The Creative Maki: 2010

A Random Post Before the Year Ends!

I wasn't very productive on this blog for the last three weeks of December.I wasn't even able to make a blog post on Christmas! I've been so busy with my other blog though.But I feel quite ashamed of myself for not having been able to update "Markable.me" when in fact it is my personal blog.

For the first time in my whole life, I've run out of words to say about my life.But there are just things that I believe has to be noted before the year 2010 bids goodbye! So instead of storytelling let me just bullet them down in a list!

I became part of the Davao Bloggers this Year (April 30, 2010 - at the Meetup with DFAT participants at Jose Rafael Fine)
Have been able to eat like there's no tomorrow in some parts of DFAT 2010!
I started going on media events this year.lol
I started blogging this year (although not technically, but yes, I therefore conclude - it's now official, 2010 is my first year in blogging) Basically because I was visible and accessible to bloggers!
I started earning through Adsense this year.Ha-ha! (February 2010)
In the month of August, for the first time in my whole life that I've bagged $2000+ in blogging.(Yes, that's five o digits in peso!)
I swept away my personal blog. (Bluerivenfire.blogspot.com)
I found my blogging niche. (Pinoymovieblog.com)
I started another personal blog on October (Markable.me)
Registered Pinoyzine.net and made it a tech blog but didn't worked well.
I failed in my major subjects that led into transferring school!
I became instantly mayabang to some people, because I transferred school. :'-(
My Grandpa died on 1st of November and I still couldn't believe it! :'-(
My first ever trip out of Mindanao - to Manila for WordCamp 2010!
Attended the prestigious WordCamp 2010.
Unofficially attended an 8day Fieldtrips and Seminars under my former University.hehe (Unofficial kasi hindi naman ako enrolled sa subject - pa epal lang!)
Became a Tito (Congrats to Jeoffrey & Ivy!)
Got appointed as P:resident for our Family Reunions, events and all that.
Had our first ever Family reunion (Cabrera, de Guzman, Indino) at Isla Beach, Samal.
Met new friends in my new school
Posted a "tip" for Blogspot users and saw a direction for this blog.
Attended the Davao Bloggers Christmas Party for the first time.hehe
Has been a finalist to the Philippine Blog Awards Mindanao (Personal Category).
Created a list on this blog (which became my all time popular post) and saw another direction for this blog.
Initiated a blog project but due to some technical problems I still can't start it this time - reminds me, I need an Adobe Illustrator! anyone?
My blog "markable.me", was featured on Blogging talks by ate Aileen Apolo.Yehey!
Got affiliated to Star Cinema and Regal Films (as a blogger - they send me trailers,posters,press release and infos about their upcoming movies).
Group of 10 won P10,000 and were given P1,000 each of the Hackathon contest using cloud computing platform during DevCon 2010 at Draft Picks.
Attended BlogFest 2010.
I got my first Infolinks Earnings this year.
Opened bank accounts - 2 bank accounts.lol
First time in GenSan
First time in Manila
Been to Enchanted Kingdom twice
First time in Samal Island
Got the chance to meet and talk with Ma.tt
Got a lot of disablement and headaches from Google Adsense
Met Christine Reyes in person (technically had dinner with her.lol)
Attended an advocacy program in Manila (and met some Manila Bloggers)
Met Kuya Jehzlau and kuya Winston
Got a hosting plan from Kuya Jehz.hehe :p
Met the FatandFabBros.
Of course, met "Davao's greatest "Davao Bloggers Team" and "Avatar Media".
Had 4 Wordpress Blogs this year.
Confidently knows what I believe to be "SEO".Will only need time and lots of blogs with PR for affirmation.
First Plane ride!
First time ko mag barge to Samal.hehe
First time nagka family reunion.lol
Bought my first ever cellphone, some time in March.
Bought my first ever Laptop just 3 months ago.hehe
Fell in love with CaliforniaBerry
Tried Yogo for the first time.
Liked Noodle House.
Loss: From 30 to 29. (Summer Break)
Gain: From 29 to 31.Haha! (Christmas Break)
Nawalan ng pusa (Si "King") :-(
Nagkaron ng dalawang echoserong askal.hehe
Addicted to Facebook, Plurk, Twitter at Piclyf.
Tried some CSS3 & HTML5 Tricks on this Blog.
Helped in distributing pens and other school supplies yesterday under Pens of Hope
Won 8 movie tickets to watch all the entries this mmff 2010.
Won a t-shirt with Infolinks new logo! Still waiting for it to arrive.hehe
Basta marami pa.
Reminds me, marami pa akong backlogs!

To sum it all, 2010 has been a Welcoming Year for me in Blogging! While offline, although there are sad points in my life.I believe I have lots of things, people and happenings to be thankful for/to.

For a more prosperous year everyone! Happy New Year! ;-)

Here's a preview of one of my goals in 2011!

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, by Maki Cabrera

In Bloggers, Blogging

New Blogger Mobile Templates

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, by Maki Cabrera

In Bloggers, Events

Davao Bloggers Christmas Party 2010!

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, by Maki Cabrera

In Artworks, Comics

The Re-imagination of The Simpsons in AVATAR!!

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, by Maki Cabrera

In Artworks, Comics

The Simpsons' "AVATAR" Opening!

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, by Maki Cabrera

In Personal, Rant

My First Week in the New School

So, I haven't been able to update this blog on a regular basis.Why, because there is so much to think about at school that it left me no time to publish anything on this blog.Not until now, Thank God It's Weekend! And I will do a weekend recap of my observations on my First Week in the New School!!

1st Day:

New Polo! New Shirt! New Shoes! New Brief (LOLS)! New Me!!

It's first day of class and it was my first time to wear a uniform - or maybe it was the first time that

I was able to wear a DECENT ONE! I was really cautious every time I walk or sit down I always see to

it that it won't get dirty.And I've observed that, it wasn't just me who's kinda paranoid about getting

his uniform dirty - I bet, Just about everybody! Private School kasi.

2nd Day:

Walang Klase!

3rd Day:

That's me, Classmate 1 and Classmate 2.We're actually surprise of how easy the lessons are!
We tackled about a simple "Hello World" program.The teacher explained each of it's
parts and given that we're actually transferee's we can say "that's just a piece of cake".

And not just that, even on my other subjects.Oh boy, it feels like I'm in high school.It might not be intellectually challenging but after having been to a school that would kill your brains - this is Heaven!
The 3 of us were also the geeks of Accounting! lol

4th Day:

There is something strange about the 4th day.If I am not with my friends

who are also a transferee like me.It's like I am forced to smile or say Hi to people, especially with my new classmates

for no apparent reason.Well, I could say that I am a nice person but smiling all the time -WTF!

5th Day:

It was Friday that I got the chance to get inside the library alone.Before that, my friends

told me to watch out for the "Nun/Librarian".They say she always look for something that would make you "get-the-hell-out-of-the-library". Matanda na raw kasi! Haha.When I got into the library, the coast was clear.No signs of the so acclaimed grumpy Nun around.

Then I started reading a random book until she came. There were 3 girl students on the other table.The Nun went to them , discussed something, scolded them and ask them to get out. One of the 3 girls went behind me to return the books and I asked her what's Sisters' problem? She told me they were just checking their time through the cellphone and poof! The nun started to give them some sermon and kicked them out of the library.

All of a sudden, I was the only student inside the library and the nun was on her way to the office.I started getting nervous.Afraid of what she have to say."Don't come near me or else...I'll run!".She was coming near me when I said that to my mind.Closer..now even closer..furious, smoking. she walks so fast as if she'd punch me when she reaches my place. And then, "WAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" I screamed inside my mind.Whew! She just passed by me.

I eyed her and our eyes met.And nervously, I said "Good Afternoon Sistah!".Are nuns supposed to be nice? or at least seem nice? Well she could be but she just doesn't look nice - at all!

That's all for now! I'm tired - wahh.I'm sleepy. zZzZZ (-_-)

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, by Maki Cabrera

In Personal, School

Goodbye Old School, Hello NEW World!

Aside from bidding my Tatay a tearful Goodbye, I will be shedding tears for my school and my classmates as well. But the irony is that I'm the one who's leaving. In times of sorrow, especially when somebody bids farewell, most people think that they're the most hurt basically because they lost somebody. And later they will think that the one who left them will be happy wherever he/she maybe. And then they move on. That ends there! What a selfish thought!

Yes, that is partly true. However I think halfway through, the truth splits the pain into two. The pain of losing and the pain of leaving. Yes, it may not occur to you because you think being left behind by someone means everything already. But the truth is that, the pain the leaver will feel, hurts twice as much as to those who are being left. But I am not going to weigh who’s hurt the most in here. Because in the backend of all of these overly dramatic points in our lives; we will all just wake up, a snap away from being spaced out, and the last thing we know - we are more than ready to move on.

And here I go, walking on another path in my life. Following where the arrows of life will lead me – following my dreams without anyone trying to drag me down to hell. But at heart I'm still an ICEAN, a Usepian, marked by my 2 and half years of stay. In fact my horns hasn't even vanished yet. But as of the moment, just let me be U-ICEAN.

A worry-free person, away from my academic frustrations back there, away from the insecurities I get whenever somebody looks down on me and say how pathetic I am, away from the scorching heat of the sun, away from the 1132 steps just to get up to room 505, away from the gazebo where most assignments are done, away from a few chosen psychopaths who thinks they teach so WELL! and to the plastics who fakes their thanks to these psychopaths so as not to look unworthy of getting passed and away from the people who believes,likes,misses,supports,programs,cries,laughs,11 to 7's,eats,prays,loves,sleeps,sweeps,sunggoes,get cincos and breathe USEP with me. (Well not totally away because I SHALL VISIT YOU WHEN I HAVE TIME!)

So to cut the drama off! let me just tell you this:

"You don't need LUCK! You don't need brains! You need Blessings - So, God Bless ya all!"

Goodbye Old School, Hello New World!

23Comments

, by Maki Cabrera

In Bloggers, Comics

How do you Outsmart the Threats of Commute in Manila?

Yeah, Like really? How do you Outsmart the Threats of Commute in Manila? I've been to the big city a couple of weeks ago for WordCamp and our Institute's Fieldtrip & Seminars.And I must say Manila isn't a safe place to stay.I've heard that a couple of times coming from my Mom,my Dad, my Grandma, my Aunt and even from my cat.lol.And have been hearing that even when I was already in Manila.Even when I call home, they'd always remind me of that over and over again.(Except for my cat -he can't reach the phone.Haha!)

If you've read my blog post about my encounter with the goddamn taxicab driver you couldn't agree more with what I have said.There are though a few places right there where you'd feel safe in a way.But when you're commuting, wandering around metropolis, passing from a skyscraper to another -that's definitely another story.So hear me say, here's my story. .

I stayed in Manila for more than a week.Hmm.9 days to be precise.From 1st of October up to the 9th.And on the first day, I had my very first LRT experience.To be honest nothing really happened there.I was just so happy that I got the chance to ride it for the first time.But my mind as well as my eyes wandered around a bit.I was thinking, what are these people around me thinking? May be problems from home? perhaps love life? Then I started giving them hurried glances one by one.

"Sex, Money, Sex, Money, Cat!". (Yeah! just like the restaurant scene from Twilight.lols)
(And if you knew me personally, you may know who's on my left from the illustration above.)
Which is which? Who says money, who says sex and what is "S"? LOL. You decide! ;-P

And then I paused.The train dramatically stopped (char!).Five random people got inside, the one in red stood just right next to me(Yeah.It's my first time and I was standing.crap!).He looked suspicious.Then I looked to my right and saw a teacher with a student on her right(perhaps her daughter).The girl next to her stood up and went out of the train.Then the man in front of them (Hoodlumy-looking, in black, in shades, with a fat thick mustache - he was rather suspicious) got seated right next to them.The teacher gave the man a stare and then gestured an embrace to her daughter.They embraced.

The lady(a ~~white~~ sales lady) in front of them (I mean, the teacher/student/man) embraced her bag as well.With this sort of kinda a reflex reaction/defense mechanism whatsoever! I got nervous and firmly grasped my travel bag even when it's already stuck in between my feet.Then came the word "SECURITY" inside my mind.Being secured, secured of my life and properties.It's really important.So much for the story I know it's really boring.Haha!

Security is perhaps one of the most essential thing to have in this world.Without it you can't do anything.You can't do anything because you're scared of doing things.But how can you have or at least feel secured while exploring the city of Manila? Simple.Be SMART! Outsmart the Threats of Commute in Manila.Here's how.

Be Aware

Be Aware - Be vigilant.If you see a suspicious looking guy, always eye on them. But sometimes
Looks are deceiving so it is best to look the people who are close to you!

Be Ready

I would assume that everybody had been a scouter from way back high school or elementary -so dapat "Laging Handa".

Be Naughty

Hmm..you can do this just to let time pass by.Do this when you're bored! lol People, most of the time do this
just inside their minds. Yes! I could read minds but if you're brave enough - do it just the way I did(see pic above).

Be Nice

People will be nice at you if you look nice to them too.Even with snatchers or people-who-look-like-snatchers - be nice to them! - (Yeah, I also noticed something went wrong in the illust. but just never mind! I can't edit it anymore [here's why!])

Be Smart

This is probably the best and the most readily-available solution (without making fool of yourself) in order to
Outsmart the threats of commute in Manila.
You can't choose people who you'd be with while commuting . So it is best to use Pacsafe products
since it was built for your own safety and most especially for your properties safety. But you first need to buy this - or better yet join Kuya Melo's contest like what this post was sign in to! Bloggers join kayo. It's best to invest any of Pacsafe products primarily because Imma goin to be a traveler in the near future. That's why I really, really need it!

And I believe you need it too.Most especially if you live in Metro.The most predominant threat in commuting in Manila is that you'll have your goods snatched and have your pockets being picked.On my other LRT ride I chance upon this warning:

I know it's blurred.But 2 things to note about this warning: First, Pickpockets are predominant and perhaps the
number 1 threat in Metro.Second, most of pickpocket-errrs! are women. (Whatta Shame!)

That's why you and I also needs to invest for a TourSafe Wallet!

So that's it! the next time you'd be riding on an LRT or a Taxi just do any of the aforementioned procedures and get the best out of your every trip - SAFETY.

P.S. Yes, Kuya Jehz's Blue Stickman did an unofficial cameo from above.lol.I included it since I coincidentally chanced upon his months old post about his wallet being stolen from the lrt(Puyat) which is by coincidence, the one I and (the blogger on the twilight pic above) ride on into.

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, by Maki Cabrera

In Artworks, Personal

Markable in PIXELS!

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, by Maki Cabrera

In Family, List

10 Filipino Superstitious Beliefs during Wakes

To have lived in an archipelagic country who boasts not only distinct cultures but mind boggling mysteries has probably opened our minds to test some mere probabilities. And when it has been heard to be probable – we consider it, adopt it until it is being passed through from generations to generations. This is probably the case with Filipino superstitious beliefs – just because you’ve learned or in most cases have heard that something is prohibited somewhere for whatever reason, you’d apply it as well.

You can justify that during wakes. When someone visits and noticed that you did something which he/she may have heard to be improper – they’d tell you that and you’d just nod and say, “Really? But why?” and what’s worse is that the response you are likely to get is a brow-raising “Because that’s what they all say!?” But did you even bother to confirm to whether it is authentic or not? The answer is a big No! You are likely to fell on the booby-trap and just believe it for whatever reason. But really, why is that? It could be answered in psychology or perhaps by Filipino idiosyncrasy. But I believe, we most of the time just fall for it simply because that’s what they ALL say! (I hope you get what I meant) But in case you did not just read on.

We are deluded upon thinking that something is right or is probable because of the word “ALL”. Accept it or not but we Filipinos have this “Stick-where-most-people-are” mentality. Then the next time you’d encounter people doing what you did which is allegedly improper during some occasion you’d inform them as well. Just like rumours and hearsays, it is being passed, it goes in waves, travels from miles and miles and the result is viral.

We Filipinos have a lot of superstitious beliefs during some important events in our life. Most if not all of it has something to do with death, the dead and even sometimes with the living dead. These beliefs are mostly being noted during wakes. And with wakes lasting at most 9 days, there are so many things to watch about because it has been considered to be written under the “Don’ts” list from back then.

And since my “Tatay” (What I call my Grandpa) just passed away. And as of typing this I’m actually the only person with eyes wide open looking after the lies of my grandfather lying comfortably on the usual white with simple strokes of gold casket.

I have listed down 10 Filipino Superstitious Beliefs during Wakes. (Read on Below!)

1. Bawal Maligo (Taking a Bath is Prohibited) – this is actually the most common to all. I would assume that every Filipino knows this one and that’s precisely why it’s first on my list. The reason behind this, according to my Mom is “I don’t know”.LOL. But if I’ve guess it right – it’s because most of people who are present during wakes does not get any decent sleep at all. And when you don’t get enough sleep – you won’t be allowed to take a bath because it will cause eye damage or any other health concerns. This belief usually takes place in a traditional setting of a Filipino wake – when it’s held just inside the house. Today, the modernized version of wakes is usually held in a funeral house or chapel. And every family member will have the chance to skip the superstition. Therefore they will have the chance to get a bath because the lies of their loved one are not inside their house. This may depend also if they will take turns, sleep before taking a bath and all.

2. Bawal Ang Nakapula (Wearing Red is prohibited) - we Filipinos believes that every colour has its own meaning. During wakes or burials we usually flaunt our grievance by wearing black and acceptance for white. And wearing brightly-colored clothing during wakes is considered to be flaunting the otherwise. When I asked my Grandma about this she didn’t actually knew it. She said its okay people can’t do anything with what color of shirt you’re wearing. *We live in a democratic country anyway* Well I was told by someone from way back high school not to wear RED because it’s a sign of happiness. I was already at the wake when they told me about it and so I immediately went back home and changed. (See? I was right we easily fall into these stuffs).Haha! But I further seek for answers and I asked my Auntie about it and she said my initial assumptions were right wearing brightly colored shirts might say you’re actually happy than sad.

3. Bawal Magpasalamat (Saying thank you is prohibited) – this is the most puzzling one. Well I respond “thanks” to everyone who says their condolences for our family. But I didn’t know that it’s somewhat not right to say thank you in response. Well in a way, for some reasons, I’ve had doubts upon saying thanks or even liking every comment on facebook extending their sincerest condolence for me and my family. It could have been caused by having heard this one before. Now I’m baffled. When you say Thank You to someone who says their sincerest condolence to you – is it like saying you’re sort of happy? And if you don’t say Thank You wouldn’t it be so rude of you? Looking back, the “Thank You” I said to everyone has now sounded as if I owe them something or just like the ordinary thanks which is the result of happiness. But if you are to say Thank You for Coming or Thank You for the Support –then I don’t see anything wrong with that. So to all that I’ve just responded with a simple yet thought-provoking phrase “Thank you”, allow me to continue “Thank you for the care and support”.

4. Bawal kumain ng Gulay(No to Vegies) – I’m not sure how this thing applies with vegetarians but since most Filipinos are not of that type, then this applies to most. It’s actually the 2^nd day of my Grandpa’s wake today and since the other night, all we kept eating was meat either souped or fried for the main and side dishes. When I ask my Mom about it she said that it’s because if you cook veggies especially leafy and vine-y vegetables, you would have to tear them out of their stems and all that. And the same thing would reflect on your family, if you do so – your family will also be torn apart, each family member will die one by one.

5. Bawal Magwalis (Sweeping the Floor is Prohibited) – There’s nothing wrong with weeping. But there’s definitely something wrong with sweeping. The reason behind this is just the same as #4; if you try to sweep according to the elders, your family will get swept also. In other words, all of you will die at the same time if you insist.

6. Bawal ang Chicken! (No Chicken Meal) – If you thought what I meant about chicken is that nobody’s allowed to chicken out when you see ghosts, then you’re right. But that doesn’t have anything to do in this pinoy superstition I’m going to talk about here at #6. Or maybe perhaps just a little bit. From the subtitle itself, it’s pretty obvious that this is one of the prohibited foods to eat during wakes. Aside from veggies, you’re also not allowed to eat chicken. I asked, again, my Grandma about it and had an “I don’t know” response in return. Nobody in the family even knows why? But they are moved to have believed in it – and that there’s nothing wrong with following what was told by our ancestors than regret in the end. After a few queries and analysis, it is believed that if you eat chicken you'd be able to see ghosts.Why? because chicken's are the only edible animals who could allegedly see ghosts.

7. Hindi Pwedeng Walang Hindi Gising (There should always be someone AWAKE in the family!) – Sabi nga ni Kuya Germs, “Walang Tulugan”.Lintik na! There should always be someone who looks after the lies of the deceased. They believe that when nobody looks after it, the dead will rise up and will get eaten by a zombie-like monster, and will be replaced by a banana trunk inside the coffin!! I think they call it bal-bal or something.

8. Dapat Hawakan ang Kabaong (You should have touched the coffin before you leave the wake) – This mostly apply to the visitors (or echoseros – mga taong nakikikape at biskwit lang).Sorry I don’t have an English translation for the tagalong slang “echosero” but they come in different meanings anyway. And if you happen to visit the wake, you should have been able to touch the coffin or otherwise the soul will follow you. This actually has another requirement. If you leave and the soul is following you because you did not touch the coffin – you have to go to some other place than going directly at home. That way you can lose the souls track on you and you will be able to prevent him/her from getting the soul of one of your love ones

9. Pag may bumahing kurutin agad – My cousin has only told me of this. Thanks, Darling! She said that during the wake of her cousin (mother’s side) when she sneezed in front of the coffin she got pinched by her Aunt. Because it is believed that when someone sneezes you should pinch them or else they will be the next one to die.

10. Ang kaluluwa raw ng isang tao ay bumabalik sa ikatlong araw matapos siyang mamatay. (The soul of the deceased returns on the third day after death.) – Today is actually the third day after my Tatay’s death. I’m actually looking forward to feel his ghostly presence today. So as I could promise him that, I will take good care of grandma now that she’s alone. I’m not really scared of ghost, at least not yet. But to see or for the very least just to feel my grandpa’s presence is somewhat rewarding already and a remarkable experience.

Sorry for the image - I drew this through
MSpaint. I lost all my Adobe products!
I need your help - please??

This is not the first time that I have learned about these stuffs. And I assume, the one who’s reading this knows quite some few of them too. This list is open for any additional Pinoy superstition you knew and might just want to share – so just jump over the comments section below because I’d like to hear what you have to say!