Keeping Things Interesting
By The Parodist | April 17, 2008
Alexei asked me a question earlier, which I made me pause for a bit so I can give it my full attention. Let me paraphrase it,
“What should a blogger do to keep a blog interesting?”
Apart from the aesthetic appeal of a blog, i.e. templates, fonts, etc., we’ll always put weight on the content, right? So long as you create good content, the blog will always generate a certain amount of interest from readers. Quite a safe assumption, I should say. We then go on to dissecting the content being created.
Personally, I always keep in mind the following: conversation, stories, use of image (and its quality) and keeping things light and personal.
The blog and the blogger
A blog, for me, is something personal. It ought to reflect your own personality. The more personal and honest-sounding it is, the more your reader can actually relate to it, hence, keeping his or her interest.
I do believe that a blog is about the blogger cuz it is the blogger who creates the content and there lies the quality. There are readers who read the blog specifically for the content that this blogger creates and there are some who read the blog for the blogger, regardless of the content. Change the blogger and the blog will take on a different personality altogether.
Topics: Blogs & Blogging, Writing | 5 Comments »
The Beach Monger: Sunset Cove, Subic
By The Parodist | April 15, 2008
Early Saturday morning, I hopped into Rico’s car for a roadtrip to Subic and an overnight stay at Sunset Cove, courtesy of USAP (who happens to be looking for bloggers btw, just contact Rico for more information) and Alvin, whose family owns this gorgeous piece of land fronting the sea. Anyway, I was Rico’s plus one on this ZeeZoobic Adventure, fancy name for a company outing, eh? Heh.
Since I was just there for the beach Rico, I’ve got nothing special to tell you guys except maybe show you a few photos I took during the trip.
Subic-Tipo Expressway Tunnel
Apart from being a former US Naval Base, Subic is known for its beautiful coastline and, yea, duty free shopping. Hehe. But we went there mainly for the beach, Sunset Cove. As for the shopping part, the memory stings. Weh. I don’t want to get into it. Hmpft.
Granted that the place is called Sunset Cove, you’d think that tis a bit tacky to take photos of the sunset but I couldn’t help it. Good thing I’ve managed to get a couple or so out-of-the-ordinary sunset photos in my set. I noticed that I’ve settled on a theme, photography-wise — silhouettes.
Topics: Gallyvanting Episodes, Photography, The Beach Monger | 22 Comments »
Of Interviews, Events and Features
By The Parodist | April 12, 2008
My week started out with news on the article on Fashion blogs getting published on Manila Bulletin. It was a Sunday. We all know how Sunday issues are hard to find late into the day. Yes. I only read the sms late Sunday afternoon, hence, my missing to get a hard copy.
Yonina Chan got in touch with me, requesting an interview cuz she was doing a piece on local fashion blogs. I agreed, so we met and got it over with. She’s a doll. Very down-to-earth.
Here’s a link to an online copy of the article:
Shout outs to style
by Yonina Chan, Manila Bulletin, 06 April 2008
After that, my week was filled with stuff to do. Like gym (aherm, aherm!), work, and events. I was at the NOKIA Soul of the Night event at the Embassy Superclub and the DELL Philippines launch at Prince of Jaipur.
THEN there’s this newspaper feature on my personal style, well, at least the outfit I wore to the Sunsilk Life Can’t Wait Event. I couldn’t really process the news properly cuz I was close to falling asleep when I got an sms from Alexei. I simply dispatched my yaya to go grab me a copy. Heh.
It’s on JR Isaac’s column in The Philippine Star, “Hue still got it”, 11 April 2008.
You can check it out here:
‘Hue still got it’, Ystyle, Philippine Star
StyleManila.com
It’s been a crazy week for me. I’m so glad I’m heading to the beach in a few hours to get some r&r (Zoobik tayo, phare!). What about you guys? How was your week? DO update me. I’d love to hear from you. Anyway, I’ll see you when I get back!
Topics: Blogs & Blogging, Fabulous Beauty, Gallyvanting Episodes, Press Mentions, The Fashionista | No Comments »
The Parody on WP 2.5
By The Parodist | April 7, 2008
I’m still a bit lost in navigating through this thing but I’m coping. I have to! I actually started off writing this darn post as a page and was about to publish before I realised it. It brought me there by default! It’s a bug, I say. Heh.
I had Rico upgrade my really old WP version (2.1) into the latest, 2.5. Sweet! I guess that’s one of the reasons why I held off on upgrading. I don’t do well with change. Unfortunately. But don’t you get that thing when you’ve already set yourself up with a routine, so you’re not comfortable with anything breaking it? I had wanted to keep the rhythm.
So, what made me go for the upgrade now? Well, I reckon since it’s the latest version and I’ve been a bad blogger for failing to take better care of my own personal blog, this would be a treat of some sort for The Parody and, hopefully, push myself to blog here more often.
I have to admit. I’m not much of a techie. Though, I can learn to do something technical if I put my mind into it but I’ll never be an expert. I play around with a dSLR, tinker with CSS, do SEO, fiddle with gadgets, try to fix the computer, or perhaps, try and make the car start again. Yea, stuff I do just because I need to AND because I’m entertained. Heh.
While we’re on the subject, I’m reminded of the geek test I took a while back which I discovered via my sister. I scored a measly 18.93491%! Pah. Not much of a geek, am I?
Anyway, any of you guys upgraded, too? How are you finding things with WordPress’ latest version? Also, do you consider yourself a techie or a geek? What sort of techie or geeky things do you do? Have you tried taking the geek test? Do share your score, yea?
Topics: Blogs & Blogging, The Reluctant Geek | 8 Comments »
2008 GLAM Network Awards
By The Parodist | April 1, 2008
This year, two of my b5media blogs were nominated in the GLAM Network Awards — one is my fashion blog, Tops 2 Bottoms, and the other one is my Asian beauty blog, Beauty Bento Box. I’m absolutely ecstatic! Weee!
Tops 2 Bottoms falls under the Fashion Publishers list and Beauty Bento Box, the Beauty Publishers list. There are other categories such as Celebrity/Entertainment, Lifestyle, and Shopping Publishers. You guys are free to vote for your favourite blogs (hint, hint!) under all the categories. It’ll only take a couple of minutes of your time. You can click on the buttons I’ve provided below.
P.S. Dear family and friends, don’t forget to vote for me. Please?!
Image: glam.com
Topics: Blogs & Blogging, Fabulous Beauty, The Fashionista, The Reluctant Geek | 2 Comments »
I Blame the PS3!
By The Parodist | March 31, 2008
I’ve been absent. Yes. And I wish I can really put all the blame on my newest baby, a Playstation 3. But I only got my hands on it at the end of this month. I’ve been terribly busy in terms of online and offline responsibilities esp since I was out of the country for a week (end of February and start of March). I’m still adjusting to all the grown up stuff I need to do like scheduling bill payments, juggling finances (keeping multiple accounts at that), keeping house, supervising the help and, at the same time, blogging (and everything related to it).
And then there was the PS3. BUT tis my way of holding on to my *youth*. Please bear with me. LOL.
Ah, the joys of becoming a full-pledged geekoid. I’ve been obsessing on a few games lately. One is Guitar Hero III, Legends of Rock. Gawd. Can you imagine using a Gibson Les Paul guitar controller while you’re battling it out with Tom Morello or Slash? My career peaked in the Easy round, I’m halfway through the Medium.
Image: keepgaming.com
Then again, it’s not the real thing. It just gives you the illusion that you’re actually playing a guitar. This game made me miss playing my bass guitar so bad. LOL. AND I suffered major finger cramping, my hands are still a bit sore esp my left hand. Gah.
THEN there’s Assassin’s Creed. Can you tell it’s a personal favourite? Omigod. I’m so hooked on it right now. I’m real close to finishing the game, currently playing memory block 6. You guys should really check out the graphics on this one. Gawd. You’ll love it whenever he offs someone either direct attacks or stealth assassination. The close-up is a must-see. Absolutely awesome.
Image: Wikipedia
Anyway, I’m going to try extra hard to be here more often. I hope you guys didn’t miss me much. I promise to show you guys some photos from my recent trip to Vietnam and Cambodia.
Topics: Gallyvanting Episodes, Mood Notes, The Reluctant Geek, The Traveler | 6 Comments »
Let’s Eat! Nom Nom Nom Nom
By The Parodist | February 25, 2008
Regardless of what everyone else thinks, or the “how I stay thin” theory — that I’m more mindful of taking photographs of my food than eating them — that Brad Geiser came up with, yea, I do love to eat. In fact, I love trying new dishes, which was exactly what I did last week, hence, me summing up the week as a, er, food thing. Whatev. Let me show you why.
Friday
I attended the Coffee gets Naughty Event, wherein Délifrance ushered us into the new phase of the café and resto. There I was able to sample a couple of dishes that they serve. I have to admit I was surprised with the menu, even more when they said that it’s what they really serve their customers. This change is good.
Salad (I forget what it’s called)
I love the combination of flavours. Seafood, fruit, carrots and the leaf greens. I’m growing to like eating salads lately. I have to say this is Rico’s influence. Heh.
Beef Stroganoff
Never had my pasta this way. I’ve always preferred a red sauce. Twas a bit on the oily side but that beats being dry and stringy. I always enjoy eating mushrooms. Hehe.
Topics: Gallyvanting Episodes, Photography | 6 Comments »
Best Way to Spend Valentine’s Day
By The Parodist | February 14, 2008
A photo is worth a thousand words.
But you can also use the comment area below to transcribe them words.
Hi, Rico!
Happy Hearts Day, everyone!
Gullible. 
Photo by Sophie Uy using my 400D.
Topics: Dating & Relationships, Gallyvanting Episodes | 18 Comments »
In All Directions
By The Parodist | February 5, 2008
Where am I going?
What do I believe in?
How do I feel?
I’ve been told in more than one occasion that I should never live in a de-militarised zone. Lukewarm is not acceptable. That I should learn that there is such a thing as right and wrong, both aren’t subjective. I was also advised that I should dream, set a goal. All because we ought to put some focus in our lives and not go wandering about it aimlessly.
This reminds me of something I told a friend earlier — I said that I have a rigid moral compass. Principles set such high expectations on others, more so on myself. If you fancy that I am hard on others, do consider that I’m more hard on myself, that I often see myself as a disappointment.
Topics: Mood Notes, Philosophy & Paradox | 4 Comments »
8 Questions for 2008
By The Parodist | January 27, 2008
A bit late into the month to be doing this but I reckon the remaining 11 months may just prove to be ample time for me to work on these things. Connie left these questions for me to answer. Gawd. I did take my time, eh?
Without further ado —
Professional
1. Do you have plans to change careers? Why or Why not?
What career?! I kid. I kid. Well, I reckon I’m going to stay wherever I am until an idea, strong enough to move me, comes. Reason is because I’d like to be like water flowing downhill. It changes its course accordingly, depending on the terrain. Know what I mean?
2. What work related goal would you like to achieve this year?
My goals have been pretty simple, a daily sort of thing. I am working towards something but I want that to be kept private, seemingly like a wish. One thing I do want to accomplish this year: save more than I spend. Heh.
Socio-Cultural
3. If you were to attend a school reunion which would you attend: Grade School, High School, College/University? Why?
High School! Sentimental reasons. Once a Bedan, Always a Bedan. (naks! Am I right, Mel?) And I pretty much keep in touch with my close friends from Bene. I’d love to see old classmates from my batch, Bene 95.
4. Which local tourist destination do you plan to visit this year?
Palawan, mid this year. Travel plans are in the works. Boracay, too. Hopefully during the summer. With the gurls. Hehehe.
5. Which foreign destination do you wish to visit this year?
Vietnam and Cambodia. ‘Nuff said.
Political
6. If you were to suggest a New Year’s Resolution to your local official, what would it be?
That they study and I mean really study effective urban planning.
Personal
7. If you were to learn one thing this year, what would it be?
There are a lot of things that I need to learn, so, narrowing it down to just one thing is quite difficult. But I guess I’d have to say, I’d like to learn how to take good photos using a Rangefinder camera (hi Juned!).
and
8. What do you regret about 2007? How do you plan to make up for it this 2008?
Made lots of mistakes last year. Trusted too much, failed to sift through decisions I had to make and jumped in too soon. This year, I plan to make the most out of what I have. It doesn’t have to be grand or spectacular. Sometimes, small things are the ones that make life awesome. I’d like to take in events as they come, never to rush things. Besides, I don’t want to fret esp since one of my main goals this year is to gain weight!
There you go. Simple answers. I can’t help but think that I’m going to have one uneventful year ahead. LOL. But I do hope all the stuff I want to happen will come to pass and accomplish the goals I’ve set for myself. Wish me luck!
So, what about you guys? Care to take a shot at answering the questions? If you already have or plan to, let me know. I’d love to check them out!
Topics: Blogs & Blogging, Mood Notes, Photography, The Rambler | 6 Comments »