Movie Review: The Last Song

          If there’s a film that spoke of forgiveness and second chances, “The Last Song” would be one of the top contenders. It was deeply moving that it brought me to tears as the movie was about to finish.

         There were two instances in Veronica “Ronnie” Miller’s (Miley Cyrus) life that made her resolve her conflict with her father Steve Miller (Greg Kinear): One was finding love in the arms of an independent, popular young man named Will (Liam Hemsworth)  and second was her discovery of her father being critically ill. These events made Ronnie to open her heart once more to music, the one thing she and her father passionately shared since she was young. As a kid,  she was a super talented piano player but as her parents divorced, she formed a deep grudge and hurt towards her father, completely forgetting her almost superior gift.

          Similar to the other movie adaptations of Nicholas Sparks’ novels, “The Last Song”, directed by Julie Anne Robinson, was surely heart-warming yet instilled with a tragedy that turned the story into a twist which would meet its dramatic, tear-jerking conclusion. Yes, tears. I guess it is not Nicolas Sparks if you have not experienced shedding some in the film’s duration. Maybe, there was a hint of predictability since one may generalize that the author’s stories are composed of dying major characters.

          I guess Miley Cyrus did a good job in her acting here but I cannot help but get distracted with her pouty lips that she was sporting throughout the film. I don’t know if it was just part of her character’s appearance or if it was just a natural thing. But of course, that didn’t bugged me. She was effective in the portrayal of her role in which I was focused into.

          I think the relationship between the daughter and father could have been highlighted more. Maybe a little bit of flashback on their past happy memories together would do. If I was exposed to their former closeness, I could have been more affected in the later part where the two realized that they only had a limited time left to be with each other. Aside from Miley, the other actors were commendable in their acting.

         The music was actually nice that I even downloaded some of the film’s tracks. The shots were just right– not too complex to blow your head away and not too plain that it would bore you, just perfect for a touching story which would push you too reflect after the credits were shown. And yes, I loved the set-up. There’s the cosy house facing the cool beach, the humungous aquatic zoo, the romantic gazebo surrounded by a grassy lake, and many more.  For those who have rocky relationships with their families or significant others, this film might just be the right wake-up call.

Gutom na Doggie

          Gabi na ako nakaalis sa isang get together kasama ng aking mga kabarkada sa kolehiyo. Pagkatapos naming pinagsaluhan ang manok, back ribs, at tsaka ice cream sa isang mahaba at masayang kwentuhan ay nagsiuwian din kami.
          Malapit nang mag alas onse at wala na ni isang traysikel ang pumapasada. Ayaw namang pakiusapan ng ibang drayber na ihatid ako sa aming bahay dahil iba raw ang kanilang rota. Kaya, heto ako, parang nanglilimos sa isang kanto sa madilim na gabi.
          At ang kasama ko lamang ay ang isang asong tila gutom na gutom. Mabilis niyang hinahalukay ang basurahang wari'y ilulublob niya na ang kanyang buong katawan dito. Buong araw yatang hindi nakakain ang askal na ito. Kawawa naman siya. Saan kaya ang amo niya? Tingnan niyo na lang ang susunod na mga larawan.

          Napaisip ako. Bilang tao, nakakakain ako ng tatlong beses sa isang araw ngunit ang askal na ito, tila nagsusumamong may matatagpuang pagkain na ipanlalaman sa tiyan. Ako nga na hindi madalas nalilipasan ng gutom ay nagrereklamo pa sa mundo kung ba't hindi ang "favorite" ko ang nasa hapag kainan, paano na lang ang ibang mga nilalang na kahit sa paglubog ng araw ay hanap-hanap pa rin ang ipangsisilid sa sikmura?
          Maswerte ako. Dapat ko yan ipagpasalamat. Kung maririnig ko man ang sarili kong nagrereklamo dahil hindi ko paborito ang ulam na nakahanda, dapat ko lang tandaan agad ang mga nagugutom tulad ng askal na ito na halos ilublob na ang sarili sa basurahan para lang maituwid ang gutom.

New Year's Eve Movie

          I have lots of giggles as well as tears as I watched the movie, New Year's Eve, which was directed by Garry Marshall, who was also the man behind the film, Valentine's Day. 

          Akin to the latter, New Year's Eve followed the same formula on how the plot evolved with all its individual characters being interconnected with one another in the film's conclusion. Since it was participated with several actors, the story didn't have the luxury to focus on character development. However, I believe that the film pulled enough effort to add substance to each cast so as not to bore audience with their personalities. What's important was that it delivered effectively its message to the viewers about the meaning of New Year- reconciliation, love, and positivity.  

          I was touched with how Claire Morgan (Hilary Swank) quitted her stressful job as the vice president of the Times Square Alliance, rushing to the hospital to be with his dying father whose wish was to see the ball drop one last time.

          I was also impressed by how delivery man Paul (Zac Efron) granted the wish list of Ahern Records secretary Ingrid (Michelle Pfieffer) who  had just quitted her job after being denied with a vacation by her boss. One of her wishes was to visit Bali, Indonesia. Though seemed impossible, Paul fulfilled it by treating her into a nearby spa with a Bali-like ambience.  Ingrid was so overwhelmed as she experienced each of her goal came into reality before the new year.

          I also loved the part where expectant parents Griffin (Seth Meyers) and Tess (Jessica Biel)  competed with another couple, James (Til Schweiger) and her pregnant wife Grace (Sarah Paulson), for a bonus to be awarded by the hospital for the family of the first child born in new year. Though Tess had the baby out first, Griffin decided to just offer the prize to James and Grace whom he discovered had three kids.  And that’s the spirit of new year – selfless giving!

          Teenagers were also well represented in this movie. Kim’s (Sarah Jessica Parker) teenage daughter Hailey (Abigail Breslin) wanted to spend her new year at the Times Square with her clique and boyfriend Seth (Jake T. Austin). Kim won’t allow this because she was afraid of losing her child after fighting hard to get her custody from her ex-husband. However, this treatment was bottling up Hailey who decided to oppose her mom and went straight to Times Square where she surprisingly spotted Austin being kissed by a girl. Hurt, Hailey turned back and saw her mom whom she tightly hugged  thereafter. This scene was a simple tearjerker.

          All in all, I can say that the movie is inspiring and timely. Christmas and New Year are seasons that remind us to love and forgive - - a time to start anew and value the relationships we share with others. Indeed, the most important gift that we can ever receive aren’t the material things but the joy of letting others feel how much we care for them. This film tells us to put aside all our anger, hurt, and despair, instead, nurture in us the effort to make others happy. And yes, it is never too late. The power to spread our love across the universe is within our hands. Let us not allow our pride to suck out the peace in our hearts. No amount of power, riches, or fame can be paralleled to a peaceful soul and heart. This wonderful message has been effectively delivered and etched by this film towards its audience.

Movie Review: The Art Of Getting By

         Ang mga kabataan, lalung-lalo na yung mga teeneydyer, ay dumadaan sa punto ng buhay kung saan mas nangangailangan sila ng pag-unawa, pag-gabay, at suporta mula sa kanilang mga magulang at sa iba pang mas nakatatanda. Ito na siguro ang kritikal na pinagdadaanan ni George Zinavoy (dinadala ni Freddie Highmore) , ang pangunahing tauhan sa pelikulang “The Art of Getting By”.

          Dahil sa mga problemang kinakaharap ni George, gaya ng kawalan ng atensyon ng ina nito sa kanya at ang pagmamaliit sa kanya ng kanyang ama-amahan, naging mabigat at hindi mabuti ang epekto nito sa kanyang pagkatao. Ito’y naging hadlang sa kanyang pag-aaral at pakikisalamuha sa iba.

          Para kay George, lahat naman daw ng tao ay nabubuhay ng mag-isa at namamatay din ng mag-isa. Tayo raw ay nabubuhay sa isa lamang  ilusyon. Ba’t pa raw siya magtitiyaga at magpapakahirap kung alam niyang lahat tayo ay pareho lang naman ang kahihinatnan? Ito ay ipinahayag ng kanyang karakter sa pagbukas ng naturang pelikula. Dahil sa paniniwala niyang ito, makailang ulit na siyang pinapunta sa opisina ng principal. Ang masaklap pa, sisibakin siya kapag hindi niya naipasa ang lahat ng kanyang mga requirements na lubhang lampas na sa deadline.

          Mapag-isa at malalim mag-isip si George. Mabuti na lang at nakahanap siya ng kaibigan sa katauhan ni Sally Howe (dinadala ni Emma Roberts). Umusbong ito sa komplikadong pagmamahalan na dala rin mismo ng kabataan.  May mga isyung personal din si Sally  na maaaring nagmula sa paghihiwalay niya sa kanyang ama noong musmos pa lamang siya. Siguro’y kanyang pinupuno ang kulang sa kanyang katauhan sa piling ni George.

          Sa sitwasyong kinahaharap ng mga teeneydyer na mga ito, napagtanto ko na kinakailangan ng mga kabataang ito na maimulat sa mga katotohanan sa buhay at tulungan sila kung paano harapin ito. May mga problema o “stressor” na lubos na mabigat sa kanilang kakayahan, datapwat, importante na sila’y pakinggan, pagtuunan ng pansin, at tulungan sila sa mga bagay-bagay na gumugulo sa kanilang isipan. Dapat din silang tulungan pagyamanin ang kanilang mga talento at huwag maliitin ang kanilang mga mithiin sa buhay, maliit man o malaki.

          Kaparis ni George, ang pagpansin ng kanyang ina sa kakayahan niyang magpinta at ang paglaan nito ng oras sa anak kahit sa simpleng kwentuhan man lang ay siyang naging motibasyon ng bida upang tapusin ang kanyang mga requirements sa paaralan upang siya’y makatapos ng sekondarya.

          Simple lang ang sinematograpiya ng pelikula dahil wala naman itong halong kaartehan. Gayunpaman, makawiwili itong tingnan at nakukuha ng kamera ang mensaheng sinisikap na ipahayag ng kwento. Ang bawat karakter ay may sariling mga isyu. Hindi lamang idiniin lahat ang enerhiya sa bida sapagkat maaantig ka rin sa mga istorya ng iba pang mga tauhan. Natural ang kanilang pag-arte. Ang daloy ng kwento ay payak ngunit tagos sa puso sapagkat naglalarawan ito sa realidad ng buhay lalung-lalo na sa mga kabataan.

          Ang “The Art of Getting By” ay isa na namang nakaka-inspire na pelikulang nag-uudyok sa atin na huwag magpadaig sa mga problema, sa halip, patuloy lang nating mahalin ang ating mga kapwa habang inaabot ang ating mga pangarap.

Old Spice Deodorant

          Sa mga pabangong panlalaki, gusto ko ang amoy na hindi masyadong mabagsik at malakas. Gusto ko ang bangong bagay lang saan mang okasyon ka pumunta.
          Sa deodorant, ganoon din. Nais ko ang bangong "chill" lang pero alam mong tatagal kahit anumang oras kang pagpapawisan.

          Ito ang nahanap ko sa "Old Spice" High Endurance deodorant. Hindi na ako mamomroblema kapag naubusan ako ng perfume o cologne dahil ang amoy nito ay maaari ng mahalintulad sa anumang pabango na type ko - - hindi kalakas pero hindi rin masasabi na ito'y pambabae.
          Sa likod nito, may nakalagay na: Contains Odor-Fighting "Atomic Robots" that "Shoot Lasers" at your "Stench Monsters" and replaces them with fresh, clean, masculine "scent leaves". Astig talaga! Salamat sa tita ko abroad na nagpadala nito. 

By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho

          Kung nais mo ng libro na makapagdadala sa iyo sa lugar kung saan ang pananampalataya at ang mga personal na mga pangarap ay tila umuugnay, ang nobelang “By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept” ni Paulo Coelho ang masasabi kong swak na maaaring basahin.

          Lahat tayo ay may mga indibidwal na mga suliranin at minsan, ang kalaban natin ay hindi ang ibang tao kundi mismo ang mga sarili natin. Wala tayong lakas na loob na abutin ang ating mga pangarap dahil natatakot tayo sa maaaring mangyari sa atin na wala rin namang kasiguraduhan. At minsan, ang pananampalataya na lang natin sa Maykapal ang siyang tangi nating lakas upang ipagpatuloy ang tila ‘di maabot-abot na mga pangarap. Ito na siguro ang leksyon na nakuha ko sa napakatalinghagang librong ito - - na bawat tao ay ipinagkalooban ng Maykapal ng pangarap at ang pag-abot nito ay hindi ganoon kadali. Maaaring maraming balakid at hirap ang kanyang mararanasan bago makamit ito.

          Makabuluhan ang librong ito lalung-lalo na sa panahon ngayon kung saan tila ang pananampalataya na lamang natin ang ating pinanghahawakan kapag may unos na daraan. Naging angkop ang panahon noong binasa ko ang nobelang ito dahil pista yaon ng Our Lady of Concepcion. Sa libro, ang magsing-irog ay gumunita rin sa kapistahang ito kung saan sila ay lumahok sa isang kakaiba at katangi-tanging espiritwal na karanasan.

          Siguro, marami tayo ang tulad ni Pilar, ang pangunahing tauhan na babae na siya ring nagsasalaysay sa libro. Kagaya niya, may mga inaasam tayo sa buhay na matagal na nating ipinapanalangin ngunit hindi natin makuha-kuha dahil nakatali pa rin tayo sa kung ano ang sa tingin natin na rasonable, praktikal, at hindi katakot-takot. Nang matagpuan niya ang kanyang kababata sa Madrid matapos ang labing-isang taon, naibalik muli sa kanya ang kanyang paniniwala sa Itaas. Natutunan niya ang muling magmahal at mangarap. Nais niyang samahan ang binata sa mga kabanalang ginagawa nang huli gaya ng pagpapagaling ng may sakit.

          O maaari ring pareho tayo sa lalaking sinisinta ni Pilar. Naging kakampi at kaakibay niya ang kanyang pananampalataya sa paghanap ng totoong pinapangarap ng kanyang puso – at iyon ay ang makapiling habambuhay ang dalagang matagal nang tinitibok ng kanyang puso, si Pilar. Ibinalik ng lalaki sa Maykapal ang regalong ipinagkaloob sa kanya, at alam niyang naintindihan ito ng Birheng Maria.

          Sa kwentong ito ni Coelho, naimulat ako sa mundo ng dalawang nagmamahalan na sinikap maabot ang kanilang daing sa langit kahit pa ang pag-aasam nito ang siya ring makapagdudulot ng pagbabago sa kanilang pag-iibigan.

          Simple at direkta ang mga salitang ginamit ni Coelho ngunit sa likod ng kanyang payak na pagsasalaysay ay nakatago ang mga malalalim na mga kahulugan na magpapahinto sa iyo upang makapag-isip-isip. May mga kaganapan na hindi niya agarang ipinresenta upang iwanan ang mambabasa ng kaunting pagninilay-nilay sa maaari pang mangyari. Gayunpaman, tila naisama ka rin ng manunulat sa mga paglalakbay na ginawa ng magkasintahan sa istorya – mula sa mga siyudad sa Espanya papunta sa bundok na tumutungo sa Pranse.

          Sa huli, aking napagtanto na nararapat lamang na isuko ko ang aking mga daing, problema, at mga pangarap sa Diyos at alam ko hindi niya ako pababayaan. Siyempre, patuloy pa rin nating abutin ang ating mga mithiin basta’t alam nating marangal ito at nakapagbibigay ligaya sa atin at sa ibang tao.

Ang Paglalakbay sa Sand Bar Island Beach Resort, Concepcion Iloilo

Mapayapang paligid. Malinaw na baybayin. Preskong hangin. Luntiang bukirin. Puting buhangin. Kahit sa isang araw lamang ay naramdaman ko ang lahat ng mga ito. Totoo nga ang sabi ng kaibigan kong nag imbita sa aking bumiyahe sa lugar na ito- malaparaiso at nakabibighani. Ngayon, malakas na ang aking paniniwala na ang mga natural na likas na yaman, kapag hindi ginagambala at inaabuso, ay tila diyamante na hindi matutumbasan ng kahit anumang pag usbong ng teknolohiya and industriyalismo.

          “Pupunta tayo ng Sand Bar. Sumama ka na!” ani ng kaibigan kong sabik na tumuloy ako kasama ng dalawa niya pang mga ka-berks para raw menos gastos. Napaisip ako. Anu ba naman ang isang araw na masilayan ang sinasabi niyang marikit na resort na sa Concepcion, Iloilo lang pala matatagpuan? Dahil napa-oo niya ang dalawa pa naming mga malalapit na kaibigan mula kolehiyo ay hindi rin ako nakatanggi.

Tanawing Napapa-wow Ako Habang Nasa Bus

Sa Andoks Restaurant, Tagbak Terminal Branch kami naghintayan. Alas nuwebe ng umaga. Ako yata ang naunang dumating. Habang inaabangan ko ang iba ko pang mga kasama ay bumili na lang muna ako ng Dokito Frito fried chicken. Sabi kasi ng aming kumbaga “organizer” ay magdadala na agad kami ng aming panghapunan upang pagdating sa destinasyon ay deretso chibog na lang kami at ‘di na magluluto pa.

Nang kumpleto na kaming walo, ay sabik na kaming umakyat sa bus na aming sasakyan. Gustong-gusto ko talaga ang sumakay sa bus kasi parang feeling ko nakalipad ako sa hangin kahit ilang metro lang mula sa lupa. Nakakaaliw lang tingnan ang mga dyip at kotse na wari’y nagiging maliit sa aking paningin. Sa pamasaheng Php110, mahigit tatlong oras ang biyahe papuntang Concepcion. Paminsan-minsan, humihinto ito sa kalagitnaan ng rota para magpasakay ng iba pang mga pasahero. Sa bawat pagtigil nito ang siya namang pagdatingan ng mga nagbebenta ng maaring nguyain. Nakagugutom din ang umupo lang ng ilang oras kaya’t hindi na ako nag alintana pang bumili ng mga paborito kong pampalipas gutom. Ninamnam ko ang itlog ng pugo, bibingka, at ang paborito ko sa lahat, ang Esguerra’s Buko Pie na tiyak mapapa-wow ka sa laman nitong siksik sa buko.

Ang Esguerra's buko pie ay sinlaki lang ng aking kamao pero siksik sa buko.

Habang nasa bus ay ‘di ko maiwasan mamangha sa nakaka-relax na kapaligirang tatambad sa iyong mga mata. Bago kami makarating sa Concepcion ay dinaanan pa namin ang mga munisipalidad ng Zarraga, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Ajuy, Balasan, at iba pa na nalimutan ko na ang pangalan ngunit nanatili pa rin sa aking isipan ang mga malalapad na palayan, mga bukiring busog ng mga puno, at mga burol na parang pinag-shootingan ng mga Teletubbies. Masaya ako dahil nabuksan ang aking mga mata’t isipan sa dako nito ng Iloilo na talagang maipagmamalaki. Hindi pa man ako nakararating sa Sand Bar Beach Resort ay busog na busog na ako sa mga nakahuhulog panga na mga tanawin.

Ang Paghanap ng Ipanlalaman sa Sikmura

                Sa wakas at naiapak din namin ang aming mga nangingilong mga paa sa Munisipalidad ng Concepcion. Bumaba kami sa bandang pagawaan ng mga maririkit na mga muwebles at mula rito ay natanaw namin ang mga binatang naglalaro ng basketbol sa kanilang covered gym at mga taong namamasyal sa plaza. Sa gitna ng tagiktik na init ay dumiretso muna kami sa Tourism Office na siyang nakatayo sa likuran mismo ng gym. Pagpasok pa lang namin ay laking ginhawa ko na sa lamig na dumampi sa aking balat. Hay salamat, airconditioned! Sa loob ng opisina ay malugod naman kaming binati ng mga staff. Nagbayad kami ng 20 php bawat isa para sa registration. May mga leaflets at mga newsletters ang nakahilera sa kanilang shelf at meron din mga retrato ng kanilang mga tourism spots na naka-display sa isang mesa. Nariyan ang Agho Island, ang Pan de Azucar Island, at ang Bolubadiangan Island kung saan matatagpuan ang Sand Bar resort.

Mga leaflets na naka-display at ipinamimigay sa Tourism Office ng Concepcion, Iloilo para sa mga bisita.

                Iniwan muna namin ang aming mga kagamitan sa opisina pero si Glaiza parang ayaw mahiwalay sa tatlong kilong bigas na bitbit bitbit niya hanggang sa palengke kung saan makikita rin ang pier. Doon ay namili kami ng isda at baboy para sa aming hapunan gayundin ng tatlong apat na litrong mineral water. Narinig namin na wala raw doon pangkunan ng maiinom na tubig. Tinahak din namin ang mga kanto para makahanap ng softdrinks at beer. Parang nasa Amazing Race lang kami noong naghahanap kami ng aming mga mapagsasaluhan sa isla. Bumili rin kami ng mga yelo na talaga namang malalaki at mahahaba.

                Bumalik kami sa tourism office upang kunin na ang aming mga gamit at mula roon ay hinatid kami ng isang mabait na staff papuntang pier kung saan naghihintay na ang bangkang maghahatid sa amin sa aming destinasyon.

Ang Maginhawang Biyahe sa Bangka

                Tinatayang tatlumpung minuto ang biyahe sa pump boat mula sa pier papunta ng Sand Bar Resort. Nang nakarating na kami sa kalagitnaan ng malawak na karagatan ay napanganga ako sa aking mga natanaw.Nakakalat ang mga maliliit at malalaking mga isla. Nakakaakit din ang napakaasul at napakalinis na tubig. Habang umaarangkada kami, nilulublob ko ang aking kamay sa tubig upang maramdaman ko ang malamig nitong hampas. Sabik na talaga akong maligo.

    Mula sa malayo ay nakatambad na sa amin ang mahabang linya ng puting buhangin. Iyon na pala ang Sand Bar Resort. Tila kakaiba ito sa ibang mga beach na kadalasan kong pinupuntahan sapagkat ang buhangin ay humihilera sa kalagitnaan ng malawak na karagatan. Tila ba ang paghubog nito ay naka-depende sa kung saan papunta ang direksyon ng hangin. Nang kami’y dumaong ay mabilis kaming bumaba  sa bangka habang tinutulungan kami nina manong sa aming mga kagamitan. Nagpakuha agad kami kay manong ng aming retrato sapagkat tila malaparaiso ang buong paligid.

Sa wakas, pagkatapos ng mahigit tatlumpung minutong biyahe sa bangka ay nakarating din kami ng Sand Bar Island  BeachResort.

Picture picture!!!!

Welcome!!!

    Mula sa daungan ay masisilayan agad ang cottage kung saan nakapaskil ang pangalan ng resort.  Ang Sand Bar Resort ay makikita sa dulo ng Bolubadiangan Island kung saan may mga iilang mga residente ang namamalagi  at namumuhay ng payak. Isa lamang maliit na resort ang Sand Bar kung saan nakapuwesto ang mga matitibay na mga nipa huts na maaaring tulugan sa presyong Php 800 para sa overnight stay. Malalapad ang mga ito at may mga kama rin. Marami ring mga mahahabang mga kawayang upuan na nakaharap sa nakaka-relax na baybayin. May mga puno’t halaman din kung saan maaaring mag-chill sa mga duyang sinisilungan ng mga ito.

Matitibay na mga nipa huts na kung saan maaari mag overnight stay.

Magpakasarap sa view.

Mga cottages kung saan maaaring mag-chill

                Masarap ang lumublob sa malinaw na tubig habang nilalanghap mo ang preskong hangin. Parang iisa lang kayo ng kalikasan sa panahong iyon. Hinintay namin ang nakabibighaning paglubog ng araw at ang ganda naman talagang pagmasdan ito. Nang dumilim na ay dumiretso na kami sa aming kubo upang ihanda namin ang aming hapunan. Pagod lahat sa mga larong hinanda ng kaibigan kong nag-organisa nitong biyahe. Hindi kami nagtagal sa paglangoy sa beach sapagkat mababa pa ang tubig noong takipsilim na iyon at medyo mabato pa ang ilang parte ng baybayin. May natagpuan pa nga kaming starfish eh. Tila naubos na ang baterya ng aming mga kamera sa kaka-picture.

The Best Na Umaga

          Umaga na at ang sikat ng araw ay sapat lang sa pangangailangan ng balat na makatanggap ng Vitamin D. Excited na ang lahat lumangoy. Masarap ang yakap ng simoy ng hanging dumadampi sa katawan. Mataas na ang tubig at tila mga pinong buhangin na lamang ang iyong maaapakan kapag ika’y nakababad na. Kahit na gabi na kami natulog dahil sa inuman at kwentuhan ay ganado kaming sulitin ang huling araw namin sa napakapayapang isla. Pinagmasdan ko ang buong pulo at naramdaman ko kung gaano kaswerte ang ating bayan dahil ipinagkalooban tayo ng Diyos ng mga mayayamang mga baybayin. Nararapat lang na panatilihin ang kalinisan at karikitan ng mga ito.

Talon!!!

Ang linaw nga naman ng tubig.

Parang gusto ko nang tumalon sa tubig!!!

Inenjoy lang namin ang paglangoy kasama ang bawat isa. Hindi na nga namin namalayan na ang bolang plastic na amin pinaglalaruan ay naanod na pala ng alon at hindi na namin ito mahanap. Parang kami ang may ari ng buong isla sapagkat walo lang kaming lumalangoy sa beach. Dahil klaro ang tubig,  paminsan-minsan ay may nakikita  kaming mga maliliit na isda na umaaligid-aligid sa amin.

Ang mga Napuna ko sa ‘Di Malilimutang Trip na Ito

Hindi ko talaga malilimutan ang paglalakbay na ito na pinag-iisa ka sa kalikasan. Mas mabuti nang ganito. Walang matataas na mga gusali. Walang mga bars at restawrant.  Ang makatungtong lang sa lugar na ito ay nakapagbibigay na sa akin ng kapayapaang ‘di matatawaran. Hindi ko malilimutan ‘yung mga duyan, mga nakababaliw na mga photoshoot, mga kwentuhan, ang pagluto ng baboy at isda, at ang paglaro ng 123 stop. Napag-isip ako kung paano namin tinipid ang tubig na maaari naming ipanligo sapagkat nabibili ito ng Php20 per gallon.

Sinundo na kami ng bangkang maghahatid sa amin sa pier ng Concepcion. Natanaw ko ulit ang lawak at ganda ng buong karagatan. Masarap pagmasdan ang buong paligid na walang maruruming usok at mga nagbibilisang mga sasakyan. Ang mga puno ay buhay na buhay at ang tubig ay tila nangungusap na huwag itong dumihan.

Habang nagpapaalam kami sa lugar, nilasap ko ang huling tatlumpung minuto namin sa umaandar na bangka. Alam kong minsan ko lang ito nasasaksihan kung naroon na kami sa kanya-kanya naming mga tirahan.

Paalam Sand Bar Island Beach Resort. Sa uulitin!!!

Contact: Concepcion Municipal Tourism Office
Office of The Mun Mayor- (033) 392-0309

Jim - 0999-771-0086

Ricky- 0928-983-5476

Breaking Dawn Part 1 Film Review

          Finally, I’ve watched Breaking Dawn Part 1 and it totally was the finest of all the Twilight movie installations I’ve ever seen. The flow of the scenes were amusingly engaging, captivating the hearts and minds of the viewers with the unique and mysterious love triangle of Edward, Bela, and Jacob.

            The film’s plot focuses on the marriage of Edward and Bela and the risky pregnancy of the latter. The fast growing infant inside Bela’s uterus saps out her physiological health, weakening her bones and seemingly sucking her blood as well. The wolf pack, on the other hand, wants to kill the Cullen family including the newborn baby of Bela since this is the only way for their bloodline to survive. However, Jacob, being loyal to Bela eversince, won’t allow this to happen and separates from the pack. We see how Bela loses her life for her baby and how Edward desperately wants her other half to survive by injecting her with his venom and biting her on almost every part of her already cold body.

          I really love the movie’s musical scores since it well complemented the mood of each scene, making me connect more to the drama or action being presented.

          The special effects were brilliant most especially during the heart-pounding fighting scenes between the vampires and the wolves. I was taken aback by Belas’ emaciated physical appearance during her pregnancy. It looked absolutely true that it made me think Kirsten Stewart starved herself in real life.

          The cinematography was pleasing to the eyes. It superiorly took every angle in the most creative technique. Some shots were simple yet visually lovely.

          Taylor, Kirsten, and Rob had naturally stretched their acting abilities in this installation because some conflicts required intense, deeper emotions.

          The settings were admirable especially with the frequent views of beaches and lush forests. The place (off coast Brazil) where the main couple spent their honeymoon was really a dreamland. It really reflected how big time Cullens were.

        Though the movie was very “bitin”, it effectively allured me to look forward to the next part. I hope there would be more adrenaline-rushing twists and revelations that will leave us in awe. Director Bill Condon must have sweated out all his creative juices in this romantic yet action-packed movie.

Lovi Poe and Paulo Avelino are the Hottest Abuwaks on Earth

         The horror movie, Aswang, directed by Jerrold Tarog, stars the two of the hottest stars in show business, Lovi Poe and Paulo Avelino. It tells the story about a barangay haunted by man-eating creatures called Abuwaks, the type of aswangs that can abruptly transform into “bayawaks” that crawl underground or into “uwaks” that eerily fly up in the sky, searching for flesh to feed on.
         Lovi Poe is Hasmin who, unknown to the people in the barangay, is one of the most powerful Abuwaks destined to marry Apo, the seemingly invincible leader of their community. Unlike the other Abuwaks, she does not want to hurt or prey on ordinary human beings. Apo has condemned and killed her parents because of this very belief.
         However, Paulo Avelino as Daniel gets into the scene when He, together with fellow assassins, Niña Jose and Marc Abaya, search for the two kids (Albie Casiño and Jillian Ward ) who have escaped in their torturous hands. Out of gas, the kids reach a haunted rural barangay where they are unluckily followed by the notorious syndicates.
        The children, being chased by the killers, will be safe under the guidance of Hasmin and the reluctant killer, Daniel, who falls in love with the former. He would risk everything just to free the beautiful Abuwak from Apo’s captivity.
        The special effects in the film are believeable. The way how Abuwaks turn into their animal versions and how they burst out from the soil seem artistically real. No doubt, the film presents how local cinema can be parallelled to that of hollywood movies in terms of visual tricks.
        The costumes, more particularly the prosthetics applied on the Abuwaks are fine and meticulously done but they do not really scare me. Maybe because I’ve seen such gross images many times already in some movies that they have appeared generic on my eyes.

        The sound effects are satisfactory and appropriate but It do not really make me jump off my seat. What I love though is the cinematography and how it creatively flashbacks past events in the characters’ lives. It also magnificently captures the beauty of the plains and forests. The scene where Paolo Avelino chases Lovi Poe in the woods reminds me of Twilight. The part seems cheesy but it has a cool effect amidst the gloominess happening around the place.

        Antagonist Marc Abaya entertains me with his funny antics. Niña Jose is just one hot killer. Lara Quigaman and Joem Bascon’s characters as Abuwaks integrate the entire story.

        The film is a good watch since it tackles on the cultural belief of Filipinos regarding Aswangs. As children, most of us are totally scared when we are teased on being followed by an aswang as a form of discipline adults applied on us just so we will act properly. Until now, we can hear stories of aswangs living in some secluded barangays that continue to live with humans. We hear that they can turn into cats, dogs, or whatever animal they can disguise themselves into. The film is a good representation of this belief. Nevertheless, it shows the real meaning of peace – that behind the differences between the creatures God created, it is in loving one another that will bring us to ultimate prosperity.

Devouring Seafood at Allan's Talabahan

          If there’s a place where I could feast on seafoods while not hurting my pocket, Allan’s Talabahan in Oton, Iloilo would be the perfect spot. This is the right haven for a weekend eating experience most especially for barkadas who still depend on their parents for their allowance. Just like me, saving a part of my baon when I was a student was so “sulit” since aside from walking out of the simple yet cozy resto with a full stomach, you  got to smell, taste, and gobble down your favorite ocean delights.

          And what can I say? I am a “Pantat” boy. Thumbs up to their oh-so-meaty grilled mudfish, if you really call it a mudfish. I didn’t even taste a hint of soil. To tell you the truth, my friends and I devoured it up to the last bone. Dipping it in my toyo with calamansi made it more gratifying.

         Though I am not really a fan of talaba, theirs abided with my palate satisfactorily. Of course, I had to fully masticate it because the first time I ate talaba in a friend’s birthday party, I didn’t chew it properly that I ended up having diaarhea the next day. And I thought a softdrink was the remedy to my watery disease. Haha!!!

          What you shouldn’t miss in this humble seafood house is their baked talaba. The melted butter that surrounded the flesh and the seasoning that came with it made the sweetness irresistable to partake. Mind you, its smell was already satiating. What more with taste, right?

          My all-time favorite grilled squid was also available. Its juicy and delectable savor was heightened by the onions seasoned to it. Perfectly manamnam!

          If one isn’t craving for seafood like my friend, Angel, the restaurant also offered scrumptious porkchop and other preparations aside from seafoods that are surely to be enjoyed.

         After half an hour, our table seemed to be cleanly swept. Turned out we really had a satsifying fill. When we went out of the place, we laughed as we compared whose belly was the largest of all. Aside from the delicious meal Allan’s Talabahan offered us, the company of good friends made that day more appetizing to eat. I will definitely come back here soon.

Amigo Plaza Iloilo Made Me Smile

            The renovation of Iloilo Amigo Plaza Mall made it hipper and more spacious for its customers to shop in. It is actually filled with fashion boutiques from which you can choose a variety of trendy clothes, shoes, and accessories. Branches of Mang Inasal, Bench, and Blue Jay Cafe' are also located inside. Adjacent to it is a grocery stop where I love to eat siopao for a quick fix to my hungry stomach.
            If you want to sit for a bit to stretch those tired feet, there is also a small bakeshop situated within where you can take a break and munch a yummy bread or two. I just love how this simple pasyalan looked so fresh and relaxing to the eyes. If you want to cool down from the heat and pollution brought by the city, anyone can just pass here and stroll for a while. And yes, I admire its comfort rooms - clean, wide, and stylish. A sort of a lotto game is also played here where you can get lucky enough to go home with big bucks. I tried to play twice but sorry, luck wasn't on my side on that certain day. It's funny how you wish all the numbers you've marked will show up on the screen.

            I kind of missed the old Amigo though. When I was in highschool, my friends and I bought our flutes for our music class in one of the Chinese stores housed here before. And we also used to purchase some cheap exchanged gifts in a store located on the 2nd floor of the Old Amigo. Unfortunately, I don't know where those shops transferred.
            With the cool ambience and lots of finds to scour, plus the company of great friends, Amigo Plaza surely made me smile.

Film Review: No Other Woman

          Killing script. Relateable story. Hot actors. All-out drama. These are the ingredients comprising the movie, “No Other Woman”, making it click to the Filipino audience. Anne Curtis, needless to say, even promoted her movie by doing a chant with the madlang people in Showtime that goes like this at the end “….kiss me and don’t ever fall in love with me…No Other Woman (in a husky voice)…Showtiiime.” The whole studio just laughed after that. Following Curtis’ crazy antics, who wouldn’t?

            And how relateable can the film get.  As I was watching it in the big screen, I even heard a woman sitting behind us empathizing on the plight of Sharmaine (played by Cristine Reyes). Maybe because like the character, her husband or boyfriend is also having an affair with another woman. “Men like him (pointing to Derek Ramsay’s character, Ram) should really be crushed and trampled to death,” she bitterly said.

            I understood how he hated Derek’s role so much. With a mistress like Cara (played by Anne Curtis) persistently seducing your husband, you, the rightful wife, will absolutely fire up to the highest level. Curtis portrayed her role very well- stubborn, irritating, pushy, wicked. Her fearless eyes emanate greed and ambition the moment she looks at Cristine. Her pouty lips, sizzling voice, and suggestive body language were effectively executed to show how desperate she was to put Derek into her trap. I guess her acting prowess stood up from the rest of the actors in the film.

            I liked how Cristine did her job as the conservative housewife as her character diametrically oposed that of Anne. She wears fine Sunday dresses and she always carries a down-to-earth and timid facial expression. I loved how she pulls off her killer lines towards Anne. This added humor to very serious scenes.

            I also admire how Derek Ramsay showcased his mature acting ability in the film. It’s a good thing he proved he is not only equipped in taking off his shirt since he sure displayed the actor in him in this movie.

            “That’s impossible to happen in reality,” commented the woman at my back as the movie concluded. Bitter much? Maybe hers is not a happy ending. Maybe she has not yet forgiven the man who has hurt her. Or she could be right – that not all absurdities work out well in the end. But I guess, the film tells us this message: Forgiveness can change lives for the better if we only give it a try to courageously forgive.

While the Time with Horrible Bosses

           Horrible Bosses, a film directed by Seth Gordon, is adrenaline rush! It is energetically a mixture of comedy, action, and a bit of suspense. You can just laugh your heart out on your seats as you follow the three main guys fight and bicker one another as they investigate on how they can pull off a clean strategy of killing their arrogant bosses.

          Take for example Dale (played by Charlie Day), who,  after saving  Mr. Harken’s life (played by Kevin Spacey) from an allergic reaction to nuts  by continuously injecting him with the syringe the latter was bringing in his pocket, realized it was a stupid mistake. Dale’s two buddies, Nick (played by Jason Bateman) and Kurt (played by Jason Sudeikis) , were pretty disappointed with him because at first, their goal is to dispatch their bosses. Mr. Harken is Nick’s boss who never promotes him despite the former’s promise to upgrade his position as long as he works before sunrise and after sunset. Nick was so angry towards Mr. Harken because he was called in his office just for being a minute late, blackmailing him so he can’t quit. Well, for Dale, we can’t blame him for giving Mr. Harken another chance to live. He doesn’t personally know him and he was just being nice to a stranger who needs emergency help.

          I loved Jennifer Aniston’s portrayal of the lusty maneater dentist, Dr. Julia Harris DDS, Dale’s boss who always seduces him despite her knowledge that Dale is already engaged to someone.  She was really convincing  for you can really get irritated by the way she uses  Dale as the object of her sexual fantasies. One time, she took pictures of her and Dale appearing they were having sex when Dale was in deep sleep due to the anaesthesia she has given for his tooth extraction.

          Colin Farrel was also a plus point in this film. He plays the role of Kurt’s boss, Bobby Pellitt, the inheritor of his deceased father’s chemical factory business. Pellitt is an ultimately mischievous boss, sniffing cocaine, sleeping with prostitutes, and manipulating Kurt, the manager of the company, to fire even the dedicated workers just because of their disabilities that don’t really affect their work. Farrel’s physical appearance in the film is way different from the usual heroic, knight in shining armour roles he has played in most of his movies. His hair is thinning, his forehead is as wide as the back of the casserole, and his upper body is too narrow for his bulging belly.  He totally showed  how flexible he was when it comes to roles.

          The three main characters, although unfamiliar to me, made me smile towards their chemistry. They just compliment well each other despite their obviously distinctive personalities. For this, their friendship and bonding in the film came out more realistic. Nick is more of the silent and serious one. Dale is one hyperactive guy.  Kurt fools around attractive women most of the time.

          There are many elements added in the movie which allowed it to raise the comically adventurous vibe higher. One is the car’s direction monitor that actually talks as if you’re conversing to a true person. Its voice sounds like an Arabian man. The device can also record sounds for a certain amount of time. In fact, it has an important role in solving the main mystery in the film.

          Bored? This movie is just the right solution to while away time.

Movie Review: Something Borrowed

                     Life is so full of choices.  It’s up to us what choice to make as long as we firmly believe in our hearts what we really want and what really makes us happy. This is the wisdom that the movie, “Something Borrowed”, has rendered me. Starring Kate Hudson (Darcy), Ginnifer Goodwin (Rachel), Collin Egglesfield (Dex), John Krasinski (Ethan),  and Steve Howey(Marcus), this romantic film directed by Luke Greenfield inspires us to stand for our dreams, preventing fear from hindering us to reach for our heart’s wishes.

                   Something Borrowed focused the story on Rachel and Darcy, who had been best of friends since they were still kids up to the time they embarked on their different careers. Both were heading on their thirties and Darcy, a carefree party girl, was about to marry Dex,  Rachel’s fellow student and buddy in law school. Rachel introduced him to Darcy way back their university days. Amidst all the wedding preparations Darcy was making for her big day, Rachel had casually confessed her liking to Dex during a conversation they both had in a bar. Dex took this seriously since Rachel had been the apple of his eye ever since he met her in campus. He was just hesitant to reveal his true feelings since he was not sure if Rachel liked him too. On the 4^th of July, nearing Darcy’s wedding, the two decided to spend the free day together. It was a time of reconciling their feelings for one another and a moment to contemplate on the choice they had to make before  everything else falls into regret. Darcy came over to Rachel’s apartment one day telling her she had cancelled her wedding in the last minute after realizing she’s in love with Marcus, a happy-go-lucky acquaintance. Surprisingly, she found Dex’s jacket on the floor. She was very devastated with the fact that all this time, her bestfriend and her soon-to-be hubby were having an affair. But for Rachel and Dex, truth had set them free and it was the start of a true, courageous love without any interferences and barriers.

                  One thing I admire about the movie was that although the story highlighted  the attitudes and behaviours of the  main characters, it also maximized the use of interesting supporting actors. They were given roles instrumental for the exciting growth of the story such that their unique personal traits added to the revelation of the true attributes of the major actors. Ethan, a childhood bestfriend of Rachel and Darcy, was the first one to smell that there was something fishy going on between Rachel and Dex. He was persistently motivating Rachel to say the truth to Darcy as soon as possible. It was later in the story that he confessed his long time crush towards Rachel. He was, however, accepting enough to understand that Rachel had fallen into another guy. Ethan was an epitome of a real friend- a shoulder to lean on and a person with open arms to support a friend’s aspirations.

                   The film’s pace was engaging. The scenes were simple yet reflected the mundane realities such as an ordinary sleepover with your bestfriend, or just a plain conversation with a buddy about life’s problems while walking in the park. The setting showed the typical busy yet vibrant life in the States’ urban zones. From time to time, the camera captured the breath-taking scenery of lofty buildings to reflect such feeling.  Despite the hustle of the city, I appreciated how the friends in the story took a little time out to enjoy the calm energy of the beach.

                  What I love most about the movie was that it climaxed right exactly where it was going to end. Though at times, you will feel impatient with Rachel and Dex not telling the truth early in the story or right in the middle of the flick, the plot made it a point to add twists that would squeeze not just the strong points but also the weak side of the said characters. This made me eager to really know how’s it going to conclude. And yes, Darcy was pretty frustrated and angry after seeing Dex’s jacket in her bestfriend’s apartment like you could imagine smoke puff out her nose and ears (really good acting, indeed!).

Inip

Naaanay na ako sa kahihintay.
Paa at tuhod nangangalay.
Tiyan ay wari'y kumukulo na.
Bukas pa ba ang traysikel na ito lalarga?

Naiinip. Naiinip.
Sana mapuno na ang upuan,
Para sa bahay ay makapagpahinga.

Kalahating oras.
Mata'y pinikit na lamang.
Laway tumula na.

Aaliwalas Din

Kwarto ko'y akin nilinis,

Kapit ang walis na galing Bagiuo,

Kasama ng stainless na dustpan.

Humanda kayong mga basura,

Na tila ginugulo ang aking isipan.

Mga bote ng mineral water.

Buhangin sa ilalim ng kama.

Gagambang naninigas na.

Punit punit na mga papel at magasin.

Mga resibong wala ng silbi.

Aaliwalas din ang munti kong silid,

Na tila napabayaan at di' minahal.

Sa kama nito'y ako'y nahihimlay,

Kasama ng mga hapis na aking dinadala.

Bukas, sana'y aaliwalas din ang aking pakiramdam.

My Choco Experience

Chocolates are my comfort food. I guess it’s true when they say that these sweet, milky dessert boost up body’s happy hormones called endorphins. No wonder, when I feel down and out with certain life dilemmas, chocolates are my ultimate quick fix.

            When I was still a bratty kid, my playmates and I were fond of buying these cheap tiny egg-shaped chocolates after hours of playing slipper game, ora-ora kamansi, or piko. These yummy, soft chocolates seemed to rapidly rejuvenate our exhausted bodies. We also liked the chocolate coins because after it melted in our mouths, we play with its gold or silver wrappers like they were teeth braces.

These egg-shaped chocolates are reminiscent of childhood snacks after some tiring games with playmates.  

            Have you ever tasted this creamy chocolate oozing from a plastic stick? It is popularly known as Krim Stix. I have always loved to nibble it either while watching tv or by simply lying on our comfy sofa, waiting for time to fly. I like making a minute cut in the chocolate stick so when squeezed, the contents will come out fine and curly, topping it on crunchy biscuits or flavoring it on whatever chips I fancy.

Krim Stix were the bomb during lazy afternoons when I was a kid.

            Since kinder, I have always been a fan of barquillos. And what do I get when these crispy cylindrical bread is internally swirled with sugary choco creampaste?  We get Stick-O! Just by eating it puts me in Cloud 9. I used to buy it in the neighboring tiangge for something to munch while waiting for a ride to the city.

Of course, how can imported chocolates be lost in my list? As long as I can remember, I have always been excited when my relatives abroad send us Hersheys, Kisses, Maltesers, Toblerone, Mars,  M&M’s, and many more. My lola even keep them in her cabinet to prevent us from incessantly eating them. I consider these sugary delights as perfect dessert to conclude a filling meal. Of course, we are always told to slow down from devouring them because they might cause teeth problems.

A few weeks ago, our tita working abroad sent us these well-loved, irresistible chocolates.

            Though these sweet tongue pleasers add flab to our bellies when consumed uncontrollably, we can’t deny the fact that they also offer us some health benefits. Usually, dark chocolates are the most beneficial ones. They contain antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals in the body that damage body tissues. Some studies discovered that dark chocolates lower high blood pressure as well as help the body metabolize sugar, thing that is of regard to diabetic individuals. But as the saying goes, too much of something is bad enough. Chocolates are enticing, delicious, and mouth-watering, but for us to continuously take it with fun and pleasure, eating it moderately is the way to go. I don’t want the time would come when my doctor would prescribe me some hypoglycemics for a shooting blood sugar.

You can experience rich and luscious cocoa in these Anthon Berg dark chocolate bar .  According to studies, dark chocolates are good antioxidants that lower high blood pressure.

            Surely, chocolates have been a part of my life from childhood up to this day. I could not imagine life, whether fun or sad, without these delectable stuff. I can say that, yes, chocolates is indeed an experience. And a wonderful experience at that.

Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank: More than just the Plot

Everyone seems excited to watch Cinemalaya’s “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” directed by Marlon N. Rivera and starring one of today’s generation hottest comediennes, Eugene Domingo, who won a best actress award for the said independent film. To catch on this frenzy, I headed at Robinson’s Mall, Iloilo with my chilly green tea and a pack of Mr. Chips. And what can I say? I really laughed my heart out with the film’s simple yet convincing humor and cried my heart out as well with the touching issue presented in the movie that tackled poverty and its consequences.

The plot followed the adventure of young filmmakers composed of director Ranier (Kian Cipriano), producer BingBong (JM de Guzman), and production assistant Jocelyn (Cai Cortez), as they searched for the actress who would suitably portray the role of Mila, a poor mother of seven who decides to sell her children to a paedophile, in their film entitled “Walang Wala”. After thinking of possible actresses to fit the character, they decided to assign Ms. Eugene the role. The popular comedienne begged the filmmakers that she’d do anything except for one sequence in the script where she would take a plunge into a septic tank. As the filmmakers reviewed their thought-to-be winning script and Oscar worthy film bit by bit and arranged the necessary preparations from setting to the budget, the screen coincidently flashed through Jocelyn’s imagination the actual scenario in their story which changed into various concepts these movie-makers could ever imagine.

Eugene Domingo was pretty well adept in her acting skills not just in pulling off hilarious punch lines but also made it good in tear jerking dramatic scenes. She was also a satisfactory singer, acting while belting out in the film’s musical parts. Kian Cipriano was fresh in the eyes, acting simply and not too pushy. JM de Guzman I guess was a really good actor because he felt every emotion he expressed.  Though Cai Cortez didn’t have much dialogue, her presence was comically felt anyway.

I commend the film’s script for its wittiness, with lines that were simple yet relatable and entertaining. The shots taken were stylishly varied depending on the treatment. One musical part was taken theatrically  so the scenes were captured as if you’re watching a stage play. Another part was treated as a documentary film so the video moved shakily for it to be more realistic.

Some movie-goers thought that the story left them hanging for it was “bitin” or concluded incompletely but I think , the film would like to leave to the viewers the real essence of the entire film. I personally think that the story’s focus wasn’t only about the filmmakers’ job in movie production but the very film vitally depicted the unending turmoil Filipino people are still obviously suffering from – poverty.

Many of our kababayans would risk even their worth, or their relatives’ worth, just to survive from their daily hand-to-mouth existence. And yes, if this problem would be remedied with a bad, immoral solution, the problem would just get nastier, more absurd, and more uncontrollable. This is certainly happening in the Philippines now. We make our predicaments even worse that it would require us a lot to escape from this seemingly dark trap that we ourselves created./This Bubbly Life

Changes I See in My Trike Rides

              So the first week of August was really a wet and damp week, huh? I mean, I went to and fro the hospital I’m volunteering in with white shoes splattered in mud and slacks stained with dirt no matter how careful I was to avoid the merciless speeding vehicles whose wheels splash groundwater as it came past me.

            Well, I must say I’m presently more tolerable towards the above situation because maybe, my system has become used to it. Ever since I was in elementary, I have been riding the tricycle that pass a bumpy, unpaved road, causing you to hit your head on its steel many times - and nothing is worst than raining hard when you get home poorly soaked from head to foot.

            Yes, although I’m clamoring about this, I still find riding these down-to-earth three-wheelers fun. I loved sitting on its roof, feeling the cool breeze that brushes through my face. However, there are times that I just wanted to sit on its either soft or rock-hard chairs just to prevent the burning heat of the sun. But since I’m a guy, I need to give way to the girls and the oldies as well.

            Like what I’ve expressed, I’m still amused by commuting in tricycles. You get to see inevitable changes unfold right in front your very eyes. Although it is a rural scenery while traveling along our place, one may notice that wide rice fields are now turning into expansive housing subdivisions. The kantos and kalyes I came familiar with in my day to day ride are giving birth to computer shops, big sari-sari stores, apparel shops, batchoyan, and refilling stations. Barangay chapels are renovated and made more beautiful for the dwellers. Small, kawayan houses turn into concrete ones. Trisikads and tricycles doubled in population, reflecting the increase of residents in our area. Companies arise such as the ice plant and the factory that dresses chicken, providing jobs to the residents.

            Nevertheless, some things remained unaltered. You still get to see a hardworking person in his trisikad who buys scraps in the neighborhood and a man vending in his bicycle a load of chicharon, hoping someone will buy. There is also a guy patiently carrying on his back a furniture which he eagerly sells from house to house.  A mother entices you to eat her freshly prepared bitso-bitso, pancakes, aripahol, and banana cue just to have something to give for her children she sends to school in the nearby public school.

            Good thing, there are still rice fields that relax your tired eyes with its green, refreshing view. I’m glad that trees giving off clean, cool air remain standing in its roots. I smiled on that one time I saw a blue bird swiftly fly past our backyard. I smiled for its existence. I adore the sight of colorful, graceful butterflies hovering on flowers that embellish the streets.

            Like what I’ve said, eversince I was a kid accompanied by my tita or mom in these tricycle rides, our road has been rough and rocky and unpaved. Now that I am commuting on my own, it is still is. I am yet uncertain of the time where residents would experience a smooth ride without having to worry about the mud spattering on their clothes. For now, I’ll continue to enjoy this bouncy and jerky journey and be mesmerized with the amazing changes occurring in the corners of the streets I have been acquainted to as time flies by.

Ice Scramble and Pizza at Sta. Barbara

         My cousin and I drove off to the main town of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo in search for food for our gurgling tummies. I bet you'll never starve strolling through the kalyes and kantos since a number of humble restaurants are just around the corner, waiting for guts to satisfy.
          By the plaza, we spotted Chico Shade, a refreshment built around a Chico tree. The walls inside were lined with bamboo and of course, you can see the Chico trunk rooted right in the middle of the space.

          We ordered bihon for about Php 60 which was already good for three starving mouths. For our drinks, we tried its popular ice scramble for Php 15 which I think to be the tastiest, milkiest, and smoothiest ice scramble my tongue has ever slurped. They also serve pansit canton, batchoy, cakes, halo-halo, and juices that came in lofty glasses.
          Chico Shade is the right haven for budget-conscious eaters who desire a satisfying meal or meryenda. No wonder many students from nearby schools get to have their delicious fill here.
          A few walks away from Chico Shade is Dogsdale, a small pizza restaurant popular to the residents in the place. Aside from the different pizza sizes that you can choose from, the pie comes in two basic types of preparation - the ones with white sauce and the once with red sauce. My cousin and I tried their Dogsdale Solo White Special for Php 40 which tasted like your perfect home-made pizza coated with delectable melted cheese and topped with pepperoni, hams, and onions. They also have various sandwiches to select from.

          After an exhausting shop in the town's grocery stores or a perspiring transaction in its government halls, people can stop by these two refreshments for a very rewarding munch.

Iimbitahan ko si Lolo Mag-Videoke

         Isang araw, dinala namin ang aming lolo sa St. Paul’s Hospital Iloilo dahil nananakit daw ang kanyang likuran at ubo siya nang ubo. Doon nalaman na may tubig daw ang kanyang baga. Nariyan daw sa 700 ml ang nakuha mula sa nagtitiis niyang baga.

          Buti  na lang at malinis, malapad, at maaliwalas ang silid na aming tinuluyan sa ospital. Mukhang bagong pintura ang mga pader nito at kumpleto naman ito sa kagamitan. Feeling ko nag-hotel lang si lolo. Buti na lang may philhealth at senior citizen card siya kaya’t menos gastos.

          Nagbantay ako buong umaga pero nang dumating na ang aking pinsan, umalis din naman ako para makipagkita sa mga kaibigang sina Ciong at Jo sa Atrium Mall. Dumiretso na lang kami sa SM City para magkwentuhan at mag-bonding upang hindi naman masayang ang madalang naming pagkikita. Kasama rin nila si Lynn na ngayon ko lang mismo nakilala.

          Ang plano namin noong araw na iyon ay mag-videoke kaya’t pumunta kami sa Quantum. Kaya lang maraming mga estudyante at iba pang mga kustomer na pumupuno ng mga videoke rooms kaya’t habang wala pang bakante ay inabala na lang namin ang mga sarili sa mga laro gaya ng basketbol, karera ng sasakyan, hockey, at baril-barilan kung saan parang titirahin mo yung maliliit na aliens na lumilipad. Hindi namin namalayan, marami na palang nakatapos magkaraoke at naunahan na kami ng ibang mga kustomer.

   

   Dumiretso na lang kami sa Bibo pero puno rin. Nagulat lang kami kung ba’t ang daming tao ang nakalibot sa entabladong nakatayo malapit saToy Kingdom . Dumating pala ang mahusay na mang-aawit na si Sarah Geronimo. Simple lang ang kanyang kagandahan at hindi nakakasawa. Parang hindi na siya kumanta at nag-plug lang ng konsyerto niya na gaganapin sa Central Philippine University sa susunod na araw.

           Bago namin makalimutan ang plano namin sa araw na iyon, bumalik kami sa Bibo at nagbabasakaling may bakanteng silid para sa karaoke. Salamat sa Diyos at mayroon nga! Sabik talaga kaming kumanta at the top of our lungs. Kahit hindi abot ang mga nota ay hataw pa rin kami sa pagbirit. Ang finale song namin ay ang “Survivor” ng Destiny’s Child. Ang saya saya lang!

       
         Anong aral ang natutunan ko sa araw na ito? Kung may gusto kang isang bagay na nais mong makamtan, babalik-balikan mo ito bitbit ang pag-asa na may ilalaan para sa iyo. Gaya ng kwento ko, plano talaga namin ang mag-sing-along. Hindi namin natupad ito kapag nawalan kami ng pag-asa na makakanta dahil puno lagi ang mga silid para sa videoke. Kung huminto kami sa paghintay o sa paghanap ng maaaring pagkantahan, eh di siguro nag-malling na lang kami at tumingin-tingin lang sa mga mamahaling mga bagay sa mga pamilihan, hindi ba? Inaasahan din na mahaba ang iyong pasensya habang unti-unti mong inaabot ang iyong mga ninanais. Sa pagbalik ko sa ospital, kinakailangan ko talaga ang asal na ito kasi magiging abala ako sa pagbili ng mga gamot at pagbayad ng mga bayarin. Kapag lumabas na si lolo sa ospital, iimbitahan ko talaga siyang mag-videoke.
          Kaya’t huwag mawalan ng pag-asa at habaan pa ang pasensya. Kung gugustuhin, may mararating.