tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69095594368991431492024-03-05T22:11:45.673-08:00downtownranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-59612877564171139362013-03-15T23:56:00.001-07:002013-03-16T06:06:51.794-07:00The Knoji Disappointment<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-PQ0XC2p4zTXrmnzx3zhTKGY62w3lIm4AZYubF38_cpe-VOZe9IAkvXAOuQTvgYMBxmOiddMrbXUx90ZzQEaaMCQFBqVdNEOxXXpmm6Hyu6LDdyWnqxeXFEULzXBG6MXSQ2djZix-QPE/s1600/knoji+(2).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-PQ0XC2p4zTXrmnzx3zhTKGY62w3lIm4AZYubF38_cpe-VOZe9IAkvXAOuQTvgYMBxmOiddMrbXUx90ZzQEaaMCQFBqVdNEOxXXpmm6Hyu6LDdyWnqxeXFEULzXBG6MXSQ2djZix-QPE/s400/knoji+(2).png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I have been a Knoji writer since July 2012. I was very impressed with the site on my first few months there. It took me quite sometime to get the hang of it and level up to Expert - around 3 weeks. But, after that, it provided me steady writing income. On my first month as Knoji Expert, I earned around $150. It was fairly decent. It was my biggest online pay. Blogsvertise paid more for its written articles (I used to write blog posts for the site) but, blog post assignments were few so I didn't earn from it as much as I earned from Knoji.<br />
<br />
The following months were great as well. My total earnings from September-October was $255.<br />
<br />
Then, things started to be problematic in November. Changes on payment amounts started to happen - article payments were lower and Admins don't answer writers' inquiries. I still earned decently that November but I had to exert more efforts to earn. I had to write more articles. A 400-word article used to be $4 but in November, the same article only cost $3. By December, web article assignments went down to $2. The same went for product reviews. In December, product reviews which have a maximum $20 bonus payment were lowered to $12. <br />
<br />
While there were surprising feature additions for more income opportunities since November, such as the Paid Q & A Ambassador Program, Consumer Reports Writing and Coupon Submission, writers' complaints were nonstop. Bugs would remain unfixed for days and weeks. <br />
<br />
Sure, I have my problems, too, with Knoji. I was very vocal about them in the Knoji forums but I stayed with Knoji because it still provided me great income. I earned $319 in December - the highest I earned from the site.<br />
<br />
I noted the problems, anyway, many times. I posted on the forums and even sent numerous messages to the Knoji Admins. Other writers did the same. But, it took time before Knoji Admins explained what were happening and why they made the changes.<br />
<br />
The problems were not just the payment changes - it was the inability of Knoji Admins to provide explanations for changes and when they came, they were months or weeks late. Writers are kept guessing and wondering why payments were lowered - thinking it was because of the quality of their work - but, was just a re-structuring technique for the site when it wants to focus to a particular part of the site - it increased the Q & A bonus and decreased the article payments when it wanted the writers to concentrate on the Q & A, for example. <br />
<br />
Despite these problems, I still counted on Knoji. Because despite the complaints and problems, I was earning decently. Its Coupon Codes Submission provided me steady income. Since July 2012, I already earned $476.70 through coupons I submitted to the site.<br />
<br />
I started to be disappointed with Knoji last January. I was one of the most active in its Q & A long before it provided payments for non-company Q & As. I love answering questions I am knowledgeable with such as relationships, marriage, children, health and travels. But, I was never accepted in the Q & A Ambassador Program. I was always encouraged by other Knoji writers to keep trying but, after weeks of that, I just let it go.<br />
<br />
There were other Knoji opportunities like Web Article assignments which I love doing. So, despite losing the Q & A income, I concentrated on writing article assignments and product reviews. I also got busy since January so the income wasn't as high as my previous income. Nonetheless, I still believed that Knoji is a great site. How can it not be? It is still a site that provides income as it promises. <br />
<br />
Only 2 days ago, when I visited the site, that I learned recent changes and bugs. While writers are furiously pleading the Admins to explain, there are no answers.It was the same thing that happened in November before they introduced changes.There were serious problems on the site. There were bugs, product reviews which are already weeks old remain unapproved and Web Article assignments are now gone.<br />
<br />
The bad thing is, writers do not know if these are just bugs or product reviews and web article assignments are already gone for good. The only thing they bothered to inform the writers is the discontinuation of Coupon Codes Submission through a brief note.So, from now on, Knoji writers can no longer share coupons. Fortunately, coupon codes that were submitted before the changes will remain earning commissions as long as they remain valid to be used by shoppers.<br />
<br />
Still, the way Knoji is handling these changes are driving writers furious. Many feel disrespected, especially veteran writers who have contributed so much for the site. <br />
<br />
I feel pissed off as well. I have written numerous articles for Knoji that helped boost its ranking and reputation. And in turn, it has rewarded me with money. I am thankful for that, though, I also think that I deserve every penny that Knoji paid me. The same goes with the other writers.</div>
<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Now, this is no longer just about getting paid or having access to the Knoji earning opportunities. The issue now is Knoji's ability to take care of its writers - its writers are the reasons why it is doing so well as a consumer knowledge site.</div>
<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Knoji writers deserve attention and respect from Knoji. We are being ignored for our inquiries and that should not be the case. Knoji should be more responsive otherwise, it will lose the best writers it got.<br />
<br />
There is still this small hope in me that Knoji can fix the problems but I do hope it does soon or it will be too late. Writers are already bolting out and looking to other sites because the income has been very unpromising (no product reviews and no article assignments) and most of all, <i><b>Knoji does not bother and refuse to explain what is happening.</b></i> <br />
<br />
It will be a waste, really, if Knoji does not act fast. Its reputation is at stake. </div>
ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-55317855428068176902013-01-13T16:28:00.001-08:002013-01-13T16:28:54.020-08:00Pinsal Falls<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8hSPuf4zjPyXN3QYreQfaT3h45Qqy1VVfjW3SJRa7b_op1mxdYORsrmmdHX3T4dXE8AGsJTXwdmhzQJTZqrsqzXp26jt5eQhh9-FNhNnGym3qozAo8y4gTFtf5um_TCxFbQNjC5z5cOn/s2560/1358123754231.jpeg' onblur='try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}'><img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8hSPuf4zjPyXN3QYreQfaT3h45Qqy1VVfjW3SJRa7b_op1mxdYORsrmmdHX3T4dXE8AGsJTXwdmhzQJTZqrsqzXp26jt5eQhh9-FNhNnGym3qozAo8y4gTFtf5um_TCxFbQNjC5z5cOn/s288/1358123754231.jpeg' style='display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 288px;'/></a><br/>
<br/>
I can spend a whole afternoon admiring this wonder of nature. Located at Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, Pinsal Falls is just a few kilometers away from the UNESCO World Heritage site, Sta. Maria Church.</div>ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-91270629784215112802013-01-12T18:27:00.001-08:002013-01-12T18:27:30.132-08:00Bus Ride<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>My head is spinning. I feel drained. It must be because last night's travel was exhausting. <br/>
<br/>
I caught a ride (Partas bus) at 10 minutes before 9pm. I didn't eat dinner and decided to have it at any bus stop. A few minutes after finding a seat at the end, I already wanted to step out of the bus. <br/>
<br/>
The driver was driving too fast. Since I was at the end, it was very uncomfortable. I decided to change seats and found a vacant seat 3 rows just behind the driver. I realized too late that that was more dangerous. <br/>
<br/>
Since I was really exhausted from the seminar, I wanted to sleep. It's what I usually do at bus trips - sleep the entire time. But, by the time we reached the next town in only 6 minutes, I decided to forego my plan of sleeping. <br/>
<br/>
I just busied myself in making sure I remain awake just in case something happens. I saw how the bus almost bumped into a fuel tanker's rear and a mini-elf. A van was also almost hit when when our bus tried to overtake it. <br/>
<br/>
The bus speed didn't change even in those part of the highway with really sharp curves. I had to grasp firmly on the headboard of the seat infront of me. If not for the arm rest, I would have easily been thrown many time out of my seat. The arm rest helped me stay in place. <br/>
<br/>
I reached Vigan after only 2 hours. That's one of the fastest ride I took. It would have been alright if I didn't feel like I was going to die every minute or so. I took down the bus number and I swear that I will never ride in that bus again. The number is 342. <br/>
<br/>
Okay, we didn't figure in an accident. I arrived home safely. But fast rides are known to be the cause of accidents. <br/>
<br/>
Too many news of highway accidents have made me fearsome of fast rides. I surely don't want to die in a bus accident. It is not only messy, it is horrible. Who wants to die with a body part missing?</div>ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-67004344233362436332013-01-04T06:13:00.001-08:002013-01-05T00:21:23.079-08:00Fruitful Day<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEile32UPOZpBwEyi_miSj07qCQ_wsnpQ1ULNDa6h8tUyAe0J2I-5bfa1gT6SrYo2bQKcJmoX3lEKE5NlJwM75Ox05gkCAAWKvP7y-GDnkuSegLmfDgKQFgWxeqmu_cotiEoWjyUvQXfbTvp/s1600/2013-01-05+16.11.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEile32UPOZpBwEyi_miSj07qCQ_wsnpQ1ULNDa6h8tUyAe0J2I-5bfa1gT6SrYo2bQKcJmoX3lEKE5NlJwM75Ox05gkCAAWKvP7y-GDnkuSegLmfDgKQFgWxeqmu_cotiEoWjyUvQXfbTvp/s400/2013-01-05+16.11.04.jpg" width="300" /></a>It is only the 4th day of January 2013 but I have already done a full day's work while many are still home shedding off their Holiday hangover. <br />
<br />
Yes, I can be workaholic. But it is what makes me happy. I always feel like I am always running out of time. There are so many things to do. And, if immediately switching back to work mode is being workaholic,then, I am guilty. <br />
<br />
I am happy and guilty. This is not to claim that I am the only one who was able to report back to work, anyway. Colleagues in other departments may have actually reported earlier. Especially those with jobs that are highly-technical. <br />
<br />
Anyway, another reason why I am happy with today's schedule is because I had a little walking exercise with a half-day of fieldwork. It was the best thing to do after days of simply staying home and eating. <br />
<br />
I didn't I lose all the calories I ate up during the Holidays but at least an hour of walking helped shed off those calories. <br />
<br />
What better way to start the year but a combination of fruitful workday and exercise?<br />
<br />
If I am going to do a half-day fieldwork everyday (and probably, a whole day at times), I can lose enough wait in time for a Maxi dress two weeks from now. Haha. <br />
<br />
</div>
ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-56611410634340419962013-01-03T05:00:00.000-08:002013-01-05T02:51:21.664-08:00Exciting 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQHDzNuXgUOs6sqai1F_W1ENK2gIDeDbEcfSpqPw274Hnm39rid691esCjj5jff7m4Qz6LqvAyYsx_stjp9oCbpEtRKkhqs2XbmNrTajfskfZIaC6zx_zJ67608QozeG4eSYFd19EQhM4/s1600/thepaperiewordpressblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQHDzNuXgUOs6sqai1F_W1ENK2gIDeDbEcfSpqPw274Hnm39rid691esCjj5jff7m4Qz6LqvAyYsx_stjp9oCbpEtRKkhqs2XbmNrTajfskfZIaC6zx_zJ67608QozeG4eSYFd19EQhM4/s1600/thepaperiewordpressblog.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>from: <b>thepaperie.wordpress.com</b></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZR87z7jpUGG_54MRHgM0mJKhTGm-Vi8RNJz5GCQlBVZKIP5mt6TgLroYCGK0QdXCHnxl0WxUj-KFDH0fybahyGckiNcU1015I6_fLX8vIeaWkFEDmlKAq9gCcgNtz1VGijRSWP5O1_X5/s1600/2013-01-05+18.40.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZR87z7jpUGG_54MRHgM0mJKhTGm-Vi8RNJz5GCQlBVZKIP5mt6TgLroYCGK0QdXCHnxl0WxUj-KFDH0fybahyGckiNcU1015I6_fLX8vIeaWkFEDmlKAq9gCcgNtz1VGijRSWP5O1_X5/s1600/2013-01-05+18.40.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
It's 2013.<br />
<br />
There are many exciting things about to happen this year. For one, the Mayans were wrong. We survived 2012 and we came this far (*wink).<br />
<br />
Personally, many exciting things are also going to happen for me. The feeling is like finally having a lick at an ice cream I deprived myself for so long. I'm so tickled just at thinking of what it's going to be like when it will finally happen.<br />
<br />
Yes, I am no longer a teenager that should be feeling like a giddy teenager. In fact, I am only a few days away from my 28th birthday. But, I can't help it.<br />
<br />
The only reason I can't reveal what's this exciting thing to happen is because it's supposed to be a secret until it's over. When it's over, I can say everything I wanted to say about it and will probably write several posts about it until you will get sick of reading the same story over and over again. Haha.<br />
<br />
I can't even say a clue, except that I am 28 and it's finally going to happen. And for many great reasons, I am not the only person who is happy it's going to happen. And, certainly, when some people who will find out about will not like it and will probably have a lot of bad things to say about it.<br />
<br />
Either way, people who love me and people I love will be happy for me. They will be happy for us. ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-29275055482045872092012-12-03T11:37:00.002-08:002013-03-16T06:06:13.278-07:00Another post after a very long time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0frOJRUGtAtOom-eqhY1OwL5BXCaOWN2nhLvUQ31NFdUwxc6GpUtkWfbJTaeyMRvjPtEv_q8dTprntSFOvgfZYhzCnuwwyph5helhgFSNuNA7GxwdKoATrszeRtnwIJk2tPn6wugGHTbk/s1600/2013-01-05+15.59.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0frOJRUGtAtOom-eqhY1OwL5BXCaOWN2nhLvUQ31NFdUwxc6GpUtkWfbJTaeyMRvjPtEv_q8dTprntSFOvgfZYhzCnuwwyph5helhgFSNuNA7GxwdKoATrszeRtnwIJk2tPn6wugGHTbk/s400/2013-01-05+15.59.48.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
My last post was 10 months and 4 days ago. Funny, because that post talked about how long since I last wrote a blog entry and here I go again. That first line referred again to the last time I blogged.<br />
<br />
I have been busy. Very busy. I am never without any Internet connection yet everytime I go online, it's always down to business. I just started visiting 9gag again a week ago after not finding or forgetting, rather, to visit the site.<br />
<br />
Online writing has given me a very good amount of extra money yet because of it I almost didn't have time to browse the just for fun. I was very determined to earn. <br />
<br />
I tried <a href="http://knoji.com/create-account.php?referaff=8R64408">Knoji</a>, Mediapiston and iWriter. Mediapiston says my expertise is not something they need for the long term after only more than a month of writing articles for them. iWriter pays too little at first. And Knoji, it's the most promising among the three I have tried.<br />
<br />
I've learned to deal with Knoji now, though. So, I'm now able to juggle writing for it while browsing 9gag and doing this post.<br />
<br />
It's not a promise. I don't know if I will really be able to write as often as I should from now on. I hope I will be able to. If not, then, I always will find time to write again - no matter how long. ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-60755016975451740952012-02-08T08:29:00.000-08:002012-02-08T08:29:41.684-08:00After allIt's been quite sometime. <br />
<br />
It took me this long. And I am truly overwhelmed by how long it's been since my last post. I miss blogging. I miss ranting in this virtual place. I miss letting all these emotions take form into words - letting them out as if I'm just vomiting a bad food that got its way into my stomach because I was too polite to say no. <br />
<br />
But, it is not only the sad things that had their space in this blog that I miss. I miss most the exuberance, the little joys of other posts that point out to the beautiful things that still find their way in making this already fucked up life a little better, at times. <br />
<br />
Yep, this blog is a testimony to life. A life that is not solely sad or happy. It is a testimony that life is a mix of the two and that life is not a series of events that simply happen to you. This blog proves and reiterates the point that life sometimes get out of control but you, you as a person who decides to take matters into your hands is all about choices. <br />
<br />
Why have bread when you can have a salmonranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-36477947207500932532011-06-16T18:39:00.000-07:002013-01-05T03:00:27.254-08:00Beach Overnight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwM8fmOpdgPB8JF_I3nyomXxymEtCtakAOfveyhUtJhLvb7FOJn_kqkhCoNPX5dyu8hMMB9IVsLVBFSc6CghZhVq6PsCFltmh_SeE1mB1CCFHk4zpW_qfC_zQSi3Qqt7G6tF5yC9Lj5ir/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwM8fmOpdgPB8JF_I3nyomXxymEtCtakAOfveyhUtJhLvb7FOJn_kqkhCoNPX5dyu8hMMB9IVsLVBFSc6CghZhVq6PsCFltmh_SeE1mB1CCFHk4zpW_qfC_zQSi3Qqt7G6tF5yC9Lj5ir/s320/beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Some friends wanted a last go for the beach as June is still a little confused about its being a rainy month. Hehe. <br />
<br />
We wanted to try a different beach this time; a place we've never been to. It was part of the beach-scouting we've been doing all our lives. Anyways, I proposed Narvacan and it so happened, all of us have never been to any beach there. It was the perfect choice anyway, since I have a lola there. We can stay in her house, just in case. <br />
<br />
We went directly to my Lola's house. We rested a bit and then off we go to the beach. We found a big hut at the back of one of the resorts at Sulvec and we settled there as we considered our options. First, we can sleep at my Lola's house. Two, we can borrow a tent and sleep at the beach. <br />
<br />
After considering all the pros and cons we finally decided to sleep at the beach the following night. We wanted to experience how the sand would feel as we doze off. The beach wasn't that spectacular. It wasn't like the white beach of Pagudpud. But, it's still a beach with soft sands waiting for our backs to lie down on them. <br />
<br />
We stayed at the beach until 9pm and went back to Lola's for our things. We slept soundly and woke up really early at proceeded to the beach. We rented a cottage at the resort which were still being constructed(We have some complaints about it but I should discuss that in another post).<br />
<br />
So, that afternoon, after taking in all of the big waves whole day, we borrowed a tent from another friend and cooked supper early. When the high waves calmed a bit at around 4pm, we jumped at the blue waters again. It really cooled us down! <br />
<br />
Knowing, we didn't have electricity or any fixed source of light at the beach, we set up the tent early; right before sunset. What happened before we had dinner, was however, something we didn't expect. It rained! First there were just few drops. They were far and few. And the sky seemed harmless with a few dark clouds. But, just after a few seconds, the droplets turned into a little rainshower. Then, there was a slight hard rain with lightning and thunders. <br />
<br />
We were disappointed to our bones. After about an hour or so, a few stars appear in the sky and dark clouds started to move southward. Our eyes were all on the sky. <i>Come on, don't rain now. Let us enjoy the beach.</i> Others said, we can sleep at the beach as planned since it won't rain anymore. Others, like me, were a little dubious and were proposing to just sleep at my lola's. <br />
<br />
We really couldn't arrive at any decision at that time. Let's wait a little longer, I said. We wouldn't want to be sleeping at the beach with the rain and all. So, we ate supper and waited for the sky to calm better. <br />
<br />
Later, the moon appeared. It was almost 9pm then. Others checked for a little hut near the beach. They said, it was okay to stay there and we can set up the tent at the shaded part. We were all smiles then. <i>Night at the beach. Perfect!</i><br />
<br />
So, off we go to the hut where we first settled and set up our tent at a shaded part just to be sure just in case it would rain again. After some bonfire and some beach stories to cheer us up, we went to bed at 11pm and woke up at around 7am. It was an awesome and truly relaxing sleep for us all!<br />
<br />
But, the more amazing it was really to wake up at the beach. The waves sound was louder than usual when we woke up which suggests that the waves were high again. Too bad, it wasn't good for swimming. We really thought, we could go for a little swim again before we set off for home. Anyway, next time again, maybe. <br />
<br />
It would be nice to sleep at the beach again and next time, hopefully it won't rain so there would be more hours of stargazing. And maybe, some dancing under the moon. Haharanixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-30482034715077303242011-06-12T23:10:00.000-07:002011-06-12T23:24:03.890-07:00It should be raining, now!The heat is unbearable. <br />
<br />
It's June! I mean, it's June! It is supposed to be raining now and everyone should be running in red and green umbrellas. Kids should be out and running and dancing under the rain and enjoying the feel of muddy waters under their feet. People should be worrying now how to keep washed clothes from smelling bad without any sun to dry them. And the trees should be brighter green now as endless raindrops keep them moist for days. <br />
<br />
But, after a few days of rain in the first days of June, why should it feel like it's still the middle of summer? The heat is burning my face red and if not only for lack of time, I should want to stay in the shower all day. And it feels weird to be forever carrying a face towel to make sure sweat drops don't fall on my eyes. And I feel like my productivity is dwindling because of the heat. I can't stay long enough outside to do the laundry except at night, when it's a little cooler. Loads of people share one electric fan in the sala so I hardly get a whip of air from the fan. Because I can't stand a minute without the electric fan buzzing in my face,I had to stand once in a while and position myself near the fan to get some badly-needed air. It took me about 20 trips from the computer to the throng of people who are positioned in front of the electric fan before I got to finish this post! <br />
<br />
Oh, June! You're a rain month. You're supposed to give us rain now, day after day. It doesn't matter what time it is. It could be in the early morning or evening or any time of the day. Please. Just. Bring. Us. Rain.ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-50310782007233258352011-05-29T08:32:00.000-07:002011-05-29T08:36:31.660-07:00After 5 monthsIt’s exactly 5 months after my last post.<br />
<br />
Much have happened. More bus rides. Higher nicotine intake. Lesser Mefenamic Acids. More frequent counts of strained eyes and backaches. Less insomnia attacks. Less episodes of The Big Bang Theory and How I Met your Mother. Less book readings. Less and less of griping and crying. Less sad, less problematic. <br />
<br />
Changes and changes. And changes. Like weather changes, things get turned upside down. January and February were part cold. March and April were unforgivably hot. And May, May was part generous on its latter weeks and most generous in the last few days. <br />
<br />
So life has been like weather changes in these last five months. Things were a little more complicated but things were a lot happier, too. So, as tasks got bigger, life got happier. As life got happier, things get more complicated. It must be a rule. When you’re happier, you see things lighter and easier. Some things turn a little unexpected. More than you expected. But, you still get to smile. <br />
<br />
And as I try to find my way through a tough job waiting for me (one I really have to think hard about before I jump in or as I am persistently pushed to jump into), I take these happy times to cheer me up when it gets too hard to think. I take in all these moments to find the best reasons to come to terms with what is asked of me. I take in all of these to give me more of that inspiration to at least try to see myself into actually doing it more than the reason of doing it simply because there was no way I can refuse it anymore. <br />
<br />
I would like to want it. I know I must want it as much as I understand that is it needed. I must learn to want it because it would be sad to simply give in. <br />
<br />
So this is where it starts. I will try. I will try and I will smile, still.ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-41195001749418138642010-12-29T10:05:00.000-08:002010-12-29T10:21:22.584-08:002011December 30,2010.<br />
<br />
It's my mother's 51st birthday. It is also 2 days before 2011.<br />
<br />
Okay, I admit, I am caught in this new year euphoria thing. I can't help it. It's the birth of a a new decade that I have first become fully aware of or rather have chosen to become fully aware of. <br />
<br />
I was too young to even consider that something big was going to happen with the start of the 21st century in 2000. And so was in 1990. I was 5 years old then. <br />
<br />
But, now, I'm in this age where time seem to matter more. I am in a time where I count the past decade with memories that not only concern personal triumphs and failures but something that encompasses the essence of altruism. <br />
<br />
It's a decade of actually being part of something so important, something that goes beyond wanting a great life for myself. <br />
<br />
I am a witness to 2011. And while the rest of the world celebrate it just for the kick of it, there are many others like me out there who welcome it with hopes for better lives for everyone. <br />
<br />
To 2011, cheers!ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-36534615783142392172010-12-21T19:11:00.000-08:002010-12-21T19:46:41.046-08:00Last Christmas of the DecadeIt's the last Christmas of the Decade. But, it seems like 2000 isn't such a long time ago. <br />
<br />
It's overwhelming that ten years have passed. Except the fact that it makes me feel a century older, the prospect of a new year also makes me retrospective of what happened in the past 10 years of my life. <br />
<br />
In 2000, I remember being in 3rd year highschool and I was dragged in the Y2K glitch that worried the world. I was busy reading Vampire Chronicles and contemplating ways to find Lestat. Haha.<br />
<br />
I was in 4th year highschool and was joining too many journalism contests in 2001. I hated Erap's impeachment trial because I missed Fushigi Yuugi episodes due to the live telecast of the trial as much as I hated Erap's corrupt ways. <br />
<br />
These first two years were the most I remember before I finally grew up and learned that poverty is real. That people who literally do not have anything to eat really exist and not just the creation of tele-novelas. <br />
<br />
The 8 years that followed saw me awakening and embracing the life that should be spent for others. It was not easy at first. Nor is it any easier now but year after year I learned to deal with everything that comes with serving others. <br />
<br />
And I wouldn't claim that the life I lived for the past 10 years were that noble to not have erred. There were mistakes. But, I have come out older and wiser. <br />
<br />
These past 10 years saw me as a kid struggling to grow up. They saw me as a young adult learning to be an adult. There are things I would have wanted to change. There are things I wish I didn't do and things I wish I would not have said. But, heck, these 10 years made me grow up and become the best person I can be. <br />
<br />
So, there's nothing to do but let 2010 take these past 10 years where they belong - to the past. I will pick the memories to comfort me when I most needed them. They're about pains and the struggle. They're about love and heartbreaks. They're about being young and growing up. They're about joys and winnings. They're about happiness and hope. <br />
<br />
So, as I take the best out of these 10 years, I look forward to 2011 with greater hopes.ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-18973679556632058242010-12-04T08:04:00.000-08:002010-12-04T08:04:59.326-08:00Wide AwakeStill wide awake. <br />
<br />
And it seems like everything's still except for the buzzing of the electric fan.<br />
<br />
It's 8 minutes before midnight. It takes toll when all you can think of is sleep. You try to lie down and close your eyes. You try and try. But, for minutes than run into hours, sleep doesn't come. <br />
<br />
So, you get up and look for things to do. As you force your eyes to tire out, you come up with poems and essays that are too personal. They say too much. <br />
<br />
And when at last, it's near sunrise, you feel it. You sleep while the rest of the world wakes up.<br />
One by one, roommates get up until you are left alone in a large room where you alone lie. So, you get up with only a few hours of sleep and try to do what the rest of the world does. <br />
<br />
You keep hoping that sleep comes to you at the appropriate time. That's what you did a few hours ago and still, sleep didn't come.ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-16171613645611748292010-12-02T10:58:00.000-08:002010-12-02T10:58:16.947-08:00PagudpudMaybe, I will live in Pagudpud. I will wake up everyday with its blue-green waters and white sand. I will make sandcastles until my back burns. I will take forever walks in its beaches and claim owner of all pink seashells. <br />
<br />
Yes, I would love to live in Pagudpud. <br />
<br />
Beauty resides there.ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-74514540620664231362010-11-12T04:55:00.000-08:002010-11-12T04:55:16.995-08:00Download galoreThese last two nights are definitely sleepless nights. Except for being the perennial insomniac that I am, I really needed to finish paperworks. <br />
<br />
The thing is these two sleepless nights gave me three great downloads accomplishments despite slow internet connection which only works quite okay from 12am to 3am. <br />
<br />
One, I was able to download a pre-release version of Adobe Photoshop CS5. It's the latest Photoshop edition and promises loads of new features which I haven't had time to check out yet. Though, I'm a bit perplexed why it was named White Rabbit, its flash loader designed with charming and classic burnt yellow texture is one great start to expect really new great stuff in graphics editing. <br />
<br />
Two, a Final Draft Scriptwriting software which comes handy since I need to finish a script by the end of the month for a documentary film about tobacco farmers in Ilocos. Hopefully, it will help me to make the work easier since I'm a real newbie in video scriptwriting. <br />
<br />
Three, I was able to finally download the latest episode of How I Met Your Mother. I will be watching it later as all the speakers in the office where I have stayed for the past two nights were all not working. <br />
<br />
Here's to two sleepless, download-galore nights. Want more. Hehe.ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-52159849839829217262010-11-06T07:43:00.001-07:002011-05-29T08:40:55.540-07:00Come, sleep, come.I can’t sleep. This isn’t really a new thing because I’ve been kind of insomniac ever since. <br />
But, it does bother me when zits appear. Three zits in my eyebrow line and another one on my left cheek. Tiny ones they are but they still irritate me. I have this bad habit of touching my face every now and then and the fact that I can touch these zits in my face stresses me more than all these several days of nonstop bus rides. <br />
<br />
The fact that I still can’t feel any sleepiness at this hour stresses me more. I have an early schedule tomorrow and I need to wake up at 6am for a two-hour travel and I feel like I might not wake up on time. I need to be on time so we can finish early and I can make it to another afternoon schedule which is another 4-hour bus ride. <br />
<br />
See? This is what I’m saying. I hardly sleep and there’s a lot of travel which I need to do. Stress seems so regular these past days and I just can’t stand it!<br />
<br />
Oh, sleep, come now please.ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-82556959135742653932010-11-01T03:14:00.000-07:002010-11-01T03:14:46.491-07:00Not a Morning PersonI am not a very good morning person. I usually get up from bed with half-opened eyes and let cold water from the kitchen sink do the rest of the work. And when that isn't enough, a cigarette does just right. <br />
<br />
So, this morning, when Buds woke me up at past 10:00, it didn't feel so right. I like waking up by myself then get up from bed after asking myself personal things just to make sure I have my sanity intact (I wouldn't want to get up from bed with a nutty head). When she woke me up that I have to get up since we have to go to the cemetery that morning, I had to jump from bed. <br />
<br />
With eyes barely opened and hair all over my face, I went straight to the bathroom and pour water on myself. <br />
<br />
Just kidding.<br />
<br />
But, okay, I didn't have that much time to prepare myself for a morning bath. It was cold and I usually sit for a while and smoke a cigarette (Not that I would be able to do it at home. Rule is, never smoke a cigarette at home. Ever) or drink coffee before I take a bath. <br />
<br />
I was actually in a half-asleep state while taking a bath. And when I finished taking a bath, everyone's aboard the car. I only had a few seconds to look at my face in the mirror and make sure there's not a smudge of toothpaste in it. <br />
<br />
Anyway, I felt kind of guilty on the way to the cemetery that I should feel so grumpy. So, I tried to smile. The sun did the trick, anyway. It was too hot that when I started to sweat, the sleepiness was gone in no time. <br />
<br />
My two sisters and I lighted four blue candles for our dead. I just don't know why my father bought blue candles for Lola Andrea, Lola Sintang, Lolo Quirin and Lola Pacia. Maybe, blue has something to do about remembering. Sad, melodramatic remembering. <br />
<br />
But, still, I am not a morning person. And now, it's evening so I'm on a roll!ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-61689247523253237812010-10-31T08:43:00.001-07:002010-10-31T08:46:25.491-07:00Halloween GimmickThe plan is to give a different twist to this Halloween. The idea came first this morning aboard a mini bus. Just as the bus I rode passed by a dull-painted gate, a guy wearing a Grim’s mask ran to the street, with his hands almost touching the bus and growled at me. Or probably, at all of us. <br />
<br />
Lightbulbs flashed. Stars shimmered. Music blared. I can do the same. And maybe, even with a better twist.<br />
<br />
Our house is quite oddly placed at a dangerous slope along Maharlika Highway. Accidents happen a lot on that area. It might be the reason people believe that the acacia tree on the other side of the road fronting our house is home to a white lady and a horse with its carriage. It has been quite a time since there was any serious accidents so the tale is no longer that popular. <br />
<br />
But, if people will see someone clothed in shimmering white wearing a Grim’s mask, they will start to talk again. Especially, when they’ll see it tomorrow night just as they’re walking home from the cemetery. It's time to scare some people and give this Halloween its rightful Halloween vibe.<br />
<br />
Hopefully, this works. All I need are a few conspirators to back me up. Interested? Heheranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-39520596421794617642010-10-30T09:30:00.000-07:002010-10-30T09:49:04.106-07:00Some of someWent to Heritage in a bike tonight. Did it passed the arrogant big buses with horns that ring like monsters' growls. <br />
<br />
Within 8 slow minutes, I got there at Heritage's, just in time to catch the last of the Halloween parade. The parade closed with an ambulance with a driver who wears a Grim's mask and when it exited at the 4th crossing, onlookers soon attacked the souvenir shops and cameras flashed in all directions as tourists picked their spots. They will surely post those pictures in Facebook and earn everyone's envy because they've been to Vigan's Heritage. <br />
<br />
And I biked and biked. I circled the crossings and felt the cobblestones' mini-friction with the bike's wheels. Then I saw my companions turning in my direction; it was the end of my biking moments. In a few seconds, the bike was claimed by its owner. <br />
<br />
I left Heritage in heavy footsteps as the bike owner did its usual tricks on the bike. Limping, jumping some inches up the ground. <br />
<br />
Then we flagged down a tricycle and went home. It was the Halloween Night of 2010. Some biking, Some parade. Some walking. Some of some.ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-25362757726922694322010-10-28T22:04:00.001-07:002010-10-28T22:04:39.916-07:00Less NocturnalI’m on a roll! Since two nights ago, I was able to sleep early. No more of those “I-have-to-wait-until 3-am-to-feel-sleepy” complaints.<br />
<br />
Feels great to be able to sleep early and have enough sleep to start another day’s work. <br />
<br />
So I’m kissing my goodbyes to all those insomniac nights! Here’s to more of good night sleeps.ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-49142935934287252872010-10-27T23:01:00.000-07:002010-10-27T23:01:03.937-07:00I care to remember5 minutes, that’s all it took for me to scribble the names of those I voted for the barangay election. The elementary school, BCS, which has been home to different elections ever since I can remember, has its usual buzz of food vendors, onlookers and supporters lined up at the entrance and outside the low concrete walls of the school. There were also those in motorcycles and bicycles scattered in front of the different precincts exchanging stories about days that are better not remembered. <br />
<br />
After a BEI inked my forefinger, I readily went outside and was surprised to see more people scattered everywhere; most of them I hardly recognize though they seem to know me. They smiled and waved in weird ways and in turn, made me feel guilty. In my being so away from our place most of the time, I have forgotten a few faces and names. <br />
<br />
Buds, the perennial hungry sister of mine, bought some hotdogs and isaw from one of those food vendors before we went home. Just as we were waiting for the food, a guy whose face I instantly recognized to be a former classmate, called me by my name. I was actually embarrassed because I would have wanted to return the greeting by calling him by his first name. But, my mind went black and I settled for a smile and “Hi!” Lame. <br />
<br />
So this classmate of mine went on to ask about how things are. I vaguely answered him, cautious that he might find out I don’t have any idea what his name is. I said goodbye just as the vendor handed my sister her hotdog and isaw. <br />
<br />
I have forgotten people, not everyone but some of them. And it has made me realized that the people that used to fill my former life has been blurred, if not replaced by new people who occupy the kind of life that I have now, the kind of life that hardly allow me to mingle with the people I used to know, with people in our place. <br />
<br />
But, I would want to remember everyone as much I could and piece all the memories, especially when I was still a kid and believed in vampires. I would like to remember each of those faces that graced my life as a kid in gradeschool and as a struggling teenager in highschool. These are the people who might no longer have anything to do with me but they remain, essentially, the people who know me when I was still discovering the world. I care to remember them.ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-24502635961683378602010-10-22T07:33:00.000-07:002010-10-22T07:35:56.970-07:00Typhoon JuanAfter a whole day of writing reports regarding the damages of Typhoon Juan in Ilocos, I'm ending this "I-thought-I-will-seat-infront-of-the-computer-forever" moment with this blog post.<br />
<br />
I just hope that the storm surges in coastal municipalities of Ilocos Sur and La Union have stopped so that affected families and individuals will recover faster. I also hope the same for agricultural areas wherein damaged crops amount to millions of pesos. <br />
<br />
Typhoon Juan is the strongest typhoon to hit the country in four years and hopefully, no other typhoon this strong will ever hit the country again. <br />
<br />
So, now it's a rest for my tired, tired eyes.ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-31659353101800865552010-10-20T09:27:00.000-07:002010-10-20T09:29:53.567-07:00Flexibility of LGU Offices during disastersWe've rounded several barangays in three municipalities today in the second district of Ilocos Sur. And from our visits, I can say that: Some people out there in local LGU's are doing their jobs halfheartedly. Apart from Santa, Ilocos Sur, and Candon's Fisheries Bureau, we were not able to talk to anyone from concerned offices of two municipalities who could give us sizable information regarding the extent of damages in their areas of responsibility. <br />
<br />
Those from the LGU's should do more than just wait for reports from barangays. They should at least try to arrange ocular visits in their areas of responsibility so that when people ask them about data on damages caused by Typhoon Juan, they won't be giving answers like: "We still do not know. We're still waiting for reports." <br />
<br />
Answers like these are lame. They can do more than just wait. Because the faster that they gather data, the faster that they will also be able to provide assistance. <br />
<br />
Take for example this one barangay that we visited in Sta. Lucia, they have already reported a totally damaged house; they've been advised to wait for ocular inspection. Surprisingly,we were the first to be there for ocular inspection; none from any LGU office of Sta. Lucia have paid any visit to the barangay since they reported it on October 18. Apparently, the LGU also still do not know that in that same barangay, bananas of at least 100 families have been destroyed and vegetable crops of several families were also damaged. <br />
<br />
I just hope that other LGU offices would be more flexible in carrying out their responsibilities during calamities; they would have to leave the comforts of their offices and conduct visits in barangays.ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-80330352287002935742010-10-16T01:37:00.000-07:002010-10-16T01:41:38.571-07:00Stubborn HeatThe sunrays seep through this thin, embroidered cloth that's supposed to be a curtain and dust particles are dancing to an easy air. It's hot. Freaking hot. <br />
<br />
The electric fan buzz on a corner, slightly cooling down the place but not enough to keep the sweat from forming on my forehead. It is uncomfortable enough that I have to listen to the endless rattle of the fan blades and with the addition of having to wipe off my face every now then, a severe headache is on its way. <br />
<br />
It's "ber" month and it's supposed to be cooler but the pattern obviously no longer apply. No more of the misty air that used to greet nightwalks during this month. One walks and it seem like hard labor. Profuse sweat at a even a minute of light physical activity. <br />
<br />
It's 4:33 pm, RP time, yet there's not even a light air to brush the deadliness of afternoon heat. It might rain just like other late afternoons but the heat persists. Stubborn heat, it is. <br />
<br />
A shower again later, perhaps.ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6909559436899143149.post-72367012804196549952010-10-14T06:36:00.000-07:002010-10-16T01:16:11.687-07:00BloopersI came home to an empty house three hours ago. It was dark and I almost had to crawl upstairs to get the lights on. When I went back downstairs, I saw it all.<br />
<br />
Signs of intrusions were very evident. Chicken shits at the garage. Small and scattered. Small and sundried. Not in any way pretty. When I got to the kitchen, ants were laboring on the TV, on a Bench paperbag and on the dusty floor tiles. Some creativity helped to get rid of them. <br />
<br />
When I turned the TV on, I went deaf. The volume was at its maximum. Remote control doesn't work and so does the volume button. I had to spend three minutes forcing down the V- button to keep it down. <br />
<br />
After a supper of Seafood instant noodles, I decided to start writing. That was 30 minutes ago. The thing is, I forgot my flashdrive which contains my references. <br />
<br />
So apart from being alone tonight, I also have to stare blankly at the computer screen, forcing myself to write despite incomplete data. I had to type: ___________________ every now and then. So far, I've written nothing. <br />
<br />
I'm going to miss the deadline tomorrow. At least, I'll have the chicken shits to blame it all on. Or maybe the ants. <br />
<br />
Haha. Sweet.ranixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14659436931250639101noreply@blogger.com0