Saturday, January 19, 2013

13 goals for 2013


new year, new dress, new shoes, new hair, new look but best of all, new goals!
have you written yours? here's mine, you can copy if you like. 

1. blog once a month
                I have to blog once a month, period.

2. write 12 short stories and 1 novel
                I’m thinking I’d write 1 short story a month and the novel I’d write during Nanowrimo, that’s November. I have to write to get better at writing, at churning out stories.

3. visit new york and phuket
                There are other places esp. local ones that i want to go to like the elusive Batanes trip that I’ve been planning with Rhei for n years now, but these 2 are a must.( A must also is to travel with my mom and dad but I haven’t really decided where. Maybe El Nido, Bangkok, Dubai so we can visit my sister there, or  Singapore again.)

                I’m intrigued with Phuket. Is it really as beautiful as many are saying? Can it compare with our beloved Boracay? I have to see for myself in June.

                New York is a longtime dream. Back when I was just finished my CT course in UP and like some classmates who went to Fashion Inst of Tech after, I too, wanted to take the diploma course. But the dream soon died when I learned how expensive it was. So, why not drop FIT and just go to NY? When I worked at VanHeusen, I thought the company would send me for a business trip like the other managers who went to the VH  HQ at NY. Apparently, I was only destined to go to HK, Bangkok and Bangalore. I was regularly at HK and Bangkok for meetings, exhibitions and fashion shows, what more can I ask for. But this year, my dream will soon come true, come 3rd quarter of 2013. Thanks to my good old friend, Jane!

4. go on a pilgrimage to israel and rome
                Just today, I reminded my friend, Violet,  who has a travel agency of her promise to organize a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Vatican City that’s cheaper than what’s in the market. I’m thinking Oct.

5. read the bible
Aside from the benefits of understanding life and how to go about it thru the Bible, as a Catholic, and as one who went to a Catholic school from kinder to high school, it’s a shame that I haven’t read the Bible from cover to cover till now. I have read a lot of books and stories being an avid reader – The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Les Miserables, One Hundred Years of Solitude (more than twice from cover to cover; more than 5x without finishing) and other titles of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, To Kill a Mocking Bird (twice), Catcher in the Rye (about 10x), classics like Noli and El Fili, Jane Eyre’s etc, even the Shopaholic series among many other titles.

            I am glad I joined Bible Timeline, a bible study last year which will end in Feb because it is helping me understand what I am reading in the Bible.

6. read one chapter of proverbs a day every day of the year
                A few years back when I was reading books on finances, I came across this book that said one of the richest man ever alive is King Solomon. So it’s worth getting in his head and understand his frame of mind to get rich ourselves. He advised to read Proverbs in the Bible which was written by King Solomon himself. He said to read one chapter a day. The chapter of the day should correspond to the date of the month; there are 31 chapters in Proverbs. It should be done every day with reflection for 2 years. The goal of the exercise is to imbibe the teachings in one’s heart and mind and the riches will follow; opportunities will open up. I remember doing it in 2010 and a lot of opportunities sprang up unexpectedly, including sales in real estate, consultancy work and my current job.

But stopped in the middle of Jan 2011, which means, I am 1 year short. This year, I will fill in half of the requirement. So, I am expecting an avalanche of wonderful blessings and opportunities to come my way this year. 

            The author said he did the same and became a millionaire. He even coached another guy to do the same and his student also became one.  I’m next.

7. learn spanish
                My friend Ginger and I agreed to enroll in a Spanish class in June. We have to attend together so that we have each other to talk to and practice with later. It’s a long time dream to learn Spanish. When I was a kid taking my summer vacations , I loved reading. Left with no choice but to read about Rizal- his life and works, as the others were Algebra, Calculus and Management books, I later loved it. And he taught me to love my country. Because I loved Rizal so much, as early as then, I wanted to learn Spanish so I could read Noli and El Fili in the original text it was written. So, you bet one of goals in 2014 is to read and understand the 2 novels that rocked the country in 1896. I’m excited!

8. attend financial and writing seminars
I’d like to invest more this year in stocks so I’ve to sharpen my  financial skills and get connected and mingle with people who are in the know. There’s one in Feb that I’m planning to attend. Check out www.personalfinance.ph if interested.
I’d like to sharpen my writing skills so I could write more interesting and exciting stories.

9. drive my own car
I took driving lessons last year before my license expired. I realized it’s not easy to drive but I still want to drive. I don’t know how I will get me a brand new red automatic car, all I know is I want one so I am sending this message to the universe and let it work on it.

10. sing in front of an audience
                I know I can sing. As proof, I was a choir member at UP Chapel Choir and at another time at my former office. Even back in my grade school days, I liked singing church songs. I remember singing them with my siblings at night, especially during brownout. Even now, I like singing at church on my seat.

                Back in the late 90’s, before I graduated from college, I was fortunate to have been part of the UP Chapel Choir. That December, our choir and all the other singing groups in UP banded together for a concert called, “Handel’s Messiah.” With about 100 choir members, I sang onstage UP Theater. It was a very memorable moment for me.

                I wish I could join something like it again this year.

11. jog or bike at least once a week

                With my new running shoes, which I got on sale, I should have no excuse not to jog. As for the bike, I have yet to buy one. But for now, I will jog. In fact, today, I went to UP and jogged with Rhei and friends and had Mang Larry’s isaw after.

12. have my own column
                I’m thinking probably an advice column on life, career, relationships maybe, and even fashion in a national broadsheet or magazine. But I have to admit, this is a long shot, moonlighting. But as with my other goals, I am just putting it out  here for God and the universe to work it out. As before, I’m letting  God show me and lead me to get there.

13. attend a feast outside the country or hillsong concert in australia
                I just added this for no particular reason except that it’s something I haven’t done before so it’s probably fun. And the fact that, I'll have 13 goals.

                Feast is a weekly religious gathering where there’s a Catholic mass, and an inspiring talk by Bo Sanchez interspersed with praise and worship. Dubbed as the happiest place on earth where everybody is welcome, the Feast is organized by the Light of Jesus Family, founded by Bo Sanchez. There are different Feasts in and out of the country. Speakers depend on the venue. For details, check out any of the ff. websites:
www.bosanchez.com
www.lightfam.com   



Friday, September 14, 2012

Help NaNoWriMo Win $250,000


I received an email today from NaNoWrimo's Executive Director Grant Faulkner. And as a concerned WriMo, I feel obliged to beg your help (vote) for the Office of Letters and Light aka NaNoWriMo  to bag the $250,000 donation from the good guys of Chase Community Giving. The one who gets the most number of votes in the ongoing Facebook contest brings home the prize.


So, be a nice guy and vote for us before September 19. Just click on this link:
https://www.facebook.com/ChaseCommunityGiving/app_162065369655?cv=2&app_data=ein%7C65-1282653%7Cref%7C3763b1c1dc


Won't take you a minute to help make dreams come true for the writers joining the NaNoWriMo programs, which essentially means giving life to the literary world. Imagine helping so many writers around the world without reaching into your own pocket. But by just clicking that Vote button for NaNoWriMo. While you're at it, why not click on the Like button too?


And after voting, why not spread the word to your friends, enemies and every breathing creature with a Facebook account? I'm sure you'll do. So, thank you!

It's Almost November, It's Almost NaNoWriMo




NaNoWriMo stands for National November Writing Month. It's an online event every writer shouldn't miss. From Nov 1 to 30, aspiring novelists churn out 50,000 words to win the distinction of stringing together 50,000 words! Hopefully, intelligible! Yes, it's that simple! Or is it? 

Two years into it and I have yet to finish a novel (50,000 words). But I'm glad to say that I've finished 2 novelettes, 1 got published/serialized in women's magazine. The other is waiting for the publisher's nod. Pls. nod, pls. nod.;p

That said, I can't wait for the nod, I mean for November! Well, both actually. 

To learn more about NaNoWriMo, check out our website http://www.nanowrimo.org/ 
Or our Facebook fanpage https://www.facebook.com/nanowrimo
Or our local chapter, Pinoywrimo page https://www.facebook.com/pinoywrimos


Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Can't Get Enough of Boracay!

bday boy jumps for joy

We're back in Boracay and we can't help but jump for joy! 

From sunrise 


till sunset, we jumped and jumped.



But we couldn't get it perfect, so we settled for a regular stationary group shot.



Despite the drizzles and cloudy skies on our first day,



still we managed to smile. No rain can dampen our spirits for we were in Paradise, our second home. Or at least mine. ;p


Why? Tony's tee says it all!


Day 2
The weather the next day was better, the sun was up!


And we couldn't help but smile.



It was a day to loiter and wade by the beach, 


enjoy the scenery,

proud of my shot of the sky, sea and sand



meet goodlooking strangers, like Mr. Mexico,



laze around Boracay Regency pool



and its jacuzzi,



have photo session,



and enjoy the band at Bucos Grill!



Day 3

I've always wanted to try the ATV and since I missed to do so last year, I made sure I did it this year.






And off we go for a trial run.



We all got an A-OK therefore, we can all drive an ATV each.



Our destination, Zorb!


This is where the huge plastic ball will roll with us in it.


Rhei was happy to get in first.



Next went Myles looking like she got stuck! 


And there we rolled!


 Did we enjoy it? You betcha!



Helmet diving? Let's just say, we all agreed we preferred snorkeling.


We did enjoy the boat ride.


By sunset, we enjoyed the view



 and some appetizers before dinner.


Yum!


Day 4 was our last day, a day for shopping for souvenirs and for one last dip at the beach. But it was high tide and the waves were too strong so we just hung out at the pool. 


And that's the end of our trip. Boo-hoo-hoo. Till next year, Boracay!

Oh, let me just say, for this trip, these are my favorite photos (funny category)! ;p






Monday, August 20, 2012

I Want to Go to Toulouse, France!


DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SEPT 3, 2012 MONDAY 12 NOON! 
See link https://www.facebook.com/LonelyPlanetPH/posts/418007331568855

There's a super photo and writing contest I just saw called, On Assignment. Thanks to KLM, 1 lucky writer and 2 photographers (need not be pros) will go for a week this September to Le Ville Rose (Pink City), Toulouse, France! Their (or should I say our? ;p) works will be printed on Lonely Planet Magazine Philippines and Digital Photographer Philippines.

For more info, go to their page at http://onassignment.ph/ or straight to the rules http://onassignment.ph/on-assignment

Deadline for submission of entries is on August 24, 2012 Friday. I don't know about you but I am definitely joining! And my next blog will be about my trip to the Pink City! ;p

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

A Day in the (College) Life of Sandy


excerpt from The Amazing Adventures of Sandy & Her Dog Dodo

One Little Miracle
May 2011

I was feeling low this early morning. As I entered the auditorium for my NatSci class, I scanned the huge hall for familiar faces. Finding none, I chose a seat at the back close to the door so I can discreetly leave whenever I want to.

Wanting to cheer myself up, I scanned the huge room for a glimpse of my crush. But I couldn't spot him so I said a silent prayer to God. I said, I wish I'd see him today. Then I thought, what are the chances that God would listen to me. He's probably busy with other important stuff. Why should He care about a petty matter as my seeing David today. And in this crowd of 1 million (alright, I tend to exaggerate.) loonies, I doubt.

But lo, I did see him. And how? There were 3 screens onstage that day. It was not a regular class. Our professor looked pumped for a mega marathon lecture. You'd think all screens will be used for his presentation but no, one camera was devoted to show the audience. I don't know why. But my guess is so that the class will be attentive to his lecture. Really?

As the presentation progressed, the camera rolled and my classmates kept smiling at the camera especially when they catch themselves onscreen. There were snickers and giggles, and of course, our lecturer got annoyed. Then some classmates got brazen and started waving at the cam, making the rest chuckle. Prof. X got so pissed at our immaturity and without warning, stormed out of the room. But who's more juvenile now?

You'd think, the class would feel sorry but no, we actually erupted in laughter. His immaturity went well for us. His walk-out meant dismissal. We were so relieved, we got off early. I just hope he doesn't give a surprise quiz next meeting. Knowing him, that's probably how he'll get his revenge at us.

But before I sign off, I did see him, my crush. He was flashed on the screen not only once but twice! I believe the first one was for God to let me know that, He listens to mundane prayer requests such as mine and that, yes, crushie was in the room. But since the shot was too tight, almost a close-up, he had to be shown again another time. The second time was a bit far so I got to spot where he was. After class, I got to position myself so he would pass by me at the aisle and we got to say hi and chat a bit. Heaven!

Thank you, Lord for my little miracle today! ;p



Tuesday, July 3, 2012

awaiting fate

march 2012

3 weeks from now, the english dept. of stanford university will announce its new list of stegner fellows. i am so interested because i am one of the hopefuls. either way, i think will die of faint. if i make it, i'll die of joy. if i don't make it, i'll die of embarrassment. but between the 2, i prefer to meet death joyously.

this isn't new to me. 100 years ago, i took a qualifying exam in the university of the philippines for my college education.the passing rate is about 10-15%.and i made it. the chances for this stanford scholarship though is slimmer. what are my chances? i'm up against 1,900 writers around the world and stanford will only take in 10 scholars.how's that?!  

so today, i feel like i'm back in march 1991 a highschool senior awaiting my fate. will i make it? i wish it were april 2 already.