It's a Wrap For 2020

 

2020 in a wrap.

Top trends and searches via Google. Watch the video...

Thank you 2020.

Happy New Year, yáll!!

~billymacdeus

Seeing ur Addictions

 

“What we consider to be harmless indulgences can easily become full-blown addictions. We start with coffee in the morning, and soon enough we can’t start the day without it. We check our email because it’s part of our job, and soon enough we feel the phantom buzz of the phone in our pocket every few seconds. Soon enough, these harmless habits are running our lives.”

Excerpt From: Holiday, Ryan. “The Daily Stoic.” Apple Books. 

Pinipili mo ba ang kinababaliwan mo? Nasa tamang landas ba ito, o, ang iyong kalayaan ay nakataya na?
Mga katanungang, madaling sagutin sa pamamagitan lamang ng iyong sarili - katotohanang magpapalaya sa 'yo.

To quote an addict - "addiction is when we have lost freedom to abstain".

What are the next steps upon identifying and seeing these addictions? Take control and put clarity to your paths where your freedom is not at stake.

~ billymacdeus

Prayer Of The Fallen

#guestpost from Bheyvee

I heard a voice from out beyond. A familiar tone wrapped in warmth; it was him.
And so, I spoke as he drew near, I whispered to the wind, as if he would hear. My voice quivering, shaking in fear.
My lips let out these words in hushed tones, for I knew it was forbidden: you are my religion.
My saving grace in times of need, for every breath you take, seems holy to me.
For every word that drops from your lips is what I believed the book of truth speaks.
That your every deed and every move is what will save the lives of many. My liege, my king, the most holy one, please! Oh, please!
Tell us how to rid of our tainted skin, our sinful minds, our wretched lives. Tell us what to do, for we are your sheep; your lowlife followers, that will do as you please.
We'll offer our best and then ourselves, for it is what you decree. My lord, our savior, tell me what thine need and I will give whatever it is so your heart shall be pleased. Your word speaks of many things, such hopeful and kind deeds.
So, I’ll preach you well, as a god should be preached. I'll put you on a pedestal and give my all, and all you shall receive. My god, my king, the hopeful light your love is what I need.
But what would the love of a god do when I have long stopped to believe? Yes, it may seem foolish of me to fall for your charming sighs and wistful smile. But what could I do? I have fallen for you.
Though it is forbidden by the book of your word, and the promise of your tomorrow. But I guess I was moronic enough to think that you would give up the skies for me and walk among the fires of hell with me.
For I was the demon that had fallen for the god, who was bound to kill me to save his land above. (prayer of the fallen // 82519)

#guestpost

#originalContent

#poetry

INC Year-End Pasalamat 2020

 

Let's cut to the chase. 

Whilst the world is seemingly trying to envelope darkness and hopelessness for the year 2020, due to the multitude of indescribable and horrific experiences: calamities, mental health deterioration, pandemic, shootings, abuse, economic downfall, poverty among others; there is still light - a beacon of hope is there, and the constant, if not the unwavering faith of the Iglesia Ni Cristo members are felt and seen.

This fervent unison of faith and hope among the brethren in INC, whether you are a silent observer or critique will never deny you of its unspeakable actions. Whose throng of membership do its worship services on the allotted worship days? - none other than the members of the Church of Christ. 

Let alone the struggles or obstacles the pandemic situation is parading before these faithful servants - they've stood their ground. You can see them flocking wherever there is a house of worship (chapel), and not discounting the government's health protocols (yes, not only about social distancing but of wearing masks and faceshields, and registering via the contract tracing forms every time).

2020, indeed is not easy. And yet, INC members are thankful, grateful, and dedicated in following its devotion - holding up to its yearly Thanksgiving before the year-ends.

Behind those smiles and brightened faces, alight with hope and happiness - were trials and tribulations they overcame, or possibly still being experienced. But those were not showstoppers in fulfilling their obligation. The show must go on - driven with love, driven with faith, driven with hope.

All for the glory of the Almighty God.

Happy Thanksgiving, brethren.

~billymacdeus

7 Clear Functions of the Mind

 

As i go deeper in the pages of @ryanholiday's The Daily Stoic Book, it's trying to cement my conviction about the significance of achieving "peace", tranquility and calmness as we tread the journey in this world.

Faith-wise on a personal level, we are just sojourners in this universe - the true peace will be finally achieved in the Holy City. 

(I am not promoting or influencing you, as a reader to believe in my faith but for the purpose of comparison, about the peace in this world vs the true peace, ain't it also beautiful and fulfilling if we strive to achieve peace as we are living in this universe?; therefore this learning of the Stoic Life is quite applicable to every human being, no matter what religion you are in)

Stoic Life's 7th Day reading talks about the 7 Clear Functions of the mind:

It has it's simple phrasing per function. Review and put it in action - meditate and apply.

~billymacdeus

Caffeine Guide: For Newbies and Coffee Enthusiasts

 

Most friends of mine are coffee drinkers... it's like it's part of the daily routine, coffee intake and talks over cuppa coffee.

Here's a quick and definitive guide about caffeine... ranging from commercialized sodas, energy boosters and even coffee shops like starbucks.

PS: it's amazing to know that even Monster energy drink contains caffeine, no wonder!

~ billymacdeus

Airpods Pro - I caved In (delayed post)

 

Last October 2019, i posted a kind of pros and cons article if it's worth getting an Apple Airpods. (this was the blog i wrote back then: Airpods - Is It Worth To Grab One? )

Welp, it just occurred to me now, that it took me a year to decide - ha ha ha! Let's not go into the detail what pursued me to get one.

Three months ago - October this year, i finally caved in.

With my 3 mos using this little baby - i must say, am gonna rate it as 5 out of 5 stars.

These are the main drivers why i luvved it!

1. Seamless connection to my iPhone, Car Stereo, AppleWatch & my MBP

- no doubt, it's one of those domains that @Apple is good at, the tremendously flawless synching/talking/easyset-up between its platforms. And i'm just .... hands-down impressed to it.

2. Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode

- it's not fair to compare this because i never owned any high-end earphones or head-phones (ie) Beats or Bose, until this one came. But i'm really enjoying - pretty ecstatic always whenever i'm using this lil babe.

3. Wireless! period

- yeahhhh!!!! Gone are the days of the tangling wired earbuds. It has improved my productivity a whole lot.

____

Below's a shortclip of my self-vid while walking/jogging wearing the lil babe back in November 1, 2020.  Another cool thing? - it doesn't fall off easily despite the rigorous run or jog activities.

I even use this lately in my bike rides.

extra caution: make sure that you activate "transparency" mode while doing your physical activities (jogging, running, walking, biking, cycling, aerobics, etc).

How To Operate (excerpt from Apple.com)

take note: you can't adjust the volume by taps or press; instead, use Hey Siri commands.

Battery Info (excerpt from Apple.com)

batteries by default are consumable, take care of your gadget by keeping it learn when to charge together with your iphone dashboard/notif

I'm not really a huge Apple Fanboy, but in case you are also deciding to grab one, why don't you try the Airpods Max?

And to save you from googling, as of this time - these are the prices:

~billymacdeus

Back Packing Lifehack

 

Summer is just around the corner, Pinas-wise.

I would long for the December breeze again or the hanging Amihan, the soft-cold-nonbiting freeze it brings to the skin from the months of November to January - FebruaryISH...

Welp, sooner or later, we'll get to experience the summer months. And thinking way ahead for the hikers and mountain climbers and backpackers, here's a coolGuide to maximize your hiking gears.

Credits to r/coolguides in reddit.

~billymacdeus

The 4 Ws (Where, Who, What and Why)

 

“How often are we asked a simple question like “Who are you?” or “What do you do?” or “Where are you from?”

 

Considering it a superficial question—if we even consider it at all—we don’t bother with more than a superficial answer.”

 

“most people couldn’t give much in the way of a substantive answer. Could you? Have you taken the time to get clarity about who you are and what you stand for? Or are you too busy chasing unimportant things, mimicking the wrong influences, and following disappointing or unfulfilling or nonexistent paths?”

Excerpt From: Holiday, Ryan. “The Daily Stoic.” Apple Books. 

The specifity of the 4Ws truly points your compass to the right direction. Know it well --- and you will be headed to the correct path.

~billymacdeus

The Figures of Speech

 

Tagging this along because it feels right to know the different figures of speech in the English language.

credits: r/coolguides

~billymacdeus

Clarify Your Intentions

 

"Law 29 of The 48 Laws of Power is: Plan All The Way To The End. Robert Greene writes, “By planning to the end you will not be overwhelmed by circumstances and you will know when to stop. Gently guide fortune and help determine the future by thinking far ahead.” The second habit in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is: begin with an end in mind.”

Excerpt From: Holiday, Ryan. “The Daily Stoic.” Apple Books. 

This is just pure wowsers!!! Imagine, when you clarify your intentions, and you get to form the habit of always having an end in mind. It would all be much simple to know what you want and to know where you want to go.

 As pointed out by #RyanHoliday, having an end in mind will not guarantee that you will reach that goal but not having an end in mind is a guarantee you won't.

Flawless, right? Now it's all up to you to get it in action.

~billymacdeus

My Cycling Journey - Introduction

(

(3 minute read)

Quick backgrounder 

A journey begins with the single step... that is, to put into action those things conceived by the mind. Allow me to share my personal experiences about my odyssey to biking in this time of pandemic.

Quick backgrounder, as a kid - i learnt to bike using a BMX for kiddos; and from there i guess, i was able to develop the muscle memory of riding a bicycle from then, moving forwards.

Fast forward year 2020, i looked back and tried to remember when's the last time i rode a bike?

I couldn't certainly answer... prolly back in high-school? College, nah; i was in a dorm and i normally walk to the college of engineering building or go back home using a public utility tricycle.

When i started working - i never had the chance to go biking - Sampaloc to Makati, to Ortigas, or to MOA were pure LRTs, MRTs, taxis and jeepneys.

Bikes were not common back in those era... prior to pandemic - at least in the environment where i was used to.

Now... amidst the time of pandemic - bicycles became "In"; it suddenly became a new normal for all walks of life; whether you are in the low class, middle or the richie rich folks.

What inspired me?

It most certainly is due to my exposure of the bikers i see whenever i do the walks and jogs, may it be along Daang Reyna or within Vermosa.

Aside from the visuals and social media fever that talks about biking, it is just downright appealing to bike (verb); yeah!!

And to add, whenever i see folks with those caps/helmets and the "feeling great" display of adrenaline rush as they traverse the downhill path, i felt obliged to feel envy, but to sort out, it was on the eagerness to try and experience the same.

The Execution

I have a friend at church and a stranger friend; that i got to alk to in my walks/jogs, intrinsically their perceptions and attitude towards biking influenced me to try.

So the canvassing and hunting of a bike led to visit multiple shops in Dasma and Silang (Bike Bike Bike, Tulang Bikes, and Bike Plus).

We tried our best to at least buy from out of the mall built-bike (stock) - but we never get to find a suitable frame for me.

I decided, i wanted no MTB - mountain bike (at this time) but instead the RB - road bike, it's a personal choice; the RB is more appealing to me esp the drop bar portion of it and the slender frame, not to mention the thin wheels. 

RB, unfortunately is not available based on my height... so i settled to a semi-hybrid one. I haven't been able to memorize the specs but will try to learn it prolly create a separate post about it.

Learning The Basics

Road Bikes (RBs) vs Mountain Bikes (MTBs)

I got to learn the basic difference of RB versus MTB; again, the basic... without actually trying to google and just hearing it said verbally by these friends of mine who bike and race.

What stuck in my mind - MTBs are used for trails, primarily; while RBs would be used for flat roads delivering speed and the picturesque of road races.

It got me fascinated, those with the drop bars (the curly bars i used to say) are for RBs while the MTBs would normally have

 the flat straight bar handle - which makes sense, giving a more relax posture when biking.

But then, it appeals to me that the posture of riding an RB, the aero-effect style of bowing down where the torso is horizontally parallel to the lever of the bike frame is way cool thanks the ordinary ones.

What's Next?

Edi wow! 

On a serious note, i guess, i will get to take time first in learning (there' a lot to know) while enjoying the exhilarating effect it brings as i devour the beautiful greens, the winds chasing my back or opposing my fronts, the foggy scents in an early morning ride, and possibly other indescribable feelings of riding a bike that i am yet to experience.

#RideSafe

~billymacdeus

The Big Three

Day 4 - How's it going on your journey towards a Stoic life?

The big three : Perception, Action and Will are the basics - foundations of executing the Stoic life. They are overlapping to each other  but each has their critical power and discpline.

 It's like a three-legged stool, don't let one stool go down, otherwise it will tumble down.

“ the following little reminder sums up the three most essential parts of Stoic philosophy worth carrying with you every day, into every decision:

Control your perceptions.

Direct your actions properly.

Willingly accept what’s outside your control.”

Excerpt From: Holiday, Ryan. “The Daily Stoic.” Apple Books. 

~ billymacdeus

Vermosa - Joggers, Walkers and Bikers' Lair As of November 2020

(one-minute read)

Tried creating this post to pay homage to Ayala Land because it has opened its doors to its jogging pathways and bike road trails in Vermosa Imus Cavite.

Welp, at least since or during the lockdowns of this year - 2020. In the last month, it has opened its arms wider because of the accessibility to its gorgeous views inside the Vermosa Township.

Back in the days when it was just Mcdo and Starbucks, until they paved ways for their trimmed and spacious paths for joggers and bikers/walkers alike, the Vermosa area is one quite easy on the eyes landscape - and to put more praises once it's fully developed.

Its accessibility along Daang Hari is definitely a plus - and i do hope it'll maintain the trafficless nature as it converge to bring people into its community.

Possibly (at present) - its magnetic appeal is the open air green scenery, the Vermosa Sportsclub --- semi-finished yet already taking earnestness to passers-by and, the dream-like-you-are-in-a-province set-up makes you forget that you've already walked more than 1 hour, like time flies without such a worry.

But i lament now, thinking of the future that there'd be soon to rise skycrapers and dwelling places of hard metal and glass making the green scenary contrasting already to a city life.

Again - industrialization will take over, and we can only do bits and pieces to collectively balance things out, for the sake of love to nature and the calmness it brings to our deepest of minds.

~billymacdeus

Be Ruthless To The Things That Don't Matter

 "be ruthless to the things that don't matter" - an old adage from the Stoics yet so powerful and timely at these modern times.

There are books supporting, and maxing-out explanations in detail (ie) Don't Sweat The Small Stuff, or How To Not Give A F*ck - or in lay man's term if you like... "I don't care".

One of the hardest things to do in life is to say “No.” To invitations, to requests, to obligations, to the stuff that everyone else is doing. Even harder is saying no to certain time-consuming emotions: anger, excitement, distraction, obsession, lust. None of these impulses feels like a big deal by itself, but run amok, they become a commitment like anything else.”

Excerpt From: Holiday, Ryan. “The Daily Stoic.” Apple Books. 

So what can you do? Filter, filter, filter... go back to # 1 - Choice and Control, then apply.

 

“Start by learning the power of “No!”—as in “No, thank you,” and “No, I’m not going to get caught up in that,” and “No, I just can’t right now.” It may hurt some feelings. It may turn people off. It may take some hard work.But the more you say no to the things that don’t matter, the more you can say yes to the things that do. This will let you live and enjoy your life—the life that you want.”

Excerpt From: Holiday, Ryan. “The Daily Stoic.” Apple Books. 

~ billymacdeus 

Education Is Freedom

 

Day two of my journey in reading #TheDailyStoic book, we are looking at purpose here. In everything you do - what and why are you "doing" it?

“No, you picked up this book because you are learning how to live. Because you want to be freer, fear less, and achieve a state of peace. Education—reading and meditating on the wisdom of great minds—is not to be done for its own sake. It has a purpose.”

Excerpt From: Holiday, Ryan. “The Daily Stoic.” Apple Books. 

With the overall emphasis on education - what truly matters when learning is knowledge - self knowledge in particular is - is freedom (quoted from Ryan Holiday)

 

Education as Holiday reiterated... is the reading and meditating on the wisdom of great minds.

~billymacdeus

Control and Choice

 

As per Ryan Holiday, “most important practice in Stoic philosophy is differentiating between what we can change and what we can’t."

What we have influence over and what we do not.

 

A flight is delayed because of weather—no amount of yelling at an airline representative will end a storm.

 

No amount of wishing will make you taller or shorter or born in a different country.

 

No matter how hard you try, you can’t make someone like you.”

 

Excerpt From: Holiday, Ryan. “The Daily Stoic.” Apple Books. 

The above, are eye-openers, jaw-dropping realities that one must really really consider as you journey this life. To echo what the legendary Stoic, Epictetus - mentioned...

Lesson: Identify, separate and choose - what you can control and not.

~billymacdeus

The Daily Stoic

 
I'm excited. I started reading books again - the extended holidays (Thanksgiving and the Friday after that) gave me the inspiration to go back to where my roots at - learning, and constantly seeking wisdom.

And to inculcate or simply put - provide an imprint to my heart and mind what i am reading, i decided to blog it in pieces (along with FB and Insta post). It's true - the more you recreate what you read - the more it would leave a mark in your memory; the actionable items will also be easily taken into reality.

I am glad to share the book's title -  The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday.

Reading the introduction of the book, these were the matters of my decision making why i have to finish and digest this book.

1. Knowledge ~ self-knowledge in particular is freedom
2. The emphasis of cultivating resilience, purpose and joy
3. It's an ideal personal operating system
4. Applying and learning philosophy at the same time.

Please be with me in this journey - mostly, if not, the main purpose of me blogging this is to share and let the underdogs (hidden gems) of the internet share what truly matters - beneficial for mankind, this precious knowledge that everyone must seek and master.

~billymacdeus

Lovefool By Two Colors

Nyahahaha! 'tis sums it all up. The grunge-like sound effects, like it gets real if you put your "spatial sounds" on with your airPods Pro.

The groovey yuey kinda sound - makes you feel like dancing like no one is watching. Had that episode earlier while doing my jogs in public earlier, lotsa onlookers / motorists were turning shoulders - or was it just part of the magic, listening to this.

Welp, since the rendition of The Cardigans back in the hip MTV-days, and back when Romeo & Juliet's soundtrack came into fruition through this LoveFool song, it has always been tagged with a special place in my heart, loving this song.

Now, that it got revived, it's quite a homage to more than a decade of unreleased euphoria it brought back then from The Cardigans- whilst Two Colors seem to create a more seducing effect just by singing out loud or singing it in the head while your headphones ON.

Enjoy!

~billymacdeus

YvanJovi - Too Much Heaven

 

Ugh! this is a delicious treat to the ears.

The blending... panalo.

The harmony of the voices is such an inexplicable exultation of something wonderful. Feels like you don't want the song to end.

And the way it got recorded - sobrang linis. Noice noice.

follow her Youtube channel here.

Have a great Friday!!! Yowww.

~billymacdeus

Ulan, Memories at Ikaw

 
Sa darating na Biyernes, darating ka sa bahay at tayo'y 

magtatampisaw sa ulan

Iyon ay kung uulan sa darating na Biyernes.

Andaya mo... Biyernes ka nga ba darating?

Baka naman sa Sabado ka pupunta.

Paano kung di uulan sa Sabado?

Nakiusap pa naman ako sa mahal na Hari - na gagawin niyang makulimlim

sa araw ng Biyernes.

Inaasahan ko iyon, na darating ka talaga sa Biyernes

kase planado na lahat.

Walong oras, walong oras lang naman... 

pasasaan ba at lulubog na ang araw, 

matatapos na naman ang isang araw, at parang kay bagal ng paglipas nito

Paano'y Lunes palang bukas. 

Alam ko, uulan mamayang gabi... sana kasinlakas nitong nakaraang mga gabi,

kung saan, nanunuot ang lamig - upang mas lalo kong panghawakan ang lambot ng unan

iniisip ko... ikaw 'yun; tulad ng dati - nung tayo'y unang nagtabi sa silong ng buwan,

sa loob ng aking tent - noong ang naririnig lang natin ay mga huni ng ibon 

at pagaspas ng hangin kasabay ng mga alon sa tabing dagat.

naalala ko pa iyon - noong overnight camping sa Batangas.

Ewan ko ba, matagal na yun pero parang kelan lang,

sana ikaw rin - naalala mo ang mga sandaling iyon.

Ikaw, hanap ko... 'di naman lagi

pero ayun nga, alam ko darating ka sa Biyernes.

Siguro kahit sarili molang dadalhin mo, - ok na.

Ang mahalaga, andun ka.

Paanu nga ba? Eh mukhang hanggang memories nalang?

Kase sa tono ng boses mo noong nagkausap tayong huli, 

excited ka na 'di ko maintindihan - kase feel ko merong something

but then, i'm still hoping that you'll be true

True to your promise na darating ka sa Biyernes

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ahhhhh! Panaginip... akala ko panaginip lang ang lahat.

Totoo palang nangyari ang lahat ng iyon.

Ang masama lang, natapos na...

iyon ay nakaraan na... lumipas na...

parang ulan - na tumitila

parang memories - na biglang naiiwan sa alaala

parang ikaw - na lumisan na

OriginalContent by

Othello

#freeverse #pinoypoets #pinoypoetry

Iba na Ngayon

 

Iba na ngayon
Noon malinis pa ang hangin

Walang gasinong polusyon

iba na ngayon

Marumi na at may sakit na dala na ang hangin

Hindi na gaya ng dati rati'y masarap samyuin

Malinaw pa ang tubig noon

sa mga lawa, batis, ilog, talon, bukal, look,

maging sa malawak na karagatan

iba na ngayon

Mga anyong tubig ay mayroon ng mga batik

Ang dating malinaw na ngayoy singlabo ng putik

Naglutangan pa at nakakalat ang mga basura at plastik

kaya ang bagyo na dating mahina

lindol na pumipinsala

elnino na mainit na klima

sinabayan pa ng ,alakas na lanina

ngayon napapanahong kasalukuyan

sa ating mundoy sumasalanta

ang pang buong pandemya

iba na ngayon

dahil ang bagyo'y malakas pa sa sampung ulit

lindol na ang tindi ay humahagupit

ang init na dala ng klima, balat ay napupunit

ulang dala naman ng La Niña, bahang halos aabot na sa langit

kulog din at kidlat na lumalangitngit

animo'y may sumabog na bomba sa kalawakan ng langit

at ang pinakahuling nararanasan nati'y pandemyang malupit

iba na ngayon

dating magalang na ugali napalitan na rin

pagpipitagan sa kapuwa nalimutan narin

pagbibigay at pagmamahal man din

sa puso nila'y di na masasamin

iba na ngayon.

#originalContent by

James Riazo

#freeverse #pinoyBlogs

#pinoyPoets

Pain Index Guide

 

I luv how poetic these descriptions of pain indices are...

One redditor commented: "Honestly, browsing the full list is a treat. My favourite is the digger bee: “Almost pleasant, a lover just bit your earlobe a little too hard”

~billymac
Lifted from Reddit #CoolGuides

Quick Guide To Some Bag Types

One of the most admiring qualities of a good conversationalist is when they have plethora of words that fits the description of what they are talking about.

It somehow inspires the listener to be in full attention of what the heck is the host talking about. Which would then lead to idea-sharing, exchange of experiences relating to the subject -- creating a nice, adorable pleasantries.

Today's guide is the appropriate terms relating to bags, tote, satchels, and others. Read and visualize below to increase your vocabulary.

~billymac

lifted from Reddit's CoolGuides

Emotional Equations

 
Emotions = Life

by Chip Conley.

Pretty much close to accurate facts, some were very well thought-off... others i disagree. It takes an analytical mind to decipher these but fancy not, enjoy reading the equations. Don't solve it.

Just put the variables and see if it reflects true to your life.

-billymac

lifted from #CoolGuides Reddit

'Di Nila Malilimutan Paano Mo Sila Trinato Sa Panahon Ng Covid-19

 
Time flies. We're on the 8th month of this pandemic since the outbreak in the Philippines. And truth be told, all storms will pass.

Was doing my scheduled "walk/jog" earlier, along the lush sidewalks of Daang Hari - Reyna in the south, it came rushing in me, as a part of meditative walk 'yung nakaraang mga buwan, mga araw na lumipas - mga interaksiyon ko sa iba't ibang tao - sa trabaho man or sa mga nakasalamuha ko as simple as the security guard/s manning the entrances of groceries or malls; mga simpleng convo with the cashiers, yung mga nagdedeliver ng tubig, and mostly - workmates at different levels, my weekly meetings with high school friends; not to mention, my own family.

I was weighing in... did i display a caring and civil act toward these people? May it be close at heart or simply.. people who are acquaintances, friends or even strangers I talked to over the phone/face to face mingling with them who are needing my help or intervention and vice versa - me asking for their help or in anyway checking-up on ém.

How was it? I asked myself...

Welp... i had my versions of bad days and good days. I couldn't quantify and present a data, it's more of a personal judgment - more of my conscience speaking... telling me that yeah - mostly were positive impact, and yet there were those instances where regrets and guilt would come haunting me before the i enter slumber because i felt, i've done something wrong to some, due to circumstances pushing my buttons to go awry.

The pandemic is far from over.

Each of us had their fair share of ups and downs. Some in the verge of giving up, some had the lux of happiness and satisfaction - whichever course the experience of this pandemic threw or still throwing at us... there is one glaring factor that will forever be imprinted to the hearts and minds of those whom we have interacted --- 'yung paano natin sila trinato sa panahon ng pandemya.

No, this isn't defense mechanism.

Maybe some would think i'm doing a cleansing act... or i'm trying to put someone in an implied spotlight out of wrongdoings... but in all honesty - nothing of those two matter. What matters really is my core being speaking sincerely how did i behave to others? I have it underscored because in the end, it will all boil down to how i made them feel. Was i an asshole or was i an altruistic human being ready to extend hands? Or share something - could be material things or the ever-precious "time"? 

A lot of other conscience-striking questions coming non-stop in the back of my head, while walking. Creating in me the conviction to strive to do better. And be kind as much as possible, whenever possible.

Yes, kindness is an art, it will never be lost. Because humankind, as long as there is something to endure upon, that hope for better days will always there to linger. 

-billymac

#originalContent

Yesterday's Me

 

To You, who is in the past

I blame myself for not doing things you wanted me to

I, too, blame myself for doing things you don't want me to.

But as i remember, we were in the process of becoming.

I think we were in the stage to become.

I now see we are in the stage of choosing to let go.

I don't blame you, i blame me.

I see you're happy, i hope i am too

I see you're sad, i hope i am too.

I see you're proud, i am too.

I see you're ashamed, i hope i am too.

To you who is in the past, 

always remember, i am me now

because you were me.

I miss you, and i hope to see you soon, 

or maybe not!

~ Ezra

Attitude VS Character

 

Kahapon, magka chat kami ng isa kong kaibigan, she was asking me what's the difference between #attitude and #character.

At first, i was taken aback kase nag-isip talaga ako ng malalim paanu yun sasagutin. One absolute, immediate answer came to my mind -- character is a deeper portrayal of virtues and vices (if you may) whereas, attitude is the way a person deals with things and situations at hand.

That then inspired me to write this post. Napapanahon at sana'y makatulong ito sa ating lahat.

~ billymacdeus

(credits to differencebetween)

Cool Guides For File Extensions

Sa panahon ngaun, kahit di ka tech savvy or computer ninja, nerd or geek... we have to put our knowledge up-to-speed sa mga terms and tech lingos.

Malapit na ang pasukan and it makes send to be at par or aligned ang knowledge sa mga sinasabi ng ating mga anak.

Kaya, eto na ang extensions Cool Guides from reddit. Read and learn, tapos apply it sa totoong buhay. Okay?

~billymacdeus

Bacteria VS Virus

Bacteria are single-celled, prokaryotic microorganisms that exist in abundance in both living hosts and in all areas of the planet (e.g., soil, water). By their nature, they can be either "good" (beneficial) or "bad" (harmful) for the health of plants, humans, and other animals that come into contact with them. A virus is acellular (has no cell structure) and requires a living host to survive; it causes illness in its host, which causes an immune response. Bacteria are alive, while scientists are not yet sure if viruses are living or nonliving; in general, they are considered to be nonliving.

Infections caused by harmful bacteria can almost always be cured with antibiotics. While some viruses can be vaccinated against, most, such as HIV and the viruses which cause the common cold, are incurable, even if their symptoms can be treated, meaning the living host must have a strong enough immune system to survive the infection.

(Source: Diffen Website)

Patience and Attitude

Quote Credit: @AlphaLeaders

Minsan gusto mo nang bumitiw ngunit, tamang desisyon nga ba ito?

Hindi sa lahat ng sandali ay kasiyahan, in fact, according to psychology and statistics - halos 75% ng buhay ng isang tao ay may kaakibat na paghihirap, bagabag at tiisin.

Subalit, may kalakip na pag-asa sa bawat pagtahak ng landas ng buhay, ika nila. Nasa sa iyo ang desisyon kung paano ka magpapa-apekto at kung paano mo ito haharapin, which is in the end, magiging resulta ito ng iyong mga pananaw at magpapatatag sa mga prinsipyo mo sa buhay.

It will all be anchored on your fortitude to live by your decisions and the grit to deal with its results.

No matter what those are, these will slowly define you: the current You and the future You.

Happy Sunday my friends. Meeting muna ako with high school friends.

~billymacdeus

Mamulat Ka!

Mamulat ka!
Mamulat ka!..
Wag mo nang hintayin,
Ang tamang Panahon,
Iwaksi mo na Ang pait Ng nakaraan mo.

Huwag mong Sayangin
Ang Buhay mo at ikulong Ang sarili mo
sa poot galit Ng Nakaraan mo.
Mamulat ka
Mamulat ka,
Hayaan mong Ang Panginoong Diyos
Ang kumilos sa Buhay mo
at gawin mo Ang nararapat para sa Pagbabago Ng Buhay mo,

Ng Pamilya mo,
Ng Pamayanan mo
at Ng Buong Bayan mo.
Isipin mong Ang Buhay natin dito sa Mundong ibabaw ay napakaikli lamang
kaya Egan,
Gugulin mo Ang Buhay mo
nang may kabuluhan
pagkat ika nga ni Kuya Kim
Ang Buhay ay Weather weather lng.

Mamulat ka
Mamulat ka!!!
Sa Panahon Ngayong Pandemya
ay ating Maiiwasan.
Kung Ang lahat ay Tulong tulong
sa Pagsulong Ng mga Preventive measurea
Sabi nga Ng Radio at TV,
Mag ingat po Tayo,
Nang sa gayoy Si Juan De la Cruz
ay Nanatiling Malusog
at nanatiling Covid Free.


Mamulat ka
Mamulat ka!!!
Simpleng Bagay Ang hinihiling Ng ating Pamahalaan
Please Stay Home and Save lives.
Pero ikaw masyado Kang pasaway.

Kaya Naman Mamulat ka
Mamulat ka.Ikaw
Ako
Tayo
Bahagi Ng Sambayanan.
Lahat Tayo ay may Pananagutan sa Isat -isa.
Sa Isip Sa Salita at sa Gawa
Siya nawa.



Submitted by Konja
#originalContent
#freeverse
#submissions

How To Release The Happiness Chemicals? (Endorphin, Dopamine, etc)

Ok reader, fret not... this is your guide for those happy chemicals and how to hack them.

Unang-una sa lahat, those happy chemicals released by our bodies are not just triggered alone by our ownselves. At some point, kailangan nating i-unlock ang mga 'yon para mapalabas at i-enjoy ang kanilang mga benefits.

See the details below and enjoy.

Credits: r/coolguides

Tattoo Pain Points

Thinking of getting a TAT in the future, or thinking of adding another artwork?

Look at the guide below and prep yerself...

Credits: reddit/CoolGuides

Loveletter of Robert Browning To Elizabeth Barret

best with your headphones or airpods on!

I love your verses with all my heart, dear Miss Barrett... this great living poetry of yours, not a flower of which but took root and grew - Oh, how different that is from lying to be dried and pressed flat, and prized highly, and put in a book with a proper account at top and bottom, and shut up and put away... I do, as I say, love these books with all my heart - and i love you too. Do you know i was once not very far from seeing - really seeing you? Mr Kenyon said to me one morning, "Would you like to see Miss Barrett?" Then he went to announce me - then he returned ... you were too unwell, and now it is years ago, and i feel as at some untoward passage in my travels, as if i had been close, so close, to some world's-wonder in chapel or crypt, only a screen to push and i might have entered, but there was some slight, so it now seems, slight and just sufficient bar to admission, and the half-opened door shut, and i went home my thousands of miles, and the sight was never to be.

Well, these poems were to be, and this true thankful joy and prode with which i feel myself,

Yours ever faithfully, 

 Robert Browning

Follow The Quarantined Tipsters via Spotify or Apple Podcast!

106th Anniversary - The Church Of Christ

This part 1 episode talks about the humble beginnings of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ).


Thanks for listening to The Quarantined Tipsters Podcast. Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcast for your listening benefits.


Please follow and subscribe to https://blog.billymacdeus.com/ for more tips and lifehacks.


~billymacdeus

Be Thankful Because You Are Blessed

Kahit anong klaseng sitwasyon ka ngayon, hangga't may buhay at lakas ka, maalwan o maginhawa man ang 'yong pamumuhay, o di man kaya'y may pagsubok at nahihirapan ka... laging mapag-mapasalamat.


Because you are blessed to be alive!!!




~billymacdeus

Fighting A Good Fight

Someone who is fighting the good fight is working tirelessly to try and make good choices and help others. This person wants to improve the world around him.


The phrase is not meant to be taken literally, however, as there is no actual fighting taking place. Rather, fighting the good fight is working hard to accomplish one’s goal of bettering humanity.


Are you in or are you out?





~billymacdeus

Batch 98 Nasan Ka Na?

Hey hey hey, wazzup madlang people,
Kamiy hinubog,
Ng aming mga magulang,
sa magandang Asal,
ika nga nang kasabihan,
Always make Your Parent's be Proud of you.
Sa elementarya,
Natuto Ng mga laro Ng lahi,
sungka,
piko,
siato,
patentero,
atbp.

Sa murang Edad nagkaCrush Kay klasmayte,
Nahihiya napipikon sa tukso Ng iba.
Pero Subalit
Datapwat,o kay saya Ng maging batang muli,
Pagtungtong sa highschool,
Dito nagsimula Ang lahat lahat,
Naririnig mo Ang mga ibat ibang kwento tungkol sa pagkatao nila
Kung saan sila nakatira,
at Paaralang pinagtapusan nila.
Batch98 batch 98 Batch98,
Iyong mga boys boot pagkaliliit
at pagkapayatpayat nila,
mga girls na sobra sobra sa Johnson cologne
at Johnson Baby powder,
Mga tawanan,
sa mga kalokohan at kapilyuhan ay kakaiba,
Ang Sarap sariwain
Ang mga Panahong Lumipas na di mapantayan
Ng ngayong Pandemya.

Batch 98 Batch98,
Ikay walang kapares sa tuwituwina.
Makabayan
Makatao
MakaDiyos
Maka-kalikasan.
Sa Graduation Day,
Dito mo makikita Ang kakaibang saya,
Maiiyak ka sa lungkot at saya,
Habang tinatawag Ang name mo Ng iyong adviser para sa Pagakyat sa Stage
sa pagkuha Ng Diploma.
Saksi Ng iyong Ama't Ina.
Speech Ng Valedictorian at Guest Speaker ay Kayganda,
Very Inspiring.
Kaya Naman Saludo ako sa Batch naito,
Break it down Jo,
After Ng Pagtatapos iyong iba nagtuloy tuloy sa kolehiyo,
Sa Baguio,
Sa Manila,
Sa La Union,
At sa Laoag.
Iyong Iba dito sa Dingras,
Iyong Iba Hindi na nagpatuloy sa kolehiyo,
dahil sa kailangan Ng salapi,
Iyong iba nagbantay Ng kapatid,
iyong iba nagwork sa Manila,
Abroad.

After 22 yrs
Eto Eto Eto haha
dobidobido bidobido dibido ha.
O kaysaya saya  nang ating Sine Ng Buhay,
Ng bawat Isa sa atin,
Kayat Naman
Nakakaproud maging part Ng Batch 98.
Karamihan may mga Pamilya at professional at mga Immigrant,
OFW..
At may mga sariling Bussiness Ang iba,..
Iyong ba tulad ko rin magsasaka,
at Public Servant.
Oh diba  Mapapawow ka sa Batch namin,
Kaya Naman kamiy Nagpapasalamat sa aming mga magagaling na teacher




~Konja (original content, freeverse)

Battles

when your feelings are numb,
and the heart is cold

when you feel like you're drowning,
in the oceans of mistakes;
the evil seems to never halt

like the perpetual darkness which you see deep below
i want you to struggle through the pain,
fight for your breath.

and when you're out in the open sand,
i'll call you a fighter
because you made it
through what seemed impossible.

and when you look back at it
tears might roll down,
but of the victory that you own.




Original content poetry by Meowter Space

Emotional Quotient

excerpt from the The Business News Daily 

The ability to understand your emotions and others', is crucial regardless of what industry your business is in. By honing your emotional intelligence skills, you can gain an edge over others (and possibly boost your income and job satisfaction) by successfully working with difficult people and resolving complex problems.

"Understanding your emotions, controlling them, and understanding other peoples' might be the most important asset in working with others," said Eric Lupton, CEO of Life Saver Pool Fence.

Lupton defines emotional intelligence as the ability to be aware of, manage and control your emotions; it also encompasses the ability to empathize with others.
"[Emotional intelligence] is crucial for all types of relationships, from personal to professional," he said.

Similarly, Rode noted that emotional intelligence "represents the intersection of emotions and general mental ability."

"It can also be thought of as the extent to which one actively thinks about emotion or uses emotions as important information in a manner similar to other information, such as facts and opinions," Lupton added.