CMABLOGS: A Life on a Pencil Returns This 2018, and for Good?

CMABLOG: A Life on a Pencil is now back this 2018. Whether it is for good or not is yet to be seen, but I am confident now that with the many plans and changes both in my blogs, life, and finances that it will be pretty fruitful soon.

Image originally from Pedro Penduko, Episode II: The Return of the Comeback (2000), with a minor touch of craziness from yours truly Chris A. All rights belobngs to their respective owners and copyright.

It's been a while since my last major update or blog here. It was way back in 2016 which was about an opinion piece about some unoriginal Filipino soap opera and how one major network got away with it. Fast forward to 2018, and they are still at it together with their "creative" and "talented" writers.


I am thinking of injecting more GIFs like this to convey the current mood or point I am trying to make in my blogs. Something I pick up from the workplace and I think will be pretty awesome as I learn to utilize this more and more on my 2018 blogging comeback. GIF from Spider-Man (2002)


It is what it is. It's part of a bigger cog that is keeping the everyday Filipino mass and children "entertained." Hopefully, the generation watching this will eventually outgrew the mediocrity produced by Philippine mass media and switch to something worthwhile as they mature and become more educated. Let those who are entertained with it now be entertained. No one and not even this opinion piece can change that, but that doesn't mean that we have to agree with it. We can all agree to disagree. You do you. With this, let's wait for this to be over and let time forget this forgettable soap opera.

Moving to a more positive tone as I believe that will irk most of the die hard Alden Richards and Kapuso fan boys and girls (way to go starting your blog for 2018), will now be focusing more on regularly updating my blogs mainly Retro Pilipinas, Pinoy Movie Blogger, and CMAQUEST. Those blogs will have lighter tone on them, moving mostly from criticism (maybe not so much on Pinoy Movie Blogger) and more of a celebration of what they have been in the past (Retro Pilipinas) and what they potentially might be (CMAQUEST).

You can also use CMABLOGS: A Life on a Pencil as the main hub for the latest updates regarding my blogs, and what is the next big thing for us in the long run. 'Will keep you guys updated in the days to come. For now CMABLOGS: A Life on a Pencil has returned This 2018, and hopefully for good.

On Contributing for LionhearTV: A Writing Stint and Experience on Doing Local Showbiz Articles

I have been writing for a local entertainment website called Lionheartv since January 26, 2016. It is quite an interesting experience and feeling to be part of something big; bigger than my blogs that is. Lionheartv is bigger in a sense that it has higher readership and community of 'followers' compared to my blogs; even if they are all combined. Majority of Filipinos loved Philippine entertainment 'news' and most of the times to fault.


People connected with me in my personal social media account and Twitter account knows I am usually indifferent towards what happens in the Philipine showbiz, so I also find it quite ironic that here I am doing showbiz pieces. Well, people need to make a living and this is currently my main project, so I got to lived with such ironies. As much as possible I try to inject a little bit of my usual critical self in most of the usually trivial (for me and Philippine society in general) showbiz "news" article handed to us, the writers. Well, I am really not that indifferent as back then I made a piece about Vice Ganda with On Vice Ganda on Anti-Bullying Fiasco on ABS-CBN's Showtime which I once again revisited with my Lionheartv article "Comedy at the expense of others, ‘bullying’, and Vice Ganda." There are some things that needs discussing, more important that feuding ex-lovers, something that reflects and concerns society. Mass Media has been the pink elephant in the room on its hand in shaping up the collective consciousness of the mass.

Some of the Lionheartv articles I have contributed and proud to share here includes the following:

(1) Amidst Sen. Sotto statement, AlDub is still getting politicized
(2) Is Tito Sotto hurting the public’s perception of “Eat Bulaga?”
(3) Emotional Tito Sotto temporarily leaves “Eat Bulaga;” asks Dabarkads’ support
(4) Aiza Seguerra reacts against Manny Pacquiao ‘Same Sex Marriage’ statement
(5) Reelectionist senator Tito Sotto, “Eat Bulaga,” AlDub, and the 2016 Pangasinan Political Rally
(6) Manny Pacquiao quotes and deletes bible verse on ‘Gays Put to Death’
(7) A Look into the Social Media Backlash regarding Vice Ganda’s Opinion against Manny Pacquiao



There is also an article I made which I hardly consider to be a proudest work, but find it really "interesting"; for lack of a better word. In my article "Fans Clash and Petition to Disqualify Maine Mendoza from Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2016," I had a "fascinating" "luxury" of encountering some passionate AlDub, Lizqueen, JaDine, and KathNiel who are at each other's throats. You can check out the article at how I handled it for more information. The funny thing is that in Twitter, some fans are reacting negatively even if they haven't read the article which in reality is skeptical about the whole matter. Ladies and gentlemen the best of what fandom has to offer (NOT):


I am still currently contributing for them as of the writing of this article. This is probably the main reason why I was able to do more updates and articles there, than in my actual personal blog. Every once in a while I make an exemption and update 'Life on a Pencil' especially if it has something to do with the things I am passionate about, secularism and freethinking. I have been doing a series of Editorial Reactions which I will be making a regular segment/section here at 'Life.' Well, I have been more active with my other niche blogs, mainly Retro Pilipinas and Pinoy Movie Blogger, but that will soon change as I am slowly going to the direction of full-time blogging. I really appreciate my experience writing for Lionheartv.

Taking a Swing at Full Time Blogging and Online Presence

It was not long ago that I happen to stumble upon the wonderful world of blogging. The initial motivation was to make money out of it, but along it came learning; that one can't d it without having something good to offer - that content was 'king.' From then on, I started to learn the ropes of what I should offer outside money making from blogs. I later toned it down to give way to content and the readership. It was a series of trial and and error. My experience gave birth to a series of blog that I am proud to author right now.

I initially started with CMAQUEST (http://cmaquest.blogspot.com) which by then was categorized as personal, and later becoming more of a "mixed bag" or a 'general' blog. Later on, I separated my personal stuff to give CMAQUEST more of an 'entertainment' niche. This is when this blog, Life on a Pencil (http://lifeonapencil.blogspot.com) came to be. Since discovering that niche blogs have more special viewership and can be a source of specific audience, I later made two other blogs which I am able to create quality content without having a hard time; on things that I am passionate about.

I later made Retro Pilipinas (http://retropilipinas.blogspot.com) which is about anything the past mostly shows and pop culture that I grew up with hoping to resonate with a number of people online. Thus, the target demographic is anyone in nostalgia who suddenly remember somethings of the past; the Throwback Thursday people. I have also been managing the Retro Pilipinas Official Facebook Page in which you can LIKE or FOLLOW for updates when you are in social media.

I also made Pinoy Movie Blogger (http://pinoymovieblogger.blogspot.com) which is all about Filipino movies, movie trailer impressions, and actual movie trailer reviews. The mindset I had when I initially conceptualize it was to help celebrate and promote the local movie industry. To also be critical about it and help it improve. With the fascination over international films, why can't we build fascination of our own here. Pinoy Movie Blogger has also been doing well in terms of viewership and its social media following, you can LIKE and FOLLOW the Pinoy Movie Blogger Official Facebook Page for news and updates.

I have also done some writing stint. I have become a contributor at Flip Geeks with an article entitled ""

Blog, Gaming, Career, and Other Drugs

It's been a while since I visited my blogs and actually "blogged". It has already been what almost two to three months of hiatus in my blogs, and some of those blogs really needs some updating. I really can't say if I am back or what. For now I am taking my sweet time with work and gaming.


I think I mentioned before that I am working as another BPO agent with some flashy sub-name "Game Master". Currently, we are now handling an MMOFPS which I will end at that. Well, can't really chose what genre to pick as we are all just corporate slaves here in the end. Well, I start to appreciate shooters now more than before, maybe I'll try out various FPS on Xbox 360 now.

I've finally decided to join the dark side and modify (JTAG) mg Xbox 360. I had always the options to do so, but back then I was still digging the whole online connectivity thing. Well, I grew tired of it and most of the games I purchase are lengthy single player (RPG) ones, so what's the use right. Currently I am now playing 2013's Tomb Raider from Crystal Dynamics which is really kick ass. I haven't had the chance to play the uncharted series, but seeing the videos posted online, I think the reboot of the Tomb Raider franchise is much more like Uncharted which is not a bad thing. I am also playing the Ultimate Adventure (story mode) of Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm 3, which is great as usual. Not to mention, I have unlocked a number of characters for multiplayer. Can't wait to play with friends once I've unlocked all the characters. Thanks to my new JTagged Xbox360, I can now play those games which I haven't had the resources to play before ;-)

I only got two days every week to continuously play Xbox 360 games, but that doesn't mean I can't play on the road. I recently purchase PSP 3000 which I play in trips to and fro to work. Yes, it is modified as well, currently enjoying Valkyria Chronicles II, Persona 4 Portable, and Duodecim Final Fantasy 012. So is there anything else a geek like me can ask for? More time to enjoy these perhaps? Every once in a while I think of romance, but then I remember what possible life I can give them and I immediately snap out of that dream. Maybe someday when I have more than enough (financially) to give myself and my parents. For now, romantic relationships are out of the picture.

I will probably share my thoughts on relationship next time. Recently had a talk with a good bud of mine about this, and i think it is worth talking about and oh boy I have a lot in mind about that issue.

Here and Back Again This 2013: First Blog Post for 2013

Ah how fast time flies. One moment I was wondering what new blogs will I push for 2012 and then the next thing I know is that the year has ended. It has also not been a good year for CMABLOGS as I have been inactive in the later half of the year. Basically I still blog, but not here. I generally focused my attention on my other blogs, mainly CMAQUEST, Pinoy Movie Blogger, and Retro Pilipinas. Unfortunately work got in the way, but I am not complaining I love my new career as an outsourced Game Master. I got to work in the gaming industry and finally know what it is like behind the scenes. I planned to start a blogging series last year relating to my new career, but eventually work and gaming schedule conflict got in the way. Hopefully I can juggle my schedule playing, working, and blogging this 2013.

It was not long ago, 2007 to be precise that I started blogging for the sake of earning a little. after a series of trial and error, I finally got it and eventually infiltrated the local blogging community thanks to mainstream commercial bloggers who I met in the past years. I learned a lot from that experience and thankful for everything. As much as i enjoy attending blogging events and sharing experiences and new stuff from such events, we all need to eventually prioritize what matters most... family and personal growth. So cheers and here is to a more active blogging this 2013. Catch me blogging and check out updates on my blogs :D

Preparations for the Future: Starting My Journey to Financial Freedom

Whether you subscribe to it or not, the fact still remains... money makes the world go round. This is why most that belong to the middle class work diligently. The ultimate objective should be financial freedom. No, not should but that "MUST" be our the ultimate goal right. Unfortunately, not everyone (at first that is) seems to realize that this should be their goal in a financial standpoint. When they do realize it, regret is one of the initial emotions that comes up, but on the brighter side of it, it is never too late. This is what I want to impart with you on this little personal development blog post about starting my journey to financial freedom.

I made this post this 6th of July, 2012 and plans to make this blog post as a starting point in my journey to financial freedom. Basing on its two keyword "finance" and "freedom", financial freedom is not entirely about being wealthy (although it is under it), but more on being able to enjoy life without being affected with financial complications and uncertainties that may rise in the future. So how do we become "financially free"? Well, I am no expert, I did say that I was just starting. The best way to learn about it is with research, that's what I did and that is why we have books and the internet, right? At the age of 26, I regret some financial decisions I did in my life. If only I saved my money before. If only I invest it on interest-yielding financial mechanisms. If only I did or didn't do this. In the end, rather than sulking up on the mistakes of the past, we should move forward. What truly matter is that we learned from these mistakes, that in some weird way that it helped us get to this point of realization. Although it is good to reward yourself every once in a while, we should never loose track of the future, of the goal to be financially free. A luxurious and spendthrift lifestyle only belongs to those who can afford wasting their own or their family's wealth. Well we can even say that they are having this sort of lifestyle because they have reach that point of financial freedom. So while we haven't reach the point of financial freedom nor have resources to waste we should learn to change. One shouldn't live beyond his means but under it, and find other ways to increase his income.

What I leaned from researching is to SAVE MONEY. That is my biggest mistake in life. It always come to my mind, but never actually acted on it. But now, there is no time to waste. If I want to get started with the new knowledge I gained, I need to take up action.

Here are some great tips:

• Save Money. The bank is a good place to start.
• Pay up and be free from your debts. Completely avoid credit cards
  Have a separate emergency savings. A 3-6 months worth of emergency funds is essential to serve as a cushion to protect you from various unfortunate financial situations like losing a job or medical concerns.
• Set money for investments. This is the money generating machinery that would help you gain financial freedom. This is worth researching for.

This past few days, I have talked with colleagues in my new career about finance and the future. The new career I have isn't that rewarding and I need to maximize my income stream and total earnings. This is why I have been researching about the stock market.


Here is a good informative animation about how stock works I stumbled on my research:



I now plan to invest on stocks. A year ago, I did plan to start with time deposits and buying bonds through banks, but I wasn't that serious to actually act on it. I am thankful for maturity finally catching up on me. If I want to give my future self and family a good life, then I have to change and compromise some things in life.

Ask yourself this, what are you willing to do to achieve the things you want in life?

RetroPilipinas.com and PinoyMovieBlogger.com: Blogs Leveled Up and Updates

Retro Pilipinas and Pinoy Movie Blogger, two other blogs I authored finally got their own domain names this June 21, 2012 (Thursday). Everyone can now reach Retro Pilipinas, blog dedicated to everything nostalgic and retro in the Philippines at http://www.retropilipnas.com for Retro Pilipinas; and Pinoy Movie Blogger, blog dedicated for Filipino movies which include local film trailer impressions, Filipino film reviews, and articles about the Philippine cinema at http://www.pinoymovieblogger.com.

It was really a big challenge maintaining four blogs especially now that I have a new career to pursue unlike before. But even if the time restrictions and limitations, my passion to share and blog will never fail. Now more than ever I am more passionate to create more informative, entertaining, and worthwhile content for both the local and international netizens.

Work Gets in the Way: Missing Blogging and Missing Sharing

It's almost been a month! I am officially an office guy working for a budding gaming company here in the Philippines. After three years of home-based benefit-less outsourced work as a content writer, I finally got a job that I like and that rewards me for my efforts. The only issue I have now is I missed sharing my thoughts and information online.

Well, this is considered a blog post, right?... you might ask. Well yes, but before, I had a work I usually wake up in the morning to face my PC and share everything that my hearts desire: international movies, Filipino movies, a retrospective on Philippines, and many more. I literally spend my whole day blogging and it's okay. There is a certain fulfillment for me when I blog. Even if there are not that many people responding to my blogs, in the back of my mind, I know that I have done my part.. I have enlightened, entertained, and informed someone. That is probably where I get my drive.

This is an old photo of me on a vacation years ago. Yes, I literally gained wait from this pic and I haven't had any real pic as of the moment. so I'll just use this old pic. Probably next time, I'll have something better to share :P

It is currently 3:00 in the morning. I just finished watching the 19th episode of Grimm while eating the instant noodles mom cooked for me when she opened the door for me when I arrived back at 1:00 am. It was about an hour and a half trip from my schedule which ran from 2pm to 11 pm. Then that same schedule will repeat on the next day. Luckily I have two days of break but recently I got sidetracked when I bought Final Fantasy XIII-2. Well I still haven't finished the game. I have literally spent the small time I had playing the game which is a good reason why I really missed out on blogging. I was really surprised when I received two event invites in the past, but has completely passed out because of my work and leisure. I had this kind of conflict before, but my previous work was more flexible and I was able three tasks at a time. Now I usually spend or waste my time in the bus commuting to and fro from home. I miss blogging and the simple life, but I also know that I need this job right now. One thing is ceratin, I have a lot of things going on for myself right now and a proper time management is really needed to organize the things I love. Yes, things I love. The person to love (romantically) can wait, whomever she might be. As our popular saying goes in the Philippines bahala na si Batman.

Officially a FlipGeek: First Article on FlipGeeks about Tokusatsu

It's now official, yours truly is a FlipGeeks . I got in touch with them a couple of weeks back and was fortunate enough to become a part of their project.

www.flipgeeks.com/

FlipGeeks is the Filipino geek’s corner for toys, comics, video games and everything else! FlipGeeks or FG aims to be the number one online resource in the Philippines in providing news, updates on the geek genre (toys,movies,comics,etc) and pop culture.

It can really be a big challenge for me especially as I also author a few more blogs besides CMABLOGS mainly CMAQUEST, Retro Pilipinas, and Pinoy Movie Blogger, not to mention a new career. I am not complaining, I willed this! I like challenges, I like sharing stuff, and I as usual I plan to conquer the world!...

I have always wanted to be part of something big and something relevant (for me that is). I believe that the geek community is growing and has been taking over the internet like global warming to Earth... (DERP) that was not a good comparison, LOL. I believe FlipGeeks can reach that community starting here at our motherland, the Philippines. I will aid the group's objective to be the community that FlipGeeks aims to be and maybe more. This is enough motivation to keep me going like an Energizer bunny.

Besides the regular spots where you usually see me blogging,you can now regularly see me blogging at FlipGeeks as well usually about all my geekiness. For starters, I made my very first article about tokusatsu's influence to Filipino kids and the geek community at RETRO FLIP GEEK: A Look Back at Tokusatsu Shows and Its Influence to Filipino Kids.

If you guys can remember I made a similar post about tokusatsu here at CMABLOGS with For Philippine Television Networks Consideration: Create An All-Original Filipino Tokusatsu Series Seriously for the Younger Television Audience. This previous post and my first FlipGeeks article compliments each other rather than just being a mere copy-and-paste copy of each other. Hope you guys can check both of them out.

For Filipino Geeks out there, you can visit FlipGeeks for more Geek news, articles, reviews, and giveaways.

What Have I been Up To: Retro Pilipinas, Sari-Sari Store Archives and Other Blogs I Own

Ah, how I missed blogging here in my personal digital space here in CMABLOGS. I have been focusing more on my other blogs these past few days and so I am back here again, giving my progress report.



So what are these blogs that I have been busy with. Without further ado here they are:

CMAQUEST
http://www.cmaquest.com
Pop Culture and International Trailer Review Blog

I usually make daily posts mainly trailer reviews about movies, televsion shows, video games and general pop culture stuff on CMAQUEST. Hope you guys can check my first ever blog converted into an infotainment and magazine blog.

Pinoy Movie Blogger
http://pinoymovieblogger.blogspot.com
Filipino Film Blog

While CMAQUEST is more on international stuff, I've decided to make a blog dedicated to Philippine Cinema. There are now more stuff to write about the Philippine film industry and it is nice to see the industry get back up to its feet. I usually do movie trailer reviews of the latest films coming out in nationwide theaters, doing movie reviews of past Filipino films, and in between writing some articles (to compensate for the lack of movies created here in the Philippines) about the Philippine film industry in general. Hope you guys can check that out as well.

Kuwentong Bayan at Alamat
http://kuwentongbayanatalamat.blogspot.com/
Educational Resource Blog

More geared towards students. I seldom update this blog but when I do, I usually feature Philippine legends and folktales for the consumption of our young student netizens looking for educational resources.

Retro Pilipinas
http://retropilipinas.blogspot.com/
Archive Blog of Retro Shows Aired in the Philippines

Everyone grew up with something and I am the blogger that I am today because of such fond memories. Retro Pilipinas is a blog dedicated in archiving most (if not all) of those wonderful and may now be considered cheesy shows of the past. From animated series, game shows, soap operas, to imported shows, Retro Pilipinas will archive them all for nostalgic netizens.

Sari-Sari Store Archives
http://sarisaristorearchives.blogspot.com/
Archive Blog for Philippine Snacks and Beverages found in the Sari-Sari Store

This is more of a personal project. The Sari-Sari Store Archives aims to do what its bog name feature, to archive everything found in a typical sari-sari store. From affordable snacks to beverages. Hope you guys can check it out as well.

So there you have it, all five of the blogs I currently managed. To where I get the time and energy to manage them all is still a question I ask myself, but I guess this is because I just like blogging and sharing.

I am Back at Blogging!

Ahoy Blogosphere! Guess who's back? Well, of course it's me, who else would it be hahaha. All of my blogs went through an indefinite blog hiatus a couple of weeks (and months) ago and now I am back with a vengeance. Bringing new stuff and some old ones that you either love or hate.



What I lacked in the past is a decent system to worked with. It is hard to balance work, blogging, and gaming all at the same time, especially to those who lack the discipline to do so. The blog hiatus has also allowed me to contemplate and reflect. After the accident which I will also blog this week, it made me rethink of a couple of things. Hopefully this enlightened state will do wonders for me and hopefully will share that to the rest of the blogosphere. Expect a lot of changes in all of my blogs. Cause I am back! Hopefully better than ever!

To 2011 and Beyond: Optimism is the Key for a Great Year

2010 is a great learning experience for me and generally was good to yours truly. It was a great year of progress and maturity. I don't want to make any "New Year's resolution" because I tend to bot fulfill those resolutions anyway. No more shallow words and empty promises, just action and a personal objective which I should just keep to myself.

January started out just right with a perfect New Year celebration with the entire family. We are a lot closer as a family than previous years, and I am loving every single second of it. It was later followed by a very memorable birthday last January 02, where I celebrated that momentous occasion together with some of my closest friends back in high school. I also would like to give a big thanks to acquaintances, fellow bloggers and friends who greeted me on my 25th birthday over at Facebook.

I am overflowing with optimism for 2010 but more than just a positive attitude, we should all learn to take those dreams and turn them to reality. Have a happy 2011 everyone and may we all have a better year ahead.

Dasmariñas Celebrates its First Year of Becoming a City

Dasmariñas City is currently celebrating its first anniversary as a city. It was not long ago (2009) that yourstruly participated and made my one vote count, and here we are today commemorating the cityhood of the Dasmariñas.



I have been in Dasmariñas since I was still 3 (I am currently 24 as I make this blogpost... yeah I am not ashamed to divulge my age). This is where I became the person that I am right now. I am always thankful to be educated, raised and learned the things that made me today here in my hometown Dasmariñas Cavite. Once an ordinary province, now a city. Amidst all of the infrastructure changes,Dasmariñas as a city has still not changed a bit. The people are still loving, hospitable, smart, independent and generally lighthearted. The community peaceful (gulp) which is why many foreign nationalities decided to retire or have their ESL education (Korean Students) here.



I almost forgot that on the 25th of November 2009 I cast my said Yes to the Cityhood of Dasmariñas City, luckily I went with mom to do our regular grocery shopping where I saw all of the tarpauline hanging on the center islands of the primary roads heading to the main town stating that we commemorate the first anniversary of the cityhood of Dasmariñas. I wasn't able to cover the event for I know there would be one (as usual), what I did instead was went to Kadiwa Park with three of my best friends since high school together with my goddaughter as we spent our day having a quality family time from 5 pm until 8 pm.



I am so happy with the 1st anniversary of Dasmariñas as a city because I was able to experience this special day with the people who know me the best. This is why there is no place like home, no place like Dasmariñas City.

A Future of Blogging as a Career: Concepts, Ideas and Investments

I have been thinking the past few weeks, and thinking hard I did. What will the future hold for me, what opportunities can I take that could further develop my skills as a freelance writer and worker? Then it hit me, like a brick falling from a thirty foot story building! Okay that was a bit too much but a great blogging idea came to me. What if I do more!?!



I have already tried having multiple blogs in the past and so far I can conclude that all I can manage are four blogs at the time, with the two having the luxury to get regular updates than the rest, that being http://www.cmablogs and oh http://www.cmaquest.com. Though I know I can manage more, I am a bit restricted with my freelance work and proper time management. This is the main reason why I haven't been active in the past few weeks. I was getting my act together, focusing more on being productive and avoiding distractions which can really be tough sometimes. Luckily the distractions that comes along the way are some streaming videos which I can use as a material for work related write-ups. These same distractions have also inspired me to go even the distance and try the wildest of ideas, creating more engaging, informative, and entertaining blogs. To what the themes of these blogs that I am conceptualizing are still under development, but I am sure it would be something great (I think). I may find myself in something so big that I could no longer handle it alone, a company... that doesn't sound so bad. well, like they said if you are going to dream, then dream something big but in order for that to come to full circle then you must do something about it. That my friends is what I am planning for the coming weeks.

I don't have to be a seer, to see a bright future ahead of me. I just needed to extensively learn and properly manage my time and I may probably be of to a good start.