Write. . write. . and Write?

Writing is my undying passion. It's like a flame that flickers but still survives. (Don't give me that disapproving look. Give me a chance to defend my area first.) I love to scribble about life, humans, entities, phenomena and everything under the smiling face of the sun. I thought every wishful hearts can fill the paper. But – I was wrong.

Let's turn on the time machine and set it towards my early high school years. During that time, my love for writing “blossomed”. I will just get a pad and take down every words knocking inside my cranium. It was like a river. Ideas smoothly flowed. Poems and short stories were truthfully given birth. Unlike history books, mine was not that fruitful. Honestly speaking, I thought that I was doing good with that coercive passion; until I met new acquaintances appraising me that I'm just being conceited.

Thoughts like standing on the pedestal by writing on a school paper became my water loo. Third strike, the idea was still erroneous. Writing is an idea and idea is another thing. You can't be somebody by just a night.

Writing is the by product of reading. By reading, you learn something new and unusual. It is then in writing, wide readers who later turned out to be adept writers, express the combination of words they learn from unconventional paperbacks they comprehend. I had read quite a lot of written outputs. Throughout the digestion process, I was surprised to know that there are many scribblers around the world. They use diverse styles, techniques, themes and elements leading their hardcovers to its successful hit. The question is – how can I be like them?

.

Practice makes perfect. But how about reconsidering the concept and twisting it instead? There are some hopeful cases of people trying their best to excel in a certain expertise. It was a good cite of inspiration to ponder on but later it served as an evidence that – practicing often using wrong routines is still futile. I think it should be Good Practice makes perfect? Well, almost everybody knows it.

What I mean is that I'm still on my quest of becoming a good writer. I hate to reminisce failures that will just ruin my spirit. Up to this moment, I'm still hoping by writing. ^_^

Wake up Sleepyhead!!

Your lecturer tackles about the exact difference of deoxyribonucleic acid from ribonucleic acid; your math wizard teacher prevails upon resolving the right answer to this equation: -3<7x-2<9 while your net savvy teacher discourses about this code int gd=DETECT,gm,i=0,x,y,area; whatever class discussion you're guesting, one thing is for sure – you're having a lethargic fever!

Want to fight it back with the use of a mighty kick? Why don't try these options?

1. Sleep Right.

Have enough sleep before going to class. By doing this you'll get enough energy and you will be energize. There will be lesser chances of getting drowsy.

2. Follow Proper Eating Diet

Don't underestimate strict screening of intake. Researches show that fruits and vegetables are good provider of sufficient nutrients needed by the body during activities.

3. Have an Advance Research on the topic.

Spend time to divulge hidden information about the subject matter that will be discuss for the next day. Having at least a firm grasp if not full, will help you be alert to partake on some exchange of ideas.

4. Participate

Gone are the times that you just sit and wait for the ring of the bell. Take the initiative of raising a point of information or give trivia that you certainly know about the context.

5. Compete with Yourself

Compare your performance before trying the four steps above. Strict obedience may lead to something wonderful and may help you boost your self-confidence. Try to aim higher the next time. After all what's the use of trying, by the way?

Happy Listening!!!

Last Rose Part 2

 

I was startled. It’s not funny to receive a flash break of awful news. I ran to my room and cried. Why I cried? Because I didn’t want to leave my family behind! Just for this search of greener pasture? It is such a ridiculous and selfish act of greediness. Ever since, I never had imagined that my own dad would arrive at this kind of cruel and inhumane decision. But I can’t fail him. He has been that strict and autocrat towards me.

After which, I did everything my father wanted me to do. I moved forward and never turned back…For few years, I’ve told myself not to enter on that house again. I’ve traveled few miles and still the shadow of my past still haunts me. I’ve become for what I should be now. I ate all the pains and sorrows and swallowed them alive. I barely faced them and never regretted. I admit that I hate my father too much, too much to bear and too much to forget. I can feel the line of waters passing my cheeks. I knew that I’m strong. I’m tough and I’m hard. I don’t get this soft part on my heart. I’ve killed that girl already. But still she’s insisting to find her way back. 

I’ve found myself back when the woman called my name.

“Marie.” I stood up and approached the coffin and then I saw him. His stern face, those twisted lips and the face which I hated so much for my life. I looked at him for a single moment, for donkey’s years, I’ve never forget that horrible look. That look that makes me trembles so much and always ends into a simple curse. I closed my eyes and touched myself and evaluated it thoroughly. I waited for how many minutes but it’s empty. I sit back and the woman told me.

“Your father loved you dear.” I sighed.

“He’s not your biological father. He just saw you in a meadow crying amidst a heavy rain one night. He brought you but his wife doesn’t like you at all but he successfully prevailed. Your toddler years were really a hard time for him. And through his gracious efforts, his wife started to love and accept that little girl. It was a perfect and happy family until we came and claimed you back. It hurts but he let you go. For he knew, you’re not his and will never be. Knowingly, the disease he had been hiding before, blow by blow ruined his body until he died. He’s afraid to confront you for he doesn’t want you to be disturbed...”

I heard dominant mourning volts of thunder. Its striking my ears hard. I can’t carry it for it is so powerful. I felt hot aggressive waters rushing. The coffin was about to be brought down. They’ve thrown their roses and utter their last words. They looked at me. I stepped forward, now I know why, I’ve answered all my questions sleeping before me. I loved him and I’ve forgiven him. The girl came back again. And I welcome her as I threw my last rose…Bye…

Last Rose Part 1

 

Tik-Tak-Tak!! It’s almost past 12’00 in the midnight, and still a sight of little silhouette keep moving on a flat wooden floor. The uneasy sound of an opening door blankets the silent night. With minute steps ran forward the moving figure.

“It’s late.” a woman of 40’s broke the night.

“Yeah, I know.” I sighed. The woman approached me and tapped my shoulder.

“Forget about it.” the woman said. I said nothing and nodded. The woman got the lamp and lightens it. After which, she said goodnight and closed the door. Then the silence pervaded. The flickering light of the lamp gently sneaked my attention away from the window. The silence really wanted to kill me…I hate it…that silence…that something that I really ought not to feel with…I went to my bedroom, breathed and touched my pillow and decided to lay down my body and be relaxed. I closed my eyes and still fighting to get asleep. My mind keep on going, still playing, still moving, still blaming until it came to a huge shout.

“Ahh!....”I angrily uttered one early morning. I looked at my watch and gasped. “Oh my, what the heck is happening? It’s still four in the morning, what the...”

Bogh!...I stopped and listened to the sound.

“I’m tired of this.” a soft voice said as if talking to someone.

“That’s why I want you to make her free.” a baritone voice comes after.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. She’s been my life you know it. I can’t afford to lose her. I can’t live without her; she’s so dear to me. Marie is my girl. And no one can take her away from me. I loved her!” the voice struggles to make a strong disposition.

“But she’s not yours, you knew it before. Give her back or else...” the voice stopped and footsteps can be heard lightly until it vanishes away.

The latter argument made me puzzle and a little bit of confused. I know that there are several complicated topics that may not be as understandable for little folks like me. But still as a struggling youth, those sort of heart-to-heart talk or whatever talk it may be, really marked my young sensibility of understanding. Several minutes passed, thoughts of wonder wandered obviously until the dawn swallowed me.

A wonderful morning embraced me and reminded me of what had happened a few hours ago still a little anxious of the said event, I just decided to let it passed and have a brisk walk around our kitchen. I saw my mom preparing for our breakfast.

“Good morning.” I greeted her.

“Morning honey how’s our dream last night?” mom asked me.

“It was just fine.” I simply answered.

“Oh, honey, I know that those years that quickly passed were not able to mold you to be a strong rock. I can see you as an unpolished stone. I hope you are like a rock that can endure all the laborious and dangerous games of life. You’re so young to be left alone but maybe this will be the right time for you to find your own. I hate to say this but your dad wants to separate us. He is planning to send you abroad to study and let you settle there. I feel futile enough to be with you if I will go with his decision. He’s forcing me to give my consent which I will not give and will never do…” she stopped and walked.

(read Last Rose Part 2 for continuation...)

All about EDITORIAL

Editorial is one of the strongest attacks a good newspaper has. It is simply because in editorial the writer has to be deadly serious. Political issues is probably is the most entertained subject in editorial writing. Caricature presents a mock opinion of the writer towards motions, decisions, plans, bills and everything that is in a need of scrutiny. I like reading editorials but I don’t consider it significant.

         

I think some students may agree with me when I say some not so friendly statements about editorial. Mostly, entertainments sections are read because it entertained the readers by spreading gossips about a certain celebrity or public figure. May it be true or not, I think the readers don’t mind as long as they enjoy what they are reading. But reading or even throwing a comprehensive look on the editorial section is quite questionable. I admit that editorial is not that entertaining for me before. As a mass communication student, I should be aware about the latest events and happenings of the society not only on local areas but on other nations as well. And reading different sections of the newspaper may help me. But for me editorial is just an opinion without any strong ground root.

 The idea of discussing about editorial writing, or even all facts about editorial didn’t ever cross my mind. Or let’s just say; I didn’t research well about the subject matter though. I thought that the subject Mass Communication 16 with the course description feature writing will generally focus its limelight on the whereabouts of features writing techniques, features writing articles and more. And well, I think all my presumptions were all wrong. Editorial being subcategorized under feature writing is one of the most important articles to be read in a newspaper. Not only, it is written by only acclaimed experience and seasoned writers but also it presents an urge of persuasion towards the readers without any pressures. An editorial doesn’t stand a single opinion or point of view. It blankets the whole perception on the people behind the production of the newspaper. Thus, it is balanced. I thought that writing editorial is easy like reading the first letter of the alphabet but throughout the discussion the idea lingering in my mind was proved wrong. Writing an editorial is quite crucial because one have to consider many factors such as relevance of the topic, ability of the writer to forward opinions, the limitations on the usage of emotions, the utilization of persuasive language, facts should be straightly forwarded and all these things should be not boring but entertaining. 

Writing editorial in newspapers requires skills in order to forward it justly. Writers should criticize and strikes the situations, problem or issued and not a specific person. I think this is the thin line where some journalists are being accused of libel. It is because editorials exist not to efficaciously force the readers to believe the presented opinion but to forward ideas and let them do the digesting. Like the feature story, the editorial should have catchy title, attractive lead, organized body and the conclusion that editorial should be carefully and wonderfully written. After the thorough discussion, I was challenged. I want to write an editorial someday. I know it will require tons of efforts and liters of sweats but if call for it, why not? After all being an editorial writer is a privilege.

5 Useful Ways to Save Money

Five Useful Ways to Save Your Money

You ran to a store which offers 50% discount of such an expensive bag. You have been dreaming to have it since it was released in the market. Buying it would yield to two things: end up with the bag and have no money for the next day? or ignore the bag and save the money? Now, what will you do? Squander it easily or just keep the money?

Saving is really hard especially when sales are all around the corner. You might be thinking whether to set the money aside or just dissipate the bill. Saving your excess cash from buying unnecessary wants is a great technique you should know. You should have a clear control over expenses than vice versa. Keeping bucks for future purposes or for emergencies will be a little help. So how will you save it?

Here are at least five steps of economizing:

1.Be determined.

Be passionate about what you are going to do. Saving for rainy days may be tough, but you have to try.

2. List all the things that you will need.

Create a list of the things you will need for the next week ie. groceries, toiletries and etc. Be sure to purchase items that are only needed.

3. Be keen on budget making.

Create an estimated expenses you will have for the following week. It is much better to allot an allowance to avoid arising problems like ie. cheaper value allocated to a certain good. Bear in mind that the excess amount will be save.

4. Stick to the note.

Strictly follow your list of commodities. Don't let temptation of having “shopping spree” overrule you.

5. Ask guidance above.

Divine intervention can help ease your burden of saving. It's quite far from reality but you will get with it later on. You will not die if you try this.

I hope you learn something. Happy SAVING!

Job Frustations!

Sometimes in your life you are given opportunities that you can't control; unfortunately these opportunities are great enough that you end up complaining. As a fresh graduate, I easily grabbed a certain chance that I thought was the best that I could have. When I got the task, it was then I realized that I was fooled.

According to those expert when it comes to work related issues, mostly inexperienced graduates (if not all) tried their best to be easily employed not thinking the possible shortcomings they may encounter during the “getting-to-know your job” period. There's no problem if you have been like a working or self-supporting student during your college years. But the bigger impact of this goes to individuals like me who simply depends on the monetary support of my parents and an aunt. When I went to college I have everything. I certainly don't appreciate the value of having money all the time I wanted it. I could buy anything I want. I could even pay my fees that easily without making any promissory note. I can still remember how my friends even room mates asked me about making this kind of appealing letter. I just simply tell them that I don't know.

Several years passed, here I am now counting the worth of a single cent. Working is not easy. You deal with your boss, clients and office mates. How I wish I can go back to school and have the company I am working pay for my fees instead. Is there any companies that let their employees work by just sending them to school and demanding them to have a good grades then? I don't think so, unless you need for a certain promotion or knowledge that will be useful for the company. It's a mutualism thing. You give me something ? I will give another thing that will be useful for you in return.

When I applied for a job I was thinking for the pay. I was exasperated learning that it would take months before I could possibly work. I had my vacation spent in my province where I tormentingly waited for the results of my buoyant strikes. Three weeks have had just passed when a call changed my life. I received a call from a company telling me that I am hired. I was dumb-founded. I don't know what to say. I was not expecting a certain thing like this. Fear conquered my mind. I was intimidated. Could I meet their expectations? What if I tell them that I am working already? What if I accept the offer? What will I do? Before the call, I have already sent my resumes to different companies. I even underwent two different interviews conducted by different companies. What if other companies call me and offer me better salary? In summary I have many “ifs”.

Working for the company who first gave me the ring was one of the few first decisions I had made throughout my life. I asked God for guidance that he may lead me to the right company. After that, I take the company's offer. As of this moment, I am one month employed and within this duration I was called by one company for a training, a Makati based company called me for an interview and another electric company drop a line so that I can take an exam. I unanimously turned down the offers.

I admit I'm not happy towards the company I am working today. It's not that the company is not good or what. It's just that I feel that I'm misplaced. I should have been somewhere. My office mates are kind and so my manager. They make it sure that I feel at home whenever I'm with them. It's not the environment I think its the work I do. I don't have any knowledge about it. My client who is a foreigner should be the one who will conduct the training. On my previous post, I have written about the worst encounter I have with him. Right now, I want to have a new client. I want a job that will let me prove my skills. I want to leave the company now but I can't. I will patiently wait for few months before I can let a smile illuminate my face.

I still hope for a different scenario now but It's impossible. I am still waiting.

First rejection I have with my First job!!

 

I'm not feeling good. It was the best feeling I can remember when I accidentally read one of the emails sent by my customer. You may be thinking two things: First, how did I get into his mails? Second, what was the email all about? As his VA, he had given me a full access to his personal mails via remote desktop. According to him, in that way I can organize his incoming mails. Not thinking that this privilege will later lead on to an awful revelation.

It happened to me one day, I was bored. I'm done with the tasks he had given me. So, to keep me preoccupied I browsed his mails especially his sent items box. As I navigated the mails I saw a mail entitled “Virtual Assistance not working out”. That was my first hint. I opened the mail and viola! He's complaint was about his new VA – well, that's me!. In his email he enumerated four definite reasons for a possible replacement of his new assigned VA: first, I don't know the basic business process; second, he spent worth of his time (that's what he said) giving me instructions; third, I am poor in written English and finally, I am poor in spoken English. That was a quadruple BANG!!! I felt pity for myself. I want to give myself a very consoling hug. I felt humiliation flooding my system. Tears joined my hurtful celebration. I didn't expect something awful like that. He just wanted a replacement.

I cried. I think that's the best outlet I have. But, not that much. I send a SMS to my friend telling him about the incident. I sought for a healthy advice. I was really flabbergasted.

I wrote a sorry note address to him saying what I am feeling at that moment (but omitted some truths). I incorporated it inside my daily time sheet. It was one of his processing rules; to send him a list of activities done throughout the shift.

Right now, I'm not feeling depressed or bad about it. I'm calm enough now (at least) to answer his allegations. It is true that I'm not that geek when it comes to BASIC business process. But, am I not doing my best to learn it? If he only know how much effort I simply exerted just to adjust. I surfed the net and befriended Mr. Google. I watched videos and tutorials for me to get the gist of his work environment. I thirst for knowledge. I owe to have it from him. My company told me that he (the client) will be the one to do the training. But, he took this statement a plot against him. It's a simple logic if he don't want to teach me about his business who will care to do it? He told me to ask question if I'm not sure. But, when I ask, it will took him couple of minutes to answer me. He don't even answer my queries. I don't want to make my own move when I process something that is in line with his business. He may get mad at me. Thus, my working performance was affected. He also gave me instructions that is beyond the access he have given me. So, how will I do it if I can't have the passes?

He called me but I was really nervous. The conversation I have with him was my biggest downfall.

I was nervous during that time that I scarcely hear his words. If only he has given me a chance to prove myself it would have a different ending. I felt trapped in a shell. I wanted to also prove my worth.

I don't pity myself anymore. His expertise is all about installation of software, finding solutions and whatever terms you can associate to technology. Mine is about new gathering and interviewing sources. I get the job to work for him because I want an experience. Old cliché says that Experience is the best teacher. Truly, he had given me a good one.