Quote 146 - Sit

Moment 73 - Salvaging

There are so many ways not to get hungry and one need not do bad things just to deliver a decent food on the table.

The aftermath of the harvest were the shredded stalks of rice and the farmers simply burn and allow them to turn into ashes or to rot in order to be part of the field again. I came across this old woman in a deserted rice field. Since I am no stranger to what she was doing, I politely asked her if I can take some pictures of her. I was glad that she allowed me to do my thing.

What she was doing was salvaging some grains from the so-called trash.  When the stalks of rice are being feed to the rice thresher, the heavy grains are gathered together and are directly collected by the farmers. The empty grains or the light ones are usually blown away.

The resourceful individuals would usually gather in a pile of shredded rice stalks  and would try to salvage some grains out of them.  They would repeatedly raise a handful of them to the air and allows the air blow away the empty or the light ones.  Though this kind of work is back breaking, patience is the key in order to bring home some grains of rice. Surprisingly, they could gather several kilos of "good" grains after several hours of honest labor.

Quote 145 - Taking Care

Random Thought 73 - Way Back Home

A true and loyal friend will always find his way back home.

In life, we may have so many so-called friends. But at the end of the day, especially when trials beset us, only true and loyal friends will stick with us through thick and thin. I guess it is but right to consider that the moment we’ll ever find such friend, we’ve got to treasure and love him/her.

Our friends may not be with us for an entire day nor available all the time. At some point, we may be separated from them for a long period of time or even for the rest of our lives. And whenever opportunity warrants for a much awaited reunion, such golden and precious occasion is always a moment to look forward to.

True friends, no matter how far the distance and long is the absence, they’ll always find their way back home. When they come back, we cherish them when they succeed and the more we show our love and care in their moments of failure. But whatever they bring home is immaterial. What we really after for is that rare moment when we can finally bring back the good old times and once more enjoy the company of one another.

To all my friends, wherever you may be, I pray that you'll succeed in all your dreams and endeavors. Whenever you have some time to spare, let's celebrate life and continue to flourish the gift of friendship that we have. Just find your way back home and you know where to find me.

Food Trip 72 - Buttered Shrimp

This is what I call love at first bite.

When we go out and indulge ourselves in a food trip, buttered shrimp is always part of our menu. Its taste is simply awesome and imagine the effort that you are going to exert in order to taste its meat. 

At times, we can't blame ourselves if we are going to drop our spoon and fork and eat with our bare hands because of this food.  And it is simply beyond reason why it is more fun to eat with your bare hands especially with buttered shrimp as your dish. Tulo laway na ako.

Exploring Philippines 72 - Marinduque (Post 7 - Moriones Festival)

After our quick trip to the towns of Gasan and Buenavista, we were back to the town of Boac after 2pm.  Right after our snack, I asked permission to venture into the town.  Since the house of Tin is only several blocks away from the plaza and the town of Boac is likewise peaceful, they allowed me to be on my own.  

I went straight to the plaza.  When I arrived there, it was already crowded with spectators patiently waiting for the program to start.  After several minutes, the program started.  There were two competing groups.  They were showcasing a charade of Morion choreographed drama as well as their well-rehearsed formations.  If you are new to this kind of thing, it is very hard to understand what those acts were all about.  Since there were no synopsis given prior or even after each performance, I was clueless about the presentations.

After the presentation at the plaza, I roam around the town.  My next agenda were the old houses.  I had a grand time taking pictures of the old structures and I was not worried about getting lost because the town was just small and besides, locals are very helpful whenever you ask for some directions.

My last stop would be at the Boac cathedral.  Even though I've visited this church yesterday, I still had this desire to frame it come day time.  And that time was the perfect opportunity for me to do my thing.

Right after my take at the Boac cathedral, by 4pm, I came across with another Morion parade again.  Lucky were those visitors who checked in within the town proper because they could easily watch the Morion parade.  But on the other hand, the rates were really that expensive because this is the only time of the year where the town of Boac experiences a huge influx of visitors.

Based on what we had watched that morning, they were still the same set of Morion participants who proudly paraded their Morion outfit.  That time around, there were less participants.  I guess the kids were already tired after their parade earlier that day.  I happened to see some Morions from the town of Buenavista which we saw early that morning.  They were at the town of Boac, joining the Morion parade because the reward money was enticing.

 

   

Poem 72 - Last Train

There's a last train bound for home
I am thinking if I'll want a ride
I might get home in no time
But I'll just see myself died.

Why the rush when there's no need
Why run after the train to emptiness
When I get home there's no you
No one's waiting, just an empty space.

I am in the midst of the crowd
Everyone can't wait for their ride
I don't know if I'll ever need one
Or better yet I'll just step aside.

Each face is alive and an eager one
Despite of the rush and the day's end
Each one seems to be so excited
Where troubles and worries, the home can mend.

We can hear the train's signal from a distance
And every waiting face becomes delighted
I don't know if I'll ever wanted this ride
With emptiness, I don't want to be reunited.

There's a last train bound for home
And I watch it pass me by
There's no rush to worry about
The moment she bid me goodbye.