Scrabble Gobble

Unlike most hyperactive people who prefer ball games, I like to play Scrabble instead. If you are not familiar, it is a board game that revolves around smart formation of words making use of certain areas in a board that could elevate your score. 

I could not remember when I started to learn and like the sport but I'm sure I played during high school days  as well as on College Intramurals. For me, the fun part is when your tiles give you different words each time and it's challenging because random draws of letters could either be great when you're seeing words out of the combinations or frustrating when you get mostly vowels or consonants. And everytime you do a Scrabble turn (the time when you get to form a valid word out of all the 7-letters you have), you feel like you're in Cloud 9! Well, at least that's how I feel each time. How about you, co-Scrabble enthusiast or curious and perhaps will soon be one?

Things you need to play Scrabble

The following items are usually sold by set:

• Scrabble board
• Tiles (the letters you attempt to form into words)
• Tile rack (where tiles are placed in an organized manner for you to find it easier to try combinations for words)

Extras:

• Score pad (it is where you keep track and write down yours and your opponent's score per turn)

• Timer (in my experience, we usually use a chess clock for time limit pressure that makes the game more challenging)
• Official dictionary (this is where a challenged word is looked up to verify whether it's valid or not)

Respect the Senior Citizens

I am getting tired of seeing inappropriate expressions and hearing disrespectful remarks from people who encounter senior citizens whether in a pharmacy, store, or jeepney. What's wrong, people? Is it too difficult to give them the respect and benefits that they are entitled to? We are all aware that we are living in a not-so-privileged society and yet many of us are still not doing something about it, things that would at least make us live in a better place with regards to how we deal with our fellowmen.

I haven't written an editorial for ages but this would have to do. Hopefully a wake-up call to every citizen, whether young or old. The names of stores I mention here are based on mine and my mom's actual experiences.

Rose Pharmacy (Robinsons Cybergate)

Mom and I asked the attendant if there are available stocks of the medicine and she said yes. However, when mom showed her ID and medicine purchase slip, for some reason the lady checked very quickly on their layered shelf and came back saying that despite seeing more than zero quantity in the computer, the medicine is already sold out. Ain't that disappointing?

Rose Pharmacy (Gaisano Fiesta Mall) 

Same thing as the above-mentioned happened. Plus it took very long for a pharmacist to assist in the Senior Citizens section. I thought they are to be given utmost priority? Looks like they want the elderly to give up and just purchase without availing the 20% discount.

Watson's Pharmacy (SM City Cebu)

I showed the requirements needed (ID, medicine purchase slip, prescriptions) to purchase medicines along with an authorization letter that my mother signed so I can buy on her behalf. The attendant immediately told me that she would have to check for the one that's highest in price compared to the other two. And no surprise, I was told there's no more stock except those with cheaper prices. How sad.

Watson's Pharmacy (JY Square Mall)

This time I didn't reveal that I am buying medicine in behalf of a senior citizen but directly asked if it (the one that was "not available" at Watson's SM) is available, and the pharmacy assistant said yes then proceeded to immediately packing it. When she turned back towards me, assuming they would have the same process as with any of their other branches, I gave the same documents. Already expected that there would be some hassle and I'm right (again). I was told that the prescription should be recent (I replied that it's because it's always been the same medicine for my mom), they are to retain the authorization letter (why didn't the Watson's SM staff do the same?). So there, I got to buy the medicines for my mom. Only  with a little strategy which should not have been the case if they don't hesitate at giving any senior citizen his/her right.

Now the big question is, why don't they like it when a senior citizen buys medicine from them? Are the seniors too many that pharmacies are anticipating alot of discounts given which would perhaps result to losses? Is it why they seem to limit or not sell medicines at all? I don't think so.

360 Pharmacy (at the back of Robinsons Cybergate)
Straightforward customer service and no hassle at all. Two thumbs up!

Buying groceries is another story.

Inspiring Web Find: So True

Sharing a speech I've read and hope it will serve as inspiration not only to me but to all of us.

The Crab

Maybe I'm just becoming true to my zodiac sign. I do have this shell or you can call it a shield. I talk and I share but only to people close to me whom I am comfortable sharing personal stories with. I don't want to talk about everything just to anybody. It makes me feel as if there's an invasion of privacy which I myself am to blame. And as what I recall on one of my statuses before in Facebook, I wrote "Too much publicity is only for celebrity".

I know friends would want to know how I'm doing with my life. But I prefer them chatting with me, texting or setting a date for us to meet or sending me a message asking how I am and vice versa. They can't do those if I spoon-feed them now, right? Aside from that, other people/strangers will only poke their noses into my affairs.

So before you post any status, article about your life, think again whether you're okay with being too public or not. Otherwise, you'll have to live with the consequences. I'm not particularly saying it's totally wrong for we have different views, but that's how I see things from the hard shell protecting my soft, inner core. - Crab

Hello, Manila!

Been to Manila or planning to go one of these days? Well, to those who have been there, you might be familiar with some of the things I mention on this post. While those who haven't could find some information useful for a first-time visit to the place. We did encounter some challenges. Since this could be potentially long, I am dividing my post into a series of events.

Curious at the piso fare promos I hear from friends and officemates, I tried to book a flight as fast as I could some months ago. Often told about how most weekend dates get sold out within minutes. First destination I thought of was Manila among two others. But because I found available slots for Manila, I took it. Traveling used to be one of my sister's dreams. That's why after two years have passed since she joined our Savior, I decided I should make her dream a reality by taking mom, our family to some places traveled by air. I hope Ate is happy.

The Planning

When you know there's a chance you can get lost in an unfamiliar place, you prepare for it. We do have a few relatives living in Manila but their place is far away from the heart of the city and having a limited time to do stuff, we thought it'd only take up the time we need to go to the attractions we planned to go to. One should always learn to prioritize and our main goal that time is to explore and get to know what Manila is like.

1) Searched online for nice and fairly near-to-each-other places I know. 

Click on available links to check official websites, place info:

• Manila Ocean Park
• Luneta/Rizal Park
• Quirino Grandstand
• Manila Zoo
• Divisoria
• Quiapo
• SM Mall of Asia

2) Bought a map of Manila. I could have just settled with map searches but they are not as detailed and printing at that time was a hassle for me.

3) Considered options for places to stay. Thanks to a friend's blog post, I learned about names of less expensive pension houses and did some inquiries to base mine and my folks' decision upon.

• Malate Pensionne
• Friendly's Guesthouse
• Stargate Pensionne

Trip to Manila

Another bright sunny weather to thank God for! Although the second time around it's more cloudy. But still it's great to be traveling again on a nice sky. Terminal fee from Cebu to Manila is P200.

Killer High Heels

Why do you think high heels are labeled as "killer"? Probably some would associate it with killer looks. Something positive. However, it's a misconception.

High heels do have an ill effect on people, most especially women. Yes, it adds some height and makes a girl feel and look different with the way she walks but it is something that comes with a price.

I'm sharing what I've learned from my curious reading about this topic not because I don't see that much need of wearing high heels but just so women who are not aware will have an understanding as well as facts. Many could be underestimating the damages caused by high heels aside from surely getting sore feet.

High-heeled footwear

Pumps

Stilettos

Wedges

The Judgmental Gets Judged

Know the facts, don't assume. How many times do people tend to assume before taking time to learn the truth? Not only does it ruin relationships but it also gives unnecessary heartaches to the people involved.

Open communication is always the key. A true friend would ask what's wrong instead of letting what's bothering him make a gap in the friendship. Or a loved one who suspects there's something going on behind his back confronts instead of immediately deciding that what he thinks is already true. How would you know in the first place if you already concluded that you are right without seeing both sides of the coin? Weird and different actions will only mislead and not solve any misunderstanding. Trust also plays a big role. Get rid of pride and jealousy and replace it with understanding, forgiveness.

Some are good at criticizing others yet they end up doing the same thing themselves. For instance, one who always find fault in others judge and spread gossips. With that, isn't he now doing something that's exactly wrong himself?

As the saying goes, clean your surroundings first before noticing another person's unclean backyard. And that it is but right to go to lengths in getting facts than directly assuming, which most often yield to incorrect and negative results.