Poem 98 - To A Loved One

Life has its own reason
For things that are hard to understand
At times, I experience situations
Where problems seem so grand.

Answers are elusive
Blissful nights are so distant
Thoughts are wandering
Longing is an unwavering want.

It is hard to spend
A solitude in the darkness
Lying all alone
Embracing the air of nothingness.

Memories of a loved one
Are a constant reminder
That once upon a time
I experienced love's wonder.

To a loved one
Who opened a new world for me
Allowing me to see things
Beyond my eyes can see.

To a loved one
Who brought a different spark in my heart
Letting me feel loved and treasured
Like a valued piece of art.

Quote 196 - My Reason

Moment 98 - Target Shooting

There was one occasion where I got hold of a real gun and that was during my training in ROTC during my college days.

One time, a family friend invited me for a target shooting in a mall using an air gun.  I was quite excited about the invite but I was anxious because honestly speaking, I don't know how to reload a gun nor handle and aim it properly.  But just the thought of it, it would be an additional experience on my end.

My good friend knows how to handle and fire real guns.  Here in Manila, he owns a licensed gun and together with his brother, they oftentimes practice their shooting skills in some firing ranges within the city.  Way back in their hometown, I guess it is safe to say that their family owns several guns and given their vast property, he has all the liberty to practice and hone his shooting skills.

It was early afternoon when we entered the mall and went straight to the booth for target shooting.  As of this writing, the standard price for a set of 4 pellets is 10 pesos and we had 3 sets each.  We went for pistols first.  He oriented me how to reload it, aim it properly as I hold my breath, and take a good look at the target paper before I release my shot.  Well, my first set was good except that I did not hit any part of the 8x11 target paper. Haha.  The reason?  I was actually aiming using the front sight only.  For this reason, all my shots were all upwards and outside the target paper.

We spent our last two remaining sets on a rifle.  That time around, I really took my sweet time aiming at my target and I took a good look at the front sight and the rear sight to make sure that I'll improve my shooting skill. And I was happy with the results.

That first experience of mine got me addicted and whenever I have a free time, I would visit that mall just for a target shooting.  And through time, with each visit, I can now rightfully proclaim that I can also be a good marksman.  I can now hit the right spot.  Aside from the main objective to hit the right spot, I find this activity stress relieving.  And it also teaches me how to focus and be patient.  

 

Quote 195 - Smile

Random Thought 98 - Endless

Sometimes, the road seems endless and our travel is tiring.  But we still wait for the time when our journey will be finally over and our destination reached.

We are constantly on the road.  Perhaps we have not noticed it.  Maybe, it depends on the kind of road you may consider.  Some roads maybe long and endless while others may end at a particular distance or corner.  But when the road ends, we take another road for another journey.

There are situations in our lives that could be associated with a road.  Some of our struggles and aspirations could be like a road that goes on and on.  At times, we wonder if ever we will get there.  We might be asking ourselves if we have the capability and capacity to sustain the long travel.  What if, despite our best effort, we will never reach our destination?

For an optimistic individual, it does not matter if he'll eventually reach his destination or not.  As long as he knows that he give his all without any reservation, the lessons learned and the experiences gained along the way, could spell a big difference in his life as he embarks into another journey. 

The road could be endless and so with our struggles.  And our life is like an endless road where we don't have any idea what a next turn may look like.  But if we are determined to embark into this seemingly endless journey, a lifetime may not be enough to finish it.

Food Trip 97 - Piyaya

Piyaya is a pastry and believed to have its origin in the southern part of the Philippines.  Its main ingredients are flour and muscovado.

Whenever someone comes from Iloilo or Bacolod, a pack of piyaya is oftentimes part of the pasalubong goodies.  I use to consider piyaya as a flattened version of hopia.  Actually, I am looking forward for a piyaya with filling like that of hopia.

My reception of this pastry was lukewarm because the dough becomes hardened after some time.  I never knew that it should be heated again in order to experience its true taste.  Luckily, there are piyaya food carts along the vicinity of Lacson besides UST that sell freshly made piyaya.

A small portion of dough is rolled and turned into a small ball.  Pressing through the center of the round dough will create a small pouch where a filling is placed.  As of this writing, the available fillings are ube and caramel and I happened to love the taste of the former.  After inserting the filling and turning it into a round object again, the dough is now flattened and made sure that the filling will be contained inside the dough.  The moment it is flattened, it will be placed in a hot oven.  Since the dough is thin, it only requires several seconds to turn both surfaces into brown.  The moment brown blisters appear on the surface, it is now ready to be serve.

I really enjoy this food because it is fresh from the oven and true enough, it is best serve if it is hot.  A couple of servings prove to be enough to fill a hungry stomach.

Exploring Philippines 97 - Montalban, Rizal (Post 5 - Carugo Falls)

From the river to the falls would be a 20-30 minute walk. The moment we got there, we saw a group having a picnic and taking pictures on the falls.  The Carugo falls does not appear grand compared with the other falls I visited.  But it is modest enough because of its appearance.  The black rock formation where the water is flowing provides a good contrast.  One can go near the base of the falls and enjoy a good hydro massage.  The people in the area cleared the side of the falls and made steps for better accessibility.  At the top of falls, the flow of the water is just like any ordinary river or stream. 

As we continue our exploration, we encountered another falls.  The farmer in the vicinity told us that the small falls is only available every rainy season.

We further our quest upstream.  We met along the way some locals who happened to have a good time somewhere else.  Along the course of the river, rocks of all sizes and shapes unfold before us.  Actually, the river bed is made up of rocks.  Since it was raining that day, we had to be extra careful of each step we make because a fall could be a disaster.

We ended up on top of a secluded basin with a good volume of rushing water.  The basin is wide and deep enough for several persons enjoying a good dip at the same time.  Most probably, the ones we met earlier came from this spot. 

Since we were going deep into the place and according to a local, there is no more to see beyond that part, we decided to call it a day.  

Poem 97 - End of Summer

It was the end of summer
When she walked away from me
I was searching for the reasons
Why she suddenly left me.

We were still okay then
Before the end of summer
No quarrels, no tensions
Just our sweet time together.

I tried to seek some answers
Why she left without saying goodbye
I have no clues at all
And I am still wondering why.

It was the end of summer
When it started to rain
The raindrops got me wet
But my heart died again.

I was out in the open
When I got soaked in the rain
I got relieved from the heat
But not with my heart's pain.

I did not bother to seek shelter
It was much better out here in the open
So that no one would ever notice
My sufferings blending with the rain.

It was the end of summer
When my heartbreak was unforeseen
Just like with the sudden downpour
The sun was up and yet it rain.

Quote 194 - Happy Soul

Moment 97 - Cholo and Hazel

It was summer of 2010 when I asked this young couple for a fun shoot to which they readily agreed. I happened to know them for barely a year and since we have already established a good relationship and they were not preoccupied that time, they quickly accepted my invitation.

We settled for a sweet spot under a big tree. Since the sun was already over head, the shade of the tree provided a good shield for all of us. It was their first time for this kind of shoot but since no acting was needed, they were simply at their usual ways. They were so cooperative and I did not have any difficulties directing them. 

I still see this sweet couple from time to time and I am happy that their relationship is getting stronger. What I appreciate about them is their being friendly, courteous, and soft spoken. They always have their sweet smile whenever we see each other.

Quote 193 - Courage

Random Thought 97 - Optimism

I am given a privilege to spend some time with a young friend who has a sound disposition in life.  I am surprised because in such a young age, he exhibits so much optimism in almost all of his endeavors and dealings.

When I am facing the toughest and darkest moment in my life, we always have a friendly discussion about some things especially the way I look and handle my life.  It's a part of my personality to always consider the worst case scenarios that might take place but he will always remind me that such kind of attitude will eventually kill me.  He will always point to me that I should never lost that faith and look at the brighter side of life.  And most importantly, he will always stress that as long as I know what kind of person I am and as long as my family and friends know the kind of person I am, the hell I should care about others who are trying to put me down.

How I envy him of his optimism.  He is one of my friends who continuously sustain my day-to-day existence.  Because of him and the rest of my friends and together with my family, I made a promise to myself that my life should never be controlled by those people whose hearts are full of hatred.

Food Trip 96 - Strawberry

I had my first taste of sweet strawberries when I joined a field trip to Baguio city.

Every time I visit Baguio, I always make it to the point to indulge myself in its sweet strawberries.  I learned that the cheaper ones are those being sold by vendors along its street and on the parks.  The marketplace which houses stalls of fruits, including strawberries, oftentimes sell strawberries at a higher price.  But if you really wanted to have those big strawberries, the marketplace is a perfect place to look for.

When it is about time to leave Baguio, I also make it a habit to bring along some packs of strawberries.  And most of the time, half of them only reaches home.

In Manila, strawberries are also available but a bit more expensive, the sizes are small, and for some reason, they somehow lost their sweetness.  From time to time, just to satisfy my yearning, I would manage to bring home some packs and content myself like a kid.

Exploring Philippines 96 - Montalban, Rizal (Post 4 - Montalban River)

The side of the river we were in that time was one of the deepest.  We happened to see a woman with some supplies riding upstream on her bamboo raft.  The people here are blessed with a good river and more importantly, they can use this one as a means for transportation.  Anyway, as we tried to survey the area, there was no way we can cross this part of the river.  We had to retrace our steps and follow the trail of those who were crossing on the other side.  And the shallowest part of the river crossing was almost thigh high.

Luckily, there was a couple of teens who were riding their bamboo raft that came over to our side.  We asked for a ride across and paid them 20 pesos.  I was the one who rode first, a test ride for the three of us who were trying to assess if we could really make it to the other side.  I was a bit scared as I sat squarely on the other end of the raft because a couple of bamboo pieces where I was squatting were loosely tied.  I don’t mind landing on the water in the middle of the river but with my camera, it would be a sorry sight.  Since, we had already committed ourselves to cross the river, we simply hoped that we’ll hurdle this one safely.

The moment Ayo and Jay saw me on the other end with all smiles, they were obliged to follow.  Ayo came next with no difficulty at all.  When it was Jay’s turn, we were bullying him because the raft had to struggle because of his weight.  And in the middle of the river, some pieces of the raft almost got untangled and we could see the alarming situation especially in the face of Jay.  It was good that the trip was short.  Otherwise, it would be a disaster.  Well, we just made fun of the experience and went directly to the falls.

Poem 96 - Mukha

Nang una kong masilayan ang iyong mukha
Ito'y mistulang isang magneto, ako'y napatulala
Animo'y isang anghel na bumaba sa lupa
Kay ganda, kay amo, napakatalinhaga.

Napakasarap tignan ang mukhang iba sa pangkaraniwan
Sadyang takaw-pansin, di kailangang ipagpilitan
Kay sarap tingnan ang bawat anggulo
Bawat parte, nanaisin kong masaulo.

Ah, sadyang nakakabihag ng puso
Napaibig ako kahit di ninais nitong puso
Ang mukhang inosente at walang ginagawa
Masilayan ka lang, itong puso'y walang kawala.

Sadya sigurong ginawang makapangyarihan
Ang mukhang kagaya mo na kaibig-ibig pagmasdan
Upang magbigay saya at inspirasyon
Sa kagaya ko, ibayong saya ang pabaon.

At sa pagdilat ng aking mga mata
Ay baon ko sa gunita ang taglay mong ganda
Isang simpleng bagay na tiyak di mo pansin
Pero isang alapaap ang hatid sa akin.

Siguro sapat na ang pagkakataong katulad nito
Ang ika'y maging inspirasyon dito sa puso ko
Sapat na ang ligayang laging hatid mo
Sa tuwing masisilayan ko ang mukha mo.

Hay buhay. Alam mo iyon, walang kahirap-hirap. Kahit di ngumiti, mukha pa lang, ulam na.

Manang! Kanin pa nga. hehe

Quote 192 - Provider

Moment 96 - Playful Kid

It has been my ardent desire to have a picture of the Quiapo church.  Though, at any given time one can freely take a picture of the said church, it is always a risk taking out your camera in the open in this part of the town.  Precautions should be observed especially if the place has a gray character.

As I tried to find a good spot, avoiding all those wires and unnecessary structures, I found a good one near the place of a card reader.  I tried to converse with the old woman as I took my sweet time finding a good angle of the church.  As I began to take pictures, a passing kid took noticed of what I've been doing.  And he presented himself to be my subject.

I then directed a kid to position himself. Every time I cued for the shot, he would do his thing naturally.  For each shot, he would come near me and see for himself his picture.  And he joyfully exclaimed each time he saw his pic.  

And just like any ordinary kid his age, his focus in our picture taking was short.  He don't want to listen to my instructions anymore and became importunate.  I gave him something so that he can go his way and I can resume to my picture taking activity.

Quote 191 - Great Affection

Random Thought 96 - Feeling Short

If we feel good about ourselves, despite of our imperfections, we also look good.

How many of us are able to experience belittling ourselves because in our very own eyes, we fall short of what we think the world measures us.  At times, we become envious with others. 

If we think we lack certain aspects especially our physical attribute, we tend to look up unto others that may fill that void.  We set certain criteria on how we should look like.

We have to remember that our imperfections make us beautiful and special.  Each one of us are not born perfect.   There are always some things that make us different from other individuals.  What makes other stand out and beautiful from the rest of us, is how they carry themselves.  Though they have their own imperfections too, they make use of what is beautiful and good in them.

So, instead of dwelling in our misery of self-pity and want on things we can’t possibly have, it would be much better to appreciate and nurture our assets.  And if possible, we can always find ways in order to develop our limitations into something that is beneficial for us.

Food Trip 95 - Bulalohan sa Espana

Bulalohan sa Espana is a 24/7 eatery located just across Meralco in Espana near Welcome Rotunda.  According to a colleague, this eatery serves one of the best bulalo dish in town.

One night, beyond those ordinary times, I decided to gave it a try.  I visited this place and ordered bulalo.  It was good that I asked first about their bulalo dish because they had actually two bulalo dishes: bulalong pata and the all time favorite bulalo with bone marrow.  The bulalong pata costs 60 pesos and has a sour taste while the other bulalo dish contains ample beef and costs 118 pesos per serving.  I ordered the latter.

The counter has several bowls of bulalo dish on display but I opted to select a serving which they also permit.  I was surprised because their serving is actually good for two persons.  And with the overflowing bulalo soup on the side, a belly bursting meal can be enjoyed to your heart's content.  On my end, since I ordered two cups of rice because of excitement, I found it afterwards to be more than I can afford to eat.  But since I was not in a hurry, eventually, I was able to finish my food.

And its taste?  It was the best within the area of Espana so far.

Exploring Philippines 95 - Montalban, Rizal (Post 3 - Montalban River)

The moment we had our fill with the vicinity of the dam, we climbed up and continued our journey towards the upper part of this place.  We passed through a channel, still on the side of the mountain, which connects to the abandoned watch tower of the dam.  Some locals managed to build their houses and tucked them on the sides of the mountains and personally, I viewed that one as an eyesore to the visiting tourists aside from being illegal and improper.  I hope that the local officials will not tolerate such acts and direct these people to find a more suitable place to build their houses.

Anyway, the moment we approached the still waters of the dam, cottages were waiting for visitors and bamboo rafts were silently feeling the coldness of the river.  We were approached by the locals, offering the cottages for some modest amount but we were on the move.  We asked for a rent of the bamboo raft and its cost was 100 pesos for a three hour ride.  It would be fun riding a bamboo raft and it would be an added for Ayo and Jay but the three of us were apprehensive because we had some gadgets to protect against getting wet. Instead of riding the bamboo raft and cruise on the river, with the raft still tied on the peg, we just asked for a quick ride and took pictures of one another as a souvenir.  The gigantic mountains on the background provide a good backdrop for our photo ops.

After covering some more distance from the cottages near the dam, we stopped and continued to take more photos.  We planned to follow the path of the river upstream but when we asked some locals what lies ahead, they simply lament that what we were seeing that time will still be the same scenario that awaits us upstream.  We inquired about some other worthy offering of this place, like a waterfalls perhaps, and we were glad when they directed us on the adjacent part of the mountain.