Role of Vestal Virgins

Introduced by King Numa Pompilius during his reign from 715-673 BC, the Vestal Virgins were considered the priestesses of Vesta, the hearth goddess. These 6-10 year old vestal virgins were selected from Roman noble families.

Vestal Virgins

 During the time of Emperor Augustus, however, they were selected by lot. Vestal Virgins were required to maintain their chastity up to the age of thirty. After thirty, they could marry or retire. In cases where they break their vows, they were buried alive because it was unlawful to spill their blood.

Major role

The major role of these priestesses was to keep the sacred fire of Vesta’s shrine burning. It was believed that through the rituals and chastity of the Vestal Virgins, Rome would remain safe, stable and free from political turmoil. They acted as guardians to Rome’s well-being. Aside from this primary role, the Vestal Virgins were also tasked to perform the following roles.

Person of power and influence

Vestals figured significantly in Ancient Rome and were some of the most powerful and influential persons. As such, they were in-charge of keeping wills and legal documents of emperors and statesmen. This was because of their unblemished integrity and character. They guarded sacred objects in the temple and were tasked to make mola salsa, a unique kind of flour sprinkled on all offerings to gods, during the Festival of Vestalia.

Vestal Virgins were also highly regarded by even the highest Roman officials, hence, they occupied seats of honor during events; they bought and owned lands without a male guardian, and they had the privilege to ride in a special two-wheeled carriage called the carpentum.

They were granted the power to free slaves or condemned persons and were given the privilege to provide evidence without the customary oath, as well. Romans celebrated the Festival of Vestalia every 7th until the 15th of June, with the Vestal being honored as a powerful entity.

Other punishments

Earlier records revealed that Vestals who lost their virginity, were whipped to death. When the sacred fire was extinguished, Romans believed that the Vestal Virgins had violated their vows of chastity or that they had neglected their duty, so they punished them by whipping or burying them alive in Campus Sceleratus (Evil Fields), an underground small area, with a meager amount of food and water.

The College of Vestals was disbanded in 394 by order of Emperor Flavius Theodosius Augustus, who reigned from 379 to 395. Also known as Theodosius the Great, the emperor had destroyed pagan temples, including the Vestal shrines. The last chief Vestal recorded was Coelia Concordia in 380. The Vestal Virgins were part of the fascinating history of the Roman Empire.

Developing Your Self-Confidence

You have to develop your self-confidence through practice. If you know that you’re emotionally mature, and you’re aware of your weaknesses and strengths, this will give you self-confidence and stability.

So, how do you develop your self-confidence? After setting your goal for this particular activity, you can follow the steps below.

Manny Pacquiao: Developed his self confidence through constant practice

Let’s summarize the general steps in developing your self-confidence.

Step #1 – Believe in yourself Before others can believe in you, you have to believe in yourself. If you notice, this is the first step that all of the other chapters emphasized.

The way you think is crucial to your success. You should inculcate in your mind that you have faith in yourself, that you belief in yourself.

Step #2 – Act out your self-confidence If you believe in yourself, you must act it out. How does a self-confident person act?

He should stand straight, walk confidently, talk clearly and mingle freely with other people, without feeling insecure. At first, this can be difficult to do, but when you do it daily, you will soon acquire the trait.

Step #3 – Practice every day Practice being self-confident every day. In everything you do, you should be confident.

If you don’t feel confident, pretend to be confident. Gradually, your way of thinking and behavior will become genuine.

 Step #4 – Evaluate your progress Observe your actions if there are positive changes. If there are no changes, you can identify the specific events and use visualization technique to overcome them.

Step #5 – Modify your goals Modify your goals based on the results of your evaluation. Then start all over again. You may want to use a logbook to record your progress.

Assessing the works of author Sidney Sheldon

Sidney Sheldon, world-famous novelist, screenwriter, playwright and director was born on Feb 11, 1917, and died on Jan 30, 2007 at the age of 89. 

Sidney Sheldon

As an author, he wrote several best sellers, such as, “Master of the Game,” “If Tomorrow Comes,” “A Stranger in the Mirror,” “Windmills of the Gods,” and many more best-selling novels. He is also an Academy-award winning writer with the movie “The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer,” and has won awards for his TV write-ups and plays.

Sheldon webs his plot expertly so that readers are left thrilled to know more. His novels allow the readers to get into the characters’ minds and understand why they acted the way they did. 

He unravels his characters like a painter, who slowly develops the ‘picture’ until it becomes evident to his readers. He knows how to touch people’s hearts through his words, and how to move them to turn the pages of the book until they have finished reading.

He can hold the readers’ attention by his simple and compelling way to develop his plot. He also has a way to surprise his readers by unexpected twists and sub-plots that leave readers glued to the book. He revealed that, for readers to keep turning the page, he should “leave the guy hanging on the edge of the cliff at the end of the chapter.”

His novels are full of suspense, drama, intrigue and beautiful endings that leave a “good feeling” behind; that in spite of all the odds, the protagonist triumphs at the end to conquer his demons and adversities. 

That is why his name stamped on a book’s cover is enough to sell the book. In 1997, he was recognized by The Guinness Book of World Records as the Most Translated Author in the World

In his autobiography entitled: “The Other Side of Me,” he told the story of how, at the age of 17, his father talked him out of committing suicide during one of his depressions, by telling him that: “Every day is a different page, Sidney, and they can be full of surprises. You'll never know what's next until you turn the page."

Sidney Sheldon listened to his father’s wise words and later on became one of the best-selling authors of all time, with millions of copies of his novels sold around the world. Even with his death, his books continue to sell, as new readers of this generation got to enjoy one of the most adventurous, uplifting and exciting writer of the century.

Photos of Handsome “Carrot Man” from the Igorot Tribe Goes Viral Online

The photos of a 21-year old Igorot carrying a basket of carrots, tagged as the “Carrot Man” went viral online as Netizens responded enthusiastically to the pictures of the handsome and industrious Igorot.

The photos were captured by Edwina T. Bandong and company while on their way to Sagada for a tour. She then posted the pictures on her Facebook page, where they generated more than 1,300 shares and thousands of likes within a short period of time.

The pictures were also shared by Positive Outlook Plus, where they gained more than almost 3,000 shares and still counting.

The “Carrot Man” has been found out later to be Jeyrick Sigmaton, who is discontinued his studies because he has to help earn a living. He is the eldest of 7 siblings and a residence of Ogo-og, Barlig, Mountain Province.

He is the son of Melvin and Ronalie Sigmaton. The photos continue to make the rounds on social media sites as Netizens likened him to Korean star Choi Minho of the singing group SHINee and actor Jang Geun Sook; Filipino stars, Dennis Trillo, Hero Angeles, and Alden Richards (for his small dimples).

 Watch the pictures below and decide for yourself.

Photo credits: Boardwalk's Alvin Bacudio, Carrot Man FB Fan Pages, Unang Hirit and Edwina Bandong.

Korean Foods: Images of Korean Dishes

Korean culture is fast influencing the way in which Filipinos live their lives. On TV, Korean series are shown, while others devour Korean TV series like hungry viewers; they buy Korean CDs and DVDs.

I'm also an avid fan of Korean TV series/films.

 In Angeles City, Pampanga, a Korean Village is already existing, complete with all the services they need.

At one time or another, Filipinos had tasted Korean cuisine. K-pop is also invading the airwaves and thousands of young people groove to the music of Psy, Jang Geung Suk, Rain, Lee Song Gi, CN Blue, Exo, Girls' Generation, Super Junior, and countless more talented artists.

For this post, the images will be Korean dishes. All pictures were captured by the lens of Nino Alviz, a Korean food patron. Thanks Sir.

For Laughs: A Story Created by an Online Story Generator

N.B. This story was created by an online story generator. Read and see of you can make head or tail of it. ENJOY!


Marlon Dixon was thinking about Lauren Hill again. Lauren was a stupid virgin with curvaceous arms and charming legs.

Marlon walked over to the window and reflected on his peaceful surroundings. He had always loved tranquil Maryhurst with its troubled, tense trees. It was a place that encouraged his tendency to feel passionate.

Then he saw something in the distance, or rather someone. It was the stupid figure of Lauren Hill.

Marlon gulped. He glanced at his own reflection. He was a jealous, bold, wine drinker with big arms and handsome legs. His friends saw him as an adorable, adventurous Angel. Once, he had even revived a dying, Priest.

But not even a jealous person who had once revived a dying, Priest, was prepared for what Lauren had in store today.

The sun shone like making love horses, making Marlon faithful. Marlon grabbed a peculiar book that had been strewn nearby; he massaged it with his fingers.

As Marlon stepped outside and Lauren came closer, he could see the wet glint in her eye.

Lauren gazed with the affection of 8520 proud dull dogs. She said, in hushed tones, "I love you and I want love."

Marlon looked back, even more faithful and still fingering the peculiar book. "Lauren, do you love me too," he replied.

They looked at each other with dedicated feelings, like two colossal, curvy cats standing at a very deranged party, which had soul music playing in the background and two scheming uncles embracing to the beat.

Marlon regarded Lauren's curvaceous arms and charming legs. "I feel the same way!" revealed Marlon with a delighted grin.

Lauren looked worried, her emotions blushing like a robust, rare rock.

Then Lauren came inside for a nice glass of wine.

Suicide: Thoughts of a Young Man; “You just want to get it over with and die”

By: LESTER TAGA CAPAS
 
There is no feeling quite like watching yourself slowly go crazy.

Clasping your chest and looking at your surroundings in fear, panting, heavy breathing, cold sweats, shivering, whimpering, mumbling and doing your best to keep your eyes open because you're afraid that if you close them they won't open again.

Image credit: popularsocialscience.com

Whispering to yourself in a corner, trying hard to remember your fragile hopes, dreams and ambitions.

Reminding yourself of the things that make you happy but they slip away anyway. Hitting yourself in the head as hard as you can so you won't forget your name. Hearing the beat of your heart and knowing it's not happy.

Retreating to the edge of your bed hoping no one will hurt you. Looking for a safe place but not even feeling safe in what should be your home.

Clawing at the wall, praying, hoping someone will hear you. Running away without a place to go, wishing you were anywhere but there.

Walking but feeling like you're standing in place. The worst part is realizing no one can understand you, not even yourself and the people you thought would help you are leaving you at your enemy's hands.

Then one day you wake up from a bad dream only to realize that waking up was walking into a nightmare. Because there is no nightmare quite like being in hell but having no place to find respite.

Then you end up hating life and lose a taste for the pleasures of living. Then you realize you just want to get it over with and die.

So you try it, but then you realize it is not you who deserves to die, it is the demons that brought you to such a low state who need to be punished.

You survive, damaged but alive. Swearing never again to be oppressed by the same foul creatures.

Suicide is never the answer, for the things you find too grave to forgive; just let them go and live your life.