Racquel Sarah A. Castro's Blog, page 3
December 14, 2018
#Hack4PH: Taking Another Step of Courage towards a brighter future
According to the event’s page in Facebook, and i quote
The National Government Portal (GOV.PH) and its partners invite everyone to join Hack4PH: The 1st Philippine e-Government Innovation Challenge. Hack4PH is a nationwide competition that aims to co-create innovative and citizen-centered solutions of the future. The event will be held from November 23-26, 2018 at (to be determined). To prepare participants for the event, a Pre-Hackathon Workshop will be conducted on November 10, 2018.
I signed up and I never expected that I would be one of the participants. Not until the National Government Portal posted a note of the qualifiers last November 8, 2018.
[image error]PICTURE EDITED FROM THE National Government Portal Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/national-government-portal/
The chance of meeting like-minded people was always been my desire. It fulfilled my goal of upgrading myself with knowledge and skills I’ve gained during the three-day hackaton. The fact of sharing ideas and pulling off an app in less than 3 days to help Filipinos in a way were the main core of this event, I think.
It was a surprise that Mom and Dad allowed me to go because they have been so protective of their lil girl. I already knew that they would not allow me but through prayers, they became supportive. I did all these calculated risks because we needed the money for my dad’s medication. Yes, He is still fighting Chronic Kidney Failure and undergoes dialysis 3 times a week.
Although we did not won, God gave opportunities. A lot. As in.
Back to the blessing of being one of the qualifiers, I had a lot of fun learning a lot from my groupmates, my co-qualifiers, and our mentors. Aside from that, I gained new friends and learn from them.
This blessing of being one of the participants wouldn’t be possible without National Government Portal, CIOF Foundaion, NEDA, Rural Impact Sourcing Technical Training, DICT – Luzon Cluster 2, DICT, Mayor Arman Dimaguila and Ate Des Dimaguila.
As we move forward with the development of our mobile app, we are certain that we can make a different perspective on sharing food.
Here are some of my experience caught in photos:
more pictures on my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/racquelsarahcastro/
Met one of the mentors too after the event. Mr. Gideon Ponio. I gave him my book and encourage him to write a book too.
We had a chance to pitch our solutions to CIO Conference last December 6, 2018 at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Quezon City!
From the note of National Government Portal, i quote
George Kintanar, chairman of the CIOF Foundation, explained why the Foundation supports Hack4PH and the DICT. “We want to harness the best of Filipino brains to have the best solutions for the Filipino,” he said.
Special thanks to Ms. Lou, Mr. Christian, Ms. Aaliya, and Sir Florante for the assistance they gave me.
To my team, thank you for the memorable times. we will surely have more moments to nurture our friendship. Thank you
I want to join again next year if that would be possible.
September 29, 2018
Be a Viral Hope
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Some of us enjoy watching viral videos online… Instead of sharing viral videos, why not share a viral hope.
I recently graduated a rigid technical training sponsored by the Department of Information and Communications Technology with the City Government of Binan. During the time that they were insearch of trainees, I signed up without having any second thoughts. I never regret because Rural Impact Sourcing Technical Training changes my destiny.
Being in the public service as a government employee is a challenge for me. I think I am destined to work at the City Government because I never thought I am going to meet Ms. Des Dimaguila; I just wanted to have a Persons with Disability ID. But God really prepared my heart for this.
Years back, I handled in planning for medical missions, concerts, fund raising drives for my church, JCRBCC. I was trained to handle budgeting, organizing events. God is so wise that before He gave me my answered prayer, He prepared and trained me first. I thank God for all my mentors in Jesus Christ Rules Bible Christian Church.
Rural Impact Sourcing Technical TRaining (RISTT) is a project of DICT to train Filipinos to engage in Online Jobs. We are introduced with Social Media Marketing, Blogging, Web Designing, and E-commerce which I am very familiar with. As a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduate, I wanted to learn the latest trends are in terms of Digital Marketing and SEO are concern.
That rigid training… It gained me confidence that I can teach… Hope for the persons with disability sector that we can excel inspite of and amidst of adversities.
This friday, I was in a duty for an event of Persons with Disability Affairs Office. It was the time when the Department of Information and Communications Technology shared my video intended for our graduation last Sept 17, 2018.
Attached was an article that makes me want to pray for opportunities to inspire more people that though I have cerebral palsy, I can do what is asked for me to do; to train more OFWs or Online FILIPINO workers.
http://dict.gov.ph/of-words-and-wordplay-racquel-castro-continues-to-write-her-story-with-ris/
Let us be a VIRAL HOPE… Amidst all… Everything is possible with God who gives us wisdom, love, and blessings.
This wouldn’t be possible if Ma’am Lourdes and Our beloved Mayor Arman Dimaguila put their trust on us, persons with disability. We may be limited in a way, but that limitations will be our asset to inspire and be a VIRAL HOPE to our country and to the world as well. Thank you for the trust!
GOD Bless you.
What we say in Binan, “Sa lungsod ng Binan, mamamayan ay maaasahan!”
September 2, 2018
Task 28 of Rural Impact Sourcing Technical Training
Eventhough I didn’t made it to my goal of finishing all the tasks YET, I met a wonderful freelancer, Liza Gonzales Balosca. She’s one of my inspiration. It has been an honor and privilege on my part in meeting Ms. Liza… I mean, Liza.
[image error]grabbed from Liza’s Facebook account
She’s one of the graduates of RISTT. She’s nice by the way. And I’ve learned so much from her. Thanks sir Jay for this task. It added a new friend on my list.
I was asked by my trainor, Mr. Jay Balan, if I could interview someone instead of me practicing my own interview. Challenge accepted!
Here’s the scenario: I was in the event on my Day job and i planned to go to the TECHFORED center (our classroom for 10 days where I met new friends and new beshies as well.) But the Lord has blessed me with free wifi where we could video chat. The event was finished around 2pm.
I immediately relayed the questions to Liza.
Here were my questions back then:
1. Tell me something about yourself po
2. What is your niche as a free lancer
3. What are you doing before the rural impact sourcing
4. How did Ristt help you
5. What is your first free lance job? Is it easy?
6. Can you share tips on how to get jobs easier?
7. What are your challenges in submitting proposal to a prospect clients
8 last na po ito… Can you share the lessons in dealing with clients?
She immediately called and we talked for about 20 minutes.
I requested her to send me the text of her answers because the cellphone was owned by a friend. I can share it with you by the next few weeks ahaha
Here’s the text version with the Title To the Beautiful, Racquel (Thanks)
My name is Liza but I’d prefer to be called Liz. I am a mother of three kids who strive to earn from home because of this very reason. To be able to participate in the RISTT is an honor for me since not everybody is given a chance to be a part of this once in a lifetime training. Most importantly, with the intention to be financially independent and to alleviate are what fuels me to carry on even though the training is tough.
Being aware and knowledgeable of the modern digital marketing probably is the best lesson RISTT has taught me. I knew that there was more to social media- in terms of literacy, the tactics for setting up a website, providing great contents, how to market a product and how to optimize it. I mean, it’s more than meets the eye to be exact! But one more thing I am truly proud of is the camaraderie that the whole team has. It was an awesome experience.
With all the hustles and bustles of the social media, despite its loudness, it caught my attention since I knew this place isn’t just mainly for socialization with friends and family, but a good platform to sell stuff and services. It also has its own algorithms that’s kinda unpredictable and that even makes it more exciting to me! And recently, along with having a good social media strategy, one must also know how to optimize a page, content, blog and an image! So, I thought Search Engine Optimization is a must skill for me to showcase what I can do on social media and show everyone who’s the boss!! (lol kidding)
I had my very first client just recently. The interview was very brief and short. Clients just want what you can do for them- that’s to solve their problem. They don’t care how you do it, just as long as you finish the task then you will be paid! Caching! As of now, I am currently running my first month with them, still need to do more learning although, through time and practice, I will be able to master it.
Freelancing has never been this so good: you set your own time, prioritize tasks according to your preference, not having to spend the everlasting hours of traffic, to stay at home with your loved ones and lastly, having a good amount of income. I mean what more I can ask for? I can’t thank The Provincial Government of Cavite spearheaded by the mighty Kuya Gov. Boying Remulla, the DICT, Mr. Melan Mamalateo for facilitating our training with all his might, Ms. Janette Toral for being our Principal and last but definitely not the least, our Mentor Mr. Jeremiah Balan, for his never-ending patience and wisdom towards the whole team Imus.
It was a colorful journey, not perfect but it was full of insights which I will surely treasure in this lifetime. Thanks to everyone who made this possible. I will be forever indebted to you. Cheers!
April 7, 2018
[Excerpts] The Secrets that We Keep #heistclub #TheSecretsThatWeKeep
So proud and honored to mentor these talented people…. -Racqs
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The Secrets That We Keep
Liam Blunt, Amae Dechavez, I.P. Lanz, Buñag Manlapaz, Celestine Trinidad, J. Guibone, Mark Manalang, Irene Recio, Yeyet Soriano
Genre: Crime
Release date: March 24, 2018
Compiled and edited by Georgette Gonzales & Yeyet Soriano
Cover design and interior layout Porcupine Strongwill
SYNOPSIS
Oh, we weave such a tangled dark web. Is it possible to disentangle oneself without inflicting damage, permanent damage, to one’s person?
When a person goes missing, how do you find her? Where do you find her? Does she even want to be found?
A vigilante targets neighborhood nuisances. But without any evidence, how will he be apprehended?
Don’t do unto others, lest they do to you what you did to them. In a manner more gruesome than you can ever imagine. Can you survive the retribution?
Dead bodies can’t go anywhere on their own, right? Or can they?
Buy The Secrets That We Keep on Amazon
Get The Secrets That We Keep on Paperback (PH Only)
Excerpt from Web by Liam Blunt
After a satisfying click, the door opened into a messy dining area with a lone white light bulb flickering on the ceiling. Robert moved to the left, past a small living room where a brown sofa and a television divider stood, and up a short flight of stairs behind the latter.
A creaking sound pierced the silence of the night air as Robert planted his boot on the floorboards. The blood in his veins froze as he stood next to the stairs, not moving even a single inch of his being. He closed his eyes as he recalled the spots on the floor that did not groan. Eventually, he made it to the door at the end of the hallway and picked its lock. He opened it a few inches and peeked through the narrow slit.
An old couple slept on a queen-sized bed, surrounded by pillows and half-covered by a thick white sheet. The ceiling fan revolved furiously above them. A row of waist-high drawers stood on the left, next to an open square window.
Robert sighed. He already met the elderly pair months ago. They were very nice to him, offering him snacks and cold drinks while he repaired their floorboards. Now, his chest ached as he stood by the door, the other half of his body still in the hallway.
Business is business.
In this kind of business, being emotional is a no-no.
Excerpt from Where Is Sandra? by Amae Dechavez
Zanjo observed Sandra’s bedroom again that night. From the lenses of his black binoculars, he saw that she had already closed the curtains and turned off the lights. Sandra…Two years ago, she had broken up with him. She was fourteen, he was sixteen. While all she wanted was fun, he was serious and tried to nudge her to become better. Just like him. It must have suffocated her, leading her to break up with him.
He had always been a good son, at least at home, and a straight-A student. In fact, he was so studious it weirded everyone out. Too clever, most people thought. Many of his acquaintances joked that if he were a criminal, he’d get away with the crime clean. It bugged his classmates, even his teachers, how he was able to solve the School Reading Mystery Game on one Foundation Day with just a few jumbled clues in just a few seconds. Seconds.
Rumor had it that he tried to control Sandra, which was why she had wanted out of their relationship quick. Zanjo often engaged in fistfights in his temper bouts with the bullies at school too, so it didn’t surprise anyone that he’d become single again so soon.
Just before closing his eyes to sleep, he took one last look at Sandra’s window, hoping to catch even a glimpse of her shadow…
Excerpt from Sniper by I.P. Lanz
Nick began feeling dizzy again. The reality of what he just did hit him. It was both scary and liberating.
Relax, Nick told himself. It’s done.
His arms shook from hatred and excitement. Nick wiped the rifle to remove any fingerprints and left it in the kitchen. He would just need to come back for it sometime within the week or the next before Karla returned.
He walked out of Karla’s apartment and slowly went back home. He entered his room, changed back to his house clothes, and went to see his grandmother.
Lola Teresa removed the earplugs as soon as she saw him.
“I’m afraid this won’t do.” She handed them over, showing her appreciation with a smile. “But thank you.”
Nick smiled back. The loud motorcycle won’t be making loud noises anymore. Not tonight at least.
After bidding his grandmother good night, he went to his room and lay on his bed. He looked at his hands and realized they were still shaking. Ending the life of an arrogant useless son of a bitch felt liberating.
It was better than sex.
The whole world had just become his playground.
Excerpt from Among Us by Buñag Manlapaz
My headache has grown worse. I take a pain reliever.
When I switch on the television, every channel is devoted to the (Hercules Trail) crime scene which just makes my head throb even more.
The dead talks and we can only listen.
I put the TV on mute and let the images dance before my eyes. I take out my notes and start writing on my small whiteboard in the living room. The smell of the white board pen’s ink keeps me company.
Victim’s name…
Method of Death…
Suspect…
Missing on Crime Scene…
Evidence Left…
Three cases of unconventional murders, each one happening one year after the other, almost to the day.
Who are these people? Why do they seem familiar?
My headache returns in full force. Didn’t I just take a pain reliever?
I close my eyes, breathing deeply. Am I getting sick again? What is wrong with me?
I open my eyes and try to focus.
Why these particular people? What is the common denominator?
What connects them?
I study my notes. They are all male. They are all of the same age range, mid to late twenties.
Same as me.
They went to the same high school.
I stare at the school name.
Something is tickling the base of my skull.
I’ve seen that name before.
A wave of nausea comes over me. With it, something clicks in my head. Suddenly, the pain is gone.
What is their common denominator?
Now, I remember.
Me.
Excerpt from Missing Bodies by Celestine Trinidad
The tension in the air was almost palpable, weighing down on her chest, making it hard for her to breathe. It didn’t help that Torres didn’t turn the radio on, and he didn’t say a single word either. He was exactly what the others said he was: taciturn, standoffish, and it was no wonder no one liked being his partner on cases.
But she didn’t really care how friendly he was. What she only cared about was if he could be trusted to work with her on this case.
“Okay.” She rifled through the folders he had given her and began talking as the awkwardness of his silence began to get to her. “Nicolas Santos, 43 year-old male, and Joel de Vera, 27 year-old male. Found dead more than a week apart in June last year, one in an abandoned lot and the other at a construction site near his home. Both known drug users, with de Vera even arrested once for selling them, but was eventually released on bail.” She scanned more papers. “There was something missing in their files and that was how I made the connection between our cases. The autopsy reports were missing.” She frowned. “Or rather, the autopsies were never performed in the first place. The bodies disappeared before anyone could.”
Torres nodded, ever so slightly.
She brought out her own folder. “Henry Banal, 18 year-old male, resident of Poblacion. Is that the only connection between our cases, Sir? Do you have any new leads? Says here you haven’t had any new leads since July of last year.”
He glanced briefly at her. “Your case is my new lead.”
About the Authors
Liam Blunt
Liam began telling stories in fifth grade by drawing crude stick-figure comics on the back of his school notebooks. Now in his late twenties, he’s still weaving characters and worlds together through writing. Some of his inspirations include Frank Herbert, Michael Crichton, James Rollins, and Steve Berry.
Contact Liam at https://www.facebook.com/lbluntwrites/
Amae Dechavez
Amae Dechavez was born in Quezon City, Philippines to a mother from Baguio and father from Quezon Province. She works as a V.A. and social media marketing associate-slash-SEO content writer by day, and currently resides with her dog within the suburbs of Metro Manila.
Stay updated on the release of the sequel to “All About Sandra” Cozy Crime Mysteries:
Who Can Find Sandra ?
Follow
Twitter: @amaeauthor
Email: amaeauthor@gmail.com
For orders: bit.ly/amaebooks
I.P. Lanz
Ivan is an avid reader and a daydreamer. Writing is his way of putting both to good use.
Contact Ivan at https://ivansnotebook.wordpress.com
Buñag Manlapaz
Buñag Manlapaz spends most of his time trying to attain immortality. And through writing, he found the key. AMONG US is the first of many crime fiction stories he intends to release, where he weaves together the fabric of criminality [villainy] and justice.
Contact Buñag:
https://www.facebook.com/author.bmanlapaz
b.manlapaz3@gmail.com
https://www.wattpad.com/user/BunagManlapaz
https://cosmicchronicle.wordpress.com
Celestine Trinidad
a physician by profession, particularly, a pathologist. In her spare time, she writes fiction of several genres, including romance, speculative fiction, crime fiction, and children’s stories. Her stories have been published in other print and online venues, such as Philippines Free Press, Philippines Graphic, The Digest of Philippine Genre Stories, Philippine Speculative Fiction, and Insignia.
Email: cmgtrinidad@gmail.com
Website: celestinetrinidad.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CelestineTrinidadAuthor/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/luckychan
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/luckychanmd/
April 1, 2018
Wala Bang Tayo?
Wala Bang Tayo?Racquel Sarah A. Castro
Sa tuwing makakakita ako ng magkasintahan…. Napapaisip ako
Kung mayroong tayo…
Sa tuwing hinahawakan mo ang kamay ko… Akala ko may tayo na
Sa tuwing natingin ka sa mga mata ko… akala ko meron na
Kasalanan ko pa pala na umasa na may tayo talaga kahit wala
Sa tuwing nangangako ka, naniniwala ako
Sa tuwing tinatawag mo kong minamahal mo, akala ko ako na talaga
Ako ba talaga o may iba pa?
Ang tanong ko lang sayo… Meron ba tayo
O naniniwala lang ako na meron…
Pero sa totoo lang, wala…
Kung meron, bakit nasasaktan ako sa mga pangakong napapako
Kung merong tayo, bakit ako mag isa hanggang ngayon
Kung merong ikaw at ako, magiging masaya ako… Dahil sa loob ng tatlong dekadang pag aantay…
Andyan na ang pangako ng May Kapal…
Tanong ko lang sayo… Kung mahal mo ako, bakit ka natatakot?
Bakit ka nag aalinlangan?
Hiling ko lang sa Diyos na Ikaw na hanggang sa huli…
Kung hindi, maaaring di na magmahal ang puso na pagod na mag antay sa mga taongh hindi kaya panindigan ang mga sinasAbi…
May oras pa… May oras pa para ituwid ang mga pagkakamali…
May oras ka pa para maiparamdam ang nilalaman ng puso
Kung meron talagang tayo.
March 2, 2018
Miracles are real… We experience it daily
My dad endured nine(9) hospitalization; 5 of them spent in the ICU. I just want to take this opportunity to minister to all of you who are weary. God listens to all of our prayers. We just have to trust His will and accept His gift of salvation. How? Trust Him as your personal Lord and Savior. Accept and live for Him and He will give you what you need; not what you want all the time but He will give you better options.
We are not complaining about our situation. We can minister for the glory of God who provided all our needs.
You know, we don’t have enough means but God touches people to give to Dad’s medication. Let me share what we have to endure each day and how God has been so faithful…
Dad is a pastor and an electrical engineer. He had been called by God to minister in Dubai where he ministered for 20 years. Last 2012, he retired and went home .
In my book, A Triumphant Detour, you could read the 1st three stays in Unihealth. That challenge made him minister more…
One dialysis session is a new hope for us. He has to undergo dialysis 3 times a week and given a chance, I wanted to be there every time there’s one. But I can’t do that. I thank God for all the B-Braun nurses…. they took care of Dad as if they are family. and they are now. I even had friendships to some of the beautiful souls of the B-Braun family. I am a fan… on how they take care of each patient; remarkable.
One of my prayers is to create a book for the dialysis patients. Maybe some other time.
I apologize for not blogging because I am an employee now. Will update you with my everyday one time. That’s a great gift for me through Ma’am Des and Mayor Arman Dimaguila. Their trust mean a lot to me. Thank you!
I pray that when you read this, you would thank God for a healthy body.
Every day, we are thanking God for miracles.. One time, when my Mom was talking about Dad’s journey… I stopped and said to myself, “How can someone in this situation take every thing as if nothing happens. IT IS GOD’S GRACE.”
We faced everyday challenges but we can choose how to face it.
Start smiling now… God is in control. 
October 31, 2017
75th at 65
Thank you for all your prayers
Dad had his 75th dialysis session this day. We presented this video to our extended family, the B-Braun nurses.
IN behalf of the Castro Family, we are forever grateful to God that we met this beautiful souls… We will be releasing more videos soon
October 17, 2017
#Racqui_Says: #FeelsFest2017 Recap
Usually, Mama Lelen and Inay were my constant companions during literary events but this time, I enjoyed being with my HS best friend, Andrea (Iza Calzado) hehe. We arrived just in time. Like 2-4 minutes before 2PM. ahaha sorry! Traffic. We (Aeus, Yeyet and I) were supposed to have lunch but it ended up a hi-goodbye thing. Haha Bawi ako sa susunod. (I will make it up next time) ahaha. we got selfie before A leaves ahaha
Well, I enjoyed at Commune… why?
Got to launch my autobiography there! It’s like a dream come true for me to share my story to the live readers and the rest of the romanceclass community as well.
I got to meet Kaith(finally!), Rix, and Yeyet… my editors!
I got UNLI hugs from GIO GAHOL! ahaha and the words from him after the event is love! ahaha
Spent time with my fave people! Romance class community!
2 of my books were sold! That’s a blessing!
Happy birthday MINA!!!! Yes, we were able to surprise her for a change.
But she made bawi ahaha THE STAGED AND THE KISS! I am not prepared at all… I was like staring while holding my heart ahaha I want to faint sana ahaha kaso I cant ahaha
Spent time with JOHANNA! FINALLY! I think she surprised us ahaha
The most exciting part is the reading from Yeyet… My words . . . Her voice!
Share your blessings. I gave loot bags for those who helped me in promoting A Triumphant Detour . . .
The International authors!
I just want to take this time to thank the romanceclass community for the acceptance. I may not be able to go to our gatherings as often as it should be but you will be in my heart forever!
To the live readers, thank you for all the feels. See you soon! Take care!
For Amazon users, A Triumphant Detour is available for only $1.99.
PAPERBACK COPIES are available now. To order, send me an email at racquelcastro2884@gmail.com
October 16, 2017
Purpose and Worth
Now, I understand why God allowed Cerebral Palsy to be in my life. It is because He will use it for His own glory. Yes, I am differently able. But it doesn’t hinder me to fulfill His wonderful and amazing plan for my life.
After I graduated from college, God allowed me to be disappointed in finding work. He wanted me to focus myself in His ministry. I led few missions and was trained for a greater work ahead of me.
He directed my path into His ministry because my future job would be a bigger one. He allowed me to be hurt, allowed me to grow in the harder way, and amazingly, I was trained for the job God had prepared me to do.
Although I made a few mistakes in my past, God allowed it to be part of my wonderful testimony; for His glory alone.
Now, I am prepared for another triumphant path as a missionary by heart. I know it will not be easy… but God is with me to fulfill another of His wonderful plan for my life.
To God be the glory!
September 20, 2017
A Triumphant Detour Book Launch #ATriumphantDetour #ATDRacqui
I planned for a separate book launch on Styling Serendipity but ended up launching it in a #romanceclass event. I planned to submit my autobiography to a publisher but ended up having a self-published paperback!
That’s how God redirect my career into a better one.
August 12, 2017. A date that I will never ever forget. A day where I risk all my efforts to an unsure book launch. I trusted God that much. If that is His will, He will provide.
I already told you about my current job as a staff in Binan City Hall. I think it was the answer for a prayer I had when I submitted my plan of having a book launch to the church council of my home church (Jesus Christ Rules Bible Christian Church).
The church provided me the venue and a committee. Well, I only asked for the venue but they offered me to have a book launch committee. The committee is composed of my dear friends… Thank you!
I prayed so hard that God had answered me; a job for the expenses of the book launch.
All I can share is the AVPs I prepared a week before the launch. Yes… I have to wake up 3 AM just to collate and make the AVPs
God’s Faithfulness for 33 years
Some of the pictures at the launch . . .
Thank you Ma’am Des Dimaguila, Ms. Virgie Alatiit, and GAD Officemates!!
Thank you to my family, friends, author friends, churchmates!
To God be the glory, honor, and praise!
