An Ode to My Mother

......

I cry when I think of mom,
Nags everyday when I didn’t do my chores;
I was such a lazy dog back then,
I know she’s worried I’ll grow up bone-idle

I cry when I think of mom,
Spanked me so hard when she apprehended my first smoke;
I wasn’t thinking… I was a big dickhead then,
I know she did that out of concern

I cry when I think of mom,
Kept mum after seeing my college card with only two-passed grades;
I was so lost and irresponsible, still young and wild,
I know she trusted me I could recuperate

I cry when I think of mom,
Weeps in the corner, worried how she'd pay the bulk of school bills;
We were three siblings, synchronously attending the university,
I know she’d done everything she can to make ends meet

I cry when I think of mom,
Takes good care of me when I am sick;
I feel her heavy heart, absorbs to ease the pain,
She just takes care of anything

I cry when I think of mom,
Kissed my cheek when I introduced my first girlfriend;
Could it be, it proved I don’t mess around?
I know she was happy for me

I cry when I think of mom,
Hid her tears on my wedding day;
To end up all my miseries and wicked ways,
I know she was certain I’ll be in good hands

I cry when I think of mom,
Phones us everyday just to check how we’re doing;
Until now she worries about everything,
I know she misses her kids on her side...we are her babies

I smile when I think of mom,
To this great occasion, I’d like to speak my heart;
A stupendous mother, a great lady so strong and confident,
I love you everyday, God blesses you on your Birthday...

My Perfect Day

It's my birthday today...yes, I know, I am getting older or shall we say advanced in the course of existence. Mas magandang pakinggan. Anyone wants to guess my age?!

Thoroughfare of Dreams

I ‘ve known Mardk for quite sometime in the blogsphere and I kinda compliment him for the way he expresses himself. No fuzziness in his writing, straightforward and from what I read, puts music as one of his emotion of regard. Am I right, bro?...hehehe. But for the first time…I must disagree with you, I don’t feel I am a veteran with metal riffs. Magagalit nyan si namayapang "Dimebag" Darrel, one of the respected axeman in the scene. But thanks for the mention, bro…nabigla ako sa post mo at sa pangalan ko.

I’ve been playing the guitar for quite a while…started caressing the frets at the age of twelve or thirteen (if my memory serves me right) with an original Cebu acoustic brought home by my bisayang uncle. The first song that I first tried was the “Ako’y Isang Pinoy” by apo Florante with a D-A-G-A perpetual chords. I was so hooked on folk and country songs then with the likes of Peter,Paul & Mary, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, CSNY…a lot of them. And I was hooked on guitars that I wouldn’t miss a practice for a day.

Second year high school when my dad bought me my first album…a KISS “Alive II” double live album and that was the start on my metal addiction per se (si daddy kasi, siguro nakita niya kahiligan ko)…sinundot pa nya ng ibili nya ako ng second-hand na electric guitar…it was the time of playing like there was never tomorrow. Everyone in the house hated me for the dissonance but that was what I like…and I’ve dreamt of being a rockstar…hahaha, ambisyosong pagong si metal. But I was a kid then. Prior to college, i’ve tried getting an exam for the UP with a dream of taking up the conservatory of music pero di kaya ng utak, bagsak sa entrance and that was my first frustration. It ended me taking up engineering in Baguio but that did not stop and frustrate me with my guitars…I’ve considered music as my life then…and heavy metal at that time was prospering and propagated by Sabbath, Priest, Whitesnake, Dokken, Maiden and the like…the era of sex, drugs and rock & roll which fuelled the young and the restless, the era of free spirit and crossing a lot borderlines. Pinoy Rock and Rhythm dominated the air thru the DzRJ 810 with Howlin Dave, Stoney Burke and others at the captain's cockpit...some of the legends Maria Kapra, Chikoy Pura's The Jerks, Anakbayan's late great progressive drummer, Edmund "Bosyo" Fortuno were sending shivers to the worried mothers of the rebellious spirits of their sons and daughters.

Up to now, as much as possible I practice with a minimum of 3 hours daily…it would complete my day. I do a lot of sweep picking, appregios with Down Up Down Down, etc, low to high, over and over just to improve the speed and practice the pinky or the small finger in a 120-bpm funky-fusion metronome. Bro…try to learn the licks in small chunks. Try to break up what you’re learning in small pieces. You’ll discover that you’ll get a lot farther that way and it is easier to connect many little bits into a bigger piece than to swallow a big piece all at once. Practice is the key…what is important is to find a healthy balance of discipline and the desire to play.

Metallica…uhhmmm, I once loved them but when they started to become commercialized...completely gone are the heavy riffs and speed demon guitar solos, replaced by short, simple, catchy little ditties, I started shying away…Sandman was the last song I liked. Blind Guardian, Iced Earth and Edguy are some of the awesome bands I like…the underrated, underground masters.

Bro, one thing I could share: Even though we see guitar as our life’s focal point, have fun with it and try to experience the music as something beautiful without weighing it down with unnecessary seriousness. Music is fun. You are one of the best, bro!

The Deepest Fear

I had another scare of my life yesterday night...right after dinner, namilipit sa sakit ng tiyan ang anim na taon kung bunso. He can't stand straight and had to curl his body, maybe to ease his pain. I had to rush him to the hospital...buti na lang naisipan ko pang makapagpalit ng shorts, nakapantulog na rin ka shorts kasi ako nun (erotic kasi dating ng short shorts). Taranta rin ako sa mga ganung sitwasyun.

I drove the car like Schumacher's Ferrari and in a few minutes nasa ospital na kami. I was so damn worried and confused....i hate seeing any of my family taken to a place for the sick. Ewan, I really hate hospitals (but not doctors, of course). One anecdote i had: My wife had a miscarriage on her first pregnancy, she had a spotting and i had to rush her to a hospital. She was checked by the OB and declaired: " kailangan na nating i-raspa". I asked my mother-in-law the meaning of raspa (it was the first time i heard of that word) and i was shocked to hear it was a forced abortion...nakunan pala asawa ko. And i collapsed right in front of the doctor...namutla ako at hinimatay. Natatawa ang ibang pasyente, paano, imbes na misis ko ang asikasuhin para sa operasyon, eto ako't nakahiga sa hospital, iniintindi ng nurse with matching ammonia to wake my senses. Lumakas lang ang loob ko ng sinabi ng misis ko na ok lang...kaya nya at huwag mag-alala.

Going back to my son...funny thing is, pagdating sa hospital, biglang tumayo at sinabing "ok na ako, nawala na sakit...uwi na tayo". I felt a big relief, i thought it was appendicitis or other things (tinatamaan ba ang bata sa sakit na ganito?) but he was still checked by the doctor and found nothing. Yun pala, nung hapon, siniko siya ng kanyang kalaro. Siguro me nasaktan sa internals nya. But he's ok..so much so, i would also be ok. I get sick when somebody i love is sick, ewan. And i get some shivers each time i step in a hospital.

I would always pray for the health of my family, diyan ako mahina pag me isa sa kanila me sakit.

Esteem Friend

I've been away for more than a week. I have to rush to Baguio City to be with my best friend Dinky who lives there, the guy who borrowed my first cheap electric Fender guitar, didn't mind returning it and have no intentions of giving it back to me. I don't mind...he's the best of my best friends.

He has undergone an operation, tinanggal ang appendix, a small pouch-like connected with the intestine at punong-puno na yata ng impurities sa kaiinom ng alak at kakakain ng tripilla ng manok. Mahilig kasing dumaan yun sa barbekyuhan at bumili ng inihaw na tripilla. His family is out of the country and he is home alone...i have to be with him and take care of his needs...tigapakain, tigakamot ng likod, tigahugas ng pwet, tigakuwento, tigabili ng gamot. Naging tigasing alalay tuloy ako ng dakila kong kaibigan.

I don't mind...i felt it was my obligation to do this specially in time of needs or bad times, could be for the family or friends. I could sacrifice my week earnings for them, and i won't allow friendship stops...this is the time to show you care and your presence means a lot. You can't make bad stuff go away, but you can free up a person's time so that he can deal with the crisis.

Now, he can manage and he is ok, he'll live (mahirap yun, lapit na kasi sa bituka) and I have to go back to my work, galit na ang boss ko. But one thing i can share is... that friendship is not words but meanings. And drama ko pero totoo yun!

Me and my Kimchi

How I love to feast my meal with my Kimchi...When I had a chance to have a trip to Korea way back 1996, I was in love with this traditional spicy and fiery, yet earthy and cool salad. And eversince...life for is nothing without Kimchi. Dare?!

Would you know that in recent years, kimchi has received the blessing of science for its rich dietary value. Researchers have found that kimchi contains a surprisingly large amount of vitamin C and carotene, as well as substantial amounts of protein, fats, carbohydrates, calcium, and vitamins? Dare?!

Across the Plains

I have promised myself that when my feasibility study is done, i am going to reward mysef, take a break, get out from the headaches of work and go for a vacation...which i did last week. Finally!

The whole family packed their respective bags, throw these in the car trunk and went straight north....the Pangasinan region. I missed my Mom & Dad, my nephews, my sister who had just arrived from UK, my old dogs, our old house. I miss the Ilocano-speaking folks, the dinendeng, papaitan, tupig and i miss the country air.



There were no time wasted...i had a chance to go to Bunuan, Dagupan City for a taste of the best grilled bangus dipped in bagoong, the famous Silverio's which was fondly called Dawel Restaurant way back then...a restaurant in the middle of the fish ponds. This is where Mom and Dad usually bring us when we were kids. The place was a bit modern now with a band playing while having your sumptuos meal...still the same good old seafoods.

After a good dinner, me and my cousins went to this ala-Kampo night out...the "Warehouse" where we had some beer while banging our heads with the Alamid band and some other underrated groups..not too bad. It was a night that rules when nobody watches with evil designs. Mostly teens flooded the club, gyrating with much gusto when a band delivers a hip-hop piece complete with the high five-finger-sign gesture. But that didn't even bother me...i am no hip-hop buff but i can translate. Kalabaw lang ang tumatanda, aba.



A visit to Baguio was the next maneuver...it was the whole family, and the kids really enjoyed the sights...complete with the fog, a mist approaching so nearly to fine rain. The same old parks but fair enough, those pine trees soothe the soul and compensate everything. My wife had a chance to buy all her pasalubongs...walis tambo, the brittle, the strawberry jams. And yes, we had a chance to go by La Trinidad's strawberry fields...isa sa tambayan ko nung nag-aaral pa ako. I really missed Baguio...i spent half of my life in this city.



And finally, our visit to the miraculous Lady of Manaoag...the shrine is so serene, full of spirits and blessings. Everytime i have my vacation, i ascertain a visit at the site for a prayer of thanksgiving and blessings. One part of my life when i was sick, this is where i sought refuge...a daily talk with our Lady brings comfort and assurance.



I had a heavy heart coming back here in Rizal...it would again take sometime for my next vacation. But i am blessed...i still have a lot of chances of coming back to where my roots are, a place where life is simple, full of vigor...yet, there is so much to see and do, you'll want to come back time and time again. A life away from the frenetic pace of life in the city. Oh well, there is always a time to look back.

Nine Digits of the Future

And i'm back...hah. After months of isolation, i am coming out of my cage and back to the real world. The job's almost done and i am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel...ang drama ko!

If my memory serves me right, it was almost four months that i haven't been active in the blogging sphere. I take a peek once in a while on some friends' blogs if i had the chance...kaka-miss din kasi, di ko matiis. I was given by the company a very important assignment which i think will be one of the most important projects next year. I had to lead a team to conduct a feasibility study on the revamping of the plant's Process Control System (or commonly termed as Digital Control System, DCS). The plant's automation network has to be replaced with a reliable system which would increase the availability of production workflows. It is like changing the brain or the core of operation...ganun kahaga ang study and would you believe, the project would cost a whooping 100 million pesos, 'tangna...tirik na mata ko, di pa nakakahawak ng ganun kalaking pera?




The study was really hard, mabusisi at muntik-muntikan rin akong sumuko, i even bring my work at home para walang sayang na oras. The team had to follow the matrix of responsibilities because we are committed to finish it as scheduled with precision. Every details have to be in the tender document and made sure nothing is missed out. During reviews, nagtatalo-talo pa kami sa grupo..."dapat ganito, dapat ganun", each one has his piece, but at the end, everything is resolved. I think that was healthy. Naawa pa ako minsan sa isang cadet engineer na naisama ko sa grupo...lagi ko kasing napapagalitan pag nabubugnot na talaga ako...batang-bata kasi at medyo pogi kaya sa kanya ko na lang binubuhos and inis. But i see to it naman na bago kami maghiwalay, nakaakbay na ako sa kanya at sinasabi kong "Good work". Siguro sinasabi nya sa sarili niyang "Good workin mo mukha mo"...hehehe.

I have a lot to say (kabaliktaran yun, in fact, ala na talaga ako masabi), but i think i'll just do it on the next post. What is good is...."IM BACK!" and i miss all of you, dudes. \m/

Me and Dark and You

I am coming home...!

Sharpening The Iron

I am on night shift today roving around the plant to monitor 15 contractors doing their big projects ensuring that they are executing the work in standard procedures as well as in the safest manner. Our plant is now on a three-week shutdown for the annual major maintenance. This is the most tiring time of the year since you have to monitor the scheduled activities making it sure that the the target completion date is on the right track. Planning is very crucial...the committed target date must be met without any accident, else the plant's credibility and reliability is compromised.

But this is what intend to blog...medyo nagkaroon lang ako ng time makapag-post habang nagpapahinga galing sa pag-iikot. Just yesterday I had my free time (8 pm til 8 am the next day kasi time ng shift)to attend to my 11-year old daughter's graduation on her swimming lessons here at the Southland Aqua Gems at Antipolo. Dami palang kids na nag-enroll at nakatutuwa. You could even see 2-year old tots having their lessons. Yung bunso kung lalake duwag. Pina-enroll ng nanay nya pero noong first day, dinala ng instructor sa malalim at duon nag-iiyak...natakot. Nagsabi at nagbanta pa na susuka raw sya sa pool pag di siya inalis doon (nanakot pa!). Mahilig sa tubig pero ayaw sa malaim...mana sa akin. So, di na namin pinilit at pinatuloy, maybe next year.

Prior to the distribution of the certificates, the swimming coaches organized an exhibition...karera ng mga bata. And i was in awe seeing my daughter swim very profesionally...ang bilis sa freestyle and it varies with other styles such as breaststroke, butterfly, etc. Syempre magyayabang na ako, panalo sa competition yung dalagita ko. Maligayang-maligaya ako dun sa sulok habang nanunuod...a proud father at that considering na di ako marunong lumangoy. Sa wakas, me magsa-save na rin sa akin kung sakaling ako'y lumubog pag nagsu-swimming.

After the handing of certificates, the swimming head coach approached me and handed me my daughter's award..."Most Outstanding Swimmer" and informed me that they'll continue to train her for a competition somewhere in Manila before this month ends. My daughter asked me, "Pa please let me, gusto ko sumali sa competition. Sino ba naman ako para tumanggi...i'll have to support her interest. I know it would really build her cofidence.

While we were driving home, i had this un-ending smile on my lips...i am a proud father and i prayed thanking the Lord...for my kids and family.

Keeping the Promises

I brought my wife and kids at the mall for some walk last Sunday. Matagal-tagal na rin akong di nagagawi doon. Let's face it, life has been very hard these days and weekly rolling around the mall wouldn't be that practical. Maski wala kang bibilhin, you would still spend some for the food & gasoline, kaya tama na yung paminsan-minsan. At least quality-wise, ok yung pasyal.

While we were roving around, admiring some stuff, my little son exclaimed, "You said then you'll buy me anything if i get good grades". It was also seconded by my eldest daughter. I was drawn back when i heard these words, because I remembered that I had promised that I’d buy then anything they want if they'll make good in school (syempre yung kaya ng budget). I began to give excuses concerning why we needed to go home. They would have none of it. My wife's just smiling at the corner.

So we turned around and went straight to the Toy Kingdom. Tingin dito, pili doon. My son had this pedaled toy cart while the girl wanted an electric organ plus enroll and continue her swimming lessons...and the winner is, syempre sila. Sus, butas na naman ang bulsa ko...di na ako makabili ng pamalit sa butas kong brief.



After that, we got home but there was some good things about the walk in the mall...I kept my words and it is something that i would always want them to count on. Ang mga bata talaga...ang talas ng memorya lalo na sa mga ipinangako. Pag nakarinig sila ng ganun, nai-aassume na nila na mangyayari iyon at hinding-hindi makakalimutan. Kaya pag may maipangako sa mga bata, kailangan na tuparin ito at huwag na huwag mangangako ng hindi kayang tuparin...it would hurt their feelings and would begin losing their trust in you.

Anyway, they kept their promises, too...they've shown me their good grades.

Salamat Po Sa Pamana

Goodbye, Your Holiness!

The Spirit Carries On

Sinasabi ko na nga ba eh, ang trabaho nakakasira ng blogging. Matagal akong di naka-update dito. Mula ng nalipat ako ng ibang departamento dito sa trabaho, parang kapos ako palagi sa oras, panay tambak pa ng boss ko ng trabaho. Pagdating sa bahay tuloy pa rin sa aking gawa, mahirap mabuntunan ng trabaho. Mabuti na lang dumating itong Semana Santa, yung apat na araw na walang pasok, napunan ko at natapos ko rito sa bahay ang mga trabahong di matapos-tapos. Mahirap yung kasabihan na "Kung wala ka time mag-relax at puro ka na lang gawa...ibig sabihin ay wala kang trabahong natatapos". Tama nga naman, may oras ka ngang mag-relax kapag lahat ng obligasyon ay tapos.

Eto, nakasilip ako ng pagkakataon na mabisita ang aking Blog at nakapag-update, medyo nakakabato lang ang kwento ko ngayon...mukhang malapit na ring langawin itong site.

1. Natapos ko ng gawin ang "Individual Development Plan" ng aking mga tao. Ito yung training at developement ng bawa't isa. Aalamin ang kalakasan at kahinaan ng mga individual at dito mo ibabase ang pahubog ng isang empleyado para sa kinabukasan ng kanyang propesyon. Isa sa pinakamahalagang aspeto sa tagumpay ng negosyo ay ang pag-invest o pamumuhunan sa paghubog sa "technical skills" ng isang tao at palakasin ang kanyang mga potentials. Kapag highly-technical at competent ang kalipunan ng isang kompanya, garantisado ang tagumpay ng kalakal o negosyo.

2. Medyo maganda at relax na ako sa relasyon ko sa aking bagong grupo. Bilang namumuno, obligasyon kong mapalapit sa kanilang kalooban at alamin lahat ng concerns. One-on-one, nakausap ko sila at nagsabi naman sila ng kanilang mga nasa loobin.

3. Kagagaling ko lang sa Bulacan, isa sa mga "sister company" at nagdaos ako ng training sa isang grupo doon. Ito yung tinatawag na "Apollo Root Cause Analysis"...isang mabisang tool na magagamit para sa pagsusuri at pagtuklas sa ugat ng isang problema. Ito ay isinasagawa para makagawa ng mabibisang lunas o action plans at maiwasan ang pag-ulit nito. Sa katapusan, gagawin ko rin ito rito sa kompanya dito sa Rizal, sa isang linggo, lilipad ako sa Iligan at sa kalagitnaan ng Abril, sa Batangas Plant naman.

4. Nagkaroon di ako ng pagkakataon na makapag-prosisyon nitong Mahal na Araw. Humingi ng kapatawaran sa mga pagkukulang at kasalanan nagawa. Salamat naman at di ako umusok ng magbendisyon ng agua de bendita ng pari...hehehe. Medyo malayo-layo din ang aming nilakad, pero nakakawalang pagod rin dahil bukod sa isang paraan ito ng pagsasakripisyo, kasama ko sa paggunita ng mahal na araw ang aking pamilya.

5. Panghuli, bago magsemana, nagkaroon kami ng gig ng aking banda sa kaarawan ng isang kaibigan. Ito na yun pinaghandaan ng grupo. Maski kapos sa ensayo at medyo kinakalawang na kami, nakaraos din at nasiyahan ang mga dumalo.

Salamat nga pala sa mga kaibigan na kahit kapos sa oras at busy sa mga gawain ay nakadadalaw pa rin dito sa aking blogsite. Paumanhin rin sa inyo at medyo madalang rin ang dalaw ko sa sites ninyo...pagluwag-luwag, nariyan na lang ako't magbabasa sa inyong mga kuwento. Hanggang sa muli...makakalaya rin ako sa santambak na trabaho...lapit na...

The Euphoric Sense

Today marked the start of my appoinment as the new head of a department. I have assumed the position as the Methods Manager for the Preventive and Predictive Maintenance Department...a section wherein it functions to provide an efficient and effective Maintenance Program to improve the plant reliability and reduce the maintenance cost.

I had a heavy heart this morning bidding goodbye to my Automation group which i had been working everyday for the past 16 years. Within that long span, a friendship was developed amongst us, respect with each was upheld at a very high level...we had been friends all throughout.

I met my new team today, i was introduced by the division manager and i delivered a very short speech which started like this: "the system that has been laid out and used in this department are functioning well, i have no plans of altering them rather expect some rooms for improvement. i need all the support i can get from each one as i'd devote all the support i could give...."...hahaha, korny ano?!

It was an awkward day...we discussed work in a serious manner, no jokes as i usually do with my previous group to relieve tension and formalites. Definetly it works that way. It was only a day and i am terribly missing them. I wish new friendship blooms within the new team...and i intend to build the atmosphere the soonest. I am aware that in general, casual..not close friendships are preferable in business. Casual ones are safest but i definetly prefer the latter...workplace friendships among co-workers reap positive results, and by all means retard accelerated aging.

Carriers Of The Scars Of Life

Yesterday was a holiday in celebration of the EDSA 1 revolution. It was a free day and i did not report myself to work. Instead, woke up early, had my usual coffee, egg and bread, packed my guitar with my pick and extra set of strings and drove straight to a cousin's house in Marikina. We had this scheduled practice with my band for a forthcoming "small-small" gig at a friend's birthday. Syempre, we have to be prepared para hindi naman kami magmukhang lata.

But that was not the story is all about. While i was on a traffic stop at the intersection of Masinag and Marcos Hi-way, a barely 8-year-old skinny boy, in his soiled clothes and smudge on his face knocked on my side seat with his palm open. Without a word, it is understood he was begging for some alms. I just picked up a five-peso coin and hand it over to him while i kept my eyes on the traffic lights. He ran across the street and handed the coin to a woman with a small girl seating right at a corner looking dejected. I thought, it could be his mother and younger sister. The woman was more skinny, with clothes that could have been a thousand times worn without a wash. Her sad face had all these wrinkles formed, weary eyes were so evident and the soiled feet that were only covered by an old "tsinelas". They were the common beggars of the society.

A few kilometers after the Go signal, the thought of the boy's and my younger son's faces flashed and i cannot believe myself giving an alms of five pesos. While driving, i had some questions in my head: " ano mabibili nung limang peso, kendi, tig-iisa para sa kanilang tatlo?! kung anak ko yung namamalimos, bibigyan ko rin ng lima?". what was i thinking?...i felt i was so insensible, kuripot, manhid, walang-paki. Tangna...the guilt struck me right at that moment. Noon lang ako nakaramdam ng ganun.

During the practice, Bosyo, our bass dude approached me then asked, "brod, mukhang out of this world ka 'ata ngayun. Matamlay ka ah...me problema ba?". I had to narrate what happened and what i just did. He smiled, tapped my shoulders then said:" brod, kung bibigyan kita ng limang piso, ano kaya mararamdaman mo ngayon". That answered all my questions that even affirmed my guilt i had been inducing a few hours back. After the practice, Bosyo tapped me at the back of my head (binatukan ako) and suggested, "bro, samahan kita, balikan natin yung biktima mo at gawan mo ng paraan, pagkatapos nun hatid mo ako sa bahay". We drove ahead, stopped by a convenient store and bought a few goods and bread then went straight to that intersection. The boy was nowhere in sight but the woman and the young girl were still at their old post. I handed the plastic bag to the woman and gave her a nod, a retired smile was her reply and uttered in a silent tone..."salamat po".

Right at that moment, i felt a big relief. Di ko ma-eksplika ang sarili ko but it was great...a prized redemption for a wicked man. Bosyo, who was left sitting at the car was smiling then flashed a thumbs up in affirmation. He is one of the simplest, nicest, kind-hearted, crazy guy, i've known and i really admire him for that. When i reached home, i've told my wife about what happened. She pinched my left ear lobe and said:" Tama yang ginawa mo". Sure, the government discourages giving to street beggars...by our gifts, we give them a reason to be on the street rather than in an environment where they could be helped. But it is difficult to turn our backs to people in distress.

I had a good sleep last night. I've relialized that we shouldn't wait for the next Tsunami to see less fortunate, distressed and tormented people. There are a lot of them around us.

Horsemen Coming Right Through

It was the night when the "Red Horse" beer drinkers and hell raisers were on the loose. Gabi ng despedida ng isang barkada papuntang Saudi at paikot-ikot kami sa kawalan para mairaos ang gabi. Ang hanap namin ay yung medyo masaya (hindi yung malaswa) para naman nakangiting pasakay ng eroplano itong kaibigan namin. At napadpad kami rito sa Klownz, Araneta. Wala na talagang mapuntahan, baka maubos lang ang oras sa kaiikot.

At ito ang resulta:

Maraming bayot na standup comedian at di talaga ako matawa. Di ko masakyan ang mga pinagsasabi bukod pa sa hindi wholesome...eh, pang wholesome tayo, hehehe. Ewan, nakakasawa na rin sigurong manood ng ganoong tema kaya nilunod ko na lang sarili ko sa beer.

Mga ala una ng madaling araw, ito na ang Aegis which was great. Tuminding ang balahibo ko sa boses ng dalawang babaeng belters. Bukod sa matataas ang boses ay wala ka pang marinig na sayad maski minsan. At sa kanila pa ako natawa sa kanilang mga jokes. Mga komedyante rin pala (in their own rights) itong dalawang chick vocals.

Nag-enjoy ako sa mini concert. Alas tres ng umaga na kami nauwi at pumasok pa ako ng trabaho ng 7 am. Eto, gusto ng magsara ang mata ko sa antok.

Ode to a Lady

Valentine's Day na naman...maalala ko pati noong ako'y nanliligaw pa sa asawa ko. Kasamahan ko siya sa trabaho, nasa Poduction Department siya, Admin Assistant, at ako naman eh, nasa Electrical Department. Hatid-sundo ko siya sa opis, guwardya-Jawo style, at noong araw ng Valentines, pumasok ako sa opisina niya, me dalang isang bungkos ng red roses, a card and some chocolates. Pagka-abot ko sa kanya, sigawan at palakpakan ang kanyang mga officemates samantalang siya ay nakangiti at nagba-blush. Pero wala sa akin ang kantiyaw noon, basta in-love, kumakapal ang mukha ko, lumalakas ang loob...naroon pa ang kanyang boss, sinusundo ko na pauwi...walanghiya kasi ako noong araw. Ewan, marami mga akward na bagay na nagawa ko. Ganyan yata pag umiibig.

Kahapon nai-date ko siya (kasama ang aking mga anak at kasama sa bahay). Nag-ihaw ako ng tilapia, nagkilaw ng dilis at nagluto ng ginataang langka. Sinamahan ko na rin ng fresh buko juice para kumpleto. Yes, kumain, nag-lunch kami sa labas...sa likod ng bahay. Ay, talagang super ang kain, sira lahat ang kanilang diet. Di na kailangan ang engranding date sa restaurant, importante maipakita at maipadama kung gaano kahalaga ang isang tao. Bago matulog syempre sinambit ko na yung aking "I Love You" with a kiss at pinabasa ko na itong minadaling poem na gawa ko para sa kanya. Syempre, the rest is history ika nga...hehehe.

Ode to My Wife

The past thirteen years, is worth a hundred and nine,
There is not a bit of boredom between us two;
Though i may not be on your side every tick of time,
I'd always pause, stop my stride and think of you.

After a hard days work, the energy reserved,
To scrample home without delay to be on time;
And see you sit by the window, yawning sleepily, unfazed;
Holding back for your old man, unweathered, trusting he's fine.

For all the fascinating years gone by;
Now may ask you to pause the nag and shut up for a while,
As i raise my glass in tone and say;
For any day is Valentines, you would always be my queen of the day.

"Happy Valentines" to you, my everdearest,
Here is a toast to a fine and dear lady...
Who unselfishly devotes her love to me at best,
I will forever value the love and carry your heart with me.

Loud and Proud

Woohoo...just received a small package from my good childhood friend, Tikoy from L.A. Some usual assorted canned goods and the best was an 8-piece carefully-packed metal CD's. Tikoy...man, salamat. Di ka pa rin nakakalimot, sa susunod sana samahan mo naman ng 501, hehehe. You're the best, bro!


Mabubulabog na naman ang mga tutuli ko nito, and the new CD's are:
1. Dream Theater - Awake
2. Dream Theater - Cleaning Out The Closet
3. Arch Enemy - Anthems of Rebellion
4. Blind Guardian - A Night at The Opera
5. Nightwish - Wishmaster
6. Dragonheart - Throne of the Alliance
7. Rob Zombie - Hellbilly Deluxe
8. Manowar - Louder Than Hell

Baduy Nga Ba?

Nagkaroon uli ako ng tsansa na makapuntang Makati kahapon. Sumakay lang ako ng jeepney, tamad akong magdala ng sasakyan kapag doon ang punta ko...mawawala talaga ako sa pagmamamaneho. Bukod sa hindi ako sanay sa lugar, napakaraming kalye na one way at nagpapalit pa ng scheme madalas. One way ngayun, sa isang linggo iba na. Sanay naman ako sa jeep, tricycle, ordinary bus, karetela pa nga kung minsan pag nasa probinsya. Pinakamatindi na nasakyan ko papuntang baryo (sa bukid) ay yung tinatawag nilang "kuliglig". Isang improvised na sasakyan (mini-tractor that doubles as a passenger vehicle). Bukod sa maingay, masakit sa puwet sa lakas ng vibration. Pagbaba mo galing sa sakay, parang nanginginig at umaalog pa rin ang katawan mo.

Napalayo ako. Habang nakasakay sa jeepney me nag-uusap na dalawang estudyanteng babae, makikinis at nagbubungisngisan. Me nakita yata yung isa at napasalita ng "eks, ang baduy naman ng mga yun!" sabay tawa yung dalawa. Sa kuryusidad ko, tinignan ko yung binabanggit. Dalawa ring kabataan, na ordinaryo ang suot, wala sa uso at magsyota...nakaholding hands kasi. Nakapumada ata o gel yung lalake at nakatsinelas pa. Ewan, bigla akong nag-isip. Ba't baduy? Napatalinhaga ako sa ibig sabihin ng baduy sa panahon na 'to. Ano ang pagkakaiba ng baduy nong 80's o 90's sa ngayun? Noong araw kasi sa pagkakaalam ko, ang "baduy" eh yung kulay pula ang polo, asul ang medyas at berde ang sapatos. Pero kung maalala natin, sa 90's yung pormang yun eh "in na in" pagpasok ng era ng "bagets"...so yung baduy sa porma noog 80's, pumatok ang ganun ding porma sa '90's.

Would a "baduy" mean less superior sa salita at gawa o sa porma? Naghanap ako ng mga articles para sa kahulugan ng "baduy" sa kasalukuyang panahon. The young generation describe them as: kung di ka fasionable o wala ka sa style, you're baduy; kung wala kang eteketa o medyo bastos, baduy ka; kung trying hard ka to be in pero out pa rin, baduy ka raw; kung old fashion ka, baduy ka raw; kapag kill joy o walang pakisama, baduy; mga englisero na english carabao, mga coño raw magsalita tulad ng "the more the many-er, give him the benefit of the daw or oh my God don't make tusok-tusok with that fishball". At baduy ka raw pag alam mo lahat ng pangalan ng membro ng Sex Bomb Dancers.

Sinubukan ko nga ilista ang labinlimang (15) bagay na unang pumasok sa isip ko kung ano meron ako para ma-assess ko kung ako eh baduy rin:
1. Kinakain ko ngayun habang nagbo-blog: kropeck (sitsaron)
2. Kadalasang pinapanood sa TV: PBA, TV Patrol, CSI at HBO
3. Kadalasang damit: button-fly jeans, gray cotton shirt, and sneakers. but i dress-up naman, kumporme sa okasyon.
4. My music: nothing but metal. Hate ko talaga ang disco at rap (sori sa mahilig 'nun).
5. Paboritong pagkain: bulalo na may katabing bagoong + kalamansi, pinakbet, papaitan.
6. Paboritong parte sa newspaper: editorial or opinion section
7. Kadalasang pasyalan: SM Megamall at Luneta (kasama ang pamilya)
8. Moody ako, ngayun nakatawa, mamaya seryoso na ang mukha.
9. Madali akong maluha pag nanonood ng drama movies (mga english ang type ko)...mababaw luha ko.
10. Mahilig ako sa gitara, dalawa gitara ko: isang Stratocaster at isang Lumanog.
11. Type kong almusal ay dilis, tuyo at itlog (dito yata hinango ang "jolog"...di-yo-log).
12. Laki akong probinsya...ilokano ako.
13. Napapadaan minsan sa ukay-ukay at tiangge.
14. Segunda mano ang sasakyan.
15. Mga barkada: (ang aking banda) mga kababayan ko na pareho ko rin ang ugali at porma.

Tsk, 75% baduy nga ako...eh ano?! But i'll disagree with the two kolehiyalas that i am less superior. I would say "baduy" is only in the mind...walang epekto sa akin, nakatrinelas man o naka-birkenstock.

Across The Miles

Today is declared as official Hangover Day...I got a headache the whole day and i feel lousy.

I, together with some company delegates were in Makati yesterday to attend the business unit's annual "Advance Day". Nakababa na naman ng bundok ang mga taga-bundok...kami yun. It was held in Dusit Hotel and there were around ninety participants, that included the big, big bosses. It was a whole day affair where plant performaces for the year 2004 were reviewed (if targets and objectives were met) then plans and ambitions for this year were laid out.

"Advance" is the industrial division's vision to assert the industrial leadership, that is to set and achieve world class performance targets.

• Maximise value through increasing margins with the right balance of high perceived value and low delivered cost.
• Resolve daily operational challenges with sustainable solutions.
• Confirm the leadership by active benchmarking and reacting faster than competitors to the industrial challenges of tomorrow.
• Drive the development and application of new technologies in the industry.
• Improve asset utilisation effectiveness by increasing investment yields and reducing working capital.

Naks, bigat ano? After long discussions, there were awards given to each company who did well last year. We were given the Safety Award (there were no accidents incurred for the last 2 1/2 years), Plant Reliability Award (from 88 % to 97.5% ) and Operation Level Award. Tuwang-tuwa ang boss namin at sa tuwa, pina-inom kami sa Pier One (sa The Fort daw yun) hanggang 2 am ng umaga. Ngayun, medyo mahilo-hilo pa ako sa hangover. But it was such a big achievement for the company whose vision is to have a continuous improvement, not only on operational aspect but to the people as well.

Boring na kwento ano?!