Play or Display

`Fin

2010-01-12T14:14:00.008+08:00

Pepper Madness

2009-12-25T03:04:00.006+08:00

I've been working for quite some time for these trophies. Three more addition for my true trophy collection in Country Story. Green, yellow and red pepper.

Now working on cucumbers. I wish they can also have trophies for fruit harvest. I planted tons of trees also to acquire the limited snowflake tree spirit.

Country Story Christmas

You can really feel Christmas in Country Story. Tons of new items and events, though I am not a big fan. But I like some of those fancy things. Which concluded my Country Story Christmas Wish List:

They all require Playfish cash, which is quite a problem on my side. Credit cards and Paypals are not customary here in the provinces, I don't even have one. Anyways, still wishing I could get them. But for now, dream on.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Pinoy Text Jokes

2009-12-19T23:19:00.003+08:00

Happy Birthday Billy Boi

2009-12-18T03:32:00.004+08:00

Level 500

2009-12-17T21:52:00.009+08:00

Finally hit the level 500 mark in Mafia Wars. Also, I had a name change, from xyd to Jigs, for 15 Godfather points. Click the images for a larger view.

I've came a long way after finishing the Boss tier in New York. The double energy regen reward came in handy. Completed the Cuban territory as well.

Currently working in Moscow. Hope to finish it before Bangkok opens.

The problem with Moscow is job exp rewards are not worth the energy spent. You need to wait quite a while for energy regen to finish a job tier.

Every territory have different problems. New York jobs requires a lot of special loot items (i.e. Blackmail Photos, Concealable Camera, Untraceable Celfone etc.) and Cuban jobs requires large bribes that takes most of your earnings.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

The Thief and the Dog

2009-12-17T02:56:00.006+08:00

These are not my trophies. First time to see the true trophy for Crops and Robbers and Dogged Resolve. I got them from Google. Still trying to look for a complete trophy gallery of Country Story. If I can't see one, I'll make one. A long shot but I'll get there.

They both look so cool. Pure awesomeness. I decided to make my own trophy room in my Display section. I hope you people could send me your own true trophy photos. I wanted to see them all.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Profile Pic

2009-12-16T15:20:00.006+08:00

My current Facebook profile picture. I made this one in Photoshop yesterday. I don't actually have any idea on what to do with the original pic. Look carefully and you'll see that the aviator glasses were fake. Anyways, it looks good to me.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Format C:\

2009-12-16T05:18:00.013+08:00

I got my computer formatted this week. It felt great. It feels new. Application flickers. Too bad, I forgot to back up my bookmarks /sob. Also, my back up partition is not large enough to hold my files. I lost 95% of all my audio files and I had to erase almost everything in my movie collection. Good thing I have DVD back ups.

I can still get them back, later I guess. Now comes my most hated part - Reinstalling my applications. But I did some changes.

Yahoo Messenger ⇒ I actually considered switching to Skype or maybe MSN but I am too lazy to transfer my YM contacts to other messengers. So, I decided to stick with Yahoo, despite the annoying script errors on the yahoo ads.

Google Chrome ⇒ Quitting Mozilla Firefox. It is simpler and I disagree with reviews saying it lacks add-ons. For me, it is good the way it is. You can customize the skin and I love most of the features. I highly recommend this browser. Though, it sometimes crashes on Shockwave Flash which is annoying since most Facebook games are running in Shockwave Flash.

Open Office ⇒ The only good thing about it is, it's free. I don't have an MS Office installer so I think I'll have to stick with this one for the time being. Yet, MS Office's thesaurus/dictionary is much better than Open Office.

Garena ⇒ I is a gamer. Nuff said.

Avast ⇒ Had enough with AVG. Yes, it is free but it slows your computer down. I heart Avast. It runs silently at the back ground and much better than AVG or Nod32. Does not eat up much mem usage.

Adobe Photoshop ⇒ I did not install it right away. And then realized I really needed it. This one is indispensable. A stable software for a guy like me.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Pixlr

2009-12-15T06:10:00.005+08:00

Pixlr is a free online photo editor. This website may come in handy if you don't have a decent photo editor in your computer(i.e. Photoshop). Click the screenies for a larger view.

Much better than MSPaint. You can use this website for your quick fix and edits. The interface resembles Adobe Photoshop with less tools still, it is useful and user friendly.

I posted a similar website, Phixr (#4), in my Interesting Website post last September. But, I find Pixlr better since it saves you from the hassle of registration.

URL: http://pixlr.com
To try it out, you can simply click HERE.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

December Checklist

2009-12-14T03:08:00.005+08:00

Christmas is nearing and everyday the weather is getting colder and colder. I now hear annoying out of tune Christmas songs from young carolers. Lots of people selling puto bumbong and bibingka, Filipino foods commonly prepared during Christmas season. Tons of Christmas lights and decorations. And singlehood is sinking in, because this is the time when hugs are necessary and having a girlfriend is crucial. I hope Santa Clause could give me a holiday substitute.

And now, for my December checklist.

√ Sweaters
√ Lip balm
√ Hot coffee
√ New DVDs
√ Booze scheds
√ Gifts for my godchildren

Did I miss something?

Note to self: I knew that my December would be a mixture of happy and stressful events. Still, I am staying optimistic and I would do my best for my year end. I knew it would be this hard yet I continued. My choice, my responsibility. And let me share this quote.

"Making your mark on the world is hard. If it were easy, everybody would do it. But it's not. It takes patience, it takes commitment, and it comes with plenty of failure along the way. The real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won't. It's whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere." - Barack Obama

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Once Upon A Time Talking To Edge

2009-12-03T21:21:00.003+08:00

This is a poem made by one of my former student, Burn. I hope you would enjoy reading it and maybe give some feedbacks for him.

Once Upon A Time Talking To Edge
By: Bernard Edward "Burn" de Guzman

Hi good morning, can i share a seat with you
Are you busy? feeling dizzy?
From all the work this day you done
All you hear are gossips under the sun

By the way my name is Edge
I did climbed over the hedge
But it needs so much courage
With some lessons you need to reach
It really depends on the one who teach

Hey buddy, what's with the frown?
If your feeling down, imagine wearing gown
It's brilliant, shiny, and catch attentions of many
Even though you're legs are hairy, you will look like a fairy
No people are ugly, its just vision of the ones insecure badly

You just need a little boost, but a boost you mustn't lose
A wild nice prick you must choose that shall break destiny's truce
One that'll rise you up, and be a weapon in times of danger
It mustn't become a prop, or else depression will be your hunter

When deficiencies are at loose, don't fall back
Instead push the wild goose back to it's roots
If necessary lock it on a sack and obliterate its tracks
But don't kill it inside, because its like a relic that hides
You'll be searching for a lifetime when it leaves you behind

So rise up and wipe your knees
Do not let wounds block your needs
Even though agony is what you feel
It's a training not to have an Achilles Heel
Weakness is everywhere, but it shall not stay on one position
Pros and cons are always pairs, utilize them without hesitation
They are yours, truly yours, and yours alone
After that, you'll realize you have just grown.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

I is in love ♥

2009-11-30T23:35:00.006+08:00

Stacey Solomon

I is so in love with Stacey ♥

Love her voice. Love her voice. Love her voice. Too bad we don't have that show here in the Philippines. The damn cable don't have the channel for this show /sob. Anyways, thanks to Youtube I get the chance to watch her.

Twilight

"sir gon. icorrect ko lang po keo.nde po si taylor lautner ung nandun s THE COVENANT. c steven strait po un. at di hamak namang mas gwapo si steven kesa kay taylor. one more thing, hindi po maitim si steven strait. though s ilang fan-made vids, ginagamit nila si steven strait as jacob, kasi medyo hawig nga sila. example ito: Video Link marami na rin pong nagkakamali. pwo pls nman. wag neong ipagkamali si jacob as steven. wag nman po." - Minozarocorgen

I got this comment in my previous Twilight post from a former student. Most parts were written in Tagalog, it literally means that Taylor Lautner is not the same guy in The Covenant and that it was Steven Strait. She also said that Steven Strait is far more handsome than Taylor Lautner. Having said that, she added a video link as a proof and pleaded not to have Steven Strait to be mistaken as Taylor Lautner.

My bad, I stand corrected. I did not took the time to actually research about it. So, I am sorry Melanie for the misconception. Reminds me, the werewolf guy (Taylor Lautner) is the same guy who played the role Sharkboy for this kid film way back. From a shark to a wolf, how bout a jellyfish for your next movie x_x just kidding /heh.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

November Ends

2009-11-30T23:00:00.008+08:00

I was not able to go into the Mt. Samat pilgrimage last Saturday, November 28, 2009. Bummer. I miss trekking and there a lot of people visiting the shrine every year. Great sights, it was a good chance to take pictures and post it in my blog.

A boring weekend and a boring ending for my November. I stayed at home the whole day. Facebooking, as usual. I even missed the annual fireworks display. /sob

Remember my cousin, Jared? Out of boredom, I edited his picture and gave him a sharingan. This is Uchiha Madara's final sharingan. Cute? Creepy.

Thanks to Facebook, it took away some of my boredom. My farmer complex, again, led me to another true trophy in Country Story. It is my third true trophy. I am planning on collecting every crop's true trophy in Facebook. These certain goals can give direction to one's boring days.

"Your true traveler finds boredom rather agreeable than painful. It is the symbol of his liberty -- his excessive freedom. He accepts his boredom, when it comes, not merely philosophically, but almost with pleasure." - Aldous Huxley

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Twilight x_x

2009-11-30T21:42:00.006+08:00

My girlfriends kept drooling over this Jacob guy from a vampire-werewolf movie, Twilight. Lots of my friends are asking me if I have watched the movie. And I kept hearing a “Who's hotter? Jacob or Edward survey” in a certain radio station when I am working out in the gym.

They now call this, Twilight fever. And the fans are known as Twi-hards. It actually reminds me of the F4 era way back on high school. Girls are sooo addicted to it.

I haven't seen any the Twilight series, so I don't think I can judge whether it is good or not. But based on reviews, it is not worth watching. Anyways, so why make a Twilight post? As usual, while surfing the internet, I stumbled upon some interesting Twilight related stuff.

This is a video of a Twi-hard, giving her reaction for the new Twilight trailer. She received a lot of rude and nasty comments. I don't want to be mean, but I have to concur with some of the viewer's comments, it is crazy.

I compiled some of the rude comments.

“Oh my G! you sound like darth vader at 0:30- 0:35 thats so scarrry!!” - jadendw123

“calm down female Don Veto, its only a movie” - mikedimeoflame115

“What the fuck is wrong with you?“ - Valanix

“It's like a whale having an orgasm.” - TardcoreCupcake

“A wild snorlax apears” - dragnblues

“Hey, I'm really happy for you, and Imma let you finish, but ZOMBIELAND was the best movie of all time. OF ALL TIME!!!!!“ - scriptzero

“okay...weird...." - gabbygiggles97

“I hate youtube for letting everybody post whatever video they want!!! This is sooo bad, it cannot be said in words!” - Montethe1st

“Man the harpoons everyone, we have a beached whale with no life here!” - AWRIGHT69

“HOLY FUCK! TOSS HER THE FISH ALREADY!” - R4GEAGA1NSTHUMAN1TY

“Am I the only one who needs subtitles?! :S” - twentysixweeks

Next, I think they got this picture from a certain magazine. I think werewolf guy and the pale vampire guy were kissing the leading lady of the movie in this picture then somebody folded it and made it look like two guys kissing. Reading the reviews, they say Edward Cullen made vampires look gay. And it reminds me, Jacob is the same guy in the movie, The Covenant, which is a good movie and I was hoping they could work out a sequel.

I am not a Twilight hater. I don't hate it, but I don't like it as well.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Nothing is Impossible

2009-11-25T03:03:00.005+08:00

Have you ever experienced something so impossible, you would bet your own life that there isn't even a slim chance it would happen? I did. My friend, Jason Bulos, accomplished jaw dropping feats these year.

April 02, 2009 - Jason graduated in college. Can you even believe that? Even his own parents were in total shock. That would really make headlines on local newspaper. Jason took a picture in his phone and showed it to us. For a couple of hours he is trying to convince me that it is authentic. I was very skeptical. I even thought that the picture was photoshoped.

October 31, 2009 - Jason gave us an ice cream treat. Jason is so stingy, I don't even think he would spend 10.00Php for us. The ice cream cost 235.00Php. It was 2250% beyond our expectation. He gave Magnolia Gold Label Rocky Road a new meaning in our life.

If you knew him as I did, you would be flabbergasted as well. Indeed, nothing is impossible.

This post is dedicated to Jason Bulos. Thanks for making our life a lil happier.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Master Boss

2009-11-23T12:17:00.005+08:00

I am so hooked up in different games in Facebook. One of my favorites is Mafia Wars. Recently, I have mastered the Boss job tier, which is the last job tier for New York.

“Start a Mafia family with your friends, run a criminal empire and fight to be the most powerful family.” - excerpt from the Mafia Wars fan page

Mafia Wars is a browser game developed by Zynga.

Zynga was founded in July 2007 with the vision of connecting the world through games. Since then we've dedicated ourselves to making fun and social games for people to play with their friends and have become the largest developer of social games on the web in the process. Zynga games provide a platform for players to express themselves and form deep social connections with their friends. With a catalogue that ranges from casino games to role playing games, our games can be found on most social networks, and on the iPhone.

Here are some of my account's screenies.

Finishing the Boss job tier at level 335 is quite late. I did not pay attention on jobs mastery and concentrated on making money for the one trillion dollars achievement. Until one of my friends told me that the final reward was an item for double energy regeneration every regen period. The reward was worth the effort.

Finishing New York job tiers gave me the Master Boss title. I am now currently mastering job tiers in Cuban territory.

To play Mafia Wars in Facebook click HERE.
To visit their Facebook fan page click HERE.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Eggstraordinary

2009-11-22T19:49:00.008+08:00

I got my second true trophy for a crop in Country Story. This time, it is for the eggplants. Eggstraordinary – they had this witty names for different crops trophy. Just like my first trophy, Peas on Earth, for peas.

Took me quite a while to acquire the award. Considering the 62 plots limits for crops. My next trophy target is for the chili. I hate the tomatoes, it takes 22 hours before you can harvest them. At least I got the silver trophy for it.

In addition to this, they now have fruit bearing trees in Country Story. I bought one of each kind and had it planted at the bottom of the farm. Takes 48 hours before you can have your first harvest. Anyways, it is worth it. The fruits do have decent selling prices.

You shake the tree first, then the fruits will fall. Only after that, you can harvest the fruits. Cheers~ ♪♫

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Postless

2009-11-22T14:00:00.005+08:00

I am so busy right now. I was not able to update my blog post for quite a while. It is not like there is nothing interesting that happened to me for the last weeks, I just can't find the time to actually write something.

Stress is sinking in. Time comes I actually get depressed and feel like doing nothing at all. When you know that wishful thinking will not make everything okay adds to the pressure I am experiencing right now. I've came across a lot of adversities in life for the past two years. Somewhat, I feel like I can handle anything that life may throw onto me. But these recent events made me realized, I still have much to learn.

Things I wanted are not farfetched. The means of getting there is the stressful part. As usual, I deal with it one at a time. But sometimes, it is inevitable that new problems arises out of the blue. How I wish life could be easier. At times, I think I am not ready for certain things. But I am thankful with the people around me, who continuously support and encourage me.

Failing is not an option. Maybe that is why I am being stressed out. I am not worried about people's expectations. I am worried about my own expectation for myself. I am in my early 20s and this is the time where you should start working to succeed in life. But unlike before, I lost the urge to be somebody big, wealthy or well-known. I just wanted a simple and meaningful life.

My mindset contradicts the current dogma on young professionals. Making it big and succeeding at a young age. There is nothing wrong with it. But at the same time, it is also not a requisite for an ideal and happy life. I do what I love and what makes me happy and at the same time, try to make a living out of my hobbies and interests.

Still hoping everything will be okay for the next few weeks. May it be resolved and come to an end, these difficulties in life that keeps my blog postless.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

For You

2009-11-14T13:03:00.003+08:00

Thank you Google and Youtube. Say, this one is for you.

For You
by Kenny Lattimore

For you I give a lifetime of stability
Anything you want of me, nothing is impossible
For you, there are no words or ways to show my love
Or all the thoughts I'm thinking of
Cause this life is no good alone
Since we've become one,
I've made a change
Everything I do now, makes sense
All roads end, all I do is for you

For you I share the cup of love that overflows
And anyone who knows us knows
I would change all faults I have,
For you there is no low or high or in between
Of my heart that you haven't seen
Cause I share all I have and am
Nothing I've said's hard to understand
All I feel I feel deeper still, and always will
All this love is for you

Every note that I play, every word I might say
Every melody I feel
Are only for you and your appeal
Every page that I write, every day of my life
Would not be filled without the things
That my love for you now brings
For you I make the promise of fidelity
Now and for eternity
No one could replace this vow

For you, I'd take take your hand
Your heart and everything
And add to them a wedding ring
Cause this life is no good alone
Since we've become one you're all I've known
And if this feeling should leave, I'd die
And here's why, all I am is for you
Everything I do now makes sense
All roads end, all I do,
Is for you

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Peas on Earth

2009-11-08T17:47:00.013+08:00

At last, I got my first true trophy for a crop in Country Story. A true trophy is the highest award for a crop harvest. First is silver trophy, then the gold trophy. You can now see the true color of the trophy (which is green for peas) upon receiving the award. Celebrating life's little achievements.

Country Story is a game in Facebook that lets you tend crops and animals in your own farm. Country Story was made by Playfish. To play the game - click HERE.

Took me a couple of days to acquire the trophy. Cheers~! Next target - Eggstraordinary True Trophy (Eggplants) :3

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Happy Birthday :3

2009-11-07T08:12:00.006+08:00

November 7, 2009 - I would like to greet Say a happy birthday. Things came up and I was unable to prepare any gift for you. I wish I can get away with it by having this thoughtful gesture :3 hahaha!

I hope orange is still your favorite color.
Again, Happy Birthday. I wish you all the best in life. Good health and happiness. Hope to see you soon, I am still waiting for my treat.

♪♫ Jigs

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Unlucky? Lucky?

2009-10-24T23:01:00.010+08:00

It was just another regular Saturday. At 5PM, I went straight to the gym. I commute, as usual, but just after I got down from the jeep, I realized I don’t have enough money to commute back to our house.

I usually have money in my pouch every time. But today is my unlucky day. I forgot that I used my money buying fishballs earlier that day. I only have Php 12.50 ([Php] Philippine Peso). Using Php 9.00 for the jeep fare on my way to the gym, I only have Php 3.50 left. Now I need Php 5.50 to get back home.

I tried not to panic and decided to just hit the gym and worry about it later. After working out, I tried to sum up some viable options on how on earth I am going to get my ass back to our house. I started walking towards the intersection. Thinking~

Maybe I can just~
1. Walk.
2. Hitch-hike.
3. Borrow money from my gym instructor and pay him back tomorrow.

I am miles away from home and had lots of legs work out that day, so walking is a bad idea. Hitch-hiking is not customary here in Bataan, so scratch that one out from the list. Then, borrowing money from my gym instructor would be the best choice. But to avoid humiliation due to my own stupidity, I hesitated.

I started to panic. Then, lots of crazy ideas went into my head~
1. Beg total strangers for some change.
2. Ask jeep/bus drivers for a free ride.
3. Walk half way, after getting totally exhausted from walking, crawl the remaining half.
4. Grand Theft Auto style - steal some cars or motorcycles. Too bad I don't know how to drive.
5. Pretend to collapse from hunger and exhaustion and beg people to bring me to my house.
6. Extort some local kids for money.
7. Sell my stuff to get some cash.

Just before I lose my mind and start having a nervous break down, a tricycle driver approached me from behind.

Driver: Samal ka di ba? (You are from Samal, right?)

Jigs: Opo. (Yes.)

Driver: Sakay ka na. (Hop on.)

Jigs: Magkano? (How much?)

Driver: Ok lang yan, kasama ko sa trabaho nanay mo. (It's ok, I am your mom's co-worker.)

Thank God! A free ride! I don't usually get free rides. Luck is on my side.

Thanks to Michael, my mom's co-worker, for giving me a free ride. You saved my life.

Next time, I'll make sure I have some emergency funds on my pouch's secret pocket, just in case.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

20 Questions ni Juan Ekis

2009-10-24T15:11:00.009+08:00

I've read this script yesterday. It has been circulating in e-mails for years now. Very interesting, I had the same conversation with a girl way back when I was still in college. And when I think about it, I miss her a lot. Coincidentally, the main character and I have the same name.

I am not a script-expert but I think this one is well written. It is a long story but I hope you will finish it. It is worth it, trust me :3

20 Questions ni Juan Ekis — A Must Read Palanca Award Winning Piece.
This play won in the Palanca Awards, Dulaang Isang Yugto Category.

MGA TAUHAN

Jigs ¬ Fresh grad. Kabarkada ni Yumi. Magtatrabaho bilang researcher sa isang financial firm.

Yumi ¬ Commercial Model. Kabarkada ni Jigs. 2 years ahead kay Jigs.

New Template :3

2009-10-22T15:33:00.010+08:00

I got a new template for my blog. If you want to download the same template, CLICK HERE. I was not able to update my blog since I have been busy for the last few days. Something big is coming up and I needed to make certain preparations. I miss blogging and rest assured that I will post more updates over the weekend. I am now working on a short story and hope that I can get feedbacks from you guys.

I also stumbled upon these great blog templates while surfing. Unfortunately, I can’t use them as I wanted a wide two column template for my blog since I like posting photos and needed a larger space. Just click on the thumbnails below for demos.

Links for Download:
(Left) CLICK HERE, URL: http://btemplates.com/2008/09/18/1257
(Right) CLICK HERE, URL: http://btemplates.com/2008/09/12/notepad

I lost the code for the Facebook and Twitter share buttons that are usually at the bottom of every post. I'll try to bring those back later. Also, I lost my Chums list, need to list all of those again. So, if ever you are going to change your template, make sure to create back ups for your codes and widgets.

Kudos to Falcon Hive for my new template.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Project Gee :3

2009-10-17T15:36:00.004+08:00

I started working on this project yesterday. I thought it would take more time to finish but luckily I got my Photoshop CS3 from Gee and had the artwork done here in my house. For Gee's fans, you can now have your own Gee Wallpaper.

Click the image for a higher solution.

More Gee projects to come, I think. We'll make another one maybe this week or next week. Much complicated but I hope I can finish it. Still trying to reawaken my Photoshop skills, I'm a lil out of practice :3

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Tinupi?

2009-10-15T00:15:00.007+08:00

Have you seen this store in Olongapo selling dainties or kakanin? The mini-stall is located in front of the Olongapo City Hall across Chowking.

Note: Click the images for a larger view.

Cost 8 pesos each. It has this distinct flavor and really delicious. I've been eating it for two months now, every morning before going to work, and not even know its name.

So one day, I asked the vendor the name of the kakanin. It is called Tinupi, literally means "folded". Maybe because it was folded in banana leaves. She told me that it is copious in Pangasinan and Baguio. I tried asking her for the ingredients but she seems to be hesitant on giving me the recipe. The only obvious ingredient are the strips of coconut meat.

I tried to Google it but unfortunately, I can't find any information on how to make those dainties. So, if anybody from Pangasinan or Baguio is reading my blog, or anybody who knows how to cook these, please send me a message or e-mail me in playordisplay@yahoo.com.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Coffee & Cigarettes

2009-10-14T07:31:00.003+08:00

Reminds me of a special someone. Nostalgia~ ♪♫

Coffee & Cigarettes
by Michelle Featherstone

I gave up coffee and cigarettes
I hate to say it hasn't helped me yet
I thought my problems would just dissipate
And all my pain would be in yesterday

I poured my booze all down the kitchen drain
And watched my bad habits get flushed away
I thought that that would keep my head on straight
And all my pain would be in yesterday

But it's true
I'm still blue
But I finally know what to do
I must quit
I must quit
You

I thought that if I didn't go and play
The sadness would get bored and go away
I thought that if I didn't go astray
Then all my pain would be in yesterday

But it's true
I'm still blue
But I finally know what to do
I must quit
I must quit
You

I sold my guitar and my piano
I thought that it was these that kept me low
I thought if only I could try and change
That all my pain would be in yesterday

But it's true
I'm still blue
But I finally know what to do
I must quit
I must quit
You

I must quit
I must quit
You

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Friendster is Dead

2009-10-13T20:23:00.005+08:00

Friendster is dead. Facebook now is the best social networking site and one of the main reasons why, are Facebook applications, mostly games. Facebook also outclass Friendster in terms of interface, updates and manageability. Video / Links / Photo sharing, tagging features, browser chat and user-friendliness are some of the strong points of Facebook as well.

My fave games :3

Cafe World
Page URL: http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=101539264719
Apps URL: http://apps.facebook.com/cafeworld

Mafia Wars
Page URL: http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=10979261223
Apps URL: http://apps.facebook.com/inthemafia

Country Story
Page URL: http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=165747315075
Apps URL: http://apps.facebook.com/countrystory

Play and Enjoy :3

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Facebook, just my 2¢

2009-10-12T18:24:00.010+08:00

Do you have a Facebook account? Then maybe you could relate to these certain situations. I just can't help myself to point out these weird and irksome Facebook customs.

✓ Gory and Disturbing Videos/Pictures
Why do people love posting these videos of oozing pus or peculiar medical conditions and even shots of gruesome accidents? I can't log in to my Facebook account before lunch time because there is this big, big possibility that a video or a picture will ruin my appetite. It would be okay if they would post such videos and photos once in a while, but hell, they are like publishing the same video multiple times. I was actually forced to block some friends in my news feed for that reason.

✓ Cheaters
Some people just can't play fair. You've been working your ass out for this game to maintain your lead and some person would beat your score over night through Cheat Engines. Cheaters are losers. If you can't play fair, eat Gameshark CDs for breakfast.

✓ People Likes and Comments Their Own Post
Why do people Likes their own post in Facebook. If you don't like it, you won't be posting it in the first place. And they would even be the first one to comment on their own post.

✓ Joint Accounts
I have nothing against joint accounts in Facebook. Maybe it is your way of showing how much you love your gf/bf that you would share an account. But I concur to most of my friends sentiments about joint accounts. You don't know who you're talking to. Is it the gf or is it the bf? You say 'I love you' to your own wall. And the same account would be replying 'I love you too'. You could actually stage your own fight even if you are alone. Do you set log-in schedules? Can you both log-in at the same time? How do you actually manage the personal info tab? How about the word 'Privacy'?

✓ Emo Post
I do not hold any grudge against the Emo community. But please, stop posting and flooding the wall with your emo shout outs. It is full of angst and no-bo-dy cares. You're just making yourself look pathetic.

Spams are also common in Facebook. Good thing, Facebook got this anti-spam feature that automatically hides post made by friends in a short period of time. Also unknown people adding you to their friend list just for the sake of games. They want you in their Mafia Family or wants you as a neighbor in Farm Ville, Country Story, Resto City, etc.

Again, just my 2¢

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Thinking of Giving Up?

2009-10-11T14:01:00.003+08:00

Thinking of Giving Up?
Contributed by Marilyn Vi
http://merylenebcv216.blogspot.com
October 10, 2009

God created mankind but we create our lives, how we lead and live it. That we should go out there and seek what kind of life we will have and "just do it". It is implied that things don't just happen. We are the ones that make things happen. We ask ourselves – is it always this easy?

In one instance something bad happens at home like an electronic equipment breaks or your vehicles break down and you now have an added expense this month you can't afford. Things like these are unforeseen and unexpected.

The following week, your colleague at work snaps at you for no reason or you can hear unfounded stories about you allegedly said by somebody close to you. You become very moody for the rest of the day. Sometimes this feeling still extends until you arrive home. Just as you were getting enough strength putting yourself together to manifest a positive attitude and put more jolliness back into your being, that someone you were so hoping and eager to see this weekend, can't make it or something you want to buy was no longer available, feeling of frustration envelope your whole being. Sometimes anger goes lose and you can not understand your feelings anymore.

At times like these, it doesn't feel like we have control in our lives. You may think that life is so unfair. Sometimes you tell yourself ‘it is so unfair, oh my God, why me of all people?’ It feels as if unfair situations are constantly coming our way and we're always trying to deal with these ongoing frustrations and rejections. Sometimes we feel tired, drained and exhausted. It is a mental torture that we remain sleepless.

You probably ask yourself why things are happening so unfairly. It is exactly the opposite of what you expected. What do I do when - No matter how comfortable and open I am with others, I still get strangers coming up to me regularly and asking, "Are you REALLY that kind of person?" I just smile to them as a sign of approval that what they see is what they get. Sometimes we can't control what people are going to say, but we can control how we're going to be with it. We can control our attitude about what they say. Sometimes it is not what they think about us but what they see in us they base their comments and stories.

Another question comes up my mind…What do I do when I don’t have the gut feeling of seeing someone that I really love. That I refuse to see him because I know I couldn’t leave him. Though the love is still burning and the yearning is so strong, I try to avoid the person due to complications and the big gap between us. Will love still prevail and forget about the nasty things people will say about the relationship? It is like a crazy feeling that I look up in the sky, smile sweetly, and sometimes cry my heart out silently. Either way, I continue loving, caring and professing my feelings. We can't always control our feelings but we can take time to assess and examine ourselves to know if we are doing the right thing.

There are times when we don’t want to continue with our plans.
There are times when we think we are tired of relationships.
There are times when we want to give up on so many things especially love.

What are you going to do when life doesn't go the way you want it. There are imperfect moments, you see….Continue with your conviction, knowing that you will deal with whatever comes your way, knowing that your positive attitude, your choice in life, and your commitment to yourself, your loved ones and the people you love so dearly, will have you win in life.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Child Labor

2009-10-10T21:09:00.011+08:00

Sometimes they say, the things you do as a child influences the things you'll do in the near future. Here again is my cousin, Jared Ortiguerra, now two (2) years old. I already featured him in this blog way back last March for his Haircut and now, I took more pictures of him this morning trying to clean our patio.

Note: Click the images for a larger view.

Maybe, he'll be a Metro Aid or a Janitor when he grows up. Next time, I'll make him mop the floor. He is trying to mimic my lola, since my lola cleans our patio on a daily basis. I hope nobody would sue us for child labor :3

I do also have my childhood pictures here. (Left) This is me way way back, I think I attended a wedding that time. I just can't remember the details. I resemble a Congressman in this picture, I ♥ the barong tagalog. (Right) This is my picture with Aiza Seguerra, a popular child star in the early '90s from Eat Bulaga. I don't know her that time that's why I look apathetic in this photo.

Seeing my childhood pictures, maybe I am destined to be an Actor-Politician :3 Ku-ku-ku :3

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

OMG POP

2009-10-09T07:25:00.007+08:00

OMGPOP is a collection of free online multi player browser game.
URL: http://www.omgpop.com

Excerpt from the OMGPOP website.

About Us

OMGPOP is a place to hang out, play free online multiplayer games, chat and make friends

We started in 2006 as iminlikewithyou, a place for people to play games to meet each other and in 2009 changed our name to the shorter OMGPOP where people meet each other to play games.

We don't make millions of games, but instead a small number each with our own mixture of play, artwork and fun so that when you come to our site, you know what you get. Our average users log in 100 times a month. That's why we know, for a fact, that this will be bigger than unicorns and wrestling combined.

Investors
OMGPOP is funded by Spark Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners, Baseline Ventures and Betaworks, as well as angel investors including Ron Conway, Kevin Rose and Marc Andreessen.

Team
The OMGPOP team is based in Soho, in New York City. We have worked previously at companies like AOL, Virgin and Schematic and have done work for companies such as Dentsu, Cyworld, Nike and EA. The company was founded by Charles Forman. Dan Porter is the CEO.

http://www.omgpop.com/#/info/aboutus

Follow them on their blog and social networking sites.
Blog: http://blog.omgpop.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/omgpop
Twitter: http://twitter.com/omgpop

I have not tried most of the game in OMGPOP. But most of them got good designs and the games were made in Flash.

This one for now is my favorite. Balloono resembles Bomberman. Instead of a bomberman, you get a monkey and instead of bombs, you use water baloons. Same concept as the Bomberman game. Fun thing about it is you can play with your friends online :3

Since the games were made in flash, some people might have trouble playing. So I recommend setting the flash quality to low to reduce the lag when playing games. Just right click on the game window and go to Quality > Low.

I added the OMGPOP link on my Chums list. Play and Enjoy! :3

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Queen Bee

2009-10-08T17:14:00.014+08:00

Behind every successful bee is a Queen Bee :3

I was going through my pictures when I was still young, trying to hark back to my childhood memories when I saw these old pictures of my Mom on her teenage years and college days. She is really beautiful, even up to now. I gave it to her, asking her “When did you take this picture?” “Where is this place?” “What were you doing here?” “Who’s this one?”

When I saw her look at those photos, you could see this radiance on her eyes. Those pictures really brought back a lot of happy memories to her. So I decided to bring those pictures into our office and had it scanned. Now, let me dedicate this post to my Mom. Let us time travel and get a glimpse of her past.

Note: Click the pictures for a larger view :3

(Left) This is her picture on her high school days with her barkada. She attended high school in Saint Catherine of Sienna Academy, just a short walk away from our old house. She is the one on the left at the uppermost row. (Right) This is an old picture with her girl friends. She is the second one from the right.

She participated in a dance performance for the Clara hosted by Balanga that time. Clara is like a national Olympics held in different places every year. Still trying to Google what kind of Philippine folk dance uses palayoks or jars made our of clay.

This is her high school graduation picture with my lola. I remember my aunts telling me stories about my mom leading some rallies and being an activist way back when she was on high school. But I just can’t really picture her holding a placard and joining street rallies.

These are college graduation pictures. She is an Accountancy graduate. Though, I forgot to ask what school year and what college she attended. She really looks beautiful in all these photos. By the way, my grandmother looks grumpy on her picture. Mukhang mataray.

More photos for the year book. She is so gorgeous my friends always ask me if I was adopted. For the record, I am not adopted. I just look more like my dad :3

Next time I’ll post her wedding pictures and our pictures with my dad when I was still a cute little bee :3

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Office Catapult

2009-10-07T18:45:00.008+08:00

Make sure you have Flash installed in your computer.

Play Free Flash Games at WillingGames

The game concept is really simple. An electric fan is standing either on the left or the right side of your game screen. Then, you need to shoot a crumpled paper into the trash can in front of you by catapulting it using a ruler. Of course, it won't be that easy since the trajectory of your paper is affected by the wind coming from the electric fan.

Simple game. Reminds me of Worms and Gunbound. Play it if you want to kill some time. I'll post more flash games next time :3

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Facebook Magic :3

2009-10-06T22:02:00.007+08:00

I was in my room, net surfing, when my former student, Rowel Garcia, messaged me through Facebook chat. He told me to try something out. Then he gave me this:

UP - UP - DOWN - DOWN - LEFT - RIGHT - LEFT - RIGHT - letter B - letter A - ENTER - Scroll Lock Key - UP - DOWN

Those are not Playstation cheat codes. Just type in those keys and make sure you are currently in a Facebook page. At first, I was thinking that maybe he was trying to fool around but I still gave it a try. Look what went out on my screen.

Click the image for a larger view.

Red rings and light effects on every mouse click and key strokes. Cooool~ Thanks again to Rowel for sharing this :3

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

A Bee's Nostalgia

2009-10-04T21:10:00.013+08:00

At the time my father gave me a digital camera, I started taking lots of pictures. I've been going through my old files and stumbled upon this bunch of pictures. I remember making a blog post about these items way back when I was still in college. Unfortunately, I was not able to maintain that blog. I've been keeping these things for years now. Brings back lots of memories.

High School Memoirs

I still keep these junks my highschool friends gave me. I know, I know~ You can call it cheesy or too sentimental. But, don't you have your own treasured memories?

"I sometimes wonder what the world would be like without a friend like you. I only know it wouldn't be as wonderful. Thanks for being my friend!"

A thank you card given to me by my highschool girlfriends. They named their clique THOPACK'Z. A tagalog word meaning 'crazy'. I can't share their personal message written in the card though, too mushy. Hahaha :3

"Here's to all the chats we've yet to have, to all the rivers we've yet to cross and to all the smiles we've yet to know. Here's to birthdays, to mornings, to small but moving moments and to great miracles that only hearts that have lived long can hold. Here's to friendship, to growing older together, to experienced faces that tell beautiful stories. Here's to meaningful yesterdays, to beautiful tomorrows. Here's to life. Here's to you, my friend. Happy Birthday."

This is the card Aubrey gave me for my 16th birthday. This is not the ideal birthday greeting card. The personal message in the card contains insults, witty comments, sarcasms and other forms of verbal abuse. Still, it's the thought that counts :3

My friend Norminda gave me this lyrics copy of 214 by Rivermaya. Can you see the size of the letters. So small, it actually gave me this idea to use her talent for cheating in exams. She can write the whole lecture for a single subject in a lil piece of paper. Her hand writing really came in handy. Hahaha :3

By the way, here's the video of 214 by Rivermaya. A live performance on MYX :3

This is the 10 peso ticket I bought for Kerthney. She is a contestant for the Ms. JRI that time. It was a fund raising for the construction of the school's mini-gymnasium. The whole class supported her. She won and it was a landslide. I really miss those times.

This ticket is for a stage play of "Ang Alamat ni Maria Sinukuan at Ang Biag ni Lam-Ang". We bought the ticket coz the school told us that Assunta De Rosi would be playing the role of Maria Sinukuan. But it was a hoax. She was a rising sexy star that time so lots of guys, including me, bought the ticket. Still, we enjoyed the show.

This is our graduation program and the ribbon for the attending parents. Graduations are always memorable. But our graduation was a lil special. After the candle ceremony, an electrical post exploded and the lights went out. The graduation was cut short, good thing they've finished giving out the diplomas. Some parents panicked and most students went home early. It sucks big time. It was a black out and we were not able to take much pictures that time.

Class Picture: III - Virgo SY '02 - 2003 (Click the picture for a larger view). I miss all of you guys.

Most people say highschool is the best. I used to disagree since I enjoyed freedom in college. I stand corrected. Highschool is the best. The bonds, friends, young love and experiences; I wish I could do it all over again.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Random Thoughts

2009-10-04T12:45:00.006+08:00

I've read this article way back when I was still in high school. This is an eye opener for me. It changed my notion about life. I still have the copy of the news paper. I hope you too will benefit upon reading this article.

Random Thoughts
Contributed by N. A. Pontanares
Manila Bulletin
December 24, 2003

"It is sad to think that we sometimes take our lives for granted. We don't realize that life is fleeting and it can be taken away from us anytime. We only realize the importance of it when we are hit by the impact of sad and traumatic experiences."

Life is a rough road. Sometimes, the bumpy road could hurt us a lot. And there are instances when we feel that these agonies will never cease. We become too much involved with the things which brought us sad thoughts and sad endings. But somehow, we need to believe that everything in this world has its end. And without endings, there wouldn't be beginnings.

Now, I am facing a new day in my life, after realizing that hey, in spite and despite, life is still full of amazing experiences. Those pains, friendships and best of all, love. I've learned a lot this year, but most importantly, I learned about how it is to be hurt and how it is to overcome the pain. I learned that it comes in threes, fours and nines, tens even elevens and twelves. But I learned not to count. I learned to rather focus in the experiences. I count the number of things I learned. The paradox? I hate the pain with all my passion, but still, I love it the same, for it teaches me in no other way it can be taught in the world.

And with this realization, I now know, at least, what happiness is all about. I don't think anyone ever achieved complete happiness with his life. In my case, I know I haven't. I secretly condemn those who do not realize the value of what they have. I hate it even more when they screw themselves and complain afterwards of the consequences. The fools. I wouldn't even be surprised if they get slapped with a look of incredulity.

I don't have much, but i certainly have enough to get me through. And boy, I do not try hard to keep that in mind.

Forgive me, I'm human. I can't help but feel sad and angered by the misfortunes our carelessness has brought upon us. Although, bereaved over the problem we have to deal with from time to time, I try not to think of the things others have and instead, I am thankful of what I still have. I could only convey much of my gratitude towards my parents (for bringing us up in a way that made us stronger individuals) by instilling content in us and not compelling them to provide for our kapritso.

I keep myself happy and satisfied with little things. And I feel sorry for those who senselessly indulge in things without realizing that someday, who knows, maybe tomorrow, they might be facing a point in their lives with nothing.

There's no point in regretting, as being sorrowful won't bring back lost opportunities. All there is left to do is to remember every morning that when we wake up, we have today and tomorrow to make things better.

As for me, I have myself. Others cannot forever be doing me a favor. At times, I only have to stop a while and think of things I can do, if not for the world, at least for my family, my loved ones and especially, for myself

Now, on Christmas Day, why don't you allow your mind to surf and ponder on some random thoughts? Your own realizations might give you a better 2004.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Confession of a Bee

2009-10-02T23:32:00.009+08:00

I fell asleep while waiting for our next game in Garena. I did it twice already. I just lay down on the bed waiting for the next game, eyes wide open and I am sure I am awake. But after a jiffy, I wake up and realize I had fallen asleep for like 5 to 10 minutes. And my screen is full of buzzes from my friend's IM. They even try calling me over the phone to wake me up.

*Sigh* I admit it, I am a sleepyhead :3

When my head touches the pillow, I just can't help it. I drop dead to the world. I know I shouldn't lay down to avoid dozing off but it is so tempting to lie down for a moment. I'll try never to do it again. Promise :3

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Solar Power

2009-09-30T22:06:00.012+08:00

These are some of my boss, Sir Dave Dewbre, solar powered accouterments.

Note: Click the images for a larger view.

They use mini solar panels to charge them up. You just leave them under the sun the whole day and let nature do the work. At night time, through a sensor, they will lit up by themselves. Cool~ :3

Solar powered lanterns :3

Solar powered torches :3

Solar powered lamps :3

Here are some pictures when they started to lighten up.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

SM City Pampanga

2009-09-29T05:12:00.022+08:00

Monday - September 28, 2009 - Out of the blue, I went to Pampanga. I had to run some errands and since I'm already here, why not enjoy the mall. After attending an official business, I went straight to SM City Pampanga. I needed some "me" time.

SM City Pampanga was opened to public on November, 2000, is the very first SM Supermall in Central Luzon. SM City Pampanga is now the longest and biggest mall in the region, with more than 820 meters sprawl of mall shopping area, and the largest SM Supermalls land area for total of 316,000 m² or 31.6 Hectares. It is owned by SM Prime Holdings founded by Chinese Filipino businessman Henry Sy, Sr. It is known to be the 5th Largest SM Supermall in the country.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SM_City_Pampanga

I've been here many times, yet it feels like I haven't seen everything in this place. Maybe because, I was with friends and did not pay any attention to my surroundings. But I'm alone right now. This is a chance to explore.

Note: Click the images for a larger view.

Bear Cuddlers

At first, I thought Blue Magic was the only store in SM Pampanga, solely dedicated on selling stuffed toys. But I found this shop, located near the right most part of the mall. I think, not much people notices the shop.

They have cheaper stuff toys (compared to Blue Magic), too bad they did not allow me to take more pictures. They have a large collection of stuffed toys. I like the large ones.

View from the outside.

This is a bear displayed in front of the store. Really big and it is sitting on a chair with a paw-pillow. Forgot the price, but it is around 1600Php~1700Php.

Merry Christmas

They started selling Christmas trees. The -Ber months started and as always, the count down to Christmas is far more exciting than the Christmas itself. Love the Filipino tradition.

I don't know how they do that, but, the tip of the pine trees leaves are blinking with different lights. And they have this machine that mimics "falling snow".

Pinoy Pride

I want this t-shirt. I love the concept of the shirt. Black and yellow color with dots mapping out the Philippine Islands. Unfortunately~ They don't have XL sizes. Epic Fail :3

Handog Tsinelas

Buhayin natin ang kanilang pangarap.. at ibalik ang dignidad ng mga bata.

Mula Agosto hanggang Setyembre, Piso mula sa bawat Tsinelas na bibilin mo sa SM Dep't Store ay mapupunta sa mga batang walang sapin sa paa. At sa tulong ng Handog Tsinelas ng Rated K, malayo ang mararating ng Piso mo.

Darating ang araw na wala nang Batang Pilipino ang mananatiling naka-PAA

I saw this poster near one of the entrance of SM Pampanga. Try buying some flip flops from SM Dep't Stores. If you can spare thousands for a pair of expensive Havaianas, then it won't be much trouble to buy these low-priced flip flops given that you will also be able to give bare-footed children their own pair :3

Good Food, Good Mood

Another interesting stall. Forgot the exact location though, but I think I saw this stall near one of the entrance for the SM Dep't Store.

You can mix your own fruits and vegetables. They have this wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and you can choose which one goes into your bowl. I did not try buying though, but I was itching to have my own mix :3

A lady customer mixing fruits in her bowl. I'll try this one out next time.

Pan De Manila

Can anybody tell me why people have been lining up for this stall?

I'm really curious. The product must be really good. I came across this store several times and see a long line of people waiting to make an order. I'll also try this one out next time.

The French Baker

I love this store. They have a wide selection of bread products and I love eating breads. Bread-lovers unite!

The store is located near one of the entrance to SM City Pampanga. I bought a Butter Crossaint and Corned Beef Bun before going home. Taste so good :3 I could eat all of it.

And that's the end of my lil adventure.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Sands Al Fresco

2009-09-28T01:25:00.009+08:00

Sunday - September 27, 2009 - We had a lunch meeting with our bosses, Ma'am Diana Limjoco and Sir Dave Dewbre in Sands Al Fresco in Lighthouse Marina Resort, Subic Bay. Good food and nice ambiance though the weather is not that great. It was like a semi-despedida lunch party since my bosses are going to Palawan and might stay there for good. So, they wanted to treat us guys out for lunch.

Took some pictures :3

Been wondering what 'Al Fresco' means. It is an Italian word meaning "in the open air" or "outdoors". We did eat outside though they have a buffet inside the restaurant.

I love the mocha cake :3

They have a swimming pool and the place was really spacious. I'll try to post the pictures of our food next time. I don't have my copy yet :3

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Installing 1.24b patch without using a Warcraft Version Switcher

2009-09-25T21:52:00.012+08:00

This is a step by step guide on how to install the 1.24b patch for Warcraft TFT without using a version switcher. Really easy and saves time and effort.

Note: Click the images for a larger view.

1. Download the 1.24b Patch. Just Google it and you'll find one.

2. Create another folder within your Warcraft folder. In this example, my Warcraft folder in named Dota. Path - "C:\Dota"

3. Name the folder anything you want. In this sample I named it "1.24b".

4. Copy and paste ALL your Warcraft files into the "1.24b" folder.

5. Now, extract the 1.24b patch into the "1.24b" folder. Choose "Yes to all" to replace all files.

6. Open your Garena. Go to Settings.

7. If you want to play 1.20e, use your previous path for the game exe. In this sample: Path - "C:\Dota\War3.exe"

8. To easily play 1.24b, change the path of your exe. Use the "War3.exe" in the "1.24b" folder. Path - "C:\Dota\1.24b\War3.exe"

Now, you can easily switch versions without using a version switcher. All you need to do is change the path for the Warcraft executable file. :) Hope this helps. Have fun.

Kudos to Billy for sharing this information.

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Interesting Websites

2009-09-19T23:24:00.018+08:00

Spending lots of time in surfing the internet, I have stumbled upon several interesting websites. If you have interesting website of your own, please leave a comment and post your links.

1. Good Widgets Create a photo widget for you friends and families FREE!
URL: http://www.goodwidgets.com

2. Ydetector Through this website you can verify whether a contact in Yahoo Messenger is invisible, online or offline. Just simply key in his/her YM account. Also, friends that are invisible through customized stealth settings appear online in Ydetector.
URL: http://www.ydetector.com

3. Signbot Create your own animated scrolling text LED sign. You can embed the animated GIF in HTML enabled comment boxes and even forums.
URL: http://wigflip.com/signbot

4. Phixr An online photo editor. Better than Paint LOL
URL: http://www.phixr.com

5. Photo Collage Easily create a unique photo collage.
URL: http://bighugelabs.com/hockney.php

6. Explosm Daily web comic and flash animations. Really funny :)
URL: http://explosm.net

7. Online Radio Listen to your favorite radio station in E-radio portal.
URL: http://www.eradioportal.com

8. Photoshop Tutorials Site made to house and showcase some of the best Photoshop tutorials around. They publish tutorials that not only produce great graphics and effects, but explain the techniques behind them in a friendly, approachable manner.
URL: http://psd.tutsplus.com

9. Billiards A browser game. I play this game when I am getting bored while waiting for the next game in Garena-Dota. Love the background music :3
URL: http://www.sport-bb.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=115

| x bee | b bee | g bee | j bee | c bee |

Ang Buhay Istambay

2009-09-16T13:33:00.003+08:00

Nakaka-miss din pala ang buhay-tambay. Minsan mahirap, kasi nga naman wala kang pera dahil wala kang trabaho. Pero di ko maiwasang muling manabik sa istilo ng buhay ko noon. Alam kong hindi panghabambuhay kaya nga may trabaho na ko ngayon, ngunit sadyang nakaka-miss. Minsan talaga masasabi mo, masarap maging ISTAMBAY.

Gigising ako, mga bandang alas-diyes hanggang alas-dose na ng tanghali. Madalas nakahanda na agad ang tanghalian ko. Masyado nang alanganin para sa almusal. Mag-inat ka lang ng konti, mumog, hilamos, buksan mo ang TV, higa ka sandali habang hinihintay mo ang sinaing nyo. Ganito ako tuwing umaga, walang inaalala. Ang tangi ko lang hinihintay ay ang DotA at ang Gym class ko. Pagkatapos ng tanghalian, uupo na ko sa aking trono. Ang kulay berde kong monoblock sa sala, na nakatapat sa aking bestfriend sa bahay, ang aking kaibigang itago natin sa pangalang, Computer.

Maghapon kong kasama si Computer. Habang ako ay inaantok muli dahil sa pagkain ng pananghalian, binubuksan ko na ang aking Facebook account. Isang buong araw na naman akong mangungulit ng mga kabarkada. Mahirap din talaga minsan ang madaming libreng oras. Maraming pumapasok sa utak ko. Inaamin kong madami kong kabaliwang naiisip noon. Hindi nyo din naman ako masisisi, dahil talagang nakakabagot. Nakakabagot dahil hanggang ngayon may araw pa. Dahil sa gabi talaga nagsisimula ang ligaya. Pero habang naghihintay sa paglubog ng araw, ganito ko pinapalipas ang aking oras.

Chat dito, comment dyan, ginagambala ko kahit sino. Pero pagdating ng hapon, kailangan kong lisanin ang aking trono. Oras na ng Gym. Out of reach na ko kapag alas-kwatro hanggang alas-siyete ng gabi. Nakaka-adik kaya mag-gym. Ang sarap mapagod. Dahil na rin siguro, wala akong ibang pinag-uubusan ng aking lakas. Maganda na din to para hindi naman ako lumobo. Kahit papaano ay pawisan naman ako. Awa naman ni Batman, nabawasan ako ng timbang. Pero ngayong may trabaho na ko, nami-miss ko ang Gym. Nami-miss ko ang sakit ng katawan. Nami-miss ko din ang kwentuhan ng mga gym-mates ko. Nakaka-miss din ang mga joke na naririnig mo sa radyo habang nagbubuhat ka. Na sa sobrang kakatawa ay mababagsakan ka ng weights. Sobrang lungkot mga parekoy, na sa weekends na lamang ako nakakabisita sa Gym. Sana naman wag ako tumaba masyado, dahil maghapon lang din akong nakaupo sa opisina.

Pag-uwi ko galing ng gym, ay natutuwa akong lumubog na ang haring araw. Oras na ng ligaya. Dahil kasi sa hinayupak na Smart WiFi na yan. Di ako makapag-dota kapag umaga. Hindi ganun kaganda ang internet connection ko. Nabasa ko na ang buong Noli Me Tangere ni Rizal eh hindi pa natatapos mag buff ang mga video ko sa youtube. Kapag may dumadaang ibon sa ibabaw ng WiFi antenna ko ay nadi-disconnect ako sa [GG]Garena. Laging 48 years bago mag-load ang mga website na binibisita ko. Pero kahit ganon, masaya naman kapag gabi. Bumibilis ang aking SmartBROken. At ngayong kumagat na ang dilim. Simula na nang aking pagdurog sa mga mahihinang nilalang sa [GG]Garena.

Maligo lang muna sandali, pampa-refresh. Tapos i-check muna kung may uwing pizza si Mama. Paborito ko kasi yun at madalas syang may uwing Greenwich. Aminado naman akong palamunin ako ng mga panahong yun. Pero buti loves ako ni mother-dear at naiisipan nya pa din ako uwian ng foods. Kain konti at habang nilalasap ko ang aking foods, konting chit-chat sa mga kapamilya. Tuwing gabi na lang kasi kami nagkikita kitang lahat. Sabi ko nga sa gabi talaga masaya. Dahil pagsapit ng gabi, nakauwi na ang lahat mula sa trabaho at iskwelahan. Usap tungkol sa mga nangyari sa buong araw, tungkol sa mga plano at gusto gawin, tungkol sa mga masasaya at malulungkot na bagay, eto ang panahong nilalaan namin, konting family bonding muna.

At pagkatapos ng corny na paragraph na yun ukol sa family bonding. Dumako na tayo sa aking talagang pinagkaka-abalahan. DotA na. Dalawa lang naman talaga ang lagi kong kasama mula pagsapit ng gabi hanggang sa mga oras na naririnig ko ang Lupang Hinirang sa telebisyon, hanggang sa oras na tumitilaok ang manok ng kapitbahay, hanggang sa oras na magsimula ang Unang Hirit sa Channel 7. Ang aking mga dota classmate, Billy Ray Mendoza na itatago natin sa pangalang billy_b0i at ang future mandaragat na si Kuya Jed Ryan Abasta, opo mga kaibigan – mas matanda po si Jed kaysa sa amin ni Billy at bilang paggalang ay dapat natin syang tawaging kuya, na itatago naman po natin sa pangalang sirj.

Nakaka-miss ang paglalaro mula alas-nuebe ng gabi hanggang alas-singko ng madaling araw. Madalas panalo, minsan talo (yabang hahaha!). Nami-miss ko na ang aking favorite hero na si Pugna. Simula nang mawala ang aking tambay-status ay lumiit din ang oras ko para sa Dota. Sa halip na magdamag maglaro ay may curfew na ko na hanggang alas-dose lang ako ng hatinggabi. Nagrereklamo kasi ang mga tao sa bahay na ang hirap ko daw gisingin. Nakakapaglaro na lamang kami ng matagal kapag araw ng Biyernes at araw ng Sabado. Pero nung ako ay dakilang tambay pa ay lagi kaming one to sawa.

Ganito ko ginagamit ang aking araw noong ako ay tambay pa. Matutulog ako ng madaling araw at pagkagising ko na naman ng tanghali ay eto na naman muli ang magiging paglipas ng aking oras. Minsan talaga ay hahanap hanapin mo din ang buhay ng isang tambay. Ang istilo ng buhay na walang pakialam sa problema ng mundo, na nagpopokus lamang sa mga gustong gawin ng isang tao.

Ang buhay ISTAMBAY.

Iglesia Ni Cristo 95th Grand Anniversary Celebration: A funny and grueling story.

2009-09-16T13:26:00.005+08:00

July 27, 2009 – Iglesia Ni Cristo’s 95th Grand Anniversary Celebration was held in San Fernando Pampanga. Everyone was so excited on our local. A lot of things happened that day. It is a mixture of good and bad experiences. Though I think the bad experiences overshadows the good things that happened that day. Paradox is I still consider this day a fulfilling and unforgettable day.

For an important day, I had a bad start. I woke up late. I played some games (with Billy, this is partially your fault) up to pass 2am in the morning. I woke up pass 5am and had only 3 hours of sleep *sob*. So I had to rush things. I took my bath and my mom helped me prepare my lunch. It isn’t really the ideal lunch. She prepared six pieces of hotdogs and some bread loaf. Weird lunch, I know. I just don’t want to eat that much since we’re traveling on a bus and might feel sick if I eat too much. I rushed to the meeting place and luckily arrived at the nick of time. I signed some papers, took my ribbon and flag and we started the prayer for a safe journey. After that, the minister gave few more reminders about the event and we went to the town plaza where the buses are waiting.

Traveling was fun. Most of the brethren brought a lot of excess foods. I was not even able to eat my own lunch. Food just kept flowing. They gave me sandwiches, candies and even drinks. They even gave me free lunch, my hotdogs stayed in the bag. I even got a brownie for dessert. Then my friends decided to take a walk and look around. We are on Pampanga for crying out loud. As expected all we saw are tall grass, sand and more sand. We decided to just walk to the venue ahead of the others, we were really excited. Asking for the directions, the traffic aid told us the venue is “near”. So we decided to go with the flow of the crowd. My god, when we arrived to the venue I realized the traffic aid does not know the meaning of “near”. I wanted to go back there and beat him with a dictionary. The venue is huge. Problem is, it is an open ground. It was noon time and all the chairs were under direct sunlight. If we sat there and wait for the program to start, we could have died from heat stroke or get skin cancer. So we decided to walk around, then our colleagues texted us that they are waiting at Max’s restaurant and they would like to regroup. We went to the restaurant and we stood for like hours. I almost cramped standing there for hours. Then the announcer told us to be seated so we went into the field where all the chairs are placed. I was toasted. The sun was high and the heat was unbearable. I got sun burns on my face, seriously. I even got free tan lines.

Despite the raging heat and languor, my undying anticipation for the event made me stay on my seat. Then we started practicing. Practicing our “waving skills” when the time comes that the helicopter with a camera arrives and take a shot of the venue.

We had a couple of dry runs then the helicopter arrives and dropped some confetti. The helicopter dropped the confetti, not in the venue but on the bus terminal far from the venue. Maybe a miscalculation but that was a little funny. Then it made a few more rounds and the people kept cheering. The event officially started, even though I’m quite unaware what happened for the next couple of hours. The heat is making me delusional. I stood up and I was surprised I saw a couple of my students (Teejay Arreola, Jerwin Layug and Solomon Emas). At least I got my attention away from the scorching heat of the sun. We chatted for a while and I told them I actually wanted to see my other student (Willynn Cadigal) who also attended the anniversary celebration.

We roamed around the venue looking for Willynn. I realized finding a single girl on a half a million crowd was not an easy task. I tried calling her but the cellphone signal was so weak on the venue. So we went to the Lost and Found booth, it was actually Teejay’s idea. We told the lost and found that Willynn was missing and we wanted to meet her at Max’s restaurant near the venue. The announcer paged her name a couple of times. Unfortunately, I think she never heard the message. I called her at the end of the day and she told me that she went to the comfort room and only her dad told her that her name was paged for like four times. Hahahaha! I saw almost every INC student I know from the school but I never saw her, I did not see Keanna either. How sad. The program continued and we also continued walking around looking for any signs of Willynn. Then dusk came, night came and we still haven’t seen her. When I went back to the place where my other colleagues were sitting, our minister told me they already went back to the bus. The program was nearly finished. I didn’t really want to go back to the bus immediately since I was waiting for the fireworks display. Unfortunately, it started raining. I received a text telling me they were waiting for me and they are preparing to depart as soon as possible. I had no choice, I have to go back.

It started to rain. I was brisk walking. I needed to go back to the bus as soon as possible. What’s worse than walking? Walking for miles while raining and to make it worse, I was alone. To make it much worse, I’m tired, my feet were throbbing and I was sweating real bad. My knees started to hurt too. I almost collapsed from exhaustion. Luckily, I was able to reach the parking location alive. I don’t know why we parked way too far from venue. But we did not leave yet; we still needed to wait for more people. We waited for too long then from afar, I saw the fireworks display. It was beautiful. I wish I was able to watch that closer. The last few people we were waiting for arrived and so we left Pampanga around 10pm and arrived on our local around 12 midnight.

I was very exhausted yet happy to be a part of the grand anniversary celebration of Iglesia Ni Cristo. It was a rewarding experience. Again, I would like to greet all Iglesia Ni Cristo a happy and blessed 95th anniversary. God bless us all.

My Cousin's Haircut

2009-03-11T21:59:00.002+08:00

Why do kids hate haircuts? These are the picture of my cousin (a year and a half year old) in his FIRST haircut. His name, Jared Ortiguerra.

Before the haircut:

During the haircut:

After the haircut:

Ta-da! The finish product.

He doesn't seem to be happy about it. Well, he can't do anything; he really needs one so that his hair would grow properly. I really like his face when he is irritated hahaha!

Starbucks

2009-03-08T16:23:00.002+08:00

Starbucks! At long last, we now have one here in Olongapo. We went to the most popular coffeehouse chain last Friday [March 06, 2009]. It is located just across Treats in Petron gas station. After office hours, I went to get some coffee with my best friend. Got to admit it, I am a coffee addict. When we arrived to the coffee shop, the coffee aroma was astonishing; I just can’t wait that time to try out some. I went for the largest cup and got myself a mocha coffee. It tastes pretty good. The ambience was also good. They have some jazzy blues pop music playing and they also have WiFi. They are even selling coffee and mugs. Too bad, that time, the foods were sold out. I really wanted to eat the giant donut that time *sob*.

As a remembrance we took some pictures:

Do you notice something? See that cute gurl at my back? The one wearing a hat. Wanna see her closer?

She is pretty cute, ain't she? She looked much prettier with the shop's yellow light. Her beauty complimented the shop’s classy ambience. Too bad I wasn't able to meet her (as if I have the guts to even talk to her). She is with some friends and they are talking about dead brain cells (well, that's what I overheard) hee-hee. Anyways, that completed my day.

Next time, I'm gonna try out the giant donut.

I never thought I’d feel it again.

2009-03-01T00:59:00.000+08:00

It happened again. This really awkward feeling, I could not hear anybody around me. Their words just go through my head. I felt like floating and anxious, so eager to escape. That time I felt suffocated by the result of my deeds. I wish, I’ll never have that feeling again. It drains the life out of me and brought uneasiness to my soul. That same awkward feeling, when you just want to disappear, when you just want things to end at that very moment, the time you want to escape, it was the time – that my unwavering will shattered.

I have to recollect my thoughts.

I never imagined that I’ll be in a dire situation.

I have brought this upon myself.

And I am man enough to face the consequences.

As they say, the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

My Valentine

2009-02-15T19:03:00.001+08:00

Love is in the air.

I started my Valentines day.. uhm.. eerr.. net surfing. Yeah, I know, sure is boring. Well, that's what happens when you're single and you don't have a date (laughs). Still, I had quite a busy day. I went to Olongapo noon-time for some official business and at my way home I bought some gifts, so that at the very least I could celebrate Valentine's Day.

I bought a bottle of sweet red wine for the one of the most important woman in my life, my Mom (good thing it was payday, I had some cash). I went home late (as usual) then greeted her a happy valentines, I got her a wine since it's heart's day, better yet give something good for the heart.

It was quite a busy day, I even went to check the school. Saw some students preparing for a date. Many students even skipped class to prepare for their valentine's date. This is the season when you feel "Singlehood" is sinking in. Alone? Not really, good thing I had some friends (though get-togethers is not an ideal Valentine's celebration hahaha!). Had some beer with my friends at Bataan. We even stayed overnight (no hang-overs) and had our usual harebrained moments. When do friends burn each other's leg hairs? Good thing we didn't have the marker ritual like most of the time. Waking up with grafitti on your face (our usual crazy stuff). All in all, my Valentines wasn't really that bad.

I just wonder... will I still be single next Valentines Day?

February 4, 2009 - Yet, another crazy day

2009-02-07T14:14:00.000+08:00

"Good morning, we are from AMA Computer College, Olongapo Campus. We are here for two reasons. One, is to give you important information about our school and the courses we are offering to help you decide on what course to take up upon graduation and second is to give an on-site free entrance examination."

I can't recall how many times I tried to memorize those phrases when we went on an outreach program for our school. Last Wednesday, February 4, 2009, we, together with our School Director Sir Raul T. del Rosario, Ma'am Agnes and Ma'am Divine, went to Candelaria Zambales, 3 hours travel from Olongapo City.

It was a rewarding experience. We went on four different high schools and had a career talk for the 4th Year students. At first, I was a little worried that maybe I will look stupid in front of the students, good thing Sir Raul gave me few pointers on how to conduct a career talk. Everything went well, I love seeing the highschool student energy. Remind me of my own highschool life. Highschool sure is the best, you don't worry that much about life and it's really full of fun.

It was a long day, saw different places, different faces from different schools. It wasn't my first time to go that far in Zambales. I did went to Masinloc once for my English project when I was in college. Good thing we finished early, by 6PM, we were able to get back to the school. I was sooo tired and hungry. After logging out in the school, my friends were already waiting for me. I wanted to go home and rest yet we still spent the time driking in Treats in SBMA. I was with my brothers, Neil and Vic.

It was just a regular night, but we saw something out of the ordinary. We were drinking and chatting on the gasoline station when we saw this two girls torid kissing inside their car. We were standing in front of their car, yet they still continue kissing. We just stood there, drinking our beer, watching two lesbians making out.

February 4, 2009 surely is a crazy day. Woke up 5AM in the morning. Left my house 6AM. Traveled for almost 2 hours to Olongapo City. Left Olongapo by 8AM. Traveled 3 hours to Candelaria. Spent the whole day giving career talks. Went back to olongapo by 6PM. Had some beers in Treats Petron and for the grand finale, watched two lesbians making out in their car.

Crazy crazy and a very tiring day, yet I had fun.

The Sexy Name Decoder

2009-02-01T16:35:00.001+08:00

While spending my boring afternoon at my house, I went net surfing, as usual, and found this interesting website. I got this link from one of my buddy from friendster.

The Sexy Name Decoder

The websites foreword said:

"Name Decoder is an online quiz with just one question: what's your name? Our name generator will reveal your Sexy Name and create an avatar for your MySpace or other web page so you can share it with the world. It's like an online game that's all about you!"

I got a little curious so I tried it out. I saw the sample from my friend and it seems pretty decent, but when I tried to input my name. Here's the result.

Hahaha! Man's wild imagination never ceases to amaze me. You should try out your name and you might get an interesting result. I even tried to key in my internet alias (XYD) and this is what I got.

How my January ended.

2009-02-01T01:34:00.002+08:00

January 31, 2009

3:00 PM

72AD Internet Cafe, Olongapo City

This is the pre-release card for the Conflux, set 2 of 3 in the Shards of Alara block (Magic the Gathering. Once again, after few months, I played MTG with my friends. The tournament was great and we even had more participants than we did before. Too bad I did not win this time. I won the finals last pre-release few months ago but now I was beaten by my friend on the semi-finals.

I saw new faces today, even met new friends (but i did not get any names). Also got some few good cards and to think white got a lil overpowered now and fairies are nearly dead due to new cards. I've been a lil inactive this last few months and I'm not really updated with new deck ideas or game strategies. Yet, I still enjoyed the day.

I was so glad I was able to play again with my friends, I am really stressed this last few days due to the CSCI14 (System Analysis and Design) and RSCH1A (Research 1) subjects I'm handling at school. The students are giving me a major head ache. They don't meet my deadlines and they don't comply mostly with the requirements. I think my student really have to learn the "hard way". I'm thinking, I am making a lot of enemies this last few weeks. I feel the higher year students are starting to get pissed off with me. Still, we are not even starting. If ever anybody fails the subject, do not come crying to me begging for me to give you a chance to pass my subjects because you'll get nothing from me. This is not really like me, being strict and all, but the situation really calls for it.

This whole month was really fun, though last year was a total heart breaker. This is 2009, a new year and a fresh begginning. I promised to myself that I will do something different this year. That I will not commit the same mistakes, I will be more careful in my decisions in life, but that does not mean that I'll still be the same goody-good-guy like last year. Now, I will not let anyone step on me, or fall for any subterfuge, to be credulous and to be so amenable. This is the time to move on.

Now, February has started. I can already smell the stench of blood in the air. This month will be a blast.

20 Questions ni Juan Ekis (Full Story)

2009-01-30T09:50:00.003+08:00

A Must Read Palanca Award Winning Piece.
This play won in the Palanca Awards, Dulaang Isang Yugto Category.

MGA TAUHAN

Jigs ¬ Fresh grad. Kabarkada ni Yumi. Magtatrabaho bilang researcher sa isang financial firm.

Yumi ¬ Commercial Model. Kabarkada ni Jigs. 2 years ahead kay Jigs.

TAGPO

Gabi. Sa isang kwarto ng isang beach resort. Naglalatag ng kumot si Jigs sa sahig habang inaayos ni Yumi ang kanyang higaan.

YUMI Sige na, Jigs. Huwag ka nang magpaka-gentle man. Naaawa ako sa'yo e. Tabi na tayo sa kama.

JIGS Hindi, okay lang ako dito.

YUMI Huwag ka nang maarte. As if naman re-rapin kita no. Malaki naman itong kama e. Hatiin na lang natin sa gitna.

JIGS Sure ka?

YUMI Hindi mo naman siguro ako mamanyakin no?

JIGS (Matatawa) Okay ka lang?

YUMI Kung gusto mo, gamitin na lang natin iyang kumot na divider.

JIGS Good idea.

Isasampay nila ang kumot mula sa kisame para mahati ang kama sa gitna. Magse-settle down ang dalawa.

Ilalabas ni Jigs ang libro niya: "Puppy Love and other Stories" ni F. Sionil Jose.

Si Yumi naman ay magpapatugtog ng Japanese Zen Music habang nagsa-zazen.

YUMI Do you mind?

JIGS No, go ahead. I'm just reading.

Magsa-zazen si Yumi. Magbabasa si Jigs. Pareho silang di maka-concentrate.
Papatayin ni Yumi ang CD player niya.

YUMI I can't believe our friends.

JIGS Oo nga e.

YUMI Dapat ginagawa nila 'to sa mga bagong pasok sa barkada o kaya sa bagong…ay oo nga pala. Bagong graduate ka. Congrats.

JIGS Thanks.

YUMI So what're your plans?

JIGS Kinukuha akong researcher sa ADB. Kinukuha rin ako ng BPI sa OTP nila.

YUMI Wow naman. In demand.

JIGS Di naman masyado. Who the hell invented this tradition anyway?

YUMI (Matatawa) You won't believe it.

JIGS Ikaw?

YUMI Malay ko ba na mabibiktima rin ako nito balang-araw.

JIGS So why did you start it?

YUMI Wala ka pa sa tropa nun e. Freshman ka pa lang siguro noon. Wala lang. Napagtripan lang namin si Ronald. E may crush siya kay Meg. Noong unang beses magpunta rito ng barkada, sabi ko, magsimula kami ng tradition. Ilo-lottery namin ang pangalan ng mga lalaki at ng mga babae. Kung sino ang mabubunot, silang dalawa ang pagsasamahin sa isang kwarto sa loob ng tatlong araw. And then, we'll all see what happens. Pero dinaya namin noon yung kay Ronald at Meg. Puro Ronald at Meg ang mga pangalan na nakalagay sa lottery.

JIGS (Tatawa) Ang sama ninyo!

YUMI Kaya nga nakarma na ako e.

JIGS So is our case, dinaya? O talagang lottery?

YUMI (Teasing) Ano sa dalawa ang gusto mo?

JIGS Feeling ko may nagtrip sa 'kin sa barkada e.

YUMI Excuse me po, dalawa tayong biktima dito. I don't see any reason kung bakit
tayong dalawa ang sasadyaing biktima this year, unless may crush ka sa'kin na di ko
alam at alam nila (tatawa).

JIGS Baka ikaw (tatawa).

YUMI The success rate of this tradition is 100% so far.

JIGS I was here na the 2nd time. Si Chris at si Cia ang biktima.

YUMI And last year were Rod and Kay. They're getting married kailan? Sa June yata.

JIGS What do you expect? Ikukulong mo ang isang lalaki at isang babae sa isang kwarto for three days, imposibleng walang mangyari doon!

YUMI That was exactly my point. (Ngingiti)

JIGS E kung may madisgrasya?

YUMI Anong disgrasya?

JIGS Alam mo na 'yun!

Hahawiin ni Yumi ang divider nilang kumot.

YUMI Ano? Sex? Pa'no kung magsex sila? Nakakatawa ka naman. Di mo masabi.

JIGS Ang alin?

YUMI Ang sex!

JIGS Hah!

YUMI Sige nga sabihin mo nga?

JIGS Para kang tanga. Tumigil ka nga.

YUMI Shet, Jigs. Graduate ka na totoy ka pa rin!

JIGS Excuse me?

YUMI Sabihin mo nga: "Sex! Sex! Sex! Sex!"

JIGS Para kang bata, Yumi ha.

YUMI You used to call me ate Yumi when you were in third year.

JIGS Well, graduate na po ako, ate Yumi.

Tahimik.

JIGS Hmmm. I wonder if we're gonna last three days.

YUMI (Teasing) Bakit? Ayaw mo sa'kin?

Di sasagot si Jigs.

YUMI We're gonna survive this one.

JIGS What makes you so sure?

YUMI No offense, Jigs. I honestly find you very attractive pero I've no time for this. Alam mo naman siguro na kaka-break ko lang.

JIGS Same here.

YUMI Same here what? Na you find me attractive o you don't have time for this?
(Matatawa)

Di sasagot si Jigs. Tahimik. Io-on ulit ni Yumi ang CD player at ipagpapatuloy ang zazen. Itatabi ni Jigs ang libro. Nawalan na siya ng ganang magbasa. Pupunta siya sa ref. Bubuksan niya ito.

JIGS Hah! (Sarcastic) Perfect! Red Wine! How very conducive.

YUMI May chips ba diyan?

JIGS Sa awa ng Diyos, may tsibog naman.

Papatayin ni Yumi ang CD player. Tatayo siya at kukuha ng chips sa ibabaw ng ref.

YUMI Since we're gonna be stuck naman with each other for three days, might as well make the best out of it di ba? I-enjoy na lang natin.

JIGS What do you mean?

YUMI Get the wine, let's have a drink! 50 hours to go na lang and we're gonna be the first failure of this tradition.

JIGS Oo nga. (Kukunin ang wine. Maglalagay sa dalawang baso.) When they chose Cia and Chris, naiintindihan ko pa e. Lalo na sina Rod and Kay. Kung baga, tinulungan lang natin silang umamin sa isa't isa. Pero us…

YUMI Weird ng barkada natin 'no?

JIGS To our barkada and our weird traditions!

YUMI To us, the first failure of this tradition!

Magto-toast sila at iinom.

JIGS Sige, ate Yumi. Let's make our stay here more interesting…

YUMI What's with the ate?

JIGS Fine…

Bubuksan ni Yumi ang chips. Uupo sila pareho sa sahig para magkwentuhan.

JIGS Let's play twenty questions.

YUMI Sige! Ano yon?

JIGS Each of us will have ten questions each. Tatanungin kita, tatanungin mo ako, mga gusto nating malaman sa isa't isa. Alternate tayo. Pero the thing here is, you can't ask the question that I already asked.

YUMI That's pretty interesting.

JIGS At bawal magsinungaling.

YUMI Fair enough. Pero whatever is said inside this room remains in the room. Ok?

JIGS Of course. You wanna start?

YUMI No. I want to ask the last question. (Ngingiti at kikindatan si Jigs)

JIGS Smart move. Game. First question: Ano ang greatest frustration mo sa buhay?

YUMI Nge. Ang korni naman ng tanong mo. Walang ka-challenge-challenge. Ask me something na mag-iisip naman ako.

JIGS Simula pa lang e.

YUMI Sige. Ano nga ba…?

JIGS Akala ko ba walang ka-challenge-challenge?

YUMI Wag kang maingay, nag-iisip ako… I'm a frustrated ballet dancer.

JIGS Talaga?

YUMI I took lessons when I was six pero umayaw ako. Wala kasi akong disiplina e. Mas gusto kong makipaglaro sa mga kalaro ko. Pero I really enjoy watching ballet dancers.

When I see them dance parati kong naiisip na sana, ako rin. There! Ang dali naman ng tanong mo. Walang thrill.
JIGS Appetizer lang. Yari ka sa'kin mamaya.

YUMI We'll see. Ako naman: Did you ever have doubts about your sexuality? I mean, kahit minsan ba, naisip mo na bakla ka?

JIGS Never.

YUMI Bilis ng sagot a.

JIGS Coz I never entertained the idea.

YUMI Homophobe ka ba?

JIGS Alternate tayo sa tanungan, di ba?

YUMI So, not once? Kahit konti? Kahit what if lang?

JIGS I'm straight, okay?

YUMI I'm not asking if you're gay or not. I'm asking kung…

JIGS Never nga.

YUMI We all thought na you were gay. Well at least nung first few months mo sa tropa before you introduced your girlfriend to us.

JIGS What?! You thought I was gay?!

YUMI E pa'no kasi, masyado kang mabait. Ang pogi-pogi mo, pero parang allergic ka sa mga babae. Over ang pagiging gentleman mo! Too good to be true. You have a good body, it seems that you work out pero iniisip namin front mo lang yun. Kadalasan kasi front ng mga bakla ang pagiging maganda ng katawan nila at pagiging sporty…

Tatawa lang si Jigs.

YUMI So we thought it's either that or you were planning to become a priest.

JIGS What?!

YUMI Well, you were always this goody-goody person. Pumupunta ka sa chapel. Nangungumpisal, nagsisimba…

JIGS The way you said it, parang equivalent ang dalawa a.

YUMI Of course not. I didn't mean that!

JIGS I take my faith seriously. That doesn't make me gay!

YUMI So you did want to become a priest…

JIGS Hindi rin. Actually, I always wanted to raise a family… and be a father.

Tahimik.

YUMI So you're not gay.

JIGS No.

YUMI You never…

JIGS Ilang beses ka ba ipinanganak? Kulit mo e. It's my turn.

YUMI Homophobe ka no?

JIGS Hindi kaya!

YUMI Whatever…

JIGS Ako na, daya mo naman e.

YUMI Okay, okay. Shoot me.

JIGS How do you see yourself five years from now?

YUMI You expect to win this game? Ang kokorni ng mga tanong mo e.

JIGS The object of this game is not to win.

YUMI E ano pa ba?

JIGS To get to know the other person.

YUMI Sure. Basta ako, I will win this game. Walang thrill ang isang game kung walang nananalo.

JIGS Sagot.

YUMI May time limit ba ito? (Tatawa) Wine pa nga.

JIGS Sabi nga nila: in vino veritas.

Magsasalin si Jigs ng wine.

YUMI Masarap ang wine, ha? Saan kaya nabili ito? (Iinom) To answer your question, either maging entrepreneur ako, magsisimula ako ng sarili kong botique or bar, o kaya, magiging artista ako sa pelikula.

JIGS Not bad.

YUMI Pero mukhang malabo yung stint ko sa movies. Tough ang competition e. Saka mahina ang manager ko. Panay hosting at pictorials ang nakukuhang raket para sa akin. Papalitan ko na nga e. Pag nakaipon ako, baka magtayo na lang ako ng botique.

JIGS (Magbibiro) Ayaw mo mag-bold?

YUMI Yuck!

JIGS Lahat ng gustong mag-artista doon dumadaan.

YUMI May talent naman ako kahit papano a!

JIGS Lahat naman ng bold star may talent a! Sa dibdib! (Tatawa)

YUMI (Hahampasin ng unan si Jigs) Bastos ka talaga! Akala ko goody-goody ka… Hindi ko papatulan ang pagbobold kahit ano'ng mangyari no! Kahit ganito ako, may respeto pa rin naman ako sa sarili ko.

JIGS Ganito? Ano'ng ganito?

Di sasagutin ni Yumi ang tanong.

YUMI These producers think all the people want is sex, sex, sex! Kaya puro basura ang mga pelikula e. Wine pa nga!

JIGS (Magsasalin ng wine) Bakit naman botique?

YUMI Hoy madaya ka na ha? Hindi pa ako lasing. Ako na'ng magtatanong. Ang korni mo namang magtanong. Bigatan naman natin nang konti…Inom ka muna.

Iinom si Jigs. Magsasalin siya ng bago.

YUMI Who was your first crush in the barkada?

Tahimik.

YUMI Haha! Bingo ka no? Bagal mo naman sumagot.

Iinumin ang wine. Magsasalin ng bago.

JIGS Lalaki o babae?

Tatawa sila pareho.

YUMI Dapat may time limit ito e.

Tahimik.

JIGS Hirap naman ng tanong mo.

YUMI Iyon nga ang maganda e. Para may thrill. As if naman ibo-broadcast ko sa barkada kung sino.

JIGS Wine pa?

YUMI Di mo pa sinasagot yung tanong ko, nagtatanong ka na!

Magsasalin ng wine si Jigs kay Yumi.

JIGS Yung crush ko kasi…siyempre, sino pa ba? E di yung pinakamaganda sa barkada.

YUMI Nge. Subjective yon no! Para sa'kin ang pinakagwapo si Joel. Sa babae, si Kay. Para kay Ronald, si Meg…

JIGS Yung literally na may dating, walang tanung-tanong. Yung kahit sino'ng tanungin mo sa tropa, objectively, siya ang isasagot.

YUMI Jigs, twenty questions ang game natin. Hindi guessing game. C'mon man.
Play your own game. Pa'no na kung truth or dare to e di pahirapan na. Dadalawa na nga lang tayo e.

JIGS Yung commercial model.

Matitigilan si Yumi.

YUMI Wine pa nga.

Magsasalin si Jigs. Mag-iisip si Yumi. Iinom. Biglang matatawa.

YUMI (Tumatawa pa rin) Talaga?

JIGS Sige, pagtawanan ba?

YUMI You can say it to my face, I won't bite. Bakit hirap na hirap kang sabihin kung sino? Takot kang ma-reject? Parang tanong lang e… Wine pa nga!

JIGS Okay, 1 point ka na…

YUMI (Ngiti) Gee…thanks. Flattered naman ako. At kailan naman nangyari ito?

JIGS Sorry, my turn to ask. (Ngingiti) Who is your crush in the barkada… NOW?

YUMI E ginaya mo lang yung tanong ko e.

JIGS Hinde no. May qualifier ako. Ang sabi ko, NOW. Ang tanong mo, first crush ko.

YUMI Korni pa rin. Alam mo, kung basketball ito, tambak ka na.

JIGS Just answer the question.

YUMI Siyempre wala. I told you, I don't have time for these stuff. Kakabreak ko lang di ba?

JIGS Korni mo namang sumagot.

YUMI E korni yung tanong e. Pero kung talagang-talagang kailangan kong sumagot... hmmm…teka…sino nga ba? Sino ba'ng crush material sa barkada? Wala akong maisip e. Ikaw na lang.

JIGS Yung seryoso naman.

YUMI Seryoso ako. Ayaw mo yata e. Sige, iba na lang…

JIGS E napipilitan ka lang e.

YUMI Uy! Pa'no ba'yan? MU na tayo? Crush mo ko, crush kita…yiheee (Tatawa).

JIGS Dati pa 'yon no!

YUMI Ay? Di mo na ko crush? Bakit, na turn-off ka? Ano namang ginawa ko? Tsk. Tsk.

JIGS Is that your question na?

YUMI Oy, hinde! Ito naman… di ba pwedeng mag-follow-up?

Iinom ng wine si Jigs.

YUMI Fine. Here's a little juicy question: Describe your first kiss.

JIGS That's not even a question.

YUMI Arte mo. O: How was your first kiss like?

Matatawa si Jigs.

JIGS Wet.

YUMI Yuck!

Magtatawanan sila.

JIGS Alam mo, aksidente yung first kiss ko. Close kasi kami nung isa kong kaibigan. Pag naggu-goodbye ako sa kanya, parati ko siyang kini-kiss sa noo. E one time, sa gym habang nagpapahinga, nakaupo siya sa sahig. Tinatamad siyang tumayo. So bumaba ako nang konti para halikan siya sa noo kasi pauwi na ako. E siya naman, para maabot ko, medyo tumingala. E sakto, sa lips ko siya nahalikan. Pareho kaming nagulat. Pero di pa kami naghiwalay agad. Weird nga ang feeling e. Parang may glue! . Ayaw na namin maghiwalay pareho…

Tawa pa rin si Yumi

YUMI Awww. Ang sweet naman. Parang sa pelikula. Si Krissy ba ito?

JIGS Hindi. Hindi mo siya kilala.

YUMI So what happened? Nagkatuluyan kayo?

JIGS Nope.

YUMI Ha?

JIGS Ewan ko ba. Complicated kasi yung situation namin e. May boyfriend siya noon. Ako naman, takot pa sa isang relationship. Pero at least, na-discover namin na pareho pala kaming may gusto sa isa't isa. Pero hanggang doon na lang.

YUMI What happened after?

JIGS We talked about it. We both decided na it wont work. Tapos, bigla na lang, hindi na kami nagkikita. And then, I met you guys, iba na ang barkada ko.

YUMI Nakakatuwa naman.

JIGS Ikaw, pa'no yung first kiss mo?

YUMI Ikaw ang nagturo sa akin ng game na ito di ba? Bakit ba lagi mong bini-break ang rules? Di mo na pwedeng tanungin 'yan!

JIGS Tine-testing ko lang kung lasing ka na. (Iinom ng wine) Okay, naka-warm-up na ako: What was the naughtiest thing you ever did?

YUMI 'Yan ang mga tanong! Ano ba'ng ibig mong sabihin ng naughty?

JIGS Bahala kang mag-define.

YUMI Hmmm…marami e…(matatawa) baka maeskandalo ka.

JIGS Kanina ayaw mo ng korni. Ngayong medyo exciting naman…

YUMI Eto na…I had two boyfriends at the same time.

JIGS (Nagulat) Hala.

YUMI I was with Joel and Zach at the same time.

JIGS Yikes. Alam ba ni Joel?

YUMI Kaya nga kami naghiwalay nun e. Nahuli ako (matatawa).

JIGS Ano namang pumasok sa kukote mo't ginawa mo iyon, aber?

YUMI Nag-eexperiment lang! ako. E sa type ko sila pareho e. Ano'ng magagawa ko? Saka para may thrill. Alam mo iyon? Yung patago kang nakikipag-date sa isa para di mahuli. Everyday pa akong nakakalibre, kasi, alternate sila! (Tatawa) Akala n'yo kayo lang mga lalaki ang pwedeng gumawa no'n?

JIGS How can you love two guys at the same time?

YUMI Who said something about love? Walang kinalaman ang love dun. I was…having fun!

JIGS Nainlove ka na ba, ever?

YUMI Nakakailang tanong ka na? It's my turn.

JIGS Don't you want to answer the question anyway?

YUMI My turn!

JIGS Kulang ka pa sa wine. (Tatawa)

Ubos na ang unang wine bottle. Kukuha si Jigs ng isa pa sa ref.

JIGS Ang bilis nating uminom a.

YUMI Are you still a virgin?

JIGS Whoa! Where did that come from?

YUMI That's my fourth question.

JIGS (Magsasalin ng wine sa mga baso). Ano sa tingin mo?

Ngingiti si Jigs. Tititigan lang siya ni Yumi.

YUMI Don't tell me, wala pang nangyayari sa inyo ni Krissy hanggang ngayon? Ilang taon na ba kayo?

JIGS Mag-tu-two years na sana next week.

YUMI So virgin ka pa? I don't believe it!

JIGS Mukha ba akong tarantado?

YUMI Mukha kang nagpapaiyak ng babae e.

JIGS Insulto ba 'yon?

YUMI Compliment 'yon, tanga.

JIGS Ah, okay. Thanks.

YUMI Pero, you mean, you never felt the urge to do it?

JIGS Alin? Sex?

YUMI Wow! Nasabi rin niya!

JIGS Of course I always feel it. Natural lang 'yon sa tao no? Nasa iyo na lang 'yan kung ano'ng gagawin mo sa urge na 'yon.

YUMI E natural naman pala e. Bakit mo pinipigilan? I mean, pag naiihi ka, iihi ka. Pag nagugutom ka, kakain ka. Pareho lang 'yon, di ba?

JIGS Pag naiihi ka, iihi ka dahil kailangan mong umihi. At hindi ka iihi kahit saan. Pupunta ka sa banyo. Pag nagugutom ka, kakain ka dahil kailangan. At hindi mo kinakain ang lahat ng pagkain na ihain sa iyo. Pag di ka gutom, di ka kakain. Pag di mo gusto yung pagkain, di mo gagalawin. Ang aso, pag may nakitang pagkain diyan, walang tanung-tanong. Lalamon 'yan.

YUMI And sex is the same?

JIGS Lahat ng bagay, nilalagay sa lugar. May context. At least, yun ang nagpaiba sa atin sa aso.

YUMI Grabe ka namang magsalita. Para mo na ring sinabing lahat ng nakikipagsex, aso ah!

JIGS Sinasabi ko lang, pag wala sa tamang konteksto, mali.

YUMI And what is that context?

JIGS Matanda na tayo. Ayokong maging preachy. Alam na natin 'yan.

Tahimik.

JIGS Kaso, kahit alam na natin, minsan di pa rin natin ginagawa.

Tahimik.

JIGS Masarap e. Sino ba'ng ayaw nun?

Tahimik.

YUMI (Medyo nairita) So feeling mo santo ka at dapat kang i-congratulate for being a virgin!

JIGS Sinasabi ko lang ang pinaniniwalaan ko. Ineexplain ko lang kung bakit di ko ginagawa. May kanya-kanya tayong dahilan. Di ko pinipilit kahit kanino ang mga paniniwala ko… No need to get so cross about it, Yumi.

Tahimik.

JIGS It's not about being a virgin or not. It's about putting things into their proper places.

YUMI I'm not arguing with you.

JIGS Me neither. I'm just answering your questions.

Matagal na katahimikan.

Ngingiti si Jigs. Titignan niya si Yumi na medyo nairita sa nakaraang train of conversation nila. Magsasalin siya ng wine para kay Yumi.

JIGS Nasobrahan ka na yata sa wine e. (Tatawa) You still wanna go on with the game? Nine pa lang tayo, eleven more to go. (Ngingiti)

YUMI Shoot me.

JIGS Who was your first lay?

YUMI: (Hahampasin ng unan si JIGS) Ang bastos mo talaga! So inaassume mo na hindi na ako virgin?

JIGS: E sabi mo kasi, walang thrill ang game pag walang nananalo e. So I guess I'm winning. Saka wala naman akong inimply na ganun a! I'm just hitting two birds with one stone. Kasi kung virgin ka, e di simple lang ang sagot: wala. Kung hindi naman, e di sino?

YUMI: Ang daya mo.

JIGS: Akala ko ba ayaw mo ng korning tanong.

YUMI: You think I'll answer that after giving your sermon, Father JIGS?

JIGS: Ano ka ba? Inexplain ko lang yung personal reasons ko. Kung ano man ang sa iyo, I'll respect them as well as I know you respect mine. I'm no saint. I'm just trying to get to know you better. (Ngingiti)

YUMI: How do you do that?

JIGS: Alin?

YUMI: I should have walked out on you kanina pa pero the way you say things…parang bumabaliktad sa yo…makes you more…charming. Kung ibang tao ka siguro, di na kita kakausapin.

JIGS: You can't walk out. We're locked here for three days except for meals.

YUMI: So I'm forced to like you para di masira ang vacation ko. (Ngingiti)

JIGS: You don't have to answer my question if you don't want.

YUMI: I guess I'll be honest with you as you were honest with me…

Tahimik. Iinom ng wine si YUMI.

YUMI: Di mo siya kilala. His name was Robert. He was my first boyfriend. It was Senior Prom Night. Alam mo na…typical senior prom story. Everyone wants to lose it on prom night. Everyone thinks na pag prom night, it was something special. We went out sa hall nang maaga. We made out sa kotse niya. One thing led to the other. Tapos, yun…yun na. We went back just in time for the awarding of the prom queen. Guess what, I won pa. (Mahinang tawa)

JIGS: What was it like?

YUMI: Now that I look back, it isn't as special as I thought it was. Pero it was different then. Back then, we were just led by our passions. Alam mo yon? Andun ka na. Hormones raging wild. Passions and Ideals are confused. Akala mo love, yun pala, curious ka lang pala. Akala mo yun na yon. Akala mo you are in-love at lahat ng gawin mo tama. Lahat ng gawin mo perfect. Everything was magical…well, almost.

JIGS: Almost…?

YUMI: Sa next question mo na 'yan. Ako na.

JIGS: (Pabiro) Wine pa? Kulang ka pa yata e.

YUMI: Nilalasing mo ko no? May balak ka sa kin no? (Tatawa)

JIGS: Is that your question? Sasagutin ko na. (Tatawa)

YUMI: Engot. Hindi yon. Here's something na curious lang ako. Kasi I've been hearing things…saka you've hinted on it na rin kanina…Are you still with Krissy?

JIGS: Hindi na.

YUMI: Since when?

JIGS: Two, maybe three weeks ago?

YUMI: Sino'ng nakipag-break?

JIGS: Pareho kami.

YUMI: Why?

JIGS: Maraming dahilan, actually. Naisip na lang namin na it won't work. Isa na don, magkaiba kami ng gustong mangyari sa buhay. Magkaiba kami ng mga pinaniniwalaan.

YUMI: Like what?

JIGS: Marami.

YUMI: At ngayon mo lang nalaman iyon after two years with her?

JIGS: People change, YUMI.

Tahimik.

JIGS: Right before graduation, she asked me to move in with her.

YUMI: Talaga?

JIGS: Sabi niya, doon na naman din daw papunta ang relasyon namin. Might as well practice na raw for the real thing. Tutal, she's working na naman, ako naman bagong graduate, we should try out na raw living together if it'll work for us.

YUMI: Natakot ka sa arrangement?

JIGS: Hindi naman sa natakot. If you love someone, ano pa ng ikakatakot mo, di ba?

YUMI: E bakit umayaw ka?

JIGS: It's just that, it's not my thing.

YUMI: ! Sabi na nga ba e, bakla ka no? Sinasayang mo ang opportunities! (Matatawa)

JIGS: Hindi ako oportunista. At lalong hindi ako bakla.

YUMI: Fine.

JIGS: Naisip ko lang na hindi pa pala ako handa sa mga ganitong bagay. Wala pa sa isip ko ang gano'n. Na-shock siguro ako sa reality na iyon na nga ang next step sa relationship namin. I mean, two years of being together and knowing each other, we're practically ready to get married, if you know what I mean. Pero I realized, I'm not ready for any of these. Narealize ko how immature I am. Na iba yung ideals ko two years ago sa ideals ko ngayon. I need to mature some more to get into this thing I mean, getting married. Diyos ko, ilang taon lang ba ako…

YUMI: Maturity has nothing to do with age.

JIGS: But it has a lot to do with time.

Tahimik.

JIGS: So I thought, bakit kailangan ng practice mode? Ibig sabihin, pag sumablay kami, split na kami? Live like a couple minus the commitment? Pa'no pag nawala na yung magic? Goodbye na?

Iinom ng wine si JIGS.

JIGS: Kung kasal na, kasal na. Wala nang practice. I think that's the real cowardice. Yung i-try muna natin kung it will work kasi takot kayo na baka hindi maging successful ang outcome. Saan na napunta ang excitement ng buhay? Kaya nga kayo in-love, para sabay kayong humarap sa totoong buhay, sa hirap at ginahawa, di ba? (Matatawa) Hindi yung pagpapraktisan muna ninyo para siguradong ginhawa lang.

Magkikibit-balikat lang si JIGS.

YUMI: Are you always like that?

JIGS: Like what?

YUMI: So cerebral in everything. Kahit pagdating sa relationships.

JIGS: Life is too precious para lang daanin sa trial and error.

Ngingiti si JIGS. Tahimik.

YUMI: So, No hard feelings?

JIGS: Friends pa rin kami. She still calls me up nga sa bahay e.

YUMI: That's nice.

JIGS: Kayo, bakit kayo nagbreak ni Carlo?

YUMI: That's your sixth na ha?

JIGS: Sure.

YUMI: Alam mo, ironic para sa akin yung break-up namin ni Carlo. And the funny thing was, it was about…sex. Uy, sa atin lang ito ha?

JIGS: Of course.

YUMI: Kasi nga, I was looking for that magic nga di ba? I wanted to be in a relationship na special naman. So of all the boyfriends I had, sa kanya lang ako walang sexual relationship. As in nag-aabstain talaga ako. Kasi parang naisip ko, para magkaroon naman ng meaning yung making love di ba? Parang, dapat di mo parating ginagawa, at ginagawa mo lang when you are sincere with yourself and with your partner. So I was investing muna emotionally. And I was actually starting to care about him. Yung, hindi ko na iniisip yung sarili ko.Yung siya lang ang inaalala ko. Akala ko perfect na…

JIGS: Ano'ng nangyari?

YUMI: Patunayan ko raw na mahal ko siya. Magbigay daw ako ng proof. Pagbigyan ko raw siya. Sabi ko sa kanya, hindi pa ba sapat na proof yon? Na I'm saving myself for that right moment, that special moment between us? Alam mo'ng ginawa? Nilayasan ako!

JIGS: You deserve someone better.

YUMI: Talaga!

YUMI: Isipin mo, kung kelan naman I grew tired of meaningless sex, when I'm looking for the real thing, saka naman mawawala. Ang ironic ng buhay no?

JIGS: That's the way we must learn.

YUMI: Alam mo, kung tutuusin, never ko pang na-experience yung tunay na mag make-love. And I had to go all through those relationships para lang ma-realize yun. At least, ngayon, alam ko na ang hinahanap ko.

Iinom ng wine.

YUMI: Ikaw ba, importante sa yo na virgin ang mapapangasawa mo? How do you see virginity ba?

JIGS: Alam mo, di ko pa napag-isipan yan. Pero now that you ve mentioned it…It doesn't matter kung virgin ang mapangasawa ko o hindi. Of course I value virginity a lot. I treat it as the only real gift I could give to my wife to be. Imaginin mo na lang di ba, kung wife ko ang una ko. It's like the perfect wedding gift I could give to her. Pero kung siya hindi na virgin, I wouldn't care. As long as mahal ko siya. Kasi I don't expect her to give me the same gift. I don't do something because I expect people to do the same to me. Ibigay niya sa akin ang sarili niya nang buong-buo, sapat na sa akin yon. Masaya na ako sa ganoon.

YUMI: (Mapapangiti si YUMI.) You know, that's the nicest thing I ever heard from a guy. That's why I always enjoy talking to you. You always say the nicest things.

JIGS: Wow. Salamat. E ikaw, is making love to you equal to love?

YUMI: I always took sex and love as opposite ideas. I mean, after the first time na…you know…sa Senior prom. Kasi afterwards, we broke up na ni Robert. Tapos naisip ko, yun na ba yung love? Baka hindi love yung naramdaman ko. Baka napagkamalan ko lang siyang love. I was just after the pleasure of intimacy. And then I felt empty. So empty. That's why I wanted to change. I wanted to believe in making love. And I'm still looking for it. Yung magic. Yung feeling mo, tao ka pala. I never felt that kahit isang beses. Men have penetrated my body but never my soul. And I wanted that. I wanted someone to touch my soul. To make love to my soul through my body. Pero siguro, naging numb na ko sa dami ng relasyong pinagdaanan ko. Hindi ko alam kung mararanasan ko pa iyon. That's why I envy you.

Tahimik.

YUMI: Sa tingin mo may pag-asa pa ako?

JIGS: You still have your soul…(Ngingiti)

Tahimik.

YUMI: With whom would you want to experience it?

JIGS: Of course, sa asawa ko.

YUMI: I mean, someone in particular. Take it as my seventh question.So give a name.

JIGS: A name? Hindi ko alam. Basta kung sino ang magiging asawa ko.

Tahimik. Magkikibit-balikat si YUMI. Iinom ng wine.

JIGS: Well, I always thought na it was Krissy. And then, it was just gone. Of course I loved her. And I still do. Pero the magic was just gone after we both found out na magkaiba kami ng mga prinsipyo sa buhay.

Tahimik.

JIGS: My turn?

YUMI: Shoot me.

JIGS: Tell me something…a secret. Yung wala kahit isang nakakaalam.

Matagal na katahimikan.

JIGS: You trust me naman di ba?

YUMI: Well, you've earned it, alright.

JIGS: Saka wala akong tinatago sa yo. Sinagot ko lahat ng tanong mo as honestly as I could. (Ngingiti)

YUMI: I uhm…

JIGS: Yes…?

YUMI: I need more wine.

Magsasalin si JIGS ng wine.

JIGS: Take your time. We have less than fifty hours to go.

Iinom ng wine si YUMI.

YUMI: I'll tell you something no one in the world knows except one other person. And that person probably forgot all about me already.

JIGS: (Pabiro) What? You had sex with a stranger?

YUMI: Ano ka ba?

JIGS: Biro lang. Seryoso na.

YUMI: Promise ha? Hindi ito lalabas.

JIGS: Promise.

YUMI: If this goes out, I will hunt you kahit sa libingan mo. Huhukayin kita at papatayin kita ulit.

JIGS: Mamatay man ako ngayon.

YUMI: Okay…(Pause) I…I was with Joel then… (Magiging mas seryoso ang tono niya) …and Zach. I wasn't really with Zach, I was just going out with him pag wala si Joel, alam mo na…making out and stuff…Well, anyway, I was kinda serious din naman with Joel that time. Joel and I were…you know…doing it. And…

JIGS: And…?

YUMI: Uhm…I…uhm…I got pregnant.

JIGS: What?

Tahimik. Iinom ng wine si YUMI.

YUMI: I uhm…shit. Hindi ko naman talaga ginusto e. Uhm…Two months akong delayed…then I took that test. I found out na buntis nga ako…and Joel found out about Zach (maluha-luha na) and I didn't know what to say, you know? Maniniwala ba naman sa akin si Joel na naaliw lang ako kay Zach? Na I didn't really love him? Na wala lang iyon? And so he broke up with me and…I..uhm…I was afraid and uhm…(Magsisimula siyang magbreak-down)

JIGS: It's okay…

YUMI: I uhm…hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko, Joel left me. I wanted to tell him about the baby to make him come back but I don't think he'd believe me after the thing with Zach…and…my parents are gonna kill me if…shit. (iiyak)

JIGS: (lalapit kay YUMI para i-console ito) Ssshhh…you don't have to tell me this if it upsets you…

YUMI: And so I went to a clinic…(hahagulgol) I didn't mean to, JIGS. I wasn't myself then. And I felt so afraid. So alone…

JIGS: Tahan na. Ssshhh…

Iiyak lang si YUMI kay JIGS. Yayakapin ni JIGS si YUMI.

JIGS: Alam ba to ni Joel?

YUMI: How can I tell him? The only other person na nakakaalam ay yung duktor sa clinic. God…(iiyak) Oh God…

JIGS: It's alright…

Hihimasin ni JIGS ang likod ni YUMI. Patatahanin niya ito. Matagal silang nakaganito lang. Matagal na katahimikan.

YUMI: Can you get me my yosi?

Tatayo si JIGS. Pupunta sa may side table sa tabi ng kama. Kukunin ang Yosi ni YUMI. Magsisindi siya ng isa at iaabot kay YUMI.

YUMI: Thanks…

Matagal na katahimikan.

YUMI: If we were…if we were the last two people on earth, would you consider doing it with me?

JIGS: Doing what?

YUMI: Alam mo na…

JIGS: Alin? (Teasing ngingiti)

YUMI: Gago mo. (Ngingiti)

JIGS: Ngumiti rin.

YUMI: So? Would you?

JIGS: Alin nga? Di mo masabi no? Bakit di mo masabi? (Pagtatawanan si YUMI) Sabihin mo nga: Sex! Sex! Sex! Sex!

YUMI: Shut up nga!

JIGS: That's your eight na, ha?

YUMI: I lost count. Answer it.

JIGS: Why not?

Hihithit ng yosi si YUMI. Tahimik. Sasandal si YUMI sa balikat ni JIGS.

JIGS: If you could be something else, what would you be?

YUMI: I dunno…maybe a violin…yeah. Violin siguro.

JIGS: Bakit?

YUMI: I always saw the relationship of a violin and its player as very intimate. Pag tumutugtog ang violinist, ang nakikita ko at naririnig ko, he strokes the soul of the instrument and the instrument penetrates the soul of the player. Para silang nagmi-make love. Di ba? Very sexy, very intimate, very sublime. Di ba? Pareho silang sincere sa isa't isa. Dahil kung hindi sila sincere, walang music na mabubuo. The violin surrenders her body to her player, her whole body and her whole soul, in full trust and sincerity. Di ba, compared to the sound of the other instruments, ang tunog ng violin parang isang naked woman? A naked woman in surrender? I want to be a violin. I want to be stroked in the soul. I want to make sincere music. I want to experience the sound of love.

Tahimik.

JIGS: Lalim nun ah. (Ngingiti)

YUMI: Pa'no mo malalamang in-love ka na?

JIGS: Paano? I! Don't think there s a formula to that. Basta malalaman mo na lang. I mean, ilang beses lang ba nangyari sa akin yon? I'd like to believe na yun na nga yon…yung kay Krissy…

YUMI: Kwento mo nga…paano mo narealize dati na mahal mo nga si Krissy?

JIGS: Alam mo nakakatawa…korni actually. Babalik na naman ako sa pagiging korni nito e. Di ba ayaw mo sa korni.

YUMI: Sige na. Hindi na kita aasarin.

JIGS: I heard bells.

YUMI: Ano?

JIGS: Seryoso. Bigla na lang, habang nag-uusap kami, may narinig na lang akong bells, tapos music. Ewan ko kung iniimagine ko lang yon pero yun ang nangyari. Nakakatawa nga e. Parang kanta ng Beatles.

YUMI: Seryoso ka ba?

JIGS: O baka naman nagkataon noong oras na yon, may nagkakantahan sa kung saan sa school. Basta may narinig akong bells. Tapos napangiti ako. Pagtingin ko sa mata niya, iba na ang nakikita ko. Hindi ko na siya nakita as kabarkada lang. Biglang parang may magic. Hindi ko ma-explain. Baduy pero ganun. Tapos I just seized the moment. Umamin ako. A week later, kami na.

YUMI: Korni nga. (Matatawa)

JIGS: Korni talagang pakinggan. Pero pag nandun ka na. Pag naranasan mo na, feeling mo, hindi na korni.

Ngingiti si YUMI. Tahimik.

YUMI: Alam mo, may times na parang tunog violin ang boses mo. O lasing lang ako?
Tahimik.

JIGS: I'm into my last question.

Iaangat ni YUMI ang ulo niya.

YUMI: Shoot me. Better make it good.

JIGS: If you were again to be the next victim of this tradition, if you were to be locked up in this room again…who would you want the next guy to be?

YUMI: (Mag-iisip) I want someone whom I could talk to… Yung makukwentuhan ko ng mga sikreto ko. Yung may sense makipag-usap. Yung may laman. The violin player who'd stroke my strings…not even. Yung mapapatunog niya ang strings ko without even touching them. (Tahimik) Lumuluwag na ang dila ko…kung anu-ano na ang nasasabi ko. (Ngingiti)

Tititigan lang ni JIGS si YUMI. Tahimik.

YUMI: Siyempre yung masarap kausap.

Tahimik. Hindi makatingin si YUMI.

YUMI: Yung kahit habambuhay wala kaming gawin kundi mag-usap… I think it's better than making love.

Mapapatingin si YUMI kay JIGS.

YUMI: Gosh I want to kiss you so badly.

Matitigilan siya.

YUMI: I can't believe I just said that.

Tahimik. Titignan niya ulit si JIGS.

YUMI: Don't you want to kiss me?

Pause. Titignan siya ni JIGS sa mata.

JIGS: Is that your last question? (Ngingiti si JIGS)

YUMI: Yes.

JIGS: Yes.

DILIM…

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Country Story True Trophy Collection

2009-01-02T03:26:00.002+08:00