MY JOURNAL (February 22-28, 2006)

February 22,2006

         Seven, I woke up to start waiting junk buyer. Few minutes later, Baby Marge has risen too. We all greeted her Good Morning.

          While waiting, I was thinking if I would go with Mj in going home. Then, she was amazed when I told her to pack Hanna's stuff. I noticed that she was not supposed to go home today. I merely was angry waiting for water supply truck and junk cart. I pity Mama thinking how she could provide our meal and water.

          Past nine, we're ready. Mama was sad that she was unable to give Hanna a bettr life. Me, too... was sad leaving them.

          In Rancho, nothing has changed... Crises. Over-crowd. Haay!

          I couldn't explain our sleeping positions and condition. It was so hot and discomfortable. But because I was so sleepy I did not mind it.

          I missed primetime shows--- Princess Lulu and PBB Celebrity Edition. Yet, I did not fail to pray for Jentai's pregnancy and job.


February 23, 2006

          Six, Hanna cried for milk. Mj and I were still sleepy. I didn't get up till Mj did then we had a misunderstanding when she told me that Michael would sleep again where I was laying down. It irate me. Thus, I didn't talk to her till ten.

          I could feel Espinosa's crisis. It saddens me.

          Hanna has been so cryingly today. I think she is not comfortable living in a crowded house and in a noisy ambiance.

          After lunch, Elek and Michelle went to 'bayan' to pawn jewelries. I didn't know if they pawned Mj gold earrings or not. However, I was sure they have pawned a jewelry for they have bought Alactamil for Baby Marge.

          Afternoon, Mj was scratching her palm and said, "Magkakapera siguro ako." And this 6:00, she directed me to buy diapers handing out a P20 bill from the couples of them on her pocket. I guess Meann gave her money. "Thanks, God!"

          Tonight, before I close my eyes to sleep, I'll pray to Lord God Jesus Christ to give us hope or sign of good life.


February 24, 2006

          Though, we're like sardines in a double-deck bed, I have been comfortable enough last night. I have slept well.

          Mj has been so careful in waking me up. Thus, I voluntarily rose up to take care of Hanna, who has been awake so early.

          Our breakfast was 'ibus', brought by Immaculata couple. It was inadequate yet I've been so thankful to God.

          Our lunch was sauteed 'mongo' with 'chicharong baboy'. It was yummy.

          Today is 'bispera' of EDSA People Power 1. That was why Edsa-Makati has been so noisy and disordered. GMA declared state of emergency and stopped all kinds of rallyists. TV stations, as a result, pend their regular shows to air live the condition of this commemoration.

          I didn't care about it. I was angry that I couldn't view rather than these hodgepodges. Good thing, they resume it at 5.

          Our dinner was fried 'tuyo' and noodles. We were so lucky, though these were inappropriate supper.

          This day was the most nostalgic day of my stay here in Antipolo City. I couldn't resist myself in worrying about my unconcreted house in Polot and my bonsais there. I really wanted to go back home.

          Prayer concern tonight: Financial blessings so I and Hanna and Mj could go home in Bulan.


February 25, 2006

          Hanna woke me up very early at 7:00. We played together for a few minutes in a foam where we slept. Then, we rose. Mj put her to direct sunshine.

          I could foresee crisis when there was no fried rice cooked in the kitchen. Our breakfast was merely Spanish bread. I knew Hanna's milk container was almost empty. Nevertheless, they resorted in pawning jewelries. Although, in their first attempt, they rather asked Lola to pay for the jewelry than to accept low appraisal of the pawnshops, where Elek canvassed. Lola, then, gave Elek rice and money. And they finally pawned the jewelry at the low price just to survive in a couple or three times of meals. Haay! That's life!

         At least, I have tried Michael's laptop. I encoded my resume for future use. My eyes ached yet I was hoping to use it again some other time.

         Hanna has a carton of Alactamil now. Thanks, God, for they did not let Hanna starve for milk, although she was now eating and has an appetite for every food. Somehow, they cared for Baby Marge like how they cared for Nicole, Akisha and Neiczel. I just want to apologize to them that sometimes I thought they don't love much my angel. I was just being jealous of Margaret's cousins. "I'm sorry, Lord." I know they love Hanna Margaret. One proof is my being jobless in this moment. I never heard any complaint from them. "That's why, Lord, I'm asking you to bless them. Please don't give them any problem like misunderstanding among family members, sicknesses or great financial crisis. Please give them what they need. I wanted them to go, I mean, to restart their lives in Bulan. Here, they have no property of their own and the bliss jeopardize their living. Thank you, Lord! Amen."

          Mj has been so mean to me especially during the time I was helping her in doing a thing like changing Hanna's diaper. She was always angry over me. Sometimes, she shouted at me. Everything I do seems to be a mistake. I have nothing done best for her. Thus, today (6:00 PM), I complained and showed her I was irate on the way she's treating me. All I wanted her to do when doing a thing for Hanna with me is to be calm, lower her voice. I'm so sensitive and she must know that. As the result, we didn't talk to each other. And I will never ever do till she apologizes and vow to me not to treat me again like a fool dog.

           Eight, I started writing the script of "Kaming Mga Sawi/Tinta at Tisa." I have finished seven sequences plus credit sequence. I enjoyed writing it. Ideas flowed through my mind. I hoped it will turn out good.


February 26, 2006

           Six, Hannna drunk her milk. Eight, she woke up and played tumbling. I was forced to open my eyes. Then, I noticed that she was wet. Her diaper leaked. I changed her shirt. Mj washed her.

           I saw that Tatay was not present. He had to do a mechanical service in a regular client. It was an answered prayer. We would have a healthy meal today.

           Nicole maddened me. She bullied my Baby Marge. Everything touched by Hanna, she would let her to go away with it. I will tell Mj to take care Hanna and protect her from Nicole's meanness.

           Then, I started again writing the script. Finally at eleven, I decided to give his script a title of "Tinta."

          Tatay and Nanay were fetched by Ka Sonny. They would go to Brgy. San Josef. When they came back, Nanay told me that they dropped by our house. According to her, Mama was all alone there, and she wanted me to come home. Then I've heard that Ka Sonny planned to go to Batangas, where Ate Jenny was born. But the most interesting news was that Calove wanted me and Mj to be a tenant of his property in Boso-Boso. I said why not. But I will wait for his confirmation.

          It made me insomniac. I couldn't sleep thinking about it and the possible and related consequences. I think, I was mere excited of living in a separate home. I just wish he will give agreeable benefits in return of our tenancy.


February 27, 2006

          It's Nanay's birthday today, so as Tito Jun! I know there would be a party in Monte Rosas. I've confirmed it when Tita Lo called and commanded Nanay to go in the market.

          Hanna's milk container was almost empty. Yet it was filled again when Nanay bought a small carton from a kickback in marketing. Thanks, God for He is the great provider.

          Three, we all went to Monte Rosas specifically to Tito Jun's residence. We just walk along. There, Tito Sonny cuddled up Hanna Margaret and fed her of cake. My baby showed "katakawan". Thus, they liked her all. They also made comparisons between Hanna and Neiczel and Hanna and Akisha. They also or always proclaimed Hanna's resemblance to me.

          Then, we ate-- the most anticipating moment. There were so many sorts of food in the buffet table, And, as always, I didn't eat the way I supposed to be. So, when we're walking home, I felt hunger. I wanted to come back and eat again.

           Hanna didn't sleep early. She was the last among her cousins to sleep. I think it was the effect of "yum-yum" cake she eaten... first time, huh!


February 28, 2006

           It was the last day of the month. I was afraid, I couldn't go back to Bulan s early as possible this March. Whatever I do, I could not oppose the intruding thought of our house and stuffs there.

          From the time Baby Marge was awaken, she has been so cryingly, restless and hungry, till she fell asleep at 7. I have hit her at her "talampakan", twice or thrice and once at her lower extremity. I was sorry for her. I just could not understand her. She didn't want to stay long in a position (sitting, standing) or activity. Yet, she has been happy sometimes. I reckon she just has a tantrum today.

          My hope of going home in Bautista was lost when I have heard to Nanay's mouth that Calove was gone home in Apalit, Pampanga. Then, I realized that I should not rely on someone here that I might be given money for fare to either Bautista or Bulan. I wanted to tell it to Mama.

           Tomorrow is Taiwan's day-off and today is supposed to be his payday. I wanted to talk to him, but I know it is impossible. I will just wait till he realizes I must go home soon.

            "God, I know you knew already what we need. Please, God, I want to restart our life."

 

SALAMAT

Salamat sa inyo, mga bagong guro!
Sa dulot niyong handog na may puso
Sa mga gawaing naitulong ninyo,
Sa pagiging bahagi ng aming grupo,
Klase nami'y sa inyo ay tiyak natuto
Kaya, pasasalamat, kamtin ninyo.

Ipinamalas niyong husay at talino
S a aralin, sa gawain at sa pagtuturo
Ay tanda na kayo'y mahuhusay na guro
Inspirasyon mula sa'min, sana'y nabuo
Gamitin rin nawa aming mga ipinayo
Upang buhay-guro'y magustuhan n'yo.

Humayo kayo, maging tunay na guro
Saan mang dibisyon, kayo magturo,
Huwag sanang limutin ang Gotamco
Na minsang naging inyong mga guro,
Nagkanlong, nagmahal ng buong puso.
Salamat sa inyo at mabuhay kayo!


(..para sa mga interns ng GES, SY 2013-2014)

PAHILIS 23

KABANATA 23

          Excited akong pumasok sa unang klase, hindi tulad noong last semester, na alinlangan ako. Nasanay na kasi akong kasama ang mga bago kong classmate. Isa pa, welcome naman pala ako sa kanila. Naging. paraniod lang ako noon. Nag-isip ng kung anu-ano.

          Enrolled ako sa Mgt 7, Acctg 5, Taxation 2, Bus. Law 1, Mgt 9, Mgt 8 at Typing 1. Lahat ng mga ito ay indispensable na sa kurso ko. Wala akong dapat balewalain. Walang dapat i-condemn at gawing katatawanan. walang oras na dapat aksayahin. Walang professor na dapat bastusin.

          Ang Mgt 8 ay Investment Management.

          Ang Mgt 9 ay Office Organization, Procedure and Equipment.

          Ang Bus Law 1 ay Obligation and Contract.

          Ang Tax 2 ay Business Taxation.

          Ang Acctg 5 ay Management Accounting.

          Ang Typing 1 ay Basic Typewriting.

          Sounds and looks easy. Pero, ang totoo, mahirap lahat. Iyon na raw ang pinakapraktikal na bahagi ng course namin. Kaya naman todo aral ako. Sabi ko, dapat may ma-retain man lamang sa kukote ko kahit tigkokonti.

          Sa Investment Management, nalaman ko ang mga bagay tungkol sa pag-invest. Ang Return of Investment (ROI). Arithmetic sa pag-compute ng ROI. Hindi ko makakaligtaan ang salitang 'break-even'.

          Office Organization, Procedure and Equipment. Remarkable ang subject na ito sapagkat si Sir Ego na naman ang instructor namin. Well, magaling naman siya. Kahit hindi niya nabigyan ng effective teaching ag bahagi ng 'equipment', bumawi naman siya sa bahaging 'organization' at 'procedure'. Dapat nagbitbit siya ng telepono, computer at facsimile, para believable. Sabagay, hindi naman kami mga igno at moron. Ayos lang naman na Casper ang mga equipments na nileksiyon niya. In all fairness, naituro niya sa amin ng maigi. Tapos.. activity na. Pinag-actual o oral telephone conversation kami."Naliorf, Incorporated. Hello! Good morning!", ang banat ko. Kanya-kanya. Si Sir kunwari ang client. Then, filing naman. Bumalik kami sa alphabets. Sounds 'chicken feed', pero akalain niyong mali-mali pa kami sa tamang alphabetical order?! Paano ba naman?! Dictation na naman. Tamad kasi si Sir na magsulat sa board. Tapos foreign names pa ang binabasa niya gaya ng 'Dupont'. Pag mali ka ng isa, malamang ma-zero ka. Hindi naman ako nabokya. May tama pa rin.Tangengot kasi ako! Marami pa kaming naging activities. At sa totoo lang, noon ko lang na--enjoy ang presence at subject ni Mr. February. Natuto na marahil siya. Hindi na siya masyadong defiant at critical. Pero ang excessive pa rin ng karamutan niya sa grades.

          Sa Business Law 1. Tinackle ang mga batas about obligations and contract. Ang mga words gaya ng 'breach of contract' at 'prima facie' ay hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan. Grabe! Para kaming mga Law students o mga abogado. Kulang na lang i-memorize namin ang mga laws. Section by section, may reporter. Minsan tig-dadalawa o tatlo. I-interpret mo iyon at bibigyan ng kaukulang halimbawa. Nagiging story-teller kami. Afterwards, susunod na ang Q and A portion. Katakot-takot na double-talk questions. 'What if blah blah blah?!' Kung anu-anong problema ang pinagtatalunan namin. Minsan, pati kalabaw ay nasasali pa sa diskusyon. Buong semester ganon kami kaingay at katatanga.

          Business Taxation. Parang katulad ito ng Taxation 1, kung saan napag-aralan namin ang mga uri ng income tax, such as excised tax, royalty, real at individual tax. Sa Taxation 2, more on single-proprietorship, partnership at corporation kami.

          Sa Acctg 5 naman, parang finishing touches na lang. Tapos na kami sa dalawang pinakamahihirap. Ang Acctg 1&2 at 3&4. Dito, additional at review na lang. Adjustments ng mga journal entries at iba pa. Na-retain sa akin ang mga mahahalagang bookkeeping activities such as 'balance sheet', 'financial statement', etc. Enjoy kahit mahirap at confusing.

          At sa Typing.. Basic lang. Nakakatawa. Para kasing wala kaming instructress. Unang araw lang siyang nag-leksiyon sa amin. Tinuro lang sa amin ang mga dapat pipindutin ng bawat daliri. At pagkatapos niyang sabihin na "Heto ang gagawin niyo sa buong sem'' o "Ganito ang project niyo.", hindi na siya nagtagal sa harapan namin. Padalaw-dalaw lang. Clerk pa kasi siya sa Registrar's Office. Tanging tak tak tak lang at ng tak tak kring lang ang mga maririnig namin sa room. Nakabuwelo kami. Wala kaming restrictions. Walang papalo sa mga kamay namin kapag mali ang napindot ng hintuturo o ng hinliliit namin. Walang magbabawal sa amin na wag gawing 'dot-dot' ang pag-type. Ako? Dot system ang ginawa ko. Mas mabilis at accurate kasi pag ganun. Ang mahalaga naman kasi ay tama ang pagka-type. No erasures. Tama ang spacing. No typographical errors. In short, carbon-copy ng libro.

          Hindi ako nag-isa sa dot system. Halos lahat kami. Ang importante kasi, magawa namin ang compilation as a project na ipapasa on or before the semester ends. Every period, nakakapagpa-check ako ng dalawa o tatlong pages. At pag mababa, uulitin ko till ma-satisfied ako.

          Extra-curricular activities naman tayo...

          Hindi ako born leader pero tumakbo ako bilang Student Council President. Ang tigas ng apog ko noon dahil pinush ako ng mga kaklase ko na lumaban. Wala kasing manok ang Commerce Department. Dalawa lang ang tatakbo. Bago pa ako nagdesisiyon in front of my classmates and our professor, may plano na talaga akong lumaban. Pero, independent lang sana. Mabuti lang naisip ng incumbent president na mag-run ako. Tutulungan niya raw ako. Nag-second the motion ang lahat. Kaya, without hesitation... nag-isip muna ako. Kaunti lang. Kunwari pa ako, 'Sige!' sabi ko. 'Suportahan niyo ako, ha?!' Ayon! Agad akong bumuo ng line-up. Tinulungan nila akong maghanap. Pumili ako ng mga kapareho kong underdog. Iyong mga tahimik. Mga never-heard personalities. Pero 'yung may mga utak ang mga kinuha ko.

          Nalimutan ko kung ano ang partylist ko. Basta may connection iyon sa Magdalo. Kainitan kasi noon ng mutiny o coup attempt ng mga Magdalo Group. Tamang-tama naman na ang group ko ay tila isang maliit na boses na kalaban ng administrasyon. Nakitaan ko ng greed ang kalaban ko. Pulos officers ang mga members ng kabilang grupo, ng iba't ibang school organizations. Samantalang kami, ni isang affiliation ay walang ginagampanan.

          Ang totoo, nag-decline ako sa eleksiyon ng Commerce Department. Panalo sana ako as over-all president. Ayoko lang dahil gusto ko nga sa mother organization dahil may pagka-bwakaw din ako. Ang point ko kasi...may thrill pag Student Council ang hawak ko. Naroon ang pondo.

          Nag-back out ang isang president. Dalawa na lang kami. Namesake ko pa ang kalaban ko. (Ang totoo, isa iyan sa hinugutan ko ng idea.) Coincedence. Apelyido lang ang pinagkaiba namin.

          Sikat na sikat ang kalaban ko. Panis ako. Walang panama. Underdog nga kami sa kanila. Mga celebrities sila sa school. Singer ang rival president. Tinitilian ng mga babae sa campus tuwing kumakanta.

          Pero underdog man ako, tiyak akong nagbigay ako sa kanya ng takot at kaba. Imagine, pag natalo ko siya... malamang kahihiyan iyon sa side niya.

          Room-to-room campaign. Hindi kami namudmod ng kung anu-ano. Hindi kami nagbigay ng konting entertainment. Iyon ang sabi ko sa kanila. 'Panatilihin natin ang pagiging talunan natin.' Gayunpaman, pursigido ang lahat na manalo at mamuno.

          Miting de abanse. May hinanda akong speech. Satirical speech iyon. Hindi ko malilimutan ang mga linyang ito: "I'm a voracious reader, but I'm not a voracious leader, because I do believe no one can serve two masters at the same time." at "I couldn't sing in front of you, but I can be a good leader and serve you." Alam ko, natamaan sila. Nakita ko kasi ang campaign manager niya na taimtim na nakikinig sa akin.

          Botohan na. Tuwang-tuwa at proud na proud ako sa sarili ko dahil may sumuporta sa akin. Siya ay kaklase ng kalaban kong president. Dahil may kung anumang dahilan siya, ako ang sinuportahan niya. Nilinaw niya kung bakit. At, good leader-to-be rin daw ako. Nagpamudmod siya ng papel na may pangalan ko at may chocolate candy na naka-staple doon. Mas gumasta pa nga siya kesa sa akin o sa amin.

          Counting. Nakaupo lang ako sa bench. Wala akong kaba. Excited akong malaman ang result. Hindi ako lumapit doon upang tingnan ang boto ko. Nakamasid lamang ako sa mga kilos ng kalaban. Pabalik-balik sila sa mga room. Sa una, blangko pa ang mga mukha nila. Sunod, may mga kaba na sa katawan. Sa kalagitnaan, ang lalaki na ng mga ngiti sa mga labi nila. Nagbubunyi na. Anlalakas na ng mga tawanan. Well, nalungkot ako dahil hindi ko maisasagawa ang mga programa at proyekto ko. Hindi naman talaga ako umasa ng panalo. Panggulo lang ako. Panakot. Himala lang ang pwedeng magbigay sa akin ng panalo. At sa pagkakataong iyon, tumama si Nora Aunor. Walang himala!

          Hindi ako nasaktan. In fact, kinamayan ko si Tukayo. Sabi ko, 'Congrats! You deserve it!"

          Lumapit sa akin ang avid supporter ko. "Okey lang 'yan," sabi niya sa akin. Oo naman, kako. At napatunayan ko na may ibubuga rin pala ako. Nagkulang lang ako sa positive mental attitude at karisma.

          The next day, inilabas ang result. Approximiately, forty (40) percent ang bumuto at nagkamali sa akin. He he!

          At ang nakakatuwa sa pangyayari... isa lang ang nanalo sa partido ko. Commerce 1st Year Representative lang, na may panggulong kalaban. At least, may representative na ang course namin.

         Hindi rin ko malilimutan ng nanalong iyon dahil ako ang pinagawa niya ng speech niya para sa miting de abanse. At least, panalo ang talumpati ko!

MY JOURNAL (February 15-21, 2006)

February 15, 2006

          Six-twenty, Taiwan arrived from work. I didn't ask or remind him of the money, I asked before, because I've heard from him that he has no money to enable to bring the negative film in a developing center, not to mention Jenny's lack of check-ups and ultrasound.

          I did two artworks today...

          Water supply truck came, and we paid P14 to have life again. I shampooed my hair, which was 3-days unbathed and applied conditioner on it. I feel fresh again!

          Then, I cooked 'phacham', a dish I have discovered today. It is composed of cubed 'gabi' roots, sauteed onion and garlic, sardines, tomato catsup and half-cooked eggs. It was tasty and spicy due to MSG and a lot of black pepper.

          I wanted to draw. Thus, I copied the animated picture in a calendar-let, which was given free by Fiberline Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of sanitary products like Happy diaper, being used by Hanna Margaret. My drawing almost resembled it. Then, I named it Flory and signed it, el saga 02242k6. I know, she'll be happy to see it.

         One-thirty, I have written 'Promdi', a comedy skit.

         When Taiwan rose up from tight sleep, he did not even mention if he will give me the sum, I was asking to enable me to go back to Bulan, where I love living in the most. He also did not like to eat my menu. What's the problem on his appetite?

          He left at 5:00. But before that, he was asked by Mama about the money I asked. Taiwan told us his hardship in producing their expected baby's stuffs. I understand his and Jenny's situations. But I wanted to tell him that I regret to come her just to attend their nuptials.

          He wanted me to ask Jano instead and he will text him to give me how much I need, but Mama do not want to. I agree with Mama.

          Haay! Mj, you are my hope. Please, do something about it. I really want to go back to Bulan.

          To lessen my frustration, I made repair works. One. I repair the word factory tile using cut-out letters from a magazine. And I repair the one-page advertisement of Graco, manufacturer of babies' cribs, stroller, etc., into a poster of my Baby Hanna. The picture of a year-old baby resembled Hanna very closely. That's why I was enticed to do so.

          This is my advanced 7th month birthday to Baby Marge...

          "Thank you, Lord! You answered my prayer. Flor Rhina is now a lady. She has now a period."

          Devotional Prayer: Safe pregnancy of Jenny, more financial blessings for us and future of my child, Hanna Margaret Elizaga. It will take effect, I mean, it will start tonight.


February 16, 2006

           I rose up at seven-forty something. I first kept my bedding, then swept the floor. And, when I was about to take my breakfast, there was no rice in either rice cooker or 'caldero'. We have 'ulam', because Jano brought 'bangus' last night. It was okay! I was still happy. God continuously blesses me a gift of life. Thee's nothing to fret for. Instead, I started doing my hobbies.

           Last night, I came up with an idea of writing a new screenplay. It was untitled still, but I have a concept of how it would be made. Thus, I started it right away. And, today I was doing it devotedly.

          Nine-twenty-five, I finished the story line and I have titled it "Kaming mga sawi." I hope it turns out wonderful. "Oh, Lord. help me in realizing this. Make it nice and competent. this is my third screenplay. I hope someday it will be a film. Amen."

          I have written a comedy skit entitled "Guiness Book of World Records" after finishing the storyline.

          Then, I sketched the house on a paper given to me by Flor Rhina.

          After having a lunch of sauteed milkfish with camote leaves, I felt terrible heat. I wanted to take a bath, but I couldn't. There's no water. However, Mama insisted that I must take a bath. Thus, I did. I used 3-measures-of-dipper water, and it was enough to refresh me.

          I've learned new important phrase or sentence from watching "Pilipinas Game KNB?" These are Bahasa words for "I love you," Saya Cinta Kamu.

          I've been expecting Mj and Hanna to come, but they did not. As to my dismay, I made an invitation, as sample, for Baby Marge 1st Birthday Party. Tomorrow is her 7th month birthday. I hope I could see her here.

          Frankly, I was disappointed of not arriving of Mj. It was not only because I like to eat chocolates from States, but also because I wanted to know something good from them. If I could go home or not.

          I wanted to start scriptwriting the story "Kaming Mga Sawi,” however I have no extra notebook or lot of bond papers to do so. I like to start doing it because I could lose the desire of finishing it.

          "Tinta at Tisa" was another title of the unwritten screenplay that crossed my mind. Anyways, the concept or the story is all about a frustrated writer and unfulfilled teacher.

          Before sleeping, I did first my devotional prayer, which started a night ago.


February 17, 2006

          Happy 7th Month Birthday, Hanna Margaret!

          I'm still hopeful that they will arrive today..

          While waiting for a water supply truck, I was waiting as well for Mj and Hanna. It was past twelve when the truck came but my 'mag-ina' did not.

          I gave up waiting for them at 2:30 PM. It saddens me. I was merely entertaining myself by watching TV. But, every commercial gap, I used to think why they did not come.

          The old superstition about the sound of domestic lizard is true and reliable. I used to believe in it. I have proven it many times.

          According to them, if a domestic lizard often and soundly cries, which sounds like this: Tik! Tik! Tik! or Tsak! Tsak! Tsak! or Tak! Tak! Tak! someone will arrive.

          Today, domestic lizards were often crying. I expect for a guest. And I put on my mind that the guest would be Mj.

          The darkness scattered but no one arrived.

          Another anticipation has happened. We wait for Jano for it's his payday today. We expect him to buy viand. However, 9:30 he was not yet around. So, we eat adobo rice.

          He arrived drunk. It was around eleven. Good thing we did not wait for him.


February 18, 2006

          I think it was 5:00 AM when Jano woke me up to give P520 for groceries. I slept again and rose up totally at 6:00AM to do "shopping", huh!

          I reckoned that Mj and Baby Marge would arrive this day, but the rain starts to fall. Thus, it is possible that they would postpone it. Haay! Another day of waiting.

          Before I took a bath, I watched "Art Jam". I've learned from the hosts that "mobile" is a term for moving artwork such as window chime.

          Then, I and Mama watched "Kusina, ATBP" on NBN 4. I've learned the way of cooking Benguet's "pinicpican". It is a chicken dish. The way of dressing and slaughtering the chicken is the etymology of "pinicpican", because it is being tapped by stick and burnt on the fire. Then, the chopped meat will be boiled with ginger. That's it!

          Another is a Benguet delicacy ---"linapet". The ingredients are ground rice, iodized salt, sugar, and peanut. These are wrap in a banana leaf and boil. That's it!

          I also watched "Ka-Toque. Lutong Barkada", a cooking show of QTV 11. Then, one of the chefs or cooks there quoted "In every woman, here is a queen." He meant that treat every woman as a queen. I think it would be useful to my scriptwriting in the future.

          Two, I watched "Wow:What's On Weekend", a travel show of RPN 9. I've learned the Paete's delicacy--- "minane". It is a deep-fried cassava with garlic, just like "adobong mani".

          When I saw Lorenz taken care of Flory, I remember my and Mj promise to Tintin, that tomorrow we will give our birthday gift to her son. I was scared Mj might not come morrow. However, it was her idea to give gift even it was too late. I hope she'll remember it.

          To gladden myself, I did useful renovations on the rack's displays. I changed their positions. I framed my sketch with popsicle sticks.

          Jano ang Gie arrived at past ten, with sliced bread, cantons, and junk foods on a plastic bag, I mean...with a plastic bag of...

          Few minutes later, it was ten-forty, Itoy called out for Jano outside. He was with Tonton and Domeng. They were drunk. And I have known that Itoy is scheduled to go abroad, I think to Dubai, on March 6. He is really a confident one. I wish I have too that kind of confidence.

         They left after twenty-five minutes...

          I did devotional prayer, before closing my eyes to sleep.


February19, 2006

          My eyes involuntarily opened at 6:40 yet I laid down again till eight. I said once that I would not rise unless Mj arrived, but I still did.

          Then, I kept my beddings and started scanning the broadsheet, brought by Jano last night, while Flory was preparing our breakfast.

          After I have taken in peanut butter sandwich and egg sandwich, I started to miss Hanna. Thus, I made something to forget them. I picked up nails and metals yonder, but it was useless move.

          I stayed outside, because Jano and Gie occupied the TV until eleven. Thus, I missed the shows I usually watch every Sunday. Hmp!

          Flory handed me down a picture taken at Lorenz' birthday party. Hanna's pic was not given to me by April.

          It's 2:40 now. I'm not in a mood of watching TV. I have called God hundred times for Him to hear my wish. I wanted to give up waiting but I couldn't resist my desire of seeing Hanna and knowing from Mj something soothing to my heart. I was, honestly, so bored here, although I like being with my family.

           What is happening to Espinosa Family? Speculations flooded my mind: (1) That Calove's haven't arrive yet; (2) That Mj possibly thought I was already in Bulan; (3) or that Mj wanted me to visit them personally. God knows how much I like. The truth is I don't have money.

           Today is supposed to be the day we should present our gift to Lorenz, as we promised Tintin last Sunday. It will be a shame for both of us if we can't. They might think we're "word-of-honor less"

            I watched "The Buzz". I anticipated the "The Martin Jickain--Aiko Melendez Wedding". I called Mama to watch too. She was then delighted by the flower arrangements at Fernwood Garden. Me, too! Their wedding was wonderful.

            Yet, I was still sad of Hanna Margaret's absence. I missed her so much.

            I watched 'Rated K' and I have learned there that the "lato", a seaweed, is productive and expensive. It is being exported. Usually, 'lato' or 'gam-et' in Ilocos name, is the one that is used in Japanese cuisine.

            I was excited and induced to try it or to make or to dry as sample. It would be useful in cooking. Someday!


February 20, 2006

          Three-thirty AM, I was bitten by a rat. Good thing, his teeth were not so sharp to wound my thumb. I wonder why it chose my thumb among others.

          Thus, it resulted to insomnia. Hmp!

           Eight, I was awakened by Tito Ben's voice. He planned to talk to a dangerous man---Ken. While he's drinking gin, I have learned so much things--- from his grievance to Ken to his concern to Papay Benson. I wanted to tell my grievance to Ken too but I hold myself to keep quiet. He is really a sacrilegious person. The way he reasons out was illogical... Ambitious!

           After lunch, I did an artwork. I used my collection of miniature glasses as model and coffee as paint. It turned out awesome. Awesome!

           I didn't think much my lovely daughter, yet the thought was persistent. I was totally sad today.

           Domestic lizards continuously showed signs... I wish!

           At six, I've written a comedy skit, entitled "Men's Magazine".

           Mama discovered Flory's flirtation. The latter has an unknown bf, and they were talking in the dark place. Flory was guilty when we confront her.

          Tomorrow, I'll sell those nails for my fare to Rancho. "Please, Lord, help me."


February 21, 2006

          I woke up early to gather 'kalakal'. I didn't yet take in breakfast when I started collecting our stocks of metals, tin cans and plastics.

          While waiting for the "mambabakal", I took the time in looking for metals. Thus, I have got 2 or 3 kilos of barb wires down there.

          I started to get mad when I couldn't see even a shadow of the junk cart. It is irksome waiting. And, when you wait or anticipate, the object seems too hard-to-get.

          Past 12, I realized that surprises come when you least expect it. Hanna and Mj arrived. I was happy seeing them approaching.

          Thus, I forget intentionally the anticipation of "mambabakal". I was more excited in cuddling my Baby Marge than selling my gathered scraps.

           Mj showed us Hanna's new dresses and stuffs like booties. The chocolates she brought were good for one eating only, yet we're so thankful that she'd remembered me.

           All of us have been so glad of Hanna's presence. I was so tired and sleepy yet contented.