I can't really say that I'm a certified BAG COLLECTOR. I guess I'm just blessed to have quite a number of it. I was looking at my bags when this idea hit me. And as someone who encountered a lot of  "bags", I do believe a woman will encounter one of these bags that I've listed. Oh well, ladies or to anyone who can relate… enjoy reading.

1. THE COMFORTABLE- EVER HANDY BAG – The bag you’ve always been comfortable with; the one you're always carrying around wherever you go; the bag you know you will always like even if it looks torn, overused and all. It will always be on the top of your list.

2. THE BIG DISAPPOINTMENT BAG – It’s gorgeous. It’s seemingly perfect and you can’t wait to be seen around sporting it. Everyone will surely envy you. But by some mischief of fate, your “perfect bag” turned out having a factory defect. Now, that’s a major disappointment.

3.THE DISCOUNTED BAG – You’re in search for another bag and this one caught your fancy. It’s good to the eyes; it’s handy. PLUS! It’s ON SALE! But in the end you’d realize, this had been another BAD PURCHASE.

4. THE “SKELETON IN THE CLOSET” BAG – THE BIG SECRET. No one knows you secretly favor this bag. Is it pride or shame that’s holding you back? No one really knows. Probably, no one could ever understand why out of all your bags, you like this one. Thus, you had decided to keep it secret. Eventually, you are hoping you could get rid of whatever attachment you are feeling for it.

5. THE OUT OF REACH BAG – You drool just by looking at it. Your heart is beating crazily. It’s a Limited Edition design, one of a kind. It’s perfect. You know it’ll look good on you but there’s one BIG PROBLEM: it belongs to someone else! BOOM! You know the owner will never ever give it up.

So, which one is your type of BAG??

Photo credit: http://www.pursepage.com

Kanina sa klase,  nagbigayan na ng prelim grade. Of course, maraming matataas ang grado, may mga estudyanteng di pinalad at sa kasamaang palad, isa ako doon. Umpisa pa lang, alam ko na na magiging di kanais-nais ang  kalalabasan nun dahil alam kong di ako nag effort sa lahat ng mga pinagawa sa amin. Tapos biglang nagkwento yung professor ko tungkol sa mga matatalino at mga  saktong estudyante.

"Ang mga matatalinong estudyante nagiging matalino dahil sa mga kaklase nila".

HUH? Sa pagkakaalam ko kasi ang mga matatalinong estudyante  matalino kasi matalino talaga sila o kaya yung iba masipag.

Sabi pa niya, ang difference lang daw ng isang matalinong estudyante at isang normal na estudyante ay SELF-ESTEEM.

Paano nangyari yun?

Kasi ang matatalinong estudyante nagiging matalino dahil RECOGNIZED siya na matalino siya. Pero kung tutuusin sa classroom pantay-pantay lang daw ang lahat. Kaya may matalinong estudyante o may nangingibabaw na isa sa bawat klase ay dahil sa mga classmate niya na nirerecognize siya as MATALINO pero kung tutuusin kung ano ang mga kaya niyang gawin kaya rin naman ng mga normal na studyante or mga average students(gaya ko).

Nagiging problema kasi kapag nagkaroon na ng matalino o nakakaangat sa isang klase, SIYA NA ANG NAGIGING BASEHAN NG LAHAT. For example na lang, everytime na may quiz, seatwork, o ano pa, lahat nakaabang sa taong tinuturing nila na ANGAT sa klase; inaabangan kung anong resulta ng exam niya, quiz, anong isasagot sa recitation, yung mga ganung bagay kaya ang nangyayari kunukumpara na natin yung sarili nating kakayanan sa kanya at ang masaklap doon sa pagkukumpara natin, SARILI mismo natin ang talo. Kunwari may isang tanong na napakahirap at nasagutan niya ito, wala na...parang nangyayari, pumapasok agad sa isip ng lahat, "AYY! Ang galing niya naman, ang hirap nun ah! di ko kaya sagutan yun, siya nga nahirapan, ako pa kaya?".... DIYAN!!! Diyan sila nagiging matalino. Dahil umpisa pa lang, tinanggap mo na hindi mo kaya at kailan man di mo kakayanin ang nagagawa niya. Di man lang natin sinubukan kung kaya ba natin ang kaya niyang gawin. Dahil nga siya na ang basehan, kapag nakuha niya na, tapos na ang lahat. Kung baga siya ang MAIN EVENT tapos yung sa mga natitira UNDERCARD na lang.

Know what a broken destiny is? It's when two people love each other but For some reasons they can't be together. It may be because of it’s a forbidden love.. That’s broken destiny… …..loving someone who can never be yours..

This was the message sent to her by a friend thru text. She sighed. She wanted to just shrug it off and continue writing, but her thoughts were no longer apt to what she’s doing. Memories she tried to bury came back. It was just last night when they had a heart to heart talk. Now its clearer, her questions finally answered.

Four months ago, somebody played a trick on both of them. Exchanged their numbers and there it all started. He would call each night, they would talk for hours until they both realized it’s already day time. They enjoyed each others chit-chat , being from the same place, they met..she’s astonished. He’s the man she’s had a crush on ever since she was young….. He is older…..married…..she’s younger……alone

That didn’t stop them from communicating. It deepened …becoming more intimate…then it happened one night..he called and told her he wanted so much to be with her. Before she knew it, she said yes and they met..they made love…he’s an expert lover..he maybe older in age but he’s body is not. His kisses melt her, his touch made her crave for more…and as their bodies unite..he brought her to ecstasy…shattering her reason to say no…begging for more…answering her needs…her wants …and when the heat subsided…he’s there assuring, reassuring…everything will be fine..

As they parted ways..she never heard from him. She felt guilty..used and hurt…she decided to forget him…add to experiences….part of life’s ups and downs..

But then he came back, she accepted him, because ever since, she knew the situation…then it happened again..the second time…he’s more loving than ever…he let her feel so loved..as if she’s the only one in his life…all the faults forgotten…as their bodies moved..filling the needs, yearning for more..they reached the heights shouting endearments at the verge of pleasure they just both shared.

Then she lost her again..no text…yet they see each other…it hurt her seeing him as if they are just two acquaintances who greet each other morning ma’m …answered by good morning sir….they never talked..his duty changed from night shift to-day shift…they never had the chance for each other anymore…..seeing him with his wife…..whew …it hurt her…but she just looked and looked and looked until she sees them no more…she knew the rule of illicit affairs….wives comes first…feeling hurt…yet loving him….she went back to her daily routine….she must live a normal life…she has to…

Then one night ..as she was doing her take home work ….her phone’s message alert disturbed her…

“hi …I’m back to-night shift..” he texted.

It was him. Her heart beat fast.

“ok”, her short reply

“I missed you”, came another text.

“likewise” she answered him.

“I want to see you again”.. She stopped what she’s doing…right then and there, she wanted to say yes…she’s torn between rushing to his arms, forgetting everything and thinking about the aftermath of another wrong decision. A breath of exasperation escaped her..and before she could typed something foolish…

“Sorry… I cant…and sent it to him without second thoughts…

But again he continued texting..with his jokes…his antics which before caused her to fall for him…The feeling resurrected..it is as if she remembered how it was to be with him…his touch..his kisses..she longed for it…but as she stood firm….

No it will not happen again.

The next day..he texted again..this time with a firmer tone…he wanted to be with her…same time..same place…its been so long since she last touch him…every time she saw him from a distance she felt like running to him…hugging him..kissing him…to beg him to do it one more time..yet she cant….now she’s been given another chance…is it a yes or a no…

She didn’t reply…then he called …her reason were lost as she heard herself say yes …and there at the darkness of the night..she went to the place of their rendezvous ..she saw his shadow at the darker spot where he waited for her ..then without speaking he started the motorcycle and she rode with him..she hid her face with the hood of her jacket…

“Embrace me” he said as he drove his motorcycle leading to the familiar road..to the place where they both can be free…and as the gates opened..she know he conquered her whole being again…he held her hand as they walk to the stairs going to the nest of infidelity…as the light shone on them..she saw he’s in uniform…he entered the room..Turned off the bright light with only the television on..she was left to lock the door..it took her minutes’ to walk to the main room ….still in uniform , he enveloped her in a tight embrace..kissed her…as she kissed back … ruled with their bodies and the need to undress..feeling scared because of the gun on his side..she told him ..while kissing..

“Remove that thing…scares me”…with a sweet smile

They parted kissing and removed the hindrances…then met again at the center of the room this time, leaving their inhibitions….only them matters….he fulfilled her needs ….the same thing for her..with only one thing in mind….you will never forget me..the aftermath left them tired yet satiated…he hugged her tight and as they rested…she toyed with his length and in between kisses she told him how she felt …

“I love you”…there it was said…he answered with a kiss and hugged her tight..she felt secured No talks about the last time…only now matters…then parting time again..they both know they can't stay till daylight…he’s on duty…she’s afraid to be seen with him.

Her last text….I’m home

His…..I’m at the station.

Nothing followed until last night …he texted…answering questions …why do you left me out after we make love? Are you guilty?

Then he told her…”Im giving you space..its you …you are always scared..you are scared to be seen with me”.

“I’ve accepted the fact that I’m your mistress ..that whenever you like to have me , I will not deny you, but please don’t leave me hanging on…I feel guilty..why do you do that to me? " She asked him one more time…

“Because I love you, because being with you ..it felt right …I am older , I should think sanely..but seeing you makes me want for more..your smile melts my heart..your touch makes me lose my mind…your kisses intoxicate me and when I’m with you…I’m at peace..as my body reached the heights of fulfillment..I know it’s wrong …and staying away from you hopes to make it right…but I can't stay away forever”…came his reply…

“So what now?..she asked

“I love you…I always think after doing it…I may stay away but it's still us…will always be us no matter what”. I just have to detach myself or I’ll not make it through.”..came his text.

As she close her eyes and sleep…a smile formed in her lips….

I’m loved……she mumbled off to sleep.

Do you remember the first time you fell in love? It starts from a simple attraction, then you regard someone as special, and what you want to do everyday is think about that person, and be with him all the time. You start to be romantic, and do funny stuff such as writing poems, or even staring at the person’s pictures and start concocting fantasies. It makes your heart beat faster, and you start caring for the person right away, and do something special.

But alas, when you start loving the person too much, you start to take him seriously. When you see the other side of the person, the one that’s not smiling, and when the courtship is over you ask yourself, what did I get myself into? I thought loving is always rainbows and butterflies, but when problems start to arise, you discover you opened up yourself for hurts and disappointments, now that is the reality of loving. The one who gives you so much happiness is also the one who will give you extreme sadness.

You thought loving is such a fun experience, but a lot of hard work is put into it. A lot of emotions are poured into it. It can either be the thing that makes you go on living or it can make you want to end your life right away.You hear a lot of people doing destructive things and as if their world is shattered into a million pieces when a relationship doesn’t work out or if the one they loved has hurt or betrayed them.

In loving a person, there are no guarantees, no exact rules how to keep the relationship going on fine, and how to make it last. You see, when you thought being together for so many years is an assurance that you won’t leave each other, you hear of couples separating after 20 years or more. Everyday is a struggle, one day can make a difference.

Therefore, the only way not to worry about it, is to take each day one day at a time. Cherish the moment that you are together for you’ll never know what tomorrow will bring. Show some acts of kindness while you can, instead of focusing on each other’s faults. Expect little and give more. Let’s be contented with what we have. Let’s not compare ourselves to others, they may seem a lot better, but they have their own problems too, they probably just know how to deal with it. Put some humor and laughter to your problems, and don’t take yourself seriously. Life is too short to be miserable. Remember what made you fall in love with that person in the first place.

If things don’t work out, at least you know that once upon a time you loved and you were loved, and you would cherish that memory your whole life through. But when it’s time to move on, you should move on. That person is just part of your life, not your whole life. Nothing and no one could make you feel better but yourself. See that as a transition for you to love yourself more, and to take care of yourself. Don’t focus on what might have been, it’s a waste of time. Life is good, so live it. It has so much more to offer!

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="245" caption="Image via CrunchBase"][/caption]

Four years ago, online social network was the least of my interest. In fact, while everyone was into Friendster by then, never did I dare to try it. I always thought that investing time on this stuff was completely pointless.

Not until I was introduced to Facebook, the latest social networking site to conquer the world by storm. At first, of course, I was hesitant to try it. Thanks to the overwhelming media frenzy and peer pressure that got me lured to join the club. Surprisingly, I was instantly fascinated to it. Then, from simple fascination it grew to addictiveness. Uncontrollably, it got worse and worse each day, to the point that I would skip my class and spend all my money in the internet café just to go online and satisfy my addiction.

In my case, my addiction to it was not mainly because of its cool features or anything else, but oddly because I wanted to catch everyone’s attention, either by posting overrated and intriguing statuses or simply by showcasing my nudity on the site since it is accessible to all. Yes, you heard me right: I was one of the overconfident guys on Facebook who would post his nude and provocative photos for the sake of both vanity and spotlight. My transformation from too skinny to buff was something I dumbly thought worthy to brag about. So I was overwhelmed by the attention, likes and comments, and the wows I was getting from my Facebook buddies especially from those who know me personally.

But these days, browsing Facebook, to me, has become somewhat uninteresting. I’m starting to see the other side of Facebook. Gone are those days I would get thrilled about checking on my notification box, confirming friend requests, and chatting with friends whenever I’m logged in. To simply put it, I’m not that fascinated to it anymore. In a short span of time, it has changed so much in terms of moral value.

And who are the culprits?

Those who post profanity on Facebook

Those who bully somebody or destroy other people’s reputation through Facebook

Those who use Facebook for pornography and prostitution by insensitively posting obscene videos and photos on their wall and openly conversing with people they wish to hook up to for the sake of money or fun.

Well, I’m not trying to clean my hands here. Admittedly, I’m almost the same as these irresponsible Facebook users I’m pertaining to. The difference is I have learned from my mistakes already and I’m now trying to make things right. As a matter-of-factly I have already removed my nude pictures from Facebook and have tried to minimize my straightforwardness as much as possible. I have realized that as an adult, I should be responsible and sensitive enough in using social online. A single mistake could not only annihilate my image and other people’s but also the innocent minds of young people who are into Facebook (about 20 million Facebook users are minors, 7.5 million are below 13 and more than five million are below 10 years old, according to latest surveys).

If you ask me if I still like Facebook, I’d say yes, I still do. Being an introvert, I consider Facebook as a remedy to my social seclusion and solidarity. It’s only through Facebook that I get to see different places that are out of my reach, meet a lot of people from all walks of life, and travel back in time unimaginable. In addition, it allows me to show the different sides of me, to know myself deeper, to be the person that I want to be, and to share to everyone what’s on my mind.

Contrary to what others think, it’s not hard to make a change. Sometimes, following one simple suggestion can already make a huge difference:

THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK.

Halos 3 dekada na rin ang lumipas mula ng iwanan ko ang bansang Pilipinas at mamalagi dito sa United Kingdom. Noong una, ako ay punong-puno ng pag-asa at pag-aasam na dito ko matatagpuan ang mga bagay na wala sa akin sa ating bansa.

Una, magkaroon ng magandang trabaho, bahay, sasakyan, magagarang mga damit, masasarap na pagkain at marami pang iba na tulad ng magkaroon ng syotang tisay. Sa pelikula kasi, sobrang magaganda ang mga tisay. Bagamat pangarap lang ang mga ito, umasa pa rin ako na matutupad ito dahil ang laging nasa isip ko meron naman akong sapat na qualifications at experience.

Maling akala! Sa dami ng inaplayan kong trabaho na naangkop sa qualifications ko, wala man lang ni isa ang nag return call.....ang bagsak ko isang cleaning job. Sa una, sobrang hirap, apat na palapag ang lilinisin kong mag-isa sa loob ng 2 oras, kasama na doon ang paghuhugas ng pinagkainan at pinagkapihan ng mga empleyado. Lagi ko tuloy nasasabi sa sarili ko...ano ba itong pinasukan ko! Sa paglaon nadagdagan pa ng ilan ang trabaho ko, hanggang sa maging full time cleaner ako.

Nang magtagal, nalaman ko kung ano ang problema sa akin. Ang aking english diction ay halos di maintindihan' kasi nga may puntong Ilokano at Pangalatok at siguro halos duguin na mga teynga nila maintindihan lang ang sinasabi ko. Tanggap ko na yon, kaya nag tiyaga ako sa trabaho. Biniyayaan din ang kasipagan ko, pagkaraan ng 6 months naging supervisor ako, sa madaling sabi, unti-unti nang natupad ang pangarap ko.

Nag-aral akong mag drive at agad bumili ng sasakyan. Muli isang maling akala, mahirap pala at malaking responsibilidad ang magkaroon ng sasakyan; kailangan mo ng insurance,road tax, MOT, parking at maintenance....Muntik na akong makalbo sa stress kaya balik public transport ako.

Ngayon matatas na akong mag english, pwede na akong manligaw ng tisay! Excited ako sa unang GF kong tisay, taliwas sa akala ko na porke maganda at mabango ok na; iba ang kultura nila, hindi sila pwedeng rendahan na kung ano ang gusto, yun na yon. Subok uli ako ng iba, pero halos pareho din ang ugali at isa pa, di sila ganoon malinis sa katawan.

Sa lahat ng pinangarap ko, isa lang ang parang nakamtan ko ng merong satisfaction: ang pagkain ng masasarap. Dito kasi, pwede mong kainin lahat ng gusto mo na abot sa sahod mo.

Sa huli, Pinay pa rin ang pinakasalan ko. Iba ang Pinay laging mabango maski di araw-araw maligo, masinop at malinis ang bahay bukod pa sa maasikaso at syempre sa tulong nya natupad ang pangarap kong magkaroon ng magandang bahay at buhay.

Sa inyo na meron ding pangarap, tiyakin nyo na hindi ito maling akala lang.

Ang karelasyon (asawa, nobyo, n0bya, at kahit kaibigan) ay parang trabaho, at ang pagmamahal ay parang sweldo...take it or leave it!.. Yan ang madalas sabihin ng employer mo kapag nagrereklamo ka sa trabaho o sweldo mo.

Madalas marami tayong ayaw sa trabaho, maraming hinahanap, maraming angal, maraming gustong mangyari at minsan maraming... kaagaw! Pero kapag tinanong ka kung bakit ayaw mo pang magresign... madalas na sagot dahil sa sweldo!... Parehas din sa karelasyon, madalas marami kang hinahanap na wala sa karelasyon mo, sana ganito s'ya, sana ganun s'ya, at minsan may mga kaagaw ka rin, pero bakit hindi mo mahiwalayan???... kasi nga sabi mo ... MAHAL MO!!!

Minsan sa trabaho para ka ng alipin, pinagagawa sayo pati yung mga gawaing wala at malayo sa job description mo, ganun din sa karelasyon, minsan iniisip mo kung karelasyon pa ba ang turing n'ya sayo o katulong (maid) na!...

Sa trabaho, madalas kontraktuwal lang, bihira ang nareregular, kapag nagustuhan ka ng employer o agency mo, pagrerenewhin ka ng kontrata, kapag ayaw na sayo, end of contract (endo) ka na... Kapag naman narenew ka, pagbubutihan mo ulit ang trabaho mo, mag-aaspire ka ng mas mataas na posisyon o kahit maregular man lang. Pero habang nagpapakamatay ka sa pagtatrabaho, may mas sip-sip at nag-umeepal na eeksena sayo, aagawin ang lahat ng pinaghirapan mo, and worst, s'ya ang mapopromote at magiging regular!, dahil sa puntong iyon, s'ya ang apple of the eye ng boss mo. Mananatili ka pa rin, nagbabaka sakaling marealize ng boss mo na mali s'ya... pero habang tumatagal at pakiramdam mo pagkatao mo na ang inaapakan ng bwisit mong employer, magreresign ka na!, Balik muna sa pagiging tambay, hoping na makakita ng mas maayos na trabaho.

Ganun din sa karelasyon, bihira ang pangmatagalan(regularisasyon), mas madalas ang renewal - ang mga away-bating eksena n'yo!, at sa bawat renewal (bati) na nangyayari, pinipilit mong maging mas magaling at mas mahusay, hoping na pangmatagalan na to! ... Pero along the way, may eeksenang echoserang palakang third party party(ooopps... hindi yan typo error, party party talaga yan, dahil party party ang karelasyon mo at ang kalaguyo n'ya habang nagtataksil sila behind your beautiful back!) , aagawin ng malanding palaka ang lahat ng pinaghirapan mo! At dahil kumagat na ang iyong karelasyon sa mansanas ni Adan... ooopps... ni Ebang palaka pala!, dadalas ang away-bating eksena n'yo, halos linggo-lingg0 kung hindi man araw-araw ang renewal of contract n'yo, mags0-sorry s'ya at mangangakong hindi na uulit... ikaw naman si tangang maniniwala, pero dahil mahina ang karelasyon mo, paulit-ulit lang din ang eksena n'yo!.. Pero kapag sobra na, bibigay ka rin... wala daw gamot sa tanga, pero ang katangahan ay may hangganan! Magpapasa ka na ng resignation letter, ayawan na... lagi na lang ikaw ang taya, sawa ka na! ... papalitan mo na!. For the meantime, balik ka muna sa pagiging single, tambay ka muna, hoping na 'yung susunod mong makakarelasyon ay pahahalagahan ka na ng totoo.

Hindi daw lahat ng nagtatrabaho ay dahil sa sweldo... kaya pala hindi lahat ng nakikipagrelasyon ay dahil nagmamahal!

Marami mang pinagkaparehas ang karelasyon at trabaho, ang sweldo at pagmamahal... may isang malaking bagay ang pinagkaiba nila... Sa trabaho, ilang beses ka mang magrenew, mag resign at ma-endo, darating ang panahon na kakailanganin at pupwersahin kang magretire... sa ayaw at sa gusto mo, may ipon ka man o wala!... Pero sa relasyon, pwedeng may resignation, may endo at maraming maraming renewal... pero walang retirement!!! ... dahil ang pention ay hindi sweldo, dahil ang pagmamahal ay hindi kailanman natatapos, dahil walang edad ang pag-ibig, ... dahil sa lahat ng problema at bagyong inyong dadaanan, kapag ito'y nalampasan, hindi ba't masarap pa ring marinig at sabihing... "Mamahalin kita hanggang sa kabilang buhay!!!"

Photo credit: business-guides.info

Hmm. Witty catch phrase - kung ako ang pag-iisipin ng "statement" para sa account na pinagtatrabahuhan ko,    malamang ito ang isa-suggest ko.

JUNGLE. OO. Isang malaking gubat na kinatitirhan ng sari-saring uri ng panganib, ng sari-saring uri ng mababangis na hayop.

HAYOP. Hayop na nag-anyong tao. Wild. You'd never know kung sino ang kaaway mo at kung sino ang kaibigan mo. Kung sino ang kakampi o kalaban.

Where SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST ang rule of the game. At bago pa man magmistulang tagline ng isang extreme reality TV show itong mga sinasabi ko, umpisahan ko nang magkuwento. LET THE GAME BEGIN!

Hindi tulad ng ibang gubat, hi-tech ang gubat na pinapasukan ko. May guards na babati sa yo ng "Good evening, Ma'am/ Sir," pero hahalughugin nila ang bag mo bago ka papasukin. Talk about IRONY. Iniisip ko minsan ano nga ba ang hinahanap nila sa loob ng bag ko? Bomba? Anthrax? Magkakaroon ka talaga ng duda sa hitsura mo - mukha ba akong terorista? Pagkatapos mong mag-ubos ng isang oras sa harap ng salamin para lang magmukhang tao at mag-amoy tao, pagdududahan kang may dala ng kung anong nakakamatay - kung anuman yun. Pero siguro ang mas magandang tanong - ano ba ang hinahanap nila? Alam ba nila kung ano ang hitsura ng bomba o ang amoy ng anthrax ( walang amoy yun ang alam ko)?

Meron pa nga minsan yung guard na humarang sa kin at nag - inspection ng bag ko nakapikit. WAAAH.

Tuloy tayo sa tour.

Hi-tech ang gubat na yon - kasi bago ka makapasok sa elevator area, may 2 - 3 guards ka pang makakasalubong. Mas matamis ang ngiti nila (tingin ko kasi mas ligtas sila sa sisihan pag merong nakalusot na terorista) at pag wala silang topak, pagbubuksan ka pa nila ng pinto gamit ang kanilang magnetic access cards (meron din ang mga empleyado nito ) sabi sayo hitech! May elevator para dalhin ka sa palapag ng opisina mo, isa pang guard sa pinto papunta sa loob. Kayraming computer units sa loob, na tinatauhan ng iba-ibang klase ng hayop este tao bawat isa - parang kuliglig ang tunog ng mga busy nilang mga kamay sa pagtipa sa tiklado ng keyboard, na may ugong ng mga taong kausap ang mga nilalang na galing sa ibang lugar. Lakad ng mga sampung hakbang - at naruon na ang aking "gubat".

Maliit lang ang account namin - iilan lang kami pero kami na siguro ang pinaka - magulo at boring na account sa buong floor. Tahimik ang lahat madalas,maaamoy mo ang tensyon kahit nasa loob ka pa lang ng taxi sa labas. Kasi sa maliit na gubat na iyon, nanduon ang pinaka-mapanganib na hayop sa gubat - nagsasakalan at naglalaslasan ng leeg para lang makillala. Ang paborito nilang sports - pataasan ng ihi. Minsan nag aanyong talangka rin sila - hihilahin ka talaga pag naungusan mo sila. Dahil para sa kanila, sila lang ang may karapatang maging hari ng lugar na iyon. Pag ginalingan mo at napansin ng mga nakakataas ang galing mo, YARI KA!

Ilalapag ko ang mga gamit ko (Headset, pouch bag na naglalaman ng pulbo, suklay at iba pa; at wallet) sabay uupo sa pinakamaganda (ehem) na lugar sa gubat na iyon. Ang station ko. At dahil may himalang nangyari ng gabing iyon dahil hindi ako late, nakakuha ako ng oras makipagkuwentuhan sa mga kapwa kong habitants habang nagsisimula na akong mag- check ng emails at assignments para sa araw na yun. Hihinga ako ng malalim. Pilit kinukundisyon ang sarili sa mga posibleng mangyari. Umpisa na naman ng random na boring na araw. Haay. Inaantok pa ko.

Paminsan- minsan makikita mo ang mga kinabubuwisitan mong tao. Pero dedma lang ako. sa iba na lang ako titingin, o kaya mas mabuti pa, magtrabaho na lang ako - pwede ring mag-Friendster - basta wag ka lang pahuhuli!

Lilipas na naman ang buong araw - dadating ang first break, ang lunch at ang last break. Ilang pirasong sigarilyo na naman ang hihithitin, tasa ng kape ang hihigupin (madalas mapaso ang dila ko dahil kumukulo ang kape galing sa vendo machine - minsan iniisip ko kung sa caffeine ba ko nagigising o sa paso), bubula na naman ang bibig at dudugo ang ilong sa pakikipag-usap sa mga technician sa Amerika. Makikita ko na naman ang mga kasamahan sa trabahong - ewan ko ba. sari-sari kasi - may parasites, may mukhang amoeba, may mukhang drift wood (saka ko na sila iisa-isahin - iniisip ko pa lang sila masakit na sa bangs at sa batok).

Pagkatapos ay uuwi na namang bangag sa antok at sabog sa usok. Bago ka lumabas haharangin ka ulit ng parehong guard na nag - inspect nung pumasok ka - mas mukha nga lang sabog kesa sa iyo - kung ano na naman ang hinahanap nila, hindi ko alam - baka iniisip nilang may bagay kang ipupuslit galing sa opisina - baka yung mouse nila na may sariling isip - (kasi hindi sumusunod kung saan mo itinuturo) o yung keyboard na sintigas ng gastadong pindutan ng ATM machine ( Letter J yung pinipindot mo A ang lumalabas sa screen) o baka yung monitor o yung CPU. Hindi ako sigurado kung ano talaga. Niloko ko minsan yung guard : "Kuya baka makita mo yung pinuslit kong computer chair,"

Hindi ngumiti si Kuya.

Mamayang gabi ganito ulit.

BABALA: Ang mga tao, bagay (at hayop) at mga pangyayari na nabanggit sa istoryang ito ay hindi patungkol sa kahit sino o anuman... Pucha nalimutan ko kung ano yung buong laman ng babala na to - basta kung sino ang matamaan, sorry! Hindi kayo yun. Wag praning. Hindi naman ako nag - name drop. Hindi ko naman sasabihin na sa P...(ooops) ako nagtatrabaho. Ang mag - react, (tutubuan ng kuko sa noo?)

Author's Post Script: Written 4 years ago (noong may Friendster pa)  ...hindi ito panlilibak sa kumpanya (asus pa-safe) pero para sa mga taong hindi marunong matuwa para sa achievements ng kapwa nila (crab mentality)...Come to think of it - pasalamat na din ako at may mga nakadaupang-palad akong gaya nila (at thank God may sense of humor akong malupet ) mas sinikap kong ipakitang di nila ako kaya patumbahin. Sabi nga nila diba - "Don't hate me just because I'm pretty" este  "You can never put a good man down". :)

Picture courtesy of : http://www.how-to-draw-funny-cartoons.com

It all started with the thought of a Happy ending…

When I was just a little girl I dreamt of everything a little girl could ever dream. Dwell in a fairy tale land, meet my prince charming, be given 3 wishes by a fairy god mother, and the world’s most famous cliché: have a happy ending.

Unfortunately, when I grew up I realized that life’s not like that, it’s so much more than that. Especially when it comes to love.

And it all started with the thought of a happy ending.

One Saturday morning, while heading home with the sun heating fiercely, I met a guy, a very conventional type of guy, and yes, a stranger. There’s nothing unusual about him aside from the fact that he looks like the prominent boxer Manny Pacquiao, but the handsome version of him. He sat beside me on the jeepney without second thoughts because I’m quite bashful and ungentle if I don’t know the person. He smiled at me without hesitations, the kind of smile that’s so warm and welcoming like he knew me already. And so I smiled back. I barely looked at him in the eye, I don’t know why. But the second time he looked at me, and the first time I rested my eyes on him, I knew that he’s special. He talked to me like I already met him before where in fact I really don’t know him. He talked too much as if I’m his friend, but I’m a good listener and I believe that respect begets respect so I listened, sadly, all I gave him was a nod, affirmation and an “ah”. Time flew so fast I didn’t realize that I already reached my destination and so was he. We bade goodbye and he was so cute when he hesitantly ask for my number. Well I’m a kind and friendly person so I gave him my number. After a few minutes my phone beeped with the text message from him saying he was so pleased to meet me. I texted him back saying that I feel the same way too. And that was it, the beginning of “knowing each other”. He was funny, future oriented, decent, kind, smart, and God fearing. He even introduced me to his mom who’s very clever and kind just like him. We even share the same interest with books because I read a lot and so was his mom. My mom also likes him.

Time ate the days so fast that I hardly realized that I was falling in love. Yes, Cupid has really got me. I didn’t expect that what I felt will be reciprocated. The moment spent with him was the happiest moments of my life. Those moments that’s so hard to forget. The endless food tripping at Hepa Street in Legazpi, eating calamares (squid coated with flour) whicj is our favorite street food, the yummiest French fries there, eating lugaw at Akong’s, the best lugaw ever, singing at the videoke booth in the mall. Those moments were unforgettable.

Unluckily, like what I said lately, life is not always bliss and bliss and bliss. We also have our downs and lows but we were able to handle it and get through with it. I tried my hardest to understand, accept, and appreciate everything in him even sometimes it made me look stupid. But what can I do? I love him.

We always aim for that happy ending and sadly, we ran out of tune in the melody of love. Maybe it’s my fault. I easily get irritated, I’m immature, I always pick fights. And he? He was the most gentle, loving,understanding person in the world. But I let him go. No I didn't let him go, he dropped me like a hot potato. I've just inflicted my own agony. It's like an open wound that he kept on stabbing. And yes, the pain I'm feeling right now is insane.But no matter what happens, I will stay in love. I'm sorry.

Photo credit: chakpak.com