin ni Ms. Noreen Capili.
Wala, disappointed in a sense na akala ko magkakaroon ng mahaba-habang discussion or a single essay na magsasabing okay lang hindi magkaroon ng ka-relasyon (it's not for everyone, keme), pero hanggang sa dulo eh iisa lang yung mensahe niya at yun ang 'maghintay ka lang, dadating din 'yon.' Sayang sana yung pagpasok ng women empowerment or independency for young adults na target audience nitong libro na ito. Hindi ko rin malampasan yung mga unpleasant narrative na nabitawan, "Ngayon kasinglaki na ako ni Ate Shawie" o kaya naman "Kaya 'pag may nauna na sayo, huwag na lang sumabit" na advice para sa mga 'babaeng' sabit sa relasyon. Nakikita ko naman yung appeal kung bakit napamahal yung ibang readers dito, pero hindi lang talaga nagclick sa akin yung overall message na gustong ipa-remind sa atin ni Ms. Noreen Capili.
December 20, 2017
(Book written in Filipino)
Really quick read - finished it in under 2 hours! May mga part lang na nauulit pero yung iba gaya ng pag-sesettle, ay ok lang ulitin dahil importante naman.
I like Noreen's personality. Macucurious ka din at ma-eexcite kung nasaan na siya ngayon at kung ano na ang status ng love life niya since 2014 pa ito pinublish.
Favorite line from the book:
"May nabasa ako na pressuring a single woman to get married is like rushing an old person to cross the street dahil magpapalit na ang traffic light. Gusto naman talaga ng matanda na makatawid eh, mabagal lang siya maglakad."
Her journey towards becoming a TV writer is also inspiring. Basta huwag susuko, at matutong magtipid because life is unpredictable.
Really quick read - finished it in under 2 hours! May mga part lang na nauulit pero yung iba gaya ng pag-sesettle, ay ok lang ulitin dahil importante naman.
I like Noreen's personality. Macucurious ka din at ma-eexcite kung nasaan na siya ngayon at kung ano na ang status ng love life niya since 2014 pa ito pinublish.
Favorite line from the book:
"May nabasa ako na pressuring a single woman to get married is like rushing an old person to cross the street dahil magpapalit na ang traffic light. Gusto naman talaga ng matanda na makatawid eh, mabagal lang siya maglakad."
Her journey towards becoming a TV writer is also inspiring. Basta huwag susuko, at matutong magtipid because life is unpredictable.
May 14, 2024
I have never hated a book more in my life, the only thing great about is is how short it is and I only wasted an hour of my life on this (AHH GUSTO KO MAG SABI NG MASASAMANG MGA WORDS)
NGL, okay, funny ka sa simula, sa dulo biglang humble brag na sya. Para syang yunng tita mong pinagsasabihan ka, or tinatry na maging inspirational by saying, "ako nga dati, nagbibilang lang ng barya, ngayon nalilibre ko na pamilya ko" And like, ok, good for you??!!? What am I supposed to take from that?? "One day, magiging ganyan ka rin." It's the most basic, annoying, non inspirational saying ever.
Tapos ang repetitive pa nya sobra, paulit ulit sa mga topics. May nag proofread ba neto?
Pwede ba mag mura sa good reads review?
NGL, okay, funny ka sa simula, sa dulo biglang humble brag na sya. Para syang yunng tita mong pinagsasabihan ka, or tinatry na maging inspirational by saying, "ako nga dati, nagbibilang lang ng barya, ngayon nalilibre ko na pamilya ko" And like, ok, good for you??!!? What am I supposed to take from that?? "One day, magiging ganyan ka rin." It's the most basic, annoying, non inspirational saying ever.
Tapos ang repetitive pa nya sobra, paulit ulit sa mga topics. May nag proofread ba neto?
Pwede ba mag mura sa good reads review?
October 22, 2015
Noong una parang ayoko nang tapusin ang libro 'to, sa umpisa kasi ng libro puro love love (na gaya din sa unang libro nya), nakaramdam ako ng pagkasuya e! Parang anoba, wala na bang ibang mahalaga sa mundo kundi ang magkajowa't ijustify kung bakit hindi ka pa din nagkakajowa kung wala pa?!? Na hindi naman ako makarelate kasi nga pangthirties and up ang mga ganung feels. Pero dahil ginusto kong tapusin, mas okay pala 'to sa una (Parang Kayo Pero Hindi) nyang libro. Maliban pa sa love love na yan, may share din si Noringai about life, what will be the scenario if you are not living with your parents (na issue sakin na naghihimagsik ng kalayaan!), how's the feeling of having a second life after a near-death experience, the importance of spending your money wisely and disadvantages of not saving money. Pwede ko naming matutunan to sa pagbabasa ng iba pang mga libro pero well, effective naman pag may nababasa kang mga ganito na nagpapatunay na posibleng mangyari ang mga bagay-bagay kasi nangyari nga sakin. Diba.
July 26, 2016
I can understand why so many young women love this book, but I have to say it's kind of degrading in terms of women. Kailangan mo talaga ang boyfriend? Are you seriously going to skip class, not do your homework, fake being stupid so you can get the boy? Ano ba iyan? With such a young female audience, Noringai should be writing books that promote women empowerment, self sufficiency, and strength. Not this "Dear Santa, I wish food didn't make me fat". Maybe instead, trade it out for "Dear Santa, I know my body isn't perfect but I hope you'll help me learn how to love it anyways".
But! Whatever. My counterpart gave this to me for Christmas and it was signed by Noringai herself so I have to appreciate it in that way. Pero, kumain ang aso ko ng book- and I'm not even mad.
But! Whatever. My counterpart gave this to me for Christmas and it was signed by Noringai herself so I have to appreciate it in that way. Pero, kumain ang aso ko ng book- and I'm not even mad.
November 23, 2014
At first, I felt annoyed because the first chapters of the book are full of clichés. I thought it was too 'high school' for me, and was overrated based on the comments at the back by famous artists. I told myself that maybe they were just helping in the promotion (mean!). However, when I was already in the middle part of the book, I found myself in every situation the author experienced -- be it the ups and downs of her life, being single and independent, or her rollercoaster love life. The author is good in reaching the mind and emotions of the readers. Her honesty made the book wittily done.
July 13, 2015
Just like its title Noringai's "Buti pa ang Roma, may Bagong Papa" will catch your attention while reading this book. You cannot put this book down until you finish it. Noringai proved that being single is a choice and that you can still be happy even if you're single. You can surely relate to her stories because each and everyone of us have been in love. A love which is sometimes the answer to all our questions.Such a witty way and good vibes reading for all ages. Enjoy reading and be inspired in this feminist book of Noringai.
November 7, 2014
Mabilis mo lang siya mababasa dahil 109 pages lang siya kaso ako medyo matagal dahil sa iba pa na dapat gawin. Etong libro ni Noringai ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagiging single kundi may kasama din ito na life lessons and realizations and experiences na may time na mapapasabi ka na "oo nga no" or "nangyari na din to sa akin" or "nakakarelate ako dito" or "may kakilala ako na ganito nangyari". Ung title can be deceiving kasi it will give you a notion that it is all about love and why you are still single. Pero its a witty title and hindi lang love ang matutunan mo dito but also life too.
January 7, 2015
Parang mas nagandahan ako dito kesa dun sa unang book. Wala lang... Mas nakakatawa ata kasi 'to at mas maraming realizations about life and dreams. Hindi concentrated sa relationship topics na nakakainis na minsan. Parang hindi nga masyadong akma yung title na "Buti Pa Ang Roma, May Bagong Papa". Yung mga nauna sigurong mga kwento, oo. Pero as you move foreward, hindi na.
March 8, 2015
this book is so cute. I just feel that most of its supposedly life lessons were not so original nor that they were creatively presented. But, I love the humor, tho, and the rich tone of a woman! I can't help but notice how it resembles Joi Barrios' chapter on poetry about women and their choice of not settling down.
July 20, 2014
For a book with a very witty title, I was surprised that the book didn't humor me too much. It was like reading a blog in book form (probably because it came actual blog), which is good in terms of readability. Just not that compelling for me, I guess.
December 10, 2014
Ang librong ay tungkol sa pagmamahal, buhay at sa pangarap. Gusto ko ang pagkakasulat tungkol sa sapatos na inalihantulad sa buhay. Painakagusto ko lako ang "Kung masukista ka, mag-writer ka". Pinakita ni Noringai na wag mong bibitawan ang iyong pangarap at matutupad mo rin ito.
July 28, 2014
Just like Noringai's first book, I have some favorite articles. In this book, they are Pechay and Puwedeng kiligin huwag lang umasa. It's one book where not only single ladies could relate to. I'm pretty sure each of us has or had a share of what's told in most of the essays. Read it ladies :)
August 27, 2014
This was just an okay book for me, although there were some concepts that were mentioned at the first few pages that were repeated near the end. I just had a different expectation for this book, probably because of the witty title. But it just didn't make the cut.
September 19, 2014
Sorry but I enjoyed her first book more. Also, I think the title doesn't suit the content of the book. But still, this book is something you should read as your life goes on. It's about life and facing challenges. Need advice? Need words of encouragement? Life lessons? Grab this book. :)
May 2, 2015
This reminds me of Zafra's non fiction. Self centered and narcissistic. It just did not give me goosebump as Bebang Siy's non fiction. Yun tipong nanunuot hanggang buto. etong kay Noreen Capili pagkatapos ko mabasa wala na. nag end na dun. I mean hindi nakakastimulate masydo.
July 29, 2014
Ang ganda! Marami akong natutunan :)
July 22, 2014
super ganda, and super relate ako!
August 3, 2014
Very relateable.
August 25, 2014
Astig.!!Ako tp in the future...
August 4, 2014
I love this more than her 1st book.
January 21, 2015
Insightful.
August 25, 2014
Sana nagawa tong libro na to nung mas bata pa ko. Pakiramdam ko kailangan ko ulit tong basahin pagdating ko ng mga 30 at wala pa din akong asawa o bf man lang.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews