My Mint Dish

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 05:28:00 +0000

4th August 2013, Sunday |07:36AM

One Sunday Morning

I just brushed my teeth and washed my face to welcome a new Sunday, but my hands are numb, my head is reeling, and I’m not even drunk.

The questions keep confusing me at this perfect hour of my morning when my heart flaps at speed with not even a teaspoon of caffeine in my blood. Blame it on my future, because I fear that I’m losing it now.

Each morning, I wake up breathing the cold air, thinking about how to kill the next 15 hours. I feel naked with this routine, ripped of reason and merit. With no work not even play, I recount the times I said these lifeless days should be over. I repeat, these lifeless days should be over. If not, either my life goes penniless with an everyday can of beer or I go lifeless with my sanity all over my liver. All the same every day.

To all the angels and saints, I implore that may these frozen days find their warmth soon, then I’ll start believing again that my dreams are not yet broken.

The irony of my life: There’s plenty of time to rest when we die, Adam Lambert sings, and I firmly believe so in the power of each word put together that one only rests when one dies. It was my life and it has now become my lie.

I have been sleeping a lot these past few days that since yesterday until today’s breakfast time, up to this very second, my brains, my eyes and the rest of me are still working. In the coming days of the coming weeks, I will wander away the comfort of Sonata ready to rest my mind and body from working overtime because of sleeping overtime. I will instead write until I write no more which I hate to say will put me to sleep until I sleep no more. Who needs rest? I do, and I am so dead.

I guess I have to wait for the epiphany whether it happens on the road or in the comfort room, as long as it is here. And I will be waiting patiently for the good news to come out of this gamble even if I am so unsure of its worth. Knowing this is what I want now is enough. I am just scared that what I want is not what I need to get there.

Tomorrow before lunch, I pray that I get unstuck before my anxiety attacks. Yes, I shall find my rhythm. Soon, I shall.
_________________________________________________________
10th October 2013

I am writing today like I'm walking on air, remembering the not-so-good old days when I was not writing.

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 02:47:00 +0000

[First Draft]

Zebar
SHANGHAI

Photo by 3GATTI

See the sound move. Listen through your eyes. This bar takes you to a warped world of black and white. Feel the music hit you in this caved space with alive walls and ceilings. Designed by an Italian architect Francesco Gatti, this project gives liberty to digital design in this world of busy reality.

Spot the drinks bar right at the heart of this breathing ground and sip through your plum wine while under the spell of funky live music. When the sun is up, see its light jazzing through. Come nightfall, the yellow-lit space turns into a sweet captive of your dreamy love affair.

Zebra-inspired, as the name suggests, this place offers you an unspoken revolution for your vision, where your love for music becomes re-imagined in a hypnotizing band of black-white walls and white-red wines.

WWW.3GATTI.COM

MY LOLA BASYANG

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 11:45:00 +0000

Same features :))

Once a kid, I drew my days off with toy guns, marbles, and headless dolls until Mr. Sandman walks me to his world of dreams. No one played the role of Lola Basyang when I was growing up. No legends colored my night. Stories of curses of giants and dwarves were never told. No princes with long nose, of the birds and the cowardly encountered. Magical creatures never appeared before my forty winks. If not the games I played, the power of television was the only magic I have known that silenced me until I fell asleep. Yet, I had a fair and blissful childhood. Without the storytelling of how castles in the sky are like, I grew up enjoying reality. I needed no fantasies to learn my values. Bruises and scratches accounted a day’s lesson. The streets and even the trees cultured me. The bicycle marked my leg; yet, I knew all along how well I have been taught. No magic was responsible; I was. And all others around me.

Just when I was exploiting the power of television while waiting for Mr. Sandman, a story was told. I listened to it like a snooping kid I was once. No, it was nothing about kings and queens. Not a tale with enchanted characters. It was far from the world of fantasy. Yet, it painted my night in vibrant colors. It did not put me into slumber, but it did silence me.

The tale was told by a drunken man. No magic spells were involved; his real experiences with the real world were. He began with his childhood. He accounted his growing years with another family until he was distanced farther apart from his own to move to the second another. Those were years divided into days of farm work and nights of school lessons. Not once he mentioned about having the luxury of toys to play with. Two sets of denims were all he had to wear for years in high school. A simple man, he is.

He is a man who had a simple dream of changing his homegrown fate. One Sunday, he left. He hoped. Sure he was that leaving home would let him build his chances for a better future. Only heaven knew what fate his faith would bring him into. He just believed. He never looked back. Job after job, day after another, the race got harsher. Knowing no other way, he moved forward until he became the man I see every Sunday.

That fair night, I was a kid once more. With my learning eyes, I looked at the man before me who just got off from a feast. It was a feast the man himself hosted. Dishes like no other were served. In that house of marbled floors and brawny stairs, a family of his own is sheltered well. The man’s dream was realized. My ears in full attention to a fulfilled man that he is, I felt the magic in his words played on me.

I was humbled.

His story is not a legend. No fairy godmother made it happen. He is no fictional character. Yet, it is legendary—to him, to me and to all who would listen to it.

I think I just found my Lola Basyang. And I call him Lolo Ilo.

Till his next storytelling.

________________________________________________________________

I may not be old for fantasy stories, but I would rather hear a story as true as his, may it be over bottles of beer. After all, I am no longer a kid.

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 10:54:00 +0000

ISBN: 978-038-573-742-5

Author: Rebecca Stead

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

WHEN YOU REACH ME

Photo Courtesy: http://www.rebeccasteadbooks.com/books.html

The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. –Albert Einstein (The World, As I See It)

The mystery enclosed in this book made me commit each significant page element to my memory. No wonder this book won Rebecca Stead the 2010 John Newbery Medal.

Oops! I suggest you stop reading this review further if you want to savor the mystery in the story. I have done no checking of summary or review before reading this book for I wanted to keep the element of surprise in the story. I wanted the pages to disentangle the mystery for me when it should as I was being warped into the flow of the story. Having done so was the best thing! If not for keeping ahold of myself, the pleasure and appreciation of the mystery would not be this much.

The tension and the questions were intensely building up as the scheme progressed provocatively. My curiosity to chase after the mystery offset my patience pretty well.

Things started to boil up when Miranda, a 12-year old New York sixth grader, received a cryptic note just after the emergency key of their apartment got stolen.

First note: M, this is hard. Harder than I expected, even with your help. But I have been practicing, and my preparations go well. I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own. I ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter. Second, please remember to mention the location of your house key. The trip is a difficult one. I will not be myself when I reach you.

This piece of puzzle awakened the kick for this read at this point. The complication came in when she had no clue about who this person was. Surely, this was someone who knew her and someone whom she was helping. All the more, this was a person who knew her best friend, Sal, whom she had no communication with after getting punched by a kid on the block. Concludingly, this was someone who knew what’s coming forth and who would try to prevent the worst from happening.

These mysterious notes nodded danger for her apart from the ‘laughing man’ (crazy bum on the street corner) whom she and Sal tried to avoid for extra caution. At that instant, she’s alone, with Sal not close for any help.

The presentation of Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time as a featured read in the story and the discussion about the curvature of time-space continuum with the other kids in the story were indications.

Second note: Your letter must tell a story—a true story. You cannot begin now, as most of it has not yet taken place. And even afterward, there is no hurry. But do not wait so long that your memory fades.

The four notes she received in total came from the person in her future. This person stole their apartment key with the help of Miranda’s letter that she will be writing. The person went back to Miranda’s present to get the key and left the note inside their apartment, so the letter that Miranda is about to write will include the key location.

Time traveling for me is a theory of jumping from one point in time to another as it is parallel to space. It’s structured in a way that these time-space points are continuously running their progress, thus going back to my time of birth would mean witnessing it happen real time.

Unscrambling the mystery powered by this notion of bending the time-space continuum, you realize this is not a tell-all review, don’t you? Oh yes, I won’t empty the glass yet, just taste the spill I have yet made. I know you would not forgive me if I’ll tell you the missing puzzle pieces. You’ll soon figure out the whole picture. You can only tell yourself when. ;p _______________________________________________________________________

This book knows no age, though it’s meant to delight children of 8-12 years of age. Now, this makes me want to read Rebecca Stead’s First Light.

STORYLINE: THE BEAST

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 06:48:00 +0000

(a couple of months late. a summary for the bosses. #storyline love)

Celerino Caluag (Tatay Siling), a 67-year-old third generation tenant farmer of their family, was raised in a livelihood of animals, especially carabaos, in Pulilan, Bulacan. He gave up school after finishing his 6^th grade to embark on farming where his passion is. He’s the most famous farmer and carabao trainer in Pulilan. He was 9 years old when he learned how to make carabaos kneel. Pulilan is known for its Carabao Festival (May 14 and 15) where hundreds of carabaos are led on a parade in their colorful embellishment. The carabaos are made to kneel down all together in front of the church as a symbol of thanksgiving for the year’s harvest. This is also when the farmers all over the town pay tribute to the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro Labrador. Tatay Siling mentioned having no regrets to this kind of living. Carabaos are with them until now through their struggle for a seemingly rags-to-riches life. He said, “Kung hindi dahil sa kalabaw, di ako makakadayong Maynila.”

The passion for farming was handed down to Kuya Eddie, Tatay Siling’s 41 –year-old son, the fourth generation bearer and unfortunately, the last. He wasn’t able to finish grade school because he didn’t want to continue his studies anymore. He told his father that what he wanted is a life of farming. At the age of 8, he learned how to make a carabao kneel. The carabaos as their means of living are treated as an additional to the family. When his wife died, he mentioned during the interview, “Yan [carabaos] na nga yung naging asawa ko eh.” When asked about his feeling of being the last bearer since he has no sons and his siblings’ sons are not interested , he said, “Hindi lang ako malungkot. Kumbaga ito na kasi yung kadugtong ng buhay ko eh.”

Last May 14, both of them joined the parade with their carabaos. Tatay Siling brought his 2 carabaos. Kuya Eddie brought his newly bought carabao.
___________________________________________________
talking to strangers, finding Storyline stories, I terribly miss.

THE CLEANSING

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 05:55:00 +0000

To be honest, it was only by the end of the last quarter of 2011 when the idea of detoxification approached me for the first time. It was through the blog of Bianca Gonzalez and her post about the juju cleanse. Including 6 bottles of green goodness, this Level 1 (one day) package met me in the eyes but I never entertained it. Even though it is ‘reasonably priced’ as Bianca put it, I did not dare checking the website to know how reasonable it would be for me. I kept this detox idea to the safe corners of my memory for the months that followed. These were months of red labeled food—the grilled, the street and the junk. I’m not forgetting the alcohol. To darken the red all the more, I’m a no fan of veggies. Tell me now who needs some cleansing.

From Juju Cleanse

Months went by until last night, March 20, I revisited and roused my long forgotten acquaintance. Then and there I checked the website and found out about the price for the one-day package. It’s 2500php. It could be worth the good reasons. However, I need to set a handful of my pocket to one side to avail it for I won’t be buying one package alone. It has to be two at the least because I may need a companion when doing this juice fasting. I did my own research and I found out that doing this would be easier when told to family or friends. Support will stretch my good short patience a bit longer. I hope so. Spending my day eating full meals with snacks in between, I’m not expecting this to go easy. Not at all. Let’s see if I can get this done in a month or two, slashing other expenses first. No malling. No online shopping. No drinking. No hanging out with friends. No extra expenses. Holy cow, just spare my booksale-ing.

Hence, having my pocket not ready for this juju cleanse, I was introduced to a less expensive cleansing. Point of fact, there’s no expense at all. No need to order all the detox stuff from stores to clear the toxins off my body. Our basic need, WATER , is the solution. And so I started. My clock for this 24-hour water fasting began ticking last 12 midnight. It’s past 1 in the afternoon now of the 21^st. I’m trying to keep my mind busy writing. No food thoughts for a while except now that I’m writing about it. The difficulty is eating me slowly. I’m on my third glass now. 7 to 10 glasses, 8 oz. each for the whole fasting duration. Sleeping would be a fine idea in a while.

It wouldn't be the same face in a few hours. I just know.

I’ve read several online articles about this and I’m doing this the hard way. Partial fasting can be done first to condition your body before submitting to the 24-hour water only routine. It would be easier that way.

Give your body a break. Try this at your own pace. Research!

***Read this article for better guidance until you break the fast.

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:49:00 +0000

ISBN 978-971-828-076-8

Original Price National Book Store: P220.00

Author: Carljoe Javier

AND THE GEEK SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH

Photo Courtesy: Milflores Official Weblog

Carljoe’s short essays in his first book cover diverse topics like being a certified geek with eyeglasses, the panties of celebrities, the dilemma of peeing, teaching at a school for girls, playing with an edgy rock band, and joining a local reality TV show.

-A men’s magazine writer who once believed that being a porn star is a well-paid profession when you get to sleep with hot chicks and still get paid right after.

-A patron who’s the prize in a tug o’ war battle between two ladies of his life… as a video game geek. Such awesome vendors!

-A nosebleed trigger whose English fires bridesmaids with great intimidation making them feel like they’re ducks not swans.

-A victim of a widespread virus which screwed his memory away with no ifs or buts. If only condoms could protect the spread of this virus, he’ll not be regretting the memory taken away from him. Such an awful digital destruction! Goodbye, Hard drive.

Love, Computer Geek.

-An untidy fat man whose secret words of vanity I lingered upon, “I may not care about how I look, but I care that I am heard.” This is a Google plus for you and for your first book worth writing about! ;)

Love, Reader-slash-reviewer.

-A man wishing he’s answering English-related questions when the first date proposal struck him off guard. This is a man who will never bend rules, even for a prom date. Fool, yes? Not really, ‘coz that’s how hard to be a professor in an exclusive school for girls. ;p

-A journo Kuya who figures out if he would use the wider scope of political science, a comprehensive explanation about the capitalist system, Ursula LeGuin story to explain to his younger sister why there are rich and poor people in this world. Lovely sister, in books you shall find the answer.

Love, Book Geek Brother.

-A wordsmith delaying his bathroom urges so as not to miss the manslaughter soon to materialize on screen. That’s a film geek coining the word peelemma.

-A target prey for the bullies who used his homework to protect himself from getting bullied. Equipped with his grammar proficiency, he safeguarded himself a spot with the cool ones. And the geek bested the parasites.

-A mutant-turned-human whose super-sweat and super-urine reveal the superhero in him.

Love, Super Geek.

-A rock and roll slave at his own claimed right whose band scares the other enthusiasts to believe in music because of their songs which are about to become an album released soon. That’s a Rock Geek singing, Wag kang sasama, kakan****n ka lang nila.

-A reality show contestant who recognizes that no such force that of Big Brother’s could influence his play of this game so-called life of a Geek.

And the Geek Shall Inherit the Earth. May the Force be with you.

A Daughter’s Call

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:42:00 +0000

Photo Courtesy: digitalart

My eyes stung as I wrote down my goodbyes to my much-loved ones. Looking at the black butterfly which arrived home with us on the first night of November, I considered: It must be a sign! I mistook it as a signal for me to pursue the poison my mind can only think of as an escape. No! It’s as good as murdering someone to death, except that the sinner and the victim are one in identity. When he said that it’s meant that way to give me time to watch over my mother, I was enlightened! Why so sudden? I really don’t know! It felt like God ripped all the confusion away and the dark haze was replaced by much delight and consolation. Much more was the confidence brought to me by the second. What the real message of the black butterfly was to stay home as much as the butterfly gestured to stay home until it died. Crystal clear as it is. Message received! It’s about time to take the side of my mother. God is giving me the chance not to regret not being with her. It’s time to take care of her and show how much I love and respect her. It’s a daughter’s call.

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:07:00 +0000

ISBN 971-828-035-9

Original Price National Book Store: P350.00
Author: Marivi Soliven Blanco

SEXY, SASSY, SINGULARLY HAPPY

Photo Courtesy: Arkipelago

“I do not have to marry in order to live.” –Baule tribe proverb, Ivory Coast (FLY SOLO essay)

When I bought my copy of this book, I was thinking of my sister. She likes reading books of our prized local authors. Also, she wants nothing but a light read. Thus, the title captured my honey money. For P40.00, it’s rash not to buy this one.

You can’t drop the buoyancy charged in the title. Singletons should be reminded that there can be heaven without a man beside you. It’s not a starless night after all. Sexy, Sassy, Singularly Happy is what a single lady should wear all the time. Then, you’ll start seeing the twinkling stars of the black night. And you will realize that it’s not dark after all.

This book is the ultimate guide on how to live a happy and sizzling singlehood. From keeping yourself sexy and trendy to being smart and savvy on bed, this tells you how to take care of yourself, singularly.

Do you want to know about your retrosexual, himbo, toxic bachelor? These are few words a singleton may want to add on her vocabulary. Call me a quirkyalone.—n. a person who enjoys being single and so prefers to wait for the right person to come along rather than dating indiscriminately. Isn’t this a mint swingle name perfectly right for me? (>_o)

Learn the recipes for the swingle show-offs to impress your friends or your date. Beware of the dump-able dates lurking around. And dare to apply this simple equation:

-S + D = SD

Figure it out yourself to know how this formula could set up a second date for you.

After I finished this book, I felt reassured and empowered. I read it with a status: In a relationship, because the self-respect this book values is not only for single women in the world. It’s for all women, single or not. It’s focusing on how we must take pride of our womanhood, with or without a man. It's about how we can live a fruitful life never alone and never lonely. The best of our companions may not be the Romeo of our lives. Just look around and see how adored and respected you are as a woman. Not as a girlfriend. Not as a wife.

This last line I favored the most says, “When you are single, everyday can be a new adventure… and it doesn’t always involve a Prince.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was in a relationship when I read the book. Now, I’m writing this review as a singleton. That’s how my King works His loving irony. And no difference does it make for I am still in pursuit of my happiness every SINGLE DAY. I esteemed myself to be the princess of my King for He is loving me unconditionally. My Royal God is with me. Carpe diem! J

FIRST DISH

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:41:00 +0000

My friends are adorable for not telling me blatantly that I’m not wife material. They just smirk at me. Haha! My excuses not to get myself nailed down to do the household are far more than negotiable. That’s why my mom quickly agreed when I told her that I will cook the main dish for Christmas Eve. Probably, showing her the recipe swayed her enough to let me do it my way.

For 2011 Noche Buena:

Italian Spaghetti with Ham

(original recipe)

allrecipes.com c/o Erimess

Servings: 8

Ingredients:
(US)

1 pound spaghetti
4 cups sliced ham, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup chopped parsley
salt to taste
1/2 cup butter

(Metric)

450 g spaghetti
540 g sliced ham, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
30 g butter
80 g grated Parmesan cheese
6 eggs, lightly beaten
70 g sliced black olives
30 g chopped parsley
salt to taste
115 g butter

Directions

Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
While spaghetti is cooking, heat the 1 tablespoon butter or margarine in a large skillet. Saute ham and garlic.
Drain spaghetti well, and combine with sauteed ham and garlic in the skillet. Over very low heat, slowly stir in the cheese, eggs, olives, and half of the parsley. Remove from heat. Add salt and butter to taste, and sprinkle with remaining parsley. Serve.

Prep Time

CHANGES MADE:

Yes, I took the guts to experiment on the recipe. That’s tough love for my first victims. >devil speaking<

>The reviewers were right that not putting cream/milk would make it seem dry. I chose to put on 1 cup of cream.

>I added 3 cloves of garlic.

>I didn't put the extra salt and butter. Parmesan cheese would be enough to make it taste salty.

>I put on 2 tablespoons of olive oil instead of butter. (No more butter!)

>There were no black olives. (Reason: I don't like the taste of black olives.)

>I only put 3 cups of sliced ham. (That's good enough. Spare some for your breakfast sandwich. Haha!)

I am proud to say that my first victims were not victims after all. They enjoyed the creamy taste of the pasta. Or probably it's just the principle of favorability. Beginner's luck as Santiago puts it. Woah! Enough of Paulo Coelho now...

Before I blabber irrelevantly, let me tell you this: I swear, they liked it. And that made me feel like I want to try more recipes next time. Hoho!

______________________________________________________________________________________

Click here for more information about the recipe. Please read the reviews for recommendations.

Thank you to allrecipes.com!

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:21:00 +0000

MONEY RULES

I always tell myself that I know how to budget my money. And my mother never fails to tell me that I don’t. Oh, my sister won’t be ever convinced. After getting easy money from my part-time jobs as an English tutor for two businesses, a personal tutor for a 9 year-old kid, and a freelance writer, I only get my hands on my pay for the shortest time.

Money slips off my hand in one sweep round in Booksale. Or it could be the delectable foodstuff around. Maybe, it’s the beauty merchandises. The deals from local group buying websites won’t wait for me. How will I be able to quash the urge? Alright! I blame myself for that.

Just this weekend, I bought a 400 worth of feminine wash (a loud indignant WHAT?! coming—is that my mom?), 2 vouchers for a body massage, 1 voucher for a pair of shoes, a bag of books, and a little more books. Now, I reserved a dozen of perfumes. Not for me, though. It’s Christmas time, isn’t it? AND! I just reserved a slot for a 5 day pass at Movement Dance studio. Don’t get me wrong, I have been waiting for an offer like this to mollify my deep longing for dancing. It has been awhile when I last danced. 2 months ago, that’s it. And this deal offers me 5 days of unlimited dancing of pole, belly, ballet, Vegas strip, hip-hop, and all that JAZZ!

Suddenly, I realized that I need to do something about this CBD (Compulsive Buying Disorder). So, I read some financial advices from Reader’s Digest. Two rules I learned from two different articles about money:

The 48-hour Rule

and

The 30-day Rule

It is intended to go against CBD by giving yourself time to think and rethink your urges. Basically, it’s about postponing your purchases. I can try the 48-hour rule. I just hope that I won’t end up buying another product within the 2-day time frame which will make it as good as ineffective. Furthermore, I don’t think that the new arrivals in Booksale and the short-time best deals from various group buying websites would hold their fire.

My bet is a buy-nothing campaign for a month. This would exclude my budget for fixed expenses such as food and transport. I am just not sure on how long I can keep up with this. My campaign’s ultimatum: SHOPPING BAN.

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:43:00 +0000

MONEY COMES, MONEY GOES: In the hands of APPLE

I have been forcing myself to keep track of my expenses countless of times already. One journal keeps on being wasted after another for it only ends up spoiled by my doodles, instead of being a money tracker. Then I decided that my iTouch would best fit the role. I started with Money Journal and iPiggy lite which are now trapped on the device, non-operational. Many thanks to the apple of my eyes, Balance, for keeping my savings safe. For the sake of tracking them, atleast. Although now, I just downloaded Money and Ace Budget Lite. I guess I need to commit myself to only one app, though. So, I have to say goodbye to the one I need to rub out soon after testing. Likewise, don’t get me wrong for I will try not to mess up another journal this time. It’s one of my New Year’s resolutions to keep my inventory updated all the time.

Source: cwakamo website

Connor Wakamo’s Software: Balance

Source:svtsoftware website

SVT Software: Ace Budget Lite

Source: jumsoft website

Jumsoft: Money

I almost forgot to mention Receipts which I think will be one of my favorites since I like keeping receipts. You can also attach voice memos to your notes.

Tidal Pool Software: RECEIPTS

Source: tidalpool website

The first step to save the money coming your way is to know where it goes unfeasibly. To budget is to cut. To control is to know. The finest thing you can do is to sing The First Cut is the Deepest while you simplify the equation of your expenses. Don’t bleed yet, the math here would be simple this way: SPEND LESS.

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:44:00 +0000

ISBN 971-828-037-5
Original Price Powerbooks: P350.00
Author: Theresa “Jew” R. Lariosa

Bulalo Soup for the Sole

Don’t mistake the hollow feeling for pain and missing. Don’t mistake it for needing. Because before he even came into your life, you already knew what it meant to be living.

The title won my P45.00. It reminded me of Chicken Soup for the Soul, only you know what the difference is. You may want to take a close look at the picture beside the title on the cover. I grasped the excitement as the subtitle unveiled a Single Woman. Can you connect the dots, now?

Imagine several bakyas dipped in your bowl of bulalo soup. Jew mirrored life as your bowl of bulalo soup and the bakyas as your experiences. Your bakyas may have treaded murky paths or deluxe red carpets, adding a bittersweet tang in your soup. However, these bakyas are the missing ingredients your soup needs. You can only know how and where to get those ingredients. No one will cook it for you. The recipe is still a mystery to behold. Yet, He will take you to different places where you can step your bakyas on, finding the ingredients for your bulalo soup.

In this book, Jew made me taste her soup as she took me through the pages of her life as a single woman. She starts from random details of her day. She grows these into a strong piece by relating her notable stories as a singleton which anyone can relate upon. Sure! Men can relate, too. Let’s not forget that our dear men add weight to the reason why singletons exist. Alright, that’s a joke. Take it this way, men and women co-exist. Like parallel lines do, they always meet at a certain point.

Subtitle says, “Essays for Savoring Life as a Single Woman.” If I can cut it this way, “Essays for Savoring Life”, to get to my point, it would defeat its main purpose. But, now you know. The considerations are boundless.

Take a taste of her soup that is yet to be cooked [only He knows when]. And never be afraid to toss your bakyas straight into your own bowl of bulalo soup. Delicioso!

_________________________________________________________________________

Milflores is ♥ for bending the prices of these books they called rejects. I can't spot any flaw, though. For as low as P45.00, I got this perfect gift (a warranted label for sweet cheap delights). Nicely reduced to my pocket size!

WHEN I LEARNED THEM ALL

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 08:21:00 +0000

RED DAY
|Part III|

The question on top of my mind which rolled the ball during the interview was the one I heard from my professor when she was trying to challenge us in class. Why do the UP students of our generation seem apathetic, which I could have probably mistaken as a question, if not a statement. She encouraged us to voice out our retorts to the ongoing concerns inside and outside UP through writing or in any way we can. She was telling us that as UP students, Iskolar ng Bayan, we are endowed to initiate change.

Not all professors think like her. Take the word of Roma Jean Araullo who wrote Raise your hand [Philippine Collegian]. Her professor was given highlight in her article when he said, “Wala namang budget cut sa UP.” That professor shares the same thinking with my professor in one of my subjects, not to mean any generalization. The truth is everywhere, yet they still deny it for lack of concern. Mine always reacts negatively upon hearing anything about the activists. We have the highest respect for our noble teachers, but at times, it’s upsetting that these UP educators don’t realize the percentage of poor students who are being affected by the issue of Budget Cut.

This is just one of the too many issues we have to surmount in no time. And I was lost for reason upon knowing the things shared by Tristan (Anakbayan-UPD) during the interview:

On Demolition: Administered by the Ayala Group of Companies, commercialization will start from San Roque (near Trinoma mall) to Bulacan. Thus, demolition is due for implementation as given truth by the recent happening at Balara. This will affect UP Diliman as he verified. Though difficult, the residents of these places would be willing to leave the place as long as there will be a decent relocation site, not the one being offered to them at Montalban, Rizal. There’s no source of livelihood around the area. All the more, there’s only one doctor who can accommodate the medical needs of the whole community.

On Tuition Fee Increase (TOFI): The question raised by my professor: Bakit yung sa PUP napigilan nila yung pagtaas ng tuition, bakit sa UP hindi?

Answer: Going back to our history, the time when the Board of Regents (BOR) was deciding upon this matter of increasing the tuition fee rates, student-faculty regents and a lot of students united on their campaign against this. On December 15,2006, the day when this issue will be provided absolute decision about in front of the opposing cluster (students and faculty), they misled and did not inform the students and faculty that the procedure will be done at the College of Law. More than 2000 students pepared for that day. It was Enrile who finally informed that they changed places, indeed. Everyone rushed there only to find out that it has already been passed for implementation. The Board of Regents deceived and decided on their own without taking the appeal of the students and faculty into consideration. Within fifteen minutes, UP system has been altered. “Ginago tayo,” said Tristan. And I’m sure that Salvador Ponce Lopez (former UP President and the man behind the creation of the UP system) frowned upon this amendment. When this was implemented, the demography of UP students has changed drastically.

On Oil Price Hike: The continuous increase of oil prices is said to be a clear manifestation of Imperialism. Below is the latest information I got from the last educational discussion I attended with them.

From January to June this year, this is how the oil price has greatly increased:

Diesel:P7.55/liter
Unleaded Gasoline: P7.65/liter

Price of diesel/liter at the start of the new administration with Noynoy: P34.25
Price now (at the time of discussion): P45.10

Abovementioned are the three pressing issues we were able to put in our bowl of discussion. Under Pascual’s administration, we are all hoping to see a new light, a brighter one to guide the system to the right path. The challenge now rests upon us, the students.

Isko, which worth are you serving? The lesser budget or the lesser tuition?

WHEN I MARCHED WITH THEM

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 07:59:00 +0000

RED DAY
|Part II|

Wearing dark blue medium-sized shirt, a pair of jeans, cream canvas bag (not advisable) and TOMS for my feet (oh no, not this again), I dreaded my being not prepared. I felt sorry for myself all the more at the recall of what my professor advised us of.

If you plan to join a rally, better come prepared!

Wear working/comfortable clothes. Don’t attempt to wear something you don’t want to get worn-out—at all. Bring small plastic sack/Ziploc bag for your gadgets or just don’t bring one with you. Wear slippers/shoes you can run with and you can get over with, if lost. Other than that, prepare your body for the heat of the sun, the wet rage of the clouds [or the tanks], and the not-so-nice yank/smash/whack of you know who.

As we braved our way to Sitio San Roque, near Trinoma Mall, under the heat of the sun followed by the heavy rains, I appreciated them all the more. I was walking with them, ironically feeling safe for I know that I was surrounded by fearless individuals. No moody weather, no firearms, no tanks can scare them away and stop them from living which they call fighting for the greater good of all deprived Filipinos.

It was not easy for a first timer but their vehemence made me thriving. Who would not be stirred if you are walking with people who fear no death?

We fought together with the residents of San Roque against the demolition that was about to materialize. We won that day. Thank God for the rain which saved the community from a terrible finish.

Then, we, together with the residents, shared a feast. It was such a heartfelt moment for me as I was witnessing such solidarity among strangers bonded by race alone— Filipino.

Tristan said, “Simple lang naman ang kailangan ng tao para mabuhay, pagkain.” This day made me realize the one I was running away from—my fellow Filipinos.

WHEN I LISTENED TO THEM

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 07:51:00 +0000

RED DAY
|Part I|

I heard them getting the headcount of the rallyists who joined the demonstration—National Day against Oil Price Hike. And I heard that among the [estimated] 50 partakers, UP Diliman was humbly made flesh by 17 students. I immediately asked Tristan Tiongson, Acting Secretary General of Anakbayan-UPD, to reaffirm the figures. I’ve had mixed emotions upon hearing the confirmation in his voice, followed by his: Ang lapit na nga lang eh.

I have known the University of the Philippines as the home of the activists. For one cause, we are called Iskolar ng Bayan. Need I say more? That’s why a 17/50 count won’t do any good at all against the 22 times that the oil price has increased. And is yet to increase, the devil says. And what more with the other issues at hand? Then, guilt seeped through me as I realized that hundreds of days before that red day, I was one of the too many students who prefer to sit still, mechanical as I put it. I have kept my concerned voice in a box tightly sealed. That was for the many dull excuses I convinced myself to believe upon. However, in defense of my own truth, I was mechanical by choice. I totally agree with what the radicals are fighting for. I care about their motion. I just did not dare to stand and fight with them. Yet again, this does not justify the means. Not a very good excuse at all.

Good thing, I owned not an excuse but a reason when I decided to join them. I wanted to know their principles. In all honesty, it was all part of what you may regard as a self-interested plan—putting up a website for UP students and affiliations for them to know what UP is known for in all facets. But, mind you, it was my personal choice to write about it. It was all because of the answers I’m seeking for and my hopes of finding my voice in writing. Answers to my questions, completion of my project contribution, my own hopes—all for my own gain, but, it all starts from oneself. Doesn’t it?

I have always looked up to our dear activists. Their intelligence extends beyond the corners of the room. They carry the weight of our burnt rights which most don’t even care about. All the more, they brave the underworld of the monster office-bearers.

“Handa ka bang makulong? Oo naman. Di maaalis ang takot, pero anung gagawin mo dun, hahayaan mo bang i-overcome ka nun?”

What’s making my heart melt even more is whenever I ask an activist if his fight [which should also be our fight] is worth his life, the never-failed YES answer is what I’m getting. Indeed, it’s a matter of life and death for them—that which is being left ignored by the most.

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:43:00 +0000

Is it TechCrunch-ed?

The TechCrunch founder and currently employed-or-not Editor-in-Chief, Michael Arrington, reminds me of Stephen Glass. Swisher observed ‘his obvious need to be the center of attention’. This evokes Glass’ failed struggle for fame.

His “almost comically over the line” arrangement of investing in the same tech companies his site covers is now in red highlight when the $20 dollar VC fund—CrunchFund—was launched. This formalized his deal that has been going on since the start of his tech blog, thus, awakening Swisher’s, Carr’s, and all others’ joint wrath.

I read David Carr’s probing article. It buzzed his being blathered unethical which is the first subject on my hit list for integrity’s sake. If Carr’s documentation of the ‘several instances of TechCrunch writing favorable pieces on companies in which Arrington had invested’ is accurate, then, where is ethics written down? No reader would want to get an access to sanitized information. No reader would want to be a part of a greedy news trade serving their businesses’ remote advantage.

Where is ethics in journalism if there's the fear for editorial retribution [competitors] invoked by this kind of arrangement?

I read the Guardian’s ill-commented story [sets another concern for the use of profanity]. Arrington said, I am TechCrunch and TechCrunch is me. Then, Huffington would say in defense, It is very, very clear that they are distinct entities and Michael will have no influence on coverage. Ironic, isn’t it? This leads me to my second ethical issue of trickery. Or is it just ineffective PR of AOL owning TechCrunch? Arrington stressed that he is not a journalist [yet, the editor-in-chief] so as to justify the arrangement and so he would have the liberty to be engaged in whatever investment there is to feed his gain. Despite Huffington’s hopeful resistance, here’s Arrington found guilty by his defensive statements. Not pointing out his ultimatum, yet—in addition to Huffington’s statement that she would be recruiting a new editor in replace of Arrington. Finally, she’s under submission now, afraid to be undercut by the old media.

Did I mention that AOL invested about $10 million in his fund? Who scratches whose back, now?

I read MG Siegler’s emotionally charged article. Siegler got Arrington’s back strengthened by his words, If Mike tried to get me to write some unreasonable post about a company he had invested in, I would laugh at him. But he would never do that. This shouts out my last perceived ethical issue of the writers’ autonomy over what they would cover. If Arrington has real selfish intentions, as verified by writers like David Carr regardless if they’re driven by the so-called old media jealousy, then the writers’ trust for him goes nowhere. Writers like Siegler would be a slave of this unethical trade. This is an issue of journalists being held back of their principles.

Paul Carr, a TechCrunch writer, forfeited TechCrunch’s editorial credibility, and said he was worried that “investors will gain influence over how CrunchFund-backed companies are covered on TechCrunch.”

Then, I read Swisher’s verbose rage. And I read the neutral version of Nieman Journalism Lab in Coddington’s words to sum it all up.

We have the words of all the writers like Carr and Swisher who are up against the giant wall of Arrington. Nevertheless, heaven knows the truth about his real intentions. With all the truths or untruths in all appearances placed in front of us, we can only investigate on our own. At this point, we can only wait for the decision their principles will lead them to.

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:01:00 +0000

Who says UP students are the- boring-book-bound geeks? With no uniform flavor, we show up in our classes wearing our own styles.

Within the isko boundaries, no one would dare to take account of your taste. You can come in cultured by your own art recipe.

Here are some of the fashion dishes of UP Diliman students served just the way you want it. You’re most welcome to appreciate their recipes, but dare not to nit-pick their styles. Just create your own fashion dish and you can share your recipe with us.

Serving our first Fashion Dish from the College of Arts and Letters , take a peek of my free nibbles with this Candy Correspondent from the Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts:

FACE OF THE DAY

DAY-to-DAY STYLE: Sophisticute, laidback, school-appropriate

CHAT BITES with Clei:

What do you usually wear during school days?

Jeans/Leggings, dainty top (usually loose), sandals, cardigan (I just bring it)

Do you wear any specific outfit during rainy/sunny days?

I always try to incorporate my outfit with the weather. I don’t really have any specific items for rainy/sunny days because the weather is very unpredictable [bipolar], so what I try to do is wear flexible outfits that can be fit for both rainy/sunny days (e.g., jeans, sandals/slippers)

What kind of articles do you typically wear?

Earrings (permanent), solid-colored bracelets depending on my outfit, belt (which I think I can hype up with any outfit), vintage necklace or rings, colorful head pieces/hair accessories (ribbons)

Are you brand-specific?

NO. I’m not brand conscious. I can wear anything as long as I like it and it feels comfortable. What I usually wear are basic pieces readily available in my closet, but I try to find ways to hype it up and make it my own style.

Clei’s recipe for her fashion dish includes simple garments that make up a sophisticute get-up as she calls it. Her style certainly comes into fashion and her way of hyping things up won’t definitely cramp her trend.

“My boundless enthusiasm for life will freak you out and I will take a turn somewhere down the road and color the planet with quirkiness and mayhem. I’m forever in love with positivity, writing, stars, books, dancing and everything weird science. I’ll be traveling outer space years from now.” – Clei Salvador

Stirred by this sassy girl? You, too, should sashay your style. Strut around the university with your own proud definition of Fashion.

>>>FIRST DISH SERVED.

|Follow Clei: @iamsuperclei , http://thecleicrusade.tumblr.com|

|Kathryn Narciso|

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:39:00 +0000

MAL-journalism

Misuse, Abuse, Lack of Maintenance

I recall the warranty agreement for vehicles. If your car died on you due to MISUSE, ABUSE, and LACK of MAINTENANCE, you’re going to offset your warranty. The Service Manager at the dealership won’t grant you any goodwill for your own mistake. You can only regret. So, you better take care of it –religiously and immaculately.

This echoes the wretched story of the journalist Stephen Glass. The artless rule of thumb of car dealers and manufacturers: Misuse, Abuse, Lack of Maintenance, mirrors the three ethical issues in his attempt-for-easy-fame story.

He misused his expertise in writing by fabricating stories in his articles for the New Republic magazine. All the more, he aimlessly tried to cover all his lies by another lie when he was caught off hand by Chuck Lane. Storytelling a lie, indeed. Pity was brooding over me upon watching the movie. Thank you to Christensen’s good portrayal, and for a few minutes I forgot about the heinous crime Stephen Glass committed.

Nevertheless, this ethical issue of fabrication of information is something that we have to be careful and critical about. We have to be Chuck Lane of our own rights. I remember an activist telling me how we should investigate upon truth. He reminded me that not everything that we see or hear as fed on to us by the media is accurate.

In addition, he abused his colleagues and superiors by running out his great deceiving stories and ultimate goodie-two-shoes image so he could win their trust. What a creative storywriter he could be! Because he’s trusted by everyone, his works outdone the fact-checking department.

The weakness of the said department leads to the third issue of lack of maintenance. They weren’t able to preserve their authority over fact validation by letting his fabricated facts be published. It was such an ethical flop for the magazine company by allowing his partially/completely fabricated [27 out of 41] articles out in the ignorant eyes of the readers. Credibility—this is all but life for the company. And he washed it all out.

I commend the right judgment of my at-first unloved Chuck Lane [for replacing the good old Michael Kelly]. He just did what was expected of him. As the Service Manager of his company, he should really not grant any more goodwill for the vicious mistake of a fraudulent and abusive Stephen Glass.

Be like him? Shattered, out of law’s warranty?

No way.

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:15:00 +0000

My Lovely Clutter

She just won’t give them up!

I told my mom many times to donate the book piles which are now of no use to me and my sister. Surrendering them for a good cause doesn’t make sense to her at all. Heaven knows why.

All the text books that my sister and I have had since we started schooling are still resting in our two bookshelves and bodega. Yes, I know you can imagine the cobwebs all over them. We wipe them off, but they come back after a while. Nasty ghosts, right?

For goodness’ sake, tell me what to do about our nursery books. How about the penmanship books, Spoken English books and all others that we are making room for? Even more, my sister and I attended the same school way back the age-old kindergarten days. And so we have the same collection of text books! Sure, we are keeping them all in our little shelter.

Years have gone by and the pile continues to build up until now. My sister has already graduated after five years in college, and I’m now on my third year. No, I don’t want to picture out the loads of books that we have collected so far.

If you would see my late lola’s bedroom which turned into a bodega a few months after she passed away, you would be startled with how the double-decker bed became a bookshelf. Can you take a guess what’s beside the bed? Ta-da! Boxes and paper bags of more books!

What’s more to that is the whole set of Britannica Encyclopedia occupying almost the whole space in the shelf. And what with all the books she bought from Reader’s Digest? Well, I’m not including the magazines and other general reference books.

Books are all over the place! I grew up with them. And I love them.

Oh yeah, I love them so much that sometimes I don’t eat in school so I can spend my school allowance for books. I started from cheap wonderful reads. Book sales sweep me off my feet. When I have more than enough of resources, I buy the hardbound prints. I haven’t read them all yet but they’re endlessly stacking up. And I’m constantly dreaming of becoming a filthy rich person so I can add more wonderful books in my messy collection and gather them all in a brilliantly constructed extra-large bookshelf. I can only imagine. Happiness!

Books will be books. I don’t care about the 2011 Britannica Concise Encyclopedia available in your iTouch, iPad, Android, or what have you. Nor I care about the virtual bookshelf and the e-books in whatever multimedia gadgets you have. I will stick to my dream. Oooh La la la-ibrary!

[Wee! I’m reading Bulalo Soup for the Sole by Jew. Pleasure much!]

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 19:10:00 +0000

BOOKMARKED!

Blooey Singson is the author of Bookmarked!, a blog that accounts her reading adventures and where her book fascination has taken her so far.

I like checking out fashion and news blogs, too. However, this was the first blog that I have ever ‘bookmarked’, a book blog.

With lots of books that she’s reading, I’m sure as hell that content-wise she will really make it on top. Indeed, you can’t write if you don’t read. And the author has what it takes to gear book readers and blog followers into a new level of passion for reading.

[25 August] Below is the viewing statistics of the site:

What made this on my list of favorite blogs is the satisfaction I get from its content. I love reading books but it’s seemingly incomparable with the passion for books that Blooey has. It is too much heightened that her blog readers [just like me] would feel inspired whenever they browse through her blog. She is sharing all the adventures her book mania is taking her through. It’s not all about book reviews that one would normally see in a book blog. She included even the interview opportunities she had with some book authors. She’s sharing the good reads and where you can buy them best. The biggest book sales, you would know them if you’re updated with her blog posts.

Wanna know about the events where you can have your books signed? Or you wanna be updated about the books that turned movies or even books that turned plays? How about advices for Pottermore entry? Visit her site and you will feel at home with all the exciting information you will be fed on, locally and internationally. She simply shares anything-book-related that she knows about.

The blog content is relevant that every reader will be cultivated with much of information and encouragement to read constantly. This is a good site for the Filipino youth. Instead of spending my money buying unproductive stuff, her passion for books as suggested in the blog stirs me to save money for a better cause, reading and learning.

The design and layout are both simplified. There’s a good space for the main blog posts and the advertisements. The ads don’t look cramped on the side. Integrating multimedia is an added value. It spices it up that the pictures featured in the site were originally taken. In terms of discoverability, community and social media, the blog ranking would not be interpreted as such if not with the site’s credibility and audience traffic. Being the 3^rd top book blog says a lot about the site.

She is also active on Flips Flipping Pages, Filipino Book Bloggers, BookMooch, and BookMoochers Pilipinas. Her membership in these communities supplements the site’s discoverability. Like in her blog, at the sidebar you’ll find the Regular Reads, Filipino Book blogs, and Book blogs across the seas sections. This shows that she supports other book bloggers like her as much as she would also receive support from them. By her blog being featured and mentioned in other blogs, she’s gaining traffic and market at the same time.

Truly, her blog’s success is what a newbie like me would aspire for.

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:18:00 +0000

MILFLORES SPOTTED!

So far, I’m not done reading Carl Hiaasen’s Double Whammy, and yet I can’t help myself but to eye on more books on sale. I’m shrinking with all my to-read books and here I am adding more weight to the pile.

Milflores Publishing set up their booth at the CAL basement. Arranged in the long table are the ‘rejects [due to seemingly unnoticed nicks] from the bookstores, i.e. National Book Store and Powerbooks. There are lots of good reads in heaps. With more or less Php200 left in my wallet, I burnt half of it over 3 book delights written by wonderful Filipino authors.

1. And the Geek Shall Inherit the Earth – Carljoe Javier Originally Php 220, but I bought it at Php 30 ONLY!

2.) Brusko Pink Kingkong Barbies & Other Queer Files – Louie Cano

Originally Php 320, but I bought it at Php 40 ONLY!

3.) Wala Lang Files [Funny&Serious] on Youthful Being and

Nothingness – Bud Tomas

Originally Php 370, but I bought it at Php 45 ONLY!

Good thing I was able to keep ahold of myself, and I stopped at the 3^rd book. It’s lunch time and I got less than a hundred to keep myself from starving. Uh-oh! How can I go home?!

(As much as I hate burning my savings for accidental expenses like this, oh yes, I call it ‘accidental’, tsk, I can’t help it!] Oh well, I got another receipt of explaining to tell mom about.

Hush, still…

Tomorrow, I’m coming back for their last day! [25 August, Thursday]. There are more wonderful reads that I should not miss at such low prices! See you there! J

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:47:00 +0000

DENGUE, NO MORE

Tuesday, August 16.

[1^st class] During our exam…

I was trying real hard to read and understand each question. My answers were not well-thought. Good thing there are ‘True or False’ and ‘Multiple Choice’ sections. I was not able to count the number of my erasures. But, I know my paper looks confused. And yes I was confused. My head was in a hazy clutter. It did hurt and I could not think straight at all. And I could not even write in a straight line no matter how hard I tried to control my right hand. My handwriting was in abstract scribble. It’s a terrible font invented, I admit. Epic fail.

For a 10-point essay question, two sentences were all I could write down. What a mess.

[2^nd class] During our report…

All the more, it was twice during our group report that I almost passed out. That’s why I needed to go out of the room once in a while every time I felt like I was about to lose my consciousness. What a shame if I passed out during the report. No way!

The night before this day, my mom told me not to attend my classes anymore. I could only wish.

How can I be absent when I’m ought to take an exam and deliver a report?

[3^rd class –last class] I missed it.

I asked my professor in my second class if I could stay for her next class because I don’t think I can walk without passing out. And so, she let me sit-in. After the class, I struggled my way to exit the building and rode a cab back home.

The next day, I was confined. My blood platelet count dropped.The day when I took my exam and when I delivered my report was actually my 5^th day of being sicked with Dengue Fever Syndrome. The doctor was startled that I was able to endure 5 days of Dengue without seeking medical help.

I was just one of the hundreds of Filipinos who were and are being distressed by Dengue strains. The casualties are doubling up compared to last year’s number of dengue cases. There’s no cure for it, the doctor told me. It only goes out of your system on its own. The best remedy would be water therapy.

No one is excused from Dengue possibilities. Not even me.

We should all be warned.

Be careful, my friend.

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:21:00 +0000

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOUth?

It’s no surprise at all to see a 5 year-old child surfing the net. That emerging-techno-savvy child does even have faster fingers than my mom. At such a young age, they’re already discovering their promising potentials in the virtual world. I don’t know if I should be green with envy that in no time they could be the computer experts and the celebrated bloggers of their generation.

Considering our time now, Filipino youth of ages 15-24 govern the blogosphere.

This emergent tweak in the behavior of the Filipino youth reminds me of the principle of Emergent Adulthood introduced to me by my professor in Educational Psychology class. Adolescence is extending beyond the teenage years already. At the age of 24, you’re still considered to be an ‘adolescent’. Isn’t it music to your ears if you’re at your mid-twenties?

Nonetheless, it’s definitely not late for me. I’m 19 and I started blogging this year 2011. Back when ‘blogging’ was still just a floating suggestion to me, I was embracing journal-writing. Yes, I love keeping journals. But, I just can’t get my way with it. It would be updated for the first 2 weeks; yet, come next days and my activities have totally overtaken my time for my journal that it’s becoming archaic. Poor journal.

Later did I realize that I want to share my thoughts to other people. Mr. Web just answered my thoughts about it. I was introduced to the online community and the interactive space that the blogosphere offers.

This, of course, is not all about me. I should write something that my target audience can relate with. And as I’m becoming a part of this community, I’m already learning what’s trending or not.

Below is a portion of an interesting study [2005] about the blogging trends featuring one hundred top bloggers selected from the Pinoy top blogs. According to the methodology presented, ‘the study was limited only to those who registered in the Pinoytopblogs and who were ranked in the top one hundred by the unique hits they received ‘:

The data above was in partial response to the interview question: What blogging trends do you see in the future? [2005]

Now, at year 2011, let’s try to relate this study to see if the blogging trends today justified the means gathered back in 2005. Let’s check if the blogging trends today match the answer provided in the question mentioned above.

There are varying studies that feature the top ranking blogs in the Philippines. There’s one compiled by the Technorati Authority Ranking. But, let me feature the ones registered in TOPBlogs.com.ph:

The above list may not reflect the actual standings since it changes on a daily basis. It would give you an idea of what kind of content does youth want to see on a PH blog.

[Technology] First on the list is Yugatech with 57, 029 visitors at the time of viewing. It features technology news and gadget reviews.

[Entertainment – Anime] Naruto Manga/Naruto Shippuden/Naruto Spoilers ranked 2^nd on the list at the time of viewing.

[News] A news blog called COOLBUSTER.net is third in rank with 49, 028 visitors.

Moreover, it was interesting to check what categories do the top 10 blogs fall under.

Ranking according to Categories [refer to the list above]:

1. Technology & Computers                       6. Education
2. Entertainment – Anime                            7. Home & Living - Wedding
3. News & Journalism   8. Business and Finance
4. Entertainment – Celebrity Updates   9. Personal
5. Entertainment – TV Shows                     10. Health & Medicine

The above list may change in a daily basis. Although interestingly, three entertainment blogs were included in the top 10 listing of TOPBlogs.

There’s quite an indication of similarity from the study done in 2005 as to the figures and listings that TOPBlogs came up with.

The study in 2005 featured 100 blogs. 51 of those were personal blogs. 14 were entertainment blogs. 12 were news/politics blogs. 10 were technology blogs.

These blogging trends [categories] were brought out in the top 10 blogs of TOPBlogs today.

Knowing these blogging trends and its development, I will try to tap different drifts in my personal blog. It’s important to me as a blogger that I will write about what I know about and what I’m interested about. Since I don’t have a strong inclination to a specific trend, e.g. technology, I will set up a personal blog which will feature anything that intensely interests me. As an online reader, I usually visit fashion, book and news blogs. But, my interests are boundless that even rock music and theatre tickle my interest. With these interests, I will categorize them and render them into different pages like the one below:

It would have the same structure but different labels. The labels could be ‘Books, Music, Fashion, WHAT’s NEW? etc.’.

Below is a book blog with a simple design that I want to adapt:

As much as I can, I will integrate different forms of media not limited to pictures and videos. I will try to make everything original, even the audio-visual materials that will be introduced. It means to say that I will only present pictures that I have taken.

Here’s another book blog that I always visit:

Let me borrow the much used adage: Simplicity is beauty. With a lot of things that interest me, I want to feature them in a very defined simple design and layout.

noreply@blogger.com (pepper) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 14:53:00 +0000

i “quotednews.com”

Once, they were all the same.

I’m not a web design expert to scrutinize the page layout with the header and the sidebar nor whatever that holds my eyes on screen. What the color scheme would be or where to put which, is what I don’t know. My eyes are seeking for content.

That was my understanding way back when I visit a website or a blog. I don’t care about how it was presented to me. I know yet what I am looking for. So what with the design.

If I want to find out the details on a current earthquake headline for an instance, I use the magic keywords and browse through the first links google or yahoo shows me. It’s what I chow in to kill time, not something that I feed on myself every day.

It was all about the content. And I was seeing no difference. It’s just the same news taken in different words. At least, back some eras ago.

Apparently, they are all different.

PITHING QUOTED NEWS

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VIDEO SYNTHESIS

I posted the video script somewhere in this blog.

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IF-I’M-THE-EDITOR’S COLLAGE:

Below is the original screenshot of the Quoted News site.

Below is my edited version of the site, the way I would want it to be if I'm the editor.

Have you noticed the changes? Here's the detailed wanna-be changes in outline form:

The two small pictures beside the slideshow of featured articles were removed. I replaced them with Daily Weather Forecast small widget.

I added an announcement caption (marquee) under the slideshow's caption. This would feature important announcements (e.g. DepED/CHED's declaration of class suspension).If there’s no urgent announcement like this, the schedule of the featured events in "My Calendar" can be displayed.
I added "My Calendar" widget below the google search engine. This calendar features the schedule of any events (e.g. Social Watch Assembly). The events that will be posted will be filtered. This will be a good portion for potential advertisers and sponsors. Moreover, this could be one way of promoting the site.
I have had the header changed. 'Quoted' and 'news' are maroon in font color. I moved the "sign up and report your news" on top beside the 'subscribe" button.
I changed the format of the ads in the Sponsors section in the sidebar. Instead of a collage of ads, I changed it to a slideshow format. So, it would not look cramped in one corner.

I added the EDITOR’S PICK section in the second-level of the navigation menu. It's on top of the google search engine. It would feature anything under the sun. It could be a book blog, movie, a restaurant or what not. It can invite potential advertisers and sponsors.

I was not able to include the following in my version of the site:

Replacing the 'Popular Posts' with a more integrated save-spacing widget, 'Read-Rated-Discussed' as that of Telegram’s will make it look better. It would have the same format [picture beside each content tabs] but the integrated format will be adapted.

Twitter widget like that of Telegram’s can be added in the remaining space under "Stats" section.

My Humble Recommendations to quotednews.com Editor:

"We, at QuotedNews aspire to be the avenue of much news you desires to hook with: "

-Little mistakes like this should still be changed.

"If you want to contribute your own news story please read our guidelines."

-This was included in the "About" page. I think there's no need for this to be included since there's a whole page allotted for the guidelines: "Write for us" section.

-According to Kevin Mudloon, either the symbol or the word should be omitted. It's redundant already. "One must die."

VIDEO SCRIPT:

These are my blogposts, too:

WHAT I PERCEIVE? [Criteria: Content Design Relevance]

HOW’s THE TRAFFIC? [Criteria: Discoverability Community Social]

THANK YOU:

Quoted News

Newspaper Website Design: Trends And Examples

Telegram

The Reader Blog Critique Checklist

~~Kathryn Narciso~~