Diversions, Exploitations and Analogies!

The Arroyo Administration still embeds itself in hot waters. Numerous allegations, sensationalized intrigues and national issues are inherent in its grasp. The reopening of the "Hello Garci" investigation, the alleged half-a-million publicized bribery and the ZTE broadband deal are the most infamous events. In the heat of the political turmoil, the Administration's patience and strategies are being placed into a test of survival and rigidity.

The impact of the situation has indeed created a two-fold effect on the Motherland. The economy has gone mad playing highs and lows on the stock market. The populace has an unending struggle to place a side on their patriotism, having losing the trust to an unimaginable amount on the system due to the events.

And here comes a blast! A literal blast!

On of Makati's famous malls, Glorietta, was shattered by two explosions over the past weekend. Many were killed and hundreds were left injured.

One may cease to imagine the horror that the blast has made. People going from a gay strolling into pandemonium to find safety for themselves and the ones they cared for. A pleasure-filled trip turned into nightmare. Worst, the loss of lives in the most unprecedented account.

Speculations of a terrorist attack came floating around like juicy gossip. But then, its the diversion that counts. The Administration has made itself a knight-in-shining-armor move by flagging against anti-terrorism. Its a stress-relieving move from verifying accusations, one might say.

Investigation on the explosion concludes that the explosion MAY not be of any human atrocity cause but of negligence on sanitary precautions. It was found out that a sewage system from the mall was left unchecked and the fumes accumulated. Added with the volatile quality of the culinary-used fuel, the gases exploded.

The thought of thinking that methane, released from human waste to be added with our LPG's would be enough to churn our stomachs, apart of course from the accident it caused. Imagine the stench of our feces mixing with our food! Horrible, isn't it?

But it came to me, there seems to be an analogy to these events. The stench of the atrocities of the times, mixed with the aggression of the masses, if not resolved, may spell yet another explosion. And it will be gruesome to think that not just hundreds may be the casualties of this impending disaster.

Let's all pray this may not happen.

============================

source: http://www.philstar.com/

I'm a Man Without an Ego... Soon

As much as I can, I put my time and effort to propagate something that I love to do. I can make sacrifices and never regret it. I can take every responsibility as long as I can manage. I reach people and make things comfortable and easy. I hear both sides of an argument and give resolutions; not judgements. I can give my life as long as everyone can be happy and peaceful. I might have made mistakes in my time and I resolve to learn from it.

But why are you doing these to me?

Why am I judged?

Why am I ridiculed in front of everyone?

Why am I compared?

Why am I called names?

Why am I misunderstood?

Weren't I enough?

Weren't I good to everyone?

Am I bad?

Was I selfish?

Am I a man less because I'm not straight?

I have a huge problem. I can't be angry to you, because you're special to me. Every hit I take from you I abosrb, because there's no point in getting into arguments. Every time I'm embarrassed in front of everyone, I just bow my head in silence.

But you must understand:

Every hit I absorb, the heart ceases to love.

Every embarrasment I recieve, the ego is shattered.

Everytime I am judged, my respect for you lowers.

Every ego shattered, the man inside diminishes.

Every comparison made, a wall stands and heightens.

You almost won my heart, but you first shattered my manhood. I'll never get angry, but don't expect for me to be there for you.

With you around, I will always be a MAN without an EGO.

I'm sorry, but I cease to be ONE...

Manila Meets the Titan of the Skies!

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) warmly welcomes the largest commercial aircraft ever constructed, the Airbus A380 in lieu of the aircraft’s world tour. The A380 MSN007 made its touchdown at the NAIA runway last October 11, 2007 at 1430H Manila Time.

0o0o[==ppp^( O )^qqq==]o0o0

Oct. 11, 2007; 1330H

Chard: Asan u? D2 me sa OFW area.
Ako: Wer yang OFW area?
Chard: D2 tapat ng Casino Filipino entrance ng NAIA.
Ako: Anuver! Nsa kabilang syd me. Y ka nandyan? Eh dulo na ng runway yan ah!
Chard: Sa port 13 daw ga2rahe ang A380. Kita fr hr ung 13.
Ako: Nyak! Sa kbila tayo. Dun la2nding yung A380 sa kabila.
Chard: Punta u dito.

Lintek! 1:30 ng hapon eh naglalakad ako sa ilalim ng araw. Buti na lang at may payong na ready. Pero gudlak sa pawis at lagkit. Pero keri lang. Kailangan bagtasin natin ang NAIA road sa kainitan ng araw dahuil kailangan maging bahagi ako ng kasaysayan. Its not an ordinary day to see the biggest commercial aircraft that’s why all aircraft fanatics are looking forward to this day.

Mabalik tayo. Uhaw at gutom na ako. Hindi na ako naglunch sa ofis para makarating sa NAIA ng maaga. Alam ko kasing magkakabuhol-buhol ang traffic. Dalawa ba namang bigaten ang darating. Isang bigateng kamao at isang bigateng eroplano. Pero ang sadya ko sa NAIA eh yung eroplano, hindi yung kamao. Haller.

0o0o[==ppp^( O )^qqq==]o0o0

The A380’s world tour shall embark its preparedness for commercial use. Among the airports that it visited are from South America, the USA, the Asia-Pacific region and Canada. The tour shall test the endurance of the four Engine Alliance GP7200 engines, as well as its performance on different airport conditions. Operating under typical airline conditions, the aircraft undergoes airport compatibility checks, ground handling and maintenance procedures to confirm its readiness to enter service. The total flight time estimated for the world tour counts to 150 hours.The A380’s British pilot Peter Chandler welcomed all the Filipinos from different local and international airlines. He toured the guests into the humongous cabin that can carry up to 825 passengers in three classes. The first and business classes houses amenities; bar and a few lounges for passengers. The rest of the four prototypes, offers duty free shops, beauty salons, double beds, a gym, showers and even a casino.

0o0o[==ppp^( O )^qqq==]o0o0

1345H

“Anu ba? Bakit dito ka kasi? Anlayo tuloy ng nilakad ko amputah.” Namamawis akong nilapitan si Richard. Conductor ng PULSE. Adik din sa eroplano.

“Kita mo ba yang port 13? Ayun oh. Dun gagarahe ang A380.” Sabi ni Richard habang tinuturo yung airport.

“Bakla, kotse? Gagarahe talaga ang term. Hahaha. Dun tayo sa taas, sa kabilang side ng airport tayo pumunta. Dun makikita yung landing ng A380.”

“Sige akyat tayo sa taas.”
“Saan yung OFW ekek na sinasabi mo kanina?”
“Dun sa taas yun.”
“Eh bakit sabi mo dito? Ililigaw pa ako.”
“Malapit lang yun.”

Umakyat kami ni Richard. Sa dulo ng hagdan na inakyat naming, bumulaga ang isang sign: ‘OFW Area’.

“Ah, dito pala.”

Sinipat-sipat ko ang paligid ng platform ng airport. Maraming tao. Pero organized. Nakapila. Naghihintay. Salamat sa mga pasensyosong empleyado ng airport.

Hindi na ako nagtataka kung lahat ng mga nakikita kong empleyado ng NAIA eh pamilyar ang mga mukha. Lahat naman halos ng graduate ng Alma Mater Dolorosa eh dito sa airport nagtatrabaho. That’s good to know. Talagang may pinatutunguhan ang mga pinag-aralan. Kudos to all gradutes who work sa NAIA!

“Announcing the arrival of Flight 35-9HD arriving from Bahrain.”

“Parang familiar ang boses na yun. Kay Joy ba yun?" Nagtatanong si Richard habang hinahanap ang pinanggagalingan ng boses.

“Yung crush mo nung nasa school pa tayo? Parang familiar nga.

"Kinikilig ka naman to the max?!”

“Naman!”

Lakad kami ni Chard. Nakipagpatintero kami sa mga tao at sasakyan.

“Dun sa kabila, Chard. Dali.”
“Wait lang Boone. Pasok kaya tayo sa loob? Airconditioned dun. Palamig tayo.”
“Bakla, mall lang? Ang higpit kaya ng security dito.”
“Sabihin natin magsusubmit ng resume sa OJT.”
“Puta ka. Malamigan lang eechos pa sa security.”
“Ang init naman kasi sa labas. Dali na, ako bahala.”
“Adik ka kuya.”

Kabado akong lumapit sa security personnel sa isa sa mga entrance ng NAIA. In fairness, wala kang bait na mababakas sa mukha ng security personnel na to. Takot ko lang manggoyo. Kaya si Richard na lang ang pinakausap ko.

“Ma’am, mgsusubmit lang po ng resume sa OJT.”

“Saang company sir?” Nakamangot na tanong ng security.

“Qatar Airways.”
“Ilang kayong magsusubmit ng resume?”
“Dalawa po.”
“Isa lang po pupunta sa airline. Ibigay na lang po ang resume dun sa isa.”
“Ay ganun. Sige ma’am, kunin ko lang yung resume.”

Labas kaming dalawa.

1400H

“Bakla, hindi effective.”
“Kerek! Hala dun na tayo sa kabila. Anytime soon, lalapag na A380.”

Pagdating namin sa kabila ng platform.

“Ano ba to Boone? Maaraw! Wala ako dala sunblock.”
“May payong ako. Keri na yan.”
“What time ba lalapag yun?”
“Two forty-five daw.”
“Wala ba schedule sa arrival?”
“Wala dun sa arrival scheds eh.”
“Baka dun sa baba, meron. Dali, tingnan natin.”
“Anuver? Maaraw na, mainit pa, tapos lalakad ka pa punta dun?”
“Tingnan lang natin kung anong oras talaga darating yun.”
“Malayo ang lalakarin.”
“Hindi, may alam akong shortcut.”
“Saan?”
“Dun sa may dinaanan ni Pacquiao kanina.”
“Taray! VIP?”
“Try lang natin.”

Bumaba kami sa may arrival area ng NAIA. As expected, higpit-higpitan ang mga security kaya napilitan kaming umikot. Forty miles ang nilakbay namin para makarating sa arrival area. Tingin agad kami ng sched.

“Wala sa sched yung A380.”

Biglang may nag-pop-out sa utak ko. Bakit nga ba hindi ko naisip?

“Wala talaga yun. Test flight kaya yun. Wala talaga yan sa sched. Puro commercial flight kaya yan.”
“Ay, hindi agad sinabi. Naglakad pa tayo ng malayo.”
“Ngayon lang narealize, sorry dong.”

Balik ang dynamic duo sa platform. Redi na ang payong at panyong ipapamunas sa pawisan naming mga ulo.

“Shet naman oh. Sa dami ng makakalimutan ko, panyo pa.” Naghihimutok si Richard.

“Yak, marungis! Gusto mo ng panyo?” Sabay abot ang panyo ko.

“Oh, sure!”

“Asa ka kuya.” Sabay bawi ng panyo.

0o0o[==ppp^( O )^qqq==]o0o0

Airbus A380 Specifications:

Overall Length: 73 meters
Overall Height: 21.4 meters
Wingspan: 79.8 meters
Engine: Four Trent 900 or GP 7000
Engine Thrust: 311 kN
Maximum Take-off Weight: 560 Tonnes
Maximum Mach Number: 0.89

0o0o[==ppp^( O )^qqq==]o0o0

1425H

Mula sa kinatatayuan namin, kitang-kita ang mga nagtetake-off na eroplano. May malaki, may maliit. Pero nakakatuwa talagang makita ang pag-angat ng eroplano mula sa lupa. Dahan-dahan kahit na maingay ang makina. Parang humahagod lang sa manipis na hangin ang mga bakal na sasakyan. Maya-maya’y napakatayog na ng lipad nito; mataas. Sumululong pang pataas. Nakakauplift ng spirit tingnan. Added to the thought na may mga buhay na magiging maulad sa paglipad ng isang eroplano luluwas papuntang ibang bansa. Touching at inspiring ang feeling.

Napapansin naming dumadami na ang mga tao sa kinatatayuan naming. Dala ang mga handy cams at cellphone, nakapose na lahat para magisnan ang A380. Sumisikip. Nag-uunahan. Imbyerna mode na. Pero dapat calm.

“Dito lang tayo. Walang aa—“

Napatigil ako nung may sumigaw na babae sa likod namin ni Chard.

1430H

“Ayun na, ayun na!”

Kita-kita ng mga mata ko na lumalapag ang isang eroplano. Pero iba sa karaniwan ang laki nito. Kaagaw-agaw ng atensyon kumpara sa ibang mga eroplano. Apat ang makina pero walang ugong na maririnig. Tatlong palapag at malapad ang katawan. Mataas at malapad din ang buntot. Kulay bughaw ang pintura ng buntot na may nakaukit na pangalang A380. Napatulala ako habang sige ang pindot ng mga camera at cellphone ang mga katabi namin.

“Shit, ang laki nya pre, ang angas!” Sabi ko habang walang kurap na nakatitig sa eroplano.

Papabagal ang higanteng sasakyang panghimpapawid habang lumalapit sa paliparan. Nanamnamin ng bawat makakakita ang sandaling ito. Mabibighani ka sa taglay na sophistikasyon at alindog ng eroplano.

“Yan pala yung A380. Anlaki! Wow!” Nagtatatalon na sambit ng isang bata hindi kalayuan mula sa pwesto namin.

Kinalabit ako ni Richard.

“Dali, dun naman tayo sa kabila. Para makita natin kung saan paparada yun!”

“Ok. Go!”

Nanakbo uli kaming nakipagpatintero sa mga sasakyan at mga tao ng airport. Nang makarating kami sa kabilang ibayo, nakatigil na ang dambuhalang sasakyan. Parang mga langgam na naglapitan ang mga empleyado ng airport sa eroplano. Marami. Mayroon ding mga crew ng television at mga VIP mula sa DOTC at ATO. Pumasok sila sa eroplano para mainspect ang superjumbo liner.

"Naengget naman ako dun, Boone.” Nakapangalumbaba si Richard habang nakatingin sa laksa ng mga taong papalapit sa eroplano.

“Ako nga rin kaya. Pero at least, kita natin landing nya diba”, depensa ko.

“Oo nga.”

Nang tumalikod ako, nagulat ako dahil maraming sundalo at pulis sa likod namin.

Kudeta?!
Asan si Daddy Toni?! Dali autograph at kiss na ito!
Ay wait?! Huhulihin kami?! Bakit?! Bakit?! Idedeport na ba kami pabalik ng Africa?!
Nasa gitna pa ako ng hysteria nang naglabasan ng camera ang mga sundalo.

Ahhhh… Piktyur-piktyur sa eroplano din pala ang mga mokong. Akala ko tapos na ang Administrasyon. Kaloka.

Text galore ang Richard sa PULSE at ako naman sa CBIT. Walang balak mang-inggit amputah.

A380 landed at NAIA. Kita namin hehehehe.

Nang matapos nang magsend sa lahat ng gustong inggitin…

“Oh, ano, naniwala ka na makakalanding ang A380 sa Pinas?” tanong ko kay Richard

“Oo na, sige ililibre kita.”
“Talaga lang huh!?”
“Oo naman. Usapan natin yun diba?”
“Ok. Go!”

Umalis na kami ni Richard sa NAIA puntang CCP. Mahabang kainan to. Tamang-tama, gutom na ako.

------------------------------

Source: www.philstar.com, www.airbus.com, www.flightglobal.com

Beside the Capuccino Cup

I came to office late today. Nothing new: I’d be staring blankly into my screen and I’d be typing phrases and paragraphs and create some thought from it. Being not on schedule to blog, you shouldn’t be surprised if there’s no coherence in my musings.

Wonder why I have the nerve to blog while office hours? Not a work yet delegated by the boss. Most of the work falls on the ladies here in the office. I’d be moving when the feasibility study progresses and need my expertise to research and gather data. Thanks to ATO, the Internet and the PATTS library.

Here I go, indulging in a cup of cappuccino I mixed a while ago in the pantry. The warm, creamy and sweet mixture wraps the bitter coffee and the blend excites the palates and warms my weary heart and calms my agitated spirit. I realized, with a simple cup, I could wash away all the thoughts and events of the past days that have been bothering me endlessly. It has made me sleepless and worry at the times that I shouldn’t be.

The licensure exams for aeronautical engineers is past approaching but yet, there are a lot to study. And I mean a lot. From formulas of aerodynamic principles to the sections of PD 1570, the knowledge I have to gather seems to rise exponentially. Because of the tons I have studied, my poor brain is currently suffering from an overload of equations, terminologies and logic from my chosen field and there seems to have a hunger for more. Good thing, my college buddies invited me over to a house near the office to conduct scheduled group reviews. Sharing of ideas and techniques came open for all engineer hopefuls. And being the only one who reviewed in a different review center, the review materials I bring are off to comparison with the rest of the boys’. Definitely, one engineer hopeful would aim to pass the exams. But some would do anything to rise above the rest, even at the expense of ending a 5-years worth of friendship. Oh, people.

Coupled with the review are the updates of the classmates we had back in College and where are they headed as of now. Others are working in call centers, some work for the airlines and some are laid-back couch potatoes at home. One cannot help but reminisce the college days. Missing the student’s life is inevitable since everyone is now facing the real world. Away from allowances and hello to salaries. Away from professors and hello to bosses. Away to school and hello to companies. Life’s like that; transitions. After-college-life dilemmas.

I know I’m a strong man. I can face every hardship and stand for what I believe. But never would I see the very thing I call my weakness, or I’d be torn apart or be shattered to pieces: seeing a crying lady because of her man. When a woman’s heart is broken, it shatters my machismo.

A friend and I visited a boarding house some strides away from the review house. The house is rented with a very popular and pretty lady who happens to be a friend of mine. We are in good tidings when we approached the house. But after knocking the door, a crying woman welcomed us. We rushed inside to hush her. She was hysterical that she wants to go to the company where the guy works at the dead of the night. Unanswered and diverted calls, taken for granted promises, lies and infidelity succumbed the relationship; this is her plea. She changed clothes and asked directions and prepares to leave, just to know why all of this is happening. We are so worried to let her travel for three hours at night that we restrained her, and she continued to cry hysterically. I just can’t bear it. I lend her a shoulder and let her cry on it. At some point, want to get angry to the guy for making this woman cry on my shoulder. But then, I haven’t heard the other half of the story, so I can’t tell who is doing wrong or if there is something wrong. Looking at the woman, I wished I could be the man who would never make this woman cry. Someone who can give her the love and make her feel the happiest lady on earth. Someone who would not just make her feels special, but make her feel loved and cared for. But I realized, I’m not so much of a man. But if I can, I’d take the chances. I did that years ago, and that woman who took the man out of me still places a big part of my heart.

I’m not so much of a family person, but I keep my folks at hand. Too bad, it seems that I’m being wrong for the things they are not seeing. My late night arrival due to review sessions would be spelled out as gimmicks, my music fascination spelled nonsense and time waste. My folks never knew how hard life is since college days to be brought to this moment; the 5-hour daily travel, the sleepless nights, the emotional attacks from the professors, the endless reports. And I still have the nerve do to gimmicks at the time that I should be preparing for the last phase of the degree: owning a license. Music is the only rest from a day of intellect as to a portion an hour’s emotional output through the melodies and notes and it turns out to be termed as a waste of time. Life was not so easy for me and I end up to be called as “Tamad” and “Walang Kwenta”. That’s just so unfair, and I don’t think I deserve to be named as that from the members of the family. If their using those words reverse-psychologically to push me harder, its not being effective. In fact, its destroying me. It is starting to wither my perseverance, and I cannot let that happen. They may not see what I’m up to, and I don’t have to prove them anything. I don’t have to live to the words they are bombarding me. But I will be person they will be proud of in the future.

The Christmas lights flickers as the music plays with it. Christmas is fast approaching, and my passing to the licensure exams would be my only gift to the family. So I have to take extra effort, so they can be proud of me, even just this time.

Ooops, my cappuccino’s gone cold, thanks to the air-conditioning system. It’s almost lunchtime. I spend almost two hours releasing the tension inside by the words my fingers are typing in the keyboard. Thanks to you, I’m doing better. I’d have to grab a cup again this afternoon. See you!

Till The Next Journey Ends…

“Matagal pa ata itong pila. Care to take a walk?”

It was a gloomy night.

After a day of strenuous office and field work, I finally came to the last phase of my travel. I go to the site of the old Medical City to take a line of commuters going to Antipolo and wait for an FX ride. Not surprisingly, the line stretches to an impatient length. Knowing the number of passengers one FX can handle, the length of the line, the weary weather and the traffic jam that one ride will endure, one’s impatience can raise exponentially. That’s being normal for a rush hour. But still, it boils down to taking chances and being extra patient. Life is just like that. Taking chances and always face the ordinary. Routinary.

Or so I thought.

Standing to the farthest of the line, while I rearrange my jacket and pouchbag due to strained biceps, I made myself comfortable and relaxed by putting my earphones and turning the mp3 player on.

[Playing: Lights and Shades – Fra Lippo Lippi]

Five minutes has passed, not a single ride came. And no one seems wish to lengthen the line. A number of passengers would rather take the colorum FX and pray that not an MMDA or traffic police is in sight. People from the line are starting to get annoyed with the delay of the rides.

[Playing: Terminal – Rupert Holmes]

Finally, someone was brave enough to follow the line. It was a young man. I didn’t notice the features of the guy because I was facing another direction. The man went behind me.

“Uhrrm. Excuse me. Dito ba yung sakayan puntang Antipolo?”

I removed the earphones and faced the guy.

A chiseled-faced, fair-complexioned, strong-eyed, thin-lipped, sculped-nosed, tall guy met my eyes.

[Playing: Laging Ikaw – Jed Madella]

Everything stopped. I took some seconds before I managed the strength to reply.

“Uhh, oo, dito nga.” It was all that came out of me.

“Matagal na ba itong pila na to? Ngayon ko lang kasi nalaman eh.” He asked me again.

Looking intently at his Adonis stature, I was dumbfounded. Good thing, a nod from my head answered his question.

After that effort of nodding, I faced the other direction. Away from his face. Just to buy me some time to react and release the tension.

“Diyos ko po, ang GGGWWWAAAAAPPPPPOOOOO!!!!!”

I had to purse my lips, close my eyes and mute my voice’s volume while delivering the line, for me not to catch everyone’s attention. That reaction was a relief.

I restrained myself not to look at the guy again. I might get worse. But true enough of what I’m thinking, he wants my attention.

“Dito ka ba lagi sumasakay?”

I have to look at his face again. Time really stops at a glance of him. Damn it!

“Oo, kung galing ako ng work.”
“San ba work mo?”
“Sa may NAIA.”
“O, talaga. Aeronautics ba?
“Oo, engineering.”
“Ah ganun, astig ka pala pare.”
“Hindi naman. Ikaw, san ka work?”
“Diyan sa may Emerald.”
“Call center ba?”
“Hindi. Graduate ka na ba?”
“Yeah, last March pa. Review na lang and OJT para sa board.”
“Galing huh. San ka nauwi?”
“Sa may Manggahan lang. Ikaw, saan ka?”
“Taytay ako.”
“Layo pala.”

The conversation was made we gaze upon each other’s eyes. It was like a chance in a million to be in such a situation as that. All this time, I was in dream that suddenly came true.

[Playing: Never Let Her Slip Away – Andrew Gold]

We ended with a hang in the air. I am struggling to push the situation by putting up more topic. But then, he made the first move.

“Matagal pa ata itong pila. Care for a walk?”

I sensed something bad.

“Saan tayo pupunta?”
“Dyan lang. Maglalakad. Sampung fx pa yata bago tayo makasakay eh.”
“Hindi, wag na. Antayin na lang natin. Malapit na yun. Kesa naman pipila ulit tayo.”
“Haba naman kase na pila eh.”
“Ok lang yan. Iisa lang naman ang sasakyan natin eh.”

Ooops! I didn’t mean that!

The air turned silent. Not a word was spoken for some minutes. The guy looked agitated. Seems he wants to say something. The conversation seemed to be persuading me to go with him.
I turned back again to release the uneasiness I feel inside.

“Karir na, karir. Hanggang kasalan na yan, daliiiii!”
…
…
…
…
“Pare, ano trip mo?”

KKKKRRRRAAAAASSSSSS!

Seems that I was awakened from my sweet dream. I know where this conversation will end, so I put up my defense system.

“Trip ba? Sex trip?”
“Oo, gusto mo ba?”
“Sensya na, dude, I’m not into hook-ups. Dati ko nang ginawa yan. Tapos na ako sa ganyang stage.”
“Sige na, tagal ko na kasi hindi nagpapalabas eh. May alam akong place dyan sa may San Miguel.”
“Ah ganun ba? Sensya na talaga. Ayoko na sa ganyan.”

[Playing: Fuck You Right Back – Frankie]

“Ah cge. Dito muna ako.”

He came walking away from the line. Seconds after, he is gone. I didn’t even have his name.

For that simple incident, I didn’t understand why I was rattled that much. To end up my anxiety, I send a group message to CBIT:

Share q lng. Wyl w8ing 4 fx hir sa shaw, a guy tokd to me. Tall, fair, wafu. Askd me to
wok 4 a wyl kse haba pila. Mlman ko, hukup lng pla habol. Nung tnangghan q, he left d lyn. Akla ko p nman, pgibig na wagas na. Sex lng pala. :’<

The reactions from some of the boys can be condensed into one word. SAYANG.
It can be interpreted in two ways.

Sayang kase tumanggi ka sa grasya ng sex.
Sayang kase he can be the true love I’m looking for, but he only goes with hook-ups.

Finally, the fx’s came. Three fx’s has come and go and I saw myself at the front of the line.

Sayang, sabay sana tayong uuwi. Kung more than that lang sana ang hanap mo, kasama sana kitang babagtasin ang byahe.

The next fx came. Its my turn to ride. I’m looking around to see if the guy is still around, hoping for a second chance. Instead, my phone beeped, signaling that a message came.

[Playing: Even If – Sam Concepcion]

Boone, d2 me mega.

It was Chris, a long time friend from CBIT.

I found myself walking from the line going to Megamall, which is just a few strides away. My heart tells me to wait for the guy, but my mind tells me to proceed to Megamall and meet this long-time-no-see friend.
I met Chris at the side of the skating rink. He looked skinnier to me, and I looked chubby to him. (Ngggr!) Nevertheless, he still looks good. I told him I appreciate his looks more today than the last time I saw him. It was way back Febuary, I think.

This night became so weird because of the ironic stories that happened to me. After that “failed hook-up” incident, Chris came talking about the best relationship he had. He narrates the compassion, faithfulness and the life-changing events in his just-ended relationship. Though until now, he’s struggling to get it over with, I can see from his face the unspoken happiness that the relationship has brought him. Even the buses that leads to the house of that person will spark the never-ending stories he never feels afraid to share.

[Playing: Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas – Philippine Madrigal Singers]

While talking on a stair of the facade of the mall, the rain poured. More memories came rushing out of Chris’ stories: the 8-hour travel to Caloocan from Cavite just to meet the person you love, the promises of an unending love, the scars of a grave mistake and the openness of the relationship to both parties.

I feel happy for him; amused by his life’s parodies, laughed at his corniest jokes and heavenly-inspired by his lovelife’s story.

After I brought Chris to the bus station that will lead him home, tears came discreetly falling. I was totally moved by a love story that I always wished to have. The life-changing events, the compassion, the fidelity and the openness are few of the things I wish God could shower us with my upcoming relationships, if ever. Inside, I knew, I feel envy for Chris, for what’s he’s gone through. But I know, God will find way for me to feel what Chris felt, just something like that, if not better.

I returned to the fx station. There’s no more line. But there are lots of fx’s waited to be filled before journeying the highways. Not a sigh of the guy. Maybe never again.

[Playing: Tuloy Pa Rin – Neocolours]

Life is so ironic: Some people would go for earthly desires solely while others would live a life of memories made by the things that more than what the eyes can see or what the skin can feel.

Karma Charmeleon

Maraming nabago sa buhay ko dahil sa
report...

Noong nag-aaral pa ko as aking sinisintang Alma Mater Dolorosa, isa sa mga kinabwibwisitan kong gawin ay ang report. Yes, alam ko kung bakit kailangan gumawa ng report at paano gumawa. Pero hindi ko mawari bakit tamad na tamad ako basta report na ang gagawin. Nagka-INC pa nga ako dahil sa mga lintik na report na yan.

Wala ako mahugot na sipag sa sarili ko basta may report na gagawin. Karaniwan puro rushed at bara-bara pa ako gumawa kung minsan. Kulang ng linya, walang shade yung final values, mali spelling ng pangalan ng professor (toinks!), mali ang symbol at kung ano-ano pa.

Kapag may computations na ang report, ay, ibang usapan na yan. Patayan itu. Maghahanap kami ng 1000+ values (yes, totoo yan, ask Aero studes!) for a report and magpaplot ng curves using the values. Salamat sa Excel, the values come in just a click away. Ang powers talaga ng technology. Bow.

Imagine na lang kung hindi pa uso ang Excel. Magdamag kang magpipipindot sa scientific calculator. Gudlak sa values at consistency mo.

Imagine na lang kung hindi pa uso ang Excel. Magdamag kang magpipipindot sa scientific calculator. Gudlak sa values at consistency mo. Tapos magpaplot ng 1000 points. kailangan maayos ang curve. Bawal may matulis, bawal may humps, bawal magkaintersection. Or else, fly ang report mo sa window.

Magkaganun pa man, maraming nabago sa buhay ko dahil sa report.

Dahil sa report na yan, natuto akong hindi maligo bago pumasok sa skul. Natuto akong matulog ng 10 hours sa loob ng isang linggo. Nakalimutan ko ang gimik dahil sa report. Marunong na akong magtapal ng papel na hindi mahahalata ang tapal. Natuto akong matulog sa bus at makababa sa Cubao sa halip na sa Crossing. Natuto akong gumamit ng pink na colored pen para maging makulay at presentable kahit paano ang report. Nakalimutan kong may Valentines dahil sa report (Ay, bitter!). Namahinga ako sa CBIT dahil din sa report. Lumabo ang mata ko dahil sa exposure sa radiation ng pc sa halos limang oras na pagkakababad dito. Laging nangangalay ang likod ko kakatungo. Scoliosis ito kung tumagal pa.

Dahil din sa report na yan, naging OC ako. Super double check ng mga bagay-bagay bago umalis ng bahay. Galit ako sa hindi tapos na gawain. Kailangan matapos ang isang asignatura bago matapos ang araw. Mahilig na akong mag-improve ng mga bagay-bagay na plain lang sa paningin. Improve ang nagkukubling creativity powers. Natuto akong magbahagi ng oras sa lahat ng bagay.

Ngayon nakagraduate na ako. Salamat sa Diyos. Tapos sa rin ako sa paggawa ng mga report. Wala nang puyat, wala nang mabaho dahil hindi nakapaligo bago umalis ng bahay. Wala nang isusuot na gusot na uniform dahil nakalimutang magplantsa. Wala nang magulong buhok na minus 2 million pogi points dahil hindi na nakapag-ayos ng sarili para maipasa lang ang report. Wala nang tulog-tulog sa bus dahil eksakto nang 6 hours a day ang tulog ko. Wala nang instructor na maghahagis ng report sa labas ng bintana dahil mali ang format. Wala nang iiyak na classmate dahil nilamukos ng prof ang report.

Eto, ngayon nagtatrabaho na, though OJT pa lang, kasabay ng review para sa board exams. Hanggang ngayon, hindi ko maintidihan bakit ako kailangan gumawa ng report. Not until today…

“Boone!”

Si Bossing, tawag ako.

“Create a report on (name ng isang local airline)’s commercial aircraft statistics: from passenger carriage to fuel statistics and maintenance manifestos from January till the present. Create a report per quarter. Raw data to be forwarded this afternoon. Need it in two weeks time.”

“Yes boss.”

CBIT: The Revival

Buhay na buhay ang CBIT. Salamat sa powers ng unlimited texting, talaga namang constantly na bubulabugin ng mga GM’s ang araw mo. Kakatuwa, willing ishare ng lahat ang nararanasan nila sa bawat sandali ng kanilang mga mumunting buhay.

GM1: Good morning sa lahat! Pasok na ako sa work…

GM2: Gandang umaga! Mukhang tulog pa ang mga makakati…

GM3: Gandang tanghali! Kain tayo.Tuyo ang ulam ko…

GM4: Gandang hapon. Lakas ng ulan. Sarap may kayakap…

GM5: Gandang gabi. Tumae ka na ba? Kakatae ko lang. Hindi pa naghuhugas…

With matching design at format galore pa yan. May pinuno ang message ng smileys na mas maraming pang kinain na characters and design kesa sa message. Meron naman na flowers ang drama. Feminine touch ito hehehehe. Nakakatuwa, freedom of expression at creativity fused to revive CBIT. Wai! Wai! Wai!

Shempre, nakakakabit na ang mga personal messages sa gm. At least limang tao ang may personal message kalakip ang isang gm. Imagine nyo na lang kung paano magtext ang sender nito. Kulang ang 160 characters sa isang gm. Kaya kung hindi haytek ang cellphone mo, laging putol ang gm. (diba francis?)

Ilang araw pa lang mula nung ipatupad ang group messaging sa CBIT, marami nang naadik. In fairness naman talaga, nabuhay ang mga nahihimbing na kalalakihan (anu daw?) ng group. Mula sa matagal-tagal ding pagkakahimbing at pagkakahiwa-hiwalay, muling nagkabuklod ang CBIT.

Marami naman talagang nakakamiss sa CBIT. Tried and tested na kasi. May mga umalis, may mga dumating, may mga kinarir, may mga binasted, may mga pag-ibig na nabuo, may nagsplit, may binugbog, may pinatay at dinamayan (RIP JM!), may mga swimming, clubbing, carnival hopping, leadership training seminar, AIDS-awareness seminar (wala ako nun!! Huhu), videoke, jogging at kung ano-ano pa. Sa tatlong taon ba namang pagbobonding eh mabubuwag pa ba kami?? Shempre hindi na. Nahimbing lang sandali dahil sa mga sariling karir.

GM6: Boone: Bachelor of the year ulit! Century na ata.

GM7: Boone: Single pa rin? Hindi na ako magtataka.. magmamadre ata yan eh.

WEHANONAMANNGAYONKUNG SINGGEL???