Moment 71 - Perspective

In one of our fun shots, we tried to mimic a perspective we saw on the net. Actually, it was the idea of Bernie.

The first time I saw Bernie doing some acrobatic stunts, I became his instant fan right away. There were several occasions where I happened to capture his moves and he is really amazing.

We found a good spot and he positioned himself as if he was leaning against a wall.  I really admired his strength to support his body. For some time, he showed so much energy and he gave me enough time to capture his best pose. 

When his nerve began to tremble, that was the sign that our take was over. Each one of us tried to do the same trick but it proved to be difficult. I guess it takes a lot of practice and building one's strength in order to perform this act.

Quote 141 - Change

Random Thought 71 - Emotional Blackmail

Have you ever been in a position where the burden of someone is suddenly placed on your shoulders? If not, good for you. If it is your first time, you'll definitely experience a 360-degree turn of your world and you'll be in a great dilemma.

Emotional blackmail is a psychological manipulation directed by a person to someone who is closely related to him. The idea is to gain "hostage" of someone in an attempt to manipulate his behavior in favor of the one "threatening" him.

One particular stage of an emotional blackmail is causing anxiety and making the other party feel guilty. The idea of "blaming" someone and finding "fault" if the other party will not conform or agree is a punishment to the conscience. Usually, the person doing this act is experiencing being neglected, deserted, hopeless, alone, or desperate.

If this person could be our family member or a friend, I don't know for how long we can extend ourselves to be held hostage of his emotional blackmail. I cannot argue with buying some time because it can work in both ways - the person may gain enough strength in the days to come which could lead to his recovery or forever "cage" you in his control.

In the Philippine setting, there is still a form of resistance when we talk about psychologists/psychiatrists and people would normally say that they are not insane to seek help to these professionals. I guess, our orientation about psychologists/psychiatrists and the kind of help they can offer are restricted only to those who are brave enough to admit that they actually need some assistance.

Our actions are based on our judgments and preferences, thus, we cannot blame others for our inadequacies or misfortunes. We are the ones liable to ourselves and no one, nobody should be blamed in case we choose a particular dark path.

And if you are experiencing some troubles, admittance of your limitations and shortcomings could be the first step. The only person that can help you is yourself. Seek help before it is too late. And never drag down people whom you've "loved" all throughout this time. Be well.

Food Trip 70 - Paksiw na Isda

I can live without vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce, ketchup, and other condiments. Actually, I grow up with less or no liking at all about these stuff. Others say my life is less exciting because of what I truly miss all this time.

Anyway, I had a funny experience one time. This happened when I went out of town and lived with a family who invited me to spend a vacation with them. Since their place is isolated, their everyday menu is mainly fish. It is only during Sundays or on special occasions where they can prepare pork, chicken, or beef.

Lunch time came and the only menu on the table was paksiw na isda. Since food is rare in this place, it is not proper to ask for a comfort food and it would be impolite not to join them. Besides, my stomach was already complaining that time. Since I am no patron of vinegar, I really find it hard to swallow my food but I had to eat somehow.

When my folks would cook paksiw na isda at home, I used to fry the fish in order to get rid of the strong vinegar taste which makes the fish even delightful. But I just can't asked for the same since I was with other people. It was good that when dinner time came, we had a more enjoyable fish dish on the table.

Exploring Philippines 70 - Marinduque (Post 5 - Moriones Festival)

On our second day, we spent our morning in the town proper watching the Moriones parade. Since the start of the lenten season, there were frequent organized parades of the Morions around the town of Boac. Parades like the one that we witnessed that Thursday morning brought the town folks and tourists together. And even though this tradition is being observe by the town of Boac for decades, the people here never grow tired of watching this yearly celebration.

We walked around the town of Boac and we had our fill of Moriones experience.  We were able to ride the chariot that will be used during the duration of the festival.  Without any hesitation, the person attending to the chariot allowed us to disturb him for a short period of time just for us to experience the ride and take some souvenir photos.

Likewise, the Morion participants were approachable.  Every time we asked them to pose and have their pictures taken, they readily gave in. I guess this yearly event makes them a celebrity in their own right, making them friendly to the town folks and tourists alike.

At a particular instance, we even borrowed the props of some Morions who willingly lend them to us.  One of the props that caught our attention were the steel blades.  We were surprised to find out that they were actually real steel and they really spent a huge amount to purchase it to be used for this festival.  As we examine the blades, they were dull. The handler said that the steel blades did not undergo further sharpening because accidents may happen with sharp blades.  In this regard, they can toy around with the steel blades without fear of getting cut.

Our long wait was over when the parade started.  We were confined to a particular spot only while intently watching the procession of Morions.  Spectators were in awe about the different and eye-catching costumes that the Morions wore.  One need not be an expert in order to distinguish a costume that is expensive from a plain one.  Aside from the praises of having an expensive costume and likewise standing out from the rest, the monetary prize that a Morion will receive was also a great motivator. 

The parade made my day.  I had so much fun taking pictures of almost all of the Morion participants that day.  I also had some opportunities to mingle with some of them and learn a couple of things in the process.