Ruby Galvez, RL

There's a place in Balaoan La Union where tourists flock to glide through winding lagoons and go to Immuki Island. This is not just another picturesque destination in La Union; it carries a name and lore that piques curiosity and invites a deeper exploration of its unique charm. Funny Island and Lagoon Names and Their Evolution The origin of its name is very cool. The name "Immuki" originates from the Ilocano word "uki," which refers to the female genitalia. This association comes from the island's main lagoon, which, to many, resembles this part of the anatomy. The shape of this lagoon has been the subject of fascination and amusement, earning the island its distinctive name. Immuki literally means "it assumed the shape of a vagina." The playful and imaginative minds of the island’s admirers didn't stop with the main lagoon. Over time, and through generations of word-of-mouth storytelling, the other lagoons on the island also received names in...

I am a native of San Fernando and am very familiar with Macho Temple, yet I'm as confused as most tourists when it comes to the image of the holy lady enshrined there. Yes, it's a CHINESE temple, but... Many Taoist and Catholic devotees have accepted without question that mama deity Ma-Cho and our Lady of Caysasay are the same person. As the Chinese deity, she sacrificed her life while trying to save seafarers endangered by rough seas. She died at the young age of 28. However, she is also recognized as a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary by the Catholic church. All these baffling thoughts converge and don't really require any clarification as tourists and locals simply enjoy the seabreeze that permeates the hill where this lady's temple is located. Ma-Cho Temple, the first Taoist temple in the Philippines and one of the largest outside of China. Perched on a hill in downtown San Fernando, it offers breathtaking views of the South China Sea, making it an ideal h...

One of the best places to self-publish and earn royalties is Amazon KDP! But what if you're not a writer? I've found that book designing is as good as being an author if you're after selling a book or workbooks for profit. Here's one of the books I made that can be sold on KDP (done-for-you by me):  E-scooter Commute Tracker and Maintenance Logbook It's available at my store on Creative Fabrica . If this link does  not work, copy and paste the following to your browser:  https://www.creativefabrica.com/product/e-scooter-tracking-and-maintenance-kdp/ref/2135193/ Why an Electric Scooter Commute Tracker and Maintenance Logbook would Sell Well on KDP In today's eco-conscious world, electric scooters have become a popular choice for daily commutes. As more people adopt this efficient and green mode of transportation, the need for a reliable way to maintain and monitor their scooters has grown.            1.     Comprehensive Tr...

Hey there, fellow creators! Whether you're a seasoned artist, a passionate designer, or a content creator just starting your journey, you know that the right tools and resources can make a world of difference. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to  Creative Fabrica , a fantastic platform that's like a treasure trove for all your creative needs. Why Creative Fabrica? You might be wondering, "What makes Creative Fabrica so special?" Well, let me tell you: 1. Endless Resource s: Creative Fabrica offers an extensive library of fonts, graphics, templates, and even digital crafts. It's like having a bottomless toolbox, ready to help you bring your wildest ideas to life. 2. Affordable Pricing : Quality resources can be expensive, but Creative Fabrica provides budget-friendly options, including subscription plans that give you unlimited access to their vast collection. It's a small investment for a huge creative payoff. 3. ...

Language often holds the key to understanding a culture's values and way of life. In Ilokano, one of the major languages spoken in the Philippines, the word "makawaras" stands out. It translates to "can feed many," encapsulating a significant aspect of Ilokano culture: the importance of community, sharing, and abundance.      The Essence of Makawaras In Ilokano communities, food is more than sustenance; it is a symbol of hospitality, unity, and generosity. "Makawaras" is a term that reflects the communal spirit prevalent among the Ilokano people. It suggests not just the ability to feed many mouths, but also a willingness to share one's resources, however limited they might be. This concept is deeply rooted in the traditional practices of Ilokano families, who often prioritize communal well-being over individual wealth.      A Cultural Practice The idea of "makawaras" is often observed during fiestas, family gatherings, and community cele...

After soaking up the sun, waves, and culture in La Union, it’s time to head back to Manila. Back to real life, as they say. If you’re wondering how to make the return journey as smooth as possible, taking a bus is your best bet. Here’s a simple guide to get you back home without a hitch. Choose Your Bus Company Several bus companies operate routes from La Union to Manila, offering a variety of schedules and comfort levels. Partas Transportation Co. : Known for its extensive network and reliable service. Viron Bus Lines : Offers a comfortable ride with good schedules. Dominion Bus Lines : Provides multiple trips daily, making it a convenient option. My preference? Partas. There are buses coming in from other areas in Northern Luzon every hour, but during rush hours (Sunday night when everyone wants to get back to the city in time for the Monday workday), all the buses are packed with people. The buses that travel from La Union usually have the most number of passengers and arriving 30 m...

Congratulations, graduates of library science! You've spent years studying the Dewey Decimal System, mastering the art of cataloging, and perfecting the delicate balance between knowledge organization and user accessibility. Now, you're ready to embark on a professional journey that promises to be as fulfilling as it is fascinating. One potential career path is becoming an indexer.      What is an Indexer? An indexer creates indexes for books, journals, and other publications, helping readers find specific information quickly and efficiently. It's a critical role in the world of information science, ensuring that the wealth of knowledge contained within a text is accessible and navigable.     Why Consider Indexing? 1.    Utilize Your Skills   : Indexing leverages your skills in organization, attention to detail, and knowledge of information retrieval. Your education has prepared you well for this meticulous work.     2.    Vari...

Many graduates of Library Science or Information Science that don't end up working in a library get hired as information managers or document controllers. If you are one or you know someone who is, a Document Control Logbook might come in handy. It's on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Document-Control-Logbook-Circulation-Management/dp/B0D8Q1DRV6/   What does a Document Controller Do Exactly? Imagine you're trying to keep your room clean. You have school papers, books, toys, and clothes everywhere. Every time you put something away, someone comes in and leaves more stuff around. This is similar to what a Document Controller deals with at work. Their job is to manage all the important papers (called documents) for a company. Sounds simple, right? Well, not really. Here are some of the challenges they face:      1.   Keeping Track of Everything   A Document Controller must know where every document is at all times. This is like always knowing where y...

   Traveling to a foreign country is an exciting adventure, but it often comes with the challenge of navigating a new language. Traditional phrasebooks can be helpful, but they sometimes fall short when it comes to actual pronunciation and memory retention. This is where a phrasebook based on phonetics and mnemonics can make a world of difference.     What are Phonetics and Mnemonics?   Phonetics  : This is the study of sounds in human speech. A phonetic phrasebook provides a clear guide on how to pronounce words and phrases as they are spoken by native speakers, using a system that translates sounds into written symbols.   Mnemonics  : These are memory aids that help you remember information more easily. Mnemonics can be in the form of rhymes, acronyms, visual images, or associations that link new information to something familiar. Here's the link to the DIY Korean Phrasebook :  https://www.amazon.com/DIY-Korean-Phrasebook-Instructions-Inter...

Traveling from Manila to La Union might sound daunting, but it's actually quite straightforward. Whether you're seeking the famous surf spots of San Juan or the historic charm of San Fernando, getting there is a breeze. Here’s how you can make your journey as smooth as possible: take a bus. The simplest and most common way to get to La Union from Manila is by bus. Several bus companies operate routes to various destinations in La Union, making it convenient and affordable. Bus Companies that Travel Daily to La Union from Manila and Vice Versa Most of the buses that head north have branches in Cubao (northern part of NCR) and Pasay (southern part of NCR). Note that all buses going to Vigan, Abra, and Laoag will pass by La Union, so it doesn't matter if the sign does not say "La Union." There's a reason our province is called the gateway to the north. Partas Transportation Co. : One of the most popular choices, Partas offers comfortable and reliable services. Th...

Graduates of Library Science often find themselves pondering the various career paths they can pursue with their degree. While traditional roles such as librarians and archivists are well-known, one exciting and dynamic option is the role of a Document Manager. This position leverages many of the skills acquired during a Library Science degree while offering opportunities in diverse industries and a chance to work with advanced technologies. What is a Document Manager? A Document Manage r is responsible for the organization, storage, and retrieval of an organization's documents. They ensure that all documents are easily accessible, properly filed, and secure. This role is essential in industries where documentation is critical, such as legal firms, healthcare, finance, and large corporations.      Key Responsibilities of a Document Manager 1.   Document Organization and Classification      - Creating and maintaining an efficient filing...

 We're travelling! It's hectic making travel plans in whatever year, but things have definitely improved from when I last booked our family trip to Singapore in 2015. Here are some of the main differences. Aspect 2015 2024 Research and Booking - Relied on travel blogs, Lonely Planet guides, and recommendations from friends. - Use of comprehensive travel apps that integrate flights, accommodations, and activities. - Balance between online platforms and travel agencies. - AI-driven travel planners offering personalized itineraries based on preferences. - Booking flights via airline websites or price comparison sites like Skyscanner and Kayak. - Seamless booking through integrated platforms like Google Travel or Expedia. Accommodation - Agoda and TripAdvisor for finding and booking hotels. - Instant booking and reviews on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. Documentation - Printed tickets, hotel vouchers, and visa documents. - E-tickets, digital hotel confirmations, and e-visas...