Contentment

CONTENTMENT- Ten letter word I personally couldn't observe most of the times.

Honestly, I have never been very keen in observing the value of being happy with what I have. First, I get scruffy in terms of my appearance. I wanted to go to a good figure so I engaged in strenuous exercise and strict diet and voila! I achieve it. Then, it came to me that I wasn't satisfied with my stature. I am a mere 5'8'' and I wanted to be 5'10'' or even reach 6 foot. However, I am constantly reminded by friends that I don't have to grow any taller as my height was already ideal. Indeed, I look tall but when taller people get beside me, that's the time I feel so minute and tiny. One point for discontentment.

Another area where I fail in the contentment test is to gadgets/devices/electronic devices. Yes, my first phone was automatically a flip phone from Samsung X510 which captivated me with its sleek appearance, however, I got bored and had it replaced with a Nokia 6300 which unfortunately got broken. After the 6300, I got the first touchscreen phone from Nokia, the 5800, which got lost followed by a Samsung Galaxy Y, also lost (again). Then I had the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2.0 3G which I later traded for an HP mini notebook. Talk about contentment. My parents got so nervous 'bout me they decided to hand me a basic Nokia phone, which presently, works fine for me.

Yesterday, our church pastor shared a valuable teaching regarding the true meaning of spirituality and one of those was the spirit of thanksgiving which also entails contentment with what you have. Ouch! That hit me head on with a mighty punch! I was slapped so hard it made me realize my own selfishness. All I could ever do was to ask for forgiveness for such behavior. It's not until now that I realize how bless I am that I have to graciously accept what's bestowed to me. =)

Nothing

I absolutely don't know how to act in this very situation I am now. I entrust everything to God. I know He knows what's best for us.

GUIDE me LORD

Blackberry 10 Keyboard: Smart Enough?

Ever dreamt of having a keyboard that could actually suffice all your needs? How about a keyboard that's more than just a tool for typing words? Ladies and gentlemen, I humbly present The Blackberry Z10's Keyboard.

Honestly, I have never given much attention to keyboard functioning since I had the mentality that for as long as I can type and key in letters and numbers, then it will be just fine for me. However, shame shrouded my being when I learned of the new keyboard from Blackberry Z10. Personally, I admire the stylish physical QWERTY keys Blackberry has for most of its handsets that even if other cellphone companies come up with their version, they always come short with that of BB's. And with the Z10's touchscreen keyboard, things have gotten so phenomenal that Blackberry maintains its number one spot on keyboard interfaces.

Currently, I use an Android handset and its quite annoying how I need to press a particularly small button just to access the "Special Characters" key to have a simple smiley; unlike Blackberry Z10's keyboard where all you do is to simply swipe and the character keys appear--incredibly time conserving. Furthermore, the keyboard has a Word Suggest feature that predicts the probable words you need to use (how smart can that be, but don't get me wrong as I might get more lazy). Although Android applications like Go! Keyboards can be personalized according to your liking, you still get the same keyboard just with neon colors or picture backgrounds. Hate to admit it but I'm sick and tired of Android that just a mere look at the Z10's keyboard brings the inner green monster in me--I am jealous of the Z10 keyboard and the entity of Z10 itself.

To steam out my frustration, I decided to compose a song for Blackberry Z10's keyboard with all my emotions poured out unto it. It was really fun thinking about the lyrics since the idea of having Z10 keyboard brings the genius in oneself. =)

Warning: Please bear with my voice. Smiles and cheers!

Blackberry Z10 Keyboard “Cups” Song

First Stanza

I really had a hard time spelling words,

And typing them on virtual screen,

But things have changed when I met this thing,

And I know this keyboard is the one or me.

CHORUS:

Blackberry Z10, Blackberry Z10’s keyboard.

Oh! It’s so fine, I just love this!

All you need’s one swipe to access special keys,

And the multi-language feature is unique.

Second Stanza

I had a friend that’s quite dyslexic,

His letters mix and interchange.

But he has nothing to fear,

Now that Z10’s keyboard’s here,

With its Word Suggest he’ll always be at ease.

CHORUS II

Blackberry Z10, Blackberry Z10’s keyboard.

Oh! It’s so smart, I just love this!

With this new sensation, I am always on the motion.

The experience is much better than physical keys!

THE VERDICT HAS BEEN MADE, BLACKBERRY Z10 KEYBOARD IS SMART ENOUGH

Ryan Says: I Heart Blackberry Z10's The Hub

TOO MUCH LOVE FOR BLACKBERRY's HUB!

More than just being the Blackberry's signature feature, The Hub brings communication and notifications control in a much higher level, so high, even its competitors could not fathom. 

"Communication is a bridge that links humanity" This old school cliche, commonly heard in speeches and written in articles, has always reminded us that mankind went through great depths to discover and invent devices designed to communicate. Ranging from ancient bulky computers to the present slim monitors and from heavy bar phones with antennas to slim touchscreen smartphones, communication has triumphed on its purpose. However, many people still encounter tons of problems when communicating or dealing with their connections that they become too overwhelmed and eventually give up.

Even in my present state as a student, I still have a hard time managing my connections and sorting them out properly. Worse, I have to deal with these problems on an entry-level phone by the name of Galaxy Y. Almost daily, I see myself waking up to my alarm, and then once I'm connected online, notifications, messages, and phone calls come rushing on the notification shade, with the annoying occasional beep. Sometimes, I can't help but think of every notification as a slap, a punch, or a smack on my face that the sheer number of them is enough to knock me unconscious. 

Blackberry! The fruit, anyway.

I could not help but pity myself, but, I rejoice in the fact that famous people like celebrities, politicians, businessman, and those that are simply well-loved loved, encounter the same problem as I do. I could just imagine President Noynoy Aquino, Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan, or even Anne Curtis spend a portion of their time to browse those communication feeds only to find out they could not have enough time to entertain them all. Good thing Blackberry came up with the solution for this enormous problem.

By this, I decided "Why look ugly in petty notification shades, when you can look awesome with the new Blackberry Hub?"

Notifications in your face with a mighty punch? Not Cool

Enjoying Blackberry Hub with smiles on your face? So COOL!

Blackberry's Hub is TOO awesome, even my words can't describe it. Imagine having all your chat, phone calls, messages, Facebook feeds, Tweets, and much more, appear right away on a stylish bar you can immediately access with one swipe of your finger. Impossible? Not with The Hub. You can also do basic actions like reply, comment, delete, etc. on The Hub without leaving it, which is far too favorable, compared to those of Android handsets wherein you have to tap and access the application before you can do the basic actions and once your done, you have to close it again. Furthermore, If you are on the middle of doing something and a notification comes up, you can easily access it to see if its important, and if it isn't, you can always go back to what you were doing--all in one swipe. 

Talk about conservation of time because The Hub totally nails it. I could just reminisce how odd it was to forget about basic tasks like eating meals and taking a bath because I got very busy entertaining and responding to every new notification. However, with Blackberry Hub, I can manage all of these things in the shortest time possible and still have a lot of time to do the things I love like reading, painting, or perhaps playing the piano, and yes! taking a bath!

Anyway, I haven't laid my hands on an actual Blackberry Z10 yet, but I could imagine the Hub being close (in my opinion) to the photo below. I get to have my notifications properly sorted out and access them all with ease unlike the chaotic appearance on other handsets. 

What's more amazing is that The Hub sounds like The Hob from The Hunger Games. The Hob in the Hunger Games maybe an underground black market, but it is a place you get to have all you need and is also the place where important communication runs and spreads through, the same way The Hub supplies almost all of your communication needs. Coincidence? I don't think so! It's just brilliance running in the minds of their great creators. 

I won't hold back and I'll proudly shout it out loud! I HEART BLACKBERRY HUB!

P.S. Here is a video wrap of everything I had in mind! Enjoy Guys!

P.P.S. Creative Photos I came up with My Artwork on The Hub

Quick Update

I have only come up with the Chapter Outlines of my first novel, WHEN HAVOC MEETS ORDER. However, I could not seem to find time to sit down peacefully and write what my mind speaks and translate into words every idea my brain could come up with. I would like to apologize for such behavior, as I know, every writer shout work hard especially on their very first published work. 

Despite this, I am glad that I could finally come up with a strong storyline that would keep my target audience hooked to the story (I suppose). Well, there's no guarantee everyone will love it, but I'm sure there will also be people who will be thrilled. Finally, I would like to thank my friends who are very willing to lend in their names to be used as characters for my novel. Love you guys! 

When Parents Don't Listen

Don't get me wrong but there are times when our parents just don't listen to us. Earlier this day, I decided to do some encoding with regards to the draft for my first novel, When Havoc Meets Order, and to add at least a new post to my blog (THIS IS THE POST, ACTUALLY).

I mean, God commanded us, children, to obey our parents at all times. However, instances come when we desire to express our own opinion with regards to what could be better for us. Back to the situation earlier--> I decided to encode inside my room so that I could focus and proceed with the spontaneous flow of ideas into my head (but my mom wanted me in the living room to see what I was doing). Hell no! I get overly conscious when encoding something especially when one is observing. Hey! That's what writers feel! I persisted to encode in my room but my dad butted in and became the nagger he always is. So I sheepishly transferred my laptop into the living room and saw my writing prowess meet its doom. 

What's more annoying is they see it as a way of rebellion! URGH! PUHLEASE!

Okay, I'm going to shut my mouth before I do more damage.

P.S.

HELP!

Inner Wars: Enjoying Eating VS Maintaining Body Weight

Admit it! Everyone is guilty of this dilemma of having to enjoy eating (most of the times unhealthy food) versus the troubling idea of maintaining one's body weight. I guess most, if not everyone, has the desire to fill his stomach with appetizing food but still remain on his "accepted" body weight range.

You are not alone! I, too,weighed as much as 96kg back on 2011 that I looked like a bloated fish that could pop anytime it hits a spike or a sharp object. I tried to do away by chanting to myself I was getting chubby and that I did not look very fat since I'm quite tall (what a lame lie and excuse to myself). However, each time I look at the mirror, I grieve over the roundness my stomach was and the fat buildup on my arms, thighs, and legs. I look horrible. Time came when my self esteem was buried six feet underground that I dare not go out much since I feel ugly. I could not even fit inside my favorite shirts and jeans. I had to do something.

The internet was full of information regarding weight loss that my brain had a hard time processing all data. South Beach diet, Poor Man's Diet, etc. name it, and you get what you want. Eventually, I read came across an inspiration story which tackles on a weight loss program to achieve that desirable body weight.

It said that you had to have the motivation. I exactly had one, to become healthy and live longer (what with all the cardiovascular diseases associated with obesity). I was so motivated that I asked my family members to support me in my venture, wherein they gladly offered the help they could afford. I told them to not eat delicious food in front of me as I might be tempted and that I break my weight loss program. However, I was so desperate to lose weight rapidly that I engaged in crash diets like eating apple for all meals and totally obliterating rice from my diet. I even took weight loss coffee which my body responded really well. It was only 4 months and I had lost beyond 20kg of my body weight. I obviously shrunk from being an extra large to fitting a medium size. 

Now, 2 years has passed an obviously am glad to have lost almost 26kg of unwanted fat and some muscles, too =(. I got so thin I could fit on a small size already, however, my vital stats still make it to the rack size department of modelling (tack about dreaming). Now, I dream to build muscles and develop abs. HAHAHAHAHA. However, I'm in constant war whenever parties and events are up, especially on the start of the Yuletide season--food here, food there, party here, party there, eat here, eat there. If I ain't careful enough, I might easily gain weight already. But I always believe in self-control, and if I get really much, I starve myself for the next meal (SO UNHEALTHY).

Book Review Saturdays: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

American-Arabian author Tahereh Mafi (I just love her name!) brings us to a new world where humans exist in what could be our future.  Shatter Me tells the story of Juliette Ferrars, a seventeen year old who’s touch is lethal that The Reestablishment considered locking her up, after being banished by her own family and being feared by people around her. One day, a boy his age was placed in the same room, however, her instincts tell her to be build a wall and avoid touching the other human being. Soon she realizes it was a boy from his childhood—Kent Adam.

original book cover on 2011

Honestly the novel’s plot captivated me at first since it bears the tagline My touch is lethal, my touch is power. By this line alone, I placed my feet on her place thinking I have also been a walking disaster and a natural destroyer (which I don’t like). Often times I break things that when stuff are broken, I would immediately be blamed even if it wasn’t me—the same way Juliette is in the novel. Her touch causes people to suffer excruciating pain and eventually death.

book cover released for 2012

The writing style of the author is also a first amongst the previous novels I’ve read since it incorporates prose and poetry to vividly describe the protagonist’s emotions and the setting of the story. Honestly, though, I wasn’t really that much impress with the entire novel as there where parts that were unnecessary. However, I came to love it since it talks Juliette’s struggle to being accepted and love seems to be what I look for, too.

SO MUCH FOR SPOILERS, TAKE TIME TO READ THE STORY at your OWN RISK.


Book Rating: 7.5/10

Blackberry Z10's Browser - The Ultimate Survival Tool on How-To's

Since I'm a fan of fiction novels in the likes of The Hunger Games, Warm Bodies, Divergent, The Olympians, etc., I decided to put a twist on how I would experience the Blackberry Z10's Browser and how it can make me moving always!

One cool May evening, I decided to read The Hunger Games again. The plot seems familiar but I'm always  astonished at how every page seem to vividly come into life. It was not long before sleep's spell came crawling down my spine and pulled me into a dream I would have never thought of.

photo courtesy of www.tumblr.com/boyreading

I woke up to a dream where the world has plunged itself into a state of havoc.

photo compilation of results from Google Images

Rumors of wars, countries breaking apart, the environment being destroyed and even zombies running around filled the news both on papers and televisions. Human survival has never been endangered and the only way to continue living was to grab hold of the most important things you can carry. I noticed a knapsack slung across my back and rummaged through its contents: a water bottle, a knife, and the Blackberry Z10.

Photo compilation of Google Images results

A phone? Seriously? That was my initial reaction upon seeing the device, however, I held my hopes high that somehow it will help me survive. Just as I took a look around, I noticed the wind billowing around me till the environment swirled and vacuumed me in. Then, I fell face first on hard concrete. Ouch! Just as I was about to stand I heard guttural sounds, somewhere between pain and impending doom, which made me look back. Horror rained over me as a swarm of zombies moved towards my direction. 

Photo courtesy of  Google Images

Adrenaline kicked in my veins and I was running alongside people in front of me. I managed to pull out my BB Z10 and accessed the browser immediately. I keyed "HOW TO SURVIVE ZOMBIE ATTACKS" and noticed a guy keeping his  pace beside me and typing the same keywords on his Sammy smartphone. The results came in less than a second and I was viewing the website at ease, until several pop-ups and ads came rushing in the screen. I immediately accessed its Reader Mode and BAAAM! all the unnecessary stuff went away, leaving only the words to read. On the other hand, the guy seemed to have trouble reading his as the ads kept coming up. I ran faster and looked back as a zombie caught his legs and tackled him down sending his phone flying towards me. Pity filled me as I look at his phone's screen---It was horribly filled with ads that words get masked. 

Photo courtesy of technobuffalo.com

However, it was not long before a fell into a manhole and got transported to another dimension.

The Hunger Games Cornucopia sits in the midst of  the field.
www.devianart.com

I found myself falling on green grass. I brushed off leaves in my pants and took a look around the area. It was weird how boys and girls my age are standing on pedestals and eagerly looking on a metal Cone in the middle of the field. Could it be the Cornucopia? Oh no! I'm in the Hunger Games! My knees began to tremble upon realizing it was 30 seconds before bloodbath and fight to the death may occur. The timer reached zero and I soon found myself heading toward the thick forest vegetation. I fished out my BB Z10 and went to YouTube, browsing videos on self-defense techniques for newbies like me. Surprisingly, the videos played at clear speed and did not crack nor stop in the middle. In less than 5 minutes, I learned three basic fighting techniques to help me survive for the next few days (hopefully). I was on the third day when I stumbled across a girl who died due to hypothermia, with evidence of frostbitten fingers and toes. I searched for salvageable items till I found her phone. 

"Flash Player needs to be installed" a common message among most
Smartphone devices, not for BB Z10 anyway!

It says YouTube, with the search tab filled with "HOW TO BUILD FIRE", however, I noticed that the screen message kept saying it had to install Flash Player. Relief flooded through me as I know my BB Z10 supports flash software. 

Three days past and only two of us were left. I was very hopeful that I could walk away a victor and go back to my family. Luckily, I survived on tasty blackberries found in the deeper parts of the arena. I was laughing to myself upon realizing I was surviving due to two blackberry's--the fruit and my BB Z10. 

The fruit and the Smartphone--BLACKBERRY'S

The browser worked perfectly and responded at amazing speeds, thanks to its LTE capabilities. Finally, I heard the last canon boom and hurriedly looked for the body of the other tribute. It was a boy, probably my age but way taller and bigger who died due to poison berries he might have mistaken for edible ones. The announcer's voice echoed in my ears and announced there were a second batch of tributes coming in. I fell to my knees and prayed the horror would end and then...................

My alarm buzzed and woke me up. It was 6:00 o'clock in the morning, I quickly scanned my room sensing for dangers that might occur any moment. After a few moments, a sigh escaped my lips as I thanked that it was only a dream, a vivid dream. I turned over my blanket and there I found the thing that helped me survive through a zombie apocalypse and The Hunger Games--a shiny Blackberry Z10. 

Oh how sweet if this was really my hand holding such amazing device.

Blackberry Z10 - Sent from Heaven

I may have lost quite a few phones recently before I ended up with my crappy Nokia phone worth Php 899, but when I came across this wonder, I was like whoah! could such phone exist? Ladies and gentlemen, presenting the astonishing Blackberry Z10!

photo from www.engadget.com

The amazing device is courtesy of the admirable Canadian company, Blackberry and is part of their new project towards creating a line of best-selling smartphones under Project 10, along with Blackberry Q10 and a soon-to-be released model. Even by the looks, this technological wonder gives you the impression that it is high-end, professional and is more than what you think it can be. The fact that they released the unit in two of my favorite colors, Black and White (are they colors even?) fuels up my device-worship.

Personally, the entry-level and cost-friendly Samsung Galaxy Y was the only smartphone I had in my possession, not counting my previous Nokia 5800 (both touchscreens and h*rrible). Both were lost, well not really "lost-lost", but some sort of my phone was stolen/pickpocketed. See? I'm quite bad about taking care of my stuff. However, I came to realize that having this device would not only teach me to function and work at a much better level but it will teach me how to responsible and careful, as it is quite expensive and is a big sorry when stolen. 

Another thing I completely loved about the unit is it sports a screen size fit for my use. Unlike Sammy's gigantic screens which seem to be bigger than your palm (and gives you the fear of having to accidentally drop the smartphone), Blackberry Z10 perfectly fits on your palms and has a smooth bezel finish that provides a good grip, thus, reducing the fear of dropping it. 

Finally, reviews have spoken that the unit comes along with new features exclusive to Blackberry like the Blackberry Hub, Flow and Peek, Time-Shift Camera, and many others. The possibilities provide you no boundaries, an endless span of imagination and creativity, and the great awe at such heaven-sent device. However, I may not have to appreciate the features unless I get hold of one unit which is supposed to be given away by Unbox.ph.

Laying hands on Blackberry Z10 will make me "The Boy on Fire"
as I consume other smartphones and turn them to ashes with its awesome features!
(photo courtesy of allthingsd.com and is originally for Blackberry Torch)

Winning

I admit I'm a bit materialistic and I found my own way of getting new stuff--joining competitions!

Things I won recently, a pair of Milanos blue loafers, a brand new Canon
digital camera and a blue iPod shuffle 4th Generation. Thanks!

After I stumbled across some blogs dedicated for various contests both here and abroad, I got so interested that I decided to join in those I deem within my capacity. These includes those that need prowess in arts, literature, and creativity. The above picture shows the various items I won by joining in this competitions. The shoes were bought from my cash voucher prize from SM Mall's Ecobag Designing Competition; the digital camera was from That Hallmark Moment Contest; and the iPod shuffle was from Sleepasil's photo competition. Though my reason was primarily to win these awesome stuff, I learned that I might as well exercise and harness my various talents. 

Recently, I joined Surviving Sagada's competition themed on "Why Do You want to go to Sagada?" which I answered by this traditional poster borne out of sweat and hard work.

Traditional poster entry showing the main reason why
I'd love to go to Sagada, that is, to experience it with her on
her 50th birthday.

However, I came to realize I wasn't doing well when it comes to competitions with cash prizes. Though, I had failed several times, I always look forward to earning that good cash to help in my expenses as I venture toward finding means of publishing my first novel when I turn 20. Indeed, there are still things I have yet to work hard for before I could be worthy of possessing. 

Reunited

Reunions are definitely the best moments to enjoy.

Robert (in yellow). Fresh from Zamboanga! Its been months!

I would just want to share how happy I was to meet my long-time-no-see friend Robert Banse, who was a former nursing student like us but then found out he was meant to be an architect, and had enjoyed the entire day with our perky bunch! You've grown so gwapo my friend!

Magic 8, though not complete, is completely delighted to see our KPOP lover/Fashion Guru/Pogi friend after almost staying for a year in Siliman University, whilst beginning his journey to become a well-known architect. We enjoyed a good meal by lunch, courtesy of the one and only Ms. Krishna Balsarza, followed by a parade of random activites. (MY FRIENDS SEEM TO BE SO RANDOM, TOO!)

We ended up enjoying each other's company in the light of the comedy film BROMANCE which brought good laughs to everyone! Thanks Robert for the treat! 

Robert, Keziah (what's with the pouty face), Janine, and Chatie in their wacky shot! RANDOM

So much for the rattling, I'm quite tired from the good time we had together but I would be obliged to post on this blog about this very important day. SUPERFRIENDS + Eat GIRLS=MAGIC 8! Long live my friends!

P.S. let's be complete next

Blog Intro

Smile cause everything can get RANDOM

Welcome to Ryan Dejarme's blog, ABOVE ALL THAT'S RANDOM. I finally decided to put up a blog and get it updated as much as I can daily.

Basically the blog got its title because of the million random things that get inside my mind daily. I maybe found sitting and reading a good book, and the next instance, I might get hold of a crayon, a paintbrush and some paint and do artwork; then, I might be found meddling with the piano and playing musical pieces of various genres ranging from classical to modern ones. See? I get to be so random and do an abrupt change in the activities I do. With this personal characteristic, I self-diagnosed myself as having "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder". Yes! I admit that I love being talked about and becoming the center of attraction (only when they're talking about good things) HAHAHA. Talk about over-confidence! Then, I seem to have a lot of energy to do things that I stop only when my eyes droop or my knees begin to tremble and all I could do is succumb to rest! Hey! I might just have channeled this energy into meaningful things!

That's it people! Don't expect this blog to have a singular theme as the blog owner himself is as random as he could get. Enjoy!

P.S. I love blue and ICE CREAM