This is a story of a former SPi employee working as a medical transcriptionist. I wasn't able to save his contact information so, this is posted anonymously.

SPi is one of the leading transcription company in the Philippines in 2006 to 2010 and it was one of the featured companies here in my blog.

At first, he really have no idea about transcription until eight months after he graduated.  He was working then as a gym receptionist.  One of the gym instructors was a physical therapy graduate and he noticed that he have quite good typing skills.  He told him that he might want to try medical transcription since he is a graduate of a medical allied course.

During that time, SPi was in need of medical transcriptionist.  He applied for the position and underwent series of tests and interviews.  He narrates that, "It was funny because during the final interview with the operations manager, instead of her asking me questions, it was me who asked bunch of questions about medical transcription."  In their conversation, he was able to grasp idea of how this career would be.  He was luckily considered for the position and underwent an extensive training for two months.

Everything about medical transcription was discussed to him; turnaround time, flexibility, use of different reference materials, client specifics, confidentiality agreement, et cetera.  He thought since he have knowledge of medical terms and good typing skills, maybe he could fit for this job.  It would just take familiarity with the accent (would the clients be American or ESLs), being resourceful, willingness to learn, and of course hard work.  He eventually worked with the radiology account (4 hours turnaround time) for two years, 18 months of which as an off-edit MT.

His last year with SPi was spent doing other different types of dictations including acute care, discharge summaries, orthopedic account, ER notes, and even medical conferences and some general transcription jobs.


His final remarks states that, "Even though I am no longer working as a medical transcriptionist, my current job is still related with transcription.  I still transcribe dictations; the only difference is that my current job is transcribing real-time dictations, from a person talking to me on the phone."

This article was originally written November 1, 2015:

I've been in Qatar for only three days and I'm thinking what makes me decide to live in Qatar for work. I remember a few months back waiting long time to get my job application get approved. During those times, I kept on asking myself if I really want to live in Qatar for the next three or more years.

Now that I'm here, there are considerably good reasons why living in Qatar attracts me.  Well undoubtedly the pay for expat workers here is better that their respective country.  Another of course with the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2022, there is very impressive development in Qatar.

Qatar somehow is very peaceful.  The environment is a bit relaxed.  The neighbourhood is really quite.  You will only get to see people going to mosques during prayer times.  The traffic is very moderate to heavy on peak hours.  There is only a few build up on some major intersections.  Because the infrastructure is relatively new, roads are easy to navigate.  It seems that fun and too much leisure is not a priority here, but it seems people are contented.  Shopping malls are not that jammed pack.  There are some small shopping malls here actually.  I've seen one, and there is a cinema.  Alcohol is not prohibited, but you need to get a license.  I'm thinking getting one.  I've heard to some of my friends who have been here for a couple of years telling me they are definitely staying here as long as they could.  The weather by the way is likeable, although it's a bit early to tell because winter is just approaching.  

I can't wait to explore more the city of Doha.  It seems that you can tour the whole city in just few hours in a not so busy day.  I see that there are major constructions undergoing to build the metro rail as well.  There is a public bus that seems efficient.  Well, I must say these are only an observation of someone who is relatively new here living in Qatar.

I think I will continuously enjoy living and working here in Qatar.  I particularly like the culture that is relaxed as compared to other Arab countries I've been to like Saudi Arabia.

Blogging has been slowly eating our system, positively that is. From being a hobby and a trend, now it’s beginning to be a money earning idea that is providing opportunities for writers. Blogging for others had already begun to conquer their lives, since this type of writing is a kind of journal, where one usually had to do some blogs every day regarding his or her experience, or just about anything that he wants to share publicly. Others had been doing this for quite a long time, and had earned some considerable amount of money by blog writing.

However, there are some tips about blogging that you need to know:

1. Determine your target market.
Ask yourself to whom should you address the topics you are writing? Categorize and distinguish if your blogs focuses on the particular audience that you want to impart your message to.

2. Write and be yourself.
In order for you to reach out to your readers, just be cool and focus on subjects which you think can highly relate to others. This is one way of getting the attention of your readers and can make them want to go back reading your other blogs.

3. Use colorful images.
Pictures and images can be very attractive. This is a visual stimulation and can help trigger curiosity in your reader’s brains. There are numerous websites that provides various images that can be used for any topic in your blog writing.

4. Be responsive to any comment that are posted on your blog site. 
Responding to your audience comments and suggestions perhaps only means that they had been reading your blogs thoroughly. Be sensitive and try to be more appreciative of these readers. A thank you can be a very good gesture to these people.

5. Be active in social media sites.
Share your blog writing on different social networks that you are a member of. This is one method of promoting and advertising your blogs to gain more views and readers. Ask your friends to share the blog with their friends if you really want to be a little bit popular.

These 5 tips about blogging will lead you to create your quality blog. So you must keep motivated and always be focused on your blogging.

In this article, I will feature my interview with Marilou who considers herself as an average transcriptionist.  She is located in Cebu City and presently not connected to any company.

In 210, she had joined a week training as a transcriptionist but decided to stop because the location was far from where she lives.  She started transcribing sometime around November of 2010 when she helped out someone she knew who was originally working as a Transcriptionist with her load. Being a part-time transcriptionist helps her earn money while enjoying the job.

When asked what is her preference to work home based or in an office setting, she explained she prefers to work home based because it is a lot more convenient.  Also, general transcription appeals most to her interest.

She said that the most important characteristic or quality to become an effective and productive transcriptionist is being passionate.

She advised that for anyone who wants to work as transcriptionist, extend their patience, obtain active listening, focus and love the job while being passionate about the work.

Being a mom is a full time task. Once I worked with one of the prestigious State universities in our place. It was quite rewarding because it was, yes, a more stable job, I supposed so. But being a working mother has its own perks. Having three little kids while working 50 kilometers away from home made me think a hundred times if I have to keep my job or quit to be a full time wife and mom. I was starting with my career and again yes, personally I would have kept it if I was not always worrying with what was happening with my children when I am not around. I had a “yaya” back then, but with my third child suffering from asthma and would not even taste her food when in an attack, I had to let go of my job.

It was not long so long ago that I came across a platform that offers various home-based jobs ranging from telemarketing, writing and more. Although foreign to that idea, I had somehow managed to get a job as a writer. And it really helped me a lot, positively. I have also discovered that there are even more rewarding home-based and online jobs available.

Now, I am working at home and managing my own time and pace, minus the dilemma of anxiety that always haunted me when I am away from home. I do not have to run every morning, deal with traffic and all the stress that comes with it. Imagine working the 8-5 routine; waking up as early as 5am preparing for work and going home as late as 8 pm, tired and useless. For others it can be perfect, but for me it doesn’t work. I was not happy with my life as well as my job anymore.

The onset of home-based jobs for me is a blessing. I am enjoying my life now and most of all my family. I feel I have the best of both worlds, and I am grateful to have found a rewarding career.

The contributor of this article is a home-based article writer, blogger and researcher who loves travelling and adventure. She is a graduate of Business Administration at the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City in the Philippines.

An eager and optimistic fresh graduate would expect nothing but the grandeur things in life upon working. Earning money while being in the career path that one dreams of is a luxury often taken for granted. Lucky as it may seem, there are still dark spots to work in your dream job most especially for a fresh graduate. Getting a job is one thing but surviving, staying and succeeding is a whole new other story. 

Most fresh graduates enter the working force expecting not but positive things; after all, there is no way but up right? Then what hits us is the reality of life. We start by trying really hard to impress our boss and workmates. We then start to work overtime just to keep up with the fast-paced ever changing business world. After which, we finally start to crack because of the constant pressure to, not only do well, but do better and better each day or task. Then what is left is a struggling demotivated fresh graduate just trying to survive day by day.

Confidence is definitely the key to success.  

To work in a world where dressing to impress is a part of your daily work life is a struggle most especially to those individuals who aren’t really aesthetically gifted, if one may say. Confidence is a trait most often degraded by many as we often associate it with arrogance. The beauty of confidence is that one tends to overlook physicality when personality shines through. One must also remember that our personality lasts whilst our physicality degenerates. Confidence is a trait that most fresh graduates tend to lose when they enter the working class because of the constant pressure being put on us by our bosses or older workmates. Remember that our bosses and workmates pressure us because they know one could do better.

So to all the fresh graduates out there trying to make it big in their chosen career paths, you got this! Never lose yourself in the fast-paced ever changing world that we live in.

I'm looking to create a team of writers who will be my associates to help me with my blogging.

Part-time writers who want to make their spare time more productive instead of just a chatting with friends for long hours.

TOPICS: blogging, working home based, food reviews, restaurant reviews, travels, technology, computer, gadgets, audio transcription, health, fitness, and many others.

Wanted Associate Writers
- Willing to work part time who can work in a team.
- Have existing internet connection and have a spare time writing articles.
- Have good attitude towards work.
- Have good command of English language especially in writing.

Writing Guidelines – Associate Writers
1. Write unique and according to own thoughts. NEVER COPY from any website or any books including phrases, fragments or whole sentence.
2. Write in the context according to topic/title given alone and use the KEYWORDS appropriately (3-5% only in the entire article, about 10-15 times).
3. TITLE must not be too long or too short.
4. Article must contain 400-600 WORDS excluding the summary.
5. Do not use I or Me and He or She. Instead use We, They or Their, or Your. (except for writing personal stories)
6. Use SHORT PARAGRAPHS.
7. SUMMARY must be 2-3 sentences summarizing your article - This is not a copy paste from the actual article.

Requirements
- Bank account that can receive money transfer.
- Willing to write on per task basis. Regular tasks will be discussed based on performance.
- Good command of English grammar in writing.
- Can follow instructions easily.

Compensation
To be discussed upon test file approval.

Contact information:
e-mail your detailed resume at: archiemendozadelara@gmail.com

When Windows 8 was launched as an operating system by Microsoft In October 2012, it became the new operating system packed with more sophisticated designs and more interactive applications to make a better computer experience. Below are the improved features of Windows 8 operating system at that time:-

Improved search function

All you need to do is to type anything, and a search function will appear on the right side of your screen and will give you the results. The search capability is much even better this time because it will display all the matching applications and files simultaneously.

Easy multitasking

You can snap two applications on either side of the screen and multitask. At this time you can chat with your friend while scoping on a map, or do watch a movie while doing some stuff. It is simple to do things at once in Windows 8.

Application Store

Windows 8 included this application so you can browse for more application on Windows store in one click. All the applications on the store have ratings and reviews so you can have a gist of that application before you buy it. You can even share it with your friends.

More battery hours

Windows 8 PCs and tablets are designed to use less power to lengthen the battery life. Now you will have more time in doing what you want and wherever you are.  Plus you can save more cash from those expensive electric bills at your home.

Cloud Computing Experience

With this integrated interface on Windows 8, you can go anywhere and stay connected with great applications. Store your things on SkyDrive and from that you can already your files anytime and anywhere. With Cloud Computing, you are still connected with your computer even if you are away.

For those who love to do some sort of art stuff out there, you might want to check out the latest Microsoft Paint on Windows 8. The interface is so realistic that you will feel like you are painting on a real canvas with a real paintbrush and a real palette. With this, you are at ease because you don’t have to carry all those painting stuffs anymore. With simple stroke of your fingers on the screen, you can create a beautiful art like you are painting on a real canvass. This can be done best if you have a touch screen display.

Another good thing about Windows 8 is that it is packed with lively tiles that keep you updated on certain information without running those applications.  For those with touch screen display, you can manipulate what you are doing easily on Windows 8 because you can simply touch and slide the applications running on your desktop.

In this fast paced environment, Windows 8 won’t definitely let you be left behind.  Expect that more exciting features will emerge again these coming years to improve your computer experience.

This was how to update Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 way back then.

Microsoft had already launched Windows 8.1 which is an update for the Windows 8 operating system. A start button was added back and the functions of search and multi-tasking had been expanded. Microsoft Store had been selling the basic package priced at £99.99 and for Windows Pro which included features like the remote desktop, extra encryption and others are priced at £189.00.  There is also a student version which needs verification process that costs approximately £49.99. Upgrades from Windows 7 have reduced prices. There are also DVD’s, digital downloads that are readily available from Store and prices can be checked and online.

It is possible to download the update while using the computer since it can simply run in the background. It’s about more or less 3.5GB in size and because it is the latest release, it is therefore understandable that servers can experience some strain and downloads can be a little bit slower.

Those Windows fanatics might have tried to install a preview released but unluckily, Microsoft will slightly rebuke you for your loyalty. You can enjoy the updates the same as Window 8 fanatics but it is suggested that saved game files should be backed up. Those who had installed the App will be required to download once again.

For Existing Windows 8 Users, this was how it was done.

However, those who are using Windows 8 will have the most convenient and easy way to update. You can download the update free of charge by simply going to the Window Store through the live tile. It may take some time longer than you think coupled with a restart and requires a log-in after it is done.

Those who still use Window 7 will reconsider that it might be a big step, compared to updating from 8 to 8.1. You need to be very careful to evaluate that you have the necessary specs as follows; 16-20GB free space, 1GHzprocessor, 1 or 2GB of RAM and a graphics card that can run Microsoft DirectX9. In addition, these users will have to accept the fact that their computers won’t be touch-enabled which is not compulsory for Windows 8 but is without doubt very useful. There is a certain type of satisfaction when flicking the hand compared to exploring those live tiles with the use of the mouse. The update should preserve your personal files including Office documents and pictures, but of course it is still very significant to have a back-up, in case something happens. A standard Windows 8.1 costs around £75 and for the professional version, it is approximately £125.

Microsoft stated that ‘Windows 8.1 was not created for installation on gadgets and devices that run a Windows XP or Windows Vista” but you can always choose to update to 8.1 if your computers can deal with leaping on Windows 8 primarily and then taking the chance to update. Note that backups are vital since files will not be saved.

Upgrading to Windows 8.1 from version 8 has actually subtle differences, but this can be visibly noticeable. Windows 8 are often associated with annoyance since it was released initially. If you really decide to upgrade to 8.1 as long as you are using Windows 8, it is relatively easy.

“The eyes are the windows of the soul”.  That is how the saying goes, when looking eye to eye, but, how about in the case of cross-eyed babies?  Study shows that autism is detected as early as the first month through eye contact.

Certain races produce autistic babies and there is no need of eye detection.  It is common among them because autism runs in their blood – a family of autistics.  Researchers of the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta studied 2 groups of autism babies and the result came out that 51 babies aging 0-3 months were considered “high risks” for developing an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) because they have siblings with autism, while the other 51 were “low risks” for the absence of first, second and third degree relatives with ASD.

Of course, eye contact is a most method of detecting autism, however, young infants as they are, are susceptible to distractions thereby making them much more aware of other more striking things around them. Mothers or caregiver usually utter words aloud, hold something to show their babies to make them familiar with objects.  In cases where these people approach or call the attention of their babies, infants will be attracted to them.  But once words are uttered, the attraction or attention is diverted from the eyes to the lips.

Sounds are more effective to these infants than the eyes of mothers or caregivers, so the voice they hear enable them to recognize the speakers easily.  As a proof, they immediately follow how to smile and utter syllables not from the eyes but from the lips.

Considering eye contact as a method of detecting autism, researchers reveal that a decline in eye fixation rather than outright absence is a sign that there is a promising sign that medical intervention would be applied the earliest possible time.

Autism has been the object of studies at Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta.  Eye contact is their primary detection method.  However, in finding out the cases of 51 “high risk” infants, they found out that they belong to families with autistic blood, while the other 51 don’t have any first, second or third degree relatives with ASD.

Reference: The Chart CNN.com

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Where else to go if you want to have that needed rest and vacation out of town? Boracay is usually the first place that comes to travelers in the Philippines when relaxation and a real break is what one really wants to achieve. With that magic scenery playing in your tired mind, like the white sand, crystal clear waters, and the breathtaking sunset, well there is really nothing to argue about.

There are many resorts and hotels that you can find in Boracay, Philippines but one hotel resort stands out among the rest. Boracay Sea Wind Resort is the name that gives the impression of a well-pampered guest at an  amazing hotel. This is located on a private beach on the island and very accessible to other beach front resorts.

See also - Boracay Residencia Resort

Boracay Sea Wind Resort had all the amenities and facilities you need such as private pools and a classy restaurant. Breakfasts are complimentary and even internet connections are freely available around the place. Sun loungers and large umbrellas are located in the pools and beach front where one can enjoy lying down and sunbathing.

The rooms provide a good view of the pool, beach or sea, and each has its own magnificent bathroom with free toiletries. Of course, there is a minibar, television set, WI-fi connection and a safe to keep all your valuables. A coffee or tea set is also provided with bottled water on the side. Every day, a housekeeper cleans the room and changes the bed linens for maintenance.

The hotel also boasts of outdoor activities such as beach badminton and beach volleyball. On the standby are boat and ecotours, for those who wish to experience the entire island. Upon request, diving, golf and banana boat riding is readily available anytime.

Boracay Sea Wind Resort is very near the commercial area, which includes a variety of bars and shopping malls. The warm personnel and staff are also trained to give assistance whatever need the guests requests. This 3-star hotel offers you the value for your money, and gives you the treatment you deserve. When in Boracay, do not settle for anything less.

Opt for the best hotel in the island: Boracay Sea Wind Resort, located in R & G Tirol Park, Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island, Philippines.

This interview was originally conducted sometime in 2010.  It has been part of The Transcriptionists Profiles, a series of interviews with people who are working as transcriptionists. 

In this article, I will feature my interview with Carey Suante. Welcome to the interview. Thank you for taking interest of this opportunity.

Carey Suante: Thank you for the opportunity.

Archie: To start, can you please tell me your current designation or level as a transcriptionist? (e.g. senior MT)? What is your location? Where are you presently connected?

Carey Suante: Right now I work with one of the Big 4s as an senior administrator. I used to be an Asst Team Leader in a Transcription company. I am from New Delhi, India.

Archie: How long have you been working as a transcriptionist? How did you start in this profession? What are the factors that prompted you to pursue a career in this field?

Carey Suante: I started working as a legal transcriptionist in 2005. I actually had to find a job real quick when my father passed away in a road accident. So I sort of stumbled into transcription without really knowing what I got into! But somehow it worked out fine for me. I have always been good in studies and so transcription was not hard at all. In fact, I enjoy it a lot. So when I got into this transcription company I learnt everything I can about transcription as fast as I could. I was promoted to proofreader/QC within 6 months and within 2 years made it to Asst Team Leader. I just love it. In fact, I even blog about transcription on www.TranscriptionPro.net and other sites.

Archie: Which do you prefer: to work home based or in an office setting? Please explain briefly

Carey Suante: I love both. If you work in an office setting for someone else, the pay is guaranteed which is lovely. When you work at home as a freelancer, finding clients is a hurdle. And, there are so many freelancers who are willing to work for peanuts. I think transcriptionist should start taking their skill serious. Anyway, I work fulltime; I freelance parttime.

Archie: Which among these transcription work most appeal to your interest: Medical, General (Business, podcasts, interviews), or Legal Transcription.

Carey Suante: I love podcast transcription because of the topics usually online business related. But for business, I would pick legal transcription any time. I have done lots of different transcriptions but generally speaking legal transcription suits me more.

Archie: What, for you, is the most important characteristic or quality to become an effective and productive transcriptionist?

Carey Suante: Never stop learning - especially, about new things. After working as a fulltime transcriptionist for over 2 years I started freelancing on the side because I want to learn the business side of transcription. I learnt to set up WordPress blogs, write blog posts, use Social Media for lead generation and participate in online discussions. In fact, I converted a blogger to a long-term client just by comment on his blog!

Archie: Being a seasoned transcriptionist, what do you think is the best advice you can give to people who are interested to enter this field?

Carey Suante: Manage your own career. No one cares more about your career than you. You are the best judge of what's best for you. Read widely - a lot! Again never ever stop learning new things.

Archie: Thank you for your time.

You can visit the company website of Carey Suante here at https://transcriptionpro.net/.

Between the years 2000 to 2005, there was a sudden popularity of medical transcription in the Philippines.  At that time, most medical transcription companies in the Philippines remain amidst the financial crisis around the world.

Because medical transcription industry depends mainly on outsourced jobs across the USA, medical transcriptionist must choose a stable company to work with.

On these early years of medical transcription boom, three medical transcription companies in Metro Manila with the most number of medical transcriptionist being employed include the following (in no particular order):

Freelance audio transcribers can be more effective listeners if they also have a good memory. The longer the transcriber rewrites the audible file without stopping the audio source, the more efficient they will be for the employers.

For an audible file to be excellently written, the transcriber must have his working space in a certain condition. Their environment must free of any audible or visual destruction. But for freelance audio transcribers, this control of environment is not always possible, especially if they are working at home or away from the office. Nevertheless, they should consider choosing area which is quiet, well-lighted and as much as possible facing from window. It helps the audio transcribers to concentrate more while working. It also maximizes the hearing ability of the audio transcribers. Transcribers should be very focused when working. It certifies the accuracy and quality of the transcription they are working on.  If ever the task is very challenging, they need to meditate first, just for few minutes though, before starting to the work. The absolute relaxation unburdens their minds and sustains their cognitive function system in concentrating and listening. The freelance audio transcribers should also have a good and a quality tested headsets. These accessories will help the transcribers to understand the audio easier and clearer.  Also, freelance audio transcribers must use tools like Microsoft Word or Word Perfect with Auto correct or Quick Correct features to lessen the wrong keystrokes while typing. Transcribers should also know how to customize different templates on regular basis. It is very helpful in transcribing legal or medical audio files. There are several helpful transcription tools or applications that freelance audio transcriber can rely on. Some of these tools are usually available to buy and many sources of job vacancies of the company link on these tools, especially those that in need of different audio transcription services. The transcription software permits the user to play, pause, rewind, slow down or speed up the audio files depending on the users’ discretion.

Freelance audio transcribers are in demand today. Transcribing audio files is an enormous way of earning while staying at home. Freelancers can depend on their own schedules and to their typing ability in searching jobs and advertisements related in transcribing. Take note that normally, an hour of audio file can be transcribed into three or four hours. Just imagine how many audio files a single transcriber can do if he has all the qualities stated above. It can do without taking for granted the accuracy and quality of the transcript. That is the most important of all.

There are various ways to do in order to achieve 500 lines per day or even more on medical transcription. A lot of medical transcriptionists know how to achieve this and they are doing their own techniques.

Here are some common transcription tips on how to do 500 lines per day output.

Increase your hearing acuity. For you to have a good hearing acuity, stay focus and be attentive to the report that you are transcribing and understand every sentence that is being dictated. This would help you beat the 500 lines per day quota.

Type fast. Being a fast and touch typist also helps in producing more lines and you should know how to use the auto correct features of Wor
d Document. If you have the Smart Type Assistant, it is very helpful as a transcriptionist. In order for you to be a fast and touch typist, have more practice on your way to surpass the 500 lines per day.

Improve your comprehension skills and knowledge about medical terminology. You should also know how to use reference materials which are easily accessible. You do not have to learn all medical terminologies but being familiar with the root word, prefixes and suffixes of medical terms would be a big, big help. You should know how to use Stedman and Quick Look Electronic Drug Reference. Navigate other online references but be sure that they are reliable such as onelook.com, dictionary.com, USA people search, Intelius people search, MediLexicon, Ucomparehealthcare.com, AMA doctor finder, etc. With this, it will be easy to attain 500 lines per day on transcription job.

Imbibe a good transcriptionist’s attitude. Discipline plays a major role. As for the case of being a medical transcriptionist, you must try to be not distracted while working. Try working without browsing your Facebook or Friendster.

Still, you should always remember that being a competent and successful medical transcriptionist is not only measured by producing 500 lines per day alone but rather attain also close to 100% accuracy, which is balancing both quality and quantity.

Every 16th day of December, it is customary for the people of Pototan, a municipality of Iloilo in the Philippines, to greet the Christmas Season with ‘Iwag’ or ‘Opening Salvo.’ Tourism is promoted in this part of the province, where many balikbayans troop the streets joining street dancing activities.

School Participations

All schools from elementary to college prepare for this event every year. Public and private schools practice for the competition of best costume, best performance, symbolism and originality of participation. The occasion is known not only in the Island of Panay but in the whole Philippines and all over the world.

Aside from street dancing, floats parade to grace the occasion from 2 pm to 6 pm, according to the number of schools, and sometimes businesses and barangays participating. Students are glamorously attired and all reveal the spirit of Christmas. Whatever style they present, whatever Christmas message they convey and whatever song they may spin as the background, spectators jerk and dance with them.
Large amounts and kinds are at stake for the winners. However, the schools are not after the amount but the honor and spirit that they want to deliver during this Yuletide Season.

‘Iwag’ or ‘Opening Salvo’

Iwag means light and Opening Salvo is the meeting of the season with sounds or whatever there may be. Fireworks display after the parade is the most awaited portion of the day. Visitors are already crowding the streets and the whole plaza. When 8 or 9 pm strikes, all lights are on. It could just be imagined how much this luxurious event would cost the ‘Rice Granary of the Visayas’ to set up the lights , elegant lanterns and burn them for the masses to witness.

But Christmas is really a Season of Joy and Thanksgiving for the residents. They don’t count the cost but the graces they acquired, and which in return they give back to God.

With the Opening Salvo, the plaza is displayed to the public, visitors, and balikbayans to boost the tourism industry.

Joining the Celebration

Most of the participants to the wondrous event are students and children. In the morning they gather for a last glance of the streets they are to pass by and perform. They are so much exposed to the sun. Packs of breakfast are distributed to them at the plaza. They grow tense at the instructions they hear from their leaders. Instead of drinking cold water, teachers serve them with either ice cream and sandwich, or for the small ones, additional packs of fruit juice. One could just imagine how their sweats are comforted and exchanged with smiles on their faces. They are really inspired by the snacks.

Christmas in Pototan, Iloilo is enjoyable and glamorously celebrated. The municipality has been known for its beautiful and elegant presentation every 16th day of December ‘Iwag’ or ‘Opening Salvo.’ It is featured in international news and magazines yearly.

Image courtesy:  Jay Gadong on Facebook  | https://www.instagram.com/jaygadong/

A reader can find numerous blogs in the Internet. You just have to click a keyword on what particular topic you want, and its there right before your eyes. A blogger in some instances cannot even detect what blog sites they can tap aside from their own personal site. Popular blogs that have common titles and contents is still more readable and interesting because almost ordinary people want to read something which they can relate their own self and life with. A good feature of blog sites is that when it becomes interactive where readers can comment and discuss about the topic.

Popular blogs are those who receive a generous amount of visits each month from different online users all over the world. There is an estimated 150 million blogs that presently exist and there is that pressure on who can get it to the top and be recognized as the most popular.

The following are noted to the famous among its contemporaries:

Huffington Post. Placing itself on the top spot, this blog site focuses on news, politics, entertainment and business that one can think of. It contains a wide variety of newsworthy contents. In 2005 Arianna Huffington, Kenneth Lerer and Jonah Peretti founded and establish this site and later was acquired by AOL in 2011. To date, there are over 9,000 bloggers who acts as contributors for news, current events and other variety of topics.

Engadget. This blog site is also famous on its own and was actually acquired by AOL in 2005. The site was originally established by Peter Rojas which talks about everything but gadgets, computers, technologies and other similar topics.

Think Progress. A site that is politics related and is connected with the Center for American Progress action Fund, a non-profit group whose goal is to give information of political ideas and policies. There are also topics about economy, justice and security which are socially relevant. It ranks fifth on the most popular blogs because of the quality of topics it presents.

If you love writing then blog whatever that comes into your mind. Who knows, you can hit the target and be considered as one of the popular blog site in the Internet.