just methinks

"Arriving at Betty Go Belmonte Station. Paparating na sa Betty Go Belmonte Station." the bilingual itinerary reminder would always echo. Just like the ballads I've learned by not  memorizing the lyrics, I may have subconsciously consumed that daily bread in the train, and ignoring it has become a knee-jerk reaction. There are other things that catch my attention and at times they can be a chain of emotions. I shortlisted them. Check if you have already come up with some of which.

1. PDA, (not Philippine Dentists Association) colloquially, stands for Public Display of Affection

Okay lovers, we are complete strangers in your eyes but we've got emotions and we get embarrassed seeing you kissing, necking, and pecking. Get off at the next stop and get a cheap room. You are rated "disgusting."

2. RMC or the Rumor Mongers Club

The train isn't the right place to position yourselves for comfortable chatting. And you don't sound great dishing out dirt on people. You can blab all your life but don't feel at home inside the train. This aint your living room mongers, more so not the alleys where gossiping is a norm.

3. Pole Dancers

The poles in the middle are set for everybody's use. Less agile passengers tend to lose control because there's nowhere to hold onto when the train takes a curve or a stop. So don't hug and lean on poles like you own them.

4. Excuse Me Fella

Saying "Excuse me" is polite but only when practiced appropriately. Don't say the phrase when you mean "you're sorry." Neither say excuse me when the train stops and obviously  you're not the only one to alight.

5. Me Oldy Respect Me

Gone were the days when the elderly are given priority in public transportation and the train is no way an exemption. Can't agree more that we have to give way to the elderly because they are the weaker bodies. But it's frustrating most of the time when you offer your seat and not receive a very simple "thank you." Saying thank you is not much to ask compared to giving up your seat and endure the leg pain until you get to your destination. Old fellas i surmise have forgotten the values they say are worth living with. They sure aren't senile yet because if they are, they wouldn't be nowhere but home.

6. Pretty Woman Durr!

You are pretty your mirror on the wall tells you. Well I say your mirror lies. Do not ever look at me like i am drooling over that cleavage paved with thick makeup foundation. Looking at you doesn't mean you are stunning. It means "YOU  ARE WORTH STONING" (Emphasis overload--italicized, capitalized, boldfaced, quoted). Act according to beauty. Take note of that.

7. Showy Techy

You've got the coolest gadget, okay we know that now. But would you mind toning down the volume because we're just not into listening to your type of music. And don't talk to your caller like you're both deaf. For goodness sake, you have the headset in your ears!

8. Agent CC

You Call Center Agents are the A Listers of the RMC (no.2). Just because you speak English and talk the loudest. Alright, you've got the coolest job on earth. But you have logged out of your office computers so you are now back to your normal beings. Get real guys or you may want us dissect your sentences.

9. Queue Crasher

Regardless of gender, age, religion, nationality, etc. Follow this simple rule: "Fall in line." No matter how long the queue is, it's still piece of cake spotting the tail so there's no reason to get into the middle and act like no one's after you. Unless you asked and is granted permission; or would you rather be handicapped? Include "shame" in your diction and use it all the time.

10. Sleepy Head

Your eyelids are getting heavier and heavier and falls your sweaty head on my disgusted shoulder! It is but normal to be sleepy especially when the day at work turned stressful. But make sure you had your head shampooed so shoulders would be more accommodating. I am just being bold and I'm sorry that i can't think of a more tactful manner of advising.

There. Got my list. Do you think the same or i am just over reacting?

  

The Other Woman

Nine months of carriage in her womb; whole life of nourishment through words to ponder on: What I am now speaks how she has reared me and I venture say that she’s done a sterling job. I love her so and I know life wouldn’t be complete without her. Ergo, my prayers aren’t complete without asking Him to give my old woman, longer and healthier life.  But I am sorry Mother because there’s one more woman I love the way I love you.

I seldom saw her in my childhood but I knew she had had the kindest heart. I still recall when Father and Cel, my youngest sister, met her in the city nearby. She bought us school supplies and treated us meal in a well-known restaurant. Young as I was, I could easily appreciate such gesture and didn’t have to convince myself to treasure the moment. I’ve never forgotten her since then. But that was the last time I saw her until my high school years were over. Thought I would never see her again.

Life was financially tough so sending us, siblings, to college was a big challenge to my parents. I knew and felt that they always dreamed of a bright future for us. But I also knew and felt that they didn't have the means to make the dream come to reality. Cel and I took exams for a scholarship program and we both made it. But adhering to the polices of the program, only one could be honored and i knew it couldn't be me. So after high school i decided to get a job to help get the money coming in. I didn’t even have to ask my parents because I knew it would be very awkward for them to say “Sorry son, we have worked so hard but...Okay, you may get a job and...”

I worked for a gasoline station and believe it or not it was a dream came true. That’s how superficial I was; just like a child whose ultimate goal was to ride a bicycle on his own. But two years after, the sight of my high school classmates in their uniforms and backpacks lead me into collision with envy. It was great Father was so ready when I told him I wanted to go back schooling. I didn’t have the slightest idea of his plans neither did I expect I’d see Aunt Esther again.

Going to college made me feel belonged to a dreamers’ club.  I was given a sudden hope for a better future for myself and for my family. But success doesn’t come without challenges and one of which came earlier than I expected. Father passed away before my first year in the university ended leaving Mother his responsibilities. Mother was only fifty when Father died but she had become sickly so couldn’t work to the fields as she used to. My dreams once again seemingly lurked in the dark clouds of November. But I was so wrong because Aunt Esther didn’t give up supporting me. My thought of her leaving my family for good since her brother has passed away was surprisingly false. From then on, my respect to her grew bigger; unfathomable. 

I finished a degree with Aunt Esther standing by me till the end. She wanted to keep me near but I was so ambitious that I escaped and preferred to explore the metro. I was sorry I did that but was sure she would understand. And she really did. I miss my aunt so much. I don’t have the courage to tell her but I really do. Apart from Mother, she will be one of the women I will never forget. Thank you for the selfless love auntie.

lokal-haliwud selebriti luk-alayk

 
luk-alayk 1 

American Idol's over and the odds were not on the sixteener girl's favor. Yes, Jessica Sanchez didn't win but absolutely a huge career awaits her in store. So let's all move on and spare some cents for her album invasion. I enjoyed the finale performances except that Fantasia-Mantasia duet. And i'd rather not say why so i can't offend some sensitive fans out there. But overall, the finale was so "over the top," as Steven Tyler habitually raved on performances that met or surpassed his aesthetic standards in music. 

Speaking of Steven, i always had this feeling that he looks like somebody in the local showbiz industry. I just couldn't figure out who it was until a stout male soul in the office cracked the nut. And i was outrageously jealous that he was right. Imagine Randy Jackson saying: "Yo! Listen up yo! Steven Tyler, without any doubt, is the missing twin brother of Melanie Marquez from the Philippines! Dude you've found her!" Then JLo would tell Melanie "Melanie honey, i clearly see the Tyler blood in you. I know it's a terrible news. I'm sorry baby." 

But i don't wear my glasses before the teevee. So it's not safe to trust my comparison skills alone. DIY fellas. 

Steve Tyler (left)  and Melanie Marquez (onset). They even have common fetish. Spot on.

luk-alayk 2

red corner: 
internationally famous 
a legend in the music industry and is dubbed the King of Pop
black in the past and...was white in the past as well (rest in peace Mj) and...he looks *****now (can you figure it out?)

white corner: 
domestically eminent 
one of the finest singers of her generation and is named the Songbird of Asia (i wonder how much is paid to get titles as such)
she looked*****then and just look at her now (You be the judge)

The one who didn't go under the knife gets the crown!

And the winner is...eh?

Who didn't go under the knife?

Michael Jackson (left) and Regine Velasquez (right). Look at those eyes, lips, and noses.

Just for fun guys! Don't get mad fans!

A Post-Mother's Day Write-up

An infant when born would feel pain when given a slap on the butt that's why he lets out a loud cry. But such  cry doesn't mean agony to the mother but glory because she has ascertained the existence of the just-born child. When the child gets hungry it will cry. And when the crying becomes continuous and seemingly unstoppable, it means the child's tiny stomach is no longer susceptible to severe hunger. Moments as such the mother rushes to breast feed the child then cradles him on her loving arms. Then just like a miracle the child refrains from crying and starts nourishing himself with the flowing food from the affectionate mother. The baby sleeps tight afterward.

When the baby becomes a toddler the mother would nourish him not only with fodder but also with words he can live with as he grows up. She infuses moral lessons he can ponder on even as a child. She sends him to school and helps him cope with his lessons even she has to take a goodnight rest after a laborious day in the house, and in the fields. For eight hours and more some times, she endures the burning heat of the sun. But the mother opts not to show weariness as she doesn't like the child to pity her. Because she doesn't want him to feel guilt as they use her supposed resting moments. Most of the time the child gets too excited and fails to behave the way he has. But she still gives her best on him. And when the father gives him the corporal punishment he deserves, the mother gets in the middle with her most protective embrace. When the child cries it's the mother who feels most of the pain. The child doesn't have the slightest idea of that.




He grows up and now chooses to live his life the way he prefers. He goes to a university and enrolls the course he hardly knows. But still, her support is incomparable and works even harder for his education needs. When the father passes away, sending him to college means sweating thrice sending him to high school even a relative offers an unstinting help. In college he meets new friends and begins to explore the world of curiosities. The mother, while away from the child begins to worry and prays for his safety all the time. There are times she scolds him and he fights back. Because he thinks he is right and she is being illogical. He doesn't say sorry but she forgives him every time.

The world in there is tempting. But he thanks Mother for the lessons she instilled and still instills on him. He is thankful that he has the most understanding, loving, and protective woman on earth.

Now he earns his own cash. He knows he wouldn't be where he is now without her. She never asks a cent but he sends in his own volition. When he gets home she prepares a feast on the table. She even mixes coffee for him. Once the child gets up the earliest. He prepares breakfast and mixes her coffee. The mother gets out of the room and sees the table. She isn't glad with what she sees. She gets mad instead saying "Why did you get up this early? You should be resting till now." "I'm not tired" he answers and pulls a chair and lets her sit and gives her the cup of coffee. She holds the cup and does not talk. Moments of silence then she bursts in tears. 

I love you mother and i always will. May He give you longer existence until the time i can provide you the comforts of life. And I pray that that time will come very soon. Happy mother's day.

A Jeepney Ride a Day Makes or Breaks a Day 1

For a working body like myself who isn’t blessed with wheels, i often (err, i mean every working day) take a public transportation that is not so convenient but very economical. Do i need to say it's the ubiquitous jeepney? Not in a way I'm writing about jeepney as one of the country's national symbols. I am writing on experiences i often come across with in my everyday commuting life. (Not complaining about not having a car, believe it or not.) 

I am not very nationalistic. I prefer songs of the Hollywood; I'd rather run my cents on (still) Hollywood films; and if I had the money more than i needed I'd buy loads of imported goods. But my emotions are still modified for my biological being so it's inevitable to be awed by the plethora of wonders in this dear third world motherland (neither am i complaining, just stating a biting reality). And the jeepney tops my list.

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Vibrant the jeepneys are, even the old ones. But other than the jeepney's outward look, the inside is as flamboyant—where orbits the tiny, kaleidoscopic world of a diverse populace—could be a loving mother and a rascal child; a saleslady in a department store whose make-up is much thicker than her epidermis; a taho vendor who gets mad each time his buckets get a thud; a religious fellow who does the sign of the cross every time he sees a church; a homophobic metrosexual; a conceited woman who thinks she's the pretiest in the world; someone who doesn't care about personal hygiene; students who cannot live a day without texting; an old woman demanding for respect; etc. In this world one would somehow get a glimpse on other people's lives through their eyes; through short exchanges of words between, or among passengers; and through isolated instances of squabbles and pranks. And having experienced and witnessed as such, i smiled, laughed, got mad, and realized that life is hugely joking. I am journeying back to those experiences. Come and join the ride. 

First Stop 1: The Stranger's Eyes

Flashback: "Isn't staring rude?" i asked him and he answered; "I know it is, but isn't not recognizing a first degree cousin and paying his smile with meeting eyebrows not ruder?" (i prefer ruder than "more rude" got problem?)

What triggered the flashback: Been minutes when i noticed a set of eyes fixed on me. Do i have protruding booger? Did i drool last night and failed to soap it out? Something disturbing on my eyes?  I was dead paranoid. Surreptitiously i checked those parts and was relieved to confirm the false alarm. “Ignore, ignore, ignore!” and the hell I tried.

Was off to work that morning and had a terrible sleep. To avoid the stranger's eyes i faked a yawn and held on the rust proof bar above my head and played asleep on my biceps (as though i have biceps). I felt my phone vibrating so i had to lift my head to check it but decided to do it later. Have you been in a situation where your instinct says “There are eyes glued on you.”? I hated that feeling so i pretended to be asleep again.

"Para!" a passenger was getting off. As i adjusted my position to give way, because the jeepney's isle is not even half yard wide, i couldn't help but look at the stranger who happened to be still looking at me. I wasn't mad though but was increasingly getting curious.

"Could he be a..." and all tho worst scenarios rallied in my sleepy head. Paranoid again...and struggled to ignore again.

The caught-you-staring-at-me situation went on for more minutes and I was growing mad, conscious, and paranoid.

"Para!" another passenger was alighting and i was relieved to see the stranger with his backpack jumping off. I looked at him and i was paid with a smile.

That was bizarre, i thought, but thanks goodness riddance got on the way.

I disembarked and transferred to another for one more shorter ride. I was seated near the driver so I apprenticed for him. The driver seemed to have soiled his hands and did not wash them for ages. Have you ever been pissed because the driver and fellow passengers acted like they hired you to do the task? How ungrateful people can be most of the time.

“Tabi lang po.” I bade the driver and dragged my feet off the isle. As my sneakers landed the ground I felt the cheap phone vibrate again. Two messages in my inbox said; 1. “Suplado mo na!”(You have become a snub!) 2. “Kumusta na? Tagal na di kita nakita a.” (How are you doing? Haven’t seen you for quite a while eh.)

I stopped pacing and laughed. For the record, it was a hearty laugh and not a mere smile. No way was the guy a stranger. He’s an acquaintance whose monicker appears on my phonebook. What a start of the day it was.

Next Stop: Taho Vendor Slaps a Man