Simply Writing

Write everything down.
Your opinions, your thoughts, your feelings.
Feel free. Open up.
Take the weight off your shoulders.
Share it to the world.
It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t rhyme.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t make sense.
It doesn’t matter if they don’t understand.
It doesn’t matter for this is your pleasure, your solace.
Everything is raw and abstract.
It is real. Filled with emotions.
Careless and carefree…you decide!
But behind it all there is a story.
And that is it.

Sometimes...

Sometimes...
We have to do things on our own.
We have to be alone.
We have to make risks.
We have to learn to let go.
We have to think for ourselves.
We have to make a stand.
We have to speak up.
We have to listen.
We just have to let things be.
It is not so bad.

Because...
We have to face the truth.
We have to face reality.
We have to face our demons.
We have to face the world.
We have to face responsibility.
We cannot expect.

So we can be happy.
So we can have peace of mind.
So we can face ourselves in the mirror.
So we can face the world…
Our friends….
Our family…
Our love…
Our God.

***espirro-no-mato.weblog.com.pt

Inncocent Danger

As I halted in front of the stoplight, I looked out the window and saw two boys playing mock basketball. One boy was taller than the other. At one instance the little kid was dribbling (w/o a ball) and then took a shot as the taller boy jumped up to block it. And it seemed he did because then the possession was with the taller boy. They were laughing their hearts out as they played.

What was ironic though was I found myself amused with these little kids on the sidewalk…simple joys. But at the same time I was concerned that these kids were playing at risk. They were in danger of getting hit by a car or truck with one wrong step.

But why is this? Why can’t these innocent kids play peacefully on a playground? Are they getting the same opportunities as with the other kids?

I guess not. It may be worse for some.

The light turned green and so I sped away with my thoughts lingering with those boys and the other kids with the same fate.

How To Save A Soul

I don’t need to be a doctor.
I don't need to be a cop.
I don't need to be a lifeguard.
I don’t need to be Superman.

But I want to save you…
not for your health…
not for your protection…
not for your life...
not for anything else...

So tell me, how do you save a soul?
Can anyone tell me please!?

I’m helpless knowing this.

A nun or priest perhaps?

Turn to God.
Turn to the Bible.
Pray.

These...I hope...will help save a soul.


***image www.matamata.com

The Road To Happiness

There came a point in my life...
Where I had to choose the path...
Where my journey will carry on.
Filled with uncertainty...
From the pictures of vagueness ahead.
I was frightened.
I was in the middle...
Of hundreds of roads.
I couldn’t choose.

I closed my eyes...
And let my heart decide.
My feet tread...
Where the wind blew...
As it carried me...
Through the woods, the storm...
Across the fields, the mountains, the seas, the skies.

It was exhausting...
Yet exhilarating.
It made me...
Alive.

A road...
Where distance is not measured...
Where no boundaries are set...
Where time has no relevance...
Where the world is in slow motion...

This is the road I chose...
The road that led me to you...
The road we took together...
Where I walk, you will follow...
And that I would gladly do the same.

I never imagined it to be...
As beautiful as this...
Sweet bliss...
Of sugar-coated dreams.
Oh what delight...
Sheer happiness!

Although I am still with fear...
That this feeling of ecstasy is all fleeting...
That the cookie may crumble...
That the picture may soon fade...
That the heart may stop beating...
For nothing is forever.

Alas!
It may seem wasteful...
But this is the life...
That keeps us grounded...
For what goes up...
Must come down...
And this is reality...
We all have to face...
Keep in mind.

But I am grateful...
To have chosen this path...
And living it...
For it is all worth living for...
And worth dying for...
Love surpasses everything.

This is it.
We have come along way...
It has been smooth, rough and dirty
And there will be more ahead.

There may be narrow roads, sharp curves,
Turns and dead-ends...
We will yield to it all...
Not to surrender...
But to build and re-build...
Roads, bridges, tunnels...
Of love and promises,
Words, actions and fancy alike,
Where everything becomes one.

My road, your road...
It will meet, to be our road...
And I will cherish this long drive with you.

Wonderful Uncertainties of Life

We live in uncertainty, but that’s the wonderful surprise life brings...wonderful uncertainties with you that is! Therefore, I will embrace it with arms wide open...every breathtaking moment. Life is so wonderful! I’m in such a high...



***image www.filmsite.org

The Rainbow After the Rain

I have no major issues...no personal dilemma, no family problems, no shaky finances, no stressful work, no deteriorating health, no conflicts with friends or co-workers...no nothing. I have a carefree life! Thank God! I am blessed. But we all are.

So how come people think I live a perfect life? No, I don’t think so. No one is perfect. Nothing is perfect but the Omnipotent One above. I can’t say that my life is problem-free. I encounter it everyday.

Handling it with 10%...ok 20% of crying and loosing yourself out of rage and depression is enough. Shake it off!

Know the problem. Look for opportunities and solutions. Pray hard. Ask for help and guidance. Believe in yourself. Approach it. Handle it. We can do this.

Yes, it’s easier said than done. But that’s just the way it is. Everyone has to pass through it...even He who suffered for us. It’s a matter of time. Just remember the beautiful butterfly that has to struggle in its cocoon in order to fly...to be free!

He is your solace when lost.

The Element of Change

I’m behind the wheel. Out for a joyride. Speeding. The images through the window are a blur. Buckle up. It’s a rollercoaster ride.

I’m putting my feet on the ground, fists clenched, chest out, chin up high, eyes with intensity and my soul on fire.

I’m in-charge here. Follow my lead. Stand up. Stand up high. For we are the driving force...the element of change.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -- Margaret Mead


***image www.northlandposter.com

Fight the Good Fight

Stop. Just how productive do you think your day is? How are you spending your life today? Think...hmm...a little more...hmmm...

Blank. My day is such a waste. Sitting. Waiting ‘til the clock says it’s time.
I’m a bum at work. How horrible! Shameful. Better to work my ass off with a sweat than in this pretentious place. It’s so unfair and yet I’m aware of my callousness.

The devil is lurking around me. His cunning ways are ready to seize my soul, anytime now, to burn!

Help! Save me from captivity. I am rotting.

My ideas are confined in this hollow box. I long for the emancipation of my spirit. It’s out there...in the wild, in the open seas…where my heart treads. This idealistic mind boasts a lot but lacks feat. But my convictions are genuine. It is yearning with vigor. It is hopeful that the world tomorrow will be the consequence of the good fight, by us...today. “Fight the good fight”, we shall bellow together in unison.

And so I’m stirred not to succumb to apathy. I am in the battlefield waging war against my personal evils. I shall fight the good fight, and I will thrive.

Do you love me?

The best thing about the question, “Do you love me?” is not that there is doubt, but it’s the chance you can answer back, “Yes, I love you.”


***image www.ac-nancy-metz.fr

Victory at Last!

I’m in euphoria. It’s exhilarating! This elation, I thought, could never be reached with my capabilities. I was mistaken. I have proven my fears and doubts wrong. I am as capable and as talented as anyone else in my league. I just needed a little help from my confidence, knowledge and group mates. This is a legacy. It has long been overdue but now I am proud to be the one to roll it out. A brilliant project that was passed on to me to finish what was needed. I am grateful to my mentors who have helped me and to those who have been very patient with the circumstances and me. This experience has taught me a great deal. I can carry this on to the next level and do better. This is my triumph, our success. Nothing is sweeter than the taste of victory at hand. Cheers!


***image www.decodeunicode.org

On Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Try watching the movie. Or if you have...wonderful isn’t it? The mind forgets but the heart, the feeling will always remain. The risk of erasing a part of your memory to forget the hurt, the pain is also wiping out your memory of love and laughter. It’s your loss either way, for there is no love without pain.

During the procedure of erasing Joel’s memory was emotional. Even in sleep he remembers all of the love, the pain, the embarrassment, the craziness. Those were the best days of his life. The times when he didn’t need drugs to get high. The time he felt most alive. He felt all those emotions possible. He felt how it is to love and be loved.

How happy is the blameless Vestal's lot!
The world forgetting, by the world forgot.
Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind!
Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd.
- Alexander Pope's "Eloisa to Abelard"

"Blessed are the forgetful: for they shall have done with their stupidities too."
- Nietsche's Beyond Good and Evil, Part VII

It was a rollercoaster ride going through that process. But the best part of the movie was waking up. When Joel woke up he felt empty, like something was missing…a big hole in his brain. More weird scenes from the characters followed until they find out what was going on…what they did and how they did it. Then there was the hallway scene…the scene where they knew that the bad things that happened between them may just repeat itself if they continued seeing each other. A life-changing scene. A decision has to be made. Risk it all. Risk everything...even the hurt and pain.

-------------------- “What do we do?” --------------------

-------------------- “Enjoy it!” --------------------

“Joel follows her into the hallway and asks her to wait, not knowing what to do. Clementine tells Joel that their relationship is bound to fail, based on what they now know about it. However, Joel just shrugs and says “Okay” (indicating that he doesn’t care about what may happen in the future).

For a brief moment, Clementine looks bewildered by Joel’s response, but then she quickly nods her head. Both of them begin to laugh over the absurdity of the situation.” (Wikipedia)

Beautiful. Pure bliss.

The Light Bulb

When I was still in school, all I wanted to do was hang out, play, do stuff other than study, homework, paperwork, preparing for presentations, projects, so on and so forth. I almost took studying for granted except for the stock knowledge that seeped in my brain somehow. It’s only this past year since I’ve been working that I realized I still needed to learn. A whole lot more. Learn in a different perspective that is. Learn something I actually am interested in. Learn that body of knowledge that is actually useful with work. Then again, you really can’t choose everything you ever need to learn in this world because sometimes you learn out of experience. It can be painful, but it’s worth every damn pain. Learning can also be forced but I think that’s still good, but not that healthy in a way. But yes, it is good to learn. Learn new things. Spark your brain with ideas.

Ideas. They’re everywhere. They’re in everything.

I find it phenomenal when ideas grow and become bigger than life itself.

So I encourage everyone to learn. Be open-minded. Never stop learning. Everyday there’s something new to learn. There’s room for improvement. It’s up to you to retain the things you have learned. And if you do, plant the seeds, rather, the ideas. Make them grow. Make it happen.

"...challenge the status quo, ask tough questions, and realize that it's OK to ask why." VegasFilAmGuy


***image www.quantum-electrics.co.nz

Ped Xing. Please Yield.

Damn it!

Just when you think you’re day is going to be perfectly fine something happens...like a snap of a finger or a blink of the eye...it’s ruined.

So I’m going to let loose to calm me down.

This FX taxi almost rammed me over while crossing the pedestrian lane.

I just came from Galleria after lunchtime. I safely crossed the 1st half of ADB Avenue to the island. The 2nd half of the road has 3 lanes where traffic leads to one direction. The nearest lane closest to the island where I was standing was not moving and had quite a line. I saw that it was a stop ahead. The 2nd lane didn’t have a long line. In fact, 3 more cars can occupy the lane to my left but there were no cars approaching. Then there were PUVs parked in the 3rd lane. “Ok”. So I thought, “It’s safe to cross”.

Wrong!

Suddenly, as I was about to cross the 2nd lane, I noticed this FX from the line of the 1st lane maneuvering to the 2nd lane to get ahead. It was the 4th vehicle to my right. (I was still aware and alert while crossing even if I had checked before hand because you never know.)

I was way ahead of it because it just got into the 2nd lane while I was already halfway of it. There were also other pedestrians behind me (I was the first to cross) so I figured no need to run, it will stop to give way.

Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!

It was going way too fast considering there were pedestrians. It was like suddenly from it being in a full stop it had no breaks! It stepped on its gas as soon as it changed lanes. So I jumped quickly to the 3rd lane to avoid from getting slammed! Idiotically, the driver stepped on his breaks after I jumped! So I looked back and shot him an angry - “if looks can kill” – look. He stopped just exactly where I was! Ass****! He even had the nerve of being angry himself! I mean, what!? Was he blind or just plain stupid!? Where was he going in such a hurry while the traffic was still on a stop!? He was just a few meters away before he would stop again.

What’s equally worse is that another driver from one of the PUVs parked in the 3rd lane suggested that I should’ve let the FX hit me. It didn’t sound like an insult or that he was mocking me. I guess that was what he would’ve done if he were in my place. I mean for what? So the driver of the FX would learn his lesson? So he can earn out of physical injury and internal hemorrhage!? Never mind, thank you! I just ignored his comment.

Was it my mistake of crossing the pedestrian lane when I checked first if the road was clear to cross?

Pedestrian lanes are there for a reason. Cars must yield. Pedestrians should be given priority. I guess not applicable in this country! I’m sorry to say that I for one, at least once in my life, am guilty of unyielding. But normally, I do yield. So maybe what happened earlier was my karma. I believe in karma.

I hate it most when it’s a stop and you see it’s a "bumper to bumper" traffic and yet cars would still block the pedestrian lane. Hello!? The lanes should be free for pedestrians to cross!!! It shouldn’t be blocked while on a stop! It’s a simple road courtesy. A lot of drivers lack road courtesy.

In fairness to the other drivers out there, even some pedestrians don’t use the painted lines to cross. Hell, they will cross anytime, anywhere! They don’t even use the overpass. They prefer to run and do the whole “frogger scene”. The Frogger is a game, if you don’t know, where it must safely cross the busy highway, lane after lane, avoiding trucks and the like (the original game used snakes) to run-over it.

Since I’ve already mentioned about road courtesy and drivers without it. What’s up with a lot of Jeepney drivers making a stop in the MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TO LOAD AND UNLOAD PASSENGERS!? (The same goes with many bus drivers). They cause heavy traffic! The worst thing about it is that they don't mind! They don't care! Crab mentality! It’s really irritating! There are a lot of those in Sucat Road and shit I pass by that road all the time! My mom already asked one of the traffic enforcers one morning to do something about it. But to no avail, these traffic enforcers find themselves swaying their hands back and forth signaling to the cars, “Go, go!” But I expect more of that swaying of the hands or the sign of stop with the hand. They should enforce traffic rules for they are TRAFFIC ENFORCERS! Duh!

I also don’t get why these traffic enforcers allow, right under their noses, these drivers to clog the intersection right after the stop sign and it’s a green light? These are the Jeepneys queuing to load passengers on the shoulder but since other Jeepney drivers want to get ahead and load passengers for themselves, they occupy the middle lane of a 3-lane road, allowing only one lane for passing. To make it worse, cars from the right side of the intersection with the green light are allowed to turn making it even more congested. Chaos!

No wonder other countries see the Philippines as a Third World. It’s not just because of our economy but also because of the lack of discipline. They could just imagine monkeys driving a Mercedes Benz.

This sucks!

We complain a lot...too much actually. We are never satisfied. It has to be this way and ours only. No questions ask. It’s simple. All you have to do is listen, then follow.

The problem is even if we do listen, what goes on in our heads is beyond control of anyone else’s. We have our own worlds up there, and how we comprehend what was heard will all depend.

So that sucks for people communicating in different wave lengths. It’s utter confusion. Disastrous. Killer.

Well anyway, enough of my whining. I'm really bugging. The day isn’t over. It’s still up to me now how I would want it to end. Hope my mood will get back to its right track.


***image www.istockphoto.com

Dream To Live

I never expected much. I just try to appreciate everything that comes my way. I know what I have and what I don’t have. I know what I can and cannot do. I know and I don’t know. I try to live what life brings. I try to grab the opportunities presented and sometimes create it for myself. I’m fortunate at that, and sometime I wonder if I even deserve this life. Hmm? I say yes, although I may not understand it yet. I am here for a purpose.

Now, as I discover more and more each day about the world I live in and how it’s beautiful and cruel at the same time, I want to do more. Give more to the world that has been good to me. Give praises to Him who have blessed me. Reach out to the people to help. Yes, this is my dream. It’s simple, so it’s doable, but the impact is great! But the more I dream of it, the less it becomes reality.

But I have a goal. In 4 years time I want to look back and realize that I have lived my dream. In 4 years time I want to have made a difference. For myself, I want to “Explore. Dream. Discover.” just as Mark Twain wrote. I want to share this to the world, not for the fame or the glory. It’s self-fulfillment. Once you’re fulfilled, you can give so much because it flows freely out of you. It’s infectious.

They say I’m fickle-minded. Well, yes. That’s just me. There are only two things I am sure of in this world that I have decided to do for the rest of my life. That is to love and to realize my dream. I want to live, and “to live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all” (Osacar Wilde). Dream to live, my friend, and not the other way around.

So today and everyday that is to come is a chance to realize this dream. Let me count the ways…starting now.

Life

They say life is short. Life is short to be wasting time on stupid things with no value. Come on people! Seize the day! Benjamin Franklin said, “Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today”. True all that.

But don’t worry about that too much. There is still time. Everything has its right time and place.

Let’s wait a little while. No need to rush. It’s the best feeling reminiscing the moments in time. Then a crease is formed at the side of your mouth forming a smile. Daydreaming. Looking funny.

Ah! Life. Sometimes it’s fast-paced, at times in slow motion. It’s all good.

Life. Oh life! Beautiful life. I want every bit of it. Experience the life.

Wake up each morning and thank Him for another life. Then just before your sweet dreams, thank Him for the experience.

So it doesn’t really matter if life is short. Who said it’s short anyway? Short for the living or the dying?

Make the most of your day. Experience life that He allowed you to live. Yes. Live life to the fullest.

Be happy and make Him proud!

The Mediocre

Are you tired of settling for the mediocre? Hell! Life is full of it. The world is full of it.

I tell you there is no shame in mediocrity. Some people see it as a weakness while others, their starting point.

Weakness or not, there is no shame in mediocrity...shame on those who settle for it!

The mediocre? You know – the average, the ordinary, the second-rate, the so-so – they’re just like you and me. They actually are you and me in some aspects or another. It’s just that I’m good at this and you’re not. Your good at that and I’m not. It’s a balance. It’s just fair.

So don’t settle for anything less of your value. Once you’ve discovered your value, you’re empowered. Stop digging the hole you got yourself into. Get out. Remember the holes. Learn from it and never fall into the same pit. Then start all over again but this time you’re wiser.

Fight for what’s yours. Fight for what’s right. Don’t accept anything less. Don’t be a cushion for the rubbish thrown at you. Strive for that balance.

You see. There is no shame in mediocrity, just don’t settle for it.

Britney Spitz

Say hi to Britney Spitz!

Yes, I named her after Britney Spears...not because I like her or anything. I think it’s a cool name. Spitz fits just like Spears ‘coz her breed is Japanese Spitz! Harhar! Do you find it corny?

Oh well, what the hell! I love my dog...she’s so adorable! She’s one of Fluffy’s brood...the pup of Moch’s aunt. She’s super smart and sweet but absolutely picky when it comes to her food! She’s a carnivore...doesn’t like rice and dog biscuits! “Why!? When I bought so much dog biscuits for you!?”

I don’t even treat her like an A-class pup but I love her so dear. Hehe! I can’t believe I’m writing about my dog like this. Oh well!

She can be loud and appear fierce at times but it’s all in her voice. She’s so well behaved and loves to play with her toy ball. Whenever I would sit on the chair in our patio she would jump up my lap and stay comfy there. Her ears would stand like a rabbit’s whenever she would hear something. So cute! Not as cute or as clean or as smart as other dogs perhaps but she’s my dog. Hihi! She’s one of my stress relievers.

I would walk her with her purple leash and jog with her once in a while...oh what fun! What an energetic four-legged creature! I can’t keep up with her! She actually knows I’m walking her when she sees the rope of her leash in my hand. She gets excited!

Did I tell you she’s also a flirt? She would only listen to Moch to sit, stay and lie down (play dead, haha!). I don’t get it. Maybe it’s in the voice? Whatever! She also practically wants to play with my dad every time she sees him. It’s like she lights up. Haha! That makes me laugh.

What I like most about her is she doesn’t dirty or pee anywhere! She was potty trained! Yeah, the newspaper trick works! Good for me!

So anyway, I just want to say...love your pets! They can help us become more responsible, sensitive and caring.

Bow-wow!

I Know You...

Have you ever known someone all your life and realize that you don’t actually know anything about his or her life? You just know him...how he feels, what he likes or dislike. It’s kind of weird, but it’s true. Is that enough to know the person?

Hi! How are you? It’s been a long time since we’ve seen or talked in this tiny old house. Teasing or annoying you seems to be the only way for you to notice me.

What’s up? You seem to have become distant lately. Is anything the matter? You’re always up early, leaving hurriedly then coming home late at night...or rather early the next day. Is it work, graduate school or both?

So, I see you’ve been smoking, been drinking lately, been out too much. You look so tired. Can’t you stop and take things slowly?

I’ve never seen you like this. You seem sad and lonely. Managing a smile or a laugh just to hide the hollowness. Is it something...someone or just this hell of a life we keep complaining about?

Be happy. You have been blessed. Everything’s going to be okay. Pray. You’ve been there, gone and left, but you’ll be back. I’m sure of it. I know you. Usted es mi hermano.

Ohana!

Our Beach

‘Tis the summer season, the time of heat and sun ablaze. Wear your beads and shades, your trunks and bikinis. Spread the sarong and chill with reggae music while basking under the sun. Lets play disc on the sand and get dirty. Take a dip at the cool salt water. Race the jet ski or ride the boat. Drink cold beer and dance ‘til the break of dawn. Oh what fun times!

But what I remember most are the strolls along the shoreline hand in hand, the sea breeze blowing softly, our foot prints marking the sand that the water washes away. It’s that memorable first kiss as the sun bids goodbye. Laying on the sand while gazing at the starry starry night. It’s our exchange of dreams and promises to each other. It’s the hug that kept us warm. It’s your eyes, your smile, your touch.

These were the moments...that we owned the beach. Our beach...ours forever!