5 years. 50 posts. [Insert punchline here. Can't think of any].
Can't really tell if it's an achievement, but hey, it's something.
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, my name is Noel Yulo and I am proud to welcome you to my 50th post in my Bloggin' with Noel Yulo blog!!! (Hooray?) So after five years of writing in my personal diary blog, I am proud and happy of reaching such achievement that a lot of bloggers out there would probably be laughing just to see how slow I write. I guess a lot of writers out there probably had their 50th post as early as within two months but not a lot can say that they made 50 posts, let alone a blog, within five years (yes I am a proud degenerate writer), so kudos to me!
I don't really know how to start this one off as I can't even tell if having a 50th post is monumental or not (probably should have waited for 100). All I can say is that this blog of mine has indeed stood the test of time. Not to mention getting 17,000+ views is already something to uphold. But to give you guys a quick history, I started this blog way back 2010. I used to blog in Friendster and Multiply but due to the rapid change of social media (new gets old, old gets retired), I had to find a new place to blog. After some thorough research (or googling best blog sites), I was able to stumble upon Blogger and since then I have mainly blogged on this site. I have a Wordpress and Tumblr blog but I write here more often since it came first (and I only get to be funny here, which I'm not even sure is funny).
Honestly, when I started this blog, my motives were to plainly write the thoughts in my mind, to the point where it seemed like a personal diary of sorts. Later on, it became a tool for me to share my experiences to other people and hoping that it can help them if they have the same messed-up scenarios as I have. I've also used this blog of mine for "personal reasons" (which mainly focused on my love life) and from there has became a constant reminder of how I was back then. So to celebrate my 50th post, I have decided to look back (or read again) my 49 posts and decided to rank the top 10 best posts ever. I'll be providing insights and comments on my previous posts and hopefully give you an idea how I was back then (inspired or deranged, either of the two). Ranking this list is based plainly on the importance of the topic to me, the way it was written, and pretty much the overall impact it has created in my life (which I doubt I'll be able to provide).
Without further ado (click the title to pop that post up), here are the top 10 posts of Bloggin' with Noel Yulo (WARNING: It is going to be a long read):
10. The One That Started It All
I can't make a Top 10 list without mentioning my first post ever! It was way back 2010, during this time I was still having my review for the Nursing board exam (and why I didn't have 100% focus). During this time, I had an itch to write since I haven't done it for quite some time. I spent my college life writing reflection papers and my classmates' reflection papers that it made me realize how I miss sharing my "life" to the world. I was mainly blogging at Friendster blogs and Multiply (links no longer available) but it never really got a "big time" blog feel to me so I chose to write where most people write (well, most people actually buy domain names, can't afford one). This one is memorable because this is what started it all for me (or started AGAIN for me. I'm a second life-r blogger).
9. My First "Letter" Post
Ahhhh, love. Makes you do things that you normally wouldn't do but you got to if you want to keep your special someone. I normally write here to express my personal thoughts. However, since it was our 6th monthsary at that point, I have to do something romantic so why not go use my blog right (ya cheap bastard)? To show my love and affection to my girlfriend, I decided to write her a letter because 1. Letters are romantic (I'm an old-fashioned guy), 2. I have a bad hand writing (I'm a nurse that writes like a doctor), and 3. It is quite a hassle to make a letter (I'm an old-fashioned new trend guy?). This was quite special because I haven't written anything here about her. Though I had to do a lot of editing to avoid exposing her in the world wide web, this post involved a lot of memories and feelings that we both share (ahhhwww). But, again, due to our circumstances, probably the last (awwwhhh).
8. The Time I Believed Soulmates Are Real
Don't want to go with the details with what happened to us but to give you guys an idea - I felt that I met my soulmate with her (and another possible heartache). On our first date together, I got to learn about a lot of things, or should I say, similarities that we both share. But alas, things didn't work out as she was still in love with her ex, which eventually didn't work out, then I tried again, but she was already seeing someone (toughest New Year's Eve ever). Now, at this point I have written a few poems already to the girls I was in love with, but this one I made for her was quite special because despite the fact that she rejected me, I was totally okay (but was filled with a lot of regrets). I didn't take it hard unlike the past and in a way we're still cool (cool as in friends in Facebook). Do I still believe in soulmates? Well, after her not anymore, but in a good way.
7. My NLE Board Exam Journey
If there is one thing that dominated my first year blogging here in Blogger was my time reviewing, failing, and finally passing the board exam. In any way or thought that I have, I will not fail to post it. I actually have several posts about my journey but good thing past Noel placed links of my posts on this one super final post (which thank God finally ended). The journey for me has been tough because while I was having my review, I was having doubts with myself. And even with the doubts, I wasn't totally focus with my review which led to my demise. Then with everyone passing, I had to carry a huge load of weight just to get over the challenge of retaking the board exam (while I was a working to earn money). Overall, to God's guidance, I was able to get rid of the anchor off my shoulders. It was a great victory like no other and my journey is a testament that anything can happen through Him.
6. The Time I Wrote In Tagalog
Don't worry, I won't write in Tagalog for this one (pero ang saya kasi eh!). I've always loved our national language, but English was the one that I believed that will take me places (so far not yet). So, ever since I started to write and speak (at school, because I was arrogant), English was the medium that I wanted to be good at. And in ways, I think I have accomplished my goal. But when I laid upon my eyes on this man's blog, I instantly wanted to try it out myself. In a weird feeling, I've never had so much fun writing on a particular post. I don't know, I guess it is because Tagalog is my natural language and that it was easy for me to be funny (I believe) in Tagalog medium. Though it is my first time to write one, it certainly won't be the last (kasi feel ko na marami pa akong Tagalog na masasabi!)
5. The End Note Of A Year Long Depression
There's a lot of ways on how I can put a title for this particular event. To put it this way, I was deeply in love with this girl. Actually with all of them but with her, it came with an extra sweetness and bitterness (but not in a "I was bitter way", more of "Too much pain" way). Again, don't want to put that much details between us but when I told her all my feelings and asked if she could be my girlfriend, I pretty much got my first rejection, ever, in the face. It sucked, knowing it took me a year to recover, but in a way that experience taught me a lot of things. And when I decided to write a poem for her (which would become trend every end of the year for three years), I was able to really make a deep poem which covers how my love transpired and how it came to a halt. If I was still single now, this would rank a little bit higher, but I should stop right here before I say too much "bottled up" thoughts, hehe.
4. That Christmas Special About Being Born In Christmas
I always consider my December posts to be "special", especially when it talks about Christmas. And while during the time I made this post, I already have two (one about being depressed on Christmas), I decided to actually talk about how it's like to be born in Christmas. That thought has been with me since my younger days but it took me some 20 years to actually write it down (and probably because I read somewhere about the same topic). It was quite nice because I got to take an in-depth look on how it's like to be a "Noel", and pretty much became my best Christmas special so far.
3. The First Ever "First Anniversary"
Just like my posts about the NLE Board exam, this post serve as a culmination of my first year together with my girlfriend. It also serves as a place for me to share the beginnings of our relationship up until our first year together. And while I opted to go for flowers and gifts for our second anniversary, I can't help but consider this as one of my finest works here in Bloggin' with Noel Yulo. I'm not being bias and at the same time not doing this to just make my girlfriend feel special but to say that this post is important to me because at some point I'll get old (and will probably lose all my memories), at least I have a stronghold, a remembrance, on how my first relationship came to be (a touching story, contact me if you want this to be a movie).
2. The First Collaborative Blog
Having a collaboration blog was something I have always planned to do. And while these two folks who I got to share this post with weren't my first option to write with, I got to say that we probably made something really special here. 286 Views! That pushed my total site views to 17,000+! A remarkable achievement that wouldn't be deemed possible without my two co-trainers, Pal Domanais and Alma Rhea Alojipan. This post was special because it features three people with different styles and personalities, and shared funny and witty POVs (Point of View). I, personally find this post really fun and entertaining to make and read. Though it is quite long, but anyone who can read long stuff will definitely like this collaboration. And oh, did I mention it produced a sequel and with a third one already on the way (hopefully I can insert the link here soon). But with this post, it only makes it possible for me to collab with other bloggers out there.
1. The One That Sink In Hard
I can't make a Top 10 list without mentioning my first post ever! It was way back 2010, during this time I was still having my review for the Nursing board exam (and why I didn't have 100% focus). During this time, I had an itch to write since I haven't done it for quite some time. I spent my college life writing reflection papers and my classmates' reflection papers that it made me realize how I miss sharing my "life" to the world. I was mainly blogging at Friendster blogs and Multiply (links no longer available) but it never really got a "big time" blog feel to me so I chose to write where most people write (well, most people actually buy domain names, can't afford one). This one is memorable because this is what started it all for me (or started AGAIN for me. I'm a second life-r blogger).
9. My First "Letter" Post
Ahhhh, love. Makes you do things that you normally wouldn't do but you got to if you want to keep your special someone. I normally write here to express my personal thoughts. However, since it was our 6th monthsary at that point, I have to do something romantic so why not go use my blog right (ya cheap bastard)? To show my love and affection to my girlfriend, I decided to write her a letter because 1. Letters are romantic (I'm an old-fashioned guy), 2. I have a bad hand writing (I'm a nurse that writes like a doctor), and 3. It is quite a hassle to make a letter (I'm an old-fashioned new trend guy?). This was quite special because I haven't written anything here about her. Though I had to do a lot of editing to avoid exposing her in the world wide web, this post involved a lot of memories and feelings that we both share (ahhhwww). But, again, due to our circumstances, probably the last (awwwhhh).
8. The Time I Believed Soulmates Are Real
Don't want to go with the details with what happened to us but to give you guys an idea - I felt that I met my soulmate with her (and another possible heartache). On our first date together, I got to learn about a lot of things, or should I say, similarities that we both share. But alas, things didn't work out as she was still in love with her ex, which eventually didn't work out, then I tried again, but she was already seeing someone (toughest New Year's Eve ever). Now, at this point I have written a few poems already to the girls I was in love with, but this one I made for her was quite special because despite the fact that she rejected me, I was totally okay (but was filled with a lot of regrets). I didn't take it hard unlike the past and in a way we're still cool (cool as in friends in Facebook). Do I still believe in soulmates? Well, after her not anymore, but in a good way.
7. My NLE Board Exam Journey
If there is one thing that dominated my first year blogging here in Blogger was my time reviewing, failing, and finally passing the board exam. In any way or thought that I have, I will not fail to post it. I actually have several posts about my journey but good thing past Noel placed links of my posts on this one super final post (which thank God finally ended). The journey for me has been tough because while I was having my review, I was having doubts with myself. And even with the doubts, I wasn't totally focus with my review which led to my demise. Then with everyone passing, I had to carry a huge load of weight just to get over the challenge of retaking the board exam (while I was a working to earn money). Overall, to God's guidance, I was able to get rid of the anchor off my shoulders. It was a great victory like no other and my journey is a testament that anything can happen through Him.
6. The Time I Wrote In Tagalog
Don't worry, I won't write in Tagalog for this one (pero ang saya kasi eh!). I've always loved our national language, but English was the one that I believed that will take me places (so far not yet). So, ever since I started to write and speak (at school, because I was arrogant), English was the medium that I wanted to be good at. And in ways, I think I have accomplished my goal. But when I laid upon my eyes on this man's blog, I instantly wanted to try it out myself. In a weird feeling, I've never had so much fun writing on a particular post. I don't know, I guess it is because Tagalog is my natural language and that it was easy for me to be funny (I believe) in Tagalog medium. Though it is my first time to write one, it certainly won't be the last (kasi feel ko na marami pa akong Tagalog na masasabi!)
5. The End Note Of A Year Long Depression
There's a lot of ways on how I can put a title for this particular event. To put it this way, I was deeply in love with this girl. Actually with all of them but with her, it came with an extra sweetness and bitterness (but not in a "I was bitter way", more of "Too much pain" way). Again, don't want to put that much details between us but when I told her all my feelings and asked if she could be my girlfriend, I pretty much got my first rejection, ever, in the face. It sucked, knowing it took me a year to recover, but in a way that experience taught me a lot of things. And when I decided to write a poem for her (which would become trend every end of the year for three years), I was able to really make a deep poem which covers how my love transpired and how it came to a halt. If I was still single now, this would rank a little bit higher, but I should stop right here before I say too much "bottled up" thoughts, hehe.
4. That Christmas Special About Being Born In Christmas
I always consider my December posts to be "special", especially when it talks about Christmas. And while during the time I made this post, I already have two (one about being depressed on Christmas), I decided to actually talk about how it's like to be born in Christmas. That thought has been with me since my younger days but it took me some 20 years to actually write it down (and probably because I read somewhere about the same topic). It was quite nice because I got to take an in-depth look on how it's like to be a "Noel", and pretty much became my best Christmas special so far.
3. The First Ever "First Anniversary"
Just like my posts about the NLE Board exam, this post serve as a culmination of my first year together with my girlfriend. It also serves as a place for me to share the beginnings of our relationship up until our first year together. And while I opted to go for flowers and gifts for our second anniversary, I can't help but consider this as one of my finest works here in Bloggin' with Noel Yulo. I'm not being bias and at the same time not doing this to just make my girlfriend feel special but to say that this post is important to me because at some point I'll get old (and will probably lose all my memories), at least I have a stronghold, a remembrance, on how my first relationship came to be (a touching story, contact me if you want this to be a movie).
2. The First Collaborative Blog
Having a collaboration blog was something I have always planned to do. And while these two folks who I got to share this post with weren't my first option to write with, I got to say that we probably made something really special here. 286 Views! That pushed my total site views to 17,000+! A remarkable achievement that wouldn't be deemed possible without my two co-trainers, Pal Domanais and Alma Rhea Alojipan. This post was special because it features three people with different styles and personalities, and shared funny and witty POVs (Point of View). I, personally find this post really fun and entertaining to make and read. Though it is quite long, but anyone who can read long stuff will definitely like this collaboration. And oh, did I mention it produced a sequel and with a third one already on the way (hopefully I can insert the link here soon). But with this post, it only makes it possible for me to collab with other bloggers out there.
1. The One That Sink In Hard
I mentioned earlier that Bloggin' with Noel Yulo serve to be a tool for me to be funny (though again isn't proven), but there were times in which I wasn't. Though I have another blog which is quite focus on serious stuff, I wrote something here three years ago that is a reflection on how hard it was for me back then to cope up with life. I was still a call center agent during this time. Though already a board passer, I felt that I was punishing myself in a job that I really didn't want and be in a position where I didn't want to be (because I wanted to be a nurse dammit!). And through it all, I survived, but during this time, I felt I was going to explode. I was having a "21-year old" life crisis and I felt that if I can't find a resolution, I will become a madman (a madman I tells ya!). There were just so much weight put into this that it didn't only focus with one aspect of my life, it focused on three (but a lot when you slice it up). Out of all the posts that I have written here, this is my #1 as not only it reflects my personal side, but also shows that I am only human, vulnerable even when I have been strong before (hopefully this part isn't too serious for you, laugh!).
So there you go, my Top 10 posts so far here in Bloggin with Noel Yulo. If you are reading this, whether you are a newcomer or nah, I just want to personally say THANK YOU for taking a time of your life reading about someone else's life. I know it is quite a long post (but what's new really), but if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be writing anymore. Or maybe I would still be writing but with less motivation, (because all of you give meaning to my life!). I am not getting paid to write, nor I plan to write to get paid (because I don't know how to write professionally), but as long people read my stuff and I get to share my thoughts (and wisdom?), that is good enough for me. After 50 posts, definitely looking forward for more posts to come. As long as I can write about something (and trust me there is always something to write about), Bloggin' with Noel Yulo will live forever!!!
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So there you go, my Top 10 posts so far here in Bloggin with Noel Yulo. If you are reading this, whether you are a newcomer or nah, I just want to personally say THANK YOU for taking a time of your life reading about someone else's life. I know it is quite a long post (but what's new really), but if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be writing anymore. Or maybe I would still be writing but with less motivation, (because all of you give meaning to my life!). I am not getting paid to write, nor I plan to write to get paid (because I don't know how to write professionally), but as long people read my stuff and I get to share my thoughts (and wisdom?), that is good enough for me. After 50 posts, definitely looking forward for more posts to come. As long as I can write about something (and trust me there is always something to write about), Bloggin' with Noel Yulo will live forever!!!
I'm glowing inside because of you.
