Two Practical Ways to Tell a Story

There are only two practical ways to tell a story - third-person narration and first-person singular narration. In the first method, the writer keeps himself out of the picture and tells the reader impersonally about what happens to his characters. In the second method, the writer assumes the personality of one character and tells the story as if it were his own personal experience.

Journalism/Short Story Writing Diploma

Of course there are other methods to use to tell a story - for example, one person can write a story in the form of a letter or a series of letters; or as a series of extracts from a diary. But these are cumbersome methods that present special difficulties and are not appreciated or favored by modern editors on print media and on digital media.

If a story, when written, is a good story, any way of telling it is good. The important point is that the two methods first mentioned are much easier than the others; they can be successfully applied to any type of story and they are always effective. The third-person form is usually the easiest to use and is certainly the most flexible. The first-person singular form is more difficult, although it is very effective when well handled.

Kabayan Kung si Sen De Lima ay Aawit ng Mga Kataga ng Pagsisisi - Siya Po Ba'y Iyong Mapapatawad?

Pagmamahalan Na Humantong Sa Kulungan - Ronie & Leila- Photo Credits: PNP/FB/Senate

Hindi na po ako magpapaligoyligoy pa. Ganito naglaro ang aking isip...Sa gitna ng mapanglaw na sulok ng kuwartong kinaroroonan ni Senadora Leila de Lima - namalas ko na ang lalim ng kaniyang iniisip. Ang kaniyang mga mata ay namamaga na sa pagluha habang nakapako sila sa nakabukas na bintana - at narinig ko na kaniyang kinakausap ang kaniyang sarili at sa bawat kataga na kaniyang sinasambit ay napakalinaw sa aking pandinig - sa ibaba po ang kaniyang awit.

Kung dati ako’y isang Reynang nakaupo
Sa trono ng kasikatan at kapangyarihan
Lahat ng aking ibigin ay nangyayari
Ngayon ako’y isang basahan na pinandidirihan...

Akala ko wala nang katapusan
Ang nakamit kong kaligayahan
Mula nang ako’y sumisikat pa lamang
Na abogado, huwis at naging senadora...

Ang kasikatan ko’y hindi maipagkakaila
Maraming tao ang humanga sa akin
Pinangarap nila na ako’y mahagkan at mayakap
Ako’y kanilang inidolo at minahal ng labis...

Nguni’t biglang nagbago ang ihip ng hangin
Iniwan ako ng aking mga kakilala’t kaibigan
Ako’y kanilang ipinagkanulo’t pinaratangan
Kasabay ang galit ng mamamayan at lipunan...

Ako raw ay protektor ng taong hanapbuhay ay druga
Ako raw ay umaabuso ng kapangyarihan na taglay ko
Kaya ako’y nahatulan at namimighati sa loob ng kulungan
Sang-ayon sa batas ng bayan kong sinilangan...

Dito sa loob ng masikip at madilim na piitan
Ang kaniig ko’y siphayo at kalungkutan
At mga kaluluwang ‘tulad ko’y naparusahan
Nangagsisisi’t humihingi ng kapatawaran...

Ang kanilang mga hinaing at paghihirap
Ang kanilang mga luhang nalalaglag
Ang kanilang mga nakabibinging pag-iyak
Ay lalung nagpapahina sa natitira kong lakas...

Aaminin ko mahirap ang magkunwari
Ang bawat himaymay ng aking laman
Ay sumisigaw din ng matinding hirap
Nagsisikip ang dibdib ko sa sobrang sakit...

At ang mga karapatan ko bilang mamamayan
Ay kasamang ikakandado sa loob ng kulungan
Ang pagiging ilkaw ko ng tahana’y naparam
Kasama ang karapatan kong maghanap ng ikabubuhay...

Masakit pala kapag napikon ang langit
Nguni’t ‘di ko magawang magalit sa Maylalang
Batid kong Siya ang higit na nakaaalam
Sa buhay ko na minsa'y Kaniyang kinalugdan!

About The Author

Paul is a Web content creator, online marketer, products and services promoter, online writer and a Filipino blogger. He has no specific areas where his writing will focus on. He writes any subject that interests him under the merciless sun. He loves Internetting and Face-booking. His favorite saying: "Dream big and don't stop without giving it a chance to come true."

What Magic Spells Senator Trillanes and His Political Party Would Use to Impeach Duterte in May This Year?

Minsan itong si Senadora Trillanes ay naging panauhin sa programa ni Ms Solita Monsod entitled: Bawal Ang Pasaway Kay Mareng Winnie. Sa araw na iyon ang punto ng kanilang usapan ay patungkol kay SPO3 Arthur Lascañas.

NAKAKAGIMBAL! TRILLANES may SAYAD na pala noon pa!

Na ayon sa paniniwala ni Trillanes, ang magiging testimonya ni Lascañas sa Senado sa ikalawang pagkakataon - would lead to the impeachment of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and that impeachment could begin as early as May this year, depending on how the public would receive the former cop's claims.

However, si Trillanes at ang buong LP kasama ang lahat ng Yellow supporters ay muli na namang nabigo sa paggamit kay SPO3 Arthur Lascañas - para sirain ang magandang imahe at pangalan ng mahal nating Pangulong Duterte. Ang una at huling pagdinig ng Senado ay ginawa at tinapos on March 6, 2017 - lumabas kasi sa kanilang pagiimbistiga si Lascañas ay nagsinungaling.

On February 27, 2017 AlJazeera published an article entitled: 93% of Filipinos Happy With Senator De Lima's Arrest - 5% were against the arrest and the remaining 2% were oblivious of the senator's arrest. The said survey was conducted through the top two social media: Facebook and Twitter where 86,000 people online users were engaged.

The above survey tells us two important facts: (1) Mostly of the Filipinos now are happy and confident to the way President Duterte is managing the country. (2) The remaining 7% (5% against the arrest + 2% oblivious) are representing Filipinos na nanatiling bulag sa totoong nagaganap na pagbabago ng bansa under the Duterte's administration.

If Senator Trillanes and his Political Party and their supporters would only hear the true cries of the Filipino majority - para sa tunay at totoong pagbabago na mararanasan under the Duterte's leadership - I am surely sure na mapapahiya siya sa kaniyang panawagan to impeach the president - dahil ang nakakaraming Filipino ngayon ay gising na.

About The Author

Paul is a Web content creator, online marketer, products and services promoter, online writer and a Filipino blogger. He has no specific areas where his writing will focus on. He writes any subject that interests him under the merciless sun. He loves Internetting and Face-booking. His favorite saying: "Dream big and don't stop without giving it a chance to come true."

#NoToYellowShit: Twitter is The Newly-Found Hangout of Yellow Supporters to Disgrace Duterte and Marcos Aside Facebook and YouTube

Did you know that the Yellow Supporters have found a new hangout to disgrace President Duterte and his allies? Yes. Twitter is their newly-found hangout where to show their lies and unresolved hates and anger to our beloved President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Bong Bong Marcos aside Facebook and YouTube.

#NoToYellowShit

These people are called the #LeniTrolls or #YellowTrolls - they are tweeting purposely to demoralize Duterte's administration and BongBong Marcos - they are tweeting lies of 140 characters to attract the International Media of the world.

What are the reasons why #LeniTrolls also known the #YellowTrolls have migrated to Twitter and have to spend most of their time tweeting lies to the whole world that are against the good intentions of Duterte's leadership and as well as to show their great support to Leni Robredo and the Yellow Team?

You might find some interesting reasons I enumerated below based from my own experience and observation every time I am on my Facebook-ing and during the time I am on YouTube watching videos made by the biased media networks in the Philippines and videos produced by the Duterte's government and its supporters such as:

Top 5 Social Networking Websites

• It is more than 8 months now when President Duterte became the president of this country. For more than eight months, these YellowTrolls or LeniTrolls have used Facebook to show their dislikes to our newly elected president. 

• They have applied different strategies to encourage the Filipino majority to withdraw their trust and confidence to our beloved president - but they failed it because we, the 16 million + supporters of Digong plus the 14 million + of Marcos have became united to overcome their demonic thinking.

• Even on YouTube, we, the Duterte's supporters and Marcos supporters are in full force flooded the YouTube comment sections with our insightful comments to support the president and his allies. And these LeniTrolls or YellowTrolls could not overcome the power of a united supports from Duterte-Marcos supporters.

• The Yellow supporters have changed their mainstream from Facebook, YouTube to Twitter without realizing that there are already thousands of Duterte-Marcos supporters using this online tool Twitter to promote the goodness of Duterte and Marcos to the whole world. Yes. The Yellows have the #LeniTrolls on Twitter tweeting lies for the downfall of Duterte's government but the supporters of Duterte-Marcos are ready and very alive to voice out against their lies.

Below is the top 5 social networking sites where Duterte-Marcos supporters can use them to show their supports and to encounter those lies created by the Yellow supporters such as:

• Facebook - with 1,100,000,000 estimated unique monthly visitors
• YouTube - with 1,000,000,000 estimated unique monthly visitors
• Twitter - 310,000,000 estimated unique monthly visitors
• LinkedIn - 255,000,000 estimated unique monthly visitors
• Pinterest - 250,000,000 estimated unique monthly visitors

Calling to all Duterte-Marcos supporters, twitter is open for everyone. You can use this online tool to show your supports to Duterte-Marcos and to protect them from their enemies and the biased media networks of the world. If you were on Twitter don't forget to tweet #NoToYellowShit and add me as one of your twitter's friends - my twitter link: ManOfTwit

Of course, tayong mga supporters ni Pangulong Duterte at Bong Bong Marcos - ang hangarin natin ay hindi para makipag-away sa kaninuman. We are here bilang nagkakaisa para suportahan ang mga magagandang layunin ng ating mahal na pangulo at ang kaniyang mga kaalyado. Dahil sa panahon ngayon tayo ay gising na sa katotohanan. At ayaw na nating mamuhay ng puno ng kasinungalingan at kamangmangan gawa ng nakaraang administrasyon.

About The Author

Paul is a Web content creator, online marketer, products and services promoter, online writer and a Filipino blogger. He has no specific areas where his writing will focus on. He writes any subject that interests him under the merciless sun. He loves Internetting and Face-booking. His favorite saying: "Dream big and don't stop without giving it a chance to come true."

Alin Kabayan Ang Mas-Makataong Hatol Kay Sen De Lima Kapag Napatunayang Nagkasala: Death Penalty Or Reclusion Perpetua?

Ipagpalagay natin na ang korte has found Senator Leila de Lima guilty - and then ikaw has given the opportunity to determine kung ano ang dapat na hatol sa kaniya - alin kaya sa dalawang babanggitin ko ang pipiliin mo: Ang Reclusion Perpetua or ang Death Penalty?

What is Reclusion Perpetua? Reclusion perpetua, or permanent imprisonment, is a crime sentence similar to life imprisonment. It is used in the Philippines. A person sentenced to reclusion perpetua must serve a jail term of at least 30 years and face additional penalties. Those serving a reclusion perpetua sentence can never become eligible to run for public office. Reclusion perpetua is one step below the death penalty in the Philippines sentencing system. 

What is Death Penalty? Death Penalty also known as capital punishment, this is the most severe form of corporal punishment as it is requires law enforcement officers to kill (to cause the death of, to end the life) of the convicted offender. Forms of the death penalty include lethal injection, hanging from the neck, gassing, firing squad and has included use of the guillotine.

Kung ako ang pipili, para sa akin mas-makatao ang parusang Death Penalty kaysa Reclusion Perpetua. Bakit kamo?

Kapag nahatulan si Senadora Leila de Lima ng Reclusion Perpetua ang kaniyang buhay na kaluluwa ay magdudusa sa loob ng kulungan at least 30 years plus other penalties na haharapin niya. Bawa't segundo, minuto, araw at buwan ng kaniyang pagkakulong siya ay dadanas ng kapighatian. Unti-unti siyang manghihina hanggang sa hindi na niya makayanan at mas-gugustuhin pa niya na mamatay na lamang. Plus puwede siya abusuhin ng kapwa niya priso, repin at paglaruan ang kaniyang puri't dangal. Puwede siya mabuwang sa pag-iisip. In short hindi makatao ang parusang Reclusion Perpetua.

Samantala ang Death Penalty kung sakali ito ang magiging hatol kay Senadora Leila de Lima - para sa akin ang hatol na ito ay mas-makatao. Bakit nasabi kong makatao? Ang buhay na kaluluwa ni Senadora Leila de Lima ay maikling panahon lamang siyang mananatili sa kulungan. Kapag sinabi ng judge na after 30 days mula sa araw na siya ay nahatulan ng Death Penalty either by hanging, firing, electric chair execution, injection at putol ulo - at least from two to three minutes malalagutan na siya ng hininga. Maikling panahon lamang ang kaniyang mararamdamang sakit at pighati. Anyway, this is only my personal opinion.

About The Author

Paul is a Web content creator, online marketer, products and services promoter, online writer and a Filipino blogger. He has no specific areas where his writing will focus on. He writes any subject that interests him under the merciless sun. He loves Internetting and Face-booking. His favorite saying: "Dream big and don't stop without giving it a chance to come true." 

Ms Nora Aunor, Ms Gloria Arroyo and Ms Leila de Lima Parehong May Nunal sa Mukha Arestado sa Magkakaibang Kaso

Ms Nora Aunor was arrested somewhere in 2005 for illegal drug possession. While the former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was arrested on electoral fraud charges somewhere in 2011 and Senator Leila de Lima was arrested on February 24, 2017 on drug charge.

Ms Leila de Lima, Ms Nora Aunor and Ms Gloria Arroyo Parehong may Nunal sa Mukha

I quote: "Los Angeles International Airport police arrested one of the Philippines' most enduring film and music icons, Nora Aunor, on suspicion of felony methamphetamine possession after security screeners allegedly found the substance in her carry-on bag."

I quote: "Former Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has been arrested in her hospital room on electoral fraud charges, the latest in a high-profile case heightened by the former leader's attempt to leave the country for medical treatment."

I quote: "A Philippines senator and staunch critic of President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs has been arrested by law enforcement agents after charges were filed in court alleging that she received money from drug dealers inside the country's prisons."

Can we call this fate? These three lovely Filipino women: Ms Nora Aunor, Ms Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Ms Leila de Lima ay parehong nagtataglay ng nunal sa kanilang mukha. Silang tatlo ay parehong inaresto sa magkakaibang panahon sa magkakaibang kaso. 

Ano sa palagay po ninyo - may kinalaman po ba ang kanilang mga nunal sa mukha kung bakit humantong sila sa pagkakulong? Kung mapapansin ninyo humigit kumulang na 6 years ang pagitan nang sila ay arestuhin. 

Nunal in English Mole - Moles on the body have meanings according to the beliefs of Filipinos. Depends on which part of our body the moles can be seen. On the forehead (parte ng mukha) means intelligence, they say. On the mouth (parte ng mukha) means gossipy or talkative. Having a mole on one’s back means one is lazy because always laying down. Having a mole by the eye (parte ng mukha) means tears.

About Ms. Nora Aunor: References:

Nora Aunor Arrested for Illegal Drug Possession
LA Court Drops Nora Aunor's Drug Charges

About Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo: References:

Former Philippine Leader Arrested
Philippine's Gloria Arroyo Plunder Charges Dismissed

About Senator Leila de Lima: References:

Senator Leila de Lima Arrested in Philippines
Leila de Lima: Top Duterte Critic Arrested on Drug Charge

About The Author

Paul is a Web content creator, online marketer, products and services promoter, online writer and a Filipino blogger. He has no specific areas where his writing will focus on. He writes any subject that interests him under the merciless sun. He loves Internetting and Face-booking. His favorite saying: "Dream big and don't stop without giving it a chance to come true."

Ang Peso Ngayon ay 50.29 per Dollar Mas Mababa Compared in 2004 na 56.34 per Dollar - Ito ay Kasiyahan ng Mga OFWs sa Mundo

I am totally impressed kung papaano tumutulong ang ating mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) na naglipana sa buong mundo sa gobyerno ng Pilipinas - magmula pa ng panahon ni Cory Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, Macapagal at Noynoy Aquino - bilyon-bilyong dolyares ang pumapasok sa Pilipinas bawat buwan at yon ay hindi puwede ipagkaila ng anumang pamahalaang dumaan na lahat yon ay nakatulong sa ating ekonomiya.

Overseas Filipino Workers

2004 Peso to Dollar

Kung maaalala lang natin na noong 2004 ang Pilipinas ay nasa pamumuno ng dating Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo - sa kaniyang second term as the president of the Philippines - ang palitan ng peso ay umabot sa php 56.34 per dollar - ito ang pinakamataas na recorded pagdating sa exchange rate laban sa dolyar. At hindi ko maikakaila na lahat ng mga OFWs sa mundo ay nagbunyi. Ang kanilang buwanang padala sa kanilang mga pamilya ay tumaas.

At kung maaalala din natin ng magkaroon noon ng global financial crisis in 2008 - ang mga OFWs ay hindi naging maramot para tumulong sa gobyerno sa pagharap ng crisis na ito. Dumagsa ang bilyon-bilyong dolyares sa Pilipinas mula sa kanila. Seguro ito ang dahilan bakit ang mga OFWs ay tinaguriang mga "Modern Day Heroes" magpahanggang ngayon.

Purchasing power according to Investopedia is the value of a currency expressed in terms of the amount of goods or services that one unit of money can buy. Purchasing power is important because, all else being equal, inflation decreases the amount of goods or services you would be able to purchase. 

Kung ngayon bumababa ang purchasing power ng Pilipinas - para sa akin hindi nangangahulugan na ang bansa natin ay automatic dadanas ng financial crisis. Naniniwala ako sa panahon ng ating mahal na Pangulong Duterte at sampu ng kaniyang mga magagaling na kabinete hindi sila mangmang para hindi ito bigyan ng solusyon. At ang mga milyon-milyong OFWs ay bukas para tulungan ang ating pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng kanilang buwanang remittances.

About The Author

Paul is a Web content creator, online marketer, products and services promoter, online writer and a Filipino blogger. He has no specific areas where his writing will focus on. He writes any subject that interests him under the merciless sun. He loves Internetting and Face-booking. His favorite saying: "Dream big and don't stop without giving it a chance to come true."

The Legend of The Blue Sea Has Gone Yet The Heart Beats of Jun Ji Hyun Captivated The Whole of Me

The Legend of The Blue Sea was one of the best Television Korean Drama Series where Lee Min Hoo - who is considered now as the most popular actor in Asia and Jun Ji Hyun - as the most popular actress in Asia as well as one of the richest Korean actress are the main characters. Their performances on this Television Drama Series are commendable. They are great performers. 

If out of ten thousand chances

our love came to be

If out of ten thousand chances

you and I could begin

I will use the feeling

and the love which may

not end for you...

Lee Min-ho was born on June 22, 1987. He is a South Korean actor and singer. He first gained widespread fame in Korea and parts of Asia with his role as Gu Jun-pyo in Boys Over Flowers in 2009. The role won him a Best New Actor award at the 45th Baeksang Arts Awards. He is noted for his leading role in City Hunter (2011) and The Heirs (2013). In 2015, he starred in his first leading role in film with Gangnam Blues, followed by his first China-produced film Bounty Hunters (2016). In 2016, he starred in the television series The Legend of the Blue Sea. 

All of the moments

are for you

With you I see

and hear more

breathing with you

will be everything...

If you leave me

or leave this world

my heart beat stops...

When a loved one leaves

because the heart cools

hardens and stops...

Without you, I'll be like that

Unless I return to the ocean

I'll probably die...

Jun Ji-hyun also called Wang Ji-hyun was born on 30 October 1981. She is also known as Gianna Jun, is a South Korean actress. She rose to fame for her role as The Girl in the romantic comedy My Sassy Girl (2001), one of the highest-grossing Korean comedies of all time. Other notable films include Il Mare (2000), Windstruck (2004), Blood: The Last Vampire (2009), Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (2011), The Thieves (2012), and Assassination (2015). Jun has also starred in television series My Love from the Star (2013-2014) and The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016). The success of her films and television dramas internationally established her as a top Hallyu star. 

Once I gave up being on water

and came here pettily

I got to have a heart

that beats for only you...

Sources of Idea and other info: Wikipedia Encyclopedia and The Legend of The Blue Sea (YouTube)

About The Author

Paul is a Web content creator, online marketer, products and services promoter, online writer and a Filipino blogger. He has no specific areas where his writing will focus on. He writes any subject that interests him under the merciless sun. He loves Internetting and Face-booking. His favorite saying: "Dream big and don't stop without giving it a chance to come true."

John is One of The 12 Common Words That Relate About Throne Also Known The Seat of Power

I believe that Education and Learning can be achieved by anyone not just from school, colleges and universities but also outside school. It either by way of reading books and other reading materials and by talking and listening conversations with other people. 

The Seat of Power - Photo Credits: Free Online Dictionary

If you would be asked: What place in your home where you feel comfortable and considered it as the 'place of ease' others call it as the 'place for relaxation' or a 'place for refreshment of body and mind?' What would be your answer?

I actually thought that each of us are already familiar for the 12 common words that might help you sort out the answers for the above questions. But excuse me if you found them uncomfortable to ears though they disclosed truth.

• Can
• Comfort Station
• Commode
• Crapper
• Dunny
• Head
• John
• Latrine
• Loo
• Privy
• Throne
• and W.C.

Now, then let us look for their meanings to get the idea how these terms relate the existence of a throne also known the 'seat of power'.

The word Can stands for a receptacle for garbage, ashes, or a bucket, pail or other for holding or carrying liquids.

Comfort Station refers to a room or building with toilet and lavatory facilities for public use.

Commode refers to a portable toilet, especially one on a chair with wheels as for an invalid.

Crapper derived from a fellow named Thomas Crapper - born back in 1836. He did have several patents related to plumbing.

Dunny derived from the British dialect word dunnekin - meaning dung-house, more often used to refer to pit lavatories out in the Australian bush - the person who appeared weekly to empty the pan beneath the seat is called Dunnyman.

Head refers to a nautical term based on location of crew toilet in the bow or head of a ship.

John is simple and sweet, it's a slang word for lavatory. It's a tough to be John sometimes.

Latrine it is a trench in the earth in a camp on bivouac area - a barracks, camp.

Loo probably from French lieux d'aisances, 'lavatory', literally 'place of ease' - picked up by British servicemen in France during World War 1. Or possibly a pun on Waterloo, based on water closet.

Privy derived from the old French prive, privee 'latrine' literally 'private place' or an outdoor toilet without plumbing.

Throne it is a chair of royalty. Other related terms include: sovereignty, dignity and power. As the saying goes - a man's home is his castle, then the toilet is indeed the seat of power.

W.C. they stand for 'water closet'. France, Germany and Mexico are among the countries that use this term.

At least and I hope so that after reading them and familiarizing them you would have at least the best idea to answer the question I stoned above. By the way, other creators considered the twelve words as the 12 toilet words to take to the tank.

Source of the idea and other info: Free Online Dictionary

 About the Author

Paul is a Web content creator, online marketer, products and services promoter, online writer and a Filipino blogger. He has no specific areas where his writing will focus on.He writes any subject that interests him under the merciless sun. He loves Internetting and Face-booking. His favorite saying: "Dream big and don't stop without giving it a chance to come true."

President Duterte is Firmed on His War Against Drugs While Senator Hontiveros is Advocating to Legalize Marijuana

Below is a confessional piece I have written related to drug addiction - who ever read this piece, he might get the idea how drug can ruin his life if he became addicted to it. Of course, I don't force my idea to anyone. Everyone has his own stand. All the characters I have used on this piece are fictionalized.

I was about sixteen at that time and was in my fourth year at high school. I was the oldest son of a brood of three. My father was the general manager of a company and my mom was an executive secretary to the president of another company. They have provided us with all the best things in life that we needed most. They have sent us to an exclusive school. But in spite of all the best things that they have provided us, still I was looking for love, care and understanding.

The sound of rock music and some bottles of syrup and tablet drugs have been exciting and memorable for us three energetic youngster – ages from 16 and 18. We grew up from different family backgrounds but with the same beliefs and destiny. And I never thought that a catastrophic event was about to change my life.

It started when I met Louie and Chris. Louie was my classmate. He’s 18 years old and living with his Aunt. He grew up from a broken family. His father left him when he was 3 years old and migrated to the United States and remarried there. His mother was also living with another man. Chris was my neighbor and was 17 years of age. At that time he was in his fourth year at high school. Chris was always complaining that his parents have no time for him. He was the only child of his parents.

With my friends I could feel a definite happiness in myself: chatting, laughing and teasing at each other. We’re like brothers – we discussed our distress, yearnings and our love life. We always have shared our longings and happiness to each other.

“Wish I could be your real brother, Paulo,” said Chris smiling.

“Suppose you’re my bro, I’m sure we’d always have a fight. You’re such a spoiled brat. I won’t wish it either…no way!” I replied laughing.

“Guys…it’s marvelous! But I would rather choose that we three would remain friends forever,” suggested Louie.

We agreed and have promised to each other that whatever happens – if by fate, the worse comes to worse, we would stay forever as friends. On weekends, we always have good times to see movies, strolling in the park and drinking beer in some disco pubs. Sometimes, we went to swim in the white beaches with our girlfriends – it’s so exciting splashing over the waters with our girlfriends.

That afternoon, I had no idea of Louie’s plan. He whispered to Chris. I saw Chris face looked delighted. Then I heard Louie said, “Shall we go now?”

Chris just nodded and grabbed my hand and said, “Common. Go with us. There’s something to enjoy.”

Without asking where to go, I gotten inside of Louie’s car. He started the engine. Inside the car, we’re like little kids – shouting, laughing and singing. After an hour driving, we had reached our destination – it’s a rest-house owned by Louie’s Uncle, located along the beach. The rest-house has a kitchen, dining room and a bedroom.

Inside the house, Louie asked me “Are you ready?”

“Ready for what…?” I replied.

Smiling, Louie walked inside the bedroom. In my thought maybe there was something in the room that Louie was hiding to surprise us. Some few minutes later, Louie was back with a plastic bag full of stuff. Then said, “Here they are. These are all for us.”

He opened the bag, took the stuff out and placed them on a white bowl and put on the top of the table we’re sitting around. I could see Chris face was delighted. His eyes were filled with joy and excitement. In my curiosity, I touched them, smelled them and said, “What sort of trash…!”

Louie laughed and later explained to me about the whole thing. He said, “These are dried leaves. First class leaves.”

In my mind I had no idea what to do with those leaves. It was my first time to see those trash of leaves. Then Chris and Louie have started the operation. Before wrapping those leaves of Marijuana with union skin wrappers, they cut them into small pieces and sprayed them with some liquid of drugs that smelled sweet and mint. Of course, I helped them. We were able to wrap 15 pieces of them and then we started our pot session. At first I was uncomfortable to taste them. It’s my first time to be with my friends playing the game that I didn’t dream about in my life.

I picked up one and started smelling it. I lighted it and started to smoke it. It was so nice and was so good. The sweet-mint taste of Marijuana was adhering through extreme cold on my throat. I could feel happiness with them. I swallowed the smokes with joy.

The three of us were enjoying the goodness of the stuff with the sound of rock music that echoed all over the place. During the pot session, I could feel great innovation happening to me. I had the feeling of strength on my body and mind. I felt that I had the power to control things around me.

I felt that I was flying in the open air; an exciting hallucination! I could see hundreds of blinking stars smiling at me and fooling around me. Wow! What a life? It was so good and exciting! But after that first pot session – I had no time to concentrate on my schooling and I had always quarreled my brother and sister. The school was no longer in my heart.

I have everything to enjoy: a sport car, dozen of imported shoes, clothes, gold and other luxury materials – I enjoyed those things but they could not replace the enjoyment I felt when I was with drugs.

Most of the time, I was with my friends. The pains, the afflictions, I felt in myself vanished. I believed that with those drugs my life will be happier. But I was wrong – when I realized, I was already addicted to drugs and had dropped from school. I learned to cheat my parents. The money I received from them were used for my vices. Those drugs were my life and nobody could stop my madness for them.

One day, my parents had found me in my bedroom unconscious. I had locked my room the whole day. I had enjoyed taken those forbidden drugs alone. I was over dosed. My parents had taken me to a rehab center. I stayed there for almost a year treatment. Inside the rehab house, I felt difficulty to adjust myself and change for good.

Sometimes I cried gravely and had wished that death would find me and kill myself. But after almost a year of being isolated from my family, relative and friends, I had realized that those drugs have nothing to give me. They ruined my young life. And I promised to myself that I should have to stay away from them. Now I live a new life with my family and had gone back to school.

 About the Author

Paul is a Web content creator, online marketer, products and services promoter, online writer and a Filipino blogger. He has no specific areas where his writing will focus on.He writes any subject that interests him under the merciless sun. He loves Internetting and Face-booking. His favorite saying: "Dream big and don't stop without giving it a chance to come true."

If The Snap Election That was Held on Feb 7, 1986 Will Repeat Today Who Will You Vote for President - Marcos Or Aquino?

31 years ago, the popularly known in the Philippines as The Snap Election was held on February 7, 1986. The KBL party headed by former President Ferdinand E. Marcos for president with his running mate Arturo M. Tolentino for the vice president seat contested against the PDP-Laban party headed by former President Corazon C. Aquino for president seat with her running mate Salvador H. Laurel for vice president.

Results of The 1986 Philippine Snap Election: Marcos - Aquino

Based on the election results - for popular votes NAMFREL named Corazon C. Aquino as the winner with 7,502,601 votes against the 6,787,556 votes of Ferdinand E. Marcos. However, the COMELEC named Ferdinand E. Marcos as the winner with 10,807,197 votes against the 9,291,716 votes for Corazon C. Aquino - see the attached screen photo.

The National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections or NAMFREL is an election watchdog in the Philippines. It was the first and one of the most famous election watch campaign. NAMREL was co-founded by Jose S. Concepcion, Jr., and was its first National Chairperson. NAMFREL was formally organized in October 1983 as an offshoot of the New Voters Registration Committee, which was formed in the 1960s. NAMFREL's goal is to ensure "free, orderly and honest elections" in the Philippines. It is a non-partisan organization with over 250,000 member-volunteers from different religious, civic, business, professional, labor, youth, educational, and non-government organizations.

The Commission on Elections usually abbreviated as COMELEC, is one of the three constitutional commissions of the Philippines. Its principal role is to enforce all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of elections in the Philippines. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) was created by a 1940 amendment to the 1935 Constitution of the Philippines. The constitutional amendment creating the Commission on Elections was finally approved on December 2, 1940. On June 21, 1941, Commonwealth Act No. 657 was enacted reorganizing the Commission on Elections as a constitutional entity. The members of the statutory Commission continued as members of the constitutional Commission. The Chairman and Members of the Commission had a fixed term of nine years each – a member being replaced every three years except in the first Commission. They could be removed from office only by impeachment. 

My Ref: Wikipedia and Wikimedia for the Photo

 About the Author

Paul is a Web content creator, online marketer, products and services promoter, online writer and a Filipino blogger. He has no specific areas where his writing will focus on.He writes any subject that interests him under the merciless sun. He loves Internetting and Face-booking. His favorite saying: "Dream big and don't stop without giving it a chance to come true."

Under The Duterte's Administration 'Wag Matakot Na Magutom' Make Money While Enjoying The Romantic Love

February 14 is not only for Romantic Lovers as others call it but also it suggests people to engage business as well as to remembering deaths of those who died that day, the people born that day and other remarkable events that are already written in history.

History of Valentine's Day - YouTube

As part of tradition - one can start business from selling chocolates down to Valentine's Day cards, roses, jewelries and other imaginable items for Valentine's day. In Philippines during this particular date both the private and government schools observe Valentine's Day from nursery, kindergarten, elementary, high schools, colleges and universities. The usual celebration of Junior and Senior Prom in high school as part of tradition is usually fall in February 14. This is also common in other parts of the world. High school students will select from among them who will be their King and Queen. These young ones need fresh roses and chocolates. So, one can make money in Valentine's Day while enjoying the Romantic Love.

The business sectors of the world who owned Internet Cafe, Mobile companies, telephone companies, hotel owners, motel owners and other lover's inn owners, beaches owners, TV and Radio stations, malls, supermarkets, night clubs, cinema houses and other places where there are supplies and demands make thousands to millions of money during the day. 

Valentine's Day in Modern Times

Paper Valentines became so popular in England in the early 19th century - they were assembled in factories. Fancy Valentines were made with real lace and ribbons, with paper lace introduced in the mid-19th century. In the UK, just under half of the population spend money on their Valentines and around 1.3 billion pounds are spent yearly on cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts, with an estimated of 25 million cards being sent.

Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have given way to mass-produced greeting cards. The mid-19th century Valentine's Day trade was a harbinger of further commercialized holidays in the United States to follow. In the second half of the 20th century, the practice of exchanging cards was extended to all manner of gifts in the United States. Such gifts typically include roses and chocolates packed in a red satin, heart-shaped box. In the 1980s, the diamond industry began to promote Valentine's Day as an occasion for giving jewelry.

Roses and Chocolates - Photo Credits: Pixabay

Many ways to celebrate Valentine's Day

While sending cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts is traditional in the UK, Valentine's Day has various regional customs such as:

• In Norfolk, a character called 'Jack' Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses leaving sweets and presents for children. Although he was leaving treats, many children were scared of this mystical person.
• In Wales, many people celebrate Dydd Santes Dwynwen (St Dwynwen's Day) on January 25 instead of (or as well as) Valentine's Day. The day commemorates St Dwynwen, the patron saint of Welsh lovers.
• In France, a traditionally Catholic country, Valentine's Day is known simply as "Saint Valentin", and is celebrated in much the same way as other western countries.
• In Spain Valentine's Day is known as "San Valentín" and is celebrated the same way as in the UK, although in Catalonia it is largely superseded by similar festivities of rose and/or book giving on La Diada de Sant Jordi (Saint George's Day).
• In Portugal it is more commonly referred to as "Dia dos Namorados" (Lover's Day / Day of those that are in love with each other).
• In Denmark and Norway, Valentine's Day (14 Feb) is known as Valentinsdag. It is not celebrated to a large extent, but is largely imported from American culture, and some people take time to eat a romantic dinner with their partner, to send a card to a secret love or give a red rose to their loved one.
• In Sweden it is called Alla hjärtans dag ("All Hearts' Day") and was launched in the 1960s by the flower industry's commercial interests, and due to the influence of American culture.
• In Finland Valentine's Day is called Ystävänpäivä which translates into "Friend's day". As the name indicates, this day is more about remembering all your friends, not only your loved ones.
• In Estonia Valentine's Day is called Sõbrapäev, which has the same meaning.
• In Slovenia, a proverb says that "St Valentine brings the keys of roots", so on February 14, plants and flowers start to grow. Valentine's Day has been celebrated as the day when the first work in the vineyards and in the fields commences. It is also said that birds propose to each other or marry on that day.
• Another proverb says "Valentin – prvi spomladin" ("Valentine — first saint of spring"), as in some places (especially White Carniola) Saint Valentine marks the beginning of spring.
• In Romania, the traditional holiday for lovers is Dragobete, which is celebrated on February 24. It is named after a character from Romanian folklore who was supposed to be the son of Baba Dochia. Part of his name is the word drag ("dear"), which can also be found in the word dragoste ("love").
• In Lithuania and Latvia, it is common for people to put stickers on faces and clothing of a friend or a relative. The holiday was first celebrated after the two countries gained independence from Soviet Union in 1990.
• Valentine's Day is called Ημέρα του Αγίου Βαλεντίνου in Greece and Cyprus, which translates into "St. Valentine's Day".

Red Roses Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons

At least there are three Valentine involved

At least there are three different Saint Valentines, all of them martyrs, are mentioned in the early martyrologiesunder date of 14 February. 

The Valentines honored on February 14 are Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni. Valentine of Rome was a priest in Rome who was martyred about AD 269 and was buried on the Via Flaminia. His relics are at the Church of Saint Praxed in Rome and at Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland.

Valentine of Terni became bishop of Interamna about AD 197 and was said to have been martyred during the persecution under Emperor Aurelian. He was also buried on the Via Flaminia, but in a different location than Valentine of Rome. His relics are at the Basilica of Saint Valentine in Terni. Of the third Saint Valentine, who suffered in Africa with a number of companions, nothing further is known.

The popular customs associated with Saint Valentine's Day undoubtedly had their origin in a conventional belief generally received in England and France during the Middle Ages, that on 14 February, which is a half way through the second month of the year, the birds began to pair. 

For this reason the day was looked upon as specially consecrated to lovers and as a proper occasion for writing love letters and sending lovers' tokens. Both the French and English literatures of the 14th and 15th centuries contain allusions to the practice.

February 14 Mating Period of Birds - Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Why Saint Valentine---the Priest was executed?

Saint Valentine was expounded in Legenda Aurea. According to that version, St. Valentine was persecuted as a Christian and interrogated by Roman Emperor Claudius II in person. Claudius was impressed by Valentine and had a discussion with him, attempting to get him to convert to Roman paganism in order to save his life. Valentine refused and tried to convert Claudius to Christianity instead. Because of this, he was executed. 

But before his execution, he was reported to have performed a miracle by healing the blind daughter of his jailer. And it was believed that Valentine fell in love his jailor's daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, he wrote her a letter, which he signed From your Valentine, an expression that is still in use today and tradition was born. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

Why Lupercalia is linked to Valentine's Day?

According to popular modern sources link unspecified Greco-Roman February holidays alleged to be devoted to fertility and love to St. Valentine's Day, Professor Jack Oruch of the University of Kansas argued that prior to Chaucer, no links between the Saints named Valentinus and romantic love existed. Earlier links as described above were focused on sacrifice rather than romantic love. In the ancient Athenian calendar the period between mid-January and mid-February was the month of Gamelion, dedicated to the sacred marriage of Zeus and Hera.

In Ancient Rome, Lupercalia, observed February 13–15, was an archaic rite connected to fertility. Lupercalia was a festival local to the city of Rome. The more general Festival of Juno Februa, meaning Juno the purifier or the chaste Juno, was celebrated on February 13–14. But Pope Gelasius I (492–496) abolished Lupercalia.

Other countries banned the celebration of Romantic Love

In Saudi Arabia, during the year 2002, religious police banned the sale of all Valentine's Day items, telling shop workers to remove any red items, as the day is considered a Christian holiday. And in 2008, this ban created a black market of roses and wrapping paper.

In Pakistan, the Jamaat-e-Islami political party has called for the banning of the holiday. Despite this, the celebration is increasingly popular and the florists expect to sell great amount of flowers, especially red roses.

In Iran, the first part of the 21st century, the celebration of Valentine's Day has been harshly criticized by Islamic Teachers who see the celebrations as opposed to Islamic culture. In 2011, the Iranian printing works owners' union issued a directive banning the printing and distribution of any goods promoting the holiday, including cards, gifts and teddy bears. 

While the Islamic officials in Malaysia warned Muslims against celebrating Valentine's Day, linking it with vice activities. Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the celebration of romantic love was "not suitable" for Muslims. On Valentine's Day 2011, Malaysian religious authorities arrested more than 100 Muslim couples concerning the celebration ban. Some of them would be charged in the Shariah Court for defying the department's ban against the celebration of Valentine's Day.

February 14 is also about deaths, births and other remarkable events

Anna Howard Shaw - Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons

In 1852 February 14 – Great Ormond St Hospital for Sick Children was founded - the first hospital providing in-patient beds specifically for children in the English-speaking world, London. Despite opening with just 10 beds, it grew into the world's leading children's hospital through the patronage of Queen Victoria, counting Charles Dickens, a personal friend of Dr. West, the Chief Physician, as one of its first fundraisers.

In 1831 February 14 was the death of Henry Maudslay, who was a British machine tool innovator, tool and die maker, and inventor. He is considered a founding father of machine tool technology. It was Maudslay who built the lock that was displayed in Bramah’s shop window with a notice offering a reward of 200 guineas to anyone who could pick it. It resisted all efforts for forty-seven years. Maudslay designed and made a set of special tools and machines that allowed the lock to be made at an economic price.

Anna Howard Shaw was born on February 14, 1847. She had become a leader of the women's suffrage movement in the United States. She was also a physician and the first ordained female Methodist minister in the United States. Her birthday is celebrated as Anna Howard Shaw Day, as an alternative to St. Valentine's Day.

My References:

• Wikipedia Encyclopedia
• Britannica Encyclopedia
• History.com
• Catholic Encyclopedia
• and World History

About the Author

Paul is a Web content creator, online marketer, products and services promoter, online writer and a Filipino blogger. He has no specific areas where his writing will focus on.He writes any subject that interests him under the merciless sun. He loves Internetting and Face-booking. His favorite saying: "Dream big and don't stop without giving it a chance to come true."