Quote 309 - Listen

Random Thought 155 - Looking Forward To A Better New Year

A better and brighter new year is what we always look forward when our current and previous years were not that good.

To hope for the best, which includes the coming of the new year, is what we pray and look forward to when life becomes a little bit rough and hard.  We used to say that we will make up for those unfruitful and rough year with the coming of the new year.  The new year becomes our symbol of hope to become better and make the best for what it's going to offer for us.

Along with the promise of a new year, we should also do our part on how to address those shortcomings we have experienced.  No matter how bright and good the new year is, if we are not going to move and exert much effort, life will never be good at us.  As the saying goes, we will do our best and God will do the rest.

Happy new year to us all and may we will all be blessed a hundred-fold.

Food Trip 154 - Magnum Chocolate Ice Cream Bar

For sometime now, Magnum chocolate bar ice cream has become one of my favorite stuff.

I have a sweet tooth and luckily, I don't have any problem with sugar because our bloodline has no diabetes to worry about.  However, I got alarmed because I learned that diabetes can be acquired.  I am relieved because after my recent medical laboratory test, my blood sugar is still within the normal level.

Anyway, sweet food is my comfort food.  However, I try to minimize my intake of sweet stuff because I don't want to end up suffering afterwards.  There even came a time when I would consume a pint of ice cream every night.  I am thankful because I was able to distance myself from that habit which lasted for nearly a month.  Today, a bar of small chocolate or a bar of ice cream will do.

I love and enjoy the sweet and mouth watering Magnum chocolate bar ice cream.  I tried all its flavors but there's one that I don't appreciate.  Though I always crave for strawberries, I don't find the strawberry flavor of Magnum quite enjoyable.  But for the rest, I can feast on them with much gusto.

Poem 154 - I Refuse To Sink

I refuse to sink
To the bottom of the ocean
The reason of my struggles
There must be a greater plan.

It is never easy
Swimming against the tide
But it is a no no
To fold and cowardly died.

I refuse to sink
Even if the world is against me
I just cannot surrender
My precious life and my destiny.

I know the battle will be hard
And the process could be draining
But I have to hold on
Because this means my everything.

I refuse to sink
Even with the bleakest certainty
I have to hold my ground
And fight come what may.

You can pull me down
But make sure to give your all
The moment I bounce back
I'll hit you with your hardest fall.

Quote 308 - Hold On

Moment 154 - Jamil

Super typhoon Haiyan or locally known as typhoon Yolanda brought havoc along its path with gusty wind reaching as much as 300kph.  It seemed like it wanted to get rid of anything and everything in its path.  Those who happened to experience its wrath has their own ordeal to deal with and stories to share that will last their lifetime because this happened to be the worst typhoon they've experienced so far.

It was good that the next day, it was a clear and sunny day much to the relief of those who survived and heavily affected.  But the aftermath of the super typhoon is a sight that no one watns to see or be happy about.

Everyone in our locality started to get busy with their clean up drive the following day.  Very early in the morning, even before the sunrise, people were already lining up the streets cleaning their own respective areas of concern.

With so much trees brought down to the ground, garbage scattered everywhere.  But for kids like Jamil, everything seems like a play to them.  With the pile of leaves waiting to be collected or burned, the kids find time to paly with it and make fun of the moment.  Just watching the kids play, no matter how affected one was with the onslaught of the super typhoon, the kids provide some reasons for us to smile despite of the tragedy.

Quote 307 - Love

Random Thought 154 - Christmas

I have a friend, a street-smart one, who becomes the head of their family at his young age.  They lost their parents in a car accident and since then, he becomes the father, mother, and a brother to his younger sister. At the same time, he has a daughter to attend to but the child is under the care of the mother.  The mother of her child has a new family of her own.

This Christmas, at his young age, he is very concerned about the welfare of his sister and her daughter.  He is trying his best to give them a Christmas present and he felt pressured about the situation when money is scarce and hard to come by.  He has no permanent work and money normally comes from an errand or a short-job stint which he patiently endure.

Though he tried to be strong and resilient about the situation, just like the previous Christmases that came before, I could see in his eyes and through his words how he felt bad about the situation.  He felt frustrated but he always put up a brave face.  Actually, if you don't know him, you will not even know the kind of burden and suffering he is trying to cover up with this smiling face.  But deep inside, his every day struggles are constant.

Christmas is for the kids.  He tells me this line over and over again.  He can deprive his own wants of some Christmas presents for the sake of his sister and daughter.  He is trying his best to look for that job and bring home some money and perhaps be able to buy some presents to his loved ones this holiday season.  

I know that Christmas is a tradition but nowadays, it is more of a commercialism that brings pressure to people.  The minds of the people have been programmed already that every kid should be entitled a Christmas present.  The pressure lies upon the shoulder of the adults who are trying their best for the sake of the kids and for the kids not to be left behind by their peers.  I may not be in the right position to raise some concern about how Christmas should be celebrated.  But the mere fact that our observation of this season focuses on material things, what good does it bring?  Of course, it must be good for the business but not for the soul.

Food Trip 153 - Dried Shrimp

There are different varieties of dried shrimps in the country.  My favorite is the smallest of them all.

In our dialect, the smallest dried shrimp is called 'tampukal.'  This kind of dried shrimp is fine and smooth to eat.  We include dried shrimps in the preparation of vegetables, fried rice, and even in plain rice.  At times, I even pick a handful and eat it right away.

Quote 306 - Best Thing

Moment 153 - Praying Mantis

We were going down from the mountain after a brief sight-seeing of the pristine and valued pride of a particular place.  When we stopped along the way to take some pictures of a scenic spot, I noticed a praying mantis clinging at the edge of my pants just before I rode the motorcyle.  Most probably, I got that one when I stepped to the grassy part on the side of a road.  I did not bother to drive it away thinking that it will fly soon because our journey back to the station was still a long one.  Surprisingly, it stayed with me for the hole duration of the ride.  And before I stepped down from the motorcylce, it managed to climbed and stayed at the back of the motorcycle where I was seated.

Quote 305 - Light

Random Thought 153 - Friend

For some reason, when we feel we are all alone, someone comes along and offers his hand.

It is easy to look for friends when life is merry and abundant.  All sorts of people could be your friends especially if they need you and you have something to give to them.  But when you are forsaken by the world and becomes suddenly isolated, the so-called friends of yours will retreat to their own world and will no longer bother to be with you.  Only a few will be there for you in your most trying times.

In your most trying times, when someone comes along and happened to stay with you upon learning your sorry state, that person is worth a piece of your life.  Seldom you can find someone who will support you and give you strength for your day-to-day survival.  His mere presence becomes your shield and your strength to look at life in its new perspective.

And for every passing of the day, with a new found friend who is willing to take the risk with you, life becomes worth fighting for.

Food Trip 152 - Sa Malamig

There are simple things in life that's not really that expensive.  Take for example the famous 'sa malamig.'  

This type of refreshment is available almost all year round in almost every nook in the city where there are plenty of people.  The simple ingredients like sago at gulaman, buko pandan, buko meat strips, and even straight from the can pineapple juice.  Along with mineral water (or perhaps tap water), sugar, evaporated milk, calamansi - are just some typical add-ons to these varities of cold refreshments at a cheaper price.  Ranging from 3 pesos to 10 pesos per serving, your thirst of a hot day could easily be quenched.  

Poem 152 - Fool

I never learned my lessons
The ones you thought me
Through the passing of time
They're all the same all day.

You always have a way
To make certain believable pleadings
Only to my realization
That you have hurt my feelings.

When things go out of hand
You make so much promises
And for countless times
You're referring to end of days.

I cannot understand
Your being good at lies
You keep on fooling me
While pretending to be wise.

I used to adore you
Treating you as my own
But with your given interests
Someone you can easily disown.

I guess I have my fill
Of turning a blind eye
Therefore, I made up my mind
To you, I bid my goodbye.

Goodbye to you
And to your deceptive nature
I'd rather live alone
Than trusting you a doom future.

Quote 304 - Shield

Moment 152 - Grasshopper

We were resting by the roadside and waiting for our colleagues when I went around and starting poking at things that fancied my attention.  I was surprised to see several grasshoppers in a plant and I got curious.

From what I'd seen in a documentary about grasshoppers, the moment they multiply in numbers and become dreadful, they are called locusts.  They would devour anything along their way, including their kind.  That's the reason why they keep on advancing.  They were trying to avoid the one that is next to them because they won't hesitate to devour their own kind.

For quite some time now, I have not seen a grasshopper.  Urban folks are normally denied of this kind of sighting.  The sight of a grasshopper reminds of a childhood that was full of fun and full of life.

Anyway, I thought that the grasshopper on that plant was simply resting.  As I looked intently at it, I noticed that it was actually feeding.  The plant was local to that area and is included in the people's dish.  But what gave me goosebumps was the sight of more grasshoppers feeding on the same plant.  And seeing them feed on the plant, they can literally turn the plant into a skeleton in no time.

Quote 303 - Good Friend

Random Thought 152 - Bigger Than Life

I used to hear from old folks when I was growing up the saying, "You pull your own tail."  I used to wonder what it means until I learned its meaning the hard way.

There are problems that are bigger than us.  At times, some problems are bigger than life itself.  Lucky for us if these problems can be shared with people close to us for that's the time our problem is lessened.  But for problems where the burden cannot be shared with others even if they are most willing to share their shoulders, that's the time when problems become bigger than us.

It is a normal reaction to be frightened and be scared of the situation especially if the terrain is out of our league.  Adding more pain and suffering and not just insult to the injury is the abandonment of those people whom you regard to shield and rescue you because you are part of the team.  Worst of all, these same people who abandoned you are the first one to stone and condemn you as well.  All of a sudden, you felt like you are all alone in the face of this enormous problem.

We might heard other people say that "Their God is way much bigger than their problem."  I guess if we only have this mustard like seed faith, not even a bigger than life problem can wrestle us down.  

Food Trip 151 - Pancit Lomi

I do not really have a big gusto over pancit lomi.  May be because from the past, all those pancit lomi I'd tasted were not that appealing to the taste.

One time, my cousin invited me to go out and the moment we were hungry, we went for a foodtrip.  Since it was already early evening, I opted for a rice meal while my cousin preferred a light meal.  She ordered a clubhouse together with pancit lomi.  

The serving of pancit lomi is good for two. Since the serving is too much for one person alone, I had no choice but to get some spoonfuls of pancit lomi.  And for the first time, I feel in love with pancit lomi.

When you visit Max's and you're looking for something hot to eat, their serving of pancit lomi will definitely make your day and worth every peso that you're going to spend.  The taste of their pancit lomi is definitely awesome and I can guarantee you that it will instantly become your favorite food.

Poem 151 - Hey, Miss

Lagi na lang kita nakikita
Sa harap ng tindahan na nakatunganga
Para mo na rin itong opisina
Wala nga lang maniniwala na boss ka.

Simula pa lang nang pagputok ng araw
Hanggang sa ang dilim ay dumalaw
Nakaalis at nakauwi na ako
Nasa tindahan ka pa rin dyan sa kanto.

Sobrang nahiwagaan talaga ako
Kung anong klase kang tao
Kaya't nagtanung-tanong ako
Na-curious sa pagkatao mo.

Hey, miss, na tambay sa kanto
Di ko masabi na anong ganda mo
Di ko alam kung nagugustuhan na kita
At di ko pa magawang lapitan ka.

Hindi naglaon ay nalaman ko rin
Ang babaeng laman ng aking paningin
Hindi ko alam kung ano ang iisipin
Ngayong natuklasan ko na ang iyong lihim.

Marami pala ang mga raket mo
Malamang ay daig mo pa ang sahod ko
Ending, five-six, hulugang mga gamit
Dinaig mo pa ang bumbay sa iyong mga raket.

Isang gabi ng ako ay papauwi
Nakita kita na nanggagalaiti
Ang karga mong bata ay di mo mapatahan
Ang isa pang bata ay minumura mo naman.

Hey, miss, na tambay sa kanto
Gusto ko pa naman ang ganda mo
Di ko inakala na nanay ka na pala
Napakabata mong nakapag-asawa.

Akala ko ay dalawang paslit lang
Pero may humahangos pang isang nilalang
Ang tatay daw nila ay nagwawala
Lasing at hinahanap ka na yata.

Mura ka nang mura habang papaalis
Ang lahat nang madaanan ay parang winalis
Para kang siga sa iyong inasta
Tyak ang mga miron sa inyo ay magpipiyesta.

Ang buhay nga naman kung minsan
Sadyang kakatwa sa ating inaasahan
Subalit ito ang realidad ng mundo
Gaya ng babaeng tambay sa kanto.

Hey, miss, na tambay sa kanto
Talagang pinahanga mo ako
Ngayon ay nakilala na kita
Saludo ako dahil pambihira ka.

Quote 302 - Hold Me

Moment 151 - Army Dragonfly

Army dragonfly - we fondly call this species of dragonfly this kind of name.  May be because of its camouflage appearance.

During my younger years, along with the other kids, we used to chase dragonflies.  That was the time when there were still plenty of vacant lots within our place where trees, shrubs, and weeds grow.  There were so many dragonflies way back then - with different colors and sizes.  But for the past several years, I noticed that kids are no longer interested in chasing dragonflies.  May be because we seldom see them anymore in our place.  Or perhaps the games kids want play keep up with the modern times.

Anyway, as I was taking this picture, I really took my sweet time.  As the giant dragonfly was resting, my camera was almost a couple of inches away from it.  It seemed staring at my camera as I continuously took the picture.  Once, as if threatened, it flew.  But after a couple of seconds, it returned to the same twig and allowed me to take as much pictures to my heart's content.

Quote 301 - Comfort Zone

Random Thought 151 - My Motivation is To Get Even

Call me bad or even worst.  But I will not allow other people to stumped me to the ground.  I will not allow them to be rejoicing at my expense.  One way or the other, there is always a way to get even.

There are realities in life that we simply can't shrug off.  There are unscrupulous people that will take advantage of us especially if they will not get what they want.  There are also users that will try to use us and once they get what they want, they simply forget about their commitments or disappear.  Such scums are hard to forget and they always lurk at the back of our mind.

Just like the saying, there are hundred ways on how to skin a cat.  Same thing is true with these kind of people.  There are always different possibilities on how to get even with them.  If fair and diplomatic dealings will not work with them, then, they'd better prepare because there are some things that can always be tapped.  

If you are going to ask me if it will make me a better person the moment I will get even with these kind of people?  My answer is simple.  Don't make me your sacrificial lamb because of your evil intentions.  I can also play your evil games and even the unthinkable ones.

Food Trip 150 - Ginataang Tulingan with Pechay

From time to time, I tend to order a white meat dish over the red one.  When I was offered ginataang tulingan, I readily said yes.

For me, any form of dish cooked in coconut milk (gata) is always pleasant to eat.  Regardless if it is a plain combination of vegies, white meat, or red meat, still, the idea of coconut milk makes me want to try it even more.  

A slice of tulingan is wrapped in pechay leaf so that each slice will have a pechay leaf on it and it will make the meat intact.  I was surprised to find the taste of this dish quite good and seldom I encounter such a preparation.  Normally, each region in the country has its own way in preparing a dish and at times, one can easily identify the dish because of the manner it is prepared.