Poem 150 - Salawahan

Hindi ko inaasahan
Na ikaw any magugustuhan
Marahil ay nakalaan
Ang ating pag-iibigan.

Masasayang mga araw
Daig pa ang mainit na sabaw
Mundo man ay magunaw
Hindi tayo malulusaw.

Subalit biglang nag-iba
Ang iyong nadarama
Bigla kang nang-iwan
Nang walang dahilan.

Labis akong nasaktan
Puso ko ay nasugatan
Halos ikamatay ko
Ang biglang paglisan mo.

Ang masaklap pang balita
Meron sa iyong nakakita
May kasama ka raw na iba
At sobrang saya nyo pa.

Akala ko ay ikaw na
Ang tangi kong pagsinta
Ikaw pala ay salawahan
Nagpapaasa sabay mang-iwan.

Hindi ko akalain
Na ako'y iyong paikutin
Ikaw pala ay salawahan
At walang kasiguraduhan.

Quote 300 - Best Moment

Moment 150 - Motivation

It was almost midday when I arrived at the site.  I planned to visit a nearby falls which is about two kilometers away.  I was told that the best thing to visit the falls would be early in the morning for the sun is much more friendlier during that time.

Anyway, I thought that the trip to the falls was somewhat manageable based on my capacity and past experiences.  My cardio is always my problem during a hard and steep climb.  And as expected, I was really challenged during the first phase of the trip.

Though most of the time we were covered by the shades of coconut trees, the humid temperature and the heat of the sun made it a challenging climb for me.  For my two guides who frequent the place and climbing the mountain is part of their daily routine, I looked like a helpless and trying-hard climber advancing in a turtle-pace manner.  I could not remember the number of times I rested for some minutes because I felt like I was going to pass out.  As expected, a steep climb is always my worst nightmare plus the fact that I was trying my best to keep up with the pace of my guides.

We were already on the even ground when we caught up with a group of visitors who were on their way to the falls also.  I was surprised and amused because I happened to see a seven year old kid that is much heavier than me and managed to reach that far.  Wow!  At his young age and for a first timer given his bearing, it was really an effort for him and his family to made him go with them despite of the challenging path and his weight.  

Though I felt like I was pushing myself to the limits, my motivation was to reach the falls and enjoy its breathtaking view.  I found out later on from the family of that kid that his motivation was a mouth-watering burger.  Haha.  It was good that I also had the same stuff inside my bag otherwise I might droll over seeing this wonder boy enjoying his reward after a tough climb.

To Andre, my full admiration and respect.

Quote 299 - Fall

Random Thought 150 - Perfect Timing

When you think that hopelessness swallows your world, there's always a brand new start that will unfold before you.  All you have to do is to have faith and be patient for that perfect timing to change the course of your life.

The moment we will be tested by a circumstance, our suffering and hopelessness tend to devour us when no particular answer or solution is within our reach.  At times, the feeling of being hopeless together with grief that's bone-deep makes us miserable.  And living each day seems like a torment of hell.

For all of our sufferings, all we ask for is that one perfect timing to set things right and to keep us in the right track.  For how long we need to wait for that one perfect timing?  No one can tell when it will happen if ever it will happen at all.  Maybe the right question would be, how patient and tolerant are we to wait for that one perfect timing to happen?

Food Trip 149 - Banana and Choco Spread

Sometimes, when you are looking for something out of the ordinary to eat, there's no harm in experimenting.

One time, I ran out of bread and crackers.  Since I was too lazy to go out, I tried the combination of banana and choco spread.  I got this idea because I used to prepare banana split with choco syrup.

I prefer Latundan (a local variety of banana) to be paired with choco spread.  Since Latundan is not sweet unlike Lakatan or Senorita, it compliments the sweet taste of choco spread.  And for me, this combination provides a healthy alternative snack that's just hard to resist.

Poem 149 - Misery

I am still awake
In the middle of the  night
I am feeling blue
And it is a sorry sight.

I've been thinking of you
For quite some time now
I keep on wondering
What happened to our vow.

We promised each other
To love and to cherish
Through thick and thin
This life we will flourish.

But your heart changed
For reasons unknown
You just walked away
Leaving me so soon.

I say you are unfair
For keeping me clueless
You placed me in a limbo
Suspended and in darkness.

I am still hoping
And praying that one day
You'll find enough courage
To lift me up from this misery.

Quote 298 - With You

Moment 149 - Sunburn

When I go out before and having so much fun under the sun, just like any fair skinned Filipino, getting a sunburn is always a big no-no.  That was before.

Before, I used to hide in the shadows every time the sun is up and the heat is scorching hot.  Whenever I am exposed under the heat of the sun for so long, I easily get a sunburn.  My skin turns to red like that of a shrimp or a crab when cooked.  And getting a sunburn is no joke because it will require me some months to regain my natural complexion.

Nowadays, I am no longer anxious of my complexion.  Sunblock or no sunblock, I would simply indulge myself to the fun along with my friends.  Most of the time, the fun is out there in the open and not under the shade.  And the fun will not wait for the sun to hide behind the clouds or when the sun sets.

The aftermath?  Well, I don't mind pulling off the dead skin several days after.  Sunburn and dead skin will simply come to pass but the joy and fun-filled memories will last a lifetime.

Quote 297 - Tired and Weary

Random Thought 149 - The Color Blue

"How will you describe the color blue to a blind person?"

I do not know if we've been programmed that color blue is associated with loneliness.  Perhaps, because we have our sense of sight, we reflect the color blue as a color lacking in high spirit or it does not excite our senses.  Since we are able to see, our perspective of the color blue might be entirely different from that of a blind person.  Or maybe, I am also wrong about my own understanding of the color blue.

I guess I am lucky enough and also blessed to capture this image.  With this image, I don't feel a stroke of loneliness but only tranquility.  It is like a dreamy state and there's no room to be sad or worry about.  It also defies the notion that color blue is not exciting at all.  How could it not be exciting when the image reflects a heavenly state?  Maybe the experience is more for the soul rather than our physical senses alone.

Perhaps you might ask about the right answer to the question above.  I guess you can deliver a good answer based on your experiences and perspective.  And, in most cases, it is always appreciated when your response is geared towards a positive note.  

Food Trip 148 - Boiled Sweet Potato

Through the years, a taste of boiled sweet potato has been part of my existence.  

There are different varieties of sweet potato and the sweetest of them all is the deep yellow variety.  With this variety, there's no need to add sugar or other sweet stuff on it.  

For quite some time, I used to alternate this one with my regular rice meal.  Usually, I have a cup of rice for dinner or a couple of regular-sized boiled sweet potato.  Though I am not really into a diet, a lite dinner like having some boiled sweet potatoes really promote a good digestion and sleeping is really comfortable.  

Poem 148 - Bakit Iisa Lang Ang Kulay Ng Bahaghari

Nakaupo ako sa tabi ng bintana
Sinasariwa ang mga gunita
Nakatingin sa may kalayuan
Binabalikan ang nakaraan.

Kay ganda ng ating simula
Pag-ibig ang siya nating panata
Marami tayong mga pangarap
Sintayog ito ng alapaap.

Masasaya't makukulay na mga sandali
Mga ngiting sa labi'y namumutawi
Walang katapusang kaligayahan
Sa isa't isa tayo'y nakalaan.

Ngunit ang alapaap ay natakpan
Mga ulap na ang hatid ay ulan
Nagising na lang tayo kinabukasan
Kapwa bigo at naging luhaan.

Masakit tanggapin ang katotohanan
At sadyang madaming mga dahilan
Kasabay nang pag patak ng ulan
Inagos ang pag-ibig natin ng tuluyan.

Heto ako ngayon at nag-iisa
Tanaw ang alapaap at hanap ka
May bahagharing gumuhit sa langit
At napapangiti ako nang pilit.

Bakit iisa lang ang kulay
Ng bahagharing nakatunghay
Ako ba ay namamalikmata
O sadyang nag-iba na talaga.

Doon ko lang napagtanto
Kung bakit ako'y biglang nalito
Puno pala ng luha ang mga mata ko
Ang mga kulay ay napag-isa ko.

Quote 296 - Dream Come True

Moment 148 - Quiet Moment

I always love to go out and spend some time looking at things closely.  Normally, we used to see things the way others see them.  But the moment we can spare some time and look closer, only then, some wonderful secrets could be revealed before our very eyes.

All insects are busy with their own affairs just like us.  We know that these insects need to eat, find their mate, multiply, and they die.  Some of them live in a colony while others are in their solitude.  At times, I wonder, how the daytime insects spend their night and where are they during nighttime?

One time, I was able to wake up early and I lazily spend my early morning stroll in the garden.  The garden looks familiar because it remains almost the same everyday.  In short, there is nothing spectacular or extraordinary in the garden.  Or so I thought.

I am always thankful whenever I bring my camera around.  That morning out of the blue,  I tend to examine and had a closer look on what seemed to be an everyday sight of the garden.  In one of those seemingly ordinary sight, a quiet surprise awaits for me.  

I saw a sleeping damselfly though its eyes seemed to be wide awake.  I oftentimes encounter damselflies and dragonflies near a body of fresh water.  Usually, during the afternoon, dragonflies and damselflies tend to fill the whole of the grassy ground and within their spawning area trying to find their mate.  But when the light of day is gone, the dragonflies and damselflies are gone too.  I guess with the very sight that early morning answered my question as to where they go when it is already dark.

Quote 295 - Childhood Memories

Random Thought 148 - Rock Bottom

Sometimes, we allow ourselves to hit rock bottom before we learn how to swim to reach the surface once again.

Should we consider people who have not experience so much pain and suffering extremely lucky?  Or are we trying to compare our predicament to them and try to ask life of its unfair treatment because we seem to suffer more than the others?  Is there really a fair existence o a just suffering for everyone?

I do not know if there is already a predefined destiny ahead of us.  If so, could there'll be also a predefined circumstance for us that will test our faith?  Is the degree of this circumstance based on how strong we are or simply at random?

The moment we hit rock bottom, it seemed that life becomes a standstill of fear and uncertainties.  Though help may be available at certain instances, still, we are the only one who can dictate how we are suppose to face life in its darkest moment.  We will be lucky enough if we can learn how to swim in order to reach the surface once again and face life with a breath of fresh air and strong will.  But for others before us who simply dwell on the bottom and chose not to return to the surface again, most probably, they saw it fitting the way they end their journey.

Food Trip 147 - Beef and Broccoli

If there's a beef dish that I will never grow tired in liking, that would be beef and broccoli.

I've been trying to prepare this dish for several times but I always failed to come out with a good tasting and distinct sauce that can be rightfully claimed as beef and broccoli.  For this reason, I can't help but to order this dish time and again whenever it is available.

Again, I am fond of vegies but if the preparation is right, I can easily finish a good serving of this dish with much gusto including the broccoli.  For this reason, I always considered broccoli as a fitting partner of beef.

Poem 147 - Only A Memory

I stared into a dusky sky
Long after the sun had set
I've been sitting here for sometime
The place where you and I met.

The powdery sand makes a perfect place
A front seat to enjoy the view
Sunset is always a romantic moment
Where there's me holding you.

I can still remember our sweet nothings
The ones we whispered in the air
They make watching sunset wonderful
Until my world turned into despair.

It was just a matter of seconds
When the light turned into darkness
I am still sitting right here
Holding on from a scattered mess.

I can't remember for how long
Since you shared this spot with me
I find it hard to get over you
Even if you've become a memory.

Only a memory, that's what you are
A bitter sweet and unforgettable one
I don't know for how long I'll mourn
Keeping a memory of you after my love is gone.

Quote 294 - Smile

Moment 147 - Beautiful Stranger

I joined a group outing but I hardly know most of the members of the group.  I only happened to know a couple of friends that were part of the group.  But since the group was accommodating enough, I was thankful for that wonderful experience.

During our island hoping (and swimming as well), I mingle with some of the members of the group.  I should say, at least with the presence of some of my friends.  Since I was not familiar with the rest of the members of the group, this did not deter me from interacting with people whom I barely knew.  

Everyone was having their fun in the beach and as we all know, there are so many crazy stuff we can do.  I happened to mingle with a group who were cheering their lady friend because she was about to perform a stunt with the aid of her two male friends.  Literally speaking, I had my field day taking pictures of her and her group.  

After trying a couple of stunts in the water, I then asked her for a pose.  She laughed off at first of my request and she was somewhat shy to make a pose.  Eventually, due to her friends convincing remarks, she gave in to my request.  She gave one quick pose and most probably not her best at all.  But nevertheless, I was thankful of her time and effort.

My friend then approached me and told me that those people were not part of our group.  Haha.  It could had been an embarrassing moment if I was turned down point blank.  But time and again, a polite request and a smiling face always do wonders together with a camera at hand.

Quote 293 - Friend

Random Thought 147 - Survival

Survival is the name of the game.  And in order to survive, morals which are dictated by society are not relevant anymore when your very life is at stake.

Some people may question your actions about how you deal with your own survival.  To some, your actions may defy the so-called norms where it is not accepted by the society where you belong.  I guess, it is easy for them to say about the norms they are always preaching.  But when they are put to a situation where we are talking about life or death, can they really practice what they preach?

Survival is self-preservation and if we want to survive we will do everything to protect our life and our interests.  Our actions may be harsh and to some would mean unacceptable.  Again, this perspective varies to which side you are looking.  And with all hypocrisy, those who are not in your shoes would call your actions as uncalled for.  But if only they will experience the same thing, I guess they too, will move heaven and hell to protect their existence.

We could be a sinner or a saint.  We can only pray that we will never be tested by circumstance when survival would make us forget that there is no difference between the two.

Food Trip 146 - Coffee Flavored Ice Bar

I've been influenced by a friend to try an ice bar from Korea.  I never thought that the simple experience was like a good treasure hunt.

We always frequent convenience stores around the metro and try different stuff especially the new ones.  Since we are already familiar with the taste of common ice bars in famous convenience stores such as 7-11, a visit to a Korean store offered a big surprise.  

I am not really fond of spicy food and that was my perception of a korean store.  I never thought that there could be something that would offer something to fancy about.  And when my friend encouraged me to try an ice bar, I readily grabbed a coffee flavored ice bar.  

I am not a coffee addict or a coffee lover.  It's just a couple of years since I tried drinking coffee, mostly iced coffee.  I must admit that I like an ice-cold beverage over a hot one which include coffee.  For this reason, a coffee flavored ice bar caught my attention.  

Unlike other ice bar, it is not too sweet but its sweetness is tolerable.  What I like most about it is its strong coffee flavor.  

Poem 146 - Nagdurugo Rin Pala Ang Langit

Kasabay nang paglalakad ko sa kawalan
Siya namang simula nang pagpatak ng ulan
Parang nakikiramay ang kalangitan
Sa sobrang sakit na aking nararamdaman.

Dama ko ang mga malalaking patak
At binubura nito ang aking mga yapak
Di ko ninais na tumakbo at sumilong
Sa ilalim ng ulan ako'y nagpapakalulong.

Ang mabigat na dalahin ko'y nababawasan
Sa bawat pag tama nang patak ng ulan
Ang sakit na dala-dala ko'y nalulusaw
Pati na ang kasawiang naghuhumiyaw.

kasabay nang malakas na pagbuhos ng ulan
Tila ba naibsan ang aking kalungkutan
Marahil ay nakatulong upang maibsan
Ang mga luhang sadyang di ko mapigilan.

Nagdurugo rin pala ang langit
Animo'y nakakaramdam ito ng sakit
Dama nito ang pighati ng puso ko
At ang pagdurusang sinapit nito.

Nagpakalunod ako sa ilalim ng ulan
Pati na sa mga luha ng kasawian
Malaya akong kumawala sa kapighatian
Nang hindi napapansin ninuman.

Biglang naging maaliwalas ang kalawakan
At kasabay na rin ang pagtila ng ulan
Nakatawag pansin sa akin ang kanluran
Nagkulay dugo ang parte ng kalangitan.

Bakit naging kulay dugo ang kanluran
Dama ba hanggang langit itong kalungkutan
Paraan kaya ito ng kalikasan
At ako ay kanyang binabantayan.

Nagdurugo rin pala ang langit
Animo'y nakakaramdam ito ng sakit
Dama nito ang pighati ng puso ko
At ang pagdurusang sinapit nito.