A Quick City Tour in Davao City
My travel to Davao City was a spontaneous decision. I remember it was the day on the departure going to Davao City that I decided to join the annual reunion of my batchmates in college. Thankfully, I had the best supervisor, who immediately said yes to my sudden request for an early out at 2:00 PM.
Thank you, ladies!
I immediately went home—around 45 minutes of travel time—rushed packing my things, and then headed straight to the bus terminal going to Cagayan de Oro City. If I am not mistaken, from Iligan City, it took us more than eight-butt-cracking hours of travel to reach Davao City via land trip.
Anthony and I, together with the other two classmates, just slept for the whole trip. We arrived at 7:00 AM and went straight to our classmate's condo unit, who is working in Davao. We had our turns in using the bathroom to take a bath, and then went straight to our first destination.
San Pedro Cathedral
San Pedro Cathedral is located right at the heart of Davao City in front of the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Dabaw Building or City Council building. This church is dedicated to Saint Peter in which the English name of this church is Saint Peter Metropolitan Cathedral. San Pedro Cathedral was built by the first Spanish settlers in the area in the year 1847. It is also named Davao Cathedral and is widely known as the city's oldest church.
When we went there, the church was closed and there was an ongoing construction. We weren't able to enter and see the beauty inside. It was not remodeled, although this church underwent remodeling twice in the mid-1900s and 1964. This church serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Davao, which is then considered a National Cultural Treasure.
In front of San Pedro Cathedral is the building of the City Council or Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Dabaw. The front of the City building, a monument, is surrounded by a flock of pigeons. Of course, I would not want to miss the chance of feeding the pigeons, especially since there was a vendor selling feeds.
**Museo Dabawenyo**
Davao has two known museums, and one of them is also known as the **Museum of the People of Davao**. If you want to see a glimpse of Davao's past scenes, then Museo Dabawenyo is what you are looking for.
On the first floor, it showcases the **Indigenous People of Davao Province** with their collections of arts, crafts, musical instruments, and weapons. The other one is the Moro people in the province of Davao with their miniature houses, boats, musical instruments, chairs, weapons, armors, and other things used by the Muslim Royalties and Muslim people.
Needless to say, it wouldn't be complete without showing the history of Davao, how the people in Davao fought hard for the Spaniards, American, and Japanese Colonization, the aftermath of the colonization, and such. Trophies are displayed showcasing the pride and honor of Davao's accomplishments through the years.
In the other room, it shows the history of Davao and how the people in Davao fought hard for the Spanish, American, and Japanese Colonization. Trophies are also displayed showcasing the pride and honor of Davao's accomplishments through the years. Aside from the trophies, it showcases the four icons of Davao City, which they call the symbol of hope and pride: Durian, Mount Apo, Waling-Waling, and the Philippine Eagle.
The first room on the second floor was a **Memorabilia Gallery** where it shows the collection of olden day clothes, bills, porcelains, jar, and a lot more. Also, it shows the former and up to the present leader of Davao with a large painting made by a foreign artist dedicated to President Duterte.
D' Japanese Tunnel
The D' Japanese Tunnel is now considered one of Davao's finest tourist attractions. Tourists want to visit this tunnel since the tunnel is a reminder of the war that shaped the history of the world.
The tunnel was dug out by the war prisoners ordered by the Imperial Japanese Army during the Second World War. Also, it became the headquarters and threshold when they were chased by the American armies.
This 300-meter-long tunnel was accidentally discovered by the landowners while excavating the area for the hotel's construction preparation.
Aside from the tunnel, this place has a pool good for some splashing and plunging, which is located above.
Davao Crocodile Park
Davao Crocodile Park is established in the year 1995**,** which promotes the conservation of crocodiles, along with other wild animals. Yes, you read it right. Contrary to its name, Crocodile Park offers you different kinds of animals. As time passes by, lots of animals from reptiles to amphibians to fishes and to mammals are added in the park. (I'll write it in a separate article.)
Moreover, The park has self-nurtured crocodiles that vary in age and size. Feeding the crocodile is allowed, which can be purchased in the park.
It was just a short trip. There are still lots of tourist attractions that we missed out on, but since the last boat going to Isla Reta departs at around 3:00 PM, we decided to end our city tour at Crocodile Park.
For a 2D1N travel, it was compact and exhausting but fun! We had a city tour on the first day, then an overnight stay in Isla Reta, and the following day, we toured the coastal area of Samal Island.
Previous articles:
**Big Bad Wolf Book Haul - Part I** https://read.cash/@keeneek/big-bad-wolf-book-haul-part-i-bce83b29
**A Cold and Refreshing Dip in Iligan City** https://read.cash/@keeneek/a-cold-and-refreshing-dip-in-iligan-city-47a1d6d5
**A Day of Disappointment and Embarrassment** https://read.cash/@keeneek/a-day-of-disappointment-and-embarrassment-0caf9669
**APPICS Updates** https://read.cash/@keeneek/appics-updates-a1aca8a1
**Yearning for a Grandfather's Love** https://read.cash/@keeneek/yearning-for-a-grandfathers-love-a129672f
Connect with me: Noise • Steemit • Hive • Blurt • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://blurt.blog/@kneelyrac https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
Big Bad Wolf Book Haul - Part I
A bookstore is one of the happy places for a bookworm. I remember I used to travel for more than two hours to buy a brand new book from a bookstore. The first book that I bought with my savings (I didn't eat snacks for months!) was The Diary of Anne Frank because I got curious about our English subject reading, which was her diary. If my memory serves me well, it was almost 400 PHP, and I was in 3rd-year high school at that time.
But a bookstore selling a brand new book at a very cheap price is definitely a paradise. So when I heard of Big Bad Wolf, going to their grand book sale became one of my goals. Unfortunately, the pandemic happened, and BBW grand sale was out of the picture.
On the brighter side, even though BBW can't have a physical grand book sale, they decided to make the sale go online, and then four months later, BBW landed on Lazada.
I had self-control during the first online sale - bought only four books. Maybe because the books that I've been waiting to restock weren't restocked. But when BBW opened its Lazada mall, I went overboard in the first two months. I bought a total of 11 books and I haven't read any of them.
So my first purchase was four books, though Antoni was the one who went to the physical store in Cebu City. That was pre-COVID. Then followed by four books, and lastly 11 books. All in all, I bought 19 books in BBW and I still haven't read one.
When this realization struck me, I decided to uninstall Lazada. Else, I'll be wandering in the BBW store for hours. Until now, I haven't checked their books because I want to read at least half of the books that I bought.
Here are the first eight (8) books that I bought:
Magnus Chase Books 1 & 2 by Rick Riordan
**The Sword of Summer and The Hammer of Thor**
*Genre: Fantasy, Mythology*
These books are the first two hardcover books that I bought. I am not a fan of hardcovers since I love to bring books when I travel. And hardcover books are big and bulky, not ideal to bring along during a trip. But these were sold for only 230 PHP each. In other bookstores, these are sold for a little over a thousand.
Also, I had a liking for this trilogy because my seatmate in my previous work kept on telling me to buy and read this series. Too bad book 3 was unavailable, and even in the other bookstore, it is hard to find.
Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
*Genre: Fantasy*
Queen of Shadows is book 4 of the Throne of Glass series. I really, really love this series. I have been planning to buy a hardcover boxset of this even though I already have its paperback version. But only if I finish reading the series.
As much as I love this series, I am having a hard time finishing book 3 since (spoiler alert) the main characters are drifted apart. But I am aiming to finish it before this month ends, so I can proceed with this book.
City of Bone by Cassandra Clare
*Genre: Fantasy*
It's very rare to watch the movie or TV series first before reading the books. I was just scrolling to my Netflix account when I bumped into Shadowhunters. I was curious so I gave it a try, and I got hooked up.
I was contemplating if I should buy the book since the female lead annoyed me in every possible way. But I did enjoy the series - it was good enough for me. And so, I decided to read first the ebook of this and of course, it was really good. I stopped before I reached 50% and decided to continue reading it on a book. It didn't happen though. Tehee!
Begone the Raggedy Witches by Celine Kiernan
*Genre: Fantasy*
At this time, it was the first online grand book sale of BBW. It was really hard to add to cart a book, look and scroll for another one which seems like forever, and then expect that the other books are still available afterward. I was so frustrated, so I gave up and just use keywords.
With this, I used witches, and this book caught my attention. I immediately searched it on Goodreads, and it is a trilogy. I tried looking its books 2 and 3, and unfortunately, they were not available.
Donny's Inferno by P.W. Catanese https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/129092.P_W_Catanese
*Genre: Fantasy*
I was trying to look for Dante's Inferno when I saw this book. I immediately checked it to see if there is a similarity with the other Inferno, but it's not. Though the settings are the same since both have a common word in the title.
It picked my interest as I read its synopsis - it sounds like an adventure-packed. Plus, it's a duology. I am not sure, but as far as I can remember, I haven't read a duology. I did try looking for the second book, but there is none, unfortunately.
The Path of Anger by Antoine Rouaud
*Genre: Fantasy*
Another book caught my attention with its dark cover that speaks of death. It seems like it's the back of the grim reaper, but upon reading its synopsis, it is more like a thriller in a dark fantasy setting. The keywords were assassination and murders, so it made me more curious about this book.
It's not popular and has low ratings on Goodreads, and I haven't seen anyone mention thriller or suspense. Most likely my hunch of a thriller genre in a dark fantasy setting could be wrong, and that makes me more curious tho. Huehue. Also, it's another duology that picked my interest.
High Crime Area: Tales of Darkness and Dread by Joyce Carol Oates
*Genre: Mystery, Short Stories*
I love crime and mystery books - it's my first choice before fantasy. As I was scrolling under the crime and mystery section, the cover of this book caught my attention. It was giving off a dark and sinister vibe.
I checked it on Goodreads, and unfortunately, it has low ratings. Nonetheless, I gave this book a chance to amuse me with its eight strange and dark short stories. Additionally, this one is a hardcover. I am slowly accepting them.
Though my favorite genre is crime and mystery, the majority of the books I bought are all under fantasy. I haven't read much of fantasy novel, since crime scene really gives me a thrill and satisfaction, especially when I didn't expect who the killer was.
For eight books, given that there are four hardcovers, I only spent 1,596 PHP (approx. $29). I have saved more than 70%. In no time, I can have my own mini library with the help of Big Bad Wolf. But of course, I make sure to read these books and the other set before I wander like a lone wolf again.
Connect with me: Noise • Steemit • Hive • Blurt • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://blurt.blog/@kneelyrac https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
A Cold and Refreshing Dip in Iligan City
Last month, in May 2022, I went back home and stayed for a week only. But even if it was just a short vacation, I was able to enjoy it fully. I have eaten the food I've been craving, and I have visited the must-visit places in the city.
I was born in a small village in the province of Lanao del Norte, known as the Land of Beauty and Bounty. But I haven't traveled much in our province since I was in Iligan City studying and working for almost a decade. Even though I always commute and go home every after class and then work, I still consider Iligan as my home. It is where I graduated and had my first job.
Aside from that, what I also love in the city is the food and the tourist spots. Iligan City is just a small city compared to Cebu City and Davao City. But what this small city has to offer is its 24 stunning waterfalls and the free-flowing cold springs
Timoga Cold Spring Pool
Timoga Cold Spring Pool is a free-flowing icy-cool spring pool located in Buru-un, Iligan City. It is composed of five spring resorts you can choose from. From the city proper, they have El Lauriento Holiday Resort, Timoga Spring Pool, Mimar's Springway Resort, Dela Mar Resort, and Marvillas Swimming Pool. The four spring resorts are located along the highway, while the last one is at the back of the Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House - just beside Dela Mar Resort.
Each resort has something to offer, and they differ in business hours. Also, the swimming pool in every resort varies in size. There are fountains of different forms, slides in different styles and lengths, an Olympic-sized pool, a 16-feet pool with diving boards, and a flowing stream on different levels.
The water comes from the man-made Lake Lanao in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. The cool and crystal clear water in the pool is said to be filtered beneath, making it one of the richest sources of fresh and high pH water. Unlike other pools, in Timoga, the water is drained and cleaned at night without the use of chlorine.
My high school classmates love the 16-feet pool, and that is why we always choose Dela Mar Resort. But for my colleagues and friends in Iligan City, we opt for the refreshing stream of Mimar's. And lastly, for my college classmate, it's either the Holiday or Spring resort because of the slides.
For slides: El Lauriento Holiday and Spring Pool
For flowing streams: Mimar's Springway Resort
For an Olympic-sized pool and 16-feet pool: Dela Mar Resort
For an exclusive event: Marvillas Swimming Pool
To avoid the crowd, it is recommended to go there early in the morning. They are already open at six in the morning.
Entrance fee: 100 PHP
Table and chair: 250 PHP
Tinago Falls
Tinago Falls is dubbed the Hidden Majestic Waterfalls of Iligan City and is considered one of the main tourist attractions in the city. It is situated between Iligan City and the town of Linamon. But geographically speaking, Tinago lies on the outskirts of Iligan City.
Its name is derived from a Filipino term meaning "hidden" because Tinago is hidden in the deep ravine. To witness the splendor and beauty, hiking is a must in man-made cemented winding stairs. In the Linamon route, it requires around 500 descending steps. In the Buru-un route, the cemented staircase is around 300 steps only, but the road going there is a little bit hard to navigate - steep and winding. The descending part is not a problem at all. The stairs are surrounded by towering trees, and the orchestra of nature is nonstop.
The water in Tinago is from the discharge of the man-made Lake Lanao of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. The water drops into the deep emerald green pool-like basin and is said to be almost a hundred feet deep. The water is cold and refreshing - perfect to beat the heat of the sun. Near the main water drop, there is a small cave hidden behind the falling waters.
Aside from swimming in the small cave and staying there to listen to the reverberated sound of the falling waters, going near the main drop and having a water massage is also a must-try. There is a balsa or a Bamboo raft where the locals will pull the balsa. Lastly, climbing the rock formations and taking a leap into the cold water is also one of the must-do for an adventurous soul.
It is best to go there in the morning when the sun shines and hits the cascading waterfalls, forming a rainbow just a little above the water surface.
Wearing life vest is highly encouraged since the water is cold. Incident like drowning due to muscle cramps during swimming is highly likely to occur.
Entrance fee: 50 PHP (Life vest is included.)
Table: 50 PHP
When I went there last month, my friends and I started by taking a dip in Timoga as early as 7:00 AM. At 10:30 AM, it became more and more crowded, so we decided to transfer to Tinago Falls. At 3:00 PM, we went to the private beach of one of our classmates. We ended our day full of swimming sessions by strolling on the longest boardwalk in the region, at Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte - where my hometown is located.
It was definitely an exhausting day. Though my body was tired, my heart was warm and grateful.
If you plan in exploring Mindanao, consider visiting Iligan City. It will never disappoint you of the wonders, adventures, and even the food it offers.
**Previous articles:**
**A Day of Disappointment and Embarrassment** https://read.cash/@keeneek/a-day-of-disappointment-and-embarrassment-0caf9669
**APPICS Updates** https://read.cash/@keeneek/appics-updates-a1aca8a1
**Yearning for a Grandfather's Love** https://read.cash/@keeneek/yearning-for-a-grandfathers-love-a129672f
**A False Hope to an Applicant** https://read.cash/@keeneek/a-false-hope-to-an-applicant-7d9d0caf
Connect with me: Noise • Steemit • Hive • Blurt • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://blurt.blog/@kneelyrac https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
A Day of Disappointment and Embarrassment
I am currently working in an IoT company for more than two years already. Lately, I've been thinking of going beyond my comfort zone. With that, my number one goal for this year is career growth. However, the interview scares me. Being the center of attention is the core of this fear. My mind seems like it always forgets how to function every time people are staring or looking at me. It always freaks me out.
I remember when my teacher in sixth grade appointed me as our class' participant in a declamation contest since my memorization skill is pretty good. We even rehearsed for how many days, but when I took a step on the stage, my mind was slowly uncooperative. There were six stanzas, and from the third stanza, I jumped straight to the last stanza. I cried because of embarrassment and disappointment.
Back to career growth, I've been contemplating how to grow as an individual and professional. Frankly, I feel stuck in my current job. I wanted to do more and be more. I was offered to transfer to another team, but with the qualifications, I don't think the team lead will accept me.
So I started studying on my own again. My boyfriend, since last year, has consistently encouraged me to apply to the company he is working with or any semiconductor company he can think of. Whenever there was hiring in any department, he never fails to inform me. I, on the other hand, was not interested. Even a job position as a technical writer didn't make my heart flutter.
The other day, Tuesday, he asked me for my updated resume since there is hiring. It was the first time I updated my resume and sent it to him. His colleague was able to submit it on Wednesday morning, June 15. An hour later, my boyfriend told me I am scheduled for an interview already. That was such a quick response. I didn't expect it, so I panicked.
I can't sit still, so I decided to have a walk for a while. Little did I know, I had already walked 6 km. My brain was busy simulating things for the upcoming interview that I didn't notice I walked far enough for my feet to feel sore by the time I decided to go home. My boyfriend tried calming me and said that maybe I was just overthinking. But I know myself.
Now, the d-day had finally arrived. Long story short, I wasn't able to answer the majority of the technical questions. The interviewers were not hostile. They were kind enough to say it is okay to have a wrong answer. I was even told to write it on a whiteboard or paper, so I can analyze and visualize more the circuit. Unfortunately, it didn't help at all.
I am disappointed and embarrassed with myself right now. I called my review classmate and told him the circuits while crying and laughing. He even asked what was wrong with me and why I wasn't able to answer those - that was purely basic. In the middle of the retold, I realized all the wrong answers I gave. And that's what makes me annoyed at myself even more. The circuits were easy, but I wasn't able to think clearly.
I don't know what to do with this fear. This day will haunt me, maybe for the rest of my life, but I'm trying to cheer myself that I still did a good job in facing my fear.
Test Engineer has been my dream position. I don't know when I will going to achieve that, but I will be one day with God's grace.
`June 16, 2022`
You can find me here: Noise • Hive • Steemit • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
APPICS Updates
It has been six months since the APPICS main-net is released. True enough that the app is buggy, but let us not nullify the effort of the APPICS dev team from the very start. They have been continuously fixing the bugs and updating the app now and then.
APPICS is an application where you can post pictures and videos and get rewarded. It's like Instagram, but the main difference is you earn from the content you share. Also, you will be rewarded with the content you have curated.
If you are not yet on APPICS, then check out these articles that to help you get started. Read these to learn and understand how APPICS work:
**APPICS Creation Guide** **-** If you don't have an account yet, head on to this guide first. https://read.cash/@Momentswithmatti/appics-account-creation-guide-49e58e30
**APPICS Brief Overview** - Understand how APPICS works; some basics you need to know. https://read.cash/@keeneek/a-quick-overview-of-appics-7cec7b92
**APPICS FAQs** - Read the most frequently asked questions by the APPICS team. https://appics.medium.com/f-a-q-about-the-appics-mainnet-d7b2e97a2e6a
**APPICS Navigation Tutorial** - Learn how to navigate with APPICS https://read.cash/@Momentswithmatti/appics-tutorial-navigation-0e84b6e1
**APPICS Withdrawal via TSwaps** **-** A step-by-step guide on how to swap your APX token to TLOS https://read.cash/@Momentswithmatti/swap-apx-to-tlos-on-tswaps-bd178fd0
APPICS are available on App Store and Play Store:
**Android** https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appics.appics
**iOS** https://apps.apple.com/de/app/appics-passion-rewarded/id1353860042?l=en
Back to the topic, APPICS has been a fast-growing community, and here are some of the updates of APPICS:
**Currency selection**
Before, the earnings are shown only in USD. Since this is crypto-verse, it is normal that the value fluctuates, but for starters, it can cause discouragement. Now, users can choose between USD or APX. As for me, it is better to choose APX.
**Continuous scrolling**
Scrolling through the post had been my dilemma. It was time-consuming to give an upvote and comment on a post. But now, it is possible to scroll to the next post.
Challenge section
There are lots of challenges in APPICS. Challenges are made to boost the activity and the engagement, as well. The APPICS team and the ambassadors in every country conduct challenges from time to time. Finding these challenges is now easy because of the new section added.
Available on App STORE and Play Store
Before, APPICS was only available through an APK file and Test flight. Some were hesitant to download it because of it. But now, they are available both on the Play Store and App Store which adds to the validity of APPICS. This is probably one of the best updates the team has announced in the first few months, well, at least for me.
New-user delegation
New user needs APPICS power to get started with the app. In the first few months, ambassadors and old users were kind enough to delegate their APX to the newbie or their invite. But now, every new user will automatically receive 1 APPICS Power.
Referral Program
The more post you curate, the more curation rewards you will get. The higher APPICS Power you have, the bigger curation rewards you will receive. To encourage the new user to be more active and to onboard more users, APPICS now has a referral program wherein both the referrer and the invitee will receive 10,000 delegation for 30 days.
With the Telos-based token and the continuous updates, indeed the APPICS team aims to provide the best user experience - no doubt that they are working endlessly to improve, develop, and promote APPICS.
For more information, you can check APPICS link tree. https://linktr.ee/appics
Photos are taken from APPICS website. https://www.appics.com/index.html
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Yearning for a Grandfather's Love
I've been living away from home for almost 3 years already. I lived in Cebu City from August 2019 until October 2021, then I transferred to Luzon and currently residing in Cavite. Living independently started when I want to grab my license. It was June 2019 when my work on a DOST project ended, and the other project I've been planning to apply for didn't push through. That was when I decided to grab my license - I was pretty determined for the very first time.
But before I flew to Cebu City, I stayed for a month in my father's hometown in Baganian, Zamboanga del Sur. Our family decided to open a business there and I will be the one to manage for a month and teach my father in handling the business, a bakery. He's a retired soldier and business is not his thing.
We rented a truck to deliver the bakery stuff from Lanao del Norte to Zamboanga del Sur. Since I was assigned to be the trainer for two days in the GIS training center at a university, I went to Zamboanga all alone. It was my first time and was scared somehow since there is no signal or a connection in the place. I had to trust Papa's estimation skill.
From Kauswagan to Pagadian City, it took me almost 4 hours to reach the bus terminal. After 30 minutes of waiting, my father arrived, and we then headed to Baganian. At that time, the road was extra bumpy. After 2 hours, we finally reached our destination.
The first person that I checked on was my grandpa. I immediately hugged him and asked if we can go to the beach already. He was on the verge of crying and then smiling from ear to ear because it had been eight (8) long years since he last saw me. He was looking for my three sisters, but sadly, they still had classes to attend.
It was one of the happiest moments that I was able to serve a chocolate drink to Lolo every morning, serve a snack every afternoon, and his lunch and dinner as well. Whenever I joke around, he would laugh while saying, "Kabugay jud nimu Keen." He said I was playful.
Lolo knew how much I love to eat fish and seafood. Since Baganian has a rich and diverse marine ecosystem, he never failed in spoiling me with new fishes to me. He would always look at me while I take pictures. He would laugh and ask me if it is my first time seeing those fish.
Whenever I want to roam around the community and have a good splash in the clear blue sea, he was willing to go with me and watch me swim around. He was a fast walker even though he was already in his early 80s.
One month was short, but it was just enough to spend quality time with my Lolo. (My tears are falling already.) Even though he kept on saying I'm playful, he would still add I'm his sweetest grandchild because I always hug and kiss him.
When the month was over and it was time for me to go home and prepare my things for my flight. I promised Lolo that I will go back home with a license on my hand and an Engineer on my name. Lolo was teary. If only I'd known a pandemic will occur, I would stay in Baganian and be the one to manage our business while I spend time with my precious Lolo Panyong.
But only God knows what's ahead of us. The pandemic started, and I told Papa I want to see Lolo. Since there was no signal in Baganian nor a WiFi connection, they had to travel for 30 minutes to arrive at a place with a signal. I was crying when I saw Lolo. We had been doing that for two months straight. And it stopped because Lolo was already weak and had been experiencing pain - he was even hospitalized. A few months later, my sisters went to Baganian and confirmed that Lolo had been experiencing so much pain. My sister then told me Lolo was crying because he didn't expect his two grandchildren from his favorite son arrived. He asked about me and the third one, and unfortunately, the other one had a class and I was in Cebu City.
Two months before the board exam, I received bad news. Lolo passed away. I wanted to go home to Baganian and see him for one last time. I kept on blaming myself for not going home and taking the time to grab the license. I was disappointed and sad. I was lost and in sorrow. I've been weighing things since I will miss the two subjects that I am having a hard time with, and it led me to ask advice from one of my instructors in review.
He replied that he wants me not to go home because I'm a possible COVID carrier and there are children and seniors. He also added that my Lolo would understand, and I will take it as a motivation to grab the license for my Lolo. Instead of going home, I will work in the morning and attend the class in the evening with a determination and conviction that I will become a licensed electronics engineer despite everything. So when I go home, I have a license already, and even though he is not physically there, he will surely see the gift I will bring when I go back home.
I was sobbing when I read his reply. It's really hard when you are alone in the four corners of your room.
I thought I already accepted he will never see me with a license, but I was wrong. It still hurts. My grandfather on my mother's side passed away when I was still 6 years old. That is why I've been yearning for a grandfather's love because my Tata — my shield and my playmate — was gone too soon. I was a spoiled grandchild, his first grandchild from his only daughter. I still had a memory of my Tata, and I even remember I stayed under his coffin because I didn't want to leave him. I even asked him to wake up on his final wake.
Every time I see a grandfather and his grandchild, I can't help but cry. Just like this morning, I saw a grandfather salute his 2Lt. grandchild, and I cried. It's sad my two grandpas are not with me, physically. But I know they are watching and proud that they have a very playful and sweet engineer grandchild.
I love you, and I miss you, Lolo and Tata. Wherever you are, I know you will always be watching me, and I hope you are proud of your bugay na apo (playful grandchild).
Love,
Keen-Keen
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A False Hope to an Applicant
I am supposed to write something worthwhile today - contemplating whether I should write my Mt. Batulao hiking or last night's dinner in Samgyupsalamat. But with the sudden news I received, my heart has been pounding, and I can't sit still. The bad news is not for me, though it feels somehow related to me, and I feel sad, disappointed, and furious. It is a rollercoaster of emotion.
I know how it feels like to be on cloud nine because of the congratulatory words, and then all of a sudden, those words became a nightmare. I'm an emotional Piscean, and I became more of a crybaby, who disliked the management for giving me false hope.
I went through an interview, and after a week, I received a message from HR that I was hired and needed to report by next week, Monday, and bring along my employment requirements. It brought tears and joy when I read the message and immediately went to the city to look for an apartment near my supposed-to-be workplace.
Monday came, and I went early to the office with the requirements needed. Aside from submitting the requirements, it was also the day of contract signing for all the hired applicants. When I arrived, the HR smiled uncomfortably upon seeing me. She then mentioned I should wait for the chief to explain something. I was clueless, and reality hit me so hard after that meeting.
The management decided to put me on probation, together with the other applicant, a good friend of Antoni. My employment is canceled since there was only one position left. After a month, the management decides who will stay and leave. The two of us were just in the hallway, waiting for another instruction. When it was time for the 15 (or more) applicants to sign the contract, I went to the comfort room and cried my heart out. The congratulatory and you-are-hired messages were just a lie.
Even so, I still kept on reporting to the office - I held on to the congratulatory message. After a week, the other applicant messaged me that he will no longer report to the office and added he didn't want to compete with his friend's girlfriend. I felt terrible at that time because he saw me with puffy red eyes and was thinking maybe he quit because he felt terrible as well. Overthinking ate me.
Then another thing came up: I still didn't get the position even after he quit. My mind was clouded by negativity - self-pity at its finest. It made me think he was supposed to be in that position that's why it was never given to me. I was planning to quit, but everyone kept telling me I should not waste the opportunity the other one created. I held on despite the suffocating environment because I desperately need a job.
After a month, they finally gave me the employment contract. It took me more than a year to overcome the bitterness. But the thought of stealing the position didn't leave me. I always put my earphone at a max volume so no one can have a small talk with me during office hours. I distanced myself from them.
What I learned from my experience is to know when to keep fighting and when to stop. If you decide to hold on and fight, show them that you are capable of doing something great.
So why am I reminiscing about this unpleasant experience? My friend experienced the same way. She was told to receive the employment contract in the first week of June but received otherwise. She already resigned from her current job and currently on the last week of rendering the resignation, and yet she received a letter that her employment status is canceled.
It was sudden. I didn't know how to comfort her. Real world is savage, and it sucks! I just hope and pray she will be able to find a new job and that the company will not give her false hope.
I am not sure if this is right sharing this work-related experience, but I am thankful I was able to pour my thoughts.
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Start Anew: June 2022 Goals
I've been in bullet journaling for a couple of years already. However, for this year, I decided to have a planner instead and just keep my customized bullet journal for the next year. My schedule was hectic in which my March to May had been jam-packed and I was unable to update the planner now and then.
But now, I have decided to start anew and have my eyes fixed on the short and long-term goals. I used to have a goal section on my bullet journal, but this time, I will have a goal-setting article here on Read.
Before I had this on my mind, the trigger point had been the puzzle on my planner set for this month, June. It feels like God is telling me not to go back to my comfort zone again; else, I will start from scratch. It says:
***Sometimes fate can be as random as a puzzle. The first five things you see are what you will attract this month.***
And the first five that I saw are the following:
***Consistency***
***Routine***
***Success***
***Perfection***
***Structure***
Now, these five are applicable both to my short and long-term goals. Here are my June goals:
Write at least 12 articles.
I am actually planning more than 12 articles. The bolder and more ambitious side of me wanted to write 25 articles, but I have been in a writing slump for a very long time and 25 articles are too much for me. I will just be realistic and just choose at least 12 articles for June.
Make three electronics projects.
I want to make three projects, and if possible, write an article about them. I've been wanting to build more skills and don't have an alibi already to delay this again. I better need to do this efficiently.
Lose at least six pounds
Last month, I lost 4.5 pounds with the help of Chloe Ting and the lettuce I bought from Antoni's colleague. For June, I'm stepping up to losing more, at least six pounds. Going to the fitness gym was my first option, but the expenses frightened me.
Read at least four books.
I had set my Goodreads Reading Challenge to 40 books to read. However, until now, I have only read two books, and it is already half of the year. So I want to start reading the books I bought in Big Bad Wolf. I will start with a fair number, so four books for this month.
Going back to the puzzle, focusing only on the first three, somehow cheered me up and told me that hard work, determination, and perseverance are the key factors in achieving the goals. With consistency, you can create a routine that will lead to success.
That's it for my June 2022 goals. I hope to tick them off, all of them, by the end of the month. I hope my body and mind can keep up with the activities I'm planning to do.
**Previous Articles:**
**May Memory Dump** https://read.cash/@keeneek/may-memory-dump-11047f31
**I Bought a New Phone** https://read.cash/@keeneek/i-bought-a-new-phone-401c9ec5
**April Memory Dump** https://read.cash/@keeneek/april-memory-dump-befb22d6
**Papa Mai's Grill in Iligan City** https://read.cash/@keeneek/papa-mais-grill-in-iligan-city-77e2d404
**Be Fit Again** https://read.cash/@keeneek/be-fit-again-7d4c38fb
**Celebrating Our Twelve Years in a Japanese Restaurant** https://read.cash/@keeneek/celebrating-our-twelve-years-in-a-japanese-restaurant-6ee9003f
Connect with me: Noise • Steemit • Hive • Blurt • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://blurt.blog/@kneelyrac https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
May Memory Dump
My May 2022 was full of food and travels with friends, and I have yet to post these here on Read. I was able to bond with my high school classmates since I went home because of the election. I also had a fun adventure with some of my classmates in college and other schoolmates in college.
So I went to my hometown for the election. I was planning to stay there for a month but I, unexpectedly, had something to do after the election. Now, the first thing that I ate upon arriving in Iligan City was to eat Pater - a Muslim rice dish topped with shredded beef, tuna, or chicken, which is packed in a banana leaf.
The following day, Anthony and I, together with the closest guy classmate in high school, had lunch together in Papa Mai's Grill House. I've been craving their liempo (pork belly) for the longest time. And by the longest time, I mean two years and eight months. Sheim kept on persuading me to eat somewhere with an air conditioner, but my cravings were strong enough to say no to him.
In the evening, Sheim and I ambushed one of our classmates, Hazel. I told him not to mention I am with him, but he insisted on telling her so Hazel will have a sense of urgency. While waiting for Hazel, Sheim called Ella that we were coming. Ella mentioned calling me, but Sheim lied and told her that I didn't respond to his call. By the time we reached Ella's house, I was so excited to meet her two huggable and cute husky and her adorable baby.
Then we went to the cafe near Ella and Hazel's home. Thankful enough that Sheim has a car and is willing to drive us home. We talked about many things while waiting for our order. Just like in the old days, even though we are closer to each other, we still talk like we are 10 meters apart. Anyway, we ordered chicken with fries, and I paired it with Matcha Frappe. It was heavenly!
Aside from the food that I want to eat, I had been yearning to visit Paseo de Santiago, Timoga Cold Spring, and Tinago Falls. Everything was spontaneous. Hazel and one of our classmates, Ayen Yu, accompanied me to Paseo de Santiago. I was hoping to have an all-out dinner with them, but I had a meet-up with my team leader beforehand, and the supposed to be a snack, turned into an early dinner. And so, I only had three pieces of barbecue in Paseo de Santiago. And we did some catching up for three hours, and it was still not enough.
As mentioned, I also wanted to go to Timoga Cold Spring and Tinago Falls. And with that, Antoni and I went to Timoga at 7:00 AM to avoid the crowd. I wanted to go to Mimars because of the river (sapa), but Antoni wanted to swim in the Olympic size pool and jump on the jumping board of Dela Mar. I said yes to him since I'll be back in Iligan City in July. An hour later, Hazel arrived and we went to the 16-ft pool.
After Timoga, she called some of our classmates to meet us in Linamon. It was just a sudden decision of mine that we should go to Tinago Falls - Timoga was already crowded at 10:00 AM. And for more than two years, the same in Timoga, I have finally witnessed the majestic hidden gem of Iligan City; hence the name Tinago (hidden). Two of my classmates went with us, Ayen Yu and Abeth with his husband, my batchmate (officer) in ROTC.
The fun didn't stop in Tinago Falls, since we went to the private beach of Ayen's family and then filled our stomachs at her Uncle's restaurant - Bario Canton. Ah, the place is filled with our high school memories. I was able to eat again their Lomi and lumpia shanghai, and also, the well-known Buko Pie of Linamon. We ended our day strolling on the longest boardwalk in the region at Kauswagan - and that's where I live.
My parents arrived on the day of the election. They bought lots of mango from Zamboanga del Sur since Lolo's mangoes aren't ripe yet. And I had a feast with the mango plus the cassava cake they bought as well. Even though mango and cassava trigger my asthma, I still ate a lot, especially mangoes. Like, where can I find a mango as cheap as 25 PHP per kilo here in Cavite? Also, I realized my sisters and I are such good eaters. I'd love to eat with them in an unlimited buffet restaurant. I tell you, we have the same appetite, even the youngest. All thanks to father dear. Haha
After filling our stomachs, we went to the precinct and waited for two hours to cast our vote. Papa and I have the same precinct, second sis and Mama are also in the same precinct, and the third one has a different precinct. Nana (grandma) cast her vote early in the morning.
Since I'm a spoiled granddaughter, I requested her to cook a latik na saging (sweetened banana with coconut milk). She cooked it while Auntie Tina, the masseuse, massaged my extremely stiff body. Mama also cooked Spaghetti and Nilat-ang Baboy (Boiled Pork Soup).
When I went back to Cavite, I had spontaneous hiking in Mt. Batulao, with Anthony, some of our classmates and juniors in college, and then his colleague. It was exhausting but fulfilling. The panoramic view covered in lush green was breathtakingly beautiful. I was so proud of myself that my asthma didn't trigger from the 3.5-hour ascending hike and another 3-hour descending hike.
Antoni and I celebrated our 12 years in a relationship with the Lomi of Batangas. It was pouring on that day, so we decided to reschedule the dine out for the weekend in Manila. However, another spontaneous decision was made I told him we should have dinner in Ippon Yari, a Japanese restaurant in Dasmariñas City.
Lastly, I am so proud I'm back to exercising. Day 1 was hiking at Mt. Batulao, and until now, I've been doing it. I have already lost more than 2 kg, and it's already an achievement. I also have been eating green salad and strictly following 16:8 intermittent fasting.
As always, I still have a lot to share. It was definitely a jam-packed May 2022. I am grateful for all the blessings - my family, friends, my love, my career. May is a breather, and it also springs with a new beginning, a new journey for me.
Since I've been into this Memory Dump thing, I decided to create my own community for this kind of content.
**May Articles:**
**I Bought a New Phone** https://read.cash/@keeneek/i-bought-a-new-phone-401c9ec5
**April Memory Dump** https://read.cash/@keeneek/april-memory-dump-befb22d6
**Papa Mai's Grill in Iligan City** https://read.cash/@keeneek/papa-mais-grill-in-iligan-city-77e2d404
**Be Fit Again** https://read.cash/@keeneek/be-fit-again-7d4c38fb
**Celebrating Our Twelve Years in a Japanese Restaurant** https://read.cash/@keeneek/celebrating-our-twelve-years-in-a-japanese-restaurant-6ee9003f
Connect with me: Noise • Steemit • Hive • Blurt • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://blurt.blog/@kneelyrac https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
Celebrating Our Twelve Years in a Japanese Restaurant
Anthony and I celebrated our twelve years last May 16. We were supposed to go out on that day, but it rained so hard that we decided to postpone our dinner. Since we will be going to his Aunt's place on the weekend, I suggested maybe we should have our post-dinner celebration there. We decided to order in Foodpanda the Lomi Batangas just to have something to eat on our anniversary. However, his schedule was getting hectic that week, and we might not be able to go on the weekend.
On Friday, May 20, while I was on my way to Bacoor for some errands, I messaged him if we can have dinner in a Japanese restaurant. It was a spontaneous decision and the weather was fine at that time, so he said yes. A few hours later, it started pouring. I was in the mall waiting for the rain to stop. Thankfully, the rain slowly settled down, and our dinner was pushed through.
We dined in Ippon Yari Japanese Restaurant located in First Cavite Industrial Estate (FCIE), Dasmariñas, Cavite. It was already my fifth time eating there and has always been full of customers, but not crowded, though.
Upon entering, the staff greeted us in Japanese. They were synchronized in greeting and welcoming their customers 'Irasshaimase'. Then the staff led us to a table good for two. There are tables also wherein you will sit like how Japanese people sit, but these tables are good for reservation only. There are also seat available where you can freely watch the chef cook the orders. The restaurant is giving off a Japanese vibe. It would've been better if we were able to reserve a table for us. And I'd like to add that their comfort room is clean and has an automated toilet bowl.
Each table has already a menu on it. Anthony let me choose our food. I ordered Chashumen, California maki, and Matcha lemonade for myself. As for Anthony, I ordered Chashumen, as well, and gyoza as an add-on then paired it with a yellow mango shake. On the menu, they offer green and yellow mango shake. I'm curious about the taste of the green mango shake, maybe next time I will order it. Also, I was close to ordering a rice bowl. It was 7:30 PM, and I'm starving from the errands I did. Luckily, I was able to control myself.
While waiting for our orders, they gave us an appetizer and a complimentary green tea. The appetizer is steamed potatoes and bacon - I am unsure about the second one though, but the texture was soft and meaty. After 15 minutes, our orders arrived.
In every Japanese restaurant, I always order Tonkotsu ramen. My first time eating in Ippon Yari, I ordered their Tonkotsu ramen, but I discovered Chashumen (Chasu Ramen) the second time courtesy of Anthony. He went there with his colleagues and noticed that one of them has a bowl full of meat. Chashu in Japanese is braised pork belly. The ramen is composed of eight slices of pork belly—thick but tender and soft that it felt like it melted in my mouth as I chew them. Aside from the meat, it has mushrooms, seaweed, and onion. On the table, there are the condiments you can add to the ramen like pepper and garlic powder. The soup is rich in flavor, so it was already okay with me not to add some condiments.
California maki was really good. I could easily devour the eight pieces, but of course, I gave Antoni some, three pieces. Their gyoza is his favorite. It's flavorful, as well. The filling has green on it, so I'm not sure what is it. But it was definitely tasty, especially when dipped in their sauce.
As for my drinks, well, I'm a lover of Matcha, hence a biased comment. So yes, it was delish! I can taste both the Matcha and the lemon. For a Matcha lover like me, it's a must to try the Matcha lemonade.
For this dinner, we spent a total of 1,395 PHP (approx. 26.66 USD). I've been to different Japanese Restaurants, and Ippon Yari is one of my favorites. I will surely go back there and try their other menu.
It was a post-celebration of our twelve years. We talked before the food was served and after we ate. We don't talk when we eat, I'm not sure if it's weird, but it's okay for me since I want to focus on the blessing on the table. Our usual conversation is all about our day, what happened or the plans, and so on. Nothing fancy happened since I'm not into surprises in the first place. We just ate and had a happy tummy.
**Other May Articles:**
**I Bought a New Phone** https://read.cash/@keeneek/i-bought-a-new-phone-401c9ec5
**April Memory Dump** https://read.cash/@keeneek/april-memory-dump-befb22d6
**Papa Mai's Grill in Iligan City** https://read.cash/@keeneek/papa-mais-grill-in-iligan-city-77e2d404
**Be Fit Again** https://read.cash/@keeneek/be-fit-again-7d4c38fb
Connect with me: Noise • Steemit • Hive • Blurt • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://blurt.blog/@kneelyrac https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
Be Fit Again
I've been telling myself for a long while already that I need to be back in shape and be fit again. However, the procrastinator in me was quite too strong for my determined self to overcome. I had many excuses like I need to study, I am busy, and this and that.
And now, one of my close friends in college asked me if I can be a bridesmaid to her wedding on July, this year. Honestly speaking, I am not much a fan of attending a wedding and most especially, be part of an entourage. Don't get me wrong; I like wedding, but wearing fancy clothes or gown is really not my thing. But since she's my twinnie (we share the same birthdate and frequency), I said yes to her.
I was planning to give her my measurements when I lose weight already, but she wanted to complete the requirements needed before the start of the review class for the board exam. You know what I did? I adjusted all my measurements. Yes, all of them--from neck to foot. That being said, I must adjust to the gown, not the gown will adjust for me. So I was able to drag my ass out of the bed and start working out and do intermittent fasting seriously because of what I did.
I started the Balik Alindog Program when Antoni joined me to a trekking activity in Batangas. It was my Day 1, to go on a trekking for 7 hours. It was a spontaneous trip and I was not prepared to do that. I even went to the mall to buy something to wear the night before the trip. I even forgot to buy medicine, so I brought my nebulizer instead. Thankfully, I survived without taking my inhaler.
The next day, I decided to have a rest. My whole body was sore and my legs were wobbly. While resting, I tried looking for a fitness gym near my apartment. I found one, asked questions to their Messenger, and then, I was determined to start the following day. Then I realized, I didn't have a decent training shoes to wear. I'm afraid that my 5-year-old Reebok shoes will give up on me in the middle of doing the program. I can't afford to buy a new one and then pay for membership fee with coach. And Chloe Ting saved the day.
I am done with my Week 1. So far, the result is not that clearly visible, but I did lose 1.5 kg. While working out, I am doing the 16:8 IF, meaning 16 hours fasting window and 8 hours eating window. I even bought lettuce and mushroom from the older brother of my previous colleague, which I bought for a total of 280 PHP (230 PHP for the lettuce and 50 PHP for the mushroom).
Here are some of the food that I prepare:
Toasted wheat bread with egg and the other one is topped with cream cheese. Both had been added with Strawberry syrup, and then I paired it with a calamansi juice with basil seeds.
I bought two variants of lettuce and mushroom, as well. It was tempting to have a samgyupsal but yeah, it's lettuce with mayonnaise and banana ketchup won over.
Lettuce with tomatoes, egg, and almonds. The dressing was a mixture of apple cider vinegar, pepper and salt, garlic, strawberry syrup, and a little bit of water. ACV was pretty strong so I had to add syrup and water to neutralize the taste. I paired this with the Keto drink I bought online.
Aside from Almonds, I also bought online cranberries and pistachio for my rolled oats. I intend to use almond milk instead of fresh milk. It will prevent me from transforming into a goat. Hehe.
For drinks, I make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water, and the two are mixed with a spoonful of apple cider vinegar. If I'm not in the mood for an ACV, I drink green tea to close my appetite.
Hopefully, I will survive until I reach my goal. But even if I reach my goal, I'm planning to continue what I've started. This is not just how to look good, but it is also how you feel good about yourself. And it is what I've been missing for these past few years.
I was supposed to post this on Monday, but I got busied with packing and transferring my things from my previous apartment to the new house. The end of the contract is still on July 25, this year. But I decided to start transferring my things this May because I'll be in Cebu in June to get my things there and then in Lanao del Norte in July to attend the wedding of my classmate in college, and also, I will be in Zamboanga del Sur to visit my grandfather.
Before I end this article, I'd like to say thank you to @Jijisaur for renewing the sponsorship. I have been inactive for almost two months, but she still decided to renew the sponsorship. Thank you, Jiji!
Connect with me: Noise • Steemit • Hive • Blurt • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://blurt.blog/@kneelyrac https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
Papa Mai's Grill in Iligan City
I studied and worked in Iligan City for almost a decade, but I was able to taste the liempo of Papa Mai's Grill probably a month or two before I flew to Cebu City for my board exam review. My friend, Glen, was surprised to know I haven't eaten there. He was passionate about convincing me and my boyfriend that the two rides from the university were all worth it because the liempo was delectable. And so, we had our dinner in the liempo house.
When he asked me if I'll have double rice, I immediately responded one only. He laughed at me since he knew I'm a big eater, and then he told me that he was pretty sure I need extra rice. He was right. I added another rice because munching the liempo alone, without rice, felt odd. From one rice, I devoured three.
Before my flight, I was able to eat twice only. I tasted some in Cebu City and even here in Cavite, but my tongue always sought the taste of the liempo in Iligan City. It took me two years and eight months to eat it again. I went home last December 2021, but unfortunately, after three times going there, the store is always closed. When I went back home again, May 4-12, the store was open, finally!
Papa Mai's Grill is situated in Tubod, Iligan City, just a few-minute walk from Robinsons Place. The store is open-air, where you can enjoy the smell of the grilled pork while you wait for the order.
I arrived in Iligan City at past midnight. Morning came, and my high school classmate, Sheim, called me and said, "*Where are you? Have lunch with me, and then treat me.*". He wanted me to treat him in one of the restaurants in Robinsons Place, but my craving was strong, and told him I wanted to eat in Papa Mais. He was hesitant because he liked an airconditioned store - it was noon, no wonder it was hot.
When we arrived, I was ecstatic that it was not yet crowded. The store is not only selling the popular *Liempo* (Lechon Belly), but it also sells grilled *Ilogon* (Pork intestine) and *Atay* (Pork liver, not the cursed word hehe). They also offer soup and other viands. One of the popular viands is the *Papait* - composed of cow or goat innards.
I ordered 1/2 liempo, five rice, and three mountain dew. It's good for the three person, Antoni was with us. Sheim wanted Ilogon and Papait, but sadly, it was unavailable already. The two boys were at the table while I ordered the food. The cashier immediately served the rice and soft drinks.
After that, I went straight to the table and Sheim commented that it was crystal clear that I haven't been in Papa Mai's for a very long time because I didn't go to the grilling area, where I give the number and then have my ordered liempo. I even forgot that there was a free soup (sinigang) and a sauce for the liempo.
I was beyond excited as I watched the staff chop the liempo. I could hear and see how crispy the skin was and how juicy the meat was. When eating, it is best paired with the specially made ***Suka ni Papa Mai's*** (sauce/vinegar). Dipping the chopped liempo into the suka is definitely match-made. The spiciness was perfect for my taste, but the chili was given in case of an extra level of spiciness is needed. Though I love ***Suka Pinakurat of Iligan City***, the suka of Papa Mai's is something else, too. Some would even mix the suka with soy sauce and calamansi extract before they dipped the liempo.
Papa Mai's opens from Monday to Sunday from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM. However, it is best to eat there at lunch or have an early dinner to avoid being sold-out. As mentioned, Atay, Papait, and Ilogon were unavailable already and it was still noon at that time.
**Facebook** https://www.facebook.com/PapaMaisGrill
**Instagram** https://www.instagram.com/papamaisgrill/
Connect with me: Noise • Steemit • Hive • Blurt • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://blurt.blog/@kneelyrac https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
April Memory Dump
I know it's late to have this memory dump, but April 2022 is a full-packed month. It almost burned me out, but later on, by God's grace, I was able to stand and calm myself. A lot of things happened this month which is why I have to dump the highlights here.
PAIN
Amid the hectic schedule, my toes had ample time of giving me pain that I don't think I deserve. I'm in my late 20s, but I still hadn't experienced going to a nail salon for a pedicure or manicure. However, it kept on pulsating, so I decided to do it yourself. The result? A wound. With that, I went directly to a nearby salon and asked the manicurist to pull out the ingrown nail. It was swelling, plus there was a wound. She asked me if I can bear the pain, and I said, yes.
COMFORT
I wanted to have a one-month leave (the whole month of April), but of course, I can't. I was feeling down and demotivated - didn't know what to do with myself. Then Antoni asked me if I want to eat something. The first thing that crossed my mind was Wingers of Cebu - an unlimited chicken and chicken set. I was thinking of it but had no plan in eating to avoid sleepiness due to being full. However, my cravings for an unli-chicken felt like the comforting food of the month, so I looked for a nearby unli-chicken store and munched as many chicken wings as I can. When I was back in my apartment, I slept.
DESTRESS
Argine and Ate Syrah, my two housemates in Cebu City, went here to Cavite. I was supposed to wait for them, but since their 9 PM flight got delayed for five hours, I slept. Luckily, Argine remembered how to get here to my apartment. We went to Tagaytay (again) early in the morning with Antoni and his colleagues. After Tagaytay, we went straight to Manila because Mark (team lead from Iligan City) and I had a meet-up with some of our colleagues.
CHANCE
After 2 years, 1 month, and 1 day, I finally meet my colleagues. As usual, I was quiet and awkward. We ate in Miyazaki Restaurant in Alabang and played Charade. Then we had our dessert and coffee in Farmery Deli-Resto Molito. The get-together lasted for three hours and then we parted ways. The PH Director wanted to tour Mark and I in Alabang Town Center, but my stomach was in chaos already. So we rescheduled it for the next day in Ayala Greenbelt. And this was when Ate Syrah had an impromptu partial interview with the company's PH Director.
REWARD
Before April ended, I decided to buy a phone. I was torn between iPhone 13 Pro or Samsung S22+, but since I'm planning to get more serious in the cryptoverse, I chose the latter. It took me a year (or maybe more than a year) to convince myself to buy a new one. My Huawei P10 is still usable, but the camera quality is not the same as before. And because I wanted to be more active*—*not only here on READ, but also in **HIVE**, **STEEMIT**, and **BLURT***—*I decided that it's time to have a phone with a decent camera. Mirrorless camera was an option, but smartphone is more convenient (*convinced by Antoni*).
GRATEFUL
Lastly, I ended April with a grateful heart. I went to Baclaran Church with Ate Syrah*—her first time.* Everything I went through was all worth it. Praise, God Almighty!
I still have a lot to share but these are all enough for me to remember what I've been through and happened in April 2022.
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I Bought a New Phone
I've been away for almost a month. I had drafted six (6) articles but never had the will to finish and post them. I had gone to different churches, places, and restaurants, and met my colleagues for the very first time, but I didn't have enough decent photos. Why? Well, my phone shut down every time I use the camera. And it easily heats up, especially when the weather is too hot. Well, I can't blame my phone. My Huawei P10 has been with me for five years already. Plus I'm a lazy potato when it comes to deleting and transferring photos.
Last December 2021, I received an unexpected bonus which made me realize maybe I should get a new one. I started checking the camera features and qualities of the iPhone 13 Pro and lastly, checked the price. However, I was planning to fix the kitchen and comfort room of our house, so I decided to postpone it for the meantime. It was postponed thrice, until such time I decided to buy a battery for my P10 instead. I had already changed its battery, so I'm thinking of replacing it again - three digits versus five digits.
For four months, I wasn't able to buy a new battery. I was so busy that it slipped through my mind. From the phone, I decided maybe I should buy a secondhand Fujifilm camera for blogging purposes. I asked for assistance regarding the markdown price, but the majority said no.
Last week of April, a spontaneous decision was made. Mark, my colleague, went to Manila for our first-ever get-together with the other members of the team. I already knew he bought a new phone two weeks prior to the said meet-up. After the event, he kept on telling me the camera features of his phone - his goal is to budol me. And I admit, I was impressed by the camera quality.
The next day, after the second meet-up with the PH Director, I bought a new phone - Samsung S22+. S22 size is good enough for me, except for the battery, while S22 Ultra is too big for me and its design is not compatible with my taste. With that, I had second thoughts on S22+ since it is also big enough to my liking, and the available color is pink gold only. As much as I want to buy iPhone 13 Pro, when I think of the price, Samsung S22+ is cheaper compared to iPhone 13 Pro. And that was the cue point. Also, iOS has too many restrictions, and I guess Android is much more compatible with me.
Camera
S22+ has a triple rear camera system: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, and 10MP 3x telephoto camera. The main camera is good, especially in the daylight, and the colors are vivid already. However, the low-light photo quality is not the best. The sharpness of the photo is lacking, giving it a softer quality; although the grainy part is still tolerable.
Just like the main, the ultrawide camera produces sharp images in daylight and not that crisp in low light. It might be a not-so flashy camera feature these days, telephoto, but I am pretty much impressed with this since my first phone doesn't have this one.
For a selfie, it offers a 10 MP selfie camera, resulting in detailed and sharp shots given that there's enough lighting. In other words, it is not a liar, and I am not happy with it. Okay, kidding aside, it has narrow and wide features, which is good enough for a groupie.
Even with a new phone, I still use my Huawei P10 most of the time - for texting, calling, and especially for crypto purposes.
I'm happy that after a year of convincing myself to buy a phone, I now have a new one. Though it is not the best phone with an outstanding camera features, I am still contented what this s22+ can offer to me, and I've yet to explore some of its features.
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March Memory Dump
It had been a very long March for me - long enough that I want to sleep all day long. But of course, I didn't do that. It feels like a sin to have an 8-long sleep every day with this kind of hectic schedule. Although I reward myself with an 8-10 hour long sleep once a week, hence the reason why I am not active here on Read.
IDENTIFICATION
Since I consider my hometown as my one and true address, I didn't plan on getting a government ID addressed to my current location, which is Cavite. However, the company I'm working with required me to have a primary ID with my current address. The only ID that I think is easy to have is the Postal ID. After three attempts, I was able to have a queuing number.
I had to wake up before six in the morning to prepare since the nearest Post Office was more than 12 km away from my apartment, and I need to commute twice. When I arrived, I was already on the 26th and was called out at past noon.
And after five working days, I have my postal ID already. Ugh! Just like my passport ID, I look awful! The girl who took a photo of me didn't tell me that my hair on the right side was messy. The only photo that I'm feeling pretty was my TIN ID and my previous company ID.
GIFTS
My birthday had already passed and Christmas, as well. But I think Antoni was feeling guilty he hasn't given me gifts straight for two years. I'm okay with not receiving gifts on February 26 and December 25 because he has given me so much more than I can think of.
So when I started complaining about back and butt pain, he kept on telling me to buy a new chair. I'm not much of a giver to myself, and he knows that. And the last thing I know, someone knocked on my front door and gave me a box with a label: Keychron K2. The other one was when he called me to come down to pick up the ergonomic chair.
And now, I planned on buying a 24-in monitor because I'm tired of pressing Alt+Tab all the time on my 14-in laptop. But Antoni wanted me to buy 27-in, and it's too expensive for me. He was indeed a good negotiator: he gave his 27-in monitor to me and bought his dream 34-in monitor. Haha. I can't help but laugh. Our thesis adviser even helped him somehow in convincing me that the 34-in monitor is worth the bucks: "You can open multiple windows at the same time, good when working."
IKEA
It's my second time at IKEA, and it never fails to exhaust me to the nth level. The food there is amazing — delicious and cheap for its quality and quantity — but the structure is built to make you hoard until your legs give up.
I made sure that I wouldn't go to IKEA if I have something else to do, but Antoni's Mommy (his Mom's sister) came to Manila and asked us to visit her. It was all of a sudden. He just messaged me to prepare my things since we will go to Malate. I still had so many things to do, but at the strike of 5:00 PM, I immediately prepared my stuff and shut down my laptop.
We dined in Mang Inasal. Antoni mentioned to his Mommy that I've been wanting to eat there since my last dining in Mang Inasal was more than six months already. They all had one rice, but this girl ate more.
The next day, we went to IKEA, had a Swedish kind of breakfast, and then roamed the whole building. After that leg-breaking IKEA moment, we rested for 4 hours only, and then we went to Robinsons Manila to buy something again and then eat.
Since his Mommy is an engineer in the US and has been in a work from home setup, she was working in the evening. With that, there's still food even after dinner. For one day and two nights, I gained weight. How is that even possible?
CHURCH VISIT
I'm not a Roman Catholic, but my grandmother is a devoted Catholic. Whenever my mother was not around, my Nana would bring me to a Catholic church. I was already 8 years old when I started going to UCCP with my mother.
Because of that, when I can't see the nearest UCCP church around my place, I always go to the Catholic. And with every Catholic church I visited, I make sure to buy a rosary for my grandmother, if there is any. I have already given her a blessed rosary to some of the churches like Sto. Nino Church, Cebu and Baclayon Church, Bohol. This time, I have with me a glow-in-the-dark rosary from the Parish of Saint Padre Pio and 500 mL of Holy Water.
I immediately messaged my sister to tell Nana that I am currently in the church and have a rosary and Holy Water for her. I also sent pictures, so my Nana can see them, too. I told this to my housemates in Cebu since both are Catholic. I asked them if they wanted a Holy Water from Padre Pio Shrine and said yes.
These are my March highlights. I decided not to include some since they are work-related, but there are also some that is not work-related and they stress me out. Even though March tired me out, I still have so many things to be grateful - work is included, of course!
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Last Conference I Attended with an Unexpected Stopover in Claveria
The HR of my previous job sent a message in our previous group chat on Messenger saying our project leader is about to retire this month. Well, the ceremony happened on March 25, 2022. We were asked to send a video, but I'm too shy to send one since it will be played in the amphitheater with professors and university staff present.
Before Sir A became my boss, he had been my professor in one of my subjects: Strength of Materials. I remember he would pair us by twos and have some exchange of pick-up lines. If he liked the first exchange, he would then ask for more.
Anyway, I'm not going to talk about the pick-up lines or the retirement.
Related Posts:
Places I’ve Been to on My First Job https://read.cash/@keeneek/places-ive-been-to-on-my-first-job-a7dc50ac
Fieldwork Experiences in Different Municipalities of Northern Mindanao https://read.cash/@keeneek/fieldwork-experiences-in-different-municipalities-of-northern-mindanao-f583353c
The last six months of my second job were exhausting. I had to do overnight twice to thrice a week then overtime every day to submit the deliverables before the project ends in July 2019. Then, we were pulled out to help the field team and then some series of training for the LGU, professors, and bachelor and master's students. Aside from that, there's this conference again.
The venue was in Butuan City again since the head university of this project is located there. It's a long drive from Iligan City, and we departed at around 8:30 AM. Given that there's no traffic, travel time will not go beyond six (6) hours, from Iligan City to Butuan City (almost 300 km).
Claveria
From Iligan City, we traveled two hours to arrive in Cagayan de Oro City. We stopped somewhere in Claveria to have lunch in an eatery. Going to Butuan City, the fastest route is via Claveria, since it's a mountain diversion road.
After we had filled our stomachs, we then started traveling. Thirty minutes had passed, my stomach was in chaos. I had to ask the driver for the nearest spot with a decent comfort room, and he responded that it was about 30 minutes of travel time. Our driver tried to lessen the travel time, and he stopped by Claveria View Deck.
I was rushing, almost running, to the comfort room, when my eyes were captivated by the beauty of the garden. At that time, it was not in its hundred percent full bloom since the View Deck had recently opened. The flowers were the first to welcome me, making me forget my initial plan. I had to take pictures first before I ran to the comfort room.
After the storm had settled down, I was able to enjoy the panoramic view of mountains and terrains. It was relaxing and refreshing to the eyes. Everything is green. The scenic greenery was the much-needed stopover after a long drive. I also continued roaming around the garden - it was indeed beautiful. I was able to see my favorite flower - the sunflower.
Since it was just a spontaneous stopover, after taking pictures here and there and making sure I'm done with my business, we went back to the van, and then, we hit the road again.
Butuan City
It was another long drive to arrive at our destination. Because of some unforeseen events, we had to rush in preparing our booth. We had a night to fix and prepare everything and also, to practice our dance presentation for the fellowship night.
The proper conference was the next day, the whole day. It was a formal event, wherein girls were required to wear a Filipiniana and the boys in Barong Tagalog. I can't imagine myself wearing one, so I opted to wear the modern version. I wore a black corset (from Ukay), a Barong, and a long black skirt. I then paired it with my sparkling heels from Ukay (thrift shop), again.
And in the evening, we had the fellowship event. It was a party with good food, presentations, games, and some light drinks. We also had some talks, more like an advance farewell to the team since it was June at that time, and the project ended in July of the same year.
We were supposed to have a trip together with the other teams from a different university. However, our team decided to have our own project-ender getaway in Sohoton and Siargao. We woke up in the wee hours since our departure time was around 4:00 AM.
I'll write the trip some other time.
When we were on our way to Iligan City, we stopped again in Claveria View Deck. It was around 4:00 PM, and the place was chilly and foggy. Our driver was extra careful because of zero visibility. We then decided to open the van's window and enjoy the cold breeze touching our faces and skin.
Now that the View Deck has been well-maintained and upgraded, as well, I would like to go visit it again. Instead of a stopover, it'll be my main destination.
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Overnight Camping in Taptap, Cebu City
I lived in Cebu City for more than two years. However, because of the ongoing pandemic, I have yet to visit the Queen City of the South. Beautiful mountains, stunning waterfalls, and pristine beaches await you in Cebu, which is famed for its rising tourism. Even when the quarantine and lockdown have been lifted, and tourism is back on track, I still wasn't able to explore much to my dismay. However, I'm still lucky enough to experience and visit some of the beautiful places in Cebu City.
My previous colleague and housemate, Argine, invited me to Taptap. She knew I hadn't explored Cebu City, so she wanted me to come with her. It's overnight camping with her coworkers, which means I'm an outsider - her plus one.
We went to their office first to get the food and other items we needed for the camping trip before heading out to the campsite. Then it was off to Taptap Camping Site, which was about an hour away from Business Park, Cebu City.
There was no trekking or short hikes as it was right next to the highway. When I got out of the car, a breeze welcomed us. It's been so cold for the first time in a long time, and the wind that caresses my skin feels lively. When I stepped into the decks and containers, I had to be fascinated by the greenery. The view alone was relaxing and refreshing. You can only see the panoramic view of the countryside. The cityscape was hidden behind the mountains. However, some of them are huge towering structures that can be seen from a distance.
The deck was spacious, even two large tents can still fit on the deck. However, neither of us brought a tent, so the ten of us fitted in the two large compartments that serve as the bedroom. However, the other container, which was supposed to be a double room, will be a storage room. And the comfort room was located downstairs, at the back.
After several minutes of entrancing the magnificence of nature, it was time to prepare lunch. It was rather gloomy. Everyone was busy with the food preparation before it starts raining. Luckily, a few minutes later, the sun was out from the clouds - from gloomy to a summery day.
We had our lunch at past 2:00 PM. We had shrimp, stuffed squid, pork liempo, siomai (a popular food in Tisa), ngohiong, and roasted chicken. Some of the food was saved for dinner. After the sumptuous meal, everyone spread out and started doing things. Since I'm not a very social person, I went into the container and grabbed my book. I read until I fell asleep. When I woke up, it was already sunset, and everyone was outside, waiting for the golden moment while playing card games.
They invited me to play cards. Unfortunately, I only know Solitaire and 'Unggoya' (pair of cards). That's when they decided to change the game to Exploding Kitten. I'm not a fan of card games, but this one becomes one of the exceptions. I was the first blood for the first three rounds. You could tell I was still getting used to the game. But in the fourth game, I won. I used some of my brain cells to develop strategies for each of my moves. From Exploding Kitten, we then played the Imploding Kittens. The game got more exciting and difficult, and I didn't want it to end. The game goes on, and the darker the sky gets, the colder it gets. Every time the game was over, I'd go back to the container to put on my jacket first. Then the socks. And finally, I had to swap my shorts for jogging pants.
While we were playing, some were preparing our dinner. The game was put on hold when it was dinnertime already. Hot soup was served for the cold and breezy night. Since there was Kimchi, meat, and lettuce available, I decided to have a samgyupsal dinner. After digging in, we immediately continued the game, while others played Charade, a guessing game. We went on for an hour then they decided to have some chitchat and booze. This time, I didn't join the fun. I just lie down and star gazed. An hour late, I went inside the container to sleep.
I woke up early and waited for the hues of oranges to spread in the sky. Though the weather was being uncooperative, we were able to witness a breathtaking view with an orchestra of nature and the cool breeze caressing our faces. We watched the magical hour full of wows. It was a perfect moment to pause and just enjoy the moment. As the sun came out, we all savored its gentle warmth blended with the refreshing air.
It was almost 7:00 AM when everyone decided to prepare breakfast. As the sun rose higher, the heat intensified. The huge umbrella was not enough. For this reason, we had to transfer below the deck. There was enough space where we can cook, place the tables, and even lie down. While waiting for the other food, some of us played charade. We played by teams with categories: Disney Characters, Disney movies, and the Animal Kingdom. The game ended when breakfast was ready.
It was around noon when we decided to go home already. How I wish I could spend another night in Taptap. All things considered, it was a fun weekend experience at the mountain.
It was an efficient way to reset my body clock. I hope to have an overnight stay either in the mountain or at the beach to take a pause and reset.
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Spilled the Blackout Moments
Okay, this will be a long blog. I decided to be a little bit detailed so I can again read this when I want to remember how thirsty I was back then. Hehe. Now before I read this prompt by @meitanteikudo , I messaged one of my co-dancers that I want to get wasted again, with them. I never had a chance to because my mom demanded to go home after dance practice. Since I'm a big girl already, I can now drink with them, anytime and anywhere. haha
When and what was your first alcoholic drink?
I'm a province girl, from Lanao del Norte. In the province, Tuba (coconut wine) and Lambanog (coconut vodka) are abundant. I used to drink it when I was still in grade school, can't remember the exact age. But if I'm not mistaken, I was in my early nine years.
I lived in an area both near to mountains and the sea. Some of my grandma's (mother's side) siblings lived near the beach. It's a ten-minute walk from our home. Every weekend, we went there to have a good swim, while the oldies were drinking either Tuba, Lambanog, Tanduay, Fighter wine, or Vino Kulafu.
We were only allowed to drink Tuba up to three glasses. We had this one Nanay, grandma's younger sister, who's very cool and chill. She's asthmatic but Tanduay is her water. She would say, "Oh, Keen! Sulayi ning Tuba. Mura rag Royal." She said I should try drinking the Tuba since it tastes like a Royal, a soft drink. I would drink it in one gulp and ask for another one. As mentioned, I was allowed to drink up to three glasses only. But Nanay would secretly hand me and my cousin one or two glasses of Tuba or Lambanog.
When was the first time you got drunk?
My father has this so-called herbal drink. He is not into vitamins and supplements. He's more focused on what he eats and drinks. When he arrived home from Zamboanga City, where he worked, he brought ginseng. He planted most of them, but the biggest and oldest one was thoroughly washed and then put into a big glass container. He then poured bottles of Fighter wine until the massive glass container was filled.
So my father stored it. After how many months, he came home again, and that's when he started drinking one small glass every night. He said it is a herbal drink and offered me to drink one. Even my mom told me to drink it for my asthma. I said no, of course.
I was in Grade 6 at that time, going 11 years old, when I had an asthma attack. My father wasn't around and there was no pharmacy in my hometown. My grandma went to the nearby municipality, but it was out of stock, so she had to travel to Iligan City, 45 to 60 mins of travel time.
I was gasping for air already when I remembered my father's so-called herbal drink. I asked my mother if I could drink one glass of Papa's herbal drink. She said yes but warned me that it was too strong for me. I didn't bother to care - I immediately drank it. IT WAS HORRIBLE. My mouth down to my esophagus was burning. I thought my digestive system at that time was burning. Everything went hazy. I went straight to my bedroom and the next thing I know, it was already evening. I fell asleep the moment I lie down in bed. I woke with only half of my body on the bed. My asthma was gone, by the way.
What's the most stupid or craziest thing you did under the influence?
My high school was for keeps. In senior years, we were only 16 students-2 boys and 14 girls. Three of them I considered best friends: a lesbian, a jumping kangaroo, and the gorgeous. These two crazies and one beauty are the reason why my last year in high school was extra fun.
Beauty is my first best friend, who does the laughing and takes care of us. Kangaroo is the second but was my all-time partner in crime in high school. Lesbian is my first classmate, in kindergarten and my partner's in crime in college.
We've been doing bets since junior years. My allowance at that time was 30 PHP only, including the fare. Since I didn't have money, I strived hard not to be the loser. In our senior years, we had extra time to have some fun. I was the school's president, and yet I was not a role model. I even experienced attending my afternoon Chemistry class tipsy, but enough to grasp the lesson. It was easy for us to go out of school because of our research.
When we successfully passed our research defense, we decided to have some fun. The whole batch decided to go to Timoga Spring Pools after lunch. We invited some of our previous classmates, the Three Musketeers. (Yes, we call them that.) We had our early celebration in Beauty's house. Beauty's father was the most chill. He gave us Tanduay as a token for a job well done in passing the research. He even bought more for us to bring in our swimming session in Timoga.
K and I went to B's house at 9:00 AM. I was allowed to go out early because I told my mother that I'll be at B's house, and then in the afternoon, we will go to Timoga. She said yes but I must go home early, at exactly 5:00 PM. K and I immediately started our session. She had a curfew imposed by her three older brothers (youngest and the unica hija). The bet was the one who will get drunk first will pay 200 PHP. Aside from being competitive, I didn't have money to pay, so I must win this bet.
I already forgot the names of the drink, so I did the research. And these were the mestizas we drank: Choco Bomb and Boracay. After finishing these two, we headed to Timoga, bringing along the two Tanduay long neck with us. B was there to laugh at our craziness. We had another set of Choco Bomb until L arrived. Our classmates had their drinking sessions. K and I didn't bother to care. Yes, we were tipsy already until we were drunk.
The last thing I remember was my Nana was in front of me - angry. It was already 5 PM, and she went to B's house to fetch me. Hahaha
For the succeeding days, I slowly remembered all the things that I did. These are some:
K and I were so drunk. K was talking and laughing at the bottle, while I drank the half bottle of Tanduay without a chaser.
I was so sad that I didn't have money to buy a Tanduay, so I jumped into the cold pool, swimming like a frog, just to forget my "sadness." Everyone was laughing at me because I got stuck. In Physics, we call that zero velocity: has speed but no displacement.
My classmates were amazed that my hearing was still keen on the word "Picture." I emerged from the water and take a pose. I was 2 meters away from them. It looks like I'm a photo bomber. Or, a mushroom.
**The craziest thing I did on that day:**
I went to the other table full of boys because their music was cool, I can't help but to join the fun. So I went up to their table and danced. I was so close to ripping off my white shirt because I was in my 100% performance level. Luckily, our two boys dragged me back to our table. Well, before that, I left something in their area. Uh-huh. Yes, that it. You know what it is.
Because of that, everyone decided to go home already. We had two boys in our batch. The youngest in the batch was assigned to K. The other one was in charge of me. They decided to let us walk, so we had time to sober up. But I kept on running so my classmate decided to piggyback me. I stayed in the store of B's Aunt, which is along the highway. She was struggling because I wanted to take off my shirt - it was hot on my end. Uncle, B's father, brought a fan when he heard it.
The winner? No one. We both got drunk at the same. Guess the two of us are both competitive.
That was my first and last maoy (wasted) moments. In my college days, I only got drunk once, in my freshmen days. Then I started drinking again when I was working already. I get drunk, but never wasted. But I do want to experience it again.
Now if there's someone I would like to get drunk with, I will invite these three ladies:
@itsmeCguro because judging from our comments exchanges we had, I think our personalities clicked. She's cool! @crimsonowlkk since we ~~love~~ worship Gojou. And also @Hanzell , since we, including crimson, like cute bois and bois with husky and low-frequency voice. Such an eargasm.
That's it I guess. I've been intro cryptoblogging platform for five years, and my good girl reputation in the crypto-verse is tainted already. Hehe. I'd like to add more but I think I overshare again.
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Fieldwork Experiences in Different Municipalities of Northern Mindanao
My first and second job is the same—a research project under the data processing team. The first project was a 5-year project, which I happened to be hired the last year. The second one was a 2-year project focusing only on the different regions of Mindanao.
However, the travels I had on the first project were full of the conference and a side trip. For the second job, I only had a conference once, right before the project ended. Although, I was able to travel to different municipalities of Northern Mindanao because of fieldwork.
As mentioned, I was under the Data Processing Tea. However, our team was pulled out from the office work to help the field survey team; although the major fieldwork was done by the FST.
In this case, I was able to experience working in a field. The funny thing that happened was, they paired me to our head chief. *Hahahuhu*. Luckily, Sir D was cool. He would even tell me to take a pose, and he can take a picture of me.
We were sent out to week-long fieldwork twice. Expenses were all paid by the project and the LGU. After the exhausting week, we were able to roam around the municipality and visit resorts and the food market.
This is part two of my travel experiences as a researcher. For the first job, you can read my previous article: ****Places I’ve Been to on My First Job********.**** https://read.cash/@keeneek/places-ive-been-to-on-my-first-job-a7dc50ac
Here are the places I've been to during my fieldwork experience:
**KAUSWAGAN**
Okay, I shouldn't include this one since it is where my hometown is located. But, it's my first fieldwork experience. The main reason why I was paired with our chief is I live in the area. It was two-day fieldwork, but after three weeks, we were sent back again to gather more data. I was able to go to the places in my hometown that I feel like I haven't gone to.
Before heading to our designated location, we had our courtesy call to the Municipal Hall, and then off we go. Since I was assigned to my hometown, it was awkward for me. There was a time Sir D asked me where the pin is located, and I just answered, let's ask someone, sir. And that someone is my mother.
After that, we headed to the Municipal Hall and then went to the longest boardwalk in the region. We walked for at least 5 mins from the Municipal Hall and then stayed on the boardwalk end for an hour. We watched the beautiful sunset and felt the sea breeze touching our faces. It was a long and tiring 2-day fieldwork, and we all deserved that kind of relaxation.
**ALORAN**
The municipality of Aloran, Misamis Occidental was the second place we went to. We traveled early in the morning since we need to catch the first trip of Ozamis barge, for a faster route. We arrived in Aloran after more than 3 hours of butt-cracking travel. The company rented a van, super spacious, by the way. We had a stop-over in Ozamis for our breakfast, enjoyed the aesthetic view of trees in Clarin. Lastly, we stopped in Oroquieta and enjoyed the park's sea view.
It's a municipality, so we didn't expect to sleep in a resort or a fancy hotel. We stayed in one of the buildings of the elementary school near the Municipal Hall. I can sleep everywhere, so it's not a big deal to me.
After dropping our things, we had a courtesy call, and every team was accompanied by an LGU or someone who's known in the area to guide us.
My first Aloran fieldwork was for keeps. Some points in our map and GPS were located near a river, mini falls, and irrigation. The orchestra of nature was the best part. It was lovely to hear it while walking under the scorching heat of the sun or the shade of towering trees.
While my second one was still fun but more exhausting. Not all of us were sent back to the field because some were chosen to handle training. I was up for new fieldwork because of the allowances. This time around, I was paired with Argine, and we were not accompanied by someone. We had to walk for the whole day - from the main road, barangay road, and even the rice fields.
I even fell because I lose my balance. Thankfully, I secured the GPS and my phone. When we were near our destination, I buried half of my left leg to I-don't-know-what-is-the-name-of-it. Argine was laughing so hard and took a video of it. Someone helped me, and then I was able to cross. It was fun!
In both fieldwork, we ended our day with good food from their food hub. The design was aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, and the food was cheap and delicious.
**CALAMBA**
After the two-day fieldwork in Aloran, we headed straight to Calamba, Misamis Occidental. We only had an hour to rest while on travel. After that, we had a courtesy call again to the municipal hall before 5:00 PM.
We stayed in Sa Bai Bed And Breakfast Hotel for the remaining days of our work. We still have Lopez Jaena and Plaridel. I was roomed with two of the other girls, Argine and Rachel since we're only three in this fieldwork. We decided to have a rest first before having our dinner.
The next day, before we started our fieldwork, we all had gone to Plaridel for the courtesy call. Then the designated team for the municipality started already. From Plaridel to Lopez Jaena, it was half an hour travel time. Since Sir D was the head chief of the project, he needed to be present in the courtesy call before the Lopez Jaena team can start. After that, we went back to Calamba and started working.
It was two-day fieldwork. It was the last municipality and yet my body had started to feel the exhaustion. Walking in the summertime for the whole day was not a good time, but we had to. We didn't walk for the whole day, but the majority were walking.
But even when my legs were about to give up, I was always serenaded by the sound of nature. True enough, nature is the best remedy for exhaustion. We also crossed in a hanging bridge, not sure if it was Toril or Solinog bridge.
PLARIDEL
After week-long fieldwork from different municipalities, the Plaridel LGU offered us to have a staycation in a resort. It was a tempting offer, but Sir D and the DPT supervisor declined the offer since the data need to be simulated. The project was about to end. We were aiming to finish the deliverables weeks or days before the project ends. Else, we will be working without pay.
Since it was still around 3:00 PM when we wrapped things up, we decided to go to Baliangao. The first destination was an old port with a view of mangroves. It was just a quick site-viewing, then we headed to Bless Amore Sunrise Resort. We watched the sunset and stayed there until 7 PM. I decided not to swim because my leg muscles were exhausted from the walking.
When we arrived at the hotel, the girls and the boys decided to have a drink session. It was a mini celebration for a job well done. Though, we girls decided to stay in the room. Even though I liked the idea of drinking outside the room, I didn't want the idea of dragging the two girls one by one into our room.
The next day, we went to Shang's Resort and had a quick dip in their pool. We planned to depart after lunch, so we went early in the morning to enjoy some swimming sessions.
At night, before we call it a day, we need to save and partially simulate the data we gathered.
What we did is just a small fraction of the field team's work, and yet I was already exhausted for a week. I was wearing my thick LiDAR jacket under the scorching heat of the sun, and my sweat was dripping nonstop.
Even so, we were pampered with good food that I ended up devouring much to compensate for the energy I spent for the whole day.
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Places I’ve Been to on My First Job
My initial plan when I graduated from college was to grab the license. The only review center that is in Mindanao is in Davao City, and it will take at least 12 hours from my hometown. The next one is in Cebu City. There is this review center that offers a big discount since I'm from MSU-IIT. But one instructor from a different review center visited our school and had a sample review class. Since then, I decided that I will take my review class wherever that instructor is teaching, and he's assigned in Cebu City.
However, the review was costly - the review payment, the boarding, my food allowance, vitamins, and the bills. My parents can't afford it, so I decided to work first. My salary for 3 months was good enough for my fare and food allowance. I had to commute three times to arrive at the university. I decided to have two part-time jobs, as an article writer, so I can give something to my parents.
After 3 months, I decided to apply for a higher position, and I also applied to a coal power plant and another research project. I was rejected for the other project since one of their requirements was a Master's degree holder, but I was accepted in the other two companies. My supervisor in the research told me I should accept the other job because the salary is higher with incentives, and it's much more related to my course.
It took me a week to decide. I declined the power plant job and chose the researcher job. Even though it was contractual and project-based work, I didn't have regrets that I chose it because I get to travel from different places with a travel allowance. The supervisors and the other higher-ups even went to other countries because of the project.
And now, let me share with you some of the places I've been to because of my previous work.
Siquijor
Siquijor was my first official travel destination. Our team building was held there for four days and three nights. We stayed in Tori's Paradise, where we enjoyed the serenity of the place. For the first and second days, we had the official team-building activities. And on the remaining days, we toured around Siquijor.
These are some of the places that we visited in Siquijor:
**Capilay Spring Park**
**Church of St. Augustine**
**Old Enchanted Balete Tree and Fish Spa**
**Mini Zoo**
**Cambugahay Falls**
**Salagdoong Beach Resort**
**Talingting Boulevard**
**Lazi Church**
One of the highlights was I jumped to a 24-feet high jumping board in Salagdoong. It took me a couple of minutes to jump. After the first leap of faith, I went back to the board and jumped again.
Butuan City
After the team building, I was able to start attending conferences. The first conference I attended was held in our university. We were the host. It somehow became a must that after the three or four-day conference, the remaining days must be to tour the guests around the area.
The second conference I attended was in Butuan City. The university host was extravagant and generous enough in terms of food and venue. It was the time when there was a question and answer portion, and I won a shirt!
It was a five-day-long conference, but on the 4th day, we had a city tour. Butuan City has a rich history that started before the colonial period. With that, we visited different museums and their historical places.
One of the highlights of this conference was I got to meet the supervisor of my supervisor from UP Diliman. She was like, "*Where are Sim's angels? I want to meet them*.". Haha. (There's a story behind it, but I'll just keep my mouth shut up. Hihi) I still call her Ma'am, even though we're good friends now.
Surigao del Sur
On the last day of the conference, we traveled for almost three hours to arrive in Britannia, Surigao del Sur for an island hopping. I got wasted (after how many years, haha) on our last night in Butuan City, where I slept at 2 AM and departure time was 4:00 AM. (*Giggling while writing and remembering those moments!*) I slept in the whole travel, and I didn't throw up in the van. Thank goodness!
**Britannia Group of Islands**
Our first activity was island hopping in the Britannia Group of Islands, which has 24 islets that vary in shapes and sizes. The islets and islands are situated and scattered around Lianga Bay facing the Pacific Ocean. However, we only visited four islands.
**Enchanted River**
After the island hopping, we had our lunch in an Eat-All-You-Can Restaurant. Then we headed to Hinatuan Enchanted River. Travel time lasted for more than an hour. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see the fish feeding because it took us a long while to say goodbye to the delicious food served in the restaurant. But, we were lucky enough to enjoy swimming in the river. Because a few months later, the management restricted swimming in that certain area.
**Tinuy-an Falls**
From the Hinatuan Enchanted River, we traveled for another hour to reach the last destination of the day - the Tinuy-an Falls. It is dubbed the Little Niagra Falls in the Philippines. At that time around, I was exhausted and couldn't force myself to ride in the bamboo raft and have a water massage by the falls.
Zamboanga City
I've been to Zamboanga City since I was a kiddo. I even went to Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. But the memories I have there are not that vivid. So I was delighted that the next conference host where I get to attend was Ateneo de Zamboanga. Again, it was a 5-day long conference with a city tour and island hopping.
In the city, we went to some of the must-visit places:
**Fort Pilar**
**ZSCMST Bird Sanctuary**
**Paseo del Mar**
**Canelar Barter Trade Center**
Also, we were supposed to visit three islands: **Great Santa Cruz Island**, **Little Santa Cruz Island**, and **Malamawi Island** (Basilan). Unfortunately, our team decided not to go to Malamawi Island.
On the brighter side, I enjoyed my whole day on the two islands. We stayed in the Pink Beach of Great Santa Cruz Island and then had a friendly encounter with the stingless jellyfish of Little Santa Cruz Island. Also, a picture with the famous vinta is a must-have when visiting the Zamboanga Peninsula.
All these travels happened in one year. Indeed, my first job is the most memorable job I've had so far. Who would've thought I get to travel all these places for free?
If given a chance that I could get to work on a research project again with my previous colleague, then I would definitely apply again. But the majority move forward and have a different career path already.
Fun fact: One of the supervisors told me that no one should remain skinny after a few months of working. And true enough, I gained weight. Haha.
Soon, I'll write these travels one by one.
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Some Stroke of Bad Luck at Tagaytay
Papa's birthday is February 25, a national holiday, and then followed by my birthday. I wasn't able to greet him because there's no signal in his hometown. I was waiting for Papa and Mama to call me, but they didn't. Also, I was hesitant to celebrate my birthday because my grandpa passed away on February 10. It doesn't feel right to be happy, but I realized, it also doesn't make sense not to be happy and grateful for the gift of life. I know my Lolo will be happy to see me happy.
The initial plan was to cook a Carbonara and buy a cake only. Two days before the sad news, Antoni, Argine, and I had a video call on Messenger. Argine shared something and was sad about this and that. The three of us had been together since LiDAR (previous work) until Cebu days. Argine is the only one who's still in Cebu. With that, Antoni and I told her to come over and celebrate our birthdays together.
February 24 is a holiday in Cebu; February 25 is a national holiday; February 26 and 27 are weekends. So we told her to file a leave on February 28. She immediately said yes - from no plans on birthday to must-have-an-itinerary.
Before I write about my recent Tagaytay getaway, let me share with you first some stroke of luck in Tagaytay.
Standing Position
Since we're from General Trias, we rode a tricycle and then a jeepney to arrive at the bus stop, which is on the Robinsons Pala-Pala. Since it was a national holiday, passengers were swarming and the buses were always full.
Travel time lasted for an hour because of traffic. For the first time, I experienced a standing position in riding a bus in Cavite for the whole travel period. I only had four hours of sleep, so the standing position didn't stop me from sleeping. Yes, I've acquired such skills during my college days.
Walking Uncomfortably
It was already past 1 PM when we arrived, and we were all starving. It took me not more than five steps to feel something happen to my shoes. I wasn't able to check it right away because we were crossing the road. By the time we crossed the road, my left shoe had been like a hungry crocodile, ready to devour his prey.
I didn't know how to feel at first: sad because my 4-year-old Reebok baby is giving up on me or happy because why not? Sometimes, our little misfortunes can lead to laughter.
Antoni went to the nearest convenience store to buy a Mighty Bond, while Patrick went straight to the restaurant for a reservation. Several minutes had passed since Antoni put something on my shoes, still, the sole wouldn't stick. He again checked the label and guess what, he bought a glue remover.
I was thinking of buying a pair of slippers or maybe buying a pair of shoes in Hacienda. But I realized I didn't have a budget for that. My brilliant engineer instructed me to tie the shoelaces around, so my shoes will have support. I was thinking of doing it, but it never occurred to me to use the shoelaces instead.
Right Shoe
We were at the Sky Ranch, strolling around. It was crowded, but we still pushed to go in there. I was hoping I could see the sunset while riding the Ferris Wheel. We still had our next destination so it was just quick fun at the Sky Ranch. We were heading to the exit when I tripped over. And there, the sole of my right shoes opened.
I was so close to crying because I love this pair. Antoni gave this to me on my birthday, in 2018. Also, it's the only pair of rubber shoes that I have. I bought one during Christmas, but I decided to give it to my youngest sister.
Matcha and Espresso
I've been meaning to have coffee with a view. I've been to Tagaytay four times already and I didn't get the chance to go to Starbucks because it's always full of customers. However, Antoni proposed to go to Twin Lakes and have our coffee there.
Twin Lakes has Starbucks. I ordered the Matcha and Espresso fusion because my system needs coffee and I love Matcha. After the picture taking, I ate first the cake I ordered (heavenly delicious) and then drank my Matcha-Espresso. And the three laughed at my face. The taste was horrible, and it smelled like a fish, a strong one. They laughed again because regrets were all written on my face.
I have this habit of finishing the food or drinks I have because throwing or not finishing it feels like I'm throwing my money. However, for this drink, I decided not to finish it.
After chilling in the Twin Lakes, we decided to head home at around 7:00 PM. We waited for more than an hour for the bus to arrive. It was cold and windy, and I was wearing shorts. Before the day ended, I received messages with a series of bad news.
It keeps on coming. It's one of the inevitable of our lives. I didn't want to ruin my already full-of-misfortune day with those messages, so I watched Netflix together with Argine.
The next day, on my birthday, I experienced pain in my right foot. It's tolerable, but enough to make me uncomfortable. I was hoping to go hiking with Argine and Anthony but decided to postpone it. Plus I need to have a new pair of shoes. Anthony offered to buy me one as his gift, but I declined the tempting offer. This time I'll buy shoes with my money.
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February 2022 Memory Dump
Since I posted my **January Memory Dump**, it's a must to do this every month. Initially, I wanted to write first all the things I did and felt in my birth month. Yes, February is my birth month. I was expecting to have a happy February, but the coin flipped in an instant. https://read.cash/@keeneek/january-2022-memory-dump-ec51397f
If January was exhausting and fulfilling, February was a month of heartache. Until now, it has been hard to accept that one of my loved ones is gone. Aside from that, family problems kept on piling up and I just want to explode, to scream.
Okay, I'm about to cry already.
Lolo
February caught me off guard. I didn't expect it to turn this way. My sweet grandpa (Father's side) wasn't able to wait for me. I was in the middle of a zoom meeting when Mama and my sisters kept on calling and messaging nonstop. After reading that one message, I turned off the zoom camera and started crying until I fell asleep at dawn.
I haven't seen Lolo since 2019, and sadly, I will never see and hug him again. It's hard to believe he's gone already because he's been very active. I always told him he was like a bus, and his house is the terminal. The saddest part was the fact I can go home, but I can't go home. Lolo's place is in the southern part of Zamboanga del Sur. There's no signal nor a Wi-Fi connection, so it will be hard for me to work there.
On the last vigil, the Pinoy TV series, OTWOL, somehow comforted me. It was released ages ago, but I decided to watch it again. For 2.5 days, I was able to finish the series. I intentionally didn't sleep because my sisters were on the last vigil and weren't sleeping, too.
Merchandise
The company I'm working with has always been generous: from the laptop, shirt, headset, umbrella, and bonuses. hihi. I didn't expect that a package would arrive on my doorstep - it has two hoodies, two shirts, an umbrella, and a notebook. All in all, I have 10 shirts already and four hoodies. My laptop alone costs around $1300+, which excludes the cooler and the mouse. My headset was worth $91, and the company shouldered $75. So far, the headset has been the only merchandise that I chose personally and spent money from my pocket.
Coffee
I've been very vocal that I don't like coffee. My friends know that. They always laugh at my facial expression with every sip I take. But I need coffee in my system so I can survive in a day. I had with me the coffee from Bukidnon gifted by my previous supervisor, who became a good friend of mine. It has been sitting on the kitchen cabinet for six long months, so I decided to buy a coffee maker. On my first try, I was delighted to have a coffee that is not bitter. It turned out my ratio was incorrect. Antoni told me it should be 1:1, not 1:3. But who cares? As long as it is less bitter, then it's okay.
Birthday
My father's birthday is Feb 25 and mine is Feb 26. Argine arrived on the 24th and we went to Tagaytay the next day. I can't say I had a blast, but I am grateful to Argine, Antoni, and Patrick for granting some of my requests: Tagaytay, Sky Ranch, Twin Lakes, and BGC.
On my birthday, the first person to greet me was my mother, crying. My voice was about to crack, so I told her to sleep since it was midnight already. After that, I watch some heartbreaking movies, so I can cry. Morning came, and I decided to stay in the apartment. I cooked Spaghetti, Argine's favorite, and make a fruit salad. Mark, my team lead, called and ordered a cake for me. After that mini celebration, Argine and I watched Twenty-Five Twenty-One on Netflix.
A series of unfortunate events happened until the last day of February. But it didn't stop me from being grateful for the gift of life, love, friends, and family. (*I will write them in a separate article.*)
And that's the end of my February 2022 Memory Dump.
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Do I Have That Book Challenge
I've been doing this Do I Have That Book Challenge every time I bought books. Since I have hoarded books last December, I decided to do this again. The initial plan was to write first the books that I bought, but this challenge can no longer wait. My hands were itchy to write this challenge again.
So here it goes.
1. Do you have a book with deckled edges?
**Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman**
Yes, I have one deckled edges book, and it's **Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman**. I'm not a fan of this kind of book — rough uncut edge — but it's the only available edition in the Fully Booked CDO. I have no choice but to buy it.
I haven't read this, and I bought this four years ago. Huehue.
2. Do you have a book with three or more people on the cover?
**Inferno by Dante Alighieri**
I have several books with three or more people on the cover. To name a few, I have **The War Memories Collection by Cindy McCornick Martinusen**, **Ask the Past by Elizabeth P. Archibald**, **If I Stay by Gayle Forman** (movie edition), and **Inferno by Dante Alighieri**.
So far, I only read Ask the Past and If I Stay. As for Inferno, I tried its audiobook, but I didn't enjoy it, so I decided to drop it and buy a book instead.
3. Do you have a book based on another fictional story?
I don't have a book based on another fiction. But I've read a few such as **Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell**, **Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco**.
4. Do you have a book with a title that starts and ends with the same letter?
**The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer**
So far, I have had two on my bookshelf: **The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer** and **The Things We Know By Heart by Jessie Kirby**. The latter was gifted to me by another colleague. He asked me what book he should give at the Christmas Party. I just replied that any book would be highly appreciated by a bookworm.
5. Do you have a book with a title 10 letters long?
**Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas**
On my current bookshelf, excluding the one left in my hometown, I have three books for this. The first is the **Heir of Fire** gifted by my previous colleague; the second one is **Hollow City by Ransom Riggs**; the last one is **The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer**.
6. Do you have a mass-market paperback book?
**Bloodletting by Victoria Leatham**
I've got plenty of this. If not all, but most of my books are mass market paperback. I started buying when I was 3rd-year high school. I used to buy them in either in Booksale or United Bookstore because these two stores are the only stores that sell preloved books in a very good condition but at a much lesser price.
7. Do you have a book written by an author using a pen name?
**File Under: 13 Suspicious Incidents by Lemony Snicket**
This is one of my recent hoards from Big Bad Wolf. And so far, it's the only book that I have written by an author using a pen name: Lemony Snicket. I first bumped to this name in the movie Series of Unfortunate Events.
8. Do you have a book with a character’s name in the title?
**Without Merit by Colleen Hoover**
This book was gifted to me by my colleague. He saw me in the National Bookstore, approached me, then told me to choose books as it will be his gift to me. I told him he shouldn't bother buying and giving me a gift, but I realized that it's kind of rude to refuse it. I've already read the digital copy of Without Merit, but I still grabbed it so he wouldn't wait for long.
I also have **Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs** and **The Diary of Anne Frank**.
9. Do you have a book with two maps in it?
Unfortunately, I don't have one. If there is a map, it's only one map but occupies the two pages. Thus, it doesn't count at all. Usually, it can be found in fantasy novels. I have several fantasy novels here, but they all have one map.
10. Do you have a book that was turned into a TV show?
**The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle**
This book is a faux-leathered cover edition. I bought it when I went to Manila to attend the concert of One OK Rock Ambitions Asia Tour. I haven't finished reading or watching the TV series.
11. Do you have a book written by someone who was originally famous for something else? i.e. celebrity, athlete, politician, TV personality, etc.
**Stupid is Forever and Stupid is Forevermore by Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago**
I can think of only one - the Iron Lady of the Philippines, the late Miriam Defensor Santiago. She's my all-time favorite Senator and was known for her brilliance, wittiness, and sharp and smart mouth. She published Stupid is Forever and Stupid is Forevermore. I had to beg my classmate in Cebu to buy the books for me. I also asked my HS classmate studying in Cagayan de Oro City to see if the books are available. Unfortunately, it was sold out like the flash. It was not practical for me to travel for three hours to go to National Bookstore CDO.
12. Do you have a book with a clock on the cover?
**All Simple Things But Time by Howard Bernstein**
This is one of the poetry books that I bought in Booksale SM Cebu City. It was still pandemic, but the lockdown was lifted already. I bought it for only 20 Php ($0.4). The poems in this book are easy to read and understand, but some are not.
13. Do you have a poetry book?
**Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell**
Aside from All Simple Things But Time, I also have **Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell**. The novel was written in the most poetic way that my hand could no longer return the book to its shelf. When I arrived home, my housemate was delighted to see my recently bought book.
I still have lots of poetry books on my shelf because I love poetry since I was a kiddo.
14. Do you have a book with an award stamp on it?
**Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez**
I owned some books with an award, but not all have a stamp on the cover. To name a few, I have **Wonderful Wonderful Times by Elfriede Jelinek** won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2004, and **The Giver by Lois Lowry** with the 1994 Newbery Medal. Since a stamp is a must, I have **Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez**, who won the Pura Belpré Award in 2004.
15. Do you have a book written by an author with the same initials as you?
I don't have a book nor read a book with the same initials as mine.
16. Do you have a book of short stories?
**Short Stories by Edgar Allan Poe**
I have a book of short stories compilation, mostly by Edgar Allan Poe. My favorite is The Cask of Amontillado. In 2020, I read a handful of short stories, and I have two favorites: **The Light Princess by George MacDonald** and **The Diary of a Madman by Guy de Maupassant**.
17. Do you have a book that is between 500 and 510 pages long?
**Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs**
I had to check the pages of my books, one by one. The majority are below 500 or above 510 pages. Fortunately, I found one - Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs. Kathy Reichs is newly added to the Favorite Authors List.
18. Do you have a book that was turned into a movie?
**Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown**
I owned several books that turned into a movie namely, **The Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs**, **If I Stay by Gayle Forman**, **The Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare**. But as for this question, I'd go for **The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown**. This was the first book that I read by Dan Brown. I had to read it as fast as I could, so I can watch the movie right away.
19. Do you have a graphic novel?
I have. Since it's in my hometown, I can't check what's the title, plus I don't remember it.
20. Do you have a book written by two or more authors?
**The Mammoth Book of Historical Whodunnits by Ellis Peters, Mike Ashley (Editor)**
I'm not sure if it's counted, but this book is a compilation of crimes and mystery stories through the ages. This book caught my attention because of the word historical. At that time, I didn't know what was Whodunnits. When I researched its meaning, I was even more delighted about my Booksale finds.
Summing Up
2021 was the year of book hoard. Most of the mentioned books here were not been read yet. However, I plan to read 1-2 books per month until I go back to my normal pacing of 4-5 books per month.
Since I bought books last year, my books now are a little over a hundred books. With that, I scored 17 out of 20 in this book challenge. Before, it was 13 out of 20 (or maybe 14, not sure).
`All images are mine.`
Find me here: Noise • Steemit • Hive • Blurt • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://blurt.blog/@kneelyrac https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
In a Relationship: Decade Plus One
When people ask if I'm single, I usually respond **'yes'** (technically), but I'm definitely not available. I've been in a relationship for 11 years and 9 months, as of writing. We not only became classmates but also colleagues for more than two years. We also experienced being separated from each other for two years during those years. Everyone repeatedly asks us about marriage telling us it's time to be in the next phase of our relationship because 11 years in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship will eventually end sooner or later. However, I don't believe in superstition or whatever you want to name it. If God has planned for us to be together, the period doesn't matter.
Everything happens for a reason. It is hard to accept that not all you desire in life will not be within your grasp, but as time goes by, you will eventually say, now it all makes sense. In my case, I wasn't able to achieve my dream course or work to become a surgeon, but God favored me my 1 Corinthians 13 at an early age. Well, I realized that when I became the breadwinner of the family. Through thick and thin, highs and lowest, I have someone who's always been with me.
It's a bit late for Valentine's day, and our monthsary just passed by (16th), but I will still share how my more-than-a-decade relationship began.
How It Began
Anthony and I were both Electronics and Communications Engineering students. Our course was divided into two blocks: he's B98 and I'm B100. We were not classmates not until 3rd-year college because that's the start of the all-major subjects per sem. We should've met during the acquaintance party of the freshmen students of the College of Engineering, but my mother didn't allow me to go because of the word party. It was held at nighttime, and I need to go home early. There's also an acquaintance party exclusive for ECE, but I wasn't able to attend it even though it was held daytime. Why? Because the venue was outside the campus. With that, our path didn't cross for the first two months.
Palakasan season came, and posters for different auditions were everywhere. I was supposed to audition in Pop dance, but I ended up attending the audition for cheerleading. That was when we became acquainted. Three ECE freshmen got accepted: my blockmate, Antoni, and I. My blockmate was Antoni's classmate in Philippine Science. I was not close with her, my blockmate, but both of them were friendly. Plus, most of the seniors in different courses were also their seniors in their high school.
When my blockmate had an accident during a stunt, she was prohibited to continue on the said competition. Now that leaves Antoni and I eating dinner together whenever our seniors were not around.
After the Event
Palakasan season ended after two months. Even after the event, he would still say hi to me. It is not only me but to everyone. He's a friend to everyone. If he didn't say hi to me first, I'd probably pass him without giving a smile. It sounds like a snob, but I'm actually reserved to say hi first to everyone. Maybe because my system only accepts my high school friends as the only circle of friends that I must have.
With that, my high school classmates were my lunch dates always. But whenever our schedule didn't meet, I ate alone in a walking distance eatery in front of the school. I walked then ate alone. I always placed my bag on the table so that no one will attempt to share a table with me. When he saw me eating alone, he just invited himself and his friends to share a table with me. He's always with his classmates both in high school and college. It's actually intimidating since they were in a group, four/five boys then one BEAUTIFUL girl. (*Capslock para intense!*)
We had this area in the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) building, where it was dubbed as Himantayon Avenue (Himantayon is like Marites, gossiper.) Freshmen and sophomores' classes were mostly within the CASS building. Whenever he saw me with a wrinkled forehead, he would come near me and offer assistance for the Math subject. That was the time I realized he's intelligent. I love Math when I was in high school, but when I stepped into college, I began unliking it. I don't know if it's the Professor who likes to face either the board and the book or maybe because ECE had never been my choice nor an option.
We became close friends to the point he would go to the gym and wait for me until my class is done. At that time, I only had a night class that ends at 6:30 PM. That was when he saw my Chinita high school classmate. I did introduce him to her, and they became textmate. At that time, I had a boyfriend with whom I was trying to break up with. I was planning to concentrate on my studies because, as mentioned, I started unliking Mathematics.
With the hectic schedules, my classmates in high school and I only met during ROTC days, Saturday and Sunday. It's always Antoni whom I always hung out with. We started sharing life updates like he like Chinitas, and I'm having a hard time breaking up with my boyfriend. Since he's a DOST scholar, whenever he received his allowance, he always asked me to eat somewhere else. My allowance was small, and I always had a lunch box with me, so I always said no to his offer. But he was quite persistent, so that leaves me to accept his offer, but only at snack time. I still ate in the eatery, even if I had a lunch box. Hehe. But I order juice or soft drinks tho.
Then, it was the start of the second semester when I decided to break up with my boyfriend, regardless of his response. Antoni, at that time, started showing his interest to my Chinese classmate. Since I considered him as a friend, I told him that I'm free already. He asked me why and when. He was somehow puzzled since he had recently seen us talking somewhere. Later on, I also shared with him I had a crush on someone. He asked me the name and course because he might know him. I didn't know, so I started describing the guy I first saw as I entered the university. And he knew him. The funny thing was, as I told him about it, he saw the guy walking towards in our direction. He immediately called him and introduced us to each other. I was stunned but happy, of course! After a week or two, Antoni was out of the picture. I thought because of our hectic schedule, but then I saw him eating with his friends. That was the cue. So I had to eat my lunch alone. Again.
It lasted for a total of three weeks. I didn't know why he was acting like I'm invisible or a stranger to him. It bothered me so much. I cornered and confronted him, and he just shrugged and walked away. I was furious. Another week passed, and still, the treatment was the same. I started accepting it since I still have my high school friends, after all. Three weeks had passed, he messaged me asking where I am. It was out of the blue question. I replied I'm going home already, but I'll buy my medicine first. He didn't reply, so I just shrugged it off. Then, I was surprised when I saw him standing and waiting outside the store. It was really awkward. Then he just blurted he distanced himself because the guy and I became friends and he wanted us to work out somehow. I was puzzled because he was the one who introduced us, and besides, he had a crush on my friend, too. My left eyebrow was already sky-high because he's totally not making sense. Then, he confessed again it was just an alibi, and he likes me. It was sudden...and awkward. So I laughed and hit his shoulder while saying, "*Pagsure uy!*"(Be sure!). He was dead serious, so I stopped laughing.
I didn't believe him because he only likes Chinitas. But every time I asked him, his answer is he likes my eyes and my hair. When he mentioned hair, I asked him again if he liked me before. My hair was extra long, and because of the cheerleading and then followed by my dance group summer workshop, I had an Aeon Flux hair. It lasted for two years.
The official courtship lasted five months. I somehow think he started courting me when he kept on inviting me for lunch, snacks, and dinner. I remember telling him one of his friends courted me, and with a raised voice, he said, "No, I don't like him for you!".
He wanted to go to our house to ask permission but told him not to. I lived in a barrio (small community) where the clan of Marites is everywhere. Plus, I didn't like the way my mother teased me. Also, I made it clear to him that I don't want fancy things or surprises like flowers or stuffed toys. Because of our setup, other people would only see us as close friends (barkada), and both of us are not into PDA (Public Display of Affection). After I said yes, it took him several months to hold my hand or put his hand on my waist or shoulder.
Meet the Parents
My father wanted me to have a stable job before entering a relationship. I understand my father's stand on this since I'm his eldest. On the other hand, my mother would always say I should never listen to my KJ (killjoy) father. She said I can have a boyfriend as long as I will not do anything bad and make sure I graduate. She even added that if the guy will visit, he must bring chocolate and a 1L of coke for her. Even with the support of my mother, I still didn't want to let them know about my love life.
Antoni is stubborn and persistent. If he wants to do something, he will do it no matter what. After class, I told him I'll go to the city and he can have dinner with his friends. He asked me where I am heading and who's with me. I replied I'm going to Konika for a family picture. As far as I remember, I didn't tell him that we will eat in Jollibee. But he went there and freely introduced himself to my parents. I was sweating and annoyed by him. My mother's smile resembles a teasing clown. I don't like to be teased. My father, on the other hand, was neither frowning nor smiling. But I can sense he was unamused. Antoni didn't dine with us, but my father was silent. He didn't reprimand me, but my mother has been teasing me nonstop.
His Version
He said we met once during high school thru a mutual friend. I can't remember him, so I responded he's just bluffing. But when he started telling me the details, that's when I realized he is definitely telling the truth. Until now, I still can't remember him.
That's it for my cheesy but not so cheesy article. Hihi
Find me here: Noise • Steemit • Hive • Blurt • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://blurt.blog/@kneelyrac https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
Random Questions About Me
Tell me about yourself.
Hello, I'm Caryl from Lanao del Norte, but currently living in Cavite. I'm a twenty-something fur momma Filipina of doggos and cattos. I'm a reader; the crime and mystery genre is my thing, but I can read any genre as long as it is interesting.
I started my blogging journey in 2017 in BitLanders. I'm ***kneelyrac*** in all of my crypto-related socials like Noise, Steemit, Hive, Blurt, Appics, but I'm ***keeneek*** here in Read.Cash. If you search kneelyrac here, that's still me. But I decided to drop that account and create this account using Jean's @Momentswithmatti affiliate link.
What made you smile today?
My not-so baby sister messaged me on Messenger asking about Diocese as per grandma's request. She spelled it as "*dayo sis*." I was puzzled because why is my baby sis calling me sis. Then she sent a voice mail, and I laughed and replied that she's so cute before I corrected her spelling.
Also, the much-needed enclosure for my old laptop's HDD arrived yesterday. All my travel pictures are saved there, so I decided to browse some of the pictures. As I was scrolling through the pictures, I saw my baby sister's picture with her model-mode face. I also have pictures with my grandpa (father's side) - it was our first time meeting him with complete attendance and the last time, as well. I'm away from home, so these pictures and videos make me smile.
What was the last good book you read?
I am currently reading **To Sir With Love** by **Lauren Layne**. I haven't finished it yet, but I'm quite enjoying the book. I decided to read the romance genre because it's love month. But since we are talking about a book that I enjoyed a lot, meaning I'm already done reading, then it's **The Good Sister** by **Sally Hepworth**. It was a mystery book about two sisters: one that cannot get pregnant and the other one, who is willing to get pregnant.
What do you think is the best show on Netflix right now?
I haven't enjoyed my subscription on Netflix. I only watch whenever I like it. I once ended the subscription, but my baby sister told me she was bored and wanted to watch those unicorn-something shows. So yeah, I renewed the subscription because of my sisters.
If I based it on my recent watch, then it's **Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc**. The animation, the art, everything about it is extra! I'm planning to watch the whole season 3 in one sitting.
Have you been on any interesting trips lately?
I went back home to Lanao del Norte during Christmas break, from December 20, 2021, to January 5, 2022. It's neither lately nor an interesting trip. But before going home, I was able to visit Tagaytay twice. I have eaten one of the best bulalo I've ever tasted (Sorry, Iligan City Wet Market) in a cold cozy place with a cool view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano.
Are you a cat person or a dog person?
I have both, but I still consider myself a dog person. At the moment, I have four cattos and seven doggos left. Two died this month, my Tiger and Pipin.
I am asthmatic and have allergic rhinitis. My allergies always trigger, but I still cuddle and sleep with them. I remember my first dog when I was still six years old, and my father named it Bugoy. When I was in elementary, my godmother's sister gave me a dog - half Spitz and half aspin - and I named her Lassie. After Lassie, there's King and then Rain.
When these three died, I cried my heart out. I was heartbroken. Lassie stayed longer, 11 years. After she had died, we didn't have a dog; we decided to have a cat instead. Decade passed by, and my sister's godmother gave her two adorable mixed breed dachshunds, then another one came. I named the majority of them based on the anime characters that I've watched. And it came to the point that I had 13 doggos, and three of them are adopted strays.
Do you think you're an introvert or an extrovert?
I am definitely an introvert. I enjoy spending my day watching anime, reading books, painting, and doing other stuff that doesn't require a companion. Yes, I am talkative when I'm with my classmates in high school. But if it's not them, my best friends, or my boyfriend, I'd rather stay at home and do some of my side hustles.
Recently, my boyfriend and guy friend told me that I'm really antisocial. It's not visible during college days, but as I grow older it becomes more vivid. I responded that I'm always like this on college days. I chose to eat alone at lunchtime than to eat with my classmates in college.
What do you want to be when you were a kid?
I've always wanted to become an army that I even wrote in my high school yearbook that I want to become a PMA cadet. I had my mother's support on this, but sadly, my father was against it. When I withdrew my CWTS and replaced it with ROTC, he was not amused about it.
I also want to become a doctor, a surgeon, to be exact. A military doctor was a great choice. Since I was asthmatic, I've been seeing doctors all the time. And the thought of wearing a white coat excites me so much. Unfortunately, my mother wouldn't allow me to study far from them. I was planning to take Pharmacy as my pre-med course, but my parents can't afford the expenses. When my mother learned that I passed on MSU-IIT SASE and had an ECE course offered to me, she was ecstatic about it.
What always calms you down when you're really stressed out and upset?
It depends on what emotion I want to release. But books, anime, and art calm me the most. They make me divert my attention and release it positively. There are times listening to Angel Beats OST Brave while at the bed helps me relax until I fall asleep.
Sometimes, I cry for a few minutes and then back to what I did previously. As the eldest and the breadwinner, I somehow unlocked and mastered this. When I was at home with my dogs, I'd cry while hugging them, and I'm okay already. Dogs know how to comfort their hooman.
Are you a spender or a saver?
I spend a lot when it comes to my family and fur babies, but I don't spend if it's for myself. I've been working for five years already, but I have never bought shoes for myself. My first purchase of a bag was last year. I also bought a pair of shoes, that was supposed to be a first, but I decided to give them to my sister.
My salary is not enough even though it's not a regular salary rate since I send my two sisters to college. I don't have savings in my bank account. I can't save using my salary alone, so I hodl most of my crypto-assets, both in the exchanger and in the crypto-blogging sites I'm in. But I'm hoping to see six digits on one of my bank accounts. Manifesting!
Do you like calling or texting better?
Or. Hah! Kidding aside, I prefer texting, just for a short while. Calling is not my cup of tea, especially when the caller is unknown. Whenever there's a caller, I checked my inbox first, then either my Shopee or Lazada app. If there's an out for delivery, then I'll answer it. If I recently ordered from Foodpanda, I would answer it, as well. But if it's neither of them, I'll mute it and never answer it.
I experienced a prank call from one of my classmates that literally made me nervous. I wasn't able to recognize his voice, so his plan worked out. Later on, he laughed. I responed, "Samoka, kinsa ni?" (Asked him who is he with an angry voice.).
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
I've been a night owl since fourth grade. That was when the time I started to excel in class. My mother just told me to pass my subject. I was okay with being the 5th, 6th, or 7th in class. Surprisingly, I jumped to be 3rd in the class, and having my name in a bigger font size excites me. That was when I found out that my mind is active and can retain information at nighttime. My routine has been like this: school - home - sleep - wake up - eat - study - sleep.
I remember my English teacher in the 3rd year of high school told me that I always look like I'd been crying for the whole night because my eyes are puffy. Well, they were puffy and still are today because I am a vampire. My concentration during the mornings is very low. Usually, my mind is high from 11 PM until 3 AM, but it can still go further until 7 AM.
I guess that would be all! I was supposed to post a book-related challenge today but decided to post this one first. The book challenge is 20 questions - quite long to make.
Thank you, @Kelzy for tagging me. I don't have someone in mind to tag since almost everyone (users I know) participated already.
Find me here: Noise • Steemit • Hive • Blurt • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://blurt.blog/@kneelyrac https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
APPICS Do's and Don'ts
APPICS has been around since 2018, and I was able to join in July 2020. The APX token back then is Steem-based. Early 2021, operation halted because of the migration to Telos blockchain. And now, from Steem-based, the token is Telos-based already. So if you have joined APPICS before February 2021, then fret not, you can still claim your hard-earned APX.
After almost a year, APPICS main-net was released. Since the release, the Philippines has the most onboarded members. Everyone, including the previous users, is required to create an account. That means the account I established for seven months is no longer available. Hence, I'm back to square one.
Just like every newbie on this main-net released, I started from scratch, as well. Cents are very common in my account. I enjoyed sharing my photos that weren't posted on any of my social media accounts. APPICS is Instagram-like but crypto-related. So I was okay with the cents I've been receiving, at least I received something, right? But of course, we should step up our game.
With that, I am sharing with you some tips on how to survive in APPICS. There are lots of newly onboard users but eventually decided to drop APPICS because their posts receive cents to nothing.
Some APPICS-related articles you might want to checkout. Please do read the articles in the following order:
**APPICS Creation Guide** **-** If you don't have an account yet, head on to this guide first. https://read.cash/@Momentswithmatti/appics-account-creation-guide-49e58e30
**APPICS Brief Overview** - Understand how APPICS works; some basics you need to know. https://read.cash/@keeneek/a-quick-overview-of-appics-7cec7b92
**APPICS Navigation Tutorial** - Learn how to navigate with APPICS. https://read.cash/@Momentswithmatti/appics-tutorial-navigation-0e84b6e1
**APPICS FAQs** - Read the most frequently asked questions posted by the APPICS team. https://appics.medium.com/f-a-q-about-the-appics-mainnet-d7b2e97a2e6a
Save your private key
After you created an account, you need to create a wallet account - Telos wallet. If you are both new to APPICS and cryptocurrency, you will have a wallet ID and a private key. These two are auto-generated within the app and consider them as your lifeline. **You and the private key will meet only once!** I repeat, only once. That's why you have to save it. If possible, make two backups. It's a big no-no to send it to your Messenger. Write it if you can, send it to a different e-mail address of yours. Because once you forgot or lost it, it means you have lost your earnings. You should stop using that account and create another account again. Why? Because there is no possible way, your private key will be recovered. This is not like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
On top of that, **never ever share your private key.** That's why it's called private because it is never meant to be shared in the first place. Once others will know your private key, they can now have access to your wallet. If anything might happen, share it only with your most trusted friend, family, or special someone.
Introduce yourself to the community
Others may see it as unnecessary, but honestly, **the first post is vita**l. Share a little about yourself and the content you plan to share. Your first post gives and leaves an impression on the viewers. Thus, it attracts a probable audience.
Aside from that, by formally introducing yourself to the community, you are verifying yourself as legitimate, not a bot. You will be checked out from the list of possible bots or spammers. Similar to Noise, one user must have one account only. And let's face it, spammers are everywhere, so it's like a small help to the leaders.
Post an original and high-quality content
**High-quality content doesn't mean a DSLR-like quality**. Learn how to play with the angles, edits, filters, and words, too. It's a package deal, by the way - the photo and the story behind it.
If the camera of your phone is not that great, make sure to enhance the photo. Not everyone is a photographer nor an editor, but tutorials are accessible nowadays. You can start by watching Youtube tutorials on how to capture and enhance photos. Aside from that, add a meaningful caption. One sentence is good enough, given that it somehow relays something to the audience because it's so bland to see a post with no caption at all. If there is, it's like '*Beach*', '*Sunset*', '*Beautiful yellow flower*', and alike.
Also, copying a quote from the internet as the only caption of your photo shows that you're giving less effort. If your photo is a bomb and you can't even say a thing about it, the ambassadors and other dedicated members will notice and doubt if it's yours. Furthermore, do not post photos that are not yours. Even if you properly credit the owner, it is **NOT allowed** in APPICS. **Original content only!**
Interact with other users
Engagement is highly encouraged in APPICS. **Drop a decent and genuine comment**, and surely, you will be noticed. Maybe not right away, but if you are consistent, you will, at some point. If possible, initiate a conversation thru questions.
After posting, lurk around and support others, especially the community you are in, and try connecting with them. You can check the community first, then to the new section, hot, and trending. You can also visit the introduce yourself tag and welcome the newly onboarded members. If you find a post that picks your interest, leave a comment - **comment with a slice of meat**. Don't leave a one-word-adjective comment; leave comments connected to the post, and might lead to a discussion.
Also, **comments can be upvoted**. For starters, most of the time, the comments receive higher upvotes than the post. Yes, that is very true. And until now, I still experience such. Through comments, I receive support and/or get along with others.
Join challenges
To let others know you exist, aside from regular posts and comments, you should **join challenges conducted by the APPICS team, ambassadors, or whales** (users with massive APPICS power). Usually, contest/challenge posts are in the hot or trending section, so it's an advantage if you lurk around as a ninja should be. Joining the challenges alone is a win already (for me), and to be the winner is a bonus.
I once won a challenge before, post the color popping photos as many as you can for a month. When the challenge ended, I received a considerable amount of delegation good for a month. It was good for a month challenge and during that period, I was able to receive support from others. My photos were not as crisp and detailed, but I leveled up it to my storytelling skills. And because of the increased APPICS power thru delegation, I was able to support more in the community.
Power up your liquid APX
If you want to have a higher voting weight & higher curation rewards, **power up some of your earnings**. Payout of each post is after 30 days. If you happen to save a considerable amount of APX, I highly recommend powering up. But you can opt to either power up the 50% or 75% then save the remaining liquid APX until the exchange is open for withdrawal. That way, you can celebrate and be motivated to post and engage more afterward. Or, HODL and withdraw a portion of your savings when the token value is mooning.
Now, if you decided to power up all of your liquid APX for several months, strategically, it's a wise move. Thus, you'll get to increase your payout. Note that self vote is acceptable in APPICS. You're not only supporting others but yourself, as well - the fruit of your power-up. However, one should not abuse it. It is advised to self-vote one post per day only. Supporting others should be on the top list. Again, you will still receive higher curation rewards.
Some Don'ts
DO NOT repost photos from the internet. Plagiarism is a mortal sin, and your account will be flagged.
Do not repost your photo that has already been posted on the APPICS main-net.
If you have posted your photo elsewhere, make sure the caption on both sides is not the same.
Do not beg for upvotes and follows. If you want others to follow you, then earn it. Also, follow someone that picks your interest, not just because of the follow-for-follow thing. Remember, the person you unfollowed will be notified.
Negativity is not welcome in APPICS! Constructive criticism is welcome, but please do mindful of what you post or comment. If you don't have anything good to say to others, then shut up.
Do not be a spammer! Post your photos with an interval of at least three (3) hours.
Do not forget your private key, and do not share it.
To Sum It Up
You will earn in APPICS. Yes, but it comes with a price. Famine at first, but there will be harvest sooner or later. Consistency and effort must be shown so you will be rewarded. **Less effort = Less support = Less reward.**
Hence, this social media platform is not an easy money. You have to do something and level up - be wise! Don't quit. If your mindset is just how to earn more in just a month, then you will fail. Just enjoy and the rest will follow - the learning and the earning.
`If you experience errors or have some questions and clarifications, you can drop it here.`
Have fun!
Lead image is taken from APPICS website. https://appics.com/
The rest of the images are edited via Canva. https://www.canva.com/
You can find me here: Noise • Hive • Steemit • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
January 2022 Memory Dump
January Photo Dump has been trending these days in Instagram stories. I haven't participated there, but I decided to make one here on Read. It will be a photo dump with some stories to reminisce about my January 2022, and I'm planning to do this every month.
Many things happened. My January 2022 is both exhausting and fulfilling somehow. I had to go through hardship, smile with the little wins, and go back again to some difficulties. It was hard. I even cried out of frustration, but crying won't help. I had to squeeze my brain and push my will forward, so I could go back to blogging. And here I am!
First Week: Flight
After two years, I had finally spent Christmas and New Year with my family. But my first week of January 2022 was bittersweet since my flight was on January 6.
I had to meet my classmates in high school the day before my flight. Only two were able to meet me before I leave. It was a spontaneous dine-out in a Korean restaurant then to a coffee shop to continue our chitchatting session. It was somehow a meet-up with Abeth because her wedding date was on January 12. Papa sent me off to the place where I was supposed to meet them and guess what, he was in his fast-and-furious mode.
The next day, my doggos and the snob catto seemed like they knew I'll be away again. They wouldn't leave me. I was surprised my snob Luna went to me and sat on my lap. After I had finished packing my things, Mama cooked and bought one of my favorites: Chicken curry and Mango Float. My sister, the second in the pack, bought a chocolate ice cream. Too bad I wasn't able to eat it before I leave.
Second Week: Sick
For the whole week, I was sick but decided not to apply for a leave of absence. The company had a product launch, and my team leader needed me. I was sick already at home because of allergic rhinitis. The next day, after I arrived in Cavite, I kept on sneezing. I was away for three weeks, so my apartment is extra dusty that my allergic rhinitis triggered. It got worsened and led to asthma then fever. Asthma and fever are not a good combination. Unlike before, it's easier to go to a clinic or hospital to be nebulized. But now, there are things you need to comply with before you will have that nebulization.
It was timely then I watched my favorite voice artist, Inka, Instagram story. She mentioned the mesh nebulizer, and I decided to order it. My doctor recommended a nebulizer, but I don't feel like buying it because it's bulky. But now, I have my hand-held nebulizer.
Also, Antoni ordered a bouquet for me...a bouquet of lettuces with three variants. It's probably the only bouquet that I would not cringe to carry around. He only paid 200 Php ($4) for a kilo of lettuces, plus four free lettuces in a pot.
3rd Week: Red Visitor
I was starting to feel better when dysmenorrhea happened. Whenever my monthly visitor has arrived, my asthma will always be activated - not to mention the severe menstrual cramps, diarrhea, and headache. A headache was too much for this period! I wanted to drink medicine, but because of the COVID surge, Paracetamol medicines were out of stock. My headache got worsened because I was dehydrated. I kept going back to the comfort room, and it lasted for three days.
With that, I've been eating green salad since Antoni bought the lettuce because I don't feel like eating. But I did keep on drinking water. When diarrhea ended, I tried eating my favorite cheese ramen. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the cheese ramen I prepared for my taste buds and tummy.
All of a sudden, I called Antoni and told him if he can order Burger King for me. I was craving any of their burger and their chicken nuggets so bad. He arrived with two burgers, and I really thought they were all mine.
Fourth Week: Recovered
It's a recovery week for me since I started craving food already. It started when I saw two pancake posts on Noise. It was followed by a promotional video of Romantic Baboy of their new menu, an SNR pizza, and milk tea of Cabin Crew.
To satisfy my cravings, I cooked pancakes and topped them with a Nutella. Then, I went out with Antoni and his colleagues in Romantic Baboy. I thought we were only four, but it turned out we're 13. We graduated from the same university, and some are my classmates and juniors, but I felt like an outcast since they all work in the same company. the dinner seemed like a welcome dinner to the four newly hired engineers. (*My antisocial self is just babbling with reasons.*)
The next day, I asked my team lead to order an 18" SNR pizza with garlic chicken parmesan (12 pcs.) - he has Foodpanda vouchers because of his credit card. It was too late for me to realize how big 18 inches diameter is, so the pizza lasted five consecutive meals. Aside from that, I also had ramen, Takoyaki, and KFC.
Highlight
As for the month of January, I have four things in mind, and these are the following:
I decided to be serious again on blogging. I was able to write here on Read, Hive, and to Steemit. I also applied as a Junior Ambassador of APPICS Philippines. They've been telling me since I joined last 2020 that I should apply. But I'm an antisocial, who fears speaking and interviews, so I declined the offer. Now, it's time to step out of the comfort zone, little by little. Small steps at a time.
I had my booster shot two days before January ended. I am now ready to go beyond and eat some brains. Hehe, **charot**! (*Will have a separate article on this.*)
I had secured tuition fees for my two college sisters, the main source of frustration but the most rewarding one now that I don't need to worry...at the moment.
Aside from the tuition fees, I was able to fix our kitchen, as requested by mother. She is a cook, so no wonder. But one thing is for sure, two of my furbabies love the tiles.
That's the end of my January Dump. I'll be doing this every month, and hopefully, I can keep on track.
Before I end this, I'd like to say thank you to these three lovely ladies - @Momentswithmatti, @itsmeCguro, & @Micontingsabit - who decided to fill out the empty boxes! Thank yoooou!
You can find me here: Noise • Hive • Steemit • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
A Quick Overview of APPICS
APPICS is an application where you can post pictures and videos and get rewarded. It's like Instagram, but the main difference is you earn from the content you share.
Unlike Noise, APPICS is quite complicated if you are a newbie. There are things that you need to grasp if you plan to venture into this reward-based app. Hence, this article aims to provide you with an overview of APPICS.
**ACCOUNT CREATION GUIDE**
If you haven't heard APPICS, and the description rings a bell, then head on to Jean's @Momentswithmatti article in creating an account. It is written in a step-by-step manner for Android, but the process is still the same for iOS.
**Appics Account Creation Guide** https://read.cash/@Momentswithmatti/appics-account-creation-guide-49e58e30
But if you are an iOS user, APPICS is not yet available on the App Store. With that, you need to download it via Test Flight. If you have APPICS already on your phone, you can now create an account.
**Download the Test Flight** https://testflight.apple.com/join/2X3V5HpQ
If you haven't received a code both in e-mail and SMS, close the app, open it again, and try to log in. Nevermind the code. After you have created an account, go back here for a quick APPICS overview.
**FIRST THINGS FIRST**
After creating an account, introduce yourself to the community. It is not compulsory, but a brief introduction will give information to others, like your name and your possible content - something the other users will look forward to. Be mindful that your first post will give and leave an impression. In addition, use the tag ****#introduceyourself****.
If you are from the Philippines, use the tag ****#appicsph**** so Filipino users will see your post and then support you.
Note 📝
You can only use the **#introduceyourself** tag once, but you can always use the **#appicsph** tag.
**HOW TO EARN**
**Thru Upvotes**
You can earn in APPICS if your content—*photos* or *videos*—has been upvoted. You can share anything under the sun, as long the photos and videos you've been sharing are all yours. Hence, **original content only!**
Don't be discouraged if you receive small upvotes. There are solutions to that:
**Post more**: If you can't earn more for a single post, then post more! Remember to post at an interval of at least 3 hours to prevent spamming. On top of that, never forget to add a caption—not just a one-to-two-word description.
**Engage with others**: One way for your account to be visited by others is to drop a decent comment. The leaders and ambassadors are active. They like engagement, as well. If they notice you, they might drop by to your account. There are times a whale (investor; has massive voting power.) will probably visit your account. It really depends.
J**oin a contest**: The leaders and some ambassadors conduct contests, sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly. One example is the ****#smileyappics**** by **smileyappicsofficial**. Join, and remember number two.
Note 📝
Your comments can be upvoted, too.
**Thru Curation**
Aside from posting, you can earn rewards by upvoting the content of other users - referred to as **curation rewards**. These rewards will come from **25%** of the author's payout. Having said that, the total earnings of your post will be divided into three. It's just a minuscule amount, but still, it's earnings. Now, the distribution is as follows:
65% - author (you)
25% - curators (those who upvoted your post)
10% - appics-eco (the main account of APPICS)
**KNOW YOUR WALLET**
You will see the equivalent USD value of your earnings per post or the total amount you've earned on your profile. However, your earnings will not be directly reflected in your wallet. You still need to wait for 30 days for your payout, hence your post can receive upvotes for a month.
In your wallet, you will see the following:
1 **USD Value**: The equivalent total amount you've earned. It will depend on the current market value of APX - check it on **Coingencko**. https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/appics/php
2 **Liquid APX**: This is where your payout goes. You can opt to withdraw this or to power up.
3 **Delegated APX**: This is the APX lent to you for a certain duration, depending on the period the delegator has set. You can use this to upvote others, but you cannot withdraw the APX tokens.
4 **APPICS Power**: This is the staked APX - consider this as an investment or savings since it cannot be withdrawn directly. It is the liquid APX, which has been transferred to as a staked APX after the power-up.
Note 📝
The higher the staked APX, the higher the APPICS power.
The higher the APPICS power, the bigger the voting weight (value of your upvote).
The bigger the APPICS power, the higher the curation rewards.
In other words, it is an advantage if you have a staked APX.
5 **Power Up**: This will help you increase your voting power and voting weight. The powered-up liquid APX will be transferred to the APPICS Power as a staked APX.
6 **Power Down**: You cannot withdraw directly the staked APX. First, you need to power down to revert your staked APX to liquid APX. It will run for ten (10) weeks, and you will receive a liquid APX weekly.
For example: If you power down 1,000 APX, you will receive 100 APX every week, for 10 weeks. You can cancel the power down anytime if ever you change your mind.
7 **Transaction Log:** This is where the history of incoming and outgoing transactions of your account will reflect. It includes the delegation, payout, and the sending and receiving of APX tokens to and from other users.
**HOW TO UPVOTE**
For newbies, you cannot upvote on the first month. You can start if you have already received your first payout, **30 days** since your post. There must be a staked APX, so you can start upvoting others. To do so, you opt to either **buy APX on Probit** or ask someone to delegate you.
When upvoting, you will not lose your APX token. Instead, you will lose your voting power, and voting power is like the battery of a cellphone. The more you use it, the faster the battery life will decrease. And once it decreases, you will have to wait for several hours to recharge or replenish the voting power. It depends on your voting power the number of hours it will be replenished. Low voting power affects your voting weight.
For example, you have 100% voting power with a voting weight (100% upvote) equivalent to 3 USD. If you upvoted others, your VP gradually decreases, assuming it is now 70%. When you upvote a post 100%, your voting weight is no longer equivalent to 3 USD since your voting power is already 70%. Meaning you can only have a voting weight of 3 USD if you have fully-charged voting power.
To maximize your voting power, use a percentage of your voting power - a 20% to 30% will do. But if you enjoy their content that much, then go ahead, give your hundred support. *(I do that most of the time!)*
**DELEGATION**
**Delegation** is like lending your voting power and others can use it for a certain period. It is usually done for new users who don't have voting power yet.
The delegator can set the period—days, months, or years—for the delegation to be used. It will then automatically return to the delegator's wallet after the duration is finished. Also, if you have a staked APX and are not active, you can delegate your staked APX to others (not necessarily a newbie) and let others make use of your tokens.
For the delegatee, especially the newbies, you can start upvoting others and earn curation rewards once the delegation is received. However, you can neither withdraw nor send the delegated APX, as mentioned. But if you want to delegate others, too, you must have your own staked APX.
**TO SUM UP**
APPICS is a bit confusing at first. I joined in July 2020, and in my first few months, I just enjoyed the posting and commenting, and the learning process went along the way. Back then, I posted two to three posts a day. After posting, I roamed around to #appicsph, then to the hot, trending, and new section. I can't upvote all, but leaving a comment helped me gain followers and friends.
And to burst the doubtful bubbles: **Yes, APPICS is legit**. I've withdrawn money before and even posted a guide on **how to withdraw APX**. It was a long process because APPICS was still connected to STEEMIT. But now that it's no longer connected, the withdrawal process is shortened. I've yet to try this when I accumulate a considerable amount of APX, both liquid and staked. https://steemit.com/hive-142013/@kneelyrac/how-to-withdraw-your-apx-and-steem
**SHARE. VOTE. EARN.**
If you have questions, you can ask me in the comment section, or connect with me on Telegram: **kneelyrac**.
Also, my APPICS username is **kneelyrac**.
Check the FAQs about the APPICS main net and follow the APPICS Medium account for more updates. https://appics.medium.com/f-a-q-about-the-appics-mainnet-d7b2e97a2e6a
Lead image and the first photo are taken from APPICS website. https://appics.com/
You can find me here: Noise • Hive • Steemit • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
Book Review: Every Day by David Levithan
**A** wakes up every day to a different body and doesn't know who's the body and where it is. But every day, **A** gets to experience new things in life. Every day is a different life to experience and a different story to remember. There is no constant for A, and because of the body-hopping situation, A decided and imposed a rule to shut off those feelings and emotions. It's hard, but A must detach everything.
*“I wake up thinking of yesterday. The joy is in remembering; the pain is in knowing it was yesterday.”*
Every day is with a new body, but **A**'s life is just a routine: wakes up, tries to find out what **A** can do for a day that is the same as what the person would do on that day, and then tries not to interfere and mess up things for that person.
Until one day, **A** wakes up in the body of a boy named **Justin**, who has a girlfriend, **Rhiannon**. In just a day, **A** has grown an attachment to the girlfriend by which the life **A** has been set up is no longer applicable. That day alters everything because **A** has finally found someone **A** wants to be with. With a new body, regardless of the distance, age, gender, **A** keeps coming every day just to meet Rhiannon.
Thoughts
**Every Day** tells you about people. Regardless of age, status, sex, gender, one must not invalidate the struggles he or she experienced because everyone has a story to tell and/or is suffering different problems and struggles in life. Every day, **A** gets so many lessons to absorb. Not everyone can leave a huge mark. Not all are relatable. But they are understandable that some can leave or will leave an impact.
Now, the story starts when **A** likes Rhiannon. Every day, **A** learns something new about Rhiannon until A falls hard and starts bending, then breaking the rules. With that, the power of the mind has been highlighted in this book. There are chapters where you can see how **A** kept on fighting the body. There's this one body, a drug addict, whom **A** tried to fight with and stayed focused on, to make the body survive a day without taking a doze. It was one of the best chapters of the book. It makes you think about the things that were supposed to be done but haven't been done because the mind is too feeble to resist distractions. When in fact, it is the mind that should take over because the brain is the most powerful organ in our body. Hence, strengthening our mental health should not be taken for granted.
*“When first love ends, most people eventually know there will be more to come. They are not through with love. Love is not through with them. It will never be the same as the first, but it will be better in different ways.”*
Romance-wise, this book tells us the meaning of love. When you unconditionally love a person, it is not because of the physical appearance or the money, but rather, it is the soul of that person that makes you fall hard. With **A** falling in love with Rhiannon, it teaches us that love is kind, unselfish, boundless and knows no distance. **A** knows that there are walls between them, but still, **A** keeps coming back to her, neglecting the imposed rules that have been strictly followed for so long. It was a mix of sadness and fulfillment every time **A** goes to Rhiannon.
Overall
This book is a gem and a bomb - I love it to pieces! It is a page-turner with an orchestra of emotions. I may have used one of the cliché descriptions one could give to a book, but this book offers you not the most cliché love story and thought-provoking scenarios you can read. Every chapter has its different way of making you emotional, and it also leaves you a question that you will never know until the end of the book.
*“There will always be more questions. Every answer leads to more questions. The only way to survive is to let some of them go.”*
Now, if you have noticed, I didn't use a pronoun referring to **A**. Why? Because the author didn't reveal the gender or sex of **A**. You cannot find in this book who **A** was and why **A** is like this, and that's what makes this book intriguing for me. It is up to you what sex or gender you want for **A**. Nonetheless, **Every Day** showcased trust, love, and acceptance.
I don't know if there are still close-minded readers, but if you think you are one of those, then this book might not be for you. But if you are open and haven't read it yet, you are definitely missing out!
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
**Goodreads Synopsis** https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13262783-every-day
I have a physical copy of this book and the cover is different from the cover of the electronic book that I have. It has a bright neon orange cover with words formed into a boy and girl. The color caught my attention, so I grabbed the book, read the synopsis, and bought it in an instant. As I've said, it was intriguing. Unfortunately, my friend hasn't returned it yet and it's been almost four years. huehuehue. Just sharing though.
**Other book reviews:**
**milk and honey** by Rupi Kaur https://read.cash/@keeneek/book-review-milk-and-honey-by-rupi-kaur-6f664315
**A Good Girl's Guide to Murder** by Holly Jackson https://read.cash/@keeneek/book-review-a-good-girls-guide-to-murder-by-holly-jackson-95986c83
**Good Girl, Bad Blood** by Holly Jackson https://read.cash/@keeneek/book-review-good-girl-bad-blood-by-holly-jackson-572ed5f3
You can find me here: Noise.cash • Hive • Steemit • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
My Top Three Dream Destinations
My traveler-adventurous soul has been deprived for years already. Since I was a kid, I've been fondly dreaming of traveling to a certain country, and that country is Japan. All thanks to the Anime I watched making my heart grow fonder to the mentioned country. Also, I've always wanted to work there. I'm still in my 20s, let's see if I could still make this dream happen. God-willing. If not, then I can still travel there and experience all the seasons of Japan.
Next to Japan is South Korea. When I started working, I've been influenced considerably by my colleague, a K-Pop fan and a K-Drama lover. Before we met, I'd already watched Full House, Endless Love series, and a lot more, but not to the point that I've been dreaming to go to SK. But now, South Korea is on the top list.
But here, what I'm gonna share with you are the top three places I want to visit but feel like it's hard to achieve. I must be financially capable of all the possible expenses in visiting these countries. Also, I'm quite optimistic I can visit Japan and South Korea, not this year or next, but soon. Maybe when these COVID-related mishaps start to flatten continuously.
My Dream Destinations
A Safari Getaway in Africa
Before APPICS happened, I've been very active on Instagram. I could sit all-day watching and scrolling pictures, videos, and stories. I bumped into the Instagram account of **Dean Schneider**, where he shares his daily life with the wildlife, especially the lions, hyenas, and monkeys, in his ***Hakuna Mapaka Oasis***. I enjoyed all his posts and stories, and I would love to meet **Dexter**, **Nala**, **Snow**, and the rest of the pride and animals. https://read.cash/@Momentswithmatti/appics-account-creation-guide-49e58e30 https://www.instagram.com/dean.schneider/
Also, two of my favorite celebrity couples had a Safari Tour on their honeymoon, and I told myself, I want to go there. Of course, not to go there for a honeymoon (**whispers** *Antoni might not propose if I want a Safari honeymoon. hihihihi*), but to go there and be one with nature and wildlife. The couples went to several National Parks, namely **David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust**, **Hwange National Park**, **Mana Pools National Park**, **Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park**, and **Maasai Mara**.
Lion King, Jungle Book, Tarzan - they all flashed right through my eyes. Ahhh, my childhood days. I immediately daydreamed of going there. What an eargasm it would be to be serenaded by the gentle sound of nature and animals.
The Dancing Aurora Borealis in Iceland
Honestly, I really thought these so-called "***dancing lights***" were just a photo manipulation, so I was not curious enough to look through if my hunch was correct.
Anyway, I came to know **Aurora Borealis** and **Aurora Australis** when my sister asked me about them and how they differed from each other. Since she asked me and I didn't know about it, that's when the time I researched so I have something to answer. Then, I found out that these dancing lights are real.
Since a Safari Tour is already on my list, it is possible to witness the Aurora Australis somewhere in South Africa. And so, I decided I should go to the north to witness the dancing Aurora Borealis. As I've looked further, Iceland has one of the best spots to be mesmerized by these lights. I have no specific place yet, but it would be an ethereal experience to watch them near a lake or a lagoon. How surreal it would be to see the Aurora Borealis and its reflection on the waters.
The Lows and Highs of Mont-Saint-Michel
Because of a Korean drama — ***The Package*** — I learned about the Mont-Saint-Michel. The majority of the drama was filmed in France, and watching it felt like I was with them, traveling. It showcased several tourist spots in France. But when the destination was in Mont-Saint-Michel, I was spellbound. Everything about it — the location, the view, the history and culture— is a divine stunner. It was the most breathtaking place the drama had visited.
What intrigues me the most is its bay, highly influenced by the weather and the tides. Having a trip there means that you have to check the tidal calendar. It can drastically change from low to high, and vice versa. If I'm lucky enough to be there, I will timelapse everything because, during high tide, the water can go up to 50-feet high, making the Mont-Saint-Michel an island.
Given that I am financially capable of going there, I want to have a three or four-week-long vacation on the Safari tour, and then two-week-long to witness the dancing lights and the lows-and highs of the holy island.
How about you? What are your dream countries to visit?
Links to the attached images:
Image 1 https://unsplash.com/photos/0mqrqbwjKc4
Image 2 https://unsplash.com/photos/CgoRzWX4CDg
Image 3 https://unsplash.com/photos/PUELptt7zoY
You can find me here: Noise • Hive • Steemit • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram https://noise.cash/u/kneelyrac https://peakd.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://steemit.com/@kneelyrac/posts https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23935722-caryl https://twitter.com/kneelyracimp https://www.instagram.com/waling.arts/
@keeneek
