Pickld

Pickld is a Photo Diary Made Social :)

[gopickld]

Don’t Hide Who You Are

Weird. Stupid. Loner.

I used to hear all these horrible things for the majority of my youth. Thinking they knew who I was when the truth was they didn’t understand. They didn’t understand that I'm an introvert and was just being myself.

They thought that because I wasn’t always out and about, dancing the night away, I wasn’t capable of having fun. As if the only thing I ever did in this world was exist. Nothing more. They didn’t realize that I too was human who have likes, dislikes, and hobbies. Partying wasn’t – and will never be – the only definition of having fun! There were other things out there that may seem boring to others, that I truly appreciated and made me genuinely happy.

I wasn’t very comfortable being part of a big crowd and because of this, people thought that I didn’t have any friends. But they were wrong. Because I had. Still have. They may be few but that was because I tend to befriend people who I knew will stay with me for a long time. I value friendship and people, never saw them as inferior to me.

When I’d rather spend time on my own, far from all the noise of the world, it wasn’t because I was anti-social. It's mostly because, it was draining being with a large group of people. The need for alone-time didn’t mean that I hated them; it was just one of the things I enjoyed. Just like some people enjoy shopping or sports! But because they didn’t get that it was a natural trait, they labeled me as a loner. Then again, there is nothing wrong with being one!

The words they called me: shy, stupid, devious, rude, arrogant, boring, and weird, didn’t let me down. It was hard but I knew that I was the only one who had the power to decide whether they make a negative effect on my life or not.

I’d like to say that it got better. That eventually I stopped hearing these awful names. That because I’m much older now, I'd be enjoying a blissfully quiet life with my remaining time. But that would’ve been a lie. But instead of worrying about them too much, I used these words as motivation to make me even stronger.

Introversion is not a disease. So if you’re an introvert, embrace it for it’s a part of who you are! You don’t need to force yourself to be someone you’re not just to make other people like you.

Your personality will find a way to show itself to the world so don’t try to hide it and be ashamed of it.

                          -- Dion (an elderly introvert)

[gopickld]

Part Of Me

I’ve never given much thought to how people view me. They have their own opinions about everything and I know that I’m just one of those who they throw all their insecurities at to get some kind of satisfaction. Many words have been thrown in my direction; I got used to it and learned to walk with confidence and honesty with who I really am.

But do I really?

For the longest time I’ve tried my hardest to be ordinary. To be part of the norm. To be who society wants me to be. I buried who I really am because I was afraid. Of what people would say; of what they would do to me. I was terrified that my friends, especially my family, would not understand. That they would not accept me. Or worse, that they would try to change me back to who they thought I was.

But I’m tired. Of being restrained by these boundaries. Of people putting me in a ‘category’ I don’t belong to. Of hiding the real me.

I am bisexual.

No, I’m not for sure going to have a husband because I may have a wife. No, I’m not just trying to be greedy, having all the boys and all the girls as well. And no, this is definitely not a phase.

Yes, I am bisexual.

I’m ready to embrace the way I was born so please stop telling me to hold it in. I’m not going to suppress it anymore, the way I did before. I will no longer be kept inside the box I was forced into since I was young.

It’s such a sad thing to think that not everyone can understand us; the LGBT community. It’s already the 21st century but we are still ridiculed, still unaccepted. We may not be part of this black-and-white view of the world, but we have a right to live. We have a right to shout to the world who we love. And we have a right to be happy. Just like everyone else.

My sexuality is a part of who I am but it’s not the sole thing that defines me. I refuse to be stereotyped for I have a colorful personality worth knowing.

Because...

                                                                                                       -- Nikki

[gopickld]

My Youth

When I ask for advice on the best way to live my life to the fullest to avoid as much regret as possible, adults would always tell me that I should just be myself and do whatever makes me happy. And so I do just that. But why do I still hear criticisms? Why am I still judged for the things I post on social media when all I’m doing is share what makes me happy?

To those who wonder why I do what I do…

No, I don’t take selfies because I want those likes or comments. Nor does it mean I’m obsessed with who I am. I take a photo of myself because I appreciate how I look. I have a ton of insecurities, but whenever I feel confident, I tend to see past all those and get a glimpse of my radiance. And when I do, there’s nothing left but to shout it to the world. Hence, the hundreds of selfies I sometimes post in a day.

I take pictures of my OOTD not because I want to brag how much money I spent on my clothes. Or show off my new phone that’s reflected on the mirror. I simply like the way I dress and am proud of how I put everything together. You may think it’s a lame attempt at fashion but that’s only because you don’t understand that it’s my way of expressing myself. In a place where there’s too much noise that tend to drown my voice, I let my outfit speak for what I feel inside.

The food I ate looked appetizing. I took a photo of it not to boast how expensive it appears but because I see beauty in its presentation that I deem worthy for others to see, although the taste was pretty awful. It’s also to remind myself never to order that same thing and eat in that restaurant. And I hate to admit it, but there’s just something really appealing in being part of a trend.

I’ve visited many beautiful places, did lots of wonderful things, went on so many fun adventures, spent time with awesome friends, and met new amazing people. And taking a picture of these things doesn’t only make me remember them in the future when I hardly remember my name anymore. It’s more than that. It’s a reminder that once in my life I’ve been strong, brave, and adventurous. That I did all the things I want to do because I know how sudden everything can change and how abrupt it can all end.

Being young doesn’t mean I’d have to wait a certain age to do what I want to do. My youth gives me the strength and freedom to do what makes me happy, meet people to accompany me through life, and make memories to last a lifetime.

Living in a society bound by rules and norms, with eyes constantly watching, and judgments ready to be thrown, can make it quite difficult to find who you really are and express your thoughts and ideas to the world. Your voice gets easily drowned and sometimes you are forced to completely hide your personality. But you have to fight the current and let yourself shine so everyone can see that you are not senseless; just different and honest.

I may be young but I will never let myself be put in a box. I have a mind of my own and I am not afraid to fly.

                                                                                                     -- Colleen

[gopickld]

We’re All Beautifully Different

“It’s not my responsibility to be beautiful. I’m not alive for that purpose. My existence is not about how desirable you find me.”                                                                                   – Warsan Shire

How do they walk with confidence? Or wear clothes that they want? When all they hear is our voice, relentlessly trying to put them down.

Yes, she knows she’s big but we don’t need to call her fat or obese. Or feign concern and use the word overweight instead. She may not have a thigh gap but at least she doesn’t look down on others just because of what they look or how much they weigh. While here we are thinking that being on the heavier side of the spectrum is wrong. We believe that having curves on the ‘right places’ is sexy but too much is just vile. Repulsive.

Those who are on the lighter side of the scale aren’t safe either. We call them skinny or skeleton. Assume that they have an eating disorder or that they like what they look and aren’t insecure. And repeatedly tell them that they should eat more to have some meat on their bones because ‘Real women have curves’. We say all this when we have not the slightest idea what they’re going through.

We keep calling her Bigfoot just because she’s tall. Or him a midget for being small. What we don’t know is that she tutors kids at the orphanage or that he volunteers to feed the homeless. They spend their time helping people in need while we waste ours coming up with more inventive and offensive names to humiliate them.

Consistently telling her she’s flat-chested or has no booty without us realizing that she sees herself in the mirror every day and is quite aware of what she looks like. We throw all our insecurities in the world towards her when all she ever did was be herself.

Her having big boobs or a big butt doesn’t give us the permission to treat her in a perverted manner. She’s not wearing those clothes so we could cat-call her and stare at what she’s got. We think that they need our approval when they clearly don’t.

Not all men are like those we see on magazines, runways, and tv ads; those with six-pack abs, tousled hair, and dreamy eyes. Yet, here we are degrading men because of the lack of heavenly proportions in their bodies; lanky build and swelling tummy, not our vision of an ideal man.

It hurts every time they go down that road constantly hearing the names we call them. As if doing so would miraculously change them. Make them better in our eyes. Become a part of that perfect little world we and our society have conjured in our heads. If we could just accept the fact that we’re all beautifully different, this world would be a much better place to live in.

Let us stop putting others down to shine. Because we too are beautiful. Not just because of our physical appearance but more so because of the goodness in our hearts. Let us embrace our beauty, be who we are, and show the world that we’re happy being ourselves.

It’s time to rid our minds of society’s standards because we are far too beautiful to be put on a scale.

                                                                                              - Belle/Ms. Porky

[gopickld]

Love...

“If you press me to say why I loved him, I can say no more than because he was he, and I was I.”                            – Michel de Montaigne

So it’s Valentine’s Day. That means roses, chocolates, gifts, dates, and surprises. But more than all those, it means love. And in the midst of all the sweet gestures, affections, and confessions…

Let’s stop looking down on couples where the woman is taller than the man and think that it’s not ‘typical’. Let’s clear our minds of the idea that men should be the ones leaning down to kiss their girls and not the other way around.

Let’s stop calling a woman with an older or wealthier man, a gold-digger. Or a cougar when her partner is younger.

Let’s stop assuming that a man with a younger lady is only taking advantage of her youth and innocence. Or when he’s with an older woman, he’s taking advantage of her fortune.

Let’s stop thinking that gay and lesbian couples are revolting and wrong and whose affections must not be seen especially by the kids. It’s 2016! They’ve been through so much and the least we could give them is acceptance and respect.

Let’s stop presuming that lovers who met online or are living in different countries or even continents won’t have a happily ever after. Instead, let’s start encouraging them to fight for what their hearts desire.

Let’s stop calling pairs who are not on the same level of beauty based on the standards of society ‘awful-looking’. Let’s eradicate the thought that a ‘handsome’ guy is only playing his ‘unattractive’ lady, and that an ‘unappealing’ man is only being led on by his ‘beautiful’ girlfriend.

And lastly, let’s stop judging those who don’t have a date on heart’s day and think that they are prude or picky. Whatever their reason may be, let us continue to be there for them.

Love comes at the right time to the people who are ready for it. And the best way to show that we really are capable of giving it is to accept each other’s decisions with matters regarding the happiness of our hearts.

Because love is love; it knows no age, regards no gender, favors no status, measures no distance, notices no time, and sees no appearance.

[gopickld]

You’ll Get There

So… What’s your plan?

This is one of the hardest questions to answer. Especially when all you wanna do is enjoy the moment and live the now. Then just as you were about to utter your reply, people would start suggesting for you to be a doctor, a lawyer, a nurse, a teacher, or a businessman. Some would even insist and really give you a hard time just to choose the profession they want for you because they know that they are dear to you and you won’t be able to say no.

What they don’t understand is that you have your own free will. You can choose to be whoever or whatever you want to be once you’re out of school. You can pursue any career or you can decide to get another degree and acquire more knowledge. You can travel the world, meet new people, and learn through experience. Or you can just go with the flow and see where it takes you. And once you reach your destination, you’re just gonna have to face whatever problems or triumph on whatever happiness is waiting for you.

I’m not saying having a plan is worthless and only gives you more worry. If you like planning because it makes you feel like your life is in order, then go do it. But if making one seems like too much effort for you and makes you neglect the current things happening around you and your life, then don’t create one. What’s important is that you have a goal. If you do, then you can just go out there and wing it!

Whether you choose to be a model, a writer, a fisherman, a musician, an actor, a farmer, a photographer, an IT expert, a carpenter, a priest, a baker, or a nomad, the people who really care for you and your future would continue to stay by your side and support you. Because they accept you for who you are and who you want to become.

So get rid of the sadness on your face and stop the worry that’s creasing your brows because it’s completely fine not to know where and how to start. It’s ok not to have a detailed plan for your everyday life that would eventually take you to your dreams. Life would take you to many places; some of them you’d feel like staying in and others you’d want to escape as soon as you’ve arrived. But eventually that time would come when you’ll just know that where you are and what you’re doing, is exactly where you should be and exactly what you’re supposed to do.

Take control of the wheel, and live your life the way you want to.

                                                                                       - Ms. Williams (teacher)

[gopickld]

The Things You Know

Even with your high IQ or massive knowledge about something, you still don’t get a spot at the top of the most popular list or just recognized by those around you. People who share your level of intelligence are the ones being ridiculed, the ones feeling unworthy. Your desire to learn more about a certain topic is seen by a lot as uncool. For having tons of information you are criticized. And you are labeled as a Nerd.

And for all of those, I’m sorry.

I’m sorry that we bully you for not understanding that it’s not all physics and math. Or spelling and history. That the only movies you appreciate are not just Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, or Star Wars. Or that you watch tv not only for the likes of Doctor Who, The X-Files, or Mythbusters. That the kind of music you listen to are not limited to that of Metal and Indie Rock genres. That the games you play are not just of the World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy, or Dungeons and Dragons type. Or that we think you know everything about technology thus accusing you of being a wicked hacker.

I apologize that we make you feel like you can’t get out of your room because of the likely suspicion that we’re just waiting, ready to embarrass you. That you have to endure every stupid name we call you. That we make you think socializing is just a waste of your time as nobody would want to talk to you, even if you so badly want to. Or that you don’t have the right to get his/her number and ask him/her out.

Please don’t hate yourself for loving something that makes you happy, even if we’re raising our eyebrows at you. You’re just like us who enjoys movies, music, and games. Someone who’s just very passionate about something. And now I realize that having such consuming passion is not a crime.

You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s not your fault we don’t get you. You don’t need to fit in; you don’t want to know what a constant battle it is. And most importantly, to those of us who think you’re a ‘fake nerd’, you don’t need our permission to be someone you want to be. You don’t need our approval.

I know that you are more than the stereotype we perceive you as. So embrace your nerdiness. Continue being true to yourself. And don’t be misled; keep pursuing what makes you feel more alive.

You deserve to be you.

And I hope one day, I get to be me too.                                                                              - Jessica (that bully from school)

[gopickld]

To those who listen

Whenever you put your headphones on and listen to the beat of the drum, I know that sometimes it’s not just because you want to relax. More often than not, you want to run. You want to hide. You want to drown the world. The people who know nothing but to try and transform you into someone you’re not. They want to change how you dress, what you eat, how you talk, where you shop, when you sleep. Even the very kinds of songs that console you, they want to manipulate.

Your love for Classical music doesn’t mean that your taste is awful and passé. It only shows that you know how to appreciate their beauty and timelessness. And they wouldn’t be in that genre for nothing. They’re one of the best songs there is and for you to understand that is something that’s truly amazing.

If you find solace in Heavy Metal, ignore the questions of the people who ask if you understand anything from all the shouting and growling. Turn your back to them when they start covering their ears and complaining about the ‘noise’. Don’t even try and explain how it uplifts your energy, lightens your mood, and lets you see the world for what it truly is. Because no explanation will make them understand any of its greatness.

To those who listen to Pop, some would think that you have it easy. That you don’t receive any criticisms whatsoever. But sadly, you still do. People say how meaningless and empty of emotions these songs are. They judge you for being predictable and ordinary just because of what you listen to. I know that your desire to defend popular music is strong and multiple times you caved in. But did they even try to stop and hear any of it? Didn’t think so. So continue belting out the latest hits and not give a single damn about the people who disagree with your choice of music.

Jazz.  Blues.  Rock.  HipHop.    R&B.    Alternative.   Electronic.    Acoustic.    Country.    Opera.    Rap. Reggae.    Disney.

To some, these are just genres of music. But these very songs are a part of who you are. It’s one of the many different facets of you. A part of your uniqueness.

Countless moments you see people surrounding you shake their heads when they hear what song you’re listening to. You’ve heard much disapproval from them. And even more convincing to switch to another type of genre.

But please. Don’t listen to them.

Just keep your headphones on and sing, cry, or dance to the music.

Because you deserve to be you.

[gopickld]

With over 7 billion other people in the world, our desire to stand out can be really difficult to fulfill. No matter how many times we wear clothes that are straight from the runway, listen to the new songs from the billboard, go to the coolest places in and out of town, or learn to use the latest internet slang… we still won’t be recognized that easily by everyone. Why, you ask? Simply because those 7 billion other people are doing the exact same thing you’re doing. And only those which are different attract attention.

But how exactly do we become different?

3 words.

By being ourselves.

Yes, I know you’ve heard that a million times before. You and me both. And I can already tell what you’re thinking right now: “It’s easier said than done”. But the only reason it’s hard to accomplish is because (1) we’re too scared to try and (2) we worry too much about what the people around us would say, both at the expense of our own happiness. What we don’t realize is that the people whose criticisms we’re so afraid to hear, are much too busy pretending to be someone they’re not just to be accepted by everyone else.

So, put on a gothic dress if you want, listen to jazz music if that’s what you prefer, and stay at home and read a book if you don’t feel like partying all night. Don’t let other people tell you what to do with your life. You have one chance to live it so make it count. You wouldn’t want to spend your remaining days regretting the things you could’ve done, places you weren’t able to visit, and experiences you never had, right? Besides, people would still talk about you whether you do something good or bad. So, you might as well do what your heart desires!

You’re the only one who have the control over your life.

You deserve to be you.

And being you, is a gift you could give yourself.

[gopickld]

Happy holidays Picklrs!

We are now announcing our second winner for Pickld’s Spread the Pickld Love Contest.

Congratulations to our Week 2 Winner ... (*sfx: drum rolls) Kristle Anne Federigan! A big round of applause to our second winner.  Please message us your address and contact number, for further instructions.

“ I may never be good enough for everybody... but I'll always be the BEST for someone who DESERVES me... ” ~ iamkristle

Follow Kristle in https://pickld.me/iamkristle/5984

Now the question is who will be the 3rd winner of the Spread the Pickld Love contest? Wait for the announcement next Monday. Stay tuned Picklrs and Spread the Pickld Love! :)

Happy Pickling!

* For those of you who wonder, what is happening… Here’s a link to the Contest Mechanics: http://goo.gl/LTvtLl 

[gopickld]

What for you is “The Best Christmas Gift”?

Follow more of Kuting’s Adventure in finding the Best Christmas Gift tomorrow afternoon... Spread the Pickld Love! :)

https://Pickld.me

[gopickld]

Pickld is selected as one of the 30 startups to participate in Google's first ever HackFair in the Philippines! 

December 19 - 20, 2015 at Mind Museum, Fort Bonifacio

[gopickld]

Good day Picklrs!

Today is the day! The announcement of the greatest Spreader of the Pickld Love, our Week 1 Winner of the exclusive green shirt is, a big round of applause to…. (sfx: drum rolling)

Congratulations to our Week 1 Winner Prince Sarmiento! One gigantic hurray to you. Please message us your address and contact number, for further instructions.

For those who didn’t get one, don’t you worry. The second week of “Spread the Pickld Love and Win This Shirt Contest” is now on!

The announcement of the winner for week 2 will be posted next Monday. Stay tuned Picklrs and Spread the Pickld Love! <3

Happy Pickling!

* For those of you who wonder, what is happening… Here’s a link to the Contest Mechanics: http://goo.gl/LTvtLl

[gopickld]

Someone who eats like this! <3

[gopickld]

Spread the Pickld Love and Win this Shirt!

Step 1: Download Pickld to your  smartphone (available on iOS and Android).

Step 2: Like Pickld Facebook Page.

Step 3: Share the Pickld Shirt Photo (from Pickld FB Page) and use hashtag #SpreadThePickldLoveShirt in your Facebook timeline. Put the following in the status as well before posting:

I Love Pickld! www.Pickld.me

How to spread Pickld Love: http://bit.ly/1HPDCCQ

Step 4: Put the same Pickld Shirt Photo in your Pickld account using #mebusywith.

That’s it :P 

Notes:

We will choose one winner every week.

The winner is based on the number of likes and positive comments one will get from the post.

A winner can only win once.

This ends on January 3, 2016.

We can only ship shirt this in a Philippine address.

[gopickld]

Took this video and was posted in Filipino Pride page in Facebook. I didn’t realize it will go viral. It was definitely a blast listening to him, literally his music will make your heart sing!

31M reach with 6M views! Hope you get to play in national TV Sir!

[gopickld]

You want to work in an exciting tech startup and maybe become the next big thing? (Click here to see what’s going on with Pickld...and here and here!).

Do you have what it takes? We are choosy :P We want people not just with great skills but with a happy attitude as well! See available positions below:

iOS Developers - knowledgeable in Swift & Xcode environment

Android Developers - knowledgeable in Java and Android Studio environment 

Backend Developers - knowledgeable in Javascript, PHP, JSON, SQL

BUT WAIT! You think you only have little programming experience but with great attitude and programming fundamentals? We can train you as well!

Email us at [email protected]