Nothing personal against Twitter, but I seem to enjoy Facebook more lately and have made myself scarce in Twitterville. But I still drop by every now and then, I still remember dropping one-liners there before.

Facebook or FB, however, is just perfect for me. Aside from being reunited with friends and classmates from way back in elementary days, it provides me a great venue to vent out anything that I feel. And since I have REAL friends following me, I get immediate feedback if I am making sense or not.

The FB status update line is really a perfect place for me especially when I am having my regular bouts with procrastination-disguised-as-writer’s-block which seems to happen regularly as of late. The status line however, as far as I am concern, is more than just a space for rants or bringing out my secret identity as a Bill Cosby-wannabe.

The space has become a ‘breeding ground’ of ideas for me, actually. What were rants or one-liners in FB have become a full-blown post, a poem, and even a song! Yes, that’s how that FB status line has become so useful to me, it’s like I’m making a draft every time I make a post there.

And speaking of status line updates, may I share here some of my ‘original’ posts in FB which were most replied and ‘liked’ by my FB friends. These are all my personal quotes, and I didn’t include those one-liners I picked up all over. So here they are:

1. The only law I intend to break is the law of gravity, because I intend to fly someday.
2. Yes, I tend to exaggerate sometimes. But mind you, I exaggerate accurately
3. Moving on, not to show that I have given up… but rather, to prove that I am worth it
4. What I lack in eloquence, I make up with sincerity
5. I write not with my pen… I write with my heart
6. I almost forgot, I’m one of the good guys! And good guys ALWAYS win in the end!
7. Oftentimes, you have to deny your own happiness… for the sake of others
8. I am not a singer. I don’t have a good singing voice. But I have a heart and feelings to express… and a hell lot of stories to tell.
9. Things happen for a reason… even for no reason at all
10. I blog. I write songs, poems & short stories. I take videos and pictures. I tell jokes and do some crafts… yes, I have a multi-faceted insanity
11. When I wish for your happiness, I know it doesn’t need to have me as a part of it. I can be totally satisfied even though I am just standing on the outside, looking in…
12. I could wish it didn’t happen so that I may not have to experience the pain. But then, I wouldn’t have felt the joy either. And that brief moment that I experienced happiness, that short span of time that I felt alive again, I can say it’s all worth the pain that I’m feeling right now.
13. When it hurts, it only means it matters so much
14. Oh, no please. No need to add cream in my coffee. Just be right beside me, and the coffee will be perfect :
15. I am not a poet, I am poetry…

Omitted on purpose, were the post about wanting to be Wolverine for a very good reason and the post that ‘motivated’ my son to give me a wakeup call.

My favorite among these is number 4, because I really have a very limited vocabulary, but I am always sincere in what I write. Number 11 became a song and number 15 became a poem, where I disclaim being a poet.

Who knows, one of the remaining may ones may become a short story someday.

So the next time you catch me ranting on FB, think again. I could just be drafting my next poem or song, or I could just be thinking out loud… and then again, it could be all of the above.

And finally, I am able to complete my list for the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2010, and am proud to post my choices here.

With the deadline I believe still in August, I think my post is just in time. And maybe, those who have incomplete list may find this list useful to complete theirs.

Without much further ado, here’s my complete list for the 2010 Top 10 EIB

1. Realm of Thoughts
A blog by my eldest son, Ralph Emerson. Don’t be surprised by the name, having a poet for a father, it’s not far fetched that he got his name from a poet/writer too.

And it was, I believe, prophetic. Not just because he’s my son, but I always believe that Ralph thinks deep, and has a lot to share. And if giving his father a wake-up call isn’t influential, I don’t know what is.

2. Short Stories Blog
My attempt to be a short story writer too. It is by far the most visited of all my blogs as of late. And it encourages me to come up with more original stories  of love, life, humor and every subject I can think of.

It’s challenging and fulfilling at the same time. This is my way of introducing my short story blog to the world who may not know that I am a short story writer too.

3. The Thirsty Blogger
An expert in giving money making and saving tips with sense, Fitz found a blogging niche that is not yet explored. Not really surprising for a man who knows how to spot an opportunity.

4. Sex and Sensibilities
A blog that I discovered by reviewing the list of other entries. With all those hullabaloo on sex education these days in our country, this blog is very timely.While sex education is aimed in teaching kids at school, I believe most adults, as well, need to re-learn their understanding of sex before they can even teach it to the young ones.

5. Tara na!
I like the fact that Erica is starting her journey in her backyard, before she explores food and cultures in other places. Yes, this is a food and travel blog, and a personal blog as well.

To complete the list of my Top 10 are:

6. Mequeni Cabalen
7. Your My Love Poems
8.  Wag Na Lang
9. When In Manila
10. NomNom Club

To know why the last five are included in my list. You can see my write up in my initial post for the Top 10 list.

And as always, this writing project is made possible through the kindness of the following sponsors: Events and Corporate Video, Budget Hotel In Makati, Pinoy Party Food, Copyediting Services, PR Agency Philippines, Budget Travel Philippines, Send Gifts to the Philippines, Black Friday Deals, Roomrent – units for rent, Search Profile Index and Corporate Events Organizer.

So there you go, my complete list of  Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2010.

Check them out and to see why they got in my list.

“Yadayada! Ole-ole-oleo!“

Doesn’t really make amy sense, does it? Well, because it was really meant NOT to make any sense, and most part of this post, even.

You know that feeling when you have nothing to say? Or you have so much to say, and yet you don’t know how to say it?

It usually happens under two extreme emotional conditions – either you are too happy, too ecstatic, or too “high” that you don’t know how to put into words how joyful you are. Or you are too depressed, down, low, pissed, frustrated, and other depressing condition you can think of, that you don’t even want to talk about it.

So, which one do you think this post is? If you read through, you will know… and if you’re following me in facebook, you will know why.

Speaking of facebook, just the other day, I posted that I want to quit blogging and that I don’t want to write anymore. If you knew me, and know how I love writing, you would be surprised. But I know for sure that at the time I posted that status update, I was speaking the truth. I’M DONE WITH BLOGGING!

Then, this post should mean I will no longer quit blogging, right? WRONG!

This morning, I was already drafting in my thoughts, the post that will serve as my “swan song.” After which, I will just leave my blogs, until they fade into kingdom come, and the struggling blogger will cease to exist.

Of course, you would ask “Why?” and like I said, if you’re following me on facebook, you will know why.

But as I was going home from work this evening, it occurred to me, that if I stop doing the only thing that I can confidently say I’m good at (or at least have a decent stroke), then I will be totally without self-worth.

That means I will no longer have a chance to get back what I lost — the reason for all those sulking. I thought, “maybe I should prove myself. That I can make it. That I am WORTH THE RISK!“

Honestly, there are two voices talking to me as I am writing here. One says, “Go Roy! Show them!” while the other says, “C’mon! Be real! Are you a masochist or something?!”

At this point, I really can’t tell which side is winning, really. I AM CONFUSED.

I wish I could have really bought the box that I bought in this story, or at least have the power of the short story blogger, so I can make whatever I write happen in real life.

What did I tell you? This post wasn’t supposed to make sense! Yadayada, remember?

I really don’t know where i stand now, or where I am inclined to go.

In the meantime, settle for this…

“Yadayada! Ole-ole-oleo!”

I must be really getting rusty, or just too slow on the draw lately. I can’t believe that after 4 weeks (or is it 5?), I still haven’t made a post for my Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2010 when I was one of those who made an early post about it, after Janette announced the contest.

Well, as they say, better late than later   so here I am presenting my list of blogs for this years Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs.

Mequeni Cabalen
I am a proud Kapampangan! Maybe non-Kapampangans cannot understand what Jules and Jaypee are writing in their blog, but I assure you that it is no-nonsense Kapampangan literature, promoting the cultures, life and happenings in Pampanga.

I urge all our Kapampangan and non-Kapampangan friends to please support a blog that promotes one of our country’s richest culture.

Your My Love Poems
Everyone is mushy, whether we admit it or not. And from a self–proclaimed poet who expresses his “mushyness” through poetry, it is no surprise that a blog who writes and talks about love made it on my list. A blog maintained by my friend Paige – love and poetry, a perfect combination indeed.

Wag Na Lang
Why would I nominate a blog that says “Don’t bother” or  “No, thanks?” Simple, just visit the blog and you will what I mean. Kring del Rosario expresses his brand of humor through the pictures and the captions to match them in his blog.

NomNom Club
A food blog by last year’s fellow awardee, Jonel. NomNom Club features food, events with foods, places with foods, and delicious foods. Oh, did I mention food? For a blogger who travels a lot, Jonel sure knows where to find the food and the delicious events that goes with it.

When In Manila
Seriously, when I saw Vince’s blog on the list of nominees of other bloggers, I was surprised. Not surprised because he was included, but surprised because all the while, I thought his blog has been in existence since time immemorial! Okay, not that long. But yes, I was surprised he just created it last year, already has so much follower. Well, for the man who can convince me to video blog, he should really be included in my list.

So there they are, my list of Emerging Influential Blogs for 2010. I know, they are not yet complete. I’m not yet finished anyway, and there is still time to scout for five more blogs

This writing project is made possible through the kindness of the following sponsors: Events and Corporate Video, Budget Hotel In Makati, Pinoy Party Food, Copyediting Services, PR Agency Philippines, Budget Travel Philippines, Send Gifts to the Philippines, Black Friday Deals, Roomrent – units for rent, Search Profile Index and Corporate Events Organizer.

UPDATE:
This list has already been completed. See the complete list in this post.

Thank you.

I always get a generous serving of indelible ink

I know I haven’t done any exercise for quite a spell. There are, and will always be, excuses for not doing so.

But when it comes to exercising my right to vote, there are NO EXCUSES!

I only have but one vote, but that one vote counts a lot – it’s my voice as a FILIPINO.

And as I cast my vote early today, I was very proud and fulfilled to be part of another history in our country. Not only because it is the first automated election, but because of the opportunity to be part of the change that we are all calling for.

As I choose my candidates, I did so based on my own assessment of what I believe is needed by our country – not by surveys, not by heritage, not even by my friends’ suggestions, and definitely not by color.

Arriving at 8 a.m. at my usual voting precinct, I was greeted by long lines of voters eager to cast their votes. I almost backed out thinking, “These lines, these early in the morning?!”

I inquired, investigated, roamed around and observed the proceedings – clustered precincts which shared 4 or 5 where there only used to be one. And you’re not even voting there, you just need to get your number and cast your vote in a different room. But not without hearing a brief orientation on how to vote in an automated election.

“What?! Orientation on the day itself?!” I said to myself.

I could have been easily discouraged, but if I really want change, I must make myself part of that change and go through all these processes. We all need to. No exceptions.

Shading the circles near the candidates’ names, as I was finally voting, posed another problem for me. I don’t really have a steady hand, that’s why I was very careful as I was shading the circles, lest my vote gets invalidated.

I was greatly relieved when the PCOS machine finally registered: CONGRATULATIONS! YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN COUNTED.

And I really don’t know if I have this curse, but I always get a generous serving of indelible ink every time I vote. But I’m not complaining, only shows better the proof that I do care for my country and performed my responsibility.

Change doesn’t happen overnight. The responsibility doesn’t end in voting.

Whoever wins the elections should get our support if we want our country move forward.

The work has just begun.

Okay, so I am through making fun of myself on my birthday (makes you think what I might do next year, ei?), I’m sure we all had a good laugh. Which means, this blog would now be back to its regular topics… which is about anything, really.

But before that, for those who have not yet sent a gift or greeted their mother for Mother’s Day yet, why not do it via United Nation’s World Food Program, and help make difference for other mothers out there. And we can always do it, not only on mother’s day.

This is is just a quick post actually, just so I could bury the videos… err, I mean a reminder for myself, and my readers as well, that in a few hours we will be choosing our next leaders.

It’s election day, and today we will vote for the next officials who will run our city… our province… our country.

Choose well.. choose wisely.

Go out and vote! It’s our right.

Blog-hopping, it is not uncommon that you will find interesting blog of notes that you would want to bookmark, go back to, and keep up with the succeeding posts.

Interesting blogs that really capture your attention and you feel that you want to share it for other bloggers to see… not that they need it, because I’m sure these blogs I’ll mention will eventually find their way to you one way or another.

Still, I want to give them a special space in my blog… somewhat a tradition  that I started last year for my birthday month. And now, I’d like to share to you these three interesting blogs.

Wag na lang!
A blog that is run by King del Rosario who describes his blog as

Wag na lang is a contraction(?) of a popular Filipino remark “Huwag na lang” which means either “No thanks” or “Don’t bother” in English. My translation sucks, but you get the point. Hehehe.

His blog features the humorous side (with messages in between) of life, through pictures. I believe, some were made by him, and the others he gets elsewhere.

But it is his captions (his two-cents) that make the pictures even more interesting.

Your My Love Poems
On the blog title alone, you can tell that this blog is about love and poetry.

Although Paige’s blog posts are not really limted to poetry as of late, as she writes  and give advice about relationships — sensible, practical, and realistic.

If you are looking for a good read about love and relationship, Paige’s page should be your direction.

Robot President
This blog is not about robots nor the presidents, nor politics. Although I won’t be surprised if Arvil would post those topics in his blog just to prove me wrong.

Written in straight and beautiful Tagalog, this blog contains deep thoughts and Arvil’s observation of the things that happen around him.

If you want to get your dose of pure Filipino writing, written in the most honest form like only Arvil can, visit his Robot President.

I’m sure you noticed, I haven’t written much about them… just a teaser of sort.  Truth to tell, I’m just starting to explore these blogs, yet I have already been ‘captured’ by their entries that I feel I need to make a post about them so that you may know of them  too.

Needless to say, these blogs are currently in my shortlist for the Emerging Influential Blogs of 2010, nothing’s final yet. But definitely, they are among those being considered.

I suggest, you visit them to see why they are in my shortlist.

Just because the iBlog6 blogging summit is all about blogging, it doesn’t mean the day’s proceedings would be confined to search engine optimization, making money online and niche marketing. After all, blogging involved a medley of interests.

That is why it is not surprising that in the recent iBlog6, there was an intermission number performed by The UP Concert Chorus, courtesy of fellow blogger and friend Rey Rombawa Jr.

The UP Concert Chorus or UPCC, is a five-time Aliw Awardee for Best Choral Group, the group that performed were just some of the members as many are on tour performing in different parts of the world (yes, we were fortunate to be graced upon by an internationally acclaimed choral group).

But small as they are in numbers, their performance was definitely not lacking, as they sang three songs in a very beautiful a capella rendition. The first one was Alleluia, followed by Martin Nievera’s Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin, and Pamulinawen being their last song.

Here are the videos of their intermission number at the iblog6. Pardon the poor quality of the video, as I was using a low-end type of digital camera.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_HJTqI-Qxs

with their first song Alleluia

www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrqJbBax7FI

their second song Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin

www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV-65YQcQ_c

and their last number Pamulinawen

Thank you Rey and the rest of the UPCC for gracing the blogging summit, and again, can I request Atin Cu Pung Singsing next time?

Nothing like a good company to rekindle a passion, and for bloggers, iblog6 is the perfect venue not just for newbie bloggers, but for burned-out bloggers as well.

The beauty about blogging is that, there is no “been there, done that” kind of thing. There would always be something new. Even for seasoned bloggers (read: old timers), whether they admit it or not, can learn a thing or two.

And iblog6 did just that for this struggling blogger.

For one, I learned the difference between a “real” political blogger from a “bandwagon rider” and what is the mission (or social responsibility) of the latter. I admit, I could be just one of those “riders” as I don’t really like blogging about politics, but would spew out unsolicited opinions every now and then, especially when there’s a hot issue on hand.

That is why Marc Ronald Rimorin’s presentation was an eye opener for me. It is not the mission (and should not be) of a political blogger to stir a hornet’s nest, per se, but to chronicle and document the events, and hopefully, as we mature politically in future, the past events would help us make the right decisions in the present.

And as I told him yesterday, Vinco Golango’s presentation was really very convincing that I want to start my own video blog! Honest! I am just thinking of a subject that I can sustain. I definitely wouldn’t dare go “boom boom paw!” on YouTube.

But it was Hanna Villasis who started the ball rolling with Blogging lalala… (she doesn’t want to use Blogging 101). Just when you think you know about blogging, she reminded us all with going back to the basics, why are we blogging in the first place? And let’s not forget to have fun, while we’re at it.

Juned Sonido came complete with his arsenals — all types cameras from the film versions to the digital versions, with a journalist’s vest even. His presentation in photo blogging is really helpful to me as I have just started my photo blog this year.

Before I forgot, our friend Rey, together with  The UP Concert Chorus performed in an intermission where they sang three songs — Alleluia, Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin and Pamulinawen, in a very beautiful a capella rendition. Yes, I have a video and will have a separate post for them.

Next time Rey, can I request for Atin Cu Pung Singsing?

Noemi Dado delivered her talk on online commentaries, social media and election blogging. She came with her whole entourage from Blogwatch. Now, that is what a team is all about.

Jinoe Gavan shared his experiences and gave some tips on how to run a successful blog contest. He even gave away two gift certificates. Too bad, I wasn’t able to run immediately to the microphone, I have a perfect idea on how to tie-up that diaper with his running niche.

Joseph Gonzales literally brought the house down with his candid presentation on the impact of blogging to the community, and effectively selling Baler to the audience. Now, everybody wants to go to Baler.

And Marhgil Macuha wrapped up the session with his presentation on how bloggers can maximize making money online through search engine optimization or SEO.

With networking and socialization as my foremost motivation to attend the event, I was able to muster enough courage to introduce myself to other bloggers.

Hannah Villasis and Vince Golangco where the first ones I met because they were early (being the first two speakers). I was also able to introduce myself to Miss Noemi Dado, Manny Viloria and John B. Bejo.

I also met on Pinoy Gossip Boy, Jay S. Aquino and Rommel Copuyoc for the first time. In the event, I also say Kelvin and Fitz Villafuerte. I was also fortunate to meet two other Kapampangan bloggers in the event (please comment here if you happen to pass by, I’m too ashamed to admit that I’m a little deaf that’s why I didn’t get your names).

As usual, there really isn’t enough time to meet all the bloggers. But there would still be future events where I can finally get to know all of them, hopefully.

By the way, I attended the event together with a fellow blogger from Angeles City, Paige who was very excited with her first blogging event. I hope you enjoyed yourself, Paige.

And finally, congratulations Janette and the rest of the organizers of iBlog6, and thank you for organizing this blogging summit.

More power to all of you!

Some photos can be seen here.

Addendum:
The two Pampanga bloggers I met were Louie Sison and Josie. Nice to meet you guys! Hopefully, we could organize our group soon. See you ’round!

The first day of the iBlog6 has just been concluded. No, I didn’t attend it. I just knew it is already finished, it’s already 8:211 p.m. after all.  If only I didn’t have work today, I might have attended today’s event too.

No worries, I’ll be attending the second day tomorrow, and I am really excited. I am really in an iblog mood, and I plan to meet more bloggers tomorrow.

In about 12 hours from now, the second part of the iBlog6 will start. Which means I need to sleep early tonight so I can wake up early. I will be coming from Angeles City, and pray that I don’t get lost in the big city tomorrow.

Yes, as shameful as it may be to admit, I still don’t know how to reach University of Philippines. Last year, I was fortunate because Zorlone met me at the North Avenue station of MRT and I rode with him to the iBlog5.

Unfortunately, this year, the good doctor is lost in Phonpei, although I believe he is enjoying it. That means, he won’t be around for quite a while. So, I will be on my own tomorrow, trying to find my way around. Actually, I have already emailed Janette and asked for directions. Here’s hoping that I find the right PUJs.

So what am I expecting tomorrow? Nothing really, except to have a good time.

Of course, I would like to hear a different perspective about blogging from Hanna Villasis‘ point-of-view. Hone my photoblogging skills from Juned Sonido, but not before I learn about video blogging from Vince Colangco.

Perhaps the tandem of Noemi Dado and Marc Ronald Rimorin could finally entice me to write about the topic I’ve been sidestepping all these times – politics, social commentaries and elections.

I haven’t really been successful in running contests on my blogs, maybe Jinoe Gavan could teach me a thing or two. UP-ISP will deliver a talk about policy, and Joseph Gonzales will discuss the impact of blogging to the community.

And finally, the topic that many bloggers is looking forward to, making money online will be discussed by another successful online money-maker Marhgil Macuha.

I know, I missed a lot by not attending the first day of iBlog6, but I’m sure these topics, plus the opportunities to meet more bloggers, will more than make up for it.

So iBlog6, see you in a few hours!