Currently lost in Baguio. Posts will resume once I find way back to the real world. Kiss kiss.

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Because it's that time of the year again when I feel the urge to reshuffle my life, I threw all caution to the cosmos and decided to look for a new job. And it's not because I don't like my current gig either, my employer's really nice and has become a very dear friend to me, the workload is really manageable, and the pay is good too. I know, the frak am I thinking right?

What most freelance newbies don't realize is that freelancing does not mean not working. Sure, the beach can be your office today and then a mountain the next, you can work only four hours a day and still get paid in full, and even work in your tidy whities if you prefer, but you still have to work. If you're a writer, that means writing 40+ hours a week, 8 hours a day, 3000 - 4000 words (sometimes even more) a day about everything from (and based on real life experience) chicken coops, metal bands, erotica, scholarships, travel, weight loss, and term papers among other things. It's repetitive and tiring just like a "real" job.

But unlike a "real" job, a freelance job allows you to stop and start over without the trappings of annoying paperwork and awkward last day parties with people you probably don't want to hear from ever again. So for the freelance newbies and to those at the freelance crossroads, I'm sharing a few tools to prepare you for the realness of freelancing.

Tomato.es

It's so easy to get distracted when you're working in your living room, nevermind being online. Tomato.es is an online timer that uses the Pomodoro Technique which breaks tasks down into 25-minute periods with quick breaks soon after. And for those 25 minutes you should only focus on one task and one task only. If you don't cheat, you'll realize that you get into the zone and quickly get the job done. Personally, this works for me because I don't believe in the idea of multitasking, so having a tool that makes me focus on one task until it's finished is more effective for me.

You can use Tomato.es even without signing up. But if you want to keep track of projects and all the tomatoes that you've done per project, you can sign up using your Twitter or Github account. My only problem with this app is that it doesn't work on Windows 8 if Chrome is running as an app instead of a desktop application. It stops counting down if you're not on on Chrome. But aside from that, great and simple time management app.

Toggl.com

I'm not really a big fan of neither Time Doctor or RescueTime, I feel that it's invasive and creepy. So I started to look for an alternative to create time sheets. I was previously running on Linux and Hamster was the best app if you're running Linux or any of its flavors. But it keeps freezing, so I decided to look for something that's not heavy on the system (I was running a modified Ubuntu on a 4GB Asus EEE PC. True story.) or preferably, something that runs online. And that's how I found Toggl, which  is a compromise for employers that want a time sheet and for contractors that don't want to feel spied on (or want to impress their employer). Toggl can also be downloaded to your desktop but, weirdly enough, the online version has more functionality. You can check out my post here for more Toggl love.

Pixlr.com

I think because I was running on a system with little HD space for such a long time, that I picked up a habit or looking for things that need no installation. So for projects that need some photo editing, I use Pixlr. What I especially like about it is that it gives you options based on your editing needs. Advanced is the closest to Photoshop, Efficient has most of the photo editing functions for average users, and Playful is like an extended version of Instagram effects.

SEOQuake

If you're a freelance SEO writer, you must have already used this tool more than you wanted to, I bet. And if you're just starting out as a freelance SEO writer, better familiarize yourself with this tool already. You can find my tips on using this tool here.

Ginger

It's only been a few weeks since I started using Ginger. Basically, you install it in your browser and it checks your spelling and grammar. For the most part, it does what it's supposed to do, however, it sometimes suggests weird edits like changing being to buying simply because being follows the word online in the sentence.

Other Things You Need

• Rate Calculator - Great for when you're just starting out and need an idea of how much you should be charging to survive being freelance. Of course, sometimes, you'll take on jobs just because they're funny and mildly interesting. I now have a pending application to be a dating website chatter.
• Paypal Account - If you don't have a credit card, you can apply for a Unionbank EON card instead. Most employers shoulder the Paypal fee, but to be on the safe side, it's better to put it in writing that they should.
• Invoice Template -  Although you can make an invoice using Paypal, some employers require you to submit a separate invoice. If you're using LibreOffice, you can download a template here. Also, submit your invoice in PDF form.
• A coffee station - Just trust me on this one.

Photo via generationsofvirtue

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Fighting a hangover, I trudged to the bus station to get tickets for a bus to Baguio. I thought it would be easier, since most of the guests already left Sunday for their work on Monday. But I was in line at 6:30AM and there was already a long queue. The earliest I can get was a seat for the 10:00AM bus, which, I thought, was just enough time for my hangover to subside. 

After buying the tickets, I went back to Mapiya-aw to pack my things. And as when I was leaving my room, I was treated to this view. Nino and I weren't able to see the sea of clouds at Kiltepan Viewpoint, so I guess this was the closest I could get to seeing it.

I thought I'd have breakfast before my bus arrives, so I went to the talipapa where I spied a little canteen in one of our many walks. And just like my discovery of the portal of siesta, this discovery came too late. Brewed coffee for PHP 15.00? PHP 10.00 for two pieces of pancakes? When it's no lower than PHP 50.00 for coffee and PHP 30.00 for a slice of so-so pie in most of the restaurants we've eaten. 

The only drawback was that there was one manong who suddenly started talking to me about QC, about politics in QC, and how I should give him my number so that he'd have a place to stay in QC - and in his words - if and when he happens to go there. I didn't want to be rude but I also didn't want to give him the idea that it's okay to ask for people's numbers and potentially, make their house a hostel at your disposal.

So to deter him, I said, "I'll give you my dad's number na lang po. He can be the one to take you around QC na rin siguro." But, he stood his ground and held his mobile phone, waiting for me to give him my dad's number. Because I only have myself to blame for getting myself in this situation, I had no choice but to give him a number. So, I just gave him the first number I found in my phonebook: Manila Bulletin's trunkline.

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Total Gastos: Php 700.00

• Php 10.00 (pancakes)
• Php 15.00 (brewed coffee)
• Php 230.00 (Sagada to Baguio fare)
• Php 445.00 (Baguio to Cubao fare)

I woke up early, as I always seem to do when I'm out of town, only to find myself wandering around Sagada looking for the best place to get my siesta on. So, I left Mapiya-aw and stopped at the store near Ganduyan Museum to buy a book about Sagada before having my morning coffee at The Sagada Lemon Pie House. I ordered their lemon pie, just so I can compare it again with the one at Vincent's Cafe, and sure enough, the latter still takes the cake, err, pie. 

I wanted to have as slow a morning as possible, nursing my Sagada brew and slice of lemon pie for hours, before wandering around. But there were just too many customers at the end of their holiday, frantically going in and out of the store to get their pasalubong that it's impossible to zone out even if you're an expert at zoning out. And, believe me, I'm an expert in zoning out. So I gulped down the last of my coffee, packed my things, and began my quest for the best siesta spot in Sagada.

I don't know what it is, but taking a walk is much more enjoyable now since I already know some of the people that I pass on the street. Like how I can comfortably say "Hi!" to the kuya selling grilled chicken and was originally from Fairview but moved to Sagada because his wife is from there. Even our guide from when we went caving gave me a nod, when I passed him with his new set of guests. They were all so busy taking pictures that I don't think they even noticed how hungover (again) he was.

I guess seeing are eternally hungover guide reminded me that I wanted to check out this bar. The name of the bar escapes me, but what I do remember is that you have to take a long flight of stairs down from the main road to get to it. I wanted to see if it was worth the dangerous trek down (and back up), simply couldn't get the image of drunk people trying to make their way up those steps and back to their hostels without making a fool out of themselves. But I had to remind myself that it wasn't even 9:00AM (not that it would make going to a bar okay if it was) and going to a bar probably isn't the best of ideas. So instead, I followed some kids and took the steps that go up from the main road, where I found a nice spot that gives a great view of Sagada. Although, I only managed to squeeze in a few minutes of snooze because, surprisingly, a lot of people use the steps to get to and from their homes at the top of the mountain.

So I went down and kept walking until I got to Ambasing Elementary School. I was already familiar with the place because we pass it to go to where the Begnas was being held. However, I've only seen (if seen is even the right word to use here since nights in Sagada are close to pitch black) at night, so I didn't realize its siesta potential until that morning. I walked around the school grounds to find the perfect spot, but sadly, someone already beat me to it. Two kids were already in deep slumber at the far end of the hallway, the younger of the two stirring around like he was having an exciting dream.

I evetually found my siesta spot on the hallway of the building next to it and had one of the best siestas I've had in Sagada. My only regret was that I didn't find this portal of siesta sooner. Snooze you lose, right?

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Total Gastos: Php 210.00

• Php 30.00 (Coffee)
• Php 30.00 (1 slice of lemon pie)
• Php 150.00 (Of Igorots and Independence by William Henry Scott [Note: I can't remember the exact price, but it's betwenn PHP 100 - 150.])

• When there's a basketball game on one side and a volleyball on another, you just know it's not going to be a fun day cleaning the dojo.
• Although my small comfort is that, at least, I don't have to do it yet in a hakama.
• I didn't think it will, but cleaning really does clean the mind too. I guess you're just so focused at the task at hand that it becomes the only thing you think about in those minutes cleaning the dojo floor.
• Been thinking of what to do to improve my stamina. Or at least, do something so that I stop swearing while cleaning the whole length of the dojo. Suggestions are welcome.

• This week's training taught me a lot about concentration. Just to adjust everything, so that you have the right form takes a lot of mental discipline and self-awareness. And industrial strength will not to be distracted by the sempais sparring and the people at the benches watching.
• At warm ups, I realized how I have no idea how to do a proper push up.
• I think Yukita-san is the cutest Japanese woman ever. One of the sempais approached her and asked if she had a nail cutter, and she said, "No. Why would I have a nail cutter? I am not your mother." Then laughs hysterically.
• I know I've said it before but this time, I say it with certainty, sayonara foot spa.
• While practicing men uchi, our sensei shared some words of wisdom: You don't chop. You slice. You slice cleanly with the sharpest edge of your sword. Now, if that isn't a life lesson, then I don't know what is.

____________

Maybe it's because Homeland had an insanely good pilot, one that makes you say "I am in and never going out of the rabbit's hole" that makes Season 2's omnishambles of a finale a huge disappointment. Because here's this CIA agent who is the only one capable of hunting down and stopping the world's most wanted terrorist while, mind you, battling bipolar disorder and then throws everything away because she fell in love with her target. Not to sound like a preachy overzealous feminist, but really? The undoing of a strong female character is falling in love with a man?

I don't buy the excuse that giving her this flaw is a way to humanize her, as if every woman who's not risking matters of national security to get into a not-so-available-guy's pants is not human. She wears a wedding ring to bar hookups to weed out all those that want a meanigful relationship, has her sister secretly treating her bipolar disorder (which leaves us wondering how efficient really is the CIA if they still haven't found out about this), downing clozapine with white wine, having an affair with her boss, and going through shock therapy in her attempt to get better. How much more flawed can they make this woman for her to be human? Let her risk her life and career by sneaking a known terrorist out of the country because she loves him? Oh wait.

Meanwhile, Shameless' Fiona Gallagher is a 21 year old, below poverty line, hood girl who's not below taking a dead old lady from the home to pose as her aunt so they don't lose their house, have a commi fetus and her mother deported unless they pay rent, and blackmails a sleazy manager with a sex scandal so she can get a job at supermarket.

She's not exactly a picture of perfection as a role model for girls to look up to, but she also takes care of her five other siblings, rescued the youngest (two years old) from gangsters when her alcoholic father gave him as collateral for a debt he couldn't pay, cleaned the blood off the kitchen floor when her bipolar mother committed suicide on thanksgiving, worked her ass off as a waitress/club promoter/sewage cleaner/hair salon assistant/etc. to make ends meet, and she didn't leave her dysfunctional family to run off with her car-stealing-once-rich-kid boyfriend to Costa Rica even though she's so in love with him. If that isn't a strong female character, then I don't what is.

 

And as a single woman supporting her family in a third world country, I want a Fiona Gallagher who fights - shamelessly and unapologetically - through life, not for her nor anyone's agenda but for those that depend on her to win this coming election, and not some crumple face cryer like Carrie Matthison.

VOTE WISELY.

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Photo by @anino

Since I've been a freelancer, Labor Day has become another holiday that those with office jobs take. Cynical (and apathetic), I know, given that there are so many labor related issues that the government (past and present) should (and are miserably failing to) address. But as local tourism is considered as the biggest driving force in our economy these days, I think we are doing more for those in the labor sector by traveling to places such as the Cavinti Cave Complex in Laguna for Labor Day (or Good Job Day as Pnoy's PR team insists on calling it) than the government is presently.

The Road to Cavinti

Photo by Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex

Upon Fudge's instructions, Nino and I met early near GMA-Kamuning station to catch a bus going to Sta. Cruz at the DLTB Co. bus terminal. Because we both had deadlines the night before, Nino and I were pretty much asleep during the two-hour long bus ride, with a few WiFi breaks in between. Fudge fetched us at the station and we drove to Cavinti from there. The map above shows you how to get there if you have your own ride but if you're going by public transport the Cavinti officials advise taking a bangka from Pagsanjan and then a jeep going to Cavinti.

Although I advise taking your own ride rather than going by commute. The jeepneys that take you from the main road to the caves take a really long time, so unless you're willing to wait the whole day for a ride better to take your own car. And forget taking a sissy car too as the road is meant for 4x4 vehicles - and bikes. I have to give a proper shoutout to all the bikers that we saw along the way. I mean, 18 kilometers of almost clay road on a bike? That's brave.

Besides, the road going there is an adventure in itself. The red clay against the blue skies in a hot summer afternoon is so beautiful, which is why it's such a downer to see kaingin (and lots of it) happening along the road that goes up the caves. I really hope that this is something the local government can address by involving the community to boost eco-tourism efforts for the Cavinti Cave Complex. LGUs should take an active role in explaining to the community that this could potentially be another Donsol story, because right now, there are only two caves open to the public but there are over a hundred more that are still being explored. Imagine the possibilities.

Spelunking Cavinti Caves

Photo by +nino valencia 

After 18 kilometers of blazing summer heat and dirt road, the river that runs along the cave complex was a welcome respite. We had our lunch under the canopy of a tree along with the other guests that were either done spelunking or also just having lunch first before going in. After having our lunch, we went to the visitors' area where a short talk about the caves and how guests should behave once inside the caves are conducted.

Photo by +nino valencia 

To get to the entrance, guests of 20 ride a balsa to get across the river. This is also where it shows that the Cavinti Cave Complex program is just a newbie. I'm no expert myself, but I think that 20 guests with one tour guide in a relatively unexplored cave is a little bit dangerous, and if anything else, just a freaking nightmare for the poor lone guide.

Photo by +nino valencia 

In our group, there were sub groups, everyone has their own way of going about the cave. Subgroup 1 had kids with them, subgroup 2 is a barkada of four who were just there for the pictures, subgroup 3 was two girls carrying large backpacks, wearing denim pants, and slinging giant DSLRs, and subgroup 4 was us.

Photo by +nino valencia 

And the guide who was with us, you can easily tell lacks training still, because even though he reminds us of proper cave etiquette, he couldn't, bless his soul, guide us. Cavinti Caves had the most wonderful formations of the caves I've been to and it's such a shame that there wasn't even a background on how the caves were discovered, what the other caves are like, what the formations are, you know, little tidbits that you can share with other people to get them to go too.

Photo by +nino valencia 

There were also a lot of times when someone from each subgroup was left behind (at the end of the tour the guide didn't even bother to get us on the balsa on the way back) because they were, well, left on their own. Honestly, for the most part the trek inside the cave was one big photoshoot. We all stop a while to take photos, the guide asks if we're done, and we move on - when we want to. No chitchat. Not even a cave anatomy dig.

Again, I couldn't stress enough how important that the LGUs be involved in the Cavinti Cave Complex. Training the locals to become professional guides by giving them spelunking basics, eco-tourism seminars, first aid training, and  guest relations training may prove to be costly and difficult, but so are most things worth doing.

Photo by +nino valencia 

Post Cavinti Caves

Photo by @anino

Because our guide just left us there, we played Tarzan on the vines that were on the short trail that leads to the cave. Fudge, our mini action figure, takes the cake for Best in Hanging On a Vine. I swear that woman has Hirayamanawari magic in her having written for that show all those years.

Photo by +nino valencia 

The whole Cavinti Cave Complex experience won't be complete without hitting the river that runs through it. It was more enjoyable than I thought it would be, given that I can't swim. Although, it was still weird how some people were taking a bath instead of a just a dip.

Photo by +nino valencia 

On our drive back home we stopped a while to watch the sunset over Laguna de Bay and had the most awesome halo halo at Aling Taleng's Halo Halo which has been serving foodgasm after foodgasm since 1933.

Cavinti Cave Complex Side Notes

• You need to get a permit before going to the caves.
• Bring a head lamp or flashlight because it's pitch black inside the cave. There are head lamps being sold near the visitors' area should you forget to bring one.
• The cave is mostly clay and limestones, so it's better to have trekking shoes/sandals on (and on some parts barefoot) rather than sneakers or flip flops.
• Dress to get dirty. I didn't understand why people went to go spelunking wearing denim jeans and white shorts.
• If you're going to bring tablets, DSLRs, smartphones, and other expensive gadgets inside the cave, let us come to an understanding that you've already voided your right to get pissed if it gets broken.
• The last trip of DLTB buses to Cubao are a bit early, so make sure to be at the station around 7PM. If you can't make the Cubao bus, I think the LRT - Ayala buses have last trip buses at a much later time, around 8PM or 9PM if I remember correctly. As per DLTB, they don't have a fixed schedule for this route yet, so to be on the safe side, just keep your last trip window at 7PM - 8PM.

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Total Gastos: Php 555.00

• Php 280.00 (Two-way fare - DLTB Bus from Cubao to Sta. Cruz)
• Php 100.00 (Lunch)
• Php 75.00 (Aling Taleng's Halo Halo)
• Php 100.00 (Miscellanous, gas, etc.)

Because it's where the magic happens.

____________

Total Gastos: Php 800.00

• Php 500.00 (Entrance Fee - Ride All You Can)
• Php 300.00 (Food, Water, Toll Fee, etc.)

• The active wear section in the mall is not a myth.
• When the first thing the club owner asks you is "Are you okay?" you just know you have that what-the-fuck-am-I-doing-here look on your face.
• When your sensei keeps telling you and your classmates to exercise, then you know you are going to die in training the coming weeks.
• You know you want it when you do take your sensei's advice. Putting yoga on hold first and picking up more cardio exercises to last a day in training. Made use of our half court and shot some hoops for 15 minutes today before regretting my decision. The only good news was, I think I have a good shooting percentage in those 15 minutes.
• No cleaning this week yet. I am, oddly enough, looking forward to it next week.
• When your teacher tells you "We only teach you how to move forward here. We teach you how to fight." after stepping backwards to get into a stance. And you realize it's the answer to the question you've been asking yourself the whole week.
• I still think that more girls should do Kendo. I can't think of anything more satisfying than to score a clean  Do-uchi slash against a sempai.

• There is always that one person in class who's the most eager to learn. That person is also, almost always, the one you can bet will quit (faint / puke their guts out in) training.
• Doing the footwork exercises is like a long break up letter to footspa treatments.
• When you think you're the coolest person in class then your classmate shows up with a shaved head and tattoos on her scalp.
• When you see how said classmate performs in practice and decide that you're still the coolest in class.
• Excited about one of the senseis that passed for 7th Dan coming in next week.

• You know you're in it when you trash talk in your head while watching sempais during sparring.
• At one point, you'll realize that anime/manga tropes about eternal rivals, quirky senseis, and omniscient club owners are true.  
• That awkward moment when your boobs get in the way of holding an imaginary shinai and your sensei's not sure how to correct you.
• The realization that you can kick ass is also a form of motivation.
• Now what to wear next week?

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Total Gastos: Php 3, 700

• Php 2,000 (Joining Fee)
• Php 1, 700 (2 months advance)

Cultural Diplomacy. The exchange of ideas, information, values, systems, traditions, beliefs, and other aspects of culture, with the intention of fostering mutual understanding. - Milton C. Cummings Jr, Professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University

In the learning of a dialect

It is a kind of cultural diplomacy, is it not? For a wife to learn his husband's language. To understand him through practice conversations with an old textbook given by a well-meaning (or nosy) neighbor, because she says the secret to her 10-year marriage is communication. In between strangers like us buying a sakto (so we can ask where we can ride a jeepney to Bontoc without feeling guilty that we're wasting your time), you spend your afternoons daydreaming about the conversations you and your husband will be having. How all the sweet nothings will now mean something because you're now speaking in his tongue. Tasting all the words of love, that made you trade Bicol's heat for Sagada's cold, down to the last saccharine sweet syllable.

Maybe if our schools taught Kankanaey, Bisaya, Chavacano, Itneg, Subanun, Yakan and all the over hundred more dialects of our country, then peace talks would've been peace discourses a long time ago, and we would've had more words for peace rather than just ceasefire. And maybe, if everyone loved just like you do, then maybe the language of love can also be found in the learning of a dialect. 

Ganduyan Museum and the Boy with the Nice Shirt

Photo via Hues of a Rainbow

Dear cute boy with the nice shirt,

It is a kind of cultural diplomacy, is it not? That I wanted to foster a mutual understanding with you over a bottle of beer upon seeing what's on your shirt. Because I just came from Ganduyan Museum and I wanted to tell you all about the lingling-o on your chest. And oh, how I wanted to touch your chest.

So like a student cramming for an exam, I scrambled to remember all the things that Mrs. Aben told us. I thought I'd start with something to catch your attention like a, "Hi. Nice lingling-o." To which you'd say, "Sorry, a what?" Then I'd confidently reply like it's something I knew forever and not just 20-minutes ago, "Oh, the lingling-o." And point at your shirt. "It's a symbol of fertility in the Cordillera region." Then catching myself, I abruptly stopped my daydream. Is that too strong? Talking about fertility without even knowing each other's names?

But then, what is "too strong" in the land of headhunters? Where the edge of a warrior's shield is shaped to fit the neck of the opponent, guaranteeing a nice clean cut when the bolo comes slicing down his throat. What is too strong for a people, that won against the Spanish regime using only wooden shields, bamboo spears, bolos, and head-axes during a war to keep their independence that lasted for 150 years? Certainly not a comment about fertility, I thought.

So I daydreamed some more about how our conversation continued with me telling you everything I learned from the local museum. How women never leave their houses without donning their colorful accessories. How highlanders already have a sophisticated refrigeration system even before the Spaniards came. How social class is determined by the design on the clothes they wear. How we'll both agree that even now social class is determined by the designers of  the clothes people wear. Then I'll say, "Thank the gods for ukay-ukays then." We'd laugh, have a toast, order more beer, and talk some more.

At that moment, I'll think, "If there were folk art museums in every province, there would more like us - two strangers brought together by something learned from a folk art museum." But I imagine there aren't many who are like us, because there aren't a lot of folk art museums in the Philippines to make that possible. I still find it interesting that we can use our art, culture, history, and traditions to forge relations with other countries to "promote more tourism, more trade, and higher regard for the Philippines" but not implement it locally through folk museums to "uphold traditions that give meaning to our identity, and express pride in our unique history." And isn't that, quite simply, what the purpose of cultural diplomacy is about? To make sure that somewhere, two people never remained strangers.

These were the things I wanted to say, had I gathered enough courage to say, "Hi. Nice lingling-o." Had you not quietly walked away. Had I not been lost in my daydreams about your (and what's under your) shirt.

Always daydreaming,

Annabs

Begnas and 80 proof gin

It is a kind of cultural diplomacy, is it not? The "exchange of ideas, information, values, systems, traditions, beliefs, and other aspects of culture, with the intention of fostering mutual understanding" over neverending shots of 80 proof gin on a cold Sagada night on the last day of Begnas.

____________

Total Gastos: Php 650.00

• Php 100.00 (Entrance to Ganduyan Museum)
• Php 50.00 (Sagada Oranges)
• Php 350.00 approx (Lunch and Dinner)
• Php 150.00 approx (Beer)