Continuation...
So here I am with the continuation of Slambook questions. Yeah, I am enjoying answering the questions here, and I'm about to answer 15 questions again.
Favorite cafe?
I don't usually go to cafés but I think my favorite is Figaro because my brother used to bring us there before the pandemic. I have been to Starbucks once, and it was a treat from my brother when we went to Baguio City. There are a number of cafés here in our town like Antonino's Cafe, Cafe Avenida, Yellow Tree Cafe, Honeycup, Abba's Tea, etc. I visited those only a few times. With regard to tastes, the one from Antonino's Cafe is the best.
Your Moment of Achievement
I don't think I have one in real life. Maybe when I graduated from school, but I don't find them memorable except the one when I attended a sign language class. Actually, I am hoping to experience which my family is there with all their support. But online, my moment of achievement is when Rusty noticed me for the first time!
Best school / college memory
When we won in the competition we joined, and of course, spending time with my close friends in school.
Love or career
At my age, I don't think I'll be able to start again with new career. I am more into crypto now, and that's my career. I am married for 10 months, and I'm in love. Of course, I still choose love. But I also want to become a crypto-naire. Lol!
Childhood life or adult life
Both has disadvantages and advantages. I love the simple life when younger because I don't have to think of problems. However, I love the maturity that I have as an adult. Anyway, we all go through a stage of life once.
Carbonara or Bolognese
To be honest, I had eaten Bolognese once. But I'll go to carbonara. It is one of my favorites among pasta dishes. First is spaghetti, followed by baked macaroni, and lasagna.
Most useless talent you have
Every talent has its use, and it is a gift from God. I don't want to say a single talent is useless.
Share a message using emojis
❤️❤️❤️ - especially for my wife.
😂😂😂 - laughing out loud.
😭😭😭 - crying with anyone crying because of losing a loved one.
Your WhatsApp status
I don't know! I rarely use WhatsApp, and I use it only with my family group chat. Often, I use Messenger, and Telegram at times.
Things you are grateful for in life
All the blessings that God is giving me. I am thankful for having my wife with me. Thankful for the crypto which is providing for our financial needs. Thankful to sir @MarcDeMesel for having is Read.Cash and Noise.Cash. Thankful to God for helping me to overcome my mental illness.
Languages you can speak
Of course, my native dialect which is Pangasinan. People mistake it as Pangalatok but that's not how we call out dialect. I can also speak Tagalog, which is the most commonly used dialect here in the Philippines. Of course, English too being our second official language. Hands can speak too through sign language, and I know sign language since 16 years ago.
Work from home or office culture
I never worked in an office but I prefer work from home because I have been a freelancer for almost a decade. Besides, I find it hard to get with possible workmates because I am partially unsociable.
Favorite hobbies
So many hobbies but doing crypto stuff is now my favorite hobby. Of course, listening to music and watching TV is still one of them.
Have you found purpose in life
Yes. Being a servant of God, and help the greater need being a volunteer in sign language community. At times, I thought of going back to my native language, being hearing. There are traits from some deaf people that I get tired of, but I am focusing on the positives. There are nice deaf people out there!
Favorite Christmas present
None.
Dine in at AJ Picnic Grove / Plants for Sale
On our recent vacation, we went to Balungao Hilltop Adventure, especially the hot springs. That was during the second day of our vacation. We also visited our couple friends' new friend who will assist and drive them to the capital.
We are already tired and starving, and the couple brought us to the restaurant where they used to dine out and date.
Day 2 Evening - Dine in at AJ Picnic Grove
So we reached the restaurant around 6:30pm, and it's almost dark. There's an area where a band is performing for a class reunion which is kinda loud.
It's not a typical restaurant, but it's not uncommon. There are huts designated for customers to eat instead of an entire hall. Some of the huts are erected at the fish pond. I love the lights and ambience of the restaurant.
I don't know how to call this but there are great spots where you can do picture taking. I'll only got to capture only a few. My wife and my friends borrowed my phone because of its beautiful night mode camera.
That's the hut designated for us. It's cool that there are plants around. The 6 of us fitted in that hut!
These are what my wife and I had ordered. Same kinds of foods but different dishes. Each costs Php150. The measurement of the rice is actually a smaller cup.
I am satisfied with the foods, and it got me full. I love the fried chicken because it was fried well.
The view at the restaurant at nightime. Looks beautiful including the moon up there. Too bad moon looks too small when captured with phone.
Before leaving, we had a picture once more.
I felt very tired when we got home. I took some time to lay down in bed before doing other things. It might the effect of the hot spring as well as the extreme heat since the heat index is going above 40 degrees recently.
Day 3 - A Visit at the House of our New Friends.
We are told to wake up early because we're going to the river at 5am. Everyone are lazy to wake up early because we're quite tired from the previous day. Our couple friends are going to Manila, and we will be left home. The plan was changed, and our new friends will be fetching us from our accomodation around 8:30am. The driver came around 9:30am though.
We are still tired and lazy to go to the river so we went to the house of our new friends instead. We had a great bonding, getting to know one another, and played the game called Articulate.
Our other schedule that day will be a visit at the Sunflower Farm. Our other new friend will be fetching and join us at 2pm but she arrived late. But that's fine because it's still very hot.
After playing Articulate, we walked around the yard of our new friends and they have a lot of plants. They're selling plants which became their business. Collecting and taking care of became a pastime and habit of many Filipinos during the pandemic. The owner are very thankful and considered it as God's answer to their prayer because they have no source of money during the pandemic.
So many beautiful plants around. So far, they have many customers already. Others just go and look at the plants without buying at all.
Of course, there are rare ones too, and those are expensive. I wanted to buy one for my wife but it will be another burden going home. We will be commuting after the vacation, and I have heavy bags to carry.
Maybe when I'll have my own car, I'll go back there. I don't have enough money yet to buy one but hoping my earnings this year will go up so I can buy my own car. That will make our lives easier as we are going back to normal.
We enjoyed walking around the yard with the beautiful plants. Also, it is a great place to breathe because the plants provide plenty of oxygen.
Our other new friend already arrived to fetch us. We allowed her to take a rest for a while, have a snack, and play Articulate with us.
Ask Away!
I remember back then, teenagers are answering questions in slam book. It seems it's not the case anymore because people can now go to their social media accounts and post anything.
Anyway, young people today cannot totally relate. But signing on a slam book brought joy to us back then. In our class, whether boy or girl, everyone has answered questions on a slam book.
That's my focus today, and I have these questions that I am going to answer which similar to slam book questions.
Relationship status
I am happily married! I actually didn't expect I will every marry. I had my first official girlfriend, and she was my last, and now my wife. I got married June 2021, and I remember my sister from Dubai gave her message that I said I will not marry in this present system, but now I am married!
Last song you heard
My brother has been playing music from the past and present which includes Zack Tabudlo, Adie, Backstreet Boys, Lany, Lauv, Olivia Rodrigo, etc. I think the last song I heard is "Happier" by Olivia Rodrigo.
Miss anyone?
Yes. I miss my parents. My mother passed away in 2007, and my father in 2011. In fact, I had written about it recently. Also, I cried the other night after remembering those saddest days of my life.
Greatest struggle in life
I have been struggling with OCD and anxiety. I can say mental illness is very difficult because the enemy is your brain.
Dreams and ambitions
I don't aim for any career many people are aiming. I just want to become a crypto-naire. That way, I can support myself, my family, and my voluntary work. I want to be like sir @MarcDeMesel someday being helpful in crypto world.
Nicknames
I don't have nickname. They called me certain names, but those are just sort of bullying so I don't welcome them. I'm fine being called "Ian", my first name.
Future career choice
I already answered at "Dreams and Ambitions" above. At my age, I don't think I'll pursue a new career. Usually, my age is not something that can easily be hired in some jobs.
Ideal date
I just prefer a simple date with my wife. Actually, we date often. We go to the beach, and other places.
Favorite emoji
I have answered this on Q&A Challenge. These are my favorite emojis: 🥰😊😂❤️👍. In our group chat, I use the first emoji with heart often, followed by the second emoji above. I love jokes so I use that laughing emoji. Of course, heart emoji is never left out, then the thumb up emoji when agreeing.
Favorite style of clothing
I think I also answered this on Q&A Challenge. I am fine with polo shirts and T-shirts on casual setting. I do wear barong or long-sleeves in formal setting.
Weird food combo you enjoy
I am not sure if this is weird, but most Filipino people do consider these as partners. Champorado (chocolate rice porridge) and tuyo (salty dried herrings). I initially thought it's a weird combination but when I tried, I loved it in an instant. In fact I prepared one just this month. Other than champorado and tuyo, I never tried really weird food combos.
Things you're worried about
I have anxiety and OCD, and I always worry about a lot of things. I'm worried that I'll completely lose my sanity.
The last photo you took
This is the last photo I took. I captured it less than two hours ago. I made this salad as side dish for our dinner.
Favorite YouTube channel
I don't really patronize YouTube channels. I do watch videos but there's no exclusivity. I love watching (or just listening) music videos, travel videos, tiny houses, and foods!
Still Grieving
Last night, my wife and I are having a conversation until the topic led to how I felt during my mother's battle against cancer and her death. My wife didn't want to talk about it because she gets affected easily, and didn't want to sleep with sadness as it will affect her sleep. I turned to the side with my back on her, and I started to weep.
It's been almost 15 years ago since my mother's passing, and there are times that I felt I'm still grieving. During the early months or even years of her death, I cry at times when I remember her but not the usual that I'll cry everyday. As much as possible, I busy myself to forget about grieving.
I'm not sure if it was suppressed but I didn't come to the phase that I'll always cry. I tried to get back to normal life but it will never happen because my normal life is with her being alive. It's different. I wanted to move on immediately. It's like being forced, I didn't let myself grieve like other people.
I never experienced anyone crying with me while grieving. I have been surrounded by people who are supposed to be doing that. I realized last night that nobody cried with me. Nobody ever listened on how I feel because nobody asked about it. There are a few (can be counted on the fingers of my one hand) who asked me how I am. Some of them, I can't feel the sincerity.
Others asked about losing my mom but they never asked how I feel, only about what really happened. They're sad that someone passed away, but I didn't feel they're sad for me.
The days of mother's wake, I do appreciate people coming in. People express their sadness on our loss but it's like an occasion for few days. Real grief starts after the burial. When you're at home, and it seems people has already forgot about it.
I felt the same way on my father's passing too. Actually, I felt more disturbed when my father passed away. Imagine losing the only parent you have, that must be very painful. I am in pain, and in a phase of hate at those who treated us badly, and has been backstabbing on our father.
I'm very much sensitive at that time. I felt as if everything is an issue. Even had fallout with a friend. His words added insult to injury, but everything's okay now. I wanted to runaway. It's as if I'm tired from sadness. The gap of my mother and father's death is only three years. That is quite short to grieve after a period a grief.
The difference between my mother and father before their death, my mother suffered more, and we witnessed the extreme pain she had. My father didn't experience such or probably he's hiding it. He told us why he decided to accept the surgery. He didn't want us to suffer again like how we suffered on our mother's battle for her life.
Thus, the months of mother's suffering is still very much alive in memory. When late July or August comes, I remember what I felt when we learned about the Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. The memories of me going immediately to the bathroom crying few minutes when they left to bring my mother to the hospital in Manila. I can still remember whenever we rush when extreme pain attacks my mother. Her last days in the hospital is coming back in my head during the third to fourth week of October. The same feeling about my father during the third week of January.
I know those months has some significance. My mother just turned 59, and after a day she died. My father died two days before their wedding anniversary. That should be their 41st anniversary. He is expecting to see his second grandson, who was born three days after. He's very excited to see him even telling my sister in law that he'll be back home from surgery on his grandson's birth. However, a week before his death, he told my sister in law that it seems he will never see his new grandson.
Yes, I think I'm still grieving even it's more than a decade. It will not go easily especially if the person has been a part of you, and as if you are already incomplete.
The Remaining Questions (Q&A Challenge)
I have 20 remaining questions to answer from the Q&A Challenge. I think I should answer all of them instead of cutting them by 10s. So here are the questions and my answers.
What are you afraid of?
I have anxiety, and I am afraid of a lot of things. My OCD is making it worst. I can't answer this question because they are too many. Sorry. 😔
What is your favorite scent?
I'm not sure what this means. If this is about perfume, I'm currently using a Gucci perfume as well as Marco Polo. But I'll change with another one if both has ran out. But if we're talking in general, it's my wife's scene. 😝
Do you address older people by their first or last name?
I don't call anyone with their last name. It's too formal, and I'm more of a casual person. I'd rather call someone by their first name or probably by their nickname. If someone is older, I naturally use "Kuya" or brother and "Ate" or sister. I usually call someone with Kuya/Ate and to be followed by their first name or nickname. Of course, it depends on the person I am addressing to. I can add Ma'am, Sir, Mother, Father, Uncle, and Aunt, and it will be followed by their first names.
If money was not a factor, how would you live your life?
I wanted to have my own home, car, and necessities. I am not hoping for a rich life, all I want is a comfortable one. I wanted to have my own farm, and harvest from them which will become our food supply.
Do you prefer swimming pools or in the ocean?
I love swimming pools because they are safer compared to the ocean where drowning is more likely. However, swimming in the ocean is better for the body. Besides, the sea breeze is good for mental health.
What would you do if you found $50 on the ground?
It depends on the place, lol! If it's in a public place, I can go to a nearby authority to surrender the money. But if it's in a place where no one's around, and no authority to approach to, I will pick it up. Lol! Besides, $50 isn't too huge. But if it's bundles of money, I will surrender it to the police wherever O found them.
Have you ever seen a shooting star? Did you make a wish?
I remember when I was kid lying near the window, and I saw one. I made a wish because kids tend to believe at such. However, it didn't happen. Lol!
What is one thing you would want to teach your children?
I will teach them the Bible, and the truths on it. God's Word will become a protection from them if ever there are harm or avoid bad influences.
If you have a tattoo, what would it be and where would you get it?
Never that I thought of getting some tattoos so I'll decline.
What can you hear right now?
My brother is playing music, and it's from Filipino band MYMP. It's their own version of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan original "Especially for You".
Where do you feel the safest?
At home of course, and to God.
What is one thing you want to conquer/overcome?
I have fear of heights and anxiety. I wanted to overcome and conquer them.
If you could travel back to any era, which would you choose?
Well, I don't want to go back to the ancient times. I just wanted to go back to the 1980s or 1990s. I miss the simple life we had.
What is your most used emoji?
🥰👍😂 These two emojis are my most used. Instead of ❤️, I use 🥰. I use 👍when agreeing, and 😂 often because I love jokes, and I do jokes often.
What is your favorite season, and why?
We only have two seasons in the Philippines: dry and wet season. Thus, I will answer according to months, and it will be from December to February because of the cold weather. I don't like wet season because of possible floods and frequent typhoons. I don't like summer because heat index is going up to 50 degrees Celsius or slightly higher, and oftentimes at 40s range.
How would you spend your ideal day?
Be with my wife, travel, go to the beach, and eat delicious foods.
Describe yourself using one word?
Fine.
What do you regret the most?
Not saying "I love you" often to my parents. Both of them are already gone.
Invent your own word? What does it mean?
I won't answer this. Lol!
Thank you to my sponsor/s below:
Vacation: Day 1 & 2, Balungao Hot Springs
I have been on vacation for 5 days, and it started out last Saturday. Our couple friends invited us to their home in Natividad town with two other friends. They fetched us from home to the town they currently live. Beforehand, we have prepared our itinerary though there are some changes.
Day 1
During day 1, we traveled to Natividad, and reached the town around 1pm. We fixed our things as well as the designated rooms for us. Of course, I'm with my wife. Then we went to the supermarket to buy foods that we are going to cook during the vacation.
Around 5pm, we went to the congregation where we attended a meeting. I was tasked to interpret from speaking to sign language. We met new friends, and they were invited to come in to our couple friends' home.
We prepared foods, and I cooked spaghetti for everyone. Around 9pm, we played the game Articulate which we really enjoyed during the night. We slept late that night, and too bad I had insomnia.
Day 2 - Balungao Hot Springs
Our plan is to go to Balungao Hot Springs in the afternoon. We attended our sign language meetings in the morning, but since we're far from the venue, we opted to attend virtually. I served as the interpreter from sign language to speaking the whole time for those attendees who are also in videoconference.
I thought of staying at home because I don't have enough sleep because of insomnia, and I'm glad that I still have energy, and went with them.
After our lunch, we prepared to go to Balungao Hot Springs, and it was around 40 minutes of travel from Natividad town.
There we are at the entrance, with my wife. Aside from hot springs, they have cold swimming pool too. Zipline is also available for those who wanted adventure, as well as hiking to the peak of Mt. Balungao.
I love the trees around. It is in the mountain so it's expected. There are stores, and you can rent those inflatables for the cold swimming pool. There's also a KTV nearby, and my ears suffered from people singing there. Their voices can entice typhoons.
There goes the area for the zip line. It can be seen from the parking lot. It seems there are many visitors around based on the parked cars.
I am not wrong, so many people around. When I saw a lot of people at the cold pool, I decided not to swimming there. Even my friends didn't want to swim in this pool. Actually, the color of the water is turning quite dark, though it's not noticeable in the picture.
There are two cold pools, while the other two are hot springs. The temperature is 40 and 50 degrees. All pools are almost occupied so we're thinking not to swim but some people left the hot spring with 50 degrees centigrade. We decided to drench for more than an hour. It's extremely hot so we did gradually starting from our feet.
That's the peak of Mt. Balungao. It's actually a dormant volcano, that's why there are hot springs. The water from the pools came from this mountain, including the cold ones. There's a way to hike up to the summit but you have to pay Php400, which is quite expensive. There's a hot spring there too which the water is extremely hot, and no one is allowed to drench.
Around 5pm, we left the facility and visited our couple friends' new friend who will assist them to go to Manila the following day. Afterwards, we had our dinner in a restaurant back in Natividad town.
Balungao Adventure, including the hot springs, is located at the town of Balungao. It is a small town with small population as well, at the border of Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija. The entrance fee is Php100.
Thank you to my sponsor/s below:
Service Interruption of Internet and Electricity
So I just got home from vacation, and supposedly, we are about to go on with our usual activities which includes our online jobs. Our body needs adjustment but we are ready to get back to our normal life however, we received bad news regarding necessary services that we avail everyday.
There's an announcement from our internet service provider that there will be a service Interruption today. It starts from 8am, but there's no estimated time of its restoration. Customers has been asking on their Facebook post what will be the time the service will be restored, however, we got an automated response instead that they'll send a private message.
Did the private message helped? I don't think so. I've been asking if there's an estimated time that internet connection will be restored, the customer responded there's no specific time. I told her, I'm not asking for specific time, just an estimated time. She told me, no specific time because it depends on the technicians. I told her again I'm asking for estimated time, and she answered again that there's no specific time unless the technicians gave them updates.
Poor customer service
Too bad their customer service representative can't answer questions properly. It's as of they lacked orientation from their jobs. I just told them that there should be estimated time so we know what we are going to do with our schedules in our online jobs. Our salary is at stake because of the service Interruption. We just want to know what we are going to expect so we can reschedule whatever needs to be done in our jobs.
Without a time frame of the service interruption, the restoration might be earlier or very late. It can even be tomorrow, and they won't take any responsibility because they didn't state a certain or estimated time. They don't even deduct the days or times of service interruption. But if you got disconnected and reconnect with your account, they will count the days without connection and pay them. Reconnection even means a new contract for them, and you will be obligated to pay another year because the contract has restarted with first month!
The ISP has its own branch locally, and we prefer paying there because online payments will take around 3 days to get the confirmation that you have paid. It means, if today is your due date and paid online today, you will be due for a penalty because the payment date would be during the confirmation date.
When paying at the office, it will take you hours standing until you reach your turn. Every customer address will take even 30 minutes, with only few attending the customers. When paying, they will send a text message or message through Messenger to the main office, and wait for several minutes to respond. It's not centralized. They should have information right at their computer to see every customer's balance!
Power interruption again
My brother told me to check the Facebook page of the electric company, and there's an announcement of power interruption in our town again. There's never a month that we don't experience long power interruptions. It can even happen multiple times a week.
This Saturday, we will have a two-hour power interruption in the morning. Then on Sunday, an 8am-5pm power interruption will be imposed. Many customers has been complaining but they cannot do anything. The Facebook page of the electric company has disabled its comment section of their announcement posts because they will be bombarded by complaints. Actually, around 98% of comments are complaints.
The electric company was known for unscheduled power interruption too, thus they deserve the complaints. The sad thing is their employees will retaliate on complaints. Instead of ignoring the customers' rants, they can't control themselves by insulting back their customers. I can tell because checking on those individuals' profiles, they're employees of the electric company.
Internet and electricity are necessities in life. Interruption of services will affect us a lot on our activities. But with poor customer service from them, insults included, it adds insult to injury.
Thank you to my sponsor/s below:
Who, What, How, Do You? (Q&A Challenge 3)
Still here on vacation so I'm not that active on my online tasks. But here I am about to continue with the Q&A Challenge. Here are my answers to the following questions:
Who do you want to be closer to?
I can't think of anyone at the moment but I think it would be Adele, have her sing and I just listen to her beautiful voice.
Do you miss someone at the moment?
I always miss my parents. There's no chance that I'll ever see them again in this current system since both of them already passed away.
Tell us about an early childhood memory
I can't really think of anything at the moment. Of course I have memories but I don't see them something significant.
What is the strangest thing you have eaten?
As much as possible, I do avoid strange foods. I was enticed by others to eat frog meat, chicken feet, etc. However, I declined them all! Such foods are strange to me.
What can you see outside your window?
Nothing really cool. Just parts of the yard, and what can be seen outside the gate which is the road and the neighbors.
What are you most thankful for?
That God continues to care for me, and I can feel it. I also thank Him for giving a loving wife.
Do you like spicy food?
Not so much a fan of spice foods but I can eat some if it's slightly spicy.
Have you ever met someone famous?
Not yet. Of course, I saw some local celebrities in our country but not to the point of approaching them. But I remember local actor Gabby Concepcion came to our province. While waiting for my family in the hotel lobby, a man came in smiling and waved at some people at the hotel. I was thinking this man acts like a celeb, and when he waved his hand on me, I realized he's Gabby Concepcion. He seemed friendly compared to some celebrities out there.
Do you keep a diary or journal?
I don't do journal or diary anymore. However, I do post some of my activities on Actifit app. Of course, I don't post anything on it.
Do you prefer to use pen or pencil?
I do use both but I prefer pen over pencil. I am not comfortable with stroking the pencil on paper. Pen works better for me.
What is your star sign?
I have to look after the internet what is it, and it's Sagittarius. However, I don't believe in them, and try to avoid zodiac signs.
Do you like your cereal crunchy or soggy?
I prefer crunchy cereals. When it's soggy, it doesn't look good on me. You know, the appearance of the food matters to me.
What would you want your legacy to be?
I'm unable to focus on anything that will become my legacy. I have been involved in sign language community so I think I'd like to serve as a good example for people to consider volunteerism.
Seriously, I never thought of having a legacy someday.
Do you like reading? What was the last thing you read?
I think I wrote about reading either books or articles already. I do read articles in the internet, including the ones here in Read.Cash, and Steemit, Hive, or Blurt. However, the last thing I read is the Bible. I do try my best to read the Bible on a daily basis.
How do you show someone you love them?
I admit I am not expressive even to my parents before. Obedience to them, I think is a way to show I love them. But I had regrets that I should have been more expressive back when they are still alive and strong. Before their death, I took care of them, which is a gesture of love.
To my wife, I loved her a lot. I do hug her everyday and tell her I love her. I do some things she likes. Of course, I am not perfect. There are times I had lapses, but she knows I love her a lot!
Thanks to my sponsor/s below:
Dig a Little Deeper (Q&A Challenge 2)
I am currently on vacation so I am unable to write a blog yesterday. I have another set of questions to answer, but this time it's 10 questions, and it starts below.
Do you prefer baths or showers?
I don't actually care whether it's bathing or shower. I do bath everyday so I think that's the answer. Here in the Philippines it is common to bath everyday, often at daytime when we will go somewhere unlike in some countries where people take a bath when they got home at night, and before sleeping.
I do showers occasionally at night when it's too hot, or when I went somewhere else. It is important as to disinfect ourselves to not bring home viruses. Actually, I used to consider showers the same as bathing. It might sound funny but many Filipinos, especially the ordinary ones think the same way.
If you are a mythical creature, which would you choose?
I am not really into mythology or mythical creatures so I don't think I have to answer this. Lol! Yeah, I am familiar about cyclops, vampires, etc. I just never had any interest in them.
Do you prefer reading paper or electronic books?
Back then, I used to read papers but I do prefer electronic books now. It's very easy and efficient. With just a click on your phone, you can read anything you want. However, it is taking its tool on my eyes so I minimize reading via mobile phone instead of reading paper. I don't have that much access on physical books too. Hehe
On one of the questions I answered before, I considered Bible as my favorite book now. I have a physical copy of the Scriptures, but I am using an app to read God's Word.
What is your favorite item of clothing?
I actually prefer polo shirts or shirts with collar. T-shirt is fine for me but polo shirts are really my thing. When in formal setting, long sleeves with neck tie is what I used to wear. I do wear barong (Filipino formal wear for men) and suit in important occasions.
Do you like your name? Would you ever change it?
Back when I was young, I wanted to change my name. I wanted better or a cooler name. But I am used to my name now, and I don't think I will ever change it. I love my name now more than ever.
Who is a mentor to you?
Of course, a mentor is someone who trains a person, an experienced one, and someone who can give sound advice. To be honest, I never have someone who is really a mentor, so I can't answer exactly.
Would you ever want to be famous? If so, what for?
It's always been my dream to become a singer and top the music charts. However, I wasn't gifted with a beautiful voice so it's very impossible that it will happen. I changed my mind as well that I'll ever want to become famous. I just want to become a crypto-naire.
Are you a restless sleeper?
I don't use to be a restless sleeper but I am becoming one. Just last night, I had a hard time sleeping, and had a very short sleep. Two weeks ago on one occasion, I slept around 10pm, and awakened at 2pm and I never got back to sleep. It's very difficult but I wish I'll have a good sleep tonight.
Do you consider yourself romantic?
I admit, I consider myself not that kind. My wife has been complaining when she's still my girlfriend. However, she appreciates me more now. She told me I am romantic now more than ever. Thus, I think I am romantic NOW. 😆
Which element best represent you?
I don't really think about the kinds of elements or anything. But to answer the question, I think I am more on EARTH because it also represents God's creation. It might not be perfect now but it is still wonderful with a lot of beauty.
I also love nature so I think EARTH represents me.
Thanks to my sponsor/s below:
The Q&A Challenge
I really don't have anything in mind to write so I thought of not posting anything today, or perhaps I need a rest. However, I saw the post of sir @ARTicLEE which there are questions to answer, and I found it a great topic to write so here I go!
Do you prefer writing with black or blue pen?
Black is needed in signing documents, and I think it is universal. To be honest, I don't really care about pen colors. Back in the 1990s, we loved different colors of pens. There are pens which you can choose different colors: black, blue, green, and red. I haven't seen such pens for a long time. Ballpens back in the day can be a source of happiness for students. It might sound shallow but the joy is different, and that's the time when smartphones do not exist yet.
Of course, to answer the question, I had chosen *black* because it's universal.
Would you prefer to live in the country or the city?
I admit I once dreamed of living in the city, preferably New York City. I love to see skyscrapers, and walk in city streets. But when I had grown up, I wanted to spend some time in the countryside. I currently live in a suburban area, which I am close to the town proper. I'm fine right where I live but the population is surging, and the noise is getting more common.
Both has advantages and disadvantages. I love the convenience and accessibilities that the city provides, but I love the fresh air, peace, and beauty that the countryside offers. I won't choose on the two as I live in a town (close to becoming a city), but it's suburban right where I live. I just hope that our village won't become overpopulated.
If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?
Whether it's a talent or a skill, I wanted to become an artist, whether it's painting or drawing. It's one of my frustrations that I can even draw a person.
I don't want to focus on arts as I also love to become a good singer. My wife tells me I can sing, and I want to believe her. Lol! But the truth is I am not satisfied on my singing. Whenever I sing in videoke, it's as if I'm trying so hard to make it sound good. Lol!
How I wish I can also dance! Watching dancers on TV, I was amazed especially those doing freestyle.
Do you drink your tea or coffee with sugar?
I cannot stand drinking coffee without sugar. I even prefer the one with creamer. Others prefer coffee without sugar, or the black one. I can't do that or else spit it out if I drank one unaware it has no sugar.
With tea, I think I can drink it without sugar. But I prefer tea with honey, or if available, lemon too. Back when my father came home from Hong Kong, he brought home huge jar of shredded tea leaves. I add hot water and concentrated lemon with honey. It's perfect during rainy day!
What was your favorite book as a child?
I'm not the kind of child back then who read books a lot. I did read the Bible then but not often unlike now that it became my favorite book. There's also a book of fairy tale which was given to my brother, I read them but I can't say they are my favorite.
When I was in high school, I finished reading the book written by the Philippines' national hero Jose Rizal. It is "Noli Me Tangere". I admit I enjoyed reading the book. The reason is my teacher in Filipino subject is very good at storytelling, and I was compelled to read cover to cover.
Since then, I became a wide reader, and reads different articles online, not solely books. Im fact, I'm enjoying reading comments in different articles shared on social media, and laughed at funny comments!
Sounds like I didn't answer the questions directly. That's fine! There's no restrictions with regards to answering the questions. It's just about having fun answering the questions, and reminisce of the fun old days. I still have more questions to answer so stay tuned! 😊
Thank you to my sponsor/s below:
Our Province is Getting Lively Again
It's been more than 2 years when we have been at home most of the time because of the pandemic. Now, that the lockdown was already eased, and most places are already at Alert Level 1, tourism is now gaining more revenue. Our province, Pangasinan, is taking advantage of that being coastal, which means it has a lot beaches. In fact, its capital Lingayen (the town where I live) is also often visited because of its beach.
Since it's summer season in the country (mostly in tropical areas), our province has been a hotspot for tourism. In fact, last April 5 is the foundation day of our province, and also serves as the start of its "Festival of the Seas". The said festival has been in a halt for two years. The last time it was observed was in 2019. During the start of the pandemic, the festival is supposed to kick off in 2 (or 3) weeks but it didn't push through.
The province is now open again, and even livelier. Many people are flocking the northern part of our town, and it seems the Covid doesn't exist anymore. I don't really take part in such festival but it's an opportunity to look for cheap stuff because of the Expo which has recently opened. Besides, the exact date of the festival is May 1.
We went to the Expo yesterday, though there aren't that much to offer compared to 2019 and backwards. It's because everyone are still recovering from the effects of Covid. Still, a good sign that we are going back to the better days.
There are no exhibition at the gallery this time, and no landscape competitions too. However, there are so many plants being sold at the Expo. I think this is the first time in years, and it may be the replacement of exhibition of landscapes. It is to encourage everyone to plant which is good for the environment. During the years of the pandemic, many people became *plantitos and plantitas.* Those individuals are the ones who collects plants (plant enthusiasts). That's actually the best habit people has turned to during the pandemic. Plant prices went up that time, and that even those which are considered as grasses became plant collections.
At this time, prices of plants went down already, and happy to see those plants in Expo here in Pangasinan. Common plants are sold from Php40 to more than Php100. Some rare plants are sold at Php600 or even higher.
Aside from plants that will beautify our yard, there are seedlings being sold as well.
Trees bearing fruits are sold here but I'm not sure if some of these can thrive in our place. Papaya, chico, and katuray will surely grow here but the others, I'm not sure.
So many succulents being sold as well. The prices aren't too high. Though I'm not sure if these will grow here. We bought some succulents from Baguio City before but it didn't take long, and they dried up. It might be the climate or proper care though.
These are common plants, and we have some of them already as taken cared of by my wife @Shuls14 . We just skipped them instead of buying one.
Of course, there are colorful flowers too. We already have the last one which is Marigold. Eventually, we ended up buying nothing because my wife and I planned of swimming at the beach (actually just drenching ourselves in the water). We will buy when we'll go back because the Expo will continue until May 2.
At the bazaar, different kinds of goods are being sold including foods. We bought foods to eat at the beach.
Many people are in this area but I took the picture where there are few people. We're heading to the beach here.
We are very close to the beach. Excited to drench on the water. The waves are still strong so we didn't go to the deep areas. Probably knee-deep is fine. I expected the water too be cold but it's lukewarm. It's summer so that's already expected.
Glad that I'm able to bathe in the sea again after several months. It helped me get a good sleep.
Thank you to my sponsor/s below:
What I've Learned
I had written few months ago regarding my experience with some of my deaf friends who cut ties, and betrayed me (including some of my friends who are treated badly by them).
It was painful when they decided to fight against us because of their assumptions, and fabricated stories of one of their friends. You know, that deaf person who influenced them is a proof that words can really kill even by non-speaking people.
Learning
Despite what they had done to me, I find it an opportunity to learn. I should not let myself be taken for granted by anyone, either someone who can speak or those who cannot.
I remember when the deaf couple (the wife is the aggressor) needs my help. I helped both of them acquire driver's license from the Land Transportation Office, even taking aside my personal work for them. When the wife wanted to apply for a job, they called and pressured me to go with them, and I have to set aside my laundry. While being interviewed by another deaf person, she can't fully understand even it's sign language. I have to explain everything for her to understand. During pandemic, they need money to pay for their electric bill. I sent them money despite knowing the wife spends money just to go elsewhere (something unimportant). The husband got cuts from a cutting machine, I solicited money from fellow volunteers just to support them for their needs and medicines. From time to time, we gave them relief goods, and the wife even looked down saying it's cheap. I heard enough painful words, and it's time that I'm the one to cut ties with them. I have to save my mental health by blocking them on social media.
Anyway, two of their friends has blocked me with me doing nothing wrong on them. I saw one of them during the funeral of my friend's mother-in-law, and he can't even looked at us they betrayed. In fact, this man has disowned by brother because of the fabricated stories of his best friend, the one mentioned above (the wife).
One of their friends, the kindest actually, is my student. During his darkest times (literally dark, as his vision darkened), I helped him go to the doctor for check-up because his family cannot even interpret what he's saying. I never asked for anything, even her mom insisting to pay my fare. Being a friend, I don't need to be paid for my deeds. I'll do it without expecting anything.
Then recently, I checked his Facebook account after he unfriended me. I wanted to contact him because we don't have issues. He just did what he was told by his friends. He doesn't even care about negative things his friends are telling him. Or probably, they just took his phone and unfriended me and my pals.
I found out he blocked me as well. I cannot message him anymore. I can search out for his phone number as I have sent mobile phone loads but blocking me in social media is a gesture that he cut his ties with me. It doesn't matter if his friends did, he has partly responsible on what they did for allowing them to influence him.
Because of what happened, all I can do is move on. Perhaps one of these days, they need my help. Anyway, the couple's driver's license is on it way for expiration. I couldn't lend my hand anymore to help them.
Demotivated, Trying to Find Motivation
There are times that I feel demotivated on teaching deaf individuals. It pains me to see how some of them being influenced badly. We're here to educate them about life but many of them has turned their backs on us. I feel tired, and I don't know how to deal with them anymore. My trust issues has escalated that I have no more motivations in this voluntary work.
I tried to find motivation but I realized, there are some deaf individuals out there who are treating us well. They gladly appreciate the help we're giving them. That's the motivation that I found, and I'm happy to go on in this voluntary work I am in for 15 years.
Thank you to my sponsor/s below:
Vacation Plans This Week
The last time I had a real vacation out of town was way back in 2019. That was when we went to Aurora Province, and I'm away from home about three days. Before that was in 2017 in Ilocos Sur.
I need to go on a vacation badly for me and my wife. The last two years, I've been stuck at home. Still, a lot of things has happened. I even got married during the pandemic, and that was 9 months ago. We had our two-day stay at a 4-star hotel in the province, actually the finest in our place. After that, I went home with my wife (live with her for the first time), and we never really had a real vacation since then.
We visited a beach somewhere in the province, which included island hopping during the first day of the year, but we went home that same day. It might be a great time if we had overnight stay at one of the resorts in the island. But money is not enough for that. It's still a good time for me and my wife, and my family.
There are moments when I told my wife that I wanted to go to Bolinao for a short vacation but we have other plans, which eventually didn't happen because of the Omicron variant spreading at that time.
A month ago, I told my wife that I want to go to Baguio, and borrow my mother-in-law's boss' car but the gas is too expensive these days so we don't have a choice but to wait when better days will come either the current situation or our financial status. Yeah, I'm saving for something that I want to buy, as well as for our daily needs. Or maybe we'll wait for someone to offer us a vacation. Crypto is still not that high too.
It's still one of my plans to travel to Baguio when gas prices goes down. Lol! Or probably if someone will invite us to go there, why not? It will be a great blessing if ever.
Recently, my friend asked me when are we going to visit their place in Natividad, Pangasinan. I have never been there, and she told us there are beautiful places open for tourists in their town. My wife and I discussed about it, along with our friends, and we agreed for such vacation.
I really need that vacation badly for some reasons:
It would be the first real vacation with my wife. We never really had one since we got married, and this will be an opportunity.
For my mental health. The pandemic has affected my mental health badly. My anxiety and OCD has worsened. I need to reconnect with the nature. This will somehow give me some ease.
Of course, to enjoy. We haven't really had the enjoyment that we used to during pre-Covid. This will be the perfect time.
There are some reasons that I can't remember but it is what it is. 😂
That's why I am saving some money that I am going to spend on this vacation. Thanks to my sister who recently gave around $100, which will be a big help. Of course, it's not enough because we need to buy not just food but also contribute for the gas which is too expensive.
I'm also working really hard to get some Bitcoin Cash, and other crypto so I would have enough for this trip. Too bad, there's dismal plunge of crypto since yesterday. The hard-earned crypto I saved lost a lot value. There are still 4 days before the vacation, and hoping crypto will go up during the period.
Anyway, part of my Bitcoin Cash earnings can contribute to this vacation. Thanks to the admins of @Read.Cash and @noise.cashas earnings from the two platforms are of big help. You're a great blessing to the multitudes of members.
I'll be sharing about my vacation journey soon here on Read.Cash so wish me a good time. 😆
This week will be a long weekend, and many people may be observing the Holy Week, while others may take it as an opportunity to have their vacation. May everyone be safe during the week, and and enjoy their vacations as well.
Thanks to my sponsor/s below:
Should've Been a Better Wedding
She did not hope for a perfect wedding. All she wanted is a wedding that's really special, and something memorable. However, Sheila has hoped her wedding should've been better than how it turned out.
Sheila is finally engaged with her boyfriend, Ivan. They had plans on where the wedding will be held, and how they will consider things because of the pandemic. Preparation won't be easy, and the arrangements will not be the usual wedding.
The engaged couple decided to choose an events place close to the groom's residence. That way, preparation would be much easier. It's also practical for them. They went to the prospected venue to talk to the coordinator. She's very accommodating and patient in answering Sheila's queries. Finally, Sheila and Ivan came to decided to sign the contract that the wedding will be held there.
It was explained that the number of guests will be 50, being limited by the Covid19 pandemic. There are add-ons availed for the wedding, but some of the services offered by the coordinator, which isn't practical enough, was declined. The wedding is expected to be simple.
The groom has prepared the necessary things for himself, including his outfits, as well as the accomodation in a hotel before the wedding. The bride did her thing too. Everything is fine with the preparations.
Prenuptial pictorial came, and everything went well. It's not perfect because the photographer seemed unprepared. It was tiring, yet Sheila is patient to do anything so the pictures will turn out to be beautiful. Ivan is quite complaining for the takes, finding it exhausting. Still, he had no choice but to exert more patience.
Sheila has been in contact with the events place coordinator but she always responds late. There are some reminders she gave for the wedding, which the coordinator approved.
The day before the wedding came. Sheila has been contacting with the coordinator but she's not responding. Eventually, she told Sheila that she was transferred to the different branch. Sheila's worries started, and she informed her groom, who began to worry as well.
Later that day, she was told that the token (gift) of appreciation for the officiating minister, as well as the witnesses wasn't prepared by the events place coordinator. She was also told to contact the owner of the events place instead. So Sheila called the owner a number of times but never answered. Finally, the owner answered and the tone of her voice seemed angry with insulting remarks.
Sheila tried to keep her cool, and all she wanted is a successful wedding. She just sent the owner that message, and focused on her preparations.
The day of the wedding came. Ivan prepared everything for himself, and Sheila does as well. The make-up artists came, and the ladies from the entourage are already called. Ivan is worried because the photographers are late. The main photographer said in advance that they will be late for 30 minutes, however, they arrived two hours late. Pictorials are quite tiring, and was finished around 40 minutes before the wedding.
Finally, everyone are already at the venue. Ivan looked over and the table setting is different from the layout he prepared. He was so stressed. He left it on the feast director, who didn't change the table setting. He went to the cocktail/pika-pika area, and the chocolate fountain has been off. He checked back during the reception, and it's still off.
The wedding ceremony has started, and the lighting at the stage is very bad, which upsets Sheila. Thankfully, Sheila is still fine because the wedding went well despite a lot of issues. It should've turned out better though. All she wants to focus on is the live after the wedding.
Meanwhile, Sheila is someone I know in real life.
Thanks to my sponsor/s below:
Why I Won't Avail Credit Card and Mobile Loans
There are times that I thought of availing credit card because of its usefulness. When in need of money yet salary is still quite far, using credit card can save you to pay what is due. When I expressed to my wife that I want to have credit card, she told me never to get one.
These past weeks, GCash has been notifying me to avail of the G Credit. I'm not sure how it works well but probably similar with credit cards. I told my wife again, and she responded with a "no" again. I think she is right. She doesn't want me to experience what others are in to due to their debts not yet paid.
First, let's talk about mobile loans
There are times when I needed money badly, and I admit, I thought of borrowing from mobile loans. There are so many apps out there where you can borrow money, and easy to download on Google Play Store. Some of them claim getting approved is easy. However, I decided not to push through.
While watching a news program, there's a report when this person has complained to the authorities regarding the harassment she received for failing to pay her debt at the right time. She received death threats or even hurting her family, and there she decided to go to the authorities.
There are other scary stories of harassments from these mobile loan apps. Of course, it also happens from loan companies. Still, not paying debts is unjustifiable. It is everyone's obligation to pay what is due. Others are even hiding because they cannot pay their debts. They shouldn't have borrowed the money because the company will also suffer for the non-payment. Still, harassment is unjustifiable.
At one time, I received a message from a number that I don't know. Probably from a collecting agency or mobile loan app company. The message is an example of harassment. It says they know my details, and they will expose it if I won't be paying. First of all, the number I'm using that time is just two days old. It's a new SIM card. Further messages mentioned a name I don't know, probably the person who has the credit. Receiving such message triggered my anxiety, at the same time, I felt quite angry. I never had such obligations yet I received such message despite knowing it's not for me. I responded with these words.
*"First of all, this phone number is only two-day old, and never used it for calling or messaging yet. Second, I have no debt obligations on you, and I never availed of any loans. If you are a scammer, stop it or you will be reported. Stop harrassing me!"*
Yes, there are also stories when people receive such messages but those are scammers. It's a modus operandi, so don't ever fall for their traps.
Regarding Credit Cards
Of course, there are many people out there who fell for huge debts because of credit cards. It might be the interest or what, though some people are too impulsive buying even those unnecessary things.
Meanwhile, I have a friend who was shocked because she has to pay Php21k as appeared on her credit card bill. She remembered that her friend asked if she can pay her order through a shopping app, which she agreed. Of course, it's not the fault of her friend because she paid her for her order. But my friend's card number was hacked, and was used to buy expensive stuff. That's one of the reasons why my wife didn't want me to get a credit card.
There's also this person I know who fell with huge debts with his credit card during the pandemic. He was shocked that his credit is so high that despite the government's ruling to suspend interests with such stuff, which also included electric, water, and internet bills. Collecting agencies go to the barangay, who are going to the house sounding like harrassing the people in the household. However, those living in the house are just the siblings, and they are unaware of the debt. Harassment continued, and the person reached out to the judge who is lose to them. The judge said harassment is illegal, and what the barangay workers are doing is even wrong. Besides, the person who has debt is paying his due already in an installment basis. He already settled one of his bills, yet he received a call from someone telling him to pay his bills or else they will go to his house. The caller knows his details so the person was agitated.
The judge said that it's a modus operandi by collecting agencies even you already paid your bill. It's a kind of a scam that an individual might fall for and pay (despite already being paid) for his safety and his family.
These stories got me scared. How could private details about people are even shared. I'm not sure if banks are even liable for such. Why do collecting agencies are even tolerating such kind of harassment?
Because of these stories, I don't think I will avail of credit cards, mobile loans, etc. It's better to live within means, find other ways that will not compromise your safety and mental health.
Thanks to my sponsor/s below:
If I Could Turn Back Time
There are movies and novels with its themes about time machines, and if only the time can be turned back, some of the things in the past can be changed. I remember the time machine also used by the Avengers in Endgame movie, which they also has struggled going back to the past.
If also I could turn back time, there are things that I wanted that should've happened.
I hoped my parents' lives are longer
Last night, my wife and I had this conversation before sleeping about spending more time with parents. Both of my parents already passed, my mother in 2007, and my father in 2011. Thinking about my age when they passed away, I felt like the time is not enough. I'm at 23 when my mom died, and how I wished I spent more years with her. There are frustrations thinking about it and my plans for them. I had a lot of plans that I'm unable to do because of her passing. The same with my father. I'm 27 when he passed away. How I wished to see them walking together today with their age at 73 if they're still alive. I imagined them walking together, walking in the park as their exercise. They're both gone for more than a decade but I still have that pain. It doesn't go easily, or probably won't ever go.
If only I could turn back time, and I have enough money, I had them undergo regular general check-up. That way, some foods can be avoided. They could've live a happier and healthier lifestyle. I could've spent more time with them.
I should've studied well
I admit I didn't take my studies seriously. During primary education, I received an achievement or an honor once. I'm very lazy to study my lessons. Well, of course, teachers could've taught us well too. Lol! Favoritism is inevitable at times.
I used to be in the top 20 most of my years in school. I reached number 8 but I haven't got the honor roll. Someone told me, if only I'm studious, I might be in the Top 5. I made it to the Special Science Class during secondary school but not at the first section.
Even in college, I didn't study well. I should've a better education, and has chosen another career.
Looking at students graduating, there's a feeling of envy that I should have been am achiever. That way, I can have my parents during my graduation. I can't remember who assisted me during my graduation in elementary. I think it's my eldest sister at first, then my mother came. In high school graduation, my sister is with me and my cousin. I also graduated in a vocational school, and I'm alone to receive my achievements. Yeah, I was the second honor at that one though. Lol!
Became a sweeter boyfriend
My wife has told me a number of times that she thought of breaking up with me months before the pandemic. She wants a boyfriend who's sweet, and I admit I am not such a person. I have a strong personality, and I express whatever my thoughts often without thinking of what others might feel. My girlfriend then (now my wife) didn't have a perfect relationship. There are times when we broke up, and got back together.
She's very happy now with me. She feels how much I love her, take care of her, and that I'm really a sweet person. Yes, I love her so much, and I do stick to her often. I rarely leave without her. But how I wished I am sweeter then, that way we lessened our petty fights. Lol!
There are a lot of things in our lives that we hoped we had changed, but we can learn from those experiences. Still, my grief with my parents didn't totally diminish. It will not possibly leave. It's just less painful now than how it is back then.
With regards to education, there is still a way to learn. Education is important as they say, and it can't be taken away from you. However, success doesn't depend on it. Abilities are also important to succeed.
I'm really a loving person. It just won't show in a click. My wife can see it from me, and that's what's important.
Thanks to my sponsor/s below:
If There are "3 Wishes"
Imagine yourself walking in the beach. You found a bottle closed with cork, and it looks quite odd. You picked it up, and removed the cork. Suddenly, a genie appeared and told you to give 3 wishes, what are those 3 things you'll wish?
This just came to my mind when I remembered "Aladdin", who was given by the genie 3 wishes. Of course, Aladdin has magic lamp, but I'm talking about a bottle, which is more common.
So here are my 3 wishes:
1. Medicine that can cure all illnesses
I would love to have a medicine that can cure all illnesses because we're just gradually recovering from the effects of Covid19. Aside from coronavirus, other illnesses has worsened because of the prolonged lockdown too.
Mental illnesses is very common nowadays. It includes depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar, OCD, etc. Since the genie cannot control the mind and emotion of an individual, at least a medicine can cure it is fine for me.
Of course, this one is impossible at this time. But I am hopeful on God's promise that will happen in the future as stated on Isaiah 33:24, that no residents will say "I am sick".
2. Earn more crypto
I wanted to earn more crypto. Actually, cryptocurrency became not just a livelihood for me, but also a hobby. Thus, I searched out to find ways how to earn more crypto.
I heard about crypto way back at the first half of 2010s. Of course, Bitcoin is the thing among cryptocurrencies. However, I didn't consider it because I am earning online in other ways. In 2015, I earned some satoshi (BTC) on Coins.ph, and that's when you do the steps to verification. Back then, you'll get some referral earnings on Coins.ph.
In 2016, I started doing faucets. Since Bitcoin and other coins are still low in price, getting more coins is easier. I joined a community called "BTC Harvest", and that's where my interest on cryptocurrencies has grown. Perhaps I earned around 0.3 BTC then. The value of Bitcoin in January 2017 is around 600-800 USD. I began to track the price since then, and I saw the surge back in December 2017. That was the first huge ATH of Bitcoin, probably $17k or 19k, as far as I remember.
In August 2017, I joined Steemit, and I began to find ways to earn other cryptocurrencies. Despite my persistence, cryptocurrencies became my source of income. However, it doesn't mean I became rich because I'm still poor now. I have to pay bills, foods, and other necessities. Still, I'm thankful that I am earning cryptocurrencies.
My wish is to earn more cryptocurrencies. That way, I am able to support myself and my wife more. I can help other people too. I am a volunteer (NGO) and help teach deaf people. Through cryptocurrencies, I can support such voluntary work. I'll help the needy people as well.
I wanted to own a car especially now that I'm gradually getting back to normalcy. I don't mind Lamborghini, Ferrari, Tesla, or other expensive cars. Of course, I can have this car of I have more crypto. I need a car badly even if it's cheap because of the sad state of public transportation (though there are improvements). I can go somewhere else without worries caused by my anxieties. We are already traveling to the city, and fares are also expensive. It is even more costly compared to having our own car.
3. Unlimited wishes
It's possible to wish for the genie to be free as Aladdin did. I can also wish for unlimited wishes! Having the unlimited wish, I can also ask for his freedom, at the same time give my wishes. I'll also wish for other people!
Of course, this is not real. It's just a product of my fantasy being a fan of Aladdin back then, and I have seen the animated movie perhaps around 100 times when I was a child.
Well, what I have now is faith in God because he listens and gives what we need.
Thanks to my sponsor/s below:
Public, Convenience, Mud, Transition, Policeman (Freewrite)
Hello there! It's been months since my last freewrite, which the prompts are generated through the website/app Random Word Generator. https://randomwordgenerator.com/
Here are my prompts today:
Public
So many people in ***public*** places already. Yes, it seems like normal days when you go to parks, markets, etc. It's been two years since the start of Covid19 pandemic. People are tired staying at their homes. Looking for jobs for those unemployed when the businesses or companies people had work before pandemic has shut down.
Going outside is also good for mental health. Prolonged quarantine periods has brought our mental health to deterioration. My OCD went worse, I am afraid to go to ***public*** places where it's not crowded. I do avoid such places.
Physical health also became a problem. Obesity is common. Can you compare your size prior Covid and now? I gained 7 kilograms in two years. Losing weight is my problem because no matter I try to do exercises or eat healthy foods, I am impatient whenever I check, nothing has changed.
Our usual activities is gradually getting back, and I used to be the person who's always in ***public*** areas as we conduct teaching towards deaf people. I feel like I am not ready for such, yet.
Convenience
We all wanted to have ***convenient*** life. When we go out, and travel, we wanted to have a good and safe trip on the road. However, the roads during this season are usually under construction. You can see signs written ***"Road Construction, Sorry for the Inconvenience".*** It's indeed inconvenient! Travel time doubles because of influx of vehicles passing in a single road while the other lane is under construction. Some roads are unfinished and neglected after elections are done, and these politicians already got what they want from people, ***votes***.
Mud
Despite the civilization, there are still a lot of places where roads are not concrete, and people has to bear with walking in rocky roads. When it rains, it doesn't matter if it's muddy. Imagine yourself walking in ***mud***, you might even slip.
Other places still doesn't have electricity. Watching some documentaries, some of those places are even close to the capital city.
Transition
I'll talk about life ***transition,*** when something happened that's out of your control. The big transition we faces during the start of the pandemic is something we don't expect to happen. Loss of jobs left people with no choice but to do business. Those who are working at the office has no choice but to work from home.
The hardest thing is losing a loved one. There are a lot of people who died from Covid, and I knew some of them. Even the death of loved one, not from Covid, is very painful. The huge transition in your life is something you have to bear.
Policeman
While waiting for the bus, I saw this man helping an old woman to cross the street. The man is a ***policeman***. Glad when I saw him, he used to be the person I know. He's someone from the same school where I studied. He became a man of dignity, who values his status in the society. He doesn't want to be served because he's the one who serves. People with such humility deserves to be lauded. He lifts other policemen's reputation because of his good deeds. So it's not proper to judge all the cops when others do bad things.
Some of my relatives are policemen, and they do their jobs well. My uncle is also a policeman, but he was killed by his enemies (who are wrongdoers) at the front of his house. Their job is not easy when they caught offenders who are wealthy. Some of them lost their lives. We shouldn't also believe how they were portrayed by the media. In every part of the society, whatever you are into, there will always be good and evil.
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The Second Part - Life in Two Years
When lockdown began to ease a bit, we're allowed to go outside but it's never the same. I had the chance to walk at the park close to our home, and rarely any people can be seen. Business establishments are closed too. When some businesses are allowed to re-open, there are some which has permanently closed. In fact, one of them close to our home was already demolished.
With some establishments being demolishes, I can see new buildings or structures which I haven't seen since two years ago. New businesses came out. In fact, delivery services became one of the top earners since Covid days, as well as food businesses.
Covid positives, and loss of lives
I am glad that I never got Covid, however, there's a time when Covid got closer to us. In two months, we are surrounded by Covid positive individuals, mostly are my relatives. More than 10 from homes surrounding us got the Covid, and that was the time when I decided not to go out. Even buying our necessities, we never left home. Thank God there are delivery services which I had availed, and they are the ones who bought our groceries, and paid them what is due.
For two months, we relied on delivery services. Though it's not as good as going to the supermarket in person, I still appreciated such services existed.
Before we're surrounded by Covid positives, I loss two of my uncles. The first one died while undergoing dialysis. It's an unexpected news when one morning while with my wife, my cousin called and told me the news.
Two months after my uncle's passing, his brother, the youngest from my mother's siblings passed away too, this time with Covid. It's also unexpected because he received the Covid test that he's positive, and after two hours, he died from it. The LGU was informed earlier that he's positive but the response is quite late.
Some of my close friends became positive of Covid as well. One of them even bid his farewell to his wife. Gladly, he survived, and he seemed he's fully recovered. Actually, a lot of them suffered greatly, and thank God they survived.
At the moment, our town is at Alert Level 1, and no new cases was recorded for several days already. The question is, are they still conducting testing towards individuals who manifests symptoms? Companies do conduct testing towards their employees. They may be the ones who are counted as Covid cases. LGUs seemed has stopped to do more testing, probably the election is coming in just a month? We don't know, but it seems some politicians try to please the people even disregarding laws just to get the votes.
My friends also suffered from loss of a loved one. My close friend's father died at the age of 89. The last time I saw him, he still looks so strong even at his age. Despite being at old age, losing a parent is very painful as I even lost my parents.
Three weeks ago, these three siblings who are so dear to me, their mother died in a sudden. She died of aneurysm, which survival of patients is rare in such a case.
I'm able to go outside already, and funny that there are many road constructions. Is it really for the good of the many? Partly. Some reconstructions are not necessary since the roads are still okay. They do it, as many people complains, because elections are coming, and it will be the source of campaign money.
What's funny is a road in Dagupan City which construction was started before Covid isn't finished yet. Parts of that road which are already concrete are newly plastered with asphalt, which speaks volumes with regards to the quality of the project.
Gradually, we are going back to our normal lives. Before Covid, I'm still single. Less than a year ago, I got married. I'm happy spending my life with my wife now. I am with someone who will help me in adjusting as we both go on our journey to normalcy.
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Life in Two Years
Who would've thought each one of us will experience lockdown, being stuck at home for long periods? For sure, we never expected that life will be tough for us. So how did the last two years of your life went? It's good that we talk about it at times.
The start of the lockdown, I am in disbelief. I expected it won't take long that it will end in weeks or months. Previous pandemic took few years. We're living in an era with high technology. Those are my thoughts at first. But quarantine periods has been extended again and again, then uncertainty came.
I don't want to make plans because I have no idea where are we heading. There are summer plans during 2020, which didn't happen. Because of the uncertainty, I want the pandemic to end before I make decisions.
The start of the pandemic, I was exhausted. I mean I need some rest because I admit, I am tired doing a lot of things. Thus, I looked at the positive side that at least two weeks, it will help to get those exhaustion away.
Our usual outdoor activities, which includes teaching deaf people, was in a halt. Gladly, there are arrangements to continue virtually. Zoom app became popular, and Messenger became very useful. We got to continue teaching our deaf students, but looking at their accounts over Facebook isn't easy.
Up to this day, we continue to reach them out virtually, and happy to see more of them. Funny, some of them were found just recently.
Our meetings in sign language were done virtually. And just today, we went in back in-person, while others are still on Zoom. We're given the go-signal, while health protocols need to be observed.
My health, physically and mentally, suffered during long periods of being at home. For months, I'm able to do exercises which went to decline until I became sedentary. I get headaches often because of the heat. I developed insomnia as well.
Now that we're going back to normalcy, I need to improve my health, though I feel quite late. Still, I'm convincing myself that living a healthy lifestyle, even late, is better than not doing anything.
I'm happy that I never got Covid. There are months that I never left home at all. I got fever, probably flu, but I never had colds, cough, or loss of smell and taste. Just fever and headaches, and it took around 5 days to recover. It happened twice but the second one is just minor.
I heard a sad news though, that my sister and her wife are positive of Covid. Eventually, they survived which is a good news. However, my brother-in-law got positive again after more than a year, and I'm glad he recovered quickly.
Talking about Covid, our village had the first case in our town, and we experienced a hard lockdown. It means we cannot leave our village, we cannot buy our needs by going to the town proper, and no schedule given for us to go to the market. And worst, we haven't received any relief goods for more than three weeks. I'm not sure if other households received one during the first or second week, but I haven't heard any.
After a month, relief goods are distributed in houses but they skipped our house. Thanks to our neighbor for notifying them to give some for us. Yeah, we just received few kilos of rice, around two packs of instant noodles, and a few canned goods. That's all. Then we heard that they are giving away kilos of rice at the Barangay Hall. My brother came but our names are not on the list. Eventually, he was given one. It happened, I think, twice. After that, we received nothing. Even the "ayuda" or money to support some families, we didn't receive anything. Then I heard even single persons received twice, and they have beautiful house. Oh, the unfairness.
Do care to share some bits about your life during the last two years.
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My Health Struggles
Before the pandemic, there's a need to be healthy. Actually, there are many illnesses before people laid their attention to Covid19. I admit, I am not a health buff. I do eat junks, and I get exhausted most of the time. My mental health has suffered more, and as much as I want to avail of any therapy, I don't have the means to do so. Besides, the stigma is still keeping me from speaking up about my OCD and anxiety. I did open up to someone before but they are not aware about such condition. I ended up feeling embarrassed for opening up.
So that was March 2020, when we're all focused on COVID-19. It's as if it's the only disease that will afflict an individual. Yes, it took us away from extreme exhaustion because we're all inside our homes due to the lockdown. Having OCD, it feels like an advantage INITIALLY being away from people as I slowly became unsociable. All of our activities became virtual, which is initially fine, but over time, it's not good.
The need to exercise
I used to do outdoor activities pre-Covid. Doing visitations and teaching deaf people. It takes a lot of walks, and carrying heavy bag. When lockdown was imposed, it's never the same. Physical activities has lessened. I admit I became sedentary.
My brother encouraged me to exercise so I do jump and walk around, and even jogged within the yard. I also used the treadmill at times. My goal is to lose weight. However, it seems I am gaining. I tried to eat less carbs foods, it's not helping. Even foods rich in fiber makes me feel bad. I often get gas pains.
When lockdown began to ease, we're allowed to go out and I'm able to walk and jog at the park which is just 100 meters away from home. My brother invites me for the walk (and occasional jog) for more than 30 minutes.
I never saw any significant plunge of my weight, instead it surges. Before my wedding almost a year ago, I planned of losing weight but unable to do so despite control with foods, and exercises. I lost my desire to lose weight after my wedding since no matter what I do, nothing's changing.
Going back to normal
My usual activities is gradually going back to normal. With our meetings, it will back to in-person, which is also hybrid. We longed for this but adjustment is needed. I initially felt I am not ready which includes my mental health. From time to time, my wife encourages me to go to our family house so I can talk to other people in-person.
Lately, I had problems with my sleep. I began to develop insomnia. I had days when my sleep is only 2 or 3 hours, and such short sleep makes me feel weak, and it gives me headaches.
I am having headaches often because of the extreme heat. The average of actual heat and humidity, or what we call heat index, isn't going below 45 degrees centigrade. Yesterday, it's even 52 degrees which might have affected me badly getting headaches most of the time.
I can't stay longer with my phone screens, that I often stay away and give my eyes a breather from radiation. I think my eyes is also the problem so I am planning to have it checked, and avail of a new eyeglasses. My problem is the budget. Lol!
What I am hoping now is the better weather. It will help a bit to lessen the burden. I wanted to live a healthy lifestyle. It's not that easy. Glad that I am able to buy fish oil with Vitamin D, which is good to control my cholesterol level and both for my mental health. I also won Vitamin C from a friend on Noise.Cash. I'm planning to buy other supplements for my health, and of course, add more physical activities including exercises and proper diet.
I have been eating green salads too for months already. Drinking water with cucumber will help to get more alkaline. I am acidic at some point, and I need to get it away. I encouraged my wife to drink such water again because her acidity level is higher than me. We do have health struggles, and living a healthy lifestyle isn't easy because the cost is quite high. Healthy foods can be expensive too. You don't have to do it in a rush. Gradually, live healthy and go to the point when better health changes is noticeable on your well-being.
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Been A While
I haven't been posting again for few months in here. I have been busy with life while dealing with my OCD. It's been pretty tough but I am still hopeful I'll feel better. There are a lot of things going on and I feel overwhelmed. Struggling how to adjust, and I'm praying that I can get through it.
Normal Life
Covid19 cases are going down. In fact, our province reported that there's zero new cases, which is a good news. Yes it is, but I'm not sure if it really is. The local government isn't doing any tests anymore. Everything seems normal outside. Besides, people prefer not to undergo testing when they have symptoms. They just assume it's a normal cold or cough, or even fever. Vaccination rate in our province is so far high, so people are already complacent. Mild symptoms are not given attention to.
I've been going somewhere recently, and I can say people are already going back to their normal lives.
When we went to the mall, as seen in the picture above, so many people are coming in. It's not that obvious in the picture because most people are outside the department store. Also, mall hours is about to end. Still, my wife and I try to avoid places where there are a lot of people.
In supermarkets or the park, there are crowds too. Aside from avoiding possible contact with Covid infected individuals, we try to avoid such crowded areas. I usually have panic attack when it's crowded too.
Our province is already under Alert Level 1. I initially thought we're already at 0(zero). We're also about to attend our in-person meetings, which has been happening via Zoom for two years. There's a feeling of being overwhelmed, but I'll try to overcome challenges. I admit, my mental health has worsened during the pandemic. It's an adjustment to go back to normalcy. My kind isn't ready so I am trying to do outdoor stuff gradually.
My grieving friends
I was saddened that two of my friends has lost their parents. Last February, my friend's father passed away. He is already 89 during his death, and nearing his 90th year. It's still painful for my friend because his parents went back home from the US just a month ago before his father's passing. He should've spent more time with him. Also, losing a father is very painful. I remember losing my father 11 years ago. That's one of the saddest moments. Hence, I can greatly understand how painful it is to lose a father.
A month after, another friend has lost her mom. It's a difficult situation for the family because it's abrupt. She died of brain aneurysm. The day of her collapse, she's exercising until her daughters heard an unusual sound from her. She was brought to the hospital, but was declared comatose. In few hours, she was transferred to a different hospital. The doctors are dubious whether she will survive it. The family isn't given an assurance. However, the grandson pushed for the CT Scan, and they were told she's braindead.
Her life is relying on ventilator, which if removed, she'll die. That's the sad thing when at state of braindeath, no chance to survive. The family is in dilemma because they can't just let her go. A signed document of her, with some witnesses, stated there that in case she's in a state of health when her life is relying on ventilator, she prefer not to prolong her life. That helped the family to decide. Still, the sudden loss is difficult to bear.
It's sad to lose a mom. My mother passed away back in 2007. There are times when I still cry whenever I remember her. In fact, my parents are in my dream recently. They look so alive that I am in tears when I woke up at dawn.
Life is short. So it is good if you spend time with your loved ones now.
Island Boat Tour Experience
I got to spend the first day of the year with my family when we went to Masamirey Beach, Sual town for island boat tour. My wife and I are not totally prepared but when we are invited my sister-in-law, I immediately said yes.
It was around 6:30am when we are fetched from our house, and our trip to the beach from home is more than an hour. We had our breakfast at the beach, and we waited for our brother to arrive before we're going to leave for the island boat tour.
When we reached Masamirey Beach, it looks quite ordinary to me. I haven't seen its beaty yet but I admit, the air is fresh, and not much people around. Perhaps people are still tired from celebrating the New Year the night prior.
As the sun is going higher, the beauty of the beach is getting more visible. The white sands are looking more beautiful. In those areas at the picture above, there are a lot of rocks though.
Meanwhile, I am hoping the local government will maintain cleanliness, and of course, the visitors. Too bad there are so many people who doesn't care as they litter in some areas. I saw some trash in some parts.
My brother and his family finally arrived. We waited for around 2 hours, and we're ready to go. The boat is finally there, and we left the shores of Masamirey to visit an island.
The waves are quite strong while heading to the island. In fact my face, and my upper shirt got wet as water is splashing on us. So far, it's still safe as the boat operators brought us to the islands safely.
We finally reached Cabalitian Islands, one of the biggest surrounding the seas of Masamirey. The beach looks so beautiful, and we walked around the island.
There are rock formations at the shores, which adds beauty in the area. The water of the sea looks so clean as well. Of course, we took pictures here and there doing stop over as we walked around.
We took some rest after long walks, and had some fresh air. We're about to go onboard, and getting on the boat is quite difficult because the waves are getting stronger. It is also very windy at that time.
As we sail on the seas, the waves are getting stronger. It's quite scary but we never panicked. In fact, we even enjoyed the water splashing on us. Lol!
Sual Power Plant covers huge parts of Luzon by providing electricity. Good thing, even Cabalitian Island has electricity. Being close to the power plant may be an advantage.
We reached Comas Island. Nobody is there except a group of men who might be vloggers as they operated a drone to capture videos of the island. Perhaps they waited us to leave before swimming (bathing) on the beach as seen when we left the island.
Comas Island is peaceful as there aren't that much people visiting there. It's still a good spot. In fact, there's a hill where you can climb and have a good view of the seas, and other islands. Hundred Islands of Alaminos can even be seen at the hilltop. Yes, the islands in Sual is quite close to Hundred Islands. There's even a close road linking the barangay to Alaminos port.
After taking some time in the island, we got on the boat, but it's harder this time because the waves are even stronger. Still, we just enjoyed as we sail because the direction of the wind has changed.
We reached Masamirey shores around 2pm. There are so many people in the beach at that time which is unexpected. We had our late lunch, and went home around 4pm.
It was an enjoyable trip because we had our family bonding. Besides, it's been two years since our last trip as the pandemic disturbed our normal lives. That's why I'm thankful to my sister-in-law who organized our trip.
Masamirey Beach is located in Barangay Baybay Norte, Sual, Pangasinan.
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Daang Katutubo, A New Tourist Spot in Our Province
There are beautiful places in our province that are not being discovered yet until construction of roads are being done. In fact, there are beaches which became known due to word of mouth, and road constructions are started which makes those beaches accessible.
Aside from beaches, road constructions are started in mountainous places which is good not just for economic purposes but also for tourism. A month ago, my brother invited us to visit Daang Katutubo. Of course, my wife and I agreed so they fetched us from our house.
It's quite a long travel, probably more than an hour. Daang Katutubo is located at the town of Aguilar. It is one of the two new major roads being constructed in the province. It connects the towns of Aguilar, which traverses to the mountainous area, to Infanta.
Aside from Daang Katutubo, Daang Kalikasan is also being constructed and nearing the construction's end. It had its soft opening few years ago for the purposes of tourism. Many people flocked the viewdeck but tourists are irresponsible due to improper disposable of their trash.
Eventually, Daang Kalikasan has closed down to protect the environment. The local government actually can do something to protect the environment.
Daang Katutubo is still open but I can see people being irresponsible with some trash around. Proper waste disposal is important, and may the government shall do something for the protection of the surroundings.
I saw that hut right there with that small tree. So far it contributed to the beauty of the place, and worth capturing a photo minus that sack right there.
I took pictures around, and so my family did. My wife is also taking pictures around, and of course, we have our couple picture too as shared below.
Just like other mountainous areas, it is quite cold there. It's perfect timing when we got there as the sun is about to set. It reminds me of Baguio City except the establishments that the city has. This place is mainly rural.
Daang Katutubo is located at Sitio Mapita, Barangay Laoac. Back then, the roads are bumpy and ethnic groups took hours to travel to deliver their harvests. Ethnic groups from Cordillera actually migrated to Barangay Laoac because of accessibility. Vegetables and other crops are easily transported to the lowlands compared to the Cordilleras.
Now that the road is under construction, I think around 70% was finished, delivery of the crops from both ends of the road is much easier.
The reason why it was called "katutubo" because it was named after those migrant ethnic groups. Of course, it will be much easier to travel to Infanta town, Zambales, and other westernmost towns of Pangasinan. The mountain range actually makes travel longer back then as you have to take the route of Alaminos City. It's much easier now through Daang Katutubo.
As expected, it has winding roads but it feels like rollercoaster because the road is quite steep at some parts. It will also be better if some mountains will undergo intensive reforestation. Back then, I used to see some parts of the mountain burning. It might be the trees or woods will be made into charcoal. I'm not sure if such practice persists but it would be better if the local government will do something to protect the environment. In fact, the mountain areas there has been once a hotspot for illegal loggers, which unsure if some big names are even involved.
Now that Daang Katutubo is already a tourist spot, it should also be protected from improper waste disposal, not just from deforestation. Implementation is very important. It isn't just about the money, rather our environment which will be inherited by the next generation.
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Badly Treated
I had recently wrote about being disregarded by my deaf friend, who is my former student. It reminded me of another deaf student who ran away from me when he disregarded my advise, and his life turned around. His mother has been telling me he became a problem that he was caught in the streets lying because of drunkenness.
Well, it happens when you're disregarded but I can't help but become sad because of their impulsiveness. What made me more sad is the bad treatment of some of my deaf friends.
I am involved in sign language community, and even a volunteer in a vocational school for people with disabilities.
I had this deaf friend who is a brother of my very close friend. I'm not the one who became his teacher but he's among those deaf people I got associated with. In fact, he is helping in teaching other deaf people too.
I'll call him "Jr". Back then, he's always had misunderstandings and quarrel with a female deaf person I call "S". Eventually, they become close friends, and even call each other BFF. Okay, there's no problem them being best friends. The problem is "S" is a bad influence, and a manipulator. "Jr" even had a quarrel with his brother (my close friend) because of the influence of "S". He even became disrespectful towards his mother, that he's very close to disowning them because of "S". He's brainwashed badly that he sacrificed his family for "S", when the latter never gave anything to him.
Recently, he sent a video on our group chat, drunk and accused us. It's an harrassment to our group that he accused us wrongfully. Made up words by "S" might have caused it. He even mentioned his anger and hate towards his brother, another friend of ours, and he even angrily mentioned me that I have been teaching him before but I already stopped. First of all, I am not his teacher, and I just share some knowledge. He's not my responsibility, and he should know that.
"R" is also a friend of "Jr", and the husband of "S". We had a close friendship back then that he helped me teaching other deaf people. When he has problems, I helped him. I don't have responsibility on him even I served as his substitute teacher, and he knows that. He even gave me high regards that even when he had a fallout with his friends including "Jr", I'm the last person he talked to before leaving temporarily.
He came back after a year, and he looked up to me to tell me his problems. I helped him get a license from Land Transportation Office (LTO) a number of times. Whenever I ride his tricycle, I do pay or give higher than expected. That's because his mother is irresponsible that I feel bad for him.
When he got married with "S" I helped them to prepare their requirements from Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). I even registered their marriage certificate in the municipal civil registry. I took over some of his outfits for the wedding, souvenir, and served as their sign language interpreter.
But I realized, his marriage with "S" didn't make him a good person. His attitude towards us has changed because of false stories and influence of "S". Less than a year ago, "R" had an accident, and I helped in collecting funds for his medicine and their needs.
Two weeks ago, he also sent a video in our GC, apparently drunk with some threats towards the brother of "Jr". He even angrily mentioned me for not helping him and his wife anymore, that I am the cause of their hardships in life. First of all, I now have a responsibility because I am already married, and I don't have responsibility on them. I just kept the video because I was thinking to blotter them for my life seeing his reaction on the video just in case something happens on me.
It makes me feel bad that with all those things that happened, I wanted to stop with my association with deaf people but I shouldn't generalize them. Just because some deaf individuals has treated me badly, it doesn't mean everyone are like that. I have other deaf friends who are kind, whom I should focus on.
Cause of Sadness
I have been involved in sign language community by which we educate deaf people. As there is a huge percentage of deaf people are unschooled, we took that responsibility to help in practical things and teach them without any payment.
Being a volunteer, I do work for myself, and support in teaching even traveling before the pandemic came. Since 2020, lockdown and quarantine was imposed globally so we have no choice but look for some ways to reach our deaf students. We're able to do so through videoconference like Zoom, Messenger, etc.
Some of our students has finally passed a phase by which they will help other deaf too. However, I was saddened on their actions by which they decided to cut their ties with us. We didn't take it seriously because many of them decides impulsively so my fellow signers (those who can communicate with sign language) are reaching out to them. I can't just restore the kind of communication I had with them before because what they towards me is something I can easily forget.
I have this deaf student whom I had taught for years. Let me call him "A". Among the four deaf people in his group of friends, he is the kindest and I have no issues with him. When he needs help, I'm never reluctant to lend my hand. I feel bad for him because aside from being deaf, his one eye is almost blind. There came to a point when his vision is dark.
Back when he's still schooling, one of his classmates has unintentionally thrown a stone in his eye. He never told anyone from his family, and it even happened twice. After several years, his parents didn't know until they brought him to the doctor by which I served as the interpreter. His mother can't understand her son fully when signing, and I decided to assist them. Only then that his mother learned about what happened.
He had his eyeglasses yet it didn't help that much. Gladly, he's not experiencing the slight blindness anymore.
I am supposed to invite him on my wedding, along with his three other friends. However, the current condition and his distance won't allow me to do so. I decided to invite them via Zoom by which my wedding is broadcasted. I also sent money for him and his three other friends. No one from the three ever messaged to thanked me. Only this deaf person (whom I call "A" has messaged me the night after the wedding with a "Thank You" message. He's always been grateful to me.
Until recently, he decided to cut ties with me(us). It's not his personal decision I think, rather his three other friends with the influence of their acting leader, the only woman in their group. I had a feeling because he's not responding or even looking at my chats. They just included him, but he never said anything by himself. The video they sent, it was rehearsed.
The sad thing is, the acting leader is using his account to commit cyber bullying and online harrassment. She uses other accounts to make it appear that the message didn't come from her, rather "A" did.
I wanted to talk to his mother soon, and warn that her son is being used by the acting leader, and so that "A" won't be affected when issues or cyber bullying or any legal issues will arise.
I am positive though that my friendship with "A" will be restored. I know he's just being pressured by his friends. Hoping he will decide for himself someday, and not by anyone's influence. Of course, it is part of my prayers being his teacher before. I hope he will wake up someday, and realized he made the wrong decisions. He's just being used by his being friends being from a family with a good financial status. His social media account is even being used for cybercrime. He's being betrayed without him knowing.
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Random (Memories of January, Etc.)
It's been months since I made my last post here. I had some struggles and I have been occupied with life as well. There are times when I feel demotivated too that writing long blogs makes me feel lazy.
During those times, I had dealt with anxiety, particularly OCD, which takes so much of my energy. There are times that I get so tired of it that how I wish I can buy a new brain that will make me feel better.
Last December, my wife experienced food poisoning after inadvertently drinking an expired milk. I actually told her not to drink it even if I have no idea it's already expired. When she's vomiting a lot, I told her that I'll bring her to the hospital yet she declined. Gladly, her condition improved in less than a day. It took days that she regained her energy.
My sister who's been working for more than two decades went home for good. I'm glad that she came to that decision because my other siblings has been convincing her to do so years ago because she's not getting young. She's still single, and hopefully, adjustment on her end won't be too difficult.
I was quite sad two days ago because it reminded of my father's death 11 years ago. Those memories of him battling for his life in the hospital flashed back, that how I wish he's still alive now. He's 62 years old when he passed away, and if he's still alive, he's already 73. I can see other people at that age still energetic. Life might be easier if he's still here.
Two days ago is also the wedding anniversary of my wife's parents. They're unable to celebrate by themselves because my mother-in-law is at work, and was given a vacation yesterday. My wife and I decided to invite them here in our house so we can celebrate their anniversary. After our meal, we gave them our gift which is a new mattress so they'll have a more comfortable sleep.
I'm not sure if I'll be happy or not because today is the wedding anniversary of our parents. As I already mentioned before, my mother passed away in 2007, and she's 59 at that time. If they're still alive, we might be celebrating their 52nd wedding anniversary. To be honest, I forgot about their golden anniversary two days ago. I'll never forget the date but the number of years is what I missed. I actually just remembered it now. It makes me feel emotional, and I can't express how I feel in social media except here.
Last Wednesday, we decided to get our booster shot. It's an opportunity since they started to roll out just recently. My wife and I decided to have Moderna, which my brother had also chosen. My sister and cousin took Astra Zeneca instead. They had less side effects, which I had regrets because Moderna is quite stronger.
The day of my booster shot, I only had heaviness of my arm. Around dawn of Thursday, I am chilling that I have to take medicine to feel better. However, I can't hardly move my arm because it is painful when I raise my hand a bit. Slight fever began to build up as well. I had chills again that same day during daytime that I have to rest most of the day.
Expecting that I'll feel better on Friday as I felt better in the morning despite experiencing chills at dawn again. But at noontime, I had slight fever, and so is my wife. We both took medicine, and we're relieved after an hour.
It's better during Saturday though there's slight heavy arms. I can raise arms easier and it's finally back to how it was today. No more swelling, and the pain is gone. Though, I had some headaches today.
What I am looking forward of is go to the beach again and unwind. We've been to the beach two weeks ago which is in my cover photo.
10 I's in Music Challenge
So I'm back on this challenge, and I am now on letter "I". Of course, this is special because it is the first letter of my first name. I'm going start in this challenge now:
Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel became popular in Broadway, and also released her own albums. She gained more attention in 2013 after portraying the voice of Elsa on the very popular animated film "Frozen". She performed the theme song "Let It Go", which became one of the biggest selling soundtrack singles of all time. Her last Frozen single "Into the Unknown" peaked at number 46 on Billboard Hot 100. She was also featured on Glee, and has been very popular in plays.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=L0MK7qz13bU
Iggy Azalea
Iggy Azalea took quite a while to release her first album. She may also be considered as a "one album wonder" which her most popular one was "The New Classic" which went platinum in the US. It scored the hit singles "Fancy" ( a Billboard Hot 100 number 1 hit) and "Black Widow" with Rita Ora (a Billboard number 3 hit).
Imbruglia
Imbruglia is the surname of Australian singer and actress Natalie Imbruglia. She became very popular around 1997 and onwards through her debut album "Left of the Middle" which sold millions of copies, and 2x platinum in the US and 3x platinum in UK. The success of the album was supported by one of the biggest hits of 1998 "Torn". Natalie Imbruglia was then criticized having her biggest hit not written by her, which affected her badly.
Insomniac
Green Day achieved mainstream success over their album "Dookie", which has sold around 20 million copies worldwide. Their preceding album was "Insomniac" which sold lower around 2 million copies in the US compared to 10 million copies of "Dookie". Still, the album went to the top 10 of some countries worldwide, and was a platinum hit in the UK.
I Am Me
"I Am Me" is the second album of Ashlee Simpson. It featured the hit song "Boyfriend". Despite reaching number on Billboard 200, the album only went platinum compared to her debut "Autobiography" which went 3x platinum. The Saturday Night Live lip syncing incident may have affected her career badly.
Infinity on High
"Infinity on High" became the first number one album of Fall Out Boy after "From Under the Cork Tree" went double platinum. "Infinity" went platinum despite a higher peak than their previous album. It featured the Billboard number 2 hit "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" and the number 11 hit "Thnks fr th Mmrs"
I Will Always Love You
"I Will Always Love You" is considered one of the biggest hits of all time with sales more than 20 million copies. Being a legendary song, it received accolades elsewhere. The song is actually the theme song of the soundtrack of Whitney Houston's film debut "The Bodyguard". The movie is a blockbuster, and so is the soundtrack being one of the biggest selling albums of all time with sales estimate around 45 million. "I Will Always Love You" isn't actually an original by Houston, rather by Dolly Parton. The latter admitted the song earned her so much money as it remains popular despite the Houston version being released almost 30 years ago.
In the End
"In the End" remains the biggest hit song of Linkin Park despite only peaking at number 2 on Billboard Hot 100. In fact, the song was slow burner back then, and it contributed to the longevity of the success of their album "Hybrid Theory" which has sales estimates around 20-30 million. "In the End" also became one of the songs from early 2000s which is still popular today. Its music video even reached a billion views on YouTube, and the song had a billion streams on Spotify.
I Don't Care
"I Don't Care" is a song by Ed Sheeran which he invited Justin Bieber to join him in the song as part of the collaborative album "No. 6 Collaborations Project". The song became a global hit reaching number 2 in Billboard Hot 100, and number in UK and other countries. When I first heard the song, I was quite negative but repeated listen made me appreciate it.
I Don't Wanna Cry
"I Don't Wanna Cry" was a hit by Mariah Carey from her self-titled album. It wasn't actually release in other countries, but it became Mariah's fourth consecutive number 1 song on Billboard Hot 100.
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10 H's in Music Challenge
Music relieves me when I'm stressed. But of course, it depends on the kind of music I listen to. By the way, I am back on this challenge and I am already on letter "H".
Hanson
Back in 1997, Hanson is one of the pop acts, along with the Spice Girls and other boybands, who are credited for changing the pop landscape. Their song "Mmmbop" became a global hit as it reached number 1 in several countries. The "one hit wonder" status in the US was broken when "I Will Come to You" went number 9 on Billboard Hot 100. Their album "Middle of Nowhere" went to number 2, and it went 4x platinum. However, the trio can be considered as "one album wonder" with subsequent studio albums not performing well when it comes to sales.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1rsWf09_PmI
Harry Styles
Harry Styles is currently one of the top artists after the success of "Fine Line" album, which went 2x platinum in the US, and featured the Billboard top 10 hits "Adore You" and "Watermelon Sugar". His first album "Sign of the Times" went number 1 in several countries including US and UK. He first achieved fame being a member of the biggest boyband of their time, One Direction.
Hayley Williams
Hayley Williams is known as the front woman of the band Paramore. The band achieved some success from the emo era, and even to their cross over to pop. As a solo artist, she was featured on the hit songs "Stay the Night" by Zedd and "Airplanes" by B.O.B. She released two solo albums since 2020, and a number of extended plays. It seems Hayley's solo attempt is quite late. She might have been a popular solo artist then but she has chosen to stick with her band.
Halsey
Halsey had the number 2 album "Badlands", which went 2x platinum, and eventually bece more known when featured on The Chainsmokers song "Closer". She scored her first number 1 album "Hopeless Fountain Kingdom" which scored the top 5 hit "Bad at Love". Her first solo single was "Without Me" from the number 2 album "Manic". Her new album "If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power" debuted at number 2 on Billboard 200.
Happy Nation
"Happy Nation" is the first album of Ace of Base, which had the US release entitled as "The Sign". The album became a big hit with estimated sales of 21 million copies, and it featured the hit singles such as "The Sign", "All that She Wants", and "Don't Turn Around". Ace of Base released subsequent albums and had some hit singles too.
High Voltage
"High Voltage" is the album from AC/DC, and it was their first international album. It was very successful when it reached 3x platinum in the US. However, the band's biggest selling album was "Back in Black" which has sales estimates of around 50 million copies worldwide.
Hot Shot
"Hot Shot" is the album of Shaggy released in 2000, however, it achieved success in 2001. It is actually one of the biggest selling albums that year. It featured the hits "It Wasn't Me" and "Angel", and both songs went to number 1 in several countries worldwide.
Halo
"Halo" is a song by Beyonce from her third album "I Am... Sasha Fierce". The song had a slow rise to the charts, and peaked at number 5 in the US, and number 4 in UK. It became a big seller eventually due to its popularity in the internet.
Heartbreaker
"Heartbreaker" is a song by Mariah Carey, and was the lead single of the album "Rainbow". The song gave Mariah Carey another Billboard number 1, which was followed by "Thank God I Found You". The music video of the song became popular which Mariah has portrayed two characters.
Happier
I knew at least three songs which was released during the recent years with the title "Happier". The first one is from Ed Sheeran for his "÷" (Divide) album, which became a UK top 10 hit. The next one is from Marshmello which became a top 10 hit in many countries. Olivia Rodrigo also has a "Happier" song from her hit album "Sour".
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RE87rQkXdNw
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10 G's in Music Challenge
It's been awhile since doing this music challenge. I just couldn't put some words or maybe I need some motivation to write. But I am glad that I can do this challenge again.
1. Garth Brooks
Country music is very popular in United States and Canada, but there are some people from outside the mentioned countries who loved country music. Garth Brooks is one of those country artists who are well-loved. He may not have gained sales like how he did in America but he is the biggest selling country artist of all time with 8 of his albums going Diamond platinum in the US, which is very rare for an artist. Other albums had went 5-8x platinums.
2. George Strait
If Garth Brooks is the biggest selling country artists of all time, George Strait comes at second. He had around 33 albums going platinum, some went multiplatinum even as high as 8x platinum. Those certifications are from the US. From career spanning for four decades, he became one of the most popular country artists ever.
3. Gavin Degraw
Gavin Degraw is probably one of the underrated artists in the US. He has great vocals, and had a handful of great songs. My favorite song from him is "More Than Anyone". He had a number of Billboard top 20 hits though, but his fame didn't cross over other countries.
4. Gary Barlow
For some, Gary Barlow may just be 1/5 of the boyband Take That. But he is not just the voice of the group but also behind some of their biggest hits including "Back for Good". He also had some success from his debut album "Open Road" and scored UK top 10 hits and Billboard hits.
5. Gorillaz
Aside from being a group, it is also the title of the first album by the band Gorillaz, being a self-titled one. Gorillaz achieves success from that album which has sold around 7 million copies worldwide. Their second album sold higher though at 8 million. They became the biggest selling virtual band.
6. Greatest Hits
The title of the album most artists name their compilation albums. It is also called "greatest hits" album. Many artists promote such compilation albums and became their biggest sellers, but others don't give it much promotion, and just random releases.
7. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" remains the biggest selling album from Elton John with 30 million estimated sales. It featured the title track and the original version of "Candle in the Wind", which the 1997 version tribute for Princess Diana, became the biggest selling single of all time (non-holiday).
8. Good Girl Gone Bad
Rihanna may had hits and certified albums prior, she achieved superstardom status with her album "Good Girl Gone Bad". The album have her a number of hit singles, including three of them going number 1 in Billboard Hot 100, and was certified with 6x platinum in the US.
9. Gangsta's Paradise
"Gangsta's Paradise" is the biggest hit of rapper Coolio, and was one of the biggest hits of 1995-96 era reaching number 1 globally. It features L.V., and was also part of Coolio's album "Gangsta's Paradise", and the soundtrack of the movie "Dangerous Minds".
10. Galway Girl
Ed Sheeran came out with the song "Galway Girl" from his hit album "÷" (Divide). The song was a top ten hit in several countries, and went 2 million in sales in UK.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XjHr-6Zl5P8
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