UNLEASH THE BOOKWORM. :)

                    Time to unleash the bookworm. :)

                     I like that introduction. :)) Oh yes, the Bookworm Me, and my addiction to books began way back when I was in the first grade. 

                     My brother gave me a gift that Christmas, which is the first book of the Harry Potter series. I started reading it the following day, and it only took me two or three days (I can't remember) to finish it. Then I clamor for the second and third and fourth and so on. But I didn't get to complete that series, as I got too busy with school works. Next thing I know, my brother started on a next series which is the Artemis Fowl, and he began collecting it, too. Soon, it was passed to me, since my brother was totally busy with his work. 

                     And so, until now, I still collect books and my dad gave me a bookshelf, which I call my "Mini-Library". Here it is:

                   Yeah, this is the evolution of my bookshelf. LOL. This was photo was taken last year, and it's not updated. I have new books this year, which consists of:

                                   My brother and I bought these at Fully Booked. We were given free comics, and we got four. 

                        It took a while before I got The Last Olympian. I took the chance to buy the Diary ng Panget 1 because it was the last one on the stock! Glad to have it. :D

                        I got Let It Snow from my friends, a gift for me on my 18th birthday. :) My brother bought the Diary ng Panget 3. :)

                        And of course, my newest collection of books (from Ghostgirl to Chico and Delamar's) fresh from the Manila International Book Fair. 

                       As of now, I still have a list of books that I need to save up money for. I am seriously having a hard time to choose what to buy first, since not all my series are complete. 

                       It's really nice to look at my mini-library and look at my collection, then I just find myself staring at them. Just by looking at all these books, I find it very relaxing and pleased from what I was looking. :)

The Manila Book Fair experience. :)

                         "When I read a book, I am sent to a different dimension."
   
                    True story. Creative minds and wild imagination starts to gear up when people read books. And with the inspiration brought by books, they, too can begin writing their own stories.
                    As for me, books are everything, so I grabbed the chance to take part in The 34th Manila International Book Fair. 

                     The 34th Manila International Book Fair is a five-day event, with the partnership of many bookstores and publishers all throughout the country. This book fair is very popular because of the big discounts on all books, from 20% down to 80%. I enjoyed touring around the book fair with my friend, and all throughout the day, I bought seven books. And, I can say that I'll be going back in that book fair next year. 

                   People crowded the fair, composed of children, teens and adults. The line of people in the cashier won't diminish, and it just gets longer and longer every minute. It was hard for me touring around since I chose the book fair to be my event coverage for our midterms in our Broadcast Journalism subject. Our professor would have graded it by this time, and I was wondering what grade I got.

                 It was also fun since I got a book sign from one of Wattpad's popular authors today, Ate Denny, on her book Diary ng Panget 4. :D 

                  You know, I can give you tips before you indulge yourself in the fair. :)

1.) Bring eco-bags.

               --Of course you need to bring bags for your books. I can assure you that you can buy many books! While I was there, two eco-bags weighed down on my shoulders. But it was worth it! :D

2.) Create a list of books that you will buy.
               --A list would be very helpful in buying books, and it will save time, money, and energy. But sometimes, there are books that gets your attention that aren't in your list so you have to decide quickly. :)

3.) You have to save money!
              --That is a must for events like these! The entrance to the fair is only 15 pesos for students and senior citizens, while 20 pesos for a regular entrance. 

4.) Be on time.
              --As much as possible, you must arrive in the fair on its opening time so you'll have a lot of time to explore and buy the books you like. There are some books that gets out of stock easily, so you must be on time!

5.) Wear comfortable clothing.
             --You should wear the clothes wherein you feel comfortable and free to move. (I'd recommend t-shirt, jeans, and rubber shoes.) 

There you go! :D It was my first time in that fair, and I swore to myself that I'll go back next time! :D

To get an overview of the fair, you can watch my video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW5qe0yBmg4

Thank you! :D

The Optimist Messenger. :)

        Perhaps you were wondering why I chose 'The Optimist Messenger' to be my blog address. Here's the story why.

                I will begin with the word 'optimist'. Just as I have described my blog, an optimist is someone who thinks positively. 'I was once a pessimist', I said. That is true, especially during my high school days. Paranoia engulfs me every time I committed a mistake. I can still remember that day when I failed a Math quiz. I wasn't talking to any of my friends that day, and I keep telling myself that I am so stupid and reckless and whatever. They keep on telling me that it was just a quiz, but that won't sink in, so they just leave me there. There are times when they get mad at me for being so paranoid and all. Everyday, I try my best to think positively but nothing happens. Today I go positive, the following day, there I go again negating all the thoughts that are supposed to be positive.
         
                As time passed by, I've graduated from high school and I'm entering into a new world again. This new world is what we call college. I told myself I need to change my ways because that would be embarrassing if I'll do same steps I did before. I'll seriously be a loner if I don't change that attitude. 

                I admit I went paranoid all over again during that Math preliminary exams on my first year (refer to 'Expect the Unexpected'). But I tried my best not to show my classmates my downed face. I can't let them see that.

               After the meet-and-greet and get-to-know-you first semester, we have moved on to the next phase of our first year. During the second semester, our professor required us to create our own blog. The first word that came to mind was the word 'optimist', remembering the words in the movie "The Secret". So I came up with the title, 'Optimist at Work'. 

               It took a while before I opened my blog again, because of all the busy stuff we're having. I just had the time today during our semestral break, and I miss blogging all the way. :)

               Now, for the blog address, I thought that it would be better if I'll add the profession that I've chosen. At first I wanted it to be 'The Optimist Journalist', but I don't want to be direct that I've chosen Journalism as my profession. I keep on thinking what are the other possible words that I could connect with the word 'journalist'. 

               Then I got it.

         I was writing an article about the forum we had just attended in school. It's all about the U.S.-RP Relations. Of course, it is our job to take down notes, and while I was doing my article, my notebook is open beside me. After an hour or so, I got tired, closed my notebook, and decided to take a break. I opened my blog to check on it. I noticed that my blog address is my email address, and I think that it should be changed to something different. Then I thought about the word 'journalist' again. I was looking around my room to find the right word, though I have no idea why I'm looking in my room. But scanning helped me find just the right word.

               The word I got was 'messenger', the one written on the cover of my notebook.

                          

             I got this notebook during at AIMS Makati, where we attended the Jaime V. Ongpin Seminar for Journalism. My friends and I liked the message on the cover (DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER), so we took a photo with it.

       I created my blog with the most positive features. Inspiration is the main concept of my blog. In every thing that I post, I want everyone who opens my blog to be inspired to achieve their dreams. My profession, Journalism, is never easy. One can lay their life on the line to fight for the truth. Despite this fact, I still pursue my dream to become one, because I chose this path, and I really wanted to be a professional journalist someday. 

            A journalist should have a positive-thinking mind, despite the hardships that may come his/her way. Everything will be fine if you know what you say is right and true.  

           Truth prevails, I say. If journalists find the truth about you, please don't shoot the messenger.

           Whatever profession you choose, things can get ugly, but don't lose hope. Don't think negatively, problems can be solved. Find ways on how you will get the right answers.

           You should bear in mind that you must always be The Optimist Messenger. :)

Truth Prevails. :)

               Hi! I have just finished creating my first short story. I entitled it "Truth Prevails", because the truth must always be told, even if it hurts. 

I hope you enjoy my work :) 

                Truth Prevails
                By Nicole Manano

                I was there when it happened. I know why he was wounded on his right shoulder. I know why he was furiously running after that girl. I know why that girl's smile is beyond reach. I know her story. I know why. 

                It was late afternoon that day when this happened. I was walking home from the store, where I bought a pack of sweets. On my way home, I passed by a street scattered with broken window glass and two delivery guys blaming each other about who broke it. 
               
               I carefully walked on the other side of the street. I picked one jelly bean and began humming when I saw a girl running with a fierce look on her face. She bumped onto me, and my sweets scattered on the road. She didn't stop to apologize, but continued running instead. Not for long, a guy followed suit, with anger that washed over his face. I know him. He was never good.

                The distance between him and the girl was not that far. They were like kids playing tag in the outskirts of town. I secretly followed them because I can't hold my curiosity. I heard the guy shout the girl's name, but the girl did not respond. I stood behind a car, and to my surprise, the girl held my arm and told me to be quiet. She was not afraid of that guy who was never good. I know the reason why. They were friends once, and the guy liked her but she denied him. I didn't understand her story.  But we transferred to another place, and hid behind a wall. She wasn't speaking at all, but she knew me. 

                We were back on the street with the shattered glass. The delivery guys were gone. 

                I heard footsteps stepping on candies nearby. My sweets. We just made a roundabout. I heard the guy coming. He was catching his breath, desperately looking for the girl again. She covered my mouth, and walked backward, inch by inch. I was walking back, when I accidentally stepped on the broken glass. She gave me her phone, and told me to call the police. I did what she said. But everything was fast. She picked the glass and made a run for the corner.Just in time, the guy appeared, and stabbed him with the glass deep in his skin. The guy howled in pain. The girl was so furious that the glass went through his right shoulder, and fell on his knees. I stood there in shock, and I dropped her phone. 

              Just in time, the police came and arrested the guy and didn't even questioned the girl and placed handcuffs on the delinquent. I looked around and saw that people have gathered to see what was happening. 

              Some were shocked and some were not. Some were scared and some were not. They know who this guy was.

              The guy fainted, but medics came to give him first aid, but he'll live, they say. But the police.. they must have known everything. The girl must have told them the complaints. 

              She began walking, leaving the blood-spattered broken glass on the gutter. She looked satisfied and contented that they guy was arrested. The smile on her face reminded me her story. 

              She told me once before,  "He was never good. This society doesn't approve his presence here either. I'm his only friend, but I think he'll lose me soon. I know now why they are against him. I was wrong for not believing in them in the first place." 

              He was new in town. I know they were friends before. People were telling her to stay away from that close-minded guy. She doesn't know why he's called that way.
              Some girls said he won't stop bugging their lives, and they are frustrated of that person. She never listened, she knows he was nice. But one day, she tried observing him, and found out the truth. She was one of those girls. Now she knows why he keeps on telling her that many people are after him; outraged boyfriends, furious friends and angry mothers. 

              After that, she spread the word about his identity, showing no signs of fear.

              I am the only one whom she entrusts me with her story, that is why I know every detail. 

             Today, his victim, is a girl with no lover. But she was able to save herself. While I was scanning the crowd, I saw those girls, and they are amazed by what she did. 

             She walked away, and my gaze followed her, and I saw her buy a pack of sweets again, with a big smile on her face. 

....

             I was there when it happened. I know why he was wounded on his right shoulder because I created that wound. I know why he was furiously running at me, because I told everyone about him, about his deepest secret, but I'm not afraid, because that is the truth. The truth needs to be told. The smile on my face won't fade away while I went home eating my jelly beans. 

I just know what I have to do.

I know and I need to stand up for what is right. 

The truth must always prevail.