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Dear Alex, Break Na Kami. Paano?! Love, Catherine

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"Para sa mga single na, single pa, single by choice at di matanggap na single sila."

"Tandaan: Kaya mong maging single!"

BROKENHEARTED? PAANO?!

Ito ang breakup survival guide ko. Alam ko kung gaano kasakit ang ma-heartbroken kaya ginawa ko ang librong ito para matulungan kang mag-let go at mag-move on. In the process, I hope na matutunan mo din na buuin at mahalin ang sarili mo. Hindi ka nag-iisa sa singlehood journey na ito. Let's share this moment together until we find The One God destined us to be with
- Alex

142 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2014

691 people are currently reading
7223 people want to read

About the author

Alex Gonzaga

6 books286 followers
Catherine "Cathy" Cruz Gonzaga (born January 16, 1988), better known as Alex Gonzaga after her name changed in 2008, is a Filipina actress, author, comedian and television host. Shegraduated from the University of Asia and the Pacific with a Master of Arts in Education degree, majoring in Child Development and Education.

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5 stars
1,160 (60%)
4 stars
334 (17%)
3 stars
221 (11%)
2 stars
87 (4%)
1 star
128 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for Shai.
950 reviews870 followers
April 10, 2018
I definitely enjoyed reading this book especially the bible verses that Alex mentioned especially Romans 8:18 and Ecclesiastes 3:1. While reading this, I was imagining that Alex was the one reading it to me. It was like I became close to her through this book because of the way she wrote it.

Just like what other reviewers mentioned, a lot of us knew those bits of advice already and it's just that the author reminded us of them. Now that I've finally read this, I'm thinking of sending a copy of this book to my friend in Dubai who broke up with her ex but still haven't finally move on yet she looks for a rebound recently.
Profile Image for Bomalabs.
196 reviews7 followers
March 20, 2015
I have prejudices against Artistas, and I was glad to be proven wrong. I'm not a fan of Alex Gonzaga but every time I see her on TV, I find her hirits very witty. For me, being effortlessly witty is a sign of intelligence, and when my friend told me that she'll be launching a book at the MIBF, I was hoping her wit will translate into her writing. I'm glad to report that it did!

I can't relate that much to the topic of the book (well maybe I relate to 25% of it being single since birth and all) but I do recommend it to those who just broke up with their partners. The book looks and feels Legit. Reading similar local publications made me realize the wonders that Beautiful Typesetting and just the right Paper can do. There are practical "activity sheets" that you can fill in. That recovery method by watching Horror movies - pretty wise. I think her celebrity sister was correct in her Foreword, saying that the book is full of wisdom. She imparts it without being preachy, it's witty but not to the point that the book loses its legitimacy. It's your ate talking to you, in book form. Really refreshing read, but just a heads-up for those who are allergic to religion though.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
Author 4 books216 followers
November 25, 2014
Nakakatawa (at nakakakilig) 'tong libro na sinulat ni Cathy. Kahit di ako masyadong nakarelate, gusto ko yung mga advice niya. Nag insert pa siya ng bible verses.
Kaso may mga tips siya na hindi ako agree, kagaya na lang nung:
"Fake Happiness".
You need to be honest with yourself. Kung di ka okay, wag kang mag pretend. Kilala mo naman ang sarili mo, and most importantly, alam ni Lord pinagdadaanan mo so you don't have to hide anything.
Profile Image for Christine May.
1 review101 followers
Read
January 28, 2015
It's a good book for all teenagers especially yung "nagaassume, umaasa" na mga tao when it comes to their lovelives. But for me, when you love someone and that someone hurt you the most, can be your motivation and inspiration that you have to get up and rise again. Dapat kaya mong labanan ang pain inside of you.
Profile Image for Kay (❦ ᴗ ❦ ✿) BooksandMe.
470 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2015

My friend told me I can finish this book in a day and I so believe her but when I started reading this? I told myself, ‘this is heavy’. She asked me, “Too heavy for you?”

Well, para ma-digest mo kasi ang book na ‘tu, I recommend you read it by chapters, one chapter at a time. Or at your own pace.


I realize kasi, this book is not only for the broken hearted, but also to those who are in a relationship and single – NBSB (no boyfriend since birth) or those who chose to be single for the meantime.


I believe kasi this is some kind of guide or a bible. I’ve been to so many relationships and been the one my friends run to when they need advice and I can say, this one is the book for you if ever you needed advice. People always asked for advice and yet they don’t always follow it but with this, you can realize that within yourself.


What I like about this book is that habang nagbabasa, feeling ko si Alex yong nagsasalita at kinakausap ako. The quotable quotes that she have imparted can only be understand with her examples and instances.


What I love the most in this book is that her insistence of loving yourself. She may have written that directly but it was told in so many ways.



Worth talaga bilhin, pero hiniram ko lang ‘to.

List of quotes that struck deep:
Happiness is a choice.

Immunity =Stronger you - #AlexAdvice

Call it cheesy, but ang dapat na hinahanap ko eh a guy who will be there with me till the end of time.

Jeremiah 29:11 “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”




Profile Image for Aimee ☆.
17 reviews
February 19, 2015
di ako realte pero dama ko. haha. may mga kaibigan kasi ako na nagdaan din sa pagiging heartbroken. moving on padin sila ngayon. pero ang pinaka-nagustuhan ko sa concept ng libro ni Alex ay ung pag-emphasize nia kay God. naenjoy akong basahin sia kasi binibigyan nia ako ng lakas ng loob para maghintay, para hayaan si God na gumawa ng paraan para sakin, para sayo, para sakanya. nakakatuwa lang kasi first time kong makabasa ng ganitong libro.

description
Profile Image for Joanna Marie.
275 reviews7 followers
February 17, 2017
This book is very Alex Gonzaga. I always find her witty when watching her. And I was so surprised that her words in her book is the very same Alex Gonzaga I get to see on TV. And her attitude in front of her audience(I remember her book signing event and her transparency to her us. she's so adorable) is the same attitude the way she had written the book. I'm no broken hearted girl but I can still find ways to relate myself with what she's saying. Her book is realistic and I feel God reaching out for me through her. Thanks for sharing God's message to us, Cathy!!!!
Profile Image for louisechelle.
12 reviews
November 2, 2014
I knew I would be able to finish this book before the weekend ends. This was such an easy-read book as it was written in Tag-lish. The delivery of words and construction of sentences are as if Alex Gonzaga herself is just speaking in front of you; very friendly approach.

Personally, I would rate this book 5 stars. It was a very good and entertaining read for someone who might be going through a heartache or for someone who has been there.

I expected it to be humorous like how we usually see Alex Gonzaga on TV but as I was reading the book, though there were bits of humor included, this book seemed to be a serious guide book for those trying to move on or at least planning to do so.

I'm not heart broken or whatsoever. I honestly bought book because of the hype. I wanted to know for myself what's inside the book. And as I was reading through, it makes me smile because I've gone through all that. It's funny to realize I had to go through six (6) heart aches before I've learned the lesson. How I wish Alex Gonzaga wrote this book way earlier. Haha!

Should you buy this book?

YES! Even if you're not heart broken and you have great relationship, I know you'll need this book. Maybe not for yourself but for someone who might need it like your sister or cousin sister, your friend or even just a Facebook friend always ranting how much it hurts. Lend them this book so they'll be able to find encouragement.

Let's admit it, most heart broken people are hard headed. They would listen but they won't follow your advises. I believe that lending them this book and allowing them to read it alone for them to absorb all that Alex Gonzaga wrote here would eventually help them; would eventually lessen the burden. Besides, it's just Php 175 in National Bookstores.

What I learned from the book?

As I've said, I've gone through all that already (referring to break-up do's & don'ts). It was like I was reminded of what I have done in the past to become who I am today - strong, happy and independent lady.

But there's also two things that Alex Gonzaga reminded me of: 1) Relationship with God 2) Delete the pictures of the past relationships.

Conclusion

Some teenagers label this book as "Break up Survival Book" but for me, it's more than that. It's not just to help heart broken people know how to move on but it's an encouragement for them to embrace the process of moving on; that's okay to cry, feel pain, etc because it's a part of it.

I know, and as Alex stated in the book too, that we all have our own ways how to move on. But the things she wrote in the book are the basics. Some of her advises might not work for you but eventually, you'll find your own solutions. I believe we know ourselves better than anyone else so we will know what will or how we will help ourselves cope with the situation.

I have so many favorite lines in her book but this is my top favorite: "Life goes on as it should."
Profile Image for Camille.
54 reviews7 followers
March 9, 2015

Most of what was in this book, we already knew. We just needed a reminder. It's true, though, what Toni Gonzaga said in the foreword, "You can learn a thing or two from her (Alex)," I did learn a few. The narration was amusing. But there were also parts where I got bored, and parts where my eyebrow just went up and I thought "Uh, no." But overall, this is a pretty good book.

It's relatable, at least for me. It had me from "Kailan dadating ang Paul ko, ate? Bakit lahat mali?" Alex also had expectations and wanted things and did things that would work out if she's a character in a movie, but because this was real life she would get disappointed. She kept telling herself that this one guy was her happily ever after despite all the signs against it. And she dated someone else hoping to move on.

"'Wag kang makulit. Kung alam mo na ngang hindi p'wede, 'wag mo na i-push."

The part about the "Do watch horror movies" was very funny. Maybe it would work, maybe it won't, but I thought I could use this or at least recommend it to someone.

"Kasi 'pag pumipikit ako dati, ramdam na ramdam ko ang sakit. Pero nu'ng pumikit ako, mukha na ni Linda Blair sa The Exorcist ang nakita ko."

And that "Do take a selfie" was definitely a laugh-out-loud moment for me:

"Mag-selfie ka sa peak ng pag-iyak mo para makita mo kung gaano ka ka-chaka 'pag umiiyak."

It's true that in the journey of life, we should always have a destination, and we should stop delaying. There's no need to find a shortcut, or one just might get lost. No need for U-turns. You shouldn't force yourself into something or someone when you knew in your gut that it wasn't right. Just move forward until you reach your destination. There might have been challenges, but it's there to make you stronger, better and wiser.

"God is never late, but He's also never in a hurry."
Profile Image for Alona.
28 reviews34 followers
October 7, 2014
Grabe It was an easy read for me.. Somehow nagulat ako sa mga revelation cause I thought wala pang nagiging bf ever si Alex. Thanks sa pag share mo Alex ng iyong story sa amin at sana talaga basahin ito ng ibang kabataan na akala sa love eh kapag first bf mo eh sya na talaga ang forever mo. Ako dumaan din naman ako sa ganong experience kasi nga excited ka sa feeling ng pagiging inlove ang buong akala mo sa love eh parang koreanovela.. Dahil sa masyado kang nadadala sa emosyon mo nakakagawa ka ng mga bagay na maaari mong pagsisihan. Pero somehow after I fail in my first relationship Thank Goodness I know my worth and I didn't chase after my ex boyfriend cause for me if it's over it's over. If he doesn't want me then I don't want him. Feelings should be mutual. Actually, I admit there are pitfalls along the way.. It was never easy to move on.. but I was able to pick myself up.. Books actually helps me to cope up about my feelings and then I realize that I am ready to date again.. That my life doesn't end there but Instead I believe that GOD remove that person in my life because He has something better for me.. I was thankful that we have a good closure though were not the closest of friends right now and haven't seen each other after we broke up. I can feel that were ok cause occasionally we greet each other and like there's no bitter feelings. I can finally say that I don't love him anymore and I'm happy for the both of us.
Profile Image for Jeassamine.
23 reviews23 followers
November 25, 2014
I find this book a good read. Interactive. Kasi hindi lang puro Alex itong librong ito, napakalaki rin ng parte ng nagbabasa. Kilala at kinikila ni Alex ang readers niya and at the same time, ipinakikilala niya rin sila sa kanilang mga sarili. Also, andami kong natutunan. Hindi lang sa paghandle sa iyong sarili during a relationship or after a breakup kundi pati na rin sa self-worth at independence. Kudos Alex! More power!
Profile Image for Marla Tabelina.
7 reviews
January 21, 2015
Sabi ko na, maaga kong matatapos ang book na to. Hindi ka magsisisi kapag binili mo 'tong book na 'to, this book has advices para sa mga broken hearted at single. Though, hindi ko pa naexperience na mabroken hearted, pero at least meron na akong idea on how to cope up when the time comes. Hahaha. Tama nga si ate niya, may matutunan ka sa book ni Alex, hindi lang to puro advices meron ding mga activites.
Profile Image for Alyssa.
222 reviews33 followers
January 25, 2015
It's good for a Filipino book, I guess. It's taglish and very light to read. It felt like the author's just talking to you casually. It deals with post-heartbreak situation. The do's and don't's, the signs of a wrong relationships, the 'scary' single life, stuff like that.

Some people would raise their eyebrow now since I've been single all my life, and why I read this book?! But I just want to put this out there: I may have been a NBSB girl but it doesn't mean I've never been in love before.
Profile Image for Paola.
37 reviews4 followers
October 2, 2014
For a Tagalog book (which I don't read. Sorry!) this is actually good! It made me think of my previous relationships. It made me laugh with all the puns and all the real life events. I never thought that the ever so bubbly Alex Gonzaga could deliver. She did well on her debut book. Although there were slow parts but it picked up along the way.
Profile Image for Ja Comia.
38 reviews4 followers
September 10, 2016
- hindi lang to para sa broken hearted, para rin sa mga may jowa at sa mga single.
- im impress with this book, kasi akala ko basta artista lang si cathy, na puro kaartehan lang
- half ng love story ko andito sa librong 'toh! un tatlong heartbreak nya naranasan ko rin ata ! hahaha
- marami akong natutunan :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Aly.
30 reviews
December 15, 2014
"If he sees na you're the type who can drop anything for him, he might take you for granted, and he can drop you anytime, you'll never know."

most importantly, "If God is not changing your situation, maybe it's because He's trying to change you."
Profile Image for Luan Lucas.
Author 1 book6 followers
January 30, 2015
Ang librong sinulat specifically for me...

The young Alex was me. The older Alex is so me! Hahaha. Highly recommended hindi lang sa mga brokenhearted, nagmo-move on, at nagle-let go kung hindi pati na rin sa mga gusto ng light reads.

Kudos to Catherine for this book.
Profile Image for Madel dela Cruz.
8 reviews10 followers
January 14, 2015
A must read book! It will really help those brokenhearted. Hahahaha. Seriously. Madaming matututunan sa libro na 'to.
Profile Image for Claire, The Slow Reader.
374 reviews3 followers
February 14, 2024
I can hear Alex Gonzaga reading this book to me, hindi ko mapigilang hindi ma-aliw at maantig sa kanyang unang aklat, "Dear Alex, Break Na Kami. Paano?! Love, Catherine." Sa librong ito, nagbubukas si Alex ng mga lihim na karanasan at payo tungkol sa pag-ibig, relasyon, at buhay.

Sa bawat pahina, nadama ko ang init at damdamin na ipinadama niya. Isinasalaysay niya nang buong-husay ang mga kwento ng mga taong sumusulat sa kanya, nagtatanong kung paano nga ba mag-break o mag-move on. Sa bawat payo niya, may kasamang pagmamahal at pag-unawa, na nagpapatunay sa kanyang kaalaman at karanasan sa larangan ng pag-ibig.

Napakahusay na nailahad ni Alex ang kanyang mga karanasan at payo sa paraang madaling maintindihan ng sinumang mambabasa. Walang kupas ang kanyang kakaibang sentido ng humor na nagpapasaya at nagpapagaan ng loob kahit sa pinakamabigat na mga sitwasyon.

Sa kabuuan, ang "Dear Alex, Break Na Kami. Paano?! Love, Catherine" ay hindi lamang isang aklat, kundi isang kaibigang kasama sa bawat pagsubok at saya sa buhay. Sa pamamagitan ng mga salitang puno ng puso at katalinuhan, nagbibigay ito ng inspirasyon at lakas ng loob sa lahat ng mga nagmamahal at nagmamahal muli. Talagang isa itong aklat na hindi dapat palampasin, lalo na para sa mga pusong nagmamahal.
Profile Image for Daryl.
35 reviews5 followers
July 10, 2021
DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER (Or title!)

First read this book around 6 years ago and I do remember liking it, as I can relate to some of Alex Gonzaga's experiences and thoughts, but not loving it (since some of her advices were on point and I'm that stubborn girl who doesn't want to hear it lol).

After re-reading this book, I've come to love and appreciate it more as I now understood what the author meant. Most of her advice in the book are the usual things we would advice or tell our friends, but it can also serve as an eye-opener to us (the readers). Through this book, I found an "ate" in Alex. I was able to realize and learn that it really is important to completely heal yourself first as it plays a big role in the process of moving forward.

Overall, this book was very easy to read (especially for those who are not really a fan of reading) since the author (Alex G.) wrote it as if she was really having a 1-on-1 conversation with her reader. As stated by Toni G., "You can learn a thing or two from her (Alex)", and I did!! Would definitely recommend this book for young people/adults and also to hopeless romantics.
Profile Image for Maria Fatima.
248 reviews41 followers
November 27, 2018
Hindi ko ineexpect 'yung advices ni Alex. Iba din 'yung impact na binigay niya sakin.
Profile Image for Kaye Yang.
1 review
August 5, 2019
really want this. You're the best! Alex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Yna Paez.
117 reviews42 followers
June 28, 2015
This book just about convinced me to sin reviewer style. I could’ve just gone about searching some generic review for this book. But since I have the dignity of pasteurized milk abhorring bacteria, I cannot, would not, put to good use the words of others who went before me (a.k.a. copy-paste). For this reason, I shall do my best to be courteous and polite and point out what is only good, with the optimism of fish being fried. Alive.

For those who know me, I am sure to be met with cynicism upon finding out that I lifted even a single page of a book of this genre. Who would expect, of all people, that I would be reading this. Well first and foremost, I picked it up for the following reasons:


1. The book is pink. That’s the hardest to resist when walking around a bookstore.

2. Para sa mga single na, single pa, single by choice at di matanggap na single sila.” I think I’m still qualified in this category lol.

3. It has been a while since my last Tagalog/Taglish book. To show support to local authors and publishers. Wonder if I’ll ever write a review on Pugad Baboy?

And I’m also trying out new things once in a while. So although I cannot relate to most of the lessons spread all over this book, I did learn more than a thing or two as was promised me. It’s a good light read. One that would make you grin once in a while. Alex has good humor. You just have to love a funny person. There were just some eyebrow-raising incidents that could not have been avoided (Cynical I tell you. Apparently since it is my first book of this genre, it has also validated my intolerance for its kind. Books that revolve around one focal point: Love *insert heart heart*).

I do commend though the chapters geared towards acceptance. This being incorporated with the concept of spirituality gives off a lifting kind of feeling. I have never felt more enlightened in my life than in times when I read beautiful Bible verses that are just so in the moment! The way she incorporated faith into this genre is encouraging and not preachy at the very least.

Not bad. Not bad at all.

P.S. The smell though. I’ve always wondered what the difference was between books published abroad and locally. Local books smell quite strongly. It makes me dizzy.

And I did save the #Strongstagram playlist in Spotify. Let's see how hugot this would feel.
Profile Image for Chi.
33 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2016
My Favorite lines from the book:
- YOLO - You Only Live Once, You Only Love Once, and You Only Love One because we're only meant for The One.
- You don't fall in love because you're lonely. You fall in love because you're ready.
- Pag ipinilit mo daw buuin ang isang sirang baso, magkakasugat-sugat ka pa. Pero kung kumuha ka ng walis-winalis at inilagay mo sa dustpan at itinapon mo eh hindi ka pa nagkasugat. If the relationship is over, don't try to revive or fix it right away. Kasi magkakasugat ka lang. Dadami lang yung sugat mo. Bibigat lang yung pain mo. Di ka makaka-advance o move forward hangga't di mo inaaccept na break na kayo.
- Hanggang may hang-ups ka pa sa past relationships mo at hindi ka pa din nakaka move on, hindi mawawala sa shoulders mo ang bigat ng baggage na dala ng heartaches mo.
- " Sometimes, God doesn't give you what you think you want, not because you don't deserve it, but because you deserve better."
- Life is full of surprises, so we really don't know what's going to happen next, and wala naman talagang sure dito sa mundo. And before you know it, ang happiness mo ngayon eh maaaring mawala kaagad bukas. Kaya, aim for joy kasi kahit anong challenge ang ibato sayo ng life, you will still be cool, calm, and collected kasi matibay from within.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for bookishpoetess.
623 reviews75 followers
July 8, 2015
"It's true what they say, happiness is a choice. But what's important is that you find joy, and joy is a precious gift. When you have this joy within you, no one and nothing can take that way—not even a douche bag, player, coward or pervert!"

This book confirmed what I've realized a long time ago—I am wonderfully and fearfully made by God to settle for anything less. I should be the one being chased not the one chasing.

Somewhere in the book, I feel my self depreciate. Because I've been the one who effort much and who give much but take almost nothing and it's fine with me, which is wrong. And at some point I stop and think, 'Oh, guys want mystery, but I am not mysterious.' Then be sad about it. But then again, someone out there will love me for who I am. So I'll just wait for the Lord to say it's time for me to meet him.

Love yourself first. Enjoy being single. Make the best out of it. The One will come along when it is the time. Be patient. He will come.
Profile Image for Jo.
60 reviews
April 10, 2015
bought this on impulse because i saw alex on the cover. :) low rating because couldn't relate, not into guys, and isn't going through a breakup (in short, this book wasn't written for people like me). i also didn't like the religious content and her pieces of advice- mostly, i just seriously didn't agree with most of what she's saying. sorry alex, i still like you as an entertainer though.

if only this book was funnier, i would have added another star. i might get back to this if i ever go through a heartbreak, maybe.
Profile Image for Patrizz.
49 reviews
August 15, 2015
This book made me applaude Alex more aside from her witty attitude.I am so proud of her,and I didn't realize that she went to 3 breakups yet she remains strong and strives to move forward.This book was so uplifting and motivational,though I didn't read it 'cause I'm suffering through heartbreak or whatsoever,it gave me insights and lessons on what I should do if I myself encounter a breakup,which luckily?I haven't experience yet.I also want to thank my blockmate who let me borrow her copy.Now I want the second book and see what's in store.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews

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