Year of the Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998)

Chinese horoscope 2009 for Tiger people will be involved in lot of mobility this year 2009. Tiger you will experience moving in to a new home or office. Chances are that Tiger you will also go abroad for business or pleasure purpose.

Tigers born in spring or summer will have good luck this year 2009. While those born in autumn and winters might get surrounded with some bad luck. In short those born in spring and summer will be at a gain as compared to those born in winters and autumn.

According to the Chinese astrology for Tigers, these people need to think wisely when taking decisions regarding career. Tigers are advised to stick to the job and not quit it seeing some petty issues. 2009 won’t prove an ideal time to have a job change, as that will situation from bad to worse.

On the other hand tigers who are self-employed will get well paid off for their services. However, they need to work hard constantly to achieve great rewards. Insurance salesperson, consultants and estate agents need to think about ways to expand their clientele. People belonging to this zodiac sign will be guarded by the lucky star Yi Ma that brings in lot of traveling and changes.

Other two stars, Si Sang and Sang Men point that health needs to be taken care of. Loneliness may arise in their rise due to the presence of Gu Chen, the star of loneliness for the tigers in 2009. Romantic will flourish between July and October for the tigers. Overall 2009 will be a year mix of good and somewhat bad luck for tigers.

From horoscopezodiacsign.com

Your astrological year is going to be one of change, but don’t worry, this isn’t necessarily of the unsettling kind. That might sound impossible, considering how much you hate upheaval of any sort, but these changes are more like updates and are really just a natural progression for your soul. You can resist them if you want to, but you’re more likely to make it harder for yourself, and although it’s a process ultimately to be reckoned in years, the effects will turn out much the same anyhow. You’d be wiser going with them, recognising that in time everything needs improvement, otherwise there’d be no computers, no TV, no microwaves and as for the wheel, boy what a nuisance that was…Besides, the areas of your life that will be most affected are quite subtle ones really and go beyond your basic needs, to emphasise the finer and more intangible realms of human existence, such as what you’d ideally want for yourself and how you’d like your life to be. What you are aiming towards and where you are heading has a big impact on your outlook and your whole approach, so if there’s one thing that underlies the coming year, it’s the need to be open to new ideas about the future, yourself and what’s possible, allowing your perspective to change in the light of recent experiences, and not simply sticking with your old beliefs just because that’s what you’ve always thought.

This year you’ll gain most, materially and personally, emotionally and in terms of outward success, by remaining receptive to many ideas you have probably never considered before. People from divergent backgrounds, of other ages, nationalities, races or religions will place concepts on your radar that are very different from what you believed previously. That doesn’t make you wrong today, but it will do in the future if you don’t adapt. Letting go of old views might seem tough, but it’s a liberating process and is potentially quite fun, if you see this as a learning journey towards a more complete understanding. You may study in a classroom somewhere, in which case you should do very well, or learn in the wider school of life, possibly by travelling or going places that you never have before. Whatever happens, don’t be a stick-in-the-mud. This can be a very good year for you. It’s time to go with the flow!

As well as your ambitions and your outlook generally, there are three spheres to anticipate developments in your daily life. Firstly your career if you are working, or considering your employment options, perhaps through study or just your aims in general. Secondly, your relationships divided into two main areas, your friendships and also, your romantic alliances. Children could be an issue, so if you weren’t anticipating or expecting any, and there’s any possibility this could be an unwelcome factor, take care. If it’s something you want and are maybe trying for, then with patience and persistence your efforts will be rewarded. Otherwise, if you have kids already you’ll know what a headache they are. Your reward will be in heaven, or at least a few years down the line.

In your career you’ve been drifting for a while, beset perhaps by setbacks or just a nagging sense of doubt, uncertainty and confusion. In fact you may have worked through the worst of this already and should remember that it will be for the best in the end.

If where you were heading previously didn’t seem to get you very far, that’s because the cosmos was doing you a favour in trying to point this out to you. Think back some years to understand this fully, it’s a time now to reach for the stars and to go for all you’ve ever wanted. Have a perfect career that you thought you’d never achieve? Follow that thought! Have an ideal lifestyle in mind? Don’t be nervous, you can make big strides. Does this involve a creative, artistic, musical or spiritual component? What about design, healing or charity work? Even better still!

Finally, in your relationships, your friendships could be in for a real shake-up. The perfect people to be around will be wild, wacky and unpredictable, some true individuals whose unusual lifestyle hits you like a revelation. Romantically, much depends on how happy you are. If things are heading in the right direction with your current partner that’s fine, you should see further progress along a similar route. If you’re not entirely happy though this could be crunch time, as all the little imperfections get together, forming a substantial failing that you can’t ignore. Should you be looking for somebody new in any way at all, your perfect person will turn out to be surprisingly serious, loyal, committed and responsible. They are mostly likely into their work and either an old head on young shoulders, or actually older than you…

From astrologywizard.com

In one of our countless chit-chats, Sheiglyn suggested that I watch The Love of Siam (Rak Saeng Sayam). I am not really fond of watching movies, unless I am tasked to submit a reflection paper or so, so I just said I would watch it if I could grab a copy of the film. Yeah, that was actually synonymous to saying simply, ‘No.’

While I was surfing the net one day, I clicked on the Cinemanila link from one of the pages that I viewed. It revealed the list of the winners for the Cinemanila International Film Festival; included in the roster of winners was Mario Maurer for The Love of Siam, the movie that my film-buff confidante suggested. I instantly thought the film was worth watching (this may sound an insult to Sheiglyn, a film major from UP, because I didn’t heed her suggestion at first and did doubt the ‘worth’ of the film) since it was internationally recognized so i downloaded it immediately.

Sheiglyn told me the film is about love between two guys, but other than that she provided no further information. I also didn’t bother to look for its synopsis from the internet as I was quite unenthusiastic watching it wholly; the film by the way was 2.50 hours long! I never intended to spend 3 hours for this film because I thought 2.50 hours could be translated as b-o-r-i-n-g.

As what Sheiglyn told me, the film revolved around childhood friends Tong and Mew. At first, they seemed two parallel poles that would never meet despite the proximity of their houses, until Tong saved Mew from the bullying of their schoolmates. Tong did so because he accidentally spat gum into Mew’s hair and it was his way of saying sorry. Since then, they had become close and started hanging out together.

In one christmas vacation, Tong’s family went to Chiangmai. Upon his return, Tong gave Mew a red-nosed wooden toy, dressed like santa claus. He gave it piece by piece in the form of a treasure hunt. Unfortunately, before Mew could get the last piece, the red nose,  which was hidden on a tree, the tree was cut down.

One terrible incident shocked Tong’s family – Tong’s older sister Tang, who extended her vacation with her friends in Chiangmai, disappeared and never returned home. Sunee and Korn, Tong’s parents, went to Chiangmai to look for Tang but failed. During the days Sunee and Korn were in search for Tang, Tong stayed with Mew. They became closer. Not long after Tong’s parents returned home without Tang, they decided to transfer to another place to move on. Tong and Mew parted ways.

It was during their senior years in high school, when Tong and Mew accidentally met at Siam Square. Tong was supposed to buy August band’s new album, in which Mew was the leader, but all the stocks of the album were already sold out. Lucky for Tong, the August band was in the vicinity. He and Mew saw each other, and exchanged numbers. Mew’s romantic feelings for Tong, which he had harbored since they became friends, blossomed again.

The two became even closer when they frequently saw each other. There was a time when Tong slept at Mew’s house.

(From the subtitle:)

Tong: So, Mew, how have you been?

Mew: Fine. Playing music is fun.

Tong: But you are alone. Aren’t you lonely?

(Mew looked at Tong.)

Mew: Frighteningly lonely.

Tong: What do you mean “frighteningly lonely?”

Mew: It’s like when we were younger, we were so lonely because we didn’t have a lot of friends. And now that we are grown up, loneliness seems just so much worse.

Tong: Why is it so bad for you?

Mew: I don’t know how to explain it. It started during the summer when I was in 8th grade. Papa took grandma somewhere for several days. And the day she came back, Grandma: I heard that when I was away you were so stubborn.

(Grandma died.)

Mew: It’s not easy at all, because the longer mu grandma is gone, the more I miss her. So I have one question. If we can love someone so much how will we be able to handle the day when we are separated? And, if being separated is a part of life, and you know about separation well, is it possible Tong that we can love someone and never be afraid of losing them?

Mew: At the same time, I was also wondering. Is it possible that we can live our entire life without loving anyone at all? That’s my loneliness. I have lived with it now for 5 years. I know just how bad loneliness feels. I fear it will continue to get worse.

Tong, to comfort his friend, let Mew sleep in his arms. Tong was then starting to feel something romantically for Mew (or was starting to rekindle his love for Mew?).

Meanwhile, Tong’s dad Korn had not recovered yet for his daughter’s disappearance, which resulted in his drinking spree everyday. He also did not eat much food. However, Korn started to recover when ‘Tang,’ the new manager of the August band, re-appeared. The manager was actually June who looked like Tang. When Sunee offered June a sideline, she accepted it for she needed money for her eventual migration. Sunee wanted June to disguise and act as Tang, so Korn would recover from extreme loneliness, and feeling of guilt, and recuperate.

To celebrate June’s return, Tong’s family held a party; August band sang. Mew enthusiastically sang the song he made for Tong. It was during this party when ‘the kiss’ happened. Tong and Mew kissed, supposedly signaling the start of their  romantic relationship. Unfortunately, Sunee saw the kiss, and talked to Mew the following day.

Sunee: Mew, I want you to listen to me carefully. Mew, you know what my family has had to cope with, right? You know what we have lost, right?

Sunee: Tong is the only one we have left and I don’t want to see him taking a path that is not right.

Mew: What do you mean?

Sunee: In the future, when Tong has graduated, he has to find a job, save money, and look for a good wife, ger married and have a happy family, where they can take care of each other when they grow old. That is life, Mew.

Sunee: I tried to make sure he grows up that way. Do it for Tong Mew. Stop this relationship that you have with him. It doesn’t matter what kind of love you have for Tong. You should want to ensure he is happy and that he has a good life.

Mew: Aunty Sunee, we’re just friends.

Sunee: Mew, one day you will understand.

Ying, the neighbor who was in love with Mew, eavesdropped on the conversation.

Mew did not show up at Siam square for a rendezvous with Tong. When Tong learned that Sunee had a talk with Mew earlier, he went to Mew’s house adamantly, but failed to see Mew. Mew also didn’t show up for their band’s audition. Since the conversation with Sunee, Mew’s music life had gone in hibernation. He had been unable to sing songs for his band. He had also ceased talking to and seeing Tong.

When Mew recovered a bit, he went to his band’s practice only to find out he was replaced. Not long after, Aex went to Mew’s house to relay the audition form (whatever was that). The two had a brief yet heart-to-heart conversation, which would make Mew feel better.

At Tong’s house, Sunee was starting to decorate their christmas tree when Tong went out of his room and helped his mom. He asked Sunee which between the boy and the girl decors looked better if put on the christmas tree.

Sunee: Just go ahead, okay?

Tong: What if I choose one and you don’t like it? You’ll be upset again.

Sunee obtained the boy and the girl decors from Tong.

Sunee: Choose what you think is best for yourself.

Tong got the boy, placed it on the christmas tree, and smiled. Sunee forcefully smiled, but seemed to accept the decision of her son.

Tong and Ying, who already became friends, went out. They passed by the store where Tong earlier saw the wooden toy he gave to Mew when he returned from Chiangmai. The price rose from 750to 1,350 baht. Luckily, Ying was able to get, after begging and kneeling in front of the owner for the piece, only the red nose piece Tong needed.

Meanwhile, August band was preparing for the Christmas Festival at Siam square with a new singer. However, the new singer could not get the right tune and feeling required for the song. Mew appeared at the practice room, joined his band, and began practicing.

On the day of the Christmas Festival, Tong met with Donut and told her they could not see each other anymore. Tong met with Ying to see Mew perform. Together, they held hands towards the backstage to see Mew but Ying eventually let go of Tong’s hand; only Tong met with Mew after the August band’s performance.

At their house, Sunee gathered piece by piece the message of June, who by then was leaving their country.

June’s message: I have been thinking. How will you make it from now on? But I believe so much that you can make it without me because you have so much love for one another. Even though, sometimes, it seems to be too much that we end up hurting each other but I believe as time goes by we would all agree that there is no such thing as “Too much love.” Even if we make mistakes along the way, it’s better than never having tried to love and be loved. Wouldn’t you agree? Life always gives us opportunity to start over after we learn from our mistakes. I hope you take these opportunities and take good care of one another. Thank you for everything. I hope there’s a chance that we will see each other again.

Tong met with Mew, who was then on his way out of the venue with bandmates.

Tong: The music was great.

Mew: Do you have anything to say after listening to it?

Tong: Umm. I can’t be with you as your boyfriend.

(Pause. Mew’s facial expression became sad but immediately smiled; he was teary-eyed though.)

Tong: But that doesn’t mean that I don’t love you.

(Mew was forcing himself to smile. He managed to overcome the sadness that the preceding statement caused, with the joy brought by Tong’s last reply.)

Mew: Thank you.

Before they parted ways, Tong gave as christmas present the last piece of the wooden toy – the red nose. When Mew reached his house, he placed the last piece into the wooden toy, and silently, he cried.

The film left me whining, more than sad, when it ended. I was complaining because for me the film was not yet over as there were still unanswered questions in my mind. The film could extend a little longer so it would unclutter some blurred images in my mind. I thought I could predict the ending of the film as obstacles surrounding the supposed relationship of the two lovers started to clear. But all of a sudden Tong did not want to be Mew’s boyfriend.

It was unpredictable because I thought Tong was the one capable of ‘breaking rules,’ and wanted to end up with Mew. I remember a scene when Sunee told him she already knew Tong’s relationship with Mew, Tong still went to see Mew and didn’t listen to his mother’s stopping. The scene before it, by the way, was very sad when Mew didn’t show up at their rendezvous the day after he and Tong kissed. Tong also courageously admitted to Ying about his feelings for Mew. When his mother asked him to choose whom, between a girl and a boy, he wanted to end up with, Tong chose the latter. Given the circumstances that he ‘unhesitatingly’ showed his feelings for Mew, it was a surprise that in the end, Tong chose not to be Mew’s boyfriend.

Well of course, the director may have wanted to keep the ending hanging so everyone has his version. But on my end, I would have wanted a vivid image of the ending so I won’t think about it over and over. Yeah, I know I’m not good at interpreting films, so I would have wanted to see a ‘definite’ ending; I may misinterpret the different situations provided, which would contribute to my confusion.

Nonetheless, the film is really worth watching. It achieves its purpose of conveying depression or a feeling of sadness on its viewers! Seriously, the film is good and really has aftershocks. It makes viewers deal with the reality that love doesn’t always have a happy ending. But as to the reasons behind why did Tong said he could not be Mew’s boyfriend, I am still looking for answers. So with the question about Tang and June or if they are the same person!

Although the story is simple, the director was able to put the right emotion for the scenes, making The Love of Siam really effective in terms of ‘reaching’ the audience, well, at least for me. I almost wept on some scenes  love, friendship and family. The scene when Aex went to see Mew to give the audition form (?), and talked with him was so poignant, especially when he told Mew that he was still his best friend, despite having gaps. Mew’s narration of his life after his grandma died was a tear-jerker. The message that June left for Tong’s family, was, for me, heartfelt. When Tong boldly chose the boy decor for the christmas tree, I thought it was so courageous especially that it was his mom whom he was talking to. Really, that was love. Of course, the last conversation Tong and Mew had in the film was the most emotional of all the scenes.

The lyrics of the songs included in the film were also beautifully written, and so with the melody.

Last week, I had a brief talk with Sheiglyn, my film expert friend (ehem!), to discuss the film but our conversation was really brief that we could not talk much about it. We will discuss it though when she returns from a vacation.

Now, I won’t hesitate watching films recommended by Sheiglyn. I won’t anymore doubt the worth of the films that she will suggest. Sorry film expert!

I know now the benefits of having a film aficionado friend! =)

The mutiny doesn’t bother me really. But every time I remember what my mom, supported by my friends, told me – that tonsillitis causes heart disease – I start to worry. I don’t want to die at this young age! I haven’t bought a car yet nor have I went to Thailand. Tsktsktsk. I am too young to die! =(

So starting next year, I’ll double my drinking of water, and triple my intake of sweets! I know I can hardly resist chocolates, cakes, ice cream, leche flan, desserts (make my mouth water!) and all masterpieces of pastry chefs, so for 2009, I’ll drink plenty of water so my tonsils won’t revolt frequently. I can’t really say no to what I consider palatable, mouth-watering gourmet desserts and chocolates so for every gram of chocolate intake I should correspond it with a glass of water. I don’t drink water that much but I’ll try my very best to do it so I won’t die young!

Yeah, I know I should be more conscious about my health so I’ll try eating a balanced diet – more sweets! Haha. Seriously, for next year, I’ll try not to eat too much meat, fatty food, junk food, and really cross my fingers to ignore chocolates, which have been a part of my daily life.

It’s better to change some habits in life than not to have life at all!

Two weeks ago, Danielle asked me to watch Twilight with her through a text message. When I read it, I immediately said yes – not because I really wanted to watch the film (I am not familiar with it as I am not a movie aficionado), but because of the fact that we haven’t seen each other and ‘dated’ for more than a year. We scheduled the date on Saturday, the week after I received the message (that was two Saturdays ago).

Days before Saturday, one of my professors told the class that she watched Twilight and was disappointed. The story, the effects were not superb, not even good. Even the protagonists, she said, were not really attractive. What a waste of money, she ended.

I was quite discouraged to watch the film, but come Saturday, I and Danielle still pursued our plan. She read some reviews, and heard from reliable sources that really the film was boring. Yet we gave the movie a try.

Honestly, I liked the film. Yeah, I know I am not reliable when it comes to film critiquing nor am I believable when I say the film is good. But really I don’t think I wasted 170 pesos for the film. It may have some serious flaws with the overly simple plot, quite mediocre effects, and few and uncomplicated fighting scenes, but I enjoyed the film especially that after watching it I didn’t feel depressed or sad. In fact, I thought it was romantic because Edward and Bella fell in love, and were able to remain lovers, despite being from different worlds, especially that Edward was a vampire.

What I liked most about the story was the idea that Edward’s family, except for one, accepted Bella and treated her like a member of the family despite being from another world. They trusted Bella with their secret, and protected her from the sinister vampires. I really liked the scene at the huge baseball field, when Edward’s family shielded Bella from the supposed assault of James, a blood-sucking vampire. It showed that Bella was already a part of the family, and the family members were willing to risk their lives just to protect their newest member.

It was so romantic that Bella, despite Edward’s being a vampire, still loved him. Bella even wanted to be vampire, and asked Edward to suck his blood from the neck. Edward, on the other hand, fought for his love for Bella and proved to his family that they were really in love with each other.

I dislike watching romantic flicks but I think the movie was a feel-good one that I believe I didn’t waste my money. Although I found the plot and fight scenes quite not impressive, I didn’t regret spending 170 pesos and 2 hours of my time. I was not disappointed with the movie, and am looking forward for the sequel!

Tuloy ang biyahe.

Bumalik na ako sa dati kong puwesto nang umandar ulit ang dyip. Pangalawa akong nakaupo sa kanang hilera ng dyip. Nasa unahan ako ng lalaking mukhang kagalang-galang. Nakasuot ito ng polong walang kurbada, pantalong maong at itim na sapatos. Tingin ko nagtatrabaho ang mama. Kaharap namin ang estudyanteng babaeng walang inatupag kundi ang kalikutin ang telepono. Nakauniprome ang babae pero parang hahabulin ng plantsa. Nasa unahan niya ang aleng galing ‘ata mamalengke. Halata sa ale ang pagkapagod; pawisan din ang kanyang mukha dahil sa pagpupulot ng mga pinamiling nalaglag.

Bago pa dumikit ang puwet ko sa dati kong puwesto, nagkatinginan kami ng ale. Alam ko ang ibig sabihin ng kanyang titig, kaya tinulungan ko siyang pulutin ang mga nahulog na paninda, pagkain, laruan, ilang pirasong damit.

Napapahinto ako sa pagpupulot dahil may kakaiba akong nararamdaman. Parang nasasaktan ang puso ko kapag dinadampot ko ang mga magagandang gamit ng ale. Hindi ko naman alam kung saan nagmula ang sakit habang inilalagay isa-isa sa ibinigay niyang plastik ang mga nagkalat na bagay.

Kelan ba ako nabusog sa pagkaing nasa aming mesa? Kelan ba ako nakahawak ng mga laruang hindi lang malalaki kundi de-baterya pa? Kelan ba ako nakapagsuot ng damit na bago? Pinilit kong hanapin ang sagot sa mga tanong na nabuo sa akin sa oras na iyon, pero wala akong matagpuan; hanggang medyo naiiyak na ako na kung hindi ko napigilan ay aagos na parang talon.

Hindi ko na nga napigilan ang aking nararamdaman. Tuluyan nang bumagsak ang nanggigilid na luha sa aking mata – isang patak ng luha, mula sa kaliwang mata.

Yumuko ako para itago ang sikretong pag-iyak, pero hindi pala iyon nakaligtas sa paningin ng aleng tinulungan ko.

Walang ano-ano’y inabutan niya ako ng laruan.

Mula sa pagkakayuko, itinaas ko ang ulo ko, wala na ang panlalabong dahil sa nabuong luha. Malinaw na ang mga mata ko. Ngumiti siya habang kinuha ko ang laruang siguro ay tanda ng pagpapasalamat. Yumuko ulit ako nang makuha ang laruan.

Dali-dali kong tiningnan ang laruang binigay ng ale. Sa loob ng sampung taon, unang beses kong magkaroon, na masasabing kong akin, ng ganitong klaseng laruang kotse-kotsehang de-baterya. Laking tuwa ko dahil nagkaroon din ako ng kotse-kotsehang maganda talaga. Mas lalo pa akong natuwa nang makita kong may kasama na itong baterya na kanina ko pa inisip kung paano aandar ang kotse-kotsehan kung walang baterya. Wala naman kasi akong perang pambili.

Tiningnan ko ulit ang ale. Nakatingin pa rin ito sa akin at nakangiti. Nginitian ko naman siya saka pabulong na nagpasalamat. Tumango ang ale habang nakatitig pa rin sa akin at parang nakapinta na sa kanyang mukha ang ngiti.

Ibinaling ko sa labas ng dyip ang aking paningin pagkatapos mapasalamatan ang ale.

Tumingin ako sa may pinto, doon sa pinapasukan ng mga pasahero, kung saan kitang-kita ko ang napakaraming taong iba-iba ang pinanggagalingan at pinatutunguhan. Naisip ko tuloy ang galing-galing ko dahil ang dami kong nauunahan, na kahit anong habol man ang gawin nila, wala silang binatbat sa tulin ng dyip na sinasakyan ko. Ang sarap ng pakiramdam dahil para akong isang hari ngayon, hari ng kalsada.

Pero siyempre, hanggang doon na lang iyon – sa malayang paglalakbay, hindi ng dyip kundi ng imahinasyon.

Nakita ko, humugot ang mamang katabi ko ng pera mula sa kanyang pitaka at mula roon, inilabas niya ang isandaan. Hindi pa pala nagbabayad ang mama. Inabot ng mama sa akin ang isandaan. Itakbo ko na kaya? Kaya lang malaking tao ang mama, mahihirapan akong kumawala ‘pag nagkataon.

Inabot ko kay Manong drayber ang isandaan. Napailing si Manong nang makita niya ang pera, sabay kamot ng ulong malapit ng makalbo. Hindi na siya nagtanong kung saan ang bababaan kasi hindi na naman aabot sa apat na kilometro ang biyahe.

Nakangiting-aso ang drayber nang iabot sa akin ang sukli sa isandaan. Pati nga ako natawa. Kaya pala, inasar kasi ni Manong ang mama dahil isang benteng papel at tiglilima, tigpipiso at tigbebente singkong barya ang isinukli niya. Kumunot ang noo ng mama nang abutin niya mula sa akin ang sukli. Wala siyang nagawa kundi ilagay sa kanyang pitaka ang pera at saka naiinis na bumulong, ang bigat-bigat daw ng kanyang pitaka ngayon. Si Manong naman, nakita ko sa kaliwang salamin malapit sa kanya, ay nakangisi pa rin dahil siguro nagtagumpay siya sa pang-iinis sa mama.

Tiningnan ko ulit ang aking mga kaharap.

Sa labas na nakatingin ang aleng nagbigay sa akin ng laruan. Ang katabing estudyanteng babae naman ng ale ay, tulad ng inaasahan, nakahawak pa rin sa kanyang telepono, nakangiti pa nga habang pumipindot-pindot.

Maganda ang estudyanteng babae, kayumanggi ang kulay at mahaba ang buhok. Itim na itim ang kulay ng kanyang buhok at may ipit sa magkabilang ulo. Kapag ngumingiti, nakikita ko ang mas magandang itsura ng babae. Kaya lang nakakatawa ang kanyang suot na uniporme, gusot-gusot kasi. Gusto ko pa naman sa isang babae ang marunong sa buhay. Gusto ko ‘yung marunong mag-alaga sa sarili, maayos sa gamit at simple kung kumilos.

Mukhang nagka-crush ako sa estudyangteng babae.

Nang nahuli ako ng estudyanteng babaeng nakatitig sa kanya, awtomatikong ngumiti ako. Kaya lang, inirapan lang niya ako. Namula tuloy ako sa pagkapahiya.

Nakatingin ulit ako sa labas ng bintana, nang tumunog ang telepono ng estudyanteng babae. Pero hindi ito kapareho ng dating tunog ng kanyang telepono dahil isang maikling tunog lang ang narinig ko. Nang tingnan ko ang babae, hindi na siya nakangiti habang pinipindot ang kanyang telepono. Nakakatawa siya dahil parang nanggigigil na nanghihinayang.

Nang tumunog ulit ang kanyang telepono, parang Maling Akala ‘yung tunog, hindi na siya nagtagal pang magpipipindot. Inilagay na lang niya ang telepono sa kanyang bag sabay tingin sa akin. Nahuli na naman niya akong nakatingin sa kanya. Pero ako naman ang umirap sa kanya.

Hindi ko tuloy alam kung saan ibabaling ang tingin ko nang irapan ko siya. Tumingin ako sa labas, tapos sa ale tapos sa drayber tapos tumigil ang paningin ko sa basurahan sa ibaba ng sandalan ng drayber. May nakatuping papel sa tabi nito.

Hindi ko masyadong pinansin ang nakatuping papel kaya tiningnan ko ulit ang estudyanteng babae. Ewan ko pero gusto ko lang tingnan ang mukha ng estudyanteng babae. Nakatingin siya sa may drayber, medyo nakayuko. Ang aleng katabi naman niya ay nakatingin din sa direksyon kung saan nakatingin ang estudyanteng babae. Tumingin na lang ako sa kanan ko, sa may pintuan. Medyo nagulat ako dahil akala ko nakatingin sa akin ang mamang katabi ko, pero parang nakatingin din siya sa direksyon kung saan nakatingin ang estudyanteng babae at ang ale. Pare-pareho sila ng direksyon, pati ng posisyon.

Medyo nakakaintriga ang kanilang ayos kaya sinundan ko na rin ang direksyong tinitingnan ng kanilang mga mata. Doon din ako galing, sa may basurahan. Ano kayang meron?

Nakigaya na rin ako sa kanila. Kunwari tiningnan ko rin ang basurahan. Tiningnan kong mabuti ang kulay ng basurahan, ang laki, ang nakasulat, ang nakatuping papel sa tabi. Teka, ano kaya ang nakatuping papel na iyon?

Hindi ko inalis ang mga mata ko sa nakatuping papel na nasa tabi ng basurahan. Kulay orange ‘yung papel at nakatupi ng ilang beses. Namukhaan ko ang taong nasa papel. Gumalaw man ang papel dahil sa bilis ng takbo at preno ng dyip at bako-bakong kalsada, mukhang alam ko na kung ano ang papel na ‘yun. Hindi ko talagang nakita ang itsura ng papel, pero maliwanag ang araw dahil magtatanghali pa lang noon, kaya alam ko na kung ano ang papel na ‘yun.

Para masigurado, lumapit ako ng konti sa may basurahan. Habang lumalapit, nakatingin pa rin ako sa nakatuping papel dahil kung hindi ko ito titingnang mabuti baka liparin ito at hindi na mapasaakin. Gusto ko ang papel na ‘yun. Kahit nga ‘yung mukha ng estudyanteng babae gustong-gusto kong tingnan ay hindi ko sinulyapan dahil baka dalhin ng hangin ang papel at hindi ko makita kung saan pumunta.

Gusto ko talagang makuha ang nakatuping papel. Pero pa’no kaya? Alam ko gusto ring makuha ng ale at ng estudyanteng babae ang papel. Pati nga ang mamang katabi ko ay mukhang makikikompetensya pa sa amin.

Nilakasan ko na ang loob ko. Hindi na ako natakot. Wala namang masama eh. Wala namang umaangkin. Wala sa loob ng dyip ang may-ari. Kaya okey lang.

Ngayon na. Teka lang. Ngayon na sabi eh. Huwag muna. Ngayon na nga. Sige na nga!

Nang huminto ang dyip dahil pula ang kulay ng ilaw-trapiko, dali-dali kong kinuha ang nakatuping papel sa tabi ng basurahan. Mabilis ang pangyayari – pagkakuha ko tumakbo agad ako palabas ng dyip. Nabunggo ko nga ang mga paa ng estudyanteng babae. Pati ang mga plastik na puno ng paninda, pagkain, laruan, damit ng ale, nadamay sa bilis ng aking takbo at nahulog ang mga ito. Muntik pa nga akong madapa at masubsob sa daan habang tumatalon mula sa dyip nang maapakan ko ang kaliwang paa ng mamang katabi ko.

Pagkababa ng dyip, tumakbo ako nang tumakbo palayo rito. Kahit may kanya-kanyang hawak ang dalawang kamay ko, ang isa bitbit ang laruang bigay ng ale habang ang isa ay hawak-hawak ang nakatuping papel, hindi ko pinabayaan ang nagmamakaawa kong short – nalalaglag kasi ito. Medyo maluwag sa akin ang short ko kasi naman pinaglumaan lang ni tatay. Sa dalawa kong short, ito ang paborito ko dahil regalo ito ni tatay noong bertdey ko.

Takbo pa rin ako nang takbo.

Huminto lang ako nang sa tingin ko ay malayo na ako sa dyip. Mabilis ang paghinga ko; pagod na pagod ako dahil sa haba ng tinakbo ko. Pawis na pawis din ako kaya agad akong nagpunas gamit ang punit-punit kong damit na ikatlong araw ko nang suot ngayon. Binili ni nanay ang damit ko nang makapulot ng pitakang may lamang limandaang piso. Matagal-tagal na ito sa akin, mga apat na taon na, kaya kupas na ang kulay at punit-punit.

Sa wakas, nasa akin na ang papel.

Buti nakuha ko ang papel. Ibibigay ko ito sa nanay ko.

Hindi.

Kinse pesos sa kanya, akin ang lima.

Mali.

Sampung piso sa kanya, lima sa akin at lima sa kapatid ko.

Ganito.

Limang piso kay nanay, limang piso sa kapatid ko, sampu sa akin.

Tama.

Limang piso sa kapatid ko, kinse sa akin!

Teka, magkano na nga ang isang supot ng rugby?

Senator Villar decided to resign from the highest post in the upper legislative chamber upon realizing he lost support from the majority of his colleagues. His resignation paved the way for the installation of a new leadership under Senator Juan Ponce Enrile.

One of the reasons of the Senate coup was the involvement of Senator Villar in the Road to Nowhere controversy. I heard Senator Loren Legarda spoke of the Senate being more proactive under the Enrile leadership, which I assume she could not find with Senator Villar’s term. The now-best-buds Senators Ping Lacson and Jamby Madrigal defended the coup saying that the Enrile presidency is a major vehicle towards restoring the Senate independence, which during the Villar administration was missing.

I am aghast not at the fact that the coup toppled the Villar leadership but at the installation of Senator Enrile, a staunch ally of the administration, as the Senate president. All the 14 Senators who voted for Senator Enrile assured the public that the hands of Malacañang cannot touch the independence of the Senate. But how can the public be assured of the Senate’s independence when its leader is considered an Arroyo man in the Senate? How can an identified Arroyo man promote check and balance? I am not saying that administration Senators should not become Senate presidents. I am saying that for the Senate to really be ‘autonomous,’ an independent Senator should be chosen as the leader. And I don’t think Senator Enrile is independent.

The Senate coup has created some questions that linger in my mind. I first suspected that the move was politically motivated as Senator Villar was one of the strongest, if not the strongest, candidates for the presidential election in 2010. Of course, it is just understandable if his potential contenders would strategize in favor of themselves, and to the detriment of their rivals; the five ‘presidentiables’ in the Senate – Lacson, Legarda, Dick Gordon, Chiz Escudero and Mar Roxas – favored against Senator Villar. If this was politically motivated, why did Senator Jinggoy Estrada vote against the former Senate president? I thought, come 2010, the opposition would support the Villar-Estrada tandem.

Did Senator Estrada think that identifying himself as Senator Villar’s would-be running mate in the next presidential election would actually mar his political ambition given the ‘controversy’ Senator Villar is facing? Was he looking for a new potential ‘partner?’ Or has he already found him? Senator Estrada resigned from his post as Senate President Pro-Tempore yesterday but was reelected; Senator Roxas nominated him.

If my memory doesn’t betray me, Senator Estrada was very critical of Senator Lacson’s ‘move to disband’ the opposition when the latter exposed the Road to Nowhere controversy. Senator Joker Arroyo, furthermore, said that if the allegations were true, all senators were accountable since they all passed the 2008 budget.

I am wondering why did Senator Estrada side with those who wanted to oust Senator Villar?

Did former President Joseph Estrada influence the decision of his son and the other members of the ‘opposition?’

Did Senator Villar refuse the possibility of getting Senator Estrada as his running mate which led the latter and his father to breach ties with the former?

I read from a newspaper that it was a painful decision for Senator Estrada to vote against Senator Villar as his father is an identified supporter of the former Senate president (this is, by the way, based on the assumption that the former president had nothing to do with ouster). However, he said, Senator Estrada supported Senator Enrile because the latter was his mentor and he could not just part ways with him. Hmmmm. This makes me think, how independent is Senator Estrada really?

The new soap opera is really exciting, and offers unexpected twists and turns!

Yes, I am aghast at this development. Yet, I am looking forward to watching all of its episodes.

The beloved king zestfully enjoys commanding his little minion to open the television, and the older minion to prepare ‘offerings’ for him. The monarch is innately selfish and really domineering, but undoubtedly wise. His facade obliterates cruelty and poses sympathy. He permits his little minion to sit beside and eat with him. He also allows the older minion to taste and eat the food she prepares for him.

The King: This is actually my strategy for them not to launch mutiny against me!

Good shows on television however soften the heart of the inherently execrable king. Thanks to these shows, the king is able to savor the moment he does not attend to nearby kingdoms’ festivities, or plan for an assault or defense against intruders contributing to calming his mind. Thanks to the shows, the king learns to smile very often, and is on the road towards changing his spiteful temperaments. Thanks to these shows, the higgledy-piggledy outskirts of the kingdom starts to change their moods.

Realizing the ‘benefit’ he gets from the shows, the king decides to honor them. The king sends one of his trusted noblemen to the center of the kingdom. Before the public, the nobleman himself reads the kilometric scripture written on a scroll by the king: (excerpts) The kingdom shall pay tribute to the shows that become instrumental in restoring peace and happiness within me as well the entire kingdom. Therefore, in honor of these shows, all of you shall witness the unveiling of a small chamber beneath the palace to serve as their home in the kingdom. You are hereby directed to proceed to the site immediately and behold the magnificence of the chamber.

25. Kapamilya Deal or No Deal

This show is very engaging as the king silently picks his numbers when host Kris Aquino instructs her contestant to do so. He yells at and berates the contestant whenever the latter chooses the briefcase with huge amount but praises the contestant when the latter picks the correct briefcases.

24. One Proud Mama

Watching this show allows the king to remember the good things his mama does for him, and makes him contemplate on his ‘coldheartedness.’ Through the show, he comes to know how grateful mothers are to have their sons or daughters, which makes him think, “Is my mother a ‘One Proud Mama?’” Realizing the answer, the king starts opening his heart to his people, and becomes kind and sympathetic.

23. Obra

One of the few drama shows the king watches is Obra. He marvels at the featured artists, and the roles they portray as they are so challenging and not ordinary. He witnesses the artists excel in drama (this genre is quite unpopular today), and prove that they are capable of portraying any role.

22. Lokomoko

Influenced by Wow Mali, Lokomoko does pranks or practical jokes to unsuspecting people, and always entertains the king. Whenever he watches the show, the king can’t help but laugh unstoppably just like when Wow Mali was still airing. This is one of the shows conveying happiness to the king.

21. Maalaala Mo Kaya

Another very interesting drama show on tv is Maalala Mo Kaya. Although the king recognizes that the show sometimes sensationalizes issues or events, it is still the one show that is very well-made (direction, performance, cinematography, production design, etc.). The king watches this show to give tribute to a quality program.

20. All Star K! The One-Million Peso Videoke Challenge

Sunday night viewing had never been that enjoyable until this show. The king likes videoke singing, although he rarely attends videoke night outs, so he unleashes his singing prowess (!!!) during the show. Singing pacifies his undesirable moods, so every Sunday night the king sleeps with a smile on his face.

19. Mel and Joey

Joey’s comic antics and Mel’s seriousness seem two opposing poles. But GMA dared create the tandem, and the show has survived over the years! The king never misses the show, looking forward to hanep-bahay and nego-sikat segments, chit-chats with guests, and hosts’ repartees.

18. Nuts Entertainment

The king revels the company of comic geniuses Doughnut (Joey de Leon), Lollipop (Janno Gibbs), and Popsicle (Anjo Yllana) in the Saturday show Nuts Entertainment. When the clock ticks past 10 in the evening of Saturday, non-stop giggles and laughs are heard over the palace. The king enjoys most the Balakubak segment, and Anjo’s clallenge for Cookie (Pekto) and Belly (John Feir).

17. Reporter’s Notebook

Aside from gag or comedy shows, the king is very much interested in public affairs shows because it is through these shows that he is informed of the social issues happening in other kingdoms. One of the best ways to get news and in-depth reporting is from Jiggy Manicad and Maki Pulido who have unquestionable credibility, and have proven their caliber as journalists.

16. Kay Susan Tayo

Susan Enriquez is perhaps the most qualified member of the GMA public affairs team for a sitcom. In her show, Kay Susan Tayo, she is so bubbly, funny and laughs all the time! The king gets up early in the morning on Sundays just to watch Susan’s adventures plus her contagious laughs, and her solutions to almost all of the problems from falling hair to dark armpits to yellowish teeth! The king also enjoys watching the places Susan recommends for travel.

15. I-Witness

In-depth reporting is synonymous to I-Witness. The king doesn’t regret staying very late at night on Mondays just to get acquainted with the hottest social issues this show tackles. In spite of the show’s heavy subjects, its hosts and staff manage to inject tongue-in-cheek side in the presentation without defeating the purpose/message of the issues.

14. Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho

The king appreciates Jessica Soho’s magazine show as it provides light news and human-interest subjects, not to mention the host’s fondness of food as a feature story. He enjoys sitting on his throne watching the television without being greatly disturbed by the subjects.

13. Pinoy Meets World

Because the king likes traveling but very lazy to do so, he just enjoys watching shows featuring tourist destinations. He watches Pinoy Meets World despite its late timeslot because it introduces him to other places in the world and their culture, with different presenters/hosts. The show is very informative travel-wise and not boring as different hosts present the places every show.

12. Ka-Toque

Himself a frustrated chef, the king watches cooking shows very often. Unlike other cooking shows, Ka-Toque’s hosts/chefs are young, appealing to yuppies and the youth in general. The show is resilient and vigorous(?) that is why the young king is hooked on Ka-Toque.

11. My Husband’s Woman

The show is tearjerking but the king has not shed tears yet. It is a very depiction of reality in which the scenes and lines are very poignant. The young king, although he doesn’t admit he is a fan of the show, looks forward to every night to watch it, and stops whatever he is doing when the show starts.

10. Imbestigador

“Hindi namin kayo tatantanan!” is the famous line of Imbestigador host Mike Enriquez to warn the wrongdoers. It is a public service program that the king intends to put up in some strategic points in the kingdom to help his people. In preparation of this project, the king mimics Mike’s voice and intonation in reciting his famous line!

9. Reunions

Reunions, also known as Sana’y Muling Makapiling, is a pubic service program that aims to reunite missing persons with their families. Watching the show makes the king unable to conceal his tears freely flowing from his eyes when people find their missing kin and reunite. The jubilation of the reunited families inspire the king to launch similar program in the future.

8. Bubble Gang

Bitoy plus Ogie plus Rufa Mae equals a riot show. Equally talented, and sexy, Maureen, Francine and Diana give more flavor to the show. Best buds, and original casts, Wendell and Antonio, with Boy2 make Bubble Gang more exciting. Diego and Mykah become showbiz personalities whose names are inseparable from Bubble Gang. The king makes it a point to watch the gag show amid hectic schedule. For him, it is good to end the long days of work happily, and start the weekend with a good mood.

7. Eat Bulaga

Eat Bulaga, in its almost 3 decades of existence, has changed millions of lives. The dabarkads continuously grow providing entertainment and happiness to its viewers. Tito, Vic and Joey with Ruby, Allan K., Toni Rose, Bitoy, Anjo, and others have become household names known for offering incomparable entertainment through Bulagaan and well-practiced numbers, and giving millions of prices via Itaktak Mo and Sa Pula Sa Puti among others. Truly, Eat Bulaga never stops providing ‘isang libo’t isang tuwa’ to the millions of televiewers in the country.

6. SOP

The king’s music icons Janno Gibbs and Jaya plus Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid compose the musical show SOP every Sunday. Watching his idols and listening to their music soothe the mind and the heart of the king, especially that all performances in the show are truly world-class and heartfelt.

5. Bitoy’s Funniest Videos

Aside from funny foreign videos, what makes the king laugh endlessly are BFV’s two segments – Shocking S’ya with Dennis Jimenez, and of course Yari Ka! with Bitoy in his numerous disguises. The king laughs at unsuspected people’s reaction when fooled or when they receive pranks.

4. Day-Off

The only show on television that pampers restless workers! The show grabs day-off winner form his/her work to relish a set of surprises prepared by the Day-Off team. Carmina or Pekto however fills in and performs the job of the winner so the operation of the company won’t be obstructed by the winner’s absence. The king watches the show to ‘experience’ being a winner provided with a spa session, food trip, gimmick/swimming/bonding with family, etc. The king hopes to get a treat very soon!

3. 24 Oras/Saksi

Two most trusted news programs on television are 24 Oras and Saksi. Anchored by the biggest names in news and public affairs with untainted credibility Mike Enriquez and Mel Tiangco (24 Oras), and Arnold Clavio and Vicky Morales (Saksi), the king depends on them when it comes to news presentation so he is well-informed (the events and the reliability of the details). The king never misses a day without watching at least one of the two shows.

2. Survivor

The most intriguing show on tv today is Survivor Philippines. The king, being a fan of reality shows, watches Survivor because he wants to know the reactions/responses of individuals amid uncontrolled circumstances in a foreign land. He wants to know the strategies of each contestant, the twists and turns of the show, and the emotions of each individual under an unpredictable environment. Exciting really!

1. Wish Ko Lang

The top of the king’s favorite list is Wish Ko Lang, the first ever wish-granting show on tv. Aside from the delight of knowing that the show grants wishes, the king loves the show because Wish Ko Lang fufills wishes not of material things but of happiness and changing lives for the better. The stories that accompany the wishes are trully touching, especially when wishes are not for the senders but for others whom the senders think worthy of their wish. No other person can host/present the show than the only ‘fairy godmother ng bayan’ Vicky Morales who really conveys the message of the wishes effectively. The king is so inspired with the show that he wants to imitate the objective of the show in the near future. Wish Ko Lang is the greatest influence of the king that he chooses to sympathize with others and live without cruelty but peace and happiness.