Oh, yes! It’s another writing contest, and unlike the first one which requires traveling experience, I can join this one… AND SO CAN YOU!

So here’s the detail of this writing contest…

We all have our personal icons. People who have a special influence on us, people who inspired us, awakened us, shook us… in short, had a big impact in our lives.

This is the chance to let them (just in case they don’t know it yet), and world, know how they have made a difference in our life.

In the writing contest dubbed, “My Icon, My Hero” by the Philippine Star, contestants need to write about their personal hero — he/she could be a famous and distinguished achiever, he/she may be young or old, rich or poor, he could even be an unknown, unsung hero like your next door neighbor who you try to emulate… the only requirement is that, your hero must be Filipino.

Write about your hero, in the most creative way you can, sharing to the world how he or she made an impact in your life. Needless to say, the best written story would win, and one of the prizes include being one of Philippine Star’s contributing writer.

Now, that is really getting me excited.

But before I get carried away, here are more details of this writing contest:

HOW TO JOIN:

1. Write your article on your icon or hero in approximately 1,200 words. We accept only original, unpublished works. You may submit as many entries as you wish. But you may win only once.

2. Enclose your passport-size photo, a short biodata, with your address and contact number.

3.E-mail these to philstar_ lifestyleawards@yahoo.com. Or send a CD with printout to The Philippine Star Lifestyle Journalism Awards 2010, The Philippine Star, Roberto Oca St. corner Railroad St., Port Area, Manila.

4. Submit your entries on or before April 17, 2010. The 10 winners will be announced in June and will receive their prizes in a venue to be announced later. The winning entries will be published in The Philippine Star.

It’s great to know that we are not limited to a single, because I do have too many personal icons I want to write about.

By the way, at stake at this contest are:
A total of P204,900 worth of prizes for each of the 10 winners. That’s a P50,000 writing contract from The Philippine Star, P50,000 in cash from HSBC, P50,000 in gift certificates from Stores Specialists, Inc. Debenhams and Marks & Spencer, and a 37-inch LCD TV set from Samsung worth P54,900.

Now, I got work and write about my icon… my hero.

I saw on today’s Travel and Tourism section of the Philippine Star newspaper. The first thing that caught my attention were the words “380-words story writing contest.”

With the intention of joining, I went on to read the rest of the article… only to find out that it is not for me.

The complete title of the article was “Singapore Airlines launches 380-word story writing contest” and is a contest for all who have experienced Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) A380.

Since I haven’t really traveled through air in my entire life, not even a domestic one, I really no stories to share about this. Easily, I can always do a made-up story just to join this contest… but then, it isn’t my style.

So, I’m doing the next best thing — blog about it!

There might be some people who have stories to share about this, and yet are not aware of this contest.

The contest is dubbed “SIA A38 & Me,” a writing contest by Singapore Airlines in cooperation with the Philippine Star. The contest is open to Philippine residents who has traveled on SIA’s flagship superjumbo aircraft — the A380.

And in line with the name of the aircraft, the contest challenges participants to describe their A380 experience in “no more than 380 words.”

This writing contest runs from March 14 to May 30, 2010.

Taken from the Philippine Star article, here are the rules for the contest.

How to join:

1. To join, a participant must be a Philippine resident, must have taken a flight on the A380, indicate the date of their travel on the A380 and the destination.

2. All entries must be sent with the published contest coupon cut out from the Philippine STAR Lifestyle Section. These coupons will be printed thrice weekly until May 30.

3. Entries can either be mailed or dropped off in two areas: SIA Manila office 33rd floor LKG Tower Ayala Avenue Makati or the Philippine STAR, Classifinder, in Greenbelt 1, Makati.

4. The most unique and interesting experiences will be chosen by the panel of judges.

5. The winners will be notified by June 20, 2010.

Prizes for this contest are:
First prize — roundtrip economy class ticket to any of SIA’s seven A380 destination (Zurich, Paris, London, Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo or Hong Kong).

Second prize — roundtrip economy class ticket to Sydney or Melbourne on the A380.

Third prize — roundtrip economy class ticket to Hong Kong via Singapore on A380.

Eight consolation prizes will also be given.

Hmm… personally, I don’t like the sound of the “economy class” on the prizes. But sometimes, you don’t really care about the prizes, but the opportunity to express your creativity through these writing contests… and that’s the only reason I blogged about it.

Whoever photoshopped the picture above is a genius!

I first saw it on Facebook, and afterwards on many internet sites. It depicts Manny Pacquiao as a one-man-demolition team, leaving fallen bodies – boxer’s bodies, wherever he passed.

Eric Morales, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Marco Antonio Barrera and even the great Oscar “Golden Boy” Dela Hoya, were just some of his victims.

Pacquiao with his seven titles in as many weight divisions makes him the undisputed pound-for-pound king. And in all his fights, especially in his latest ones, the Pacman appeared to be invincible, which makes this really non-boxing aficionado wants to ask, “Is Manny Pacquiao for real?”

His recent fights showed Pacquiao in his top form, demolishing every boxer who crossed his path. And each fight would always show a better Pacquiao from his previous match… almost making him appear to be “superhuman.”

And his supposedly latest nemesis, Floyd Mayweather Jr., when he came to his senses, realized this. That is why he cunningly devised ways to wiggle himself out of the contract, lest he tarnish his “undefeated” record.

Mayweather was successful. His accusations that Pacquiao uses steroids was able to sever the contract for their match. An escape act that would put Houdini to shame.

Pacquiao’s boxing supremacy has somewhat earned him immortality. He has brought hope to the Filipino people. Made the country shine out for a good reason. He brought honor and pride to our countrymen.

On Sunday, Pacquiao’s “immortality” will be put on the line as he faces Joshua Clottey on the ring. A boxer who is not afraid of fighting a “non-human” opponent.

The truth is, Pacquiao is as human as you and me. His foray into politics proves that he is no different from the rest of us – gullible at times.

His only difference – his discipline. The thing that was lacking from other Filipino boxing greats who came before him.

And once again on Sunday, even for just a brief moment in history, the whole country – including government officials and politicians alike, on a traffic-free EDSA and zero-crime rate day, will be united to rally in support for the its hero…  the undisputed pound-for-pound king…

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

So I work hard on my blogs.

I exert efforts on every blog posts that I make. I may not be the best writer or blogger, but every time that I write, what I give is a part of me.

Imagine my surprise when I found out that my blog posts from my travel blog were copied – VERBATIM! From the title down to the last function… and even my grammatical bloopers!

All with nary an attribution as to where this blogger copied his posts. Instead he put links on the words Angeles City to his choice sites which I believe are also his.

My posts Where to eat in Angeles City and Halo-halo in Angeles  City were copied and pasted to two different blogs which again, I suspect belong to the same xerox machine… err, I mean person.

What worse, the blogs were selling, or rather, riding the image of the city as an “entertainment” city.

What can be done?… Aside from raising hell.

I wish I could attend this writing seminar.

I saw it on the lifestyle section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and got curious on the title of the article – “Baguio Travel Writing Workshop.”

It’s a seminar on writing… and it’s about Baguio!

For one who loves writing and knows that there’s a lot that he needs to improve on, I read the article with the hope that I could attend this seminar… wishful thinking.

This blogger admits that there is still a long way to go as far his writing is concern.

If only I could attend seminars like this, I know it won’t be long ‘til I get to even half of Jan’s eloquence, Jena’s deep vocabulary and Zorlone’s literary creativity. Who knows? It won’t be long ‘til I get to be a published author like Holly.

Again, wishful thinking.

Well, those who might be interested, the details of the seminar are: It is organized by the Baguio Travel Writing Workshop and it will provide basic instructions on travel writing as well as providing some tips on improving your writing style. This, while enjoying the food, art and natural landscapes of the City of Pines.

Okay, so it’s about travel writing. Still, it is writing. I mean, the concepts… the discipline… the development of style, are still there. Right?

Besides, it would be great to be included in a crowd of writers. Makes one feels that he is a writer too.

The schedules of activities are: March 23, lecture will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On March 26 to 28, a tour around Baguio, and a workshop on March 30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Lecture and workshop venue would be the Filipinas Heritage Library located in Makati Avenue, Ayala Triangle while accommodations will be at Microtel Baguio.

The slots are limited, and the seminar fee is P9,000. This includes the transportation, accommodation, meals, materials and certificate. Deadline of reservation is March 22. Early birds who will register and pay in full on or before March 17 will be given a 5 percent discount.

Now you know why I say it’s just a wishful thinking on my part. But believe me, if I only have that amount to spare, I would definitely jump on this.

Anyway, if you have the interest (and the funds to boot), you can call  899-7171 or email marketing@microtel.ph for more details.

This is NOT a paid post, nor do I have anything to do with neither the hotel nor the organization holding this seminar. I’m just writing my sentiments on what I read on the paper today.

And maybe some kind-hearted soul may read this… and take heed.

Wishful thinking.

I have so far been successful in warding off the curiosity to play Farmville, Fishville, Mafia Wars, Restaurant City and Café World. But guess what got me? It’s the good ol’ fashion Bejeweled Blitz game.

Yes, the plain game that we used to play in Yahoo! is now also in Facebook and is so far the only game I have played in this social site.

Even my kids were surprised that Angel commented, “This is the first time Daddy has used an application in Facebook.”

This is what happens you wander off your focus, or what is usually identified as a “writer’s block.” You get to different “places” to find a subject to write… or an excuse not to write.

So what is special about Bejeweled Blitz anyway?

Nothing really, except that it’s fast paced, you don’t have to maintain any fields, nothing gets rotten or wilted even if you won’t play for days… and you don’t need neighbors!

There’s no gift to ask and no gift to give. It’s a stand-alone, you’re-on-your-own kind of game. The kind that I like.

Isn’t it boring? Nah! With only one minute per game, you won’t even have time to yawn.

While the game mostly relies on chance, it also involves strategies – quick thinking, sharp eyes and fast reflexes. Believe me, it is not lacking in challenge.

Here’s an interesting anecdote. As I was developing my skills in playing the game, I was very proud when I reached a score of more than 60,000 points… that is after playing for almost an hour. Satisfied, I rested and attended to other chores.

Here comes Angel, who’s just waiting for me to stand up so she can have her turn on internet. She also played Bejeweled because she got curious too. Watching her played, I told her, “You will be lucky to reach 10,000 with your style.”

With that I turned around and went on doing my chore.

Not long enough, I heard my two boys said “Wow!” while they watched Angel play. Curious, I went to take a look, and saw Angel scored 72,000 with less than ten minutes of playing!

My reaction? I told her to stand up and I got back on the computer and once again played. My mission – to beat Angel’s score… which I did after more than 30 minutes of playing.

Now, my personal high is 87,900, a score that I know won’t hold its place for long in our house… yes, there is competition in this place.

So, they can have the farms, the fishes and all the restaurants. I’m quite satisfied just playing Bejeweled.

Now, if Text Twist finds its way on Facebook too. Heaven forbids, my blogging focus would really be a goner.

With everything that is happening around us -- Haiti, Chile and the onslaught of Ondoy and Pepeng last year in the Philippines, it is not really impossible to think that Mother Nature is getting back at us.

Indeed we have done so much damaged to our planet, and now those actions have caused the Earth to do what it needs to do.

Maybe it’s not yet too late… maybe we can still amend our ways… little by little… maybe we can still appease that wrath that is Mother Nature.

And with March being the month that the Earth Hour is being celebrated, it is perfect month to start to be aware,…to take part… and to do what we need to do to save what is left of our one and only home.

Michael Jackson did a very meaningful and beautiful song called the Earth Song, with touching lyrics and a powerful music video, to help us remind of what what we are doing, and that if we can to reach another decade, we should start now… we should act now!

Here’s the music video of Michael’s Earth Song.

If you want to sing along, here’s the lyric of Earth Son:

Earth Song
by Michael Jackson

What about sunrise?
What about rain?
What about all the things,
That you said we were to gain?
What about killing fields?
Is there a time?
What about all the things,
That you said was yours and mine?

Did you ever stop to notice,
All the blood we’ve shed before?
Did you ever stop to notice,
The crying Earth the weeping shores?

Aah…………… Oo………..
Aah…………… Oo………..

What have we done to the world?
Look what we’ve done.
What about all the peace,
That you pledge your only son?
What about flowering fields?
Is there a time?
What about all the dreams,
That you said was yours and mine?

Did you ever stop to notice,
All the children dead from war?
Did you ever stop to notice,
The crying Earth the weeping shores?

Aah…………… Oo………..
Aah…………… Oo………..

I used to dream.
I used to glance beyond the stars.
Now I don’t know where we are.
Although I know we’ve drifted far.

Aah…………… Oo………..
Aah…………… Oo………..
Aah…………… Oo………..
Aah…………… Oo………..

Hey-yea!
What about yesterday?
What about the seas?
The heavens are falling down.
I can’t even breathe!
What about apathy?
I can feel its wounds.
What about nature’s worth?
It’s our planet’s womb!

What about animals?
We’ve turned kingdoms to dust,
What about elephants?
Have we lost their trust?
What about crying whales?
Ravaging the seas.
What about forest trails?
Burnt despite our pleas!

What about the holy land?
Torn apart by creed.
What about the common man?
Can’t we set him free?
What about children dying?
Can’t you hear them cry?
Where did we go wrong?
Someone tell me why!

What about baby boy?
What about the days?
What about all their joy?
What about the man?
What about the crying man?
What about Abraham?
What about death again?
Do we give a damn?!

…do we?

I am glad that I was able to have my computer reformatted and get rid of that stubborn worm virus that managed to get into my PC. Now, my only other problem is my printer. My printer cartridge is still full, I am sure of that, but it makes a lot of noise and the paper won’t feed every time I try to print.

My printer is actually more than 4 years old and I have already recouped its cost more than twice when I still have personalized business. But I still do not have a budget for a new printer since I am trying to raise funds for a wireless router so my kids can have internet on their computers too, which by the way also need reformatting.

So I guess, this weekend it will be another trip for me to the local computer repair to bring my printer for a check-up. Now of course, if the repair of the printer cost more or is just a few pesos cheaper than a brand new one, I might opt to get a new printer instead.

Why am I making a big fuss about my printer? Because it’s the “season of opportunities” when it comes to the personalized business. As early as January this year, I have already received order from a friend for personalized pin buttons. I am just waiting for the confirmation, which maybe anytime soon.

I appreciate art, in all its medium of expression, especially the ones that I can understand.

I dreamed of becoming an artist when I was young. Unfortunately, I wasn’t blessed with the hand for it. So I am contended in appreciating works done by other artists.

Since I started my photoblog, I make it a point to bring my camera every time I go out, you can never tell when you will find some interesting subjects to capture.

This afternoon, when the kids and I went to SM Clark, I was glad that I was bringing my camera.

When went up to the mall’s CyberZone, we saw a beautiful sculpture made of junk, craps, and other pieces of metal that would otherwise be thrown.

As we approached it, I immediately pulled-out my camera and take pictures of the sculpture called “Predator” as it resembled the character from the movie by Arnold Schwarzenegger Predator.

I took picture from every angle imaginable.

Thanks to digital technology, I can take as many pictures as I want until I am contented that I have covered all points, like I was making a picture jigsaw puzzle which I would later.

Satisfied, we continued walking.

As we turned on the other corner, we saw another sculpture from the same materials – nuts and bolts, wires, scrap metals and what-have-you.

This time, the piece resembled the Alien from the Sigourney Weaver movie of the same title.

And just like what I did with “Predator,” I took pictures of the “Alien” sculpture from different angles, in different sections, like I was a “real photographer.”

Never mind if what I’m using is a low-end digital camera, it is able to capture pictures, and it’s all that matters.

So, with pictures from the two art pieces complete, I immediately transferred them to my PC when we arrived home and come up with the most intelligible story I can think of.

The result –  “Predator versus Alien,” my latest entry in my photoblog.

Alien invasion on planet Earth?

Let us pray that one of them is on our side.

A late post, but like I always say – “better late, than later”

During the first week of February, my computer was infected by a worm virus, and unaware that I am, I accessed my blogs, causing them to get infected too. The virus was a stubborn one, which even prohibited me to access some of my files, causing me endless frustrations.

Because I cannot do anything, I was offline for quite a spell, and what a feeling that was… I was so “detached.”

Since I have learned early on that being offline is not really that bad, I tried to make good use of that time to catch up on whatever I may have missed.

While my PC was at the “clinic” for reformatting, I had a one-beer drinking bout with my son Ralph. Yes, he’s just 17 and he may be too young and all, but I’m very sure he already drink. He’s been to two JS Proms in high school. After all, we’re just having one each. How bad can that be?

The next morning, I had a headache (because I am not really a beer drinker) and I almost didn’t work that day. Ralph, on the other hand, just went through his regular daily routines, including his mid-term examinations in the evening.

The “offline time” was also a good opportunity for me to take Angel to the neighborhood “ukay-ukay” that she’s been telling me for more than a month. The delay was actually good, because before, the clothes were P50 a piece, when we went there, they were selling them at 3-pieces-for-P100. And they were brand new, mind you. Not second-hand relief goods that never made it to the beneficiaries.

So we went home with Angel having three new clothes – a jacket, a vest and a dress… for only a P100!

Of course, needless to say, thick dusts that have build up were removed, pending housekeeping jobs done, and other chores that I would dismiss for a later time because “I don’t have the time.”

And because I was not in hurry to get home just to be in front of my computer, I noticed the beautifully “sculptured” branches of the trees on the way to my work. I even took pictures of them!

Lastly, because I was offline, I have these stories that I am able to share to you now.

I guess, it wasn’t really a sorry experience, but rather a necessary one, to make me realize the things that I sometimes take for granted.