philopen-blog

[philopen-blog]

To an immersing new network classification aka “What happened to ‎Rappler‬?”

Yes, elections is nearing and bias is often perceived in political coverage. No one can deny that. Even over cutting pizza and serving halo-halo, partiality happens. ‪#‎SaanAngRekado‬

Let’s say that when a news consumer ascribe to media bias, it can come from a report that is accurate but at odds with the citizens' own biases. Kaya madaling baluktutin ang judgment ng publiko kasi kahit ’di assertive ang atake ng reporting, may damage pa rin. Meaning may influence sa decision making. And since people regard your network’s character as nonpareil in investigative journalism especially effected on an online platform where everyone is present, they can be oblivious kasi magagalang sila sa inilalabas ni’yong impormasyon. Nagtitiwala dahil mapagkakatiwalaan kayo. Kasi kayo ang muling nagpakilala ng responsible journalism noong 2011.

It’s easy to reproach too kasi trabaho ni’yo ’yan and has been the bulk of your career, but then again, critics are not challenging your rationale and your team’s professions. So, when you decided to self-justify by writing back on your followers’ comments sections, it’s not just about being logical but being emotional too…just as how we’re passionate about our opinions. So, let us not discount emotions, shall we? Be reminded you’re not robots.

Journalism is a subjective art. Your practitioners continually make decisions about the news you put out – what stories to cover, what facts to use, what facts to highlight in your stories, and what stories to present most prominently. And each of those decisions was an opportunity for opinions to seep in. Depende na lang kung na-master ni’yo ang opinion blocking at attitude of professional detachment. But not.

What delivers the message is your writers’ selection and arrangement of facts. Your writers have, unfortunately, illuminated some of the news you put out by juxtaposing facts in a certain way. Sana, na-check ng editors ni’yo.

[philopen-blog]

I and the Pangasinan Watch team covered Manaoag town's Christmas Special launch where lights pranced the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Manaoag and children harmonized beautifully as they sing their hearts out for the wondrous season of giving. ‪#‎pwatch‬‪#‎pangasinanwatch‬ ‪#‎krismasinmanaoag‬

[philopen-blog]

Beastmode si Duterte, iboboto mo ba siya? Kapag naging pangulo raw si Duterte, lahat ng tao, licensed to defamatory language, kahit saan at kahit kailan. Kaya ‘wag kang magrereklamo kung bigla ka na lang murahin ng konduktor sa bus o ni kuyang magtataho kapag nagpadagdag ka ng arnibal kasi gusto mong laging matamis ang buhay. Si Papa nga, hindi nakaligtas.

Magandang wake-up daw call sa umaga…habang maaga pa, at hindi pa tuluyang nasisira ang Pilipinas, dahil ayon kay disqualified Presidential candidate Grace Poe, “ayusin natin ang Pilipinas”. Sa papaanong paraan? “Sa matuwid na daan,” wika ni Mar Roxas na puro paid advertisements ang nakabalandra sa telebisyon.

Kapag naging pangulo raw si Duterte, asahan mo... Continue reading

[philopen-blog]

Eba sa Halalan 2016, handa ka na ba?

Grace Poe. Leni Robredo. Risa Hontiveros.

Kaniya-kaniyang dumalo sa kaniya-kaniya ring acceptance ball sa Elysium ng Pangasinan. Nagpakilala gamit ang sandatang kalatas sa dayalogo, at kalasag laban sa mapanirang uri. Handang harapin ang kawan ng media na may matalino at nakababagod na pakiwari.

Hawak ang mikropono. Tayong matuwid para sa krusadang ‘Tuwid na Daan’.

Ako po si Grace Poe, anak ng dakilang Panday na si Fernando Poe, Jr. Nais kong sundin ang yapak ng aking ama.

Pero patutunayan ko munang ang kalaguyan ng bansa ay nananalaytay sa aking dugo bago ako itakwil ng lupang ibig kong pagsilbihan. Nauna na akong talikdan ng Liberal Party pero buo pa rin ang aking dignidad.

Ako si Leni Robredo, byuda ng dating DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo. At hindi kailanman magtatapos lang sa papel na iyon ang gampanin ko. Isusulong ko ang people empowerment.

Pero kailangan ko munang libutin ang kalahatan ng Pilipinas para sa aking pagkakilanlan. Baguhan man, utak-batido naman.

Ako si Risa Hontiveros. Ordinaryong mamamayan. Walang bigating pangalan.

Pero ekstra-ordinaryo ang pangarap para sa bayan. Hindi lang ako puro ganda. May ibubuga ang aking plataporma.  Strong, minsan kape. Kadalasan, ako.

Malinaw ang manifesto. Babae ang uupo at mamamahala. Hindi hirang mangyari ang hula. Pero, handa na ba ulit si Juan matapos pagdaanan ang ‘Hello Garci’ scandal?

Marahil ay gabi-gabi’y mo ng naririnig ang countdown para sa papalapit na Pasko. Ngunit may isang argumento ring lumalangoy sa likod ng isipan ng marami. Ano ang kaibahan ng destino sa intensyon? Ng hangarin sa panukala? Ng dedikasyon sa simbuyo? Marami ang gustong maluklok sa posisyon pero bakit nangingibabaw ang maputlang pakay. Muling raratsada ang mga politikong may ambisyon. Agresibo ngunit mautak na metodolohiya. Naka-uuto. Nakapanlilinlang. Kaya mag-iingat!

Bakit si Poe sa pagka-Presidente?

Malinis ang reputasyon at walang bahid ng korapsyon ang pangalan maliban sa popularidad sa telebisyon. Kaya mainit sa pulso ng bayan.

Siya na nga siguro ang bagong bida sa pulitika. Ang katapatan, pagiging mahinahon, at mapagmahal ang tila angking katangian na likas sa kaniyang katawan - mahirap na katapat ngayong binabalot ng itim na salamangka ang paligsahan.

Ang ganitong elemento ng karisma ay isang malakas na puwersa sa pulitikang Pilipino. Tiyak na magbabalik ang alaala ng pagkamatay ng Da King. Sa pagkakataong ito ay isang damdaming nais bumuhay sa katauhan ng bidang namayapa at ibangon ang dangal ng isang bidang nagbabalik sa katauhan ng anak.

Bakit si Robredo sa pagka-Bise Presidente?

Kailangan ng bansa ang ina gaya ni Leni Robredo. Isa siyang lawyer, isang ekonomista. Kung may lider tayo sa gobyerno na mga barako na tinatawag nating mga providers, kailangang may ilaw ring nakasindi upang magsilbing diwa at mabuting karakter. Importante ang may pulso ng nanay. Marunong mag-alaga at umalalay. Palaban subalit may prinsipyo.

Bakit si Hontiveros sa pagka-Senador?

Bukod sa mahiwagang alampay ni Madam Hontiveros na ipaglalaban ka sa katiwalian at korapsyon (ad campaign Circa 2013), pangatlong tangka, subok at sikap na nitong pagtakbo sa paliku-likong Senatorial race.

Panahon na upang mag-angat ng progresibo sa Senado. Palalawakin ni RISA ang saklaw ng diskurso sa isang espasyong pulitikal na pinaghaharian na ng konserbatismo at tradisyunal na mga ideolohiya.

Hindi lang basta bago, dapat may malinaw na plataporma at paninindigan sa mga isyu. Nakaangkla ang plataporma ni RISA sa pagtataguyod ng interes ng mga kababaihan at kabataan, ng kalusugan at kapaligiran, ng malinis na pamamahala at progresibong pulitika.

Ang pagpasok ni Risa sa Senado ay maghuhudyat ng panunumbalik ng ating mga institusyon sa kamay ng mga karaniwang mamamayan.

[philopen-blog]

Look who's going to be at the biggest Business to Blogger event in the Philippines?

Yes, me!!! Blogapalooza is back this October 25th at One Esplanade.

Since 2011, Blogapalooza has been a bridging Business to Bloggers where businesses can showcase brands, products and services to influencers, top bloggers, Facebook power users, Twitter superstars, Instagram icons as well as to our traditional media partners.

Bloggers are the online influencers that drive the world in today’s tech savvy market! The creators of “Blogapalooza” are bloggers and digital online specialists themselves so they fully understand the power and influence that bloggers bring with them.

If you’re a blogger, a Twitter trend setter, a YouTube sensation, a Facebook influencer or if you’re all of the above, then come join us as we bring fourth this Blogapalooza of an event to give you nothing but the best to share with your online networks.

Businesses on the other hand will be able to reach to hundreds of bloggers in just one location all at the same time. These businesses can meet potential online partners and ambassadors that will make write-up and features about brands, features and products.

Registration for Blogapalooza is still open, just visit blogapalooza.ph/bloggers-sign.

[philopen-blog]

Profile pictures in motion? Facebook is at it! 

Facebook will soon be allowing short videos as profile pictures. Yes—moving, animated pictures of yourself to help maintain Facebook’s hip and trendy vibe.

Facebook wants users to have the chance to show their creativity, and show their friends a different side of their personality. Though 7 seconds may seem short, it is enough to send a new vibe to other users.

According to Facebook, users cannot express themselves by a mere ‘flat’ picture. By allowing GIF’s to be used as profile pictures, users are free to express themselves in any way they want to.

Although most of the world is already hooked on the said site, Facebook always wants to give the world a new feature to look forward to. Aside from the “animated” profile picture, there are 4 other features to expect.

Profile Picture Animation

This is the biggest change Facebook users are expecting. Though right now, only a few group of people are able to use the feature, it is scheduled to be released worldwide soon.

Temporary Profile Photos

Tired of your profile picture right now? Now, you can change your profile picture into something you are currently doing—updating your friends of how you are today! The picture will return to its previous ‘look’ once you tell it to.

Enhanced Visibility Controls

There will be a new customizable space at the top of your profile. Another outlet to let your personality and preferences shine through.

Ability to “Pin” Photos

As mentioned in #3, users will now be able to pin up to 5 photos at the top of their profile page as featured photos.

Mobile Design Improvements

In short, the mobile view of Facebook will be more visually appealing, easier to navigate, and encourage you to browse longer.

For sure, more and more people will get hooked!

[philopen-blog]

Startup Weekend to kickstart Pangasinan entrepreneurs Ready. Set. Startup: Plug and connect with the local start-up community

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan - The Province of Pangasinan, wired by its quality human resources, potential IT locations, and corporate assets, bolsters its entrepreneurial ecosystem by participating in the first-ever Startup Weekend in Northern Luzon. Hosted by Pangasinan ICT Council, it will debut in Lingayen on November 6-8 at Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center.

Powered by Google for Entrepreneurs and an initiative of UP Global, a non-profit company dedicated to fostering grassroots leadership and strong communities, Startup Weekend serves as a catalyst for individuals to share their ideas, explore opportunities, and take risks in a safe environment with access to proper tools needed to succeed. It also supports development and expansion of entrepreneurship by immersing participants in the process of moving an idea to launching a business in the market.

"It shortens their way to success. It eliminates early startup mistakes that inexperienced founders eventually encounter during the early phase of the business", says Vanj Padilla, President of Pangasinan ICT Council (PICTC), and organizer of Startup Weekend Pangasinan (#swpangasinan).

Pangasinenses with different skillsets - primarily developers, coders, designers, business people, and students with technical background - are qualified to join the three-day event to develop a commercial case around them, supplemented with mentorship from key people in the tech industry.

What unites all attendees is a common interest in entrepreneurship: whether a serial entrepreneur or new to the startup scene. A key facet of the weekend – and a central value for participants – is the spirit of complete collaboration, buy-in, and ownership.

The mission: to embark on an intense 54-hour course which focuses on building a web or mobile application from scratch that could form the basis of a credible and sustainable start-up business. No talk, all action.

Aspiring entrepreneurs get a minute to pitch their ideas on practical topics before a vote is applied by a group. Contributors will split themselves among the projects chosen to lend their skills in making a product. Teams will form organically, consolidate, and begin working. Curating the right mix of enthusiastic local participants who will form teams around those ideas is part of the magic of the Startup Weekend.

This experience shows how much can be achieved with limited time and resources. The fast pace requires teams to focus on the needs of the customer, and creating something that they actually want. It is common for teams to pivot to a new solution, or even a completely new idea after understanding their potential customers.

"We're teaching skills through the lens of entrepreneurship, but we're also trying to have communities build themselves. At Startup Weekend, participants should secure their idea, and have passion to pursue it. Logically, to execute those ideas, they should know who their target market is", says Tzar Umang, the Chief Operating Officer of Yolanda's Atrium Events Services, and one of the event’s mentors.

After spending the weekend testing the market, developing a business plan, and building a product, each team has five minutes to pitch their new product or service, including their working prototypes to show them in action, plus a 2 to 3-minute Q&A from a panel of expert judges.

The winning team leaves with a handful of valuable resources, including potentially meeting with venture capitalists who are interested in continuing on the development on their projects.

Should you choose to accept the challenge to kickstart your business idea, learn some new skills or just be part of a fun filled weekend with a group of passionate forward thinking locals, then register today at bit.ly/swpangasinan.

[philopen-blog]

Pangasinan touts growth of ICT industry in Luzon leg of IT-BPM Roadshow

As plans are afoot to build a regional government center in Pangasinan, the province also magnifies its energy to take on board the development initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) called the Next Wave Cities.

The Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO) primarily considered Pangasinan, among all provinces in Luzon, to implement this year’s Information Technology - Business Process Management (IT-BPM) Roadshow in slated on September 10 to 11 at Consuelo Hotel, Lingayen.

Since 2001, there has been a dramatic surge in the development of the IT-BPM industry in the Philippines as seen it its high employment, revenue generation, and outsourcing destination. However, the National Capital Region (NCR) leads the status quo. Therefore, there is a need to spread the welfare across other regions and cities while easing the inflationary pressures in high-density IT-BPM locations.

In this respect, the roadshow aims to provide a proper venue among the province’s labor force including the government and the local stakeholders to present and discuss prospects of the IT-BPM industry in realizing a more balanced development and providing more job opportunities in the countryside poising it to ride a new wave of revolution in information and communications technology (ICT).

Speakers from various organizations such as the Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI), Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), and the Philippine Software Industry Association of the Philippines (PSIA) will be sharing awareness on the IT-BPM industry, challenges on ICT infrastructure building, and strategies in making Pangasinan a prime mover of ICT initiatives that will lead to competent human resources.

With the annual 30% growth of the IT-BPM industry in the country, employment has diversified significantly in breadth, scale, and maturity of services.

“Through our Next Wave CitiesTM initiative, we aim to create regional ICT hubs and provide economic opportunities in these areas with the help of our partners from the IT-BPM sector. We look forward to engaging everyone in a dialogue to explore employment and partnership opportunities for all stakeholders in these localities,” DOST-ICT Office Deputy Executive Director Monchito Ibrahim said.

The roadshow also aims to promote ITpreneurship through testimonials from successful e-commerce and IT advocates in Pangasinan such as Brian Escano of Farmout, Mike Fernandez of Pixelhub Asia, and Ryan Catambing of Riemann Technology Solutions.

Vanj Padilla, the President of Pangasinan ICT Council (PICTC) said that “Pangasinan is envisioned to be the best place to invest, live, work and raise a family. So, putting up BPO companies in the area is a right move.” Padilla will deliver a talk indicating that the town of  Lingayen is a potential Next Wave City – a Philippine-specific term that identifies ICT hubs beyond Manila, based on implemented criteria.

To see a copy of the IT-BPMC Roadshow’s schedule, go to metrodagupanict.wix.com

About MDICT Office - MDICT is a non-stock and a non-profit volunteer organization that aims to promote Pangasinan and its chartered cities to be the next Big Wave IT Hubs in the Philippines. Its core function is to empower students and improve IT competency, drive the development of IT infrastructure and invite IT businesses to start up or expand their operations in Pangasinan. MDICT is a member of the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) and a partner of the DOST-ICTO office.

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Tree Top Adventure presents The 2nd Tour Operators Meeting: a first in the City of Pine

The 2nd Tour Operators Meeting administered by Tree Top Adventure was held at Baguio Camp on September 10, 2015. Travel agencies convened to discuss plans on helping making the Philippines the leading tourism region in Asia. The forum also provided a venue for the private retailers to upgrade their services, and raise their business concerns and solutions.

Tree Top Adventure has the only motorized ziplines and team building facilities in the Philippines. It has six outdoor activities which offer a different experience for every thrill seeker: the Canopy Ride, a ride similar to the concept of cable cars; the Trekking and Skywalk, both good for adventurers who just like to walk and appreciate the beauty of nature; the Superman Ride, a horizontal motorized zipline in which you’ll be flying backwards and forwards; the Silver Surfer; and the Tree Drop. 

For team building, Tree Top Adventure offers sets of challenges not just for the body but for the mind as well.

The event won't be possible if not for these sponsors: Apag Marangle, Aquabest, Globe, Hattendo, Manila Bulletin, Pinoy Blogger, Subic Bay Yacht Club, Tag Media and Public Relations, The Manor, The Forest Lodge, and Wrangler.

For more information about the services of Tree Top Adventure, visit their website at www.treetopadventureph.com or check out their Facebook page at Tree Top Adventure Camp;  Instagram @tree_top_adventure; and Twitter @TreeTopPH for updates.

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I realized that no matter how beautiful love makes our lives to be, it is just as dreadful as it is unappealing. That there are certain faults in us that we cannot change anymore.

I thought that love will still be as gentle as the wind that blows our sails, only to find out that we have been already beaten ourselves off track because we tried to fight the waves instead of drifting with them. Yet I went with the flow of things, and end up being washed away into an unknown shore.

I am no good as you are no good too.

We cast each other to an infinite fall. A fall so tremendous that we do not see no collapse to the ground. Only falling infinitely like how we first felt when we...

...fell in love.

But only differently now.

[philopen-blog]

ADRIS, the latest development solution in disaster response

Each year continues the trend of increasing natural disasters around the globe. According to studies, the Philippines ranks as the third most disaster-prone country because of elevated exposure to calamities such as cyclones, flooding, and sea level rise.

These imminent occurrences can be predicted and monitored through modern technologies. But broadcasting of warning signals and cautionary instructions at appropriate time can be challenging.

Comm Asia Group, Inc., a conglomerate based in Pangasinan that offers digital services, aims to redefine the world of traditional alert system by developing an information structure.

ADRIS that stands for Automated Disaster Response Information System is a computer software that uses cellular data to notify and send out alerts (early warning, evacuation, and relief information) from the Office of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management to communities. It uses SMS because it is a relatively low-tech communication protocol, and is one of the first services to be restored after a network outage.

ADRIS can help save lives, protect livelihood, and strengthen recovery by delivering timely and targeted information to the population making response efforts more efficient. It also works remotely round-the-clock and operates as soon as disaster develops.

Unlike traditional SMS-based alert system, which requires broadcast messages to be delivered to every subscriber on a carrier’s network, ADRIS allows the aid agency through a location-based database to specify a particular region or a neighborhood to which messages will be sent.

Moreover, it manages outgoing and incoming SMS between the aid agency and disaster affected people. The sets of information it delivers elicit exceptional response rates from mobile phone users in need of help, giving them an effective voice on how assistance should be distributed.

The sending speed of a 160-character SMS ranges from 3-5 seconds. ADRIS also implements a long SMS splitting algorithm, which allows sending of thousands of characters without system lag experiences.

Designed with a number of key features such as an emergency hotline database, and water level monitoring and alerting system, it is also tailored to the integral needs of the aid agency in terms of data security, protection and control, and technical support that includes maintenance and data management and recovery.

ADRIS has been well tried and tested in the provinces of Iloilo and Lanao del Norte – both vulnerable to occasional typhoons – where preparation and mitigation have been improved.

Comm Asia Group, Inc. is currently rolling out to install ADRIS into 40 provinces and municipalities in the Philippines by the end of the year.

***

For inquiries on ADRIS packages and pricing, contact Comm Asia Group, Inc. at 09461761000/09229122600 or via email at adrisphilippines@gmail.com.

[philopen-blog]

The clouds start dissipating, while the rain is about to pour.

It’s that time where the summer is ending – time where the fuming spirits of the youth are disturbed, and uncalled.

I always wonder how it feels to have a room with overlooking windows on it. It must be thrilling to see in slow motion how the outside world works its magic.

The swaying of the leaves, the ‘taho’ vendor in his tight washed blue jeans, the parade of filthy cars, the sunlight streaking through to my unsullied face; what a beguiling moment, and a tempting fancy for a bed fest with someone you want to get intimate with.

But...

...lost are the days when the clamor of the tiger dragonflies visits you at home. Pandesal deliveries have gone astray, yet the harmonic horn blows often play to the lethargic millennia atmosphere.

Memories at sea continue to linger; blue times evaporate. And the stink of today’s people's viewpoints vexes my hunger for revolution, and amity.

When will cats realize they’re not animals, but extraterrestrials?  And when will the human race recognize its futility?

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I dress in accordance as to how I look, not as an attempt to conform to any labels there exist.

Don’t tickle me with your redundant humor because I’m far from finding ignorance amusing. Don’t even misjudge me faultily. I’ve been a fraud half of my life, and this ought to be my poetic philosophy.

Welcome to the labyrinth of a tortured mind! 

[philopen-blog]

A good administration starts ahead with a strategic and USEFUL agenda, not caution.

PNoy appeared to hinge on the past quite a lot and use that excuse to boost his governance. There was no exercise of control without fear or favor. In fact, he was not reluctant to bully those who he credits corruption upon and yet preserves the minions who committed misdeeds in full view of the public.

I only heard him say sorry for barking throughout his speech but not on the Mamasapano misencounter or his phony frank talks with the 44 slain SAF commandos on top of being disrespectfully late at their necrological service.

He treated his position in jest; a room of absenteeism I isolate - whether for rescuing an OFW on death notice or evacuating flood victims and delivering them food before a succession of hunger games happen in reality.

I’m saddened by the maliciousness the current government crops to wage against people of people. I’m saddened by how that method didn’t even come to good use. The underfunding on SUCs with overdue alternative offers and major educational reforms with limited 2 years to basic education are some of the exploited efforts PNoy could have addressed. Since the education system is hope for the nation. For the poor.

How about presenting a new vision for our all-important agricultural sector instead of blithely settling from the original objective of rice self-sufficiency by 2013?

Or not dwelling on one simplistic slogan that says: Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap because the undeniable persistence of poverty to this day makes that development strategy a correspondence to the continuation of corruption. Which means, it’s crappy?

Please, the pitiful blend on less results and vilification and the encouragement of your love taletell does not mean you have become fruitful. The Filipino nation deserves more.

[philopen-blog]

#WalangForever

x: Why do we need to put so much pressure on this? Love? I don't know what true love means anymore. You know, I want to feel that love again. With someone who deserves it. On the right time, with the right person. And if that love means I have to wait, then I should. You're asking me about my feelings? Well, I'm not sure. I don't want to conclude. Kasi kung kinikilig ako ngayon. Bukas? Kikiligin pa rin ba ako?

y: Your concept of love is so strategic.

x: I've been through worst. And I should learn my lessons. Strategic, if that so, then it's okay. Nakakapagod na kasing sumugal. Nakakapagod nang magmahal. That's why I have to be wise, brave, and strategic sa larangang ito.

y: You need validation to being in love? That's pathetic. It's like not wanting to believe the existence of air because you don't see it. If your heart is telling you something, then go for it, whatever circumstance or situation you are in. You go for it because you can and you are not afraid to take risks. Because people who are worth taking risks for are the people you truly love. And loving in that way isn't wrong.

x: Love does't mean any pain. It should always make you happy. And if rushing into things would cause me pain, then that isn't love. Infatuation lang siguro. And if taking risks now would only give me a bit of happiness. Then, I say no. What I learned in Economics was that, we should always aim for long term. It should be sustainable.

y: Kung kalkulado ka magmahal dahil gusto mo nakaayon lahat sa kagustuhan mo dahil 'yun ang paniniwala mo ng isang sustainable, happy, at painless relationship...then sign me in. Mananatiling teorya lamang 'yan. Walang pagmamahal na puro seguridad at kaligayahan lamang.

x: But at least, it should compensate kung ano man 'yung pighating dumadating.

y: Then that's being selfish. Selfish not for wanting what you want but for dictating your emotions.

x: It's being proactive.

y: It's being coward.

x: It's actually being wise.

y: It's being wisely irrational.

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I am not okay.

When things fail for me, I medicate by isolating myself. Growing up, I learned to handle my problems alone. I don't want to hamper anyone's baggage. Because I don't want to be someone's anticlimax. That I ruined it for them. That I was supposed to be capable. But I have been told that solitude is different from being alone. Being alone means cowardice. Lack of courage. Absence of self. That's when I realized that as I grew up, my baggage was filling up and I was ruining my own climax. I was losing myself. The void reasoning and knowing the unknown. And righting the wrongs. When all that I could and should have done was say, "I am not okay."

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Why love?

Why are we given one heart and yet are able to love more than one? Who should we fall in love with? Why do we orchestrate ideals when finding love? Or do we even have to find love to stay happy? How can we tell if someone is the right person for us? From where do we validate our emotions to say that what we feel is real? Could our hearts lie to us? Why is love complicated and yet easy to bear?