Prex J.D.V. Ybasco's Blog, page 17
May 10, 2018
STUDENT OF THE WEEK: FAN
[image error]
It’s been a while since I did a ‘Student of the Week’ post. This is just a quick shout out to FAN, my former student from Taiwan. She has received her TOEIC results:
Listening – 460
Reading – 415
Total – 875
That’s a whopping 875!
To Fan,
Thank you for sharing the good news. I sincerely think you deserve the score — although you can seriously work on getting 900.
[image error]
May 8, 2018
Ad populum
[image error]
In Atlas Shrugged, you either get high-caliber people… or idiots.
April 29, 2018
April 2018 Articles
A Guide to Twitter Hashtags for Book Bloggers (WordPress)
I have just been using #amreading (or #amwriting) every time I tweet about books. I do even participate in some book tags from Book Fairies and the sort but I want to try #bookchat and #booktalk. Personal inhibitions prevent me from posting lots of things in Twitter though because people could be very savage there. VERY. Though I can be pretty savage myself, I personally think it is tiring to argue with someone you don’t know over something you can look at from different perspectives.
20 Lord Of The Rings Memes That Prove The Movies Make No Sense
I just want to clarify: I absolutely love The Lord of the Rings. Don’t burn me just because I found this list hopelessly hilarious.
How Much Should Your Boss Know About You?(BBC)
Just as long as I hit my KPIs, it doesn’t matter, does it?
Are People Misinterpreting Your Email Sign-off?(BBC)
It hardly matters these days particularly to those who don’t write emails anymore.
My Favorite and Least Favorite Harry Potter Novel (WordPress)
I saw Harry Potter and Dani in one post, I clicked. Enough said.
Bellatrix Lestrange: ESFP(WordPress)
A chief operating officer asked about my article on INTJs so down I went into the rabbit hole.
…oh hey, I wrote a book (WordPress)
Novel Excuses has shared the process of how she finished the first draft of her book, champagne, cat and all. Don’t ask me about my second manuscript– yes, it’s been a draft for ages, I know.
[image error]
March 30, 2018
MARCH 2018 Articles
I totally messed up my February 2018 Articles I know you can’t even qualify that as a collection. A number of things happened in February — changing careers, attending and speaking in seminars, requirements etc. — but rest assured that I am as enthusiastic about my monthly dishing of articles as I was when I started it.
To make up for last month’s collection, I have decided to read more (I’ve got a lot of time on my hands, dude!) and write more (what’s new?).
This is How to Handle Stress, According to Nutritionist and Author Dr. Doni Wilson
A WheninManila.com project that gave an opportunity to meet Dr. Doni, a best-selling author of “The Stress Remedy.” It was such a shame though that I wasn’t able to get a copy of her book.
A Guest Speaker’s 24 hours in Albay
…is the product of my short experience in Albay for the seminar sponsored by Vibal Publishing House.
Chasing Mr. Sunrise: A Ride to Pililla, Rizal
And just like that, I decided to document our trips together.
I am certainly acting like an a$$ recapping all of my articles in March- GUILTY!
But hey, at least I’ve done something.
Moving on!
Here are the fantastic articles you guys ought to read:
Stephen Hawking on the Meaning of the Universe (BrainPickings.Org)
A homage to one of the greatest minds on the planet. You simply can’t take him for granted particularly now. Kudos to the man who made a name for himself and made sure anybody wanting to know about the universe will remember his name.
Why Don’t Superhero Movies Win Awards? (BBC)
For this, I give you Cap himself.
PROFESSIONAL BLOGGER? (WordPress)
Having the power to choose things that can make you happy has always been an admirable trait.
By the way, just in case you’re wondering why I had to indicate where I got the articles from as opposed to what I had done in the past, I was thinking I needed to consider those who read from their trusted sources. Yep, it’s only for transparency.
[image error]
March 5, 2018
Chasing Mr. Sunrise: A Ride to Pililla, Rizal
We met with the HOTMAMA! riders at five in the morning for a ‘breakfast ride.’
[image error]
My own Mr. Dorito
It was a loooooong ride from Malabon to Rizal but such was the feeling of those people who went to a different place for the first time.
[image error]
You can imagine how difficult it is for a nocturnal to sleep at one in the morning and wake up at four but the view was worth it.
[image error]
One would think that going to Rizal might be dangerous given how steep the roads and sharp the curves were but we saw a number of cyclists on the road, obviously in awe of the inspiring Mr. Sunrise.
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
His hair and his big bike got the attention of many.
The first part of our itinerary being finished, we rode on to the place where the windmills were: Pililla.
I didn’t miss the chance to ask them for a photo-op!
[image error]
HOTMAMA! Riders
[image error]
The HOTMAMA! Boyband. Yep, they’ve just started a band.
[image error]
Apart from the quail-egg vending children, you can find places where you can get sustenance nearby. Look at Gerard here who was able to purchase some wafer sticks for an affordable price.
[image error]
I may not be a windmill expert but I thought the ones in Ilocos looked taller than these guys but who knows? Perhaps the location was also a big factor to their sizes? What I do know though is apart from the serenity the place brings, the alternative source of energy is also big help to us. Then again, who cares about green energy when one look at the place can energize you?
[image error]
Sir Chester and Ma’am Van took a pose for the nth honeymoon?
[image error]
The Guitarist and the Lead Vocalist of the HOTMAMA! band.
[image error]
Congratulations on your first long ride, JM!
[image error]
Affordable souvenirs from the Pililla!
We also found an adorable place not so near the windmills: The Daily Beans.
[image error]
Situated in L. Sumulong Memorial Circle, Antipolo, The Daily Beans red and brown facade beckoned us to enter and have a light snack– well, it’s either that or we were so hungry.
Click to view slideshow.
I certainly had fun taking pictures of the whole place just as much as I had trouble deciding between uploading the pictures in my own blog and doing a write up or submitting the whole thing to another online magazine!
The whole experience required a more personal approach as I immensely enjoyed it. I suppose you already know what choice I made.
February 27, 2018
February 2018 Articles
Before sharing other people’s work, let me shamelessly promote my One Ok Rock article featured in WheninManila: ONE OK ROCK Rocked Manila During Their AMBITIONS Concert
Tokyo Ghoul: re Vol. 2-3 // A Review
I feel like an absolute fangirl after reading Dani’s review of Tokyo Ghoul! My blog isn’t anime/manga loaded but I’m pretty sure you guys know that Kaneki is listed in my Top Ten Favorite Characters.
15 Surprisingly Frugal Habits of the British Royal Family
How accurate the intel of Readers’ Digest is I don’t have any idea but the list makes me feel like I’m actually a part of the Royal Family.
February 25, 2018
A Guest Speaker’s 24 hours in Albay
Out of my excitement, I got to the airport about four hours before my flight. I mean, who wouldn’t be excited? I decided to make the most out of my time and stayed at the nearest charging station where I squeezed my brain out for an article.
[image error]
While working on my pending article for WIM, I decided to go over my presentation again, wondering if I somehow missed something. Surely, I could modify some parts, add more information and delete the ones that weren’t exactly necessary for the presentation.
[image error]
I had been invited by St. Raphael Academy, Legazpi, Albay, through the help of VIBAL Publishing, to deliver a speech for the school’s 69th Foundation Anniversary.
[image error]
Containing my excitement had been very difficult because it would be a number of firsts for me: first time to travel to Albay, first time to handle a seminar with 2000+ participants, first time to speak in a foundation anniversary, etc. Seeing Mt. Mayon intensified that feeling. Who wouldn’t be so humbled seeing something so majestic?
Vibal booked me a room at Lotus Blu Hotel, a new hotel–as I was informed–somewhere in Terminal Rd 1. The place was marvelous. I had the room all to myself not unlike when I had been seen to Taiwan two years back.
[image error]
[image error]
The only difference was the view. If in Taipei, my room had had a great view of Taipei 101, in Legazpi, I had a great view of the sunset and Mt. Mayon engulfed in her blanket of clouds– I had assumed the volcano was a he but it was a she all along. Nonetheless, it was love at first sight.
[image error][image error][image error]
After sifting and refining my article, inspired by the looming mountain of fire at a distance, I decided to head out to Four Seasons, a restaurant nearby. I’ve got to admit that I was a bit disappointed that I couldn’t find a place where I could get authentic Bicolano food but man! Their fried chicken was amazing and you’ll love their beef noodles!
[image error]
[image error]
Just about five steps from the restau was a coffee shop after my own heart:
[image error]
Artisan’s modern, chic, black and white environment called upon my Minimalist soul and I enjoyed it along with my iced Americano and double chip cookie cheesecake.
[image error]
[image error]
Feb 24th
[image error]
Good morning, Mayon!
By now, I think it is obvious how much I loved Mt. Mayon.
[image error]
One mirror-selfie chance that I couldn’t let pass ^_^
[image error]
Miss Cindy and I almost got lost but we arrived at Legazpi City Convention Center just in time for my talk and lo and behold! Look at that crowd! The place was brimming with people: St. Raphael Academy’s administrators, faculty, students and parents. Sister Marilyn Gustilo confided that there were approximately 2300 participants in the venue.
What an honor!
The theme of St. Raphael Academy’s 69th founding anniversary was ‘Strengthening the Bond of Solidarity as One Raphaelite Community’ clearly embodied through the participation of 2300 people in the event.
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
Yours truly with Ms Cindy Go from Vibal and Sister Marilyn Gustilo of St. Raphael Academy
I was honestly amazed by how participative and enthusiastic the students and their parents were! It came as no surprise though since my topic was “The Impact of Social Media on Millennials” and I was pretty sure about 80% of them had access to social networks. Then again, Grade 3 students amazed me by reading a number of my slides and answering my questions in complete sentences. How cute!
[image error]
After a one and a half hours of talk, I had to give myself a pat on the shoulder for preparing slides that the Raphaelites found interesting. It was amazing being asked questions about the presentation and responding appropriately in return. The commendation from the parents and Sister Marilyn with the certificate I got from the school was enough a reward for my efforts. I was blessed to be part of the celebration, and even more blessed to be recognized as a speaker.
Feb 24th, afternoon
After the event, Ms. Cindy accompanied me to places where I could buy souvenirs and try the famous SILI Ice Cream — which I definitely love!
We also visited Cagsawa where I had the chance to get a closer look at Mt. Mayon.
[image error]
[image error]
The girl in the black scarf!
[image error]
It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I was so proud of what I had been able to accomplish but like what I mentioned before, seeing Mt. Mayon humbled me and reminded me once again that I was a representation of something bigger.
PLUS: Reading this tweet on my flight back to Manila capped it all off.
Youuuu were so great back there Ms Ybascoooooo
January 30, 2018
January 2018 Articles
This time around, I scoured WordPress itself for praise-worthy articles. I used to just hit ‘reblog’ or ‘PRESS THIS’ whenever I saw those that follow my specific theme for the day. Writing my reaction to some of them won’t hurt and since I love to compile great articles in one list, I think this method will work.
Zodiac Signs as Bibliophiles // i try to be an “astrologist”
Bailey, as always, has posted another incredible article. I don’t know how she does it but her creative works always make me want to post better content in my blog (please refer to the anime tag in this blog). I checked my zodiac in her article and I was impressed that most of them were spot on.
[image error]
Zodiac Signs as Bibliophiles
14 Weird Brain Exercises That Help You Get Smarter
Some of these exercises are really weird (e.g. using your non-dominant hand) but I am not sure I can attribute my intelligence to an open car window.
Eating This One Surprising Food Could Finally Cure Your Cough
After reading this article, I had a hunch that people only want to come up with excuses to eat chocolates.
‘He wasn’t happy until he had me all to himself’
I love it when I learn something new from an article. Believe it or not, after 29 years of existence in a developing country, having English as our second language, and an educator to boot, I have just learned the meaning of the word ‘gaslighted.’ Yep.
41 Little Grammar Rules to Follow to Sound Smarter
The title of the article needs no introduction.
The Surgeon Who Operates 400kms Away
I shared this article to my doctor (a big shout out to Dr. Joanne), who is a resident surgeon in one of the leading hospitals in Taiwan. Since she applies Robotics in her surgeries, I was thinking she would find this article note-worthy. A part of me was hoping, that given I could afford it, I would only entrust my life to her .
I would like to include my article in the list because I went bonkers learning that it got published on the second day of 2018! How lucky was I?! Here’s 5 Benefits of Bodycombat
Now that’s a wrap. Thank you and see you next month!
[image error]
January 23, 2018
Be that self which one truly is.
Soren Kierkegaard
Soren Kierkegaard
January 11, 2018
Student of the Week
Ryan: Ok. I am a baby. Is that ok?
