Earning Through Writing Articles

How would you like to earn extra money just by doing something that you love? If you love writing articles, there's really a lot of opportunities out there for you.

I've been a member of Triond since 2007, I think, ever since it started, and so far, I'm thankful with my monthly earnings. Although, not much, I still love the fact that I'm enjoying residual income because the articles that I published since I joined Triond are still earning me extra money. Not bad for something that I love to do.

The key in earning money from Triond is to write lots of articles. You wouldn't have to worry about what to write because I think they got everything covered, from poetry to recipes to photos to videos. Yes, you can simply upload your photos and every time your photos get page views, you earn money. Isn't that simple? Instead of keeping your photos in your hard drive, why not upload them to Triond and earn money from them.

Another good thing about Triond is its Google Adsense integration in which I get to earn additional income from the google ads that are shown in my articles. I now enjoy everyday income in my Google Adsense because of Triond!

So, if you think this is for you, try joining Triond.

Want to know what article has earned me $210.59 so far (latest update: 13 May 2010)?  Just click here.

A Romantic Restaurant

A friend in the US has been telling me about an Italian Restaurant which she frequents with her husband. She said it has the best food, and the ambiance is just so awesome. And she also said the service is simply superb. Since she’s really a hopeless romantic, she just loves its location, which is atop a hill, overlooking the ocean. So, she can really go on and on in describing the place to me, and she also promised that it will be the first restaurant that she will bring me to once I visit her.

She also said that for banquets, the San Diego fine dining banquet rooms are also available for up to 65 people. In fact, they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary there, and it was a very intimate occasion, and their guests were simply amazed with the food, the wine and the services of the restaurant staff. For sure, she owes me one on that.

Health for your Family

We all know how difficult it is to be sick. When we are sick, everything that we do and everyone within our family are affected. We couldn’t function normally even if it is simple colds or flu, and worse, if it is complicated sickness which entails long-term medications. When you have kids, the more that you should be extra vigilant and careful.

A lot of people would like to know how to cure ailments and nowadays, we have access to lots of information from various websites which tell us that there are a variety of ways to cure simple ailments. From over the counter medications, herbal medicine, ointments and liniments, and of course, the most important of all, for symptoms that just wouldn’t go away, a visit to the doctor is really a must. In my family, we believe that prevention is the most important so, I always make sure that we all take vitamins everyday. Our kids are exposed to the harsh environment, so we really have to make sure that they are protected.

And we shouldn't only concern ourselves with the common physical ailments in our family. As parents, especially for those with teenagers, we should also be wary of various emotional problems that our children may encounter which in the worse scenario could lead to depression if left untreated. Avoid bipolar disorders and other psychiatric illnesses to affect your brain functions by heading on to Dr Daniel Amen for a consultation regarding healthy mental conditions. Let's all be vigilant and take charge of our health.

Unforgettable experience in Kalibo Airport

Our flight back to Manila was 4:15pm. We were picked up from the resort at 12:00N. We were even negotiating if we can be picked up at 1:00pm because we haven't eaten our lunch yet, but the Island Tours staff insisted that they have a schedule to follow and suggested that we just buy our food in Caticlan and eat our lunch while on the bus. So, we had no choice but to leave at 12:00N.

We reached Kalibo Airport at around 2:30pm, so, we knew we had ample time to spare. We finished eating our lunch in the nearby restaurant. My husband went to the airport to ask about the check-in time, and he was told that the plane hasn't arrived yet and was delayed due to GMA's scheduled departure (yes, our dear Madame President!). He was also informed that the plane will arrive at 4:00pm. It was only then that we noticed the arrival of several vehicles and policemen who eventually surrounded the airport.

I think I also lost track of time. We even bought some local delicacies from the nearby stalls to bring back to Manila. Then we noticed the side gate of the airport being opened; and the arrival of GMA's vehicle entourage. I even saw her wave to the vendors beside the road.

We then immediately went back to the restaurant, then, we proceeded to the airport for the check-in. We were still pulling out our bags from the conveyor when I saw my husband talking to the Cebu Pacific staff, and I immediately noticed his worried face. When I went to him to ask what was happening, he said he was informed that the counter was already closed and that we couldn't check-in anymore. It was 4:00pm. I didn't know what to say, I didn't know how to react, I didn't know what to do.

My initial reaction was to reason out and explain what happened... that my husband went to ask twice about the check-in time... that the airport was surrounded by policemen and we thought we were not allowed to enter until after GMA's departure. But everything that we said didn't work, they were adamant in saying that there was no way we could check-in because the counter was already closed and that the pilot has already signed the departure papers (whatever that meant, we didn't care!).

Our next reaction after this was to plead. Yes, we had to do that, because there were 9 of us, including 2 young kids and my father-in-law. But again, nothing happened. They said there was nothing they could do to help us. It was during this time that the reality of what was happening began to sink in. I couldn't exactly describe how I felt, just writing about it is like reliving all over again what happened.

Our next reaction was to ask what would be our next option. We were told that there was no way we could get a booking on the same day because the 2 flights left were all fully booked. We can try the following day. It was unimaginable! There were a lot of things that we had to consider: where to spend the night, the fare difference that we had to shoulder, the huge inconvenience that we'll surely have.

I went to the Philippine Airlines window to ask the rate of Kalibo-Manila on that same day. I was speechless when the staff informed me that the rate was Php5,000 per person. I was even so naive as to think that it was already for 9 persons because he asked me for how many passengers before giving me the amount of Php5,000. There was no way we would pay Php45,000 for that flight!

Then I tried Zest Air. I was told that as of that time (because the rate fluctuates, the staff said), the fare was Php3,200 per person. I was again stunned!

All throughout this ordeal, we were praying. I even asked the kids to pray intently, because God hears kids first, right?

My husband and I were outside trying to call Caticlan Airport to ask if there were available flights going to Manila when my sister-in-law said she was able to get a booking in Cebu Pacific for the first flight the next day at Php1,900 per person. They were on their way to find an ATM to withdraw money, because, would you believe? there was no ATM machine in the airport, not a single one! The nearest would be in the city proper which was 20 minutes away! And the airline doesn't even accept credit cards! Really unimaginable because how could an airport, as busy as Kalibo Airport, not have a single ATM within its vicinity, and how could the airlines not accept credit cards!

When my sister-in-law and her husband left, we were able to get hold of the manager of Cebu Pacific. He was accommodating and tried to explain to us their policy about the late check-in. It was too late for that, we thought. He even helped in getting us a confirmed booking for the next day. The fare was fluctuating, and they got a rate higher than what they gave to my sister-in-law, it was already Php2,200 per person. I asked the staff not to book it yet, and instead, I went to Zest Air to ask about their current rate. I was really surprised when I was informed that the rate was Php1,888 per person, leaving at 6:40pm on the same day, we didn't have to worry about spending an extra night in Kalibo, let alone, finding a place to stay. We believed it was an answered prayer because just a few minutes ago, their rate was Php3,200. We immediately grabbed the available seats, and miraculously, there were enough seats for all of us!

While we were finalizing the payment, we overheard a commotion in the Cebu Pacific area. A group of people were complaining because they were also informed that they missed their plane. They were also trying to explain that they were already in the queue, but again, as what happened to us --- and as expected, the Cebu Pacific staff were not interested in their explanation. After their heated discussion, the cursing and the loud voices, they still were not allowed to get in the plane. Then later, we saw them in the departure area; they were also able to get seats in Zest Air.

When this kind of thing happen to you, you will ask yourself: Why did it happen to us? There must be a reason for this, there must be a purpose. When that second group of people also missed their plane, and that they also got seats in the same plane as ours, all the more that I wondered. And when Faye asked me --- when she saw the Zest Air plane taxiing on the runway towards the gate, "Mommy, why is the plane's left propeller not moving?" I worried even more.

But then, I knew that only prayers can protect us. I didn't share my thoughts with anybody until after we were safely back in Manila because I didn't want them to worry. We just knew that we had to pray for a safe trip back home, and indeed, after what seemed like an eternity, we got home safely.

We then decided that we didn't want to spoil the memories of our Boracay vacation with this incident. We have four days and three nights of fun memories to keep in our hearts, there should be no more space for this unfortunate incident.

After this thought, we can now look back at this experience with amusement --- as the saying goes, "Just charge it to experience!"

Major lesson learned: Whatever happens, make sure that you are safely checked-in as soon as you arrive at the airport before going anywhere else.

Another Boracay Experience

We went to Boracay last 4 to 7 December 2009 for a much-needed R&R and bonding with the family. Although it was our third time to visit the much-loved island, we were still looking forward to it. It was also a big opportunity for us to bond with my father-in-law and my sister-in-law's family. And since it was their first time to go to Boracay, they were really very excited.

My kids were also very excited of course, especially Faye because she will get to spend 4 days and 3 nights with her cousin, Kyla. They were even holding each other's hand during take-off!

Cebu Pacific's flight was on time and we even arrived in Kalibo 10 minutes ahead of schedule. I snapped a quick photo when we landed; Earvin was trying to hide because he was still wearing his school uniform. He went straight to the airport as soon as his classes finished, and he didn't have the time to change his clothes.

I was hoping to catch the Boracay sunset, but since it was still a good 2 hours drive from Kalibo to Caticlan, and I was sure there was no way we could make it in time for the sunset, I just contented myself in capturing the above photo while on the road; it was the sunset at the back of the mountain, and it was good enough for me, I just reassured myself that I still have two days to capture it anyway.

It was just so tiring to be coming from Kalibo because of the travel time and the transfers, but we still managed to go out after dinner because we didn't want to miss the lighted sand castles on our first night there, although I think it was just my excuse, and the truth is, I didn't want to miss the photo opps that I was sure to capture while strolling the beach.


The next day, we woke up early to enjoy the early morning breeze by the beach. The Boracay sands are simply amazing! My sister-in-law couldn't get over her amazement especially during mid-day when she walked barefooted and the sand still felt cold despite the heat of the sun.

We spent the early morning just walking and enjoying the cool wind before heading off to La Carmela for our buffet breakfast.


We did what anyone would normally do in Boracay, like, boating, snorkeling, strolling the stretch of the white beach, dozing off by the beach, eating, shopping, or just plainly enjoying each other's company.

And of course, it was bonding time for the best friends. They really enjoyed each other's company. They didn't spend much time in the beach because they preferred the swimming pool. It was just convenient that although we stayed in Boracay Courtyard, we were given complimentary pass to use the swimming pool at La Carmela, so the two kids had a blast and almost didn't want to leave the pool. Faye even had colds then, I just overdosed her with Vitamin C and it worked! :-)


I still love Puka Beach... less people, cheaper food... although we weren't able to go swimming because of the strong current; the boatman didn't even bring us there, we had to ride the tricycle just to get there.

We enjoyed our lunch, and although the chicken didn't look good, it was great. We spent the afternoon there and we were thinking of going to the Bat Cave and Crystal Cave, but the owner of the Sea Shore Grill and Restaurant said that it would be too expensive to go there and that the place will not even be worth the expense.


He suggested that we should just go to the Boracay Island's highest peak at Mt. Luho View Point. It was our first time to go there, and although there was a small fee, it was worth it, because we had the opportunity to see the back of the island where the windsurfing competitions are normally held.


Nights were spent strolling the beach, watching the sunset, people-watching, eating, playing, talking, and again, just plainly enjoying each other's company. If only the days and nights could be stretched a little bit more...


It was so easy to be lost in the tranquility of the seas, the coolness of the breeze, the softness of the sand... Given the chance, we would have opted to just sit and relax, gaze into the horizon, wait for the sunset, while sipping our favorite drinks...


But then, reality had to kick in. We had to go home after spending four days and three nights in this paradise. But the memories live on, with the help of course of the 800+ photos that I captured!

But our adventure continues... I will share in my next post our extraordinary experience after we left the island...