Dead 'N Awake

Fool's Reach: A Tragedy from the Beginning

2015-07-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

Staring at the ceiling, cold dark night, I lay on my back. Feeling my heart squeezing tighter each passing minute. I can’t recall how long I’ve been lying motionless. The deafening silence doesn’t help, as I grasp for any kind comfort that I can find. No tears are falling and yet I feel like my eyes are heavy with the burden of sadness. I wish they would just fall, the tears.

My world have once again been shattered into pieces. Relentless pain pierce through my aching heart as my world crumbles like mountain turning to stones. The beauty of creation is now turning into a domino of destruction. How did I end up in this tragedy? How could I be so careless and let these things happen?

I raise my hand and stare at my palm. A sculptor uses he’s hand to create his masterpiece. Is this hand responsible for getting me into this mess? Perhaps I’m just looking for someone, or something to blame. The truth is, I only have myself to blame.

We are but fools, trying to justify our foolishness. From the start, I knew nothing good can come from this affection I have found. I have my limits and I have my restrictions, but I also have my weakness. Despite all signs pointing east, I still, like chasing a fool’s gold, faced west and took a step towards my own self destruction.

And now I’m at the last step I took west. Roads stopped, trails end in a deep ravine. And worst, roads going back have vanished into the darkness. Standing with nowhere to go, I watch as the world around me crumbles. Perhaps this is what is meant to be foolish. Perhaps I can only stay here and watch as people around me go their way, into the path they happily walk. And I am here, alone, breaking into pieces. Vanishing into oblivion.

The funny thing is, this is not the first time I’ve been on this road. Stranded in an island of darkness. How did I escape that time? How did I manage to come out as a whole, or have I ever been whole? I could not remember, I could not know how to live from here…

Yeah I remember, I have always been stuck in this piece of land I’m standing on. Perhaps it is not me that walked here, but it is the world that moves while I just stand here. People pass me by as I just stand here. I can no longer recall how long I’ve been here, or how many people have passed me by. I can only recall the pain that people have left behind. And every moment, it hurts like hell, as it hurts now.

If I survived this before, perhaps I can now. But how can I move away from this darkness? How can I move along with the world? I close my eyes, lower my hands into my face. And tears started to fall.

Mt. Pinatubo: Trek for All Ages

2012-05-16T19:07:00.000-07:00

Friday night as I was heading back home, I felt droplets of rain on my head. 'Twas a sign that summer is soon on its way out of the door and welcome a rainy month of June. It would have been a good sign if we were at the last stretch of may, but it was only the 2nd week. I looked up at the sky and whispered to the heavenly bodies, "Let no rain fall tomorrow, for we shall climb Mt. Pinatubo"...

The clock greeted me with hands pointing to past 1am when I arrived home. I quickly changed clothes and took a quick nap. How I wish to visit Dreamland today but the time wouldn't let me. More than an hour after my nap, I was already packing my things as I head out to start this adventurous day.

We assembled ourselves, all 10 of us, around 3:30am on McDonalds at Quezon Ave. This was an adventure that we planned for nearly a month. We were itching for an outdoor activity to deviate from our busy life from our office, and this trip is the perfect fit. Aside from Ma'am Almirah's Husband and friend, all 7 of us are from the same office. Spending 8 hours or more of our life inside a corporate world where our only axis to the outside world is a single monitor. You can see how we look forward to this trip.

Contrary to the Filipino custom, I am quite surprised that most of us arrived before time. We only needed to wait for one girl before we could start our trip. It wasn't a long wait, and around 3:45am, we were off to Pinatubo.

As I was deprived of my sleep, what happened between McDonalds and Capas, Tarlac was unknown to me. I spent 3hours of our road trip sleeping. Apparently, most of us were. You can't blame us, we needed our full strength for this long trek.

To the top we go! Assembly at Spa Town.

The sun was already shining when we arrive at the Spa Town in Capas, Tarlac. We thought we were too early but when we got to the assembly point, it seems like we were late. There were already some who are starting their 4x4 ride towards Mt. Pinatubo. Not to be outdone by others, we stretched our arms, get out
of our rented F150 Ford Van, and feel the great ambiance of the country side. Our driver took care of our registration for the trek in the local tourism office and waited for our own 4x4 ride.

One 4x4 old jeep can only accomodate 5 person, plus the driver and our tourist guide. So we had to split up into two groups. I joined the first jeep along with Francis, Maam Almirah, Mr. Arman and Mr. Sulit. I wanted to ride at the hood of the jeep, but they won't allow me for my own safety. We were told to expect a bumpy ride along rocky roads and crossing streams.

The Lahar Plain

The first 10 minutes of the 4x4 ride was quite smooth and not that exciting. We enjoyed the scenery instead as we were greeted by mountains and hills and lahar formations illuminated by the rising sun. It was a relaxing ride as we take into ourselves the beauty of being away from the corners of the office. As we go deep into the terrain, we started passing thru rocks and small streams and the ride starts to get bumpy. We were enjoying the ride so much that we didn't notice that our other group was no longer behind us. Jay, our driver seems to be enjoying the ride as well as he try to maneuver along the rocky roads with maximum possible speed.

As the ride continues to get bumpy, we arrive at our first pitstop. We disembarked in our jeep to take pictures on what the local call the Toblerone Hills.

It's catchy name is inspired by the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. As I look at the hills, I can see why they name it as such, It's a line of hills shaped as triangles side by side, like toblerones. We took turns on taking pictures and waited for the others so we can have our first decent group pictures in our trip.

After the clicks and the snaps, we finally decided to continue the ride. I, again, attempted to ride on the hood but was turned down as the ride will only get worse. And Jay was right. The road were even more rocky than before. You can no longer see clear paths and had to cross streams and climb thru steep paths. I would have fallen if I was on the hood. We were filled with awe as we are amazed by how this old 4x4 jeep can endure the treacherous road.

It was no ordinary path we took, but the experience is one to add in my memory. We were told that before, you can take the skyway, up in the hills, and avoid this path to went directly at the foot of the crater of Pinatubo, but now, those path is gone. But I guess that was for the better (or worse), I wouldn't have experience this kind of ride if we took the easy way.

I could no longer tell how long we rode the jeep, but the end site of the ride as near as we can see in the horizon the flock of other jeeps park in the other side of the field. It was the mark of the starting point. This is where we say goodbye to our ride and rely on our feet to bring us to the top of the mountain, the land of promise. :p

I quickly jumped of the jeep when we arrived to have a feel of the lahar. It wasn't my first time to step on but it was still an exciting feeling. I was wearing a new Tribu Sandal, one with straps all over my feet. It took a long time before I decided to sport this sandal instead of my rubber shoes, and I think I made the right choice. It was very important that we dressed to the occassion as the wrong dress could make this trek a lot more stressful than it needs to be. I wore a Dri-Fit Umbro Shirt and a short Cargo pants along with my sandal to give a comfort feel. And of course, I sheilded my skin with a SPF 30 Sunblock, courtesy of JP, along with a Hat, shades and a piece of cloth to protect me from the sun. You can call me overprotective, but in this kind of terrain, the heat of the sun can be your worst enemy, and I know how to fight my enemies. :)

All preparation done, we waited for the other five before we started our 2hour trek. Their jeep has to be the slowest, it took them another 10 minutes before they arrive. Cobi, JP, Jaja, wally and Chelle was nevertheless excited, and a slow jeep didn't stop them from joining us in our trek.

Time to leave the jeep behind...

Filled with anticipation and excitement, we started our ascent towards the crater of Pinatubo. It was not that difficult as there were no steep path. It was almost straight path with occasional streams and rivers. There were rocks everywhere, big or small. We were enjoying the long walk as the views were majestic. We took pictures of every mountains that display wide range of shapes, rivers that cross our paths, and colorful stones. We never failed to get photos taken along with this great landscape. That's thanks to Jaja and Wally for their SLR Cameras.

30 minutes into the trek and the heat of the sun starts to get hot. It was a good thing we have Cobi with us, we could use a good laugh from time to time. We needed his stories to occupy our mind as not to think how tired we already are. We weren't yet halfway but we could already feel our sweat starting to drop from our head. It was a first testament of how hot the weather was that time.

But no sun can make as back down. We continued our trek, finding shades of shadows along the path if there is one. But we were told not to get too close because landslides are common in this area. It have come to our attention that mountains sorrounding the area are made of lahar and are not very strong. We can only imagine how this place came to be. A part of explosion that was known to be one of the worst volcanic erruption of the 19th century.

Cobi's stories soon faded away. We were starting to get weary as the long path never seems to end. We can only take comfort on the thought of the great view we will soon see. The occassional pictures also takes away the tiredness and gave us jolt of energy. The trek seems to go on and on and on... until we started seeing some greenery. Our guide says it's a sign that we are near the crater of Pinatubo.

After nearly two hours of walking under the sun, we finally saw a waiting shed. A group of tourist was resting in the shed. We were told this is were we start our ascend to the crater. When the skyway was still passable, this is where our ride was suppose to drop us off. Some would have chose that, but I would still like that 2 hour trek that we had. It was not a pleasant one, but something worth remembering.

We rested for 5 minutes on the shed and tried to assess our selves. We were almost depleted of our energy but we can still go on. Some of us had few cuts, especially on the area where sandal straps are in contact with the skin. Due to the river, sands and stones can pass thru the openings and can go between the straps and the skin. This can be irritating and can cause cuts as I soon discovered I have too when I got home.

Before climbing, we were greeted by reminder that it should only took 15minutes to climb the crater if we consider ourselves young, 20 minutes if we were already senior citizen. This burnt our spirit and tried to beat the clock. But it wasn't that easy as there were other people in front of us and the path is not wide enough to accomodate overpassing. We soon gave up on the 15 minute mark and decided we were older than the senior citizens. :p

We walked thru a terrain sorrounded by greenery. Most of the paths are rocky and there were some nearly dry river that we need to cross. It wwas not that difficult to climb thru the path, but it never pays to be careful. After sometime, we finally see some man made steps, signs that we are finally near the end of our journey. Sign that we can finally get the reward of our tiring journey.

At the top of the steps, we were mesmerized by the beauty of the Lake Crater of Mt. Pinatubo. I could say there's no word to explain the beauty, but that would be like closing your eyes to the promise that we sought. The lake was green in color, blue green, sorrounded by mountains or what is left of it. The
lake seems placid and still, and you can sense the serenity of the place. This is the place that we gladly spent our energy to see. If you spent so much time in the busy street of the Metro, something as magnificent as this can be your gold in the treasure box.

We took all the shots we can get to keep a memory of this beautiful scenery. And when the hype finally escapes us, we found the need to rest and refuel ourselves before we go down to the crater and have a swim at the beautiful lake.

It was not easy looking for a nice shade as there is only few waiting shed in the area. Today was a usual weekend, so the place is field with tourist like us. It's a good thing we find a place under a tree to lay our tired body. We finally gave in to our body took a break from the long journey. We packed our own food so we eat what we brought. It was rejuvenating to finally have some food. I could eat a thousand chicken legs at my state (exaggerated of course).

Refueled and Rejuvenated, rested and tired, we were tempted to just lay there and take a nap, some tourist did so. But we were so eager to see the lake closely that we decided to move on. The descend thru the lake was steep, guided by more man made steps. It wasn't that difficult but I can only imagine how hard would it be when we need to get back up. I didn't bother to count how many steps I took, but the long way down soon ends and the tiredness is equally paid by the beauty of the lake.

We were greeted by the locals at the crater and offered us a ride to the other side of the crater where they said a very nice hot springs can be found. We would have loved to go, but that would cost us another 350 pesos. The offer was tempting but the price, we thought, was unreasonable. So we settled not to go to the other side and enjoy the part of the lake where we were.

We laid our bags, took our shirt off and plunge right into the lake. What we didn't know is that the water was freaking cold. We needed time for our body to adjust to the coldness before we could enjoy the majestic lake. Too bad we can only swim near the shore as the lake suddenly gets very deep just meters away from the shore. You can no longer feel the bottom of the lake once you got far from the shore, a warning from non-swimmer out there. Not to mention, we saw one woman nearly drowned due to ignorance to the depth of the lake, good thing she was with somebody.

We spent a lot of time playing on the lake til we finally got tired and decided to finally leave the place. It was not an easy task going all the way here but what we got was worth it. It wasn't just the beauty and serenity of the crater of the lake that made it worthwhile. It was the joy of bonding along with your friends, to share the sacrifice in order to trek all the way to the top, and the stories, sensible and not, shared along the way. All this made this trip a trip worth remembering.

But oops, I almost forgot, we still have to go back to where we started. All the pain and tiredness, multiplied by 2! Hope we can survive the trek down. :)

Mt. Pinatubo! We Survive...

She, Who Owns My World

2011-09-07T01:54:00.000-07:00

"Wait for me, I'll be there in a 10 min."

That was the last words I heard from her. It had been almost an hour and I'm still hoping her 10 min is just around the corner. I never bothered asking where she is again, from past experience, this would just irritate her and make me wait more.

But patience is taking its toll. I kept my mind busy as I sit outside a fine dine restaurant, looking at every passer-by and admiring every beauty that this glorious night has to offer.

It was Friday night, and I was at the mercy of a cold night, as Christmas was fast approaching. I could have been with my friends, hanging out somewhere and enjoying music and possibly the warmth of beer. But I chose to be here, comforted only by the warmth light above me, taking refuge to the idea that soon, after 10 min of a slow moving clock, she will be here and sit in front of me. Yes, only time will tell how foolish I could be for something I wanted so badly.

Another 10 min had passed, more sexy ladies in their fine dress had greeted me with their smiles, and the coldness continues to drop that my hands begin to shiver from time to time. I look at the street and still I see no sign of her. I can't help but be bother by the possible reason that she could have been late. It was after all a Friday night, Friday traffic could be the culprit. But still, 10 min has quite passed its due.

As the clock continues to tick, I can help but see people near my table taking a peek at me. Perhaps their wondering how long I’ve been waiting here, alone and with just a glass of cold water, alone. Perhaps their right for wondering, I myself have been puzzled by why I'm here, still waiting, and didn't bother checking on her.

Frustration and anger has started to boil inside my head. For the past 20 min, I had been constantly fighting with the urge of just leaving the place and just call her after a few hours. But just the thought of leaving her alone is enough to make me wait for another hour or so.
10 more minutes and it would have been an hour and 30 minutes of waiting. But my world started to shine as I see a glimpse of her from the end of the street. There she was, walking slowly, with a smile that has been her most beautiful asset. As she slowly comes toward me, all the time that had been wasted to wait for her had been forgotten. It's like my world had once again been filled with warmth and joy as I look at her moving towards me. All the beautiful ladies that comforted my eyes during my wait had faded into her background. The world seems to have turned into black and white and only she had remained colourful, and shining in this black night.

It had felt like eternity, eternity filled with happiness, as I watch her walk towards me. I was in so deep that I didn't notice that we are now a foot apart. She smiled, while I still remain amazed and mesmerized. Then she leans toward me, and hugs me tight. She whispered in my ears, "Nice to see you again, Son."

Tears in her eyes started to fall, as I keep mine in my eyes. It had been more than 3 years since I last saw her. And the past 3 years hadn't been well for the both of us. I hugged her back and felt how aged had caught up to her.

She was once the most beautiful girl in my eyes, and she still is. I had been a big fan of her and she had been my closest friend. That's why it was so hard being away from her for a long time for the both of us. That's why this moment had been one of the best moments of my life.
As I escorted Mom inside the promised restaurant, not the fine-dine restaurant you would have thought, just a semi-fast food chain on a side of the mall, I felt stupid and angry with myself.
That one hour and thirty minutes of waiting, I had been the cruelest son. How could I complain about waiting, when she had waited everyday at home to see me grow into a fine man I am now? How could I complain about enduring the cold, when she had endured night months of pain and more than 3 hours of labour just to give me my life? How could I complain about not being out there and have fun, when she made my happiness hers. How could I complain about waiting alone, when I know those three years of being away, she had felt it more than I do.

Looking at her again, and seeing her smile back again, I told myself, "I could even wait a lifetime if it means, having this moment with my Mom".

Going Against the Wind II...

2009-11-05T21:51:00.000-08:00

Arriving at Batangas Peir was no walk in the park, our fate was continuously tested before we finally got there (read here...). But we never thought our persistence would be stopped by big waves and shaky ships. And so the desire to reach puerto had finally been stopped. But we can't put the effort to a waste, so we embarked on a more adventurous journey, travel across Batangas and find the perfect resort. We didn't know what's ahead, but this what made this journey worthy of writing.:)

And so with the sun setting, we had to retreat and put puerto on another day. But we are forgetting something, it was a long journey before we arrive here, shall we go home without savoring the victory we just had? The answer was simple, we can't go home empty handed. We held ourselves against a raging storm until it finally went away, we couldn't just go home just yet, we need a place to celebrate!

The problem is, Batangas isn't our neighborhood. Not to mention most of us had never been, we were complete alien in a part of our own country. So we did ask and solicit ideas from strangers. Motorcycle drivers, stranded passengers, guards, even by-standers, we asked them all. They always have same answer, it's best to stay for the night at closed room then have fun tomorrow. But no way, that's not part of the plan. Waste the night on a unknown bed? We were adventurers, we didn't travel all the way here to have a thorough examination on somebody's bed. We need to find a place to celebrate.

So we put our hope to the wonders of the modern world. A few text and a google would get us somewhere. A friend told us about Nasugbu, were resorts were common, not quite like puerto but better than nothing.

So at about almost 4pm, the sun already waving goodbye, we took two tricycles and instructed them to bring us to where we could ride a bus going to nasugbu, wherever that is. Clueless, we put our safety to the two tricycle drivers who are unrelentlessly convincing us to go to a better place near the vicinity. We would have given in, until they told us it would cost at least 1200 pesos per tricycle and with more than one hour travel on the tricycle depending on the traffic. Oh My! quite suspicious we thought. So we give them a loud NO and finally arrived at a Bus Stop near a National Road.

At the bus stop, we asked the driver, and we were very specific with our question, "Can this bus take us to Nasugbu?", not to mention the signboard says so. And the driver gave a convincing nod and a smile. So our hearts were at peace when we took the bus.

The ride was long, most of us fell asleep but not me. I had to savor every moment of this accidental adventure. Then it dawned to me that where we are going is same place as where Santi actual passed through. We passed landslides along the way, there were flood on some part of the road, we had to stop on some roads where only one lane is open, and we also passed roads covered with soil, its a good thing the local government started clearing the road so we were able to pass. I realized that Santi was no joke, we where just lucky we didn't got directly hit.

After almost two hours of travel, our bus suddenly announced that we won't be going up to Nasugbu since one of the bridges leading to Nasugbu is heavily damaged. The bus stops at Sinsian Lemery, wherever that is. My mind instantly boiled, I can still picture that drivers smile and nod when we asked him, and yet he never told us about the tragedy. We tried to talk to the driver after we had the stop but he quickly stepped out of the bus after we arrive at Sinsian. We asked the conductor instead and instructed us to walk over the damaged bridge and ride a bus on the opposite side of the bridge. At least another bus is waiting, "Not to worry". And what's more irritating is that he told us they knew about the unpassable bridge and they never bothered to tell us when we asked them before. I guess that's what business is all about, find ways to get money and explain later when complaints are raised.

So we walked across the bridge, with lots of foods on our hands. We hadn't eaten anything yet but hunger started to put music in our stomach. At the end of the bridge, we expected bus, comforting bus where we could lie on our backs and relax. But no bus were in sight, only tricycles and jeepney. Another shocking lie I guess. We asked around and found out another bridge ahead is also damaged so the bus we were suppose to take is on that side of that bridge.

So we had to take a jeepney and walk again to that damaged bridge. As we took the ride on that jeepney, we realized night had started to fall. It's getting dark and we are still on the road in a very unknown place. This must be what adventure is like, never know where you're gonna end but you know it'll be fun. Somehow, we felt nervous and eager to end that feeling of being lost.

After about 15 min, we arrived at the 2nd bridge, we had to cross that dark unpassable bridge just to get to the other side. This had been a first timer for a lot of things for me, so I felt rather excited to see how the day ends. At the other side, we finally saw a bus, and this time, they assure us, we are stopping at Nasugbu. So we took our sit, and gave ourselves a deserved reward, food. We took out what we were carrying all along and ate our food we were suppose to offer to puerto. It never crossed our minds that we would be eating all of this at the bus, talk about luck.:)

With the night starting to get darker, we were eager to finally end our journey. And about 8pm, we finally arrive at Nasugbu terminal. People there knew exactly where we want to go so we didn't have any difficulty finding a nice resort. Two tricycle took us to a Beach Resort called Johndel...

And so we took a room, we didn't care if it was that expensive, lay our bags, put in our swimming clothes and enjoyed the culmination of the hardships that we had to go through. We had fun, but what makes it more memorable is the things we had to go through just to enjoy this moment. And how we enjoyed the weekend? Our picture tells it all. :)

Going Against the Wind...

2009-11-04T19:22:00.000-08:00

The past month had been the most devastating time I had personally witness in our country. I've come from the south and storms and typhoon doesn't usually affect us much, so it was a shocker to have witness the chaotic effects of two nearly simoultaneous storms. It didn't just destroyed homes and roads, but worst, it took the lives of almost a thousand of my countrymen. Most were affected, if not structurally, also emotionally, and brought the whole nation into darkness. It had engraved a new meaning of fear for most who have seen its capacity. And so paranoia for storm had been common this days.

After more than a month, another storm was bound to hit the country once again. It was no Ramil who just grazed northern Luzon and spared our wounded country, nor was it like Quedan who never bothered to look at an injured prey. It was Santi, who unmercifully tested the nation once again as it cross right into the heart of luzon. A stormy night in an All Saint's Day was feared to happen. A To Dos los Santi as many would joke around.

But if others felt fear, I saw a completely different perspective for the upcoming weekend. It was a time to redeem ourselves, prove that no matter what comes our way, we will always rise up to the challenge and overcome any mountains that block our way. Grief was a thing in the past, now is the time to tell those who listen that we can't remain scared forever, we have to face our fears someday, and now is the perfect day.

Friday night, same night when Santi finally landed on South Luzon, we meet at our place, cooked some foods, equipped ourselves with short shorts, summer shirts, beach slippers, and lots of candles and flashlights in case Santi did get wild. But Santi was in for a fight, it was already midnight and the rain just keeps getting heavier. Reminded us of the night Ondoy hit Luzon, unstopped raining all night then followed by flashflood the following morning. Yet we waited and let our spirit stay burning and wait for it to stop. About 3am, the whole vicinity turned black, power interruption almost disrupted our spirits. But still, we were still wide awake when the next hour approach. It was a relief when the rain begun to stop. But it is then that we saw what was the real danger hiding in the heavy rains, gust of winds were strong enough to let the roof from small houses to fly, branches of trees cracked at the angry wind. With no electricity and the wind continuously testing our spirit, we were at our darkest moment. We slept about 5am with little thought continuing on our meaningful journey.

About 10am, a familiar sunlight woke me up. It was still dark and hot with no fan to cool us off, but a relief was there when a ray of sunlight was forcing me to open my eyes. And as if I was completely repossessed by my own spirit, I jumped up and with burst of excitement, declared that no storm could stop us,it was the sign that our journey continues.

Despite the wind still staying strong, we went to cubao at about 11am to begin our journey. We embarked from the terminal about noon. 3-4 hrs more and we'll be at Batanga Pier.

On our way, after almost halfway, we experienced heavy rain along the way. This got us thinking if we were stupid or just plainly not thinking at all. But to our relief, we look at east and we could see a glare of sunlight. At least part of Batangas has sunlight. And we were lucky we were going to where that sun is. And after about 3 hrs, we arrive at Batangas Pier, and this is where reality struck us.

We arrive at the pier, with shorts, foods on our hands, and large backpacks you only see when people are mountain climbing. It's like we were screaming, "Puerto here we come". But what greeted us wasn't happy boatman, but countless passengers waiting for a ship to bring them home. I can almost subconsciously hear them saying, "what the hell with these people, don't they know we are in the middle of the storm?". I can almost feel their eyes at our backs staring with mixed feeling, partly angry and partly laughing at us.

But we were persistent, we asked around, look for possible way cross the sea despite the big waves. And we weren't lucky enough to find one. But it was nice to know we weren't the only one stranded there and bound to puerto, only that they weren't as vulgar with their intention as we were. With the sun starting to set, hope seems to fade along with it. We realize there was no way to cross the sea.

And so Puerto did became an unreachable goal that day.... But it didn't end there, our spirits can never be broken, and we did execute a Plan B...

(...to be continued)

Why Pretty Girls Don't Get Married to Rich Men

2009-09-17T22:37:00.000-07:00

"just wanna something interesting...

CEO of J.P Morgan's Fantastic
reply to a Pretty
Girl

A young and pretty lady posted
this on a popular forum:
Title: What should I do to
marry a rich guy?

I'm going to be honest of
what I'm going to say here:
I'm 25 this
year.
I'm very pretty, have
style and good taste.
I wish to marry a guy with
$500k annual salary or above.
You might say that I'm
greedy, but an annual salary of $1M is
considered
only as middle class in New
York .
My requirement is not
high:
Is there anyone in this forum
who has an income of $500k annual salary?
Are you all
married?
I wanted to ask: what should I
do to marry rich persons like you?
Among those I've dated,
the richest is $250k annual income, and it
seems
that this is my upper limit.
If someone is going to move into high cost
residential area on the west
of New York City Garden , $250k annual income
is not enough.
I'm here humbly to ask a
few questions:

1) Where do most rich
bachelors hang out?
(Please list down the names
and addresses
of bars, restaurant, gym)
2) Which age group should I
target?
3) Why most wives of the
riches is only average-looking?
I've met a few girls who
doesn't have looks and are not interesting,
but
they are able to marry rich
guys.
4) How do you decide who can
be your wife, and who can only be your
girlfriend? (my target now is
to get married)

Ms. Pretty

Awesome reply:
;-)

Dear Ms. Pretty,

I have read your post with
great interest.
Guess there are lots of girls
out there who have similar questions like
yours.
Please allow me to analyse
your situation as a professional investor.
My annual income is more than
$500k, which meets your requirement, so I
hope everyone believes that
I'm not wasting time here.
From the standpoint of a
business person, it is a bad decision to marry
you.
The answer is very simple, so
let me explain.

Put the details aside, what
you're trying to do is an exchange of
"beauty"
and
"money":
Person A provides beauty, and
Person B pays for it, fair and
square.
However, there's a deadly
problem here, your beauty will fade, but my
money
will not be gone without any
good reason.
The fact is, my income might
increase from year to year, but you can't
be
prettier year after
year.
Hence from the viewpoint of
economics, I am an appreciation asset, and you
are a depreciation
asset.
It's not just normal
depreciation, but exponential depreciation.
If that is your only asset,
your value will be much worried 10 years later.

By the terms we use in Wall
Street, every trading has a position,
dating
with you is also a
"trading position".
If the trade value dropped we
will sell it and it is not a good idea to
keep it for long term - same
goes with the marriage that you wanted.
It might be cruel to say this,
but in order to make a wiser decision any
assets with great depreciation
value will be sold or "leased".
Anyone with over $500k annual
income is not a fool; we would only date you,
but will not marry
you.
I would advice that you forget
looking for any clues to marry a rich guy.
And by the way, you could make
yourself to become a rich person with
$500k
annual income. This has better
chance than finding a rich fool.
Hope this reply helps. If you
are interested in "leasing" services,
do
contact me... :-)
:-D

J.P. Morgan CEO

.

The Ecstacy of the Bar Exam

2009-09-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

And if I could be in that same place, I would walk on that road with head high. Good or bad, I'll be sure I did it with my all, and I know no result can take away the feeling that I am a victor at my own end.

Most decent people in the city must be asleep by now. It's past 1am and yet here I am, awake and burning my eyes in front of a radiation-emitting screen. Probably because I can't keep my eyes closed on a saturday night, or another insomnia attack, or perhaps the excitement I feel at tomorrow's event.

Tomorrow, I meant today, the 2nd Sunday of the month of September, the 2nd chapter of the stressful bar exam is about to take place, about 6 hrs from now. Don't get me wrong, I won't be taking part of the exam, neither am I a law student. I'm just here to provide support for my brother who'll be battling with the exam.

But my un-involvement doesn't stop me from feeling the ecstacy this event has emitted. Compared to my board exam (CE Board Exam), bar exam excites me a lot more! Why?

Bar Operations

The excitement starts before even the exam begins. A night before the exam, concerned peers of the examinee gather to give full support to them. Their job ranges from providing them the comfort, food, emotional support, and even to the complicated exploration of tips and possible leakage that might be available.

The March to La Salle

The beauty of bar exam is its one location and the strict security. Compared to other licensure exam with volume of takers, Bar exam is conducted only in La Salle, Taft Avenue. As a result, come late and you'll find yourself on a long death march to the gate. And last week was a unlucky day, long line and a slightly rainy morning. Don't know how those takers felt marching near their future.

And you have to love the strictness and security in the area. One side of the road blocked. Non-takers can only watch the gate 500m away, and no brave soul would dare cross the line.

The Chants... I love the Chants

First time I've been in a bar exam, and I was shocked to see how many people stay on the nearest possible place they can get to wait for their friends, brod or sis, lovers, fathers, family, and even enemy for some. And when the first examiner walk out the gate, the chants start! From different school, from different frats, giving honors to their brothers by calling their name followed by their own chants. The energy wanna make you shout as well.

The walk of Fame...

And what I love mostly is the walk of fame. Since security is tight, examiners would have to walk out on one exit, with people eagerly waiting to see you. You can see lot of emotion coming from the examiners. Some are happy, some are emotionless, and some smiles like they just made it to the top. No other board exam give you the opportunity to show all the people how you did.

And if I could be in that same place, I would walk on that road with head high. Good or bad, I'll be sure I did it with my all, and I know no result can take away the feeling that I am a victor at my own end.

As for my brother, Abdel Jalil, CPA... You deserve a lot more than just passing, topping the board exam is no mere impossibility, it runs in the blood.:)

MisadVentures of Inday (Time to Laugh)

2009-09-10T23:20:00.000-07:00

Nahihirapan na si Dodong

Nov 6th, 2007 by Inday

Nahihirapan na si Dodong sa pagka-high maintenance ni Inday kaya’t naisipan nyang kausapin ito habang nagde-date sila.

Dodong: Babes, you know naman na love kita diba? Pero, nahihirapan na ako eh…

Inday: What do you mean? Are you emotionally distressed? or something neurological? Is it your heart? Palpitations? Or arrythmia perhaps? Tell me…

Dodong: Babes, ba’t naman napasok math dito? What I mean is… hindi na kaya ng budget ko tuwing lumalabas tayo. Mahal ng IMAX tickets, yung pagStaStarbucks natin…pati yung pagpapa-spa or kung tinopak ka naman eat all you can sa ShangriLa Hotel ang gusto mong merienda. 5 months na akong naka-cash advance babes eh. Tinigil ko na nga ang pagmamagic (The Gathering) ko and binenta ko na rin character ko sa Ragnarok pero kulang pa rin eh. Hirap talaga.

Inday: (natahimik si Inday), are you saying that… we’ll hang out at McCafe for coffee instead? Dodong, why can’t you understand my life? I have an image to protect. You can’t expect us to go back to hanging out at the park, consuming dirty ice cream while riding in a sidecar. That has to change…

Dodong: I see… ok, papahinto ko na lang siguro muna yung 2 pamangkin na pinapaaral ko tutal ayaw na raw nila sa Don Bosco eh.

Inday: Great! Tell you what, let me make it up to you. On our next date I’ll prepare a sumptuous meal for you provided that you do the grocery ok?

Dodong: Ok. Ganun na lang siguro. Thanks babes! *mwah*

Flash Report
Sep 27th, 2007 by admin

FLASH REPORT: Inday is alive she’s not yet dead. SOCO found out that, the impostora of Inday was killed. Ederlyn (Inday’s neighbor) was the mastermind.
SOCO: Bakit mo siya pinapatay?
Ederlyn: Kasi inagaw niya sa akin si Dodong!
Inday: Mythomaniac! He was never yours.
Ederlyn: Dong, di ba mahal mo din ako?
Dodong: I never…. said… that I loved you.

Chef Tony’s Popcorn

Dec 15th, 2008 by manager

Isang hapon habang nagkwekwentuhan at nagmemerienda ang barkada sa may sari sari store ay napadaan ang maglalako.

Maglalako: Hooppp…. Hopppp…. Hopppiamanipop… (napatigil ito sa nakitang pinapapak nila Inday)

Dodong: Sarap pala nito Inday, daig pa yung nabibiling popcorn sa tabi tabi.

Maglalako: Wow ang sosyal niyo naman, Chef Tony’s popcorn.

Inday: Of course, would you like some? (alok sa maglalako)

Biglang napadaan din ang pulubi at nakihingi na rin.

Pulubi: Care to offer me some of those too Inday?

Inday: Sure help yourself!

Maglalako: (matapos makakain ng ilang popcorn) … May joke ako. Ano ang last name ni Chef Tony?

Napaisip ang mga tao…

Ederlyn: Ferrer? Chef Tony Ferrer?

Pulubi: DaTiger? Chef Tony DaTiger?

Maglalako: Nope.. nope… sirit na?

Ethan: O sige sirit na kami.

Maglalako: Ede Alarcon! Hahahaha.

Inday: Chef Tony Alarcon? (mukhang di na-gets ni Inday)

Pacquiao vs De La Hoya match

Dec 7th, 2008 by manager

Sama-samang nanonood ng laban nila Pacquiao at De La Hoya ang pamilya Montemayor sa 50″ Plasma TV. Kasama ring nanonood si Inday.

Junior: Wow ate Inday buti magkaibigan kayo ni Pacman. Napakabitan tuloy tayo ng Pay-per-view ng libre!

Tuwang tuwa ang pamilya at nakakanood sila ng laban ng Live. Nagsigawan sila sa tuwing nakaka-connect si Pacman sa kanyang mga suntok. Nainis sila nung inipit ni De La Hoya ang braso ni Pacquiao upang makalibre ng suntok. At nagpalakpakan at naghiyawan nang sumuko na si De La Hoya sa simula ng 9th round.

Pagkatapos ng post-game announcements and interview…

Inday: Ok ok, fight’s over! I would like to rest now so kindly exit my room.

Mr. and Mrs.: Sige na nga, salamat ulit Inday at nakanood kami sa TV mo.

Junior: Thank you ate Inday!

Inday: You’re all welcome.

Kinagabihan, narinig ni sir na may kausap si Inday sa telepono.

Inday: … your interview. We should converse more so that you’d be more comfortable answering those questions in English… Yeah… Ok… You too… Congrats again! Take care! (sabay baba ng phone)

Sir: Si ano ba yun… si..?

Inday: Yeah it’s Manny calling from his hotel asking if I saw his fight.

BLAG! Hinimatay si sir.

Ang Pulubi ulit

Feb 25th, 2008 by Inday

Isang hapon, dumaan na naman ang pulubi sa kanila Inday. Kumakatok ito sa gate at nanghihingi ng makakain.

Amo: Inday, bigay mo nga ang tirang pandesal dun sa pulubi sa gate.

Inday: Yes madam!

Pumunta si Inday sa gate at inabot sa pulubi ang pandesal. Nanonood lang ang amo nya sa may pinto.

Inday: Here! Off you go!

Tinanggap ng pulubi ang tinapay…

Pulubi: Uhh thanks but uhh, maybe you have some bruschetta lying around also that you can give me.

Nagulat ang amo ni Inday sa narinig na request ng pulubi.

Inday: No! Besides, it is not proper for mendicants to be indicatrous of preferences.

Dumugo ilong ng amo sa narinig na sagot ni Inday.

Pulubi: Ok. (malungkot na pagkasabi)

May kinuhang garapon na may lamang likodo ang pulubi sa kanyang lumang Crumpler na bag. Binuksan nya ito at sinawsaw ang pandesal sa likido at kinain.

Nakita ng amo ni Inday ang ginawa ng pulubi at na curious…

Amo: Inday, anong ginagawa nya sa tinapay?

Inday: It seems that he’s dipping it in olive oil.

Pulubi: No, it’s extra virgin olive oil.

Hinimatay ang amo.

Ang Pulubi take 2

Jan 10th, 2008 by manager

AMO: Inday, may pulubi sa gate paalisin mo nga..

INDAY: Right away!

INDAY to BEGGAR: Hey you putrid-smelling beggar with the diverse ambiance of scented junk that assails everybody’s nostrils and poisons everyone’s fresh and carbon free lungs, please go away now!

BEGGAR: What?! Who do you think you are you pathetic trying hard nanny! How could you, a social climber and a very low grade mammal, underestimate a high-class beggar like me?! The hell with you!

INDAY: Nakakasakit ka na ah! Ma’am o ayaw umalis!

- Hmmm, ba’t parang laging talo si Inday sa pulubi? Baka noon pa ito nangyari nung di pa sya ganung kagaling sa mga comebacks. - manager

Fruit Salad

Dec 26th, 2007 by manager

May handaan sa Montemayor household para sa kanilang noche buena. Kasama ang kanilang mga kamag-anak na galing abroad.

Nasa kusina si Junior at si ma’am na tilang may ginagawang putahe.

Junior: Every Christmas si nanay ang laging bida ng noche buena.

Napa-smile ang nanay ni Junior sa sinabi nya…

Junior: Lagi naming hinihintay ang fruit salad nya. It’s really the best kaya…

Napahinto si Junior nang may narinig silang nag-uusap usap sa hapag-kainan.

Bisita #1: Wow ang sarap nitong fruit salad ah. Kakaiba!

Bisita #2: Oo nga eh, there are too many different tastes but they’re not competing with each other. Who did this?

Mr. Montemayor: Ahh gawa ni Inday yan, yung maid namin na magaling sa kusina. Inday anong klaseng fruit salad ba ito?

Inday: Oh I decided to try something different from the usual fare of madam. It’s still fruit salad but with lemon verbena. There are strawberries, mangoes, blueberries, raspberries, a bit of orange-flavored liquer and chopped lemon verbena. It’s really quite a treat for the tongue that’s used to the old and unoriginal fruit cocktail served with all-purpose cream.

BLAG! May narinig silang nagdabog sa kusina at sinundan ng pagkabasag ng pinggan.

Christmas Carol

Dec 25th, 2007 by Inday

Dumalaw ang iba pang mga kamag-anak ng Montemayor family sa kanila upang mag-celebrate ng Christmas Party. Nag-pasiklaban ang mga batang pinsan ni Junior para makatanggap ng pera. May kumanta, nag-piano, sumayaw ng Papaya, nag pluta…

Syempre di papatalo si Ma’am…

Amo: Ok Junior, sing for us naman. Show mo yung Christmas Carol na tinuturo sa’yo ni Inday. Diba matagal mo nang pinapractice yun? Let’s hear it naman ‘nak.

Mahiyang pumwesto si Junior sa harapan nila…

Amo: We’re so busy with the Christmas shopping kaya wala kaming time na turuan si Junior ng mga Christmas Carols. Buti na lang andito si Inday, our maid, para maturuan sya. (paliwanag ni Ma’am sa mga bisita)

At kumanta na nga si Junior…

“Ecstasy towards the celestial sphere, let the planet receive its sovereign!!
Let every blood pumping organ, organize him accommodation,
Let Nirvana and physical world utter harmonious sounds!!! (2x)
Let nirvana, nirvana and the physical world utter harmonious sounds…”

Napatunganga na lang ang mga bisita pati na rin sina ma’am. May isang nasamid sa Sprite. Meron ding nag-nosebleed. Di ata nila kinaya ang version ni Inday ng “Joy to the World”.

Potluck

Dec 28th, 2008 by manager

Dumalaw ang pamilya Montemayor sa kanilang kumare at kumpare na kapitbahay para mag-celebrate ng post-Christmas lunch. Potluck ang usapan kaya nagbaon ng pagkain ang pamilya.

Pagbukas ng pinto ay sinalubong sila ni kumare.

Kumare: Amiga!! you’re just in time halos kumpleto na ang pagkain natin. May pansit, lechon, hipon… ano ba yang dinala mo?

Mrs.: Kumare eto o Maja Blanca for dessert!

Kumare: Uyyy dessert… sinong gumawa?

Mrs: Ako syempre, kagabi lang yan!

Kumare: Ahh ganun ba? (parang na-dismaya)

Tinawag ang maid nila.

Kumare: Ederlyn!!

Ederlyn: Ano po yun ati?

Kumare: Kunin mo itong Maja Blanca at ilagay mo dun sa mesa sa tabi kasama ng fruit salad.

Ederlyn: Opo ati. (kinuha ang Maja Blanca at umalis)

Kumare: Baka meron ka pang tinatagong iba dyan mare?

Mrs.: Ha… baket? Kulang ba yung handa?

Umentra si Inday na nasa likod nila Mr. and Mrs. Montemayor at may dalang pagkain na nakalagay sa loob ng stainless steel na container.

Kumare: Ohhhh kasama niyo pala si Inday. (mukhang natuwa)

Kumare: Inday ano yang dala mo?

Inday: Oh just something I concocted earlier before we went here just in case the feast today lacks oomph.

Nilapag ni Inday sa mesa ang dala at binuksan.

Inday: Nothing special, just salt-roasted potatoes sprinkled with Gross El, a coarse grey salt that is quite popular in France. It’s tasty yet not overpowering which is what a side dish should be.

Kumare: (nanlake ang mga mata) OOhhh…. perfect!! Pwede!! (tuwang tuwa)

Kumare: Ederlyn!! Pakilagay itong dala ni Inday sa gitna ng mesa katabi ng lechon. Ayusin mo rin yung food lamp ng lechon ha para mailawan din ito.

Mrs. (mukhang nalugi at siniko si Mister) Sabi sayo wag na naten isama si Inday eh! Kahit ako na lang ang magbantay kay Junior.

Hope you guys had a satisfying Christmas meal!

MisadVentures of Inday (Time to Laugh)

2009-09-05T23:17:00.000-07:00

Inner Beauty
Mar 17th, 2008 by Inday

Patulog na sana si Inday pagkatapos niyang manood ng Oprah. Pero dahil medyo hindi pa siya inaantok, nagpasya siyang ilipat ang channel at nagkataong Bb. Pilipinas 2008 pala ang palabas sa GMA. At tiyempong Q and A pa ang naabutan niya kaya medyo nagising ang ulirat niya nang nagtanong na ang isang judge tungkol sa kahalagahan ng pamilya sa pagsali ng isang kandidata sa naturang beauty pageant.

Bago pa man sumagot ang kandidata, sinabi ni Inday sa sarili, “Lucky for her, that is a very plain and straightforward question!”.

Ngunit napanganga si Inday nang marinig nya ang kasagutan ng binibini,

“Well, my family’s role for me is so important because there was the, they’re they was the one whose very, ha-ha; oh I’m so sorry. Ah my family, my family, oh my God, I’m, okay. I’m so sorry; I, I told you that I’m so confident; ah wait, ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, uhm, sorry guys because this was really my first pageant ever. Because I’m only 17 years old and I did not expect that I came from, I came from the one of the to(f)p 10; uhm, so, but I said that my family is the most important persons in my life. Thank you.”

Pagkarinig ng mga pahayag ng Binibini, nasabi nya na lang sa sarili…

“What a loss! She has the potential of a would-be beauty queen. However, by the way she responded to the query, her height definitely did not compensate with her ability to communicate fluently in English. She should have instead, consistently converged in Filipino throughout her answer. Worst, she still managed to qualify that her age had something to do with her difficulty.”

Sabay lipat ng channel..

Ngunit dahil na rin sa hindi pa siya dinalaw ng antok, at dala na rin ng kuryosidad kung sinu-sino ang mga tatanghaling kandidata na magrerepresenta sa Pilipinas sa mga internasyonal na paligsahan ng ganda, talino at talento, nagawa pa niyang panuorin ang koronasyon.

Laking gulat niya sa announcement ng mga nanalo ay nasama sa tatlong pinakamasayang Filipina sa gabing iyon ang kandidatang pinagsabihan niyang “What a loss!”.

Ngunit may parang bagong realisasyon sa sarili si Inday,

“Well, maybe (took a deep audible breath and a bit affected) they saw in her inner beauty, which is not gauged by mere sugarcoating of words or grammatically-correct construction of sentences, but more of being real and true to oneself and admitting that she has flaws and is ergo, imperfect. That may have made her win the crown, if all things were equal that is. However, to further develop her communication skills especially that she will represent our country in the future international pageant, she must at least continuously correspond to people like me, who’s adept in English fluency and are connoisseurs of beauty pageants e.g. past beauty queens themselves.”

Meet Arajaya
Feb 20th, 2008 by Inday

Arajaya was sipping her cup of brewed coffee served with hot pandesal by Coffeebean – so Filipino – so indigent – when a group of infamous people started to occupy the nearby infamous café a.k.a Starbucks. They were so noisy that Arajaya’s blood boiled – temperature almost reaching 412 kelvin.

But since Arajaya is a woman of sophistication, she decided to just ignore the crowd and let them live the way they wanted.

Suddenly, she felt a strong chill. She felt a very odd sensation from her nape to her head – the FEELING of being watched. But then again, Arajaya never gave a damn.

When she was about to eat her hot pandesal, she started to hear a familiar voice from her back.

“What a very small world” said the woman in a maid’s uniform.

Arajaya turned around and was surprised by what she saw.

“Well if my hippocampus serves me right, you are Arajaya, my former friend who turned her back from me. Aren’t you?”

“Wow! What a very well rehearsed introduction. Inday – my former friend who framed me up to escape a crime she’d done. Who would forget that sweet demonic voice – your pitch and intonation as well as your liaising?

“Basing from the gesture of your not so well-developed bone structure predominantly – your skull – that gave you a very elongated face and the kind of food that you have right now, you are about to nosh your stomach with an impecunious meal they called ‘Kape’t pandesal’, uh – was that right?” said Inday as if ridiculing her.

“Yes. Would you like a bite?” replied Arajaya.

“Thanks but no thanks. But would you mind if you join me at Starbucks instead of taking your breakfast in this approximately forsaken café with a very ghastly ambience?” said Inday. “I also want you to try my favorite Venti Java Chip Frappuccino along with cold sandwich and some Choux pastries. Don’t worry, my treat!”

Inday offered Arajaya to join her at Starbucks instead of Coffeebean…

Arajaya stared at Inday, sneered at her then opened her MacBook Pro.

“Thank you for the offer but I prefer Coffeebean to Starbucks. I just think that Starbucks is a den of social climbers and bourgeoisies like you.”

“Oh, dear! Don’t you think you’re getting rude, I just want you to experience life. Okay, I’ll – ” Inday was interrupted when she saw Arajaya busy working with her MacBook.

“And what are you trying to do Arajaya?” asked Inday impolitely.

“Hmm… nothing so important. You wouldn’t understand it even if I tell you.”

“Are you trying to undervalue my comprehension by implying that I will not understand the philosophy that you are doing with your MacBook? C’mon, don’t be so supercilious friend!”

“Okay, I am configuring its IEEE 802.15 to perpetuate the distribution of electromagnetic waves from the medium access control and the physical layer to the transport layer. Later, I will also track the process from the session layers in with the packets are sent and processed for the presentation layer to convert the signals into binary form. Example, if I tried to send “Inday go to hell” message, it will me converted to its hexadecimal value which is 496E49617900676F0068656C6C which will later be converted to its binary value of 010010010111 1110010010010 110000101111001 00000000011001110 110111100000 000011010000110011 10110110001100110. Then, the application layer will check the binary value for error detection using parity bit (even). If there are errors, it will fix the message then sends it to the ALU for processing which will be passed to the CU for data transfer. Satisfied?”

Inday remained silent for awhile then ran back to Starbucks when she heard “1 Venti Java Chip Frappuccino for Inday!” to get her order.

“Starbucks bullshit!” said Arajaya to herself.

After eating, she decided to go back to her work and accidentally passed by in front of Starbucks when she heard Inday…

“I was so careless. I thought that the wit I have in me which I found flamboyant in using any language I know of would simply astound them. I was just mortified that it took me a little pinch of effort not to step beyond the waterline, to just impart to the people I formerly know of that I have grown into a better personage – not just a chambermaid whom others look down to. I was so disgraced by the thing I heard awhile ago and my heart beat faster than normal that I suffered from the incapability of speaking. Good thing that barista called my name. I just wish that someday, I would be able to face my worst nightmare that is yet to come – yet to come that will consume me and bury me to death. I just wish that day isn’t coming yet.”

- Inday nag-emote matapos matabla ni Arajaya sa Coffeebean.

Wowowee Part 1
Feb 10th, 2008 by Inday

Naging contestants sina Inday at Ederlyn sa Wowowee.

Willie: Kapamilya, ang ating mga kalahok ngayon ay mga maid or mga yaya… mga kasambahay minsan kung tawagin. Sila ang dahilan kung baket nananatiling malinis ang bahay natin, may pagkain sa hapagkainan kung pagod tayo para magluto. Sila ang naghuhugas ng pinggan, naglalaba at nag-aalaga sa mga anak natin. Aminin na naten, mahihirapan din tayo pag wala sila.

Willie: Sige tawagin na naten ang mga unang maglalaro.

Umentra sina Inday at Ederlyn at pumwesto sa magkabilang panig ni Willie.

Kinausap muna ni Willie si Ederlyn. Excited sobra si Ederlyn, sigaw ng sigaw ng “Papiii”!!

Willie: Hello kamusta ka? Anong name mo?

Ederlyn: Ederlyn po papi!! I’m fine thanks!!! (excited talaga)

Willie: Ederlyn, taga-saang probinsya ka?

Ederlyn: I’m from here lang in Metro Manila papi!!! You’re hansam pala in personal!

Willie: Wow, thank you ha. Ilang taon ka na Ederlyn?

Ederlyn: 20 po papi!!

Willie: Ahh, kamusta mga magulang mo, nasan sila?

Ederlyn: Di ko po alam papi!! In their house lang yun siguro. I am staying with my amo.

Willie: Ahhh so sino yung nagbabantay ng bahay ngayon? Alam ba ng amo mo na nandito ka sa Wowowee?

Ederlyn: Yung amo ko po nag-stay sa house. Pinayagan nya naman ako at she also gave me bus fare to go here so I could join.

Willie: Wow, ang bait naman. Meron ka bang message para sa amo mo?

Ederlyn: Ma’am thank you po for giving me pamasahe to go here, don’t worry I will pay you. The trash at the back I will throw later, I am not finish sweeping the floor in your room. The fruit salad in the ref is already panis, don’t eat it. Pa-throw na lang po in the trash can.

Willie: Aba! Astig ka rin ah, inutusan mo pa amo mo. Sa magulang mo baka may message ka.

Ederlyn: Ahmm… Nay, Tay! How are you guys? I’m doing fine here at Wowowee. I know you are watching me. Thank you for your patronage. That’s all papi!

Willie: Nyak! O sige anong talent mo?

Ederlyn: I will sing po papi! Nothing’s gonna change my love for you!

Willie: O sige, Ladies and Gentlemen… Miss Ederlyn.

Kinuha ni Ederlyn ang mikropono at pumunta na sa gitna at nagsimulang kumanta.

Ederlyn: If I had to live my life without you near me…. The days would all be empty…

Umabot na sa chorus…

Ederlyn: Nothing’s gonna change my love for you, you know naman my love how much I love you. One thing you can be sure of, I’ll never ask for more than your love…

At natapos na rin si Ederlyn. Naghiyawan at nagtawanan ang mga tao. Pati si Willie di makatigil sa kakatawa.

Willie: Ayos ka rin Ederlyn! Lalabas siguro ito sa youtube. Anyway, eto ang five thousand pesos mo pati ang gift bag from Liveraide!!

Ederlyn: (tuwang tuwa) Thank you po Kuya Willie!!

Willie: O sige dito naman tayo sa next contestant naten.

Humarap si Willie kay Inday na mukhang nabobored.

Willie: Hi miss, anong name mo?

Inday: Hi Mr. Revillame, my name is Inday.

Willie: Aba isa pang inglesera. Ok mga katulong naten ngayon ah, nakakaaliw sila.

Willie: So Inday, how are you today?

Inday: I just answered that question earlier. If you have nothing else left to ask, can we just continue?

Willie: Ahhmm, it’s ok. I still have some questions for you. Ahh, what province are you from?

Inday: I’m from the City of Majestic Waterfalls, Iligan.

Willie: Ahhh, that’s very nice. Is your parents there? Why don’t you greet them?

Inday: Yes, they’re there but my mom does not watch Wowowee. She usually watch The Tyra Banks Show at this time of the day. My dad seldom watches TV.

Willie: Oh I see, why doesn’t she watch Wowowee, am I not handsome or funny for her?

Inday: Let’s just say that it might have something to do with substance, plus Tyra is more pleasing to the eye than you.

Napahiya si Willie.

Willie: Ohh ok. Well greet her anyways, maybe she change the channel during commercial.

Pumayag na rin si Inday na batiin ang kanyang nanay.

Inday: Hi Mom, if you’re really watching this…

Sumingit saglit si Willie.

Willie: Inday, why don’t you greet her in your dialect?

Inday: (Tinignan ng masama si Willie) Why don’t you keep quiet for a sec and let me greet her in my own way?

Napahiya ulit si Willie…

Willie: Ok sorry, please continue.

Inday: Hi mom, please check your Paypal account to see if the money I sent you has arrived. Did you like the Marc Jacobs handbag I sent you last Christmas? Please tell Iying to catch me online so I can walk her through jailbreaking her iPod Touch. Hi to Dad, Itoy and Ikling. Love you all!

Natameme si Willie sa pagkasosyal ni Inday at ng kanyang pamilya.

Willie: Woww… How sweet naman. Can I ask you what year uhh… I mean anong year ang natapos mo sa schooling mo? Because you’re good in English, maybe you reached 4th year high school?

Inday: So what are you implying? That maids are dumb and cannot speak perfect English nor have good education? If I told you my academic achievements you might run outside and fling yourself into a speeding truck. Let’s just say that I was blessed with proper education with the help of a few scholarship grants and was able to finish college and a couple of master’s degree.

Dumugo na ang ilong ni Willie at nagpakuha muna ng tissue at tubig bago nagpatuloy.

Willie: Ahmm ok… uhh.. tama na siguro yung mga tanong. Pero bago ang lahat nais ko lang batiin ang isang special guest na dumalo ngayon dito sa studio… the lovely Kris Aquino.

Na-focus ang camera kay Kris na nakatayo sa gilid.

Kris: Hi Willie, o anoh? Diba winarn na kita tungkol dyan kay Inday kanina bago ka lumabas. Anoh, naniwala ka na?

Willie: Di ko naman kasi alam parang jinojoke mo lang ako kanina eh.

Kris: Well… gusto ko lang makita talent ni Inday kaya ako bumisita. Baka talent nya ay wawalisin itong set in under 1 minute. Ahihihi.

Willie: ‘Kaw talaga Kris iba ka kung manlait.

Talent portion na ni Inday.

Willie: Ok Inday, anong talent ang gagawin mo ngayon?

Inday: I suppose I could sing one of my favorites, Time to Say Goodbye.

Willie: Sige, Ladies and Gentleman… Ms. Inday.

Pumwesto na si Inday sa harap ng entablado. Pinatahimik niya ang audience… nakatingin lang sa kanya si Kris. Sinenyasan nya ang DJ na patugtugin ang kanyang CD dahil di kakayanin ng banda patugtugin ang kakantahin nya.

Nagsimula na si Inday kumanta…

Inday: Quando sono sola Sogno all’orrizonte E mancan le parole… Si lo so che non c’e’ luce In una stanza quando manca il sole Si non ci sei tu con me, con me…

Umabot na sa chorus at bumanat pa lalo si Inday…

Inday: Time to… say goodbye… Paesi che no ho mai Veduto e vissuto con te… Adesso si li vivro’ con te partiro’…

Nagtayuan ang karamihan sa audience, mga matatanda, foreigners, OFWs, balikbayan. Pinalakpakan si Inday… napaluha din ang iba. Pati si Kris at Willie namangha at nanood na lang sa rendition ni Inday ng kanta ni Andrea Bocelli.

Pinatapos ni Willie ang buong kanta, di akalaing kaya ng isang katulong ang kumanta ng opera.

Pagkatapos ni Inday, binigyan siya ng standing ovation ng audience, pati mga promo girls tumigil sa pagkekembot para palakpakan siya. Umalis na si Kris sa studio ng luhaan, apektado sa kanta ni Inday.

Willie: Wow!! That’s unbelievable! Ang galing ha, ang lakas pala ng boses mo. Dahil sa ginawa mong yan, ito ang 50,000 pesos para sayo at lahat ng nakadisplay dito sa likod ko, pwede mo nang iuwi. Meron dyang Magic Sing, My Marvel Taheebo at kung anu-ano pa.

Sumingit si Ederlyn.

Ederlyn: Papi ba’t saken 5,000 pesos lang? Unfair naman yun.

Willie: Gusto mo bawiin ko? Mali mali nga lyrics mo dyan. Galingan mo na lang sa laban niyo ni Inday.

Ederlyn: (natahimik na lang) Sige po papi.

Willie: Ok alam niyo na ang gagawin? Kelangan niyong mahulaan ang title ng kantang papatugtugin at kakantahin niyo pagkatapos ok? Pag di niyo naikanta ng maayos, 1 point lang. Pag-maka 2 points kayo, pasok na kayo sa next round.

Willie: Ok ready? Paunahan ito… pwesto!

Tumugtog na ang Perfect ng True Faith, umabot na sa chorus bago nahulaan ni Ederlyn ang kanta.

Edelryn: Ferfect papi!! Ferfect!!!!

Natawa na lang si Willie.

Willie: O sige pwede na rin… Perfect… Sing it!!

Ederlyn: Baby as I look into your eyes… New York ferfect… Judging from the way you meet my eye… New York Ferfect…. Ferfect….

Sumasakit ang tyan ni Willie sa kakatawa kaya’t pinatigil nya na si Ederlyn.

Willie: Hoi, san niyo ba nakuha ito? (tawa ng tawa habang kausap ang direktor)

Willie: Sorry Ederlyn pero mali na naman ang lyrics mo. Di bale bawi ka na lang sa susunod… Inday, pwede ka pang humabol. Sige pwesto!!

Tumugtog na ang Smack That ni Akon… naunahan na naman ni Ederlyn si Inday na may kausap sa kanyang cellphone.

Ederlyn: Papi Ismak Dat!! (Kinanta pa ng gaga… Ismak Dat Olonggapo… Ismak Dat Fernando Poe)

Natawa na naman si Willie.

Willie: Pambihira ka talaga. Di mo na kelangan kantahin pero tama ang sagot mo kaya’t pasok ka na!!

Tuwang tuwa si Ederlyn at di humihinto sa kakapalakpak at kakatalon.

Willie: I’m sorry Inday pero…

Natameme si Willie paglingon nya kay Inday at may kausap sa phone. Sinenyasan siya ni Inday na saglit lang.

Natapos na rin si Inday sa phone.

Inday: I’m sorry Mr. Revillame but I just got a call from the other station and they’re sending someone over to pick me up. They want to talk about guesting me and letting me sing me on their show this Sunday. I’ll just take the cash and leave the other stuff here for the other contestants. Thanks and Ciao!

Laglag-panga si Willie at pinanood na lang ang pag-alis ni Inday.

DOTA IS DEAD...

2009-09-01T01:38:00.000-07:00

This is for the Hyder Gamer's Club... Tuesday is Dota Day!!

We were nothing more than strangers when we met
Knowing nothing more than faces and names.
But one game brought us in group or set ,
on a battlefield that brought same or fame.

Nights of sleepless hours we endure
just to fight the honor we long keep
And soon some end as losers and some a failure
And some jump for joy while others weep.

But lose or win we end up laughing
telling stories of triumph and most mistakes
But in the end everybody end up clapping
It's a fight we 'll remember til our wake.

But now that game has meet its doom,
What bind us no longer sounds nor exist
Silence befall on a once noisy room,
As somebody just brought DOTA its DEATH.

I brought luck, but spilled curse instead...

2009-08-31T23:43:00.000-07:00

"No matter how good your intentions are, the outcome might be worst depending on who made the interpretation."

Being an achiever in my own field of examination, I had often see myself as a bringer of luck to my friends who are to take a licensure examination in their respective profession. I often feel excited when it's their time to take the life turning exam and feel pressured when the wait for the results take its toll.

But just recently, that excitement turns to doubts and questions. A friend had just been struck by the worst news, failure from the examination. Though his failure might have been due to many factors, can't help asking how much my presence have been a factor. Might be a little paranoid but, this what happens when you experience it more than once, and not even twice but more.

My work usually gives me a lot of time to wander especially during weekends, so I usually visit friends when I get bored at home. Being far from home, my friends here are usually those that are here to review. Thus, I usually end up in their place and have a little time to chat. Yes some spent on asking their question but most of the time, catch up with the events. As a result, I end up taking of their review time.

And when the time for their exam is coming, I find it a habit to visit them a night before the exam, supposedly, to bring luck. Spend 30 minutes or more to talk to them about the exam. I don't know if it would help, or make things worse, but the intension is always good. I remember someone saying, "No matter how good your intentions are, the outcome might be worst depending on who made the interpretation."

And so I went home, feeling excited for their exam, wait for their result, and for the 4th time, been gifted by bad news.

This makes me wonder, is my desire to bring good luck brings curse instead?

And now that my brother is about to take the exam the in next few months, shall I change my habit and let them be?

Perhaps no one can tell, and perhaps I'll never know, but as long as I have the good intention, I'll continue to wish them luck, may it be in different way I used to do.

MisadVentures of Inday (Time to Laugh)

2009-08-26T23:56:00.001-07:00

sorry for the repost, but having it so long seems to bore the reader instead of making them laugh. So Im giving it by parts. So enjoy. Relax. Carpe Deim.

Mag-o-outing ang barkada

Apr 24th, 2008 by Inday

Habang nagwawalis sa harap ng bakuran si Inday, ay napadaan si Ethan sa kanyang tricycle.

Ethan: Hi Inday. Tuloy ba yung outing naten sa Pagudpud?

Inday: Hey Ethan. I’m not sure, who’s planning anyway? Do the others already know?

Habang nag-gugupit ng mga damo si Dodong at narinig nya ang kanilang usapan.

Dodong: Mga pre, game ako dyan. Ilang araw ba tayo doon?

Inday: Well, the most suitable would be at least 2 nights but it depends on how long you guys are allowed for a furlough.

Ethan: Teka sasama ba si Manang? Hehehe, baka matangay ng alon yun.

Narinig ni Manang galing sa loob ng bakuran habang sya’y naglalaba. Huminto ito at lumapit sa kanila.

Manang: Hoi!! If you must know, I was a varsity swimmer when I was in high school so don’t underestimate my aquatic capabilities (banat nya kay Ethan). And of course, you can count me in.

Dodong: Teka si Ederlyn, text ko lang. (Ei sma b u outng pgdpud? Ksma laht)

Ethan: Wag!!! Wag na naten isama si Ederlyn, natandaan mo last time? Nag-inarte. Tapos di pa tumutulong sa paghahanda ng pagkain o kahit paglinis lang ng kinainan.

Inday: Yeah, let’s not bring any dead weight this time.

Manang: I agree!

Dodong: Ngek na text ko na!

Tumunog ang cellphone ni Dodong, galing kay Ederlyn ang message… “K! Sli aku!! May bago rn akung bikni“.

Nag-text kaagad si Dodong… “Sry wrng send“.

Dodong: Whew!

Inday: Well, let’s just discuss this over our Yahoo Groups. I have to go prepare our supper.

Ethan: Okay! Sa Yahoo Groups na lang.

Sa di kalayuan ay naririnig pala ng pulubi ang kanilang diskusyon at lumapit ito sa kanila.

Pulubi: Can I join your outing too guys? Pa-add na lang e-mail ko on your Yahoo Groups. It’s babangonako@duduruginkita.com

Painful experiences
Mar 1st, 2008 by Inday

Isang hapon ay nagkwekwentuhan ang magbarkada sa may isawan sa kanto habang nag-memerienda.

Ederlyn: Eto, I have a question para sa inyo ga. Ano ang pinakamasakit na experience ang naranasan na ninyu?

Napaisip ang iba.

Dodong: Siguro sa akin ay yung pagpili sa isang babae pero parehong mahal mo ang dalawa. Para talagang nahahati ang puso ko. (sabay kagat sa isaw)

Ederlyn: Ay yung sa akin yung binuhos mo ang pagmamahal mo sa isang lalaki pero kulang pa rin at iniwan ka. (sabay lagok sa softdrink)

Ethan: Wala pa ko masyadong experience pagdating sa sa pagmamahal eh. Siguro masakit na sa’ken yung binati mo ng good morning pero di ka pinansin. Hehehe. (sabay kagat sa bananacue)

Inday: I guess mine would be not showing my affection to someone and by the time that I realize that he’s the one I love, he’s slowly pulling away. (sabay subo sa baon nyang blanched green and white asparagus with lemon thyme and Parmesan vinaigrette)

Pulubi: Sa akin naman yung bihis na bihis ka na pero di ka pala kasama sa lakad. Sakit nun. Hirap kaya ako maghanap ng maisusuot tapos di rin pala ako kasama. Tsk. (hihingi pa sa kinakain ni Inday)

Napatingin na lang sila Inday sa pulubing nakiki-merienda.

Pesteng caller
Sep 6th, 2008 by manager

Isang hapon, habang nagpapahinga si Mrs. Montemayor sa sala at nanonood ng TV na tila parang bored ay biglang nag-ring ang phone. Dali-dalian nya itong sinagot…

Mrs. Montemayor: Hello?

Caller: Hello, may I please speak to Ms. Inocencia Binayubay?

Mrs. Montemayor: Sino kamo?

Caller: Ahh Inocencia Binayubay, is she there?

Mrs. Montemayor: Inoce… walang ganun dito… ay teka.. (naisip nyang bigla si Inday).

Mrs. Montemayor: Ahh si Inday… teka lang! (halatang may pagkainis dahil may tumatawag sa kanilang katulong).

Sumigaw sya sa kusina para tawagin si Inday.

Mrs. Montemayor: INDAY!!!!!!!! Telepon! Wag matagal ha!

Tumigil saglit si Inday sa pag-gagawa ng blueberry muffins para sagutin ang phone.

Inday: Hello?

Caller: Inocencia Binayubay?

Inday: Speaking… ahh hold on.

Sumigaw si Inday sa sala…

Inday: You can hang up now madam! I’m on the cordless!

Binaba ni Mrs. Montemayor ang telepono at napaisip sa sarili, “Aba pinagsabihan pa ako. The nerve!” Hinayaan nya na lang at nagpatuloy sa panonood ng TV.

Makalipas ang ilang minuto ay narinig nya si Inday na tinataasan na ng boses ang kausap. Pagkatapos ay lumabas sa kusina si Inday at pumunta sa sala para magpahangin sa tapat electric fan. Tila mainit ang ulo.

Na-curious si Misis.

Mrs. Montemayor: Oh sino ba yun? Inglisera mong nanay na nanghihingi na naman ng pera?

Inday: Not at all. It’s those pesky credit card telemarketers offering me a new credit line that I certainly don’t require anymore. I don’t care about their 0% credit transfers, double reward points, loans and all those things. Why can’t they take no for an answer?

Di makasagot si Mrs. Montemayor at natulala.

Napaisip na lang sya sa sarili, “Buti pa si Inday, inoofferan ng credit card… samantalang ako, ATM card lang ang meron ako… ba’t ganun ang buhay?”.

Inday: Madam, are you okay?

Siomai
Jul 19th, 2008 by manager

Habang nagmemerienda ang magbabarkada sa may sari-sari store, nabanggit ni Ethan na hindi na lang sya bibili ng pedicab.

Ethan: Guys, di na lang ako magpepedicab. Inday, mahal pala yung mga piyesa na ni-recommend mo… yung iba di raw available dito sa pinas.

Inday: Awww, sorry to hear that Ethan. So what do you intend to do with your assets now?

Ethan: Di ko pa alam eh… food business kaya?

Dodong: Pwede yan pards. Food stall lang. Yung di malaki at di gumagamit ng gas. (sabay kagat sa bananacue)

Ethan: Hmm pwede. Anong klase kaya? Donut? Fruit shake?

Manang: Dimsum na lang iho. Pwedeng ulamin ng mga tao, di kailangan ng gas at dalawang tao lang ang kailangang magbantay. Maliit ng pwesto pa ang kailangan. (sabay subo ng pandesal na isinawsaw sa kape)

Ederlyn: Oo nga Ethan. May naisip na akong pangalan para sa siopawan at syomayan mo. Code Name: Asado! Hahahaha. O diba? Napapanahon. (habang patuloy ngumunguya ng Chippy)

Dodong: Corny. (sabay bato ng stick ng bananacue kay Ederlyn)

Inday: Pathetic.

Ethan: Pero ok nga talaga yung dimsum lang para di mahirap. Wag na siguro yung mga siopao pa. siomai at gulaman lang.

Inday: I agree You just have to get a good location and I would suggest a spot where it could easily cater to call-center employees. Why? Their break time is really limited so they need to consume their food quick and this is where your dimsum comes in. And if you operate 24 hours daily, you’ll rack up those sales in no time. All you need now is a catchy name.

Ethan: Hmm… ano kaya magandang pangalan?

Biglang sumingit ang pulubing nakikinig at naghahakot ng mga boteng itinapon

Pulubi: Ipangalan mong Master Siomai - Walang Tulugan! O diba? Open 24 hours a day kamo eh.

Ethan, Dodong, Ederlyn, Manang: PWEDE!!!

Inday: I don’t get it.

The Lost Symbol

2009-08-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

Have you watched the Da Vinci Code or The Angels and Demons? Much better if you have read it... Then you know Dan Brown's upcoming novel would surely be a hit!

Watch for it, on Sept. 15, 2009, its first copy will be sold. :)

Is Love just a State of Mind? Make your mind speak or make your heart do the talking...

2009-08-16T19:30:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine wrote this article but was forced to keep it to himself after her girlfriend freaked out on the article and almost broke up with him after reading it. As a result, a great idea was burried in ruins and never saw the day of light...until now. After careful exploration (nice term for snooping around), I saw it and took the liberty to solicit your idea about it. Let your voice be heard. :)

Love is just a state of mind. Simply putting it, the mind makes you feel. It was never the other way around. The feeling is there because your mind tells you to feel that way. Now, I know many of you will contest…that feelings are not governed by our mind and that everything we feel is based on what our "hearts feel" and not what we think. Before anyone contest...let me explain why I believe that love is just a state of mind.

How would you know if you love someone? Some would say "I know it because I feel it" or "I love her and there's no explanation why". One would say "I know it because there's magic" or "I don't know. Love is so mysterious".
Does this answer why you love somebody or would it just lead to more questions like "If I feel it, then, is the feeling real?" or "If the magic is gone, did I fall out of love?" So on and so forth...

Now let me answer the question! You know you love someone when your definition of love is realized. Everyone has his own definition of love somewhere in his head. We may not realize it, but we are all somehow influenced with those definitions. We pick up these definitions almost everyday. We see it in movies, hear it from stories, and read it from books. It is everywhere. It is our choice. We choose to love and feel the way we want to.

Our choice of what to believe is the real difference with each and every one of us. Why does love evolve every time our age mature? The explanation is simple. Our definition of love becomes more complex as we absorb more definitions from time to time. How many of you hoped that you’ll be Cinderella or Prince Charming someday? I know everyone did. Who can’t hope for that? Everyone has read it. Everyone has seen it. Our society made us to think that way. Our society made us to “feel” that way.

To prove my point, even at this very moment, after reading my thoughts, you are face with a dilemma. Do you believe it or not. Do you absorb or reject it. This is how we feel. Every feeling that we have is based on what we believe in. If you believe in what I say then you’ll be glad. If not, then you’ll be outraged. This is also true for love.

Now, I ask you again. How would you know if you love someone? The answer is simple. It depends. It depends on who you are right now. It depends on where you live, how old you are, who you are with and what you believe. Love is just a state of mind. I don’t believe that love is just a random thing…that it just happens for some reason we can’t explain why. I believe that love is a choice. I believe that love is hard to explain but never mysterious. I believe that there is no right and wrong when it comes to love. I believe that love is just a state of mind.

Love depends on your perspective. It depends on your capability to accept what your subconscious mind is telling you. Falling in love is not something one can not control. Falling in love is giving in to your subconscious mind. Magic moments are not really as magical as it seems. Actually, magic moments are imitations of what is already in our minds. Our minds are so adjusted to those definitions that we react to it as if it was secondary to us.

Why is it that when we were young, we are more interested in making friends rather than attracted in having a relationship? Innocence! Our mind is not accustomed to needing someone of the opposite sex at that time. We just need someone to play. Whether boy or girl, it’s just the same. But as we grew older, we are exposed to the common thinking of a “normal world”. You now dream of a lovely wife or a good husband just like what this “normal world” suggests. Our whole life is actually controlled by what our society dictates it should be. Yes, even love!

Love is just a state of mind.

Luck and Me (My Working Place)

2009-08-14T00:20:00.001-07:00

""...it's not pure luck that I find my way here. A summation of hardwork , perseverance, and couple of determination ...and yes! that's my own recipe of luck..."

Life after school was supposed to be full of adventure and escapades. Trip to beach resorts, famous adventure parks, even visits to your friends province

to have some time to relax. After all, its about time you give yourself a treat for 5 years (Civil Engineering is a 5year course) of dedicating your time to your beloved alma mater. After school, you can have all the vacation of your life before you finally find your right career.

But for me? Had to skip those "never-had" memorable moments for a little thing called W-O-R-K. . . Well some says I'm lucky to have landed my first real job relatively easy, but still, having a a month or two time-off from the world would be better.

And so here I am, on one of the leading globally competitive design consultancy company in the country, Hyder Consulting, more than amazed by how I jump start my engineering career. And might I just say, it's not pure luck that I find my way here. A summation of hardwork (those sleepless nights i had to endure just to finish impossible deadlines, the outings and gimiks I had to miss just to make sure my brain is still working, and those endless tales of school hardships), perseverance, (if I had to redefine the word failure in the thesaurus, I would have placed my name on the section synonyms. Countless time I failed, but I never saw it as a discouragement but rather a benchmark to look at whenever I encounter same situation. I persist and continue to face failure after failure to find success at the end) and couple of determination (winning was never easy, but the main difference between winners and whinners are the ability to look straight to their goal despite anything that blocks their vision. It's that never say you can't attitude that help me place 2nd on that board exam.), and yes! that's my own recipe of luck.

So this is my workstation, also my home, my blogstation. Quite different from the table I grew up with, those scrap papers, dusty books, antique engineering guides, now I'm working on a state-of-the-art workstation. What can I say, if you wanna make your life a better place, make your own luck, and not just hoping somebody to drop luck on you. :)

"THE FILIPINOS ARE WORTH IT.."

2009-08-05T18:49:00.000-07:00

by konzen13

"...I'm sorry, Mom. Mom, I lied to you. Nagsinungaling ako when I told you that we would be okay. I did this because we wanted you to be free from all your pains, at para hindi ka na mag-alala tungkol sa amin. Pero, Mom, it will take a lifetime for us to be okay because we will forever miss you. ..."

Yesterday, our nation witnessed another historic moment that was once shown on the death of a true nationalist during the chaotic time of Martial Law. Death of Ninoy brought the nation into one ground and found the meaning of being a true Filipino, thus give way to our Democracy.

After 23 years, many thought that event will only be part of history (note: EDSA II is completely different from EDSA I). But Filipinos prove them wrong. On the Death of yet another nationalist, Cory Aquino proved the country she was her husband's wife. In reminiscent to the 1986 EDSA Revolution, people reunited once again at the cause of joining the mother of our country to her last grave. The Funeral March that lasted to about 8 hours, despite the rain showers, once again showed that this country still has hope. It may be far from uniting the whole country, but its an indication that the Filipino People can still unite with the right cause. She indeed was a true President, and a perfect Mother, that even in her death, she did what she have always done in her lifetime, give us hope.

Good bye Tita Cory.

Below is a speech from her youngest daughter and the most popular among her children. Her speech not only touched her family but the whole nation as well, proof that she s indeed the daughter of Ninoy and Cory....

Minamahal kong mga kababayan.

Yun po ang opening line ng mommy namin every time na kakausapin niya ang bayan. In a very specific way that sums up exactly how our family feels, what words can I use to convey to all of you the depth of our gratitude for the respect, appreciation, and love you have showered upon our mother? How do we say thank you to all of you for the expressions of sympathy and support for our family during our times of gravement. Come to think of it, from March of 2008, you are one with us and constantly praying for our mother's healing.

Paano po ba kami makapagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat sa effort ninyong pumila sa gitna ng matinding init at malakas na pagbuhos ng ulan para po masulyapan ang mommy namin, magbigay respeto at maipagdasal siya sa huling pagkakataon?

Isa po sa huling binilin ng Mom sa akin ay ang magpasalamat po ako sa inyong lahat. You have given our family honor beyond anything we could ever have hoped to receive. That no matter how great the sacrifices of my parents, I can honestly say to all of you that for my family, the Filipinos are worth it.

(Sa puntong ito ay sandaling nag-pause si Kris sa kanyang pagsasalita dahil sa palakpakan na ibinigay ng mga tao sa loob ng Manila Cathedral. )

"...SILENCE AND PASSIVITY WERE NEVER OPTIONS."

Allow me please to speak in my Mom's voice so that I can share with you her wishes for our country that she instilled in us by virtue of her example. Mom believes that true public service did not end when one term of office ended. She continued selflessly working for the betterment of the lives of our countrymen. Immediately after my dad's assassination, she set up a foundation in my dad's honor to help further my dad's advocacy started when he first held elective office of helping deserving students fulfill their dreams of a college education.

I continue to meet a lot of people. Some a lot, some a little older than me. Some a decade younger. They proudly tell me that they are Ninoy's scholars. Mom believes because of her experience of having to raise us singlehandedly during my dad's incarceration and after his assassination, and the important of empowering women. In her later life, she did this through her support of micro-finance programs. By giving women viable means of livelihood. Masisiguro na maayos at maginhawa ang pamumuhay ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino.

Dahil po binuwis ng dad namin ang buhay niya para makamit natin ang kalayaan, ang mom namin, inalagaan at pinaglaban ang demokrasya natin. Tuwing may nakikita siyang pagmamalabis sa hawak na kapangyarihan, para po sa kanya, kailanman, hindi mo puwedeng biguin ang tiwalang ipinagkaloob sa 'yo ng taong bayan.

For her, silence and passivity were never options. Above everything else, she had a deep faith in God and unwavering belief in the power of prayer, a more personal devotion and relationship with Mama Mary. She was unwavering in her faith in the innate goodness of every Filipino.

While it's true that she was overwhelmed with gratitude for the prayers people were offering for her healing, she never failed to mention that we must all pray for those who are suffering for illness and other forms of pain. She would always reach out in compassion for those she felt were in distress and she reminded us constantly that we must pray for each other.

Allow me please, on a personal note from our family, Father Arevalo, noong mamatay ang dad, in Boston, you were there for us. For every Christmas eve after that. For every time we needed spiritual guidance, maraming-maraming salamat. Kay Bishop Soc Villegas, hindi ko alam kung anong guardian angel ang kumakalabit sa 'yo, pero sa loob ng kuwarto ng Mom, every time na kailangan namin nandoon ka to lay your healing hands. Bishop Soc, the last time that Mom shed a tear, it was because you laid your healing hands on her. For the rest of our lives, we will be indebted to you.

"A MOM YOU WISH ALL MOTHERS COULD BE."

When I was asking myself, why you have come to embrace our family as your own? Why do you regard our mom as your own? I came to the realization it is because you see in our family the journey of your own family. You had seen in my Mom all that you wished all mothers could be. Somebody who will love you, pero hindi kukunsintihin ang iyong mga pagkakamali. Isang taong palaging nandiyan na maasahan, pero walang hinihinging kapalit. At isang inang kahit kailan, hindi nawalan ng pag-asa na kayang maging mabuti ng kanyang anak.

Kagaya po ng inyong mga pamilya, kami man ay nagkaroon ng maraming pagsubok. Dumaan kami sa mga panahon ng hindi pagkakaintindihan. Pero natuto kaming humingi ng tawad at magdamayan sa panahon na kailangan namin ang isa't isa.

The last word mom's expressed to each of us, 'take care of each other.' I know that those words weren't meant just for our family, but for all of us as a nation. In the way that all of you have been thanking us for sharing mom with you, our mom never failed to thank each of us.

To my ate, our oldest sister, Ballsy, I would like to say thank you for being beside mom, working for her and with her from the time of dad's death. Thank you ate for always keeping the peace. For always being so patient with all of us. For always being ready to listen to each of us.

To my brother-in-law, Eldon, my nephews Jiggy and Lloydy thank you for sharing your home with mom during her entire illness. Sa inyo siya tumira, thank you.

To my sister Pinky, you and I will forever share that most painful memory of seeing mom finally break down and released all her pains that she so bravely tried to conceal from all of us. Mom never allowed us to see her vulnerable because she was always our strength.

Pinky, you and I needed to witness this for us to understand that it was time to let her go. To my brother-in-law, Manolo, to Miguel and to Nina, every night you made the effort to pray the rosary with Mom. Together with Ate's family, you all made sure that mom would never feel that she was alone.

To my sister Viel, you've always been the most quiet. And yet you organized everything in the hospital. You were the one meeting with mom's doctors and together with Dodo, you were the one who tirelessly researched all medical options and possible treatments for mom. Kiko found his voice and was so articulate in our family prayers. Gia made mom feel so proud with her musical talents.

To my brother Noy, in the same way that mom was so patient and loving towards Josh, I want to thank you for giving Josh so much of your love, your patience, and your caring. Noy, alam ko sa hospital sinabi sa 'yo ni Josh, 'Please, Tito Noy, never get married.'"

Sana maintindihan mo, you're now his security blanket. You've taken Mom's place as his protector. Pero huwag kang mag-alala, kaming mga kapatid mo, kung saan ka liligaya, puwede na rin.

Kagaya po ng pangakong iniwan ng Dad at Mom sa ating bayan, Noy, ikaw at ako ang nasa posisyon para ipagpatuloy ang lahat ng kanilang nasimulan. Noy, you know all that...during our last conversation with Mom, nangako ako sa kanya. Whatever support you needed, I will be there for you.

James told me now that Mom is gone, he has lost his number one supporter. James and I thanked Mom for reminding us to constantly try to be supportive of each other. Mom always told us, we should bring out the best in each other. Mula po nang ipinanganak ko si Baby James, sa dalawang taon na nakapiling siya ng mom, every time na nakikita ng mom si Baby James, 'pag ine-enjoy niya yung atensiyon ng mga tao, kapag tsina-charming niyang lahat, sabi ng Mom, akong-ako daw si Baby James.

"MOM, I LIED TO YOU."

For all my life, I would constantly hear mom tell everybody that I was the female Ninoy. I was truly my dad's daughter. Maybe that's why I always felt that I was mom's favorite.

Mom, I know in your lifetime, among with your children, you went through the most for me. Pero gusto ko ring maniwala dahil nasabi mo sa akin, that I was able to give you the most joy. I would also like to believe that in the last twelve days of your life, when I never left your side, during the moment when you most needed me to be brave, when you needed me to be reassuring, to de decisive, and to be strong for you, the very same best qualities in you, I was finally able to find within myself.

Thank you is not difficult. Expressing your love is not hard. Pero ngayon, how do I find the words to say goodbye? Paano bang magpaalam kapag alam mo at alam ng puso mo na hindi pa rin sapat ang panahon na ibinahagi sa 'yo ng Diyos, sa piling ng iyong pinakamamahal?

I'm sorry, Mom. Mom, I lied to you. Nagsinungaling ako when I told you that we would be okay. I did this because we wanted you to be free from all your pains, at para hindi ka na mag-alala tungkol sa amin. Pero, Mom, it will take a lifetime for us to be okay because we will forever miss you. Wala nang makakasabay si Ate pauwi from the office. Na makakakuwentuhan niya about everything na nangyari that day.

Wala nang magdadasal kasabay ni Pinky that Miguel would have the good job. Wala nang magsasabi kay Viel how impressed she was at the simplicity of Viel's family. Wala na rin yung tao na hindi lang nagkampanya, pero gumastos ng malaki para matulungan si Noy manalo sa apat na beses niyang pagtakbo.

Wala nang magte-text sa akin tuwing maglu-launch ang bagong programa ko ng good luck, at pagkatapos, as soon as mag-end ang show, nagko-congratulate kaagad to say, 'I'm proud of you.'

But maybe, that was love is really all about. It means sacrificing your personal happiness and interest for the good of the one you love. It's forcing yourself to let go, so that your Mom will be free from pain.

I love you, Mom. I thank you for the privilege of being your child. And for every day that I will be missing you, I will remind myself that my greatest gift to you will be living a life that will make you proud that I am your daughter.

Dad, please take care of Mom. It's your turn now. You were her one and only love, and now that you're together again, no matter how painful it is for us to let her go, we are comforted knowing that Mom is happy to be reunited with you.

I love you, Mom. Goodbye,

Mom. Maraming salamat at paalam

Taking the Last Breathe...of her

2009-08-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

by konzen13

As wind began to blow a cold but memorable wind, coming from a very familiar lake, i sat on the soft ground covered with well laid vermuda grass, watching her walk.. walking away from me. Her face so familiar, more familiar than the place i used to go to, my alma mater. It was in this place that i knew her, young, un aware of the world, yet i knew she was a special friend i could hold dear.

But this scene was not the one I envisioned to be, I could have wished she was walking towards me, and have a long nice conversation to catch up with time. Instead, saw her already distance from me, I could see her waving but couldn't hear her voice. I tried to stand, run towards her and say that teary goodbye. But couldn't, the distance just gets longer as seconds pass, and then it suddenly rang. My phone waking me before my alarm could tick its first call to morning. A dream, no a nightmare I wish would never happen.

As I began to come to my senses, it was 5:35am in the morning, the sun was yet to show its bright rays, a not so good time to wake up early after a night of search. Last night was a sleepless night. I don't know why but somehow, I felt she was already living, or may have left already. I knew she had a flight coming, going abroad was a common destination in our place. Most of my batchmates have already freed themselves from the chain of life-death balance in our country, and I promised to follow, but haven't yet. I knew she would go, but always expected she would call after she had her date of departure. Never expected that she would just go without saying goodbye to her bestfriend, at least that's how I value her, best friend, my special friend.

And last night, everything didn't feel right. I had the feeling its her time to go. I tried her cell for any luck, as I've been trying the past three weeks to desperately have a hold of her, nothing. Her past numbers, just beep, a reminder that she might just wanna stay off my reach. But this time was a desperate time, tried her new close friend, the one she reside with, but she changed number as well and didn't have her new number. Her old friend that I knew well, she might knew, but no luck. I tried facebook, friendster, but hope was getting thinner as each minute that dies. My last hope, her sister, scanned my old sim if I kept her number, but just couldn't find one. It was a troubling night, and I felt hopeless. Nothing more but try to suppress this feeling, feeling that I'd be losing a friend and there's nothing I can do about it.

My phone continues to ring, I finally realize I'm awake. The call was from an unknown number, it must be important if he had to wake me up this early. As I answer the phone, there she was, her soft sweet voice, asking me if I still recognize her. Stunned, of course I would recognize her, how could I forget those voice that I long to hear. Yet I knew, call this early has to be something big, even for hear. And she finally said it, "I'm at the airport", a clichè, seeing her from a distance, just waving her hands. She said things that should calm my panicking mind but I couldn't hear her, just like that dream. I swear I could see her talking but I've hear none. All I could think is her, going away, without even having to say goodbye. No hugs, no goodbye tears, no smiling and no promise of reunification. Just a last minute unexpected call of goodbye. Three more hours and then oceans would be the distance that would come between us.

Three more hours... Wait, as if grasping for my final breathe. I'm an hour away from the airport, doing the math, I could still have less than two hours with her. And without 2nd thought, I performed a magic of my own, like a street performer change cards in an instant, I changed my clothes in a blink of an eye, and before I know it, I was calling taxi and making my final sprint to see her.

What was it that kept me sitting in my dream, why wasn't I able to run after her when there was still time. I never thought about that, I shouldn't, I couldn't, I just wouldn't. This is indeed a desperate time when reasoning becomes no more than a pack of lunch I've left at home.

And finally, sight of big gigantic airplanes, one will carry her away for a long time, can I be on it too?, just wishful thinking. After hope of seeing her, reality finally sets in, the airport is no public place where you can just come in and out. High level security and guards taught to be harsh to people without papers, and obviously I have none. And she had checked-in hours ago and I couldn't just pull her out, they wouldn't her out. It's not as if I didn't thought of this, that seeing her just wouldn't happen. But sometimes, when determination overtakes reasoning, you still goes through something despite the idea is inevitable, because sometimes, failure is more bearable than the guilt and regret you'll have when you never tried.

As I make my desperate move, pretend to be ignorant with the system, or pretend to know more about the system to have a way in, all means failed, and all I could do is feel that remorse. Nothing else to do but sit and wonder, is it really time to let go? I reached for my cell and called her. And finally said "goodbye. . ." And though the walls between us might be thick or thin, or she might be just above me on the upper level, it felt like she's already gone. Like I've chased a ghost this morning I was never bound to reach. A short conversation and no teary goodbyes, just pretentious good luck and occasional laugh, I hung up.

At this instance, I knew our world have finally took its final leap, mine going west, and her going east. No one knows how long she'll be gone, but I'm sure of one thing, part of her remains, and it will always connect our world no matter the distance is. Out on the already bright sunlight, I took a walk to have a view of her carrier and smiled. I may have failed but I tried. Then a cold wind suddenly blows toward me, like those time in my dream. Now I know, I was never meant to follow her, I was meant to sit there and wait for her, no matter what, I should wait. Then I took a deep breathe and inhaled as much air as I can, "This is same air she breathe with today, and I'm glad to have breathe with same air today, tomorrow will be completely another atmosphere..." And so on that very moment, I took my last breathe with her.

You will always be missed. Waiting for your return.

What Grudge can do...

2009-07-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

an officemate send me this touching story, it's a long one but worth the read. A heartbreaker, does this kind of fate really happens. Read and take time to shed some tears

Just two years after our marriage, hubby brought up the idea of asking
Mother to move from the rural hometown and spend her remaining years with
us.

Hubby's father passed away while he was still very young. Mother endured
much hardship and struggled all on her own to provide for him, see him
through to a university degree. You could say that she suffered a great
deal and did everything you could expect of a woman to bring hubby to where
he is today. I immediately agreed and started packing the spare room, which
has a balcony facing the South to let her enjoy the sunshine and plant
greenery.

Hubby stood in the bright room, and suddenly just picked me up and started
spinning round and round. As I begged him to put me down, he said: "Lets go
fetch mother".

Hubby is tall and big sized and I love to rest on his chest and enjoy the
feeling that he could pick me up at any moment put the tiny me into his
pockets. Whenever we have an argument and both refuses to back down, he
would pick me up and spin me over his head continuously until I surrender
and beg for mercy. I became addicted to this kind of panic-joy feeling.

Mother brought along her countryside habits and lifestyle with her.

For example; I am so used to buying flowers to decorate the living room,
she could not stand it and would comment: "I do not know how you young
people spend your money, why do you buy flowers for? You also can't eat
flowers!" I smiled and said: "Mum, with flowers in the house, our mood will
also become better." Mother continues to grumble away, and hubby smiled:
"Mum, this is a city-people' s habit; slowly you will get use to it". Mother
stopped saying anything.

But every time thereafter, whenever came home with flowers, she would ask
me how much it costs. I told her and she would shake her head and express
displeasure. Sometimes, when I come home with lots of shopping bags, she
would ask each and every item how much they cost, I would tell her honestly
and she would get even more upset about it. Hubby playfully pinched my nose
and said: "You little fool, just don't tell her the full price of
everything would solve it." There begins the friction to our otherwise
happy lifestyle.

Mother hates it most when hubby wakes up early to prepare the breakfast. In
your view, how could the man of the house cook for the wife? At the
breakfast table, mother facial expression is always like the dark clouds
before a thunderstorm and I would pretend not to notice. She would use her
chopsticks and make a lot of noise with it as her silent protest.

As I am a dance teacher in the Children's Palace and am exhausted from a
long day of dancing around, I do not wish to give up the luxury of that
additional few minutes in the comfort of my bed and hence I turned a deaf
ear to all the protest mother makes.

From time to time, mother would help out with some housework, but soon her
help created additional work for me. For example: she would keep all kinds
of plastic bags accumulating them so that she sell them later on, and
resulted in our house being filled with all the trash bags; she would
scrimp on dish washing detergent when helping to wash the dishes and so as
not to hurt her feelings, I would quietly wash them again. One day, late at
night, mother saw me quietly washing the dishes, and "Bam" she slams her
bedroom door and cried very loudly in her room. Hubby was placed in a
difficult position, and after that, he did not speak to me for that entire
night. I pretended to be a spoilt child, tried acting cute, but he totally
ignored me.... I got mad and asked him: "What did I do wrong?" Hubby stared
at me and said: "Can't you just give in to her once? We couldn't possibly
die eating from a bowl however unclean it is, right?"

After that incident, for a long period of time, mother did not speak to me
and you can feel that there is a very awkward feeling hanging in the house.

During that period of cold war, hubby was caught in dilemma as to who to
please. In order to stop her son from having to prepare breakfast, mother
took on the "all important" task of preparing breakfast without any
prompting. At the breakfast table, mother would look at hubby happily
eating his breakfast and cast that reprimanding stare at me for having
failed to perform my duty as a wife. To avoid the embarrassing breakfast
situation, I resorted to buying my own breakfast on my way to work. That
night, while in bed, hubby was a little upset and asked me: "LD, is it
because you think that mum's cooking is not clean that's why you chose not
to eat at home?" He then turned his back on me and left me alone in tears
as feeling of unfairness overwhelmed me. After some time, hubby sighed:
"LD, just for me, can you have breakfast at home?" I am left with no choice
but to return to the breakfast table.

The next morning, I was having porridge prepared by mother and I felt a
sudden churn in my stomach and everything inside seem to be rushing up my
throat. I tried to suppress the urge to throw up but I could not. I threw
down the bowl, rushed into the washroom, and vomited everything out. Just
as I was catching my breath, I saw mother crying and grumbling very loudly
in her dialect, hubby was standing at the washroom doorway staring at me
with fire burning in his eyes. I opened my mouth but no words came out of
it, I really did not mean it.

We had our very first big fight that day; mother took a look at us, then
stood up and slowly made her way out of the house. Hubby gave me a final
stare in the eye and followed mother down the stairs. For three days, hubby
did not return home, not even a phone call. I was so furious, since mother
arrived; I had been trying my best and putting up with her, what else do
you want me to do? For no reason, I keep having the feeling to throw up and
I simply have no appetite for food, coupled with all the events happening
at home, I was at then low point in my life. Finally, a colleague said:
"LD, you look terrible; you should go and see a doctor." The doctor
confirmed that I am pregnant.

Now it became clear to me why I threw up that fateful morning, a sense of
sadness floated through that otherwise happy news. Why didn't hubby, and
mother who had been through this before, thought of the possibility of this
being the reason that day? At the hospital entrance, I saw my hubby
standing there. It had only been three days, but he looked haggard. I had
wanted to turn and leave, but one look at him and my heart soften, I
couldn't resist and called out to him. He followed my voice and finally
found me but he pretended that he doesn't know me; he has that disgusted
look in his eyes that cut right through my heart. I told myself not to look
at him anymore, and hail a cab. At that moment, I have such a strong urge
inside me to shout to my hubby: "Darling, I am having your baby!" and have
him lift me up and spin me around in circles of joy. What I wanted didn't
happen and as I sat in the cab, my tears started rolling down. Why? Why our
love couldn't even withstand the test of one fight?

Back home, I lay on the bed thinking about my hubby, and the disgusted look
in his eyes. I cried and wet the corner of the blanket. That night, sound
of the drawers opening woke me up. I switched on the lights and I saw hubby
with tears rolling down his face.. He was removing the money. I stared at
him in silence; he ignored me, took the bank deposit book and some money
and left the house. Maybe he really intends to leave me for good. What a
rational man, so clear-cut in love and money matters. I gave a few dried
laugh and tears starting streaming down again.

The next day, I did not go to work. I wanted to clear this out and have a
good talk with hubby. I reached his office and his secretary gave me a
weird look and said: "Mr. Tan's mother had a traffic accident and is now in
the hospital." I stood there in shock. I rushed to the hospital and by the
time I found hubby, mother had already passed away. Hubby did not look at
me, his face was expressionless. I looked at mother's pale white and thin
face and I couldn't control the tears in my eyes. My god, how could this
happen?

Throughout the funeral, hubby did not say a single word to me, with only
the occasional disgusted stare at me. I only managed to find out brief
facts about the accident from other people. That day, after mother left the
house, she walked in dazed toward the bus stop, apparently intending to go
back to her old house back in the countryside. As hubby ran after her, she
tried to walk faster and as she tried to cross the street, a public bus
came and hit her...I finally understood how much hubby must hate me, if I
had not thrown up that morning, if we had not quarreled, if....In his
heart, I am indirectly the killer of his mother.

Hubby moved into mother's room and came home every night with a strong
liquor smell on him. And me, I am buried under the guilt and self-pity and
could hardly breathe. I wanted to explain to him, tell him that we are
going to have our baby soon, but each time, I saw the dead look in his
eyes, all the words I have at the brink of my mouth just fell back in. I
had rather he hit me real hard or give me a big and thorough scolding
though none of these events happening had been my fault at all.

Many days of suffocating silence went by and as the days went by, hubby
came home later and later. The deadlock between us continues, we were
living together like strangers who don't know each other. I am like the
dead knot in his heart. One day, I passed by a western restaurant, looking
into the glass window, I saw hubby and a girl sitting facing each other and
he very lightly brushed her hair for her, I understood what it meant. After
recovering from that moment of shock, I entered the restaurant, stood in
front of my hubby and stared hard at him, not a tear in my eyes. I have
nothing to say to him, and there is no need to say anything. The girl
looked at me, looks at hubby, stands up and wanted to go, hubby stretched
out his hand and stopped her. He stared back at me, challenging me. I can
only hear my slow heart beat, beating, one by one as if at the brink of
death. I eventually backed down, if I had stood that any longer, I will
collapse together with the baby inside me. That night, he did not come
home; he had chosen to use that as a way to indicate to me: Following
mother's death so did our love for each other.

He did not come home anymore after that. Sometimes, when I returned home
from work, I can tell that the cupboard had been touched - he had returned
to take some of his stuff. I no longer wish to call him; the initial desire
to explain everything to him vanished. I lived alone; I go for my medical
checkups alone, my heart breaks again and again every time I see a guy
carefully helping his wife through the physical examination. My office
colleagues hinted to me to consider aborting the baby, I told them No, I
will not. I insisted on having this baby, perhaps it is my way of repaying
mother for causing her death.

One day, I came home and I saw hubby sitting in the living room. The whole
house was filled with cigarette smoke. On the coffee table, there was this
piece of paper. I know what it is all about without even looking at it. In
the two months plus of living alone, I have gradually learned to find peace
within myself. I looked at him, removed my hat and said: "You wait a while,
I will sign." He looked at me, mixed feelings in his eyes, just
like mine. As I hang up my coat, I keep repeating to myself "You cannot
cry, you cannot cry..." my eyes hurt terribly, but I refused to let tears
come out from there. After I hung up my coat, hubby's eyes stared fixed at
my bulging tummy. I smiled, walked over to the coffee table and pulled the
paper towards me. Without even looking at what it says, I signed my name on
it and pushed the paper to him. "LD, are you pregnant?"

Since mother's accident, this is the first time he spoke to me. I could not
control my tears any further and they fell like raindrops. I said: "Yes,
but its ok, you can leave now." He did not go, in the dark, we sat, facing
each other. Hubby slowly moved over me, his tears wet the blanket. In my
heart, everything seems so far away, so far that even if I sprint, I could
never reach them. I cannot remember how many times he repeated "sorry" to
me. I had originally thought that I would forgive him, but now I can't. In
the western restaurant, in front of that girl, that cold look in his eyes,
I will never forget, ever. We have drawn such deep scars in each other's
heart. For me, it's unintentional; for him, totally intentional. I had been
waiting for this moment of reconciliation, but I realized now, what had
gone past is gone forever and could not repeated.

Other than the thought of the baby inside me that would bring some warmth
to my heart, I am totally cold towards him, I no longer eat anything he
buys for me, I don't take any presents from him and I stopped talking to
him. From the moment I signed on that piece of paper, marriage and love had
vanished from my heart. Sometimes, hubby will try to come into the bedroom,
but when he walks in, I will walk out to the living room. He had no choice
but to sleep in mother's room. At night, from his room, I can hear light
sounds of groaning, I kept quiet. This used to be his trick; last time,
whenever I ignore him, he would fake illness and I will surrender and find
out what is wrong with him, he would then grab me and laugh. He has
forgotten that last time I cared for him and am concerned because there was
love, but now, what is there between us? Hubby's groaning came on and off
continuing but I continuously ignored him.

Almost everyday, he would buy something for the baby, infant products,
children products and books that kids like to read. Bags and bags of it
stacked inside his room till it is full. I know he is trying to use this to
reach out to me, but I am no longer moved by his actions. He has no choice
but to lock himself in his room and I can hear his typing away on his
computer keyboard, maybe he is now addicted to web surfing but none of that
matters to me anymore.

It was sometime towards the end of spring in the following year, one late
night, I screamed because of a sudden stomach pain, hubby came rushing into
the room, its like he did not change and sleep, and had been waiting for
this moment. He carried me and ran down the stairs, stopped a car, holding
my hand very tightly and kept wiping the sweat off my brow, throughout the
journey to the hospital. Once we reached the hospital, he carried me and
hurried into the delivery suite. Lying on the back of his skinny but warmth
body, a thought crossed my mind: In my lifetime, who else would love me as
much as he did? He held the delivery suite door opened and watch me go in;
his warm eyes caused me to manage a smile at him despite my contraction
pain. Coming out of the delivery room, hubby looked at our son and me, eyes
tear with joy and he kept smiling. I reached out and touched his hand.
Hubby looked at me, smiling and then he slowly collapsed onto the floor. I
cried out for him in pain... He smiled, but without opening that tired eyes
of his... I had thought that I would never shed any tear for him, but the
truth is, I have never felt a deeper pain cutting through my body at that
moment. Doctor said that by the time hubby discovered he had liver cancer,
it was already in terminal stage and it was a miracle that he managed to
last this long. I asked the doctor when he first discovered he had cancer.
Doctor said about 5 months ago and consoled me saying: "Prepare for his
funeral."

I disregarded the nurse's objection and rushed home, I went into his room
and checked his computer, and a suffocating pain hits me. Hubby's cancer
was discovered 5 months ago, his groaning was real, and I had thought
that.... the computer showed over 200 thousand words he wrote for our son:

"Son, just for you, I have persisted, to be able to take a look at you
before I fall, is my biggest wish now... I know that in your life, you will
have many happiness and maybe some setbacks, if only I can accompany you
throughout that journey, how nice would it be. But daddy now no longer has
that chance. Daddy has written inside here all the possible difficulties
and problems you may encounter during your lifetime, when you meet with
these problems, you can refer to daddy's suggestion.. .

Son, after writing these 200 thousand words, I feel as if I have
accompanied you through life journey. To be honest, daddy is very happy. Do
love your mother, she has suffered, she is the one who loves you most and
also the one who loves me most..."From play school to primary school, to
secondary, university, to work and even in dealing with questions of love,
everything big and small was written there.

Hubby has also written a letter for me:

"My dear, to marry you is my biggest happiness, forgive me for the pain I
have caused you, forgive me for not telling you my illness, because I want
to see you be in a joyful mood waiting for the arrival of our baby...My
dear, if you cried, it means that you have forgiven me and I would smile,
thank you for loving me...These presents, I'm afraid I cannot give them to
our son personally, could you help me to give some of them to him every
year, the dates on what to give when are all written on the packaging... "

Going back to the hospital, hubby is still in coma. I brought our son over
and place him beside him. I said: "Open your eyes and smile, I want our son
to remember being in the warmth of your arms..." He struggled to open his
eyes and managed a weak smile. Our son still in his arms was happily waving
his tiny hands in the air. I press the button on the camera and the sound
of the shutter rang through the air as tears slowly rolled down my face....
A fatal misunderstanding and the person who loves me the most in this world
is gone forever..."Cruel misunderstandings one after another disrupted the
blissful footsteps to our family. Our originals intend of having Mother
enjoy some quiet and peaceful moments in her remaining years with us went
terribly wrong as destiny's secret is finally revealed at a price, everything became too late.."..... . ..

This is a true story.

LEARNING POINT - DO NOT EVER HOLD ON TO OFFENCES!!!

The Power of YouTube

2009-07-15T00:51:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting article I found worth reading, by gmtristan. It's a good start for a career if you don't have enough resources. learn and prosper...

Back in the old days of tri-media and Jurassic buzz-building, you needed big bucks, a very talented PR manager and lots of luck to make it big in whatever it is you want to attain – be it showbiz, business or politics.

Today, all you need is a little bit of video editing knowledge, original content (or talent) and your good friend, Youtube to make it big. Of course, luck still plays a part in the equation but the power of the Internet makes it possible for normal people to showcase their talents and skills to the entire world.

Let me share with you success stories on youtube and HOW YOU can make the difference and start your own youtube marketing/hype campaign.

How To Have A Successful Youtube Page

First, let’s look at the case of Filipino talents, Charice Pempengco, Arnel Pineda, Moymoy Palaboy, The Thriller Dancing Convicts and Happyslip. These stars were the product of Youtube.

Charice was discovered by US talk show hosts Ellen Degeneres and Oprah when a fan posted her videos on Youtube. The rest is history.

The same can be told for Journey lead singer Arnel Pineda and comedians Moymoy Palaboy.

Here are a few practical tips on how to harness the power of youtube. Who knows? You could be the next superstar.

Create a Director account – a no-brainer. Having your own youtube channel will mean you can compile all videos into categories or playlists. Make sure you select the proper tags and keywords so that you can be in the right niche.

Less is more – when making or editing videos, the golden rule is LESS IS MORE. Most people simply don’t have the time (or patience) to view your 10 or 20-minute video. Try to keep it under 5 minutes. For me, 2 to 3 minutes is best. The same is true for editing. Don’t get carried away with funky transitions and dizzying effects.

Find your niche – by creating original content. Sometimes a simple concept, like Happyslip’s original style or Moymoy’s wacky antics will sell. When you have good content, sheer WoM (Word of Mouth) will spread your video like wildfire

Invite all your friends to your channel – you can use youtube’s friend system and don’t forget to promote your channel via your SNS profiles like Friendster, Facebook or Plurk. Ask them to subscribe to your channel.

Have regular updates – maybe 1 video a day is overkill. But 1 to 2 new videos a week seems just right

Scan channels and videos with similar content – learn from the pros. Look at their videos. Discover their strong points. How long are their videos? How do they promote it.

In the end, if you have good content, it will spread like a virus. That’s the power of viral marketing and new media.

Best of luck!

Peace

HOW TO BECOME A SUPERSTAR

2009-07-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

Last week, I got a body massage that I’ll never forget.
I was massaged by “Ate Guy” (Not her real name).
I call her “Ate Guy” because though she looks like a woman, I have a suspicion she’s really a guy. In fact, she has the strength of 10 guys in her little female body. But I’m getting ahead of my story.

One of my friends recommended Ate Guy to me, praising her skill to the highest heavens. My friend said, “Ate Guy’s singular mission in life is to remove your lamig (cold). She’s obsessed. She goes berserk when she finds lamig in your body. She’ll not stop massaging you until the lamig is pulverized under her fingers.”

With that glowing description, my wife and I contracted her services.
By the way, let me educate my non-Filipino readers. Lamig means cold, but it means more than that. Sometimes, it’s also called hangin or air. When Asians get sick, we say we have lamig or hangin in our bodies. It doesn’t jive with modern medicine, but this belief has lived on for centuries. In fact, it’s not uncommon that when you get massaged using this traditional method, you dighay and diglo at lot. Translation: Dighay is burp. Diglo is butt burp.

On the agreed time, Ate Guy came to our house.

The Torment Begins

I studied Ate Guy.
She was 4’11. Mid-thirties. Bordering on thin. Girlish ponytail.
Pretty harmless, I thought to myself.
My wife placed a mattress on the floor of our living room and lay down. She wanted to go first. As Ate Guy started massaging her, I sat a few feet away, writing on my computer. I looked on Marowe’s face: She was so relaxed. She appeared half-asleep. I got excited. I wanted to relax and sleep too.

After two hours, my wife stood up and said, “That was great! Bo, it’s your turn.” Oh goody. I lay down and got ready to relax too.

Ate Guy knelt beside me and held my face.
Ahhhh. Pure bliss.
At least, for the first two seconds.
After that, it was pure torture.
Pure, unadulterated, CIA, KGB, Mafia, Yakuza, Al Qaeda torture.
During her massage, I reached levels of pain I thought never existed in human experience.
Her little thumbs were like Jack Hammers. Like a Sumo Wrestler was massaging me.
As I lay on the mattress being massacred, I mean, being massaged by Ate Guy, I wondered if I offended my friend who recommended her to me-that this was his way of revenge.

In the entire 2 hours, I groaned aray, aray, aray (ouch) the whole time.
Actually, I didn’t want to groan. I wanted to scream, ARAAAAAAAAY! But my neighbors may think someone was being raped.
My wife came up to me and with a sly smile asked, “Do you like it, Bo?”
I whispered to her, “I feel I’m being run over by a train again and again.”
She laughed. I added, “Please call the US Embassy. Tell the Ambassador I have the perfect person to send to their captured Terrorists. Just 2 hours of Ate Guy and they’ll confess where Osama Bin Laden is hiding.”

>Ate Guy Was Rich

After two hours of excruciating agony, it dawned on me that I had to pay Ate Guy for almost killing me. We live in a crazy world, I tell you.

My wife asked her how much we owed her.
Ate Guy said, “P250 an hour.”
Two hours for her and two hours for me. So we paid a thousand bucks for 4 hours of torment.
I wondered. How much does this little woman earn a month?
I asked her, “Ate Guy, how many prisoners, I mean, customers do you massage everyday?” She answered, “An average of 4 to 5 a day.” I learned that she massages every single day. No day offs.

“Isn’t that tiring?” I asked her. “That’s 10 hours a day.”
“I like it that way,” she said, “If I don’t massage anyone, my body looks for it.”
Aha! I knew it. She was a closet masochist.
“Do you advertise your services?”
“No. My customers just recommend me to others.”
“I’ll recommend you to others too,” I said. I started thinking of all the people who owed me money. “But you mean to tell me every single day of your week is full?”

“Yes,” she said. “Because I’ve got mga suki (regular customers). Some even want me to massage them three times a week.”
“Three times a week?” I almost fell off my chair. These people need to see a psychiatrist.
That was when it all hit me: Ate Guy told me she was a former house helper who earned P3000 a month. Today, she takes home P50,000 to P60,000 a month. Much more than many managers I know.

No doubt about it.
Ate Guy is a Superstar.

Be A Niche Superstar

How much do other masseuses earn? More or less P10,000 a month.
Why does Ate Guy earn five times more? Because she stands out.
She’s dominated her niche: The niche of torture camouflaging as massage.
Other massagers try to please everybody. They’re average. They’re typical. They’re all alike. They’re forgettable.
Not Ate Guy.
You either like her or hate her.
Fortunately, there are enough insane people in this world who like her to make her a Superstar. My wife is one of them. She invited her back. I’ve already noted the date of her return-and I’ve arranged to be as far as possible from my house on that day.

You too need to find a way to become a Superstar.
But first, let me describe how problems create the phenomenon called Superstars.

Why Problems Create Scarcity,
And Scarcity Create Superstars

When I taught this message yesterday, I placed a number of ladders on stage. I told the audience that life offers many ladders to climb. And that ladders represent opportunities for growth.

A Superstar is a person who’s able to climb to the top of a ladder.
Do you have problems in your work or business? Each problem is like a step on the ladder. Each problem is an invitation to become a Superstar. Superstars are Superstars because they can solve problems.

That’s why I say problems are wonderful. Without problems, there will be no Superstars. (I wish to thank the brilliant Seth Godin for these insights.)

Example? Imagine that you and I can pick diamonds in our backyards.
Would you and I be wealthy? Of course not. In fact, women will stop wearing diamonds, period. Why? Diamonds are Superstars precisely because they’re scarce. If they’re no longer scarce, why bother?

Diamonds are scarce because of the problem of getting them. You have to build underground tunnels and excavate them from beneath the earth.

Think now of the many problems of becoming a great singer, a great artist, a great chef, a great businessman, a great priest, a great father, and a great mother.

Problems create scarcity. And scarcity creates Superstars.
Here are the reasons why you need to be a Superstar…

The Rewards Of Superstars

People go to Superstars.
People watch Superstar movies.
People read Superstar books.
People eat in Superstar restaurants.
Let me ask you: When you see an empty restaurant, with two waiters sleeping on the tables, would you go there? Not likely. Something in your brain says, “The food there must be awful.”

But when you see a restaurant filled with people, with a long waiting line outside, you’ll say, “My gosh, I better try that restaurant.”

Before you think that this article is just about money, let me also say that Superstars are more emotionally fulfilled. They feel they’ve found their place in the world. They feel they’ve found their mission in life.

And Superstars can serve God with more impact.
Do you want to become a Superstar?
Read on.

Superstars Have Skill And Spirit

To become a Superstar, you need Skill and Spirit.
For example, Ate Guy studied for 6 months in a technical school. Not satisfied with that, she enrolled again in another school for 2 months on specialized massage. But her most important education is the years of massaging almost 60 hours a week-year after year after year.

But what made her develop her Skill? Spirit.
When you really think about it, Superstars are a little bit crazy.
Superstars are obsessed!
At the end of the day, it’s Spirit. Passion. Fire. Love. In Japanese, they call this Otaku.
For example, Ate Guy hates lamig with an almost neurotic obsession.
Once, Ate Guy had a patient whose lamig was stubborn. She ended up massaging this man for 4 hours straight-free of charge-until she got rid of his lamig. I pity the man. Probably became a paraplegic.

But no wonder Ate Guy is a Superstar. Only people with spirit do those crazy things.
Let me give you an example from my life.
These past 5 days, I had 14 meetings. But despite that hectic schedule, I was still able to write 8 long articles. How did I do it? There’s only one answer: I’m crazy. I love writing. I love crafting words.

How much do I love writing?
Others get high on drugs. I get a high choosing the right adjective for a sentence. I’m nuts!

Why Do People Not Become Superstars?

I’ve met people who aren’t Superstars even when they could have been.
They could have been Superstars in their businesses.
They could have been Superstars in their careers.
They could have been Superstars in their service for God.
But they’re not.
Why?
I see three reasons.

1. Wrong Theology

Some people think that God wants them to remain small.
God wants them to remain insignificant.
God wants them to remain humble (a distorted definition).
Their religion tells them, “Don’t stand out. Don’t create waves. Just follow. Just obey. Just be quiet.”
Please. Throw that rubbish way.
Go ahead. Stand out! Create waves. Be the best that you can be!
Use the core gifts that God gave you and develop them to the hilt.
Because your God will be proud.
How do I know? I’m a Dad of 2 boys.
When I see my kids show their Superstar qualities, I get giddy with joy. My heart palpitates. My chest expands. I feel delirious.

Here’s my Theology: You owe it to your Maker to become a Superstar.
Because when you become a Superstar, you’re praising the One who made you.
Here’s the second reason…

2. Wrong Psychology

Some people believe they deserve to be small.
Some people believe they deserve to be failures.
Perhaps because their parents treated them as dirt and not as stars.
Or some other past trauma.
Friend, be aware of this inner programming and reboot!
Get a new internal software!
You deserve to be a Superstar because you already are one.
You’re made in His image.
God created Superstars. Get used to it!
Finally, the third reason.

3. Wrong Strategy

People fail to become Superstars because they climb the wrong ladder.
Let me shock you: If a ladder will not make you a Superstar, quit.
If you have no hope of reaching the top of that ladder, get off that ladder.
Why? Because you’ll always be mediocre. You’ll always be average. And in business, average is death. In jobs, average means you’ll be the first one to be retrenched. Even in relationships, average is risky. To be good enough is not enough.

You’ve got to be remarkable. You’ve got to be phenomenal.
Choose a ladder where you have Spirit and Skill to make you a Superstar.
This is just what Rex Robillos did.

Climb The Right Ladder

My friend Rex owns Buns and Pizza-a fast-food chain of restaurants. Rex already knew he couldn’t fight Jollibee. Why climb this ladder where the chance of success was almost zero? Why not climb another ladder where the chances of success is bigger?

Here’s what Rex did: He made Buns and Pizza the Superstar in secondary towns where there was no Jollibee. In these smaller, more far-flung towns, Buns and Pizza was king. It’s usually the only air-conditioned fast-food restaurant in the area. This is where the children of the Mayor hangout. He dominated this niche. After only 5 years, Buns and Pizza now operates 139 branches in the Philippines.

If you’re average, it’s time to quit.

Be A Superstar In One Thing

Years ago, I was climbing the wrong ladder.
Because of this, earning money was like pulling teeth out of the mouth of the universe. I had to struggle for every peso I earned. It was as though money didn’t like me-so I had to drag it with me by force.

My food businesses-which I was so excited at the start-were collapsing.
My hotdog stand, my ice cream store, and squid ball kiosk were all drowning in red ink. Money was flowing out from my hand like water from a broken faucet.

During those dark days, I wondered if I made a mistake in becoming an entrepreneur. I began to doubt my desire to become wealthy. Was this really from God? Perhaps this was God telling me to stop. Perhaps I should have just remained a preacher and kept begging for money whenever I needed it.

But in those agonizing moments, I went deep into my heart and listened.
There was chaos outside, like a signal 8 hurricane.
But in my heart, I found peace.
Somehow, I knew I was doing the right thing.
I was simply climbing the wrong ladder.
That no matter what I did, I’ll always be average in the food business.
Because I didn’t have Spirit and Skill in the food business.
Instead, my passion and gifts were in communication-speaking and writing.
So I closed all my food stores.
Today, my businesses are doing so well because they revolve around communication.

Live To The Max

Friends, the world needs Superstars.
You owe it to the universe to become one.
No one benefits if you play small.
You only live once.
So go full throttle.
Live to the max!

May your dreams come true,
Bo Sanchez

Interview with a man called ME.... Why Now?

2009-07-08T00:41:00.000-07:00

Born as an average citizen in the city of Marawi, this guy had actually cruised the sea and travelled miles to reach the city of Manila where he now lives and work. With a degree of Civil Engineering on his resume, he put on an epic journey to reach the heights of his career. He had a stop on a company owned by J. Lo, i.e Crystal Steel Fabricator's (Phil) Inc, where he stayed for 2 months. And not a while ago, he started his quest with a vision to go beyond the horizon where his dreams await. And he found the perfect place to start, in Hyder...

**due to privacy rights and demand of confidentiallity of the interviewee, we shall disclosed the persons name and give him an initial M.E...

Me 1: After such a long silence, why now?

M.E. : I wouldn't call it "silence", I was always vocal, maybe on a selected people, or things (gave a smirk smile), but definitely not silence.

me1 : ok let me refresh the question, after not talking to me before, why talk to me now, me as the P.U.B.L.I.C, you know, if that's you wanna call me.

M.E. : that's more like it, well I gotta say I have a bad sense of timing, I can't really say this is the right time but I am sure this is not a wrong time, get what I mean?

me1 : hmm, let's just pretend I understand what you mean, so how are you comfortable with talking to us now, you know, letting them know you.

M.E. : who say's I am, but being not comfortable doesn't have to mean you have to stay hidden, If there is another way to do it, like hide behind the closet while telling you all this, then I would be more happy to do that...

me1 : well, I am happy we don't have a closet in here, I don't wanna talk with a closet, we might change the title of this show if that happens "ME AND THE TALKING CLOSET!"

(Laughs, claps)

me1 : so let's get to the BEEE.... as in BIG question, hope it doesn't sting. You've always envisioned yourself to reach immeasurable heights in your life, how far have you gotten?

M.E. : If I have to listen to what my friends, family, crush, even to those who barely know me, I would say, I've climbed the half the mountain so far..

me1 : that's qui..... (get interrupted)

M.E. : BBBUT, personally speaking, if I have to asses myself, I haven't been on the 3rd floor of a 850m building. Well I wouldn't say I haven't reach the 2nd floor cause I'm pretty sure I've been there (giggles) (*M.E. is the 2nd placer in the CE board Exam jan. 2008).

me1 : don't you think that's a bit harsh to rate yourself considering what you've been through.

M.E. : maybe, but I can't stop from wondering why it has to be that way, everytime I feel I'm starting get the momentum to get higher, then boom, it will then feels like I've just move an inch, or much worst, even move backward.

me1 : why? is it the family, the kind of environment?

M.E. : nope, definitely not, the family's great, one of the best I would say, the environment where I grew, maybe a little, but I found friends that fill up the holes. The friends, hmm, adventurous times but we've always manage to get through it all, I still came to where I am after all.

me1 : so are we missing something?

M.E. :I have to say, it's me, don't know what's worng, but with the way my set of mind is right now, it's gonna be a bumpy ride, I'm very much sure I can reach beyond that horizon I sought so much, but the way I'm gonna reach it and the amount of time it would take, that's what I dont know. If I want a smooth ride, I guess I have to make my mind clear and be focus on one thing, reach that goal.

me1 : nice, any last word?

M.E. : Life in general had always been mysterious, you may not understand everything, or anything at all. But you don't have to understand everything, what's important is for you to know that life become less mysterious if you understand the right things. seek for that things.

me1 : how does that relate to that subject????

(..pause)

me1 :we will have more of M.E. after a few minutes (months!!!). thanks and good day....

Darkness Amidst Daylight

2009-04-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

It was 8 am in the morning, waking up as the ray of the familiar summer sunlight passes through the thin curtain, directly into my eyes. A reminder that it was a time to spend alone, without work, without the nurture of anybody around, without the slightest idea of what would become my day.

It was the 8th of April, 2009. The next day would be a big day for many, its the Maundy Thursday, a long holiday extending to the Eastern Sunday. Many would be thrilled with the idea of a long vacation. People could put their pens down, ride their self-earned cars to their hometown where eager families wait for their visit.

But here I am, taking an extended vacation. It was a week vacation for me and my colleague in my work. Apparently, monday was also a national holiday, so everybody was thrilled with the idea of taking a two day leave to have a super, extended vacation. When I said everybody, I meant everybody in my department, including our Department Head, who was not a Filipino anyway, decided to take a week vacation. Left me with one thing to do, join the vacation flee.

And so here I am, find myself alone, with no one to invite to breakfast. I had friends, but nobody would be accessible in the middle of the week. Friends at work? Their either beating their tongue to finish whatever job to be finished before the vacation, or joined the vacation fiasco and already miles away from the soon-to-be crowded roads of Metro Manila Zoo (a harsh description?). College friends? Well, summer heat is on, you'll never enjoy college life if you don't get a taste of summer escapade, and this week would be perfect. Or perhaps busy with their graduation preparation, (I really wished you had passed it, but 2383, I know you can do better in the CPA board that graduation ceremony wouldn't even matter). Net_friends? Well, got lot of reasons not to show on a weekday, not really interested if true or not. Family? I could swim the sea and let the current wash my body from my sin while at it. Obviously, Mindanao is far too distant to even think of going to without proper preparation, not to mention the excessive budget you must have. Housemates? Well, out to work, it seems I'm the only one with the good working environment that allow long vacations like this to happen, others, they wouldn't even look at the paperworks.

So, after a thousand thoughts on how this day should proceed, I went on deciding sleeping was the best option. But sleeped too long already a day ago, my head just screaming to get up. The sun even has its own way of betraying my profound idea of a good morning sleep, it continue to splash its shining golden ray to my weak well-rested eyes. Lost, I pushed myself up and shake my head, telling myself, I could do better than to lay in my bed all day.

With the positive thoughts I tried to sink into my mind (always think positive, let the universe conspire to bring you what you think, familiar with THE SECRET), I hoped I could survive this day. With breakfast already at the table, I couldn't find the appetite to even look at what is already served, perhaps my stomach would urge me to look sooner. I sat on the brown lifeless sofa, still with the ragged morning hair and a few morning star, turned the TV on and waited for any familiar show. No use, I've been way into my office every morning that I couldn't really relate to what is shown on the limited channel our TV gets. I switched to CSI and I had a few luck, Yu-Gi-Oh is showing and I still have the memory of this anime, I could use some refreshing ideas.

With the TV on, and unclean self alone in this tiny place, I forced myself to formulate whatever option I have this day. Yesterday, I thought of getting my passport for future use, June had been a date I look forward to look for options abroad. But yesterday, I didn't have enough motivation to do so. I thought of going to this Employment Agency that keeps on calling me whenever there is an Foreign employer around, but I forgot to copy my updated CV on my office desktop, blame it to the 8GB Flash Drive I lost. I tried to remember places I could visit, but going alone would be a lot worse than here, I could try to meet new people but it takes the perfect mood to have the jive for it, and today, I'm not in that mood. I could study and read technical books to enhance whatever is left in my deceptive brain, but I'm not really used to read numbers in the morning, the night can wait. Lots of possible things to do, but here I am, empty and out of idea. It never was like this, I used to walk the street of my hometown whenever I have downtime like this, but here was different. No familiar faces to pass, no idea where to execute my walking loop to keep my mind busy. Just a bit strange place on a strange day.

'Twas then I realize, the sunlight earlier was just an illusion to make me believe something that wasn't even there. It was daylight in many parts of this area, but I know in my world, the deceptive rays of sun was just the natures trick to make me believe its bright. But I know deep inside, there is Darkness Amidst the Daylight.