BOOKworm

I just love the smell of a new book. It awakens my soul and I cannot refrain from turning the pages. And when I’m done with it, I just want to cover my face (like that in the picture) and smell the book’s scent while recalling the story. 

That book is a novel in cartoons.

Heart's Day

I got these as my heart day’s present from a friend (cap not included). I love to read books. He got me this particular book because he knows I’d appreciate it. This book:”Diary of a Wimpy Kid” turned out to be a Best Seller and was later produced into film. I finished reading the book in one-sitting. I have seen the movie already via HBO (I guess). It’s more of a “For Kids” film; and I am one by heart. I am happy I got to own a best seller book. I hope there’d be more books to come.

He also gave me sunglasses. Well, I always complain of not owning one because I gave mine to his sister when they left. So, he’s now giving me sunglasses so that I can be happy under the heat of the sun. I think his brother told him to buy me one since we drive around town on sunny afternoons and I kept on telling him “I need new sunglasses”.

The stuffed toy? well, I guess he gave me one because I like Kawaii stuffs. I named it Bish2x because it’s “bishy”—I dunno, the name just popped into my mind.

The cap is a token (remembrance) from a dear friend of mine. 

SELOSA

My mom would utter this word every  time I give out a “NAAAAH!”. Whenever my parents buy stuffs for my siblings and I don’t get anything, I would give out a frown and my brows would meet. Then Mama would say “Selosa.” and my Dada would say “Next time nalang sayo,ate.” Of course, they won’t expect me to be cooperative or participative in household chores. :) haha.

There you go.

SORBETES AND OBOY

It’s almost Summer and the heat is on. Hello, Sorbetes.

Sorbetes is a Philippine version of ice cream, made from coconut milk, usually peddled from street carts. It is served with small wafer or sugar cones and sometimes on plastic cups. Sorbetes is peddled by sorbeteros using colorfully painted wooden carts which can accommodate three flavors, each in a large metal canister. Peddlers ring a handheld bell to attract consumers--particularly, KIDS. 

The wooden cart has two large wooden wheels at the front part to give Peddlers an easy push. The cart is stuffed with shaved ice sprinkled with salt to produce a lower temperature around the metal canisters and keep the sorbetes frozen longer.

Back then, I remembered my Mama’s words: “DIRTY YAN! (That’s dirty)” Well, I’m just a kid! Sorbetes are also called dirty ice cream. It has a unique taste that kept me craving for more rather than the present commercial ice creams. I would take my siesta just so I can be rewarded a cone of sorbetes. Sometimes, I would go on and order one big cone of sorbetes from Manong and lick it so that it’s good as sold. Then, I would go to my Mama or Dada and show them that I already ate the ice cream; of course, they would now be obliged to pay. They will scold me for my action but I would just smile at them and let them see that I’m happy with my sorbetes. Those were my childhood days.

The kid in me never died. One hot afternoon, as I was out with my boyfriend(now my ex), I remember asking him to stop by a Sorbetero so that I can eat my beloved ice cream. He was amused by my childish side and could not believe that I still eat sorbetes. I told him it’s my favorite and so he bought me three servings (five pesos for each big cone). I was contented and the heat of the sun can’t stop me from smiling.

 And then, there’s the famous OBOY. It’s an ice cream on a popsicle. Peddlers carry a big ice chest and a handheld bell. Inside the chest are the OBOYS wrapped in newspapers and a Good morning Towel. The ice drops are kept cold. There are various flavors to choose. Here are some that I remember: Durian, Chocolate, Mango, Nangka, Monggo, Buko, Vanilla, Ube, Cheese, and Strawberry. 

Nowadays, I can’t seem to find a store or a peddler selling OBOY.

Before, when we reside in Putik, the Sorbetes Peddlers never visit our subdivision. Maybe because the place is far and it’s difficult to reach by foot. That’s why, Sari-Sari stores sell OBOYs. I am not a fanatic of OBOYs but they sure can make Summer Heat enjoyable. 

Sorbetes and Oboys are my Summer Buddies back on the good old days. Of course, the ever so famous ICE CANDIES are unbeatable when it comes to prices. However, it’s that “ice cream” flavor that made Sorbetes and Oboys place on my “I-want-to-eat-this list”. It’s ICE CREAM made cheaper and tastier.

I hope to hear that bell ringing once again. Now that I live in Sta. Maria, I bet it’s quite reachable for Peddlers. If ever I hear that bell again, I will surely get hold of my coin purse and enjoy several cones of Sorbetes. Or Oboys. Whichever.

Dorkie

I write about my friend, Dorkie. He is my senior during high school. My best friend back then had a huge crush on him She would tell me in admiration that Dorkie is a "genius". She refers to him as "handsome and smart"; the finest qualities she looked for in a guy. She was very shy though that she ended up stalking him in the Computer Laboratory. I was her ever supportive best friend.

On a fine day, our Computer Teacher gave us an assignment on Programming. We had to create a game. As far as I can remember, we had to use the "if...then" program language. It was a work to be done in pairs. Of course, Rheena and I were partners. We both hate computers programming. Then again, being part of the top students in class, we have a reputation to take care of. :)

So there we are, looking for a vacant computer when all of a sudden, I spotted a seat. I pointed Rheena towards the direction and she went RED. Dorkie was seating next to it. Rheena showed me a "NO WAY!" expression and I laughed. I never listen to her and we ended up seating next to her ultimate crush. I looked at him and he was creating a tic-tac-toe game. I went "WOW!". He looked at me and I smiled. I said "Hi!" and he gave a smirk and continued on doing his game. Rheena gave me a painful pinch and I continued on distracting Dorkie.

Rheena was already sweating like a pig and told me that she'd kill me. I had a proposal in mind; I told her to ask for help from the Dork. Her eyes were teary now, she's really not okay with my actions.

"Kuya..." I said in my sweetest tone. "Oh?" Dorkie said. "Can we have your program? We don't know how to make a game and we should submit it tomorrow," I asked. He laughed a bit and told us that it was okay. However, he told me that the program is not that "perfect" yet. I said it was fine. And so he gave me the copy to his program. I giggled and was happy. My friend whispered a soft "Thank You" and stayed silent. I asked Dorkie if I could play his game and he allowed me.


This Dorkie of mine is not just an ordinary student. He is under the first section and was a CAT Officer. I look up to his classmates/batchmates because they are very friendly (one quality seniors should possess). They were the best--brains and beauties. I admired them all. I wanted to be just like them and promised myself that I will also become an officer when I reach Senior Year. I did.

10 years passed. I was on my addict mode on Facebook. I went on greeting Dorkie's classmate/ My Grade School Patrol Leader/ My High School Idol; a happy birthday. He greeted her too. It was on her page that I saw Dorkie again. I added him up right away. Little by little, we became chat buddies (self-proclaimed).

       Dorkie turned out to be a good photographer.

He followed his love for computer language and made it his career. He took good photos--GREAT PHOTOS. most of the time, I volunteer to keep him company during his work. He easily share some stories with me, and I really find it comfortable to tell him stories too. He didn't mind my being "talkative" in chats because he is a silent person.

I will never forget out first "activity" together. I insisted and FORCED him to do a photoshoot since he said he needed practice for pre-nupt shooting. I volunteered to produce models--and we did a photoshoot. It was a laugh. The sun was high and Dorkie was stuck with crazy "models". Dorkie and his friends are scheduled for a trip in Dapitan for the official pre-nupt shoot.

Dorkie's friends can't make it. He told me during our chat. I was having a bad week at home so I told him that I can keep him company. I told him I'd bring my sister along and he was fine with it. We went to Dapitan and had fun. We were welcomed by a rainy night followed by a gloomy morning and a sunny afternoon. I met familiar faces. They were medical students from my school. They were friendly Ateneans and it made us feel more relaxed. We visited tourist spots and the ever-so-famous ZipLine.




On our last night, Dorkie's car met an accident. A hit-and-run as they called it. the left rear light was broken. Dorkie was angry but kept his cool. He would utter these words "Sige lang".

Back to Zamboanga, I would often ask Dorkie if he would like to go out and eat. We ate pizza once on a place recommended by Kuya El. The pizza was what we call "maka-umay" (I'm not so sure if I got it right). We also went out for a riverside trip twice and a night-out to kill boredom. Dorkie rendered us a prestigious honor to hear him sing. We were happy laughing and teasing each other.



Now, my Dorkie is no longer here. He's now in Manila as requested by his office. I am happy for him because he gets to socialize now. At least, he can actually be with his workmates. I know he is very excited to venture out again and enjoy real company. I miss my Dorkie that's why I made this blog. I can no longer kidnap him if I get real bored. Oh well, we shall see each other someday. I miss my Dork.




Visit his wonderful site for fascinating photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rchuck/

Perfect Two

Perfect Two by Auburn

I love this song because the melody and lyrics are direct and uniquely created.

I know of couples who made this song their "theme song" because they believe that they complete each other. Apple to a pie. Straw to a berry. Smoke to a high.

A line from the song says "you're the one for me, i'm the one for you, we're the perfect two." I admire those couple who see themselves as perfect. It takes lots of love and trust to see perfection. Imperfectly perfect if I should say. Relationships are the most complicated matters in a person's life. Thanks to social networks, they made it easier to label by providing an "it's complicated" option.

However, complications are created by the self. Emotions and arguments do not complicate things, it is the self.

Say for example, A "perfect" couple is contented with their self. She loves him, He loves her. And they live happily ever after. SElf is satisfied; therefore, no complications.

Here are some "complicated issues" existing...

She loves him, He loves you. Usually this is easily settled by turning the offer down. The "you" in the picture may cause an impediment. You may either take advantage of the love he gives or turn him down and say that you love another. It depends on "you". He may complicate things as well; he can continue loving you and make a fool out of himself or he may snap out of it and welcome a new love. Either way, he needs to satisfy the "self" in him. She may continue chasing him and sacrifice love for pain or take away pain and consider being loved as an option for happiness--then again, she needs to satisfy the "self". This situation may also be used for a "He loves her, She loves You" situation.

She loves him, You love him, He loves both. She and You find contentment in loving Him. The problem occurs if She and You know of each other's existence in His life. They now end up fighting over someone who plays them both. He feels so confused because he thinks he really loves both of them; but the truth is, he only plays a selfish role. He benefits from both parties while the two end up broken hearted. The most awaited part in this scenario is finding out who-lets-go-of-who. I find this situation funny yet it irritates me. She can let go, You can let go, or He can make up his mind and choose. The "self" in them are never contented or at peace. This also goes to a "He loves her, You love her, She loves both" situation.

He loves You, You're not ready. This is a hard situation because he might be left with false hopes. He can wait if you ask him to stay, but he might find another and you might not let him go. Confusing huh? Well this situation is a bummer. He can either love you until he grows tired of doing so or a new love would welcome him. You can either grow a spine and show be happy with him or simply be honest and let him go. And when you do, there's no turning back. You should wish each other happiness, after all, it is you who chose to let go of love. There's no ready, set , and go in loving--it's more of a stop or go. No regrets. Take risks. Same thing for a "She loves you, You're not ready" relationship.

I am excluding scenarios that include an existing "marriage" as a barrier their relationship. Make life easy and respect values and morale. Most of all, respect your All Mighty.

We fall into various relationship conditions; yet the only thing we want to feel is LOVE. We want someone whom we can love and be loved as well. We may fall into risky positions but we do not seem to care because we find love in it.

My advice is, do not waste your time loving someone "complicatedly" when you can be loved by someone unconditionally.

Consider yourself in loving. Be aware if you are in the right track, or not. It's never too late.

I hope we all get to sing Auburn's Song to our lifetime partner in time.

Be happy and contented; do not deprive others of the chance to be happy as well. 

Edward

Why do I love Edward Cullen?

I have seen the Twilight Saga Movies with the thrill of seeing Edward Cullen and Bella Swan profess their love for each other. It gives me butterflies in my stomach whenever I read their expressions and feel their words.

I love Edward Cullen because he is young, smart, skillful, and unique. I wish I could be his Bella Swan. You see, the reason why ladies go crazy for this vampire is because of love. We love him--his face, lips, eyes, body, voice, and everything. Above all, what I love about him is his words. He says almost all the perfect lines to melt a woman's heart. He considers Bella as his brand of heroine. He calls Bella his reason for living. He is willing to risk it all for his love. Above all, as much as he wants to, he does not want to take Bella's soul. He feels human through Bella. Edward Cullen is not a jealous lover. Although he may feel a bit angry around Jacob Black, he never shows any form of anger or act of jealousy around Bella. Though he states his "emotions", he respects whatever decision Bella takes and succumbs to her reasons for doing so. He gets hurt a lot but he prefers loving her than hating. Edward Cullen is an ideal man. He has everything except for a soul. He is a vampire. His being makes everything complicated; but Bella does not seem to care. 

I guess that's the reason why I love Edward Cullen--he knows how to LOVE and he does not expect anything in return nor does he take away Bella's life even though he knows that by doing so, things would be much more easier. And though in time he took away Bella's soul, his intention was still--to save her.

My Valentine

It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards(known as "valentines"). The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

There is an additional modern embellishment to The Golden Legend, provided by American Greetings to History.com, and widely repeated despite having no historical basis whatsoever. On the evening before Valentine was to be executed, he would have written the first "valentine" card himself, addressed to a young girl variously identified as his beloved, as the jailer's daughter whom he had befriended and healed,or both. It was a note that read "From your Valentine."

(Source: www.wikipedia.org)

Earlier this morning, I went to town to process some documents needed for my job application. I passed by my Alma Mater and saw flower vendors. It's February 14--I reminded myself. I went to a known mall at the city proper and was amazed by a stall where bouquets are for sale. It was the first time I saw a flower booth there. Balloons were everywhere and heart-shaped decorations filled the stores. "Lovebirds" scattered on the streets, showing off their sweetness and smiles. It was as if everyone got married--except me. 

I remembered the many experiences I had on Heart's Day.

2005 The first time I was in a relationship, I felt awkward as the calendar marked Feb 14. I wanted to absent myself from classes fearing that my partner would do something "stupid". Then again, I had exams on my majors. I had my class on the 4th floor of a grey building in my school and we just got dismissed. There he was, standing...holding a balloon arrangement with some flowers on it and a smile on his face as he happily handed me his Valentine's present. I went berserk; I refused to accept it and so I swiftly made my exit. He felt bad--SUPER! My friends gave a bad look and told me that I was rude up there and I didn't care. For me, I felt humiliated--I don't want "public expressions of love". I explained and on our way home, I accepted his gift and felt happy inside.

2006 The second time we had our Heart's Day, he was careful on choosing a place to hand me my flowers. This time, it was in a bouquet! GHAWD!!! I exclaimed. Where the hell am I gonna hide this thing? I asked him. He told me I can actually show it off cause that's what the others do. I looked at him with my eyes fixed on his and he knew I was not happy. I told him to carry the bouquet the entire day and that I will only take hold of it when I reach home. He was annoyed but was already immune to my "anger". It was also our last Valentine's Day together.

2007 He sent me a long-stemmed rose and placed it in my locker. We are no longer in a relationship and I thanked him for the effort. I went on with the day spending time with friends and laughing at people's "romantic" moves.

2008 I had a new boyfriend. He didn't buy me anything and I was okay with it. I had classes til 730pm. He fetched me and told me that they were having a party at home. I went with him and we ate dinner together. He took me to their computer room and played our favorite song by Utada Hikaru. We danced sweetly as we both laughed at each other. It was lovely. After we danced, we went out and played with the kids (his cousins).

2009 We did not spend Feb14 beautifully. He was a band member and they were booked for a gig. I did not go with him because I was not invited. I was sad and angry. It was one of the biggest fight we ever had.

2010 Much more trouble came our way; we broke up. However, someone made my Feb14 special. He was a workmate. He sent me flowers at home. 12 roses in a bouquet. I was more than happy and I felt special. Although he was not my boyfriend, my heart was blissful. It was followed by a dinner with my ladies--three of us ( Maan, Ichie, and Me) spent the Valentine's Day at our favorite RestoBar wearing a dress. There was a fireworks display on some famous Hotel nearby and we watched it happily.

2011 I got a call from someone very dear to me and he was whispering sweet words that includes "Happy Valentine's". He's in  the middle of an operation and he called. He's very sweet and thoughtful. Another friend greeted me with a text message; it was a poem and it made me laugh. He was my past boyfriend. But what highlights my Feb14 this year is the dinner with my Ladies. This time, there's five of us: Danelle, Ichie, Maan, Tin, and Me. Still, we will celebrate this day as single ladies (all are involved in a complicated relationship, except for Danelle). I'd rather label it as complicated so as not to complicate things.

Feb14 is not intended for spending roughly a month's allowance for cakes, flowers, cards, stuffed toys, and the like. It is a day wherein you give that extra touch of love in your relationship. A flower is never enough to cover for the scars you made in each other's heart. A mere act of sincere reconciliation is highly appreciated. We should know that love doesn't spring only in a day but in a lifetime filled with trials. It is up to both of you to help each other go through each obstacle and declare victory hand in hand. Feb14 would be the best time to remind each other of your love and that everything will be all right.

Throw away those flowers, toys, cards, etc. Pull each other closer, Smile, Kiss, Hug, and most importantly---TALK. :)

That would be all.

Happy Feb14.