Today, I thought of making a Christmas New Year's wishlist just so I have something to blog about. But I've already gotten more than what I would have wished for. Also, it would just make me feel guilty knowing that Jan gave me an iPhone SE for Christmas while all I got for him was a letter in a memo pad that was given free from one of those blogging events. Haha.
I also thought of listing my New Year's resolutions. But then, I have more than 20 years worth of proof that New Year's resolutions always fail by the end of January. Writing them would be pointless.
So, to make up for the lack of blog posts this December, I'll do what bloggers usually do: write a year-end post. Here goes...
I also thought of listing my New Year's resolutions. But then, I have more than 20 years worth of proof that New Year's resolutions always fail by the end of January. Writing them would be pointless.
So, to make up for the lack of blog posts this December, I'll do what bloggers usually do: write a year-end post. Here goes...
"Hey, I got a new badge on my blog."
"Congratulations! You deserve that!"
"Thanks! But I want to add something right there."
There was a pause.
"I want to win a Palanca," I told Jan flat out loud.
He gave me an eager look as he continued to listen to me and my absurd dreams.
I rolled my eyes, gave out a soft sigh, and blurted, "I just do not know how to do it."
You see, I've read this year's winning entries - mostly from established writers, journalist, and columnists - and I certainly do not make the cut.
"Congratulations! You deserve that!"
"Thanks! But I want to add something right there."
There was a pause.
"I want to win a Palanca," I told Jan flat out loud.
He gave me an eager look as he continued to listen to me and my absurd dreams.
I rolled my eyes, gave out a soft sigh, and blurted, "I just do not know how to do it."
You see, I've read this year's winning entries - mostly from established writers, journalist, and columnists - and I certainly do not make the cut.
For the first time in my life, I wished I have the singing voice and be in a musical.
Well actually, I have been part of musicals. The biggest one I had was just a mere school play in college. But what difference does it make? I think the only line that divides both professional and amateur school plays is that they do it for money while we do it for grades. Haha.
Anyway, I played as a hooker and as Kim in Miss Saigon on different occasions. But don't get me wrong, even though I (assume to) have a talent in acting, I can never carry a tune to save my life. So apparently, on both musicals that I have been part of, we were just lip-syncing the entire time.
I was one of the bloggers chosen to run for the recently held Color Manila's Blacklight Run because I am fit. Wait, let me state that accurately. They thought I was fit.
It has been what? Eight months since my last strenuous activity. I have a legitimate excuse though: my left knee is injured. I know I could've done better. But honestly, most of my days were spent warming my butt and knocking back beer bottles. I'd do a few workouts every now and then, only when I remember. And when I remember, only when I don't get lazy. And when I don't get lazy, only when I have the time - which is something I barely have because I kept myself preoccupied with non-productive tasks such as reading emotionally draining books and watching my cat lick his balls, trying to figure out when is his next attempt to kill me.
It has been what? Eight months since my last strenuous activity. I have a legitimate excuse though: my left knee is injured. I know I could've done better. But honestly, most of my days were spent warming my butt and knocking back beer bottles. I'd do a few workouts every now and then, only when I remember. And when I remember, only when I don't get lazy. And when I don't get lazy, only when I have the time - which is something I barely have because I kept myself preoccupied with non-productive tasks such as reading emotionally draining books and watching my cat lick his balls, trying to figure out when is his next attempt to kill me.
I change my mind.
I do not dream of becoming a sports and outdoor TV host anymore.
This is the third time in a row that I am invited to speak in public. And I wouldn't say I'm good at it. I just watched my last public speaking stint and boy, was I so fidgety. I can hear my voice tremble. Maybe it was the lack of preparation. Maybe it was the air conditioner in full blast. Maybe it was the stomach ache. Or maybe I am just not cut for it.
I do not dream of becoming a sports and outdoor TV host anymore.
This is the third time in a row that I am invited to speak in public. And I wouldn't say I'm good at it. I just watched my last public speaking stint and boy, was I so fidgety. I can hear my voice tremble. Maybe it was the lack of preparation. Maybe it was the air conditioner in full blast. Maybe it was the stomach ache. Or maybe I am just not cut for it.
I promised myself I will become a better blogger. And by that I mean, take better pictures like how most bloggers would do.
I've been going places and doing stuff lately that would have been blog-worthy. But I failed big time.
1.) I took a Basic Mountaineering Course (1, 2, and 3) and had my first ever rappelling experience at Tagbaobo Falls.
2.) We had an awesome diving experience at the Taklobo Farm where I saw the biggest and most fascinating giant clams my whole life.
3.) I came home with hives and a puffy face after eating too much seafood during island hopping in Samal.
4.) I spent a day and a half basking under the sun and riding the waves in one of my favorite beaches in the world, Dahican.
But why haven't I blogged about this when I had all the time?
Five words: I. Do. Not. Have. Photos.
I don't have photos that will make the reader want to read my post. You know, save you those long and boring posts and just let the photos to do all the talking - specially now that I'm starting to become lazy with words.
Well, at least, I have one decent shot:
Last week, I submitted my entry for Traveloka Blogger Contest. I had a hard time coming up with a way to deliver my article in a different angle because I'm pretty sure all entries will have the same content (how travel changed our lives doesn't really have a significant difference from one person to another). And I'm glad it paid off because I was chosen fifth weekly winner. Yes, writing the entry is difficult, but not as difficult as scouring every part of my hard drive for photos I can use.
This afternoon, I will be speaking in front of a crowd with co-blogger Renz of thetravelingnomad.com about the Challenges of a Millennial Traveler. Honestly, I don't have problems talking in front of many people. I could still use my public speaking skills back in high school and college. Not that I'm good at it, pero makapal lang talaga ang mukha ko. I really don't care if I stutter or screw up. But what's challenging me the most is finding the perfect travel photos that I can share later. Ugh.
You see, that is my problem. I am too lazy to take out my camera when the situation is screaming for me to do so. I have a DSLR but it's too heavy to bring. I have a great action cam, but it isn't too friendly to use. I have a decent point and shoot but it's not great with low light. And yes, I have a big head that's too full of excuses.
Maybe getting a great camera, like a Canon EOS M10 or that Sony RX 100V, will spare me the excuse not to take another photo.
Anyway, I'll be going away again this weekend. And this time, I will nail those infamous blogger poses and Jan be the perfectInstagram blogger boyfriend. Haha. Wish me luck!
I've been going places and doing stuff lately that would have been blog-worthy. But I failed big time.
1.) I took a Basic Mountaineering Course (1, 2, and 3) and had my first ever rappelling experience at Tagbaobo Falls.
2.) We had an awesome diving experience at the Taklobo Farm where I saw the biggest and most fascinating giant clams my whole life.
3.) I came home with hives and a puffy face after eating too much seafood during island hopping in Samal.
4.) I spent a day and a half basking under the sun and riding the waves in one of my favorite beaches in the world, Dahican.
But why haven't I blogged about this when I had all the time?
Five words: I. Do. Not. Have. Photos.
I don't have photos that will make the reader want to read my post. You know, save you those long and boring posts and just let the photos to do all the talking - specially now that I'm starting to become lazy with words.
Well, at least, I have one decent shot:
Dahican Surf Resort |
This afternoon, I will be speaking in front of a crowd with co-blogger Renz of thetravelingnomad.com about the Challenges of a Millennial Traveler. Honestly, I don't have problems talking in front of many people. I could still use my public speaking skills back in high school and college. Not that I'm good at it, pero makapal lang talaga ang mukha ko. I really don't care if I stutter or screw up. But what's challenging me the most is finding the perfect travel photos that I can share later. Ugh.
You see, that is my problem. I am too lazy to take out my camera when the situation is screaming for me to do so. I have a DSLR but it's too heavy to bring. I have a great action cam, but it isn't too friendly to use. I have a decent point and shoot but it's not great with low light. And yes, I have a big head that's too full of excuses.
Maybe getting a great camera, like a Canon EOS M10 or that Sony RX 100V, will spare me the excuse not to take another photo.
Anyway, I'll be going away again this weekend. And this time, I will nail those infamous blogger poses and Jan be the perfect
2016 was a roller coaster ride. A lot of sh*t happened. But then again, a lot of great things surprised me too. And here are a few pages of the 365-page book that I have just finished writing.
First Quarter
I have never thought that a year after attending my very first Davao Bloggers Society Christmas Party, I will be one of those who will prepare and manage this year's Christmas party.
You see, I have been appointed as the sexy-tary, I mean Secretary of the Davao Bloggers Society. Have I known about the drawbacks that come with it, I would have not accepted the role. Because first, I am no longer eligible to win raffle draws nor will I have the chance to bag the Best Personal Blog Award for this year's Davao Blog Awards again. Bummer, isn't it? Second, being an officer can get exhausting. No kidding, kapoy sya.
But then, even if I waive several raffle prizes and grow eyebags from those late night preparations, I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm thankful for this. I am thankful for this new family. And nothing can ever get so rewarding when you pull off something you devoted your supposedly-free-time with that made everyone else happy. :)
You see, I have been appointed as the sexy-tary, I mean Secretary of the Davao Bloggers Society. Have I known about the drawbacks that come with it, I would have not accepted the role. Because first, I am no longer eligible to win raffle draws nor will I have the chance to bag the Best Personal Blog Award for this year's Davao Blog Awards again. Bummer, isn't it? Second, being an officer can get exhausting. No kidding, kapoy sya.
But then, even if I waive several raffle prizes and grow eyebags from those late night preparations, I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm thankful for this. I am thankful for this new family. And nothing can ever get so rewarding when you pull off something you devoted your supposedly-free-time with that made everyone else happy. :)