There is nothing more tender
And softer than my pillow
It’s been always there for me
Through all my emotions
Sad or happy
My pillow is there to count on.
When I’m down and in pain
I just hug my pillow and cry
‘till I run out of tears.
When I’m scared in the dark
I just hug my pillow and tremble
‘till I fall asleep.
When I miss a loved one
I just hug my pillow
‘till I become oblivious of his/her absence.
When I’m seething in anger
I just hug my pillow
‘till I calm down.
When I’m baffled
I just hug my pillow
‘till I unravel the puzzle.
When I’m tired
I just hug my pillow
‘till I get a nap and regain energy.
When I’m happy
I just hug my pillow, unstoppably kiss it
‘till I thank God for a happy day.
I truly love my pillow
My loyal comforter
My huggable companion
My best friend
My life…………..
Friday, September 11, 2009
IT’S TIRESOME TO CHASE THE TIME
I see other people not minding the deadlines at all. They don’t allow time to harass them. They just work if they’re enthused to and stop whenever they like. Meeting or not meeting the deadline is never a big deal to them.
I envy those people. A couple of times I see them still in great composure while working even when the deadline is impending. No trace of stress across their faces. No hint of burning out. No panicky movements. No tantrums. No tell-tale signs of a busy life. Incredible!
The more I’ve tried to face my career like the way those people deal with their work, the more I recognize the time whisk by. I am left with the sense that I need to chase the time. The urge to finish everything that I do right away is constantly gushing through me. I have that innate pressure in me to finish what I’m making and what I’m doing shortly before the time or on time and not beyond the scheduled time. I hate to end things late. That’s why, delays are a mess to me.
There are times when my eyes whine and my body succumbs. My hands weaken and my head gives up. But I force my system to get awake and active. Time is leaping faster. A little goofing around will leave me far behind.
I’m constantly chasing the time……….always wanting to speed things up all along. I am looking forward to receive instant assistance………to come up with quick, sound decisions and fast plan and carry them all out like a snapshot. That is of course to hit my time marks.
Weaving a special system for all the daily activities is the right thing to do. But with all the numerous activities piled on top of another being put in a system still, I have to hurriedly finish one to start working on the next. In so doing, I am still chasing the time.
After spending much effort to keep chasing the time, I reach the point of getting exhausted………….stressed out……….depressed………..frustrated………I forgo my time to chill out. I sacrifice the time for myself. Only to end up unfinished on its deadline. I am like chasing the wind. Too hard to keep pace with it. In just a wink of an eye, it’s hundreds of miles away…………..and it’s gone.
That frantic “busy-making” I’ve made has not all the time pushed me so hard to keep pace with time as I’ve always wanted. A lot of times I gave my all in chasing the time and I won. I even used to get in the finishing line before the time. I thought it’s always like that…………But now, how come I see myself failing to chase the time? I’m now stuck…………pleading with time to wait for me.
The realization that has taken root in me is that I can’t have all I wanted all the time. Time and events are absolutely beyond my control. I am not that perfect to put them all together to make everything just work out like the way I want them to. There could be deadlines in my day-to-day life. There are really inevitable instances in which life is cruel and some of those deadlines are not met no matter how I’ve tried hard.
Time…………….I’m always chasing it. Time is not enough for now. When there is enough of it, I think I’ll still ask for more. No time contentment……………….I want more than enough of it to finish a very important thing……………..I want to get it done with quality and with brilliance…………………………more time for me please………………………I need more time to do my best and measure up!
I envy those people. A couple of times I see them still in great composure while working even when the deadline is impending. No trace of stress across their faces. No hint of burning out. No panicky movements. No tantrums. No tell-tale signs of a busy life. Incredible!
The more I’ve tried to face my career like the way those people deal with their work, the more I recognize the time whisk by. I am left with the sense that I need to chase the time. The urge to finish everything that I do right away is constantly gushing through me. I have that innate pressure in me to finish what I’m making and what I’m doing shortly before the time or on time and not beyond the scheduled time. I hate to end things late. That’s why, delays are a mess to me.
There are times when my eyes whine and my body succumbs. My hands weaken and my head gives up. But I force my system to get awake and active. Time is leaping faster. A little goofing around will leave me far behind.
I’m constantly chasing the time……….always wanting to speed things up all along. I am looking forward to receive instant assistance………to come up with quick, sound decisions and fast plan and carry them all out like a snapshot. That is of course to hit my time marks.
Weaving a special system for all the daily activities is the right thing to do. But with all the numerous activities piled on top of another being put in a system still, I have to hurriedly finish one to start working on the next. In so doing, I am still chasing the time.
After spending much effort to keep chasing the time, I reach the point of getting exhausted………….stressed out……….depressed………..frustrated………I forgo my time to chill out. I sacrifice the time for myself. Only to end up unfinished on its deadline. I am like chasing the wind. Too hard to keep pace with it. In just a wink of an eye, it’s hundreds of miles away…………..and it’s gone.
That frantic “busy-making” I’ve made has not all the time pushed me so hard to keep pace with time as I’ve always wanted. A lot of times I gave my all in chasing the time and I won. I even used to get in the finishing line before the time. I thought it’s always like that…………But now, how come I see myself failing to chase the time? I’m now stuck…………pleading with time to wait for me.
The realization that has taken root in me is that I can’t have all I wanted all the time. Time and events are absolutely beyond my control. I am not that perfect to put them all together to make everything just work out like the way I want them to. There could be deadlines in my day-to-day life. There are really inevitable instances in which life is cruel and some of those deadlines are not met no matter how I’ve tried hard.
Time…………….I’m always chasing it. Time is not enough for now. When there is enough of it, I think I’ll still ask for more. No time contentment……………….I want more than enough of it to finish a very important thing……………..I want to get it done with quality and with brilliance…………………………more time for me please………………………I need more time to do my best and measure up!
20 FUN STUFF I AND PETER ENJOY DOING TOGETHER
1. TRAVELING/ADVENTURE
We both see the magic in it…………..when we travel we are like in a fairy tale ……………we only see the happier side of life……..nothing else.
2. SIGHT-SEEING
We both have a heart for nature. A partial glimpse on a scenic view fuels our flaming up romance.
3. WATCHING SUNRISE AND SUNSET
We both see hope and optimism as the sun rises………we see completeness as the sun sets.
4. SWIMMING
We do it on holidays either in the beach, pool or in the water falls. Note : I barely have the nerve to swim with him beyond 5 feet deep. LOL!
5. SPORTS
We sweat out together with much fun…….we play badminton and table tennis………we run and we do brisk walking after dinner around the neighborhood………..we do it to shed our berserk bulging bellies LOL!……..Our common aim: To lose weight. We are both health conscious ………….getting into shape is an issue to both of us.
6. DINING OUT
When we dine out together, we find eat-all-you-can buffet quite practical. Believe me we have a lot of food preference in common…………”kinilaw, sinugba, tinola or “sutokil” are among our favorites. Four seasons and chop suey veggies, pinakbet, adobo, chicken barbeque, lechon, and liempo are few others. Ice cream, shake, halo-halo and fruit salad make up our top-rating desserts…………….
I find it impressive when Peter reminds me of my 1-cup-rice meal in front of festive display of copious yummies.
7. MALLING
Strolling around the mall……….window shopping and fitting the trendy clothes and accessories we don’t plan to buy is part of our hang outs…………….we roam around the mall ‘till leg cramps ensue.
8. WATCHING MOVIES
Peter’s fetish of movies is very contagious. Watching movie together in the theater or merely at home have no much difference. We both find it relaxing and entertaining. Our common movie likes include horror and comedy.
9. CHATTING VIA YM
This is hella funny! We fiddle around by web chatting with each other even if he is in the sofa while I am in our bed room. Weird isn’t it? But sometimes it can help us patch up our petty “LQ”. Through web chatting, we both could convey our emotions………….at least no nagging involved……….and it really works! Thanx cybernet!
10. LAUGHING/CRACKING JOKES
We can’t call it a day without laughing………….cracking jokes and making fun of each other is one way of defying our idle moments.
11. VIDEOKE HANG OUT
We don’t care if we run out of P5 peso coins……..as long as we sing all our favorite songs to our hearts content. For us, singing is a form of emotional release…………nothing less than a therapeutic activity.
12. GOING TO THE CHURCH TOGETHER
Prayer is our only weapon against all odds. We do it every Sunday p.m., Wednesday and sometimes Friday. We are more comfy to be in the rear part of the church.
13. CAMPING
Spending our time together in the tent is a lotta fun………kinda romantic………..perhaps the tiny space in the tent permits us to own each better. Meowwwww!!!!!
14. FISHING
We couldn’t contain the overwhelming thrill when we catch a wiggling fish after a pretty long wait……… with the whining fishing gear.
15. TAKING PICTURES
Firing up our digi cam…….capturing all the fascinating spots in our travels……….is one way of preserving all the good memories.
16. BAR HOPPING
Listening to live bands playing folk songs, RNB, reggae and pop music over some amount of booze on a weekend is entertaining…………you usually see my hand clasped with his when we listen to the folk songs…………
17. GOING TO THE MARKET
Wednesdays and Saturdays are our usual schedule for buying wet market stuff ….. we both stick to our budget all the time………….fish, veggies and fruits over pork, beef and chicken
18. COOKING
We’re fond of inventing our own recipes. We modify the existing and famous ones. Peter does the slicing of spices, fish or meat and prepping all of those stuff on the table. I do the mixing and the cooking. I oftentimes let him do the taste test. When he says “it tastes okay”, that means…..prepare the table and lets eat……..
19. BODY MASSAGE
Peter is my private masseur………….I am his private masseuse. Sometimes, before going to bed he gives me a free body massage after I do the same to him. This is I guess far better than having it in any massage parlor or spa. Aside from being not costly, it’s romantic too.
20. KISSING, HUGGING AND EXCHANGING “I LOVE YOU’s” BEFORE LIGHTS OFF AND DURING SUNRISE
This is our constant reminder that we cherish each other’s presence……that our love for each other is endless……..and is forever the reason why we need each other every single day……….
Those top 20 things we love doing together are our precious gems ……….
our ultimate wealth…………..
our lifetime treasure………….
We both see the magic in it…………..when we travel we are like in a fairy tale ……………we only see the happier side of life……..nothing else.
2. SIGHT-SEEING
We both have a heart for nature. A partial glimpse on a scenic view fuels our flaming up romance.
3. WATCHING SUNRISE AND SUNSET
We both see hope and optimism as the sun rises………we see completeness as the sun sets.
4. SWIMMING
We do it on holidays either in the beach, pool or in the water falls. Note : I barely have the nerve to swim with him beyond 5 feet deep. LOL!
5. SPORTS
We sweat out together with much fun…….we play badminton and table tennis………we run and we do brisk walking after dinner around the neighborhood………..we do it to shed our berserk bulging bellies LOL!……..Our common aim: To lose weight. We are both health conscious ………….getting into shape is an issue to both of us.
6. DINING OUT
When we dine out together, we find eat-all-you-can buffet quite practical. Believe me we have a lot of food preference in common…………”kinilaw, sinugba, tinola or “sutokil” are among our favorites. Four seasons and chop suey veggies, pinakbet, adobo, chicken barbeque, lechon, and liempo are few others. Ice cream, shake, halo-halo and fruit salad make up our top-rating desserts…………….
I find it impressive when Peter reminds me of my 1-cup-rice meal in front of festive display of copious yummies.
7. MALLING
Strolling around the mall……….window shopping and fitting the trendy clothes and accessories we don’t plan to buy is part of our hang outs…………….we roam around the mall ‘till leg cramps ensue.
8. WATCHING MOVIES
Peter’s fetish of movies is very contagious. Watching movie together in the theater or merely at home have no much difference. We both find it relaxing and entertaining. Our common movie likes include horror and comedy.
9. CHATTING VIA YM
This is hella funny! We fiddle around by web chatting with each other even if he is in the sofa while I am in our bed room. Weird isn’t it? But sometimes it can help us patch up our petty “LQ”. Through web chatting, we both could convey our emotions………….at least no nagging involved……….and it really works! Thanx cybernet!
10. LAUGHING/CRACKING JOKES
We can’t call it a day without laughing………….cracking jokes and making fun of each other is one way of defying our idle moments.
11. VIDEOKE HANG OUT
We don’t care if we run out of P5 peso coins……..as long as we sing all our favorite songs to our hearts content. For us, singing is a form of emotional release…………nothing less than a therapeutic activity.
12. GOING TO THE CHURCH TOGETHER
Prayer is our only weapon against all odds. We do it every Sunday p.m., Wednesday and sometimes Friday. We are more comfy to be in the rear part of the church.
13. CAMPING
Spending our time together in the tent is a lotta fun………kinda romantic………..perhaps the tiny space in the tent permits us to own each better. Meowwwww!!!!!
14. FISHING
We couldn’t contain the overwhelming thrill when we catch a wiggling fish after a pretty long wait……… with the whining fishing gear.
15. TAKING PICTURES
Firing up our digi cam…….capturing all the fascinating spots in our travels……….is one way of preserving all the good memories.
16. BAR HOPPING
Listening to live bands playing folk songs, RNB, reggae and pop music over some amount of booze on a weekend is entertaining…………you usually see my hand clasped with his when we listen to the folk songs…………
17. GOING TO THE MARKET
Wednesdays and Saturdays are our usual schedule for buying wet market stuff ….. we both stick to our budget all the time………….fish, veggies and fruits over pork, beef and chicken
18. COOKING
We’re fond of inventing our own recipes. We modify the existing and famous ones. Peter does the slicing of spices, fish or meat and prepping all of those stuff on the table. I do the mixing and the cooking. I oftentimes let him do the taste test. When he says “it tastes okay”, that means…..prepare the table and lets eat……..
19. BODY MASSAGE
Peter is my private masseur………….I am his private masseuse. Sometimes, before going to bed he gives me a free body massage after I do the same to him. This is I guess far better than having it in any massage parlor or spa. Aside from being not costly, it’s romantic too.
20. KISSING, HUGGING AND EXCHANGING “I LOVE YOU’s” BEFORE LIGHTS OFF AND DURING SUNRISE
This is our constant reminder that we cherish each other’s presence……that our love for each other is endless……..and is forever the reason why we need each other every single day……….
Those top 20 things we love doing together are our precious gems ……….
our ultimate wealth…………..
our lifetime treasure………….
Saturday, June 20, 2009
FATHER FIGURE
I felt that my childhood
Was fettered by Papa’s restrictions
Almost all the things I loved doing
Were forbidden………………
I wanted to ride my bicycle
But Papa said I should not.
I wanted to play with my friends under the sun
But Papa said “No!”
I wanted to cook and wash the clothes
But Papa didn’t want me to
I wanted to go to the beach with the neighbors
But Papa said I might get drowned
I wanted to take vacation in my cousin’s place
But Papa said I was too young to be there……
I envied my friends and cousins
Through the window, I just watched them
Enjoying with their freedom
Doing so many things
Which I’d been deprived of.
When I reached high school
Papa became more strict and tough
I just hated the curfew hours
I missed a lot of fun outings
I wasn’t allowed to travel alone
It was a great frustration
To say no to a man I fell in love with
Just to follow what Papa told me
That I should not indulge in a relationship yet
I felt I was enmeshed
In a myriad of no freedom
With a profound longing
To express my youth
But I just couldn’t.
When I went to a university
I was away from home
I quaffed the new freedom
I savored the new independence
I’d done so many things without reluctance
Papa wasn’t there at all to reprimand me
Yet, I still had that fear of him
His constant calls and reminders were still there
And so, no matter what
I still tend to behave well
I dared not to abuse my instant freedom
I still managed to set limits
For I’m scared of Papa
My fear of him is unrelenting.
Now that I’m an adult
Now that I’m married
And now that I’m more mature
I’ve started to stop cursing Papa
Instead I’ve begun to appreciate him
For all those deprivations
And annoying restrictions before.
I begin to understand
Why Papa did all of those………..
Simply because he kept me on the right track
And absolutely because he loves me a lot.
I don’t care if all of those inhibitions
Were right or wrong
All I know now is……
There was so much love behind them.
I might not have fully enjoyed
My childhood and my teenage life
Yet, I know Papa had a very good reason
Why he never gave me so much freedom
He never meant to hurt me
And to give me a miserable life
It was just his means of molding
A wonderful person in me
And that’s what matters a lot to me
With his love and concern
I become what I am now
I’m grateful that my eyes and heart
Have seen and felt a Father Figure………..
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY PA! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!
Was fettered by Papa’s restrictions
Almost all the things I loved doing
Were forbidden………………
I wanted to ride my bicycle
But Papa said I should not.
I wanted to play with my friends under the sun
But Papa said “No!”
I wanted to cook and wash the clothes
But Papa didn’t want me to
I wanted to go to the beach with the neighbors
But Papa said I might get drowned
I wanted to take vacation in my cousin’s place
But Papa said I was too young to be there……
I envied my friends and cousins
Through the window, I just watched them
Enjoying with their freedom
Doing so many things
Which I’d been deprived of.
When I reached high school
Papa became more strict and tough
I just hated the curfew hours
I missed a lot of fun outings
I wasn’t allowed to travel alone
It was a great frustration
To say no to a man I fell in love with
Just to follow what Papa told me
That I should not indulge in a relationship yet
I felt I was enmeshed
In a myriad of no freedom
With a profound longing
To express my youth
But I just couldn’t.
When I went to a university
I was away from home
I quaffed the new freedom
I savored the new independence
I’d done so many things without reluctance
Papa wasn’t there at all to reprimand me
Yet, I still had that fear of him
His constant calls and reminders were still there
And so, no matter what
I still tend to behave well
I dared not to abuse my instant freedom
I still managed to set limits
For I’m scared of Papa
My fear of him is unrelenting.
Now that I’m an adult
Now that I’m married
And now that I’m more mature
I’ve started to stop cursing Papa
Instead I’ve begun to appreciate him
For all those deprivations
And annoying restrictions before.
I begin to understand
Why Papa did all of those………..
Simply because he kept me on the right track
And absolutely because he loves me a lot.
I don’t care if all of those inhibitions
Were right or wrong
All I know now is……
There was so much love behind them.
I might not have fully enjoyed
My childhood and my teenage life
Yet, I know Papa had a very good reason
Why he never gave me so much freedom
He never meant to hurt me
And to give me a miserable life
It was just his means of molding
A wonderful person in me
And that’s what matters a lot to me
With his love and concern
I become what I am now
I’m grateful that my eyes and heart
Have seen and felt a Father Figure………..
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY PA! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
DOES SHE KNOW THAT THE WORLD HATES HER?
I met this petite woman two years back for the very first time. There was something strange in her that I couldn’t explain. I just felt awkward when I never received even an iota of warmth a little after I introduced myself to her. That insincere smile of hers was too evident that nothing could ever conceal it.
I could still recall how the pitch of her voice suddenly heightened when I mentioned the institution – NORMISIST with which I am connected. I almost put my palms before my ears when she audaciously cursed such institution right to my face. I left frozen in disbelief on how she got the nerve to spew bad words against the institution of someone she just met. I wonder how I stifled a fierce scream when she kept on hurling those damn irritating insults. It was good that I managed to stay calm and composed in the midst of that worst getting-to-know conversation.
After that instance, I ran into her several times and it got me into unexpected casual conversations with her. Along all those chit-chats with her, I noticed that she also had a sense of humor and a bit of a woman’s charm. I started convincing myself to appreciate her positive attitude and merely ignore anything undesirable about her.
But, the more I coaxed myself to see the beautiful side of her, the more I vividly spotted the rotten part of herself. I shut my ears each time she maligned people around, but, I could still hear her spiteful words. What made this woman love despising the people? She seemed to be mad at anyone. In fact, I seldom heard her saying good things about her friends. Most of the time I heard nothing from her but constantly backbiting, gossiping, relaying rumors and even bragging shamelessly.
Sometimes I couldn’t help asking if she has gone through some traumatic experiences or perhaps a childhood hang-up that most probably caused her undesirable attitude. Perhaps she had once experienced severe humiliation or oppression which carved great frustrations, insecurities and pain deep within her. Not having completely overcome these negative emotions might be the reason why she got a distorted personality.
I tried hard to find some means to understand her. I never allowed her unusual behavior to make me evade her. No one is perfect any way. So, I never rejected the friendship. I still had my ears for her garrulous mouth and her boastfulness.
I began hearing complaints from our common friends. A lot of them have already noticed her eccentricity. In fact her officemate told me that almost all the people in their division disliked her. Again, it brought me to a deep contemplation. I started to ponder why I still tolerate her oddness when most of them barely bore with it.
With me still keeping our friendship, consequently, she happened to drag my name into a mess. Somebody became very mad at me because of her. I was seething in fury at that time that I almost blew her head off. But, after that, I still forgave her.
I still kept the friendship but, I then became cautious and conscious with the words I uttered when she was around. Along our friendship, I usually observed how she often messed with other people. I also witnessed how those people hated her to pieces which made them eventually elude her. “She is not a true friend. She could not be trusted. Beware of that bitch” were some of the warnings they threw at me. It seemed like the world hated her and all the more, I felt pity for her. I wonder if she was that sensitive to discern that she’s been disliked by the many.
I never quitted from that friendship. But I took extra care in dealing with her. I still chatted and laughed with her with some degree of caution. What’s funny was the fact that I still bore her usual fabricated stories which I thought most of her friends could hardly bear.
I guess, one thing that made me stick to her despite of her incongruousness was my hope to see her transform. I never left her because I waited for the right timing to wake her up and see the “real she”……………and to somehow make her aware that people are staying away from her and she really has a lot to fix in the inner core of herself to win them back and not to eventually run out of wonderful friends. I never turned my back because I wanted to get a grip of the perfect chance to tell her that she was already getting out of hand and she had to grow up.
Before I had the chance to do what I’d been longing to do, I got into trouble again because of her. She used to relay gossips and rumors from one person to another. She was very immature and unprofessional enough to exaggerate information she received from others and relayed them to me even if she knew that it was very confidential. Such news which she already exaggerated provoked me and made me confront the source right away. I got more infuriated when I knew that she just exaggerated the whole story and even fabricated the rest of the news. WTF!
Right after that incident, I lost a very good opportunity to travel and get trained for a very interesting kind of field research because of her again. She told me she already informed the organizer that I was coming with them but the truth was she never mentioned my name during the final agreement about the trip. Consequently, it eliminated my chance to be with the group. Only her group was able to join the training. Isn’t it too much already?
Enough is enough. How stupid I was to ignore other people’s warning about her. The recent mistake she made brought my stupidity to an abrupt halt. I couldn’t let it pass anymore. My patience had already reached its threshold level. I couldn’t stretch it any longer. She has done so much damage already. It’s time to really stay away from her for my own sake. I might lose a career or even worse than that if I’ll continue to be with her. They are right that it’s not healthy to be with this unpredictable woman.
Yes I could forgive her for what she unfairly did to me and to others………….but I couldn’t afford anymore to let her have another chance to give me another problem. Everything is over. Enough of all those headaches she has given me.
I am now fervently praying for her transformation ……………and for her to stop hurting others and causing so much trouble to anyone around. May she learn a lesson from any of her bad deeds and wake up to the reality that she is not really behaving well. I am badly hoping for her to discern on how to do the right things to make her win her friends back.
Friends are anybody’s wealth. She will always remain poor if she’ll never bother to change for the better. I am grateful that I am wallowing in wealth…………not in money but in friends………….simply because the world never hates me. I know I am not perfect but anyhow, I have a good heart. I think it is anybody’s choice to win many friends. Why can’t she take this simple choice?
I could still recall how the pitch of her voice suddenly heightened when I mentioned the institution – NORMISIST with which I am connected. I almost put my palms before my ears when she audaciously cursed such institution right to my face. I left frozen in disbelief on how she got the nerve to spew bad words against the institution of someone she just met. I wonder how I stifled a fierce scream when she kept on hurling those damn irritating insults. It was good that I managed to stay calm and composed in the midst of that worst getting-to-know conversation.
After that instance, I ran into her several times and it got me into unexpected casual conversations with her. Along all those chit-chats with her, I noticed that she also had a sense of humor and a bit of a woman’s charm. I started convincing myself to appreciate her positive attitude and merely ignore anything undesirable about her.
But, the more I coaxed myself to see the beautiful side of her, the more I vividly spotted the rotten part of herself. I shut my ears each time she maligned people around, but, I could still hear her spiteful words. What made this woman love despising the people? She seemed to be mad at anyone. In fact, I seldom heard her saying good things about her friends. Most of the time I heard nothing from her but constantly backbiting, gossiping, relaying rumors and even bragging shamelessly.
Sometimes I couldn’t help asking if she has gone through some traumatic experiences or perhaps a childhood hang-up that most probably caused her undesirable attitude. Perhaps she had once experienced severe humiliation or oppression which carved great frustrations, insecurities and pain deep within her. Not having completely overcome these negative emotions might be the reason why she got a distorted personality.
I tried hard to find some means to understand her. I never allowed her unusual behavior to make me evade her. No one is perfect any way. So, I never rejected the friendship. I still had my ears for her garrulous mouth and her boastfulness.
I began hearing complaints from our common friends. A lot of them have already noticed her eccentricity. In fact her officemate told me that almost all the people in their division disliked her. Again, it brought me to a deep contemplation. I started to ponder why I still tolerate her oddness when most of them barely bore with it.
With me still keeping our friendship, consequently, she happened to drag my name into a mess. Somebody became very mad at me because of her. I was seething in fury at that time that I almost blew her head off. But, after that, I still forgave her.
I still kept the friendship but, I then became cautious and conscious with the words I uttered when she was around. Along our friendship, I usually observed how she often messed with other people. I also witnessed how those people hated her to pieces which made them eventually elude her. “She is not a true friend. She could not be trusted. Beware of that bitch” were some of the warnings they threw at me. It seemed like the world hated her and all the more, I felt pity for her. I wonder if she was that sensitive to discern that she’s been disliked by the many.
I never quitted from that friendship. But I took extra care in dealing with her. I still chatted and laughed with her with some degree of caution. What’s funny was the fact that I still bore her usual fabricated stories which I thought most of her friends could hardly bear.
I guess, one thing that made me stick to her despite of her incongruousness was my hope to see her transform. I never left her because I waited for the right timing to wake her up and see the “real she”……………and to somehow make her aware that people are staying away from her and she really has a lot to fix in the inner core of herself to win them back and not to eventually run out of wonderful friends. I never turned my back because I wanted to get a grip of the perfect chance to tell her that she was already getting out of hand and she had to grow up.
Before I had the chance to do what I’d been longing to do, I got into trouble again because of her. She used to relay gossips and rumors from one person to another. She was very immature and unprofessional enough to exaggerate information she received from others and relayed them to me even if she knew that it was very confidential. Such news which she already exaggerated provoked me and made me confront the source right away. I got more infuriated when I knew that she just exaggerated the whole story and even fabricated the rest of the news. WTF!
Right after that incident, I lost a very good opportunity to travel and get trained for a very interesting kind of field research because of her again. She told me she already informed the organizer that I was coming with them but the truth was she never mentioned my name during the final agreement about the trip. Consequently, it eliminated my chance to be with the group. Only her group was able to join the training. Isn’t it too much already?
Enough is enough. How stupid I was to ignore other people’s warning about her. The recent mistake she made brought my stupidity to an abrupt halt. I couldn’t let it pass anymore. My patience had already reached its threshold level. I couldn’t stretch it any longer. She has done so much damage already. It’s time to really stay away from her for my own sake. I might lose a career or even worse than that if I’ll continue to be with her. They are right that it’s not healthy to be with this unpredictable woman.
Yes I could forgive her for what she unfairly did to me and to others………….but I couldn’t afford anymore to let her have another chance to give me another problem. Everything is over. Enough of all those headaches she has given me.
I am now fervently praying for her transformation ……………and for her to stop hurting others and causing so much trouble to anyone around. May she learn a lesson from any of her bad deeds and wake up to the reality that she is not really behaving well. I am badly hoping for her to discern on how to do the right things to make her win her friends back.
Friends are anybody’s wealth. She will always remain poor if she’ll never bother to change for the better. I am grateful that I am wallowing in wealth…………not in money but in friends………….simply because the world never hates me. I know I am not perfect but anyhow, I have a good heart. I think it is anybody’s choice to win many friends. Why can’t she take this simple choice?
REMARKABLE GRANDMA
What makes my grandma
A grand mother?
She’s grand
Because she mothers my dear father
Who fathers me
And she mothers
The special fathers and mothers
Who father and mother my cousins.
She is very old
Yet young at heart
Beneath her wrinkled and grey skin
Is her beautiful soul
In spite of her grainy and foggy eyes
She sees the wonders of life
Her salt-and-pepper hair
Conjures up her well-ripened wisdom.
She’s got back and muscle pains
Yet she’s a very good baby sitter of her grandkids
She’s got bones weakened by age
Yet she has the strength to protect her loved ones
She’s got no teeth in her gums
Yet her smile is lovely and eloquent
She’s got arthritis-afflicted legs
Yet her lap is the best place when I’m sad.
She is my remarkable grandma
She’s old, yet young
She’s weak, yet strong
She’s wrinkled, yet beautiful
Her smile means a world to me
Her hugs and kisses are greater than comfort
I know that when God takes her at the right time
She’ll die asleep and happy………..
A grand mother?
She’s grand
Because she mothers my dear father
Who fathers me
And she mothers
The special fathers and mothers
Who father and mother my cousins.
She is very old
Yet young at heart
Beneath her wrinkled and grey skin
Is her beautiful soul
In spite of her grainy and foggy eyes
She sees the wonders of life
Her salt-and-pepper hair
Conjures up her well-ripened wisdom.
She’s got back and muscle pains
Yet she’s a very good baby sitter of her grandkids
She’s got bones weakened by age
Yet she has the strength to protect her loved ones
She’s got no teeth in her gums
Yet her smile is lovely and eloquent
She’s got arthritis-afflicted legs
Yet her lap is the best place when I’m sad.
She is my remarkable grandma
She’s old, yet young
She’s weak, yet strong
She’s wrinkled, yet beautiful
Her smile means a world to me
Her hugs and kisses are greater than comfort
I know that when God takes her at the right time
She’ll die asleep and happy………..
MAY IN THE PHILIPPINES
When the month of May sets in, I think of a series of celebrations. In fact, I could associate this lovely month with the Pinoy’s rich culture. Everyday is “fiesta”. From the very first day ‘till the last day of May, everyone seems bustling around for fiesta celebration. Everything is gussied up from the remote sitios, barrios or villages to the Philippine cities. There is a mixture of joyful noise and copious food in many places all over the country. The crispy lechon with an apple in its mouth is always the highlight on the dining table. There is that soaring candle sales in the church for the Patron Saint offerings. May is not a sober month in the Philippines. Everyone is drunk……everyone becomes a glutton………everyone is having fun in this month.
Another grand event in May is the Flores de Mayo – a tribute to the Virgin Mary. In the Philippines, I could start seeing the rain in May after a long, dry summer. With the rainfall, the flowers magically bloom and the flower fragrance floats in the air. With this beneficial rainfall which makes the surroundings colorful, the Catholics offer prayers, reflections, songs and the children march down the church center aisle and sprinkle fragrant petals for Mama Mary. As these little angels sing hymns to Lady Immaculate while offering a bunch of flowers to the altar, I can’t help on bringing myself back to my childhood years. I always had flowers and friends with me in the church before. I had once experienced becoming an angel who offered flower petals too and I had also been crowned as the little Flores de Mayo Queen in our hometown at the age of six. That angel within me shall live on. Every month of May, I still become an angel………an adult angel who just loves watching the new generation of young angels celebrating the essence of Flores de Mayo.
Santacruzan is another exciting highlight of May which is usually held on the later part of this month. This is a historical-religious parade of beautiful Filipina maidens with their handsome escorts under the hand-carried bamboo arcs decorated by fragrant native flowers. It is a novena procession to rekindle the St. Helena’s finding of the cross – the mother of Constantine the great. This reminds me of the Santacruzan 2001 in my place. I was chosen as the Reyna Elena with my little Constantine partner. It was a great honor for me to flaunt my beautiful gown. I couldn’t conceal the glint of pride across my face since Santacruzan is not just an ordinary pageant of looks or beauties but also the embodiment of traditional feminine traits. This is a historical event and a part of our Filipino culture which had been adopted from the Spaniards more than 100 years ago. And so, it’s not just an entertainment but an inspiration as well.
To sum it all up, May is absolutely a festive month. It is the month of food, noise, fun, fragrance, blossoms and prayers…………a month of the Filipino culture………..a month of history and religion………….a month of celebration ……………a special month that speaks of who and what a Filipino is…………..a month that explains that a Filipino like me is a fun-loving, religious and a cultured person.
Another grand event in May is the Flores de Mayo – a tribute to the Virgin Mary. In the Philippines, I could start seeing the rain in May after a long, dry summer. With the rainfall, the flowers magically bloom and the flower fragrance floats in the air. With this beneficial rainfall which makes the surroundings colorful, the Catholics offer prayers, reflections, songs and the children march down the church center aisle and sprinkle fragrant petals for Mama Mary. As these little angels sing hymns to Lady Immaculate while offering a bunch of flowers to the altar, I can’t help on bringing myself back to my childhood years. I always had flowers and friends with me in the church before. I had once experienced becoming an angel who offered flower petals too and I had also been crowned as the little Flores de Mayo Queen in our hometown at the age of six. That angel within me shall live on. Every month of May, I still become an angel………an adult angel who just loves watching the new generation of young angels celebrating the essence of Flores de Mayo.
Santacruzan is another exciting highlight of May which is usually held on the later part of this month. This is a historical-religious parade of beautiful Filipina maidens with their handsome escorts under the hand-carried bamboo arcs decorated by fragrant native flowers. It is a novena procession to rekindle the St. Helena’s finding of the cross – the mother of Constantine the great. This reminds me of the Santacruzan 2001 in my place. I was chosen as the Reyna Elena with my little Constantine partner. It was a great honor for me to flaunt my beautiful gown. I couldn’t conceal the glint of pride across my face since Santacruzan is not just an ordinary pageant of looks or beauties but also the embodiment of traditional feminine traits. This is a historical event and a part of our Filipino culture which had been adopted from the Spaniards more than 100 years ago. And so, it’s not just an entertainment but an inspiration as well.
To sum it all up, May is absolutely a festive month. It is the month of food, noise, fun, fragrance, blossoms and prayers…………a month of the Filipino culture………..a month of history and religion………….a month of celebration ……………a special month that speaks of who and what a Filipino is…………..a month that explains that a Filipino like me is a fun-loving, religious and a cultured person.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
MAMA MELY
Mother of all seasons is the best title for you
Among all the mothers I’ve known, you stand out to be the best
Moments with you are like golden chips of time glistening on my palm
A noble wife……a fulfilled mother……..a dedicated teacher……….an asset in the family like
you deserves the best things in the world.
Ma, on this mother’s day, ignore those wrinkles on your face
Evolution must go on with time
Love your age and never ever hate it……..for it makes life enriched with wonderful experiences………as you grow in age, you too, grow in wisdom……and definitely, life grows in beauty as you grow in wisdom.
You better yell in joy as you breathe for life on this mother’s day ……life is to be lived at age. Maybe aging process shows physically but there’s still such thing as being young at heart , young in spirit. Then, there is no sadness, only joy. “Age has not got much to do with how old you are” You have portrayed your role as a mother and as a wife very well. All your sacrifices for us, your children and your motherly love and care have made your life and age very meaningful…………………………………….
HAPPY MOM’S DAY MA!
Among all the mothers I’ve known, you stand out to be the best
Moments with you are like golden chips of time glistening on my palm
A noble wife……a fulfilled mother……..a dedicated teacher……….an asset in the family like
you deserves the best things in the world.
Ma, on this mother’s day, ignore those wrinkles on your face
Evolution must go on with time
Love your age and never ever hate it……..for it makes life enriched with wonderful experiences………as you grow in age, you too, grow in wisdom……and definitely, life grows in beauty as you grow in wisdom.
You better yell in joy as you breathe for life on this mother’s day ……life is to be lived at age. Maybe aging process shows physically but there’s still such thing as being young at heart , young in spirit. Then, there is no sadness, only joy. “Age has not got much to do with how old you are” You have portrayed your role as a mother and as a wife very well. All your sacrifices for us, your children and your motherly love and care have made your life and age very meaningful…………………………………….
HAPPY MOM’S DAY MA!
A UNIQUE MOTHER
God knows how I owe her a lot……….
For nine crucial months I was in her womb
Eating what she ate
Feeling what she felt
Hearing what she heard
And I loved all those things.
The special food she took
Sent vigor and strength to my fragile bones
Her gentle caress on her womb
Truly cheered me up
Her motherly lullabies
Were more than a delight
Hearing her hum a few notes
Under her breath sent me to a nice nap.
It was a beautiful day of Sept. 20, 1980
When she gave birth to me
I saw that tremendous joy
That radiated across her face
And the smile that played
At the curve of her lips
I still remember that warm kiss
She planted on my forehead
With her tears of joy
Trickling down her face
And her trembling fingers
Tousling my rosy, thin cheeks
All her happy gestures on that day
Still keep on flashing in my thoughts now.
She never neglected me as her daughter
She forwent all her needs for my sake
My illness made her anxious
My cries were jagged spears plunged into her heart
She did everything that she could
Just to make me well.
She spent most of her time playing with me
Singing and dancing with me
She was so excited seeing the first time I crawled
Until she saw me learning to walk a few steps
She couldn’t contain her joy
When she heard me uttering Ma-ma ad Pa-pa
She was there with me in all my firsts
And her love for me never faded
In every stage of life that I had gone through.
Her immeasurable motherly care
Brought me up into a wholesome child
The disciplinary measures she imposed
Taught me to behave accordingly
She molded me physically, emotionally,
Mentally and spiritually
She taught me to be honest and generous
To my playmates and to everyone else
She taught me to respect the elders
And love all the creations of God
She taught me to pray and fear God above all.
When I was assailed with a lot of confusions
In my adolescent stage she was there with me
She helped me unravel all those riddles
That teenagers could hardly understand
She made me responsible and confident
In anything I did
She made me decide well
In all my plans and desires in life
She made me see the difference
Between what was right and wrong
And she successfully made me
Resist the tempting peer pressure
She tried her best to steer my path
To a remarkable and promising future.
In my adulthood
She never stopped giving her advices
And her guidance to me
She was always there through all
The ups and downs of my career
She inspired me to become
A proficient and a dedicated teacher
And to love the teaching profession more
Through loving and shaping my students well.
She was never absent in my marriage life
She was always there at my back
Reminding me the need to be
A patient, strong and a loving wife and mom
And to value and keep our marital bond
And to be a good model to my future kids.
Whoever I am today
That’s my unique mother
Who built the totality of my personality
Who gave me substance
Who filled me with character
Who made me love life to the fullest.
To my unique Mom………
A zillion thanks to her……….
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO YOU MA AND TO ALL THE MOTHERS ON EARTH………………..
For nine crucial months I was in her womb
Eating what she ate
Feeling what she felt
Hearing what she heard
And I loved all those things.
The special food she took
Sent vigor and strength to my fragile bones
Her gentle caress on her womb
Truly cheered me up
Her motherly lullabies
Were more than a delight
Hearing her hum a few notes
Under her breath sent me to a nice nap.
It was a beautiful day of Sept. 20, 1980
When she gave birth to me
I saw that tremendous joy
That radiated across her face
And the smile that played
At the curve of her lips
I still remember that warm kiss
She planted on my forehead
With her tears of joy
Trickling down her face
And her trembling fingers
Tousling my rosy, thin cheeks
All her happy gestures on that day
Still keep on flashing in my thoughts now.
She never neglected me as her daughter
She forwent all her needs for my sake
My illness made her anxious
My cries were jagged spears plunged into her heart
She did everything that she could
Just to make me well.
She spent most of her time playing with me
Singing and dancing with me
She was so excited seeing the first time I crawled
Until she saw me learning to walk a few steps
She couldn’t contain her joy
When she heard me uttering Ma-ma ad Pa-pa
She was there with me in all my firsts
And her love for me never faded
In every stage of life that I had gone through.
Her immeasurable motherly care
Brought me up into a wholesome child
The disciplinary measures she imposed
Taught me to behave accordingly
She molded me physically, emotionally,
Mentally and spiritually
She taught me to be honest and generous
To my playmates and to everyone else
She taught me to respect the elders
And love all the creations of God
She taught me to pray and fear God above all.
When I was assailed with a lot of confusions
In my adolescent stage she was there with me
She helped me unravel all those riddles
That teenagers could hardly understand
She made me responsible and confident
In anything I did
She made me decide well
In all my plans and desires in life
She made me see the difference
Between what was right and wrong
And she successfully made me
Resist the tempting peer pressure
She tried her best to steer my path
To a remarkable and promising future.
In my adulthood
She never stopped giving her advices
And her guidance to me
She was always there through all
The ups and downs of my career
She inspired me to become
A proficient and a dedicated teacher
And to love the teaching profession more
Through loving and shaping my students well.
She was never absent in my marriage life
She was always there at my back
Reminding me the need to be
A patient, strong and a loving wife and mom
And to value and keep our marital bond
And to be a good model to my future kids.
Whoever I am today
That’s my unique mother
Who built the totality of my personality
Who gave me substance
Who filled me with character
Who made me love life to the fullest.
To my unique Mom………
A zillion thanks to her……….
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO YOU MA AND TO ALL THE MOTHERS ON EARTH………………..
PRICELESS EXPERIENCE IN BAGUIO CITY
My wallet kept on whining when I went to Baguio City. I thought that travel was a total waste of time, effort and money. But, when I got there, I realized that nary an experience of mine was vain. Let me enumerate here my priceless experiences :
a. Attended Wildlife Conservation Society of the Philippines Symposium
It was my first time to attend such symposium at UP Baguio. The presentations inspired me so much to be always a good environmental steward and a wildlife conservation enthusiast. I think I would do it best by doing more wildlife researches in Mindanao. Through this, I could possibly come up with a more effective conservation management strategies.
b. Met WCSP people (researchers and conservationists)
It felt good to have met WCSP peeps – those with great hearts for nature. Running into this new circle of friends was more than a gift. It made me enhance my professional network. All the more, it had driven me to become more active in saving whatever has been left in the wild.
c. Travelled Alone
Travelling alone as far as Butuan City to Baguio City for the very first time was super fulfilling. I mean it took me a lot of courage to dare travelling all by myself to reach the place I have never been in my entire life. Thanks God I reached there in a perfect safety. Well, that travel taught me a lot which I guess would truly help me grow up and become more mature.
d. Tour around Baguio City with Tess and Ate Nelie
Before and after the symposium, I got to see the beauty of Baguio with Tess and Ate Nelie (my co-grad students at MSU-IIT).
Boating at Burnham Park was a whole lot of fun. Viewing the mountain sceneries from SM Baguio and Mines View Park was truly breath-taking. The colorful blossoms and their fragrant scent in Botanical Garden and Wright Park were incomparable. I saw that stunning elegance in The Mansion as well as in the Philippine Military Academy. The lovely red color of strawberries was very pleasant to my sight. And I just couldn’t help hobnobbing with the pine trees parading along the roadways. In short, Baguio is a paradise.
e. Met my Thesis Adviser – Dr. Neil Aldrin Mallari
Finally I met my idol during the WCSP symposium. I looked up to him more when I saw his paper presentation. I gave him two thumbs up for that. His outstanding presentation inspired me to do something like that later. I wonder if I could do that. Hmmmmmm………..let me try lol! One thing I couldn’t forget about this person is when he kept on pushing me to go for excellence and nothing below it. What a pressure! But I will keep that in mind………promise…………….
f. Met Peter’s relatives for the very first time
I was so happy that I finally met my hubby’s mother-side relatives in Scout Barrio. Camp John Hay. Actually, I stayed in their house all throughout my short vacation in Baguio. I was so grateful for their hospitality. Thanks Lola Agus, Aunt Bebe and Aunt Lilia for your warmth and kindness. The cute bracelets I received from Aunt Bebe would forever be treasured.
g. Chilly wind and very cold water in the bathroom
I wish we have that chilly wind and extremely cold water in Butuan City too hahahah! My God, I absolutely relish the chilly wind in Baguio. It felt so refreshing. The cold weather knocked my mood swings and tantrums out of me. From the time I got there ‘till I left the place, I felt so fresh and light because of its low temperature. I loved taking a shower early in the morning due to that cold water that was seemingly distressing.
h. Lola Agus gave me a traditional “Hilot” to put my uterus in its proper place
She’s a known “manghihilot” in their place. When she offered to do free hilot for me, I didn’t turn her down. I got my uterus prepared and ready for pregnancy already. But I think I’ll be more ready for pregnancy several months from now yet.
i. Wishing Well
I made a wish after I threw a 1-peso coin into the Wishing Well at the Philippine Military Academy. Not just a wish but a bunch of wishes………….hope they will all come true.
j. Night Life
Another thing I love about Baguio is the diversity of bars. The city is dotted with several bars. I had much fun with Merben, a new friend from Alaska, Tess and Ate Nelie at Kamalig Comedy Bar. The two gay comedians in that bar were pretty amusing who made us laugh endlessly.
A night after, I was at Gecko Bar with Tess (PhD student), Daniel (world expert on large lizards), Pinky (from UPLB) and Twinkle (from UPLB). The most exciting part of the conversation was when Daniel told me and Tess to go to Polillo Island for a monitor lizard research exposure. I would more than love to go there and get trained on the specs of such field research. This would be another promising experience. I’m looking forward to go there maybe anytime this month. Whew! Exciting!
Those were my top-rating experiences that money can’t buy in Baguio City. They were all priceless, aren’t they? I never had any regrets in going there at all.
a. Attended Wildlife Conservation Society of the Philippines Symposium
It was my first time to attend such symposium at UP Baguio. The presentations inspired me so much to be always a good environmental steward and a wildlife conservation enthusiast. I think I would do it best by doing more wildlife researches in Mindanao. Through this, I could possibly come up with a more effective conservation management strategies.
b. Met WCSP people (researchers and conservationists)
It felt good to have met WCSP peeps – those with great hearts for nature. Running into this new circle of friends was more than a gift. It made me enhance my professional network. All the more, it had driven me to become more active in saving whatever has been left in the wild.
c. Travelled Alone
Travelling alone as far as Butuan City to Baguio City for the very first time was super fulfilling. I mean it took me a lot of courage to dare travelling all by myself to reach the place I have never been in my entire life. Thanks God I reached there in a perfect safety. Well, that travel taught me a lot which I guess would truly help me grow up and become more mature.
d. Tour around Baguio City with Tess and Ate Nelie
Before and after the symposium, I got to see the beauty of Baguio with Tess and Ate Nelie (my co-grad students at MSU-IIT).
Boating at Burnham Park was a whole lot of fun. Viewing the mountain sceneries from SM Baguio and Mines View Park was truly breath-taking. The colorful blossoms and their fragrant scent in Botanical Garden and Wright Park were incomparable. I saw that stunning elegance in The Mansion as well as in the Philippine Military Academy. The lovely red color of strawberries was very pleasant to my sight. And I just couldn’t help hobnobbing with the pine trees parading along the roadways. In short, Baguio is a paradise.
e. Met my Thesis Adviser – Dr. Neil Aldrin Mallari
Finally I met my idol during the WCSP symposium. I looked up to him more when I saw his paper presentation. I gave him two thumbs up for that. His outstanding presentation inspired me to do something like that later. I wonder if I could do that. Hmmmmmm………..let me try lol! One thing I couldn’t forget about this person is when he kept on pushing me to go for excellence and nothing below it. What a pressure! But I will keep that in mind………promise…………….
f. Met Peter’s relatives for the very first time
I was so happy that I finally met my hubby’s mother-side relatives in Scout Barrio. Camp John Hay. Actually, I stayed in their house all throughout my short vacation in Baguio. I was so grateful for their hospitality. Thanks Lola Agus, Aunt Bebe and Aunt Lilia for your warmth and kindness. The cute bracelets I received from Aunt Bebe would forever be treasured.
g. Chilly wind and very cold water in the bathroom
I wish we have that chilly wind and extremely cold water in Butuan City too hahahah! My God, I absolutely relish the chilly wind in Baguio. It felt so refreshing. The cold weather knocked my mood swings and tantrums out of me. From the time I got there ‘till I left the place, I felt so fresh and light because of its low temperature. I loved taking a shower early in the morning due to that cold water that was seemingly distressing.
h. Lola Agus gave me a traditional “Hilot” to put my uterus in its proper place
She’s a known “manghihilot” in their place. When she offered to do free hilot for me, I didn’t turn her down. I got my uterus prepared and ready for pregnancy already. But I think I’ll be more ready for pregnancy several months from now yet.
i. Wishing Well
I made a wish after I threw a 1-peso coin into the Wishing Well at the Philippine Military Academy. Not just a wish but a bunch of wishes………….hope they will all come true.
j. Night Life
Another thing I love about Baguio is the diversity of bars. The city is dotted with several bars. I had much fun with Merben, a new friend from Alaska, Tess and Ate Nelie at Kamalig Comedy Bar. The two gay comedians in that bar were pretty amusing who made us laugh endlessly.
A night after, I was at Gecko Bar with Tess (PhD student), Daniel (world expert on large lizards), Pinky (from UPLB) and Twinkle (from UPLB). The most exciting part of the conversation was when Daniel told me and Tess to go to Polillo Island for a monitor lizard research exposure. I would more than love to go there and get trained on the specs of such field research. This would be another promising experience. I’m looking forward to go there maybe anytime this month. Whew! Exciting!
Those were my top-rating experiences that money can’t buy in Baguio City. They were all priceless, aren’t they? I never had any regrets in going there at all.
BAGUIO CITY
Baguio City
Is a beautiful place
That I swoon.
Famous of its chilly wind
That caresses my cheek
And rejuvenates my soul
Endowed with amenities
That I adore much
Gifted with sceneries
Too awesome and magical
Grown with colorful blossoms
Making its surroundings lovely
Scented with nature’s fragrance
Like strawberries and pine trees
Oh Baguio, oh Baguio
Let me just own you
You’re showing me a great reason
To fall in love with you
Oh Baguio, oh Baguio
You’re a city by the clouds
You’re such a paradise!
Is a beautiful place
That I swoon.
Famous of its chilly wind
That caresses my cheek
And rejuvenates my soul
Endowed with amenities
That I adore much
Gifted with sceneries
Too awesome and magical
Grown with colorful blossoms
Making its surroundings lovely
Scented with nature’s fragrance
Like strawberries and pine trees
Oh Baguio, oh Baguio
Let me just own you
You’re showing me a great reason
To fall in love with you
Oh Baguio, oh Baguio
You’re a city by the clouds
You’re such a paradise!
PATIENCE PAYS OFF
Everybody was exploding in anger. The passengers were heaping insults and obscene words on the ship personnel. They could not bear the maddening long delay of the sea trip. Those who were taking the plane for Manila were already worried of not catching their flight on time. All of a sudden, I heard loud screams urging the ship to leave. But, the tension grew worse when someone advised the passengers to stay calm since they were still trying to settle the clearance stuff.
I stayed calm and composed though. To panic like most of the people around me at that time was senseless. It would just drain me. To flare up like those who were in a hurry was just futile. I mean, delays are accidental. The ship departure was supposed to be at 7 a.m. but we were still stuck at 9 a.m. I held on to my patience. I picked my book and amuse myself through reading so I would not dwell on the frustrating delay. My attention was caught by some people packing up and getting of the ship with a little scowl. I merely stared at them.
After some minutes, someone finally announced the departure of the ship. The people’s applause was akin to the one heard when someone is declared to win the lottery. And the ship left……………….what about those who just got off?
If I failed to stretch my patience, of course, I would have gotten off the ship as well. See what the patience did for me? Patience really does pay off. There are instances that really test our self-control. Delays are some of those especially when we are in a hurry. But accidental as they are, there is nothing we can do about them. They are beyond our control. To react is normal, but to respond vehemently and go out of hand is absurd. Why not remain calm instead of sweating in panic? Calmness in the midst of any unexpected situation is essential to maintain a clear thought so, one could plan for a remarkable alternative and come up with a rational decision to beat a sudden delay. And if there is no other way out like no other ship to take when one is stuck then just patiently wait until things are resolved.
What do you think had happened to those who impatiently got off the ship? All the more, they got delayed and annoyed.
It was just a very simple situation that taught me a huge lesson. There is nothing better than staying calm and patient in any trying moments. Otherwise, one would really lose the game.
I stayed calm and composed though. To panic like most of the people around me at that time was senseless. It would just drain me. To flare up like those who were in a hurry was just futile. I mean, delays are accidental. The ship departure was supposed to be at 7 a.m. but we were still stuck at 9 a.m. I held on to my patience. I picked my book and amuse myself through reading so I would not dwell on the frustrating delay. My attention was caught by some people packing up and getting of the ship with a little scowl. I merely stared at them.
After some minutes, someone finally announced the departure of the ship. The people’s applause was akin to the one heard when someone is declared to win the lottery. And the ship left……………….what about those who just got off?
If I failed to stretch my patience, of course, I would have gotten off the ship as well. See what the patience did for me? Patience really does pay off. There are instances that really test our self-control. Delays are some of those especially when we are in a hurry. But accidental as they are, there is nothing we can do about them. They are beyond our control. To react is normal, but to respond vehemently and go out of hand is absurd. Why not remain calm instead of sweating in panic? Calmness in the midst of any unexpected situation is essential to maintain a clear thought so, one could plan for a remarkable alternative and come up with a rational decision to beat a sudden delay. And if there is no other way out like no other ship to take when one is stuck then just patiently wait until things are resolved.
What do you think had happened to those who impatiently got off the ship? All the more, they got delayed and annoyed.
It was just a very simple situation that taught me a huge lesson. There is nothing better than staying calm and patient in any trying moments. Otherwise, one would really lose the game.
Friday, April 24, 2009
WOMAN’S FEAR OF STAYING SINGLE
I got disconcerted when any of my single female friends began throwing at me that damn perusing stare……..and I hate the feeling of my blood gushing at the back of my ears when I heard an envious statement like…………”What do you have that I don’t? How did you find your man with less effort? You’re too hella blessed that your married gurl!”
That oftentimes left me tongue-tied.
And in one of our usual group hang-outs, these were the despairingly sounding questions I heard from my single buddies:
*** Omigosh! I’m turning 30. Do you think I can still see my soul mate?
*** Do I look old?
*** I’m patiently waiting for someone to come along. But I’m getting tired now.
*** I’ve been dating with a lot of men but, I found no spark in any of those dull dates.
*** I think I’m not really that attractive to men. Am I?
*** Please help me find a man………..I wanna get married……….i wanna have a baby!
*** Can you set up a date for me?
*** I bet, the first one to come along is the one I’ll marry.
Those were just some of the most desperate expressions that incited my empathy………
Single women are scared of not finding someone or worse, of not having anyone out there for them.
Single women wallow in fear of staying single for the rest of their lives. Perhaps it stems from their common perception that singleness is tantamount to dullness, loneliness, cold bed, gloom, unhappiness, incompleteness, lack of fulfillment and misery.
Singleness is a fodder. People around can’t help asking single women a handful of why’s and when’s. “Why still single?” And “When is the wedding day.” These questions remind the single women of what they don’t have……..and seemingly load them with more burden and pressure. It is not easy for them to hear a comment like “You must get married before 35…….your parents are happier with their retirement when they see their pretty grandkids”.
When alone, single women is haunted by pity. “Is there something wrong with me? Why haven’t I found a man to grow old with?” It’s hard to wait for a hidden soul mate in an uncertain future.
Most of them are reluctant to appear in high school reunions. Seeing their high school batch mates already coupled is too much of a torture.
But despite all these stirring events, single women manage to cover up with a mask of self-sufficiency and composure………………with a carefree life of glamour and adventure. They defensively say that they are happy with their single life. But deep inside, they are hopelessly struggling in their spousal search. They are tacitly soaking in the cybernet chatting overnight with deep longing on finding someone. They too are excited to party Friday and Saturday nights out with friends hoping to bump into Mr. Right. They keep on collecting email pals, contacts and friends in every web socializing network . They are willing to spend for random texting with the positive thoughts of building something special with someone. They even earnestly beg for setting them up for a date. ………………………….only to end up realizing that no relationship has clicked.
Brittleness, insecurities and pity balloon out into a surprisingly large proportion within them. …………..and they start calling themselves as “Poor Single Ladies”.
Human beings have innate desire for intimacy and companionship. Women of course have it plus their longing to bear a child (essence of a woman). That more likely puts them in a hurry to get married.
But what if no one will come???????
How can a single woman deal with it?
What if she is destined for singleness?
Will she still hold on to her fear of misery?
Will she not let go of loneliness?
Dying with fear, misery and loneliness in singleness is unreasonable……..a huge stupidity.
Single women out there must wake up to the reality that there is nothing wrong with being single.
What you do with your singleness matters a lot.
There are worse things than being single. So, why hate it? Why afraid of it?
Why not do something special in being single instead? Why not make singleness an avenue of service and fulfillment?
Start seeing singleness in a different light………..
Single means ample opportunities to be with yourself, to be with people and to be with God……………… It means enormous freedom as well.
Singleness is very special…………………
Singleness is not a curse……………it is indeed a blessing …………….and making the most and the best out of it makes you a blessing to others…………………….
That oftentimes left me tongue-tied.
And in one of our usual group hang-outs, these were the despairingly sounding questions I heard from my single buddies:
*** Omigosh! I’m turning 30. Do you think I can still see my soul mate?
*** Do I look old?
*** I’m patiently waiting for someone to come along. But I’m getting tired now.
*** I’ve been dating with a lot of men but, I found no spark in any of those dull dates.
*** I think I’m not really that attractive to men. Am I?
*** Please help me find a man………..I wanna get married……….i wanna have a baby!
*** Can you set up a date for me?
*** I bet, the first one to come along is the one I’ll marry.
Those were just some of the most desperate expressions that incited my empathy………
Single women are scared of not finding someone or worse, of not having anyone out there for them.
Single women wallow in fear of staying single for the rest of their lives. Perhaps it stems from their common perception that singleness is tantamount to dullness, loneliness, cold bed, gloom, unhappiness, incompleteness, lack of fulfillment and misery.
Singleness is a fodder. People around can’t help asking single women a handful of why’s and when’s. “Why still single?” And “When is the wedding day.” These questions remind the single women of what they don’t have……..and seemingly load them with more burden and pressure. It is not easy for them to hear a comment like “You must get married before 35…….your parents are happier with their retirement when they see their pretty grandkids”.
When alone, single women is haunted by pity. “Is there something wrong with me? Why haven’t I found a man to grow old with?” It’s hard to wait for a hidden soul mate in an uncertain future.
Most of them are reluctant to appear in high school reunions. Seeing their high school batch mates already coupled is too much of a torture.
But despite all these stirring events, single women manage to cover up with a mask of self-sufficiency and composure………………with a carefree life of glamour and adventure. They defensively say that they are happy with their single life. But deep inside, they are hopelessly struggling in their spousal search. They are tacitly soaking in the cybernet chatting overnight with deep longing on finding someone. They too are excited to party Friday and Saturday nights out with friends hoping to bump into Mr. Right. They keep on collecting email pals, contacts and friends in every web socializing network . They are willing to spend for random texting with the positive thoughts of building something special with someone. They even earnestly beg for setting them up for a date. ………………………….only to end up realizing that no relationship has clicked.
Brittleness, insecurities and pity balloon out into a surprisingly large proportion within them. …………..and they start calling themselves as “Poor Single Ladies”.
Human beings have innate desire for intimacy and companionship. Women of course have it plus their longing to bear a child (essence of a woman). That more likely puts them in a hurry to get married.
But what if no one will come???????
How can a single woman deal with it?
What if she is destined for singleness?
Will she still hold on to her fear of misery?
Will she not let go of loneliness?
Dying with fear, misery and loneliness in singleness is unreasonable……..a huge stupidity.
Single women out there must wake up to the reality that there is nothing wrong with being single.
What you do with your singleness matters a lot.
There are worse things than being single. So, why hate it? Why afraid of it?
Why not do something special in being single instead? Why not make singleness an avenue of service and fulfillment?
Start seeing singleness in a different light………..
Single means ample opportunities to be with yourself, to be with people and to be with God……………… It means enormous freedom as well.
Singleness is very special…………………
Singleness is not a curse……………it is indeed a blessing …………….and making the most and the best out of it makes you a blessing to others…………………….
VALUE YOUR MONEY….SAVE IT!
“ Why the hell are you saving up?”
“ Why do you damn forgo your wants and cravings? “
“Oh, common Sherlips….you can’t ship your wealth to grave.”
“ Life is so short. Enjoy shopping, travelling and eating! That’s your money anyway.”
Those are the usual remarks hurled at me by my “one-day-millionaire” friends.
I see myself dining in “carenderia” where simple, familiar and affordable food is served.
……while I see them enjoying their meals in the different restos where elegant, sophisticated and elite pipz are used to savor the throat-choking priced menus.
I’d rather buy a piece of bread and a glass of water for my snacks….enough to get rid of hunger pangs
…… while I hear them dialing the number of pizza delivery just to pamper their craving tummy during office breaks.
I don’t mind the searing heat and the dust when I take the jeepney each time I go to the mall.
……while they prefer to flag down a taxi coz for them taking a jeepney with freshly made up face is kinda deglamorizing.
I abstain from getting hold of a credit card……I’m afraid it might slowly deplete my account. It’s some sort of not welcoming shopping temptations.
……while I notice them using their credit cards as if they have no credit limits……as if everything in their account is finite.
When I go shopping, I buy goods wisely. I only pick things my pocket would agree. Everything is based on needs more than my whims and wants.
……while I witness how they allow their money fritter away in clothes, gadgets and goodies just to quench their shopping impulse.
In travelling, I usually look for a regular-rate accommodation ……enough to provide me with an uninterrupted slumber and a good night rest.
……while they choose a luxurious hotel room where they could instantly savor the life of a queen.
One day, I have a recap on those times I got myself deprived of the things I really wanted to purchase or do:
*** until now I’m still vacillating whether to buy or not to buy the latest model of a mobile phone and the most sophisticated lappy (hmmm……I’d rather not buy coz I still have my old phone and lappy……they’re still working fine…..)
*** I admit I can’t help but envy those with fashionable clothes and on-the-fashion-trend bags and accessories but…..still, I resist buying them coz I know I need them less.
*** most of the time, I tame my taste buds by getting used to the cheaper alternative food of those high-rocketing priced yummies served in a little amount .
*** I wanna go to far places like Palawan, Batangas, Tagaytay and other spots outside Mindanao and even outside the country for fun and leisure………………but why not spend less in touring around Mindanao first??? Anyway, when I have so much of dime coming in……well I can go somewhere else then.
In short, I realize that I am more delighted with my secure bank account than spending for all those things I have dreamed to do and possess with my savings eroding………………..
On that same day, after such recap in silence, one of my “one-day-millionaire” friends who used to laugh at me when I go for “ukay-ukay” approaches me ………………I never know how to react when she bursts into tears and says, she is facing a ESTAFA case………..what’s worse is her little boy is in the hospital………and she is in dire need for my help…….she’s desperately pleading to borrow money from me…………….she has nothing left in the bank……………then she stressed, “She, I know you have a lot in your wallet now coz you’re “kuripot” . Please I’m asking you………..i need cash now”.
I am in great shock!
But……….in brazen frankness I retort straight in her eyes “ You were not supposed to laugh at me when I burped after finishing a piece of bread and a glass of water for my morning snacks…………….and when you knew that a family-sized pizza is too much for a starving clerk like you…….”
“ Why do you damn forgo your wants and cravings? “
“Oh, common Sherlips….you can’t ship your wealth to grave.”
“ Life is so short. Enjoy shopping, travelling and eating! That’s your money anyway.”
Those are the usual remarks hurled at me by my “one-day-millionaire” friends.
I see myself dining in “carenderia” where simple, familiar and affordable food is served.
……while I see them enjoying their meals in the different restos where elegant, sophisticated and elite pipz are used to savor the throat-choking priced menus.
I’d rather buy a piece of bread and a glass of water for my snacks….enough to get rid of hunger pangs
…… while I hear them dialing the number of pizza delivery just to pamper their craving tummy during office breaks.
I don’t mind the searing heat and the dust when I take the jeepney each time I go to the mall.
……while they prefer to flag down a taxi coz for them taking a jeepney with freshly made up face is kinda deglamorizing.
I abstain from getting hold of a credit card……I’m afraid it might slowly deplete my account. It’s some sort of not welcoming shopping temptations.
……while I notice them using their credit cards as if they have no credit limits……as if everything in their account is finite.
When I go shopping, I buy goods wisely. I only pick things my pocket would agree. Everything is based on needs more than my whims and wants.
……while I witness how they allow their money fritter away in clothes, gadgets and goodies just to quench their shopping impulse.
In travelling, I usually look for a regular-rate accommodation ……enough to provide me with an uninterrupted slumber and a good night rest.
……while they choose a luxurious hotel room where they could instantly savor the life of a queen.
One day, I have a recap on those times I got myself deprived of the things I really wanted to purchase or do:
*** until now I’m still vacillating whether to buy or not to buy the latest model of a mobile phone and the most sophisticated lappy (hmmm……I’d rather not buy coz I still have my old phone and lappy……they’re still working fine…..)
*** I admit I can’t help but envy those with fashionable clothes and on-the-fashion-trend bags and accessories but…..still, I resist buying them coz I know I need them less.
*** most of the time, I tame my taste buds by getting used to the cheaper alternative food of those high-rocketing priced yummies served in a little amount .
*** I wanna go to far places like Palawan, Batangas, Tagaytay and other spots outside Mindanao and even outside the country for fun and leisure………………but why not spend less in touring around Mindanao first??? Anyway, when I have so much of dime coming in……well I can go somewhere else then.
In short, I realize that I am more delighted with my secure bank account than spending for all those things I have dreamed to do and possess with my savings eroding………………..
On that same day, after such recap in silence, one of my “one-day-millionaire” friends who used to laugh at me when I go for “ukay-ukay” approaches me ………………I never know how to react when she bursts into tears and says, she is facing a ESTAFA case………..what’s worse is her little boy is in the hospital………and she is in dire need for my help…….she’s desperately pleading to borrow money from me…………….she has nothing left in the bank……………then she stressed, “She, I know you have a lot in your wallet now coz you’re “kuripot” . Please I’m asking you………..i need cash now”.
I am in great shock!
But……….in brazen frankness I retort straight in her eyes “ You were not supposed to laugh at me when I burped after finishing a piece of bread and a glass of water for my morning snacks…………….and when you knew that a family-sized pizza is too much for a starving clerk like you…….”
ROCK
It was my first time to be in an enthralling cave. Upon going down into the cave,i got overwhelmed by its natural amenities. Among the spectacular scenes around, there was one mysterious and magical rock that struck me with great awe. i got deeply fascinated by its beatific aura that seemingly glowed more against the inky black darkness in that cave. The gushing wave of elation in me seemed to propel my feet towards that rock. I just couldn’t contain the total astonishment when i touched it with my clamoring palms. It was really beautiful!
As i leaned my back on the rock, i felt the real essence of serenity……there, i found space and started to collect my thoughts ……and i told myself, “I would miss this rock……this is truly unforgettable”. I gently closed my eyes and heaved a deep sigh of relief. ……after some minutes, i heard a big splash of its cool and pristine water below as my friend took a plunge into it. So, i opened my eyes and caught a sight of my digicam………….i just couldn’t resist the urge to take a picture of that rock veiled with fanciful charms……..
As i leaned my back on the rock, i felt the real essence of serenity……there, i found space and started to collect my thoughts ……and i told myself, “I would miss this rock……this is truly unforgettable”. I gently closed my eyes and heaved a deep sigh of relief. ……after some minutes, i heard a big splash of its cool and pristine water below as my friend took a plunge into it. So, i opened my eyes and caught a sight of my digicam………….i just couldn’t resist the urge to take a picture of that rock veiled with fanciful charms……..
WITHERING HOPE, WILTING SPIRIT
One afternoon I went to the hospital to visit a friend who’s been confined there. When I got in her room I saw her asleep. I put the lovely flowers on the table just some inches away from her bed. From my chair, I couldn’t help watching the pale face of my friend. It’s been weeks since I saw her radiant smile. I started missing her glowing face and her extraordinary energy. I stood up and came nearer to her. I stroke her disheveled hair and brushed it behind her ear. I knew how she badly desired to live longer. But, when a fatal disease struck her, it’s like a raging fire. It robbed all her dreams. When it began winning over her weak soul, her flesh shuddered convulsively. Her refulgent eyes turned foggy. The excruciating pain depleted her strength and hammered those fragile bones of vigor. I could see such grim agony torturing my friend. It’s hard to see her hardly battling against the ominous power of such villain sickness. Seeing her getting too tired in her miserable condition was hard………….with my teary eyes, I could feel her withering hope and her wilting spirit…………………
Confession
I considered it a Holy Room…………..others called it “Confession Room”. When I went in that room, there was a perfect solemnity. It seemed like I was alone talking to Him. With my calloused knees kneeling with scant strength, my heart and mind spoke up. I spread my arms wide open for a complete surrender of my decrepit soul. I vented out my guilt…………I confessed my sins.
I heard a voice through those small holes. It was a melody to the lost soul. Too penetrating to purify me. Too powerful to cleanse my sick heart. With God’s forgiveness, I heaved a deep sigh. His words caused sufficient relief…….and it cured me gently.
I heard a voice through those small holes. It was a melody to the lost soul. Too penetrating to purify me. Too powerful to cleanse my sick heart. With God’s forgiveness, I heaved a deep sigh. His words caused sufficient relief…….and it cured me gently.
RESTLESS
I felt a tormenting upheaval deep into my soul. There seemed to be a kind of inscrutable uproar raging through my weak nerves.
TROUBLED HEART……….
PERPLEXED MIND……….
Reasons were nowhere. They were beyond the picture. They were too elusive. I got more confused.
FUZZY IMAGE……………
HOLLOW GAZE……………..
All of a sudden, I got stricken with undefined depression. My cold, blankly staring eyes found no hunch for relief.
PERTURBED PALMS……………
RESTLESS FEET………………….
I tried to unfold all these riddles. I wanted to get over this abstruse throe. I became restless. I kept on anxiously moving around. Until I stopped thinking. But my restless mind was really hard to manage.
It validates in XHTML and CSS minus plugins.
TROUBLED HEART……….
PERPLEXED MIND……….
Reasons were nowhere. They were beyond the picture. They were too elusive. I got more confused.
FUZZY IMAGE……………
HOLLOW GAZE……………..
All of a sudden, I got stricken with undefined depression. My cold, blankly staring eyes found no hunch for relief.
PERTURBED PALMS……………
RESTLESS FEET………………….
I tried to unfold all these riddles. I wanted to get over this abstruse throe. I became restless. I kept on anxiously moving around. Until I stopped thinking. But my restless mind was really hard to manage.
It validates in XHTML and CSS minus plugins.
NOT A GIRL ANYMORE
Exhilarating game
On a sunny morning
Your mighty skipping rope
Makes you hard to keep still.
You’re innocently trapped
In the realm of childhood
Along those playful leaps
Joy beams out of your eyes.
But you came into halt
With that searing wetness
Strange internal turmoil
Keeps you a little restless
At home, pain has wracked you
With tell tale signs on skirt
Your eyes turn to your room
To change your stained apparel.
In front of the mirror
You spot that surprising mess
When your sight crawls higher
You see those firm, full busts
It’s charm of a woman
No longer a girl’s face
No skipping rope at all
Not a girl anymore.
On a sunny morning
Your mighty skipping rope
Makes you hard to keep still.
You’re innocently trapped
In the realm of childhood
Along those playful leaps
Joy beams out of your eyes.
But you came into halt
With that searing wetness
Strange internal turmoil
Keeps you a little restless
At home, pain has wracked you
With tell tale signs on skirt
Your eyes turn to your room
To change your stained apparel.
In front of the mirror
You spot that surprising mess
When your sight crawls higher
You see those firm, full busts
It’s charm of a woman
No longer a girl’s face
No skipping rope at all
Not a girl anymore.
NOBODY COMES
In a sylvan dale
There she walks alone
Waiting for his hands
But nobody comes………..
Staccato calls of birds
Blended with songs of leaves
Longing for his music
Still, nobody comes.
Tears crawl as the rain falls
Soaked, wet and wrapped in chill
Calling him for a hug
But nobody comes……
A vagabond soul
Along the way home
Wanting his company
But nobody comes……
Tucked in her room’s corner
Windows are beckoning her
Through them she gently peeps
But nobody comes……
Drowned in deep hopelessness
One bullet has been freed
Dreams have gone, pain has ended
But still, nobody comes……
There she walks alone
Waiting for his hands
But nobody comes………..
Staccato calls of birds
Blended with songs of leaves
Longing for his music
Still, nobody comes.
Tears crawl as the rain falls
Soaked, wet and wrapped in chill
Calling him for a hug
But nobody comes……
A vagabond soul
Along the way home
Wanting his company
But nobody comes……
Tucked in her room’s corner
Windows are beckoning her
Through them she gently peeps
But nobody comes……
Drowned in deep hopelessness
One bullet has been freed
Dreams have gone, pain has ended
But still, nobody comes……
THERE’S MAGIC IN TRAVELING
An endless travel
Is one ethereal scene in my dreamland……..
Why am I in love with traveling?
In traveling to new and old places……….
The laughter of the two souls in love is more audible (I & Pet)
……with the faint sound of a water fall
…… with the singing sea breeze along the length of the sea shore
…… and in the serene splendor of a calm and motionless lake.
In moving around……………
I and my hubby are enraptured with thrill
…… where our love for each other grows more as we both relish the wonders of travel
…… where our marital bond is cemented more by such adventurous romance
…… where the marital boredom leaks away as we get out of our rut and do something different.
In jaunting around………….
Seen are the most wonderful gifts of nature
…… where I can reunite with my lost soul in the solace of mysterious sunrise and sunset
…… where I can temporarily forget the humdrum of my daily routine with the dancing city lights
…… where I can get over my work-clogged head upon gazing the green rural expanse.
In any of the holiday trips………….
The whole family lit up with tremendous delight
…… where the parents find quality time with their kids and vice versa
…… where the family ties grow stronger and tighter
…… where everyone values more the priceless joy of having an intact, solid and happy family.
In hopping from one place to another…………..
I have opened my perception to the world
…… by meeting new people and creating new friends from all walks of life
…… by learning to understand and appreciate the different cultures, food and languages
…… by becoming educated with a series of worth-learning experiences.
There is so much to tell in traveling………………….
There is so much to treasure in it…………………….
Sometimes I couldn’t take pictures of those magnificent spots in my travels……….but, still, all those beautiful scenes and experiences lingered in my memory.
…… all of them are remembered and cherished
…… simply because there is MAGIC in TRAVELING!!!
Is one ethereal scene in my dreamland……..
Why am I in love with traveling?
In traveling to new and old places……….
The laughter of the two souls in love is more audible (I & Pet)
……with the faint sound of a water fall
…… with the singing sea breeze along the length of the sea shore
…… and in the serene splendor of a calm and motionless lake.
In moving around……………
I and my hubby are enraptured with thrill
…… where our love for each other grows more as we both relish the wonders of travel
…… where our marital bond is cemented more by such adventurous romance
…… where the marital boredom leaks away as we get out of our rut and do something different.
In jaunting around………….
Seen are the most wonderful gifts of nature
…… where I can reunite with my lost soul in the solace of mysterious sunrise and sunset
…… where I can temporarily forget the humdrum of my daily routine with the dancing city lights
…… where I can get over my work-clogged head upon gazing the green rural expanse.
In any of the holiday trips………….
The whole family lit up with tremendous delight
…… where the parents find quality time with their kids and vice versa
…… where the family ties grow stronger and tighter
…… where everyone values more the priceless joy of having an intact, solid and happy family.
In hopping from one place to another…………..
I have opened my perception to the world
…… by meeting new people and creating new friends from all walks of life
…… by learning to understand and appreciate the different cultures, food and languages
…… by becoming educated with a series of worth-learning experiences.
There is so much to tell in traveling………………….
There is so much to treasure in it…………………….
Sometimes I couldn’t take pictures of those magnificent spots in my travels……….but, still, all those beautiful scenes and experiences lingered in my memory.
…… all of them are remembered and cherished
…… simply because there is MAGIC in TRAVELING!!!
PANAAD 2009 (Camiguin Island)
I heard one foreign tourist disbelievingly saying, “One thing I like most about Filipinos is their strong faith to God.” He witnessed how the huge crowd swarmed in Walkway to Volcano on Holy Thursday to offer their respective prayers from one station to another. I and my hubby were in that crowd. I figured why that tourist gave that remark.
The two major and famous Holy Week activities in the island include the via crucis in Walkway and the tiresome walk-around-the-entire-island. I and Peter chose to do the former and perhaps we would do the latter as well next time to at least feel the pain and suffering of Christ. The Camiguinons and the tourists from the different places usually do both as their means of sacrifice – part of “Panaad.”
I just hope that people would join the annual “Panaad” celebration in Camiguin Island not just because it’s part of the culture…………….not because they’re curious on how the stations in Walkway look like and how it feels like reaching the last station on top of the hill……………. not because they love the adventure in walking the entire island which if successfully done is much worth-telling. May the people join the “Panaad” in order to make a pledge of spiritual renewal………….to see the sweetness of pain and the beauty of sacrifice……………….that sometimes, we need to experience the bitterness of pain so we would appreciate more the sweetness of joy………………that sometimes, we need to sacrifice our earthly needs and our desire for luxury in order to build a promising life………….that at times, we need to sacrifice like a self-sacrificing candle, melting itself while its providing light to others………….that whenever the rough gets going, God is always there and there is no reason to easily give up.
May the annual “Panaad” in Camiguin during Holy Week continue to enlighten the people that it is not basically about keeping the promise to join the celebration alone. But, “Panaad” is itself a message to everyone that life has to be lived with sacrifices in order to achieve eternal peace and happiness……….and that life must go on despite of the pain and failures that beset us. Just like Jesus Christ, he fell several times to the ground, yet, he fended to rise and continue carrying the cross without complaints.
“Panaad” truly became a reminder of the need to sacrifice……..to change…….to renew…..and to make a difference. As the foreign tourist said, “Filipinos are absolutely religious.” It should be a description or a label to live and to prove in our hearts.
I left Camiguin after the Holy Week, yet, the message of “Panaad” is what I will ruminate about although out my life……………to sacrifice for others ………….to change for the better………to renew and live life without fear and with much faith………….and to build a difference for peace and love. I wish I could spread its message to everyone else.
The two major and famous Holy Week activities in the island include the via crucis in Walkway and the tiresome walk-around-the-entire-island. I and Peter chose to do the former and perhaps we would do the latter as well next time to at least feel the pain and suffering of Christ. The Camiguinons and the tourists from the different places usually do both as their means of sacrifice – part of “Panaad.”
I just hope that people would join the annual “Panaad” celebration in Camiguin Island not just because it’s part of the culture…………….not because they’re curious on how the stations in Walkway look like and how it feels like reaching the last station on top of the hill……………. not because they love the adventure in walking the entire island which if successfully done is much worth-telling. May the people join the “Panaad” in order to make a pledge of spiritual renewal………….to see the sweetness of pain and the beauty of sacrifice……………….that sometimes, we need to experience the bitterness of pain so we would appreciate more the sweetness of joy………………that sometimes, we need to sacrifice our earthly needs and our desire for luxury in order to build a promising life………….that at times, we need to sacrifice like a self-sacrificing candle, melting itself while its providing light to others………….that whenever the rough gets going, God is always there and there is no reason to easily give up.
May the annual “Panaad” in Camiguin during Holy Week continue to enlighten the people that it is not basically about keeping the promise to join the celebration alone. But, “Panaad” is itself a message to everyone that life has to be lived with sacrifices in order to achieve eternal peace and happiness……….and that life must go on despite of the pain and failures that beset us. Just like Jesus Christ, he fell several times to the ground, yet, he fended to rise and continue carrying the cross without complaints.
“Panaad” truly became a reminder of the need to sacrifice……..to change…….to renew…..and to make a difference. As the foreign tourist said, “Filipinos are absolutely religious.” It should be a description or a label to live and to prove in our hearts.
I left Camiguin after the Holy Week, yet, the message of “Panaad” is what I will ruminate about although out my life……………to sacrifice for others ………….to change for the better………to renew and live life without fear and with much faith………….and to build a difference for peace and love. I wish I could spread its message to everyone else.
TINY SPACE
Our four-year old tent has always been our mobile home every time I and Peter spend the Holy Week in Camiguin Island. We both love the thrill of a nomadic-like, adventurous and fun life in the island during such season. Setting up a tent in various places around the island night after night is extraordinarily marvelous. Seeing the place mushroomed with the tourists’ tents makes it even more exciting.
We couldn’t deny how we enjoy with the natural amenities in Camiguin Island. The tremendously therapeutic Ardent Hot Spring is absolutely irresistible. The majestic White Island has a very overpowering allure. The Katigbawasan Falls is very spectacular. The Sto. Nino Cold Spring has extremely cold water that makes us forget the stuffy and sweaty summertime. The Sunken Cemetery and Old Church have both historical and tourism value in the place where we don’t fail to visit. These are just some of those beautiful spots that Camiguinons can call their own………….their pride where the people keep on coming back for.
Yes, we’re having fun in the island but, we still manage to pay respect to the holiness of the occasion. In fact, we spend every Holy Week in the island primarily to keep our promise (Panaad). To have fun is merely the secondary objective. Going to the church for prayers, confession and doing via crucis in Walkway are our means of expressing how we value the essence of “Semana Santa” . Besides, we also read spiritual books , meditate and reflect in our tent.
In the tiny space of our tent, I take advantage of the chance to read, reflect and scribble down my thoughts. One major reality that stirs up my mind is how the crowd in the island ignores and forgets the meaning of Holy Week. A lot of tourists have defined it as long hiatus, exciting family vacation and pure fun only. Well, I guess, there is nothing wrong with having fun on this season. But, it would have been better if in a little way, they spend brief, yet, quiet moments to collect their thoughts…………..perhaps in between their tour around the island, they could have pressed the rewind and forward buttons in their minds to recap their mistakes in the past, repent those bad deeds and never to repeat them in the future. And most importantly, Holy Week is the week of prayers……..a kind of prayer that never requires anyone not to resort to fun activities at all……………but just a simple and silent prayer that could be done even in a tiny space inside a camper’s tent………………a prayer from the heart……………a prayer that makes one forgive and forgiven…………………a prayer that can cleanse and heal one’s soul …………..a prayer that brings out one’s positivities ………..a prayer that makes one a better person and be of service to others………… a prayer that includes not just one’s self but everybody else……………….this is the kind of prayer I have every Holy Week in the tiny space of our tent in Camiguin Island.
Regarding my hubby, I’m sure he has a different means of his own………….still in the tiny space of our tent.
In that tiny space, we have done a lot of beautiful things that our souls need………..reflect, meditate, pray, repent and change……………….we see things beyond the usual fun…………and we transcend………….
We couldn’t deny how we enjoy with the natural amenities in Camiguin Island. The tremendously therapeutic Ardent Hot Spring is absolutely irresistible. The majestic White Island has a very overpowering allure. The Katigbawasan Falls is very spectacular. The Sto. Nino Cold Spring has extremely cold water that makes us forget the stuffy and sweaty summertime. The Sunken Cemetery and Old Church have both historical and tourism value in the place where we don’t fail to visit. These are just some of those beautiful spots that Camiguinons can call their own………….their pride where the people keep on coming back for.
Yes, we’re having fun in the island but, we still manage to pay respect to the holiness of the occasion. In fact, we spend every Holy Week in the island primarily to keep our promise (Panaad). To have fun is merely the secondary objective. Going to the church for prayers, confession and doing via crucis in Walkway are our means of expressing how we value the essence of “Semana Santa” . Besides, we also read spiritual books , meditate and reflect in our tent.
In the tiny space of our tent, I take advantage of the chance to read, reflect and scribble down my thoughts. One major reality that stirs up my mind is how the crowd in the island ignores and forgets the meaning of Holy Week. A lot of tourists have defined it as long hiatus, exciting family vacation and pure fun only. Well, I guess, there is nothing wrong with having fun on this season. But, it would have been better if in a little way, they spend brief, yet, quiet moments to collect their thoughts…………..perhaps in between their tour around the island, they could have pressed the rewind and forward buttons in their minds to recap their mistakes in the past, repent those bad deeds and never to repeat them in the future. And most importantly, Holy Week is the week of prayers……..a kind of prayer that never requires anyone not to resort to fun activities at all……………but just a simple and silent prayer that could be done even in a tiny space inside a camper’s tent………………a prayer from the heart……………a prayer that makes one forgive and forgiven…………………a prayer that can cleanse and heal one’s soul …………..a prayer that brings out one’s positivities ………..a prayer that makes one a better person and be of service to others………… a prayer that includes not just one’s self but everybody else……………….this is the kind of prayer I have every Holy Week in the tiny space of our tent in Camiguin Island.
Regarding my hubby, I’m sure he has a different means of his own………….still in the tiny space of our tent.
In that tiny space, we have done a lot of beautiful things that our souls need………..reflect, meditate, pray, repent and change……………….we see things beyond the usual fun…………and we transcend………….
Saturday, April 4, 2009
IT’S SUMMA SUMMA SUMMERTIME!
Here comes this season of excitement ……it’s summer time again! Here are my primary descriptions of summer in my country, the Philippines…………………………
· dangling and smiling sun in the clear, blue sky
· surf, sand and sky kinda mood
· exciting vacation
· long hiatus
· travel and adventure
· colorful fruits around
· cold and refreshing halo-halo and juices
· cool shades, beach shorts and colored slippers
· hot and sweltering ……heat stroke?
· sky-rocketing electric bills
· tanned skin is in
· exuberant kids
· exhilarating family reunions
· flower blossoms
· beautiful bird calls
· sweaty and fun outdoor games
· fiesta season…….hmmmm……lechon! yummy!
In short, summer is hot and fun……..or it’s fun with fan……..whew!
Come on guys!
Let’s have another extraordinary summer gimmick!
Why not give your butts some chill!
Let’s go!
Yahooooooo!!!!!!
· dangling and smiling sun in the clear, blue sky
· surf, sand and sky kinda mood
· exciting vacation
· long hiatus
· travel and adventure
· colorful fruits around
· cold and refreshing halo-halo and juices
· cool shades, beach shorts and colored slippers
· hot and sweltering ……heat stroke?
· sky-rocketing electric bills
· tanned skin is in
· exuberant kids
· exhilarating family reunions
· flower blossoms
· beautiful bird calls
· sweaty and fun outdoor games
· fiesta season…….hmmmm……lechon! yummy!
In short, summer is hot and fun……..or it’s fun with fan……..whew!
Come on guys!
Let’s have another extraordinary summer gimmick!
Why not give your butts some chill!
Let’s go!
Yahooooooo!!!!!!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
FOOL'S DAY
April 1
A day of hoaxes
A time of pranks
A season of jokes
A celebration of tricks
Frauds are everywhere
Liars are just around the corner
Everyone loves to deceive
Everyone tends to beguile
Everyone likes to cheat
All people in town
Are endlessly bluffing.
Poor gullible peeps
Are easily duped
They are the most abused
They are fooled
They become the
Object of ridicule.
Fool’s Day
Can be both
Fun and sad
Fun for the ones
Fooling around
Sad for the ones fooled
Better be watchful
Sharpen your ears
And mind on this day
Because today………
You couldn’t just afford
To trust even your best friend
Remember…….
Fool’s Day is
A “zero-truth” day
Beware…………
A day of hoaxes
A time of pranks
A season of jokes
A celebration of tricks
Frauds are everywhere
Liars are just around the corner
Everyone loves to deceive
Everyone tends to beguile
Everyone likes to cheat
All people in town
Are endlessly bluffing.
Poor gullible peeps
Are easily duped
They are the most abused
They are fooled
They become the
Object of ridicule.
Fool’s Day
Can be both
Fun and sad
Fun for the ones
Fooling around
Sad for the ones fooled
Better be watchful
Sharpen your ears
And mind on this day
Because today………
You couldn’t just afford
To trust even your best friend
Remember…….
Fool’s Day is
A “zero-truth” day
Beware…………
Monday, March 30, 2009
GRADUATION
The month of March is not an ordinary month for the graduates. They have been biding their graduation so badly. And now it’s finally here. Student life is over for those who don’t aim to pursue another course or let’s say a post-graduate education. For those who are still enrolling this June, a more complex student life ahead entails their readiness and much preparation. In general, this is a 360 degrees turnaround of the graduates. This is an end point of a certain chapter of their lives but a beginning of the next.
Since graduation is an achievement, the graduates tend to celebrate their gratitude and joy with their friends and families. Their parents have that glint of pride in their eyes and a sigh of fulfillment. For the parents, educational degree is one of the precious legacies they can leave to their children…………a primary weapon in life’s big battlefield.
Aside from the graduation mass and ceremony, graduation night and graduation blow-outs, there are still many other graduation scenarios that seemingly pull me into the depth of this very special event. The responses of my friends who are among the 2009 graduates when asked about their graduation comprise the graduation season highlights. Here are some of those amusing, funny and moving graduation statements from them :
· Well, I have done my all in this course. Thank you God! I made it! I am now the valedictorian in the college. I got 1.2 GPA and I’m a magna cum laude. My parents are very proud of me. I’m proud to say that I deserve this honor.
· All of us in our “barkada” are Cum laude. Isn’t it great?
· Thank you God for I have parents like them. Now, I can surely make them proud of me.
· Finally, I’m outa here!
· Goodbye terrors! Grrrrrrr…..
· After 8 years in college, at last now I earn a degree already. Sorry Ma and Pa for the inconvenience. LOL!
· I don’t care if I have lots of 3.0 on my TOR. What’s important is I’m one of the 2009 graduates……..
· Now, I’m half happy, half tensed. Happy because of this achievement. Tensed because I happen to graduate in the midst of economic downturn. Good luck to my job hunting.
· After this, I’m gonna be missing my monthly allowance. Farewell corruption! No more overpricing strategies like : “Ma send me 5000 for the project” when it’s only 1,000. LOL!
· I’m sad. I’m gonna miss my classmates.
· Oh, I’ll never see my crush anymore.
· I’ll miss my favorite professors.
· I can get over those sleepless nights and tedious projects and thesis. I can now get rid of the big, dark rings under my eyes.
· Finally, I can now keep the faces of those damn school security guards out of my sight!
· Common, be there in my grad blow-out!
· Yes! Now that I’ve graduated Papa will finally allow me to have a boyfriend! Exciting!
· Oh no! it’s not over yet I still have to take review classes for the board exam.
· Hahahahahah!yes I graduate but I wonder if I learned something? Hmmmmm……I doubt it!
· I bribed some professors………otherwise I would have failed and needed many more years to finish this course.
· No more cutting classes! Hahahaha!
· I have just graduated………so……..I think I can now marry her.
· I’m going back home with my long-dreamed diploma.
· I’ve been a self-supporting student all my life in high school and college……….I’m glad I’ve reached this far. This is truly unexpected!
· Let me congratulate myself for a job well done!
· If only Papa is here I’m sure he’ll be proud of me………..Pa wherever you are now this is for you………………..I love you Pa and I miss you so much!
· I hope I can land a good job after this so I can send my siblings to college.
· I won’t get married until I’ll get a stable job.
· I’ll buy and read career planning and development books tomorrow.
· Thank you everyone for your prayers.
Too many different responses I’ve heard from the graduates …………… too many different academic experiences they’ve shared ……………….too many different plans after their graduation ………….....but, one thing they share in common is……………………they are all happy and grateful for having received their diploma because not all young people have received it.
CONGRATULATIONS 2009 GRADUATES!
Since graduation is an achievement, the graduates tend to celebrate their gratitude and joy with their friends and families. Their parents have that glint of pride in their eyes and a sigh of fulfillment. For the parents, educational degree is one of the precious legacies they can leave to their children…………a primary weapon in life’s big battlefield.
Aside from the graduation mass and ceremony, graduation night and graduation blow-outs, there are still many other graduation scenarios that seemingly pull me into the depth of this very special event. The responses of my friends who are among the 2009 graduates when asked about their graduation comprise the graduation season highlights. Here are some of those amusing, funny and moving graduation statements from them :
· Well, I have done my all in this course. Thank you God! I made it! I am now the valedictorian in the college. I got 1.2 GPA and I’m a magna cum laude. My parents are very proud of me. I’m proud to say that I deserve this honor.
· All of us in our “barkada” are Cum laude. Isn’t it great?
· Thank you God for I have parents like them. Now, I can surely make them proud of me.
· Finally, I’m outa here!
· Goodbye terrors! Grrrrrrr…..
· After 8 years in college, at last now I earn a degree already. Sorry Ma and Pa for the inconvenience. LOL!
· I don’t care if I have lots of 3.0 on my TOR. What’s important is I’m one of the 2009 graduates……..
· Now, I’m half happy, half tensed. Happy because of this achievement. Tensed because I happen to graduate in the midst of economic downturn. Good luck to my job hunting.
· After this, I’m gonna be missing my monthly allowance. Farewell corruption! No more overpricing strategies like : “Ma send me 5000 for the project” when it’s only 1,000. LOL!
· I’m sad. I’m gonna miss my classmates.
· Oh, I’ll never see my crush anymore.
· I’ll miss my favorite professors.
· I can get over those sleepless nights and tedious projects and thesis. I can now get rid of the big, dark rings under my eyes.
· Finally, I can now keep the faces of those damn school security guards out of my sight!
· Common, be there in my grad blow-out!
· Yes! Now that I’ve graduated Papa will finally allow me to have a boyfriend! Exciting!
· Oh no! it’s not over yet I still have to take review classes for the board exam.
· Hahahahahah!yes I graduate but I wonder if I learned something? Hmmmmm……I doubt it!
· I bribed some professors………otherwise I would have failed and needed many more years to finish this course.
· No more cutting classes! Hahahaha!
· I have just graduated………so……..I think I can now marry her.
· I’m going back home with my long-dreamed diploma.
· I’ve been a self-supporting student all my life in high school and college……….I’m glad I’ve reached this far. This is truly unexpected!
· Let me congratulate myself for a job well done!
· If only Papa is here I’m sure he’ll be proud of me………..Pa wherever you are now this is for you………………..I love you Pa and I miss you so much!
· I hope I can land a good job after this so I can send my siblings to college.
· I won’t get married until I’ll get a stable job.
· I’ll buy and read career planning and development books tomorrow.
· Thank you everyone for your prayers.
Too many different responses I’ve heard from the graduates …………… too many different academic experiences they’ve shared ……………….too many different plans after their graduation ………….....but, one thing they share in common is……………………they are all happy and grateful for having received their diploma because not all young people have received it.
CONGRATULATIONS 2009 GRADUATES!
Monday, February 16, 2009
SEEING BEYOND VALENTINE’S MANIA
Right after the “Happy Three Kings” celebration, we notice people replacing their Christmas decors with red hearts, ribbons and roses. The restaurants, departments stores and malls have their walls adored with red hearts and lips. The dangling heart decors are displayed ubiquitously. That keeps people reminded that Valentine season is here again.
Valentine’s day or Valentine's Season usually conjures up the picture of flaming romance. Each time we hear the term “valentines”, we immediately perceive the red-colored and heart -shaped objects. The season truly brings much excitement to the couples. The husbands/boyfriends and the wives/girlfriends become preoccupied with their confusing choices on what valentine gift to buy for their partners. Some men are getting odd headache on how to make a special date on a tight budget. Others don’t mind at all in going beyond their credit limits just to win their sweethearts with the most expensive valentine presents and a luxurious dinner date. There are also those who practically spend wisely and just go for gushy love notes, cards, flowers and chocolates.
This love month also puts much pressure on those who are still searching for their long-dreamed partners. We can all of a sudden see those single men and women as well as those who are broken-hearted bloom more on February………….as if, they are trying hard to put on a different aura hoping to capture one’s heart. We observe them posting their shoutout like “Wanted Valentine Date” or “I’m Loveless Now” in friendster, facebook, multiply and in any other net socializing network. Valentine’s season is seemingly keeping them more desperate. As if, anybody without a partner becomes an outcast………….what a pity! Thanks God I have a hubby! LOL!
All hotels, resorts and motels are one of the most high-selling services on February. Room reservations have already been filed weeks before the 14th. Thus, even on the 13th, the “fully-booked” or “no vacancy” note is already posted. Moreover, the flower shops, cake bakers and chocolate shops are on top of the best-selling business industries on this occasion. And most of all, the communication network traffic is inevitable on February 14. That’s why people tend to call and greet their loved ones on the 13th.
The exuding valentine’s exuberance among the teenagers is part of the valentine's mania. For them, the celebration is lackluster without the most awaited prom. The dating and messaging booth as well as the flower delivery services in schools are always there. The red shade on the girls’ cheeks and the paper-white faced boys from the dating booth is one of those fun scenes. The hysterical girls that almost faint over those effusive notes and flowers from their crushes is not a rare drama. A variety of youthful valentine emotions are really in the air………………and undeniably, we can’t help but get carried away by this kind of valentine frenzy.
Many of us are overwhelmed with the extraordinary fun brought about by Valentine’s Day. We are devoured by its temporary craze. We allow ourselves to dwell on the valentine mania alone. We fail to live with the real essence of this season. Yes, valentine’s day only happens once a year, but it doesn’t mean to express our love only on that day. Valentine’s day doesn’t merely mean the joy of sending and receiving flowers, chocolates, expensive jewelries, kissing, dating and so on………but it means a lot deeper than that……………..it doesn’t simply call for valuing and appreciating and giving our hearts to others on Feb. 14, but it inspires us to understand love, embrace love, grow love and most of all share love not just to our love ones and friends but to everyone else in the world (of course including those who are hard to love) in each lovely day of our lives …………………… even if the valentine decors are seen no more……………..even if it’s no longer February…………….let us get rid of hatred and grudges……………let us be always a symbol of love to harbor peace and happiness in our hearts.
FORBIDDEN IS INTERESTING
Have you ever wondered why many of us are drawn to do anything forbidden?
Since I was a toddler, I couldn’t deny how I found the things my parents didn’t want me to touch, lick, and play with very irresistible. Picture out a kid who gets delighted with her Mom’s glasses who all of a sudden squeals when the glasses are grabbed from her. Ooppss!!!!! It’s forbidden kid! You might damage it! No!!!!!! or a very excited little girl who is denied to join her Mom in cooking or washing the clothes ……….but still mischievously insists to…………..sorry kid it’s forbidden. Wait ‘till you reach 12…………..
Now, how about those kids in grade school……….they do everything just to play computer games and watch TV instead of studying their lessons or escape from their house during rainy season and play outside with their friends even if they are not allowed to……………because again, forbidden is interesting.
Way back in my high school years, I could still recall my parents constantly haranguing me not to have a boyfriend while still schooling. There was one time when I got head over heels in love with one of my attractive suitors, I tend to ignore my fear to my parents. I became more excited to have a date with that guy. Other than that, I got deprived of many other things other adolescents had fortunately much fun with in my youthful years. And I definitely found those things my parents didn’t want me to do very desirable. No wonder I had several friends before who turned more rebellious when restricted to do the things that usually perk up the youngs’ curiosity. Like most of the teenagers now, they got into tacit affair. They stealthily went out at night, engaged in premarital sex………..or worse, even eloped. Many of them got pregnant at early age……………..stopped schooling…………got addicted to drugs……….indulged in fraternities/sororities………………because many teenage whims and fantasies are usually strictly forbidden.
Even in my early 20’s, still, I never had the total freedom to do almost all the things I relished. The curfew time set for me at home pissed me off. I hate my Dad when he started telling the “don’t’s” to me . Although he disallowed me from hanging out with friends late at night still, I found ways to enjoy bar-hopping and got back home at the wee hours of the morning. LOL! I just slept on his deafening litany and I ended up hurt everytime i answered back………………..the more my Dad wanted me to be back home early from a date with my boyfriend who is now my hubby, the more I tarried and got home late. The more often he told me not to watch movie with my boyfriend and backride my boyfriend’s scooter, the more I kept on doing it…….leaving my Dad’s blood pressure escalating. Grrrrrrrrrrr……………And the most restricted thing I did was having a civil wedding when my Dad wanted it to be in the church……….this was another thing that made my father brimming in anger……….. well, I’m so sorry Pa, there’s nothing you can do about it. I was turning 27 then to decide for my own. I bet there are many of you guys who did the same thing………….like what I said, doing the forbidden is truly fun and the thrill is overpowering!
Now that I’m married and in my late 20’s, I think I’m almost fully-grown up if not totally mature for my age. But still, im not spared from forbidden stuff……………e.g. no to too much spending and shopping , no to nagging my hubby, no to investigate my hubby’s whereabouts and sneakily read his phone messages, no to jealousy and other “don’t’s” which I can’t ironically stop doing.
I heard from my female friends about their hubby’s infidelity. I also received calls from my male friends who are working abroad informing me how they have been cheated by their wives while they are away……………what’s the reason behind all these? Because married men and women are more interesting and attractive because they are restricted.
At work, I wonder how most of us punch our cards late when we’re always reminded that punctuality is a must. Why do we love to procrastinate with our respective work assignments when we know that having delays in one task may snowball and get us buried with piles of work eventually? Why is bad-mouthing or backbiting other people in the office is more interesting than discussing things for work improvement? Because forbidden things are hard to resist from.
Everytime I turn on the TV, the crime scenes are always the highlight of the news report. Rape, corruption, homicide, robbery, kidnapping, bombing, drug trafficking and other sorts of heinous crime are always featured. All these are forbidden yet a lot of bandits are unfazed to engage in.
All the yummy goodies in the fridge and in the grocery store are those which are mostly declared as junk food. The chocolates, ice cream, cakes, chips and other carbo-and-calorie-loaded food are among those which are in the “no-good-for-the-health-food stuff” list of any dietician. But we just can’t deny how we find them more appealing than a bowl of veggies and fruits.
The fatty food” like “letchon”, “balbacua”, “humba, “crispy pata”, deep-fried food as well as the salty food which includes salted and dried fish are the most after-sought menus. The risk of hypertension and heart attack has heightened among the elders since many of them hardly resist those forbidden fat-packed viands.
All the yummy goodies in the fridge and in the grocery store are those which are mostly declared as junk food. The chocolates, ice cream, cakes, chips and other carbo-and-calorie-loaded food are among those which are in the “no-good-for-the-health-food stuff” list of any dietician. But we just can’t deny how we find them more appealing than a bowl of veggies and fruits.
The fatty food” like “letchon”, “balbacua”, “humba, “crispy pata”, deep-fried food as well as the salty food which includes salted and dried fish are the most after-sought menus. The risk of hypertension and heart attack has heightened among the elders since many of them hardly resist those forbidden fat-packed viands.
Smoking and drinking are among those killer vices around the world. But cigarette and liquor manufacturing are some of the lucrative businesses. Many find it hard to evade smoking and drinking alcohol. Forbidden is just addicting!
All the things above are “FORBIDDEN” simply because they won’t do any good to us at all or in short, they are all unacceptable yet they are interesting and tempting. Unless they become insipid or uninteresting, life will be trouble-free……………better hate the forbidden guys!
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