Christmas Time
We all know that Filipinos have one of the longest Christmas celebrations around the world. Even at just the first day of September, the whole country automatically feels the Christmas spirit.
Christmas parties will start as early as November. And during parties, we all need a playlist to play at the background.
Here is a playlist I made in youtube. It is a collection of some modern and/or Filipino songs that you will probably hear at a Filipino Christmas party. Enjoy.
PS: I made the background with Canva hehe
https://youtu.be/QbagYYlQ4IA
SUPERTYPHOON YOLANDA MOMENTS
(international code name Haiyan)
November 8, 2013
I am sure that the said date will never be forgotten by the Yolanda victims, specially the Taclobanons. Tacloban City, where I live, was one of the most devastated areas during that time.
Nine years has passed. Here are some memories I have on that day (some speaks to me on a certain personal level):
1. On that day, before the storm surge, my mother was busy hanging clothes that she washed the other day. We have a clothesline inside the house.
2. Before the water entered our house, my siblings and I were convinving our father for immediate evacuation. He kept on saying NO; and the family can't do anything but obey.
3. When the flood was already knee-deep inside the house, my father finally gave the go signal. I only took with me my laptop, school papers, and ATM card.
4. My siblings, guided by our father, went immediately to the barangay's evacuation center (about 30 meters from our house). Three were left at the house: I waited for my mom; my mom was forcing my PWD (cannot walk) grandfather to evacuate.
5. On the way to the evacuation center, I saw a dog that was about to drown and some chickens that were trapped in their cages. I literally froze for about 5 seconds.
6. Waist-deep flood. Outside our house. My grandfather told my mom, "bayaa nala ak niyo, nadadara tak tiil hit tubig." Lolo wanted us to leave him. I heard the loudest cry from my mom, "Buliiiiiiiig! Buliiiiiiiig! Buligi kami niyoooooo!" That shout broke my heart.
7. My father, who is partially blind, came back for us. Respect! Our neighbors, who we dont talk to that much, helped and rescued us. Respect!
8. We were at our neighbor's roof for God knows how long. Strong wind- there were flying stuff everywhere. Heavy rain- it was a bit painful to the skin. My mom was worried sick for me, my father, and my grandfather.
9. On the roof, some were praying silently. Some were crying while calling God's name. One was singing "Lord Patawad". Most were just staring blankly at something.
10. We transferred from one house to another through improvised bridges. At the evacuation center, I realized I was already hugging my younger siblings- which I rarely do.
11. No one died from our barangay or from my family. We had a delicious dinner at that day. Some were from our neighbors' house food supplies and some were from the early looting.
12. It was the first time in many years when "all residents" were gathered in one area. Complete attendance. (Even during general meetings, complete attendance of residents does not happen)
Photo Source: I Love Tacloban facebook page
Abbywan to Make Read.Cash his Diary
Almost 7 months ago...
I published my very first article here in read seven months ago. Honestly, I have so many things to write an article about. I was just so busy and there were lots of things going on in my life.
Moreover, I think noise.cash was enough for me to use it as a platform to express myself...to let my mind talk...to let me be me; then almost all my siblings joined the said platform. Somehow, I filter some of my contents. With read.cash, I do not think my siblings are active here.
Anyways, I have been away from read for a very long time. I have this weird idea to make this platform some sort of my diary. I want to publish some articles with some of my mind talks, some "letters" to myself, my frustrations with the world and society, my dreams and crazy imaginations, my wins and achievements, and my vulnerable self.
I would do that...because my mind has been playing with me lately. Sigh.
INTRODUCTORY POST: Abbywan joins Read.Cash
I have been using noise.cash for almost eight months. From time to time, I could read posts about noisers' journeys in read.cash. I started asking questions about BitcoinCash, about blogging in read, about other platforms that use the said cryptocurrency. I was scared of asking questions because I was a newbie in the world of cryptocurrency. Months ago, I signed up in read and it took me lots of courage to start drafting an article (so please be good to me hehehe). Finally! After lots of procrastination, I am going to start publishing articles here.
ABOUT ME
I am Abbywan, a twenty-six-year-old guy from Tacloban City, Philippines. If you have watched Star Wars, you would notice that I based my username/handle on one character there (Obewan Kenobi); and my friends call me Abe. I am employed and have been working in the company for more than five years. My salaries have been used mainly for my hemodialysis finances. (**NOTE**:All photos may look blurry when this article is opened in laptops/computers)
A writer
I love to write a poem, a story, a blog, an article, or anything under the sun. I have been a writer as early as elementary. I was one of the writers in our school paper, *The Rizalian*, wherein I submit poems and feature articles regularly. Depending on your standards, I may not be a good writer but I would love to be tagged as one. The stanza below is from one of the earliest poems I made. (**Title: Into the Mirror**)
...
Alas! Image started to change;
Image now has its own life to waste;
Image now has a painted face;
Image now has a different gaze.
But image still belongs to the guy
The proof is their black innocent eyes.
Image straightened his arms
Oh fool! Smiling it was
Not cool! It's pulling the guy
Into the mirror, will he die?
...
Currently, I am actively engaging in noise.cash. With more than 1,000 subscribers, I try to post quality content and engage with other users. Just like in noise, I would be publishing quality articles here.
A Dialysis Patient
Dialysis patient who refuses to die- that's what my bio says in noise. This is in connection with my disease. Last April 2017, I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stage 5 or kidney failure. It was devastating and I was confused. All aspects of my well-being were also affected. Well, this disease is too expensive. Aside from that, there are things that you have no/little control of like blood pressure, memory, fluid intake, hemoglobin, creatinine, electrolytes, and others.
Presently, I am feeling a lot better compared to my first year on dialysis. I am undergoing hemodialysis sessions at Divine Word Hospital thrice a week, every week, for life (or until death or until kidney transplant). My girlfriend used to accompany me during dialysis sessions but the pandemic has changed that. We gotta do everything to be safe.
It may sound cliche but I know these are all part of a big master plan. On the bright side, four years ago, I should have been dead. I'm still breathing and if that ain't badass, I don't know what is? Lord, thank you for everything. I would love to thank also everyone who has helped me in one way or another.
A traveler
I love visiting new places and interacting with people who have different approaches to life. With money and time, I will surely travel around the world. The Philippines alone has a lot to offer. That is one of the few things I can contribute to this platform. I could share all my adventures here.
I love traveling. I have a strong connection with nature. I feel closer to God whenever I appreciate the beauty of His creations- a humbling experience that makes you realize that you are a part of something big, of something significant, of something special. It makes you think that you have a purpose in life. And it's a good way of de-stressing. And the Covid-19 pandemic is hindering my travel plans.
The photos below are some of my travels to my most visited province- Cebu.
An employee
I'm working in a company that assists different municipalities and/or cities in managing and regulating coastal and aquatic resources. This requires us to travel and interact with the municipal/city fisherfolk community. What is more awesome about this job is how a young guy like me can be a part of an influential and important project, which can improve/help someone's economic status. Most of the time, I do lectures and coastal/inland assessments. This is when I can apply what I've learned in college as a BS Biology graduate. One of my favorite activities was when I assisted in mangrove planting.
What I want to do now is to continue working in the company and take a Master's degree in the future. And someday, I'll be a professor and a scientist. I want to serve the people. I want to make a significant contribution to our society. And we will get there once my health is back to normal.
That was awesome. I finally introduced myself. I promise to post significant stories here- about my disease, adventures, life (anything under the sun). I also promise to spread BitcoinCash and platfroms that support it to others **BECAUSE THIS IS FREAKING AWESOME!!**
I am new to read.cash.
Any tips for an introductory post?
Thank you in advance
@Abbywan
