My Top Five FACEBOOK Games

Farmville. Castle Age. Fashion World. Cafe World. Mafia Wars.

If you are a religious Facebook user, those titles should definitely ring a bell! I for one admit that YES, I cannot go through a day without visiting Facebook and playing its very addictive games. Its my immediate relaxation & recreation instant fix. Its where I get a fraction of satisfaction when I take a look and see at my level, my high scores, and the things that I've harvested or accumulated in these games. Some even take pictures of their "handiwork" and proudly show it off on their respective Facebook profile walls! I don't know if people think we are weird or funny or crazy, but frankly I don't care what others think. This I know for sure, that playing facebook games is one of the cheapest source of recreation that I can get my hands on and it works. I love em so much that I would now like to list some of my favorite Facebook games that maybe you'd like to check out when you don't have anything to do and you just want to "play" mindlessly for your brain to relax.


So here is my TOP FIVE FACEBOOK GAMES!

5. Fashion World
This is now my most recent addiction. I LOVE THIS GAME! I've tried Fashion War, Sorority Life, and other "fashion" related games which I eventually lost interest in because it was too shallow, cheesy, or easy. But Fashion World caught my interest since honestly, I have come to realize that I'm a sucker for time management games. I guess the reason why I love this game is because I can dress up my character, choose the "clothes" that I want made, design my "boutique" where I will sell the "clothes" that I made, and hire other people as well to help me sell my stuff! Not only that, you are given a chance to visit your neighbors'  shops and buy stuff there and get free stuff as well to sell in your own store! I dunno, maybe its the girl in me but I really enjoy the "shopping spree" that I get to do with this game. Oh and what makes this game so unique is that you are also given an option to "design" an attire and make it and sell it! You get to express your creativity while you're at it! Definitely a game for those who are sick and tired of "cooking", "farming", and "killing" in other games. I greatly recommend this even to kids who are aspiring to be fashionistas or stylists! 


4. Cafe World/Restaurant City
Zynga has indeed acknowledged the fascination and satisfaction people have in earning "virtual" money through tasks that all you need to do is time it right and click click click on the appropriate time frame to earn MORE virtual money! Cafe World is a result of the success of another game that I will mention later. Restaurant City was also established to keep Zynga on their toes.. or stoves in this case! I love the whole buy, cook, and sell idea of this game and the fact that you can choose the menu that you will be selling. Its definitely a better alternative to those who are waiting for their respective farms to harvest.


3. Farmtown/Farmville
Ok so this is one of the oldest type of games that I've ever played here on Facebook which I really was addicted to for more than a year. I think the reason why planting and harvesting farms became a hit as a game is because you can immediately "see" the results of your supposedly hard work! Again, patience and time management skills are put to the test in this game and I had definitely enjoyed playing it. Designing your farm, buying stuff, and well for me I think these two games-- most especially FarmTown has indeed proven its worth because not only do you enjoy the game but you learn something new from it as well!

Mafia Wars

2. Mafia Wars
Hands down, this is definitely a game that will not die down! With the very nature of the game itself, of course Mafia Wars drew the attention of most of the male Facebook population. Basically you have to create your own "gang" empire through stealing, killing, doing illegal businesses, and fighting--all just by clicking a button. Recently though I've been thinking about it and I'm a bit bothered by some aspects of the game especially the whole idea of the "killing" aspect of the game and plus the moral issue of stealing, crime, etc. about it (yes this is the teacher in me talking). But I guess thats what drew most people to it.. the whole gory and violent aspect of it. Definitely the biggest money maker business of Zynga, they even sell Mafia Wars Godfather points card at Walmart!

Castle Age

1. Castle Age
Now this game is my personal favorite. Maybe because I've been playing this for so long and its one of the facebook games where my level is quite high! But I guess it all just boils down to the simplicity of the game, the fantasy aspect of it, and the various things and strategies one has to do to earn points, level up, and gain more "gold".  I guess one of the things that I like about it the most is the fact that staying connected to your  castle age friends or "army" helps you a lot. It even allows you to interact with other players of the game which makes it unique. The "rewards" system of the game also encourages you to stay -- they lure you with new items and leveling up opportunities. This game for me is definitely the winner!


So if you have your own personal favorites, violent reactions, or suggestions please feel free to do comment and post your recommendations as well. :) I would like to try it out and see if its good as you say it is. Happy gaming! :)

Facebook as Top Online Destination in the Philiippines

Facebook is top online destination for Pinoys | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

Again, another news report on how popular Facebook has become. I don't know if I should be happy or sad with the announcement that Facebook (FB for short) has become the top site to visit online. I won't be hypocritical about it since I know that I do spend a considerable amount of time on FB. Let's face it (no pun intended!), FB is one of the perfect places to go where you can play online simple games (o__O dang Fashion World & Castle Age has been so addicting!), chat with my friends online, show off your pictures, and get updated on what's happening with your friends! You get it all there with just one click. Its that easy!

Aquino gov't to catch corrupt via Facebook, Twitter | ABS-CBN News | Latest Philippine Headlines, Breaking News, Video, Analysis, Features

And this other news update also makes sense. I mean, what better way to put FB to good use but to catch bad people who are stupid enough to brag about it online! LOL. Actually I think what they really want is to encourage FB users to use Facebook or Twitter as forums for the public to report crimes. I don't know how effective that will be but hey its worth a try right?

Still, Facebook is not always the best place to be. I mean yeah it had all that great stuff, but then there's always a dark side to it especially when people start using something that was meant for good into something bad. I've heard stories of a stalker posing as one of my previous students then adding her friends and then started posting outrageous, malicious, and disgusting stuff that alarmed her friends. As of now, the matter hasn't been resolved despite it being reported so she has already warned all her friends that this certain profile wasn't really hers.

Another downside to FB is the appalling lack of privacy and proper conduct online. Friends, couples, and coworkers announce their spats online dragging everyone else into viewing their nasty comments, flames, and online fights. I mean, do you really have to let everyone know about that! I know there are times when you really have to vent out your frustration but I don't think FB is the venue for that. BLOG it! Thats what I do. I have a specific blog that is only for specific circle of friends where I can rant, rave, and furiously type out the feelings which at times I can't say out loud.

And as a teacher, I must protest as well with the indiscriminate prolific distribution of indecent, inappropriate, and violent photos or videos on Facebook which unfortunately is sometimes plastered over one's own wall. I was so shocked the other day when one of my old students (ok so he's a graduate but still...) had a wall photo of a group of women showing their naked backsides (and one full frontal) with a caption on the bottom taunting gamers to choose them or their games. I accidentally saw this on my FB recent news feed and I wouldn't have clicked the picture if I had known what it was. My point is, ANYBODY or any child can click the picture and view these inappropriate photos. Also, I find it annoying to see those things on my newsfeed or be tagged on something that I don't agree with and it being automatically plastered on my wall for all my friends to see and I only find out later when I log on. I know that there's a feature somewhere where you can screen tags or something like that but c'mon, I don't have the time and patience to check each and single tag or comment if its decent or not to be posted on my FB!


And lastly, I guess I can assume most teachers have the same problem with how FB or social networking has sooo taken up the time of our students that has made them lax in their studies, in attendance, and in class participation! I have students who stay up til late in the wee hours of the morning because of FB or maybe other internet or computer-related activities. I mean, I wouldn't be complaining much if it was school related work but if its not and you come to school like a zombie.. I don't think that's a good idea neither a healthy one for that matter.

So what's my point? My point is that we must take appropriate measures in using Facebook. Its a tool that we can use for good and sometimes for bad. We must educate our students--our children-- in the proper use of the internet and Facebook. If your child spends too much time on the net or on facebook, talk to your child and warn them about the things that they should and should not do (or rather post). If you parents have noticed the failing or low grades of your kids, check your kids' internet life. How much time do they spend on the net than studying? Talk to them reasonably and set limits. I know that all students (especially highschool and lower grades) would probably protest at this but this is now an issue about their health and well-being. Its hard for some to understand but understand this guys.. this is being done for your own good. I'm not saying to completely take away Facebook altogther.. I'm just saying LIMIT yourself. And be a responsible netizen.

And thats my two cents on the current popularity of Facebook.

Social Networking Craze - a fad that stuck!

FACEBOOK has slowly taken over my net life. Seriously! My rare moments online are now being consumed by my fascination on my source of online relaxation, recreation, and socialization. The advent of social networking really has crossed over boundaries and society through leaps and bounds. Technology really grows and evolves so fast!

It was only 6-7 years ago when I opened my very first social network account while I was still in college. I was killing time during the hours in between classes. Ok so I don't kill time that often, I usually spend my "free time" either with my friends or at a library. But this was a rare semester where most of my friends had classes during my free time and well, I was fed up with the library (which was a rare occurrence being a bookworm and all!). So there I was surfing on the net huddled in my own little "space" in a dimly lit, poorly air conditioned, small room which was fitted with as many computers, tables, and chairs in what we call an internet shop/cafe. I had made my decision that I will succumb to the dictates of society.. yes, I will join the masses in their what I deemed as a "crazy fad" or the "in" thing to do which was to make a FRIENDSTER account. LOL. Yep, everyone that I knew (well most of my classmates anyway!) had or was in the process of making their own account. And being the dutiful social being that I was, I made one! And the rest is history!

It took time for the "fad" to become a normal part of our society. I knew that at that time, myspace was making waves around the world and was more widely known. But I decided that I would start with Friendster and probably branch out from there. During those times, just the fact that you have a place where you can show off your photos and message other people or friends were fine enough. Ha, I even remember the time when "comments" were called "testimonials." And like dutiful and obedient people, we really made honest to goodness testimonials about your friends--giving glowing and positive remarks about them. Then it evolved into a public inbox where people say stuff so that other people can see.

Then people wanted more "things" or "gadgets" to show off! Personalized layouts, widgets, music and video incorporated to their profiles. Myspace, Tagged, Multiply, Hi-5 (not the kid show! LOL), and eventually FACEBOOK surfaced to address the clamor, demand, and "needs" of users. And I'm just so much amazed with how things have changed and improved since that time.

The only problem now is how to STOP from visiting all these sites and maintaining all of them! I solved one of the problems by basically dropping all of the other accounts that I made and stuck to the one that served all my preferences. FACEBOOK. It has the works! It connects me to my friends, it has games that I enjoyed (I know that they started the trend which the others picked up!), and I can control my privacy and at the same time show my public photo albums. I'm pretty much sure most of you have found old old friends in one of the social network sites that you have an account with. Its one of the awesome benefits that I got because of Facebook and the like. Now I have also slowly adopted the strategy to reach out to my students using Facebook. I can get to them faster using this tool! The downside is, I find out a lot of things about them which sometimes I prefer NOT to. LOL.

Anyway, what I basically want to say is that I'm grateful for technology and the evolution of how people can communicate faster than before. And with this gratefulness also comes the awareness of the possible dangers people face while using networks such as this. So my advice is enjoy it but at the same time keep your eyes wide open and make sure that you know what you are doing before you post, say, or do something that you will later on regret or cause you trouble.

Now back to my Facebook games. :)