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Tuesday, May 10, 2016

My Journal --- July, 2007

July 1, 2007
I got up at 7:30 Am, after Mj's text has arrived. She said that Hanna has fever and lost appetite in drinking milk. Thus, I prepared some of her 'bilin' and my stuffs. It was past 8 when I left Bautista.
In Gate 2, I dropped by first at Bernie's house to tell them that their exam would be this afternoon (1 PM).
Nine, I arrived at my in-laws' house. Hanna came to me and embraced me so tightly. I pity her. Minutes later, I brought her to a store and bought her something to eat—caramelized pop rice.
Ten-thirty, I left to Lores for my exam. There, I waited so long for my turn. I realized that Filipino time is still in practice. It was past one when I started to take my exam. I found it very hard. It was composed of 5 sets of tests, such as Filipino, analogy, Math, problem-solving and abstract. The last two were the hardest of all. All in all, I have answered 160 items.
I discovered that my seatmates were cheating. They have a leakage. However, I pursue a honest and fair examination. Besides, it is better to get low score than to cheat my own self. I would be proud if I've made it because I did it fairly and honestly.
Two-thirty when I left the examination room. I bought, first, Hanna's antibiotic. I was shocked to its price. Imagine, it costs P202! Wew!
Three, I got home. I was so tired and hungry. I also felt sad because I thought I never made it. I reckoned I would not pass the examination. God thing is God reminded me that He would take care of my rate.
Before I eat my late lunch, I texted Jen/Taiwan, saying I was sorry for I couldn't drop by at their house.
I watched Rated K. the show featured different houses. It made me crave for our own house. Then I remember my dream, which I wrote in my journal, months ago. I wanted to pursue dreaming and striving for it.
Hanna is feverish. I pity her. She declines to drink the milk, I made for her.
I sleep at 9 PM.



July 2, 2007
Minutes later, after I got up at 6AM and kissed my children, Nanay handed me down a cup of hot coffee. Then, I took a bath. Before I left at 6:30 Am, I brought Hanna to store, because she wanted to come with me.
Traffic...
I worry so much that I might be late. However, when I arrived I saw my co-workers outside. The factory's still padlocked. Junior was not yet there. Then, I told my friends about my exam and how hard it was, which is true.
Quarter to ten when the key arrived. Thus, we have had no break time at 10. It made me so hungry. Eleven, Auntie Vangie talked to me about my exam. I told her that it was so hard and I might not be hired due to rampant 'padrino' system in the country. She agreed.
Five, my co-worker, Edward owed P100 from me. I did not disappoint him. Five-thirty, I washed y clothes. Marjs was texting, too. This was her last text: "Hirap ng gn2. Ok lng sana qng free tau pareho.. Un nga lng hindi."
Six-thirty, I phoned Mj. I regarded Hanna. She said that Hanna has only 'sinat', slight fever. She also told me that Zildjian's milk would be consumed two or three days only. I replied, "What could I do?''
I sleep early at past 9.



July 3, 2007
Today is Zildjian's 4th month birthday. I missed him. I wish I could kiss him. I wanted to bring him to a studio for a picture-taking.
My gal friends in Infinite are so kind to me. They want me to gain weight and muscles, thus they were feeding me.
Twelve-thirty, while washing dishes, Auntie Vangie talked to me. First, she told me that I must improve my physique because it's crucial in applying for job. Then, she advised me to get SSS number as soon as possible because it is a primary requirement in job application.
Five-thirty, Mj texted me. She missed me. Then, I asked her few things, such as Hanna's condition, Zildjian's 'handa' and news about my exam. According to her, Hanna has already no fever. However, she has still no appetite in both food and milk. She has still cough and cold. Zildjian has no 'handa'. And, my application in city hall has no result yet.



July 4, 2007
When I rose up at 6:30 AM, I could feel a stiffed-neck. I wonder why it happens to me. I never have had a tight sleep. I reckon it was due to low or high blood pressure.
While having a hot drink, untie Helen hailed me. She then talked to me. She opened up about April. According to her, April was about to work at ABS-CBN's canteen. I showed her my delight and happiness for her daughter's luck.
Twelve, Mj texted me. I then asked if Hanna is eating. Unfortunately, my daughter has fallen asleep. So she could not eat yet. I advised Mj what to do in order to induce Hanna in taking in food. I said, "Bola-bolahin mo 'yung kanin." For this, she would be enticed to eat. I would be glad to see her fat and round.
Five, we started the overtime work. It was my first time to have an OT.
Six, finishing girls went home. I was told by Kuya Junior to pursue working till seven. So, I did, despite of my aching neck.
Seven, I phoned Mj. I wanted to talk to Hanna. Unfortunately, I could not talk to her because she was sleeping already.



July 5, 2007
My stiffed neck was gone when I woke up. Then, I could also feel that my buttock ache has disappeared. For these, it was one of the beautiful days I ever had.
When I looked at my cellphone, I have got a message from Jay-R. He said that he wanted to meet me. He has just arrived yesterday. It gladdened me. I replied. Then, I have learned that he's in Taguig. We're going to apply tomorrow at GMA Network.
Quarter to nine, Marjs sent this message to me: "Psst! Aq 2. Kita tyo maya sa SM. Gs2 q lng my mkausap. Tx m aq f ok sau kw nrn set ng tym at place punta nlng aq.." Alas! I have dealt already with Jay-R. I would go to Pasay tonight.
Haay! Jay-R texted again. He's not going to Pasay today. So, my supposed meeting with Marjs was postponed, too. I texted her again... Yet, she replied not.
Six-thirty, Jay-R and I exchanged text messages. We end up in meeting tomorrow at Fairmart, Cubao. However, after few minutes, he phoned me. He postponed again our meeting tomorrow. Instead, he set up another day. I will instead go to Pasay on Sunday. It gladdens me somehow for I could still work tomorrow. Minutes later, he phoned on me. We agreed upon going to NBI clearance center. He asked for favour, thus I have no choice, but to accompany him tomorrow.



July 6, 2007
I rose up at 4 AM to take a bath. It was the earliest bath I ever had. After 30 minutes of preparations, I left Bodino. Five AM, I arrived at MRT-Quezon Ave. Station. I then have learned that 5:30 AM is the exact operation time of MRT. I waited for 30 minutes, therefore.
Six, I was in Pasay, particularly at Metro Point Mall, where Jay-R told me to wait. I then texted him twice. He responded not. I also texted Ate Baby, who told me that she has left home already. I almost get mad waiting. Seven when he arrived. We immediately rode a jeepney going to Quiapo. While on the vehicle, we talked a bit.
Eight, we're starting to fall in line I every steps of NBI clearance application. Lines were so long already. Nine, we at last receive his NBI clearance. He then treated me at Jollibee. I have proven his gallantry. He spent P200+ for our food. While eating, he oriented me about his cousin and our prospected work. He hasn't yet seen personally his cousin, who will back up us at GMA. Marlon Habal is his cousin's name, who is a supervisor of a group of janitors. Then, I was inspired by his success story. According to Jay-R, his cousin is only an elementary undergraduate (Grade 4). He was once a janitor, but now he owns a house in Kamuning and secures a position. Thus, I am so willing to sacrifice for this job. I will be proud even though I will only be a janitor.
We then agreed to visit Ate Nora in Malibay, Pasay. So, we did. I was not recognized immediately by his sister. She laughed at my physical attributes. She asked why I was so thin. I replied, "Dati pa naman, e."
One, we left Ate Nora's carinderia. It’s because I was going to get SSS number in Frisco. Jay-R and I separated at the highway. I rode a bus, bound to Monumento. He rode a jeep, bound to FTI-Tenement. Before that, I asked for P20. I haven't had a coin. My money is P500 bill. He's giving me P50 actually, but I only took P20.
My 'lakad' was known to Auntie Vangie. She has learned it from the finishing Girls, but I corrected it through text, as a reply to her. Finishing Girls knew that I was at GMA.
Before three, I was at Muñoz. I bought Propan at Mercury. It was a vitamin for Hanna to enable him to gain appetite. Wew! It's too expensive. Almost P200, huh! But, it's okay. I would be glad if I could see Hanna round and healthy.
Then, I dropped by at SSS Frisco Branch. I filled out form and waited so long. While waiting, text messages arrived. One was coming from Jay-R. He thanked me. Another was coming from Ate Juliet, one of the Finishing girls. She invited me to her blow-out at Jollibee-Frisco Branch. Tomorrow is her birthday.
Four, when my number was called. After almost hour of waiting, my birth certificate was rejected. According to the crew/staff, my certificate has no registration, page and book numbers, which is true. She advised me what to do, so next time, I already knew what to bring. I must bring birth certificates from NSO—BC of mine, BC of Zj and BC of Hanna.
My salary was only P740 (P185x4). Paul-C gave me P60 as my allowance. My 3 hours overtime was unpaid. Never mind.
Six, Finishing girls and I went to Frisco. Ate Juliet's blow out took place at Jollibee. I ordered Happy Meal, which offers a free Transformers toy. I would give it to Zj, when he grows up.
After the blow-out, I bought milks and diapers at the grocery store nearby. The prices were lower compared to others.
Seven-thirty, I was home. Ate April was there. She brought pancit, chicken joy, sisig and bbq from her sister-in-law's 'handa'. I was so full actually, but I still eat.




July 7, 2007
Stiffed neck woke me up. It means I have had a tight sleep last night. Maybe. I could feel the absence of mosquitoes. Plus, the cold due to rainy weather, which was started.
From 8 to 5, I suffered from having a stiffed neck. It continuously burdened me. Five, after our work, I phoned Mj. She told me about her mother's tantrum. It irked me. I blamed myself why I called on her 'pa'. I would haven't been learned her problem, if I did not. Hence, I rushed home. I planned to leave at seven, but I have to go early as possible.
Past seven when I arrived at my in-laws' house. The girls were at Tito Jun's house, attending a birthday party. Mj was in bad mood. I understand. She served me dinner.
When my girl in-laws arrived, I have already decided to go home in Bautista. Mj has stopped me, so I undressed. I postponed my leaving. Besides, I gave P100 to Mj. It was supposed to be the amount for my 'pasalubong' to my brother and sister.
Yesterday was our 42nd mensisary. I forgot to greet Mj. She also has forgotten to text me. However, I wrote a letter for her at 8 AM this day. It goes like this:
Honey,
When I looked back to our past, I have realized that we have been in a long, winding journey to a happy relationship. We're now on our 42nd month Whew! I could still remember how it all started.
Now, we're 4. You're till anticipating for my love. Don't worry I will never leave you. I might be a womanizer, but I will always treasure you... I will always treasure our relationship that gives us two wonderful children.
I sometimes look at other girl, but it doesn't mean that I'm flirting.
I sometimes commit adultery, but it's because I need it.
Happy 42nd Mensisary!
Let's cherish our happy days and forget the bad days.
Bee,
After reading it, Mj slapped it to my face. She misunderstood my epistle. She turned back. I then started to ask myself. What are the words that hurt her? I just told her the truth. I used 'treasure you' and 'sometimes'.
Since I was too sleepy, I have no time to explain. Thus, I slept early at 9 PM.




July 8, 2007
I didn't know what time I got up to attend Zj and Hanna. I could feel Mj's bad feelings toward me. We both took a silence. I tried to talk to her, but she declined to response.
After breakfast, I started to kiss my children. Then, I dress up. She handed me a letter. I didn't read it yet. I instead brought Hanna to a store and bought her biscuits. I bade goodbye. She kissed me. She did not cry.
On the jeep, I read the letter.
Poroy,
Sa sulat ko na lang sasabihin ang gusto kong sabihin. Parang 'di ko na kayang humarap sa'yo... Alam ko na ang nais mong sabihin... Masakit! Pero, kailangan kong tanggapoj. Sana hindi mo na lang sinabi. Siguro hanggang ditto na lang talaga tayo. Kahit kalian, hindi mo taglaga ako matutunang mahalin. Pero, kahit paano naging masaya ako. Sa tatlong taon ng pagsasama natin, marami na tayong pinagdaanan at nakita ko ang mga sakripisyo mo, lalo na sa mga kids. Salamat!
Hindi kita masisisi, pero sana maintindihan mo rin ang magigigng desisyon ko. Ito na siguro ang huling pagkikita natin, at huling beses na makikita mo ang mga anak mo. Kakayanin ko na lang mag-isa. Inaalis ko na ang karapatan mo sa kanila. Hindi madali itong desisyon ko, pero kakayanin ko. Parang 'di ko na kayang Makita ka, 'di ko na kayang dumikit pa sa'yo. Pag naiiisip ko 'yun. Gusto kong magalit sa'yo, pero bakit pa. Sasayangin ko lang ang mga luha ko. Sana maging masaya ka. Malaya ka na! Kalimutan mo na kami. Si Hanna, Si Zildjian. Papakuha ko na lang ang mga gamit do'n.
Thanks for the memories...
Thanks for giving me 2 wonderful kids.
Sana maging masaya kayo, kung sino man siya.
GOODBYE!
Jane,
My tears wanted to fall. Good thing is I have held them. But, when I reread the letter at home, they drop abundantly. I could imagine what my life would be without her and my children. I never thought it would end up on this.
When I got home in Bautista, Jano and Flor were out of sight. The doors were locked. I wanted to thank Flor for this, because I have had time to write a reply letter for MJ.
Mary Jane,
A big laugh for you!
U misunderstand me.. I nvr said that I'm leavin' u.. I said, "I'll nvr leave u and I
I'll alwyz treasure u.." It s tru thtI'm commncting w/ my ex but I limit myself. It's just a mttr of texting, anyway.
I hve plannd to separate w/ u mny tyms. But my conscience stops me. Besides, there's no reason at all for dis. I've been so hapi w/ u, esp. when Hanna n' Zj were born. They're actually the two reasons why I'm still w/ u and why I'm still holdin' on.
It hurts me when u decided to live w/o me. I don't tnk I could bear it. However I'm looking 4wrd to mend dis misundrstndng.
Reread and analyse evry line of my letter. And u'll knw tht I haven't said a bad word. I jst speak out of the trth. "Sometimes' doesn't mean always.
Come to think of it agn.
I'm jst hre..
El Saga,
I spent my lonely time watching TV...
Six-thirty, Jay-R texted me, announcing that our 'lakad' tomorrow would be postponed because our backer hasn't arrived yet. It saddened me.
Seven-thirty, Mj texted me. "Can we talk", she says. Thus, we conversed through texting. She apologized. It gladdened me. We were okay. I have told her everything. I said, I will never leave her. I promised that I will support them financially. 




July 9, 2007
Thirty minutes after I woke up at 5 o'clock, I left Bautista. It was quarter to eight when I arrived at the garments factory. My friends or co-workers in finishing department were startled to my presence. They know that I was going to apply at GMA today.
Morning till one, Mj and I were exchanging messages. I just stole time to send my messages. One of her messages was asking me if she could go to Bautista on Saturday. She misunderstood me again. I told her that if the weather is good, ''Why not?''
After dinner, Kuya Junior, Kuya Lito and I drank beer. It was my first time to drink, since I started working there. One reason was because Renior went home. I have had no guts to drink whenever he's present. Besides, Jano advised me to join the in the name of 'pakikisama'.
Our topic, while drinking was about the unseen creatures dwelling here in our compound. My hair rose when I related them my experience a while ago. I have heard a snore in the dark.
Past ten when I slept.




July 10, 2007
I didn't know what time I got up. All I know is that I have a good night sleep.
Past ten, Terry Fe and I texted each other. We talked about the nuptial of Jano and Gie. Taiwan has invited them already. I hen induced her to come.
Next, I and Mj exchanged text messages. I was doing it secretly.
Quarter to one, I approached Auntie Vangie. We talked about the upcoming wedding. She's going to attend. It's sure.
In the afternoon, I texted Mj. I told her to prepare her dress for the wedding. She has to wear beautifully and elegantly because we would have a lot of guests, such as our classmates and our kin. I replied too that I was planning to buy clothes for Zj and Hanna. They must be amiable on that day.
Three, I related the false alarm break up of 'Mj and I'. They were laughing at me. They got immediate happiness and fun.
I was told by Kuya Junior to overtime. So, I did. I just finish the assorting and tying of San Miguel Beer t-shirts, then I stopped. I have had one hour OT.
Boboy was texting regularly, hence, at six-thirty, I responded to his text. I told him that I am working already.
Then, Mj texted me as a reply to my text. She says, "Yaw ni ttay sbi q sau e, wag nu n ashan un. Wla nmn amor stn un e. Byaan n lng ntn cla. Msta araw mo?" I replied, "Hay, naku. Ncra ang gbi q dhl sa cnbi mo!" Then, here's her reply: "Nappagod n rn cguro." I wasn;t convinced. I showed my anger through my text. Mj was forced to tell this: "yaan u na. knna nga nung nlmn nla buntis c sis sbi ni madir dpt dw mgknya2 n. Dpt dw my haus n tau. Sbi q pgtanggap u GMA als n kmi d2." It irked me so much. Thus, I told her that I will do my best to take the away with my unfair in-laws. These are my last words: "Pag hnd nla ngw yn s mga tamad mong kptid, tlgang mnnwla n aq." I'm sure they will miss my 'mag-iina',if this will so...
We continue our texting after dinner, however she quitted sending message after I told her that I won't marry her, unless she decided to work abroad. But, I continue texting her. I explicated my point. There were my statements, explaining why she must work abroad:
1. Because I could not bear all the finances,
2. Because she's fit and I'm not. I could feel that would not pass medical examination.
3. Because her family treats her as if she's not a member,
4. Because I want her to find herself and have self-actualization,
5. Because our kids are growing,
6. Because I want her to have a self-disposition,
7. Because I want a better life for the four of us,
8. Etc...
I also pronounced that I don't want any more to accept any money from her uncle because it would be the reason why my in-laws has an indifference attitude towards us.
I didn't expect for her reply. Thus, I promised that if would be the last time, I would talk about 'abroad'. I then bade good night.




July 11, 2007
As usual, the drinking-of-hot-drink was my first activity. Then, taking a bath follows. At eight, I started to anticipate for Mj's text message. Time passes by, but nothing arrives. It makes me sad. I was worrying. However, at 2 PM she sends this: "Sori kung lately d n tau ngkksundo.. Cguro nga we nid space. Sngaun dn rush me s gs2 u. But pls gve me tym 2 decide." I replied that I'm not in a hurry. Finally. She agrees. "Cge n nga. D dhil s gs2 q n pkslan u n me ha. S 220 lng mhna ang loob q.. S ngaun d q p tlga iwan mga kids lalo na maliit p c Zj." I answer back, telling her that I'm not in a hurry. All I need is her decision.
Her decision gladdens me. I could now have a peace of mind. It was like an assurance to me.
Six, we all, except for Joy, went to Tandang Sora to attend Ivan's 23rd birthday. There's a lot of 'handa', however I've lost my appetite when I was in front the buffet table. Thus, I instead drank light beer, while indulging in the 'pulutan'. I have drunk only three bottles of beer.
We left at past 11. We arrived at 12 MN.




July 12, 2007
I was so sleepy while working. I wanted to timeout, but I couldn't. We're rushing bulk orders.
Twelve-thirty, Jay-R texted me. He asked, 'Musta'. He's in Pasay today. I didn't reply. Besides, I have no load. I was waiting for good news from him.
Before 1 PM of after I dishwashed, Auntie Vangie showed me Ate Jennilyn's text messages about me. I should say that Auntie has an ill-feeling toward me.
Past nine when Jay-R responded to my text. He said that he doesn't even know why his cousin doesn't text him. He did not know when will apply at GMA. It frustrates me again.
Before that, mama phoned on me. She confirmed that she was going home on July 17. She opened up about Hanna's birthday, but I showed no interest for I have no money. I could feel that she would prepare for it.
Mj texted me, telling me about my kids. According to her, Zildjian already knew how to 'dapa' fast. Hanna's appetite is as is, though she drinks milk more often. It gladdens me.




July 13, 2007
Seven when I rose up.
Eight to five, I worked happily. I love my job, for it gives financial support. I could not imagine life without Infinite Enterprises.
Six, I received my salary of P1110. Then, I decided to go to Rancho. I first bought milks and diapers.
In Cubao, I window-shopped and I dined at my favourite P18-combo, before I left. Then, I just bought footlong for Mj.
Nine when I arrived at my in-laws' house. The door was closed already. My parents-in-law were sleeping that time. Good thing is Michael and Ilek were still awake to open the door for me. Zildjian and Hanna were also sleeping. I just kissed them.




July 14, 2007
Five-thirty, Mj woke me up, then she served me a cup of coffee, while I was preparing my stuffs. My children were still sleeping. I woke them up. It's only Zildjian who responded. I kissed them, before I left. Hanna doesn't even know that I arrived.
Seven when I arrived at Bodino. I then took a bath. Eight, Bigit texted me. He's in Sta. Mesa. I replied, but he did not do the same.
The working hours passed so quickly. Five PM, I left Bodino. I went to Sauyo, Novaliches. There, I talked to Mama about Mj's decision of working abroad. At first, she disagreed. She wanted me to work abroad, while Lola Alice agreed that Mj must be the first.
Mama changed her mind. She's not going to Antipolo on Tuesday anymore. She's afraid she might be thinned by tiredness. She would rather work there. She then confided something. It's all about Hanna's gown.
Before I left, Mama owed bihon and vegetables for Hanna's birthday.
I window-shopped at Cubao. I wanted to buy a shirt with a 'Zildjian' print, but I realized that I don't need it. Then, I eat at my favourite combo food cart. I ordered buko juice, macaroni and fruit salad for only P23. It's cheap, but it filled my stomach.
I arrived at 9:25 PM. My 'mag-iina' was still awake. I talked to Mj about Hanna's birthday celebration tomorrow. It would be held here. 




July 15, 2007
Six, I was already wide-awake. I played with Zj. I enjoyed playing with him.
At seven, Jano texted me, asking if I could be at our house today. He told me that Taiwan and Jen were there, since last night. So, my plan of celebrating Hanna's birthday at my in-law's house has changed. Good thing is my in-laws were going to Boso-Boso. Thus, there's no one is going to be left, except for Michael. Right away, I decided to make it in Bautista.
Past eight, we left Rancho.
In Gate 2, we market 'pansahog' and 'ulam'. We also bought Goldilocks cake. It's my gift to Hanna.
Nine, we're in Bautista. Jano and Tai were busy cutting tree branches. They're preparing timbers.
I cooked our lunch. After eating, I started to cook pancit. Past two, I was done cooking. The, I invited Rodea and April. Jessica was there, too. She talked to me about Nonoy and about my family.
Three, my invited guests arrived. Minutes later, my in-laws arrived, too. It was after Hanna declined to blow her candle. However, the celebration continues. It was simple, yet happy. Everybody here in compound has fed. The cake was consumed. I just hoped my 'pansit' passed to the eaters' mouth and rated 'good' by them.
It was after the celebration when I realized that my P700 was almost consumed. Yet, I never minded it anymore. It was the gift to my precious daughter.
Six, I prepared the ukay-ukay' stuffs, that I would sell tomorrow in Bodino. It hoped it clicks.
While cooking, Mean and I were texting. We talked about how I enticed Mj to work abroad. She disagreed o how I treated my wife. Later, I have clearly explained to her what I am planning and what are my intentions—good intentions.




July 16, 2007
Past five when I got up, so as Mj. After preparations, we left Bautista at 6 AM. We part ways in gate 2.
Momoy rode on the same jeep, I was riding on. I wished he's not there. I was ashamed. Thus, I tried to nap. He paid my fare.
On the jeep, I was thinking what if I humbly talk to Auntie Vangie and ask for extension. I wanted to work in the garments factory till December, so that I could finance Mj's requirements preparation. She must know that Mj has finally decided to work abroad.
I arrived at 7:30. I then took a bath immediately. Before eight, finishing Girls were choosing at my 'ukay-ukay' Leo owed three blouses for his wife. My sales was only P120. It disappoints me. Abing, Ate Juliet and Rachie did not purchase. They don't like my merchandise.
Twelve, I haven't had a chance to talk to Auntie Vangie because Auntie Helen was present. She could hear us.
Mj texted me. She asked if I want to apply at Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas, where her friend, Allan, works. I replied, telling her that I would love to, yet she's not sure of it. Hence, I advised her to ask her pal, first. When she texted, she told me that Allan would tell us when I should apply. It excites me.
Evening, Auntie Helen hailed me. She opened up about Ate Diyang and her grandson. We have had a nice, long conversation. We did not mind the mosquito bites outside.
Mj, since I gave Bigit's cp number upon her request, confided that they were texting. She dared to make me jealous, but she failed.




July 17, 2007
Before I got up, I replied to Bigit's text message, which was sent to me last night. He said that he has just learned that we already have two kids. He declared himself a 'ninong'. Thus, I replied, "Oo ba! Ninong ka." It doesn't matter anyway to me if Mj and he were ex-lovers.
The whole day seemed boring and gloomy to me. I was so sleepy, as well.
I greeted Hanna a happy birthday. She enjoyed talking to me on the phone.
Six PM, I assisted Renoir in typing the invitation. The disk was not read by his PC, that's why we have to start all-over again. I was also texting Jano something unclear to me.
Past seven when we all see the result. It was wonderful. It's different from the couple's ideal. Thus, I have to bring it to Gie tomorrow at her office.
Bigit texted me. He told me that if he has a chance to meet me on our birthday, he will invite me.
Eight, Junior, Renoir, Lito and I made a round-table session, in front of gin-orange punch. It was my first time to mingle with Renoir. It was just a sort of 'pakikisama'.
Mj texted me, too. She asked if we have a problem to talk to. I suspect Jenny gave her idea. I replied, "Wala naman." Thus, she promised that she'll be open to me. She wanted me to be open, as well.
I was drunk. We consumed three bottles of gin. Eleven when we sleep. My head was aching.



July 18, 2007
When I get up at 6:30 AM, my head was still aching and I was feeling nausea, yet I tried to start my day. I took a bath. When the time passed by, what I was feeling has gone.
Twelve, I went to Tatalon, QC—at Gie's office. I brought the wedding invitation sample, made and printed by Renoir. She liked it, but she couldn't decide whether to pursue printing or not, without Jano's consent.
It was five minutes to go, before one when I arrived. I haven't had my lunch yet. Three PM when I ate my lunch.
Past six, Renoir called me. We started printing. We were watching "Borat', while doing it. It's funny.
Seven, Bigit texted me. He's inviting me to drink. Without hesitation, I told him that I couldn't join them because I was so occupied in making invitations or helping Jano.
Nine, I texted Kurata. We talked about job-seeking. I also invited her to attend Jano-Gie nuptial, like what we did to Klyn.




July 19, 2007
Happy birthday to me! I'm 27 years old already.
Early at 6 AM, I have read text message from Abeng, greeting me a 'Happy birthday'. She made an effort, for she sent it at 12:04 AM. I thanked her and told her that she's the first one who greeted me. When I got u, I was greeted by Kuya Junior, Auntie Helen and Kuya Lito. I realized that I'm so lucky today for they never forget my special day.
I texted Bigit, greeting him a 'happy birthday'. He returned back the same message. Then, Ate Nelie sent a birthday greetings. I thanked her. Rolly Boy greeted me, too. He teased me for blowout. I just laughed.
Ten-thirty, Mj greeted me again.
Twelve, I went to Tatalon. I brought the printed, unembellished invitations. I realized that I was doing a sacrifice. It was so hot and I never had my lunch yet. But, it's okay. I was doing it happily.
Another three greetings I received were from Mang Andoy, Manang and Ate Rita.
Fifteen minutes before one when I arrived. Auntie Vangie greeted me.
The teasing continued till 5 PM.
Five PM, we started overtime work. We have had a chance to talk. I confided to Rachie and Abeng about Mj-and-I's family problem. We also talked about confidential things, till seven.
Seven-forty, Renoir handed me down their gifts. It was composed of three assorted t-shirts. I thanked him gladly. I also texted Auntie, saying "Thank u po sa t-shirts!"
After dinner, Renoir blew us out. He gave us money for gin-orange punch. We have consumed 3 bottles of gin. I never thought that he's going to treat me like that.
When I got drunk, I found myself laughing with them. I was so happy. That was my first time to celebrate my special day with them. My 'pagkailang' to Renoir was temporarily gone.
After consuming the three bottles of gin, we drink beer. I almost vomit, thus I tried to drain it off. Ashamed I was when Renoir says, "Brod, wag mong itapon 'yan." I then took it in persistently. I vomit before I go to my mat and minutes after. It was already one AM.





July 20, 2007
When I woke up, my head was aching. I felt nausea. Good thing is it was gone at 10 AM. I have had a good appetite.
Eleven-thirty, M texted me she says, "Bee, makkauwi k b mya? Kc simot na tlga wla n mlk mga kids.. Diapers din. No more 2big n rin c Zj. Bli u sya absolute or wilkinns. Wla pera mga tao d2. Pltin u uwi.. Mj"
I phoned on her at 12 NN. I decided and promised her that I would go home tonight.
Afternoon, Auntie Vangie announced that only Ate Nel and Ate Juliet would have a 'pasok' tomorrow, since we have no more 'gawa'. It party disappointed me. I would lose P185, yet I could wash my clothes tomorrow in Bautista.
After work, I and my four friends went to Frisco. We dined at Jollibee. This was my blowout treat to them. I owed P100 to Rachie.
Six, I have bought milks and diapers. Six, I waited for Renoir. He has to save the invitation format to my diskette as requested by Jano. It was actualized at seven. I left immediately.
In Anonas, I bought Likas papaya soap, baby cologne and distilled water, as requested by Mj. I also eat mami at the food cart nearby.
Nine, I was at home already. My children were wide awake, so as my in-laws. I gave my t-shirt, a gift from Auntie Vangie, to Tatay.
Bigit texted me. He asked me about my big day yesterday. Then, he told me to understand him that he's texting Mj. I assured him that it's okay.




July 21, 2007
I attended Zj for a few minutes. He's so handsome. If only I have nothing to do in Bautista, I would stay there and play with him all day long.
Nine, I left my in-laws' house. Mj wanted to go with me, but I did not permit her. Thus, he showed madness, before I left.
I was in Bautista when her text arrived. It goes like this: "Galit aq sau.. Prang ayw u kmi ksa ng kids. Mnsan n nga lng kmi mkwla d2 e. Pwes! Lubusin n ntin, wg k n pnta d2 tutal ayaw u nmn kmi ksm. Dn rn aabay Hnna. Wag n muna tau magkta.. dhil naiinis aqo." I replied telling her that I was not afraid. She must not dare me because she couldn't do it. She has no capability to do so. I told her also my sole reason why I didn't want them to go with them. It's because I have no money. Fare is so expensive.
I helped Gie in doing some important things, while Jano and Roy were doing 'axing'. I also reorganized the garden plants.
After marketing at5 PM, I washed my clothes.
I slept at eleven. Rats disturbed my sleep. 




July 22, 2007
I haven't had a tight sleep due to rats' disturbances and my backache. It's cold last night, thus I have experienced it again. It was seven when I got up. Drinking coffee was my first activity, followed by dishwashing, and the priority –the cleaning at the reception area. At 10:30, I have made it. It depicted a lot of changes. Taiwan arrived at 1 PM, while I was resting.
When Gie got home, she was with her friend Ging-Gang and her cousin Alex. They brought some food. Thus, I have got strength to pursue my work.
Before I forgot, Mj texted. She says, "Bee, may blouse d2. Utang ni Mchell kya lng d ksya kunin q sna. 300 Imon 2 pay. Kunin q b? kung ayw u soli q." Bad thing is I have no load. I want to reply and tell her, "If it fits you, get it and I will pay for it."
After dinner, Jano commanded Flor to buy Clot 45 beer. Thus, Taiwan, he and I drank. It made me tips. I was still awake at 11 PM. I did not know what time I have fallen asleep. 




July 23, 2007
Though I set an alarm for 5 AM, I still wasn't awakened by it. I got up at 5:30 AM. Minutes before six when I left Bautista. Fifteen minutes to go when I arrived at the garments.
From 8 AM to 5 PM, I was working, despite of terrible heat. Oftentimes, I communicate with my co-workers. We talk, while doing.
Twelve, I lent Edward a sum of P100.
Five, I went to SSS-Frisco Branch and asked for E-1 forms. I planned to get an SSS number and let Mj do the same.
Before six, I replied Mj's messages. I also texted back Epr. I invited him to Jano-Gie wedding. However, he did not commit.
Six, I washed my clothes.
Nine, I was already asleep.




July 24, 2007
When I woke up, I have got lots of text messages. One of them was from Jay-R. He's regarding me. I replied back, yet he has no response till nine. I texted him again, but until 5 PM, he did not answer me. It annoyed me.
Five PM, I passed my bio-data at the company nearby that was looking for inventory clerk. Bad thing is I have not elaborated my position desired. I uttered "God, help me win the position, please." Then, I went to Gie's office. She hasn't got home yet. Ging-Gang was there, too.
Six when I got home. I was so tired, walking.
Seven, Kuya Junior invited me and Kuya Lito in unwinding. Then, in a nearby store, we drink beer. I only drank one bottle, while they drink two each. I wondered why I could no longer last long in drinking beer. Maybe it's because I have no enough practice. Or I just have self-control.
After dinner, I took a sleep. I was tipsy, huh.




July 25, 2007
Before eight, Auntie Helen and I conversed. We tackled Jano and Gie's wedding. Alter, she confided that Tito Zaldo has an ill-feeling toward Jano for he couldn't afford to pay the former. I explained that Jano has no money at all. He just owed the money for their wedding.
Twelve, I phone n Mama. She said that she's going home if only Auntie Vangie gives her the money. She would call her later.
Five, I was waiting for Auntie Vangie to talk to me about the money, but she did no, until she left home.
I thought Renoir was not printing the invitations, but I was wrong. He was doing it 'pala',
After I washed the dishes, I conversed to Auntie Helen. That was when I confided about Mj's decision of going abroad. I hope it would be the way to Auntie Vangie's ears. I wanted her to know about it.
No one has texted me this day. It partly saddened me. However, it saved me, for I have no load.
I sleep at past 10 PM. 




July 26, 2007
After I have taken a bath, Auntie Helen and I agreed upon going to Divisoria tomorrow, so that we could buy gown for Hanna and for Denize.
Finishing Girls, especially Ate Nellie told me that I have already gained cheeks. I must be thankful to them because they were making me fat by letting me eat with their 'baon'. I hoped so.
Then at 10:30. Mj texted me. She declared that my kids were about to be 'milkless' and diaperless'. I replied. "Pagkasyahin mo!" I reasoned out. I told her that I would not be there tomorrow night because I would go to Divisoria. At the end of our text conversation, she was telling me what to buy aside form gown and shoes. So, I said , "Ok!".
While dishwashing, I was waiting for Auntie Vangie to approach me. But, she did not. I wondered if Mama called on her yesterday.
Three-fifteen, Jay-R texted me. He asked if I have a work and if he could have one. He confided also that he has worked at GMA 7 already, but he did not like the work. Finally, he told me that he will join Jano-Gie nuptial, after I invited him.
Five, after work, I went to Tatalon. Meters away from Gie office, Niña Gime tapped my arm. I was startled. She just smiled and bade goodbye. I knew she was working nearby. Bad thing is we haven't had a chance to talk or regard ourselves. Never mind! We're not that close, anyway.
Last night, I started exercising. I was using a 15 kgs. dumbbell. I was determined to pursue it till I have that so called muscles.




July 27, 2007
Days pass by so slowly. I was so excited to the upcoming nuptial.
Auntie Vangie announced that we would have no 'pasok' tomorrow. It was 11 AM. Then, she also approached me, saying that I must go to Sauyo. She told me that Mama went to their house at 7 AM this day.
Romeo Frilles, my high school close friend, texted me. He got my number from Jano. They meet in Gate 2 last night. I've learned from him few things, such as "He's working at Foremost Farms." But the most interesting fact about him is that he has a bf. He confirmed it to me. He would attend to the wedding on August 4.
He has learned my status, too. And as we continue texting, he thought and believed I am a teacher. I confirmed to him that I'm not.
After work, I went to Novaliches. There, Mama was waiting for me. Without further ado, we left Sauyo. It was near 7 PM. We went directly and immediately at Isetann's. We market groceries.
It was past 10 when we got home. We both know that the couple was not there. Flor Rhina has a companion, who sleeps over in our house.
Accidentally, I have killed a kitten, a pet of Jano and Gie. I never knew that he was sandwiched on the door. I hoped they would not get angry on what had happened.




July 28, 2007
Two AM, I was still awake. I did not know why. Seven, I rose up. I have to help Mama in cleaning. Thus, after breakfast, I started to clean some dirty things and areas.
Before I left home at 10, Rodea came in. She talked to Mama. I overheard what they're talking about. She kept on admiring our family. She said that Mama's so lucky to have children like us.
Mj showed me the blouse she got from Michelle. It's nice, but it's too expensive. She tried it, together with her pants and shoes. It satisfied me, thus I gave her P100 for weekly premium.
Twelve, I left Antipolo. I went to Divisoria. It's my first time there. It did not give me nervousness. I knew how to handle my money safely.
I have had a hard time shopping. I have only found 'butterfly wing'. I stopped looking for basket. Thus, I decided to buy Hanna a gown, though Mama told me that she will do the 'buying'. I just did not want to spare the opportunity. Besides, I was so excited to see my daughter on her royal blue halter gown.
I also bought sando and shorts for Zj.
It was 5 PM when I rode a jeep to Cubao.
Six-thirty when I arrived at Auntie Vangie's house. Seven when I was entertained. I never stayed long there.
I phoned on Mj. I explained to hr why I have to go to Bautista tonight, in lieu of staying at their house.
In Cubao, I market disposables. I also eat 'bihon' there. My 'lakad' made me hungry. It made my head ached, too.
I was overloaded. I have a back pack on my back, a paper bag on my left hand, and plastic bags on my right hand. They were coat, 'barong', gown, disposables and many more.
Past ten, I was home.




July 29, 2007
Five-thirty, Mama was already doing something. She has made noises. It disturbed me, thus I decided to get up and help her. I cleaned the room and reorganized unwanted stuffs. I have done my part that time, so I left Bautista at 8 Am. I was so excited, in fact, to fit the gown to Hanna. Hence, when I arrived at my in-laws' residence, we're all glad to see her on her almost complete flower girl outfit. If only I have bought her shoes.
Eleven, Flor arrived. We then went to the market and bought several items. We had a hard time looking for lace and colored candles. I quit searching. We part ways at 12 NN. I got home at 12:20 PM.
After lunch, sleepiness visited me. At first, I have had a tough time catching sleep. Good thing is everybody has fallen asleep. So do I.
Frenel texted me. She told me that her boyfriend and she separated. She did not renounce the reason yet.
I sleep early at 8:30 PM.



July 30, 2007
Past 6 when I left my in-laws' house. Seven-thirty when I arrived at the garments factory. I immediately took a bath.
The-thirty, I was thinking of right approach for Auntie Vangie. So, at twelve noon, I asked her a favor if she could tell her 'tagalakad' to take my job of walking Mj's SSS number. After few questions, she accepted the documents. But, she's not that sure if the 'tagalakad' would take it. I then have told her that Mj was planning to go abroad. We did not talk about it further.
Today is Jefferson's birthday. I texted him, greeting him a happy, happy birthday. he replied with 'kalokohan' message. I invited him to Jano-Gie nuptial, but he replied not.
I lie down early, but I couldn't sleep tight due to 'init at alinsangan' and mosquitoes, not to mention the noises. 




July 31, 2007
I never had a tight sleep, but I thought I have completed six hours of sleep. As a matter of fact, I have had a dream.
Though, I was lack of sleep, I never felt drowsiness, while working. I enjoyed the morning. It was afternoon when I felt it. In fact, I have fallen asleep at 3 PM, after break time. I just consoled my sleepiness by kidding Rachie. All of us kid her.
Before seven, Jano, Divina and Romeo texted me. Jano said, "Tol apply ka tom d2, Jenny's Pasig, 350 sahod, 5mos contract! My backer!" Daba sent quotes. Romeo was asking for 'pasaload'. He also kids me. I replied to them, especially to Jano. I was interested in finding a high-paying job. I later gave up texting to Romeo, though we had a nice topic, while Daba said that her so busy. I thanked her for she has found a time to regard me.
I have learned from Romeo that he has a seven-year old child, who's in Mindoro right now. He said that he has no communication with his 'mag-ina'. I don't know if it's true that he was just raped by the girl, when he's drunk. I advised him to look for his child and stop being a homosexual. I hoped he listened to me.
I owed P200 to Joy, for my 'lakad' tomorrow.
"Lord God, Thank You for the opportunity! You're so kind, my God! I hope I could make it tomorrow. So, please help me. Help me win the job. I have to win it for my 'mag-iina'. I wanted to give them the best life I could offer them. Thank you very much! Amen."
I slept early at 9 PM, after Jano phoned me to tell me how to ride to Rosario, Pasig."


























Monday, May 9, 2016

BlurRed: Follow your heart

"Tahimik ka?" pansing-bati ko kay Riz, na nakatitig lang sa kanyang aklat. Tinakpan ko pa ng palad ko ang libro upang tumingin siya sa akin.

"I'm reading," aniya. Blangko. Walang emosyon.

"Hindi ako sanay ng ganyan ka..."

Hindi siya nagsalita. Inalis ko na rin ang kamay ko sa binabasa niya at nakinig na ako sa prof namin.

Paglabasan, hinila ko siya sa bench. Nag-usap kami. Wala naman daw siyang problema. Hindi ako naniwala. Pinilit ko siyang magtapat.

"Manhid ka ba talaga o sadyang nagmamaang-maangan lang?" Galit siyang tumayo at tinalikuran ako.

Ilang segundo rin akong nag-isip sa upuan, bago ako nakasunod sa kanya. "Riz, sorry na..." Nahawakan ko ang kamay niya, pero hindi siya huminto. Iwinaksi niya lang ang kamay ko. Wala akong nagawa, kundi sundan siya sa next classroom namin. Hindi rin naman kami nakapag-usap sa loob dahil terror ang professor namin sa subject na 'yun. Hinintay kong maglabasan, saka ako nakabuwelo.

Alam ko na ang pinagdradrama ni Riz. Ang text ko sa kanya na magbabakasyon ako sa Aklan. Hindi ko pala nasabi sa kanya na
hindi na ako tutuloy dahil manganganak si Mommy. Hindi ko pa nga rin nasabi kay Dindee.

"Sinasabi mo lang 'yan para malubag ang loob ko. Malakas ang loob mo, Red, alam ko, kaya kung gugustuhin mo, kahit may tumututol... tutuloy ka. Para ano? Para magkita kayo dun ng... ng... ewan!" Iyan ang litanya niya nang pauwi na kami.

"Huwag kang mag-isip ng masama... Mali ang iniisip mo. Alam mo namang..."

"Tama na, Red. Kung hindi ka nga matutuloy, well, it's better. But if you really want, go! Follow your heart."

Wala na akong sinabi. Pumara na ako ng dyip at sumakay kami. Tahimik kaming pareho hanggang sa maghiwalay kami. Tinext ko na lang siya. I apologized again, without explaining. I mean it.

Pag-uwi ko, kinuha ko kaagad ang gitara at tumipa ako. I played my original compositions. Wala ako sa mood, kaya binitiwan ko kaagad, pagkatugtog ko ng tatlo.

"Nak, tamad na tamad ka na yatang maggitara ngayon," pansin ni Mommy sa akin. "Hindi mo ba gusto ang ibinayad sa'yo ng kaklase mo?"

Si Fatima ang tinutukoy niya. Nagsinungaling ako. Ayokong malaman niya na may bumabagabag sa akin. Ayoko na ring ma-stress pa siya dahil sa problema ko.

"Ganyan talaga 'pag bago... Hayaan mo, magkakasundo rin kayo ng gitara mo. Lagi mo lang gagamitin," payo pa niya.

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Mga Uri ng Katrabaho

Sa trabaho, hindi mo mapipili ang makakasama. Lahat ng uri ng ugali ay matatagpuan dito, lalo na ang masama.

Kilalanin natin ang mga kalaban.

Third Eye – Siya ang empleyadong mala-Nostradamus kung manghula. Hindi pa nga ginagawa ng kaniyang kasamahan, alam at nakikita na niya. Paranoid siya. Lahat ng kilos ng kaniyang mga katarabaho, pakiramdam niya ay against sa kaniya. Palibhasa, may ginagawa siyang masama.

Gifted – Siya ang trabahador na mahilig magbigay ng regalo para lang bumango sa kaniyang amo. Lahat ng okasyon ay may ibinibigay siya sa boss, kahit pa wala nang natitira sa kaniyang sahod o kahit pa ipangutang niya ito.

CCTV -- Ang tanging trabaho niya ay tingnan ang ginagawa ng mga kasamahan. Wala na siyang nagawa kundi ang mag-abang ng mga kapalpakan ng iba. Hindi na niya tuloy makita ang sarili niyang dungis sa mukha.

Dishwasher -- Siya naman ang kasamahang mahusay maghugas-kamay. Madalas siyang makagawa ng kasalanan at kapalpakan, pero siya ang numero-unong mahilig magpatay-malisya at magmaang-maangan. Minsan, may sinisisi pa siyang iba, samantaang siya ang dahilan ng kaguluhan.

Party Planner -- Siya ang kasamahan mong nagtatakda ng kainan o party para makalibre siya. Alam na alam niya ang mga birthdays ninyong magkakatrabaho. Kahit nga nanalo ka lang sa Clash of Clan, hihingian ka na ng blowout.

Assistant Boss -- Siya naman ang feeling boss. Hindi mo malaman kung kapatid o kamang-anak siya ng amo ninyo. Ayaw niya kasing magtrabaho at tumanggap ng trabaho. Makapal ang mukha niyang tumanggap lang ng suweldo kada buwan. At huwag ka, nakakapagnegosyo pa siya sa loob at labas ng trabaho.

Ronda Patrol -- Siya ay mahilig rumonda. Tinalo pa niya ang supervisor. Ang hindi maganda sa kaniya, kung ano-ano ang napagmamasdan niya sa mga kasamaha, na ibino-broadcast niya pa sa iba. May dagdag-bawas pa.

Master Chef -- Siya ang master sa sipsipan. Putahe niya ang laging bida. May gayuma ang kaniyang lutuin, kaya si Boss ay gustong-gusto siya, kahit wala namang kabuluhan ang mga ginagawa niya para sa grupo.

Mga co-workers, mag-ingat tayo sa kanila. Laganap sila at hindi natin mapipigilan ang pagdami nila. Ang tangi na lamang nating sandata ay pagiging mapagpakumbaba at  pagiging mabuting empleyado. Kumampi at makiayon na lang tayo sa kabutihan. Hayaan na lang natin sila. Ang mahalaga... tuloy ang suweldo!

Friday, May 6, 2016

Smoke Now, Pay Later

Namulat ako na ang aking ama ay nagsisigarilyo, kaya naniwala akong nakakabuti ito sa kalusugan. Sinubukan ko nga ring humithit nito. Masasabi kong masarap pala. Para akong nasa alapaap, kapag nakikita ko ang puting usok nito. Akala ko pa nga noon, nilulunok ito. Ang nasa isip ko kasi ay para itong pagkain at tubig na kailangan ng katawan. Kaya lang, nakakaubo, kapag nilulunok. Dahil doon, hindi na ako umulit. Hindi pa naman ako marunong magpalabas ng usok mula sa ilong, na gaya ng ginagawa ng aking ama. Hindi ko rin siyempre alam, kung paano magbuga ng bilog na usok, gaya ng mga nakikita ko sa ibang kabataan. Ang gagaling nila! Nakakabilib! Naaastigan ako. Gayunpaman, hindi ako nahilig sa paghithit ng yosi, kasi kuripot ako. Imbes na ipambili ko nito, ibinibili ko na lamang ng kendi o ng pagkain. Hindi rin naman ako nagagalit sa mga nagsisigarilyo. Nauunawaan ko sila. Sabi kasi ng iba, pampawala raw ng lansa sa dila, kaya nagsisigarilyo sila pagkatapos kumain. Ang iba naman, nakakalma at nawawala ang stress, kapag may pasak na yosi ang bunganga nila. Mas maraming maubos, mas maigi. Astig! Kakaiba ang sigarilyo. May positibong epekto sa tao. Ang dahilan naman ng iba, mas maigi na raw ang nagsisigarilyo, kaysa sa ibang bisyo, gaya ng alak, droga, sugal, at babae. Hmmm. Medyo, may punto... Lumelevel-up pa nga ang iba. Sa halip na sigarilyo lang ang hinihithit, marijuana na. Mas mabango raw at mas may magandang epekto. Sinubukan ko naman ito minsan... Sinungaling ang magsabi. Hindi na naman ako naadik, dahil, una, mas mahal, at pangalawa, sa ilong pala dinaan ang usok. Sinisinghot. Weird. Balik tayo sa sigarilyo... Inirerekomenda ko sa lahat ang yosi. Mainam ito sa kalusugan ng lahat, both smoker and non-smoker. Mas mainam pa nga ito sa nakakasinghot. Kapag nalanghap nila ang secondhand smoke, ayun! Swak na swak ang epekto sa baga. Nakakabata ang yosi. Maaga kang mawawalan ng stress, kapag patay-sindi ka ng sigarilyo. Maaga kang mag-re-rest in peace. Kung ayaw mo namang kunin ka kaagad ni Lord o ni Taning, moderate lang ang paghithit. Pasasaan ba't makakatipid ka sa lipstick. Permanent lipstick tattoo ang katumbas ng yosi. Itim nga lang. May instant weapon ka pang bad breath. Patay ang kausap mo! Hindi mo rin problema ang pagtanda, insured ka na. Nakakasiguro ka na, na may kalalagyan ang baga mo. Nagiging makulay ang lungs mo. Nagkakaroon ng design. Abstract nga lang. Sosyal ka rin kasi ikaw model ng bagong TV, este ng TB. Antenna-less. Panis ang LED at Smart TV. May chance ka ring maging model ng cigarette brand. Ilalagay ang larawan mo sa kaha ng sigarilyo. Mag-apply ka na rin sa DOH, kapag kulubot na ang mukha at katawan mo. Ikaw ang 'Before'. Iba ang model ng 'After'. Huwag kang mag-alala... Kung pangarap mong makakita ng alien, time will come, magiging alien ka. Mabubutas ang lalamunan mo. Mawawalan ka ng boses. Don't worry, may nabibili namang apparatus para maging robot o alien ang boses mo. O, 'di ba? Astig ka na! Puwede ka na sa sci-fi movie, gaya ng Star Wars. Huwag kang maniwala sa ads ng mga sigarilyo. Picture lang 'yan. Masarap ang bawal. Hindi naman talagang bawal, e, kasi kung bawal, bakit may nabibili pa rin? Mura lang naman ang sigarilyo. Yakang-yaka mo 'yun! Lalo na ngayon, may bagong promo ang lahat ng brand ng sigarilyo. Parang scholarship lang. Ito ang "Smoke Now, Pay Later." Kaya, sige lang. Hithit pa. Buga pa. Mandamay ka pa ng kapwa mo para masaya at para marami ang may malusog na baga!

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Usok

Nagising ako, isang umaga, mula sa pagkakahimbing ko dahil nakita ko sa aking panaginip ang isa sa mga estudyante ko, kasama ang kaibigan niyang out-of-school. Humihithit sila ng sigarilyo sa kalye, na animo'y tanggap na iyon ng kanilang mga magulang at kapitbahay. Halos mabugahan pa ako ng usok. Itinago naman ng estudyante ko ang yosi niya nang makilala ako. Walang lumabas na salita sa aking bibig. Tiningnan ko lang sila nang matalim. Nalungkot ako. Grabe! Pabata nang pabata na ngayon ang naaakit magsigarilyo. Naisip ko tuloy, hindi pa ba sapat ang litrato sa kaha ng sigarilyo upang matakot sila? Hindi pa ba iyon nakakasindak na nakikita na nila ang magiging epekto ng paninigarilyo? O mas lalo yatang dumami ang bilang ng mga yosi-kadiri? Wala na rin yatang edad, kasarian, at social status ang paggamit nito. Dapat yatang ang gobyerno na ang kusang magtanggal nito sa merkado. Di bale na ang sin tax. Di bale na ang kikitain ng pamahalaan, kung magdudulot lamang sa samu't saring sakit sa mga tao, nagsisigarilyo man o hindi. Nakakabahala ang ganitong problema. Kahit sa panaginip ko, hindi ko ginusto ang bisyong ito. Lalo na sa totoong buhay, hindi ko talaga kayang maatim ang kahungkagang ito. Kung may magagawa lamang ako para matigil na ang pagkaadik ng tao sa sigarilyo, gagawin ko... Ngunit, tila usok lamang ng sigarilyo ang kagustuhan kong maapula ang adiksiyong ito.

IdioMother Expressions

Ang "Araw ng mga Ina'' o 'Mothers' Day'' ay ipinagdiriwang tuwing ikalawang Linggo ng Mayo. Ito ay upang kilalanin ang kadakilaan ng bawat ilaw ng tahanan. Isang araw lamang ito, ngunit hindi nangangahulugang isang araw lamang natin silang kikilalalanin, pasasalamatan at mamahalin. Dapat ay araw-araw, minu-minuto at bawat segundo. Sa araw na ito naman, bibigyang-halaga natin ang salitang 'mother', bilang bahagi ng pang-araw-araw na pagsusulat at pagsasalita. Ang salitang 'mother' ay napakamakahulugan. Sa katunayan, ginagamit ito sa mga idyomatikong pananalita. May kasabihan nga, "Mothers know best." Bilang pagpupugay sa mga nanay, inang, mama, mamah, imang, mamay, mommy, mom, momsy, mudra, mother, at kung ano pang katawagan sa ina, narito ang ilang English idiomatic expressions: 1. "Face only a mother could love" Kapag sinabihan ka ng ganito o kapag ang face/mukha mo ay ganyan, pangit ka. Talagang mabubuti ang mga ina. Hindi nila kayang saktan ang kanilang mga anak. Sila lang ang nagsasabing pogi o maganda ang anak nila ( kahit hindi). Ang nangyayari, sila rin ang pinakasinungaling na nilalang sa mundo. Mabuti na lang, hindi liar ang aking ina. (Winks) 2. "Failure is the mother of success." Sa madaling paliwanag, ang tagumpay ay nagsisimula sa pagkabigo. Wala naman kasing naging matagumpay na tao, na hindi dumanas ng pagkatalo o pagkabigo. Sa malalim pang paliwanag, ang ina ay dating anak. Lahat ng ina ay dadaan muna sa pagkabata. Malinaw ba? O, lalong lumabo? (Smirks) 3. "Mother wit" Kapag mayroon ka nito, ikaw ay may common sense. Hindi ko na ipapaliwanag, mother wit na lang 'yan. (Sticks out tongue) 4. "Tied to your mother's apron strings" Palibhasa, kadalasang ina ang nagluluto, nabuo ang idyomang ito. Ito ay mas applicable sa mga lalaking anak. Kapag nasabihan ka nito, katulad ka ng spoiled brat o Mama's boy. Nakatali ka pa kasi sa kanyang apron. Ibig sabihin nito, hindi ka makakilos o makapagdesisyon kapag wala ang iyong ina. Problema 'yan! Paano kung may asawa na? (Thinks and sighs) Ang mga ina ay may malaking bahagi sa buhay ng bawat isa sa atin. Pahalagahan at mahalin natin sila sa tuwi-tuwina. Gayundin naman ang mga idyomatikong pananalitang aking binanggit. Mahalagang matutunan natin ang mga ito. Happy Mothers' Day!

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Bobotante Ka Ba?

Alam nating lahat na dalawa lang ang klase ng tao sa mundo--- ang manloloko at naloloko. Alin ka diyan sa dalawa? Ngayong eleksiyon, kailangan na naman ng mga manloloko, este ng mga politiko ang boto mo. Magpapadaya ka na naman bang muli? Magpapaloloko ka na naman ba sa mga matatamis na pangako, na sa tuwing halalan mo lamang maririnig? Naloko ka nang minsan. Huwag mo nang isige pa ang pagiging mangmang, dahil hindi lang ikaw ang apektado sa isa mong boto. Lahat tayong mga Pilipino ay naghirap, nasadlak, at nalubog sa putik dahil lamang sa botong ipinagpalit mo sa panandaliang kasaganaan na tinanggap mo mula sa manloloko. Tama na! Tama na ang pagiging uto-uto! Huwag ka nang muling magpapadala sa dila ng mga manloloko. Alam mong ikaw ay niloloko, nililito, at ginagago, pero ibinigay mo pa rin sa kanya ang iyong gintong boto. Isipin mo na lang ang indelible ink na ipinapatak sa iyong kuko, pagkatapos mong bumoto... Katulad nito ang iyong pagkatao, kapag tinanggap mo ang panloloko ng isang politiko. Maitim. Madumi ka na. Ito ay nagmamarka. Pangmatagalan. Kaya, huwag mong dungisan ang iyong puso. Ngayong halalan, bilugan mo sa iyong balota ang pinunong walang bahid ng panloloko. Kilala mo kung sino ang may puso. Matalino ka, kaya alam kong napag-isipan mo na, bago ka pa pumunta sa presinto, kung sino ang karapat-dapat na tumanggap ng iyong boto. Isang araw lang ang halalan, ngunit anim na taon tayong magdurusa, kapag nagkamali ka. Lahat tayo ay talo, kapag maling pinuno ang naluklok sa puwesto. Lahat tayo ay dehado, kapag tinanggap mo ang kanyang pekeng regalo. Ang politiko ay politiko, ngunit ang iyong boto ay hindi lang basta boto. Ito ang iyong pagkatao. Huwag mo itong ibenta. Huwag mo itong ipagkanulo. Gamitin mo ito upang ang inaasam nating pagbabago ay masimulan na ngayong taong ito. Ito ang simpleng lohika. "Ang politika ay para sa mga politiko. Ang iyong boto ay para sa politiko. Samakatuwid, ang boto mo ay para sa politiko." Sino ang nagbigay? Sino ang nawalan? Ikaw! Botante ka. Importante ka. Dapat hindi mo isinasanla ang iyong sariling boto. Botante ka. Hindi ka bobo. Huwag ka nang magpapaloko. Botante ka. Hindi ka 'bobotante'. Sa halip, ikaw ay maging bibo. Kapag ikaw ay naging matalino sa pagboto, madaragdagan na ang klase ng tao. Mula sa dalawa ay magiging tatlo. Idaragdag ko ang... 'hindi nagpapaloko'. Ikaw ba ito?

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Ang Aking Journal --- Mayo, 2016

Mayo 1, 2016 Ligtas akong nakauwi sa boarding house. Mabilis pa ang biyahe dahil hindi nadelay. Alas-diyes ng umaga ay nagpapahinga na ako. Sinubukan kong matulog, pero nabigo ako dahil nagsisimula na ang init. Sa HP na ako nag-lunch. Pinick-up ko kasi ang order kong bag mula kay Mylene. Nagpalipas din ako doon ng init. Mahigit dalawang oras akong nag-stay. Inantok lang ako, kaya umuwi agad ako. Ngayong araw, dalawang tao ang nakausap ko. Una ay si Mrs. Pableo. Treasurer namin siya sa GPTA. Nagkita kami sa Palawan Airport. Magkapareho kami ng flight. Nagkuwento siya sa amin ni Mamah ng mga pinagdaanan niya sa buhay, three months ago. Pangalawa ay si Mrs. Ocampo. Nanay siya ng naging estudyante ko. Siya ang may-ari ng food cart na kinainan ko. Tinanong niya ang tungkol sa April Fool's Day post ko. Isa rin siya sa naniwalang aalis na ako sa Gotamco. Nang sinabi kong nagkaproblema kasi ako, nagtanong siya kung sa mga kaguro ko. "Related po," sagot ko. Pagkatapos noon, nagbigay na siya ng saloobin. Tila alam niya ang mga irregularities sa GES. Kung sino pa raw ang maaasahan, siya pa ang binabalewala. Katulad daw ni Mam Rechel. Hindi kinuha, after magserbisyo as Kinder teacher. Hindi na ako nagdagdag o nagkuwento ng iba. Pinakinggan ko na lang siya ay sinang-ayunan. Mayo 2, 2016 Pagkatapos kong maglaba, pumunta ako sa Quezon Memorial Circle para sa exhibition ng mga bonsai, suiseki at cactus and succulents doon. Ito ay para makatakas uli ako sa matinding init sa kuwarto. Mainit rin naman doon, pero hindi ko ininda dahil ang gaganda ng mga nasa exhibit. Sulit na sulit ang P20 na entrance fee na binayad ko. Na-enjoy ko ang pagkuha ng mga litrato sa bawat entry. Nakapag-selfie rin ako at nakapag-picture gamit ang timer. Alas-dos, nakinig ako sa lecture ni Mike Ganigan. Ang topic niya ay grafting of cactus. Marami akong natutunan. Nakapag-uwi pa ako ng cactus, as giveaway. Pag-uwi ko, nag-repot ako ng mga cactus ko. Bumili kasi ako doon ng tatlong ceramic pots. Ang saya ko ngayong araw, kahit ako lang mag-isa. Nawala ang stress ko. Pinag-iisipan ko ang bakasyon sa Altavas. Baka sa Mayo 10 ako bumiyahe. Kailangan ko munang bumoto. Mayo 3, 2016 Hinintay kong magtext o magchat si Sir Erwin, pero wala akong natanggap na message mula sa kanya. Nagyaya siya kahapon na magkita kami. Umoo naman ako sa comment box. Siguro ay hindi siya nakaalis. Gayunpaman, natuloy pa rin ang gala ko. Dahil sa sobrang init sa kuwarto, kinailangan ko na naman tumakas. Kaya, pumunta ako sa National Museum. Nabasa ko kasi sa FB na libre ang entrance ngayong Mayo. Matagal ko nang gustong bumisita doon. Ngayon lang ako nagkaroon ng time. Hindi ito dahil sa libre. Ito ay dahil kailangan. Naenjoy ko ang mga artifacts na naka-exhibit sa museum. Andami ko na namang nakuhaang pictures. Aliw na aliw ako. Sulit. Sayang din dahil hindi nakasama si Sir Erwin o kaya si Zillion. Maeenjoy din sigurado iyon ng anak ko. Alas-sais, nasa ECF-M. Dela Cruz naman ako para sa worship. Nakausap ko si Jeff tungkol sa magiging bakasyon ko sa Aklan, tungkol sa newsletter, tungkol sa Trip to Mars at V-Mars, at iba pa. Nakilala ko naman si Bro. Arbie. Matagal na kaming nagkikita sa Gomez, pero kanina lang kami nakapagkuwentuhan. Inihatid niya pa ako sa pag-uwi, gamit ang motor niya. Thanks, God for this wonderful day! Mayo 4, 2016 Bumili muna ako ng induction stove si Mama, bilang regalo ko sa kanya sa Mothers' Day, saka na ako bumiyahe papuntang Antipolo. Naabutan ko si Taiwan na nagpriprito ng isda, gamit ang kahoy. Naawa ako, pero at the same time, natuwa ako dahil may bitbit akong electric stove. Kaya lang, hindi yata natuwa si Mama. Hindi naman sa ayaw niya ang regalo ko sa kanya, kundi dahil hindi senior citizen and visually impaired friendly ang stove. Nang ako ang nagluto ng hapunan, na-realize kong tama siya. Hindi niya nga makikita ang mga pindutan at numbers. Baka masunog lang ang lutuin niya. Naisip kong iuwi na lang ito sa magiging bahay ko sa Tanza. Payag naman siya. Masaya pa rin ako dahil nakabili ako niyon. Tinupad ko lang ang pangarap ko. Mayo 5, 2016 Gusto ko sanang magsulat nang magsulat o mag-edit nang mag-edit ng mga akda ko, kaya lang ang hina ng internet. Nakakainis! Ngayon pa nakisabay. Kung kelan ako may free time, saka naman nagpasaway ang Smart. Para malibang ako, nanuod na lang ako ng cartoons na naka-save sa laptop ko. Nagtiyaga na lang ako, kesa maburyong ako sa kahihintay ng signal. Maghapong wala halos akong walang internet. Ang hirap! Hindi ako sanay. Andaming bagay na hindi ko magawa at matapos. Hindi ako makapili ng mga akda na isasali ko sa writing contests. Hindi ako makapag-upload ng mga poresgraphy ko. Mayo 6, 2016 Maghapon na namang walang internet. Na-stress ako. Andaming napending na trabaho. Hindi rin ako makapili at makasend ng akda ko sa contest. Nakakakulo ng dugo ang Smart! Para malibang, nanuod uli ako ng cartoons. Nag-type din ako ng journal ko. Nakapagsulat din ako ng dalawang sanaysay tungkol sa paninigarilyo. Kung bukas wala pa ring signal ang WiFi, baka maburyong na ako dito sa Bautista. Nakakainip kaya ang paghihintay. Mainit na nga, wala pang magawa. Halos naubos ko na ang pambatang pelikula na naka-save sa laptop ko. Wala naman akong dalang libro para mabasa-basa. Sa FB at internet lang talaga ako nakakapagbasa ng mga articles. Bihira din ako magkaroon ng writing ideas. Kadalasan, ang mga akda ko rin ang nakaka-inspire sa akin. Hindi ko nga maopen ang wattpad ko, kaya hindi ako makapag-story update. So, napaka-dormant talaga ng araw ko. Dalawang araw na. Mayo 7, 2016 Medyo okay-okay ang signal ngayon ng internet. Gayunpaman, halos wala pa rin akong nagawa, maliban sa natapos ko ang draft ng curriculum vitae ni Sir Erwin. Ang pinakamagandang nagawa ko ngayong araw ay an eye on g mapanuod ko ang interview ni Miriam Defensor-Santiago sa CNN. Tinutukan at tinapos ko talaga, kaya hinding-hindi ko isusuko ang boto ko sa kanya. Hapon, naipasa ko na kay Sir Erwin ang application letter niya sa Sta. Isabel College. Gabi, nakapag-type ko ng journal entries ko noong June 16-30, 2007. Bukas, Mothers' Day. Gusto kong bigyan si Mama ng cake, kaya lang tinatamad akong pumunta sa Gate 2. Mayo 8, 2016 Binati ko si Mama, paggising ko ng alas-nuwebe. Hindi na ako pumunta sa Gate 2. Kami lang namang dalawa ang kakain, kung maghahanda kami. Wala pa ring matinong internet. Tinanggap ko na lang na parte ito ng election. Nag-type na lang ako ng journal entries ko, hanggang sa mapagod ako. Maghapon lang akong nakahiga. Nagising ako ng bandang alas-5, nang dumating sina Jano at France. Naka-survive din ako sa halos walang internet. Bukas babalik na ako sa Pasay, pagkatapos kong bumoto. I hope malakas na ang signal doon. Mayo 9, 2016 Hindi naman ako excited bumoto, pero alas-4:30 pa lang ay nagising na ako. Hindi rin naman ako agad bumangon dahil tulog pa si Mama. Maaga rin akong nakapunta sa precint ko, kaya maaga rin akong nakaboto. Mabilis lang. Mas matagal pa ang paghahanap ko ng aking presinto. Dumiretso na ako sa Pasay. Mabilis din ang biyahe, kaya wala pang alas-nuwebe ay nasa Harrison Plaza na ako para magpareserve ng ticket sa 2Go. Dumaan pa nga ako sa Cubao, kaya lang sarado pa ang office doon. Nasayang lang ang paghihintay ko sa HP dahil sarado pa ang system ng 2Go, ayon sa ticketing office. Nagdesisyon na lang akong pumunta sa Batangas Pier para magbakasakali. Nagkita kami ni Sir Erwin sa DLTB Buendia. Nagbigay siya ng angpao na may lamang P2000. Para raw kay Zillion. Hindi ko kasi tinatanggap ang ibinibigay niyang pera, kaya ipinadaan niya sa anak ko. Tinanggap ko na lang din. Alas-tres ay nasa Batangas port na ako. Nakabili naman ako mg ticket sa 2Go, kaya lang alas-9 pa ang biyahe. Okay lang. Nawili naman ako ng panunuod ng balitang eleksiyon, habang naghihintay. Mayo 10, 2016 Naging maayos naman ang biyahe namin sa dagat. Nakatulog ako ng limang oras, kahit magdamag ma nakabukas ang TV sa tourist accommodation, dahil sa panunuod ng election-counting update. Pasado alas-otso na nakadaong ang barko sa Caticlan port dahil nagbaba pa ng pasahero at cargo sa Odiogan, Romblon. Okay lang naman. Una, nakapag-FB post pa ako gamit ang location na iyon. Binigyan ko kasi ng clue si Emily na parating ako. Muntik na akong mabuko nang mag-comment si Sir Erwin. Natatawa ako kay Emily. Nag-PM siya. Nagtatampo. Mabuti pa raw amg iba, nadadalaw ko. Ang nasa isip niya ay kasama ko si Mamah doon. Hanggang sa makarating ako sa bahay ng parents-in-law ko, wala talaga siyang idea na darating ako. Gulat na gulat siya nang makita ako, and at the same time, masaya siya. Masaya rin si Ion nang makita ako. Halos hindi siya makapagsalita. Miss na miss ko rin sila. Sobra. Mayo 11, 2016 Natikman ko na naman ang mga kakanin ng Aklan nang nag-almusal kami, gaya ng puto, ibus at dagusdos. Ang ganda talaga ng buhay sa probinsiya! Ngayong araw, nakapag-type ako ng journal entries ko. Nakapagsend pa ako ng entry sa Reedz ng PSICOM. Isa itong patimpalak na naghahanap ng isasali sa libro. Ipinasa ko ang maikling kuwento kong "One-Million Trip to Mars". Pasok ito sa word counts na 1500-2000, kaya ito ang napili ko. Umaasa akong mapipili ito, dahil ito ang isa sa mga nagpapaiyak sa akin tuwing binabasa ko. Nakakuwentuhan ko si Tiya Isot, tita ni Emily. Masarap naman siyang kausap. Mahusay din siyang mang-engganyo kay Zillion na kumain ng gulay at kumain nang marami. Mayo 12, 2016 Hindi sana ako sa pagpunta ni Emily sa Kalibo, para kumuha ng birth certificate ni Zillion sa NSO, kaya lang umiiyak siya dahil hindi rin siya kasama. Nagdesisyon na lang akong sumama. Alas-nuwebe ay andun na kami sa Kalibo. Hindi naman kami nagtagal sa NSO. May kakilala si Emily doon. Iniwan niya lang muna at binalikan namin pagkatapos ng kulang-kulang dalawang oras. Naglunch kami at nag-grocery kami sa Gaisano, bago umuwi sa Altavas. Ala-una na kami dumating. Nawalan ako ng mood ngayong araw dahil may herpes na naman ang mga labi ko. Malala ngayon ang mga butlig na tumubo sa paligid ng bibig ko. Nakakahiya. Nakakainis pa. Hindi ko tuloy nakausap ang kaibigan ni Emily, na dumayo pa sa bahay nila upang makilala ako. Mayo 13, 2016 Pahinga, FB, kain at higa lang ang ginawa ko maghapon. Dapat magswi-swimming kami ngayon, kaya lang pumunta si Nanay sa Iloilo para makipaglibing. Walang mag-aasikaso sa nakaratay na tiya ni Emily, kaya hindi na muna kami nagplanong umalis. Okay lang. May ibang araw pa naman. Nagsulat din ako sa may terrace ng isang kabanata ng 'Ang Tisa ni Maestro'. Ang sarap palang magsulat, habang nalalanghap mo ang sariwang hangin. Ibang-iba kaysa kapag nasa Pasay ako. Nagkita na kami ng kaibigan nina Emily. Kaya lang, hindi kami nagkausap dahil naghapunan na kami. Siya naman ay kinausap sa cellphone ng bayaw ko. Mayo 14, 2007 Naghahanap ako ng gagawin o kaya ng subject para sa photography hobby ko, kaya lang wala akong makita. Tanging ang meryenda naming inday-inday ang nakuhaan ko. Sinamahan ko na lang si Zillion sa panunuod ng cartoons. Nakadalawang movies siya. Nagbasa, nagsulat, nag-encode at nag-edit din ako. Wattpading, in short. Hindi naman ako naiinip dito. Nae-enjoy ko naman ang bakasyon ko. Wala nang sasaya pa sa bakasyong kasama ang pamilya. Mayo 15, 2016 Umaga, tinulungan ko si Emily sa kanyang paglalaba. Ako ang nagbobomba sa poso ng mga pambanlaw niya. Nakapag-picture din ako ng mga pusa. Hapon, nakipagkuwentuhan sa akin si Tiya Isot. Inabot kami ng gabi. Napagkuwentuhan namin ang tungkol sa school. Pinayuhan niya rin akong dalawin si Ninong Rolly. Tama rin naman siya. Kahit siguro, busyng-busy ako, may panahon pa naman marahil para sa pagdalaw. Naiinis lang talaga ako dahil blinock niya ako sa FB, nang dahil sa mga sumbong at paninipsip ng mga kumare at kumpare ko. Mayo 16, 2016 Tinanong na naman ako ni Tiya Isot kung kailan talaga ako babalik sa Maynila. May ibibigay kasi siya sa akin. Gusto ko na sanang makabalik sa May 18, kaya lang tila hindi siya makakabalik agad. Kaya, sabi ko na lang, dapat Monday ay nasa Pasay na ako. Ayaw ko namang pahindian ang padala niya. Dumating na si Nanay mula sa Iloilo. Makakaalis na kami nina Emily. Nagdesisyon siyang mag-swimming kami sa Songcolan bukas, dahil may magbabantay na kay Mommy. Mayo 17, 2016 Kagabi pa lang ay naiba na ang plano. Sa halip na sa Songcolan, sa Kalibo na kami pumunta. Hindi kasi pinayagan ang pamangkin ni Emily. Hindi na rin sumama si Kaylee. Okay lang naman. Mas gusto ko rin naman talagang makabalik sa Bakhawan. Alas-nuwebe, nakapag-swimming na kami. One hour lang kaming lumublob. Sulit naman. Enjoy na enjoy kaming tatlo. First time naming mag-swimming together. Alas-dos, umalis na kami sa mangrove. Pinag-shopping ko si Zillion sa Gaisano, bago kami umuwi. Dinagdagan ko ang isanlibo na natira sa binigay ni Papang sa kanya. Mayo 18, 2016 Naramdaman kong napapalakas ang kain ko. Masagana kasi ang inihahain ng biyenan ko. Ang sarap kumain. Mamimiss ko ito. Pagdating ko sa Pasay, mag-isa na naman akong kakain. Malamang wala na naman akong gana. Nakapag-type ako ng ilang journal entries ko noong July, 2007. Kailangan ko lang huminto dahil mahina ang signal ng internet. Hindi ko kaagad naipopost. Natutuwa kaming lahat sa kabibuhan ni Zillion. Panay ang salita niya ng English. Kahapon pa kami tawa nang tawa ni Emily sa kanya. Sa mangrove din ay panay ang 'speaking in tongue' niya. LOL. Mayo 19, 2016 Alas-otso y medya na ako bumangon kanina. Napuyat kasi ako sa masayang chat namin nina Sir Archie at Sir Erwin. Naisipan kong mag-igib ng tubig, pagkatapos kong mag-almusal. Pinuno ko ang mga timba at malaking lagayan ng tubig sa banyo. Kahapon ay ginawa ko na rin ito. Si Kuya Emer nga lang ang nagbomba. Ako lang ang nag-akyat. Hapon, pagkatapos magkape, nag-igib uli ako. Pinuno ko uli ang mga lagayan. Biniro ako ni Nanay. Sabi niya, "Mamimiss ka namin." Tumawa lang ako. Namasyal kami ni Ion sa plaza, pagkatapos kong mag-igib kaninang umaga. Inabutan kami ng ulan doon. Mabuti na lang ay may kiosk, na aming napagtambayan. May mga batang naglalaro doon, kaya hindi kami na-boring ni Ion, habang nagpapatila ng ulan. Nakapagsulat ako ng sanaysay at isang tula ngayong araw. Nakapagpag-type din ako ng journal entries. Mayo 20, 2016 Naeenjoy ko talaga ang pagbobomba sa poso. Form og exercises kasi. Kaya, pinuno ko uli ang mga lagayan sa CR. Para tuloy aking nanliligaw sa pamilya. Pagkapaligo ko, nagyaya si Emily papunta sa Lupit. Tinawagan siya ng pinsan niya. May handaan doon. Nakahain na nga ang mga pagkain sa hapag, pero umalis pa kami. Gusto rin kasi niya na ipakilala ako sa mga kamag-anakan nila. Nagustuhan ko naman ang mga pagkain. Nabusog ako. Kaya lang, medyo nainis ako nang kaunti nang yayain at pilitin akong uminom. Although, tumanggi naman ako at hindi napainom, ayaw ko pa rin ang masyado akong pinipilit. Kapag ayaw ko kasi, ayaw ko. Hindi sa hindi ako lasenggo, kundi hindi ko kabisado ang mga magiging kaharap ko. Ayaw ko ng ganun. Kung ano man ang negatibong komento nila sa pagtanggi ko, bahala sila. Basta ako, may respeto ako sa sarili ko. Mayo 21, 2016 Pinagupitan ko si Zillion sa barbero. Ang bagong usong gupit ang gusto niyang ipagupit niya. Iyon din ang gusto ko, kaya nasunod siya. Bumagay naman sa kanya. Poging-pogi. Natuwa nga siya nang makita niya ang sarili sa salamin. Ang ganda ng ngiti niya. Wala sana akong plano pang magpagupit. Sa Pasay ko na gustong magpatabas at magpakulay. Nakita ko lang na mahusay gumupit ang barbero, kaya nagpagupit na rin ako. Pinaitiman ko na rin ang buhok ko sa kanya. Suwerte dahil mura lang ang singil niya. P180 lang lahat. Ala-una, sinamahan ako ni Emily sa pagpapa-reserve ng ticket pabalik sa Manila. Gusto ko sana sa 2Go, kaya lang fully-booked na hanggang Martes. Ayaw ko namang abutan pa ako ng Miyerkules dito. Kailangan ko nang makabalik. Magbabayad na rin kasi ako sa boarding house. Nauna na si Kuya Emer. Naabutan pa namin siya sa Valisno ticketing outlet. Hinihintay ang bus na sasakyan niya. Doon na rin kami nagpa-book. Bukas ng ala-1:30 ang alis ko. Mabuti na lang, nakakuha pa kami. Ngayong araw, sinimulan kong i-edit ang mya chapters ng unfinished novel kong 'Double Trouble'. Andami palang typos. It means, kailangan talaga ng proofreading kahit sa anong akda. Mayo 22, 2016 Inihatid ako ng aking mag-ina sa ticketing office at pick-up area ng Valisno. Wala pang ala-una iyon. Kaya, antagal kong naghintay. Two-twenty-five na nakaalis doon ang bus. Andaming pasahero. Medyo hindi ako komportable sa bus, pero ayos lang. Kailangan ko nang makauwi. Ganun talaga... Muli kong natanaw ang Boracay. Kay gandang pagmasdan ang mga ilaw sa mga dalampasigan nito. Nalungkot ako dahil hindi pa ako nakakatuntong doon. Subalit, nangangarap akong isang araw ay makakaligo rin ako sa mga beach doon. Hindi maganda ang RORO bus. Hindi ako makahiga. Hindi katulad sa 2Go. Komportable ako ako dahil may higaan at tuloy-tuloy ang biyahe. Mayo 23, 2016 Nasa Batangas na kami bandang alas-singko ng umaga. Ang tantiya ko ay mga alas-siyete ay nasa boarding house na ako. Pero, nagkamali ako. Pasado alas-9 na ako nakauwi. Sobra kasi ang traffic. Gayunpaman, thankful ako dahil naging safe ang biyahe ko. Maghapon akong nakaranas ng matinding init. Akala ko ay tapod na ang summer. Hindi pa pala. Namiss ko tuloy ang Altavas. Doon ay hindi ko masyadong dama ang init. Nagdadalawang-isip akong magsimba bukas sa ECG-M. Dela Cruz. Nag-chat kasi si Aileen. Nakausap niya sa Ate April tungkol sa health condition ni Tito Ben. Iyon din ang kuwento sa akin ni Mama. Niyaya nga akong dalawin noon pa at ipagpray. Naisip kong gawin iyon sa lalong madaling panahon. Humihingi rin ako sa Diyos ng kakayahang manalangin sa may sakit at makasalanan. Maraming naging kasalanan sa akin si Tito Ben, pero napatawad ko na siya. Gusto ko siyang maipagamot. Baka ako rin ang maging daan upang matulungan siya ng mga kapatid niya. Mayo 24, 2016 Bumuhos ang malakas na ulan kagabi, pero parang impiyerno na naman ang temperatura. Pinagpawisan ako nang husto, maaga pa lamang. Kaya, nagdesisyon na akong pumunta sa Antipolo. Tinext ko si Jeff para ibigay ko ang down payment ng publishing fee ng librong 'Trip to Mars'. Na-disappoint lang ako kasi hindi man lang siya nag-reply. Isa ring disappointment ang nangyari nang i-send sa akin ni Flor ang text (daw) ni Hanna sa kanya. Pero ang duda ko, si Mj ang may sabi nun. Aniya, "Tita hanna to bibigyan po ba kami ni papa pera pambili ng gamit sa school at saka hihingin ko napo yung tablet kasi po marami na po kaming ereresearch sa grade 6 at simpre hindi ka makakapagresearch kapag walang wifi salamat po." Nagtext na siya sa akin, bago yun. Sabi niya, "Pa hanna to nakitext lang ho ako kay mama kasi sira na ho cp ko pa bibigyan niyo ho ba ako ng pera pambili ng gamit." Sabi ko nga, papunta na ako sa Antipolo kaya magkita kami doon. Desidido na rin akong ibigay ang tablet. Kaya lang, sa nabasa ko, nagbago ang isip ko. Isang kapritso lang ang kagustuhan ni Hanna, kung siya man talaga ang may sabi nun. Hindi niya kailangan ngntablet sa pag-aaral. Hindi niya kailangang mag-research nang mag-research. Lalong, hindi niya kailangan ng wifi. Noon, wala namang wifi, tablet o internet. Libro lang ay sapat na. Bakit naman nagkaka-honor pa ako taon-taon noong elementary ako? Nakakalungkot. Ambisyosa ang nanay ni Hanna. Dinadamay pa ang bata. Dapat tinuturuan niyang maging masikap, gaya nang ginawa ko upang marating ko ang kung nasaan man ako ngayon. Kung nagkakapritso man ako ngayon, kunsewlo ko lamang ito sa sarili ko. Ngayon lamang ako nakaranas nito. At, may trabaho naman ako upang ipanggastos sa mga naisin ko. Sinabi ko na lang na sumabog na ang tablet. Tanging perang pambili ng gamit sa pag-aaral lamang ang matatanggap nilang magkapatid sa akin. Isa pang dahilan kaya pumunta ako agad sa Antipolo kahit dapat at magsisimba muna ako sa Eme ay dahil nais kong dalawin si Tito Ben. Nagawa ko naman. Pagdating na pagdating ko, pumunta na ako doon, bitbit ang konting pasalubong. Naawa ako sa kalagayan niya. Sobrang nahulog ang katawan niya. Nahihiya nga siyang makiharap at tumingin sa akin. Ni ayaw niyang samahan ko siyang magpacheck-up. Totoo nga ang sabi ni Aileen. Mabuti na lang, sinabi niyang magpapasama na siya kay Auntie Helen. Sabi ko naman ay babalik ako para alamin kung nagpakonsulta siya. Ramdam ko ang paghihirap niya. Alam kong may tama ang kanyang baga. Naranasan ko iyon. Kaya nga ikinuwento ko sa kanya ang pinagdaanan ko. I made sure na hindi niya katatakutan ang medication. Alam kong nagsisisi na siya sa pang-aabuso niya sa kanyang sarili. Hindi pa huli ang lahat. Ipinadama ko sa kanya na gagaling siya at handa akong magbigay ng aking makakaya. Inabutan ko nga siya ng munting halaga upang mas lalong tumibay ang loob niyang kumapit. Nais ko sanang ipasok ang kabutihan at pangako ng Panginoon sa bawat tao at nais ko rin siyang ipanalangin, kaya lang inabot ako ng kamangmangan. Kung sumama sana si Mama sa akin, nagawa ko sana. Nauna na siyang dumalaw kaninang umaga. Nahirapan siya, kaya ayaw na niya akong samahan. Gayunpaman, may next time pa naman. Babalik ako. Pag-uwi ko'y sinamahan ako ni Ate Diyang. Nagkuwentuhan. Namiss ko ang mga araw na maayos pa ang pag-iisip niya. Namiss ko ang positibo at masiyahing siya. Aminin man niya o hindi, nakikita kong may kakaiba sa kanyang sikolohikal na aspeto. Iba na ang kanyang paniniwala. Madalas niyang sabihing may bumubulong sa kanya. Mas naniniwala rin siya sa manggagamot kaysa sa kapangyarihan ng Diyos. Naisingit ko naman ang Panginoon. Sabi ko'y papasukin niya sa puso niya ang Diyos at huwag siyang maniniwala sa sabi-sabi ng manggagamot. Nakakatakot ang kanyang mga pananalita, ngunit pagkaawa na lamang ang nanaig sa puso ko. Masarap at malaman pa rin siya kung mangusap. Halatang may talino. Subalit, paano nga ba manunumbalik ang kanyang katinuan? Pinayuhan ko siyang mahalin na lamang niya ang sarili niya. Tama na ang paghahangad ng lalaking magmamahal sa kanyang ng isandaang porsiyento. Walang ganun! Mahalin niya na lamang ang kanyang mga anak. At, tama na rin ang kanyang panganganak. Nangako naman siya. Bago kami tuluyang naghiwalay, sabi niya nais niyang manirahan kami sa isang compound, kung saan kaming magkakamag-anak ay magiging masaya. Kay sarap pakinggan. Sana nga. Mayo 25, 2006 Kahit kulang ako sa tulog kagabi, dahil nag-isip na naman ako ng mga bagay-bagay tungkol sa aking karera, asawa, mga anak, at pamilya, ay nagising pa rin ako nang maaga. Pagbaba ko'y naroon na si Hanna. Hinatid siya ng kanyang stepfather ng bandang alas-5:30. Dahil pupunta ako kina Jano sa Boso-Boso, isinama ko na lang siya. Alas-8 ay naroon na kami. Doon na kami nag-lunch. Ang sarap ng mga niluto ni Jano. Na-enjoy at nabusog ako nang husto. First time kong magpaluto sa kanya. I'm sure, natuwa rin siya sa effort ko. Alas-3 ng hapon, umuwi na ako. Pagkameryenda ko, umalis naman ako sa Bautista para 'di ako abutan ng ulan. Kaya lang, inabutan pa rin ako. Paglabas ko sa Shopwise, saka bumuhos ang napalakas na ulan. Mabuti na lang at nadala ko ang payong ko. Kaya hindi ako nabasa nang husto. Mayo 26, 2016 Pumunta ako sa school para makabonding ang mga kaibigan ko. Mas pinili ko ang ito kaysa samahan si Sir Randy sa CUP. Hinihikayat niya kasi akong ipagpatuloy ko ang masteral ko. Ayaw ko pa. Hindi pa iyon ang priority ko. Maghapon kami sa school. Nagkuwentuhan lang kami nina Ms. Kris, Emeritus at Plus One. Mayo 27, 2016 Nasa Gotamco na ako ng bandang alas-8:30. Naroon na rin si Ms. Kris. Then, habang hinihintay namin si Emeritus, nagkuwentuhan kami. May ginawa na namang manipulation ang nag-iisang reyna ng inggit sa aming school. Nakakalungkot isipin na lagi na lamang siyang may kinakawawa. Quarter to 10, pumunta na kami sa Pasay City Hall para ipamigay sa mga incumbent city leaders ang mga invitation at solicitation letters para sa Brigada Eskwela. Sa kabila ng kaunting pagkaligaw at pagpapabalik-balik, naibigay naming lahat sa loob lamang ng isang oras. After lunch, sa Senate na naman kami pumunta. Hindi namin alam na wala silang pasok kapag Friday, kaya nasayang lamang ang aming pamasahe sa taxi. Excited pa naman akong makapasok doon. Di bale, babalik naman kami sa Lunes. Nag-stay kami sa Gotamco. Inabutan tuloy kami ni Mam Deliarte. Okay lang naman. Nag-enjoy naman ako nang wala pa siya, lalo na't tumawag pa si Sir Erwin sa telepono. Nagkabiruan kami tungkol sa PBB virus. Nakapagplano rin kami tungkol sa seminar sa stock investment bukas sa Makati, gayundin sa outing sa Laguna on June 4. Mayo 28, 2016 Eksakto alas-diyes ng umaga ay narating ko na ang venue ng financial literacy seminar--- sa The World Center Building. Nagsimula naman agad kahit hindi napuno ang hall. Marami akong natutunan, kaya lang hindi ko narinig ang inaasam kong lesson. Interesado ako sa stock market. Hindi nila iyon in-emphasize. Kailangan ko munang mag-attend ng series of workshop and seminar at magbayad ng membership fee na P3700 para ma-avail ko ang mga iyon. Although, may mga perks naman ang membership. Hindi pa rin nila ako naengganyo. Ipinakita ko lang sa speaker, na nag-orient sa akin, after ng talk niya, na interested ako. Ayaw ko lang ang idea ng membership fee. Hindi naman ako nagsisi sa pagdalo ko. Kahit paano ay may natutunan ako. May maidaragdag ako sa mga kuwento ko. After lunch, pumunta na ako sa Luneta. Masyado pang maaga para sa Chalk Art ng NCCA, kaya tumambay muna ako doon. At nang nagsimula na ang inaabangan ko, nag-participate ako. tumulong ako sa mga artist na kulayan ang mga sketches nila sa daan gamit ang mga colored chalks. Nag-drawing din ako ng sa akin. Nakaka-enjoy at nakakawala ng stress. Naging bahagi pa ako ng programa ng National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Pag-uwi ko nga ay nakapost na pala sa FB page nila ang mga pictures doon. Nakita ko ang picture na kasama ako, kaya shinare ko kaagad ito. Nakaka-proud. Mayo 29, 2016 Nag-stay lang ako sa kuwarto buong maghapon, kahit mainit. Wala naman kasi akong pupuntahan. Isa pa, kailangan ko ring maghanda para sa kick-off ng Brigada Eskuwela bukas. Isang linggo na namang pupunta sa school at maglilinis. Alas-4 ng hapon ay pumunta ako sa Gomez Mansions para makipag-fellowship. Welcome pa rin ako, bagamat halos dalawang linggo akong wala. Na-disapppoint ako kay Jeff kanina dahil hindi pa niya maibibigay ang pina-print kong t-shirt. Aywan ko kung ano ang naging dahilan, since nakapagpagbayad na ako. Gayunpaman, buong tiwala kong ibinigay sa kanya ang P3000 cash bilang down payment sa publishing fee ng 'Trip to Mars' book. I hope matapos na ang printing this June. Gusto ko nang magbenta. Mayo 30, 2016 Pasado alas-sais ng umaga ay nasa school na ako. Iyon kasi ang usapan namin ni Ms. Kris kahapon. Mag-aalmusal kami para may energy sa kick-off ng Brigada Eskuwela. Matagal bago nasimulan ang parada. Pero, wala pang isang oras ito natapos. Ako ang naatasang maging photographer. Ako rin ang nag-emcee. Okay lang. Ang mahalaga ay nakatulong ako kay Mam Joan V. Nagpameeting si Mam Deliarte after lunch. Tapos, may ginawa kaming annual plan. Pinaghintay niya pa ang mga dating grade leaders para sa isa pang meeting, kaya lang bigla siyang umalis papuntang DO. Naghintay naman kami, pero hanggang alas-singko lang. Dumating na si Epr. Matagal-tagal rin siya bago muling nakauwi. Sana magtagal naman ang stay niya sa boarding house namin. Nakakagana kasi ang kumain kapag may kasalo. Mayo 31, 2016 Hindi agad ako pumunta sa school. Iyon ang usapan namin nina Ms. Kris. Nakapag-almusal pa naman kami bago kami pumunta sa Senate para magbigay ng solicitation letters. First time ko doon. Hindi naman iyon nakakaintimidate, hindi dahil kasama ko sina Mam Dang at Mam Edith, kundi dahil marami naman ang nagsosolicit at humihingi ng financial assistance. Kami naman ay humihingi para sa school, hindi pansarili. Nagawa naman naming naipa-receive ang 23 na letters sa bawat opisina. Sayang nga lang dahil wala kaming naabutan senador. Nagkasya na kaming magpicture sa mga litrato nila, opisina, o pangalan. Ang pinakagusto kong opisina ay kay Sen. Santiago, my idol. Napaka-accommodating ng secretary niya. Pinapasok pa kami sa opisina ng senadora. Nakaupo pa ako sa kanyang swivel. Ang ganda ng opisina niya. Parang bahay. Sana andun siya... Pumunta muna kami sa GSIS bago bumalik sa school. May kinuha silang dalawa. Ako naman ay nag-change pin ng UMID card ko. Doon na rin kami nag-lunch. Alas-tres, nagyaya si Mamah na magmeryenda. Dapat lunch ang ililibre niya sa amin, kaya lang nasa GSIS nga kami. Ang saya at ang ganda ng kuwentuhan namin sa halo-haluan. Siyam kami. Mga Hideouters at Tupa. Kasama sina Ms.Kris, Mareng Baes at Mam Edith. Si Mam Sheila. Archie. Plus One. Mam Dang. Dapat magsisimba ako sa Gomez, kaya lang naiwan sa bulsa ng pantalon ko kahapon ang susi ng pinto. Umalis si Epr kanina. Hindi pa raw siya uuwi. Imbes, na pupunta na ako sa churchhome, gumawa na lang ako ng paraan para makuha ko ang susi sa loob. Hindi naman ako masyadong nahirapan. Nakuha ko agad ito sa loob ng limang minuto.

Baon sa Puso

 Baon sa Puso     Mga guro’t estudyante, uwian na noon, Sa mga gawain sa umaga ay nagutom Pagkapananghali ay babalik sa hapon.  ...