Quote 292 - Blue

Moment 146 - Cruel Death

There are some moments where you'd rather wish not to witness the real and horrible act laid before your eyes.  

I do not know what got into me that particular moment when I happened to witness how fishermen do really kill their bounty.  For the longest time, it was only during that time when I had this reflection on how cruel death could be bestowed over a fish.  Though fishes are part of our food chain, it would be really hard on their part to experience their untimely death on the hands of the fishermen.

When a fish is taken out of the water, we all know that too much oxygen can kill it.  It is like gasping for some air the way a fish twitch and flipped but it is because of too much air which suffocates the fish.  If a big fish is caught using a net or a hook, you have to strike hard its head so that you will not wrestle with it and for the fish not to be able to escape.   And the most horrible act could be a forceful detachment of its gills to prevent it from fighting and struggling.

After witnessing the cruel death of a big fish, I entertained this idea about people becoming fishes and fishes to people.  The question is: If you are a fish, what kind of death you will prefer in the hands of your captives?

Quote 291 - Lost and Troubled

Random Thought 146 - Self-Serving Opportunist

We used to hear from our superior the phrase, "let's work together as a team and achieve our common goal."

In an organization, it is a given fact that everyone will be working for the common good of the organization.  We are being paid to do so.  We are expected to uphold the best interest of the organization that we serve.  Everyone is likewise expected to be an asset of the organization.  Yet, there could be times when self-serving interests cast their shadow over the one who's calling the shots.  That's the time when "you need to work together as a team and achieve the goal of your superior."

It is, more often than not, an ugly scenario where your superior has these big dreams to work for at the expense of everyone else at his disposal.  You will not definitely miss his flowery tongue all over the place but will never meet you in contact eye-to-eye.  Why?  Because such bastard simply makes you his pawn for his own game.

How many times you've been acknowledge about your good achievements in front of his superiors?  You'll be surprised to learn later on that all those credits are secretly tucked under his sleeves.  How many times did he say thank you to all your efforts because he is promoted or awarded some recognition because of the good performance of your team?  He might say "good job" to you but at the back of his mind "a better job" for him to make you work for his own good.

There are so many of them, self-serving opportunists that makes you their "pawn" at their disposal.  Beware of these kind of people because you will never get a lift from them whenever they step up the ladder.  The moment you will no longer of no use to them, you'll simply be forgotten and treated like an outdated stuff within the premises of the organization.

Food Trip 145 - Avocado

One time, my friend drop by at my place for a movie marathon.  But before he started his grand movie marathon, we went first to the nearby fruit stand.  It was the season of avocado.

I bought a couple of big size avocados which weigh a total of one kilo.  Since my friend also eats avocado, I took the liberty to prepare the fruit for the two of us.  

Using a spoon, I manually grated the fruit.  Once done, I then added a couple of spoonful of sugar and a good amount of condense milk.  And I heartily mix the serving and hand it over to my friend.  

Instead of accepting the cup with avocado mix, he looked at it and asked me what was inside the cup.  I told him that it was the avocado mix.  He said that the mixture was yucky and looked like a baby's poop.  He added that he would prefer avocado slices and dip it in sugar than eating the mixture like what I prepared.  I end up enjoying the avocado mix by myself. Hehe.

Exploring Philippines 145 - Antipolo and 'Rocky Falls'

Come our common free day, those who committed in our group to join our out-of-town photo trip backed out the night before.  Even if there were only the two of us, we pushed through with the plan because it will take again several weeks before we can go out again.  Our destination was Antipolo.

The name Antipolo was derived from the Tipolo trees which wee plenty in the area during the old times.  I remember eating the seeds of the Tipolo tree which are similar to that of Camansi and Nangka.  Anyway, the town of Antipolo is located in the province of Rizal.  Antipolo is famous because it is one of the favorite destination of the pilgrims especially during the lenten season.  Devotees would often walk coming from neighboring cities, for example from Makati, and would join other devotees towards the church in Antipolo.  The devotees would often start very early in the morning and before the sun rises because it is really a long walk towards Antipolo.

 

Aside from attending the Church of our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, a big come on also for the locals and visitors alike are the food stalls that lined up the area outside the church.  Antipolo is known for suman and cashew nuts.  Over time, more and more delicacies are being sold to the food stalls.  And some vendors are also kind enough to offer you a free taste of what they are selling.

After our brief moment in the church and within the premises of food stalls, we asked around for the location of a ‘rocky falls.’  We were surprised to learn that no one seems to know where the falls is located.   Before going to Antipolo, someone advised us to visit ‘rocky falls’ which is just near the area.  It was good because we were given the location where the so-called falls is located.  From the church, we hired a tricycle going to the place.

The tricycle driver was also clueless about the existence of the place.  Eventhough he was driving the tricycle for quite sometime, he has never heard such falls within the area.  Like us, he was also curious about the place. 

We took a long route and asked around about the place.  We passed the Ortigas extension and into a subdivision and went out into Marcos Highway.  The Marcos highway could be the shortest path hadn’t we known earlier.  Well, everything was part of the experience.  The moment we entered a particular barangay, the driver exclaimed that he knows the place and he was puzzled because there is no falls within the area.  He told us that there is a body of water at the top of the mountain.

The area that we entered is part of a mountain that is converted into a settlement area.  The only trace of the place being a mountain is its uphill/downhill slope and the rocks along the way.  We traced the road until we reached the end of it.  And we walked for several meters after parking the tricycle.

We reached the top of the mountain in no time.  Though it was high noon, the wind provided a cool relief for everyone.  There is a total 360-view of the whole place.  As we gazed around, there are still abundant tall trees in the vicinity and the area is still green.  But with the need for space, I wonder how long the mountains can hold unto their trees before houses and other structures would soon rise on their slopes.

We found out that the top of the mountain which was our destination was a quarry site.  There indeed a body of water in the area but it was a huge pond that catches the rain water.  When we asked some kids who were there that day about the ‘rocky falls’, they answered in unison that no such falls exists.  One of them jokingly replied that maybe the name ‘rocky falls’ pertains to the falling rocks come summer time and pointed to us a steep slope of the side of the mountain which is part of the wall around the pond.  He further added that with the rocks falling every now and then because of the remnants of the quarry, most likely, the place earned its name from it.  And we just laughed about it.

The pond was quite huge.  The people around the area, especially the young ones make this place their own haven.  Most probably, after the quarrying was abandoned, they found the perfect spot for swimming.  We saw kids and teens coming in by groups from either side of the pond.  And the pond becomes their instant free swimming pool. 

The pond is much bigger and wider than the olympic-size swimming pool.  Even with the influx of kids who would like to have a good day in the sun while enjoying a free swim, the pond can literally accommodate all of them.  It is indeed a haven for a hot and sweaty body to enjoy.

But then again, with the need for space, a couple of houses were already built near the pond.  It will not take that long before other similar houses will soon come to rise within the area.  The plight of this pond will be at risk the moment sanitation comes into the picture.  If the people who are living nearby are not disciplined enough to protect this pond, then sooner than expected, it will turn into a big dumping ground.

After some minutes, we left the place.  It was an epic-fail trip for us because we were actually looking for a good nature adventure.  Instead of a falls, it turned out to be a false.  Haha.  Actually, we were looking for some pictures of the place to validate the falls.  But since there is none, we just head on and explored it.  Anyway, everything was still part of our experience.

Poem 145 - Glory Of Your Love

It's been a long time
Since I last saw you
I can't help but to smile
Seeing the pictures of you.

Memories begin to flood
So abundant and very clear
They still remain fresh
Holding you year after year.

How will I ever forget
The most beautiful part
A life you have changed
And brought a brand new start.

You opened my senses
And life becomes exciting
I hardly noticed it
When you became my everything.

Life never felt so good
Since the day we're together
I kept on praying
That ours will be a forever.

But even for a short time only
What we shared becomes my treasure
You were always at your best
Even with life's simple pleasure.

To date, you're still the one
The best this life ever have
You make me smile all the time
Remembering the glory of your love.

Quote 290 - The Life After

Moment 145 - My Room

'I once had a girl or should I say she once had me.'  Sounds familiar?  It's a line from the song Norwegian Wood.

It's been a few years back when I showed my room to a girl.  Eventually, we shared it afterwards.  The happiness was incomparable and we began to dream.  

In moments like these, life becomes more meaningful.  When life takes another turn and gives you the opportunity to start a new one with the person you love, it feels like there's no other thing as important as the person in your arms.  You feel like you are holding a brand new world for all the good reasons and with so much joy.

By showing and sharing my room, I also allowed her to see the world.  She was delighted about it and she soon learned to explore on her own.  And my room was no longer enough for her for she dreamed of something big.

I am still here and stuck in my own room.  She's out there and the world becomes her room.  I don't know what went wrong or I simply could not keep up with her and her dreams.  I felt deserted but I am happy for her.  Though I love to have her and I wanted to share my room with her for the rest of our lives, some realities could not just come true.  

And my room?  I am starting to get rid of the cobwebs and dusts that's been there for the longest time already.  I guess a little makeover will be good.  And yes, I almost forgot about the window.  I need to open that one for a breath of fresh air and a good ray of sunshine to lighten up my place.

Quote 289 - Love

Random Thought 145 - Liars

When money is at stake, especially those who are learned and cultured have no word of honor or respect anymore.

I learned this hard truth when I helped some people during their time of need.  When I considered people to be my friend and family, I cannot bear the sight when they are in dire need.  Within my means and sometimes beyond, I try to extend myself because I love and I care for them.  But in the end, these very people that I helped would turn out to be my worst nightmare.

People who are financially challenged have different faces and excuses.  But these people have one thing in common. THEY ARE ALL LIARS.

I don't know what kind of people they are.  If you will not help them, they will curse you for having a non-caring and non-supportive heart.  The moment you help them, they are the ones who will avoid and make endless excuses and promises.  All of a sudden, they will disassociate themselves with you and behave like they don't owe you anything at all.  Sad to say, it is always too late for you to realize that these so-called friends of yours are the worst scumbags you've ever known.

Food Trip 144 - Ginataang Adobong Pusit

I always appreciate a small and cozy food eatery near my place.  The lady cook makes it to a point to prepare different viands everyday.  Unlike the other eateries where what they offer today remains the same all throughout the week.

It was just some minutes past 12 noon but the moment I got there, the food was nearly running out.  Since I not fond of vegetables, the only option I got was the pusit (squid).  When she showed me the food container for pusit, I got curious about the appearance of the food.  She told me that it was ginataang pusit.

Time and again, this lady cook is always my first choice. I would always ask for some new things she'll prepare and I am happy of how the way she prepares the food as well as its taste.  

Adobong pusit is not alien to me.  It is one of my favorite food especially when I am in the province and it is the season of pusit.  That time, I somehow got curious about the appearance of the food.  She told me that it was ginataang adobong pusit with bell pepper and eggplant.  I readily gave it a try knowing how meticulous she is when it comes to preparing the food.  

The pusit is thoroughly cleaned and then evenly sliced.  Its black ink had been removed when it was prepared.  It was sauted and cooked in thick coconut milk.  when the meat became tender, slices of pepper and eggplant were added.  And the taste?  If you are fond of eating something with coconut milk, you'll find this one an enjoyable one. Superb.

Exploring Philippines 144 - Palawan (Post 11 - Taytay and Puerto Princesa)

Very early in the morning during my last day, the whole family was busy.  I joined them while they were busy preparing their harvest.  They were about to transport the live lobsters and sell them to a dealer in Puerto Princesa.  They harvested almost all the lobsters in their cages.  Only the small ones were retained.

For the first time, I happened to witness the lobsters being put to sleep.  First, a lobster is put to sleep by placing that one in a pail full of ice.  They said that the cold temperature would make that lobster sleep or hibernate.  Once the lobster was no longer moving, they wrapped it with a couple of sheets of newspaper and carefully tucked in a styro box.  Once the styro box is full, they will secure the box by placing enough masking tape in order to preserve the coldness of the box.  And after they were done packing, we had to hurry and leave right away because their merchandise is fragile and I had a plane to catch.

It was a long drive towards the town of Puerto Princesa.  It took us almost 6 hours before reaching the dealer’s place in Puerto Princesa.  The return of their merchadise was quite hefty but there were several large lobsters that were no longer healthy.  Upon arriving at their house in Puerto Princesa, the lobsters that were not sold were cooked and they gave me a couple of them as my ‘pabaon.’

They dropped me at the airport two hours earlier my flight schedule.  After they left and after checking in my luggage, I decided to explore the town of Puerto Princesa.  I knew I still have some places to visit.  Since it is just a small town, my last adventure would only be quick.

From the airport, I rode a tricycle and I head directly to the Immaculate Conception church.  After whispering my short prayer, I visited the plaza in front of the church in order to get a better perspective of the church.  On the side of the plaza, lies Plaza Cuartel where several Americal soldiers were burned to death by the Japanese soldiers during the second world war.  And since it was almost dark, I decided to return to the airport and patiently waited for my ride home.

To the family of Eric, once again, my heartfelt thanks for a wonderful memory and experience of Palawan.

Morning Scene at Paly

Puerto Princesa 

Poem 144 - Sabihin Mong Mali Ang Pag-Ibig Ko

Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin mawaglit
Ang sigaw ng puso kong nagpupumilit
Ikaw lang ang tanging minamahal ko
Mula noon hanggang sa dulo ng buhay ko.

Hindi ko mawari kung bakit tanging ikaw
Ang pag-ibig sa puso ko ang syang pumukaw
Napapangiti kahit na walang dahilan
Tuwing kita'y maisip o masilayan.

Sabihin mong mali ang pag-ibig ko
Na sadyang inilalaan lang sa iyo
Sabihin mong mali ang pag-ibig ko
At hindi ito nararapat sa iyon.

Ang araw ko ay kinukumpleto mo
Kahit mabanggit lang ang pangalan mo
Ang saya ay sadyang walang mapagsidlan
Kapag ika'y makita nang tuluyan.

Siguro ay hindi mo ito napapansin
Ang sidhi nitong aking pagtingin
Sana dumating ang tamang panahon
Na ang tadhana tayo ay itataon.

Sabihin mong mali ang pag-ibig ko
At walang karapatan para sa iyo
Sabihin mong mali ang pag-ibig ko
Dahil sa iyo lang ilalaan ito.

Sabihin mong mali ang pag-ibig ko
Na hindi ito nararapat para sa iyo
Sabihin mong mali ang pag-ibig ko
Pero di ko isusuko ang damdamin ko.

Quote 288 - One Heart

Moment 144 - Kids Stuff

Kids nowadays are more glued to their electronic gadgets and prefer to spend their day playing in front of their computer and other handheld devices.  Most probably, this behavior comes with their generation.  

One time, I had a good flashback of my childhood days when I happened to see several kids playing their improvised toys.  When money is scarce, buying a new toy becomes a luxury.  And some kids have to live with that.  But kids always have this wild imagination and their minds will always keep their hands busy in order to have something as their toy.

During my younger years, we used to convert empty milk tin cans into our own version of toy cars.  Alongside with unwanted rubber sandals where we draw circles and cut them in order to make tires, a wire or bamboo stick to hold the rubber tires together, a string so that we can pull our toy car or a bamboo stick so that we can push it ahead of us.

Though we envy some of our friends who were always proud to display and brag about their new toys, still, life back then was not that complicated.  We don't have to ask someone to become our friend because the moment we were at play, one becomes an instant friend right away.  When we would quarrel over petty stuff, we don't click a button to unfriend someone or block someone.  The following day when we will play again, the thing of yesterday is easily forgotten.  And it is always good to play with your friends when they are physically around rather than having them online.

Quote 287 - Cry

Random Thought 144 - Being Neutral

It is hard to stay neutral.  Sometimes, you've got to take your side.  There's no room for being a saint because the game of the jungle that you're in is survival.  

When we are put to a test, actually our daily lives are tests, we tried to be rational at the onset.  We try our very best to remain in the middle, see and evaluate different perspectives.  We try to be objective and act accordingly with sound reasons.  That is, if we a have some luxury of tolerance and the situation proved to be less threatening.

But the real test comes into the picture when everthing becomes a make or break thing. If this happens, you definitely have to take a side.  And in most cases, it is always the side of self-preservation and survival.

Being neutral is a good thing.  You don't invite much conflict with people around you.  But being neutral also makes you less trusting because you cannot take a side when you are most needed.  

Food Trip 143 - Taho

For the longest time, I keep on ignoring taho.  I tried to taste it before but it was bland and my taste bud was not receptive to it.

Since I've been blogging for nearly three years now, one time, I decided to become more adventurous with food.  Whenever possible, I have to try this and that.  Though I have so much catching up to do and with my ignorance with food, I try my best to taste something even if it means closing my eyes and holding my breath. Haha.

One time, out of the blue, I was waiting for a relative in a particular place.  Since it was early in the morning and I had an empty stomach, I made up my mind to give taho a try.  A small plastic cup of taho costs ten pesos.  Holding a cup of taho, I tried to convince myself that it is a good food and I should taste it while it's hot.  And sipping taho on the cup, for the first time, I appreciated its taste.  Maybe, the idea is, a hot stuff for an empty stomach will do the trick. Hehe.

Since then, every morning whenever possible, I make sure to order a cup of taho.  One time, I learned a trick from a neighbor.  I got curious because they were handing over a drinking glass to the taho vendor.  I had no idea how much a glass of taho costs.  I followed them and paid the vendor 10 pesos for whatever amount will fill my glass.  And much to my surprise, the whole glass was filled.  Haha.  It is really pricey for a small plastic cup compared with a glass for the price of 10 pesos. 

And I almost forgot.  Taho is best enjoyed if it has an ample amount of arnibal (sugar syrup).  And I make it to a point to request for an extra syrup because it makes me alive and wide awake early in the morning.

Exploring Philippines 143 - Palawan (Post 10 - El Nido)

After one and a half hour of drive from the town of Taytay, we were already approaching El Nido.  It is not hard to tell that the place is already part of El Nido because of the mountain islands and most of them are limestone.  My excitement grew each second as we were nearing the town proper of El Nido.

The view of the place is awesome because the islands are like lining along the open sea.  As we drove further, the limestone wall of a mountain along the highway is simply breathtaking.  To the locals, the everyday sight of the mountain made of limestone is just an ordinary sight.  But for a newbie like me, such sight at the backdrop of your very home is something to be proud of.  And according the person that the family of Eric visited, the limestone wall is actually growing.

While Eric’s mom caught up with the lost time with the person that she visited, Eric and I roam around.  After walking just a couple of meters away, we found the pier.  This place is a gateway towards those beautiful islands and diving sites in El Nido.  This explains why there were so many bancas in the area.  As we gazed around, the nearby islands seem like an adventure in the making.  Unfortunately, we were not there to stay for so long.

If I had my way, I would like to explore the place on foot.  It was almost three o’clock in the afternoon and we need to hurry up because we still need to return to the island in San Vicente.  We roam the town of El Nido by van and there were really cool places, especially those facing the sea, that are worthy to be captured.  The open areas facing the sea could be a beautiful one especially during the sunset.  But that time, the sun was hiding behind the clouds.  And soon enough, it began to rain.

What I appreciate about a certain place, like in Palawan, is its lush green environment.  It seems like the forest in Palawan remains untouched.  May be perhaps on the mountainous parts where tall trees are proudly standing.  And as they used to say, when fog is very much visible during a cold weather, the place is a healthy one.  It is a rare opportunity for me witness a foggy environment and I was happy because I had another experience of that one here in Palawan.

It was past 5 in the afternoon when we reached the port in Taytay.  Since the helpers of the family of Eric were still busy loading the boat for the supply, we started to sail towards the island at around 6.  The rain that we experienced along the way from El Nido to Taytay stopped for some time.  But the moment we were already sailing, we experienced another downpour.

As we sailed towards the island, the darkness was slowly creeping and the fog was building up.  Since we were already going home, I decided to enjoy the rain shower.  It was also my first time to experience travelling by sea being surrounded by fog.  And it is no joke to travel like that because you only have a couple of meters that are constantly visible to you and you are surrounded by a white smoke.

The ones handling the boat are already familiar with the route.  They said that they can sail the boat home even with eyes closed.  They are also used to travel from the island as far as Coron and vice-versa and in worse weather condition.  That time, it was just like a walk in a park to them.  But they admitted that there were a couple of instances where they got lost and ended in other nearby island due to darkness and poor visibility.