i chanced upon the attic and saw my old wooden toy box, now draped in patterned cobwebs and grey aging dusts. The place reeks of that once familiar smell, the becoming remnants of a secret paradise and the subject of mom’s frequent scolding. i approached him and shrieks orchestrated themselves from the attic’s depreciated flooring, equally compensating the uncomfortable silence marooning within my mind. And alas, there he was – still full of his glory, a king untouched from his thrown and I, a child, beholden in the corners of his childhood past. His skin has aged; his knobs rusted by years of being barren, of being unnoticed, unharmed. But still there he stood, still dignified and strong – the friend of my playground, the guardian of my treasures.
he humbly unlocked himself and unfolded from within my prized resources. These childhood toys arranged in disorganized, playful manner were much like my office clutter – only, they were more enjoyable than repeats of statement drafts and plain, uninviting letters. There were the mythical cars, transforming into figures upon my command. And the kids from Angel Grove High, saving the world when it’s morphin’ time. There were those freebies from the afternoon meals – products of the demanding only child. And the stacks of cards for gamble and for play, the relentless pursuit to outwit the last lost game.
and there was my first soldier toy, still tucked in his grey camouflage suit – an arm and foot removed from those selfish games I placed him into. He remained in duty, his purple heart corroded from years of distant wandering. His face is hesitantly tired from battles waged in time; his dirt eyes stricken with guilt of lost and surrender.
so I picked up the glue and some plastic tape for fix. then, repaired his broken pieces, and reflexed his motionless bolts. His arm and foot have been loosely reconnected; the glue almost dried together with tapes sloppily plastered around his waist. I propped up his stature, and stared at him like a general respected by his field. Sweat transpired from my brows to the dusty strips of the attic. at last.
after years of being broken, sir soldier toy is ready in service again – but not as tough and good-looking as it used to.
“but at least its fixed, Nino…
I said to myself,
…it’s fixed.”
--
there’s more to soldier toys and purple hearts. it’s fixed, finally.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
SNOOZE
early morning sky about to set,
roosters about to sing.
here i am lounging, eyes almost at a closed.
my day has just ended, a taxi cab will do.
at quarter to eight, earlier even,
another day shall voluntarily begin -
the cycle repeating itself.
into the deep slumber we plunge...
into silent prayers we go into deep.
good night.
good day.
(yawn)
at last.
roosters about to sing.
here i am lounging, eyes almost at a closed.
my day has just ended, a taxi cab will do.
at quarter to eight, earlier even,
another day shall voluntarily begin -
the cycle repeating itself.
into the deep slumber we plunge...
into silent prayers we go into deep.
good night.
good day.
(yawn)
at last.
SIGAW: SAMU'T SARI'T SAPIIN SAPIN
MALCA
Malca no longer holds his hand
For she’s too far away.
Now, his holding another,
There’s nothing left to say.
GRASA
Akala ko kung may sarili ka nang mundong ikinukubli sa magagaspang at maiitim na sulok ng iyong nagdaang katawan, wala ka nang alam, wala ka nang pakialam sa kamunduhan ng mapusok ng dati mong kapiligaran – ang maingay na usok na ginagalawan namin ngayon.
Ngunit habang nag-aabang ako sa kanto ng jeep para ihatid ang taong dating humahawak sa kamay ni Malca at ang mga kamay na pumalit sa mga ito, lumapit ka at huminggi ng limang piso.
At habang inaabot ko sa iyo ang munting Aguinaldo, naisip ko kabilang ka pa rin pala sa aming mapusok na daigdig.
Higit sa lahat, mas mahirap palang mamuhay sa dalawang ginagalawang mundo.
SAKAYAN
Lumiko tayo’t sumakay pa-timog, ngunit hilaga ang ating inaasam. Dumaan tayo pa-kanluran; naglakad pa-silangan.
Hininihingal ka’t napatawa lang ako.
Minamasdan kitang hinihingal – bilang kaibigan (hingang hinihingal)…bilang kaibigan.
BUENDIA
Susunod na istasyon. Buenda Station.
Apat na taon din tayong hindi nag-usap nang ganoon katagal.
Dalawang taon din akong nanabik para mamasdan kita muli.
At habang nag-iisa ako dito sa tren – palakbay pa-uwi, naisip kong okey na pala ang lahat. Sarili ko lang ang gumugulo sa sitwasyon.
Hindi ko itatangging matagal at taimtim kong pinalangin ang araw na ito – at sa Diyos, lubos akong nagpapasalamat.
At sa iyo, bagong kaibigan ng aking nakaraan, hanggang sa muling pagkikita…hanggang sa muling pagkikita…
Malca no longer holds his hand
For she’s too far away.
Now, his holding another,
There’s nothing left to say.
GRASA
Akala ko kung may sarili ka nang mundong ikinukubli sa magagaspang at maiitim na sulok ng iyong nagdaang katawan, wala ka nang alam, wala ka nang pakialam sa kamunduhan ng mapusok ng dati mong kapiligaran – ang maingay na usok na ginagalawan namin ngayon.
Ngunit habang nag-aabang ako sa kanto ng jeep para ihatid ang taong dating humahawak sa kamay ni Malca at ang mga kamay na pumalit sa mga ito, lumapit ka at huminggi ng limang piso.
At habang inaabot ko sa iyo ang munting Aguinaldo, naisip ko kabilang ka pa rin pala sa aming mapusok na daigdig.
Higit sa lahat, mas mahirap palang mamuhay sa dalawang ginagalawang mundo.
SAKAYAN
Lumiko tayo’t sumakay pa-timog, ngunit hilaga ang ating inaasam. Dumaan tayo pa-kanluran; naglakad pa-silangan.
Hininihingal ka’t napatawa lang ako.
Minamasdan kitang hinihingal – bilang kaibigan (hingang hinihingal)…bilang kaibigan.
BUENDIA
Susunod na istasyon. Buenda Station.
Apat na taon din tayong hindi nag-usap nang ganoon katagal.
Dalawang taon din akong nanabik para mamasdan kita muli.
At habang nag-iisa ako dito sa tren – palakbay pa-uwi, naisip kong okey na pala ang lahat. Sarili ko lang ang gumugulo sa sitwasyon.
Hindi ko itatangging matagal at taimtim kong pinalangin ang araw na ito – at sa Diyos, lubos akong nagpapasalamat.
At sa iyo, bagong kaibigan ng aking nakaraan, hanggang sa muling pagkikita…hanggang sa muling pagkikita…
Thursday, September 10, 2009
VIS-A-VIS
Nada Nada Nada
The choice is simple.
I’m meeting you, of whom I have waited for years – the answer to prayers secretly, fervently whispered at night.
I’m meeting you, for it’s been quite some time – gently reminiscing quiet chats we used to share.
I’m meeting you, despite that this Saturday I have to attend a corporate meeting – yes, even in a Saturday.
But what would I benefit, should I sit, silently with boredom, in that boardroom and pretend to grasp issues and resolutions of which I care little about.
But really, the meeting would go on anyway without my presence, even without my voice.
But I would not let this Saturday go without feeling your presence, without hearing your voice.
And so I shall see you, this Saturday.
For the choice is simple.
Happy birthday former stranger.
Happy birthday
The choice is simple.
I’m meeting you, of whom I have waited for years – the answer to prayers secretly, fervently whispered at night.
I’m meeting you, for it’s been quite some time – gently reminiscing quiet chats we used to share.
I’m meeting you, despite that this Saturday I have to attend a corporate meeting – yes, even in a Saturday.
But what would I benefit, should I sit, silently with boredom, in that boardroom and pretend to grasp issues and resolutions of which I care little about.
But really, the meeting would go on anyway without my presence, even without my voice.
But I would not let this Saturday go without feeling your presence, without hearing your voice.
And so I shall see you, this Saturday.
For the choice is simple.
Happy birthday former stranger.
Happy birthday
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
SIGAW: LIMANG DAHILAN ! LIMANG DAHILAN ?
...
LIMANG DAHILAN PARA MAHALIN ANG TRABAHO !
1.) Magpasalamat at may trabaho ka. Pasalamat at may hanapbuhay ka.
2.) Pinaghirapan mo ito ng higit limang taon.
3.) Nagdasal ka ng taimtim sa Maykapal na marating mo ang estadong ito.
4.) Gusto mo ng overtime, maliban sa araw ng Linggo. Night owl ka kasi.
5.) Na-aaply mo na ang mga turo at aral sa kolehiyo.
...
LIMANG DAHILAN PARA MAHALIN ANG TRABAHO ?
1.) Ang trabaho ang hanapbuhay mo; ngunit nagsusulat ka para mabuhay.
2.) Pinaghirapan mo ang limang taon dahil dikta ito ng utak mo, hindi dahil ng puso mo.
3.) Pinagdasal mo ang estadong ito dahil nasimulan mo na ang limang taon, at nais mo na itong matapos. Gusto mo nang ipanalangin ang trabahong pinakaaasam mo.
4.) Gusto mo ng overtime sa pagsusulat ng mga artikulo o di kaya’y bumuo ng bagong konsepto para sa programa at patalastas, kahit sa araw ng Linggo. Creative Night owl ka kasi.
5.) Kung babalik ka sa kolehiyo, ibang kurso ang tiyak na kukunin mo.
---
! ? MAGULO.
LIMANG DAHILAN PARA MAHALIN ANG TRABAHO !
1.) Magpasalamat at may trabaho ka. Pasalamat at may hanapbuhay ka.
2.) Pinaghirapan mo ito ng higit limang taon.
3.) Nagdasal ka ng taimtim sa Maykapal na marating mo ang estadong ito.
4.) Gusto mo ng overtime, maliban sa araw ng Linggo. Night owl ka kasi.
5.) Na-aaply mo na ang mga turo at aral sa kolehiyo.
...
LIMANG DAHILAN PARA MAHALIN ANG TRABAHO ?
1.) Ang trabaho ang hanapbuhay mo; ngunit nagsusulat ka para mabuhay.
2.) Pinaghirapan mo ang limang taon dahil dikta ito ng utak mo, hindi dahil ng puso mo.
3.) Pinagdasal mo ang estadong ito dahil nasimulan mo na ang limang taon, at nais mo na itong matapos. Gusto mo nang ipanalangin ang trabahong pinakaaasam mo.
4.) Gusto mo ng overtime sa pagsusulat ng mga artikulo o di kaya’y bumuo ng bagong konsepto para sa programa at patalastas, kahit sa araw ng Linggo. Creative Night owl ka kasi.
5.) Kung babalik ka sa kolehiyo, ibang kurso ang tiyak na kukunin mo.
---
! ? MAGULO.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
SIGAW: KRISIS
---
a sudden high,
a sudden low.
a sudden gush,
a sudden blow.
of years to wait,
of years to dream,
of years of not doing,
of years of not belonging.
there will always be a stop – a time where one wishes that he had lived a different life, if only he had chosen to follow the road and crossed that detour a few years ago. but then again, had he chosen the other path, he may not have met an unfamiliar stranger, this person who changed his direction, his route for the time being.
but then again, the comma he now has is nothing but an extention of his surname, much like a father’s junior or his grandfather’s the third. only that the corporate savages see a market value in it, a mark, a testament to four or five years of burning brows and bushes, figuratively at least. and he lives in this world of savages – chaotic, cruel, unforgiving. and fortunately or unfortunately, he may become one of them, sooner or later - not out of will, but out of need.
he is not made to count numbers nor to create magical formulas for computations to become an entertaining game, or an inescapable labyrinth. he is not created to analyze increases and decreases of accounts and to materialize a certain percentage of creativity out of it. he is not meant for understanding numerous transactions and documenting the same like published articles in a collegiate newspaper.
he is simply this – a mad man formulae dosed to create a percentage of published articles in some free world atmosphere.
and that, he is not doing, nor he, becoming. at least, for now. at most, not for now.
but then, until when? until when stranger, until when…
a sudden high,
a sudden low.
a sudden gush,
a sudden blow.
of years to wait,
of years to dream,
of years of not doing,
of years of not belonging.
there will always be a stop – a time where one wishes that he had lived a different life, if only he had chosen to follow the road and crossed that detour a few years ago. but then again, had he chosen the other path, he may not have met an unfamiliar stranger, this person who changed his direction, his route for the time being.
but then again, the comma he now has is nothing but an extention of his surname, much like a father’s junior or his grandfather’s the third. only that the corporate savages see a market value in it, a mark, a testament to four or five years of burning brows and bushes, figuratively at least. and he lives in this world of savages – chaotic, cruel, unforgiving. and fortunately or unfortunately, he may become one of them, sooner or later - not out of will, but out of need.
he is not made to count numbers nor to create magical formulas for computations to become an entertaining game, or an inescapable labyrinth. he is not created to analyze increases and decreases of accounts and to materialize a certain percentage of creativity out of it. he is not meant for understanding numerous transactions and documenting the same like published articles in a collegiate newspaper.
he is simply this – a mad man formulae dosed to create a percentage of published articles in some free world atmosphere.
and that, he is not doing, nor he, becoming. at least, for now. at most, not for now.
but then, until when? until when stranger, until when…
TWENTY-TWO THOUGHTS
Today is August 17, 2009.
Exactly twenty-two years ago, a once crazy little wanderer was welcomed into this world.
Yes folks, it’s my birthday.
And these twenty-two thoughts are my self-reflective gifts I have for myself.
ONE: THE HOLY BIBLE
I thank the Lord for the Faith. I am nothing without Him. He is my Friend, the reason for my being. Amen.
TWO: HOUSE GATE
I miss my family back in Dipolog.
It’s a learning process still. My parents are slowly accepting that their playground lad is now a full necktie grown-up. On my part, ‘full-out independence’ is the only way to be in Makati.
All the same, the love remains unconditional. Thanks Ma, Pa, and Obet.
THREE: KINDERGARTEN CLASS
Nika, we’ve known each other since Kindergarten I. Thank you for spending the movie date with me. Cheers niks…
FOUR: DUMAGUETE BOULEVARD
I have fantastic memories with the boulevard, mostly shared with my Silliman friends. These remain to be vivid – the lonesome wind breezing over a wounded being, the serenity coupled by warm conversations chatted over white cozy benches, and the promise the unending horizon offers her visitors.
FIVE: THAT APARTMENT
I still remember a certain stranger, who will graduate soon enough. A friend told me that a vulnerable man would always return to his comfort zone no matter how painful or gut-wrenching that place was. I miss that certain stranger, whom I will always care for.
SIX: DIPOLOG AIRPORT
Dipolog is slowly becoming a grown man. Its charm shall forever engulf me. I miss the real people who made my ‘growing-up’ years worth breathing for. Strangely enough, most of these real people have considered old Dipolog a home only during approved vacation leaves.
SEVEN: ADOBO MAGAZINE
Adobo is my bible for advertising. By God’s grace, I shall experience first-hand the words shared between quotations from admen who rock the creative industry.
EIGHT: BILLBOARD
A former stranger whose greeting would mean a lot. I wish that face could speak.
NINE: OPM CDs
I will always support anything and everything Filipino – a growing collection of Original Pinoy Music CDs and books written by Filipino authors would be a testament to that. Ipagbunyi ang sariling atin.
TEN: ZORRO MASK
Karl, your number one kuya misses you the same. See you in December. Study well.
ELEVEN: RADIO
A simple request: gusto kong makapunta at makita ng personal sina Chris Tsuper at Nicole Hyala. I am a certified Tambalanista!!! Their radio show airs weekday mornings at 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. sa certified number one, 90.7 Love Radio.
TWELVE: AUDITING THEORY
I’m giving myself time to love auditing - knowing it’s not the calling for which I live. I have to love it, pero konting tiis na lang Nino, matutupad na rin pangarap mo.
THIRTEEN: MARYSVILLE
To Silliman University Accountancy Batch 2009, especially to my bro Dave, God bless for your upcoming board exam. Wishes extended to my batchmates Charelyn, Cyndi, and Arianne too.
FOURTEEN: CABLE
I freaking miss my couch potato days. Housemates, pa-cable naman jan.
FIFTEEN: BOOK
Could someone hand me another Tony Perez book? Nakaka-adik ang Cubao Midnight Express: Mga Pusong Nadiskaril Sa Mahabang Riles Ng Pag-ibig. Ang galing ng pagkagawa. Dalawang beses kong binasa at binili ang librong ito.
SIXTEEN: PEN AND PAPER
I hope I could have a formal writing job assignment soon enough. Would want to write a more directed subject-driven article again.
SEVENTEEN: CELLPHONE
Akala ko wala nang nakaalala. Meron pa pala. And I thank you for making the effort to text, no matter how distant we are.
EIGHTEEN: ZAMBOANGA PLAYGROUND
I want to go to Zamboanga for one reason – I have lost contact with my childhood play buddies for more than ten years. What came after the habulan, the patinteros, the basketball, is something I don’t know. And that, I wish to know.
NINETEEN: CEBU HOLIDAY
I would not be a Nino today had not my parents prayed fervently in the Basilica Minore de Santo Nino de Cebu. It has been a year since I have last visited the place. I want to pay gratitude for all the blessings that has come my way because of Him.
TWENTY: BLACKBOARD
Thank You Ma’m and Sir. To my Ateneo grade school teachers, thank you for building a strong Christian education during my formative years. To my Vincentian high school instructors, thank you for the support during that competitive flair of that tough four years (you know what I mean). To my Silliman Accountancy professors, thank you for widening our knowledge about our profession. And to Sir Casocot, your English Literature class has changed my life forever. I have read countless Filipino-written words because of you. To the professor who shares my birth date, Happy Birthday Sir.
TWENTY-ONE: PRAYER
I hope someone would pray with me someday, and that we would pray together for the rest of our lives.
TWENTY-TWO: BITHDAY CAKE
Happy Birthday Inigo. Treat yourself well. Thank You Friend Lord.
-------
Written exactly at 10:00 am. I am officially twenty-two.
Exactly twenty-two years ago, a once crazy little wanderer was welcomed into this world.
Yes folks, it’s my birthday.
And these twenty-two thoughts are my self-reflective gifts I have for myself.
ONE: THE HOLY BIBLE
I thank the Lord for the Faith. I am nothing without Him. He is my Friend, the reason for my being. Amen.
TWO: HOUSE GATE
I miss my family back in Dipolog.
It’s a learning process still. My parents are slowly accepting that their playground lad is now a full necktie grown-up. On my part, ‘full-out independence’ is the only way to be in Makati.
All the same, the love remains unconditional. Thanks Ma, Pa, and Obet.
THREE: KINDERGARTEN CLASS
Nika, we’ve known each other since Kindergarten I. Thank you for spending the movie date with me. Cheers niks…
FOUR: DUMAGUETE BOULEVARD
I have fantastic memories with the boulevard, mostly shared with my Silliman friends. These remain to be vivid – the lonesome wind breezing over a wounded being, the serenity coupled by warm conversations chatted over white cozy benches, and the promise the unending horizon offers her visitors.
FIVE: THAT APARTMENT
I still remember a certain stranger, who will graduate soon enough. A friend told me that a vulnerable man would always return to his comfort zone no matter how painful or gut-wrenching that place was. I miss that certain stranger, whom I will always care for.
SIX: DIPOLOG AIRPORT
Dipolog is slowly becoming a grown man. Its charm shall forever engulf me. I miss the real people who made my ‘growing-up’ years worth breathing for. Strangely enough, most of these real people have considered old Dipolog a home only during approved vacation leaves.
SEVEN: ADOBO MAGAZINE
Adobo is my bible for advertising. By God’s grace, I shall experience first-hand the words shared between quotations from admen who rock the creative industry.
EIGHT: BILLBOARD
A former stranger whose greeting would mean a lot. I wish that face could speak.
NINE: OPM CDs
I will always support anything and everything Filipino – a growing collection of Original Pinoy Music CDs and books written by Filipino authors would be a testament to that. Ipagbunyi ang sariling atin.
TEN: ZORRO MASK
Karl, your number one kuya misses you the same. See you in December. Study well.
ELEVEN: RADIO
A simple request: gusto kong makapunta at makita ng personal sina Chris Tsuper at Nicole Hyala. I am a certified Tambalanista!!! Their radio show airs weekday mornings at 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. sa certified number one, 90.7 Love Radio.
TWELVE: AUDITING THEORY
I’m giving myself time to love auditing - knowing it’s not the calling for which I live. I have to love it, pero konting tiis na lang Nino, matutupad na rin pangarap mo.
THIRTEEN: MARYSVILLE
To Silliman University Accountancy Batch 2009, especially to my bro Dave, God bless for your upcoming board exam. Wishes extended to my batchmates Charelyn, Cyndi, and Arianne too.
FOURTEEN: CABLE
I freaking miss my couch potato days. Housemates, pa-cable naman jan.
FIFTEEN: BOOK
Could someone hand me another Tony Perez book? Nakaka-adik ang Cubao Midnight Express: Mga Pusong Nadiskaril Sa Mahabang Riles Ng Pag-ibig. Ang galing ng pagkagawa. Dalawang beses kong binasa at binili ang librong ito.
SIXTEEN: PEN AND PAPER
I hope I could have a formal writing job assignment soon enough. Would want to write a more directed subject-driven article again.
SEVENTEEN: CELLPHONE
Akala ko wala nang nakaalala. Meron pa pala. And I thank you for making the effort to text, no matter how distant we are.
EIGHTEEN: ZAMBOANGA PLAYGROUND
I want to go to Zamboanga for one reason – I have lost contact with my childhood play buddies for more than ten years. What came after the habulan, the patinteros, the basketball, is something I don’t know. And that, I wish to know.
NINETEEN: CEBU HOLIDAY
I would not be a Nino today had not my parents prayed fervently in the Basilica Minore de Santo Nino de Cebu. It has been a year since I have last visited the place. I want to pay gratitude for all the blessings that has come my way because of Him.
TWENTY: BLACKBOARD
Thank You Ma’m and Sir. To my Ateneo grade school teachers, thank you for building a strong Christian education during my formative years. To my Vincentian high school instructors, thank you for the support during that competitive flair of that tough four years (you know what I mean). To my Silliman Accountancy professors, thank you for widening our knowledge about our profession. And to Sir Casocot, your English Literature class has changed my life forever. I have read countless Filipino-written words because of you. To the professor who shares my birth date, Happy Birthday Sir.
TWENTY-ONE: PRAYER
I hope someone would pray with me someday, and that we would pray together for the rest of our lives.
TWENTY-TWO: BITHDAY CAKE
Happy Birthday Inigo. Treat yourself well. Thank You Friend Lord.
-------
Written exactly at 10:00 am. I am officially twenty-two.
TWENTY-TWO MATERIALISTIC MONEY-DRIVEN GIFTS
Twenty-two materialistic money-driven gifts I would have wanted to have for myself during my birthday.
Don’t get me wrong here. My parents are good providers and they have raised me well enough for me to realize that money does not (and will never) make the world go round.
But hey, with the monthly salary that feeds my ATM card just enough, dreaming of twenty-two gifts I want for myself is and the only next best thing.
ISA: An all-expenses paid adventure to every Survivor season location -from the first destination in Palau Tiga to upcoming islands of Samoa.
DALAWA: Well-structured brown and black office jackets. I’m very specific with what I want - the very reason why I haven’t bought any until now.
TATLO: A solid blue, white-striped Volkswagen or Mini-Cooper. Interestingly enough, the former is my father’s dream car before.
APAT: Next to a Volkswagen, a STAREX van will be the next drive. Astig.
LIMA: Another trip, this time to my hermosa, Ciudad De Zamboanga – to reconnect with long lost childhood friends back in RCDAO Subdivision.
ANIM: Next destination. My birth place – Cebu City! I haven’t been to the place since May of 2008.
PITO: How about a family vacation to the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’? Disneyland, Hong Kong, and the childhood fantasies in between.
WALO: A collection of Tony Perez and other Filipino-authored works. Branded Pinoy, Original.
SIYAM: Let’s talk Pinoy and let’s talk Sessionistas. I missed their concert though. An exclusive hang-out session with the artists (with selected friends and relatives as their audiences) will be rock-out cool!
SAMPU: And the clock strikes ten. A Fossil watch has always been a want. My overused rubber watch feels the same.
LABING-ISA: The commercial speaks of a TV Cable provider allowing the audience to view ‘the channels of their choice.’ A brand-new 21-inch television set with ‘the channels of my choice’ will satisfy my couch potato cravings.
LABING DALAWA: A personal laptop with all-around internet access. This will spare me with no excuses in writing and updating new posts regularly.
LABING TATLO: A brand new pair of Nike or Chuck Taylor sneakers.
LABING-APAT: A house and lot – for a Habitat for Humanities beneficiary. I have not done any Habitat outreach program since I left college. Being an active member now as a professional would be a fulfilling thing to continue.
LABING LIMA: A multi-functional baking oven for mama. She loves cooking and cooking loves her the same.
LABING-ANIM: A stress-free spa and massage treatment for papa. Just a day, pa. Just a day.
LABING PITO: For my brother, a portable PSP – a timely gift for his upcoming graduation.
LABING WALO: A sudden thought rushes in. A library of our favorite 90’s music will become a memory lane of nostalgia and great childhood lessons.
LABING SIYAM: I always had this guilty thought of buying a Power Ranger toy figure every time a new season comes out. A museum of rangers and megazords will be as great as exclaiming, ‘it’s morphin’ time.’
TWENTY: Writing-wise, a scriptwriting workshop with Ricky Lee and other scribe masters. Self-written words of clichés and ordinary lines may just fit a two-hour well-received film.
TWENTY-ONE: A romantic date with that stranger, Bea Alonzo, or both. Naks.
TWENTY-TWO: My most-priced gift: a new baccalaureate degree. Soon, by God’s grace.
And the next better thing to the next best thing?
Them receivables becoming actual gifts.
Yes, pun intended.
Don’t get me wrong here. My parents are good providers and they have raised me well enough for me to realize that money does not (and will never) make the world go round.
But hey, with the monthly salary that feeds my ATM card just enough, dreaming of twenty-two gifts I want for myself is and the only next best thing.
ISA: An all-expenses paid adventure to every Survivor season location -from the first destination in Palau Tiga to upcoming islands of Samoa.
DALAWA: Well-structured brown and black office jackets. I’m very specific with what I want - the very reason why I haven’t bought any until now.
TATLO: A solid blue, white-striped Volkswagen or Mini-Cooper. Interestingly enough, the former is my father’s dream car before.
APAT: Next to a Volkswagen, a STAREX van will be the next drive. Astig.
LIMA: Another trip, this time to my hermosa, Ciudad De Zamboanga – to reconnect with long lost childhood friends back in RCDAO Subdivision.
ANIM: Next destination. My birth place – Cebu City! I haven’t been to the place since May of 2008.
PITO: How about a family vacation to the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’? Disneyland, Hong Kong, and the childhood fantasies in between.
WALO: A collection of Tony Perez and other Filipino-authored works. Branded Pinoy, Original.
SIYAM: Let’s talk Pinoy and let’s talk Sessionistas. I missed their concert though. An exclusive hang-out session with the artists (with selected friends and relatives as their audiences) will be rock-out cool!
SAMPU: And the clock strikes ten. A Fossil watch has always been a want. My overused rubber watch feels the same.
LABING-ISA: The commercial speaks of a TV Cable provider allowing the audience to view ‘the channels of their choice.’ A brand-new 21-inch television set with ‘the channels of my choice’ will satisfy my couch potato cravings.
LABING DALAWA: A personal laptop with all-around internet access. This will spare me with no excuses in writing and updating new posts regularly.
LABING TATLO: A brand new pair of Nike or Chuck Taylor sneakers.
LABING-APAT: A house and lot – for a Habitat for Humanities beneficiary. I have not done any Habitat outreach program since I left college. Being an active member now as a professional would be a fulfilling thing to continue.
LABING LIMA: A multi-functional baking oven for mama. She loves cooking and cooking loves her the same.
LABING-ANIM: A stress-free spa and massage treatment for papa. Just a day, pa. Just a day.
LABING PITO: For my brother, a portable PSP – a timely gift for his upcoming graduation.
LABING WALO: A sudden thought rushes in. A library of our favorite 90’s music will become a memory lane of nostalgia and great childhood lessons.
LABING SIYAM: I always had this guilty thought of buying a Power Ranger toy figure every time a new season comes out. A museum of rangers and megazords will be as great as exclaiming, ‘it’s morphin’ time.’
TWENTY: Writing-wise, a scriptwriting workshop with Ricky Lee and other scribe masters. Self-written words of clichés and ordinary lines may just fit a two-hour well-received film.
TWENTY-ONE: A romantic date with that stranger, Bea Alonzo, or both. Naks.
TWENTY-TWO: My most-priced gift: a new baccalaureate degree. Soon, by God’s grace.
And the next better thing to the next best thing?
Them receivables becoming actual gifts.
Yes, pun intended.
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