Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Tell Me How

How can I make you come back
If I let you go away a hundred times?
How can I make you love me the same
If I made you forget me all the while?

How can I expect you to answer me
When I dropped your thousand calls?
How can I beg for your attention
When all I did was ignore you all along?

How can I undo this pain tonight
When I hurt you that much before?
How can I not deserve this bitterness
When I let all your sweetness turn sour?

Tell me how can I make myself believe
That you still love me the same?
When I deeply know it was my fault
To be good as someone you used to know.

#11/11/15

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Atin Cu Pung Singsing (English Translation)

Atin Cu Pung Singsing

(I Have a Ring)


I do possess a ring
An adorned kind of ring
Which I inherited
From mom, my descent.

I willingly hid it
On a single coffer
It was lost suddenly
Without me noticing.

The remorse that I felt
Extends to the heavens
I placed my crossed hands
On a countertop.

Whoever could have found
My inherited ring
My melancholic heart
Is imploring on him.

Original Pampango Version:

Atin cu pung singsing
Metung yang timpukan
Amana ke iti
Quing indung pibatan.

Sangkan queng sininup
Quing metung a kaban
Mewala ya iti
Ecu kamalayan.

Ing sucal ning lub cu
Susukdul quing banwa
Micurus qung gamat
Babo ning la mesa.

Ninu mang menakit
Quing sensing qung mana
Kalulung pusu qu
Manginu ya queya.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

The Reef Hunters

Muro Ami
(Review and Synopsis)


Synopsis

The movie is all about an autocratic captain, Fredo, who employs 150-200 child labourers to fish 300 baskets before Christmas comes. He tells the children to use the “muro ami” method which is done by scaring the fish into a net by producing a very loud noise through pounding some corals on the bottom of the sea. As the movie played, it is made known that Fredo has lost his wife and child in a boat accident, thus making him loathe the ocean. He thinks he could exact revenge by annihilating the corals and through his abusive way of fishing. From 300 baskets, he even raises his quota into 500 baskets. It is on that instance that things started turning against him. Even Dado, his father, and Botong, his close friend, grow exhausted of his harangue. Also, even his own body betrays him. Later in the story, Fredo had a change of heart. Despite this, the children still die because their young bodies had given up to their gruelling work.

Analysis

The movie is psychological because it has revealed the reason behind the lead actor’s acts. It was portrayed in the instance that it was made known to the audience that he was acting that way because it is his way of exacting revenge to the ocean for he blamed it for his lost of his wife and child. It also showed why some children, despite of being abused, are still willing to serve as laborers. It is the reality that because of poverty, they have no choice but follow what they had been ordered.

It could also be considered sociopolitical for it aroused social conscience and portrayed the reality that leaders, though not all, tend to be abusive of their power. Instead of being a servant leader, they become leaders to be served. They are executing commands which only them will benefit from the act. Moreover, they don’t consider their workers’ welfare. This was shown when child laborers were forced to sleep in rat-infested bunks and are fed only twice a day. They were also required to dive at least eight times a day to meet their quota of 500 baskets of fish, all of these, for Fredo’s own use and for his revenge which has nothing to do with the children.

Best Friend


 
Sam and Jenny were friends since they were kids. Now that they are in their last year in high school, they are still the best of friends. Jenny lives in Sam’s house because when they were in elementary, Jenny’s parents met an accident. Sam then pleaded to her dad so Jenny could stay in their house and be like a real sister to her. Because of Sam’s perseverance, her dad finally let Jenny live with them.

The two girls so loved each other that they always look on almost all things with the same perspective as real sisters do. They agree on almost everything except for one. Sam had a boyfriend, Josh. She loved him so much but she didn’t know how to make Jenny like him for her. She couldn’t understand why Jenny acted too cruel whenever Josh was around. She hated him and never liked him for Sam.

Sam’s dad did not know anything about Josh.

One afternoon in March, when the two girls reached home from a day in school, Sam’s dad told them to immediately keep their things in their bedrooms and after that, they will have a talk. The girls had no idea of what was going on. Once they were downstairs, his dad let it out. He knew about Josh and he was too angry about it. And the angrier he got when he knew it was the reason why the two girls are not in talking terms for some weeks. He let Sam choose: she will study college abroad so Jenny can stay in their home or she stay in the Philippines and let Jenny find another home.

Because of Sam’s great love for Jenny, he chose to stay abroad for Jenny’s sake not to be evicted in their house. Sam and Josh continued their relationship secretly. Jenny knew about that and still, she was in disagreement.

After two years, Sam received a letter from Jenny telling she is getting married. Sam immediately arranged her papers for her flight back home. In the wedding, she saw Josh. She knew nothing about Josh now. During her first few months abroad, they were in constant communication but after that, their contact was lost. Josh came near her and kissed her in the cheek. She blushed, but after that, she saw Josh kiss Jenny in the lips. Sam was shocked but she kept silent. Jenny looked at her happily and said, “Sam, he is the one I’ll be marrying and in seven months, he will already become a father.

The Turtle, the Snail and the Frog



Once there was a sad turtle who lives in a faraway land. He was so sad because he thought of himself as worthless as was the name called to him by the other animals because of his sluggishness. Many animals who happened to walk by him while he is walking laugh at him and then someone would mock him and say, “When do you think you will reach your destination? Next year?” Then all the other animals will make fun out of him.

One day he asked his best friend. “Frog, why is life so cruel to me? Do I not deserve happiness?”

The frog answered with another question, “Why did you say so?”

The turtle replied, “Because ever since I was born no one except you loves me. No one appreciated me for being who I am. Instead they keep scoffing at me for being so slow.”

The frog thought for a while. At that instance, there was a snail who passed by, running as fast as he could. The snail saw the two, so it went towards them. Once the snail was near, he begged them for help.

“Please give me a back ride. Another snail is coming to kill me.”

The turtle told his best friend frog to give the snail a back ride because he said he can’t help the snail. He said that he himself is too slow. But the frog replied, “If I will give this snail a back ride, it might fall when I jump. You should do it.”

“But how can I save this creature when I am very slow?” said the turtle.

“Just believe in yourself and do it!” exclaimed the frog.

So, the turtle did. The snail had a back ride until they reach a hideout far from where the killer snail could reach.

The snail thanked the turtle.

“Hey brother turtle, thank you very much. You were so fast enough that we were able to escape from the killer snail. You saved my life!”

The turtle cried in happiness.

“Really, you think I’m fast?”

“Yes you are very fast. And you are very kind for helping a stranger like me.”

The turtle then realized that he is not worthless. He may be slow in the eyes of the other animals but he is fast enough in the eyes of the snail that he saved.

Since then, the turtle became friends with many other snails and he, together with his best friend frog, lived a happy life.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Letter to a Friend


Dear Cherub Ren,

               Everything seems to have changed a lot. The things we enjoyed doing together before are no longer as such now. I don’t feel like reading our favourite books anymore. Their sequels are no longer pleasing to peruse.

Remember how you win a high score from that business woman’s play house without exerting so much effort? Oh, I remember the other players turning very curious on how you please that strict lady. Even I worked hard in order to have a not-so-high score from her. But you did it incredibly easy. However, you have to know that things are not the same now. Since you left, this place has gone hostile. Sometimes I even think it could have been better if I went out with you and did not pursue this endeavour anymore. I thought before that I could do this without you, but as days pass, the work seems to get harder and harder.

           I know you’re not staying for a long time there. Please come back soon. I can’t wait to have you here with us. I’m hoping that when you get back here, everything will be the same as before. We’ll wait for you.

                                                                                                                                 Your cherub,
                                                                                                                                 Mira

Saturday, February 18, 2012

A Week of Mirth


Narrative Report (CBA Week)


            This year’s CBA Week was a very enjoyable one. On the first day of the week, we attended the opening ceremony of the inter-color basketball competition. After the said event, we went to visit the booths situated on the main gate covered walk. We bought food there for our snacks then ate our lunch at the canteen. Later that day, we watched the basketball games and had our snacks at McDo.

            On the second day, we served as score watchers for the Accounting warfare which was held at the university hall. The day has not been so eventful so we went home right after the said affair.

            We started the third day by watching yet another basketball game at the gymnasium. At 1:30pm, we went to the university hall for the Seminar on Tax and Tax Updates. After that, we went to the patio walk to watch the JPCM Battle of the Bands.

            Our Thursday was filled with cheers and laughter as we watch the Basketball Exhibition Game at the gymnasium. It was a match between the faculty and the JPIA alumni. The game ended up with the faculty’s victory.

            The last day of the CBA Week was the most exciting day. It was when the Fashion Trends was held. All of the JPIAns were one as we cheer for the representatives of accountancy. The day ended up with both of our contenders the champions.
            We really had fun during the whole week of festivity. At least once every year, we experience being free from our four-cornered classroom and have fun with our co-CBA members.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Translation of “Mga Bukad Ha Mayo”




Flowers of May

 

To all my dearest, beautiful flowers,
Whose scent is so fragrant,
Brought by the wind,
Reaches afar during May.

Carried by thoughts,
There are those which entertains
And those which sully the eyes.
Seen nearby and afar during mornings of May.

No need to travel afar.
They come in a variety, even burnt.
All kinds of flowers,
During the month of May.

Monday, January 23, 2012

THE IBALON EPIC SCRIPT






Narrator:          A long, long time ago, there was a rich land called Ibalong. The hero Baltog,
who came from Botavora of the brave clan of Lipod, came to this land when many monsters were still roaming in its very dark forests. He saw that the land was good, so he said:
Baltog:             I have decided to stay in this land. I will cultivate its fields and plant them with gabi.
Narrator:          Then one night, a monstrous, wild boar known as Tandayag saw these field and destroyed the crops. Upon knowing this, Baltog decided to look for this boar with all his courage and patience. At last, he caught the wild boar while destroying more of his crops.

Baltog:             Tandayag, stop destroying my crops! Come here and I will destroy you.

Tandayag:        You think you can kill me? Let’s see.

Narrator:          Baltog fought with all his might. He was unafraid. He was strong and brave. Though the Tandayag had very long fangs, he was able to pin down the monstrous, wild boar and break apart its very big jawbones. With this, Tandayag fell and died.

Baltog:              That’s what happens to anyone who will come here obliterating peace.

Narrator:          After this fight, Baltog went to his house in Tondol, carrying the Tandayag's broken jawbones. Then, he hung it on a talisay tree in front of his house. Upon learning of the victory of their Chief Baltog, the people prepared a feast and celebrated.

People:             Mabuhay Chief Baltog! Let’s celebrate for his victory.  

Narrator:          The very big jawbones of the dead boar became an attraction for everyone. Thus, came the tribes of Panikwason and Asog to marvel at it.

People of Panikwason & Asog: What a very big jawbone. Baltog must be very powerful to defeat this beast.

Narrator:          The second hero who came to the land of Ibalong was Handyong. Together with his men, he had to fight thousands of battles, and face many dangers to defeat the monsters. As warriors, they first fought the one-eyed monster with three necks in the land of Ponong.

Handyong:       My dear warriors, let us kill this one-eyed monster with all our strength!

Warriors:         Yes master. Let’s kill it with all our might!

Narrator:          For ten months, they fought without rest. And they never stopped fighting until all these monsters were killed.

Handyong:        Victory! The victory is ours!

Warriors:          All hail!

Narrator:          Handyong and his men made their next attack against the giant flying sharks called Triburon which had hardy flesh and saw-like teeth that could crush rocks.

Handyong:       Are we going to let this Triburon defeat us?

Warriors:          No! We will kill all of those Triburons!

Narrator:          They continued fighting until the defeat of the last Triburon. Then, they tamed the wild carabaos. They even drove away the giant and very fierce Sarimao which had very sharp fingernails. And using their spears and arrows, they killed all the crocodiles which were as big as boats. With all these killings, the rivers and swamps of Ibalong turned red with blood. It was at this time that the savage monkeys became frightened and hid themselves.

Monkey 1:       Handyong and his warriors are full of strength. I’m afraid they will kill us too.

Monkey 2:       We better hide ourselves.

Monkeys:         Let’s get going!

Narrator:          Among the enemies of Handyong and his men, the serpent Oryol was the hardest to kill. Having a beautiful voice, Oryol could change its image to deceive its enemies. To capture it, Handyong tried different ways. But Oryol escaped every one of it and disappeared. So, alone and unafraid, Handyong decided to look for Oryol in the heart of the forest.

Handyong:       I will look for Oryol in the heart of the forest. Her beautiful voice will lead the way.

Narrator:          Days and nights passed until Oryol came to admire Handyong's bravery and gallantry. Then, the serpent helped the hero to conquer the monsters, thus restoring peace to the entire Ibalong.

Oryol:              Handyong, you are brave. I admire your gallantry. From now on, I will help you conquer all the monsters.

Handyong:       Please do help me for the restoration of peace.

Narrator:          In one of the areas of Ibalong called Ligmanan, Handyong built a town. Under his leadership and his laws, slaves and masters were treated equally. The people planted rice and because of their high regard of him, they named this rice after him. He built the first boat to ride the waves of Ibalong's seas. Through his good example, his people became inspired and came up with their own inventions. There was Kimantong who made the plow, harrow, and other farming tools; Hablom who invented the first loom for weaving abaca clothes; Dinahong, an Agta, who created the stove, cooking pot, earthen jar, and other kitchen utensils; and Sural who brilliantly thought of the syllabary and started to write on a marble rock. This was a golden period in Ibalong.
Then suddenly, there came a big flood caused by Unos, with terrifying earthquakes. The volcanoes of Hantik, Kulasi and Isarog erupted. Rivers changed their direction and the sea waves rolled high. Destruction was everywhere. Soon, the earth parted, mountains sank, a lake was formed, and many towns in Ibalong were ruined.
Then, appeared the giant Rabot, half-man and half-beast, with awesome and terrifying powers.

Person 1:         Who will fight against Rabot?

Person 2:          Let’s call Bantong.

Narrator:          So, Bantong, the third hero was called. He was a good friend of Handyong. He was ordered to kill the new monster in Ibalong.

People:             Please, do kill Rabot for us.

Bantong:           I will do my very best.

Narrator:          To do this, Bantong took with him a thousand warriors to attack Rabot's den. But using his wisdom against Rabot, he did not attack the giant right away. He first observed Rabot's ways. Looking around the giant's den, he discovered that there were many rocks surrounding it, and these were the people who were turned into rocks by Rabot.
Bantong also learned that Rabot loved to sleep during the day and stayed awake at night. So, he waited. When Rabot was already sleeping very soundly, Bantong came hear him. He cut the giant into two with his very sharp bolo and without any struggle, Rabot died, So, Ibalong was at peace once more.

HINILA-AKO (Parody of Hinilawod)


The story of Hinila-Ako is about an ugly goddess who just pulled his husband hard to the aisle so they could get married. The story was entitled as such because the husband kept explaining to his friends, “Hinila lang ako! Hinila lang ako!” when asked about why he married the ugly goddess. Here is the summary.



When the ugly goddess of the eastern forest, Layonsiya (also known as Leon Siya, “The Unwanted One”), reached maidenhood, the king of the jungle, Kapitan, decreed that she should marry. All the unmarried gods of the different parts of the forest, including all the people in the neighboring village tried to avoid winning her hand. Everyone succeeded except the guy next door, Dating Paubari, the mighty rat killer of Hila-ako. 

Her decision overwhelmed all the other gods that they even gave Dating Paubari a battalion of security guards to make sure he will not be harmed by giant insects so that Layonsiya will never go choosing another husband again. A meeting of the council of gods was called by Maklium-sa-t’wan, god of the mosquito net sellers, where a decision by those present was made to protect Hila-ako by a giant shield of mosquito net.

Paubari tried to escape from Layonsiya through the assistance of Sukling Malayon, the goddess and guardian of wrecked homes and sister of Layonsiya, who learned about the protection order and warned Paubari so he was able to let himself be bitten by mosquitoes. But Ayunsila foresaw Paubari’s plan so she tied him on their bed with the giant mosquito net.

Several minutes later, Layonsiya became pregnant and told Paubari to prepare the salot, things unnecessary for childbirth. She delivered a set of triplets and summoned the high priest Bangungot-Banwa to perform the rites of the gods of Mount Medya-as (the socks mountain of the gods) to ensure the good teeth of the children. The high priest promptly made an altar and burned some alanghiran frogs and a pinch of kamatis powder. When the ceremony was over, he opened the windows of the north side of the room and a cold refrigerator wind came in and suddenly the three infants were transformed into yellow-toothed, kikay young gays.

Langaw Donggon, the eldest of the three, asked his mother to prepare his magic lipstick, fashion hat, yellow belt and kamison (slip) for he heard of a place called Handug where a beautiful maiden named Angoy Ginbinitinan lived.

The journey took several days. He tsunami walked across plains and valleys, climbed up mountains until he reached the mouth of the Hila-ako river.

When he finally met the maiden’s father and asked for his daughter’s beauty tips, the father asked him to seduce the monster Binaliktad as part of his tutorial fee. He went off to seduce the monster and with the help of his magic lipstick, Langaw Donggon made the monster fall in love with him and to prove his triumph, he showed to Angoy Ginbinitinan’s father the monster’s kiss mark.

After the make-up tutorial, Langaw Donggon proceeded home with his new make-up kit. Along the way he met a group of young gays who told him that they were on their way to Tarambang Burok to win the Ms. Gay contest of Abyang Durunuun, sister of Champoy, the janitor of the underworld and whose beauty was legendary.

Langaw Donggon continued his journey home. The moment he arrived home, Langaw Donggon told his mother to take care of his make-up kit because he is taking another quest, this time he was going to ask for a registration form from Tarambang Burok to join the Ms. Gay Contest.

Before he can get to the place he has to pass a gate guarded by a gay monster named Kikay Padalogdog, who has a hundred arms. The monster would not allow Langaw Donggon to go through without a sabunutan battle.

However, Sikay Padalogdog, though with a hundred arms, was no match to Langaw Donggon’s skill in sabunutan so he gave up and allowed him to continue.

Langaw Donggon won the Ms. Gay Contest of Abyang Durunuun and also took her Gandang Ricky Reyes trophy home. Before long he went on another journey, this time it is to Gadlum to ask for yet another beauty tips from Nalitong Asawa Sinampalang Diwata who is the young bride of Saraduhan, the security guard of darkness.

This trip required him to use his mamalung saken (wave board) on which he waved across the streets for many months, went across the region of the gravel, and passed the land of sand until finally, he reached the shores of Kulogngtiyan which was the seaside fortress of Saraduhan. The moment he set foot on the ground, Saraduhan asked him, “What is the password?”

To which he answered, “Chorva chenes kang beki ka!”

Saraduhan laughed. He asked Langaw Donggon how he was able to guess that mysterious phrase. Langaw Donggon then simply raised one of his eyebrows and said, “What do you think of me, thinking of you?”

Saraduhan was deeply offended by what Langaw said. So, he asked his secretary to imprison Langaw inside Saraduhan’s cabinet.

 Back home, Aso KaNga and Abyang Balakubak, Langaw’s loyal friends were missing him so much. So they set forth to the region of eternal darkness, finally reaching Saraduhan’s home.

Saraduhan noticed that Abyang Balakubak’s dandruff have not yet been removed. He laughed and told the gay to go home to wash his scalp.

Abyang Balakubak was slighted by the remarks and immediately challenged Saraduhan to a duel. They fought J and P and Abyang Balakubak defeated Saraduhan and won his friend’s freedom.

Langaw Donggon’s defeat and subsequent imprisonment by the security guard of Darkness also angered his brothers turned ‘sistahs’. Humadona was so enraged that he swore to the gods of Medya-as that he would wreak revenge on all of Saraduhan’s kinsmen.

Humadona prepared to go to Saraduhan’s domain. He employed the aid of Burong Matanglayon of Mount Matiula who was well-known for his skill in face slapping. For their journey they rode on a sailboat called biday nga rumba-rumba. They travelled through the streets, passed by the region of gravel and ended up at a place called Tarambang Buriraw. In this place was a ridge called Tumatagas Kuting-tang where a malnourished sorcerer named Piganun lived.

Piganun changed himself to a hunky bachelor and captured the heart of Humadona. Buyong Matanayon begged with Humadona to leave the place with him but the latter refused. After seven months passed, Buyong Matanayon remembered that they have brought with them some ginger. One evening at dinner time Buyong Matanayon threw seven slices of ginger into the fire. When Pinganun smelled the odor of burning ginger he left the dinner table because sorcerers hated the odor of ginger. Immediately Burong Matanglayon slapped the face of Humadona, who became unconscious. He dragged his friend with him and they were able to escape.

They continued with their trek and everywhere they went, they exacted revenge on all of Saraduhan’s people and relatives. One day they reached a place called Pinalang Tubig who was ruled by Datu Umbaw Pinaumbaw. There was a big gathering in the village and when they asked what was going on, they were told that the datu was giving his son for marriage to whoever could remove the small stone that rolled from a mountain into the center of the village. Many girls tried their luck but no one so far was able to even move the stone.

Humadona took off his magic cape and used it to lift the stone and threw it back into the mountain. The datu, though skeptical of letting his son marry a gay, kept his word and Humadona married his son. During the wedding feast, Humadona heared about the manly beauty of the god of greed Borogodong Podo Sonoklong Bolowon from a guest minstrel who sang at the celebration.

After the wedding, Humadona went to seek the finger of the god in marriage. Along the way he encountered the gay, Buyong Nabading, son of the mighty Datu Balahidyong of Pinalang Bukid who was also travelling with the same purpose in mind. Upon learning of Humadona’s intent, Buyong Nabading challenged him to a duel. They fought and Buyong Nabading was no match to Humadona’s skill in J and P. The fight ended when Buyong Nabading surrendered and even promised to aid Humadona in his quest. Humadona married the god and brought him home.

Meanwhile, right after Humadona left to seek Saraduhan’s followers and relatives his, brother turned sistah, Dumalapdapa left for Burutlakan-ka-adlaw where the man Lubay-Lubyok Hanginun si Mahuyokhuyokon lived. For the trip, he brought along Dumasig, the most powerful gayuma maker in Medya-as.

Several months later they came to a place called Tarambuan-ka-banwa where they encountered the two-headed monster Balanakon who guarded a narrow ridge leading to the place where the man lived.

With the aid of Dumasig, Dumalapdapa killed Balanakon. However, upon approaching the gate of the palace where the man lived, he was confronted by Uyutang, a bat-like gay monster with sharp poisonous claws. There ensued a bloody battle between Dumalapdapa and the monster. They fought for seven seconds and their skill and prowess seemed to be equal. But on the seventh second, Dumalapdapa was able to grab on to Uyutang’s headband and broke it. Then he took his iwang daniwan (magic dagger) and stabbed Uyutang on his little finger.

Uyutang cried out so loud that the ridge where they were fighting, broke into two and there was an earthquake. Half of the ridge became the island of Buglas (Negros) and the other became the island of Panay.

Dumalapdapa married Lubay-Lubyok Hanginun si Mahuyokhuyokan and then took him home. Dating Paubari was very sad when he was reunited with his three sons turned daughters and he didn’t bother preparing a feast in their honor.

After they were asked to immediately leave their home, the happy three gays left for different parts of the world. Langaw Donggon went to the north, Humadona went south, Dumalapdapa to the west and Dating Paubari remained in the east.

Saturday, January 07, 2012

Unfair Firsts

If first love's are to last eternally,
Then how would it be fair for you and me?
I loved you first and no one precedes thee,
But I was just next after you loved she.
"I honestly love you," said thou to me;
I was supposed to tell you I do to;
But before I can what did sayeth thee?
You spoke about memories of you two.
What was I to say 'fter you told me that?
"I'm sorry but I don't love you as such."
And after that do you know what I've got?
A sore for my heart that is really much.
Was life not unfair when it made that rule?
I aren’t yours but you were mine – first love.