Masaya ang weekend kahit hindi natuloy ang Panagbenga trip na matagal-tagal na ring plando. Bakit? Dahil na nga sa mga katangahan na nagawa ko nung mga nakalipas na araw na alam niyo na kung nagbabasa kayo nito.

Gusto ko lang sabihin dun sa mahilig sa musika na abangan ang bandang ito sa live circuit: JEEPNEY JOYRIDE. Napanuod ko sila nung Sabado (kasama si Tatit, Mayette at Jan) sa Loyola Mountaineers annual concert sa Bistro. At mga lola… sobra silang nakakatawa. Gawin mong reggae band ang Parokya. Ganung klase. May cool music ka na, may libreng stand-up comedy ka pa. Bantayan ng maigi ang alto sax player at ang kanyang Da Moves.

Pambungad ng bokalista sa kanilang set.

“Wow. Ang saya ninyo. Para kayong mga pans ni Jolina. Nakaka-platter.”

Mga tol, he had me at Jolina.

Gusto ko lang din ibahagi ang kuwento ng isa kong officemate tungkol sa anak niya.

Anak: Pa, pa, marunong na ako mag-add!

Dad: (buong galak dahil nursery pa lang ang anak niya) Talaga? Sige nga, pakita mo sa akin, nak.”

Anak: (seryoso) Pahingi ng calculator.

Nyahahaha! Kulang na lang may kakanta ng "esmyuskee, esmyuskee puwede ba kaming dumaan..." tapos "nye!" Pero bilang pambawi, marunong na rin talaga ang anak niya. Yan ang maparaan! Bakit nga ba papahirapan pa ang sarili kung may calcu naman. Yun lang. Bow. Ang saya, di ba?

Cool. I’ve been tagged by Babypink. Steeg. Salamat, Diane! (ito pala iyong tagging. Hahaha!)

Random 10
1) Time after Time (Cyndi Lauper, EBTG and Tuck and Patti versions)
I like singing to this song and it never fails to move me.

2) True Colors
I’ve always loved this song to and it brings good memories of JVP batch 19 and kaka-cliquish peeps.

3) Organik by Joey Ayala
Now this is what you call an alternative love song. Sung the way only Joey Ayala can.

4) Baby, I love your Way by Big Mountain
Never fails to make do a little dance and sing along a bit. Plus wonderful memories of freshmen year as Rowie and I danced to Indio-I’s cover while the rest of our english class just sat down looking at us like we were lunatics. Hahaha!

5) Panalangin by APO
Great song. Happy song.

6) Someone to Watch over me, Sting cover (and Noel C. covering the Sting cover)
Ah. Wow. How can you not want to fall in love after listening to Sting’s version.

7) Moonriver instrumental (the one used in Shall We Dance?)
Just saw Shall We Dance last night. And when I saw Richard Gere (excuse me while I swoon) and J.Lo dance it, it made me want to dance it too.

8) Bilog na naman ang Buwan of Tropical Depression
Masayang isayaw! Masayang ikanta.

9) Love Moves in Mysterious Ways by Julia Fordham
Because it does.

10) Satellite by Dave Matthews Band
Not that I really know what it says but I love the way it is played. And DMB has become a special band to me. ;)

What is the total amount of music files in your computer?
Uh… it says 6.10 GB. Pero mp3 pa lang iyon. I have Windows Media Player files pa. Paano kasi… wala akong pan-rip. Hehehe!

The last CD I bought/got was Session Road and Kitchie Nadal. Worth it purchases. Support OPM. Good OPM please. Don’t buy Rainer Castillo or Sandara Park CDs. Maawa tayo sa ating mga sarili at sa ating mga bulsa. Always buy original OPM CDs din, payo ni Tatit. Sa foreign, kebs.

What was the last song you listened to before reading this message/entry?
Right now, Where is the Love by Black Eyed Peas is playing.

Write down 5 songs you listen to a lot or mean a lot to you.
1) Falling Forward by Julia Fordham
Memories of something wonderful happening while this was playing.

2) As I Lay Me Down by Sophie B. Hawkins
She really sounded in-love singing this song, and it’s my song for Jesus. I want to fall in-love with Him the way the singer was with whoever she was singing it to.

3) “Kanlungan”, “Lea” by Noel Cabangon
Makes me feel all nostalgic, makes me lost in wonderful memories of JVP year and JVP friends.

4) Let’s Get Retarded by The Black-Eyed Peas
Pag gusto kong sumayaw at magwala. Masaya sumayaw eh. (Though I seem to have lost my beat)

5) Stuck in a Moment by U2
Sakit ng mga JVPs… to get stuck in a moment.

Who are you gonna pass this stick to? (3 persons and why?)
1) Maan, because I know she loves music and I’d like to get to know her better.
2) Kaka-cliquish girls Tatit and Mayette (ang daya ko, hehehe!) because they both love music and surveys on music.
3) Pia. Because she also loves music and I miss her. :)

Last week was a battle between good experiences and bad. Despite the three-province, ten-school, five-bus ride week, I didn't feel tired and was psyched up to go to Surallah for four more community schools before I hie off to and frolic in polluted Manila.

But as you already know, I got into a somewhat accident with a motorcycle ride. I came out fine, with hardly a curse escaping from my mouth. Was just glad to escape with one citrus sized bruised.

Unfortunately, the stupid bottomless iced tea from Pancake House gave me colic, which lead to a SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS. Paksyat, ika-nga ni Assunta sa Jologs. Hahay!

I confess to Almight God and to you my brothers and sisters that I am one big stupid moron. Stupid na moron pa samahan pa ng idiot. Won't got into details as I think I have enough mental verbal abuse from myself and a bit from my mother. What happened? I burnt my tummy and butt with scalding hot water. Have first and second degree burns. Paksyet. Goodbye Bora Body. Not that I was planning to look so fine and dandy with abs. I was kinda prepared to flaunt the flabs I have gained the last five years. Pero paksyet... Meron na akong burn marks. But then, thought about it... the hell do i care. Except vanity is the devil advocate's favorit sin.

Right now I comfort myself thinking up of a story to tell my future grandchildren about granny's battle scars. Either I was a Mutant Warlock or a former shaolin-ninja-princess who had to fight evil. I'd be scared if the kids would believe it.

Stupid girl.

Wala talaga iyong adjustment ng size. Oh well. Sensiya na lang po.

Andito na ako sa Davao. SA WAKAS.
Pero aalis uli ako bukas. HAHAY.
Ganyan talaga ang buhay field worker. Masaya pero nakakapagod. Nakakapagod pero masaya.

Ang dami-dami kong kagat ng lamok. At may giant pasa ako dahil sa pagkakabangga sa motor. Thank you for those who prayed for my safety.

Had a great time visiting Welcome Home Foundation in Bukidnon yesterday. Have always been fascinated with sign language yet it would be impractical to learn at this point. Though it is quite interesting.

Had a coca-cola moment while I was at the dorm. My back was turned when I felt someone tugging my hand. It was a young boy holding out a sunflower to me. So sweet! His name was John Dave. Felt like Fraulein Maria that moment. Hahaha! Definitely made my trip very much worth it. :)

And I didn't have to sing (as I can't) nor give away free Coke (as I'd rather have it to myself).

Hmmm... the size adjustment of this thing, i can't find.

anyway... am in malaybalay right now. almost got into an accident this afternoon in the motor. but well, i came out with only a bruise and a somewhat painful knee. otherwise i'm fine. the driver had gashes while my other companion was bruised and shaken. After the bump, I was just "masakit. may pasa ata ako. tara na." Nabigla lang pero hindi man lang ako natakot. Did say sorry to God for forgetting to call on my guardian angel. I will be more conscious next time, methinks.

it hurts a bit to walk but hey, it could be worse.

lots of stories to tell but may never be told on this blog. kasi ewan... nakakatamad magformulate ng kuwento. harhar!

pero i'm feeling uppity with the communities i visited. especially since i didnt have to walk much. yipee.

hope this country is still okay while i'm incommunicado.

By the way, i get irritated my stories of motorcycle accidents especially when they involve a person dying.

Am not sure how far my post will go. So many things seemed to have happened while I was away.

Just heard from Jan yesterday that there was a bombing in Davao, GenSan and Makati. Sheesh. I was somewhere in the middle of nowhere while all of this happened. Oblivious and just enjoying my v-day with the children of Bunaguit. Whether it was the military (a possible conspiracy theory) or the Abu Sayaff... I will never understand why they always put innocent civilians on the line. And what's worse, they used a young boy for the Davao bombing. Grsh.

FOR HAPPIER THINGS
* the jitters i felt was nothing. i really enjoyed this trip. i crossed the river so many times and almost got swept away by the tides. but i had fun with the trek. had fun watching the children. wala nang ilaw nung makarating kami sa isang lugar. pero napilitan akong maligo sa ilog kahit madilim dahil halos dalawang oras akong naglalakad sa ilalim ng ambon (sarap!)

* di naman happy, pero aliw. deja vu ang bawat bayan na nadaanan ko. deja vu ng naunang bayan. pare-pareho na iba-iba. nakakaaliw. mas aliw kasi okay ang soundtrack ko na specially made for me.

dito muna. nagmamadali ako. yun lang. miss you all. (as if)

OFF TO FIELD OF DREAMS

Well not really... but there are a lot of dreams going around in the field. Huh? That did not make sense but did to me. Argh. Gibberish speak. Must be because I'm hungry and waiting for my mom and bro to pick me up. (Bro's last day here in Davao).

Anyways... I'm off to go to my first field work since October. As usual, I'm getting the JITTERS. Yaiks. Whenever I lose momentum, I have a hard time getting psyched up for field work. Especially when my trip has been cancelled three times already.

Another thing, I'm kind of worried having to kindly turn down offers of uhm... stuff I'm abstaining from. Will power. Remember kind but firm... kind but firm... (unlike me who is kind but flabby). Harhar.

The hunger is getting to me.

See you guys in a week.

And though I never really appreciated Valentine's Day, Happy Valentine's to everyone. (I don't believe in V-day but I so much believe in LOVE. So spread the Love, peeps!)

MY HEART’S DESIRE

For the past years, I have not been able to fully take part of the Lenten season. The most I did was try to not eat meat on Fridays. And I usually end up breaking that anyway. There was no deep urge in me to pause and reflect the meaning of the season. Quite sad really because Lent is more important than Christmas.

Right now, I look forward to commemorate and celebrate Lent. For the past months, I have been receiving so many blessings from God. There are moments I would just be in awe of his overflowing and overwhelming love. Whenever we say “I am not worthy to receive you and only say the word” during Mass, the feeling reverberates in me. But the feeling of unworthiness is overpowered by God’s love making me feel glad for Communion.

Lest people think I have turned into a saint, very far from it. I still am wanting as a Christian. But just like one t-shirt I saw says, “Please be patient, I am a work in progress.” Acknowledging my weakness is already a big step to take.

Working with the JVP Central Office made me privy to little sacrifices my officemates would make during Lent. One of us decided to abstain from meat for 40 days. Another chose to abstain from the use of condiments (bilib ako sa kanya!). Another let go of chocolates during the season. I never really joined in because I know how weak my will power is and would just end up breaking it anyway.

This time my heart has that URGE, that DESIRE to do something for God, to sacrifice something in return for the gifts He has bestowed upon me my entire life. While I was attending the mass a while ago, I was struck by the image of the broken communion bread. Both the feeling of being unworthy and the realization of God’s love dawned upon me. That image helped me to take my chosen Lenten sacrifice seriously.

I’m a little worried actually. 40 days is long time, and I’m afraid of not making it. To help me have stronger willpower, I thought of people I could offer it for. Hopefully, these people will grant me the strength to not give in to temptation.

Another crucial factor in my decision to have a Lenten sacrifice is Babypink and other Bangsamoro friends I’ve met last year. Their resolute devotion to the principles of Ramadhan had a big impact on me. Unlike the feeling I get of being obliged by many Catholic rituals, I sense these people’s genuine desire to give their best to Allah. Seeing that from them, I take my cue to have the same sincerity towards the acts my faith asks of me. (Thank you, my Bangsamoro friends, for helping me in my own beliefs.)

And so, right now, I pray for strength and will power. Kaya ito! Kaya ito! Best not to think about it too much, right? Kaya Jerry, kaya natin ito!

This post is my contract, my commitment to that sacrifice. And you, my blog friends, are my witnesses. If I fail this, then I fail not only God but those of you who read this as well. (Kinakabahan na ako… sabi nga ni sister Dove, “commitment na ito!!! Yaiks.)

*****
After a Lenten post, something valentine-y (a capitalist-created occasion, if i may say so).

You Are A Romantic Realist

You are more romantic than 30% of the population. You tend to be grounded when it comes to romance.Sure, you can fall hard... but only for someone you've gotten to know.And once you're in love, you can be a total romantic goofball...But you'd never admit it to your friends!

Are You Romantic or Realistic?

romantic goofball? moi? moi? hah. uh...

Toni sent this picture to me after I asked her for some psychoanalysis. Let's just say I'm have delayed reactions about the things that have happened the past month. And what she and rowie had to say were quite encouraging. Karen I'm sure will have her own words of wisdom to share.

This was taken by Dennis, Toni's husby, after our coffee date and before we took our separate ways. I do miss these ladies. Girls will always be girls. And the thing we love talking about... boys. :)



karen, rowie, toni and me. :)

CELEBRATE LIFE

Ninin works for Kythe Foundation, an NGO which helps care for cancer-stricken children. Children with cancer. Seems unfair really. Kids should be running around, scraping their knees and bumping their heads. Instead these kids are lying down on hospital beds with hands full of holes from intravenous feeds.

Since last year, I have been asking Ninin if I could help her on weekends since I wanted to do some volunteer work. Unfortunately, my string of field work activities have prevented me from actually getting down and dirty with the kids. My time has come last weekend to join Celebrate Life.

Celebrate Life is a monthly festivity of sorts for the children. As we all know, cancer is oftentimes unpredictable. And for children, the situation can be more uncertain. Every month of survival is a cause for celebration and a reason for gratitude.

It was Ukay-Ukay Fete for the month of January. Ninin had the ingenious plan of distributing donated clothes to the children and their parents. Each family was given P350 in play money, they will then use that to "buy" the clothes with marked prices. Fun and educational, di ba?

Yours truly was one of the designated sales ladies. With Tasha (my digicam) in one hand and a was of bills on the other, I waited around for customers to present their wares and their dough. There was no need to try and sell as our clients flocked like ants to a picnic blanket looking for something they like.

As I waited to play my role, I had a funny feeling at the pit of my stomach that translated to a nice, big smile on my face. The place felt like a party more than a hospital ward. True there were kids who couldn't join in the fray, but the seemed to be having as much fun as those who were mobile.

I was also struck by the love I felt from the parents. Most of the mothers were hugging their children coaxing them to join in the fun or eat their sandwiches. One grandmother was counting the play money with her ward. Her ward, Jun-Jun, is my favorite. A boy of six probably. Quite handsome but with a smile that was hard to win. Nonetheless, I was drawn by his silence (This silence thing is getting to be a trend) and tried to make friends with him. After much effort I finally got a shadow of a smile.




This one father was quite nutty and had to gift to make everyone laugh. Mischief and naughtiness danced merrily in his eyes and a smile was always present on his lips. He even wore one of the bras that weren't bought under his shirt. That just brought the house down.

After the distribution of cake, we said our good-byes. Once we were out of sight, Tatit and I sat on the giant wagon and had Jerry pull it all the way to the play room. If we weren't in public domain, we'd shout "wheeeee." Not that being in a public domain stopped us from acting like giant spoiled brats in the first place. The parents by the play room were looking at us funny. Amused or appalled, it's anybody's guess.

Much can be told of that weekend. After the Celebrate Life party, we had our own feast of buy-one take-one pizza at Picobello. There was hardly much conversation about the whole Ukay-Ukay Fete but I think all four of us (Nin, Jerry, Tatit and I) were quite moved by the experience.

DAVAO NIGHT OUT

It has been quite some time since I have been out in Davao. Mostly for the reason that I have been in Manila most of January. Really had fun last night. Feasting on Mama Glenn's kinilaw and sinugba (yum, yum). Listening to Meh-Anne's wow-pamatay-astigas-mong-babae-ka version of Kitchie songs. Watching Ninin and Jerry make fun of the Punch-9 girl. And everyone of us declaring that we are Punch 9 fans. (Hell yeah we are. blech).

Nice lang. That feeling of going home thinking it's still early but it's actually two in the morning. If I had no mother to worry about I would not have gone home na siguro. Hahaha!

-----

And finally to join the blog trend...

1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the sentence in your journal along with these instructions.
5. Don't search around and look for the "coolest" book you can find. Do what's actually next you.

Lucha's working helped the young couple enjoy several years of renewed passion.

from Laura Esquivel's "Swift as Desire."

Naks. How aliw.

SCENES FROM A STUDY TABLE

steaming cup of deep crimson, slightly sour passion tea
heady strawberry-scented curvy smoke from incense burning away
flickering flames dancing on a blue tea candle
black gel parker pen scratching against grainy recycled brown paper

a memory
a snicker
a smile
a prayer

warmth
comfort
tranquility
peace

A MORE DECENT ENTRY

Or not. There isn’t much to write. Though I think people I know would give me an eyebrow raise thinking there should be things said. I’ll just reply with a almost-guilty smile and answer with next question while hoping the days fly by to Panagbega week. (Ina, sama kami ha!).

Uhm… I got sick for three days. Must have been the three-week work stress in Manila. And the after-office skeedadles. But I blame it on stress. Imagine, I was able to fill up an entired CD with just word and excel files. How bad is that? How evilly productive can I get? Only in Manila, as I have the constant fear of being called to the principal’s office if I even think of slacking off. But then, that’s just paranoia talking.

Anyway, back to the sick story. Got sick and stayed in bed for three days. I had a ten-second fear of potential pneumonia because my sister gave the suggestion. But then I just felt tired more than anything else. It was a welcome break for me. Had the chance to read some of the borrowed books I brought from Manila (The Supernaturalist by Eoin Colfer from Bunny, Mr. Punch by Neil Gaiman from Jan). The pile was still high (Two Gunslinger books and Memoirs from Bunny, and so many-many-many from Jan, and my own Swift as Desire by Laura Esquivel) and I don’t think I will be able to return them all by the time I get back to Manila.

Also spent some of my time watching Meteor Rain CDs lent by Maya (I so love Xi Men. Bok, please don’t kill me). And would watch an episode and a half a night of Meteor Garden 2. Awfully late, you may think. It’s just like think Ramos is still president of the Philippines. Not really, was a fan while MG was still running. Didn’t get a chance to watch MG2 though because I had work on Saturdays and couldn’t catch the rewind. MG1 pa din. More fun, less drama and more anime-ish tricks.

Having a hard time getting back on track here in Davao. Still need to get all thoughts off my back before I can proceed. Lunch time, I promise to do my work. It’s just all of it are piled up somewhere at the back of my mind. There is still need to retrieve the information.

No more waiting for 630PM moments though. Good thing I get a lot of laughs during the day to make up for that. But of course… stuff I’d rather keep to myself. (Calm down, ina! Hehehe!)

Feels good to write everything down on word rather than typing it straight on the blog page.

*****
And now, I shall join in the kaka-cliquish bandwagon (tris, follow na!)

Using ERASERHEADS

1. Are you male or female? TOYANG
2. Describe yourself? WITH A SMILE
3. How do some people feel about you? FRUITCAKE
4. How do you feel about yourself? BUTTERSCOTCH
5. Describe your boy/girlfriend or interest? FILL HER (pero him)
6. Where would you rather be? ALAPAAP (helipad)
7. Describe what you want to be? PARE KO
8. Describe how you live? OVERDRIVE
9. Describe how you love? TORPEDO (di ba ina?)
10. Share a few words of wisdom: TINDAHAN NI ALING NENA

Using SMOKEY MOUNTAIN (of course!)

1. Are you male or female? MAMA
2. Describe yourself? STREET PEOPLE
3. How do some people feel about you? DA COCONUT NUT
4. How do you feel about yourself? EARTH SONG
5. Describe your boy/girlfriend or interest? PARAISO (harhar!)
6. Where would you rather be? BETTER WORLD
7. Describe what you want to be? SABIHIN MOng ikaw ay Pilipino
8. Describe how you live? CAN THIS BE LOVE?
9. Describe how you love? KAHIT HABANG BUHAY
10. Share a few words of wisdom: NOT ALL THE WORLD IS AMERICA

Using PAROKYA NI EDGAR

1. Are you male or female? TWINKLETOES
2. Describe yourself? THE YES YES SHOW
3. How do some people feel about you? PENTEL PEN
4. How do you feel about yourself? MANIWALA KA SANA
5. Describe your boy/girlfriend or interest? TED HANNAH
6. Where would you rather be? SWIMMING BEACH (puerto, tatit!)
7. Describe what you want to be? SAMPIP
8. Describe how you live? ABSORBING MAN
9. Describe how you love? CHRISTMAS PARTY
10. Share a few words of wisdom: BATANGAS COFFEE (kasi si Darius nagsulat)

Using JOEY AYALA
1. Are you male or female? JAPAYUKI LADY
2. Describe yourself? PUSONG BULALAKAW
3. How do some people feel about you? MAGKAUGNAY
4. How do you feel about yourself? SARIWANG HANGIN
5. Describe your boy/girlfriend or interest? PASASALAMAT
6. Where would you rather be? TUNGO SA LIWANAG
7. Describe what you want to be? KARANIWANG TAO
8. Describe how you live? WALANG IBANG SADYA
9. Describe how you love? ORGANIK
10. Share a few words of wisdom: BATHALA

BACK IN DAVAO

Am in a hurry. Just wanted to say I had the flu for three days since I returned to Davao. Am not fully well but at least am back to work. Hurrah!

More stories when I get to breathe.

It's raining here a lot. Strange.