Chance Encounters – Wonderful Surprises From Penfires Readers

2013 is not as rewarding traffic wise for Penfires compared to 2012. Big G with its Penguin army came down on my site hard; I am still reeling from its blow. I think I know why – I seldom build backlinks and my social media presence is also dismal. BUT I think I churned quality post but yah I know quality posts alone will not make it on the top of serps. Heh.

But despite this not so stellar performance of my blog stats-wise this year, 2013 is wonderful with lots of unexpected surprises from you, my dear readers.

I’ve gone on food trips and city tours with some of you on those rare days I’m lucky to be free from work and projects. I’ve been blessed too with pasalubongs and gifts that it definitely feels like Christmas starts early for me.

I’ve also been noticing some of you regularly ‘likes’ my sharing on Facebook and leave comments in my posts. I really appreciate it and I remember you.  In fact, while writing this post several readers are on my mind for being very generous with their ‘likes’ and ‘thanks.’

I cherish all your ‘thanks’ and am comforted with the thought that in my small ways, I’ve done something worthwhile for you to deserve those thanks and warm thoughts, this makes me happy. =)

Fresh from college I had wanted to serve one year in the UP Pahinungod Program, it’s the volunteer service program of the University of the Philippines. My dream then was to teach in a remote barangay, the type where it takes mountains and river crossings to get to the area of assignment. But alas, reality was more pressing. I know I can’t in good conscience choose Pahinungod. I had to be practical and choose the route where I can earn more so I can help my family. I’ve promised my parents too to help send my sister and brother to college. Right now, it’s my bro’s last year of college, yey!

Fast track to today, I realize Penfires is helping me fulfill my wishes to be of service. My way is not perfect and my contribution through detailed itineraries, recommendations and tips are just tiny specks but I share them with the hope that you will find something useful on this blog.

Thank you for staying and for browsing through the posts. It makes me a happy gal. =)

Last Monday, I’ve met one of you on the road, randomly, unexpectedly. My smiles were wide for chance encounters like that with readers are rare.

It happened when Titus and I were crossing the busy Pasong Tamo – Magallanes Tunnel to get to Alphaland.

Walking hurriedly ahead of Titus with laser eyed focus on the road; I almost missed this special moment. Titus shouted for me to stop because someone knows me. I was puzzled but since Mantrade is near my former corporate office, I thought must have been an ex-colleague.

I walked back to where Titus and the lady was conferring, a bit confuse on what’s happening and how I knew this lady who doesn’t look familiar. Ms Imelda introduced herself and says she is one of Penfires avid readers, and that this blog has helped her with her Cebu trip planning.

‘We also went to Bantayan after reading your recommendations’ she excitedly shared. ‘Will also be going to Divisoria’. =)

I knew then who she was and told her what I remembered of her queries.

Excited and enthused with the chance meeting, soon after we were talking like long lost friends – oblivious to the fact that we were blocking the entrance of the makeshift Mantrade terminal hehe. =)

After we bid our happy goodbyes, Titus related that Ms Imelda shouted ‘Penfires!’ but I’ve already passed her and have not heard her call. He looked back at her swearing that he heard ‘penfires’ but unsure since what are the odds right?

Ms Imelda said again, this time looking at Titus, ‘Penfires yung blogger’and points to me.

‘Siya po yun’ Titus knew then to call me.

Ms Imelda if you are reading this thank you for the blessings and kind words for me and for my Penfires. Thanks also for recommending this blog to your friends and family. Daghang Salamat! 

So yes even though this blog’s stats and ranking are not optimal right now, it matters little for I know Penfires is wonderfully blessed by all of you who regularly visit this blog.

Maraming Salamat sa inyo.

If you see me on the road one day, do say ‘hi’.  Hindi ako suplada, promise medyo mahina lang pandinig konti hehe. =)

Cille of Penfires