What I've been working on recently

Since the semestral break last year, I was working on a novel inspired by ideas I learned from my Philosophy classes. I couldn't explain what kept my imagination running to produce a novel 15 chapters long. I think writing is a great form of release from all the depressing truths of reality. At least when it comes to writing, I'm able to create my own world, my own rules and decide on the fate of every single character I give life to. After all, story characters are at the mercy of their writer.

I finished the entire novel last February but I was only able to publish it online a few days ago due to the many school activities and the bad internet connection that caused major delays. For the lack of creativity, I named some of the characters and places in the story after my college friends. But not to worry. I only used their names and not their personalities. There is nothing personal about this novel ;) Got any comments? Saw some typographical errors? Feed-backs are most welcome.

Click HERE to access the novel

Minor degree in Philo? Why not?

If everything goes well (and I hope it does), I'm expected to only have a few subjects during my super senior (5th) year. And by "few" I mean 6 units each semester, which is equivalent to 2 subjects per sem. So I decided to make good use of the time I'll have. Now, why Philosophy? Well, one of the shallow reasons is that it's one of the minor degrees that doesn't involve group works. The only thing that hinders me from earning this degree is laziness. Next, the prerequisites are not that high. There are no QPI requirements and the only condition is that you didn't get a grade below C during for your PH101-104 classes.

Zero is the only number...

For some reason, the number zero became the favorite name or addition to a title. From airplanes to video game heroes an even food, the number was used repeatedly.

Why do they like using the number zero? Is it because of the sound of its name? Or is it because of it attributes a sense of mystique since the number is associated with nothingness and void? The reasons may be unending but one thing is for sure. Zero is the only number you don't want on your test paper.

Green Living

I have been working on a project for our Sci 10 class about an awareness campaign on climate change. During my research, one of the websites I came across was that of Greenpeace. It's an environmentalist organization bent on preserving peace, nature and wildlife. They call themselves activists but I find that title rather scandalous since it usually refers to rebellion. Their site contains fun and interesting ideas for Green Living. They have useful tips on how you can environmentally friendly around the house, at work or at school. You can even get involved in you own little way by signing up for free and become an online activist. Care to pledge for the planet? Simple lang. Just click on the link below.

ebay blues

I've been trying to figure out how to trade online lately. I was surprised by the number of Filipinos who actually go online to shop. There are probably hundreds if not thousands of transactions completed everyday. But it turns out that even when selling or buying items locally, there are a lot of obstacles to overcome. For one thing, I need a means of acquiring payments. But it shouldn't be just any payment method. It must appeal to the preference of the buyers. The most common form so far is through Globe G-cash, which was recently banned by ebay international (But it's still acceptable in ebay.ph). Others prefer paying through Smart Money while some would rather pay through bank deposit. So for the past weeks, I've been going to banks and mobile centers trying to apply for these e-transaction services. I was just overwhelmed by the number of fees, annual rates and the strict terms and conditions.So much for trading in the Philippines. Selling on the international market is much worse. I need the verification of ebay USA by registering a Paypal account. And what exactly is Paypal? It's the preferred method of payment of international buyers. The closest Paypal service we have here in the Philippines is through debit and credit cards, which includes additional fees. Currently, Union bank is the only firm known to give full support to this service. Unfortunately the ADB (Average daily balance) to be able to open an account and apply for a debit card is pretty high (P10,000). And that initial deposit won't even earn any interest. The minimum balance is P25,000! That's even more than what I expect to generate in a month!

I guess there really is no escaping these fees and outrageous requirements. Probably it's better to look at it as investments than costs. As economists would say, "There is no such thing as a free lunch". Luckily I'm not an economics major so I don't have to hold on to this as my creed. Haha

Prioritizing

We just had our first surprise quiz for physical chemistry for the semester and as usual less than half of the class passed. Probably only 4 out of 25. It's a clear sign that I must set my brain back to school-mode. I have to admit it's difficult to do just that this time of the year since I just came back from sem break and the fact that it's Christmas Season already. I just have this tendency to take things too easy and lightly.

I know I have to go back and hit the books but I still have to write a novel (Yes. I wrote something during the break) which is a chapter away from completion. So close...

I also have this extreme desire to make that online store and sell some of my old junk on ebay. This time of the year is perfect since a lot of people will be shopping online to buy Christmas gifts. Too bad I'll be missing out on it. Talk about opportunity costs...

Well, first things first. I must not let my Gemini instincts of starting one thing without finishing the other get the best of me. So it's academics, then the novel and finally profit. The most important task comes first before the most complicated.

A Caturday Post - somethin' special

Not As They Seem

Meeting you was
Not the best thing that happened to me
Losing trust and hating you was

Give up
I believe there isn’t any reason for me to
Keep myself open to you
I would just
Hold on to my pride and leave
Because it would be unreal to
Forgive you for hurting me
I am always ready to
See you suffer
I couldn’t stand to
Let go of my anger
Because you showed me hatred, I must
Hate you back
But I can’t
Ignore how disappointing you turned out to be
It was easy not to
Look immediately at your true self
It’s a shame that I couldn’t
Make you the person I wanted you to be
It was wrong to
Abhor me for I loved you for your indescribable beauty

Your loyalty and truthfulness are
Not important

Your gorgeous face and angelic looks are

Hold It!

Who told you to read the entry from top to bottom?
As the title says, things are not as they seem.
Read each line again and this time, start from the bottom and read upwards.