Poem 159 - The Ride Home

The ride home is like a race
As the wind rush to my face
The sun sets in the west
While the full moon shines in the east.

I yearn to be home the soonest
To be in the fold of my love dearest
The ride seems slow and a bit tiring
The desire to be home is ever wanting.

The light and darkness collide
Along with our pace in stride
The thought of you waiting for me
Is a great consolation there could ever be.

It's just a matter of time, they say
Where home will be an arm's reach away
The excitement keeps my spirit alive
Hoping that everything will jive.

Quote 318 - Soul

Moment 159 - Crab

While we were swimming, a friend took noticed of a hole in the sand beneath the water.  He took his time looking at the hole and he exclaimed that a resident crab was inside the hole.  We joined him and patiently waited for the crab to show but it seemed the crab was a shy one.

When we transferred to another location and killing some time while enjoying our take at the beach, a lady friend almost bumped her head at the hanging limestone wall where we opted to stay.  The reason for her excitement was the crab that went out of the water and most likely it was looking for something to eat.  When the crab went to our midst, we were almost whispering to one another in order to make the crab stay.  

Since some movements among us could not be avoided, the crab started to dug in the sand in order to hide itself.  If you happened not to see the crab, you will not see it because its color is similar to the color of the sand.  Fortunately, I was quick enough with my camera and I was able to take a picture of that crab.  Or should I say, the crab barely winked while looking straight at me figuring out what I was doing thus giving me enough time to take a picture of it.  After lifting the camera off its face, the

crab dug the sand as fast as it could and hid itself as if we did not knew it was there.  Hehe.

Quote 317 - Moment

Food Trip 158 - Labit

We call the sagging portion of cows neck as 'labit.'  Labit is one of the most sought after part of the cow in our place.  The most common dish being prepared with labit if what we call 'caldo.'

After thoroughly cleaning the labit, it is sliced into desirable chunks.  For commercial consumption, it is normally prepared in slices like half of one's palm.  It is boiled until it becomes tender.  The 'caldo' dish is more of a soup with only the labit as its main ingredient.  For others, they add vegetables just like preparing a regular meat dish.  But with or without vegetables, I simply love it.

Poem 158 - Pasahero

May isang magandang pasahero
Na pinasakay ng driver na kaskasero
Lahat ay nabighani sa kanyang ganda
Halos lumuwa ang kanilang mga mata.

Umupo sa bandang gitna ang dalaga
Ang maigsi niyang damit ay umurong pa
Pasimple kung sumulyap ang karamihan
May naglalaway pa at gusto siyang hubaran.

Ang matandang dalaga ay halos himatayin
Sa ayos ng katabi ay para siyang aatakehin
Panay ang himas sa kanyang rosaryo
Na para bang nakakita ng isang maligno.

Ang magsyota sa tapat ay nag-aaway na
Todo selos si babae sa gandang ipinagkait sa kanya
Si lalake ay hindi maalis-alis ang tingin
Kulang na lang ang mga mata niya ay bubulagin.

Ang magkakabarkada ay panay ang bulungan
Sila ay nag-iinit at simulang pagpawisan
Kung makatingin akala mo ay gagahasain
Ang dalagang kaakit-akit sa kanilang paningin.

Maging ang driver ay hindi mapakali
Sa salamin nakatingin at hindi sa kalye
Mahigpit ang hawak sa kanyang manibela
Pati ang kambyo ay pinanggigilan na.

Walang anu-ano'y ang lahat ay nagulantang
Ang dyip sa gitna ng kalsada ay nakahambalang
Nalubak ang dyip sa bukas na manhole
Ang isang pasahero ay biglang nagkabukol.

Ang loob ng dyip ay biglang nabulabog
Ang mga pasahero ay unahan sa pagsubsob
Halos magkahiraman sila ng mga mukha
Sabay mura sa driver ng 'walang hiya.'

Ang driver ay halos hindi makangiti
Dumugo ang bibig at ang ngipin ay nabungi
Napakamot ng ulo sa sinapit ng pasada
Ng dahil sa pasahero sila ay nadisgrasya.

Kahit na karambola ang kanilang kinalabasan
Ang mga pogi ay abot-langit pa rin ang kasiyahan
Nagkaroon kasi sila ng magandang dahilan
Upang ang magandang bebot ay kanilang mahipuan.

Ang magandang pasahero ay halos mahubaran
Halos lahat ng lalake sa kanya ay nakadagan
Napangiti na lang siya kahit masaklap ang sinapit
Agad na nag-ayos ng sarili at tumayong pilit.

Sino nga ba ang may kasalanan
O sadyang dumaan lang ang kamalasan
Pero ang bunton ng sisi ay sa driver na pasaway
At di nakapagtimpi sa alindog ng kanyang sakay.

Quote 316 - Letting Go

Moment 158 - Tarantula

I have a friend who is really good in raising animals.  He only discovered his gift some few years back.  After some time, he begins to raise different animals with breed together with some exotic insects.

Every time I go to his place, the very first thing that I will do is to examine all his pets especially the caged one.  His place is like a mini-pet shop.  He said that if he only has a bigger space, he would like to expand his collection.  And why not?  During rough times, his pets provide him some financial relief.  He said that it is rewarding especially if you own some rare species.

One time, he showed me a tarantula which he raised for some time.  He proudly said that it was still so small when he got that one and that particular time it was already so big.  He even lifted the spider out of its glass cage and showed it to me.  He said that he is somewhat immuned of the poison coming from the spider's hairs every time the spider got threatened.  And somehow, the spider gets to recognize him.

As much as I wanted to touch a spider that big, the fear of its bite as well as the poison coming from its hairs is not a welcome thought for me.  I have no allergies when it comes to spiders but with a tarantula, I really cannot tell.  I just content myself getting a close up picture of the insect and barely touching that one.

Quote 315 - Burning Bridges

Food Trip 157 - Fried Tabios

During the start of the cold season, fish fry is plenty along the shallow water of the sea as well as in areas where the fresh water meets the salt water.  This is one perfect place for newly hatch fishes thrive.

Tabios are fingerlings which will eventually become large fishes in a matter of weeks.  In some areas, local governments prohibit the harvets of these fingerlings while some remains passive.  

Whenever tabios is available, it is always the fresh catch that the vendors will be selling in the streets.  I would usually prepare this one with a combination of water, tomatoes, onions, ginger, salt, and a pinch of monosodium glutamate.  After boiling all the ingredients for some number of minutes, a hot dish of tabios with soup is always a welcome treat.

One time, I tried to reinvent the leftover tabios dish.  I drained the soup and add a couple of fresh eggs and fried it.  Though it did not looked like a scrambled fried egg because the egg component was not visible, still, the addition of egg adds more taste to the dish.  And with fried tabios that's good to the taste, I am already thinking of other vegies that I would like to include the next time around.

Poem 157 - Salamat, Kaibigan

Sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon
Ako'y nadapa at nahirapang makabangon
Sadyang napakasaklap nang sinapit ko
Daig ko pa ang sinakluban ng mundo.

Pakiramdam ko ay katapusan ko na
Nakalugmok na ako at nahirapang huminga
Anong delubyo ang pangyayaring ito
At sobrang malas naman ang inabot ko.

Salamat, kaibigan, sa pagdamay mo
Salamat at inabot mo ang kamay ko
Muntikan na akong mawalan ng pag-asa
Pati itong buhay ay bibigay na sana.

Mahirap pala kapag dapang-dapa ka na
Ang mga kakilala ay naglalahong bigla
Sa hirap kung saan mo sila mas kailangan
Iilan lang ang iyong pwedeng makakapitan.

Isa itong masakit na katotohanan
Kapag kasawian na ang pinag-uusapan
Silang mga taong itinuring nating kaibigan
Lumalapit lang sila kapay may kailangan.

Salamat, kaibigan, sa ipinakita mong kabaitan
Langit ang hatid mo sa gitna nitong kapighatian
Salamat at ako'y hindi mo pinabayaan
Habangbuhay kitang laging papasalamatan.

Quote 314 - At Peace

Moment 157 - Smoking

When I was younger but working already, I did try to smoke.  

I had a co-worker and a close friend during that time who smoke from time to time.  He is not a chain smoker because he used to finish a couple of sticks only for a day.  I guess it was already part of his routine, especially after having lunch, to light up a stick of cigarette.

When I was still a kid, my older brother who was a smoker also used to warn me about smoking.  Though he could not stop smoking that time (eventually he stopped after so many years), he would sternly warn me about taking a cigarette.  He would tell me to better drink liquors rather than taking a cigarette. Most likely, he already knew that smoking is not a good habit after all.

Going back to my co-worker and friend, he did not enticed me to smoke.  What made me tried to taste a cigarette was the plain idea about the way he would hold the cigarette between his fingers.  Even if he was not lighting that one, he was really good at it and it seemed cool to me.  It was like a kind of "statement" and he was sending that kind of message to me.  

Out of the blue, I tried one.  But after a couple of puff, I threw it away.  I could not withstand the smoke, the awful smell of my fingers, and the coughing because it made my throat dry.  I guess, smoking is not really my thing.

Quote 313 - Thank You

Food Trip 156 - Tutong

We were preparing suman for the observance of All Saints day.  It has been part of our tradition to prepare something no matter how modest it is in order to give thanks and remember our departed ones.

Most of the time, we are cooking our food with the use of charcoal or wood.  With charcoal or wood, the cooked food has this certain taste compared with using gas.  

Since the heat of charcoal could not be totally controlled unlike with a gas stove, there is always a tendency that the bottom of the cooking pot will contain overcooked rice that turns from brown to black.  We call that one in our lingo as 'tutong.'  What we found out with 'tutong' of the sticky rice was it is more pleasant to eat compared with that of the ordinary rice.  Since it does not stick at the bottom of the pot, it does not turn hard.  When it becomes cold, it makes the 'tutong' of sticky rice more enjoyable to eat.

Poem 156 - Eve of New Year

It is the eve of new year
I've been waiting for you here
For the longest time ever
Waiting feels like forever.

Where in the world are you
There's no trace even your shadow
Suddenly you disappear
And not wanting to be near.

What makes your change of heart
For my world is breaking apart
I've been longing for your embrace
It's warmth and love I surely miss.

I am not a mind reader
And surely not a heart breaker
I'm sure we can talk things over
And hold on to our forever.

Here I am, patiently waiting
Staring at the sky, praying
Be safe wherever you are
Come home and my love will heal your scar.

Quote 312 - Falling

Moment 156 - First Love

We were on our way towards the beach when I happened to see a face so familiar and that has been embedded in my heart already.  

First love never dies.  I must say this one is true.  It is a kind of love that no matter what happens, that person will always stay in your heart and forever will remain special. 

Actually, my puppy love and first love was with the same person.  I was lucky enough that I happened to experience such a wonderful existence.  And the feeling was overwhelmingly great.

That late afternoon, I was rearing to catch a good sunset because the sky was already clear.  She sat at the concrete bench outside the gate of their house.  With just a glance at her, my heart already knew who she is.  Upon seeing me, she smiled at me.  That afternoon, it was still the same smile that melts my heart up to this time.

How time flies.  We were both young and just starting to explore the world when the magic suddenly happened.  I can still vividly recall all those fancy moments that we had together.  That time, we concealed our special feelings to others because of our tender age.  We were happy with what we had and the rest is history.

Though we parted ways without even formalizing it, our respect for each other is always there.  We talk, smile, and laugh like old times.  I am proud that she became my first love and she will always remain in my heart.

Quote 311 - Dream Come True

Food Trip 155 - Suman at Latik

Every time there are special occasions such as new year, birthdays, all saints day, and xmas day, one will expect that there's always a family that will prepare suman.

Suman is a local delicacy made from sticky rice.  The sticky rice is cooked like an ordinary rice.  The coconut milk is then boiled until latik is formed.  Latik and oil are the results of boiling the coconut milk.  Once latik turns to golden brown, it is then removed from the pan.  

Muscovado is then added to the oil in the pan.  The muscado needs to be dissolved before addind the cooked sticky rice.  Once the sticky rice is added, it needs to be stirred vigorously in order to fully integrate the mixture of muscovado and coconut oil to the sticky rice.  The latik is then added as the toppings of this delicacy.

In our place, we oftentimes prefer to eat latik alone instead of topping it to suman.  It is good to the taste while latik is still hot.  Once latik becomes cold, it is no longer appealing to the taste.

Exploring Philippines 146 - Feast of the Black Nazarene

I was in Manila processing some documents when I chanced upon the procession of the Black Nazarene along the city hall.  For the longest time, I was rearing to cover the much celebrated fiesta of the the Black Nazarene but it was only a couple of years ago when I was able to do it by chance.

The moment I was through processing the docuents, I tried to join the multitude of devotees and squeezed myself among them.  Along the sidewalk, the people were constantly waving their (white) hankies and they were uttering their silent prayers while most of them joined the rest of the crowd in singing the hymm dedicated to the Black Nazarene.  The young ones were more agile for they were the ones climbing the trees, poles, and even the roofs of the the sheds just to have a good view of the passing statue of the Black Nazarene.  And people got into frenzy when two of the tires of the cart of the Black Nazarene went flat.

When the cart was in a standstill, devotees regardless of gender and age, were swarming the cart and pushing themselves just to reach the Black Nazarene.  It was my first time to witness in person such great passion of the devotees (and fanatics).  The mere thought of fighting your way in the multitude of people just to touch and kiss the Black Nazarene is a scary sight.  This kind of yearly struggle and passion of the devotees is a constant sight and some of them are very much willing to risk their life and limbs just to reach the statue.

with the standstill, while they were trying to fix the flat tires of the wagon and while the devotees were fighting their way up to the statue, I squeezed myself along the sidewalk trying to find a good spot to ger more decent pictures.  After a while, I found myself at the Bonifacio monument adjacent to the city hall of Manila.  At that particular moment, there were still ample spaces at the main road because the concentration of the people were at the statue of the Black Nazarene several meters away from where I was standing.

At the sidewalk near the statue of Gat Andres Bonifacio, it was a bit crowded already. Each one joining the procession already lined up the outer part of the sidewalk and while some occupied the railings thereby blocking the view from behind.  I had to asked someone for a temporary slot near the lamp post in order for me to get a better view while shooting the multitude of participants.  After a while, I vacated my post and went to the main road to join the leading party of devotees.

The concentration of the devotees was at the wagon of the Black Nazarene.  Whereas approximately 50 meters ahead of the procession, there were some free spaces to move around.  I took the opportunity and managed to get into the middle of the devotees holding the ropes which were tied to the wagon of the Black Nazarene.  The end of the rope was probably several meters farther from my current position.  

When I joined those who were holding the ropes, I just could not imagine their enthusiasm and devotion because everyone was trying to get hold of the rope.  I learned later on that those holding the ropes were different groups and each group sees to it that its members were protecting their piece of the rope.

The moment I stepped in the middle of the road and just an arm length away from those who were holding the ropes, I could immediately feel the heat, smell, noise, and agility.  The heat and the different smell of the participants was overwhelming.  If you are not one of them, it would be hard for you to join them and share that particular atmosphere.  But it seemed the participants were already immuned and got used to it year after year of joining this event.  The noise of the crowd seemed to alert them all the time and they were always on the lookout of the current position of the Black Nazarene.  And they were quite agile the moment the procession started to proceed again.

When the procession started again, I got scared.  Suddenly the wave of the people holding the ropes was heading towards my direction and they seemed uncontrollable.  Almost all of them were barefooted and they don't bother looking where they would step next.  They simply allowed themselves to be carried by the wave and if you are not used to banging yourself with someone else and your footing is not firm and your stamina is not up to it, you'll definitely end up nursing your wounds and some dislocated bones perhaps.  Witnessing the uncontrollable wave of people coming at you directly was no joke and I retreated back to the sidewalk where it was safer.

Poem 155 - Easy Come, Easy Go

I look up and see
The clouds just above me
Floating and hovering
Intently watching.

I close my eyes and feel
The kiss of the wind so real
It makes me realize
About the things I fantasize.

Just like the clouds above
some things you can't have
The feel of the passing wind
Does not last until the end.

Uh-oh uh-oh ohhhh
Easy come, easy go
Uh-oh uh-oh ohhhh
Life's too good to be true.

I dance in the rain
To drive away my pain
It gives me the freedom
Away from my boredom.

I dream of you always
come sunny or rainy days
Just the thought of you
Drives away the shade of blue.

The heavy rain may fall
And I might cry my all
But when I think of you
Makes me smile so true.

Uh-oh uh-oh ohhhh
Easy come, easy go
Uh-oh uh-oh ohhhh
Life's too good to be true.

Quote 310 - Love

Moment 155 - Cangaranan Bridge

When I saw a local actor/host Richard Gutierrez stopping over at Cangaranan Bridge when he did a local adventure shore on tv, I told myself that one day I will also have a picture of that spot.

My nephew and I just came from a nearby town and since we were on the area, I asked him to take a picture of me on the bridge.  The Cangaranan Bridge is the longest bridge in the whole province of Antique and the entire Panay island spanning over 700 meters.  All vehicles passing from north to south would pass along this bridge.

The bridge is always a busy one and we had to patiently wait for a lull before our take took place.