BIYAHENG MINDANAO

2005-07-22T18:51:00.000+08:00

MOVING OUT. MOVING ONBiyaheng Mindanao will move on to be the cross-eyed bear.Because it just doesn’t feel like me anymore. Biyaheng Mindanao was created to chronicle my adventures all over the island. That was a time when I was excited to be in a new place, to do new things, to see new sights. Then I started to become someone else along the way. I've changed (see two entries down). I’m not

2005-07-22T12:52:00.000+08:00

happy birthday, rosing.

2005-07-21T16:03:00.000+08:00

The Lord of Dreams learned that he must change or die and makes his decision.This was how Neil Gaiman was forced to summarize the 75-story arc, 9-year run of “Sandman.” (but he did like how his summary turned out, he said)Wow. That’s quite a summary. Or maybe it’s more of a thesis statement. Anyway, I don’t know how related that statement will be to the words that will flow from my fingertips to

2005-07-20T16:40:00.000+08:00

And so I have finished Harry Potter 6. Since a good many people may have not read it yet, this is the only thing I can say."How can JK Rowling have had the heart to do it?!!!"I ended the book with tears. But then that shouldn't be a basis of judgment on how heavy (figuratively) the book is because I also cried for Oliver Wood when he won the Quidditch match. Neither should crying be a measure

2005-07-19T13:24:00.000+08:00

Found the Manila Bulletin interview of Neil. Yey, finally.And congratulations to toni for being featured in Manila Bulletin. Astig!

2005-07-18T11:59:00.000+08:00

Random Mondays1. The egroups for the Neil Gaiman visit is still active and remains giddy from the signing. Much as it fills up my inbox, I can't for the life of me, unsubscribe because the people in it are very interesting and would like to "get to know" other Gaiman fans more. I've been looking for the company and finally it's here.2. Somebody, I do not know if it would be illegal to say,

2005-07-13T15:09:00.000+08:00

Somebody was kind enough to transcribe the Writer's Forum with Neil in his blog.

2005-07-13T12:46:00.000+08:00

Just like Pia's , I got my Goldfish book signed.These Amazing dudes wore these stuff for at least 6 hours. Elibs! Especially the Destiny guy since it was a full-leather attire. Even Neil removed his!Jan gets a nice pic of Neil that isn't too shaky and not much hands with cams and phones in the way. This was during "The Gathering."

2005-07-13T12:43:00.000+08:00

YES, THERE ARE JUST TOO MANY STORIES TO TELL ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE GAIMAN’S STAY HERE IN MANILA THAT I AM POSTING ANOTHER ONEJan and I agreed to go to Greenhills to listen to Gaiman do another book reading and possibly another Q&A. For the book signing, we’d just see how lucky we can get if there were available stubs when we got there. And somewhere at the back of my mind, my inner voice was saying

2005-07-12T10:19:00.000+08:00

YES, THERE ARE PROBABLY A THOUSAND OTHER ENTRIES ABOUT HIS COMING HERE BUT I STILL WILL PUT MY OWN EVEN AFTER I ALREADY POSTED A BRIEF ONE LAST SUNDAY.And two of those who have already posted were Pia and Bunny who were with me during "The Gathering" last Saturday. There was JSK who was not Bunny (read her post) and of course, Jan who was finally able to show me his friends (who were Gaiman

2005-07-10T10:46:00.000+08:00

Sumisingit sa picture ni Jan while he instructs Neil where to sign. Giving/Getting a hug from Neil. Thump, thump goes my heart! Went to the Gaiman thinigie yesterday. Great, great. Stories later because will try to catch him again in Greenhills. May or may not try to get some stuff signed anymore. Quite happy with the two I had signed (The Day I Swapped My Dad with Two Goldfish and Death:

2005-07-05T12:14:00.000+08:00

Link from Toni:Wala lang. Nainggit ako. Funny, I can't seem to be too excited about Neil Gaiman yet. But still planning to see much of him as I can. Pia, disisit! Argh. Now, am a bit excited.

2005-07-01T17:27:00.000+08:00

war of the worlds is quite tiring to watch if you don't know how the story goes (and i didnt). and somewhere along the way i thought i should have drunk some bonamine. like all apocalyptic movies, it is always so convenient for the protagonists. always. but it's still an interesting watch considering the range of expressions dakota fanning can come up with that face of hers (she is such a

2005-06-30T12:03:00.000+08:00

Nagbabalik na alaala tungkol sa pamamaalam sa isang minamahal.---Wow. Half the year is almost done. Tomorrow, it will be the second half.

2005-06-28T10:40:00.000+08:00

MONDAY THOUGHTS WRITTEN ON A DREARY TUESDAYAs thousands bid their last respects to a great man and humble servant of God, Cardinal Sin, I am here lost in my thoughts. It was only last week I discovered he was actually Honorary Chairman of Assisi. I do not mourn as much as I did during the Pope's passing, but with another passing of a person from history... it seems this country's future may be

2005-06-24T15:21:00.000+08:00

Sometimes instant gratification can actually help lift your spirits. While wandering around the shopping mall and ending up in a goth store, pointing to a ridiculously expensive albeit interestingly cute "The Nightmare Before Christmas" bag... I ended up going home with it. Yahoo.I like my new bag! With intricate spiderweb like net and numerous pockets to put so many stuff in. Yey.Tnx to my

2005-06-22T12:25:00.000+08:00

Inner displacement . Lately, I have been going through much of that. It has been going on for months. I'm getting tired of it. Crying spells, apathy and moodiness. How I'd love to blame it on PMS, but that would not be taking responsibility for myself. Strangely, Manila aggravates the feeling of not belonging anywhere. Being a guest in my own room takes away the sense of freedom and

2005-06-17T17:03:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I took a field trip to Gateway Mall (the overrated sosyal mall of Cubao). My primary purpose was actually to purchase books so as to get passes and raffle tickets for the Neil Gaiman book signing. When we got there, I went straight to the displays. Creatures of the Night was the first one I noticed since I haven't seen that before. I decided to hold on to it first because I didn't see

2005-06-16T11:31:00.000+08:00

Tagged by Rowie:(I love being tagged!)Photo to follow (perhaps)....Number of books I own: Lost count already. Maybe more than a hundred. My mom had to throw away around 40 of my books when our house got flooded six years ago. Huhuhu! My precious judy blume collection!!!Last purchased book(s): Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception, a Ray Bradbury book for 50 bucks, Jane Eyre for 25.00 and Jingo by

2005-06-13T13:27:00.000+08:00

What are the things you enjoy, even when no one around you wants to go out and play? What lowers your stress/blood pressure/anxiety level? Make a list, post it in your journal, and then tag 5 friends and ask them to post it in theirs.I was tagged by inabearReading books and/or comicsWatching vcds, dvds, tvWrite entries, paper or webAnswer surveys like thisForage for foodFix my photosCheck my

2005-06-12T10:21:00.000+08:00

This blog hasn't been Biyaheng Mindanao for the longest time. My last visit to our areas were around March. Something I am happy about really because long bus rides are starting to tire me out. Even the usual thrill of riding the habal-habal has lost its magic. Sitting on a motor bike after more than an hour tends to lull me into sleepiness, which then makes me a dangerous passenger.April and

2005-06-08T17:45:00.000+08:00

Interesting (or maybe aliw is the better term) "welcome-back" gifts:a box of my favorite breakfast cereals almond clustersand a box of stress tabs after asking him the previous night to remind me to buy vitamins.

2005-06-06T15:58:00.000+08:00

drop by!a new sign and some reveriemanila, here i come! *clap, clap!*

2005-06-04T11:27:00.000+08:00

JR KILATLast Tuesday, after watching Madagascar for the second time, I was kidnapped by Yani, Tatit, Nin and Andy to MTS. To our disappointment, Popong Landero was not playing.Tat and I decided instead to take a look at the ukay-ukay at the market strip. On our way there, posted by the comfort rooms, was a poster red-green-yellow hues announcing that Junior Kilat will be playing at the Taboan on

2005-06-03T17:32:00.000+08:00

Ngi.That was my reaction when I accidentally saw the tips of my red Chucks while walking to NCCC under the intense heat. They were glimmering as the sun shone on them. I haven't seen them reflect light since... since... I don't even remember. Must be a week or so after I bought them (so that would be around March last year).Our new househelp washed them on her own initiative. Clean-looking

2005-06-02T13:04:00.000+08:00

ANNOUNCEMENTS1. A new sign!2. A new blog! And you may go... na naman! Yeah, yeah, I admit. Blog addict I am. Too many thoughts on my mind that I can't seem to place them in one blog. Anyway this one, like signs, has a point. Titled sa dagat... sa bukid..., the entries are for those days when I long for my JVP area and want to just remember events and people about it. This one I am sure I can

2005-06-01T18:11:00.000+08:00

MY TRUE LOVEA text alert broke my concentration from a survey I was answering since I haven’t gotten into the mood for after-lunch work. It was an unregistered number which wasn’t really surprising since I lost my phone more than a month ago. The message was from Divine telling me she has arrived in Calapan. We lasted for a few more exchanges as I go on my usual ranting to new Mindoro

2005-06-01T12:57:00.000+08:00

Ooooh...I've been included in the Pinoybloggers list. It's a wonder how you get found without meaning to. Anyway, not that I've got any hits yet or will get any... but I'm still on the list. Cool. :)

2005-05-31T13:08:00.000+08:00

OFFICIALLY SQUAREHad a visit to my dermatologist today. It's final, my skin irritations have worsened due to 'puyat' and stress. Which would force me then to sleep early and have minimal nocturnal activities to prevent myself from looking like a fish or a crocodile in the near future.Grsh.My body is in a revolution from the endless abuse it has gone through for the last seven years I have been

2005-05-30T18:13:00.000+08:00

UHM...While I am here on the second floor of NCCC mall checking my mail, an endless stream of star in a million wannabes have been auditioning downstairs since I got here at 3PM. After three hours, more continue to view for that much coveted chance for stardom.It was particularly amusing to see this dreadlocked guy dressed in formal long sleeves singing to an old Al Jarreau song. There seems to

2005-05-27T15:19:00.000+08:00

SIGHI wonder how many times I have used this title for a blog entry.Right now, I feel exhausted. From what I do not know. But maybe I do. Generally, I am getting seminar-weary. Both from organizing and participating in it. For the entire month of May, I have been secretariat, facilitator and participant. There were only three week days that I have not been in a training but those three days

2005-05-24T12:37:00.000+08:00

STAR WARS 3BEFOREA little over a week prior to the advanced screening in SM City, the Davao gang bought their tickets to make sure that we are among the first to watch the closure of the Star Wars saga. Discussions were mostly hoping for less icky frolicking in the fields moments between Padme and Anakin and stupid un-Jedi-esque decisions by the council like having Anakin go with Padme to Naboo.

2005-05-21T13:53:00.000+08:00

KAPOYThe past three weeks have been a flurry of activities and people that my body could hardly cope from all the responsibilities I have to take on as an employee, as daughter, as sister, as friend and as a girlfriend. As a result, I keep hacking every now and then, coughing dryly from having an itchy throat and a closed alveoli sacs in my lungs.Coughs are more irritating than colds, if you ask

2005-05-14T11:31:00.000+08:00

LOLA PILANGMornings at home would usually be greeted by the sight of my grandmother on her wheelchair, which was usually located by the kitchen counter. Hair ruffled and sometimes with crusty eyes, I’d go up to her to “mano.” There are days she’d smile, there are days she’d just nod and there are days you don’t know what’s on her mind.I’d often wonder, how can my 92-year old grandmother find

2005-05-12T13:44:00.000+08:00

QUICK LANG1. No, I didn't get to buy myself a phone. Searching through google, the Ericsson J200i i was interested in still had too many kinks. Motorola c380 has a better review from users but still has some bugs. The desire to get a new one has lessened considerably. My siblings gave my mom a Nokia 1100 phone, so the dysfunctional 3310 my uncle lent her was passed on to me. So now I have a

2005-05-10T20:18:00.000+08:00

RANDOMBABAENG WALANG PAHINGASince May 2, I have been working so hard. Last May4-6, Assisi sponsored an IP Congress for 250 participants. I helped out the secretariat committee, running here and there, cutting paper, helping participants with their needs... little brainless stuff I like doing. 'Twas generally blissful because I got to spent time with Jan. Seeing the faces of the priests that flirt

2005-05-07T20:29:00.000+08:00

Lost my phone in Bora.Been contemplating on what to buy. Ericsson or Motorola. Nokia seems to be out of the question since it is more expensive than the two. The problem with my choices, they don't seem to have infrared. Hmmm... Never thought it was so hard to buy a phone on a budget. Especially since the past four phones I had were hand-me-downs. Want new phone though. Grsh.Still busy.

2005-04-30T12:39:00.000+08:00

Busy. Busy. Busy.Labor Day being held on the month of May is definitely most appropriate. My May is so packed with four different trainings, congresses and workshops. Both as participant and organizer.This is going to be fun. Whee. (yeah, sure)*****Last night. Fare thee well party for Meh-Ann. Details either by Jerry or Tatit soon. Or maybe me. Who knows.

2005-04-29T18:08:00.000+08:00

Carabao Island and the sidetrip to Boracay pictures!

2005-04-27T17:42:00.000+08:00

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLYTHE GOODIt’s liberating to be there. If I went swimming in Samal Island wearing my halter top bikini, I’d get stared at. With thoughts varying from “bilib” to “ano ba yan? Feeling!” When in Boracay, others could hardly care less because it’s such a common occurrence.It’s liberating to be there. To go wild with henna and glimmer tattoos. To have your hair in dreads or

2005-04-26T15:50:00.000+08:00

Just trying it out. New friendster blog. Contains about the same thing I wrote below. Hmm... Anyway... testing lang naman.

2005-04-26T14:05:00.000+08:00

I'M BACK!!!From a one and a half week vacation hopping from Davao-Cebu-Iloilo(stopover lang)-Boracay-Carabao Island-Boracay-Iloilo(stopover uli)-Cebu-Davao. It's another vacation to remember. Like my one in Sagada, in Ilocos, in Siquijor and now this. I do want to get into the details of everything that happened for the past week, but I'd fill up an entire book just recounting everything that

2005-04-13T19:13:00.000+08:00

HRMPH.After the flurry of events of the Pope's death, mourning takes a halt as I go back to the daily grind. There are times I'd shake my head how things just go back to normal easily when work requirements start pouring in.The last three days was supposedly exciting as I faced new experiences, from uh... fulfilling harmless but illegal curiosities to meeting married all-time old-time college

2005-04-09T12:09:00.000+08:00

EMBRACED BY THE POPEDespite trying to comfort myself not seeing the papal funeral, I really really wanted to witness this historic moment. I got home around 9 pm with the hopes the local late night news would have something good (we have no cable). While waiting, I was reading the latest Newsweek issue featuring Karol Wojtyla and was again amazed by his simplicity and sincerity. Despite being

2005-04-08T20:23:00.000+08:00

Half asleep under my malong while the bus from General Santos sped by Digos, my phone rang to the beat of "I love rock n' roll." It was Erik asking whether I got to see the papal funeral. Unfortunately not. It was actually one of my concerns before I went off to Isulan to get to Tubak in Lake Sebu to visit a community we were sponsoring there. More than seeing him as a Catholic figurehead,

2005-04-04T13:24:00.000+08:00

Pope John Paul II, Karol Wojtyla, has finally united with the Father. Now that many stories are being revealed about him, I am constantly overwhelmed by his goodness of heart. And seeing the entire world weep for a single man... it is beautiful. The Father and the Pope are probably smiling with joy seeing the world united in prayer.At the back of my mind, if the Pope was this good then I could

2005-04-02T13:36:00.000+08:00

Hahahaha! Aliw.Anj Bacaltos Resurreccion's AliasesYour movie star name: Chips AlbertoYour fashion designer name is Anj MilanYour socialite name is Hyper MiamiYour fly girl / guy name is A ResYour detective name is Cat St. SchoYour barfly name is Coke MargaritaYour soap opera name is Bacaltos PeruYour rock star name is Nerds FlashYour star wars name is Anjtin ResdarYour punk rock band name is The

2005-04-02T13:17:00.000+08:00

The Pope is dying. I think this news isn't new to us anymore. There is a deep sadness I feel, almost on the verge of tears as I read the news. But then, having lost my father... there are times one has to let go.His loss will be deeply mourned not only by Catholics, but other religions as well. He was a most charismatic man whose heart was genuine despite being seen by many through television.

2005-03-31T11:36:00.000+08:00

Belated Happy Easter!Last Ash Wednesday, I was quite cryptic about what I was abstaining from. For some people, it may not be something major but for me the last 40 days has been a test of will power. It was no joke abstaining from Coke and coffee.Coke has been part of my system since I was a kid. My dad worked for Coca-Cola and would often bring cases of Coke in cans home. I drank more of it

2005-03-25T16:03:00.000+08:00

Just wasting the last minutes of my hour here in the internet. Two more days and it's Easter. Can't wait. Will tell you about it as soon the Holy Week is over. The temptation to give in gets stronger as the days go by. But two days na lang, two days na lang.I'm in physical pain. Need to go home soon. Grmph.Amazing to find an open internet shop at this day of the year.

2005-03-22T15:27:00.000+08:00

ERRAND DAYI had two goals for today. 1. Get my passport processed. (First time to attempt all these 26 years)2. Have my digital SSS ID processed.The morning had me rushing off to the DFA with my birth certifate and my 2003 ITR (since our 2004 ITR has still not been done). I left my form with the guard which marked the paper with a 92. So as not to waste time, I decided to go ahead to SSS.

2005-03-19T13:25:00.000+08:00

I actually thought of attempting to send this to Youngblood. But then, there may be partners who get to read this and abuse my love for the job. So I will share this with you, blog friends. I didn't bother editing as I am very hungry already.*****“Hawak, Gie,” Bubong told me as he got ready to haul the motorcycle and his two passengers up on a sixty degree slope of hillside. My left hand held

2005-03-12T12:08:00.000+08:00

ADDENDUM TO HEART'S DESIREOne thing I forgot to say about it is PRAY for your heart's desire. Ask for the grace of discovering it. And once you do, pray that you may achieve it. But one thing I learned too, during those moments of spiritual closeness with God, it is best to ask for something that is not entirely for yourself.What do I mean? When I left JVP and looked for work, I prayed to

2005-03-09T17:44:00.000+08:00

HEART’S DESIRE – a reprise of an old entry in a different contextA friend texted me about how things are falling into place and leading her to have more conviction that the religious life may just be for her. Though it is still a long process before she comes to a final decision, I replied by telling her that knowing her heart’s desire, or at the very least getting to know it, is in already

2005-03-09T09:17:00.000+08:00

Last day in Manila. Tomorrow, I go home back to Davao. And off to a whirlwind of field work, zooming off to here and there in the next month just so I can enjoy a full week of vacation in time for the JVP grand reunion in Boracay (yey! finally, I get to go back!).It was a good almost two weeks here. I got to see friends I wasn't able to the last time I was here (my fault). The Bamboo concert

2005-03-07T16:17:00.000+08:00

I really, really, REALLY miss wearing jeans. The past week, I have mostly been wearing skirts because of my burn. Heavy pants would scrape against the skin. Been getting feedback how well I look and I am very much flattered. Though people hardly attribute the "blooming" me to the burn, and put the blame on Jan. Excuse me, matagal na akong blooming. Hahahah! Anyway... I miss my old look. One

2005-03-05T11:32:00.000+08:00

LAST NIGHTBamboo concert sponsored by JVP. Didn't need to see Bamboo really. Seen one of their concerts, seen them all. But it was great great great seeing old JVP friends after a long, long while. Rowie and Mike present too. Fun!TODAYNew signs to make fun of.

2005-03-02T18:17:00.000+08:00

JUST A RANDOM ENTRY FOR A RANDOM THOUGHTThough I still have constant entries in this blog, they are becoming less thought of and more hurried. Not because I am really busy, there are days I am not. So the time is there, but the thought isn't.Anyway, there was a time when every little thing that happened to me was 'bloggable.' As it happened, it is archived blog entry form, complete with html.

2005-02-28T11:49:00.000+08:00

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

2005-02-23T14:14:00.000+08:00

Cool. I’ve been tagged by Babypink. Steeg. Salamat, Diane! (ito pala iyong tagging. Hahaha!)Random 101) 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 ColorsI’ve always loved this song to and it brings good memories of JVP batch 19 and kaka-cliquish peeps.3) Organik by Joey AyalaNow this is what you call an

2005-02-22T10:59:00.000+08:00

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.

2005-02-20T10:48:00.000+08:00

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

2005-02-18T18:28:00.000+08:00

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

2005-02-16T15:20:00.000+08:00

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

2005-02-12T11:43:00.000+08:00

OFF TO FIELD OF DREAMSWell 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

2005-02-09T16:29:00.000+08:00

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.

2005-02-08T17:31:00.000+08:00

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

2005-02-07T10:38:00.000+08:00

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

2005-02-05T11:32:00.000+08:00

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

2005-02-04T11:23:00.000+08:00

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

2005-02-03T17:06:00.000+08:00

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

2005-02-03T09:42:00.000+08:00

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.

2005-01-28T17:03:00.000+08:00

NEIL GAIMAN IS COMING TO THE PHILIPPINES THIS YEAR!!! *runs around like a headless chicken* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Salamat kay Ina sa pagbulatlat ng balita. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! *hyperventilate*

2005-01-27T11:55:00.000+08:00

FEELING LIKE THE FOX It has been a long time since I have re-read "The Little Prince" by Antoine St. Exupery. Right now though I keep rememebering the Fox's conversation with the Little Prince, telling him to come at four in the afternoon, just so he will know when he will start to anticipate his arrival. I feel like that right now. Whenever the clock reads 4 o' clock, a feeling of imminent

2005-01-24T13:19:00.000+08:00

I usually arrive at the office between 9:15 to 9:30 AM because I usually waste my mornings relaxing. Whenever I leave home without my consciousness, uh, conscious, I am not fully operational any time during the day. Today, I arrived 810 AM to prepare with Maya our report for the program. KAPOY! PAGOD! TIRING! Reporting, though it just requires you to explain something you already know by

2005-01-22T13:21:00.000+08:00

WISDOM It has been my longest stay here in Manila since I left it last October 13, 2003. Last January 5, I arrived here feeling bitchy and irritable because I took the last flight. Which means going home would be difficult because there would be no more taxis around. Anyway, there is no point to that story. It's almost the third week I have been here. And honestly, working in Manila stresses me

2005-01-21T13:57:00.000+08:00

Sabi niya nung isang araw, "mabilis nga, pero hindi naman minadali." Quotable quote. At magandang punto. :)

2005-01-20T13:31:00.000+08:00

Let it burn. So I did. Embers and kindling and flames. Just rightly warm. :)

2005-01-19T13:23:00.000+08:00

STILL NOTHING The rush of things happening seemed to have left words suspended in midair. A cacaphony of feelings drown the thoughts that balance lightly on tip of my tongue. The taste it leaves remind me of black chocolate. Wonderfully bittersweet.

2005-01-17T13:20:00.000+08:00

WALA LANG Ngunit madami rin talaga. Nakakatawa. Nuon, wala masyadong nangyayari sa akin pero ang dami-dami kong naisusulat. Siguro nga dahil sa halip na pagdaanan ang buhay, isinasabuhay na lang sa papel. Marahil. Madaming trabaho. Ngarag na nga ako. May walang humpay na pangagabog ng dibdib sa kaba na baka hindi matapos. Pero kapag pumatak ang alas-sais sa relo... lumuluwag ang

2005-01-13T17:56:00.000+08:00

MOTTOS Last year's motto was, "assume nothing, enjoy everything." It served the Davao girls' lives well. It kept us sane while enjoying our insanity. But the calendar has moved on and so should our motto. Tatit has ingenously formulated a new one for 2005, the result of a text exchange where I was embarassed by a blush creeping up my neck settling naughtily on my cheeks. LET IT BURN! Oo

2005-01-11T10:17:00.000+08:00

been quite busy. work and other stuff. gusto ko magkuwento ng batch 20 jvp reunion nung weekend pero hahay... dami pa kailangang gawin. mukhang pagbalik ko na ng davao matutupad ito. babypink, i think i chose yey. :)

2005-01-07T18:27:00.000+08:00

The air of 2005 smells thick of apples and oranges and some unidentifiable scents that make my heart both quiver with delight and fret. A strange mix of fear and anticipation of things to come, yet unknown. I feel like standing on the table and shouting "Captain, my Captain" to the world. Running around like a headless chicken would be great too. Blech. Yey. Blech. Yey. Can't decide which.

2005-01-04T09:16:00.000+08:00

PIKIT Minsan, di sinasadyang mapalingon kung nasaan ka. Nahuling tumititig ang mga kulay-kape mong mata sa kalawakan tila hinahanap ang isang nakakubling lihim, sinisisid ang mga alon ng tadhana sinusuyod ang kadilimang nakayakap sa iyong mundo. Wala kang malay na nakadampi ang aking mga matang nabighani ng iyong mukhang nagtatanong. Nang ikaw ay napapikit, at sa iyong mga labing nakatikom,

2005-01-02T16:46:00.000+08:00

MTS SA BUNTAG The sounds of the previous night's merry-making were merely ghosts that floated with the dreary Sunday morning air. If I strained hard, I might have been able to hear the echo of the clinking beer bottles and somebody's toast to the coming year. The riff from the electric guitar and the bang of the drums hid in the quiet shadows of the trees. The trees that rejoiced in the much

2005-01-01T15:59:00.000+08:00

BAGONG TAON. BAGONG BUHAY. Wala lang. I have a lot of things on my mind, none of which I think I should write down here. It's really 2005. Wow. 5 years into the milennium (4, if we get technical). Looking forward. **** Prayers to the tsunami victims. But despite my mother feeling it to be the work of God, I totally disagree. The God I believe in would be that cruel. My opinion, it's us

2004-12-28T11:16:00.000+08:00

CLOSING 2004 It hasn't been a great year. 2004 began with a quiet venom. A trip to beach triggered something that led to pneumonia. Then two weeks after that I had to go to three communities up in the mountains of Malita. The trips went on and on, getting more difficult emotinally more than physically. Issues wrapped around my heart and soul leading me in and out of depression. Not enough

2004-12-26T08:44:00.000+08:00

Tahimik ang Pasko ngayong taon. Kami lang ng nanay ko at lola ko ang nagdiwang ng Pasko. Kuya ko at si Jeana (yung helper naming da best) naman ang magkasama sa Sta. Ana. Si Ate, asawa niya at ang kanilang limang supling ay salu-salo sa Cebu. Malamang masaya duon. *** But it’s okay. It wasn’t as lonely as I expected. Quiet, yes. Lonely, not really. For the first time, I get to cook most

2004-12-23T15:45:00.000+08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS Despite the many challenges that we have faced this year, let us remember that there is always a reason to celebrate. Let us remember that each one of us is a Christmas package waiting to be opened and shared with others. Just like the little child in the manger who was born into the world to love us. Enjoy the holidays! Spread the holiday cheers. :)

2004-12-22T09:01:00.000+08:00

Masaya ang Christmas party kahapon. Masaya rin ang gimmick kagabi. Not enough time to articulate. Have funny and interesting kuwentos that I can't put down in words as of yet. Next time, a more decent entry.

2004-12-17T16:59:00.000+08:00

CHRISTMAS WISHLIST Last Sunday, I went shopping to buy gifts for my officemates and Davao friends. Every Christmas, I have fun shopping for gifts. I like giving gifts to people, especially on Christmas. Unlike birthdays, everyone is special on Christmas, because Jesus was born for everyone. Return gifts are not necessary, though highly appreciated. Who doesn’t like receiving gifts? But I

2004-12-16T09:00:00.000+08:00

Finally found a Before Sunrise VCD. By accident. Bought it kahit mahal. Pero finally. Now I will know why it people, even guys, like it. ***** Pictures of our party sa waterfront. Except it's all view and not much people. And the Noel Cabangon-Joey Ayala concert here in Davao. The gods of Filipino alternative music. Nag beso kami ni Noel. FC! FC! (feeling close) ***** Am thankfully calm right

2004-12-15T11:11:00.000+08:00

The office is awfully quiet. Well there is Joey Ayala and Noel Cabangon jamming on my media player and the insistent humming of the air-conditioner that keeps the world from being bothersomely silent. Most of the people are out of the office. Some went on field work while the office-based staff went to Marilog to join the Ilawan party. I opted to stay here to do some work as it has been

2004-12-11T15:59:00.000+08:00

My eyes are screaming for sleep. My heart is pumping double time trying to keep up with the work I keep notating on my mind. Since November 30, I have been working in full gear. Except for that quiet day on the beach. But then it was a costly mistake missing that meeting as I am forced to conduct an site investigation somewhere in Davao as penance. It's better to have a tired body than a

2004-12-09T13:24:00.000+08:00

Panaw sa Kalinaw pictures! Just because we talk serious doesn't mean we are. Masayang magpakasaya. Hehehe! And the after panaw pix. Jan, Japs and I.

2004-12-08T13:03:00.000+08:00

I can’t seem to put together the words for the Peace Conference that we had. You could say it was a typical conference complete with all the hustle, bustle and mishaps that went with it. The experience was quite rich so let me just summarize it with what I have learned from the conference itself and the people that worked for it. 1. Peace is something that we hope for but something we are not

2004-12-07T17:30:00.000+08:00

Looking at today’s papers, there were still a lot of left-over from last week’s typhoons. While there was so much chaos and destruction happening in Luzon, we had our own mini-chaos in the office preparing for our Panaw sa Kalinaw conference. BOO I hardly got to read the news though there were times I got to see the pictures on the paper. And it cut my heart seeing all those trees blocking the

2004-12-06T17:20:00.000+08:00

Headache. Lack of sleep finally catching up. Did have a nice quiet time at the beach. Too nice that I actually forgot I had a meeting at one in the afternoon. Aaaaah. Good thing the nun was nice about it. Hahay. Conference was a blast. More on that later. Right now, just entry-ing to let people know I'm still alive. Missed you all. (Naks.)

2004-12-01T17:31:00.000+08:00

Calapan pictures.

2004-11-29T13:10:00.000+08:00

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CALAPAN COIN The trip actually started with giddy joy. Most of the trip I was asleep with sea rocking the Supercat like a cradle, whose movements lulled me to a deep soothing slumber. My grin would have broken my face in two. Moreso when there was Emman waiting for me by the pier. He told me I brought the sunshine. For days it has raining, and just because I was going, some