Saturday, October 31, 2009

Trip Down the Memory Lane: Highshool days






I'm a proud year 2000 graduate. As far as I can tell, my high school life is a pleasant one. I had a blast. I was the reserved guy who is seated as always at the back end of the row yet towards junior and senior high I became more involved in different extra curricular activities which gave me opportunity to broaden my horizon.

Come graduation, I had lots of friends and just like other high school studs I had a group that I usually hang out with, one guardian counselor had complained that we are making the hallway as a lovers lane since our group usually hangs out in that area while waiting for the activity of the organization that we belonged with. Vina-Tope, Dennis-Bevs among others were the love teams of MYM/PEER group LOLs. After graduation, we separated ways, we went to different universities, and the funny thing was no one from that group made the flame burning. Love teams were dissolved, and we went on with our own life. Yet we remained friends, I was even a god father of Bev's first born. Vina and Tope were able to patch things after some time.

A year ago, we visited Bev in her house and ended up hanging out @ Dencios. It was so funny because we won't run out of stories to tell and most of it was things of the past and how absurd we were during high school days. Last month, after a much anticipated blow out treat of Tope (as he had promised), we went out and he had not choice but to treat Vina and I with a great fine dine in experience : ) Though it was just the three of us, we never run out of stories, stories that we kept on walking every time we saw each perhaps we just want to draw the difference of a then simple life that we were in as compared to what life means for us now that we are grown up.

Thanks Vina for the cup of choco...oops ako na pala taya sa susunod, hanapin nio ko ha ha

Friday, October 2, 2009

The Fuel and the Young Boy


Rainy days are here...I love rains and how it motivates me to express myself in many forms.

Today is raining as we are expecting any time soon super typhoon to hit at its hardest. I'm at my room now, safe and sound. I hear the raindrops pour into our roofs, I just can't think of that young boy who usually would have the fuel to express his thoughts during this season.

Suddenly I missed him. I missed my-old-self. I missed how he expressed himself and how he deals with his emotions and how he transforms those emotions into something rather than let it flew away once he is done with it. I missed my painting sessions while I use the raindrops as the music to my ears. I Still remember, I could write quite a few chapters from the novels I wrote when it was raining...specially when it was raining hard : ) I missed creating stuffs out of scraps while the raindrops gives me the drive to think out of the box so I could turn an item into its better version. I may not want to write this, but yes I did wrote numerous poems about life & love and some unforgettable love letters too during rainy days. I symbolically put all those piece of art in a box, perhaps just like with my any other possessions, I want to preserve its value. Then, I never looked back again. I closed the cabinet that contains those items, I heard the young boy screamed, trying to move out from the dark corners of the cabinet. I pretended not to hear him.

Aside from blogging in an on and off manner, I realized I had lost track of the boy who uses mentioned mediums to console his feelings. Now, he had changed a lot. He now could digest the things that are happening around him without using an extension to absorb the thoughts and sensations he is engaged with. Yet he cannot claim that he does not stumble when big waves are hitting him. I guess, he just learned quite a few tricks in dealing with life and its complexities. He had learned to say yes when he means yes and a big no when needed. He is more comfortable with the people around him, and is not after shielding himself against damages others may bring to him. He is more honest with himself and would acknowledge his capabilities and limitations. He had not yet reach the top of his aspirations yet comfortable enough where he is at this point in time, might he be afraid of what tomorrow may bring but is willing to take full advantage of the opportunities both visible and foreseeable.

To you young boy... I realized life should not be captured in a canvass, should not be hidden with words engraved in papers, it is here with me every moment I open my eyes, the very moment I felt a sensation, every time I interact with people and with nature. I may be too busy exhausting my force in exploring essence of life but I'll try to sit down once in a while, knock at my door when it is raining... so I could still connect with you and be able to convert moments with memories : )

Friday, August 14, 2009

Iisa pa lamang


Sa dinami-dami ng aking minahal
Panandalian lamang at ilan ang nagtagal
Iisa pa lamang ang binabalikan
Alaala ng kahapong pinabayaan
Sa dinami-dami ng aking nakapiling
Kung sinu-sino ang umibig sa akin
Iisa pa lamang ang inaasam-asam
Ang nakalipas, di maaring balikan
At kahit iba na ang minamahal mo
Kung sino man ang siyang may-ari ng iyong puso
Ang bawat pangalan, kalaro, kaibigan
Iisa pa lamang ang minahal ko ng ganito

Sa dinami-dami ng aking nakapiling
Kung sinu-sino ang umibig sa akin
Iisa pa lamang ang inaasam-asam
Ang nakalipas, di maaring balikan
At kahit iba na ang minamahal mo
Kung sino man ang siyang may-ari ng iyong puso
Ang bawat pangalan, kalaro, kaibigan
Iisa pa lamang ang minahal ko ng ganito
At kahit iba na ang minamahal mo
Kung sino man ang siyang may-ari ng iyong puso
Ang bawat pangalan, kalaro, kaibigan
Iisa pa lamang ang minahal ko ng ganito
Iisa pa lamang, iisa pa lamang
Iisa pa lamang ang minahal ko ng ganito

Thursday, July 30, 2009

ALMOST AN OFW


It was November of 2008 when I applied for a position abroad in one of the most respected and leading agency here in the Philippines.

I had always envisioned myself working abroad someday. The thought of working elsewhere excites me so much since I never experience independent living ever since. Though for sure, I will have a lot of time adjusting to the learning curve of living alone...that would not stop me from pursuing a career outside Manila. Perhaps, I was influenced by people around me that the best way and easiest way to save money for the future is to work abroad since all you can expect if you work here is nothing but career growth. Like you can assume a managerial role if you persevere but its all for the title...financial stability is something of great concern. (This is something though that I can repute by now having realized that its indeed possible to find a good package, but it won't happen overnight...you really have to work hard for it, yet I know people who were able to have a promising career at such a young age. So it is possible.)

By December of 2008, I was informed that I am qualified for the position I applied for. Thanks for the solid experience I had with Maersk. I will assume a position in the customer service department. During the interview with the operations manager of E-freight, he told me that I should expect an exciting career with them yet some sacrifices had to be made since I need to leave my family and friends here in Manila but he assured me that I will be well accommodated in Dubai. I was so excited about the whole idea. I have lots of friends in Dubai, some of my colleauges in Maersk are also working there. So, there would be no reason to be homesick plus the fact that at this age and time, internet is just one click away...I have all the time in the world to connect with loveones and people here in Manila.

I need not to worry about placement fee, my employer will shoulder the expense. Not even the medical exams as they will be paying for it...so with my plane ticket. We will have an accomodation when we arrive there. So I need not to worry about the soaring rates of house rentals. And the best part is my salary would be almost like 5 folds my current salary. I really could prepare for my future. I even crack a joke to Jojo that I could decide to get married in a matter of a year or two. Wife na lang kulang incase : )

Last week of January was the projected date of my departure from Manila. I had filled up all the goverment forms and the visa applications form by December 2008 during the orientation process. I am already preparing my mind and my spirit about the journey I am about to embark. This will not be a joke, I will be out of the country with just me to rely on. My clumsiness, childishness, and immaturies I should deemed fit to left here in Manila.

The manager told me during the interview that Dubai is also affected by the global financial crisis but he says that there is nothing to worry about since it manages to survive. Infact the position I applied for is an additional workforce for the expansion of the business.

It was December when the news of recession in Dubai exploded...come January, I was informed by the agency that momentarily, the processing of my papers will be put on hold due to the current situation. I had made follow ups eversince, but before I resigned from Maersk ...the possibility of having my dreams of going abroad for work slowly vanishes. Though the principal had never confirmed that they will cancell it, however if it will push through I know it will not happen in the near future. Or I don't know...might they call me one day(Wishful thinking...just maybe, but base on stories I heard from people who are there and had been in Dubai recently, life there is harder these days...so it speaks of how the economy is going.)

If it will happen it will happen, I had made some attempts to left my country. But I was never yet successful.

Made me think... Am I made for the Philippines?

So be it... I love my country and if my calling is to stay here, I could live with that.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

ANG PINK NA KARATULA



Sobrang pamilyar na tau sa mga pink na karatula na nakalagay sa buong Metro Manila. These one I found while surfing the net a few days ago...initially it made me laugh cause it seems to be so funny. Originally nakalagay talaga dyan "BAWAL TUMAWID...NAKAKAMATAY"

Narealize ko na sa dinami dami ng mga nagkalat na na panawagan tulad ng original na text ng karatula na yan, marami pa rin ang nagbabalewala sa karatula at sige pa rin ang mga tao sa pag tawid. Hindi naman un safety ng tao ang concern ko sa pagsulat nito...at their own risk ginagawa nila ang pagtawid...liability nila sarili nila dahil sa katamaran na tumawid sa tamang tawiran at sa paghahanap ng mas madaling paraan. It is non of my business.

Kaso ang nakakainis...it shows kung gaano kawalang disiplina ang ilang mga tao sa paligid natin na sa maliliit na bagay hindi nila magawang sumunod...

Matagal ko ng gustong sumulat ng isang katulad nito subalit pinipigilan ko lang ang sarili ko kasi alam kong marami akong masasagasaang tao...at kabilang na ako dun pa minsan subalit parang obsessive-compulsive behavior na para sa iba ang pag gawa ng mga baluktot na gawain..Na sa araw araw na pamumuhay mo, sa pag cocummute mo, sa pagsakay mo ng MRT, sa paglakad mo sa kalye, sa pag uwi mo ng bahay at on the large scale sa pag bukas mo ng TV makikita mo ang mga masasamang asal natin na nagtutulak pa para lalong dumumi ang Pilipinas, sa literal at sa mas malalim nitong kahulugan...

Naniniwala ako na bago natin icipin na paunlarin ang ating bansa aba eh simulan muna natin paunlarin ang ating sarili...pag magsisimula ka sa sarili mo una mong dapat ayusin ang takbo ng utak mo...pag tama ang mindset mo, malinaw ang icip mo, gagawin mo ang tama, hindi ka lalabag sa mali, aayusin mo buhay mo...uunlad ang pagkatao mo...susunod nito aayos ang buhay at estado ng buhay mo. Tapos para kang virus na kakalat sa kapwa mo...magiging epidemic ka na lahat ng tao sa paligid mo ay mahahawa sa kahusayan mo sa pag ayos ng buhay mo...In the long run, hindi na lang cia community outbreak bagkus kakalat ang kwento ng kaayusan ng mga buhay nio sa buong bayan. Uunland na ang Pilipinas. O diba ang ganda?

Ok ok...kung hindi kaya ng powers mo at ng sistema ng katawan mo na i absorb ang salitang DISIPLINA...utuin mo ang sarili mo. Ipasok mo sa kokote mo na para maging maganda ang buhay mo, kailangan mong maging mabuting bata, at bilang mabuting bata kailangan mong iwasan ang ilan sa mga bagay na babanggitin ko. Ready ka na?

1. Pag nakita mo na ung mga ganyan karatula, wag ka na makulit. Pag sinabing wag kang tatawid dyan, wag ka na tumawid...e ano kung kailangan mo pang maglakad ng mas mahaba para puntahan ang overpass, isipin mo na lang exercise un. Aba, sa bilis ng takbo ng buhay ng tao sa Metro Manila, kailangan healthy ka pa rin kahit na busy ka sa sa trabaho at eskwela. Pahabain mo lifespan mo!
2.SCENARIO 1 (SA LOOB NG JEEP) Utang na loob, upong 7 piso lang kapag siksikan na, E tang na naman...ilang beses ko na naranasan na tip na lang ng pwet ko ung makaupo at isang ugat ko na lang ang di pumipirma para mahulog ako sa kina uupuan ko samantalang ikaw na magaling ka! nakaside view ka pa habang nanunuod sa labas ng view...O kaya dalawa pa kau ng kasintahan mo na naka ganun, galit ka pa pag siniksik kita...Alam mo mas katanggap tanggap pa na kaya hindi ako makaupo kasi anim na matatabang tao ang katabi ko. Maluwag sa loob na tatangapin ng sistema ko un. Wag po puro sarili ang iniisip.
3.SCENARIO 2 (SA LOOB NG JEEP) Maluwag ang jeep, may nauna na sumakay sau. Cia umupo sa pinaka malapit sa driver para maiabot ung bayad nia agad agad. Sumakay ka, pero mas pinili mong maupo sa malapit sa dulo ng jeep para nga naman madali ka maka baba agad. Magbabayad ka, at pilit mong pina abot ang bawat mo sa taong malapit sa driver samantalang pwede kang umusog papunta sa driver. Teng kakupalan mo, bulok! Tamad ka na magulang ka pa.
Although ang pagsakay sa jeep ay simbolo ng pag kakapit bisig ng mga pinoy at pagiging matulungin natin kasi at any rate wala naman batas na nag uutos sa katabi mo na ipasa ung bayad mo sa driver, that person is doing you a favor. Mag "Thank you" ka naman din minsan, don't worry hindi ka lalagnatin pag ginawa mo un.
4. MAY PILA PO: Ilan beses ka na ba nasingitan sa pila kesyo sa enrollment sa school yan o sa pag pila sa pagbili ng tictket sa MRT, LRT at sa pagbabayad ng bills. Minsan ang sarap butukan ng mga taong gumawa nun, badtrip kasi mag paparinig ka na, sila naman parang ala naman narinig. Isa silang malaking bato. Feeling mo tuloy minsan isa kang piko, gusto mo silang tibagin hanggang madurog sila. One time, maiinit ang ulo ko at ang haba ng pila ng FX pauwi. As much as would not want to be rude to this girl na sumingit mismo sa harap ko sinenyasan ko cia na may pila. She didn't get it at first, inulit ko this time nagsalita na ako... aba parang walang narinig...pangatlo, inulit ko uli sabi ko pag may pang apat pa magrarambo na ko pero umalis na. Kaso imbes na pumunta sa dulo ng pila nagpunta pa sa mas malapit sa sakayan without saying a word. Natawa na lang kami ng mga kasunod ko sa pila.

ANG TIKAS MO ATE!(Pu#@! ka) Pangarap din namin makauwi ng maaga!

5. MGA LIGAW NA ASO AT PUSA NG MAYNILA - Walang hinihintay na oras at panahon pag ang kadugyutan ang tumawag sa ilang tao. Ang sidewalk ay daanan ng tao, oo wala na nga sidewalk vendors ang galing galing, kaso mapanghe naman! Wala naman urinal, the only thing na makikita mo poste kung saan malayang maglabas ng sama ng loob ang ilan. Kailangan pa bang imemorize yan? Buti pa mga aso madaling turuan...nagpapakatao bakit ang tao nagpapaka aso sa pag ihi sa pader.

Tapos ang pagdura sa kung san san ay isa nang universal thing among the guys and girls. Minsan kaganda at kaseksi pang babae ang titigil sa paglalakad, hihinga ng malalim at ibubulwak ang makapangyarihang ...Maryosep a friend of mine was once walking upstairs at gumagabay sa hawakan ng hagdan nang ng may mahawakan ciang malagkit na bagay which could either be sipon or plema. He didn't had the guts to investigate though.Halos maiyak cia sa pambababoy sa kanya, nandiri cia sa sarili nia, agad kinuskos ang likidong nilalabas lamang dapat sa tamang lugar. Urbanidad, urbanidad asan ka? Kanyang sinisigaw sa kanyang paghingi ng hustiya...Hanggan ngaun tila hindi na nabigyan ng hustisya ang nangyari sa kanya...samantala, itago na lang natin cia sa pangalan Dennis ha ha!

Napakadami ko pang naiicip, naririnig at nakikitang mga maling gawain natin bilang mga tao. Pero the list could go as long as possible, nakakapagod mag lista ano! Ciguro nga hindi tayo ganun ka aware sa mga epektong pwedeng idulot ng mga maliliit nating gawain na paglaon at nag dudulot ng mga mas malalaking complikasyon sa pag gawa natin ng tama. Tapos we just settle for what we are comfortable and what is convinient. Pero utang na loob, LASPAG NA LASPAG NA ANG KALAYAAN NATIN SA PAG GAWA NATIN NG MGA BAGAY NA NAKAKASAKIT SA IMAHE NG KUMUNIDAD NATIN.

HINDI PORKE ALANG BATAS SA MGA BAGAY NA MALAYA NATIN NAGAGAWA GAGAWIN NA NATIN UN. MATATALINO DAW MGA PILIPINO...DAGDAGAN NA LANG NATIN NG RESPONSILIDAD MGA BAGAY NA GINAGAWA NATIN...UUNLAD KA, UUNLAD AKO...UUNLAD TAU. KAHIT PARA NA LANG SA SARILI MO GAWIN MO

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Memoirs of 7 Pointed Stars Encounter





I just did something symbolic, I packed in some boxes all the items I collected during my stay in Maersk. Not that I don't want to be reminded of my stay in the company but more of I want to preserve its value.

One last look at my collection LOLZ....



Here's some of the freebies/souvenirs I collected while still in MAC




















































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