I've never been this idle since I got myself into the world of WAHMs (Work at Home Mom). You know, given the time I save from commuting to and fro, I should have the liberty for a hobby or something.

Okay, I do have a hobby but it's not as strenuous as before. As a matter of fact, it doesn't even require to move a muscle. lol

When was the last time I actually worked up a sweat? Or tried something new? I used to be soooo active. I was once a football player, a dancer, a mountaineer. But now? Now, I am exhausted. Exhausted for doing nothing. I fear that my thirst for thrill and vigor has slowly gone away. :(

Right now, (yes, in bold uppercase letters) I TERRIBLY MISS:

"Make your passion your profession, and work will become a game." -Rancho, 3 Idiots.

The quote is so true in many ways. I am happy that I'm walking through this path. As happy as I was contemplating what became of my life and my career, I feel sad for the youth nowadays. Life in the 21st century is becoming easier and harder at the same time. Due to the rise of technology, everything can be done at a touch of a button. And due to all these techie gadgets I realized that it's almost impossible for the young ones nowadays to discover their passion. 

I remember the time as a kid in an adult function I am given a pen and a paper to keep me occupied, and then I'll start doodling and scribbling. Right there and then, I know my love for art sprouted. But now, I see 'well-behaved' kids everywhere, even in playgrounds, too busy pressing those little handheld machines, totally shut from the environment and any social interaction. It's just sad to see that some parents tolerate this kind of habit just to make their children shut up and stay in one place.

How will these children find out what sparks their interest when these gadgets have taken away their time to explore and discover what truly excites them?

The simplest and easiest way to unearth your passion is tracing it at a starting point, your childhood. What you love to do as a child is most likely what you would want to become when you grow up. Yes, it may change. But you will never know until you try. And as a child you still have a lot of time to develop love-hate relationships with the things that you do. With a child's mind being limitless, open, imaginative, creative, free, and pure, you will never know what can be discovered.
These electronic gadgets do not only take away childhood, but also the discovery of a budding talent or a skill. It takes away the opportunity of unveiling hidden desires and passion waiting to be discovered. Save for those kids who want to become game and app developers for they've been exposed and have embraced their passion early on. But what about those kids who could have been a playwright, a musician, an archaeologist, a detective, a visual artist, a football player, or an inventor? 

Living a life without passion is miserable. If you think it's okay to do something you don't love, then I can say that you are not truly happy. And this is not what I want to happen with the children, especially my son. I'm not totally against technology, as I know it can help in some ways. But as much as possible let's try to steer clear from gadgets and let our children play outside, let them touch and hear the real things, engage them to physical not electronic games, and just let them freely discover what they truly want.

What's not to love about pristine beaches with a long stretch of white powdery shores? Plus, there are fun-filled activities you can enjoy by the day - games, sports, body painting, henna tattoo, water and sand activities; then a rock concert, pageant, foam party and magnificent fireworks display to end the fest! Yes, everything happened in Sarangani Bay Fest 2013.

SarBay Fest is a 2-day beach festival held last May 24-25 at Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani. I am one of the 70,000 attendees. Gosh! I never thought it would be that many. Well, it wouldn't be called Mindanao's biggest beach festival for no reason. But the despite the number of people, it wasn't that stressful, it was actually very fun.

I'm still at lost for words at the beauty Sarangani beaches have to give. Everything looks so stunning and amazing.Anyway, I won't be too generous with words because everything I say will be an understatement. The pictures, which I am well aware do not do justice to the beauty of the place, will tell you all. :)

Jet Ski Competition. There was also Bankarera, Sand building comp., Fun run, Beach volley, Beach football, and other sports and mini-games that I wasn't able to take pictures of.

After the fast but rather disappointing turnout of 2013 election results, a lot of jokes and memes have gone viral in the world of social networking sites. And the most prevalent are Nancy Binay's.  And of course, following the memes, Nancy Binay wasn't able to get away with name verbing. Remember "i-Dawn Zulueta mo ako", or "na-Janine Tugonon si ganito"? this time, we have
Upon seeing this, I just remembered- I have big dreams, jobs to be exact, that I would love to achieve but just like Nancy Binay, I also lack experience. The difference is, I don't have to spend a single taxpayer's cent.

But I won't talk about the elections, or Binay's win and her lack of background and experience, or how I think she'll screw up in the incoming years. I've had enough of that. There's nothing more I can do but to pray and hope for the best. Today, I'll talk about my dream jobs. Jobs I know I have the heart for but never had the real hands-on experience.

 Here goes (in no particular order):

Dream Job #1: Be part of Disney Pixar Studios
For what position? I don't know. I just want to be part of the team. I know little to nothing on animation or filmmaking, or whatever's behind the scene of every Pixar film. But hey, I can learn. I was a BS-Nursing graduate and I ended up being a web designer and have also coded/developed a lot of websites. Point is, I can learn. And yes, I can dream on.

Can I?

Dream Job #2: Sports Unlimited Host or something like that
Dyan Castillejo's Job. Yeah, I've always wanted her job. Athletic and adventurous as she is, that's just me. Hosting won't be a problem, as I've done a thousand of reporting in front of our class before. I got a lot of training eh? Hahaha. But really, who wouldn't love this job? Traveling and venturing on new and adrenaline-pumping activities? Not to mention they pay you while doing it. I'd kill a fly with my bare hands to get the spot.
Shameless confession you don't really need to know but I'll tell you anyway: I have auditioned to be part of a late night travel show Trip na Trip. Spent the whole week trying to send my email application (with video), but it gets bounced all the time. Not for me. hahaha

Dream Job #3: Wildlife Biologist
I am not just a dog person. Ever since I was born I already have a soft spot for animals. I always get fascinated with them. I think they're even smarter and have more heart than most people. I've always wanted to understand them. I love animals.

This is why I am so thankful mom bought me those big books of animals when I was a kid. This is why I watch Animal Planet and NatGeo whenever I have the chance (note: I grew up without a cable tv and I'd kill for the remote). This is why I never get sick of watching animal documentaries and small clips in Youtube even though I've watched them a gazillion times. This is why I always perk up whenever we visit the zoo or an animal sanctuary. This is why I would like to get a chance to be in the place of Tippi Degre, the real life Mowgli, even just for a day.

If money is not an issue (a dire need at that), I may have become a zookeeper here or maybe a vet.

These are the jobs that I have no formal study or training whatsoever. Jobs that I want, triggered only by passion. Realistic albeit almost close to impossible for me to attain. I do have realistic and attainable goals in life, but daydreaming once in a while wouldn't be so bad, right?

We all have dreams. We all want something, we're just uncertain because we know we lack experience and confidence. But we can always dream, and try, and fail, and try again. (Just don't do it at the expense of the public and the taxes they're paying. Just don't.)

I love my current job and I'm very happy with it right now. But if one of my dream jobs gets delivered right at my feet, there's no doubt that I'll grab it whatever the odds may be. Who knows? Maybe I'll be lucky. Looking into the bright side, maybe I have a Nancy Binay to thank. ;)

How about you? What is your dream job? I know you have one. :)


Photos courtesy of Google, NancyBinayed photo courtesy of Facebook shares

A mailman knocking at our doorstep isn't new to me. I've been buying online and a package is always to be expected. But today, it was different. I got a knock from the mailman with a package addressed to me but I don't remember buying anything online recently.

To my surprise, it's from the company I work with. :)

It is nothing expensive, like a tablet or a laptop (*ahem*) hahaha kidding. But it is the thought and sweet surprise that really made my day. Been working at home for 4 years from different companies, and this is my first time to receive a gift from a cyber employer. My bosses are oh so awesome!

Gifts, whatever the occasion is, are wonderful. But what's not to love about a surprise - especially when given in an ordinary day - on a hot and tedious Monday? Seriously, how freakin sweet is that?

I am very happy that my work is appreciated. That's pretty enough to motivate me to work harder. :)

Big hugs and thankies to my big bosses! :)

I have not been the most obedient child, nor have I been the sweetest or thoughtful one.  But it seems like God is still in favor of me because He has given the best mother of all time.

This could be the most compelling and heart-breaking short story I have ever read. I've read this when I was in high school. Thought the emotion is just coming from schmaltzy-waltzy-easily-touched teenage girl. But at 27? A little tear still tried to push its way out of my eyes. Up until now, I do not know who wrote this story, but I salute to you.

Read it. I'm sure your time will be worth it. *hands you a tissue*

A Tale from a First-timer

I've never been to any bloggers social gathering before. I never had the courage to join, especially when I know nobody.  Last Friday, May 3, 2013, was different. I decided to join Davao Bloggers Acquaintance Party just because. I was apprehensive but at the same time excited. In fact, too excited that I forgot to bring my camera and my phone *facepalm*

The venue was at Krispy Kreme - SM Lanang, but to me it felt like I was in a jungle. Really. I felt like a very little mouse in a jungle full of big unknown creatures. I do not know anybody, except perhaps for the familiar faces I've seen during my usual rounds of blog hops. I was intimidated and too anxious to go anywhere near the big ones, like they're a predator and I'm a prey.

Nobody knows me. But that's probably a good thing. I can just sit there quietly, try to be as small as I can be, and assume that I am invisible to everyone else. And for the win, I didn't have a phone that I can tinker so that I can pretend to look busy. I just sat there and read Krispy Kreme's paper placemats featuring their Mickey Mouse treats even if there's really nothing there to read. Muntanga lang. hahaha =D

It was a perfect fifteen-minute pathetic moment. But I didn't want to be pathetic (yeah, 15 minutes too late). So I flashed a gawky smile to the first stranger in front me and started a small but awkward conversation. Then one stranger after another, they came welcoming me with big, warm, friendly smiles. In a heartbeat, I snapped back into my senses. Hey, I am not in a jungle. I'm in a Davao Blogger's Acquaintance Party! And these creatures here aren't scary after all. Armed with shy His and Hellos, I made my way through the jungle meeting new people.

Yes, I survived.

To cut the story short, I enjoyed the night. I enjoyed their presentation of how Davao Bloggers started, their previous and incoming activities, and their goals. Which makes me want to slap myself for not joining this group ages ago. What have I been missing? Sigh. I am so amazed by their camaraderie. The fellowship they have shown is different. They are a family. The more I see them together, the more that I yearn to be part of it. Which I believe I should be. (Brace yourselves, new member coming! hehe)

I enjoyed the games and of course, the food! It was an awkward start but ended with a blast. A big one at that. And now, I look forward to more blogger gatherings like this.

 I'd like to grab this opportunity to thank everyone, especially the officers, behind the Davao Blogger's Acquaintance Party. Thank you for bringing us together. We, especially the newbies, need events like this. A chance to gather, mingle, share and just enjoy the day with our fellow bloggers.I certainly think this is still, after all, a jungle... only filled with crazy but beautiful and friendly creatures.

The attendees. Me, the girl in yellow green.  Photo courtesy of Algene Cutamora.

And of course, the event wouldn't be a success without our generous sponsors whose support has gone a long way. Your are truly appreciated.

Krispy Kreme
Smart Communications
Ogilvy Public Relations Manila
Crea8tech Solutions
Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc
Sun Cellular
SM Lanang Premier
SM City Davao
Maxima Aquafun Resort
Wayph.com
Yellow Hauz




As you can see, I don't have pictures to share. I just snagged one from a fellow blogger. So the next time I'll join gatherings like this, I'll forget everything but the camera. hehe

My love for digital art started from a simple photo manipulation. I was 17. All I did was edit a photo by adding fancy texts, splatter some brushes here, add some glitters there, added fancy filters and voila! I called it art. And I was so proud of it.

Then one photo after another, I started to improve. I explored almost stueverything that has something to do with pixels. From photo manipulation to vector to vexel to digital paint. It became more than a hobby... it became my passion.

Today, I'd like to share with you my firsts on every type of project I made. These are just a few of a hundreds of my projects during the early days of  still learning how to unleash creativity using the digital technology.

Why ThePixelatedLass?

First of all, I feed on pixels. I am a graphics and web designer by profession. And my hobby has something to do with pixels too. But for formality reasons: this blog, each post here represents one single pixel of a larger hi-res image that I call my life. And each pixel is differently colored - from grayscale to the most vibrant of all - that when put altogether, these little pixels will create the most beautiful picture of all.

And of course, I am still a lass. Turning 28 this June, already a mom, I still can't consider myself a full-fledged adult. You see, most people say I look younger than my age and I act younger than I look. The child and youth in me will always be with me no matter how much I age. Yes, I can act like an adult, but I guess I'll never be one. Being an adult is overrated anyway, or at least that's what I tell myself. I'll always be a lass, no matter what. I think I can live with that. :)

An oh lookie! I'm almost done with my banner! Yey!

Do you know how many times I've gone through the tedious process of naming something? Now let me see...

RPG Character Naming. I've been an MMORPG player since I was 17. And creating an in-game-name would take me from morning til dawn. Not exaggerating. Gamers definitely know this. I have to think of something that's cool, easy to remember, and remarkable, and of course, not taken yet. Yes, it was that miserable. I've played a number of games for years, but haven't gotten past the first stage of naming in-game characters instantly.

Blog Titles. I've been blogging since 2003, merely just for an online diary. I've used many platforms before. I've had livejournal, friendster blogs, gaiaonline notes, multiply blogs, myspace blogs, blogsome, wordpress, and tumblr. But then again naming one blog title is harder than writing a 1000-word essay.

Baby Names. When I named my son, I've gone through many baby name books, the internet, portmanteau of our names, suggestions from friends, and then a thousand lot of brainstorming, even arguments with R. It took months to come up with something. Months of listing then scratching out. This is permanent. This is not for me. Therefore, it has to be good. It has to be something I know my son will love. Nevertheless, I think this is the only naming process I enjoyed and truly giddy about. But still, it was hard.

Business Name. Then the birth of my now defunct online shop for babies and toddlers (technically it's still there, but it no longer serves its purpose as an online shop). I've gone through google translate, books, naming suggestions, and again, a lot of brainstorming, sorting, and finalizing. It was hard to come up something that is professional, unique, easy to remember, something like a brand identity.

Domain Names. Wait. This isn't the first time that I'll be thinking of domain names. How many domains have I registered already? 4? And how many are still running? Only 1 (my portfolio), albeit inactive and outdated. lol. I have this tendency to change blogs from time to time, also changing the domain names. But I think this will be the last (ooops, I've already said this before. hahaha)

Now, I'm despicably on another quest for naming. An effin domain name for this blog. I hate it because I got deprived of another good night's sleep. lol. I have a lot of ideas in mind. In fact they are so overwhelming that I just can't make up my mind anymore. I might even end up choosing none. Haha

I wish this is just as easy as naming a fish "Nemo" or "Fishy". But no. It. Is. So. Damn. Hard.