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

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

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

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

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.

A Day in the (College) Life of Sandy

excerpt from The Amazing Adventures of Sandy & Her Dog Dodo

April 2011

Not a good time to be seen by him

It was another regular summer day in the campus. As I took a one last look at myself in the mirror, I smiled because I liked the striped black and purple top I was wearing. I looked good in it. Knowing I looked good, I felt good. But knowing very well how cold it can get at the amphitheater where my Econ 11 class is, I blindly grabbed the first cardigan I found in my cabinet. I had to hurry because I was running late for my class. 

Apparently, the knit top I got a hold of was light caramel. This color didn’t go well with my top plus the cut wasn’t flattering. Oh well, better that than freezing inside the theater, I consoled myself. I figured I’d just wear it inside the hall and take it off right after I get off my seat before anyone I know sees me. Good plan except that I forgot to execute it. And the first person I see as I stepped out of the room is him.

He sees me, recognizes me and flashes his 100-megawatt smile in an instant. Oh my gosh, he remembers me. There were close to ten of us girls introduced to him last week and yet he recognized me. Oh! That’s when I realized, I was wearing my crummy Bertha cape which made me look fat and disgusting. Ok, maybe not disgusting but really, unflattering. I almost froze in terror. In my embarrassment, I ignored him, looked the other way and pretended not to remember him. 

What a pity, I saw his smile vanish and turn into a frown. Oh shoot! Nice one, Sandy! I could only mutter softly, sorry.