This is a reaction to Carlo Ople’s blog about the Four Types of Bloggers: Value, Hobby, Journal, and Google. He said that bloggers can be categorized into these 4 types based on the type of content that a blog has. He noted that sometimes bloggers can be a balance of these 4 types or can just either fall to 1 or two.

Blogger Ople desribed hobby bloggers as those that “generate content from the things or activities that interest them most.” These are bloggers who blog absolutely anything under the sun: politics, photography, movie reviews, food, or perhaps even pornography. There are a lot of these around the net and I’m sure you have encountered at least one blog of this type.

The other type, which is quite common to yuppies, is the journal bloggers, which usually post about their life experiences. Ople said that, “the problem with journal bloggers is that their readership is usually confined to their circle of friends”, which I certainly agree. Take note of the word ‘usually’. Some journal bloggers don’t like their blogs to be publicly read by anybody. Some even prefer that their closest friends can only read their blog. In fact, I have one secret blog that I do not disclose to my friends. The reason? Let’s just say that some chapters in a book are never meant to be read by everybody.

Google bloggers, on the other hand, “focus on Search Engine Optimization with no or little regard to relevant content, personal branding, and influence.” Business bloggers, if I may name them. These are bloggers who are in it for the money. Honestly, I don’t know exactly how these bloggers earn money but my friend said that the idea here is that they build keywords so that whenever we search a certain keyword, search engines will point us to them. Basically, the more traffic they get, the more money they will get.

Lastly, the value bloggers are “writers who put content, personal branding, and service as their top priorities.” These are blogs where you can get insights practically about anything from matters of the heart to how to fix your car in 5 minutes. Personally, I like to read ‘value blogs’ because it greatly influences the readers. Readers read relevant and sensible posts and at the same, get something out from the content, which they can hopefully learn something from. One of my favorites is blogger Rom Sedona and her blog smoke.ph.

So, which type/s do I belong? I say that I’m a mixture of a hobby, journal, and a value blogger. I freely write about my personal experiences, comment on certain issues in politics, science and technology, etc, and even write relevant and sensible posts where readers can learn a thing or two. But certainly, I am NOT and WILL NEVER BE the fifth type of blogger or the PGB (Patay Gutom Bloggers), which unfortunately my dude, Carlo Ople, removed from his blog.

To PGBs: Shame on you. Shame on you.

Silliman University landed 2^nd overall in the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam with four students in the top 10. Rose Jean Dumaboc Capidlac and Carla Mae Tenorio Cuisia landed in 7^th place with a rating of 87%. Matthew Wayne Real Chang landed in 9^th place with a rating of 86.60%. Also, Jake Desor Diputado got 86.40%, which brought him to 10^th place.

Silliman had an overall performance of 98%. Out of 373 examinees from the university, 366 passed while 7 failed. Xavier University, on the other hand, toped the Nursing Board Exam, with an overall performance of 99%.

Congratulations to the Sillimanians who passed the November 2008 Nursing Board Exam!

Nursing Board Exam Topnotchers

1.) Jovie Ann Alawas Decoyna, Baguio Central University, 89.00%

2.) John Patrick Morales Dimarucot , Central Luzon Doctor’s Hospital Educational Institute, 88.40%

3.) Gian Karlo Timog Cusi, Baguio Central University 88%;
Erycar Del Mundo Manaois-Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, 88%

4.) Florina Conde Corpuz, Saint Dominic Savio College 87.60%;
Angelica Aubrey Pantig Morla, Far Eastern University Manila 87.60%;
Jamie Anne Tolentino Tinio, Angeles University Foundation 87.60%

5.) Roberto Madrona Asuncion, Arellano University, Pasay City, 87.40;
Irisa Kriya Turaja Biag, San Pedro College, Davao City, 87.40;
Miguela Macuto Gabisan, Cebu Normal University, 87.40%;
Edita Te Lim-Arriesgado College Foundation, Inc, 87.40%;
Rosario Lei Mosqueda Pasimio, Xavier University, 87.40%;
Elaine Grace Esperancilla Praile Saint Paul University, Iloilo 87.40%;
Catherine Duran Reyes, Our Lady of Fatima College QC, 87.40%

6.) Geronimo Carillo Burce Jr., Mabini College, 87.20%;
Joanna Mae Francisco Evangelista, San Beda College, 87.20%;
Christopher Alvarez Irorita, San Pedro College, Davao City, 87.20%,
Paul Delfin Reyes Jamero, Father Saturnino Urios University (Urios College), 87.20%;
Hazel Joy Amarillo Jimenez, University of Batangas, 87.20%;
Ma. Concepcion Ashley Delizo Mapagu, Saint Louis University, 87.20%;
Maria Cecilia Castillo Navata, Canossa College, 87.20%;
Francis Ian Sabanal Pascual, Universidad de Zamboanga (ZAEC), 87.20%;
George Garcia Vega Jr., University of Saint Louis, Tuguegarao, 87.20%

7.)Katrina Andrea Pagdanganan Arceo, Nueva Ecija College, 87.00%;
Rose Jean Dumaboc Capidlac, Silliman University, 87.00;
Carla Mae Tenorio Cuisia, Silliman University, 87.00;
Mary Ann Alvarez Garing, Lyceum of Batangas, 87.00;
Ma. Joya Jimenea Genzola, Colegio de San Agustin, Bacolod City, 87.00%;
Rose Anne Miranda Mungcal, Angeles University Foundation, 87.00%;
Pretzel Estremos Vicencio, (Butuan Doctors College (Butuan Dr. HSP. Sch. of Nursing), 87.00%;
Faye Stephanie Yao Yu, Remedios T. Romualdez Medical Foundation, 87.00%

8.) Lylani Mutya Balote, University of Makati, 86.80;
Jamaicca Rabulan Banting, Davao Doctors College, Inc., 86.80%;
Garey Jay Avelino Delfin, Iloilo Doctors’ College, 86.80%;
Josephine Celoso Elvas, 86.80%;
Vanito Diocson Ilanga Jr., Sultan Kudarat Educational Institution, 86.80%;
Maria Edna Charise Godoy Java, Misamis University, Ozamiz City, 86.80%;
Hannah Lee Alde Padilla, University of San Agustin, 86.80%;
Bryan Morella Peralta, Univesity of Makati, 86.80%;
Robinson Uy Kaw Sing, Iloilo Doctors’ College, 86.80%

9.) Maria Jurem Quilar Alcarde, Central Philippine University, 86.60%;
Ruel Bobadilla Arzadon, Saint Louis University, 86.60%;
Karina Genciane Banayat, Our Lady of Fatima College, Quezon City, 86.60%;
Ryan Daniel Rivera Dablo, University of San Carlos, 86.60%;
Matthew Wayne Real Chang, Silliman University, 86.60%;
Fritzie Quiatzon Dela Raga, Fellowhip Baptist College, 86.60%;
Hiromi Balaguer Fernandez, Saint Paul University, Iloilo, 86.60%;
Josephine Franz Pagulayan Gammad, Saint Paul University, Tuguegarao, 86.60%;
Paul Fabian Robosa Gumabao, Arellano University, Manila, 86.60%;
Maila Carl Majam Morantte, Colegio De Sta. Lourdes of Leyte Foundation Inc., 86.60%;
Michael Dorothy Frances Gaer Montojo, Ateneo de Davao University, 86.60%;
Cindy Mae Alvarez Nañoz, Ateneo de Zamboanga, 86.60%;
Glenda Mae Macapal Omaña, Riverside College, 86.60%;
Rhea Jhoy Padinay Pantaleon, Saint Louis University, 86.60%;
Rolly Mendoza Policarpio, Angeles University Foundation, 86.60%;
Arlette Castillo Quinan, University of St. Louis, Tuguegarao, 86.60%;
Crystal Mae Abejuela Sabela, Xavier University, 86.60%;
Katrina Isabel Hugo Santos, Philippine Women’s University, Quezon City, 86.60%;
Shiella Marie Gamboa Simplina, Saint Louis University, 86.60%

10.) James Altura Baguio, Saint Mary’s University, 86.40%;
Miljoyce Daligdig Cabat, Lyceum Northwestern, 86.40%;
Sarah Mae Clemente Capulong, Angeles University Foundation, 86.40%;
Johcy Angeleme Fausto De La Fuente, Central Philippine University, 86.40;
Renante Lazarte Dig-Aoan, Baguio Central University, 86.40%;
Jake Desor Diputado, Silliman University, 86.40%;
Marjory Boquia Emperio, Misamis University , Ozamiz City, 86.40%,
Marissa Raposas Ferrer, Lyceum Northwestern, 86.40%;
Erika Bautista Galang, Central Luzon Doctor’s Hospital Educational Institute, 86.40%;
Francis Gerwin Uy Jalipa, San Pedro College, Davao City, 86.40%;
Angela Gilda Baltazar Mencias, Unciano Colleges & General Hospital, Manila, 86.40%;
Carina Yabut Pacete, Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela, 86.40%;
Joy Jenelynn Chua Tan, University of Sto. Tomas, 86.40%;
Francis Dollente Villanueva, Saint Paul University, Tuguegarao, 86.40%

Are you a budding writer who wants to hone your skills in writing even more?

The 48^th Dumaguete National Writers Workshop is now accepting applications for the workshop to be held on May 4-15, 2009 in Dumaguete City. You should submit the following application requirements on or before March 27, 2009:

• 7-10 poems or 3-5 short stories or 3-5 creative non-fiction essays;
• Copy of your literary works both in hard copy and on CD (.doc format);
• Resume;
• Recommendation letter from a literature professor or a writer of national standing;
• Certification that the works are original;
• 2×2 ID pictures

You can submit your application to:

PROF. A.G. SOLUTA

Chair, Department of English and Literature

Silliman University, Dumaguete City,

6200 Philippines

Successful applicants will be provided with housing, stipend, and a subsidy to help defray your expenses on your transportation.

Good luck.

A quick realization on Valentine’s Day:

Past love experiences make us a pot that will someday give a beautiful innocent seed a home - a seed that you have to plant in your heart and watch in anticipation as it sprouts and eventually bloom.

Traveler’s Log 02/05/09: Goodbye Dumaguete. Hello Cebu.

I was supposed to leave early to catch the first bus trip together with the I.T. seniors at 4 in the morning but wasn’t able to because I went back to sleep. I left Dumaguete City at about 9 in the morning in a multicab ride going to Sibulan Port to catch the 9:30 bus going to Cebu City.

Upon arriving at Cebu, I checked in at Elicon Pension House located near San Carlos University - Main. The room was good enough for me. Free Wifi access at the lobby and mezzanine, 24/7 cable access, hot and cold shower, and good room service surely helped me during my bum moments at the hotel.

But with only a few minutes to spare, I quickly headed to the Civil Service Commission Region 7 office to attend the Government Personnel Recruitment Seminar and Awarding Ceremony for those who passed the Civil Service Examination. The registration, seminar, and awarding ceremonies took a boring three hours.

After the ceremony, I headed back to the hotel to catch a quick nap. Dinner time came and I decided to go to Ayala Mall to meet with the I.T. group. Xar, Ricky, and Jronny already finished having dinner at Food Choices so I decided not to eat dinner at the mall. I wouldn’t want to waste the precious hours I have left in Cebu.

We went back to their hotel (Crown Regency Hotel) in Guadalupe so they can settle down for a moment. While I was waiting for them, I ate my dinner at the hotel and headed back to my own hotel for a quick check for mails and have myself get ready for a looooong night.

The group decided to go to Club Julianna and I knew right then and there that, indeed, it was going to be a long night. Although I did not dance and flirt with the girls, I still had a lot of fun watching people groove and move at the dance floor. Cool crowd? Check. Great food and drinks? Check. Great club music? Check. Perfect. All that I was looking for in my how-to-have-a-good-time-in-Cebu-to-do-list was there. I even had one memorable experience that I refuse to share with you here (perhaps in my future posts). Here are some pictures that I took with my digicam that night.

After having a great time at the club, we decided to call it a night at around 4 in the morning and went back to our hotels.

Traveler’s Log 02/06/09: All good things must come to an end – a good end, if I may add.

It was a gloomy Friday morning when I woke up. Just before I left the hotel, I managed to catch a glimpse of the Simala parade honoring the the Miraculous Virgin Mary. I also had a quick stop-over in E-mall to buy some pasalubong for Ehn, Lurch, and my student assistants, whom by the way, were very good at the time I left them in-charge at the Cyberlib. Here are some pictures and a video I took while I was on my way back to Dumaguete City.

A quick trip it may be, but it was surely one ‘bloody’ hell of a trip worth remembering. I’ll definitely come back.

The PSITE (Philippine Society of IT Educators) will soon have their 11th PSITE Convention in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte on February 26-28, 2009. Keynote speakers coming from different fields in IT (Instruction, Research and Development, Extension and Linkages, Technopreneurship, and other leading IT technologies and industry practices) will gather to share their expertise to its attendees and participants.

A convention fee of PHP 5,500.00 is required for live-in participants, which includes convention materials, hotel accommodation in Hotel Camila and Dakak Hotel, and lunch and snacks for two days. For those who wish to stay somewhere else, you are just required to pay PHP 4,000.00. However, a discount of PHP 300.00 will be given to those who can pay on or before January 16, 2009.

For more information, visit the PSITE’s official website.

Pack your traveling bags, prepare your passports, and book your plane tickets ahead of time. Year 2008 may be gone but the long holidays are still here. Thanks to GMA and her holiday economics, friends and families can spend more time with each other.

Below are the dates that were officially declared as non-working holidays together with my plans on how I wish to spend it.

April 6 - Araw ng Kagitingan

(April 4-6 long holiday)

PLAN: Since this is summer time, a trip in the neighboring islands of Bohol, Cebu, or Siquijor is a good idea.

April 9-12 - (Easter Holidays)

PLAN: Since I don’t observe Easter, a trip to Boracay with some friends is a good idea. Anybody who wants to come with me is free to contact me.

May 1 - (Labor Day)

(May 1-3 long holiday)

PLAN: A day after pay day is always a good day to spend money on food. Food trip!

June 12 - Independence Day

(June 12-14 long holiday)

PLAN: A week after the classes will start. Not a good weekend to be far away. Perhaps three days to read a good book is not a bad idea.

August 31 - National Heroes Day

(August 29-31 long holiday)

PLAN: Another day after pay day. A trip to Kawasan Falls in Cebu is a good idea. I’ve never been there even if it’s just a bus ride away. Hopefully, a bonus from Silliman.

November 30 - Bonifacio Day

(November 28-30 long holiday)

PLAN: Another day right after pay day. This time, money should be on a tight leash. Save it for the holidays on December.

December 25 - 31 - Holiday Season

PLAN: Hopefully, no work between these dates just like what we had last year. This season, my friends, is dedicated to my family. I can only go home once a year so I might as well enjoy it with those people who are very close to my heart.

Note: Plans are subject to change.

We, Filipinos, care about personal hygiene and cleanliness; therefore,

Here’s my Year 2009 list of things to do. Hopefully, I can achieve all of these before the year ends.

1. Stop being a slave-driver.
2. Clean my room every week.
3. Learn to love and love to learn.
4. Start to appreciate rock music.
5. Smile more often.
6. Value health.
7. Value career.
8. Value people.
9. Value relationships.
10. Value money.
11. Value values.
12. Quit online games.
13. Start making plans and fulfill them this time.
14. Learn to play another musical instrument.
15. Manage our family business.
16. Find a serious relationship.
17. Love God even more.
18. Finish reading Koran even though I’m not a Muslim.
19. Have at least 8 hours of sleep.
20. Earn more money.
21. Read more books.
22. Write more often.