Giving Back

Today is a very memorable day for me in Steemit- I powered up- or to newbies like me, I converted my steem into steem power! Yes, some of you guys would be rolling up your eyes for apparently trivial thing like this but, as I have been saying before, this is the first time that I did that!

It all started when I got so frustrated today. I wanted to post my stuff about the Aspin dogs but, I was not able to because- I lack resource credit! Not that I am begging or soliciting for more since kindly people had been doing just that but, I said to myself, why do I need to wait for someone to help me without doing anything first? So, I tried first with 5 steem and when nothing seems to happen- on the bad side, I proceeded to convert almost all my steem to steem power.

So why did I do that and not just withdraw the whole stuff? I believe in Steemit guys. But if you really wanted the naked, honest truth- I am a type of person who has so many things in her mind and what would kill me more is if someone would silence me by taking away my way of expressing myself TRANSLATION -- I am a very chatty person and, here in steemit, writing is its equivalent.

Anyway, the transfer was so liberating that I felt that I am so high on caffeine- imagine drinking 5 shots of espresso and having to ride a VERY FAST CAR! That's how energizing it felt and, at the same time, I realized that it was also very taxing to me. Suddenly, the organizer where I jot down possible ideas for the upcoming days seem to fill in by themselves. In fact, I am "fully booked" until the 16th of the month!

But then, as fast as the powering up hit my system, I had a heavy dose of reality and that is, I needed to honor my other commitments in life like preparing for my upcoming exams(more on that later folks!) and, making sure that I have life outside posting.

But in gratitude for all the kind souls who had been upvoting me for the last few days- especially those who had been commenting and encouraging me to engage more, here's a short story.

Yes. You've heard of this and that taking place in popular places like New York or London or anywhere else in the world. So, I wrote a short story which features my place with our own unique culture and perception on things.

In addition to that, I hope that my story can take your mind off your treatment even for awhile @wolfhart.

Also, if the story passed your standards, please upvote/ resteem it. 95% of whatever I will get would go to @crypto.piotr (I listed him 100% beneficiary- but it does not seem to be working out well- the other 5% goes to steem-plus-well, that's what it says and, I am still new to this folks!) as a supplement to the movement he spearheaded to help people in Venezuela.

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Just a little glossary on terms:

Manong (pronounced Mahnong)- the equivalent of big brother; used as assignation for any older male relative, friend or stranger.

Ading (pronounced Ading)- younger brother or sister. Assignation for younger person- stranger, relative or not

Ate (ateh)- older sister- assignation for older female relative or stranger

Tales from my Barrio: Magda's Money

“Manong, you should hear what happened to Kariza!” Magda said excitedly. She is still wearing her office uniform- obviously, she did not bother to change her clothes before coming over. Magda is my cousin- her mother and my father are siblings and she lives in their family home- across the road from mine. She is 2 years younger than I am but, we had been pretty close since we were kids. As a result, I get pestered whenever she is happy, sad, excited or anything in between.

“Well, what happened ading? Did you get promoted in your work? “ I replied while getting up from my chair in our veranda.

“Do you know Kariza?” Magda asked.

“Yes. Your friend from Barangay San Antonio whose house is near the San Antonio Shrine?” I answered scratching my head. Is she up to something again? The last time she’s asking me questions like this, I was 1500 pesos poorer after our conversation. I have to be vigilant. Maybe, she’s hatching a ploy again……

“Well manong, you know that her mother recently retired as a school teacher in their barangay right?” Magda smiled. Obviously, its taking all her strength to restrain herself. I have never seen her this excited. Perhaps her K pop idol is coming to town?

“Well, her cousin, who is living in Manila met someone who could multiply her money!”Magda exclaimed excitedly.

“What? I thought that money can only be manufactured by the Central Bank of the Philippines? How come you’re telling me now that someone outside of that company can do the same?” I demanded.

“Let me tell you the story manong, “ Magda answered and sat on the chair I previously vacated.

Well, if its going to make me richer, why not? Who cares who made the money? As long as it can be utilized to buy, I am in.

“Auntie Lolit went to visit Manang Belen last week in Manila and, Manang Belen introduced her to her friend there. According to her, the apartment unit adjascent to where they are living has an interesting resident. Initially, they were very much impressed because Claudine and her family- that’s their neighbors seem always to have a lot of money but they do not look or act like they have a business or a high paying job. In fact, almost every week, they have different types of cars- from Expedition, Ferrari, sometimes Mercedes or BMW. Ate Claudine is even shopping and going to the parlor and spa every other day and, their kids seem always to wear expensive clothes and play with top of the line gadgets,” Magda narrated while examining her fingernails.Honestly, what is wrong with her painted fingernails that deserve this much attention? Whenever Magda speaks to anyone or is watching TV or just doing something idle that does not involve using her hands, she is always examining them? I am seriously getting annoyed with her doing that.

“Oy, are you listening?” Magda demanded rising and putting both of her hands to her hips.
” Manong, I love you very much that is why I am telling you this story.So, pay close attention.”

“ I am paying attention, “I replied and grimaced. “But please have mercy on me and stop examining your painted fingers its really starting to get into my nerves.”

“Haay, you guys do not know anything about nails,” Magda sighed and waved her left hand infront of my face.”Manong, what makes me feel beautiful and confident is this- my newly manicured nails.”

“But that’s the same thing you told me when you had your hair straightened! Honestly ading, why would you have your hair straightened if its already straight on the first place?” I asked scratching my head.

“Ay, we do not have any time to discuss these things manong. We can spend a whole day discussing these after our visit to Kariza’s house,” replied Magda impatiently.

“All right, I will shut up and listen to your stories,” I replied and raised my hands in surrender.

“Let’s see, where was I? Oh yes, well, Ate Claudine and her family seems to be enjoying a luxurious life. She and Manang Belen met one day in the lift and had been friends ever since. Manang Belen initially assumed that her family has some kind of a business so she asked her about it in the hopes that she can network,” narrated Magda. “ You are aware that she is a big RTW business woman in Divisoria?”

“No,” I replied. I cannot hardly wait for her to finish her story so I can get back to my life.

“ Well, she is and, she has a lot of fashionable clothes.Oh! Sorry. I got derailed again,” laughed Magda. “Anyway, one time, Ate Claudine asked Manang Belen if she wanted to earn extra cash and she said, ok. Then, she invited her in their unit. At first she was very guarded because she thought that they are doing drug trafficking or cyberporn. It turned out that their business is legit! They even have business permit,” laughed Magda.

“So, what is their business?” I asked curiously.

“ Its money making manong,” replied Magda.

“ Money making? Like you are going to invest in their project and then you can get a portion of their profit?”

“ No Manong. Like, money making. They are making money and using your money as molds.” replied Magda impatiently. “ In fact, Ate Claudine is in Kariza’s house right now and they invited me in. I was initially skeptical about the whole business but after Kariza deposited the money in the bank yesterday, I was fully convinced that anyone can make money. “

“Wait, if they can make money, why do they need your money as mold? Don’t they have their own molds developed or made by now?” I asked, intrigued.

“Manong, its like this. Ate Claudine wanted to use your money because according to her, in China, they do that so your money will never leave you. If she uses her own money as molds, it means to say that all her money will leave her someday,” explained Magda.

“So money now can now leave its owner without their permission. Tell me again, how did this happened? Did they suddenly grow tiny limbs overnight and if they wanted to run away, they can run away?” I asked very much intrigued.

“You’re always making fun of me!” exclaimed Magda pouting and stomping simultaneously her feet. Well, its no surprise that she haven’t met anyone who is interested to marry her. She is still having tantrums and she is already 23 years old!

“I just find it puzzling and a bit frustrating that these guys have all these beliefs. Like, why would they want to share their secrets on how to multiply your money if they do not have any plans of conning you,” I answered in a very calm, reassuring tone.

“Its no use talking to you,” she replied and hurriedly left.

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Folks, there is a continuation to this story. I just thought that my post is too long and well, I would run into trouble. So, I will cut it here and post the rest of the story on my succeeding ones.