Editors Dean and Nikki Alfar invite you to submit short fiction for consideration for Philippine Speculative Fiction volume 8.
Philippine Speculative Fiction is a yearly anthology series, which collects a wide range of stories that define, explore, and sometimes blur the boundaries of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and all things in between. The anthology has been shortlisted for the Manila Critics’ Circle National Book Award, and multiple stories from each volume have been cited in roundups of the year’s best speculative fiction across the globe.
First-time authors are more than welcome to submit; good stories trump literary credentials any time.
I started keeping a diary when I was nine. Whenever I have nothing to do, it’s always fun to read my old entries. In my first ever diary, I had an entry that was entitled “The Worst Day of My Life.”
When I first heard that some religious group was protesting Lady Gaga’s concert, I was confused. I didn’t understand what the big deal was. Lady Gaga already had several concerts here in the Philippines, and no one seemed to mind. Now it has blown up into some big issue where politicians and other celebrities are accusing the singer for being influential (err…okaaayyy), for leading the youth astray, and for being evil incarnate. Have they ever really listened to Lady Gaga’s songs? People, it’s just pop songs. No big deal. There’s no need for any riot.
What’s the big deal, baby?
I loved Gaga’s Fame and Fame Monster albums, but I didn’t like Born This Way album that much. I liked the tracks “Born This Way,” “Judas,” and “You and I,” but I felt that the rest of the songs were overproduced.
I don’t understand why people are getting so worked up about “Judas.” “Judas” is an “I’m-in-love-with-a-bad-boy” +insert name “Judas” +insert some religious imagery=pop dance song. There’s no religious commentary at all. It’s just a pop song. If you don’t believe me, listen to it.
Now if you really want to look for “blasphemous” songs, you’re better off trying “Dear God” by XTC:
Assuming but not conceding that blasphemy is bad, “Judas” doesn’t even touch the amount of blasphemy that other artists have done.
Ever since I read The SecretI have become a big believer in positive thinking. The basic premise is that you have to think positive thoughts in order to attract positive events and positive people. If you think about it, it makes sense. If you are the bad-vibes girl, then people will avoid you like the plague, and if you are not friends with these people, they won’t be able to help you out, help you learn something, or point you toward opportunities. If you think you’ll fail, then that lack of confidence will show, and this will contribute to your failure.
