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Self-tagged: The Writing Week
posted on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 @ 6:14 PM
 1. What type of writing do you do? Honestly, I'm not really strict at following structures when it comes to blog writing. I just write whatever my heart and mind desire. That's almost being random. But based on an observed pattern, my entries usually fall under reflective thoughts. It's basically my imagination, desires, wildest dreams, sadness and the like turned into its verbal form. And sometimes, I do plain narration backed up by raw (and in the future, manipulated) photos. 2. What genres and/or topics do you write about? It's safest to say self-help. But these entries are intended to communicate intrapersonally. I write to help myself cope up with a downfall, break my shells, and whatnot. Sometimes, I do write about travel, rarely food. But I hope that soon I'll be doing more of those fun stuff. 3. How long have you been writing? Speaking of blogs, I started my very first blog back in third year high school that continued for a year. College got almost all of me that I forgot to make time for writing. Then, I got back during my third year. From then on, I didn't stop writing (of course, excluding a series of irregular hiatuses). In terms of writing per se, I started writing prose, believe it or not, when I was in kinder. And moved to poetry as I aged. I even wrote a few haiku then! 4. Are you published? No, I haven't had the chance to have any of my entries published on print. But I had one article that UST College of Commerce got and kept as their property. 5. What was the first story you ever wrote? I've written so many stories back in grade school that I cannot even remember any of the leads' name. 6. Why do you write? Yes, partly I write to share. But exactly what I implied earlier, I write for myself. I write to preserve my thoughts with the assurance that if a situation calls for some good words one day, I know, I have something to run to. Also, I write about the memories that credit a recollection. 7. How do you find time to write? This may be new to you: almost 95% of my posts are my "late night" thoughts. Those are the feelings that come before I sleep; those that cap off my day. 8. When and where are the best times to write? I find it best to write during travels. But, for me, there's no better time and place than in a most comfortable place where one can be most honest and since with thyself. 9. Favorite food/drinks while writing? A random drink can get me but I usually write having nothing by the side. 10. Your writing playlist? I find silence the best song. :-) 11. What do family/friends/loved ones think of you writing? Honestly, I don't know. I don't ask them about my writing. But I received random and very casual compliments about it from my mom, friends and even strangers. A number of people, in fact, asked me to frequent this. 12. Parts of writing you enjoy the most? I enjoy the feeling of writing and being able to finish a post. Hey, finishing a post is just the best relief ever! 13. Parts of writing you find challenging? I find it hard to stick with Introduction, Body and Conclusion format. My thoughts are too random and short-lived that if I try to rearrange them to come up with a more sensible thought, thoughts just slip my from head. And if I take you to my dashboard right now, you'll see that I have roughly 45% of my entries unpublished, unfinished. All more than a year old. 14. What do you write with and on? Depends. If I'm writing down my late night thoughts, I have my phone with me. If I write during travels, I have a little notebook and a reliable pen by my side. 15. How do you overcome writers block? As much as possible, I finish my draft article no matter how it lacks substance. Then, I rest and go back to it once I have my breath of fresh air. After a series of edit and proof-read, that's when I publish it. But I can't deny, sometimes, I miss doing the last step. 16. How do you motivate yourself to write? The fact that I'm almost always by myself and have no one to talk to. Rather than letting these feelings go, I write them down. I think, that's a more reasonable option. 17. Authors who inspire you as a writer? I like local writers like Marla Miniano of Summit Media and my favorite writer so far, Isa Garcia. 18. Books that inspire you as a writer? So far, I can't think of any because I usually read business-related and some Law of Attraction books. Rarely, I find those books to inspire me in writing more and better. 19. Best advice you’ve gotten as a writer? "Write everyday. Every single freakin' day." (Isa Garcia, 2014) 20. Writing goals this year? I want to pursue writing for a community of bloggers. Also, I want to be a featured writer in one of the local newspapers. Ultimately, I just want to take my writing to the next level; to reach out to much more readers. Take Chances (Holy Week 2014 Special)
posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 @ 5:40 PM
Sticking with your family is what makes it a "family". - Mitch Albom
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DISCLAIMER: All photos taken by my cousin, Kuya A.
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Honestly, I forget when was the last time I saw my paternal relatives. It had been ages, really. If my calculations were correct, I haven't seen a cousin face to face for a little over a decade. I only saw them in pictures gathered together - making me realize that I was missing quite a lot. Then, I remembered my Papa and what ultimately made him so happy before.
And so, I tried to find every reason to give in.
This was the very first time that I finally made it to a family gathering. Our whole family, except those who are in States, gathered to spend the Holy Week in Ilocos. From Pangasinan, where our province is, Ilocos Norte is approximately 7 to 8 hour drive. The very long drive brought us to the literal ends of the country and enabled us to explore what kind of beauty North has.
I suck at geography that I only knew just now that it was really the tip of the larger piece of Luzon. Because if I knew back when I was there, I would've suggested to my relatives to break all the plans and do backpacking in Batanes.
I now appreciate why Kuya Larry took us here. Having heard the nearshore currents, felt the hot and and cold breeze whirled together, smelled a different kind of fresh air, I knew I was in some place beautiful. The road wasn't all that new to me but it's worth coming back to.
The sun was at its hottest when we walked through plains, climbed uneven mountains, crossed wood and bamboo bridges - to see the beauty of Kabigan Falls.
After a seemingly perpetual trek, we had authentic Ilokano dishes for late lunch. Then, went straight to the famous Bangui Windmills. I wasn't able to see the windmills up close the first time I went there (back in 200x) so I got excited to finally touch my feet on the sands of Bangui.
We capped off our Day 1 with a rock formation I only see on tv. I never imagined such was real. It's just so beautiful that I think, even great pictures would never give justice. Though not all that developed for a full-blown tourist destination (as I wished pathways were more convenient). This was just too stunning in person, at least, to my own standards.
And then another sunrise brought in Day 2 of our family.On Day 2, we just went on Visita Iglesia. In between, we sneaked in Paoay Sand Dunes. It was Dubai brought-home. And, it was my first time to ride a 4x4 Jeepney for an ozzum sand dunes roller coaster (uhm, not really. I just like calling it that way).
My heart's filled with joy that I forgot to mention that I got a little sick on those days. Perhaps, I could point out over-fatigue plus extreme lack of sleep as bones of contention. Going back, Day 2 ended (and so did my energy) in Calle Crisologo in Vigan. We walked quite far to reach the street. We arrived at a street where all Filipinos registered in National Statistics Office were there (okay, that was just a creative illustration for "overcrowded"). Like what I mentioned, it was unusually crowded but still we were able to spot the preserved beauty of it. 
That's all there is. To wrap it, overall, of course, I enjoyed my vacation and I bet, no one from the group didn't. Definitely, this was just the first to many! Labels: travels Birthday Grant: 10 Things You May Not Know About Darica Paula
posted on Saturday, April 5, 2014 @ 8:52 AM
Disclaimer: Entry posted on Facebook by one of my closest friends, Sam. Excluded #10 because it's a personal matter.*** 1. Paula is a girly girl. She loves flowers, dresses, and anything pretty. She likes Disney Princesses. She’s like a walking ball of sunshine, she doesn’t like negativity. She never fails to appreciate the good things in life, even the littlest of things. She never forgets to bring her nicest smile. More than how she cares for her appearance, her attitude makes her of what she is. 2. Paula is always late. Probably not always, but most of the time. Don’t expect her to be on time. You need a lot of patience just to see this lady. But trust me, she’s worth the wait. She never fails to give her friends an awesome company. 3. Paula is secure of herself. She’s not afraid to be judged nor afraid to be baduy. She pushes aside unkind words and thoughts. She strives towards continuous improvement. She never settles for anything less than what she deserves. 4. Paula is a fan of Erik Santos. Ha! Betcha didn’t know that! She’s affected with Erik’s personal life that she’d take the time to message her closest friends when the girl being linked to him is on TV. She sees him singing in her own wedding (many years from now). 5. Paula can be easily influenced. If we tell her things we don’t like, she’d hate those things instantly. That only goes to show how supportive she is with her friends. When she feels sad, she asks her friends for some cheering up. But she does know which opinion to follow. That’s why she surrounds herself with friends who’d push her to be better. 6. Paula is a singer She is a singer in her own right. She’d sing Rolling in the Deep at the top of her lungs, with feelings. She knows how to have a crazy good time inside the videoke room. She’s the type who you’d enjoy singing Wannabe by Spice Girls with. 7. Paula always have food/water inside her bag. Back in college, we’d see her munching her baon while waiting for the next class. She is laway-conscious, if she wants to taste your food, she must take the first bite. Hi Paula, I’m not complaining . 8. Paula is a cheapskate. I salute this woman for this! She’s a big fan of Robert Kiyosaki. She manages her expenses well. If you need a financial adviser, give her a call! 9. Paula loves basketball…players! Watched UAAP with her a couple of times, she may not completely understand the rules of the game, but she sure knows who to cheer for. She goes gaga over Jeron Teng. She’s taking up her masters at DLSU, so she promised herself that she can’t graduate until she’s taken a photo with Teng. She can graduate now, she met him a couple of months back. Now
posted on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 @ 9:28 AM
Everyone is consistently bursting my bubbles, slapping my face with reality checks but I still rise again with new set of same bubbles. They're telling me that my list doesn't hold any possibility, at least, at this point in time. They always say to start from the rock bottom is the better way to climb the corporate ladder (and more humble too). I get what they wish they can say right to my face without me being hurt. I get it that for them, I am unreasonably ambitious. To be honest, that hits me deep. But still, my beliefs remain intact. Who said I disapprove to start from the simplest role? Who said I believe in myself a little too much for wanting more? In fact, that's the exact track I see myself taking. It just boils down to whose floor I am starting with. In my case now, I know, I am figuratively jumping into a mezzanine. Yes, it is a risk. I am risking my chance to gain experience and new learning now. I'm risking money I can get from my salary and other allowances. More importantly, I'm risking my time for being idle and waiting for a big thing to be received. But to tell you honestly, we are looking from different sets of lenses. That isn't what practicality or being wise, to me, is about. I've captured an entirely different photograph. I gamble now because to me it's wiser to take risks now when they are still less riskier. It's wiser to play the game now while I still can; when no life is yet dependent on me; when my failures can affect no one but me, in all possible ways; when decision-making is relatively easy. I'm risking now the chance to learn from people in the industry but, to me, it's wiser to gain wisdom now from failing over and over and struggling from a shaking spirit. For me, it's wiser to ground my beliefs on sturdy foundations, fill in gray areas, bridge gaps within myself. Basically, to me, it's wiser to make myself whole and complete first before anything else. I'm risking the money I should have brought straight to my savings account but, to me, it's wiser to know how to play the money's game. It's wiser to know what and what not to do with money given all these. Lastly, I'm risking my time being idle for an uncertain time being but, again to me, it's wiser to do it now while time is still on my side. I do it now for if I change minds sooner or later, I can still recover; that, nothing much is lost now comparing to what will be lost if I risk in the future. For I know all these challenges shall be put down one after another one day. And on that day, my dreams being dreams have come to an end. My dreams have materialized more wonderfully than how I see it in my mind. My dreams are my fate, my destiny - whether I like it or I love it. And I will thank myself for risking bravely and wisely and.. ..for risking now. Quote of the Day #1
posted on Friday, March 21, 2014 @ 10:42 PM
"Some of the coolest dreams that ever came true weren't dreams at all; but standards that simply weren't compromised." - Mike Dooley Who Do You Settle For
posted on Saturday, March 15, 2014 @ 4:04 PM
Play and read separately. In puffy eyes fresh from a quick cry, I ask myself: "who do you settle for?" I stop and think. I hear myself clearly but I feel the need to ask myself again: "Who do you really settle for?" *** Does he need to be that kind who still stands taller than me even if I wear my favorite pair of heels? Does he need to be the most gentleman in the group? Does he need to live his life within a schedule? Does he need to know how to make my favorite french toasts? Does he need to be a singer or musically-inclined of some sort? Does he carry himself well in just a plain white shirt and a pair of casual pants? I can't deny those things can be considered but I'm still after few things that weigh more than that. I settle for someone who knows what he has when he still has me. He's the kind who appreciates rather than commits mistakes and regrets. He does his best at his most comfortable setting and fights hard when things get rough only to keep me because he's aware he can never find me twice. I settle for the one who values time. He sees quantity and quality as one synergy and not two separate concepts. He I settle for the man who fully understands what "commitment" is all about. He doesn't take back all set plans under swinging circumstances just because he's not comfortable with it. He chooses to underdeliver than to disappoint; after all, futile efforts still count. I settle for that one person of surprises - be it big or small. He is someone who knows how to add spice to the relationship in ways that excites me or make me look forward to tomorrows. He knows exactly when to give a bouquet of pretty tulips and daisies or a piece of white long stem rose. He throws up simple surprises on ordinary days just because he simply wants it. He loves to wake me up at the comfort of my own bed because he can no longer wait for me to wake up to a fancy date. I settle for a man who has big dreams and reach it. Aside from me, he knows he still have other wonderful blessings that are due appreciating. He feels the sense of contentment and sense of fulfillment in every thing he is engaged with. He believes in a blissful life - his ambition turns into reality, the beauty of time well-spent and a family he can call his very own. Lastly, I settle for the one who knows my set of weaknesses and fears; and he acknowledges and more importantly, respects it. He understands he can't undo my past but he knows he has the ability to build a brighter "now". I settle for no one less than this. I settle for someone whose source of joy is found right on my face. To him, nothing feels so wonderful than seeing me happy not because I deserve but because, for him, his world can't be any better than that. To My Someday Kids
posted on Saturday, January 11, 2014 @ 11:31 AM
Dear Blessings (or commonly known as kids),This is Nanay, writing you a letter some years before you are even conceived. It’s not that I can’t wait for the both of you to come to this world but as early as now, I want to lay on the table my plans for you - at least, the ones I have control over. Not such plans like naming you with Isabelle and Miguel; perhaps, it’s too early to tell. One thing I know now and is for sure, I love you so much more than I love my very own self. I am pretty confident that you’ll both grow as two smart individuals, who are able to taste the world with your little and innocent hands; but, let me be the one to show you how wonderful life is, while I still can. On some things, let me teach you basic how-to’s for I want you to learn before you even fall. But on some few instances, please understand that I will purposely let you go to the battlefield on your own, not because it’ll please me to see you in wounded knees and crying times but because I just have to. I don’t want to teach you how mistakes play an essential role in your lives; instead, I’ll let you figure out yourselves. As your Nanay, the most I can give you are constant notes to live by because I want to instill in you that the truest wisdom only comes from within you. Only from within. One day, you’ll inevitably come running to me to share your wildest dreams and greatest desires. Perhaps, you’ll say you want to be doctors and heal the less fortunate people because for the both of you, helping hands heals you back. And, businessmen who stands out into the wild with billion-peso worth of ideas because for you, through your businesses, you can help less fortunate people to raise their own families well. Or maybe, you simply want to be painters because you appreciate the beauty beyond the stills. Or, writers because you can make two different worlds be in one. Whatever your someday wishes will be, Nanay will always be here. Let me give you strength before you even need it, for I know it takes a great leap of strength to brave fears. Allow me to encourage you to take an extra mile for every thing you believe you deserve. Let me be your #1 fan because I really am. Kids, let me be the one to tell you that the whole world is yours to take if you believe in the power of your dreams. If only I can freeze and break the moment when I will see you, son, spraying perfume on a set of beautiful stationery papers for the one you’re courting or when I see you, daughter, reading love notes from those pretty envelopes from your suitors, I definitely will. But, this picture is yours and this is one I can never get into, unfortunately. On my end, the most I can do is pray to the Heavens that one day, you’ll be blessed with your perfect matches. I won’t care if your zodiac signs don’t really get along as long as you and your partners grow mutually within your respective relationships. To my son, when you search for that lucky girl, make sure she doesn’t take advantage of your weaknesses, I hope you know what I mean. Make sure she doesn’t rule over you. Make sure she respects your interests and support your endeavors whole-heartedly. On the flipside, be a man to her. Don’t make her cry over the littlest things. Protect her with all of you. Don’t take advantage of her weaknesses. Love her like she’s the one. Or simply be like your dad. If you’re, at least, half of him, I know, you’ll be a good one - someone I can be proud of. And to you my daughter, choose a partner who sets his family above all. Choose the one who is never afraid of showing genuine affection. Choose the loyal and faithful, rolled into one. Or, simply choose someone, again, like your dad. Again, on the flipside, even if there are many others who like you, step back. Find contentment in him for he deserves it. Be loyal and faithful to him, just like he is to you. Encourage him to pursue his dreams and let him test his wings. Give him time and space for what he is and not you want him to be. Make your communication open for it is the key to everything. Be gentle and kind. Lastly, be there for him, always and no matter what. Kids, your Dad and I love you so much more than what love really means. Whatever the future holds for the both of you, let me remind you that even if the whole world takes you away from us, at the end of the day, we are still waiting here for you. Let our arms be your true home - not the one that does punish after a failure but the one that’ll never get tired of being proud of what you’ve become. Love, Nanay
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