Couch Potato No More

To Fly Solo?

2011-08-08T01:04:00.005+08:00

"'Di ko nakikita ang sarili kong lumilipad na ako lang mag-isa na ang diyos lang ang kasama ko." Statement of heartbroken teenage boy last Saturday night.

I asked him why?

He said he loved a girl too much. And, if the girl would not accept his love, he would continue his plans of becoming a priest.

I asked him why priesthood?

He said he always dreamed of becoming a priest since nursery.

I asked him why?

He said, "Basta, pangarap ko talaga yon since nursery pa."

I asked him then why does your decision on becoming a priest depends on a girl that you know will never give you the kind of love you want?

Long and awkward pause was his reaction.

- - - - - - - -

My reaction:

If you cannot see yourself flying alone with God by your side, perhaps, priesthood is not your calling to begin with. I do understand that you are confused and your emotions are being clouded by your feelings for a girl. But, why must your decision be depended on her decision?

It seems to me that your actions are manipulative attempts to win the girl. You are emotionally blackmailing the girl by not giving her fair options.

To begin with, you have always known that the girl you love can only offer you friendship which you have rejected. Why must you imposed on her to reciprocate the same feelings that you have?

Search deeply inside yourself, it is time to grow up and be man enough to accept defeat. Do not hide cowardly being your so-called "calling" to get people to do what you want. Priesthood is NEVER an alternative fall back to mend your broken heart. Priesthood is a life-long sacrifice and walking where Jesus had walked.

Do not be blinded by your emotions. Learn face up to challenges that life brings you. Accept yourself. Respect yourself. Love yourself. In doing so, perhaps, you will learn to accept other people for who they are. Respect them if their opinions are different from yours. Love them without asking anything back in return.

I Make A Stand

2011-07-23T05:51:00.002+08:00

Please continue to support, "Isang Litrong Liwanag (A Litre of Light)" by spreading the word around through your FB, Twitter & Blog.

Also, please visit and like I.make.a.STAND

I.make.a.STAND is sharing causes that you believe in.

Causes that can help uplift the lives of people, bring about positive changes and touch someone else's lives.

Causes that can make a difference for a brighter tomorrow.

Reactivated

2011-07-23T05:19:00.002+08:00

I am reactivating my blog: Couch Potato No More ! Woohoo !

Connected CPNM > Twitter > Facebook :D

One La Salle Scholarship Fund Campaign

2011-02-03T13:12:00.001+08:00

Support this campaign and share the La Sallian education and values.

Freakin' A-Hole War Mode

2010-12-16T20:48:00.002+08:00

KFC

Yes, I know that I am an A-HOLE if people around are FREAKIN' ST*PID or just plain ARROGANT and RUDE.

Last Monday, I was @ KFC Marquinton. I was so freaking hungry. There were four counters that were opened. The farthest from the left had no line. For five freaking minutes, I waited and the guy manning the counter who was fixing the take out for other customers.

I called out to him thrice and he just freaking ignored me. I asked the girl in the next counter if who's manning the counter in my line. She smirked and told me that the counter was closed. I told her how could it be closed when the counter is open. There were other people behind me already. Then the guy who was supposed to be manning the counter told me arrogantly to move to another counter.

Still, trying to composed myself, I moved the other counter. Then when I looked at the counter where I was previously, the guy was taking order of the people next me. I snapped. I told him what the FCUK! Are BULLSH*TTING ME!

IT WAS THEN I UNLEASHED MY FURY AND LEVEL-UP TO SUPER A-HOLE!

I called another crew and demanded to see the manager. I told him what freaking service his crew were rendering. I lashed at him for being a freaking comatose about it.

I DEMANDED TO BE SERVED AND HAVE THE TWO COUNTER CREWS REPRIMANDED!

SUN CELLULAR

Tuesday, I went to SM Marikina and got a wireless broadband from Sun. The customer representative informed me it would take 24 hours for the line to be activate. I was cool with that.

Earlier today when I got back from work, still no connectivity. I spoke to McKel from the hotline and has the audacity to informed me that my line was already activated. I told him if the line is activated I wouldn't making this call.

He told me that he could help troubleshoot the problem over the phone. I freaking told him that I don't have a land line. I asked him that if he could my cellphone instead. He told me that it would be my responsibility to call. I freaking told him that I wouldn't waste my time and money using my cellphone to call them. I told him that when I wake up in the afternoon and no connectivity yet, I would go to their center and unleashed my fury. He was so freaking cocky!

Arrived at Sun Cellular Shop in CyberZone in the afternoon. Nollie was good enough to help me out. He made the necessary arrangement to have my line fixed and was informed by someone from their technical team that connectivity will achieve within today.

I snapped. I told Nollie that "within today" is up to 1159pm and I freaking have it!

I told Nollie that I don't care how they do it but I was giving them 1 hour to fix my broadband connectivity.

After one hour, I came back to the shop and they gave their on SUN Wireless Broadband kit because they cannot fix my connectivity within the given timeframe. I told Nollie that unless that problem is fixed, I wouldn't pay a single cent.

I have connectivity now using their kit and not being charged for it!

MORAL LESSON

Demand what is rightfully and reasonably yours as a consumer. All of us are paying for services and products that we are buying with our hard earned money. DEMAND, DEMAND and DEMAND GREAT SERVICE AND PRODUCTS!

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.
IGNORANCE OF THE LAW MEANS YOU WILL GET SCREWED!!!

PER DEPARTMENT OF TRADE & INDUSTRY

No Return, No Exchange

1. What is the legal basis of the prohibition on the “No Return, No Exchange” policy of business establishments?

Pursuant to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, specifically Title III, Chapter 1, Rule 2, Section 7 of Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2, Series of 1993, the words “No Return, No Exchange”, or words to such effect shall not be written into the contract of sale, receipt of sales transaction, in any documents as evidence of sale, or anywhere in the store or business establishment.

2. What is the rationale for this provision?

The prohibition is aimed to correct the misconception of a lot of consumers today that they do not have the right to return shoddy or defective goods or demand for remedies, in case of defective or imperfect service because of the “No Return, No Exchange” notice in the receipts or anywhere in the business establishments.

3. Why is the presence of a “No Return, No Exchange” notice considered deceptive?

Such statement is considered deceptive because consumers may return or exchange the goods or avail of other remedies, in case of hidden faults or defects, or any charge the buyer was not aware of the time of purchase. By provision of law, sellers are obligated to honor their implied warranties and grant corresponding remedies to consumers.

4. Can Business establishments still issue official receipts with the “No Return, No Exchange”?

The Plan has six-month objectives and three-year objectives.
Business establishments with unused Official Receipts should erase or blot out the words “No Return, No Exchange” before issuing such receipts and henceforth, such words should no longer be printed in their receipts or anywhere in their business establishments.

5.If an item bought from store Y turns out to be more expensive than a similar item in store X, can the customer return the item and ask for a refund?

No. While consumers have the right to choose and make a canvass of prices, once a sale in done and the product has no defect, one cannot return the goods nor ask for a refund.

6.Can a store exercise only a policy of exchange but not refund?

Consumers are entitled to either an exchange or refund, as long as there is a defect in the quality of goods or imperfection in the service.

7.If the defect is due to mishandling on the part of the buyer, can he/she still return the item and demand and exchange or refund?

No. The prohibition covers only hidden defects, shoddy goods or imperfect service.

8.If after buying a certain item, a customer changes his/her mind and wants to return said item. Can he/she invoke the prohibition on “No Return, No Exchange”?

No, the prohibition is not an excuse for the consumer to return the goods because of a change of mind.

9.Is there a time limit within which a buyer may return defective products?

There is no hard-and-fast rule on the period within which a customer may return the products he purchased. A rule of reason should, however, be observed, taking into consideration the nature of the item purchased and the express / implied warranties mandated by law, i.e. Consumer Act and the New Civil Code of the Philippines.

10.Can a buyer return defective goods without the official receipt?

The Official Receipt is the best proof of purchase. However, he/she may still demand replacement or refund if he/she can prove that a defective item was bought from a certain store.

11.Can a store print in their invoices the statement “Exchange of Merchandise will not be accepted without a valid receipt or other evidence of purchase”?

No, because there may be goods exclusively manufactured or sold by a company and there is no need to prove purchase of the item.

12.Can a store impose the condition that merchandise can only be exchanged once?

No, because merchandise can be exchanged as many times, as long as the consumer chooses the option of replacement.

Flaming Samurai Extinguised By Pissing Dog

2010-11-22T01:46:00.004+08:00

From a tiny spark
It became an amber

Then flaring flame

Ending in raging fire

To be extinguished by a

dog's pee

Piercing a blade

To a beating heart

Weak

Beat

Weak

Beat

Beating weakly

Bleakly

Barely throbbing

Flat line

Flaming samurai was extinguished

by a ~~stupid pissing dog!~~

Beginning Is Goodbye

2010-11-16T20:57:00.002+08:00

Goodbye is not the easiest to do
It is the only decent option you have
When you are heart is broken into thousand of pieces
And the pain is too much to bear

Goodbye is the end of all things

Finality

Period

No looking back

No looking forward

Trap in the center of misery

Nothing else left to say

Nothing else you can do

Nothing else you can hold on to

Inevitably, goodbye is the most logical thing to do

Thinking Of You

2010-11-15T17:29:00.003+08:00

How can I move on when all I do is think of you?

How can I move on when all I want is to be with you?

How can I move on when my heart already belongs to you?

Say What You Mean

2010-11-14T12:03:00.001+08:00

Why people can't say what they truly mean? Is it because they are trying not to be the bad person in a given situation? Being polite is overrated anyways. Brutal honesty is the way the go.

Top 3 killer lines:

3. I can't say "I love you" but I like you. = He/She is in love with someone else.

2. I need space. = Breaking up.

1. Its not you, its me. = Actually, its you!

Set It Free

2010-11-14T09:23:00.001+08:00

It ain't like a bird that you can cage...

You must let it out and let go...

Because in the end it will die...

Like a bird, love can't be caged or tied down...

Set it free... let it fly...

Countless Faces ... Nameless Faces

2010-11-12T08:09:00.003+08:00

In a day,

we encounter countless faces ...

nameless faces.

People often come and go in our lives.

Some will stay.

Some will leave.

Some became our friends.

Some became our enemies.

Some became our lovers.

Some became our ex-lovers.

We shared with them some

laughs,

tears,

joys,

pains,

hopes,

frustrations

and

dreams.

In a lifetime,

in a year,

in a month,

in a week,

in day,

an hour,

a minute

even a seconds,

we choice to share our lives with them.

Passing through the sea of countless faces...

nameless face...

we grow,

we learned

and

we survived another day

to meet new countless faces...

nameless faces.

Isn't It Ironic?

2010-11-11T08:46:00.005+08:00

Ironic isn't it that when you find the one you are waiting for you are not ready or it was not meant it. And when you are ready to open up your life to someone, still it wasn't meant to be.

After a while ...

2010-11-03T17:43:00.000+08:00

The Craving

2010-01-25T08:36:00.003+08:00

Last 1.11.10, I had a craving for Nilagang Baboy, so, I cooked one. Yummy!

Profile Photo @ Starbucks

2010-01-22T14:19:00.004+08:00

This is my favorite-st profy pic. I took this photo @ Starbucks.Sta.Lucia.East.Grand.Mall.Cainta

Renewed Zest To Write

2010-01-21T14:50:00.004+08:00

Like Whoa! I never realized that I have neglected this blog for such a long time! Dang!

Curse you work!!! Never again!!! I hope... haha!!!

Under Siege

2009-03-02T12:54:00.006+08:00

In the last 3 weeks, my life is constantly under siege. Trials keep on coming my way from all directions. I am trying to face it all but I don't think that I have the strength to fight anymore. Somehow, I am losing the will to fight anymore.

Yet, what will happen if I do? I guess, there nothing else to do but die trying.

- - - - - - - -

"I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving: To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it — but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor."
- Oliver Wendell Holmes

“When Heaven is about to confer a great office upon a man, it first exercises his mind with suffering, And his sinews and bones with toil; It exposes him to poverty. And confounds all his undertakings. Then it is seen if he is ready.”
- Mencius

- - - - - - - -

I Am Sorry

2009-02-28T04:23:00.003+08:00

Last February 6, I decided to start a new blog written in my native tongue (Tagalog) on Multiply.com.

I dubbed that blog as "Sabi ni Pooh" (Pooh Says). The blog aims to feature inspiring stories of ordinary people. It also serves as an advice column.

Influx of emails began coming in. Some emails that I have received were questions why I dubbed my blog as such, comical anecdotes, taunting messages, encouraging messages and asking for advice. But among that emails that I received to-date was a poem written by a 12 years old boy, a message to his father.

- - - - - - - -

I Am Sorry

I really don't know where to start.
How to say how I truly feel for you.
But, I will start with " I am sorry".
I am sorry for the times I did not listen.
I am sorry for the times I did care.
I am sorry for the times I pushed you away.
I am sorry for the times I strayed.
I am sorry for the times I disappointed you.
I am sorry for the times I disrespected you.
I am sorry for the times I did not cherished you.
I am sorry for the times I lied to you.
I am sorry for the times I did not obey you.
I am sorry for the times I broke your heart.
I am sorry for the times I have hurt you.
I am sorry for the times I did not hugged you.
I am sorry for the times I said, "I hate you."
I am sorry for the times I never said, "I love you."

But, what I am most sorry of, Dad, is
I am sorry for the times I never spent time with you.
And now, that you've gone to heaven,
I am sorry for I will never have the chance again
to really show you how much I truly love you.

- - - - - - - -

It's Friday the 13th & I'm Back!

2009-02-13T02:57:00.007+08:00

Whoa! It's been so long since I log on. Hey, I'm back. :P

Like whoa again! It's Friday the 13th. My favorite day and number combined! What a great day it is indeed be back and blogging!

My first entry for 2009 is my new found addiction - scrap blogging.

Check out my stuff below.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Lab Ko Sila! (I Love Them!)
.-. people that i love .-.

Hanep! Fashionista na si Pooh! (Whoa! Pooh is now a Fashionista!)
.-. all about pooh in different trends and inspiring words .-.

Disenyo by Hawfu (Design by Hawfu)
.-. designing backgrounds for scrapblog.com - tho some of the backgrounds can be used for friendster, multiply, blogs etc. .-.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

No Domicile

2008-08-16T02:12:00.005+08:00

RIPOSTE...

TREK, re: Hunt: Thanks for the info. Question, tho, where's Hidalgo?

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Bloody 08.08.08!

Honestly, I cannot say that it was entirely fcuked up day or not.

As I am writing this entry, my Walkman phone is randomly playing "Umagang Kay Ganda" by Bamboo. Omen? Who knows?

It's raining outside, I woke up from my slumber and I was compelled to write something.

I haven't been able to sleep quite soundly for a long time. Troubles keep on creeping its way in my dreams. Troubles in the home front.

Now, that I have my so-called, "Freedom", what now?

Right now, the tunage in my phone is "Sunshine" by Gabrielle. Hmmm...

Currently, I am without a domicile.

Yeah, I know, I could have planned it thoroughly and I was. But an incident forced me to move out of my house sooner than I planned and out into the streets. Strangely enough, people who are not my blood-relations showed more concern about my flight than those who are related to me.

Bloody hell! Bloody fcuking hell!

Now, "Paper Heart" by The All-American Rejects is invading my eardrums.

Hopefully, the gods would smile on me and I would finally find the perfect temp place before the month ends.

Yes... I am without a domicile... but I am more at peace!

As I end this entry, "Spolarium" by Eraserheads echoes in the room.

Thus, the hunt begins...

2008-08-07T07:23:00.014+08:00

We've learned through history books that before "civilized" man evolved there were hunters. Hunting was the way of life - survival.

Now, hunting is still a way of life and the reason is still survival.

From the most trivial things that we think we need in life to the elusive dreams that we might have, we still hunt for it.

I, too, am a hunter.

Recently, I hunted for a mobile phone that I think would best suit my lifestyle for the moment. Thus, I bought a Sony Ericsson W350i. Mind you, I still love my Sony Ericsson S700i.

I also hunted for an iPod Shuffle which is very handy when I am working out, driving to work or strolling the mall.

I am also preparing to hunt for a DSLR camera. I have narrowed down my choices between Olympus 410 and Olympus E-3.
But, as of the moment, it is more plausible to keep my eye on Olympus 410 for practicality sakes.

The things that I have mentioned above are just some of the trivial things that I hunt in life.

Now, I am preparing to hunt for the biggest hunt to-date of my life. And that is finding myself a home (literally & figuratively).

The reason - SURVIVAL!

Buzz! Buzz! Cuz!

2008-08-03T05:23:00.002+08:00

Moving on after the BIG SCARE, my cousin Rico (younger than I am) buzzed me in YM earlier.

I thought it was just the occasion catch-up-bit routine - actually, it was and more.

The MORE part was my cousin was somewhat surprised that I like ALTERNATIVE slash ROCK slash INDIE tunage.

What the hell? LOL

I asked him why he was surprised to find out that I like such tunage. He then said that he had no idea that a member of the clan like the music that he likes.

Hmm... WE'RE NOT ALONE!!! (X-Files? LOL!)

Anyhoo, here were some of the songs that my cousin shared with me:

La Rocca- Roadway Hymn
Griffin House- Better Than Love
Athlete- Streetmap
Missy Higgins- Where I Stood
Collapsis- October
Snow Patrol- Make This Go On Forever
Jimmy Eat World- 23
Jimmy Eat World- Hear You Me
Our Lady Peace- Innocent
Our Lady Peace- Are You Sad
Kate Voegele- Hallelujah
Kate Voegele- Wish You Were Here
Paper Route- Second Chances
Rilo Kiley- Silver Lining
A Perfect Circle- 3 libras
Missy Higgins- Special Two
Goo Goo Dolls - You Got Name
Goo Goo Dolls - Become
Trading Yesterday- Love Song Requiem
Missy Higgins- Special Two
Stone Sour- Bother
Coheed and Cambria- Wake Up
David Ford- Go To Hell
Finger Eleven- One Thing
The Flys- Got You Where I Want You
Fuel - Sunburn
From Autumn To Ashes- Autumn Monologue
Hawthorne Heights - Niki Fm
Hawthorne Heights - Decembers
Hawthorne Heights - Ohio Is For Lovers
Hot Hot Heat - Middle Of Nowhere
Imogen Heap - Come Here Boy
Jose Gonzalez - Heartbeats
July For Kings - New Black Car
Saosin- Seven Years
Kill Switch Engage - End of heartache
Sublime - Pawnshop
311 - Love Song (Fifty First Dates)

Now, whether I will like it or not - that I have to find out. And, you'll just have to check out my IMEEM player at the side to know which songs I did liked.

MUSIC MIGHT NOT BE THE ABSOLUTE ANSWER FOR WORLD PEACE... BUT IT IS DEFINITELY A SPARK THAT CONNECTS US ALL TO THAT ROAD - BROTHERHOOD/SISTERHOOD.

That's how I feel about my cousin sharing his music with me.

MUSIC RULES!

Big Scare

2008-08-01T23:59:00.003+08:00

Today, I received an email from BLOGGER stating that my blog is locked down because my BLOG was flagged by their ROBOTS as a SPAM BLOG.

Whoa!

I know I have not posted any entries since last May but I am really breathing HUMAN BEING writing on this BLOG. LOL

I understand that the reason behind this. BLOGGER is just cracking down BLOGS in their databases that uses scripts and other programs to automatically post entries from different sources in the internet in the hope that it would generate enough traffic so that those BLOGS would generate revenues through AD SENSE and other revenue generating ads.

But again, my blog is not a SPAM BLOG. LOL.

The thing is I am grateful that BLOGGER initiated this step to cracked down those DUMMY BLOGS which is just merely congesting the net. However, it SCARED the SHIT OUT OF ME knowing that my BLOG might be deleted.

I AM NOT YET READY TO LET GO OF MY BLOG FOR I HAVE SO MANY THINGS TO SAY AND SHARE TO MY READERS AND FRIENDS ABOUT MY EXISTENCE IN THIS MICROSCOPIC DOT WE CALL EARTH.

NOT YET. NOT NOW.

Project Banyuhan

2008-05-31T08:25:00.003+08:00

Dipping My Hands in Photography
view it now

Blessing In An Envelope

2008-04-02T05:18:00.001+08:00

Finally, I got promoted! It's nothing much except that I will have extra cash to burn every pay check. But, the thing main thing is that my hardwork was recognized.

Kudos to me! :P

DK @ The Kroc

2008-03-31T05:12:00.003+08:00

After several weeks of planning, our team building (Dark Knight) finally pushed through. It wasn't much - a luncheon @ Krocodile Grille, still, it over and done with! :P

Snapshots @ the Kroc

Framed Broken Heart

2008-03-22T10:53:00.003+08:00

When I Dare

2008-03-15T21:51:00.003+08:00

Halves Of The Heart

2008-03-10T21:11:00.002+08:00

so you have changed
and so have i
you went your on way
and i went mine

no words uttered
no bitterness
no sadness
no goodbyes
no tears in our eyes

once whole
one heart
now sliced into halves
when we part

On Jumper

2008-02-21T21:19:00.004+08:00

So cool!

Sting Of The Bumblebee

2008-02-16T17:48:00.005+08:00

Last night, my friends asked me for a drinking spree. We ended up @ Tamamang's along Tuazon, Marikina.

After two buckets of San Mig Lite and three Margaritas for my best friend, a bunch of lad in their late teens or early twenties entered the stage. They were the last band to perform and the crowd was rather thin. They called themselves as "The Bumblebee".

My friends and I laughed when we when they said their band's name making puns and all about the Transformer. While they were still setting up their equipments, I thought they were just like any X-Gens bands who were riding along the modern hits of band crazed tunage. But to my suprise, when they begun stummering their guitars, "Make It With You by The Bread," they captured my attention and my friends as well.

For a bunch of X-Gens, they delivered quite heavenly. They were quite refreshing to hear after the alternative, post-grunge, acid, neo, synth, hard, metal bands in circulation.

One could say that they could just be a copycat of "The Bloomingfields" because "Beatles" is part of their repertoire. However, I beg to differ, their main repertoire are folks songs that soothes the soul.

Youthful... refreshing... soothing... folk... that's the sting of The Bumblebee Band!

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Bumblebee Band

Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T18:10:00.006+08:00

Welcome 2008

2008-01-02T07:52:00.001+08:00

Last Sunday, a co-worker of mine asked me what was my New Year's resolution. I told her that I don't have any and I don't believe in making one. I further injected that I'd rather do the things I wanted to improve in my life rather than writing it down on a piece of paper or something, wishing of getting around of doing it and eventually forget that I ever made one.

One thing that I've noticed in other people's New Year's resolution lists, it always carries a negative connotation. Like:

"This year, I will start dieting."

"My New Year's resolution is to choose my friends more carefully."

"I will not be an impulsive buyer."

And the like. Note that the examples above were actually responses of some of my co-workers who overheard our conversation.

Why do I think that it carries a negative connotation when those examples above seem to be valid and seem to direct a positive outcome?

What's wrong with your diet now? Are you doing it for yourself or your just doing it because you want to reach a certain weigh limit which does not totally fit your body frame or type and diet yourself to death?

What's wrong with the friends you have now? Even tho', some of them may not be most well-mannered individuals or needs attitude calibration, does it mean they are less of person than you?

What's wrong with being an impulsive buyer? Hmm... come to think of it... it's not practical to be impulsive most of the times. Have you made steps to stop those impulses?

The thing is that most New Year's resolution made are half aspirations without no solid action plan of achieving it. Or doing the wrong action plan. Or doing it for New Year's sake and you've been brainwashed that it's the "IN" thing to have or do.

I have nothing against to those of people who's want to start the New Year with a resolution. Do it if it makes you feel better and gives you clarity. However, would it better if you start the year right on a positive note?

If you are compelled to make a life altering decision, big or small, would it be more effective if you...

... know why you are doing it
... create a solid action plan of achieving it
... putting everything in a positive light

If your New Year's resolution is to lose weigh, would it be better to know what your eating habits are, watch what you eat, exercise, know your body type and the ideal weight you should have for your age, sex, height and lifestyle, consult your physicians etc. But most importantly, doing it for health reasons and not just for aesthetic make over.

Most importantly, doing it not just the start of the New Year, a few weeks or months. Instead, I challenge everyone to making a long lasting commitment to achieving your resolution.

So, would I make a New Year's resolution? HECK NO! Instead, I would rather do my New Year's goals where I set a positive change in my life.

And who said that it is only in New Year's day that a person can make a list of resolutions?

Remember that everyday is a new day to bring and create positive change in one's life!

On Little Manhattan

2007-12-29T15:42:00.001+08:00

Two Saturdays ago, I happened to wake up early. I saw this movie was about to start and with nothing better to do, I watched the film.

It was hilarious yet quite endearing - an honest and innocent take on love.

Gabe
"Love is an ugly, terrible business practiced by fools. It'll trample your heart and leave you bleeding on the floor. And what does it really get you in the end? Nothing but a few incredible memories that you can't ever shake...

... Love isn't about ridiculous little words. Love is about grand gestures. Love is about airplanes pulling banners over stadiums, proposals on jumbo-trons, giant words in sky writing. Love is about going that extra mile even if it hurts, letting it all hang out there. Love is about finding courage inside of you that you didn't even know was there."

Season's Greeting

2007-12-24T14:11:00.001+08:00

On Journey Home

2007-12-14T13:15:00.001+08:00

For all your cheerful HI(s) and HELLO(s)

For all your laughter that resonated so beautifully

For all your thoughtfulness and genuine friendship

For all the lives you have touched and have inspired

You'll truly be missed

Have a blessed journey home SUNSHINE!

Blue Frost

2007-12-07T17:35:00.001+08:00

Last year, I opted not to go our company's Christmas Party.

Why?

I just didn't feel like going that's all.

But this year, I will. So, I hunted for my get up.

The theme of the party is blue & silver.

Check out my trends!

Dansen
Dark Grey Jacket
PhP 749.75
(sale original price PhP 1299.75)

Oxygen
Sleeveless Hooded Jacket
PhP 899.00

Guess
Round Neck Shirt
PhP 599.00
(sale original price PhP 1298.00)

Folded & Hung
Boxer Briefs
PhP 229.00

Penshoppe
Black Belt
PhP 299.00

Van Heusen
Navy Blue Jeans
PhP 1245.00
(sale original price PhP 2490.00)

Penshoppe
Heather Gray Socks
PhP 109.00

Mendrez
Black Shoes
PhP 2499.00
(bought last Oct. worn only twice)

Penshoppe
Hankerchief
PhP 89.00

Folded & Hung
Trevor Cologne
PhP 224.32
(10% discount original price 265.00)

TOTAL COST OF ENSEMBLE

H A N D S O M E

M E !!!

LOL

:P

2 Weddings

2007-11-30T16:46:00.001+08:00

November 6, a former officemate tied the knot with her long time beau. Of course, I had to be there. Duh! Free food! LOL!

My officemate and her hubby

My officemates and I @ Plaza Isabel. Find me!

November 10, my childhood friend tied the knot too. I was part of her entourage. I don't have pictures yet of the event but I will update this entry as soon as I obtain a copy. :)

Diagnosis

2007-10-16T17:27:00.001+08:00

The week that was hell. I had to absent myself from work for 8 days. My left arm and left leg was a bit numb.

After 7 blood extraction, ultrasound, glucose testing and blood pressure examinations. I turned negative for heart problem, high blood pressure, goiter and diabetes.

My final diagnosis was anemia, fatigue and stress.

Thank God! :)

Which Archangel Am I?

2007-09-05T13:15:00.001+08:00

Lucifer. The most misunderstood of all the ArchAngels, you're most like the ArchAngel of Light. You've seen the darkside and have opted for something better. You need better press, though chances are no one will really understand your motives.

Take this quiz from Quizilla!

Bourne To Almighty

2007-08-25T00:39:00.001+08:00

RIPOSTE...

PRUVALOO, re: Hug Hug: Ditto! Yeah, it's a bit sad that some of us are becoming exception to the rule!

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Last Friday, my friends and I watched Bourne Ultimatum. Man, I wasn't one bit disappointed! AWESOME! FREAKIN' AWESOME!

Earlier today, we watched Evan Almighty. It wasn't as funny as Bruce tho. But, there were some scenes that would make you laugh or two.

I love the message of the flick, tho.

"How can one change the world? By one single act of random kindness (ARK) at a time."

Baby Connor

2007-08-14T00:19:00.000+08:00

Connor Hayden

August 5 (Sunday) @ 1:27 AM

19 inches and 7 pounds 1.4 ounces

To Wait

2007-08-11T17:56:00.000+08:00

tiring to the mind
tiring to the body
tiring to the soul

but when all things fail
there's nothing else to do
but wait

(sigh!)

Team Building @ Anilao, Batangas

2007-07-01T18:01:00.000+08:00

Last June 16-17, our team headed to Anilao, Batangas for our team building. Tho, we were a bit disappointed about the place (Vistamar), still we made the best out of the trip. It was also a send off to our TL who was being transferred to a new LOB.

From Reel To Real

2007-06-15T02:50:00.000+08:00

"Oh, that is cool!" Quoting Johnny Storm.

And IT WAS!

Wished the movie was longer, tho.

Hope there's a third installment. :P

Spidey

2007-05-08T01:00:00.000+08:00

After waiting for the 3rd installment of Spidey to premiere, I finally get to see it last May 1st @ Eastwood. I love the first 2 installments. But the third... argh! Enuff said!

Hug Hug

2007-04-29T11:08:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I had a pleasant surprise. I was at my station working when a co-worker/friend hugged me. Indeed, a wonderful surprise it was! Thanks! :P

The Reaping

2007-04-18T18:12:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

DANI, re: La Salle: Kewl! :P

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Watched it with my bud last night, it was aight.

Animo La Salle

2007-04-10T15:36:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

DANI, re: Ninth: Thanks! :P

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Last night, I was in Timog with my bestfriend and her son (godson). It was my godson's birthday. Time goes so fast. My godson is already an incoming freshie college by June. As we were drinking, we exchanged stories of high school antics that we had done. Darn it! I miss all my misadventures in high school! I miss my alma mater! Congrats & Happy Birthday Kel!

Ninth Of The Third

2007-03-09T11:47:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

DANI, re: Terminal: You're right. Like saying goes, "Use it or lose it!"

re: No Longer: Thanks. Hope to see you more of you here :P

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

I arrived at the ninth cycle of the ninth hour. Casually dressed - jeans, a polo shirt and sneakers, I dare entered the glass door. Unsure, trembling, yet anticipating. Hoping against hope that my purpose would yield good tidings.

The miniture dome covered with white tiles and glass windows overlooking the main highway that connects the south and north was swarming with souls with the same hope as I have.

The day progressed fast - one level after the next. To some the road ended abruptly while to others slowly. For myself, it has just begun.

As I exited the miniture dome, the afternoon heat was at its nastiness.

As night fell, I returned. The miniture dome was almost abandoned. A few souls were waiting by the lounge and I found myself admiring the lights by the highway. Still dressed casually, I waited.

The ticking of the hand of time seemed forever that kept thrusting to my chest and my throat. And when the moment arrived that I was going to be weighed, I almost fainted.

After the Q&As were tossed. Dead silence. I was handed by a piece of paper. Nothing left to do but to muster my courage and read that piece of paper.

I was relieved.

Elated even.

That moment, I couldn't forgot.

And that happened exactly twelve moons ago today.

Terminal Station

2007-03-02T13:52:00.000+08:00

At back of the office is where the terminal station routed to home. Typical morning. Nothing new. Nothing extraordinary. The weather is getting hotter as the summer season draws nearer.

I got into the van and sat at third row by the window. Thankfully, the AC was in full gear and it helped easy the heat. I looked around before I took out my current read, "The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy" from my bag.

A man was seated beside the driver's seat. A girl, a man with his son round 3 or 4 years old in the first row. A woman by the second row and a man in the fourth row.

As I read my novel, the radio was on. I don't know what FM station it was but their playlist was mainly OPM Alternative.

While going through the pages of my book, I thought I faintly heard someone was singing. I listened closely and I was amazed to discover that it was the kid who was singing. He sung almost every song that was playing in the airwaves to completion.

I was quite fascinated by him. He sang with gusto until the van left the terminal station and the boy fell asleep.

No Longer

2007-02-27T18:39:00.000+08:00

no longer will i dream

with my eyes close

no longer will i speak

of love that i never own

no longer will i feel

all the joys and pangs of loving

no longer

no more

Bonding

2007-02-05T01:28:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

SOCIALPEST, re: Momo: I hope that you find a copy, too :P

I'm doing okay. Sorry, if I haven't been visiting by your blog or giving you a shout out in friendster... lame but true... I quite busy with work and other stuff. But don't worry, I will soon. TC! :)

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

I had a blast yesterday with my godson. After being his sponsor for his confirmation, we headed for Jollibee to have breakfast while waiting for his father who was in a bike race. After having our meals, we went outside, sat on the concentrate stairs and talked while I was inhaling my nicotene stick.

Yesterday was the first that I had the chance to talked to him - no holds barred.

The highlight of the day was when we went to the mall. It was the first time that he commuted, drove the bump car, rode the rollercoaster and been to the tunnel of horror. Man, he was hilarious during the tunnel ride.

At the end of the evening, while his dad and I were drinking, he was beside me all the time like my own shadow. I only not felt that he appreciated me spending some time with him and getting to know him better but we even became friends.

from Momo

2007-01-16T02:58:00.000+08:00

I came to know about this book while I was watching the translated version of Korean TV series, "Kim Sam Soon" in GMA7.

Yeah, you're probably thinking, "Why in the heck I was watching a Korean soap opera?" I wouldn't try to explain why. All I can say was I liked the show. It was so funny.

Anyhoo, it was in that show where I heard first heard about this book. I got curious about it and I couldn't get it off my mind. I searched the web and it only fired my curiosity even more. Right then, I knew that I must obtain a copy and read it.

After almost three months or so of searching, I finally found it at Shangrila National Bookstore. It was under the young adult section.

Truism in the book:

Those who still think that listening isn't an art should see if they can do it half as well.

All the world's misfortunes stemmed from the countless untruths, both deliberate and unintentional, which people told because of haste or carelessness.

Time is life itself, and life resides in the human heart.

Prof. Hora:
If people knew the nature of death, they'd cease to be afraid of it. And if they ceased to be afraid of it, no one could rob them of their time any more."

Weekender

2007-01-08T05:16:00.000+08:00

Man, first week of the year and I have the colds and cough - still have it tho. But I just had to give myself a pat on the back for it didn't stopped me from going to work and performimg well.

Pat! Pat!

Last Friday morning, I was trapped alone in the office elevator. Being a bit claustrophobic that I am, I psyched myself not to panic. As I was pushing the call button of lift, I was laughing hard to combat my fears.

I must have been nabbing the call button for a minute or so. And just my luck would have it, no one was answering my distress call. Fortunately, I remembered that I had my mobile phone in my pocket and it had a signal. I called my Sup to let her know my situation.

After 2 or 3 agonizing minutes since my ordeal began, the lift opened suddenly.

Weird!

Guess, that how my week went. The in-betweens well that's for me to know. :P

The Year That Was

2007-01-05T05:11:00.000+08:00

Another year had gone by. And I have to say that I beg the indulgence of those people whom I forgot to greet last Christmas and New Year. Anyways, belated Happy Holidays to everyone. I hope you had a great year!

2006 was a very rollcoaster ride for me. I've learned a lot from the people that I had the opportunity to be with, the misfortune and wished that I had never met. All in all, "The Year That Was" taught me some valuable lessons and for that I am grateful.

What are those lessons you may ask?

Hmm...

- That I am a good person.
- That I am a strong.
- That I am a survivor.
- That I know myself.

Bookworm?

2006-12-19T03:17:00.000+08:00

After I came back from Starbucks Eastwood, I decided to organize all the books that I have. I printed out a sticker tag stating that "If found, return to..."

I was amazed how little and limited my book collection are. A greater part of my collection were destroyed during the great termite invasion a couple of years back. While some were lost in the hands of those people who borrowed it and didn't have the decency to return it.

Damn!

That's why I'm starting to build my collection again. And this time around, I will be extra careful of storing my books and to whom I lend it.

Classical/Contemporary Literature

◊ A Separate Peace by John Knowles
◊ Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry
◊ For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway (pending read)
◊ Hardy Boy's: A Taste for Terror by Franklin W. Dixon (pending read)
◊ Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
◊ Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy (pending read)
◊ Momo by Michael Ende (pending read)
◊ Puccini's Ghosts by Morag Joss (pending read)
◊ The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
◊ The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
◊ The Girl from the Chartreuse by Pierre Péju
◊ The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (pending read)
◊ The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupéry
◊ The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
◊ To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
◊ The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy
◊ Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
◊ Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Inspiration/Self Help

◊ Chicken Soup for the Soul: Unsinkable Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen & Heather McNamara (pending read)
◊ Freedom: The Courage to Be Yourself by Osho (pending read)
◊ Fruitful Meditation by Dr. N.K. Srinivasan
◊ Fully Human Fully Alive by John Powell
◊ How to Read a Person Like a Book by Gerald I. Nierenberg & Henry H. Calero (pending read)
◊ How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
◊ If You Really Knew Me Would You Still Like Me? by Eugene Kennedy
◊ The Chakras: An Introduction by C.W. Leadbeater
◊ The Disowned Self by Nathaniel Branden
◊ The Language of Positive Thinking
◊ The Purpose Driven by Rick Warren (pending read)
◊ The Yoga Handbook by Sumukhi Finney
◊ This Is My Story: 31 Lives. Stories. Miracles (pending read)
◊ Why Am I Afraid to Tell You Who I Am? by John Powell

Hallway

2006-12-18T09:11:00.000+08:00

Man, it's the season of giving - Bah, humbag!

And, I haven't even started listing the gifts I wanted to buy for my godchildren. Darn it!

When I got back from my VL last Wed, I was stunned that the office was somewhat engulfed by the season's festive mood. Hmm... kindda!

This really sucks. Not that I hate Christmas or anything. It only means that my December do-nothingism syndrome is starting to push into high gear.

Anyhoo, as I walked down the hallway, I thought of taking a picture of one of the Christmas balls hanging by the ceiling to break my boredom.

A Celebration

2006-12-10T14:28:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

PRUVALOO, re: Tiger: Thanks mate! :P

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

I had planned to celebrate the day I came be at Tagaytay. However, due to miscom of sked with my buds, we ended celebrating it at Eastwood.

We entered Gweilos (I think. It was formerly the Amoeba beside The Bedroom). Anyhoo, the moment I settled on the couch and drank my SanMig Light, I couldn't help but noticed that this guy seemed to be looking at me. Odd but I let it slide. After my third bottle, out of nowhere that same guy came up to our table and said my name.

Whoa! It was a pleasant surprise. He was my former schoolmate from La Salle - Diego. I didn't recognized him because the last time I saw him was almost two years ago and his hair was dyed blonde.

Boy, it always good to see good friends anytime. What made it extra special was it happened on my birthday.

@ the center is Diego Mapa of Pedicab (vocalist/guitarist)

also member of Monsterbot & Cambio

performance of Diego with Cambio below

Tiger Barb's Crib

2006-12-07T01:28:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

AKA ZORD, re: Happy Feet: Thanks for dropping by. Dude, that's so deep! hehehe :P

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Early part of November, I saw my neighbor was somewhat cleaning their garage. I looked at our side walk and was curious why his empty moss-stained aquarium was on the side walk. I asked him if he was throwing it away. And he said yes. I asked if anything was wrong with it. He nothing and that he just didn't want it anymore.

I don't know if it was the nature in me that doesn't want to see a perfectly functionable object go to waste or anything for that matter that can be transformed/recycled/used as something else got the best of me. (Yeah, I know, junkyard syndrome.) Without any thought about it, I asked if I could have it. He was glad that I could take it off his hands.

Anyhoo, after three gruesome days, I finished setting up my aquarium. At first, people around me suggested that I should buy this fish or that fish. But, I had something particular in mind. (To be honest, I don't know what it is, but I said to myself it will speak to when I see it.)

Hmm... a bit fatalistic, eh?

So, there I was in the pet shop, looking at a variety of fishes and this school of fish caught my eyes. Though, there was nothing spectacular about their appearance, they got my attention by the way they swam. They always seemed to swim (or if not 95% of time) in the same direction.

Hmm... ain't that something?

Happy Happy Happy Feet!

2006-11-28T11:29:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

UN P, re: Enuff: Thanks, Pinggay (I think) hehehe! :P

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Yesterday afternoon, I was doing some errands in the mall when I saw that this flick was already showing. So, after doing my errands, still didn't feel like going home, so I bought a ticket to watch the movie.

While the opening credits was playing, I heard voices - a woman and a child who were about to sit at the front row from where I was. Their voices were quite familiar. I looked at them and saw it was my friend and her nephew. She laughed that I was watching a kiddy flick. I told her, I love cartoons.

Anyhoo, the film was quite entertaining.

Mumble was quite a character. And Ramon, the casanova among amigos was hilarious!

All I can say about the flick is, "It pays to be INDIVIDUALISTIC!"

Binary of Life

2006-11-21T01:27:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

PRUVALOO, re: Beacon: Mate, I don't know how long I will be staying inside "The Lion's Den". But, I know I am strong enough to take on "The Lion".

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Like everything else in my life, I try to simplify things. Life as it is, is quite complicated enough... (well to some more than others).

But if you pause long enough and try to tear down the cobwebs on how you see life, yourself living life, you'll see a bit of clarity.

If you studied Intro to Comp., you know that the principle on how the computer read all data is by binary.

... 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 ...

... on off on off on off on off ...

In life, you may ask how is it relevant?

Hmm...

Input 1 - switch on the positive things that you can draw from your life.

Input 0 - switch off the negative things.

Hehehe...

Jestering aside, in order to know the language on how things (well some things) in life works learn how to input the 1's and 0's in its proper sequence. I've learn that long before I've learned the principle of binary.

Be not afraid to encode the wrong digit for you could always erase, rectify or change it to another digit. How hard could that be since there are only two numbers to choose from?

And, if I choose not change my wrong input, so what?

Learn from it and accentuate the positive, right?

Yeah!

I may not be a techie whose vast knowledge of the cyber world is at par with the modern world.

But, I know one thing - 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0.

And, it's 'nuff digits to know in life!

Simplified! Idiotic as it may seems but effective.

Beacon of Light

2006-11-08T04:51:00.000+08:00

It was the summer before I officially started my freshie year in HS. I went with my best friend and her family in their hometown somewhere in Quezon Prov. The ride from Pasig to Quezon was somewhat a blur. In fact, I don't remember much because 99% of the time, I was asleep.

When we arrived in Sia-eng, I was introduced to all her relatives. And believe me, tho, it was fun to meet new people, in this case it was dead tiring. Both of her parents were born and raised in that place until they got married. I lost count of the names of my best friend's relations after the 10th introduction. This not including her childhood friends and neighbors.

Anyhoo, by night fall, it was a welcomed change when we strolled along the docks away from her family and friends. As we trekked the concrete road with nothing but the full moon and stars to light our path, I wondered how could the fishermen and passing ships could see where the dock was. She told me there was a lighthouse nearby and she led me there.

Tho, the lighthouse was somewhat old and seemed abandon from where we stood. I was amazed when I looked up to see that it still served its purpose - flashing its light across the horizon.

Funny thing was, it had been ages since any vessels had dock in that shore. Yet, the light from that tower continues to guide the sons' of the sea.

Now, as I am thrust into the Lion's Den that was once a Paradiso, I am grateful to my LIGHTHOUSES who constantly guiding me safely to the harbor.

And So You Moved On...

2006-11-02T10:02:00.000+08:00

In the sea of nameless faces, it is rare to catch a glimpse of someone who will brighten up your day. Not because you know that person or hope to know that person, but the mere aura of that person lifts you inside and you can't explain why. And at that nano seconds when your eyes meet, it seems eternity and complete that no words could utter the happiness it brings you.

Hmm... this ain't love at first sight... kismet... or what-have-you...

More than that... it's INSPIRATION!

Alas, the time has come and you have decided to move on leaving me with but a glimpse, a distance memory that will echo in soul.

And it sucks! Big time!

And so you moved on... thank you for the beam of light that you brought to my life inside The Lion's Den.

I WILL TRULY MISS YOU!

I'm Your Worst Nightmare

2006-11-01T02:37:00.000+08:00

SO, HELP ME GOD! IF YOU EVER LAY ONE FREAKING FINGER ON... FUCK! I WILL KILL YOU!

AND BELIEVE ME, YOU'LL BEG ME TO KILL YOU BEFORE I'M THROUGH WITH YOU! THE UNDERWORLD IS PARADISE COMPARES TO THE HELL I'M GOING TO PUT YOU THROUGH!

Enuff

2006-10-24T02:19:00.000+08:00

One can only endure some much. I wouldn't say what or who it was or is, for it is never in my character to dish out and trash someone else's rep. I'd rather keep my cool and let fate take its course.

I'm not a pacifist, yellow or a push-over. But I believe that there are things best left alone and let it ran its course.

The thing is I know myself better, all the good, the bad and the ugly. I stand alone and fight alone the best I know how.

I fight fair.

Bring it on.

I will take it all.

Hardships and twisted fate are my twin souls!

Blast all you can at me, for in the end, I will triumph over you.

All I can is:

"I live my life the way I see it fit using my common sense and conscience as my compass."

And, I have to say, I'm doing a damn great job!

Enuff said.

on The Girl From The Chartreuse

2006-10-20T09:28:00.000+08:00

I bought this book last part of July and finished reading it by the third part of August.

As much as I would like to post the "truisms" I've read in the book, it wouldn't give justice to the essence of the composition for it would be quite limiting.

There's nothing new with the plot of the story. However, from an ordinary incident lives were forever changed by an extra ordinary fate.

Hep! Before you jump into conclusion like this book is some kind of inspirational thingy piece of writing - it's NOT! That's why this book grew on me.

The dark truth of life in its rawest, ugliest and hopelessness of the situations and characters made this book my reading worthwhile. And what made it so beautiful, though, it was narrative in pose and the ability of the author not moralized the whole thing.

Dark. Raw. Sad. Yet it holds a whole damn grain of truth what ordinary living really is in a "REAL" ordinary world.

From the Ashes

2006-10-11T03:04:00.000+08:00

the time has come
for the reign of tyranny,
oppression and deception
must end

from all corners,
soldiers of darkness
had merged
causing havoc, confusion
and destruction

from your deep slumber
awaken oh great phoenix
rise, soar high and let
justice prevail
with your fury and burning
fire
crash them,
crash them all 'til they
return to the hellhole
whence they came

By the River - III

2006-10-03T16:44:00.000+08:00

I stood outside the garden as Ping entered the house. I stood behind the grills overlooking the once mighty distractive river.

Every rainy season, the whole neighborhood felt the fury of the river. At the slightest rainfall, the river would make his force known and would flood the whole neighborhood. Once it rained for three consecutive days and nights. The flood reached a mile or so. The flood was so massive that people had to use a rubber raft to commute to their destinations.

After the great flood, the neighborhood folks celebrated like a huge dark curse was lifted from our hood. A feast was held.

Streamers were all over the place. Music from the marching band resonated from one corner to another. Games were played on the street like sack race, tug-of-war, softdrink drinking contest, Piñata using earthen made bowls and the highlight of the street games was the Placebo. That same afternoon by the river, a different activity was brewing. Carrying their religious statutes, some of the neighborhood folks rode wooden boats reciting the rosary and throwing white petals on the river while the rest of the town folks where on the bank lighting their floating candles as to give gratitude to the mighty river for not taking a life during his wrath.

It was the first time that the river had overflowed and had not claimed a single soul.

Under the full moon, the dreaded river was reduced to nothingness. Its bank dried up liken to a mere shallow creek - a foot deep, give or take. The once mighty distractive river shamed, forgotten and never again will it claim another soul.

Will not claim another poor innocent soul.

I found myself trembling. Tears began pouring down my eyes. I broke down. I fell on my knees. From the moonlight that reflected on the river, I could see him. Raul.

Lifeless Raul. Poor Raul. Floating. Dead.

I was older than him by three months. He was my best friend. My brother.

He lived at the end of the street by the river. Their house was made of scrap woods, which he had to co-inhabit with his other seven siblings besides from his parents. His father was public utility driver while his mother was neighborhood laundry lady.

I first met him when my mom asked Celing, Raul's mother, to do our laundry. Our washing machine was broken at that time and mom doesn't like washing clothes. Besides I practically kept her busy most of the time, so she doesn't have anytime to do heavy tasks such as washing clothes.

I was five then. I saw Celing by the laundry area, one morning. Beside her was Raul playing with his toy truck, which was missing four wheels. He looked at me. I looked back stretching my body as I yawn and scratched my head before heading back to the breakfast table.

While I was eating my breakfast, I saw him peeking through the window. My mom was upstairs tidying my room. I was holding a fork with a hotdog on it. I took a bite and showed Raul how delicious the food was. I took another bite.

"Hmmm... delicious!" I exclaimed out loud knowing very well that Raul could hear me.

"Seth!" I heard my mom. I knew from her voice that she was mad. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing!"

"It's not good manners to tease!"

My mom saw the whole thing - me teasing Raul with my food. She turned to Raul and offered him to join me in the breakfast table. Without hesitation, he entered the house, ran to the table and jumped on the chair in front of me.

"Seth, this is Raul, Celing's son. Be nice to him. Or else..."

I knew very well what mom meant. She always left her sentence unfinished whenever she was serious.

Celing suddenly appeared out of nowhere. She was wiping her soapy hands on her tattered dress. She was so embarrassed to see her son at our breakfast table and kept apologizing to my mom. My mom calmed Celing down from her babbling and told her that it was quite alright. In fact, she told Celing that she should bring Raul over every time she does her laundry in our place so that I could have a playmate. Mom also added that she could use some time out from me and having a playmate would do the trick.

Even though a new one replaced our old washing machine, Celing became a frequent figure in our place, so did Raul. From doing our laundry, she eventually became our cleaning lady as well. Every morning, Raul knew perfectly his place in our house. He would sit in front of me at the breakfast and together we would eat our meal. After that, we would go to the living room and watch our favorite cartoon shows for an hour. Then we would head out to the compound grounds and play anything that we fancied.

When I began schooling, so did Raul. So it was only on the weekends that we could see each other. By then, we were inseparable. We were like twins except we were born from different mothers. Of course, we fought too. But we resolved our differences shortly after the fight began.

After graduating from kindergarten, I was transferred to a co-ed Catholic school. I was surprised to see Raul in my Grade One classroom. I asked him what he was doing in my school. He told me that we would classmates. My mom suggested to Celing to let Raul take the exam in my school. Raul not only passed but he had the highest entrance exam scores in the history of the school. The priests running the school offered Raul full scholarship. Raul proved to the school administrators that he was worth their generosity by being a consistent top honor of the school since first grade until we reached our junior year.

Stormy Millennium

2006-10-02T08:15:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

GUILE, re: River - II: Indeed it is! However, that entry was fictional. :P

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Last Friday, after the storm Milenyo (Millennium) hit the metro, I woke up energized and a bit jolly. Though, the power was out when I slept that morning, I didn't mind for it was cold and cozy quite perfect for a long snooze.

I left home rather early than usual for I was heading to SM Megamall to hunt for a tablet pad for my Ninang (godmother) from Australia.

As the FX stopped at Meralco interchange, I received a pleasant surprise. My mobile phone rang and at the other end was my one of my bestfriends whom I haven't seen for quite so long. We've decided to have dinner at The Podium around 6 that evening.

After my hunt in Megamall, I trekked to Podium and nothing has changed. My bestfriend was late as always. But this time I didn't mind. We ate at Roma Mia.

Though, our sort of reunion after two years was brief one, it was quite sweet!

Smoke

2006-09-27T04:34:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

GAVIEROLOC, re: Whispering: Gracias, señor! :P

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

have you ever sat in the dark? i have...

... nothing see...
... nothing to hear...

have you ever sat in the dark while taking a smoke? i have...
there is something special as you take a hit and see the amber glow.

have you ever sat in the dark while taking a smoke, watching the amber glow as you take a hit and exhale the smoke? i have...

... it was calming to see the white transluscent air expelled from you mouth in the vast darkness.

have you ever sat in the dark while taking a smoke, watching the amber glow as you take a hit, feel its calming effect as you exhale the smoke? i have...

... it makes you realize that nothing seems to matter except the stick between you fingers.

have you ever sat in the dark while taking a smoke, watching the amber glow as you take a hit, feel its calming effect as you exhale the smoke realizing that nothing else matters except the stick that you are holding? i have...

... and after i finished my smoke nothing else do to but sit in the dark again.

that is until the next smoke.

Whispering to the Deities

2006-09-20T01:55:00.000+08:00

i made a deal
and the deities heard my cry
thundering like a sonic boom
across the sky

now the consequences
have been bestowed
that cut me deep inside

i want to back out
escape and void the pact
but i realized
i have to honor it
no matter what

Boredom. Drugs. Flu.

2006-09-14T23:54:00.000+08:00

Man, I've been sick for straight 4 days now. Nothing do except lay on the bed or couch and mindless surf the cable. Nothing worth watching. Nothing fancy catches my interest.

Anyhoo, totally bored out of my mind, I feel like my head is going to explode for doing absolutely nothing. I couldn't even read the book of Michael Ende's, "Momo", for the mere task of doing it still makes my head spin. Even typing this entry makes my head hurts, but like I say, I'm stubborn so I'm doing this anyway just to be defy my better judgment of getting much needed rest.

Upside to things, tho, I feel the meds are doing its job and I feel less like a vegetable and slowly gaining my strength back. But I have to say, when I went to the grocery store earlier, my legs were shaking uncontrollably and making a few step or so, really made me grasp for my breathe.

I hate having the flu. Man, makes me restless than I already am and bored than bored as I can ever be.

Guess, nothing else to do but try to relax and rest. But before I try to go back to resting and try to get much needed rest, let me just say, I HATE BOREDOM, DRUGS & FLU ARE MAJOR LETHAL WEAPON THAT DAMPENS THE SPIRIT SPECIALLY TO A RESTLESS SOUL LIKE MINE!

But hey, don't take my word for it. Perhaps, it's just the boredom, drugs or flu that is speaking. :P

Druggie

2006-09-13T00:07:00.000+08:00

For the passed two weeks, my body has been aching and screaming, yet being as bull-headed that I am, I ignored the signs and didn't listen. Thus, last Sunday night, like some beatened junk car, my system broke down.

My head ached, body screaming with pain and came down with the flu.

Sigh.

Worse part of it, I knew I wouldn't enjoy my weekend off like I always do.

Now, I am sick, sitting at home, unable to do anything except pop 5 different pills down my throat hoping to get better soon before I return to work tomorrow.

I feel so weak that the mere task of reading SMS made my head spinning to various degrees! Argh!

I hate being in this state! Hate being a druggie!

By The River - II

2006-09-05T05:58:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

PRUVALOO, re: River - I: Yes, it is. Tho, I have to clarify that this entry is purely fictional except for the setting.

My name in the wall is true, tho. We did had that compound in the old hood. However, my grandfather already sold that property ages ago.

I read somewhere about going back to the place where you once came. The writer said, "... at the same time, there is something joyous and sad going back where you once lived."

Anyhoo, it's kewl to see you again. Hope to hear more from you. Thanks, mate! :P

JOYCE, Thanks for dropping. I'm glad you liked my entries. Hope you pass this way again, soon! :)

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Seth."

I heard my name spoken. I turn around and saw a guy, who was an inch or so shorter than I am. I had a bewildered "who-the-fuck-are-you" look on my face.

"It's me, Patrick." He said.

I awkwardly smiled still couldn't recall who the guy was.

"Patrick," he spoke filling the dead air between. "Your ex's little brother."

"Who?"

"Angel."

"Huh?"

"You still have no idea who I am, do you?"

"No."

"Okay then. Remember the kid that you pushed into the river?"

"FUCK!" I exclaimed in surprise.

I couldn't believe the kid that I tenderly bullied before was standing infront me. He's the youngest among 5 siblings and the only boy. I never really knew his real name except his nickname - Ping. He hanged around me like a chewing gum on my shoe especially during the time when I was courting her sister. After her sister and I broke up, he still stuck with me as if not minding that I hurt her sister.

I was fifteen then when I began courting her sister who happened to be my classmate that year in a coed Catholic school. It was only that year his sister and I were both in the same section. All throughout my schooling in the hood, I've always had the afternoon classes and his sister had the morning schedule. Though, I saw a lot of his sister in the hood, since their house was a block away opposite from our compound, I didn't bothered to make my intentions known to her. Well, not obviously. I would give her hints every now and then but not as openly as I would like it to be. And who would dare to? Their grandmother was known as the meanest grouch that ever lived in the hood and a reputable lawyer at that. Besides, from the fact that she always carried a shotgun wherever she goes.

There was an incident when Ping's oldest sister was caught red-handed by their grandmother entertaining a suitor in their living room. According to one of the neighborhood yentas, Ping's grandmother had gone bezerk at the sight of the guy holding her granddaughter's hand and chased the poor guy out of the house with her shotgun. The guy ran like hell on the street and Ping's grandmother accidentally pulled the trigger. The shotgun went off. Fortunately, due to the force of the blast, the old lady's hands jerked and the gun's nuzzle was directed skyward hitting lamp post’s bulb.

The mole also added that it was a bit comical how it happened. After the gun went off the old lady lost her balance and fell on her bum on the muddy puddle on the asphalt road. The old lady was in shocked. One could say that perhaps that it was the only action that shotgun had ever seen judging from the old grouchy lady's reaction.

After that incident, Ping's grandmother was bedridden for quite sometime. Ping said that she fractured her limbs or something. Weeks after the incident, I seldom saw the old lady in their garden. Until eventually, she stopped coming out of the house. Once I asked Ping if his grandmother was still alive. He told me that she was but she wouldn't leave her room anymore. No one knew why but after her broken hips healed, her pride was deeply wounded. Ping narrated.

As I continued to stare at him, he was still the old Ping that I used to know. He still has that thick brows, perfectly circular black pool of eyes that seemed to spark out of excitement, eyelashes curled up, pointed nose with a bit hint of freckles against his creamy white complexion that sparsely placed on his dimpled cheeks and his perfectly aligned pearl-like teeth that flashed his corky smile. He still maintained his signature haircut that was parted from left to right. The only difference that I observed so far was he had outgrown his once twigged-like physique. Standing before me was the robust, confident, charismatic and boy-next-door Ping who could have any girl for deflowering at the wink of his eye.

"Damn, is that really you, Ping?"

"One and only."

"I didn't recognize you plus the fact that I never really knew your real name."

"I told you my christened name when we were younger. I guess, you never cared to remember it because you were always calling names like twiggy-nerd, stinky-twig and the classic one..."

"Hash coconut head!" We said in unison.

We laughed and I couldn't help myself from laughing infectiously. I had to remove my spectacles to rub off the tear from my left eye.

"So, hashy, how are you?" I asked as I composed myself.

"I'm doing great. I'm in my last year of college. Business Management."

"How are the folks?"

"Still separated." He said it casually but there was a hint of sadness in his tone.

"And how about..."

"My sister?"

"Yeah..." I said awkwardly as if guilt began creeping up inside of me.

"In Australia. Married with 4 kids."

"And the rest?"

"All married. It just me and mom living in the old house now."

"How about you? Anyone special?"

Ping blushed in different shades of crimson.

"Ah... it has not yet entered my mind. Busy with school and all."

"Ah, okay."

"Enough about me. How about you? I heard nothing about you except..." He paused momentarily. "I mean I haven't heard anything about you since you left here. What brings you back?"

"Grandpa died two months ago. He gave me the compound as my inheritance." I said.

"I'm sorry."

"Hey, don't be. Grandpa lived long and fulfilled life. It's just I..."

"Hate to be back here."

I was silent. I couldn't possibly fathom how Ping knew what I was feeling.

Time seemed to stand still as we stood outside the compound. No one dared to speak. Only our breathing could be heard. As dusk turned into the night, one by one, the street lights shone. Cold breeze blew between us. The silence seemed like a long time but in reality it could have not been longer than a minute or two.

"Were you about to go in? Would you like me to go in with you?"

"Nah, I've seen all there is to see. There nothing worth looking at anymore. All is gone."

"What's your plan?"

"I'm selling the place. In fact, I have a buyer interested in the property. After that I will go back to the US."

"How long?"

"I can't say. It might take around a month or longer. It all depends on the paper works."

"Hey, it's almost dinner. Would you like to join me and mom for supper?"

I was about to decline but somehow I uttered the word, "Yes."

By The River - I

2006-08-30T02:53:00.000+08:00

It has been almost a decade since I last visited the place where I was born. I couldn't help but be at awed on how the neighborhood has changed dramatically. The once asphalt road was now made out of concrete. Street light poles that were once made of wood were replaced with sleek chrome. Everywhere I look, it seemed that every house in the block had been renovated, modernized or freshly washed with new paint.

I stood outside the compound where we used to reside taking in all the physical changes in the hood. As I looked at our old compound, I couldn't help but feel sad. Though, barely erected, it stuck out distinctively in the hood as a great source of eye soar. The once picturesque four-door apartment compound that was filled with colorful varieties of flower, plants, especially orchids, which my father's green thumb cultivated were gone. Even the twin magnificent guava trees I used to climb where I once broke my left leg were cut down.

I slowly walked toward the gate. It was still the same old brown gate. The only difference was like the compound, it too had lost its luster and completely covered with rust. Before pushing the rustic gate open, something got my attention that made me smiled. On the wall where the gate was loosely anchored just below the numbers 423, I saw my name scribbled in childish penmanship.

I was six when I wrote my name on that wall. One of my aunts arrived from abroad and she gave me a set of markers with rainbow colors. I was so excited to use the markers and began scribbling and drawing stuff on my kindergarten notebook. After sometime of doing just that, I got bored. I took my markers with me and slowly slipped out of the apartment while my aunt and mom chatted away like there was no tomorrow.

Once outside the compound, I looked around hoping to see one of my neighborhood playmates so I could brag my newly acquired colored markers. To my dismay, I saw no one. The street was absolutely abandoned. It was almost nightfall then. The street lamps one by one lit up and I stood outside the gate thinking of other things to kill my boredom. As I leaned on the gate, still thinking of things that I can do, I happen to look at wall beside me. My lips curved up and I took one marker out of its plastic suit. It was blue.

Before executing my devious act, instinctively I looked at both direction making sure that no one could see what was I was about to do. Satisfied that I could get away with what I would do, I uncapped the marker and began scribbling the first letter of my name. After writing the letter "S", I took a step back like a great painter studying his canvass. Exhilarated by the act of vandalism, I drew out my green marker then violet and lastly black. Once finished writing my name, I took a step back again and happily shouted my name.

Taho

2006-08-29T05:08:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

CARA, re: Yin Yan Sun: Me too! hehehe. I'm doin' aight! Miss ya! :P

JUANMIGUEL, re: In Pieces: That's one way of seeing it. :)

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Saturday morning, after having almost half a day's cycle worth of uniterrupted sleep, I woke up feeling quite aight. The day that was, was somewhat eventful filled with drama, which I rather not delved into right now.

Anyhoo, though feeling somewhat flaccid, I grabbed my boxer briefs, put it on and lounged back on my bed with my upper torso leaning against the wall doing nothing but stare at my bedroom ceiling. I was at it for quite sometime when I heard a familiar scream - "TAHO!"

I haven't heard that in a long time. Somehow, hearing that stirred something inside of me.

So, I jumped out of my bed, dashed across the livingroom, opened the door and screamed on top of my lungs, "TAHO!"

As the vendor, poured taho in my glass, I couldn't helped but feel like a kid again.

Back in Sta. Mesa, where we used to live. Every morning, I would be in my pjs, outside of our compound, waiting for the "magtataho" (taho vendor). Day in and day out, that was my route, always waiting for my special treat.

But now, fully grown up, the simple childhood joys such as eating ""taho" is lost in the whirlpool of adult life.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
TAHO is made from soy bean which is a great source of protein. - source: Answers.com

In Pieces

2006-08-24T09:47:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

JUANMIGUEL, re: Yin Yan Sun: I'm doin' aight. Sure, anytime you need my know-how, little it may seem, I'll be happy to share it with you. :P

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Last night, when I took a bath, I realized that my Yin Yang Sun tattoo had completely come off. No big fuzz. After all it's just henna tattoo.

Minutes ago, after writing something in a friend's blog, it made me realized something about the tattoo that was on my arm. Words from the movie, Simon Birch, came whispering in head like thunder on a stormy day.

"You remember things in pieces..."

Though, etched no more in my flesh, odd it may seems, I could still see faint outlines of henna that once formed my Yin Yang Sun.

In pieces, everything in pieces. Though no longer there, I could still remember IT in pieces.

Yin Yang Sun

2006-08-20T01:46:00.000+08:00

Last Wednesday, I had a tattoo done on my arm.

No. It's not the real thing. I don't like needles. But, hey, it cool and it was for free! :P

Lady in the Water

2006-07-25T23:37:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

ERICA, re: Prisoner: Thanks! :)

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

It has been quite a long time since I last posted in here the movies that I've watched.

After the Wednesday movie night was revamped due to my work schedule, my bud and I still continues to watch a flick every week but I just didn't bother to write up it about.

Anyhoo, after watching the trailer for several months, finally, I was able to watch M. Night Shyamalan's, "Lady in the Water" last night in Eastwood.

Boy, what can I say except ... AWESOME!

You may say that I'm a fanatic for movies with dark and bizarre plots, in contrast to his previous films, LITW was light. However, I wasn't a bit disappointed. In fact, it was nice change in Shyamalan's style.

Though, light it wasn't lacking substance. And believe me, if you dig hard enough, the film is quite inspiring.

In Their Eyes

2006-07-19T02:35:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

PRUVALOO, re: Bright Lights: much appreciate! Thanks for saying that mate! :)

JUANMIGUEL, re: Bright Lights: ah... nothing to say... nothing to add... except... I'm just here if you need me :)

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Earlier today, while I was commuting to work. It was drizzling. As I look outside the window, people seemed like some characters in a Toon show. It was comical even.

When the jeepney reached Strata, a couple of the passengers got off and was immediately replaced by fresh ones.

Nothing new about it. It was just the way things work in a public transpo.

But what caught everyone's attention was when a couple of teenage boys sat on the the step of the jeepney. The smaller guy was carrying the other guy who was an inch or so taller than him.

Eyes were directed towards them for the reason that the other guy was disabled. Guessing from his state, I think, he had polio.

Two lads, one carrying the much taller guy who was disable, barefooted and soaking wet.

As I looked directly at the eyes and faces of the people inside the jeepney looking at the two teenagers, I couldn't help but wonder if it was the first time they have seen this scenario. Because judging through their reactions and prying looks, it seemed that way.

On the other hand, I couldn't help but wonder if those looks that seemed sympathetic was some kind of a moral booster. A smirk like thinking, "I'm glad I wasn't in your shoe kind-of-look."

I wonder.

As for me, not being hypocritically, righteous or anything... my thoughts besides from guessing what the other passengers were thinking was...

""Why is he barefooted?"

Where The Bright Lights Are

2006-06-28T00:47:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

RAYRAY, re: Burrow: hmm... I hope so it's original. I hope that I didn't plagarized anyone when I wrote it. :)

Yeah, me so drunk that I didn't recognized myself in the collage. :P

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

It seemed like not so long ago, I was standing here.

Well, not exactly in this same spot or circumstance. Still, the feeling was oh so familiar that it hit that spot right deep inside.

The rain began pouring hard as I stood along overlooking the bay of Laguna. As I look above the gloomy sky, not a single star could been seen in the heaven to comfort me in my loneliness.

I sighed.

I stared at the distant and saw the bright lights of the Metro, ever so brightly litted up like some artificial stars that I longed for to comfort me.

As I stood under the pouring rain, I couldn't recall if I wept or not. All I remember was the sadness that engulfed my entire being.

I shook violently. Yet my cries didn't elude from lips.

I let the time rolled by not minding the cold that numbed my flesh and bones.

Burrow of Loneliness

2006-06-22T08:42:00.000+08:00

silently i'm fading into oblivion
drowning in my pain and sorrow
no one can redeem my acursed soul
for i no longer believe in morrow

bitter, miserable and troubled
i now lay in my burrow
covered in autumn's leaves
with loneliness in tow

The Dew

2006-06-21T03:17:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

PRUVALOO, re: Prisoner: sometimes! :P

RAYRAY, re: Prisoner: true... but when reality sets in again... you'll realize that you're still in this forsaken hell hole! :)

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

One early morn, there was a Dew. Not even a droplet kind of a dew, dishearten sitting on the green leaf by the stream.

The Great Sun entered the horizon, he saw the Dew on the green leaf by the stream.

"Aren't we gloomy this early morning?" The Great Sun asked the Dew.

The Dew looked up to the Great Sun and sighed.

"What's the matter Dew?" The Great Sun asked the Dew again.

"Oh, nothing!"

"My friend," said the Great Sun. "That doesn't seem like nothing."

"If you must know," The Dew said as he raised his eyes to the Great Sun. "I am sad for I am of no use to anyone."

"Oh, don't say that my friend." The Great Sun replied. "You are important."

"Oh, really? Even for someone as tiny as me?" The Dew asked.

"Yes." The Great Sun began to say. "By sitting on that leaf, you grace that plant with your presence."

Prisoner

2006-06-02T22:06:00.000+08:00

though
not
in
chains
not
in
cages
not
behind
bars
we
all
have
our
own
prisons
where
we
dwell

sad
truth
about
it
the
true
prison
in
which
we
all
dwell
is
in
our
existence
the
thing
we
loosely
call
"LIFE"

Simplify

2006-05-18T22:13:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

PRUVALOO, re: Hiatus: thanks mate! :P

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Lessons learned and still trying to learn...

Learn to...

... breathe easily and slowly for it calms the mind, body and spirit.

... laugh not just smile for it energizes the soul and ignites inspiration.

... see not look for it will open you to the true reality of things.

... listen not hear for it will develop empathy and understanding.

In every aspect of your life... SIMPLIFY!

For in these simplest acts where TRUE beauty of LIFE exists!

Not in Hiatus

2006-05-04T22:55:00.000+08:00

Hmm... how should I start this? It's been quite a long time since I last blogged. It's like I'm learning to ride the wagon again.

Anyhoo, reasons why I haven't been blogging lately are:

... not because I don't like to blog anymore

... not because I have nothing else to write about

and

... definitely, not because I'm incapacitated or anything like that.

Real reasons are:

... been busy with work

... been busy with personal life (wink)

But now, I'm back. Definitely... absolutely... positively back! :P

Thanks RAYRAY and PRUVALOO for the words of encouragement. I'm doing aight!

Farewell Inaki

2006-04-13T10:14:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

SOCIALPEST, re: Mercuriī: guess, I truly am blessed to have such kinds of friends. Thanks! :)

PRUVALOO, re: Mercuriī: thanks bud! :P

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Early Sunday morning while I was in ER having myself fixed, I received a sms that my high school English teacher, mentor and Inaki (endearment for mother) had passed away due to lung cancer.

I was utterly saddened by the news for she was one of the few people in this whole wide world who recognized, believed and horned my talent.

I was in fifth grade when she became my English teacher. Since day one, she had been actively trying to get me involved with the class activities and everything that had to do with English class.

That year too, she formed a club called "Speech and Drama Club" and produced a stage play entitled, "The Night Before Christmas". She asked me to be part of the play. I was totally shy then. But I don't know how she convinced me to sign up. I became the second scarecrow for the play.

From then on, she and I became a tandem in the club. She taught me everything I know in stage production, writing and directing. But more than that, she taught me to believe in myself.

Thank you Inaki. I will miss you dearly!

Diēs Mercuriī

2006-03-23T02:47:00.000+08:00

Wednesday night had been our (my buds and I) movie night.

Why?

That, I can answer easily. One, the cinemas in the metro premiere new movies on this day. Two, it's because one of my buds is such a movie addictus that he wants to see the movie on the first showing date.

When this "tradition" started?

That, I can't answer.

Anyhoo, since we started this, Wed eve trad had been more than just a time to watch movie. It's been our time together just hanging out and share what's been happening with our personal lives. You may even label it as our "therapy night".

In all honesty, I always look forward for Wednesday. It doesn't matter how crappy the movie is as long as my buds are there, it worth putting everything else on hold even for a few hours.

By next week, I'll be venturing into a new career. I guess, Wednesday night will be like a rain fall during El Niño.

Tradition is indeed precious yet change is divine and it must be embraced with open arms.

I guess, it's time to start a new "tradition".

Squatting on different days of the week for our movie night, ain't that bad! :P

Thanks Woden's day!

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
El Niño, a warming of the ocean surface off the western coast of South America that occurs every 4 to 12 years when upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water does not occur. It causes die-offs of plankton and fish and affects Pacific jet stream winds, altering storm tracks and creating unusual weather patterns in various parts of the world. - source: Answers.com

Ah... Killer Tunage!

2006-03-15T05:33:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

PRUVALOO, re: JLS: me can't wait to read what you have to say.

re: Shouldn't: thanks! :P

JUANMIGUEL, re: Shouldn't: I'm glad that you pass my way again. :)

I hear what you're saying. I appreciate it and take the wisdom of your experiences and beliefs into mind. For that I respect where you are coming from.

However, I hope I wouldn't appear offensive in what I'm going to write next for it's not my intention at all. I wouldn't justify anything except what I feel and know that is TRUE TO ME and because of this I wouldn't apologize for it.

True, there's isn't a perfect single soul in this planet or anywhere in the vast galaxy for that matter. That ONE could be the person I was sitting next to while I was commuting somewhere earlier, or the ONE who stopped and asked me for the time, or the ONE who served me lunch or the ONE that got away. Who knows?

I'm not deluded or trying to romantize what had happened to me. When I said that the ONE would come, I don't consider it as just an "IDEA". It's a reality, I believe that will unfold in time.

Other people may find "THIS TOO SHALL PASS" as cliché. But I believe in the profound truthfulness of it all in my life. For all the trials and turbulences that my life has gone through and still experiencing, it gives me COURAGE, TENACITY, STRENGTH, FAITH IN MYSELF, FAITH IN THE PEOPLE WHOM I VALUE AND LOVE, FAITH IN THE HIGHER POWER, and most of all HOPE to wither the storms that comes my way.

Mark me as a DREAMER and I will wear it proudly like the Scarlet Letter for I know I dream with my eyes and my heart open to the greater possibilities beyond what the mind can fathom!

It is INNATE in me to see the BRIGHTER SIDE of LIFE. Ask me not to live otherwise for I really don't know how. :)

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

In my yesterday's entry, I forgot to mention something that happened on my way home. I rode the PUJ from Ligaya, the moment I had my butt on the seat, Jewel's You Were Meant for Me began playing in the airwave.

Man, talk about stabbing the knife into a person's wounded heart deeper! Yet, somehow, as I found myself mouthing the lyrics of the song, it made me laughed.

Ah, dark dark humor!

Fate sure has a twisted kind of sense of humor. Tho, I had to admit, it helped me see things clearly and made my burden quite bearable. :P

Shouldn't but Didn't

2006-03-14T03:49:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

PRUVALOO, re: JLS: back at ya! :) Mind sharing with me your thoughts on it?

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Earlier tonight, after going to the mall, I was a bit sleepy when I got home. Actually, throughout the day, all I really wanted was to lay horizontally on my bed and be in Dreamland.

However, I promised a friend that I would go to his birthday celebration. My instinct told me otherwise but I had to keep my word.

When I got to the party, I knew then that it was mistake. There was this person whom I've been courting for sometime. However, it turned out that person is into my friend.

SIGH!

Quietly, I exited the party and told my friend the real reason. I hold no grudges or ill-thoughts towards them. Tho, I have to be honest, I'M HURTING RIGHT NOW!

Guess, that's how the cookie crumbles, stealing a line from Bruce Almighty. When it does, all a person can do is suffer for awhile, cry if you must and then move on.

I know, THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

I just have to believe that the ONE for me is still out there. And that ONE will come and that ONE will be everything I have always dreamed of and more.

from Jonathan Livingston Seagull

2006-03-11T03:28:00.000+08:00

It was Pruvaloo's entry that jarred my head in remembering this book.

At first, I thought, I already had this book. But after, a month of cleaning my closet and our storage room, I realized that I didn't.

Last week, I was in the book store, in my usual section, and I realized why this book was so familiar. It has always been located at the shelf next to my favorite section.

Earlier today, I bought this book and finished reading it in one go.

Thanks my friend for always enriching my life! :)

Truism in the book:

We can lift ourselves out of ignorance, we can find ourselves as creatures of excellence and intelligence and skill. We can be free! We can learn to fly!

Boredom and fear and anger are the reasons that a gull's life is so short, and with these gone from his thought, he lived a long fine life indeed.

One school is finished, and the time has come for another to begin.

Chiang
To fly as fast as thought, to anywhere that is, you must begin by knowing that you have already arrived.

Jonathan
Overcome space, and all we have left is Here. Overcome time, and all we have left is Now.

Jonathan
You don't love hatred and evil, of course. You have to practice and see the real gull, the good in every one of them, and to help them see it in themselves. That's what I mean by love.

Fletcher
To begin with, you've got to understand that a seagull is an unlimited idea of freedom, an image of the Great Gull, and your whole body, from wingtip to wingtip, is nothing more than your thought itself.

Heaven Smiled

2006-03-10T03:03:00.000+08:00

Today, Heaven smiled at me in a grand way.

When I woke up this morning, I was set out to conquer the world with a mission of changing career. And as the day came to an end, I did! :)

Heaven indeed smiled at me and I haven't felt this elated in a very long time.

All I can say, "Thank you, Heaven!"

Insane Tunage...

2006-03-05T19:21:00.000+08:00

... tunes that drives me insane.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sunlight
originally performed by michael tomlinson
revived by paolo santos

all of your mysteries, i look in your eyes
why do i need answers to love's surprise
fell in love easy, when did we start
well i don't know you but i know your heart
i walk beside you, i brush your arm
the sun makes us sleepy like early, early wine
drinking your kisses, breathing your hair
when i wake from the dream will you still be there

as love grows
we both know the world has changed
somehow we've been rearranged
i knew love would come if we just let go
but love like this i've never known
sunlight will find a way
sunlight will find a way

moments are passing shadows on skin
i hear you laughing, will you call me in
looking out windows, where is this dream
does it feel good to you like love again
it's a little bit magic, something like smoke
i'm a little bit lonely every time you go
colors from rainbows scatter like wind
when i wake from the dream will you come again?

as love grows
we both know the world has changed
somehow we've been rearranged
i knew love would come if we just let go
but love like this i've never known
sunlight will find a way
sunlight will find a way

all of your mysteries i look in your eyes
why do i need answers to love's surprise
fell in love easy when did we start
well i don't know you but i know your heart

as love grows
we both know the world has changed
somehow we've been rearranged
i knew love would come if we just let go
but love like this i've never known
sunlight will find a way
sunlight will find a way

Dawning

2006-03-02T01:55:00.000+08:00

RIPOSTE...

SOCIALPEST: re: BabySteps: it's okay. It's enough for me to know that you're always there for me. I'm truly thankful that I'm not alone in my journey. Indeed, it would make my journey easier knowing someone is there for me serving as my strength and inspiration to carry on! :)

RAYRAY aka THE INSTANTANEOUS ONE: re BabySteps: and I won't even try to deny it. I'll write about it soon.

Kewl, you got another site! Man, you one hyperactive bloke to maintain 3 sites! :P

Yeah, it's a rare thing that I post my face in my blog! Now, don't ya go fallin' head over hills for me! Bwhahaha!

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Tuesday night before I went to bed, I had already made a to-do list (sort of Bridget Jones' Diary thingy, though, corny it may sound to mark a new beginning in life - a journey to accepting who I truly am).

Alas, I woke up around 8 and I had the bug. My whole body was aching all over and worse I felt so weak. All things that I've set to accomplished for the day went kapoot because of my present state.

Upside to it was, I was laying on the bed all day reading, in between dozing off and half of the time reflecting.

Coincidentally, it was Ash Wednesday. I was physically incapable of going to church. I reflected on this and realized that the essence of Ash Wednesday as the on set Lent season was penance, reflecting on the life of Jesus and thankgiving.

Putting a cross on a person's forehead was a dramatic and theatrical gesture of reminding us Christians that "from dust we came, to dust we will return."

It is also customary to make sacrifices especially at this time. In my native tongue, we call it "ayuno" or "pagtitika". The belief behind this is that when a person offers a sacrifice to the Lord on Lent season, all his trespasses will be forgiven.

Indeed, it is a grand gesture for a mortal to offer to give up something so dearly to him to please God. However, my belief is that Jesus already did that for us when He died in Calvary. The true offering for me is to live one's life as Jesus did. (Of course not, in the literal sense)

The two commandments that Jesus said before He died were:

[1] Love God above all.

[2] Love your neighbor as you love yourself.

For me that covers all what the Bible is all about.

Hmm... me getting a bit spiritual here. Well, I won't make any excuses. It's just that way I am which I would write soon.

Some Baby Steps

2006-02-27T00:35:00.000+08:00

Riposte...

CARA: re: Unexpected: yeah, indeed, it is! :)

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Two months ago, in my entry, Putrescence Notion, I lashed out my thoughts and anger to the deities.

The dark clouds that loomed in my being had dimished. Though, it wasn't completely erased still I've learned something out of it.

Throughout that dark moment, I emerged with a realization that 99% of what had happened were phases I had to experience. It happened not only for a reason but mostly because I let it.

The silver lining of it all was I couldn't change any of it - an acceptance of things in its rawest form and humbling experience for me.

Through the whole cleansing process, I now know that no matter what heaven throws my way, I could handle it and deal with it head on without blaming anyone for the outcome but my own and take accountability for my actions.

I guess, what I'm trying to say here in a nutshell, I'm now daring to make some baby steps towards maturity. It feels so weird and downright frightening, but hey, I guess, that's progress even for me. :P

Now, I had reconciled with the celestial beings and had forgiven myself. :)

Very Unexpected Day

2006-02-17T05:14:00.000+08:00

Riposte...

PRUVALOO, re: Prozac: Yeah, you got it right! Me agree! :P

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Around 3 am yesterday, I received a call. It was from my closest friend in college. As I picked up the receiver, I was a bit concerned for she had never called me at this time of day. Bracing myself for a possible complication as to the nature of her, I said, "Hi." Immediately asking her, "Is everything alright?"

I exhaled freely when she said that everything was fine and that she couldn't sleep for her biological clock had been disrupted since she began working in a call center.

We talked for almost 2 hours and I went to bed.

Approximately 13 hours later, I was awakened by my mobile phone ringing. My best friend's sister called me and asked me if we could talk. I asked her to call my landline instead. A few seconds later, the phone rang. Her voice was quivering and she was quite in distress. This was the first that she confided her troubles to me.

I listened as she poured her heart out. Thirty-minutes or so had passed, I asked her if she wanted to go to the mall with me for I felt she needed a change of scenery after her self imposed confinement in her bedroom. I was happy that she accepted my invitation.

We first went to Blue Wave and strolled the mall. After that we went to Sta. Lucia for dinner. After that, I asked her what she wanted to do to get her mind off her sorrows and she said anything. I told her that we could kill some time in Brickroad.

When we got there, luckily, heaven was on my side, and gave my best friend's sister the distraction that she needed. We were entertained by the final rehearsal of Mr. & Ms. Sexy Body walking down the catwalk.

It was almost 12 when we decided to go to Figaro. We saw a movie/tv actor. We left Figaro almost 2 am.

The above picture is a shot of Figaro's ceiling that I took. I inverted the photo to make a point what I think of my day. No, I didn't felt like I was floored after the day.

"Today, life gave me an unexpected day. It wasn't part of my to-do list, it disrupted my plans for the day, still I embraced it. Seeing the lights on the ceiling is equally beautiful if it is on the floor. So, even the most unexpected and sometimes unwelcomed situation could be a good thing."

Prozac. Blog. Picture.

2006-02-10T04:48:00.000+08:00

Riposte...

JUANMIGUEL, re: Putrescence: Can't say thing but "thanks!" :)

RAYRAY, re: Murder: You sure about that? You kindda fit the profile! Bwahahaha!

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

I was watching Prozac Nation while reading the blog of my schoolmate way back in HS. I saw his pics over the years and saw something that jarred my psyche. My head did a flashback thingy as to why I was never comfortable with having my picture taken. Hmmm...

My lamest excuse I always blurt out is: "I'm afraid that if I have my picture taken I would lose my soul."

But the truth is that belief actually exists in some tribes and cultures.

Thing is that I realized just a few minutes ago, that having my picture taken is like unnecessarily exposing myself to the world, which I'm not comfortable at all. Not because I have deep shady secrets to hide. Hmm... well, I do.

My craziness about the whole thing is not because I'm "that" ugly looking. In rare days, I could be "adorable" as a chimpazee. Hehehe.

Truth is, I feel like I'm being exposed to anyone who might see my picture. It's like one of the universal fear that most of us have: "If you know the really me would you still like me?"

Transpose that to visual imaginery: "If you see my picture would you find me appealing?"

Don't get me wrong, I AM COMFORTABLE IN MY OWN SKIN (with all my eccentricities & what-have-yous). I even love to watch my own reflection in the shower while I take a bath.

Thing is I HATE when people MEASURE MY WORTH AS A PERSON BY THE I WAY I LOOK.

So, is a picture worth than a thousand word? I say, NOT!

Confessing A Murder

2006-02-04T04:47:00.000+08:00

Riposte...

AGC_DLSU, re: Built: thanks for dropping by and adding me to your blogroll! :)

RAYRAY, re: Built: gracias! :P

PRUVALOO, re: Built: My friends told me the same thing a gazillon times. But like I said, it is just how am I built. I don't want to burden anyone with my problems unless I have exhausted all my resources in solving it by myself. But once I get pass it, I do share what I have gone through with my friends if the situation calls for it.

I don't want to be alone. Nobody wants to be alone esp. in a dealing with a problem and what-have-you. But I guess, it's a part of me that will always be that way not because I choose to, but because I don't know how to be any other way.

Guess, that is my blessing and my curse.

Thankfully, the deities endowed me with a bit of grammatical knowledge and a little bit of capability to put my thoughts and feelings into decent readable texts. Else, I might end up having a permanent residency in a mental institution or worse.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

The afternoon rays shone thru the glass stained windows of the Cathedral de Immaculata. From the third row of the altar, an old lady was on her knees automatically moving her fingers on the beads of the rosary. At the back of the church, where the life size statue of Immaculate Virgin Mary was situated, a pregnant woman in tears stood in front of the statue as she touched the Blessed Virgin's feet.

Between the old woman's mumbling recitation of the rosary and the pregnant woman's sobbing, the Cathedral was ghostly quiet.

"Blessed me father for I have sinned." A teenage boy began to say inside the confessional booth.

"Tell me what is troubling you my son." The priest replied.

"I killed a man." The teenager said plain.

"What?" The priest responded in shocked.

"Yes, Father I murdered a man."

"But why?"

"For justice, Father."

"My child revenge is not ours to have!"

"Who's then, Father? God's?"

"Son, God is just. He wouldn't take revenge or struck anyone dead simply because that person has sinned against him. Our God is a forgiving and loving God who wants nothing but the best for us."

"Then, why does your mighty God let innocent children die of hungry and diseases. Why does he allow injustice? Why did He allowed for me to be..." His voice was vigorously trembling.

"Allowed what my child?" The priest inquired.

"Why did God allowed that man to molest me?"

"Is that the reason why you killed that man?"

"Yes!" The teenager began to weep as he spoke. "He not only molested me but he also molested my younger brother!"

"Could you have at least reported him to the authorities?"

"How could I? No one will believe me. A drop-out kid who had been in trouble with the law, who would take my word against a man of the cloth?"

The priest gulped hard and beads of perspiration began to drop from his forehead.

"Liam?" The priest said hoarsely.

"Yes, Father it is I."

"Listen, child..."

The priest wasn't able to finish his sentence. Few minutes later, a teenage boy with curly locks dressed in faded jeans and grey hooded sweatshirt stepped out of the confessional box. He placed the hood on his head then put his hands inside the sweatshirt's pockets and casually walked out of the Cathedral.

The evening news:

"Earlier this afternoon, the body of Father Henry of Cathedral de Immalucata was found brutally stabbed to death inside the confessional booth. Authorities are buffled as to the motives and identity of the killer."

How I Am Built

2006-02-03T06:21:00.000+08:00

Riposte...

KEYS, re: Daimon: it's not a riddle. Daimon means demon. It has to do with something I'm going through right now - to fight my demons that consumes me.

PRUVALOO, re: Daimon: thanks bro! Just going back to my basic fave hues - blue, black, white and earth tones (khaki) while yellow is my birth color. :P

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

behind my smiles
and laughters
reside great sorrow
which
i dare not show
to anyone
i know

not out of pride,
fear or shame
but i do so
for i don't want
to burden them
with my pain

for
this is how
i am built