Dancing with Danger
Among other illegal drugs, ecstacy pill was also causing high on users which makes them use it again once they got hooked.
Oi Tik Keong, a 14 year old boy was fascinated at how his friends danced wildly with the sounds at a disco bar in Penang, Malaysia.
He asked how they do it when one of his friends handed him a pill that he paid with 20 ringgit (about $5) which they divided by them both.
Within 20minutes, he felt light headed and dizzy.
Euphoria began washing away the boy's inhibjtion, he got into the dance floor and gyrated with hundred others with the music. For five hours, he danced with abandon stopping only to drink ice cold water to soothe his parched throat.
The pill called ecstacy, soon took hold of the young boys life. He'd wander from home before dawn, sleeping til late in the afternoon despite his parents protests.
He was once a healthy young boy who grew thin and sickly as his appetite waned. His addiction caused him to buy the drug from his hard earned money instead of using it in important things he might need.Sometimes steal from his father and asked money from his sister. Friends avoided him knowing he would only ask money to buy a pill.
For four years he lived in desperation. Good thing, he had a cousin who introduced him to a rehabilitation center where he was successfully cleaned out of his addiction.
Oi was just one among thousands of young men and women in Asia who was caught up in the drugs craze years back.
Ecstacy which was often consumed in discos and nightclubs is actually a chemical called methylenedioxy-methamphetamine. Though illegal was very popular. Within half an hour that it enters the bloodstream, the drug triggers the release of serotonin, the body's primary mood regulator. This makes users dance and party to the point of exhaustion. Additionally, with consumption, it heightens sense of touch, freedom from inhibition and increase sexual desire.
By word of mouth and on the internet, ecstacy is promoted as harmless. A website claimed that users report that the experience is very pleasant and highly controllable. .Even at the peak of the effect, people can usually deal with important matters.
Medical authorities, on the otherhand point out the risks. Heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature rises under the influence of the drug, often bringing on overheating and dehydration.
"As body temperature rises, muscle cells can be damaged, releasing substances that can shut down the kidneys", Says Dr Lai Siang Hui of Singapore's Centre for Forensic Medicine. "Liver damage, spontaneous bleeding, seizures and brain swelling can result.
Ecstacy can be harmful to one person, yet leaves other users with little more than a hangover. One individual can have a pleasure using it while another experience very adverse effects, even death. This unpredictability of the drugs effect makes it very dangerous.
Pamela, for example was a 19-year old college student who attended a party on St. Valentine's Day. She begun to vomit later that night and rushed to the bathroom. When she emerged, she collapsed, gasping for air and foaming at the mouth.
By the time an ambulance arrived, she was dead. An autopsy revealed she suffered from an adverse reaction to ecstasy.
Five years until 2003, ecstacy was a primary contributing factor in death. Victims were healthy young people who should not have died.
One particular hospital in Asia admitted that they treated several ecstacy-abuse case every weekend. Most cases involved first time users who complained of rapid heartbeats and showed signs of emotional instability.
Like any other illegal drugs, it is expensive but local productions make it more affordable. One more thing is that tablets sold on streets are often laced with other substances including speed, prescription drugs, and even insect repellent -which makes the drug more unpredictably dangerous.
Most users are teenagers who are being bribed by their peers into using it. Some take it without their knowledge which was added on their drinks. Teenagers are at the peak of emotional hormonal changes that's why they spend most of their time with peers and make themselves entertained by partying on bars and discos.
Parents need to keep watch of their teens of any tell-tale signs, if not ecstacy then its other abusive drugs. Mood swings, irritable behavior, loss of interest in school and family, sudden request use of money which they don't usually do, loss of appetite and change in sleeping pattern are the signs parents need to be aware of.
A good family bond and constant reminder of telling your kids of the effects of trying to go with bad influence peers keep them from doing such thing. We have all under gone puberty stage so we need to understand how they feel, thus getting ourselves on their shoes and befriending them when you see they are becoming distant towards you is a must. Surrounding them with love and establishing rapport make them at bay from bad influences.
07-18-21
*****z-graeden*****
Different Varieties of Mushrooms in our Place
Are you like me who grew up in the mountains? What are the things you love to do? Have you ever tried mushroom hunting? Did you know that there are different varieties of it? And there's actually edible and inedible while there is also a variety that are collected and sold for medicinal purposes.
Wild mushrooms fruit seasonally from the month of July to September. Sometimes as early as June. But the most is the month of July. It does not just fruit anywhere but only to some certain spots that's why mushroom hunters would go to the same spot each year. They sprout in clusters, and others were separated from each. They can be spotted easily while others hid on dried weeds and pine needles. It was believed that these fungi often fruit when there was a thunderstorm. I don't know what was the connection but it is true. They were collected right away after the thunderstorm like for about 3 to 5 days else it will be dried or rotten.
I grew up in a village where these mushrooms grow aplenty but never have I ever tried to go hunting. Firstly, my dad would usually go as early as twilight in the mountains, may it be in the morning or evening. Then when we were growing, my older brother and sister were the ones who were going with other older kids to look for them. They won't let me come with them because I was yet small and it was a very long walk from our sitio to where the mushrooms can be found. And when I was in highschool to college, we lived in central town where we seldom come home to our village. Thus, I never had the chance to go for mushroom hunting. And believe me, I still don't know how to identify the edible ones from the inedible until today that I try to distinguish them.
Mushroom is a fungi with an umbrella shaped body. Most often the term mushroom is used to identify the edible ones while toadstool is for the inedible and poisonous ones.
1. **Kum-u.** This is the most common variety.
2. **Tavelew**. Yellow
3. **Buu** - rounded mushrooms. Those were already sliced.
4. **Uong**. Seldom do you see it in cluster. This has a meaty texture and tastes sweet. It can be cooked with any recipe especially paired with other vegetables and soup.
**Gehey-** this is seldomly found
There are other varieties but I was not able to find pictures of them. Well, who knows I would be blogging these days that's why I was not able to take some pictures of those other varieties my husband had hunted before. It includes hezehjem, apan and many more.
Most often we cook these fungi by boiling it first in water then extract the water when it has simmered for about 5 minutes. Sauté it in oil, garlic, onion, and season it with soy sauce or just salt. You can add finely chopped scallion or celery for garnishing or other leafy herbs you have.
But before cooking, we have to wash it thoroughly in running water using an unused toothbrush to get the stuck mud.
I really would like to try mushroom burger at the time when my husband went to hunt last time, unfortunately, we don't have the ingredients needed. Might try next time.
Mushrooms were being cultivated but I don't know the name of the one being grown here in our area. It has a rubbery stem but the dome is good.
Mushroom do not only tastes delicious with a subtle flavour and something to really crave for but it offers numbers of health benefits our body needs.
**Cholesterol- free**
Most of it contain most water, about 90% 1% fat and 5% carbs. Its potassium content aids in reducing sodium in the body that helps lower blood pressure.
**Full of nutrients**
If you're looking for something low in calorie for your diet then mushroom is a good choice as it contains fiber, protein and antioxidant. Its antioxidant content reduce the risk of hypertension. Other nutritional content includes selenium, copper, thiamin, and magnesium.
However, when you are like me who is not familiar with wild mushrooms and you intend to go for a hunt then you have to be with anyone who knew about it. Because when you happen to collect those inedible ones and cooked and consumed it, for sure you will feel the side effects of it. Well, I don't know if it caused poisoning but what I have heard is that it will alter how the mind functions or somewhat contains hallucinogenic properties. It was like you have been drugged because some said it will cause hallucinations or someone to feel high, or other things which is really abnormal. This will take some hours until the substance that caused it will eventually expires from the body. Locally, we call those types of inedible mushrooms as "***tagtago***."
Now, we also have the *kudji* as we locally call it. It grows on decaying hard woods. It has an appearance like that of a kidney or shaped like that of a fan. It also has a woody and hard texture after being gathered and left for days. But, it's a little soft when not plucked. My mother once told me before when she was selling Lingzhi coffee, a product of DXN that it was no other than the kudji. It was its raw material.
My parents before, after coming home from the Quirino Province used to hunt kudji in the mountains and sold it to some buyers. These buyers also sell it to manufacturers for medicine production.
As I recalled the Lingzhi name, I tried to google it and found out that it was this kudji. It's either called Ganoderma, Lingzhi by the Chinese and Reishi by the Japanese. It grows in 6 colors but the red one is more dominant. But what we have here is the creamy brownish to redish color. It was hunted now when people learned that it can be used as a traditional medicine.
****Closing thoughts****
I don't know much about mushrooms especially those that were being hunted here in our place but I was reminded to write about it when my eldest came home one day with a bag of kum-u. I was reminded that never in my life did I ever tried to go for a mushroom hunting while my 8 year old boy already did. So I was inspired to write about it. However the ones they were able to gather were already a bit old, as it was turning black. Then later that evening, Xzeon's (May's) son brought over some. He was one whom my boy tagged along with.
I can only say that exotic foods are really very beneficial to our health. It doesn't only have its distinct flavor and aroma but these foods remind us to take care of our nature so that future generations would be able to behold the natural ecosystem and not only read it in books or watched it on their gadgets.
07-17-21
*****z_graeden*****
Sleeping Beauty
When I was younger, I love to read about fairy tales. Young ladies in distress being rescued by their knights in shining armour was the usual scene which had created some scenes in my head. Even when I still can't read during daycare, these fairytales were told by the teacher which we imitated during playtime. Growing older we learned about folkores, and legends of how and why things came to exist. And this story here is another one of them. A legend from one of Cordillera's province, Kalinga.
Kalinga is a landlocked province of the Philippines situated in the mountains of Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon.
According to history, the Kalinga people called themselves "***tagukami***" which means we are men, or "*iluta kami*" meaning we are the people of the Earth. So how did the name Kalinga came to be?
Kalinga pronounce as Kalìng-ga simply mean enemy, fighter, headhunter. This tribe were fierce warriors who raided the Kagayan and Isabella Province for head. Thus, they were called Kalinga pronounced as Kâlinga. Later Spaniards also called them Kalinga (where the pronunciation of Kaling-ga came to be)to have an ethnic name and thus with the Americans who took over.
The inhabitants of the mountain ranges of Luzon have numerous legends and Kalinga is not an exception. It is a tribe of colorful culture and traditions.
The forefathers of Kalinga have legends, epics or myths which the bravery and prowess of the heroes are sang on a chant called "***ullalim***."
The legend of the sleeping beauty which it was called modernly was due to the clear silhouette on the northern ridge of the mountain of a woman lying. It is a story depicting two lovers who would do anything for love.
________________________
The story goes like this.
Tribes were not in good terms with each other due to some reasons. Tribal wars were prevalent during the olden days.
A man who had an extraordinary bravery and strength called Banna lived in Tinglayan. He had a charm that people would look up at him for leadership. He was also a good singer of the "ullalim".
He went on search for a wife one day, when he realized that he needed a lifetime partner whom he could share his life with. Unfortunately, there was no available woman in his village that he decided to climb Mount Patukan, a mountain east of Tinglayan and go to Tanudan.
The sun was still up and so he rested on a tree, a good distance away from the village he was about to enter. Because he was a stranger that his presence could cause him trouble when seen.
Night came, he went down and drew nearer the village. He heard a soft, melodious female voice singing the ullalim. He got closer as the voice is irresistible and while he drew closer to the hut the ululation is coming from, the voice became more sweeter and sweeter. He peeped in between the bamboo walls and saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She had a dashing beauty that mesmerized him.
His sense of survival was overpowered by his desire to meet the woman. Revealing himself boldly would surely get him in trouble.
"*Anna tago*,"( Someone's here) He said as he knocked at the door.
The singing stopped. "*Umma sanat*,"(Who's it?) came the reply from the woman. It was not only the singing voice that had captivated him but the spoken words too.
"*This is Banna from Tinglayan*," he replied..
The villagers were very protective of their properties and women. That the men inside the house hurried to the closed door and asked his intentions. Banna knew his boldness could get him killed yet he replied that he came in peace with a good intention to meet the woman who sings the ullalim.
Because he was a stranger, the family urged him to just head home. But Banna, persistent as he is did not move from where he stood.
Dongdongan, the woman's father slowly opened the door and saw a young, dashing, musculine and handsome man by the door. With his stance, he could tell that this man is not one who could just be shoved off. Nevertheless, he repeated his plea for him to leave. Just like a while ago, this young man did not move. With hesitance, he let him in unwillingly.
Banna,then again introduced himself once inside the house.
Dongdongan offered him a bowl of water. This is an old tradition that when a stranger is accepted inside the house, he should be offered water to drink. This means that the host will protect him. But when no water is offered then it means the contrary- hostility that means a deadly fight if the stranger did not leave at once.
The ritual proceeded which included an offering of "***buyo or buwa***" as what we call it betel nut, "***apog***"- a powder from certain clam's shell that is powderized, and "***gawed***"- betel leaf. These, altogether is chewed and spit out which produces a red tinge- **moma**.
On their conversation which is in a form of ullalim, thus Banna revealed his quest in search for a wife. Without hesitation, Dongdongan introduced his daughter, Edonsan, who like Banna was inloved the moment she set her eyes upon this "***taraki***" or manly stranger.
Then and there this young man proposed to the beautiful lady who did not have any second thought and accepted the proposal. Their wedding had been set by the elders the following day. A *cañao* (festivity of dancing and singing) was held. All the villagers were invited to celebrate and witness the union and exchange of vows of the couple that no one had gone to the fields or to their kaingin.
Up until these days, the "***cañao***" or "***palanos***" as called by other tribes is being practiced. There's no officiating official but the elders. It is considered more sacred than the weddings of today.
Traditionally, the groom had to stay for a week at the brides residence to prove his purity of intention. Those days were filled with nothing but happiness felt by the newly wed. They spent it on the mountain of Patukan picking guavas and wild berries and catching fish by the river for their dinner. As part of the tradition, the wife, Edonsan took Banna each night of that 7 days to each relative's house. Doing so indicates that the approval and blessings of the relatives contributes to the couples happiness.
At the end of the seventh day, the couple had prepared to leave for Banna's tribe where they will build their new home. The wife's family and the villagers prepared native cakes and tobacco as gifts for Banna's village.
Hence, at daybreak the villagers came to bid farewell to the couple who left happily. It took them 8 long hours to get to the top of Mount Patokan, a mountain that divided the two villages which the couples each came from.
As they reached the summit, they heard unusual sounds coming below from Banna's village a few miles down.
Instinct struck Banna that something is wrong and maybe even something worst. So he instructed that Edonsan to stay and wait for him and never come down as he is to descend to investigate the cause of the commotion.
Then and there, Banna ran down with haste to his village that when he was seen by his villagers they cheered in unison. Hope registered on their faces. At last, their leader was there to lead them drive the intruders away.
The encounter was a bloody one as spears were thrown in the air and bolos clashed with each other as the two tribes fought against each other. Dead bodies of the two warring tribes were all over the place.
Unfortunately, Banna's men were only a few compared to the huge number of the intruders. He thought that he could not make it back to Edonsan. Therefore, he instructed one of his men to go see his beloved at the mountain top and warn her not to come down as it is dangerous to do so. He fought until his last breath with his spear on his hand.
Edonsan on the mountain top waited for how long she didn't know. She became weak from heartache and weariness.
The man whom Banna had sent to see his Edonsan had let her know about the misfortune of Banna in the hands of the enemies. The thought of living without Banna is unbearable. She slowly crumpled to the ground as all hope for her beloved to come for her was gone. She vowed to bring back her love to life again that she wept uncontrollably with grief, her tears were unstoppable. It was until night time that she grew even weaker. Her breath came in gasps until she closed her eyes and took her last breath.
The mountain top begun to grow and resemble a woman's face lying down. Two waterfalls sprang from where her body was laid to rest. It was believed that it was her tears.
________________________
The best image of a body of a woman lying down can be clearly seen west in the Chico river near Tinglayan and east near Tanudan. The perfectly shaped nose was a proof of a woman sleeping.
While reading the story, the names of the characters differ from one to the other. I have learned that it depends from a tribe where one belongs to or whom you asked or heard the story. There are also different versions from different tribes.
It is one of the tourist spot of the province. It was called Mount Patukan in the Lubo dialect of Tanudan while it was Mount Mating-oy Dinayao in Tinglayan.
It was called "The Sleeping Beauty" of Kalinga these days.
*All photos used were borrowed from facebook users*
07-15-21
*****z_graeden*****
Who Had to Sacrifice More?
Well pressed tailored suits he wore. He picked up his attaché case and planted a kiss on his wife's forehead with some unruly hair dangling and covering those lovely eyes. He went to their toddlers nursery room and played with his wavy hair before he kissed those chubby cheeks. He took his daughter's backpack and they went off the door. The girl's school was some meters away from his law office. He had to drive his daughter and drop her in her school before turning back to his workplace.
The woman was left all alone with their baby. She decided to have the nanny off for good and take care of her toddler fully when she was strong and capable enough to do it. It was how she did to her first born when she was still little.
When the babe's asleep, she would do house chores. But a number of things like bathing her baby and play with him outdoors before getting inside to make him sleep. Make the house presentable and tidy as it is when her husband and daughter comes home. Do the laundry and get the laundered things under the sun. Cook and wash the dishes every after meal. Then prepare dinner for them.
She would again do chores after dinner before joining her husband who is prettily resting in their room. Sometimes she helps their daughter with schoolwork or her husband would.
She was a fulltime mom who's doing her part as a good wife to her husband and mother to her kids.
On the other hand,the man picked up his daughter at her school's gate after his office hours. They would drop by a store and do little grocery when things ran out of their house.
"Can you buy some milk for baby? I haven't noticed the stocks were pretty gone until I reach out the cupboard to refill baby's milk container." The woman asked her husband when she was about to go out with her baby in tow to the grocery store. Luckily, her husband and daughter came home earlier than expected.
"Of course." The man answered with a frown as he entered the house. His wife and her daughter followed behind. He laid his briefcase at the side table and loosened his tie.
"Can you buy me this? Can you buy me that? Can you get me this? Can you get me that?" The man said in a sarcastic tone as he turned around to face his wife who was just across the room and getting the baby out from his carrier.
"There was not a single thing you haven't asked me to buy." The man added with his tone a little higher.
The woman with a mouth agaped was astonished with her husband's reaction. She asked her daughter who was just beside her to take her baby brother to her room.
She faced her husband who was now sitting at the couch and said gently, "what's wrong with me asking this time for a favor of buying little one's milk?"
"I bought you this house. That beautiful ring on your finger. Pay the bills and buy you all the things you needed. Is not enough for you to keep pesting me with things to buy? It was all my sacrifices that made us where we are now. Can't you even be thankful for those?" The man said with his tone almost high. "Now you can't even get yourself fit and get those extra fats from your body! You smell of oil and spices most of the time. Your hair and hands almost as course as the sandpaper."
The woman was hurt very badly that she haven't notice those tears racing down her cheeks. She covered herself up with her cardigan she was wearing. She wiped her tears and was about to leave her husband and go to their room when she saw her trophies at the living room divider; her plaques and some certificates nicely framed. It was all her achievements in college, a varsity player and at the same time excelling academically. Beside them were of his husband's certificate from graduating law, his pictures and one of it was theirs while she was happily hugging her newly grad soon-to-be husband. She was heavy with their eldest that time.
"Sacrifices and sacrificed you say?" She asked in a still calm voice as she again faced her husband. "First, I sacrificed my supposed to be career for you to finish up and become a lawyer instead. My body to conceive and brought your kids healthy in this world," she sniffled. "I sacrficed my time to raise them myself because I was not at ease to leave them alone with a nanny.. Yes, you bring home the bacon but who prepares it for you? I smell of oil and garlic but it's because I make sure to serve you and the kids a healthy meal. My body had gained fats because I was all eyes to our kids that I didn't have time to atleast shed some," she sniffled once more. "I may look messy at times but it was due to our baby who loves to pull my hair and sometimes peed at me. I made sure the house is neat, clean and comfortable for you to come home to. I tried my best to look presentable infront of your colleagues, that I am sure of."
"The house you say? The ring? Did I ever asked you to get me these? Was it not your love that made you so? Didn't you ever think I also made sacrifices and sacrificed everything just so the family we dreamt to build together before will be a family who lives, laughs, cries together?" She paused and sat at the couch across her husband.
She asked, "Was that even you speaking? I know you have bad days in the office and I understand that. Even a stay at home mom feels drained physically, emotionally and psychologically but you never heard a word from me." She reached for her husband's hand and held it. "I am thankful for your understanding and for taking me to places to at least have my mind and body relax for a moment. Those "us" times. Most especially for the endless provisions of our needs."
"I may not be a vocal type of a woman in terms of things like that but know that I show my gratitude in actions. But know that when I am triggered, my mouth could talk nonstop."
The man who had been listening took his wife's hand and kissed it. "I am sorry. I did have a very bad day. I was a little anxious of the new case I was holding....."
The conversation went a little more..
"When baby is a little older, you can go back to school and continue your degree. I believe, you'll do better than me. Together, we'll be partners at home and at the office.
****Closing thoughts****
Now, is it right to slap your sacrifices to your spouse? Well, it depends. As for the story, they held it professionally.
In marriage, both parties are making sacrifices for the welfare of their family. It should not be something to cause abuse to the other. It is altogether a responsibility no matter who or both are bringing home the bacon...
There is no perfect relationship. There are arguments, misunderstandings but having a good and healthy conversation with your spouse or partner is also the best therapy in a relationship. Doing it in a calm way resolves problem that may arise in the future. Sometimes arguments arise to make us see things and grow. You may not talk with each other for days but try to go out and cool your head in a way that would not worsen the situation. Come home after then start a good conversation with your partner.
Thanks for reading
07-14-21
*****z_graeden*****
Descendants of the Stars
Long ago where beliefs of our ancestors were strong that some unknown beings existed. Celestial creatures such as stars are believed to be immortal beings who can come down on land and live with mortals.
_______________________
In a very young village where the sweetest of camote/sweet potato was cultivated and the smoothest of "hanglit"- raw syrupy sugar made from sugar canes were made, there was a widower but skillful hunter named Amlahang. As skillful as he is that he would always brings home a good catch after a day's hunt. As his usual routine as a hunter after field works were done and attained he went to the mountains to hunt.
He spent the whole day looking for wild animals but he had seen nothing. Midnight came but he still has nothing to bring home and he was already at the deeper part of the forest where he did not wander before. Believing that it was a misfortune, he decided to take a rest inside the forest. He had not rested well yet when he heard ladies playful giggles not far. With doubt and surprise, he followed the direction of the noise. He thought,"who would in their right minds would come this far at this hour of the night?" Until he came near a lake,unbeknownst to him that there was a wide and beautiful lake in this part of the jungle. He was even shocked to see beautiful, naked women swimming on the lake. He watched them until he noticed wings and their "pite/tapis"(a woven wrap around native clothing for women) not afar. He taught of stealing a pair of wings so that whoever owns it could not leave and then he would invite her to be his wife.He hid in the bushes and tall grasses and waited for them to do their business.
At last,nearly day break the ladies finished taking a bath so they came off of the water to wear their "pite" and wings so that they would return to the sky where they came from. One of the lady was astonished when she found no wings for her to wear. They looked and looked but their was none.The others started to bid her goodbye for they cant do any otherwise.
Amlahang then came out from where he was hiding.He got near the woman and noticed her weeping. He talked to her and pretended as if he knew nothing of the thing the woman was lamenting of. He then convinced the lady to go with him to the village and be his wife because she can't stay in the forest forever. Left with no choice, they went down to the village. The woman then learned the ways of life of the villagers.
Years passed and they had three sons.
One day, the woman went to the field to clean the sugarcane plantation. When she was cleaning,she came to a spot with a big stone and noticed a rotten thing covered by it.Rolling the stone away, she recognized the thing to be her wings. She was so disappointed with her husband because she knew it was him who hid it. She took it with her in their house to mend it. She did not tell her husband about the thing she discovered. From then, she planned to make four pairs of wings out of her original wings so that she and her sons could return to the skies where she came from.
Everyday, whenever her husband was out to the fields,she would work on the wings not letting him know anything.Of course Amlahang wondered why but he didn’t ask the reason why his wife won’t go to the fields with him. Until all four pairs of wings were done. She then retrieved her husband’s "vangko"(spear) and called her sons out of the house. She helped them wear their wings and with the aid of her husband's spear she asked the eldest to stand on one end and lift it up telling her son to spread his wings and fly to the sky..She did it too with her second son successfully. Finally,it was the youngest turn to fly. Just as his brothers did,so did he but he failed on his first attempt. He came crushing down to the ground with a thud. Second and third attempt but to no avail. Their mother was saddened by it and so was her son. She then told her son, "You may stay to be with your father and accompany him on land. Rest assured that we will be the stars watching and looking after you and your father."
When Amlahang came home from the fields,he was saddened by the news his youngest son has met him with.
From then on Amlahang called the lake "Hiniblawan Talo" or Siniblawab Talaw by other locals.Hiniblawan meaning swimming or bathing while Talo means star. Thus,making it a "place where the stars bathed.
The boy who was left on land was believed to be one of our village ancestor.
A little knowledge about this magical place. It was believed that 2 big eels have guarded this lake before as hunters told about seeing this enchanted creatures lurking but on a second glance the creature would be gone. The lake was once clean from mosses with beautiful wild flowers around it. But,today this lake was covered with very very thick moss. Villagers believed that the enchanted eels living and protecting the said lake were gone when hunters and locals begin to frequently visit this magical place especially during the call for rain when el niño struck the village.
___________
The lead image was the picture of the mythical lake. Credits to the rightful owner
I actually have written this in mix Ilocano and English and sent this story on one of the facebook page when they held a contest for folklores on November 2019. It may have not won but atleast I was able to share our legend also.
Sadly, it was copy pasted by some even the introduction that I have heard it from my grandfather, and posted it on their timeline without giving credits.
09-13-21
*****z_graeden*****
When the Green Fields Turn Gold
**Definition of terms**
*****Tapey*****- fermented glutinous rice. It will take 3 days before its perfectly fermented for consumption. It is also served during special occasions.
*****Gimmat*****-it's what men use to carry rice crops and others like corn, sweet potatoes etc.
*****Lakem*****- used in cutting or harvesting palay
*****Jawis or jinawis*****- the act of roasting meat; roasted meat
*****Laot*****- a type of bamboo cleaned by men in a way that it can be use to tie the rice stalks together
*****Guvey*****- a jar specially made specifically for salted meat
*****Taksug*****- a wide basket used by women to carry the foods0
*****Hagey*****- unriped or young rice grains left by the harvesters. Roasted and pounded. It is what is pinipig by the lowlands
It was early in the morning, the little girl was long awake in their sleeping mat which she shared with her two siblings. She was anticipating when her mother would eventually get up from their bed and out of their bedroom, but it seemed like forever. She heard the roosters crowed simultaneously then her mother switched on the lights and got out of their room to the kitchen. She slowly crept out of their room and followed her mother.
"Why are you up so early in the morning, Z," her mother asked as she turned around to look who was behind her.
Z can smell the tempting smell of that rice wine her mother had made three days ago. "I want to have a taste of that tapey, mother." Z answered with a wink, smiling and a pleading smile on her cheeky face. It was her favorite everytime the harvest season arrives. She would count the days after her mother had made it until it will ferment three days after. Her mother put it in a pot above the fireplace in the soot covered dirty kitchen. Z couldn't wait for three days and she would try to reach for it but couldn't. Now, the day has come to finally be the first to have a taste of that ever-coveted rice wine of hers.
"No *tapey* yet because it's too early in the morning. It might upset your stomach," her mother replied while she was busily making fire at the fireplace.
"You better go back to sleep because it's still too early in the morning. Look outside, it's still dark," her mother tried to talk her out. However this girl was determined to have a taste of that rice wine so she took a footstool and sat beside her mother. She sang her kindergarten songs her teacher taught. Then she stood and did her best to dance while singing. But her mother was not to be taken by her act. Nevertheless, she expressed her appraisal to her li'l tricky girl.
The fire finally lit up so her mother got up and took the big pot where she could cook rice. "Why do you cook in a big pot mother? Can we eat all of that? It could go to waste if we can't," Z cried.
"No it won't. Because your father asked a family to help us with harvesting the ripened rice crops," the mother patiently explained while she put some rice on the pot.
"Yeeheey," the child exclaimed excitedly. "I will come with you."
Her mother then went out to wash the rice because the faucet for water was outside their house.
Her father eventually got up and saw the girl at the kitchen who immediately said she will go with them at the fields. "No," her father answered. "It was a very long walk. I couldn't carry you on my back anymore because you got bigger and I will be carrying my gimmat filled with rice after."
"I can walk, I won't ask you to carry me."
"If you promise to walk all the way up to the mountains to and fro then you may come," assured her father.
Her excitement of going to the fields for harvest made her forget her cravings for the ricewine.
Her father took the salted meat from the guvey and place it on a pot they will be using to cook it in the fields. Her mother was also busy preparing the foods. Z had a li'l baby brother whom her mother would be tending to so she can't come. Thus, the foods would be carried by the women whom they asked us to help. She had an older sister and an older brother but they can't carry the foods alone.
Early as 6 o'clock, they left the house with the others whom they called. The women came to carry the foods with their taksug. It was a long walk because they need to walk the road to the mountains that's why they had to leave early. Z and her little brother who was only 5 happily trudged and ran with the other kids at the road. They went up the steep climb to the mountains with full energy, the climb was a tiring one but for kids it was just part of their play.
Seems this was a good year. The luscious smell of the golden fields, beaming heavily with rice crops was a satisfying sight to behold. After the strenuous labor of the small time farmers during the farming season, they deserve to have a gratifying harvest afterwards.
They walked and walked up and down the mountains until they reached their destination.
Their father made fire before everyone proceeded to cut those stalks of rice. The stalks of rice were even taller than Z and her li'l brother, C. They need to extend their arms upward to reach the stalk where it should be cut. They still don't know how to use the lakem yet that they had to pull the stalk with their own hand.
Their father was busy cooking the salted meat in a pot he hanged on a slightly inclined branch he cut along the way. He punched it to the mud in a way the pot could be hanged securely. Some of the meat he cut it into bite size and pierced it with sticks and roasted it to the open fire. Hmmm, the smell of it filled the air. It made Z's tummy grumble. Oh! She's hungry.
At last, the jinawis or roasted pork was done. It was black in color. Then her father called out the men to eat. She also went but she was wondering why not everyone sits and eat? Why the men only while the women continue with the labor? It's not her business as long as her grumbling tummy will be filled. She ate heartily even with the meat black with soot. It tasted delicious, anyway.
When the pork being cooked on the hanging pot was done, their father called again to eat. This time everyone came to sit around. Everyone enjoyed the simple meal, boodle fight.
As the sun smiled strongly, their father asked Z and C to get the kettle where he previously prepared the tapey a while aback. Everyone was thirsty, perhaps so Z holds the kettle while C holds the cup as they passed it along from one person to the other. After everyone was able to drink, they went back to the side where they took it. Because it was what Z had been looking forward to, she hastily took a bowl and a spoon and scooped out the tapey inside. She shared it with her little brother who was only staring at her. She kept giggling because at last she was able to have it to her heart's content.
When any of the harvesters was thirsty, they would bring the kettle of tapey to them. It does quench the thirst while under the strong heat of the sun.
By nearly noon, everyone was gathering the rice tied with laot and bringing it together to the side where the men could fix it in their gimmat. Z and C helped their older siblings gather the hagey. It was also one which excites children during the harvest. Because they will make it into pinipig once they are home.
The men carry their gimmat on their shoulders up and down the mountains bearing the heat of the midday sun. They bring the rice to the host's rice granary where it will be dried the following day.
After everyone got home, we went to call our companions in the harvest to come and eat at our house.. And in the evening Z's older siblings sent cooked rice and viand for them.
In the afternoon, Z and her siblings prepare the hagey to be roasted on a big basin over the fire. After roasting they will let it cool and pound it in the mortar using a pestle. They call it hagey while lowlanders call it pinipig.
Z got the chance to asked their grandfather why does men eat first with the roasted meat. Her grandfather told them a story of long ago to answer her curiosity.
"Long ago, during their time, vetad or tribal wars were prevalent. Neighboring villages especially those at central town raised war against them by destroying their irrigation. They had to be alert at all times. On harvest season, the men eat first (because we usually don't eat breakfast before leaving) so that if ever there was any vuho or enemy spotted sneaking they will be able to chase after them. They need it for strength," Z's grandfather told.
(Another childhood story)
Harvesting season is a very enjoyable moment for kids and adults alike. Unlike the lowlands, they only had one crop in a year. That is to let the rice paddies rest. That's why people in the mountains usually practice crop rotation. After rice crops were gathered, people toil their fields in plots to grow sweet potatoes, legumes and string beans, and other vegetables. After these were gathered, the planting season for rice crops begins.
________________________
As the days go by, warring tribes were having peacepacks that some of the practices were gradually changing. Now we all gather up and eat together, enjoy the jinawis or roasted meat when the viand was cooked. The tapey was never phased out up to these times. However, there were times that soft drinks were brought in replacement of the tapey.
Up to these days, acts of bayanihan were still a part of our culture. And one of it was the harvesting of palays.
The other day, I was a li'l busy preparing foods because my husband called out my parents, siblings and some men to help us with the harvest. That's why I reminisced those days when I was very young. I was just disappointed because I asked my husband to take some photos but he did not. So I just borrowed some on facebook.
All photos credits to rightful owner in facebook
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07-12-21
*****z_graeden*****
A Salvage Story: Revenge
**Part 1: Mistaken Identity** https://read.cash/@z_graeden/a-salvage-story-mistaken-identity-d0785234
**Part 2: Survival** https://read.cash/@z_graeden/a-salvage-story-survival-2b3231bd
"Jennifer?"
"Yes it was Jennifer. It was what I have engraved in this coconut trunk."
I didn't waste any second when in a flash second my mem'ries on this beach flashed back. I ran towards where Father and the others were.
"Father."
"Father." I called out with glee, I can't contain the feeling that took over me. It was inexplicable.
I didn't give Father the chance to ask what prompted me in this state of euphoria. I told everyone I now knew my name. I narrated how I came to recall it. I was named Jennifer despite being born a boy, I was named with a girl's name by my father. But then I stopped as I think who my father was.
As the days passed, my memories of that night came back gradually. My head hurts when I tried to recollect everything so I was advised not to push it and just let it come back naturally.
At night, I would be awaken from a very bad nightmare which I thought was just a normal thing. But then slowly, piece by piece, it begun to come all together creating a more horrifying, spine-chilling scene. It was a scene of that ill-fated night.
There were four of them and the driver who tortured us.
Fresh as it was that it was just like yesterday. I can still feel how they pierced my eye with the rifle's barrel. It was what had caused me to be a one-eyed Jack.
My hearing was impaired by their kick with their combat boot and marred my head with the gun butt.
My foot was totally damaged by an unknown cause I can't remember that's why the doctor at the hospital told us that it was badly injured and there's no other way to save the whole limb but to cut it off. Maybe it was due to the nonstop beating with an iron bar and bat or with their kick. Was it due to the way I fell and landed when they threw me off the cliff? Or was I possibly run over by a truck.? I can't remember what had caused it. Maybe due to adrenaline that I was able to ran those times but then it ended totally damaged.
How cruel those creatures were. I've thought it was only some scenes in movies but then it was actually happening and I was a living testimony.
They found me alone at the roads with blood all over me. I smelled of alcohol because we drink that night and they thought I was ran down by some reckless driver. We weren't drunk because we can run and even if we were, the spirit of alcohol would surely depart us when we were abducted.
We were thrown at Poyopoy, Marcos Highway but I was found at Agoo, La Union. I have ran a pretty long distance. I must thank God he heard my plea to grant me the strength and courage as I escape our abductors. And to aid me with guidance with which path to take. I may not be able to find my way home but His grace was indescribable. Good people, not to mention He handed me exactly to His people who took me in.
However, wrath and hatred begun to swell up within me. I was enveloped with anger that it clouded my sound mind. I began to think of taking up revenge against those evil people. I want to avenge my friends and myself and get justice for ourselves.
With my current situation, I can't be of match to them. I need a weapon before I can push through with my plan. I have to be armed because I knew I am incapable of vengeance with my physique.
Unbeknownst to Father, I asked around my friends if they happen to know someone who is selling the things I needed, a rifle and a handgun.
I took my farewell one day to Father. I talked to him deeply and said I will try look for my friends if ever they survived that holocaust. He gave me his blessings before I departed.
I was filled with nostalgia as I stepped on my birthplace. The place had changed incredibly, though but the feeling was something wistful.
Old houses were already replaced with big concrete ones. I looked around. Nobody could recognize me. I came to our humble abode but was met with an unwelcoming environment. I mean the place was not what I expected to be. I learned that my father had passed away some 15 years back. He was totally depressed when I was nowhere to be found. All he did was to drink alcohol, go wasted until he stumbled and died on the spot-stroke. It was very painful to bear. The anger I am feeling towards those evildoers grew to heights.
I look for my friends. Fortunately, I was able to locate one.
He is alive. Warm, breathing and very active physically. Years had passed and it had taken it's toll on him so does with mine but he can't recognize me. We hugged each other when I came to introduce myself. I almost cried. He was the one who was lying on the floor and being stepped upon so that he couldn't raise his head.
We talked and talked and talked about that night. I narrated everything to him from the day I woke up from comatose to have amnesia for more than a decade and to how I regained back my memory.
My friend told their story. When the light crept into the woods the following day, some men went to look for them who fortunately found them at the cliff side still inside the sack they were in. They untied them and brought them to the hospital. Luckily, no one was shot when those men had rained down the surroundings with their bullets after they threw us. The gunshots was what the people living at the area some distance away heard. They were afraid to get involved at that very moment so they waited until morning.
I thought that I was the only survivor but thankfully with God's mercy, we all survived that night. People went for a search and rescue operation because I was not yet found. However, days turned to weeks and months but there was neither my shadow nor my body to surface. Thus, they declared I was already dead. That was what prompted my father to turn to alcohol leading to his sad demise.
The other two were actually twin brothers. Sadly, they already died. The other one died due to dengue fever while the other went abroad and eventually got killed there.
Our talk went on and on until we came to talk about my plan of seeking justice using our own hands. He revealed that the three of them have planned to do the same. They were able to secure their own weapon when they worked and saved money for it. My absence thru the years when they thought I was dead all along had motivated them to avenge me. Because the twin brothers were no longer alive that their plan seemed buried with them. This friend of ours was left all alone. Well, I don't have any problem anymore with weapon because he already has it.
One morning, I received a call from Father telling me to come back the soonest if possible. He needed me at a wedding ceremony but I told him I am sick and not in a good shape to travel. But he didn't believe what I was saying, thus, he said he will come and pick me up. So I didn't have a choice but to just go.
When I arrived at the church to where I have stayed for more than a decade, the priest didn't waste time to talk to me.
"My child, what have been thinking lately? You were already in peace with us here. You were redeemed from that pit and this is what God has planned you to become. A second life to take care and a living testimony of His unending love and mercy." He said.
I was a little shocked when he said those. How did he come to know I was planning something towards those people, I asked myself.
"Yes, of course Father. You have seen how I serve the Lord within those years that I was here and had my full faith to Him," I answered.
"Why are you looking for a gun? For what reason would you use it for?" He asked me again.
I was shocked the second time around because he even came to know that I was looking for a gun. I just stood silent because he already knew about it. Any of my friends perhaps had told him about it.
I bursted into tears and cried like a child in front of him. I told him everything, that I already recalled everything about that night, how they came to found me on that state. It was all fresh that nothing had been boiling inside me but to seek justice with my own hands. I was the one who recieved the worst because I did not have a memory of what happened and all my senses were all lessened that I had I have to use hearing aid, prostheses and my eyes was only one. My father even died miserably because I was not able to make it home, he died just like that. I lost my old friends. I added about what I have found out from my friend and that we planned to take action. What am I to live for? I became a total inept of a human and no reason to live any longer because I have already died years ago.
" My child, listen to me. Let God do His work, we don't have the right to take away life because it was only Him who can do that, only Him whom we borrowed our life. Only Him has the right to let us live for years," he said like a faher who was trying to calm his very own child. I couldn't say anything.
"I am telling you, don't think of taking things in your hand. Because God will eventually do it for you in His perfect time. Be thankful enough and rejoice for that second chance to live because it was only a few who were able to have that and you were blessed with it. Take care of it because it has something greater for you in the future, a blessing beyond you can't imagine. If it was not here on earth then for sure it will be in heaven."
I gave it a thought over and over a million times what Father had told me. The truth slapped me with the knowledge of not even knowing who those people were. That even their forehead were we not able to grasp a sight of it. Even if I can secure a weapon then who should I use it for? Baguio had changed a lot and I didn't know where to look for those men. We did not even know their names because they never mentioned anyone when we were at the van.
End..
*From the original author of this content: He met this particular person on his Facebook page, an advising group page where Jenifer told him his story and he was able to give advise just like what the priest had told. Jennifer died of Kidney failure on 2014 and he gave the author the right to publish his story 40 days after his burial. However the author was not able to because it hurts him so bad that it took years before he finally fulfilled the wish of a dead person*.
My note: This was written creatively in Ilocano.
07-10-21
*****z_graeden*****
A Salvage Story: Survival
**Part 1: Mistaken Identity** https://read.cash/@z_graeden/a-salvage-story-mistaken-identity-d0785234
I was too weary and drained from strength and energy that I can no longer get my feet to a single step. I can feel the pain all over my body which was caused by which I thought was an endless torture earlier.
I can feel my body sore all over from my knees to my ribs, my head was pounding so bad I wished it should have blown and end it all, my lips that seemed to fall off my face which was elbow-hit by one of them. Even my b*lls seemed to have bursted out from being beaten with the armalite butt before they put me inside the sack. It had caused me to have swaddle-like gait in a very slow motion.
Dawn was slowly breaking. My eyes could see a little of my surroundings. However, it hurts my eyes when a streak of light struck my face. I can sense my sight was not normal, I hardly can see. It was only my left eye which can see. Why? What happened with the right one?
My face was drenched with sweat, it was even dripping due to my nonstop intention of escaping by running. I was so much tensed by the unexpected change of fate that may have added to the nonstop aqueous thing dripping from my head to my face. It was even blocking my view thus, I wiped it out with one of my hands.
But then I realized my face felt sticky. I stretched my hands to where I could see it a little. To verify what I was thinking then it was confirmed. It was not sweat dripping in my face but blood oozing out my head!?! It was only then that I smelled the metallic, pungent and sickening smell of blood that may have previously oozed out and drying up.
Then all of a sudden... all turned black.. I lost consciousness.
I woke up in a place with dazzling white light it blinded my sight. I blinked my eyes to adopt it to this strange surroundings I am in.
"Am I already dead?" I asked myself. Whatever happened after I died, I didn't know.
Then I tried to spread my eyes to where I was and got a glimpse of an angel at the end of my feet. Clad in white with her veiled head bowed.
"Diiit....diiiit...diiit...diiiiit..." The sound coming from the machine which the wires were connected to that were attached at my chest and temples. It went on repeatedly.
The angel at my foot woke up with astonishment in her eyes. So much joy registered to her face.
"Nurse!!! Nurse!!!" She called out.
Women in white rushed to the room where I was before the one at my foot, who could not contain her emotions was able to get near me. All of them were a picture of joy and happiness which I don't understand.
"Yeeeheeey.."
"Good morning, sir. Congrats."
They greeted me cheerfully. I was confused, I dont know what they were saying. "Were they insane," I thought. "What's there to be so happy about?"
"What was this place, really?"
"Why was everyone in white? For sure I am dead and they're rejoicing that I was able to make it to heaven."
I begun to feel some pain over my body. There was something inserted at my nose which I think was an oxygen. There was something inserted at my throat to my chest it hurts that it obviated my action to swallow. I was intubated. There was a hose connected to my pen**.
I can see there were numerous objects attached to my chest, some were even at my temples.
"So, I was not dead, afterall?" I thought. "But what happened, really?"
"Whats your name, brotha?" The person at the foot of the bed inquired as she came close to me.
"What is a name?" I asked back.
"From where are you?" She asked again in a very pleasant manner.
"What is from where are you?" I answered.
She called the man in white and the others who were all in white also. They were discussing about me, I can tell.
While they were conversing to themselves, I've felt my right eye hurts. It was binded but why? And my legs, why can't I feel them?
They gave me time to rest but how could I rest when I was so full of confusion of the things around me. When I've felt a little stronger for days after the day I woke up they explained to me I lost my memory, totally. I don't even know what name is. They told me I was in a hospital. The man who daily checked on me was a doctor and the others were nurses. While the ladies dressed in white who were interchanging to look after me were called nuns. These nuns were patiently taking care of me and explaining to me why I was in that place.
I was lying in that hospital bed for more than two months already. They found me almost dead on the road and with blood all over me. They asked me if I can remember the plate number of the vehicle that had hit me. But I really don't know. I don't know what a vehicle was. Was it a person?
"Whoever that vehicle was, may the Lord forgive you why you did this to me." I said to myself.
I was gradually regaining my strength and energy after a week from the time I woke up from coma. I can already lift myself to sit and can hold a spoon when I eat.
However, I was wondering why my feet seemed uneven. And my face, why does it had to be wrapped in bandages?
"Tomorrow, they will remove the bandages on your head and who knows we will be able to go home." One of the older nun said after I ate my breakfast.
Again, like the previous days I dont know what were those new words mean. So I asked myself, what is home?
"Congrats, sir," The doctor said as he extended his right hand to shake mine. "You were able to cheat death and stole your life back," he added happily. It was the day the nun told me they were gonna remove the dressing on my face. Everyone around was happy.
The doctor removed the blanket that had been concealing my lower extremities.
"😭😭😭 Why is my leg missing?" I asked. I feel devastated. I only had one.
The nurse slowly removed the bandage from my face. Then they handed me a mirror to look into. My right eyeball was gone..
It felt aweful. I pitied myself, I was devastated. So heartbroken.
"Why did I have to breath back if this was what have became of me?"
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
I cried and cried.
The nuns around me tried to calm me down by gently patting and rubbing my back.
"One day you will understand why your fate turned this way. You will get back your memories at the right time. Have faith, trust in Him. Pray to have peace of mind," one sister said reassuringly.
I kept asking myself who I am as the days go by. I kept thinking why I was hit by a truck or any vehicle. Where is my family, my parents?
I was sent to a church to where I have fully recovered. I served as a sexton in the same church in La Union where I have learned church chores. I became totally a person with disabilities but it didn't hinder me to perform my duties. I used crutches to help me in walking. A hearing aid for my hearing because one of my ears was damaged. I never married and didn't bother about it 'cause who would like a person for a husband with multiple disabilities.
Never in my days at the church did I not try to remember who I was. I got to forget it sometime when I was busy with my chores, though.
One day, there was a balik-bayan from Canada who was a member of the church. He learned about me and extended his sympathy. He bought me a prosthetic leg in Canada to permanently replace my crutch. I've felt a relief when I once again able to walk normally. Not only can I walk, I could even run and kick like any normal person can. I was very grateful to the person with such kind heart.
The person saw how happy I am with my new leg that he was also filled with overflowing joy that he once again sponsored a swimming escapade at the beach. He invited his family and including Father. He said it was to celebrate my second chance to walk again normally.
I used a swimming ring while swimming because I don't know how to swim. A friend of mine was also in another ring and we had fun raising going to a deeper part of the water. I tried to kick my feet and push myself with it at the water in an attempt to learn how to swim. Because my friend was much faster than I was that he was able to reach the part where we agreed to be the finish line. Then he would return back to the starting while I was yet to reached the finish line. That's why we were meeting at the middle.
Then all of a sudden the wave grew big at my back. It carried my swimming ring and sent me to the side. I saw my friend dived in and left his ring so that the wave won't hit him. When he came to the surface, we hit each others head accidentally as the wave brought me down. It was intense. I felt like there was a strong earthquake that shook me.
I look at my friend but it seemed nothing happened. He was even laughing as he went to rest at the sand.
But to me? I felt like there was a door at my head shut for a very long time that flew open.
I spread my eyes and look at my surroundings. It was a beach, nothing more nothing less. I then recognized this place. I knew where was this because we came here once. Yes, once for a swim. But I can vividly remember and if I am not mistaken it was San Fabian Beach. I even engraved my name at a coconut trunk.
I tried to locate where that particular coconut was. I ran to it as my memory provided the details. Lemme see if it was still there.
It was. Yes! It was an overwhelming feeling.
"Father! Father! Father!" I shouted as I ran towards where father and the others were..
Cuuuuut...
07-08-21
*****z_graeden*****
A Yearlong Oddysey with this Blogging Platform and Bitcoin Cash
How long have you been in this platform? How did you come across it? How did you find the platform?
Well, I have been in this platform already for exactly a year. I used to spend my free time gallivanting on social media especially that there was this facebook page where you can read about others confessions in life exept SPG's. Well that was not what I was spending most of my time. I tried to look for earning sites and apps like buzzbreak, captcha typing, and others. Prior to these, I invested large amount of money in ponzi schemes just to help with our financial needs but it all ended to nothing. I used to sell RTW's, shoes, bags and others that can be sold online. But I stopped when my third pregnancy was a little complicated. At the time I was selling online, Xzeon mentioned about BTC and other cryptos like dogecoin, litecoin that can be earned thru faucets. I was never interested because I was busy with my online selling and I just can't understand how it was done. I invested in planpromatrix instead during my third pregnancy.
After I gained back my investment after 11 months then I shifted to a Watch and earn platform, WorkMines. I have seen most of the members from PPM invested on workmines and was earning pretty much that I also invested on it. Payments were made in BTC via coins.ph every Tuesday and Saturday. However, I was not yet in the platform for a month when it shut down. Bye bye 12k php of investment.
I was desperate enough to try any earning sites just to have at least a penny while staying at home. I came across ferferclear post on facebook about earning free bch. So I sent her a message on messenger asking about her post to which she replied with the link. She added that after signing up, you only need to post and comment and that was it. She also mentioned that there are giveaways other members were making which I can join to gain some points.
It was an oddysey from the very start I have been here. From one change to the next which led us to where we are right now. Across the journey, many have surrendered, gave up and some vanished to thin air. Lets see why.
The Odyssey
1. **Points system**. The moment I came in,a miss ferferclear told me to make posts and comments. So I made my first article which was about Miss Philippines-Earth, a native of Baguio. It was a very short one. It was not something to be called an article because it didn't even reached 60 words. So ferferclear messaged me saying that an article should be about 600 words and a short post should be 60 words. She said that to gain subscribers, I have to subscribe to others and interact in the comment section. During those times, all my compositions were about our place, cultures and traditions. Some were my daily activities and my kids.
After 3 weeks I was able to cash out my accumulated earnings to coins.ph which was a total of 0.015 BCH which was at $5. See, it wasn't that big but because we love to write and interact that's why we had stayed this long. I think noise.cash system is way much better. So those of you who are complaining of getting 0 tips in noise, I must say "wala pa yan sa kalingkingan ng napagdaanan namin."
2. **Power users.** During this time, I was earning some that's why I tried giving upvotes to others whom I see were deserving most especially when they complained of not getting any points. However power users are unknown, so that one doesn't abuse his power when he will learn that he's a power user.
3. **Funds doubled by Sir Marc**. I don't know when was this exactly and spammers crowded the platform just to get some from the funds. Users suddenly surged high with their plagiarized articles wherein they can post more than 10 articles a day. I can remember that there was some voting done and report system was made for spammers and I did join to help rid off the spammers.
4. **BCH meme**. Anyone who can give a debrief about this.? I can only remember it was what made sir Simon banned himself due to those offensive memes which was against reads rule. I must admit I got a little anxious about this because what if the site would eventually shut down because spammers were still rising in number and really were too abusive.
5. **Spam button.** Finally, a solution was made to reduce or to completely eradicate those thrash in the platform. It was easier to tap the button but I never gave anyone. I warned them first most especially when they copy comments of others then post it also or they copy a part of the article and post it on comment section without relating to what they had copied. They were really annoying. Come to think of getting "nice" as a comment over and over again from the same person. Spam button was actually removed and then it was again replaced to where it was currently placed now.
6. **TheRandomRewarder** was born. This is what I call "survival of the fittest" because not everyone was able to get upvoted by the bot. Good thing about it was plagiarizers eventually decreased and gone for good because the system or the bot could detect articles by giving non EXC badge on copied articles and automatically unpublished it. However, my articles were seldomly noticed that makes me feel demotivated sometimes. But did I gave up? No, I just kept writing and once I admit that I became part of the post and leave clan. But then I realize it was not the solution. I was only able to get generous tips from the bot at the last week of May and it keeps coming up till now even if it's not that huge compared to others. Afterall, BCH is BCH that I should be grateful for.
__*____*____*
A yearlong stay in this platform is not only about earning. And if one is only after earning then I bet you can't stay in this platform. My stay here had taught me things.
**1. Be friendly**. It is what is lacking in social media platforms. This platform had taught me to be kind with others especially when they were expressing about their burden. Bashing a person is no help at all 'cause you never know what they're going thru.
**2. Learning more about BCH**. I knew from the very beginning I registered here that it was powered by bch. However, I didn't know how it came to life and it's function. Reading related articles had I gained knowledge about it though until now I was still a noob that's why I can't write articles which is crypto-related.
**3. A window to the world.** I was never a fan of those apps where you could talk with other people in or outside the world. But with read.cash I was able to interact with others and learn from their cultures, experiences and their crypto journey.
**4. It had taught me to save.** When I first came here all I was thinking is to earn some and use it for our needs especially that I am a fulltime mom with no other source of income. However, on January I was inspired by our virtual friends who were posting about their earnings that they were hodling. Maybe they used some to buy some needed stuffs but they hold most of it. Then the club1 BCH was made most especially to inspire others to hold. At that time, sir Marc made a prediction of BCH at $30,000 ATH before the year ends. This drove me to hold what I will be earning from the very start of new year. Although the bot was quite aloof to me not until the last week of May, I held my horses not to spend like what I did before January.
And now, my main wallet is already at 1BCH, I earned it solely in this platform because I can't divide myself on both read and noise because of the added responsibilities of modules. Though it was small compared to others I am still grateful that I have learned to save it for future high returns.
I did used most of my earnings from July to December 2020 on our needs plus my weekly e-load. However, it was not something that were easily used up and thrown in the garbage. I think I used my BCH wisely on things I may be able to use for a long time.
**Closing thoughts**
For those of you who have been getting little visit from the bot, I must say that go on. Just enjoy the platform and don't feel bad about having 0 tips. Yes, you feel envious of others and question your ability in writing but when writing is your passion that words won't just stop pouring out your mind to your fingers then one day you will be noticed and rewarded. Because we have been there, too.
I salute those newbies, those who have been to this platform not long ago who are getting decent tips from the bot and are sharing their blessings to those who have less. Keep it up, guys.
The other day, I was able to achieve my 1BCH and like what I have said in my article yesterday, making it to my first full BCH, I thank everyone who had been with me in this wonderful journey of read.cash and BCH. https://read.cash/@z_graeden/making-it-to-my-first-full-bch-f178bdb6
More blessings to come especially the two wonderful people behind the success of these platforms, Sir Simon and Sir Marc. Without them, there's no doubt we don't have our BCH right now. We are not earning this much from our writings because other platforms requires many from you before you are qualified to be a content creator. If you have spent it, good. At least you knew it was for family and self needs. And if you were able to hodl it, the better.
Wishing for more years to come with this wonderful platforms, together with noise.cash that even if it is still a baby yet it is rockin.
07-07-21
*****z_graeden*****
Making It to My First Full BCH
Months ago or should I say 6 months if I am not mistaken the club1 BCH came to exist with the initiative of Eyb and PVM. Correct me if I am wrong. Prior to this I have been reading articles regarding hodling their earnings and spending minimally from it or nothing at all. However for a mom like me, full time mom with no other source of income I have spent my earnings on my kids needs at school and house needs. That was my earnings from July-December.
I must admit that like any other members here before, my only intention is to earn and spend it for our necessities. That's why I put a lot of effort to interact with others most especially during the points system. I got very happy when any users would give me 0.01 tip. Soon I started to get some points also though not as big as the others were getting. I gladly tip authors whom I see deserves to. Sadly, some of those who I used to interact with were no longer active. Some were able to get back on their day job when the pandemic became a new normal thingy while others were busy with their studies and some were marked as spam to which they gave up.
Going on with the new system, the randomrewarder's birth I got to meet other people that had open my mind to the real world of BCH. They became my virtual friends as well and still meeting other wonderful users out there.
Moreover, I got inspired to hold my earnings as I said, because of the members of club1 bch's inspiring articles. It was all full of inspiration and knowledge about BCH crypto. And from that very month of January was I only able to hold my earnings and hold my desire for online shopping. Nonetheless, I still spent some but this time not all. I prioritized to hodl.
After 6 months of hodling, I can say I was able to make it to my first full bch. I solely earned it here, read.cash. Though I was able to sign up to noise from the very beginning it launched, I was not able to earn that much. It was because I am not that active too well in there. But whatever I earned there, I am still grateful because I have used it to replenish my e-load that's what I am using for my mobile data.
Others can earn that amount easily but I was not able to. I got less tips in the past and I don't blame anyone. Afterall, the bot was and always is upvoting randomly as it's name implies. I got my earnings primarily from the last week of May when I was receiving decent tips. It goes on up 'til now. However, I got a li'l lousy on June that's why I wasn't able to make it to my 1bch that month. (And, lately two days passed with the bot missing on my articles 🙂. But no worries, lets just keep going.)
Honestly, I was able to make it last month but I was only rellying on my main wallet. Because I didn't have anything for my son's birthday when he turned two that I added a wallet for it and intended to put atleast a dollar or two daily. I again added another wallet for my cellphone because I really need to have a new phone though the one I am using is still functional but it hinders my productivity. I planned to atleast drop $4 in it daily. While I send my total weekly earnings to the main one.
However, I stopped filling in the two wallets on June 13 because as I have I became a li'l inactive.
Now that I was able to secure my 1bch, I added another wallet for the $80 I will be paying my younger brother with. I loaned that amount from him on June 28 when I have nothing of a penny to pay for what we have loaned from SWAD 18 months ago. It was a program to support small time farmers and, we, as an organization decided to used it in hog raising. However, I failed to continue raising hogs after we were able to sell the first batch.(long story, so never mind). The loaned money is to be paid every six months ($80). So June was the deadline for the third payment and we still had one last payment left to be paid on December.
We really run out of cash because my husband was not able to work for the last three weeks. He was busily building our rice granary that should be use this rice harvest season. The granary which we thought was gonna used less than 50k for materials was not enough. Every penny I have was all used up. Thankfully, I was able to loan some from my brother for my payment.
Again, another wallet for newborn essentials. Our savings for it was even affected by the materials used in building the granary. And I only have a month to save for it. Or earlier if possible.
I have complete baby apparels which were previously used by my babies before. In fact, I have already washed and packed my baby bag. Just to be ready with whatever may arise, then it will just be easy to just grab it.
What I am to prepare yet are the things I will be using during and after birth like a pack of face mask, adult diapers, sanitary napkins and others like alcohol. For the baby are soaps, oils, newborn diapers and others. A humidifier should also be in the list but I will see how it will be.
These two wallets will be the first that I will prioritize first. I will be disregarding the first two wallets and my main wallet for the meantime. So I was thinking to divide my daily earnings by 30/70%. The bigger amount would go to my wallet for baby essentials and get to fill it in two weeks. While for my loan, that could still wait until September.
**Closing thoughts**
I was a little unprepared this time for my birthing because of my husband's unexpected decision of building that granary which had taken almost all his salary. It was already harvest season (and he will be busy with harvest and drying up the crops) that he would be having little time to work so I must take the initiative to save bch while I still can. And by the time I will be able to save the needed amount I hope that it pumps a little.
Indeed, BCH is my source of financial support. It is not only a form of savings but it has the potential in securing our future. Just hodl your bch, afterall bch is bch.
I must thank the person behind this platform, sir Simon for creating a wonderful platform which not only promotes the use of bitcoin cash but giving people like me to be able to learn and earn. Because of your initiative that made Sir Marc support the platform with the funds that's inspiring us all to do more.
Two great people who are foreseeing the potential of bch with greatness. Their vision too contagious that really have influenced us. We may still be in the bear market but that doesn't mean we are losing. With the continues adaption of BCH thru the two platforms, read.cash and noise.cash there's no doubt will gonna be on top one day and have the respect BCH deserves as it is still underrated.
I am also grateful to the people who have been supporting me thru their comments, tips, likes and also the silent readers who gave time reading though they don't reveal themselves. You have been an inspiration all thru out.
Special thanks to the sponsors I have. Unlike before where sponsorship were done just for badge purposes only, giving sponsorship this time shows how one appreciates and supports another.
Let's keep rockin' and spreading about this two platforms and bch.. Way to go...
07-06-21
*****z_graeden*****
A 1990's Kid
Raised in a village where childhood circulate around the fields and household chores, we also enjoyed playing around without the influence of technology. In one of my articles before, I have mentioned about the games we have enjoyed when we were young. This is like a continuation of it. The things we used to do to help our parents. Our chores were divided in accordance with our age. So the older the child, the heavier his tasks.
1. **Pound rice**. I have learned to do this at a very young age. At first I only do it for fun by helping my older brother and sister when I like to. Sometimes they wont allow me because I only get to have the rice come out and scattered all over the ground.
There were rice mills but having the rice milled was such a luxury before. As long as the parents or the kids can pound then why not.
Our variety of rice can be stored and lasts for decades in the rice granary. Every family has it but those who are called kadangyans have two or more granaries. Because they have more rice fields to cultivate,thus they need to build more granaries for storage. When a family runs out of cash to buy NFA rice or commercial rice, they would just fill a sackful or two from the granary and have it milled or traditionally pound it.
We used mortar and pestle to pound the rice grains out of its stalks. Unlike the lowlands wherein they use a thresher to get the rice grains out of the stalks before drying it up, we gather ours in a different manner and tie it up in a bundle.
Mortars were made out of a big log of wood and some were out of concrete cement. I can say that mortars and pestles were antique because of its appearance.
We also used bigao to get the husk out from the pounded grains. We do it twice. First is to lessen the husk by "tahip" so that it will make pounding more easier. Once the husks were all removed, we put it back to the mortar and pound it once more with the flatter edge of the pestle until it was fully done. Then again, tahip it once more until all the fine husks or rice bran of the grain were completely removed.
I think this was what made my arms big, lol. Because who wouldn't get her arms big when she had been pounding rice at an early age. I only stopped pounding rice when my family lived in town and we only get home in our village once in a while.
2. **Cook with wood**. Have you experienced that, cooking with wood wherein you have to assemble the woods in such a way that air could circulate? Because if you just keep on putting firewood, the fire can't breath in and it eventually die.
We have gas tank and a stove but when it runs out and my parents don't have budget for a refill then we have to cook with firewood.
3. **Gather carabao foods**. I only experienced this once. My older siblings were the ones who kept gathering grass in the mountain sides for the carabao. We get cut by the grass blades if we don't use long sleeved shirts. But me and my younger brother used to go with our mother when there was an available rice stalks sold to my father.
4. **Apa-ap.** This was our local dialect when one goes to the mountains where the carabaos were sent to graze and live after the farming season. It was the boys who do it or our father when he was not busy with his work like house constructions or house wirings.
My brothers would go in search of our carabao up in the mountains and offer it with salt in their palm when they locate it. If they were not able to locate it then something bad might have befallen the poor beast. To which they have to report our father so that he will be the one to go look for it on the more dangerous terrain and even cliffs if ever it fell.
5. **Collect firewoods**. It was also the boys who were obliged to do this. But I experienced doing so when me and my li'l brotha had some fun and we didn't know what came to our minds that we went to our grandma's kaingin. There were several pinewoods which we can climb and cut some of its branches.
I think I was 8 and my li'l brother was only 7. He took his bolo and hanged it in his hips then off we go up the mountain. He was the one who climbed and cut some of the branches and tied it together.
________________
I think these were the major ones which we helped our parents with. Of course we go along with our mother most especially during summer time when it was farming season and in cultivating the patch of land for corns, peanuts and other crops. We enjoyed the most during harvest season.
Aside from doing chores that had strengthened our body. We also experienced watching movies from VHS where we need to pay. Not everyone can afford to buy a television and a player that's why there was a movie house. When one doesn't have a penny, he had to peep from a hole if ever there was. Did you experienced that?
We only stopped bugging our dad to give us a 2peso coin every weekend for a movie when he bought a TV and a CD player.
There were other things we used to enjoy when we were younger which the kids no longer experienced these days. They are much luckier than us before.
How about you, what were the chores that no longer or little does it exist today which you have helped your parents with?
*Lead image credits to Facebook.*
07-04-21
*****z_graeden*****
A Salvage Story: Mistaken Identity
The year was 1990, the time when the great earthquake had made also a great destruction in the city of Baguio and its neighboring towns. Many houses, buildings, establishments, and roads were destroyed.
During those times, carpenters were in high demand to clear away those fallen debris and construct a new house in its place. They were hired for house repairs and other things they can do.
This had made us try our luck in the city because we knew basic carpentry. Me and my three peers decided to travel to the city. We were hired continually by one person to the other after we were done with the first one. We don't even have time to rest even during Sundays. And because not everyone can pay laborers, we help others who were like us, poor. Some houses were destroyed and was even devoured by fire caused by short-circuit wires. That's why we help them with open arms.
Our routine had been like that for almost three years already. The only thing that had changed was we got to rest on Sunday. We received our weekly salary after work on Saturdays and rushed to the jeepney station to catch the last trip going our village. On Sunday afternoon we again rushed back to the city before the last trip of the jeepney would leave our village.
The month of August came when it was a rainy season. One day, when we were supposed to head to the jeepney station, it rained cats and dogs that we had to stay at our boarding house. We bought a bottle of alcohol, ginebra sanmiguel that was to warm us up. It was to pass the time while we still can't sleep, telling stories about our work and anything under the sun. Eventually one bottle was down. Then another. Third, we felt a little tipsy. But then we opened a fourth bottle thinking we won't be in a hassle because it's Sunday the following day, no work.
It was 9 in the evening and everyone was not satisfied yet when the fourth bottle was down. But no one wanted to go buy bottles of red horse beer as a washing that should be the last before we retire for the night. So we decided to all go, so that everyone would pay for his own bottle. However the mini grocery was some distant away. The rain only stop occasionally. So when it rained, we go to a nearby house to shelter us a li'l bit. Then we run in a hurry before it rained again.
The last time we went at a nearby house for a shade from the rain, it took a bit longer. But then it stopped and we ran to the mini grocery. But then, all of a sudden...
"Weee..weee..weee... wang... wang... wang..." The sound of a van that came out from nowhere blaring its horn toward us and it stopped right in front of us. The door of the van opened and it revealed four men who came from it. They were all armed with armalite and a handgun was resting on their hips, too.
They aimed their guns at us and let manacled us facedown on the rain drenched road with our hands at our head. They bound our hands with handcuffs then dragged us forcefully to the van.
I tried to raise my head to look at the people who had picked us up but they will slap my face. My friend who insisted to look at them was thwacked with the gun butt by one of them. His face hit the van floor once more then they stepped on his head in a way he couldn't lift his head anymore.
We asked what have we done that we were treated like criminals with no rights. We pleaded that they not harm us anymore because we have done nothing wrong, we were only out to buy beer.
"Shut the f**k up. So you were the akyat-bahay gang who were roaming and stealing from house to the other. We have been on the lookout for you. And now it wasn't your luckiest day because you were caught." One of them snapped.
I, then realized we were took mistakenly as thieves. Because we stayed long on the establishment we were sheltering in. They assumed we were able to open up the shop and they assumed we were running away when the rain stopped a little with whatever we have possessed.
I was trying to explain to them, but all I got was a smack from one of the armed men with his elbow. My lips bled.Not once did he hit me, not twice but countless times until my two front teeth were pulled out. It was hell of a pain. Then they applied duct tape in my mouth as to quite me down. It was not only me but all of us.
I can hear my friends were being tortured at the back of the van. One can tell that the armed men were using heavy objects on them. The sound of it was very unpleasant as it landed on the bodies of my friends.
The van, nonetheless was still running. To a place we don't know, a destination we're not certain of. We had been on the road for already three hours, or more perhaps. The sounds of torturing was then substituted with cries of pain and suffering. One was like catching his breath. While the other they had been stepping on was not even moving.
They were trying to squeeze squeeze some information out of me by asking who was our mastermind. But how could I answer when my mouth was taped. And I would be giving them same answer because it was the truth. We are mere carpenters who have an honest job and not what they think of us.
Everytime they asked a question which I can answer with a shake of my head they would either slap or give me a blow with their fist.
"Shameless creatures. You don't have a place in this world." They barked at us.
The van came to a stop. I felt a little relief with the thought of them letting us go. But, I was all wrong. So wrong. They put each of us in a sack and tied the open end so that we can't move and be able to escape. I can clearly see how two of the men carried the sack and forcefully threw it off the cliff. Then followed it with shots from their armalite. You're dead for sure when unfortunately hit by the bullets. The terrain was surely a deadly spot that even if not hit by bullets, one can't survive when he lands at the rocky edges.
I was trying to identify those people but since we were in a dark part that I can't clearly see their faces. All I can see was what they did.
Then it's my turn. They did what they did to my friends. I've thought they're going to throw me off the cliff like a garbage in a bag but no. They kicked and stepped upon me to their hearts content. I can feel the metal thing they were using to beat and hit me with. They did it until I lost consciousness for a short time. Then I can feel them swinging the sack I was in, I was a bit awaken.
One. Two. Three! Off I went in the air. The sound of armalites followed.
I was anticipating for a bullet to hit my head so that this nightmare I was in would end instantly. But nothing came.
I can feel the tie of the sack was cut loose, a bullet had hit it perhaps. The other end of the sack was caught in a branch of a tree before I was able to hit the ground. That's why I was like a garbage that had came out of the sack. Luckily, it was my feet first to the ground and not my head. I fell standing on my feet. Then the shackles on my hands came loose.
"Oh Lord. If this was what they call second life then please lead and guide me to the right way. Give me strength and courage so that I may be able to go home," I cried.
It was dark. I don't have the slightest idea where I was, where those people had thrown us. Even where my friends were, I dont know. All I was thinking is to save myself. I have to go home.
Adrenaline rushed through me that I ran as fast as I could. Those people might've seen I was not dead yet and was able to get off the sack that they might come after me, still.
Run as possible as my legs could. But the pain in my legs and upper extremities were too much to bear that I couldn't run the way I was thinking.
I hit a tree trunk. I stumbled and fell. Got up then ran again. I was filled with so much fear that all I could do is to run wherever direction my feet will take me. Until I was too drained of energy, I was already unable to move feet.
Did I really survived the massacre? Let's see in the following chapter.
07-03-21
*****z_graeden*****
What Price Greediness Pay?
Greediness according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary is "having or marked by an eager and often selfish desire especially for wealth and material possessions."
Since the day the first man and woman disobeyed God for eating the fruit of the tree of life, it was considered a grave sin that completely separated man and his Creator. It was because of their greediness to be like God that they were cast out from the garden of Eden.
That characteristic of man had been passed from one generation to the next. It had been the one that had been driving man to achieve things especially power over his fellow. It's man greediness that had lead us to where we are right now. The desire for innovations to make life easier is something related to greed it's because man was never contented with what he had. And in return, he became rich and wealthy with his achievements but had put natures at stake.
Nevertheless, when you saw or hear the word greed or greediness what was the first impression that comes to your mind? Oftentimes, it's about power, wealth and possession, is it not?
Recently, my family had been once again disturbed by our relatives who were trying to get hold of our property. My mom's property, actually. (I have mentioned this in one of my articles.) To where they have built a new house when we were still young. It was adjacent our grandparents house to which was also part of the lot where the new house was built.
When my grandfather was still alive he told my parents to renovate their house because afterall it will be ours when they die. But my parents said it was still sturdy (because old houses here were made of pinewoods and G.I sheets) and needs not to be renovated immediately. So they built a new house, instead. Our grandparents house was supposed to be for my older brother whom our grandparents brought up. Where we were living before was passed on to our eldest sibling.
However things gone wrong when all three siblings of my mother came together to get hold of her inheritance. They connived with false witnesses while elders who knew the truth were afraid to speak up, they kept mum though they can't be bought by money my mothers sisters offered. It had led my mother to lose every case and in return she loss her inheritance. Barangay officials were also not helpful because they were only at one side. My cousins were mostly professionals and has money to offer thats why they were able to win everything. While we during those times were still students. In a glimpse my mother's supposed to be ricefields were seized away from her.
Our grandparents house was eventually divided into two in between my mother and her sister she was next to in birth. This sister even have the audacity to tell mockingly that she sold what she had inherited for her children's education. But we were wondering why the officials didn't get to point that out.
My mother that time was very upset, drained, confused, and her thoughts were disoriented. She was already tired because everything their parents had passed on to her were one by one grabbed from her. Because of that that she just allowed the barangay officials decision for my grandparents house to be divided.
Days passed when some of their cousins were telling her that even the court who will come to see how the new house and the old house's situation was would conclude that they were not separated but it indicates that it is one as a whole. My mom just stood silent because during those meetings non of her relatives didn't bother to show to say a word to help her. They just said words when everything's done.
We have a relative who was our neighbor who conspired with my mother's sister so that they will be able to have the boundary move to make my parents the real culprit. Now, on the lot where my mother's sister was able to seized was an ongoing construction of a concrete house of one of our cousins. They followed the boundary the false witness, our relative whom my aunt conspired with had told.
As of today, the relative-false witness was building his house, his son to be exact. They destroyed my parents house's mini terrace, the stairs of the old house and even its ceiling. My mother became hysterical upon seeing what they did. Good thing we were able to talk her out before they proceeded to our village not to do things that might make things upside-down.
Before the new house was built, our father and this relative lined a thread from one end of the border to the other end. And it was good that's why my father didn't set the house posts at the border so that we may have a front yard. Everything was fine then. And now that both grandparents were dead already that they were doing unnecessary things to the point of demolishing our house. Even the water pipes supplying the house was destroyed by them. None of my mother's sisters came out to help most especially that they were guilty of doing things in the past. This relative even said to my parents to go look for our dead grandfather to help us.
**Closing thoughts**
The house front wall wasn't completely retouched with cement because this relative built a pigpen infront. With that pigpen that it completely changed the house floor plan. But now that they were constructing a house in that area that they nearly destroyed what had been built for years.
My sister tried to talked nicely with our cousin whose house was being built but he just walked right pass her. How rude for a man in uniform's manner. No wonder he doesn't confront his father because he is just like him.
They were professionals but not acting like one. Even the man's daughter who is a teacher talks in a very unlike manner. I must say that when one is up the wheel that they can trample down who's right under them. Because they are men in uniform that they can belittle anyone not worthy of their sight.
Now, looking back at the lot where my grandfather had my parents built rice granary before. It was also taken away from him by his brother. His brother's son built a house in it but until now they can't live in the house that's why it was just standing there with no one to reside.
One of my mother's sister is facing a case regarding a lot which she bought years back. They bought it as a conjugal property of a couple but the woman didn't signed the paper, only her husband did. Years later that the couple separated or divorced that the woman was claiming back the lot wherein my aunt had already built a house. It was considered not legal because the woman's signature was missing in the papers.
The case went to court and it had my aunt's health deteriorate drastically. Up until this time it was not yet settled.
As for the case my family's facing right now, we just let them be. We were tired. Let karma do it's work for both parties. I told my older sister and parents it's not enough for any of us to risk our health because we know stress can trigger any health condition one has. And it had given so much painful feelings to everyone in the family. That's why we said our ancestors were the ones who knew about those borders. And if it's what makes them happy then let it. That's just some piece of land but it will come back to them someday.
07-02-21
*****z_graeden*****
A Sluggish Month of June
How time really rolled over so fast. It was just like yesterday only when we woke up to a new year but now it was already past half the year. And how have you been? Were you able to secure some of your bch and hodl it? I bet you do.
Like any other month, June had came and went. I have set a goal for that month actually, but I was not able to accomplish it.
1. One article a day. On May, I was able to produce 26 articles which means I was not only able to produce 5 articles within that duration of 31 days.
For the month of June, even if I have drafts I was not able to finish it on time.
2. try to achieve at least 0.4BCH which I was able to do so in May
3. be active in noise.
Those were the things that I have set to achieve for June. But didn't. Should I blame pregnancy hormones or my insomnia? Yeah, I think they were the number one reason why I was not that too productive. Since I was in my last trimester already that I feel very heavy. I feel like just lying all the time because everytime I move it seems my bump would fall off,😂.
There were times that my insomnia would attack and the worst part was when I got disturbed even if I just slept for only 30 minutes, I won't be able to sleep back until morning. The result would be days being fidgety. My mind would be floating up in space with my head pounding.
At times that I get my hands to work on houseworks, I easily get tired. I feel so restless. When at times that my mind was active that words, ideas are popping my hands wouldn't just cooperate. I can't hold my mobile phone for not longer than 5 minutes when typing. That also explains why I only check once in a while and give comments to articles I was able to read at my notification. And I am sorry if I was not able to move to the next articles and coincidentally that was your article.
Twice this month when I had to gather up my kids and went to my parents. We stayed there for days. It was to regain my vigor. When I am at their place, I feel reenergized because I got to sleep soundly and eat more veggies. The green fields around helped me therapeutically. They lived near town but their residence was at the middle of the fields. The serenity of the place is different from our neighborhood.
In the morning, I woke up early and walk around upstairs. It was a perfect place to do yoga. I just breath in the early morning breeze that's kissing my body. It was the same during the late afternoons. In fact, I can write articles but I just don't want to ruin my stay because it seems it makes the day shorter.
The second time we stayed there was during father's day. My parents, most especially my father don't want to let us go home yet but I told them that we need to because there was no one to cook for my husband. He was working with our store room or rice granary which is suppose to be used this coming harvest season.
Another thing that occupied my time was my son's modules. How I wish that the coming school year would be back to traditional school because I was already at the verge of giving up. If only I was not thinking that the school year was nearly done then maybe I would have my kid stopped.
For this month, I dont want to set another goal because I know myself that it will be the same as June. I don't want to stress myself up all the more. Well, actually I didn't because I just obeyed my body.
Did I get disappointed after I was not able to attain my goal for the month? No. I just let myself enjoy the platform and be good to my body by not abusing it. Afterall, my body is preparing for childbirth that's why I need not to push with my goals. I can sense that I could make 0.40bch but pushing thru will add pressure.
I was able to publish 14 articles and accumulated 0.18bch for it. I think it's not that bad though the bot was not too active like it used to in May. That's why I was not able to fill in my other wallets daily. I only focused filling in my main wallet.
As for noise, I don't know what's wrong with me that I can't post something with sense. Whenever I have time, all I can do is to read articles and engage with others. Sometimes I visit the platform not to post something but to check out others post and leave hearts and comments. But recently, I can say I really didn't even peep in.
And for an ending, I didn't know how to end this article, lols. And yeah, I am sorry for not being too active and if you've really noticed I was not even giving away tips. But when I am able to achieve my 1bch goal, I think I would be back giving tips again.
Way to go, July..
Thank you for reading..
07-01-21
*****z_graeden*****
Most Memorable Embarrassing Moment Ever
I have read other articles regarding their embarrassing moments in the past. And as I was reading I am trying to remember mine but I just can't have my mind on it. The only thing that just kept surfacing was a moment in my elementary days that I just can't seem to forget.
When I was in third grade there was this cutie baby whom I love babysitting. He has that chubby dimpled chin that everyone loves pinching. Whenever I have a freetime from school, and that was during recess time, before going in to school and dismissals after class in the afternoon I always baby sit him. He was just so adorable that I can't resist not to babysit him. Even during Saturday's when my mother don't tag us along in the fields and on Sunday's too, I was always at their house.
The baby's mother had a sari-sari store along the highway just outside the school campus. It was there where I play with the baby while his mother was selling. She sold halo-halo, fishballs and kikiam, and other streetfoods she can cook. Having me around to look after her baby who was less than a year old was a great help for her, I bet. Because she can do things. Sometimes she even asked me to wash dishes at their house which was some meters away at the back of the school. Well, I dont fuss. Sometimes she will ask me to stay for lunch or dinner. And there were times she tagged me along when she goes to town.
The school both have elementary and secondary because the community was small that it can accommodate both. There was no school canteen that's why the stores along side the road near the school were always full during recess times. The baby's mother I was babysitting was always busy during break times.
Because the school was located along the highway that it was receiving donations from foreigners or UNICEF I think. As I can remember, they came yearly to give away school supplies for the whole school to use like globes, maps, books, some pencils and other materials for the pupils. We used to sing them songs as a way of showing our gratitude. Like anyone who doesn't see a foreigner often with white skin, blue, green and ash colored eyes the kids flocked around those god-like looking humans.
One day, during recess time I was at the store sitting with the baby while his mom was busily selling.. A motorcycle stopped infront of the store. Then it parked right there. Riding with it were three whites, an older man at his 40's I think and his two sons aged 12 and 9. They got down from the motorcycle.
Like the other kids around who were either eating what they bought as snacks or playing around, I was looking at them. Then suddenly the younger boy came running towards where I was standing with the baby at his walker. He hugged me unexpectedly for I think some 20 seconds. I was shocked, couldn't move with my eyes widely opened in astonishment. We were not used to being hugged most especially by a stranger. He was not contented and he even kissed me on the cheeks and didn't let go of me yet. I was completely shocked and couldn't react, couldn't say a word.
His father laughingly came near us and get his son out of me. Just as soon as he came to hugged me, many of the kids gather around and even some of the highschool students. I felt so ashamed that I have felt my entire face gone red. My ears even felt so hot. For my part, it was a great shame. As if my innocence was taken away from me. I said yuckish to myself, it seemed like it was a very great shamed and some sort of harassment.
Even the baby's mom was also laughing, I can't understand why everyone seemed to be happy and entertained.
The boy introduced himself and he was called Jeremy, 9 years old. The baby's mother introduced me back because I was tongue-tied. In my mind I was saying why do you hug and just kiss someone whom you just saw at the road, damn. Because a crowd of pupils and students were already gathered that I got to get out unnoticed. I went straight to our classroom and was met by the unfamiliar tranquillity of the room. Not anyone was in. Our teacher was surely at the principal's office where they gather up during break times that's why he was not in the classroom. I looked out the window and straight towards the store. The kids were still gathered.
I was so ashamed of myself that when the bell rang to indicate it's time to get in and resume class and my classmates hurriedly get back at the room, I get down at the floor down my desk. I was wishing for the ground to open up and swallow me whole. How I wished to vanish in thin air.
My classmates were teased me just as soon as they saw me. Some said that the boy was asking if the baby's mom was my mom so that they can take me in town then drop me when they get back to Banaue where they were temporarily residing.
Some of my classmates said I should marry that boy because he was the first one to kiss me.. I was like what? Ambabaw nman ng utak nyo, asawa agad? Hoooo my gasshh..
In the evening while we were eating dinner at the baby's family's house, his mother told it to her husband. She was laughing when she said I turned tomato-red when the boy kissed me. Then again I felt my cheeks hot an indication I was blushing in pure shame.
While I was typing this, another one popped up. That was when I was in 6th grade. We were practicing our graduation song/moving up song. We were standing at the isle beside our desks while singing. The principal was walking around to hear how everyone was singing. When she got at my back she suddenly bursted angrily that I have a very bad voice. That I was singing out of tune. She let us stopped singing and had me sang alone. While I was singing, she snapped that it was not right. She shouted can't I hear my own voice that I was singing very bad? I really felt ashamed that I nearly cried. My face, I can feel it turned red while I was perspiring. I really felt humiliated. How I wish the floor would open up and swallow me.
Yes, I know that I have a very bad voice which I think I am singing a song correctly but I wasn't. I can hear that it was okay but to others it isn't. As if my own hearing was deceiving me.
I was wondering that time if the principal can sing well because when she talks, as if there's something very big clogged at her nose. I even laughed one time when I thought that maybe she was not cleaning her nose from booger that accumulated over time and can't be extracted anymore. But that was when I was a kid. Now, I know it was nasal polyps.
From that day on, I lost confidence in singing. I was having anxiety all throughout highschool when our MAPEH teacher asked us to sing or any subject that might have us sing. It went through college but at least not so much because it was only once in a while when an instructor asked us to sing.
These were just some of my most memorable embarrassing moments when growing up. When I think of these when I was not doing anything, it still sends redness to my face. As if I was still at that situation and faced with humiliation.
I do believe that as we go on with our life, some were being forgotten and some were registered in our minds that we can see ourselves vividly still in that situation. It also brings us different feelings as we reminisce those days. But surely, it affected our beings and left an impact.
If you've gone reading from top to bottom then I must thank you..
*****z_graeden*****
06-30-21
A Decade of Love Down the Drain
I was a teenager back then when I have felt the flutters of butterflies in my stomach the first time I saw him. A girl who blushed with the slightest of hi's from him. However, I tried my best to conceal the redness of my natural pink rosy cheeks. Like any typical Filipina I didn't make any move to be noticed by him. Then one day we became friends.
We were at the same university with the same degree course. We have plenty of time to be together may it be during class and on break times.
But a day came when he revealed his feelings to me. It was a blissful moment but of course I didn't show my feelings for him yet. It was the day I was anticipating so I allowed him to court me. It took some months before I finally said that sweet yes to him. We were each others first love, first in everything.
We used to be together and spent our free time going out for a walk, coffee or just going around town. We served as an inspiration to each other that our studies wasn't put at risk. However our moves became limited when our parents learned about our relationship. We should finish our studies first, they said. Eventually, we got through college. Then the most anticipated thing happened after finishing a degree and going through board exam, CPA was affixed on our names.
On our 6th anniversary, I decided to give myself fully to him. There's nothing more I could asked for more. He gave me so much love, respect and trust which I reciprocated with the same amount. Our relationship was close to perfect but there's no such thing because we are only humans with flaws. But we tried to solve every problems that arose. It was what had made our relationship stronger throughout the years.
I was employed at a private company while he wasn't able to land a job yet. Then he decided business or entrepreneurship.
We had a wonderful relationship, smooth sailing for 10 years. We were legal with each family, like we were already married for a long time. Both our families were in good terms with each other. The only lacking was a legal document.
Most of the time, I spent the night at their house and it was okay with both parties. We grew too comfortable with each other and each family. There's no major fight or argument between us. We strongly believed that we were the ones destined for each other. We knew each other too well.
In that span of time we planned to save for our dream house. A house where we will be wedded one day, a house where we will start our own family. However, the spark which used to be there, those kilig moments seemed to vanished over time. We weren't able to spice up our relationship and explore a bit because we believed we were in a strong and committed relationship.
We built our house. But interior finishing touches weren't done yet and we already run out of budget. It doesn't matter, what's important was we already started a project. We only need to work some more for the finishings so that the next thing we will save for will be for the wedding.
Then one day my fiance said, "Hon, I was hired by the company I have applied overseas. It will only be for two years so I asked of you that let's be patient and endure being away for that moment so that we can earn and save easily for our wedding and our house's finishing touches. The amount they were offering was more than what my business is making."
I can't process the thought of him being away because I was used to his presence but for our dreams I let him. Afterall, two years was just a short time. So there, off he flew.
We missed each other that everytime we converse, we cried. It was a wonderful feeling. The love we have was revived. The desire to be with each other as soon as possible was intense. I even told myself that being far sometimes is good as it will ignite the love you use to have. It will revive the spark. You will realize how one's worth even more.
Months passed and eventually a year when I have noticed his videocalls were becoming lesser. I told myself that he may be busy really especially that he was already promoted. And I feel proud of him. I was perfectly fine with the 4 or 5 times videocall in a week.
I was invited one time by my fiance's family at their house for the birthday party of their youngest so I went. We had a great time as usual. When out of the blue I passed through the kitchen when I went and came from the comfort room. My fiance's sisters were there at the kitchen and was watching on a mobile phone a live video post on facebook of one of their family friends in Norway. I peek in and saw that they were also having a party. Then I saw it was like Kent, my fiance who was among the partygoers with a woman beside him and her arm wrapped around him. She was however wearing a hood and her back at the camera that's why I can't see her face. I was enveloped with shame to even asked his sisters so I just look whose facebook account was that because I plan to watch it again.
I chatted Kent for a video call but he said he was busy at work so I just said ok. I bade the family goodbye and went home. I immediately searched the facebook account who posted the live video. I was certain it was him but I didn't tell him or asked what I saw. I texted him and it took him a day to respond. I was not a person who easily doubts but as they say, a woman's intuition is different. I started to have the NBI syndrome or habit. I stalked every facebook friend he had and I saw that there were only a few people added on his friend's list. His friends are mine too and even virtual friends too. It was the same way with mine. I even tried to asked for his messenger password but he got mad. He told me what's the need when we have been together for a decade yet I didn't even bothered him with his social media privacy. He's not making a fool of me considering that we have been together for a long time, he added. After four days, he gave it. Maybe he thought I was doubting him. And being true to his words I didn't see anything unusual with his Facebook account and on messenger.
My mind said I was being fooled by Kent but my heart said otherwise and because I love him that I gave him the benefit of the doubt. I thought that whoever that girl was may be his workmate or a friend. However, as days go by I started to have speculations, doubts and questions. If I won't send him a message then he won't message me. He doesn't send money anymore which he used to that I also added to our savings at the bank. Perhaps he's saving it himself to surprise me at the end. However I think to reason out his actions, I still can't be convinced.
One day, I received a call from an unregistered number on my phone. It was a long distant call which the country code appeared Kent was in. I've thought maybe he just borrowed a mobile phone but to my surprise it was a female voice from the other line. A very familiar voice.
"Listen very well Besty, I have to tell you this. Kent impregnated me. Four months already. Please give way for my... for our baby.." It was my close friend from college, Errin.
I was lightning struck to where I was. I wasn't able to move... to talk. I was merely frozen. "Whaaaaaaaaat?!?!!" Did I hear it right?
It had taken time for me to think. When did she go to that country without my knowledge.? We used to talk every now and then because we're friends. I know she was not in the country, she was in Thailand.
Ten years of my life circulated on him. A decade that I have wasted my precious time. All those years my heart was devoted to him only. And now? What now? I have trusted him so much, had given everything. I thought our love was that strong, could withstand any challenges along the way. But in just a glimpse it was swept away by a current I never saw and expected to come. It would be better if he only cheated but to impregnate someone? The pain is just to much to fathom, you know what I mean? There's a child involved. What's worst was the person involved was not just anybody, it was our close friend.
What did I do to suffer such? I can't think. My world turned into chaotic topsy-turvy. I was crying all my heart out. I can't breathe.
I didn't asked Kent about it. I don't have the strength. All I know is I am sure of myself about my inhibitions. He had been calling for two straight days but I never answered any of it. His mom came over to my place to say kumusta. She saw my situation, I wasn't prepared for work nor was in a good state because I didn't even bother to take a bath. I was like an insane person who almost cried a river plus the mucus dripping unstoppable from my nose.
Kent's mom gave me her phone because he was calling. I took it and answered his call. "It was never my intention to get Errin pregnant," he said. He was saying sorry. He said that it was Errin by his side when he was missing me. Those times he got sick, it was Errin who took care of him.
WTF!!! It was his choice to go abroad and now he was like blaming me for not being there for him? A very lame reason for him to do such act. He has the guts to justify what he did! He said he didn't mean to do so. So how did it happen then? He slipped and it landed on the girl's organ? He was in a dream that his butterfly of a p*nis flew to the girl's widely open flower and boom a baby was formed? He made a fool out of me which I was confidently ignoring and now he was giving me excuses of what he did? No not me! I feel like retching of what he's saying. My intestines are coiling in dishevelment.
Kent was crying over the phone. He said he would only support the child nothing more. Because it is I he loves and I will be the one he will wed.
But then I realized, if you love a person then why would you do things to hurt her? Why the need to get your attention to someone near and not be contented of what you currently have.? Why the need to cheat? Then what kind of a person I would be if I deprived a child from his father? A family if I will still wed a man with a child? I know that a spark had been ignited between the two dishonest persons because if none then once should be enough. I don't know for how long they had been together but they both knew that I existed. Why and still many why's but it only leads to one thing. They liked what they did that they both turned aberrant and didn't mind their acts.
I was not that selfish person to steal away from a child his rights because I knew how it felt to be broken, as in broken family. My mother was left by our father with three kids while we were still very young. Growing up fatherless was very hard. I have also seen how our mother struggled just to bring us up, 3 siblings. She had to go abroad as a nurse to provide for our needs and support our studies.
Just like what I have said, I didn't see this coming. Nor was I prepared for such tragedy that I didn't have the chance to prepare myself. I feel like dying at the moment. I can't think of any reason why we had to come this far. I was devastated, awestruck of the things happening. But I still gave way for them though the pain was too much to bear.
Kent was persistent to win me back. I wanted to give him a second chance and to get revenge from that lech of a woman who knew that a man was in a relationship yet she took advantage of his weakness. Nevertheless, the thought of doing so shrunk when I saw their picture with their baby on facebook, Errin's post. I felt a little pain in my heart to hurt an innocent baby. I may be in a great turmoil and pain but I know time will come that it will fade away.
I was currently inactive on social media because I knew myself that it would just make things harder. It would make me harder to move on and recover especially that many congratulated him when he made the baby his display picture. As for our investment, our house I was kind enough and generous to offer it to them to live in but Kent declined. He said that was only for us and maybe out of respect that he didn't want to get the girl and her child in it. He insist that he will only be supporting the child. Well, I don't give a damn of their arrangement for now. Because I was in the process of healing the deepest wound. The money which should be for our wedding, I am using it to tour around, it was a great relief to get myself from my work in a while. For sure I won't be productive as I used to if I let myself stay.
*At the end of the article, the author was asking if you should forgive a cheater.*
What can I say? The guy ruined a 10-year relationship. True to the authors words, Kent's reasons were lame to do such acts. Many have been in that situation but because their loyalty compares to nothing that they can't be swept off their feet even if a woman would present herself naked.
06-27-21
*****z_graeden*****
Father's Day: Family Day
I was wondering what or how would life be when we grow old? When the time comes when children leave their homes and build a new nest of their own.
*A long nonsense post ahead, so when you get to the point of not wanting to read it just stop and cancel it.*
Just recently we have celebrated father's day which fall on every third Sunday of June annually. Our family, I mean my family where I was born and raised was facing a great trial for the nth time regarding the lot where my parents built their new house here in our place. I had this article regarding the past family feud where my mother's older siblings seized her from everything she had inherited from their late parents. Now, their cousin who happened to be our neighbor and an accomplice of my mother's sisters is building a new house in the empty lot which is his. The problem was he ordered his laborers to get passed the border line which makes the terrace of the new house closed. When my father built the new house, he didn't even touched the boundary so as to make space for a pathway or front yard. Now that this cousin of theirs was to build a house, he dared to get pass the boundary. Actually, it wasn't him but his son who is a police officer. Well, he knew the law but why does he allowed himself to be manipulated by his father.
This may seem out of the topic but let me just go on. The tension was a li'l bit weakened when one of my younger brother texted everyone of us to celebrate father's day on Sunday. He is also a father whose son is staying with my parents because he and his partner weren't in good terms.
Father's day was a modern holiday because I can't recall if it was ever mentioned during our elementary days. It was a day to honor fathers and father figures of their contributions in our lives. It is not only in honor of fathers but with female parents also who had stood as both mother and father to their child or children. The celebration includes different traditions that may be of a simple greeting card, phone calls, posting on social medias, family meal or a simple getaway. In short, anything that may show appreciation of the father.
**June 20**
We arrived at my parents house in town almost noon as no one was available to come pick us up. Our eldest sister and her kids were already there helping our two younger brother with the preparation of the foods.
In every occasion, we made sure that everyone is present because it seems the family wasn't complete when one is not around. We don't feel the contentment, as if there's a void when one is not present. It was always like a family day for us. Three of us were already married while the two younger brothers are living on their own- independently. The only ones living with our parents was our youngest brother who is still a college student and the son of one of our younger brothers.
When we were kids, we always fought with each other. Our father was the strict father you might not like to be with because of we were just like on martial law. No one should disobey rules. Though I can't remember a time when he ever held a hand on me, his iron fist was more than enough to strangle a growing teenager.
As time goes by that we have our own family, we missed the presence of our parents, we reminisce those days that we fought for one thing and laughed about it. That every time we get together, we make up with each other by listening to each others problems and giving advice on what should be done to avoid messing up all the more.
Although mother's day was already done the past month, we still greeted our mother. I did it via phone call and my siblings did it on social media but we didn't gather to celebrate.
We celebrated the day with a simple meal at lunch with pinikpikan, a viand of chicken butchered the Igorot way with slices of slab of salted meat. Some veggies added to it also. Some fruits like pineapple which we took from the kaingin, watermelon and cucumber. A homemade ube icecream made by one of our younger brother for dessert. See, it was just as simple as that but the bonding was more worth it.
Our eldest sister who planned to go home ahead of her children was held by our parents so she had no choice but to stay. However, we had a very kill joy sister-in-law who never bonded with us nor did she consider us her family nagged at her husband that they go home. So that by dinner we were the only ones who dined. Their boarding house was just some 10 minute walk from our parents. Why do they have to stay in a boarding house when my parents house has 3 more spare rooms with its own living room, kitchen and a comfort/bath room? This sister-in-law of ours never wanted to be with us but a very jealous wife.
**June 21:Unplanned and unexpected family getaway**
By early morning, our father went on his usual rountine. A morning walk from their house to town or at a coffee shop at the highway for a cup of coffee. There he met his friends and learn some news around the community. He instructed my other younger brother, the one who's next to me to check on the car in the morning before he would leave for his work. By 7am, this younger brother of ours came to tell our father who just came from his morning routine what was wrong with the van. Our father decided right there and then to buy a new alternator at a nearby municipality. He jokingly added that we might as well go for a picnic in Cervantes because we were all present. That's when we insisted to go rather than let the day pass with their thoughts being bothered with the current situation we are in. To breathe some air and refresh our mind and body.
Our eldest sister by that time was cooking siopao which she prepared the night before. The kids were heartily enjoying it as their breakfast because they don't want to eat some rice. After the siopao was all done, my sister asked her eldest daughter to help her prepare some cakes.
My mother called our other brothers but the younger, the second to the last child was the one who was able to come. Our brother with the nagger wife didn't receive the call. Me and my youngest son was jokingly asked to stay and feed the hogs but I declined because I didn't want to miss it, yeah. Our youngest brother who was still busy with his modules voluntarily said he will stay because he had to finish his modules by Wednesday.
We left at 9:40 am and it took an hour for my father and younger brother to buy the needed alternator when we reached the said town. My mother and other brother went to the town's market and made some purchases of fruits and fish and others. By almost noon, we were already at Cervantes and was held by police at the checkpoint. They told us resorts weren't open yet due to the risk of the COVID-19 and the ASF virus in Tagudin. They told us the river was the only one available so we just agreed. My brother who was the driver, didn't get us to the river but headed to one of the nearest resorts just some meters away from the highway. Before we were able to reach the resort, heavy downpour met us. We decided to just go to the nearest one and inquire if they were open for accommodation. My sister suggested the one which they had gone before where there was a fish spa and a hot spring but the kids were already restless and fussy. They got out of the car as soon as the it stopped at the resort's gate. They didn't even wait for us to check if it was open to public that they barged in before the worker came to talk with us.
Because the kids already went in and the worker said they were open that we had no choice but to get our things out of the car. The heavy downpour lasted not longer than 10 minutes and we were thankful with it so that it won't spoil the day.
Nevertheless, we got a li'l disappointed to see how the resort was. The entrance was well maintained so that it has a welcoming ambiance. Lots of flowers and a large birds' coop was also present with dove and a variety of parrot inside. But the inside was totally less maintained. There were two pools for kids and another two for adults. The smaller pool for kids which was filled with animal figures where they can slide through was filled with tilapia fingerlings. The kids had no choice but to have the only one available to swim at.
The two pools for adults were also filled with growing tilapia. In short, it was turned into a fish pond. The surroundings was obviously less kept out of grass. Weeds were growing in places they can thrive. It was a wide place as it has more or less cottages with two view deck overlooking the whole swimming pools. It also has a children's playground with swings and another area for basketball court. The playground had weeds almost to the knees.
Maybe it was due to the pandemic that these places were closed to public that it was already less maintained. There were lots of fruit trees such as mango but it's fruit was already gathered, coconut which we would like to have some but the boys can't climbed it, santol, and there were also guyabano fruits which fell to the ground. My brother asked the worker if we can pick some of the guyabano and he agreed.
My brothers and sister prepared the foods to be cooked. Well, I can't do much so I just had to look at the kids because they invaded the kids pool with the fish in it. It was a dangerous place because moss had already grown at the tiled floor, they might slip and get injured.
They enjoyed swimming though we did not bring their proper swim wears because it was left at our houses. My parents soon joined them. My youngest didn't want to miss it, that he insisted to swim also.
We had our simple lunch at pass 1pm. We enjoyed it with grilled fish, letson kawali, chicken, and fruits like watermelon, mango and cucumber. The cake as our dessert.
Our parents who took a bath at the shower room after they were done swimming took my youngest to the swing. I joined the kids swimming after lunch, my sister didn't join in. I was disappointed the second time as I submerged myself into the water. It was heavily filled with chlorine because you can easily smell it as you swim. I didn't last long at the pool. I called the kids to get out of the pool and take bath at the shower room. They look funny after getting out of the water. They were darkened by the water, they look like they have been under the sun for too long. I asked them to change their clothes after taking a bath else they will be left.
While we were preparing our things at 4pm, the kids took their time to ride the swings. Good thing the dark clouds hovering ahead didn't pour.
On the way, my two kids felt sick. They were prone to motion sickness that they threw up. Maybe they were like me when I was little. I only don't feel sick when I got to ride on my father's car when traveling long distances.
**June 22-23**
On Tuesday, my sister and her kids went home because of her kids module. We stayed until Wednesday because I still felt tired from the travel and I had to have a prenatal at the hospital.
Because of the trouble my parents were at as of the moment, I have seen how my parents support each other. I can hear them from the other side of our room praying at the middle of the night and at the very early hours of the morning. And on Wednesday, my sister called on phone crying that our old house's posts which was in extension of the new house was being destroyed by the laborers. Those people weren't afraid of doing so when they can clearly see the boundary. Well, they only think of earning money and not considering the welfare of both sides. Damn them.
I thought to myself, will the man I have would support me when I grow old just like what my father is doing with my mother? No matter how strict he was when we were growing but he has endless fondness of his grandchildren, supports his kids with everything he had and what he can and always at my mom's side through thick and thin. Would my children love to come home and share some of their time with us even when they were busy with their own lives? I just hope they will.
Just like any family, we weren't perfect. There were issues that come our way but we try to mend it because life is short. Our father has lots of health issues that he was on maintenance for his hypertension, diabetes and the latest one which is for his prostate. I talked to him about his latest health condition and asked him to have a surgery or any process that can cure him of it. Rather than being bothered with extending their house upwards and won't stay long to enjoy his labors, why not use the money to have a better health. Because honestly, we don't want to lose him yet.
Note: While our parents are still alive, make some time to let them feel you are there for them. Let them feel they are loved and cared for. Life is short and no matter how one hated his parent there'll come a time you will regret why you didn't reach out to your parents when there was still time. You can't turn back time so fill it with memories to cherish.
If you made it this far reading a nonsense, thank you.
06-24-21
*****z_graeden*****
A L❤ve Made in China
Lets read this love story of a man who literally, fell in love with a girl and guess why it was entitled that way. Actually, the title was somewhat similar with the original one.
They've known each other while studying in college at a prestigious University in the city. The boy was taking up a degree in education while the girl was a Nursing student.
They have been together for only a short time, 6 months that is. Let's call them by pseudonyms, the boy as Enteng and the girl as Bakekang.
One rainy night, Enteng came out of the library from the school and realized it was raining. He had to wait for a taxi ride home. So he stood with the other students waiting outside the school.
From the other side he saw a girl also who seemed to be waiting for someone. He recognized it was his girlfriend so started to wave at her but the girl didn't even bother to bat an eye on the opposite direction, to where he was. An SUV stopped infront of her after a while. When the car sped away, he saw that his girlfriend was nowhere. His girlfriend might have hopped in because he wasn't able to see it clearly.
He heard murmurings around him. One said, "Oh no, she was picked up again."
Out of curiosity and without letting those around him that girl was his girlfriend he asked, "what was that? Picked up what?"
"She's one of the pick up girls who's hooked up with random bigtime men. Only those can pay her with large money can afford her," the guy beside him answered.
"What did you just say?" He asked but didn't voice it out.
His girlfriend was a real beauty, a head turner. It would make men in town to stare at her and girls jealous of the attention she's getting from their boyfriends.
The following day, Enteng invited Bakekang at the hotel. Well, as usual his girlfriend won't turn him down. Hotel po yan, ibig sabihin check-in so what do you expect.? She's a Nursing student so she knew how to get herself from getting pregnant. But this time it was not for se* but for him them to have the needed privacy for a good conversation. He wanted to hear her explanation about what he saw that night.
Without further ado, Bakekang admitted that she was indeed a Magdalena- a girl who flies low. How do we say that? Yeah, exactly. A pickup girl.
Bakekang came from a poor family this explained why her parents can't afford to send her to college. But she is a bright girl who would do anything just to finish up a degree at a good school. So tuition fees were a no-no joke.
Enteng understood. Well, she's not the only one after all he heard and seen others who would do so just for the sake of getting out from the gutter. He appreciated them. Their courage to be on that kind of sideline job.
However, it was way way different when you were the one who was at that kind of situation, Enteng thought. Napakasakit, kuya Eddie.. It was a pain which was inexplicable, unfathomable.. It was a pain that can't be cured and explained by science. "Why of all jobs? Don't they have any self-respect left or any conscience maybe? There were lots of jobs out there. Jobs that are respectable and dignified that make anyone admire them of their hard but honest works."
Enteng felt betrayed.
However, he found within himself to forgive. He understood that his girlfriend was trying everything she could just to make out of college with a praiseworthy degree at a reputable school.
The impact was too heavy to carry, it was a dynamite that exploded right before him, world-shattering that is. It lasted for three whole weeks that Enteng lose the will to live. The agony seemed to last forever.
Nevertheless, his desire to finish what he had started in college weighed more than his emotions. Enteng focused on his studies and tried to set aside any emotional disturbances.
At the end, however was a relationship which used to be flowing nicely was broken, shattered and thrown to the ground.
Yes. Enteng decided. It was the best move he had to make. He broke up with her.
Fate may it be. Enteng passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers while Bakekang was a frustrated registered nurse.
Now, Enteng had a big brother, a seaman who came home from their port because travels were already prohibited due to this pandemic. He was not only home for vacation but to introduce his girlfriend for two years or better yet his fiancée to us, his whole family.
They were happy for him.. Hmmm. Finally, he wouldn't grow as a bachelor.
It was a night of party-like atmosphere when the time arrived for Enteng's brother to officially introduce his fiancée. His brother had a pig butchered and he also called his childhood friends and peers at the party... Expensive colored alcohol beverages which he bought overseas were the spirit of the night. "Woow! A seaman does makes a lot of datung while at sea, eh," Enteng thougt. They were all in one table.
Unfortunately, Enteng felt nature's call when his brother's fiancee was about to arrive. He went to the comfort room and done his thing in a hurry.. Yay! Who would want to miss the chance to see his brother's soon-to-be wife? No. Not him.
He perched himself in a very good place in front of the table where he could clearly see this lucky girl his brother is about to wed. "An not late," this loco thought.
Finally, the wait is over. A car stopped infront of the house. Its door indeed revealed a lovely lady as it opened. She stepped out and walked towards the house.
That beauty which turned a gloomy ambiance into a buoyant atmosphere. She seemed to light her path as she treaded the pathway gracefully.
This was..
It was..
Then he recognized her..
No other than Bakekang..
With just one stare at him, he knew what she meant. So that when Bakekang scanned the place and met his eyes, he already knew what those deadly gaze meant.
"Keep your mouth shut," was the warning that came from those balls of eyes that stared at him.
He pretended it was their first time meeting. He smiled and laughed with the others. He was having a good time. But then it was all pretentions so as not to ruin the night.
Enteng never expected that his ex-girlfriend was his brother's girlfriend all along. A student that his brother was talking about when he came home. The girl whom he supported with her studies as his brother told. He was stupefied.
His brother used to rent a car for him to use as his service when he was coming home for a vacation.
Enteng was filled with lots of phenomenal questions in his head.
"It was my brother on that SUV that parked alongside the school on that rainy night after I came out of the school library?" He asked within himself.
"Hoooo my goosh.. Dios mio garapon," he silently exclaimed.
The moment Bakekang admitted she was that kind of girl, he already knew himself that she had this indifferent relationship with other men. And that was one reason why he chose to broke up with her. And that was already a long time ago. But of all men, his brother? She knew they were brothers which was unknown to him yet she had the guts to be both her boyfriends? Yikes! Yes, Enteng broke up with her. And she had his brother without her attention being divided. "Pero teka lang! Kung nagawa nya kaming pagsabayin bka mas marami pa syang naging boyfriends after me? And it was without the knowledge of my brother kase lagi naman sa barko. Baka pineperahan ka lang ng lokang ito." Enteng was grumbling to himself. He was even cursing words.
Bakekang, on the other hand was with his brother and their parents at another table. They talked about marriage. The plan was them to be wed civilly because of the pandemic's restrictions. A church wedding will soon follow after Covid-19 will be out pf the way.
However, one thing was disturbing the poor author of our story.
The soon-to-be husband and wife had no house yet of their own wherein they can stay. His brother said that after their union his wife will stay with them while he will be away offshore. He will sail one more time to earn an amount for their own house.
"That can't be. Ay inayan ito."
"My ex-gf? Your wife-to-be, stay within my area of responsibility? What if it will take you a year before you come ashore. When I knew how lecherous she was." Enteng was really, badly agitated about it.
Those were the things that had him troubled. How come his already peaceful life suddenly turned in a topsy-turvy?
________________________
I have read another story which is somewhat related to this and I thought it was the same story but it wasn't. The younger brother had a relationship with a girl in college but unbeknownst to him, the girl was at the same time his older brother's gf too. The older brother was the breadwinner, working overseas and was the one sending him off to college that's why this younger brother had done his best in school in reciprocity to his brother's hardworks and sacrifices for the whole family. Thus, he made it a secret that he was in a relationship.
The younger brother finished his studies and finally has a stable job so the older brother decided to come home. Of course he had been coming home in the past but he never introduced his girlfriend yet because he doesn't want his family to feel guilty when they will learn about his girlfriend. He doesn't want them to think that he's way to baakhood, I mean a bachelor- age nearly done the calendar and was supposed to be married than supporting them all along.
On the other hand, this younger brother gave way for his older brother to introduce his gf in respect of him. He thought that he still had plenty of time to finally introduce his girlfriend.
It was a stomach-belching feeling for the younger brother when his older brother finally invited his girlfriend home. The girl was no other than his girlfriend. How could she? But they reacted as if they had just met that day.
The younger brother went far away for some time to give his thoughts a fresh start. He needed a space to think and overcome a little of the mindblowing act of the girl. He had seen how much his brother's eyes sparkled when he was with her. He had loved the girl but he is ready to give up for his brother.
The younger brother came home after months. He mustered all the courage he had and faced his brother. He admitted that he had a relationship with his girlfriend in the past which he didn't know was the same time in a relationship with him. He had expected for his brother to give him a hard blow but it didn't happen. His brother was quite some time. He was the quite type of a man that doesn't do actions without giving things a thought and contemplating on it.
At last he spoke and said it was due to the reason that he didn't let them know about his girlfriend in the past. That had made his younger brother came to meet her and had a relationship with her. But the sole root of it all was the girl. She knew both of them.
To make the long story short, the younger brother decided to get as far where he had before for months. He had found a promising job while he was away. While his older brother made the decision to wed his girlfriend. Maybe he had seen the girl's sincerity after.
These stories were both in Ilocano dialect written on a fun page for us, Igorots.
Now, back to the main story, why do you think was it made in China?
06-19-21
*****z_graeden*****
Be a Woman Who Pays Her Own Bills
Recently, the Philippines had just celebrated its Independence Day which indicates the country's freedom from foreign governments. Thru the bravery and patriotism of our ancestors that we were able to run our country as a Democratic nation. Kudos to them.
However in a third world country like ours, women have been fighting for their freedom or might as well say their right to be equal with men. Women don't have the freedom or privilege like men do. They were deprived of higher education, not allowed to take some college courses (for those who can afford to enter college way back) which were intended for men, they can't partake in politics. They were merely seen as a weakling or one designed for the house only, do certain jobs which were for women only.
Fortunately, peoples mindset gradually changed over time but was seen unlady like by men before. Women gained their right of equality with men that they were able to do things like men do that includes engineering, law, women in uniform, politics and many more.
(Pls note that I was speaking my mind according to my observation of the past, what I read and some experiences. And because we are talking about bills, literally we are speaking money or financial aspects).
But then some were not fortunate enough to be able to step in college and that was because of lack of financial needed for tertiary education, some married early because of the thought that marrying would free them from their current situation. Well, who should we blame? The society, us. We were brought up with the wrong mindset or notion by our elders and their elders before them. Even in school, we were only taught that to achieve success is thru education and that is of course finishing a degree. Society had also instilled in a girl's mind to get a husband if she can't pursue higher education so that someone would feed her and not become a burden to her parents anymore.(This basically was in the past, right or is it still happening now)? We were seldomly taught that we can still be successful even without proper education and that is thru entrepreneurship, skills and talents we have. So that still places education as the dominating factor for a bright future.
Thankfully we have women who were brave enough to voice their beliefs, opinions, and thoughts regarding gender equality. This empowered other women to act also. Because who would like to be treated as a weakling when in fact women also excell in the fields where most men do? Women were also paid less which is one thing women have been figting also. If men can, so do we! That's women empowering women. Women are encouraged to stand and be courageous enough and not be a total submissive, lower counterpart of men. Well, women are expected to be submissive especially to their husband but not to the point of getting abused.
Gladly, I can see lots of ladies nowadays especially single mothers out there who were juggling their time to finish a degree, to their child, and being an entrepreneur most especially online selling. And with COVID-19 that requires modular and online classes, some were able to bring out the best of their skills and talents which made them money to support them. Some single mothers chose to be one because of instances that happened along the way and others were merely dumped by their no balls boyfriend after learning about their pregnancy. And they even chose to be strong and independent in raising their child which some really didn't look forward for financial support from their child's father.
Importance of being financially stable especially before marrying
1. Dont depend solely on husbands money. Yes, the man should be the provider but ladies, we are women who needs extra care for our hygiene and toiletries. I can remember when I was still selling online I was able to buy me things like facial and skin care, my kids needs and wants, do groceries and pay electric bills with my own money, and especially started to pay random kids for sand and gravel from the river. Sadly, I've got a not-so-supportive of a hubby who wouldn't appreciate my effort and little accomplishment.
Thankfully, I stumbled across readcash which I am now busy at and I do purchases online with my earnings from time to time and no need to ask money from my hubs.
Bottom line: there's no need to be dependent.
2. Won't be afraid to take actions. Honestly speaking, there were only a few good men out there. Some would even be shameless to tell their partners/ wife they were just "palamunin" or someone they were just feeding when in fact the wife has a child to care for. An independent woman without any hint of martyrdom would walk out of the house bravely and tell the world with her little one by her arms she could stand on her own like she did before.
Women, on the course of time have became the same with her men counterpart but with grace and ladylike manner. Though sometimes, still underestimated.
So as parents who are now the main teacher to their kids, we need to educate our children about the importance of skills learned and acquired, nurture their gifts by trying to let them feel confident of what they have. As for me, I am trying to encourage my two kids to bring out what they can and not focus mainly on their modules. But I have observed they were not interested to do things unlike in traditional face to face schooling wherein they are challenged by their classmates. I keep adding that with skills and talents plus a touch of confidence could make one successful. My daughter who is only four doesn't understand much but I try to boost her confidence because she was the shy type. I want her to grow to be an independent woman someday. Someone who isn't afraid to spread her wings and explore the world, not one who is afraid to leave the nest and fears she might fall when she tries to fly. In short, confident enough to leave her comfort zone so that she may learn more things that is beneficial for her growth as a person and a woman.
I know there are still lots to mention of benefits of being a woman who pays her own bills but my mind reached its capacity of thinking. You may add them in the comment section.
It was supposed to be publish on the 14th or 15th but the network connection was very poor.
05-18-21
*****z_graeden*****
She's Procrastinating
Have you notice my inactivity again? No published articles sometimes and I think I wasn't able to reply on comments on my latest articles. I came in from time to time and leave some comments if I can.
Lately, I have this feeling of inexplicable grogginess. Yeah, we have been to my parents for a couple of days last week and I thought I was already recharged or something like being energized. But I was wrong, my feelings just came back without any valid reason that I can find. Was this some sort of hormonal response on my third trimester? I just don't know.
Last May, I was able to produce 26 articles for the whole month. I only have 5 days lapse without article. It's not merely because of earnings but I was just so inlove with the platform that I can't let the day pass without an article to publish. I do have a goal which everyone of us does- to secure atleast 1 BCH as much as possible but that didn't let me push myself too much. As long as I have a topic in mind then why not write it and publish it. And grateful that I was because I was able to accumulate a sum of .40 bch. I was enthusiastic and had a positive energy each day though there were also times I felt like I was floating in space.
Now, we're at the second week of this month but I was only able to publish some articles. On my first article this June, I have mentioned that I will pursue to publish an article a day so that I may be able to surpass my earnings on May. But it seems like it was impossible at all if my neuroticism goes on. I have saved drafts but whenever I try to continue it, my mind would just go blank. So there, I ended up being unproductive at all the whole day.
I also mentioned that I'm gonna make some noise on noisecash but I was also unable to do so. And from the 1st day of this month until now, I was only able to make $1. I just can't think of anything to post. I spend more time reading and commenting on this platform which will take me hours. And when my times up for cellphone usage I just go offline without checking noise.
Moreover, if you had noticed I wasn't giving tips just like before. I only give when days are in favor of me and don't when the bot wasn't giving me any. Aside from my main wallet wherein I send my weekly earnings I have 2 more wallets that I need to put some amount each day. But for this month, I wasn't able to. I only do it every other day or every two days because I haven't earned for a day or two. My main wallet is more important to be filled at the end of the week.
"Do not let the day pass without doing nothing. Do what you can do today and don't think of tomorrow to accomplish it," this was what my ever hardworking father always told us when we were in highschool. And I guess I was procrastinating when I set my goal. Everyone does but for a goal is different.
Another thing that had been hindering me to interact was the network connection. It had been two straight days when network communications was very bad. It will disappear very now and then, for a minute when I open the data the bars of signal will be gone for a long a time. It was like playing tricks. I hope it was fixed already. I will see how it will be today..
As of this writing (6am), their was no network signal. It's just so annoying. This wasn't supposed to be my article for today but I think I'll just post it..
06-16-21
*****z_graeden*****
24hours a Day was Never Enough for a Mother
How often do you wish for the day to extend its light, and the night to stay dark for a longer period? We wish this particular thing to happen when we got lots of things upon our sleeve that needs to be done during the day. And the night not to break into dawn because we had a sleepless night, we only got to close our eyes when it's daybreak.
I know many can relate to this but only a few understands a mother unless one is compassionate enough to wear her shoes.
A stay at home mom with multiple little kids gets to balance her time from house chores, her kids and her husband. She finds it sometimes that even after all the house chores were all done and she gets to rest for a good night sleep of 8 hours, the 24 hours wasn't enough at all. She just feels extremely exhausted.
A mother is lucky enough if she has a hands-on-dad husband who would look after the baby or kids while she takes a nap, helps with the laundry and the dishes that would take her hands off for a little time from working. With little kids or even just one child, a mother tends to multitask juggling 3 or more things in one time. This is what we call physical exhaustion?
But is it only physical exhaustion that makes her look so tired even when she was just staying at home with the kids? No. Yes, the answer is no. Mental exhaustion does and sometimes coupled with emotional distress. And take note moms are prone to post partum depression which was sometimes associated with the thought they can't do other things for the family especially when it comes to financial aspects. And back to mental exhaustion, a mom wakes up still feeling tired after a good nights sleep because her mind was active the whole night though. Her mind was aware and alert of things around. Her list of to-do's goes on and on and that's called mental load which was never a light one. She was made to manage and keep things on track.
Moms with small kids weren't the only ones who feel these but even those with grownup kids. This is what we call worrying. We fret over small things and sometimes wake up at the middle of the night just to check on them and think of what if's.
Here's some of the lists why 24 hours was never enough for a mom:
1. No fun, more work. Most often, mom stays at home to do her chores rather than going out for fun even just for a little while to relieve stress.
2. 24/7 availability. With the new normal on the presence of COVID-19 where children are taught by their parents, it is the mother who is responsible to do so because she was the one available at home. This adds pressure to her shoulders even if she has a babe whom she needs to tend to at night and most of the day. She had to submit and retrieve modules and attends some school meetings if ever there is. When any of the kids is sick, she is their doctor and nurse. It simply is a no-pause time.
3. Moms had to do things on their own. Did you ever experience leaving your babe with your husband on his day off because you need to run errands? How did it go? Di ba, you have to have his nappies ready, his milk bottles ready to use and instruct your husband the right proportion of water and milk formula for one feed? And you have not gone for five minutes yet and your phone's ringing, your hubs calling that your LO is crying that you need to hurry up and get home the soonest. Sometimes they call you every now and then to ask things that needs to be done before feeding and setting the babe to sleep.
Yeah, there's no rest from that whilst when you're alone with the kids you do things on your own, from house chores to taking care of the babe. But when you come home, you will be met with almost everything in the house scattered.
4. Less sleep. That's a given already when one becomes a mom. Stay at home moms tends to be up and about even during at the wee hours of the night because of the babe's needs while a dad sleeps because he needs the energy to work during the day. And at daytime, mom isn't expected to take nap as the babe sleeps because of the tasks that needed to be done. And when the baby's up, she will have to tend to him also.
5. No time for leisure. If there's something that she needs, it is leisure because this plays a vital role in warding off stress and promoting hapiness. But how come she can't even have that time? Because she is thinking of the things she has to do that has to be done before the day ends.
See, simple as it may seem but it is affecting a mom in the long run. Lucky are those who have relatives they can trust their kids from time to time. Someone who won't bother her while she takes a little time for a little time. But, mind you even with a trusted individual a mother just can't seem to stop worrying.
Nevertheless, it is not only stay at home moms that do experience such, working moms are not an exemption.
Did you experienced being too drained and emotionally empty? Too much exposure to exhaustion leads to a more severe condition which is called mommy burnout. The feeling includes perfectionism, self-hate, not bonding with children, intense physical and emotional tiredness, loneliness, guilt of being not a good mother. These feelings leads you to distance yourself from your kids, think of harming them or even done so verbally and perhaps physically and being ashamed of your acts that you feel the inexplicable loneliness and guilt.
Again, a mom is fortunate enough to have a husband who would talk to her to have a little time of herself to be out of the house and be with friends while he will take a charge of the house in her absence. Or a husband who would talk her out for a family time outside the house. Or simply a date while the children at their grandparents or someone to trust them with.
And because we don't have more than 24 hours in a day that would make room for a mom to have some me time, it is important to share your feelings to other moms like you. It helps in relieving that overly fatigued and overwhelming feeling. Simply talking with others make you understand that you're not alone. It helps you to adjust a li'l bit and gain knowledge more about parenting because when a child is growing, even well rounded moms or parents are getting anxious on the parenting role. It may be hard not to think of the simple things that are boxing and kicking your nut shell, but momi I tell you take a li'l break and be off. You need it to get back on track.
06-14-21
*****z_graeden*****
Aussie Tragedy (2)
Sonny, like any family member who just loss his family in a grave mass murder appeared on television asking for justice. A $100,000 was placed as a reward to whoever would be able to reveal who the assailant/s may be.
However, Sonny seemed to recover shortly after the murders. Because he was the sole heir of whatever was left by the family that included cars, house, business and money that included a large sum here in the Philippines that he was able to purchase luxury cars and moved to an expensive apartment.
During the various police investigations, he remained calm and showed no signs of distress to what had happened. It was very unlikely for a grieving child who lost his entire family in a very dreadful manner.
An eerie chill was felt on the day of the combined funeral as Sonny calmly gave the eulogy to his father and sang "One sweet day" without any musical accompaniment.
He lived in luxury afterwards which raised suspicions among the investigators. They tried hard to look even for the slightest evidence that could be gathered.
Prior to the time of the murders, Zenny revealed to their parents that her brother wasn't doing any good in school. Their parents threatened to disown him. Because they have high expectations from him that they were able to persuade him to give up his singing ambition and take course either in the field of medicine or law.
Authorities have found out that he unsuccessfully poisoned her mother in his attempt to kill her. They also had a misunderstanding when his mother disapproved of his girlfriend.
At first the police found the motive of the murders were, first racism because of what was spray painted on their wall. Second was robbery but their was no sign of force entry and the family's worthy possessions were not even touched. But then,.it was all done to intentionally divert the authorities attention from the real culprit.
Lo and behold, there's one sovereign who doesn't sleep and won't allow such acts go unjustified.
The inconsistent stories of Sonny made the police concluded he was involved in the crime. His alibis were two different events but little did he know that his maternal aunt who dropped at their house at around 6pm saw his car parked at the garage. A neighbor also noted he saw him fleeing the house by 7pm.
So here's what the police found out.
Yeah, the parents threatened to disinherit him because of his very poor performance in his studies and on the list of students to be expelled. His parents even withdrew some of his privileges such as the used of his car. But because they're parents, for sure they would give everything back when he will do better. But, his greediness and sole desire to have everything for himself made the police to have it as a motive of the act.
On that fateful day, Sonny went home and took the baseball bat from his car. He knew by this time his sister was already home and might be on her room or at the attic. He took the two kitchen knives from the kitchen as he entered the house and went straight to look for his little sister.
He found her at the attic and strangled her with the bat. He gave her a strong blow on the head with the bat also. The poor teenage girl was not able to fight. It was not only once but at least six times. Unsatisfied, the guy stabbed the girl countless times.
Anytime soon his mother would be home. He waited for her at the living room. So just as she entered the house he attacked her with one of the knives. He inflicted multiple stabs to her face, neck, chest and abdomen. Completely mutilated.
After an hour, he knew his father would arrive soon. Just as what he did to his mother, he waited for the man of the house to get in. And just as what he did to his mother, he did it to his father also. There were additional wounds in his back. Because he was stronger than the two lady who were easily assaulted by this monster that he tried to fight. Sonny was armed with one of the kitchen knives that made it to his advantage to defeat his father.
After killing his family he disposed everything he used as weapons, his clothes which were soaked in blood and including his shoes. He took a bath and sprayed the scrawled graffiti on the wall.
He called one of his friends and went partying. Late that evening after dropping off his friend to his place, he went home. He was expecting that the crime would be discovered by anyone who would happen to drop at their house in his absence.
Sonny acted as if he knew nothing of the horrible crime after he found his family bathing in their own blood, and dialled emergency services.
Investigating officers were able to put everything out after he acted very strange in relation with his loss. His inconsistent stories and alibis were destroyed by no one but himself alone. During trial, it was publicly known that he traded his family's cars and pawned his mother's jewellery. Evidences were all gathered and everything he said were false. An undercover detective also befriended Sonny during the investigation time which added some more evidences that would nail him.
On June 13, 2002 detectives arrested Sonny, the murderer and put him behind bars. He was found guilty of three murders and was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.
05-13-21
*****z_graeden*****
Aussie Tragedy
*For sure you have heard this story before.*.
A hotel was built and successfully established by two people who came to love and cherished each other and at the end married. The hotel was a fruit of their labor as a lawyer and a doctor.
As a fruit of their love, they were blessed with two healthy children. Let us call them by pseudonyms of Sonny as the eldest (boy) and Zenny (girl) the younger.
They were having a good life with their profession within the city which they chose to live. The hotel they built was also a picture of success as it was competent as the other establishments and was helping its staffs.
**First Tragedy, Killer Quake Baguio City**
On July 16,1990 a great disaster struck which almost took the lives of their children.
The earth quaked madly resulting for houses, bridges, mountains and buildings to crumble and fall. Their 10-storey hotel was not exempted by the destruction. It fell to the ground like some soft sand castle by the sea shore.
After the quake, the father of the family whom we will just call by another pseudonym of Mark hurriedly drove to where their hotel was. It was also where they lived.
He was thunderstruck of what was before him. Their fruit of labor for years as husband and wife was gone in an instant. It plainly turned into piles of rubble.
However, that wasn't what was more important as for the moment. Their children just came home from school and for sure they're inside the building when the earth shook.
He kept shouting and calling for his son and daughter's name..
"Sonny!!"
"Zenny!!!"
"Where are you? Daddy's here for the rescue!! Shout so I may know where you are!!"
From that moment in time many are running and fleeing from buildings to the open space at the road. Buildings were still collapsing.
From out of nowhere, a voice called out from the crowd in the street. A child's voice.
"Daddy!"
It was Zenny!
She was crying in the arms of an elderly woman who was hugging and comforting her. Before the building was to collapse this woman, a vegetable vendor saw her and pulled her to herself to safety at the road. Mark went to them and hugged his daughter.
"Where's your brother Zen?" He asked.
"He's still inside, dad. He was going inside the bathroom when the first tremor struck!" The girl answered in between sobs.
The father's attention was divided into two. He was going to stay with his daughter to console or look for his son among the piles of boulders. He chose the latter. So he left Zenny with the woman with words to look after her daughter for the moment as he will try to look for his son.
Mark hurriedly went straight to the hotel-turned-rubbles and called out for his son's name. He climbed through the mountains of boulders. Though he was not used in treading this kind of terrain but for the love of a father to his son he carried on. Risking his own life.
A father's love conquers all. Though we see them as strict and less expressive in showing their emotions, yet the love is there.
Slowly, he conquered his fear of the unknown because one wrong move and the boulders would collapse and caused more havoc. Abled men came to help with the search and rescue because rescuers those time were designated to some other areas.
Unnoticed, a night had already passed on their on going operation. Policemen and rescuers were already there. A police officer advised Mark to take a rest and let them do the task. He promised him that they'll do everything to look for the child. But a parent who knew his child was at risk can't sit in peace, his feelings remained disturbed.
He sat dreary yet he answered the officer that he won't get out of the location without his son. Thus, he asked the Lord for strength.
"SOOOONNNYYY!!!" He shouted
"WHERE ARE YOU? THIS IS DADDY, GIVE ME A SIGN THAT YOU'RE STILL ALIVE!"
The police officers silenced everyone so that they may be able to hear the slightest of sounds from the rubble.
"Sonnyyy...!" Mark again shouted.
A small voice came from nowhere. From a pipe maybe. "Dadddyy.."
It seemed like the voice was sandwiched in between those debris. It was crying..
Mark bravely scavenged thru the debris and pulled his son from the rubbles where his foot was stuck.
The 45 seconds of 7.8 magnitude earth quake took what the couple had invested with millions of their money.
**A new beginning**
It was devastating for the whole family with what happened to their home and business. However, the man of the family, Mark took it as a challenge. He continued schooling in his chosen profession so that he may qualify with the same profession abroad. He passed the examination and not long they settled in Sydney. He was able to successfully set up a law firm and worked as an immigration lawyer.
Their children continued their studies in the strange place where they will start anew.
Zenny was the typical studious girl. No hanging around after school, school-home was her routine. She directly go straight to the attic where they were studying and read her books.
Sonny, on the other hand was influenced by his bad peers. He eventually learned how to smoke, get drunk and get home late in the evening. He seldomly or even stopped reading his books. He only got home to take a bath and change clothes.
He took medical science but withrew after two years. He enrolled in law at a different university but was really performing poorly with his studies and was at risk of expulsion. He covered up his wrongs by falsifying his grades.
**The tragedy** (not for the faintest of hearts)
Sonny, as usual came home late at night from one of his drinking spree on July 10 of 2001. He found his family at a very dreadful state.
His father was lying right in the living room with a pool of his own blood. His body was mutilated with multiple stab wounds to his neck, chest, back and abdomen. And because he was a man that there were defensive wounds declaring he tried to fight off his attacker.
His mother, Faith was also at the kitchen. Dead. She received the same stab wounds from the assailant. Multiple stab wounds on her face, neck, chest and abdomen. Her windpipe was completely transvered postmortem.
The little sister at the attic received the worst affliction. Her head was nearly disfigured resulting from multiple blunt force injuries, a sign of strangulation and multiple stomach knife wounds.
On one of the walls inside the house, "FUCK OF ASIANS" was spray painted.
Sonny hysterically went out of the house after finding his family in a very horrifying state. He frantically went to their neighbors house to ask for help.
When the police arrived, he was out of words to tell because he just arrived after dropping his friend to his house after they came from one of the bars in town.
...to be continued if readers suggest to..
*Apologies... I was supposed to edit this and add more details but then maybe I was still half conscious earlier that I tap the delete button. Second part will be posted tomorrow. Again, I'm sorry*.
**z_graeden**
A Couple of Days at my Parents
When was the last time I published an article? Some three days ago, I think. I was not even active recently and seldomly read articles. I was only able to publish an article of "The Quest" because I was afraid the bot might forget me.😁 But in fact, that was an article some six months ago but was never noticed by the bot, just reposted it.
On Sunday, we went to our parents house in town because they kept calling that they missed us especially the kids. So I didn't decline this time because everytime they tell us to visit them, I kept telling them we can't. It's because I can't carry my toddler up the road to wait for a jeepney. That's why I nagged my husband about it for not able to send us and thankfully this time he told me he would carry our youngest. So off we go.
Everytime we are at my parents, I can't bring myself to write an article. Literally, it's a time for me to rest. To free myself from stresses when we're at our house. That's one reason I didn't bring my son's modules because I want to completely be out of thinking things that need to be done. One funny thing when I am at my parents was the need to sleep even during the late hours of the morning that would continue until dusk. And I would sleep as early after dinner. It's as if my body was very tired from long strenuous days of labor.
The two days stay wasn't enough for me to get myself from worries and responsibilities but we need to go home. Modules of my son are waiting. I also have to at least get myself back on writing because I need to.
There were times I get really lazy and can't get myself to write and yes, it gets stressing sometimes to think of topics to write everyday. But the need to is really strong. Sometimes, I just lay in bed and let the day unproductive even if my mind is dictating me to get things done.
There are reasons why I have to pursue on my writing, aside from my passion to get going.
1. **1BCH Goal.** Like anyone else here, on this platform I am one who had been aspiring to at least hold an amount of 1BCH. It may be small amount for some who had exceeded one bch but for me is already an achievement if ever I would be able to reach it.
For 11 months, I was not yet able to accumulate that amount because in the past I converted my earnings into fiat currency everytime I see the price go green. I used it to purchase our needed things in our house and for my kids needs as well. Sometimes I get things for myself as a reward for the efforts I have been exerting.
Eleven months of a roller coaster ride and I am hoping I can reach 1bch on or before I turned a year old in this wonderful site.
2. I will be **due on my pregnancy** by August and on that time for sure I won't be able to write articles. That means no articles, no earnings. Having to earn and accumulate before that time for my 1bch goal means I need not to worry enough if there were times that I couldn't produce articles. At least I am able to secure at least 1bch that I could profit from one day when bitcoincash would reach the predictions of bch enthusiasts.
When I reached that goal then I don't need to pressure myself to keep pushing thru like what I used to. And it's impossible to produce an article a day when you have a new babe that will take every second of every minute of my time.
Going back on our stay in my parents house, the two days were all worth it. My daughter whom I have noticed that her hair was having split ends get it cut short by their granny. Same with my youngest son with long hair gets it cut. After the haircut, with him playing on my dad's lap and my mom trying to make a good cut failed. He was even more like a girl than a boy. His long hair suited him better.
The green fields outside and the freshly gathered vegetables helped me restore the energy I needed. I was able to rest for a bit. I wanted to stay a li'l longer but I was thinking of my son's modules, drafts that needed to be done and get published, the mountains of laundry and unwashed dishes we left. Thus, my father brought us home even if he just came from the hospital for a check-up.
05-09-21
z_graeden
The Quest
Situated in a far-flung area where forests of greeneries surround the vicinity, the missing of calves raised fear among residents of a certain village somewhere in Banaue, Ifugao. Apparently, it was caused by a gigantic snake devouring those poor water buffalo babies.
________________________
In the olden days, there's huge lack in medical knowledge on primitive areas. People only rely on herbal medicines and on village shaman or traditional healer for treatment when they're sick.
There was this man who learned the news about this snake-eating-calves in a far away village. He, too was a native of our village - one of our ancestors. Unfortunately, he was suffering from gut problems that when it worsens would cause unbearable pain.
It was believed that snake's gall bladder(bile) can cure his condition. The man however was at his wits end that he thoroughly sharpened his machete until it glistened.
He called one of his friends to accompany him in the journey and prepare for the 13-17 mile walk. Thus, they journeyed on by foot.
When they arrived at the said locality, they made queries of the whereabouts of the snake.
As usual, the mountaintops were the place where carabaos are left to roam freely and graze after the farming season.
After being welcomed by the villagers hospitality, they rested. Getting enough of what they need to know, the two men were warned that this snake is a giant one which can devour a man wholly.
One of the villagers accompanied them to the snakes lair but the snake was nowhere to be seen. The guide went home leaving the two on their endeavor..
There were bunch of giant bamboos in the area that the man armed with his sheathed machete on his hips climbed the giant bamboos. He positioned himself externally amongst the bamboos but he made sure he's on the safe side to be able to carry out his plan. Together with his calling shouts, he usheathed his machete and make loud sounds by strucking it to the bamboos. Not long when that monstrous snake came crawling from somewhere heading to where the man was.
The snake slowly climbed up the bunch of bamboos. It then wrapped its body into the plants as it was coming closer to the man until it completely covered where the man was. The bamboos made a cracking sound almost breaking as the snake squeeze it.
Alert as he was, the man did not wait for the snake to squeeze hard. He struck the monsters belly while he can still move. With all his might, he sliced through it not wasting any moment. He can feel the life being squeezed out of him yet he managed to hold on and kept slicing.
Moments past when he felt the snake's grip becoming light. It fell to the ground with a thud.
His companion who had been hiding on a safe place, watched the scene unfold before him with awe. He was filled with emotions and what ifs on his mind. He then came out of his hiding place when he saw the last event.
The man on the bamboo tree came down and without wasting any moment he cut through where the snake's gallbladder was.
He ate it. Unfortunately, he died after some moments.
But before he consumed the bile, he instructed his friend that if misfortune befall him, he should bury him properly. His friend replied that he will.
The other man came home alone.
Villagers now understood that the man did not make it yet was successful in his quest to kill the giant python. Thus they asked if he buried the body properly and the man replied with a yes.
After a month, the man died also. The villagers concluded that the man who killed the snake and ate its bile was not properly buried by his friend; therefore, he called his friend. They said, if the friend would have been honest in the first place then they would have gone to fix and give the former a proper burial.
~~~~*~~~~~~~~~
In relation with using snake bile as a medicine, it was being used even on the ancient times for traditional treatment. There are certain species which are best used for treatment, though. That almost all body parts of the reptile are beneficial. It was used to treat a myriad health problems such as treatment for skin diseases, pain, intestinal haemorrhage and cancer.
The snake's bile and gall bladder is soaked on wine or any alcohol beverage to make it more palatable. Conditions like whooping cough high fever, infantile convulsions, skin infections and rheumatic pain, even erectile dysfunction were proven to be cured by it. Aside from its health benefits, it is also a good appetite enhancer that's why some exclusive restaurant in China, HongKong, Taiwan,Vietnam and other southeast Asian contries serve it as an appetizer.
Snake's blood and meat, venomous ones included are also consumed and believed to have medical properties.
Because this family of reptile shed their skin, it was believed that it has regenerative characteristics; people took the advantage to discover its use.
Snake slough helps treat skin diseases such as boils, itching, psoriasis. Acne, eye infections, sore throat and hemorrhoid are among conditions sloughed snake cures.
Lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases can benefit from the snake's venom as research shows it had anticoagulant properties. But 'lo, taking it needs caution.
Snakes, however won't attack not unless threatened.. May it be the deadly ones or those made as pets, the mere sight of it brings shiver up and down my spine.
*It's been a while, guys.. I will not be active much..hope you understand.*
*This article was a repost from my article from 6 months ago..*
05-07-21
*****z_graeden*****
Gurabis: Match
"*Inka man gumatang gurabis, adeng*." (Will you please buy me "gurabis", little sister) My "bayaw" asked me while handing me a 5 peso coin.
I took the coin and asking myself what could "gurabis" be while I was walking to the sari-sari store, jaja...
"*Apo, pabili. Apoo*," I called out with an Ilocano accent. "*Gumatang nak man ti gurabis*," A woman on her early 30's came inside the store. "*Anto man*?" She asked. Though I can't speak in Pangalatot because I am just new in town but I undertood what she said because it has slight similarity with our dialect.
"*Pabili po ng gurabis*," I replied. "*Ana ajay gatangem kade, neneng*?" She repeatedly asked what I was going to buy..
"*Ana met atoyen nga dumorolot 'ya, tuleng nga agpayso.*" Her father walked in.
Unknowingly, the woman has a little hearing disorder that's why she was asking repeatedly.
I took the little box and the 3-peso change from the man and said to myself, so this is what gurabis is? Jaja.. A box of matchsticks lang pala.
I remembered this because it was the first unfamiliar word I came across the first time I stepped in the lowlands. As I read upon a story I stumbled in a facebook page, I was again reminded of this word. And the story goes like this.
**********
A boy of 5 and his best buddy was born and grew on the mountains of the Cordillerans, a place where hectares of vegetation can be seen. Their crops include potato, Baguio beans, wombok, cabbage and many more. Lets call him Nonong and his buddy Padsico.
Nonong was a very active kid, he could play just like the older kids do.
Having grown on the mountains with no hint of technology distractions, together with others they played tirelessly on the hills or anywhere they please. They have lots of unwavering energy that any healthy child possesses.
Upon waking in the morning, Nonong grabbed his "bangking" ( not in pairs) "ismagol" and went to his neighbors, his playmates whom he chased around. They spent their time playing jolens (marble), tatsing lata or tumbang preso, text card, top, sipa and rubber band games. These were the games they had during their childhood days of so-called "eleben" (eleven).
A child with that condense milk trying to be extracted from those two hill holes on his face but the child won't let go and get those condensed milk again. Just to find it irresistible for those things to stay inside and just let it flow creating two "1s", thus, they termed it eleven (11). Well, did you get it..? (Sipon yun na pinapabalikbalik lng sa loob😅).
Nonong, as little as he was was always defeated when they played tumbang preso. He wore an ismagol which is too big for him that no matter how he tried to throw it hard as he might but can't hit the can. This made him always the "taya".
Ismagol was what they call for slippers. And he wore his father's.
One day, Nonong and Padsico was playing marbles while Nonong's uncle, a bachelor (unmarried) and chainsmoker was watching them. He kept lighting his previously smoked cigars. Maybe he had no more money left to buy new ones that's why he was smoking his unfinished sticks. He kept blowing of the smokes and sometimes let it out his nose or maybe even on his eyes😝..
Later on, this uncle went to the toilet some distance away and left the match he had been using to light his cigarettes. The two naughty boys took and started to play with it. They get a matchstick, have the black part on the rough surface on the side of the box while holding it upwards on the other end. With the other hand they snap the middle part with their finger. The stick would then light up and flipped to the air and landed afar.
Whiw, they were enjoying themselves doing it over and over again until there were only two matches left. They will play with the other and leave the other one so that the uncle would have something to light his poor cigarette.
Padsico held the match on the lighting side of the box while little Nonong snapped it real hard.
Krssssst.... It lit. "Jajaja," they laughed
Flipped into the air burning. Then it went down landing on what was unfortunately on the man's house's ceiling. It was thatched with cogon grass.
Smoke ascended the air from where the match landed.
A wind blew and it lit. Fire started to consume the cogon. They tried to throw their slippers but it won't reach the part where the fire was. Soon the fire got bigger and bigger devouring the entire ceiling.
"Uncle! Uncle! Uncle! Nonong shouted calling his uncle who wasn't done yet with his thing.
"Your house is on fire!" He added.
"How in the world when I was not even cooking?!"
He smelled something's really burning, perhaps. Hurriedly, he lifted his trousers up and ran out of the toilet and to his house.
Nonong saw the water dipper filled with water and took it running to reach his uncle. Maybe this was what he was supposed to wash his buttom but then forgot to do so because of the incident 😅.
The uncle was shouting nonstop. He was crying. His body almost twisting as if trying to double his body in attempt he can put off the fire. He picked soil, threw it at the fire then reached for the water in the drum and threw it also in the air to the ceiling.
He kept shouting for his neighbors for help. Padsico and Nonong joined him call for help.
Though many have come to helped, the cogon- thatched ceiling already was consumed by fire.
The walls of pinewood were still on fire even when it was being dashed with water.
The man's house was already gone. Burned to the ground. He was not able to salvage anything from his belongings. The only thing he was left with was his clothes behind his back.
After a couple of days, the two buddies met.
Nonong: Halla..😞 We burned uncle's house.
Padsico: Yeah.. What really have we done.. What'll we do, tell them?
Nonong: We should. We'll tell them the match accidentally landed on the ceiling causing the fire. Let's face the consequence to be whipped because we reallg did it.
Padsico: Ahhhh jujuju😥.. I don't want to. I have this boil on my butt and was not yet ripe. When I will be whipped that it'll explode and I will die.. Do you want me to die?
And because Nonong was only a child, remember, a 5 year-old child? He was left to believe that when Padsico's boil will explode when whipped then it would cause his death. With that, they kept it themselves as secret.
Days, weeks and months that eventually turned to years since that incident and they still didn't tell it to anyone. Nobody came to know that they were the culprit in burning uncle's house. It was totally wiped out from uncle's memory lane and so does with the villagers. They said it was caused by a lightning- the house was struck with lightning and caused the fire.
Padsico, died of heart attack 12 years ago.
Nonong,his bestfriend, on the other hand was already 52 years old and doing good with his career. Even if I am going to tell in our place that I was once a villain some 47 years ago, they will doubt it because the only witness had already passed away.
As for the old man, he was already 87 years old, a bedridden and anytime he will say babye world.
Nonong's plan was to be in charge of the old man's tomb. That even when they burned his house decades ago, a little help would do.
____
*This was written in a very creative writing in Ilocano. But I wasn't able to do it in this translation.*
05-04-21
*****z_graeden*****
I Am Not Free but Caged
I don't know how to start with this. After reading three articles regarding freedom, I suddenly don't know how to define it. I was even mentioned by a lady called Jane, a lady with outstanding beauty within and an outbursting gorgeous, strong facial features. Complete package, one can tell. But with her article wherein she spilled the beans of her past, a very unpleasant one that you can't tell a lady like her had been tormented by memories she wanted to bury in oblivion. Yet she managed to divert that positively and been writing articles of inspiration which is very hard to do so when you're one who had come from that kind of child abuse.
Another one is from Yen, who, despite of her bad past, a wordly woman found her freedom thru the help of her husband. She was able to free herself from her past by finding peace in Christ still with the help and loving support of her husband.
Jullyann on the other hand, is blessed with parents who let her see the world beautifully. Thus, grew up without suffering any emotional and psychological distress.
**Happy childhood**
We were like birds hopping from branch to branch chirping and singing sweet melodies. We played gleefully at the hills and roll ourselves down. Yeah, no restrictions as I have mentioned in one of my articles. However, as I am growing up I have noticed that I don't want to be with people anymore. I might as well stay indoors and read books. I have no confidence to talk and speak my mind. I was like a snail that would curl and withrew to its shell in the face of danger.
**Iron fisted father on teenage**
As I was typing this, I was trying to bring back memories that could have contributed to my character. We were raised not to answer back our parents and defend ourselves, or was it me only?
During my highschool days, I eventually became outgoing though I was bullied. I wanted to join sports and other extracurricular activities. I even wanted to join the Tai Chi club, the volleyball team because I was good in playing it during elementary. I wanted to join campings and explore more of my skills. But my father was a tyrant. Dismissal is dismissal, we were not allowed to go home 15 minutes late. I even cried to my mother why are we not given freedom. Our father was a very hardworking man, and very strict in time. For him every minute counts and should not be wasted. A minute late and we hear words that we went for lakwatsa, that he saw us playing with boys which weren't all true. Everyone of us should work in the shop because he said we were already big enough to help. Yes, they were earning big sum of money with their business. But gives us less than 20php for our "baon" because they said our eldest sister who was already in college needs money more than we do. The good thing was I gained confidence behind those bullying and grades were doing good.
Second year highscool, I became rebellious. I skipped class, took 100pesos from my dad's pocket everytime I got the chance. I absent and go with bad peers who smoked and drink Gilbeys gin with extra joss. And my grades declined. My reason when my mom asked, I was not able to join extracurriculars. I think this was the time I became suicidal because I could feel the very hard gripped of my father by my neck that I couldn't move, couldn't even breath. It means no freedom at all. But then I realized that my grades couldn't make it if I will continue with what I was doing, and I don't want to be left behind. So my peers and I stopped skipping classes. Being suicidal, I always make fun of my other classmates I could pinch in. I can be a clown and laugh hard at the slightest of jokes. But when class is over, anxiety is taking over as I walk the 2 minute walk outside school campus to our shop.
Third year, I didn't want to enter school and I insisted on going to the school at our village not in town. I wanted independence badly. They allowed me after unacceptable words from my father. There I came to know about this boy who showed interest in me, older than me by three years but our classmate. We hang out together with our classmates and he even was sleeping at our house because I was all alone. But hey, I was not that stupid. We co-slept and nothing more. I was doing fine in school but one night this stupid guy brought over an alcohol and he was drinking, I was doing our homeworks when all of a sudden my parents were knocking at the door. Because, I was terrified I let him jumped over the window before I opened the door. I was met by a blow in my face.. There and then my reputation was ruined or should I say ours.? I bravely faced my father and told him we weren't doing anything wrong. They can have me checked by a physician. It's them who ruined me all the more. They transferred me back at the school in time where my wants to end my life was more tempting. The school and my classmates learned what happened and they look at me with disgust.
**A momster**
Because I was being mocked behind my back and my father's words were too degrading that I was able to find peace at the Reserve Corp in college. My mother on the other hand kept advising me and uplifting me because same in highschool, there was a tight grip in my neck. I even told them that I could bring them in school and watched my every move or I rather stop school because I was fed up.
Then I gave up, though I don't feel the butterflies fluttering in my stomach anymore when I see the guy who's interested in me. Nor do I feel my heart skipped when I recognized him I still gave my all, everything nothing left because I thought I am getting attention from someone. I was ruled by my emotions and refused the dictate of my mind. Until such time I missed my period and it was during our community immersion that we needed to undergo pregnancy test. My world turned upside down. I no longer attended class for two weeks and accumulated money from sideline job which my parents thought I was going to school. I used it to run away from home to the city where the guy was. (We lived-in, and I refused to see accept the red flags. All I was thinking was there'll come a tim3 for him to change, but I was wrong.)
It turned out it's not a fetus I was carrying but a hydatidiform-mole.
Years passed and I had my eldest. I pampered him and showered him all the love. But as he was growing up, and started grade school I noticed I was like my father. I am strict to the point I spanked and whipped him. I wanted him to obey simple rules, just like come home from play when its already getting dark, don't stay too long under the sun or in the river, and to come home during lunch. The condition got worst during the pandemic which required them to have modules that he grew tired of it and don't come home and sleep with his cousins.
One more thing that adds to my very bad treatment towards my kids was the lack of compassion from my husband. He also lacks ambition that he doesn't mind if our house wiggled with every step or move one makes. It was too tiny that its not enough for a growing family. He spent more on his bad vices rather than saving it and buy materials for house renovations. To think that he is earning 600-700, sometimes 800php per day and we can't pay our bills on due, no savings account and most of the time no delish foods on the table. Not only money but time, he spent most of his time with his peers and comes home not earlier than 10pm to 2:00 am and expects no armalite-like mouth. He wanted to leave him be. I was stressed every day that leads me to keep yelling at my kids. The worst I don't like about myself was I regret it afterwards and would end up crying after hurting my kids. I am not justifying my acts because my husband's treatment was the triggering agent.
This was not the life I wanted. No matter how strict my parents were and seems to strangle us, they raised us with an optimistic view of thing, to be productive in every way we can. But now, I was full of negativities. I am not free. I am caged in my own self, full of insecurities. I don't know how to express it but I feel that I can't fly because everytime I try to expand my wings I only feel hurt. Because I was told by my husband that we weren't rich so stop being illusional. I told him I'm being realistic and rational. No change is coming if you don't change your ways and start from baby steps. Maybe he was also raised to just see the day ends without any progress or do anything to change his life status. It was enough for him that we eat 3 times a day, no more no less.
I don't even want to bear any more children because I don't want another child to suffer the kind of life this family has.
I can only be free if I am able to let go and change my whole being into a new me. I am trying hard as I might to be a new version of me. For now, I was struggling to fight my own self from being the abusive me everytime a trigerring agent is present because I don't want my kids to grow into bad citizens.
I was just too thankful because I found this platform where we are not only merely earning. I am learning from articles that made me open up my eyes and see the beauty in adversity. To be myself and be inspired though I was not able to inspire others because most of my articles were all rants of my personal life. And am not proud of it. I am processing things that will make me grow. Actually I have a draft that goes, "readcash, the gateway to let go of my old self". But, then the article about freedom came and I just put it all together.
P.s
My father was a selfless granddad to his grandchildren. He gives everything he could most especially to my eldest who was always admitted at the hospital. He does to my children what my husband can't. He always have my kids with him wherever he goes whenever we go in town where they are residing. Before the pandemic, my eldest would cry if he sneaks out of the house and the child heard his car leaving.
I can say I am healing from my teenage years but me today is something I need to conquer.
*Wrote this on the 29th of May. Up until this time I am reluctant to post it. But then I think it is another step of letting go of the the past and conquering the present.*
06-03-21
*****z_graeden*****
Lazy 1st of June
Have you ever felt being so lazy in a day? Yeah, literally, just like the "Lazy" song. When you just wanna lay in bed and let the day pass just as it is? Your mind wanna do things but your body is just too restless to move.
That's what I had been this day. All I wanted was too lay in bed and sleep the day off. But a mom had to get up and hustle no matter how she felt. Not unless, of course she has a helper to do the things for her like cooking, feeding and bathing the kids, do household chores and the likes.
I slept last night early as 8pm because I can feel my lids drooping, they're too heavy I can't stand it when I used to sleep at 9pm to 10pm. I woke up at my usual time at 6am. But I wasn't able to do my usual routine in checking out read for articles I wasn't able to read the night before.
As a mom, it is impossible to let the kids on their own when they knew you were around. As early as 9am I feel really sleepy but I tried to do things. I folded the mountains of laundered clothes which had been staying at the hamper for days. I washed the used milk bottles but not the dishes. And the mountains of laundry? Binabad ko na lang ksi d aq makatagal sa gawain ko.
By the time my youngest asked for his milk at 10am, I made him. He slept and I tried to get some sleep too but couldn't. I just laid in the bed with my eyes closed and kept turning from side to side. I then took my cellphone and made some noise in noise. But my hands couldn't stand holding my phone for longer than 5 minutes.. I was already getting frustrated and uneasy.
*****Setting a goal for June*****
While I was feeling unwell I kept thinking of setting a goal for this month. I wasn't able to do so in the past because I didn't expect to have the bot's attention for a month. Though that was the case, I tried to hold every cents the bot and other generous users gave. I have this little amount of BCH in my coins.ph wallet but I didn't include it as it is what I am using to replenish my e-load. Like what I've said in my latest article, I was able to accumulate 0.42BCH from read for the month of May. The 0.32bch is what I have transferred to my main wallet while the remaing 0.10 is the sum from my wallet for my son's bicycle and my cellphone.
I have earned it solely from this platform because I was not that too noisy in noise. However, I have set my minimum withdrawal at $1 and in 5 days I was able to earn $4. It was because of the new update. I can only earn a dollar in noise for a month before the update. Funny right? Before the ❤ update, it had been couple of months since I stopped receiving free tips and that demotivated me because I have nothing to share. And to be honest, I distributed every single penny I am receiving if there was. I also can't do tipping via Q.R code due to the fact that my articles here was also earning less than a dollar before the last week of April.
But, now with the newest update I will start my goal for as low as $1 a day in noise. Don't laugh at it because I am just being realistic. Who could earn $5 in a day in noise with little effort, eh? $1 would do because, I can't spend much time in the platform given the fact that I have handfuls of kids to handle.
***Can I achieve my first full BCH this month?***
In the month of May, I was able to publish at least 26 articles. So it means out of 31 days of the month, there were 5 days which I wasn't able to publish one. Yes, because sometimes I ran out of time to finish an article or I ran out of topics to write or both. And another one reason was that I was tracking the bot's move. There were three days in a row where it won't dropped by because I missed to published for a day. And in that span of time, my previously published articles won't be noticed until the third day wherein it will dropped in every unnoticed article giving a total of $20+ in all of those 3 articles. It used to give $10-$20 every article during the 1st week of May, there were even some that reached $30. However, as the month is nearly ending it was giving lesser tips anymore. No matter what, I was always and always will be grateful.
With the bot's current movement which even my latest article wasn't noticed for the last 36 hours (as of this writing 9:02pm), I am doubting if I could be able to make it to my full bch this month. I will be needing at least 0.6 of bch. My current wallet has 0.64 bch. But why do I need 0.6 to my full bch? It was because the 0.20 will be allocated for my other wallets.
***What should I do?***
**Time management.** As a full time mom, it was a struggle. You need to balance time, everything should be synchronized because a little delay would ruin the programmed activities in your mind.
I used to wake up at 6am and publish my drafted article the day before, then checked for articles which I didn't read during the night leave comments and tips if the bot had been generous enough. At 6:30, I get up from bed and start my chores. During the day when everything's done, I write another article for tomorrow. Then at night, after supper I read again some articles.
I can see, I was not being productive enough so I need to manage my time more.
**Be a little noisy in noise.**
See, I was only able to post 2 or 3 or 4 posts in noise due to the fact that I can't think of anything worth sharing. I do check subscriptions, leave comments and give hearts. I do the same with channels and explore. If am going to be more noisy, then for sure I will be able to exceed my $1 a-day goal.
I don't know if this made sense but for now (9:24) I am too sleepy to check on the two sites, so pardon me..
Closing remarks
I've been feeling groggy for 2 days already because of sleep deprivation. There was this night that I have posted on noise that I stayed wide awake the whole night with my thoughts floating into space. Sleep just won't come the whole night though. The following day, I go on with my usual routine with no side effect from my sleepless night. But the following days will I only be able to feel the effect of it. That's the effect of *puyat* in me.
I have insomnia which is really torturing me when it hits that I would stay wide awake until daybreak if I was disturbed even at 10pm when I only was closing my eyes to sleep. I feel so irritated that you won't hear anything from me but yells.
Sleep is very very important for a productive day so always have time to take that beauty rest of the night. Let's not take our health for granted so that our goals which we are pursuing and trying to achieve will not be put in vain.
*Wrote this at 9pm and was supposed to be publish last night but I can't stay awake later than 9:30.*
06-02-21
*****z_graeden*****
A Fruitful May with BCH
Since the last week of April the little guy, Rusty had finally noticed me. My articles started to gain its attention that some even reached $20 or more.
I have been a user of this platform for 10 months, like some other who stayed this long have seen the progress read had gone through. It had been abused by so many spammers and by the time theRandomRewarder was born, they gradually disappeared. It was because some users can produce more than 10 articles a day which was very suspicious. Even a good and professional writer can't produce that number of articles in one day. Some just plainly plagiarized as one can tell it because of the absence of EXC on their articles. And spammers on comment sections were too annoying. But where are they now? Gone. Their accounts were reported due to their unacceptable acts- banned. Some were marked as spam. Sadly, there were good and honest writers who experienced being spammed. But to show their loyalty and good intention of the platform they still published articles even without any upvotes from Rusty, still they managed to interact with their virtual friends until their accounts were no longer marked as spam.
During the early days of Rusty, I wasn't able to get generous upvotes but still didn't give up until the Last week of December and first week of January did it notice me and started to be generous. But after that it became aloof again.
There were times I get envious because many had started their $1-bch- daily goal with their earnings while I was stuck somewhere. By that time noisey was also introduced, but because I was not that noisy that I wasn't also earning much. But with the new update now, my noise wallet begun to be filled even if it were cents per day(never a dollar) because I knew myself that I am not making enough noise.
I even got demotivated but with the help of other users, I was inspired to continue with what I have started. I took a rest from online world for two weeks due to hectic days. Farming season was on its peak that I always came home tired and immediately slept after supper.
April was also a fruitful one, on its last week alone I was able to accumulate 0.16+ of BCH which at that time was worth $150+. I was full of energy that time that at last my efforts in the past months were not put in vain.
Continually, I published an article a day from that day onwards. There was this time when I was not able to publish an article for more than almost 30+ hours from the last time I published and I have noticed the absence of our little darling. As in zero so I managed to get my draft done and published it. But still no trace of the little guy. Published another one after 24 hours and was still the same. Until the third article then I was bombarded with pages of the notifs from Rusty giving tips to the 2 previously written articles which it was not able to give. This had been its routine ever since. Though there was this lone article which it didn't really notice.
The most productive week of May was the second and third. Because I was able to accumulate a total of 0.15+ BCH in each week. This was not to brag but to tell you that I also have been there, zero earnings but never gave up. It was not much unlike others earnings are but still am grateful.
As of this writing, I was able to accumulate 0.32+ bch this month. I literally write it down to compute because I don't have a device for spreadsheets like others were doing to track their earnings. The wallet for my son's bike and for my cellphone wasn't included in the computation. Even my earnings since May 26 up to this day wasn't included because I didn't send it yet to my main wallet. And the upvotes I have shared since I was earning some was not also added to it. I am also grateful for those who have consistently supporting me thru comments and their tips, because it adds confidence and motivation to carry on. Thus, I also pass it on.
On the 20th of May, I made a wallet for my son's bike which I started to put $1 a day, and another wallet for my cellphone to which I am sending $2 a day. Why cellphone? My current unit has issues maybe due to its old age that's why it's becoming incompetent. And, it's an asset for me so I can upped my knowledge in crypto. I mean I could be able to put the knowledge into action because honestly, I can't do staking and other ways of earning bch with my phone.
***The lower the dip,the higher the tip***
So the start of May is very good, the market became greener and greener as our favorite coin pumps up to the moon. But I wasn't able to sell due to bitcoin.com's issue that's why my stable coin was stuck at $56 only. However, when it reached $1650 per dollar it slowly begun to decline, down, down until it went down below $1000. My network was very poor and I can't buy when it reached $970 but when I was still trying to buy it eventually dropped to $940 within minutes. It kept fluctuating and reached again $1000 which I thought it would retain its momentum. But then again the bear took over and plunged deeper until it reached ocean deep. A very good timing to buy but almost everyone I think had bought everything they had.
By the time the price declined half of the price it went up the moon, it got everyone panicked. Some may even have sold their assets because of fear that it might go down the gutter. As for me, I didn't mind it at all though I was thinking to use some of my bitcoincash to convert into fiat for a simple celebration for my son's birthday on May 28. But I set it aside and told myself that can wait. I will just take the opportunity to earn and hodl more. Because as the market turned bloody red, I have observed that I am earning more from it.
A $0.45 worth of upvote during the bull run was equal to 0.0003+ bch while during the dip (as of this writing 10:26pm of May30) it was 0.0006+ bch. My earnings lately was not like when it was still green because the bot was not acting like what it used to during the bull market. Still, I am grateful.
So what's my point? **Both bull and bear weren't friends nor enemies**. They exist to balance the market. What's trading for when you always keep selling but didn't have the chance to buy with your gained profit? And what buying does when you all bought every asset you have? At least you still can buy with local currency when you can. I am a noob in this but what I can say is to seize every moment. Don't panic when the bear took over, it'll soon get tired of running. Or should I say it is digging us a good spot to plant our crops to grow in a lush greenery and bear us another good harvest?
Just trust the process, dude. Our dear donor here never gave up then why should we? If only sir Marc didn't trust and believe the potential of our coin then he should have withdrawn the fund by then. But did he ever tweeted negatives to make us panicked all the more? No. Up until now, we're still here in these two platforms enjoying what we were used to. He didn't give up then why should we?
And to sum up all my earnings this May, it was all 0.44 BCH. Without my earnings for today not included. A total of 26 articles plus this one.
05-31-21
*****z_graeden*****
My Third Born at 2
After nine months of carrying a child and going thru numbers of changes in your body, finally the long wait is over. Mixed of emotions flood thru you when you feel the first pain of contraction. And you would be thinking how long would the pain last when you able to see that tiny bunch of a munchkin that had been doing its acrobatics inside your belly.
Early morning at 28 of May, 2019, I've felt the first sign of labor. I slowly crept out of bed and took a bath. I woke my husband and told him I'm into labor. He slowly took the baby bags from the cabinet. I have prepared it a month ago with all our necessary things needed. But then the pain came more frequent, that I had to wake my two kids while their father was taking a bath. I made them their milk while I called my parents in town to come pick us up. My dad was feeling unwell so they have to call my brother who spent the night with his peers. I tried to make the kids eat breakfast but they won't.
The pain became more and more intense that I felt we can't wait for my brother. He was drunk the night before that's why he can't be awaken by the rings of his phone. Our youngest brother had to go look for him and wake him up before he came. But by then, my husband went to our neighbor with a jeepney to take us to the hospital. He carried the two bags of baby things and my clothes. While he piggybacked our 3 year old daughter who was still on her pajamas.
While we were climbing the stairs to the road, I met one of my friends who was also pregnant. She had been into labor for a week and was up the road for a morning walk. She asked me where we're going and I told her at the hospital.
When we're halfway to the hospital, we met my brother who was beyond speed limit. The driver signaled him to slow down and he does, he saw us inside the car and my husband told him to follow so he can get the kids to their house.
We reached the end of the bridge in town and my mother's waiting for us so we stopped while she took the kids down from the jeepney. I can see a worried Alto, my firstborn when I bade them goodbye while my daughter cried hard while we're driving away. Maybe she's a little confuse of why we had to leave them. So my brother who had been tailing us stopped and get out of the van to hush the li'l girl. She's fond of her uncle so I saw that she finally settled when my brother took her from our mother.
We went straight to the emergency room and was met by nurse. They asked what's the matter and I told them I was in labor. Yeah my tummy seemed like I was only on my sixth month. So after some questions and answer, we waited at the bench in front of the nurse station. We need to wait for the doctor to examine me. And I was becoming more and more uncomfortable sitting at the bench. I got up and get out of the hospital leaving my husband behind. I remembered, I don't have pads ready so I went to the pharmacy and bought sanitary napkins, adult and baby diapers, food for my husband and a bottle of water for me and surgical masks because I was having colds that time.
As I get in the emergency room, the doctor had been waiting for me. I walked slowly because everytime I felt the contraction I stopped on my track. Walking is good during labor when you feel you can do it. The doctor was very accommodating and she patiently wait for me to rest a while before gesturing me to enter the examination room. I was only 4cm dilated so I need to walk more. We were led to the OB ward and I immediately laid down at the bed. My husband urged me to go out and walk but I can't because the pain was too intense. We have other room mates who already gave birth while there were two who had not yet gave birth. My labor pain was much more intense than they were so they were quietly lying down. While I was there pursing out my mouth and grimacing with a little sound I was trying to hold.
When I felt like the baby was to come out, I went inside the delivery room nearby while my husband called for the nurses. They fixed me up but they were a bit disappointed because I was only 6cm dilated. A long way to full dilation. So when the contraction stopped I got out of the room again and went to our bed. I told my husband to eat the food I bought because anytime the baby will come out and he won't be able to eat. I know myself that when I reached 6cm, anytime soon I will be in full dilation. So I took the fully prepared blanket with the baby clothes, mittens, socks and bonnet inside it out of the bag. The cloth for wiping the baby and my clothes to change with after I give birth.
The next time I felt the urge to push, I went to the delivery room. No one was on the nurse station and my husband panicked. I called my husband to bring all the things I took out of the bag at the delivery room and put in on the baby bed. I climbed the delivery table and I didn't move to the edge to avoid the baby from falling if in case no one was coming yet.
I can see the horror in my hubs eyes and he told me he doesn't know what to do. I just told him to watched for the baby so that it won't roll down.(Thinking about this part, it was funny). I have a little bit of knowledge because I have birthed two and I watched on YouTube how a mom was able to deliver her baby in the car with no one around because she was supposed to drive herself to the hospital.
My hubby told me to wait, so he rushed out of the room and go look for any nurse around. Luckily he met a nurse who was doing her rounds in giving medication to the patients.
When they came, the baby's head can be seen a little. They asked me to move closer to the edge so I did. With one long push the baby was out at 11:08 am. He has little vernix caseosa but with very thick lanugo. His placenta came out well and good. Umbilical cord clamped and cut while I was trying to feed him. He weighed 3.3kg and a length of 50cm.. He had little downy hair, with little prominent nose and strawberry-red lips. We called him Zak Graeden.
At four months he successfully rolled over his stomach.
6 months, he can sit up and crawl after getting out from confinement from the hospital due to UTI.
He gets bored staying inside so I let him out and there he enjoyed getting dirty.
At ten months, his blabber words becoming clear with papa the most clear. He can already stand on his own and trying to make his first steps.
At one year, he has more words and can walked by his own already.. actually, I have articles related to newborn to toddler milestones.
No birthday for today, and I feel sorry for him. Unfortunately the market was bloody lately so I can't convert some bch to fiat to give him simple celebration. As long as you're healthy, miamor then we can focus on our goal.
Last time I posted on noise na pinagtityagaan nya ung sirang bike ni kuya nya, so I made a wallet for it on bitcoin.com and saving $1 daily.
Now he's a big boy now who talks a lot like you're talking to a five year old. But doesn't like his hair to be cut. That's why xzeon called him Tarzan when I posted him on noise without his clothes because it's too hot, only his briefs his wearing while playing under the banana trees.
Supposedly, it should be posted on the 28th but I was not able to write it.
05-30-21
*****z_graeden*****
@z_graeden
