Instagram - iPhone App of the Year

Apple named Instagram as the iPhone App of the year. Who cares?

Eventually you'll care, since this app is coming to the Android. I guess that's not my whole point. You'll have to try to experience the magic of this app. From its humble beginnings where you can only post your photos without the social network's augmenting popularity, it has evolved to a cleaner, more powerful slate of features. It's now like a cross of Facebook and Twitter with images or photos as the main delicacy. So if you're a visual type, and you haven't tried this yet, you've missed  a lot.

Snail Mail for the Holidays

I spent almost one hour accomplishing the 5 greeting cards meant to be sent to my relatives abroad. I figured that I still don't have difficulty in writing cursive script. Methinks in reflection that it's been ages, of me not using the pen for long periods, the fact that I use the pen only to scribble signature on certain occasions, I deduced that you don't have to practice all the time in order for the writing skill of longhand to fade.

There were several positive vibes that came to a fleeting moment as I was writing my thoughts which is directed to one of my uncles and grandmothers. Writing in action through the traditional way of ink and paper provided me perspectives on different areas:

• It's a sure-hit way to reminisce the memory lane with your loved ones
• Rekindling affection that was set dormant because of non-communication for long periods of time
• The magic of the pen and paper is still incomparable (despite email and facebook being readily available)
• Your senses are suddenly speaking out loud that your longing for them intensified to the next level.

I wasn't thinking of the time spent, the effort flowing spontaneously, partly because I was focused to finish my deadline on this task and mainly because I was enjoying it.

One struggle I've encountered is finding the postal. The mall closest to my place do not offer postage unlike the Mall of Asia. I've no choice but to find the postal office from and within the Municipal Building.

Lo and behold, the ordinary really brings joy and awe most of the time. As the postmaster was pasting stamps on my 5 envelopes, I can't help but smile, that I've gone this far. Seeing those printed little squares with different hues and images made me believe that it was I who was about to receive those letters. Somehow, it dawned on me that each of us longed for connection most of the time. Be in a face to face situation or just the ordinary, traditional way of communication.

Test only

Unrhymed verse of three

Each Line of five seven five

Grant thee wise and free

after Gym Session

... although the feeling is kind of a fleeting moment... the fulfillment is still priceless after heading out from the gym.

Holiday Nostalgia

The holidays are approaching.  It's the perfect time to show your endearment to your loved ones, to those whom you care for, family, close friends and to those who are important in your life.

Most of us would think that gift-giving is the best way to show your care. But the clearest possible way to convey your affection and  love is providing them the simple things that can be enjoyed in this life.

Look back in time, when's the last occurrence did you actually write your lovenotes for her?

The last time you invoke your handwritten holiday greetings to your relatives abroad? instead of just typing on their Facebook walls?

The last time you had a catch-up session with your bestfriend over a cup of coffee or tea?

Or perhaps, you get tired of dining-out already, why not bring the whole family in a Sunday worship service together?

Focus more on the thought and the value of quality that can linger intensely to the receiver, whoever it would be.

The material things are all going to pass but how you made them feel, in every moment you are with them will leave a footprint, in their hearts and in their minds.

-Mac