The Next Best Thing

People say that smartphones are a no-no when the month of Ramadan is upon us. Well, not anymore. Our phones can be used in a lot of different ways. Even in this month of blessings and prayer.

I've rounded up some useful applications that can be an enormous help in the proceedings of Ramadan—which is almost here!

01. A Counter App.

We all have one of those noisy counters from the past that are still working and we won't get rid of them. So, to avoid that clicking, irritating noise, you can download (this) application. This "Counter," when it comes to design and appeal, doesn't have much to offer. I like it for its simplicity; it has a very uncomplicated set of controls and you can easily use it during praying or reciting anything.

02. A Compass App.

For those who are traveling, are in the middle of nowhere, and don't know where to pray when a mosque isn't nearby, (this compass) can be of great help. It won't only tell you what to do and where, but it also has additional advantages that come as a package deal. Their recent update is meant for this month. Download it to find out about its extra features.

03. A Quran App.

(This app) is probably the best Quran app available on Playstore. (Quran for Android) has a unique, beautiful user interface and comes with translations and audios in a wide array of languages. Perfect for reading while traveling and when at work. All you have to do is touch your smartphone awake and delve into this app. Saves you the trouble of carrying a real one.

04. A Reminder App.

There is a lot of work and praying to be done in this month. It does people good when there is a reminder for them set in case they forget anything. (To Do Reminder) is just what you need for this. It also comes with an alarm. This app can be used to plan out your entire Ramadan.

05. A Note-Taking App.

If you're one for just note-taking, and nothing additional, try (ColorNote) to help you out. Plan out all your religious proceedings and to-do lists with this broadly-acclaimed note-taking app.

06. A Recipe App.

To avoid the hassle of trying to figure out what to cook during Ramadan, you can use this app. (Cookpad) has tons of recipes for you to choose from. If you still find it limiting and if you want some easy-to-cook recipes, you can go to (Food.com) or (allrecipes), the latter also has an app.

These were all I could think of. If you have more to add, please do so in some comments below.

Have a blissful, and fulfilling Ramadan!

It is an endless battle for some when it is time to choose between what you want and what is best for you. The pressure inflicted upon by society and parents alike renders those some vulnerable to becoming mentally morose and withdrawn. Their insides that shout on their behalf are silenced into submission and what prevails is anything that is socially understandable and acceptable.

From the start of our academic journey, thoughts of becoming either a doctor or an engineer are poured endlessly into our minds. As we grow up, we discover what we're capable of and want to pursue our interests solely. It is quite easy to quell our determination for everybody. They mean well, but as we grow more, we find out that what put a stop to our hopes and dreams was nothing but hearsay. In some case, vindictiveness and watching you fail.

Living in a society as conservative as ours does not help. Even if we are brave enough not to fall for what people think is right for us—or want us to think so—the fire that brings us forward soon dies, leaving nothing but an empty being who'll do whatever is necessary to survive.

A career that is in direct relation to what we aspire to be is the right career for us. If we are not good at calculations and mathematics, we must not allow ourselves to become tangled up with disciplines such as engineering and computer science just because they have mass appeal and there's an aura of recognition about them.

Similarly, stressful career choices like becoming a doctor—or worse, something else—are ill-suited to those who want to pursue careers in writing and arts.

It can be difficult at first, convincing your parents to let you choose a major of your liking for your undergrad years. Some parents never give in. Some do. If you do not want to spend four years of your life, possibly more in other cases, do not choose something that you will later regret and then will feel the need of transferring to another program. This will waste your time and your money.

The takeaway, I guess, would be to always be bold and brave and go after the things you like. Create a whole vision for what you want your future to be like. Set your priorities and your goals and work relentlessly to bring them to fruition.

I write this sort of open letter to all the writers out there. Whether you're a professional or a beginner, if you're not using these tools/apps/websites, then you're not making the most of your writing. Not only will they help you in increasing your productivity and quality, but they will also save a lot of your time and save you from unnecessary marketing.

You know what they say: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

You've successfully been accepted at a university and you see yourself as one their prodigious graduates in the next four — or five — years, depending on your degree program. Medical students are the exceptions, but it wouldn't hurt for them to get out there and play a little. What you also should be interested in are the extra-curricular activities that come with. Not only will you expand your social circle; making new friends and all, but you'll also open yourself to human interaction that you're not familiar with. You'll get to meet important people, who may or may not be of use later. You get to market yourself, and you might even end up securing a possible employer.

You never know what might happen.

Here's what I think are the five things university students should participate in.


1. Model United Nations.

Model United Nations have been causing quite the buzz. Every university has a MUN of their own. You can participate in your own, and attend some other institute's as well. A MUN is basically a simulation of the United Nations. The objective of a MUN is to replicate, as best as possible, the atmosphere of meetings conducted at the UN. Delegates are expected to appear in formal attire, and are expected to articulately participate in the debates that are sometimes spontaneous, and otherwise rehearsed.

MUNs are a must for first years and those who wish to be public speakers or are even considering politics to be there professional medium. It will definitely increase your confidence level and you'll have an amazing time interacting with like minded individuals and will learn a lot. 


2. Olympiads.

These mini competitions are also what makes up your university experience complete. Once again, each university has an Olympiad of its own; you can attend others, too. These competitions are meant to bring out young talent, and also serves as a social escapade for all. The competitions are categorized into general events, technical events, and gaming events. There is a cash prize system that lures most of the audience. There are social events, too, which are meant to provide relief to a long day spent at an institute. These Olympiads usually last two days; with the end of the second day being the prize distribution ceremony.

Why should you attend an Olympiad? That's easy. If you've experience or talent that needs showcasing, these Olympiads are the perfect spot for you to let it all out.


3. Workshops.

These are rather dull. But, informative. You can attend workshops of your liking to gain additional knowledge in the relevant subject matter. You can add the experience to your resume. After you've attended enough workshops, you can conduct one of your own. This venture is more suited to business majors and entrepreneurs. But, there are workshops for writers, for medical and engineering students. There are open mic nights. Anyone can benefit from them.

The silver lining on this dull, dull cloud is that you're exposed to professionals. You might learn from them and then implement that knowledge into your own professional life.


4. Alumni Dinners.

Finally; something that suits everybody's taste. Alumni dinners, welcome and farewell parties are what everyone roots for. Set by a rather formal ambiance, these dinners are just like wedding ceremonies. You get to play dress up and then you get to eat. Pass outs can meet up with their friends and teachers, while the one's studying get to meet their seniors in a friendly environment. It's like a family bonding kind of thing. I've never been to an alumni dinner, neither to a welcome party. But, it's not hard to guess at what the proceedings might be like.

To sum this up in a few words, these dinners and parties are actually a social affair.


5. Recruitment Drives.

Last, but not the least, is this recently emerging concept of recruitment drives. Apparently, entrepreneurs are everywhere. Some organizations are just beginners, some are not; you'll be able to tell their worth by verbal interaction. What these organizations want is new recruits. Youngsters and teens who can help them flourish. They call for writers, photographers, good communicators, designers. You can think of your experience here as internships. Some even are; you get awarded certificates at the end.

If you want to groom yourself for better job prospects and being part of a change that may or may not happen, you need to sign up for these recruitment opportunities and see how much skills you've got and how much you need.

When all's been said and done, I'll say only this: these five things are really worth your time and money.

There should be a new indicator for boys that a book is for girls only — the covers aren't enough! Kiera Cass' book is a phenomenon meant for only hopeless romantics and those of competitive spirit. The Selection centers around America Singer, a girl from a not-so-well-off background, who inadvertently ends up in a battle for the one and only, Prince Maxon of Illea.

It is a myriad of gowns and glitter. The Selected must do all they can to woo the prince and find a place in his heart. Maxon may seem distracted and merely a pawn in the game that are the queen's trials, he has opinions and a say in the matter and won't just marry for beauty.

America stumbles into him — a rather classical, romantic cliche — and an evening spent with the handsome prince opens doors for a girl who thought she'd never even make it to the palace. Maxon and America spend more time and get to know one another. It won't be wrong if said that they both fall in love.

But, America has a past. And that past has returned to haunt her. A former lover later makes an entrance when the book is nearing the end, and America is trapped into a dance of complications. Moreover, there are rebel attacks and a battle that needs to be ended.

The book continues into two other installments, followed by two companion novels.

Here are five reasons why The Selection is solely a chick flick.


1. It's the narrative of a girl in love.

It starts with the ramblings of a girl, and ends on a similar note. America singer falls in love, then out, then in, and so on. The triangle that forms at the end of the book is literally history repeating itself.


2. There are too many girls.

Well, thirty five to be exact. There's rivalry and competition in between. It is obviously what girls root for. If you're a guy, stay away from The Selection.


3. The dresses and the gowns.

The book is overflowing with fairy tale gowns and dresses. There's nothing but gowns in there! People drooling over gowns. People tearing each others gowns. Gowns gowns gowns.


4. The romance.

You'll find the poor prince trying to be nice to all of the girls. When he kicks out one, that will also be done nicely. Hands being held, strolls in the garden under a starlit night sky — typically girlish.


5. The cover.

Well, it sort of is an indicator itself. Is it America herself? Posing in the cover?

I wouldn't want to stop you from reading this book. The Selection was funny at times and I laughed out loud. I even would've continued reading the second book, but I stopped in the middle and left it for another. Don't judge a book by bad reviews. And its cover. For one to truly understand what a book is all about, one must read it and form an opinion of their own.

So, go read The Selection if you will. Perhaps, you'll like it.

You must have heard a lot about penning gratitude lists before hitting the hay. Or, penning one when you're depressed and aren't feeling like yourself. I've never tried doing one. However, I might have an idea — or five — about what a bookworm's gratitude list ought to have.


1. Having enough to read.

It is indeed a blessing. Some book nerds complain about not having enough to read. The case varies for each. You either have a lot to read, but can't decide on one; or you literally don't have anything. The former is the usual case. Because, we can't deny. Our reading lists are just too long; filled up with mostly ignored books.

“Certain bookworms eat books. Eat them, swear in them, spill things on them.” 
― Tara Bray Smith 

That's right. If there is anything to be grateful for, it's having enough to read. You don't want to know of the icy despair that is an empty shelf, or a vacant digital library.


2. Time, time, and time!

In today's world, all of us live industrious lives. We're either drowning in the piles of homework that are thrown our way, we either have job issues, or we simply don't have enough time. If you, oh faithful reader of the book, have time on your end — and a lot of it to read — then you most definitely must be thankful.

“No, but I do read a lot. I could read for days and never stop. I use to be such a bookworm. I would barely look up to notice much of anything.” 
― Jennifer Loren

We could try scheduling and getting organized, but once you stop reading because you're too busy, you never start again.


3. Book turning into a movie.

What fun is reading a book and not watching its movie later? But, unfortunately, not all books get turned into movies.

“My books have taken me around the world, but it's time I stepped from the pages, so I can see it for myself.”                                                                                                                          ― Rebecca Raisin

This happens with most of the books, just because the directors do not find it interesting, they don't make a movie on it.

Unfair, don't you think?


4. You don't want to stop.

Not many can relate to this. Once you abandon a book because it's not what you expected, you're more likely to abandon another. It requires admirable patience and persistence to not abandon a bad book and keep on reading just for the sake of finishing it.

“I am not afraid of giving bad reviews. If I don't like a book, I don't like it. Period. I don't do promotion” 
― Bookvergent

Do a book justice; don't leave it in the middle. If you've never committed this atrocious crime, this one has to be on your list.


5. You learn from your reads.

This one's an obvious. Many readers just read, but never end up learning from the characters and the style with which the author writes. You may be a good reader, but if you're not learning from your reads, then you're just wasting away your time; turning pages and eventually finishing.

“They live in books, and they love to eat important or valuable words.” 
― CLAMP, xxxHolic, Vol. 7

 Don't just read, learn! If you do, then this one's a must on your list.

Have more to add? Surprise me!

Our English teacher challenged us with an activity. We were asked to write our opinions either supporting beggar-ism or not, or whether reading books is better or watching its movie.

This is what I chose and wrote about:

Not one of my classmates clapped for me. That made me laugh out loud — in my mind, of course.

You sometimes feel it an invisible weight on you, being in the same as room as them. Most of the time, you feel it necessary to throw at them whatever your hands can grab the fast. The rest of the time, you want to bask in the sunlight that is their misery.

If you can relate, then this post is for you.

Tired of enduring your siblings? Here are some fun things you can do to avenge yourself.


1. Wax off their Eyebrows.


2. Put hair removal cream in their shampoo.


3. Pour ketchup on the inside of their jeans.


4. Add laxatives into their drink.


5. Spice up their meal.


6. Hide the things they use most frequently.


7. Tell on them.


8. Wake them at 4 in the morning with monster music.


9. "Talk" to their friends.


10. Puncture holes into their tires.


11. Die their clothes!


12. Prank-call them.


This is all I could come up with; there's got to be more...

And I Darken is Kiersten White's flawless attempt at rewriting history. Imaginatively. It centers around the escapades of Vladislav Dragwla, Radu Dragwlya, and Mehmed, the sultan's heir.

Born not as what many wanted, Lada is subjected to ridicule and rejection. The same becomes of her brother, Radu. Lada may not have been born beautiful, but with fire in her heart and soul. As she grows, she becomes more and more ruthless and firm, while Radu grows into a man contradicting all of her sister.

The two end up intertwined in Ottoman politics when their father, the king, seals away their fates by inadvertently selling them away to the empire. In exchange for an army with which to return home to and claim a lost kingdom.

Lada and Radu explore themselves in the corners and corridors of their captive's strongholds. They make a friend out of Mehmed, the bastard son of the sultan. A tryst buds in between Mehmed, Lada, and Radu. Both siblings know of what the other holds Mehmed as; it's a triangle involving two of blood and one of promising power.

This book has been highly acclaimed and is a must read for all.

Here are some snippets from the novel that I found quite intriguing, thought-provoking, and relatable.