A guy friend asked me once why I always carry a big bag around wherever I go. Surprised by the question, I looked at my never-been washed dusty blue denim bag and started to wonder myself.
I bought this particular bag in one of the famous ukay-ukays in Baguio -- not because I liked its style or color but because it was big and necessary. You see, overwhelmed by the abundant low-priced cool ukay items there, I kinda lost my head at that time and began buying more things than I could carry. Since my vanity was offended at the thought of carrying plastic bags in a 6-hour bus trip all the way to Manila, the only practical solution for me was to buy this bag. It's big and was priced only at P200. Cool huh?
I am by no means a bag-a-holic like my sis or my good friend Berna. Compared to their gazillion collection, I just have five in my possession -- the blue denim bag (my current fave) , a candy colored knapsack, a purse and a couple of travel bags (one of which isn't even mine -- I stole it from my sis. wahehe). And I change bags only, when, and if they've become so obviously tattered with time that they can't hold my plentiful stuff anymore.
I've gotta admit though that carrying a bag-- and a big one at that -- has become second nature to me. And while most girls change bags to suit their outfit for the day, I have a tendency to change my outfit just so I can use my fave bag.
But what's in a bag? Is it true what that Kate Hudson movie scripted: "a woman's purse is her source of power"? Hmmmm...
Well since I have nothing else better to do on this particular lunch hour, allow me to unload my bag for a moment and see for myself the many reasons why I succumbed to this obsession.
What's in my bag?
1) a 5" x 3" wallet i bought in National bookstore which holds my Beetlerock I.D., atm cards, house keys, black lighter, some bills and coins.
2) my Nokia phone (I dunno the model) and its casing
3) A wide-toothed Goody "sudlay" -- the only thing that can handle my hair
4) 5 small bars of chocolate (the perfect mate to my black coffee later)
5) Mentos Power Sugar-free gum
6) Kleenex tissue
7) Bench hand sanitizer (which Al never fails to call the ultimate girl power every time we eat)
8) Last month's payslip (Why on earth is it still in my bag?!)
9) A black pouch containing items #10-17
10) Body Shop strawberry lip balm
11) Maybelline's dazzling red water shine lip color (since I could no longer afford Body Shop's cheek and lip tint :( To anyone reading, you can always buy me one for Christmas ;) hehehehe)
12) a Johnson and Johnson's small mirror (from the pressed powder compact)
13) Another half-used Kleenex pack
14) Bench's oil remover paper (since I can't use powder or makeup on my face)
15) a Careless panty shield
16) a Modess sanitary napkin (though my period is far away yet)
17) a Whisper sanitary napkin (okay, okay, so I'm O.C. My friends call me the napkin factory. So what? ;p)
18) A yellow stabilo boss highlighter
19) A red hanky which Donna's American hubby Andy terms " a sweat rag" (hehehe)
20) Unused pink post-its
21) My all around sterling notebook
22) My complete set of My Gel colored pens (there are 10 of them)
23) My book for the moment, "Who Moved My Cheese?" (thanks M =)) I carry a book since I absolutely hate moments of waiting with nothing to do.
24) 3 Lipton lemon tea bags
Goshes bugashes! What do these items say about me? Feels like I've gone naked for a moment here.
But you know what-- if you ask me which item I'd opt to leave behind just to lighten my bag-- I've gotta say -- after some really serious consideration-- "Nothing".
What the heck, my dainty shoulders can handle them all anyway. Now that's what I call "gurl power" ;p
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Alice in Wonderland
The latest patches we activated for Fairyland was the Mermaid Princess and Alice in Wonderland. These were launched with some controversy since the release was later than expected.
Players clamored for it, spewed curses, begged and begged. But eventually they cooled down as the gates were finally opened and the new worlds of Mermaid and Alice more than met expectations.
New quests were undertaken, new lands were explored. For me, the Mermaid patch was charming but Alice simply blew my mind away.
My memory of fairy tales was a bit rusty so a fellow gamer had to reintroduce me to the golden-haired girl who fell asleep and plunged down the rabbit hole.
I guess what makes Alice appealing for me is that I relate well to her adventures, or shall we say "misadventures".
I remember a few months back how it felt getting aboard the Fairyland train -- it's akin to plunging down that rabbit hole. I recall the times I felt like shrinking in the presence of veteran players in this gaming industry and then the times I felt relatively bloated with collected know-how, and learning experiences as I pushed ahead. And then, along the way of promoting this one-of-a-kind game, I've landed in the most intriguing and unusual places around the Philippines and I've met people like the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts and more. It was exhausting yet awesome at the same time.
I've bitched a few times, true. It wasn't always easy. But I also realize I loved every crazy moment of it all. And just as I was getting used to this eccentric world and prepping myself for the next phase or adventure, like Alice, I find myself waking up and facing the inevitable reality of the dream fading away.
I wanted to stay in my Wonderland a bit longer. For me, the adventure has barely even begun yet. I wanted to make that dream come true, damn it. But Harry Potter just didn't believe in it any longer and without his magic, it was all pointless. In his haste, he's already called on the sun to shine on our faces and now, it's too hot to sleep again.
Yesterday, we got the call from Hong Kong. Fairyland Philippines won't be entering its Pay-2-Play phase and will, instead, officially close in a week's time. The game is not just performing as well as that in Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, or US. What do they know? We haven't even tested it yet. Things take time to grow in this country, true. But with time and passion, we are learning and we are getting there. At least I hoped.
Having to let go of Fairyland is a bitter pill to swallow. But I guess, I just had to accept that the dream wasn't mine in the first place so it wasn't for me to fulfill it. Still, I would have fought and died to keep it alive. Being unable to do that is what hurts the most.
As Fairyland screeched to a halt, Harry Potter invited me to hop on another train... another adventure. But I thought... nah. How could he ask that so soon? I still wanna curl up on the train station bench and sing the Beetlerock Team's national anthem:
"Summer has come and passed
The innocent can never last
wake me up when november (september) ends
like my fathers come to pass
seven years has gone so fast
wake me up when november (september) ends
here comes the rain again
falling from the stars
drenched in my pain again
becoming who we are
as my memory rests
but never forgets what I lost
wake me up when november (september) ends
summer has come and passed
the innocent can never last
wake me up when november (september) ends
ring out the bells again
like we did when spring began
wake me up when november (september) ends
Players clamored for it, spewed curses, begged and begged. But eventually they cooled down as the gates were finally opened and the new worlds of Mermaid and Alice more than met expectations.
New quests were undertaken, new lands were explored. For me, the Mermaid patch was charming but Alice simply blew my mind away.
My memory of fairy tales was a bit rusty so a fellow gamer had to reintroduce me to the golden-haired girl who fell asleep and plunged down the rabbit hole.
I guess what makes Alice appealing for me is that I relate well to her adventures, or shall we say "misadventures".
I remember a few months back how it felt getting aboard the Fairyland train -- it's akin to plunging down that rabbit hole. I recall the times I felt like shrinking in the presence of veteran players in this gaming industry and then the times I felt relatively bloated with collected know-how, and learning experiences as I pushed ahead. And then, along the way of promoting this one-of-a-kind game, I've landed in the most intriguing and unusual places around the Philippines and I've met people like the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts and more. It was exhausting yet awesome at the same time.
I've bitched a few times, true. It wasn't always easy. But I also realize I loved every crazy moment of it all. And just as I was getting used to this eccentric world and prepping myself for the next phase or adventure, like Alice, I find myself waking up and facing the inevitable reality of the dream fading away.
I wanted to stay in my Wonderland a bit longer. For me, the adventure has barely even begun yet. I wanted to make that dream come true, damn it. But Harry Potter just didn't believe in it any longer and without his magic, it was all pointless. In his haste, he's already called on the sun to shine on our faces and now, it's too hot to sleep again.
Yesterday, we got the call from Hong Kong. Fairyland Philippines won't be entering its Pay-2-Play phase and will, instead, officially close in a week's time. The game is not just performing as well as that in Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, or US. What do they know? We haven't even tested it yet. Things take time to grow in this country, true. But with time and passion, we are learning and we are getting there. At least I hoped.
Having to let go of Fairyland is a bitter pill to swallow. But I guess, I just had to accept that the dream wasn't mine in the first place so it wasn't for me to fulfill it. Still, I would have fought and died to keep it alive. Being unable to do that is what hurts the most.
As Fairyland screeched to a halt, Harry Potter invited me to hop on another train... another adventure. But I thought... nah. How could he ask that so soon? I still wanna curl up on the train station bench and sing the Beetlerock Team's national anthem:
"Summer has come and passed
The innocent can never last
wake me up when november (september) ends
like my fathers come to pass
seven years has gone so fast
wake me up when november (september) ends
here comes the rain again
falling from the stars
drenched in my pain again
becoming who we are
as my memory rests
but never forgets what I lost
wake me up when november (september) ends
summer has come and passed
the innocent can never last
wake me up when november (september) ends
ring out the bells again
like we did when spring began
wake me up when november (september) ends
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Pissed Off
Sometimes, it just feels so damned good to be NOT nice. To revel in the heat of blood pumping through your veins, rushing to your head. And to just scream so loud and so harsh you taste the blood in your throat.
The vision of my hands circling your narrow neck and squeezing it like you do a Cebu Pacific stress ball makes me smile with merciless glee. My eyes are overbright from the red glow of hostile energy surrounding my innocent feet flying beautifully to your ugly groin.
I long to stuff your lying mouth with the many pages of the outstanding speech running through my overactive mind. I'm sure you'd be addicted to the taste of perfumed paper as you are to a lot of useless things. And once your stomach becomes bloated and your mouth can't take anymore, I'll gag it with my super rich, super long, super beautiful hair so that no one -- absolutely no one -- will be fool enough to kiss your chapped lips and the world can finally rejoice!
The good angel whispers. Tells me I'm being mean and I'm overreacting.
Maybe I am. Maybe not. Guess what? I don't care.
I am a woman. I am entitled to my moods and celebrate them.
I am a free woman. I can be unreasonable when I want to.
I am not your woman. I don't have to tolerate you.
And if you're wise, you'll thank me for murdering you gently here. For being mean may just be the only thing saving me from hating you for good.
No, I'm not even sticking my head in the freezer this time. Dream on. My hair is red and I just love letting it out under the sun and shine.
The vision of my hands circling your narrow neck and squeezing it like you do a Cebu Pacific stress ball makes me smile with merciless glee. My eyes are overbright from the red glow of hostile energy surrounding my innocent feet flying beautifully to your ugly groin.
I long to stuff your lying mouth with the many pages of the outstanding speech running through my overactive mind. I'm sure you'd be addicted to the taste of perfumed paper as you are to a lot of useless things. And once your stomach becomes bloated and your mouth can't take anymore, I'll gag it with my super rich, super long, super beautiful hair so that no one -- absolutely no one -- will be fool enough to kiss your chapped lips and the world can finally rejoice!
The good angel whispers. Tells me I'm being mean and I'm overreacting.
Maybe I am. Maybe not. Guess what? I don't care.
I am a woman. I am entitled to my moods and celebrate them.
I am a free woman. I can be unreasonable when I want to.
I am not your woman. I don't have to tolerate you.
And if you're wise, you'll thank me for murdering you gently here. For being mean may just be the only thing saving me from hating you for good.
No, I'm not even sticking my head in the freezer this time. Dream on. My hair is red and I just love letting it out under the sun and shine.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Speechless
It's been days, weeks-- months even-- of finding myself speechless, blogless (so sorry, guys). But now, thank God, I find I'm not entirely wordless ;p
Grrr. I tried, I really tried... but it's been a real struggle to finish a single, simple, clueless blog entry. Words have failed me. And my muse? I dunno, but it must have gone with Peter Pan to neverland.
Life has been one rollercoaster ride after another the past few months. And all that's left of it is a red carpet of titles I would have posted on this blog had I found the inspiration, the time and the discipline to chronicle the highlights of past events.
To torture myself, let me post here so I will always remember the grating titles of the stories I meant to write but didn't:
A Series of Unfortunate Events: A Movie Review
Biting the Dust in Dumaguete
Circling Cagayan
Midnight Coffee in Davao
Smelling Zamboanga
Vietnam Noodles in Puerto Princesa
Dawning Panglao for Dolphins
Revisiting Bora: Jetski & Parachuting Galore
Revisting Bora 2: Baring it in a Midnight Swim
Raining Ukay in Baguio
Manila: Of Vomited Vodka Cherries and Jimmy Bondoc
Jamming with MYMP
Me? A Maid of Horror? (Only for the Love of Berna)
That Perfect Moment with Paolo Santos
Breaking Up with Harry Potter
Barefoot Emi in Ayala
Maid of Horror Part 2 (For the Love of Almera)
Shopping Spit
I dare say writing's got to be the most frustrating lover of all. You hate it and you love it. It consumes you then leaves you. But like the tide, it always comes again.
As painful as it is, I continue the struggle to write (heaven help me!) I may not always find the words... but I believe they're there. To quote Jamie, like the wind-- I don't see it but I feel it. And just like love, I know I'll learn from it and grow with it.
Who knows, one day, I might just tap away on my keyboard again and restart writing any, if not all, of these stories. If not, then maybe there's another around the corner waiting for me to tell. Let's just see where the wind blows...
I don't wanna rush it. For, as they say, all good things come in good time.
Until then, I learn to wait for my muse. Perhaps, like last time, I'll find it again in a cup of brewed coffee and a bite of snickers chocolate.
Grrr. I tried, I really tried... but it's been a real struggle to finish a single, simple, clueless blog entry. Words have failed me. And my muse? I dunno, but it must have gone with Peter Pan to neverland.
Life has been one rollercoaster ride after another the past few months. And all that's left of it is a red carpet of titles I would have posted on this blog had I found the inspiration, the time and the discipline to chronicle the highlights of past events.
To torture myself, let me post here so I will always remember the grating titles of the stories I meant to write but didn't:
A Series of Unfortunate Events: A Movie Review
Biting the Dust in Dumaguete
Circling Cagayan
Midnight Coffee in Davao
Smelling Zamboanga
Vietnam Noodles in Puerto Princesa
Dawning Panglao for Dolphins
Revisiting Bora: Jetski & Parachuting Galore
Revisting Bora 2: Baring it in a Midnight Swim
Raining Ukay in Baguio
Manila: Of Vomited Vodka Cherries and Jimmy Bondoc
Jamming with MYMP
Me? A Maid of Horror? (Only for the Love of Berna)
That Perfect Moment with Paolo Santos
Breaking Up with Harry Potter
Barefoot Emi in Ayala
Maid of Horror Part 2 (For the Love of Almera)
Shopping Spit
I dare say writing's got to be the most frustrating lover of all. You hate it and you love it. It consumes you then leaves you. But like the tide, it always comes again.
As painful as it is, I continue the struggle to write (heaven help me!) I may not always find the words... but I believe they're there. To quote Jamie, like the wind-- I don't see it but I feel it. And just like love, I know I'll learn from it and grow with it.
Who knows, one day, I might just tap away on my keyboard again and restart writing any, if not all, of these stories. If not, then maybe there's another around the corner waiting for me to tell. Let's just see where the wind blows...
I don't wanna rush it. For, as they say, all good things come in good time.
Until then, I learn to wait for my muse. Perhaps, like last time, I'll find it again in a cup of brewed coffee and a bite of snickers chocolate.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Fairy Tales 2
006 - A Fairy Tale: To Quest – No Matter How Hopeless or Far
5/25/05
According to the wise, “The greatest tragedy is not death, but a life without purpose.” It couldn’t be truer in Fairyland.
While the scenery here might be breathtaking and the air quite refreshing, still, I’ve found that running around aimless in this kingdom is just like twirling around on one foot with both arms held high for some minutes -- it’s enough to make you dizzy and faint.
That’s why I couldn’t be more grateful – and thrilled -- when I discovered questing in Fairyland.
Questing is by far the most unique and coolest feature I find in this game. Talk about the Amazing Race, the Survivor, or even Extra Challenge – and somehow you get the picture. We all know why they’re such hit shows around the country, right? There’s nothing like the heart-pumping experience or adrenaline rush you get as you complete -- or watch others complete – one quest after another.
In Gion alone, there are about 24 quests and they vary from the simple, to the sublime, funny, spooky, frustrating, and deadly. I’ve collected quite a few memorable experiences as I went through them.
To note:
The funniest: Finding out what’s troubling Deeca. Who’s Deeca, you say? A bald, two-timing old man. His problem? Shhh -- I’m not supposed to say this out loud—but he’s stumped why he’s losing hair. I almost fell off my chair laughing as I asked his lady loves Agnes and Cloudie about it. I gained 1000 coins for my trouble.
Most fruitful: Making Bern’s lazy granddaughter Goldie see the value of work. Had to learn a work skill myself for this… just so I wouldn’t choke on my words.
Most touching: Helping estranged best friends Stein and Kirk make up.
The strangest: Now, who’s heard of a tree that sighs… and talks! Spooky, isn’t it? But I was curious. And then, excited after learning from Professor Garbon about the old tree’s wish – it wants me to sing! So, in my most diva-esque voice, I belted out the song I paid 500 coins to learn. Not for the glory or fame or anything, mind you – but to help the old tree from being sad.
Most frustrating: Finding the owner of a lost puppy named Bobo. I tried. I really tried. I even got magical Moore to teleport me to Rainbow City for this. But alas, I found out it was Bobo’s owner who needed saving instead-- for about 6 bottles of rare white wine or 80,000 coins. Whoa!
The most romantic and my favorite: Helping Sepp deliver his love letter to Mage Hillary before the Temple of Fire in Southern Grassland. To count, I’ve died about 10 times already for this. Those beasts in Southern Grassland are just terrible, just terrible! But what the heck – who could resist an errand for love? So, I’ll just have to keep on trying and trying and trying…
For me, to complete a quest in Fairyland is actually an act of kindness. And like in real life, it goes a long way. More than the fame, experience, or coins you get in return, these quests give your life some meaning, don’t you think?
If you find yourself nodding to this, then hum with me as we take it from The Man of La Mancha:
"This is my quest -- to follow that star, no matter how hopeless, no matter how far; to fight for the right, without question or pause… to fight the unbeatable foe; to run where the brave dare not go… to be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause.... And, the world will be better for this -- that one man, scorned and covered with scars, still strove with his last ounce of courage to reach the unreachable stars!" Lalalala…
007 - A Fairy Tale: Series of Unfortunate Events
Unpublished
Psssst… have you heard? New villains have invaded the soils of Fairyland. They’re reputed to be meaner… badder… and more dangerous than any monster for they hide behind a player’s mask… the proverbial wicked wolves in sheep’s clothing.
It was a hot day. My pet and I were lounging by Gion’s tavern, sipping on ice-cold beers, when we heard the buzz.
A small gathering of townspeople made a spectacle on one side of the room. Harry Potter was holding court… his glass of wine long forgotten, all the while tapping a fingertip on the side of his chin as he listened to the cries of despair and tried to determine what magic this time could drive away the black cloud hanging over Fairyland.
Curious, we inched a little closer and shamelessly eavesdropped.
Buzz 1: A level 21 mage was missing for a month now… but his ghost continues to haunt Gion… looking for the golden-haired boy who stole his account, his life…
Buzz 2: A female trader was robbed by a handsome bandit near the bank in Rainbow City. Now, having lost face, the poor trader refuses to come out to the village anymore.
Buzz 3: A novice beastmaster lost a couple of his capsules and his most favored pet to a smooth-talking high-level beastmaster who turned out to be a swindler.
To investigate further, Harry Potter summoned the trader, novice beast master, and friend of the missing mage to the tavern. In a booming voice, he asked them, “Relate to us exactly what happened.”
Hesitantly, the poor trader swallowed and began, “I was lining up at the bank in Rainbow city one morning when I overheard this guy sharing his rags-to-riches story. I was so impressed. I approached him to learn more.
“He asked for my Login ID and password and offered to pilot my character for me if I wanted. He said that with his experience, he could make me even richer than I was. Well, he was so charming. I thought he really wanted to help. But then, when I next logged on, all my stuff was gone.”
It was almost comic. You could see the crowd’s faces gradually shift from sympathy, to dismay, to scorn. And if you listen hard enough, you could barely hear someone mutter “what sheer stupidity!” Or was it just me saying that out loud? Oops.
The friend of the missing mage piped up, “Well, in the case of my friend, he didn’t actually give out his password to a stranger. He was trying to give it to me. But then, he was careless. He forgot to “whisper” it to me, so as he talked, people within earshot knew about it too... particularly the golden-haired boy who was pretending to be working.”
I looked at Harry Potter. His face was unreadable. He just nodded once then turned to the novice beast master. “What about you?”
The novice beastmaster sobbed, “I thought he was my friend! He was my idol—the greatest beastmaster in the kingdom! I wanted to be like him…b-but… but… waaah!”
“Go on, novice beastmaster,” Harry Potter prompted with a wave of his hand.
“He tricked me!” the novice beastmaster wailed. “He promised to capture the pets for me if I just gave him my capsules. I thought he was being very helpful and I was quite grateful. But then, before I knew it, he logged out a few minutes after and I could no longer find him. Not only did he take my capsules, he stole my Flaming Pegasus, too… waaahh…”
This time, the crowd erupted. Not out of sympathy, mind you, but to take turns scolding the poor fellas for being too careless.
“Don’t you know better than to give your password to anyone?!”
“Never trust strangers!”
“Guard your password! Beware of keyloggers. Even “eye-loggers” especially when you’re playing in a net café. Never show your password to anyone!”
Amid the chaos, I saw Harry Potter shake his head, pick up his glass of wine and slowly walk out.
I couldn’t blame him. It’s up to the people really. If they aren’t too careful, no amount of magic could save them.
008- Fairy Tale: Partying with a Pinkie
6/20/05
Pink. Let the word flash for a moment and what comes to mind? Sweet cotton candy? Strawberry ice cream? Being in love? The fashion color of the year? No, no -- not the lady in red…but Legally Blonde Elle Woods, maybe.
Pink. Such a short word but it evokes a lot of images in the real world. In Fairyland though, I just associate it mainly with three things – snowman, help, and friend.
Just last week, I was having one of those blue days when nothing ever seemed to go right. My pet was sick, I was running out of cash due to too much shopping, and I was feeling frustrated for still not being high-level enough to be able to deliver Sepp’s love letter to Hillary in southern grassland. Grrr.
To cool off, I sat under one of the oversized mushrooms in Gion and surrendered to the view. I watched the sky turn to a silvery blue as the season changed in Fairyland. It was snowing this time. Brrr.
If only I was able to buy the lovely pair of boots and new robe I’d been eyeing for months now -- they’d be perfect for the weather. If only I had a fairy godmother to grant me more powers so I could finally kill the monsters in Southern Grassland and help Sepp. If only I had a friend to help ease the burden of the season and make things more fun somehow. If only … if only…
I must have dozed off for awhile for the next thing I knew, I woke up to a familiar tune blasting through the Fairyland airwaves:
“When you’re down and troubled and you need a helping hand… all you’ve got to do is call… you’ve got a friend...”
Hey, I know this song, I thought excitedly. But before I could sing along (bummer!), it faded to make way for this news flash:
Attention! Attention! There’s a Pink Squad by Gion Fountain… High-level players are currently being transformed into pink snowmen to assist newbies! Newbies may start to party up with them and get the chance to go to places they couldn’t get to yet...
Wow! A wish come true? An answered prayer? A gift from above? Or did I just buy me a fairy godmother? Hmmm… whatever the case, it doesn’t matter. But go, I did.
I hurried to the fountain and spotted one friendly pink snowman. Immediately, I went: click, ctrl + I… then whoosh! Amazingly enough, my body was attached to the pinkie. Three more gals joined us and then, not unlike the contestants in a Ms. Universe pageant, we proceeded to sashay around town. People watched and waved. We waved right back.
But there’s more. Partying with a pinkie does not only put you on the spotlight, more importantly, it helps you power up!
It was amazing how we were able to teleport to different places like Slime Maze and Moonglow where we practiced our fighting skills and crushed new monsters together. While traveling around, we bonded, did some quests and shared a few of the stuff that’s troubling us in Fairyland. Upon request by one of my party mates, we even visited Rainbow City and learned the ABCs of banking. I didn’t know partying this way could be such a blast!
What’s more, as I Cntrl Z’d to check my stats after, it wasn’t too bad either. Not only did I level up quickly, my TNL dropped, my skills improved, and I was back to being solvent! All these and I didn’t even have to do much but just follow my pink leader. Cool, huh?
I was having so much fun that for a time I forgot why I was so blue early that day. Apparently, no bad mood lasts for long in Fairyland. Especially when there’s a pinkie around to save the day!
5/25/05
According to the wise, “The greatest tragedy is not death, but a life without purpose.” It couldn’t be truer in Fairyland.
While the scenery here might be breathtaking and the air quite refreshing, still, I’ve found that running around aimless in this kingdom is just like twirling around on one foot with both arms held high for some minutes -- it’s enough to make you dizzy and faint.
That’s why I couldn’t be more grateful – and thrilled -- when I discovered questing in Fairyland.
Questing is by far the most unique and coolest feature I find in this game. Talk about the Amazing Race, the Survivor, or even Extra Challenge – and somehow you get the picture. We all know why they’re such hit shows around the country, right? There’s nothing like the heart-pumping experience or adrenaline rush you get as you complete -- or watch others complete – one quest after another.
In Gion alone, there are about 24 quests and they vary from the simple, to the sublime, funny, spooky, frustrating, and deadly. I’ve collected quite a few memorable experiences as I went through them.
To note:
The funniest: Finding out what’s troubling Deeca. Who’s Deeca, you say? A bald, two-timing old man. His problem? Shhh -- I’m not supposed to say this out loud—but he’s stumped why he’s losing hair. I almost fell off my chair laughing as I asked his lady loves Agnes and Cloudie about it. I gained 1000 coins for my trouble.
Most fruitful: Making Bern’s lazy granddaughter Goldie see the value of work. Had to learn a work skill myself for this… just so I wouldn’t choke on my words.
Most touching: Helping estranged best friends Stein and Kirk make up.
The strangest: Now, who’s heard of a tree that sighs… and talks! Spooky, isn’t it? But I was curious. And then, excited after learning from Professor Garbon about the old tree’s wish – it wants me to sing! So, in my most diva-esque voice, I belted out the song I paid 500 coins to learn. Not for the glory or fame or anything, mind you – but to help the old tree from being sad.
Most frustrating: Finding the owner of a lost puppy named Bobo. I tried. I really tried. I even got magical Moore to teleport me to Rainbow City for this. But alas, I found out it was Bobo’s owner who needed saving instead-- for about 6 bottles of rare white wine or 80,000 coins. Whoa!
The most romantic and my favorite: Helping Sepp deliver his love letter to Mage Hillary before the Temple of Fire in Southern Grassland. To count, I’ve died about 10 times already for this. Those beasts in Southern Grassland are just terrible, just terrible! But what the heck – who could resist an errand for love? So, I’ll just have to keep on trying and trying and trying…
For me, to complete a quest in Fairyland is actually an act of kindness. And like in real life, it goes a long way. More than the fame, experience, or coins you get in return, these quests give your life some meaning, don’t you think?
If you find yourself nodding to this, then hum with me as we take it from The Man of La Mancha:
"This is my quest -- to follow that star, no matter how hopeless, no matter how far; to fight for the right, without question or pause… to fight the unbeatable foe; to run where the brave dare not go… to be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause.... And, the world will be better for this -- that one man, scorned and covered with scars, still strove with his last ounce of courage to reach the unreachable stars!" Lalalala…
007 - A Fairy Tale: Series of Unfortunate Events
Unpublished
Psssst… have you heard? New villains have invaded the soils of Fairyland. They’re reputed to be meaner… badder… and more dangerous than any monster for they hide behind a player’s mask… the proverbial wicked wolves in sheep’s clothing.
It was a hot day. My pet and I were lounging by Gion’s tavern, sipping on ice-cold beers, when we heard the buzz.
A small gathering of townspeople made a spectacle on one side of the room. Harry Potter was holding court… his glass of wine long forgotten, all the while tapping a fingertip on the side of his chin as he listened to the cries of despair and tried to determine what magic this time could drive away the black cloud hanging over Fairyland.
Curious, we inched a little closer and shamelessly eavesdropped.
Buzz 1: A level 21 mage was missing for a month now… but his ghost continues to haunt Gion… looking for the golden-haired boy who stole his account, his life…
Buzz 2: A female trader was robbed by a handsome bandit near the bank in Rainbow City. Now, having lost face, the poor trader refuses to come out to the village anymore.
Buzz 3: A novice beastmaster lost a couple of his capsules and his most favored pet to a smooth-talking high-level beastmaster who turned out to be a swindler.
To investigate further, Harry Potter summoned the trader, novice beast master, and friend of the missing mage to the tavern. In a booming voice, he asked them, “Relate to us exactly what happened.”
Hesitantly, the poor trader swallowed and began, “I was lining up at the bank in Rainbow city one morning when I overheard this guy sharing his rags-to-riches story. I was so impressed. I approached him to learn more.
“He asked for my Login ID and password and offered to pilot my character for me if I wanted. He said that with his experience, he could make me even richer than I was. Well, he was so charming. I thought he really wanted to help. But then, when I next logged on, all my stuff was gone.”
It was almost comic. You could see the crowd’s faces gradually shift from sympathy, to dismay, to scorn. And if you listen hard enough, you could barely hear someone mutter “what sheer stupidity!” Or was it just me saying that out loud? Oops.
The friend of the missing mage piped up, “Well, in the case of my friend, he didn’t actually give out his password to a stranger. He was trying to give it to me. But then, he was careless. He forgot to “whisper” it to me, so as he talked, people within earshot knew about it too... particularly the golden-haired boy who was pretending to be working.”
I looked at Harry Potter. His face was unreadable. He just nodded once then turned to the novice beast master. “What about you?”
The novice beastmaster sobbed, “I thought he was my friend! He was my idol—the greatest beastmaster in the kingdom! I wanted to be like him…b-but… but… waaah!”
“Go on, novice beastmaster,” Harry Potter prompted with a wave of his hand.
“He tricked me!” the novice beastmaster wailed. “He promised to capture the pets for me if I just gave him my capsules. I thought he was being very helpful and I was quite grateful. But then, before I knew it, he logged out a few minutes after and I could no longer find him. Not only did he take my capsules, he stole my Flaming Pegasus, too… waaahh…”
This time, the crowd erupted. Not out of sympathy, mind you, but to take turns scolding the poor fellas for being too careless.
“Don’t you know better than to give your password to anyone?!”
“Never trust strangers!”
“Guard your password! Beware of keyloggers. Even “eye-loggers” especially when you’re playing in a net café. Never show your password to anyone!”
Amid the chaos, I saw Harry Potter shake his head, pick up his glass of wine and slowly walk out.
I couldn’t blame him. It’s up to the people really. If they aren’t too careful, no amount of magic could save them.
008- Fairy Tale: Partying with a Pinkie
6/20/05
Pink. Let the word flash for a moment and what comes to mind? Sweet cotton candy? Strawberry ice cream? Being in love? The fashion color of the year? No, no -- not the lady in red…but Legally Blonde Elle Woods, maybe.
Pink. Such a short word but it evokes a lot of images in the real world. In Fairyland though, I just associate it mainly with three things – snowman, help, and friend.
Just last week, I was having one of those blue days when nothing ever seemed to go right. My pet was sick, I was running out of cash due to too much shopping, and I was feeling frustrated for still not being high-level enough to be able to deliver Sepp’s love letter to Hillary in southern grassland. Grrr.
To cool off, I sat under one of the oversized mushrooms in Gion and surrendered to the view. I watched the sky turn to a silvery blue as the season changed in Fairyland. It was snowing this time. Brrr.
If only I was able to buy the lovely pair of boots and new robe I’d been eyeing for months now -- they’d be perfect for the weather. If only I had a fairy godmother to grant me more powers so I could finally kill the monsters in Southern Grassland and help Sepp. If only I had a friend to help ease the burden of the season and make things more fun somehow. If only … if only…
I must have dozed off for awhile for the next thing I knew, I woke up to a familiar tune blasting through the Fairyland airwaves:
“When you’re down and troubled and you need a helping hand… all you’ve got to do is call… you’ve got a friend...”
Hey, I know this song, I thought excitedly. But before I could sing along (bummer!), it faded to make way for this news flash:
Attention! Attention! There’s a Pink Squad by Gion Fountain… High-level players are currently being transformed into pink snowmen to assist newbies! Newbies may start to party up with them and get the chance to go to places they couldn’t get to yet...
Wow! A wish come true? An answered prayer? A gift from above? Or did I just buy me a fairy godmother? Hmmm… whatever the case, it doesn’t matter. But go, I did.
I hurried to the fountain and spotted one friendly pink snowman. Immediately, I went: click, ctrl + I… then whoosh! Amazingly enough, my body was attached to the pinkie. Three more gals joined us and then, not unlike the contestants in a Ms. Universe pageant, we proceeded to sashay around town. People watched and waved. We waved right back.
But there’s more. Partying with a pinkie does not only put you on the spotlight, more importantly, it helps you power up!
It was amazing how we were able to teleport to different places like Slime Maze and Moonglow where we practiced our fighting skills and crushed new monsters together. While traveling around, we bonded, did some quests and shared a few of the stuff that’s troubling us in Fairyland. Upon request by one of my party mates, we even visited Rainbow City and learned the ABCs of banking. I didn’t know partying this way could be such a blast!
What’s more, as I Cntrl Z’d to check my stats after, it wasn’t too bad either. Not only did I level up quickly, my TNL dropped, my skills improved, and I was back to being solvent! All these and I didn’t even have to do much but just follow my pink leader. Cool, huh?
I was having so much fun that for a time I forgot why I was so blue early that day. Apparently, no bad mood lasts for long in Fairyland. Especially when there’s a pinkie around to save the day!
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Fairy Tales
001 - A Fairy Tale
4/6/05
I confess – I've never been a fan of online games… more so RPGs. Ask me what computer game I know and it would make any respectable gamer fart. The way I see it, reality is strange enough… why complicate it with a new world -- and a virtual one at that?
But here I am – a 20-something female, practically on the gates of this new online game called Fairyland, believe it or not. But hey, at least this game won the recent Gamers' Choice Award for Best MMOG. How cool is that?
I'm not sure exactly how I landed here or why, but once upon a February day, I met Harry Potter.Really, it was almost surreal. Okay, okay, so what if he may be 20 years older? The glasses and the accent are still a dead giveaway. Up to now, I'm still not convinced he's not the real one.
Anyway, he invited me to journey into this whole new world (stop me before I sing) -- the land of the elves, dwarves and humans, where beastmasters charm, monsters kill, and pink snowmen help you find the way to…. hmmm, I'm not sure really, but let's just say somewhere good.
I don't know, perhaps it was the wild thought of seeing what Prince Charming looks like in the virtual world or meeting Red Riding Hood and the big bad wolf that tickled my fancy for the absurd. Or the fact that a whole new world (aaagh, stop me again before I sing) is always an adventure. But here I am, agreeing to work in a place dominated by people who assume characters in an alternate universe. How crazy is that?
Here, I am surrounded mostly by princes – some dwarves, some elves, and some irritatingly human… I find I'm fascinated by them all. Get this – they are actually being paid to play...and yeah, survive. Wow.
Have you ever experienced being time-warped? Yeah? Me, I haven't. But I imagine meeting these online gamers feels that way.
First there was this totally new language. Tell me honestly—how do you make sense of this blabber – HPs, MPs, party, PK (said with an oomph), GMs, and etc.? And oh – get this – they actually call those adorable looking in-game creatures “monsters”. Uh-huh.
And then, what do you make of dwarves, humans, and elves forming clans and getting more powerful in a matter of hours? Or getting killed and being reborn in a matter of seconds? Nuts. Cool.
Still, it took me some time to be convinced to join this universe. But when one times two times four times 10 players keep telling you how the game rocks, it starts you thinking. And then, the more you see people play (i.e. interact, work, kill, have fun, have a life in) the game, the more you consider it's possible… even real. Duplicate the experience daily as you work along and before you know it, you're sucked into the game. Besides, how else am I to survive a gamers' world if I don't become one myself?
And so, as I said, here I am, not in yet, but hovering by the gates of Fairyland thinking that perhaps, this is one detour in life worth not missing. And if true love (be it for the game or Prince Charming) waits by the end of the road, now that would be – as the British would say – just lovely, isn't it?
In Fairyland, they say, anything can happen.
002 - A Fairy Tale: New Beginnings
4/14/05
Given three wishes, would you reinvent yourself? Before you shake that head, imagine this: You are sporting a cool shining armor, blazing wings, and yeah, okay, even a golden halo– and traveling through an awed town as they cheer you on while you make mincemeat out of demons and dragons. Not bad, huh?
Some of us might be a geek, a star, a bum, or a cool dude in real life, but chances are part of us still dream to be that next famous superhero -- if not in this life, then maybe another one. Yes? So isn't it any wonder why so many people line up to create that supercool character in Fairyland?
In the virtual world, apparently, creating characters is as easy as a mouse click. But while having that much power could be a heady experience, I find it could be quite scary too. After all, one careless mouse click could spell the difference between surviving the game or not. But what's life without risks? So there I was – still as clueless as ever – lining up with the other superhero-wannabes, ahem, I mean newbies.
Step 1: Fill up registration form. Check.
Step 2: Go character shopping. Whoopee! I was transported into this dreamland where doll-like creatures appear at a mouse click. I remember thinking-- wait, I'm supposed to be one of them? Cute. But how do I stand out with more than one player looking like me? Where's my armor, my sword, my stuff?
You gotta earn them in the game, one veteran player, who I volunteered to be my guide, said. But first, before entering the gates, you decide who you want to be. Now, isn't this just the perennial question? I've been asking myself that in real life for some years now and still I haven't got a clue. And you expect me to answer that with just a few mouse clicks here? Get real.
My exasperated guide tells me: Stop whining and just pick a category. Even a five-year-old can do that. Ouch. Okay, okay, so this might be easier than I thought.
First, you pick your race. Well… the elves might be divine and the dwarves mighty, but still I find humans simply priceless, don't you think? Besides, being human is as real as you can get. So click: Human.
Next: Male or female? You mean I have a choice? Cool. But hide behind a male character? Nah. Why would I do that? Click: Female
And then, between Jack's Jill who came tumbling down the hill and the girl who flips her hair like crazy, who do I want to look like? No contest. Hair-flipping gal wins hands down. Click.
And then comes the best part—you get to change your hair, skin and suit color without paying a single cent! It's just like getting one of those famous makeovers on reality TV. Wow. So after picking a fiery color for my hair and a suit to match it, I was all set. Click: Accept. I was in.
What possible fate awaits this new character of mine? Will I be witch, villain, mage, warrior, princess, artist, beastmaster, or supergal? Who knows? Only time will tell in Fairyland.
003 - A Fairy Tale: The Classroom
4/22/05
There's no way around it… if you want to become a full-fledged Fairylander, you've got to go to school.
Do I hear clapping? Groaning? Snoring? Well, personally, I think it's cool. Just think – we're in good company. Even Jedi masters, great knights, wizards, and Harry Potter didn't escape the classroom either. Before they gained their full powers, they had to undergo some sort of training. So must we.
But the Fairyland classroom is not really all about powering up, magic and spells. You get to learn more of these later. The lessons here are more basic than that.
They're so basic that, in fact, some say the average kid can finish the courses in 10 minutes. Me-- I finished them in 15 minutes. Okay, okay, make that half an hour. More than. Jeez.
It's just that, contrary to what I expected, I found the school so fascinating.
You meet teachers from different walks of life— professor, mage, trader, young boy, warrior, soldier… you name it. Where else can you find all these intriguing people together in just one school? Only in Fairyland. And get this -- you get prizes just for paying attention. Kewl. To those who skipped classes, I pity you guys.
As I strolled down the school's red carpet going from one teacher to the next, somehow a picture of Dorothy skipping on the yellow brick road came to mind. Would Fairyland be like Oz? Like Dorothy, will I eventually want to click my heels three times and go home?
Then I stepped on the yellow carpet and found myself transported from one classroom to the next. This time, I thought of Aladdin and his magic carpet, of exploring new worlds and possibilities.
In Fairyland, you learn a lot of things. There are some you easily forget, and there are some you learn further in the game. But I believe, for a start, if you just remember these four things, you'll be okay.
1. A Fairylander listens through the feet. So if you want to talk to one, just right click on his or her feet, not the ears or eyes. I don't know why but that's just the way it is.
2. If you want to eat, don't try to bring the food to your mouth. You'll just get frustrated if you do. Just right click on the food and you'll be fine.
3. When you say “let's party” in Fairyland, it doesn't mean:
+ Let's celebrate with balloons, food, and cocktails
+ Let's get drunk till we drop, or
+ Let's go dancing till the sun rises.
Instead, to party in Fairyland means to attach your character (literally!) to another player (usually at a higher level than you are) so you can level up faster.
4. And finally: Hoof-hearted?! Go figure. In Fairyland, an expression speaks a thousand words.
004 - A Fairy Tale: Me, Myself, My Pet in Gion
5/7/05
Nope, it's not the tropical paradise one escapes to, to relax, frolic by the beach, have some sun, and maybe ogle some guys or gals.
Nor is it really the famed enchanted kingdom (paint: castles, gushing waterfalls, mystical rivers and forests, etc.) we've been dreaming of to visit to find Prince Charming or Sleeping Beauty.
Still, landing in Gion – the place of the human race located at the heart of Fairyland on the continent of Mysteria -- is far from being a disappointment.
As towns go, Gion is quite small for my taste, but it's definitely one of a kind. I went there half-expecting to be charmed… I was challenged instead. Kewl.
At a glance, Gion looked safe enough. What with its quaint houses, gentle people, and refreshing verdant scenery. But then, good thing the elderly village head Jeff warned me that the place is actually under attack by unknown beasts. Monsters prowl the land in different areas, trying to catch people off guard.
I was quite honored and thrilled to be asked by Jeff to help defend Gion. How could I refuse such a noble task?
Eagerly, I went to the underground chamber-- dangerous as it was -- to collect my weapon, leather jacket/armor, crystal ring, and what was to be my most valuable possession – a pet.
It wasn't as easy as I expected. I was fighting monsters all the way. Cute ones, weird ones, funny-looking ones – they come in all shapes and sizes. But with the help of my pet -- a water spider (who seems to be half my size and who looks and crawls like a VW to me) -- I survived them all.
My pet and I fast became friends after defeating those monsters. Jeff was quite pleased.
We left the town center and, for a while, chilled out at the tavern, went shopping at the store, and strolled by the fountain where we spotted a pink snowman swarmed by people. Hmmm, quite a celebrity -- autograph-signing perhaps?
My pet and I didn't bother to find out. We got distracted by Al who kept challenging us to look for the wild bull in the northwest of Gion.
All right. But we stepped into the healer's hut first to fill up our HP and MP. Best to be ready. With such a dangerous quest, no doubt the next battle is just around the corner.
Indeed, Gion may not be your typical trip to the park or a vacation. But it sure is an adventure.
005 - A Fairy Tale: Ode to a Swordsman
5/16/05
I met a noble swordsman
Somewhere north of Gion land
I stopped him by the hand
To ask: what is this Fairyland?
A lover’s dreamland, he tells
Where dwarves, elves and humans dwell
Where the wicked and monsters plot but fail
Or so goes the fairy tales
But I say…
I see a world under siege
Teeming with ferocious beasts
Seems like a dying land
I don’t like this Fairyland
Where is the magic
Where is the love
Where are the heroes
Sent from above
He says...
It is you; it is I
We have the power, let’s fight and keep the dream alive
Come with me, let’s help one another
I have faith in you and me together
But I say…
Our swords, potions, and skills
Are they enough to keep from being killed?
Why fight for a land that’s torn asunder
Let’s just flee and keep each other
But he says…
I will stay to fight for I’m believin’
That Fairyland’s a land worth livin’
Never mind that I keep dyin’
Whence reborn, I’ll find a happy ending
So off he goes where the brave dare not go
Or so the rumors tell us so
He weaves a tale of victory
Can’t help but be inspired with his story
For this love he has for Fairyland
Has made me see the magic at last
So now I fight for I’m believin’
That Fairyland’s a land worth livin’
Never mind that I keep dyin’
Whence reborn, I too will find a happy ending
Indeed, to work, to fight, to live for another
In Fairyland is a quest like no other
Only in love we get to find
And keep the magic alive.
4/6/05
I confess – I've never been a fan of online games… more so RPGs. Ask me what computer game I know and it would make any respectable gamer fart. The way I see it, reality is strange enough… why complicate it with a new world -- and a virtual one at that?
But here I am – a 20-something female, practically on the gates of this new online game called Fairyland, believe it or not. But hey, at least this game won the recent Gamers' Choice Award for Best MMOG. How cool is that?
I'm not sure exactly how I landed here or why, but once upon a February day, I met Harry Potter.Really, it was almost surreal. Okay, okay, so what if he may be 20 years older? The glasses and the accent are still a dead giveaway. Up to now, I'm still not convinced he's not the real one.
Anyway, he invited me to journey into this whole new world (stop me before I sing) -- the land of the elves, dwarves and humans, where beastmasters charm, monsters kill, and pink snowmen help you find the way to…. hmmm, I'm not sure really, but let's just say somewhere good.
I don't know, perhaps it was the wild thought of seeing what Prince Charming looks like in the virtual world or meeting Red Riding Hood and the big bad wolf that tickled my fancy for the absurd. Or the fact that a whole new world (aaagh, stop me again before I sing) is always an adventure. But here I am, agreeing to work in a place dominated by people who assume characters in an alternate universe. How crazy is that?
Here, I am surrounded mostly by princes – some dwarves, some elves, and some irritatingly human… I find I'm fascinated by them all. Get this – they are actually being paid to play...and yeah, survive. Wow.
Have you ever experienced being time-warped? Yeah? Me, I haven't. But I imagine meeting these online gamers feels that way.
First there was this totally new language. Tell me honestly—how do you make sense of this blabber – HPs, MPs, party, PK (said with an oomph), GMs, and etc.? And oh – get this – they actually call those adorable looking in-game creatures “monsters”. Uh-huh.
And then, what do you make of dwarves, humans, and elves forming clans and getting more powerful in a matter of hours? Or getting killed and being reborn in a matter of seconds? Nuts. Cool.
Still, it took me some time to be convinced to join this universe. But when one times two times four times 10 players keep telling you how the game rocks, it starts you thinking. And then, the more you see people play (i.e. interact, work, kill, have fun, have a life in) the game, the more you consider it's possible… even real. Duplicate the experience daily as you work along and before you know it, you're sucked into the game. Besides, how else am I to survive a gamers' world if I don't become one myself?
And so, as I said, here I am, not in yet, but hovering by the gates of Fairyland thinking that perhaps, this is one detour in life worth not missing. And if true love (be it for the game or Prince Charming) waits by the end of the road, now that would be – as the British would say – just lovely, isn't it?
In Fairyland, they say, anything can happen.
002 - A Fairy Tale: New Beginnings
4/14/05
Given three wishes, would you reinvent yourself? Before you shake that head, imagine this: You are sporting a cool shining armor, blazing wings, and yeah, okay, even a golden halo– and traveling through an awed town as they cheer you on while you make mincemeat out of demons and dragons. Not bad, huh?
Some of us might be a geek, a star, a bum, or a cool dude in real life, but chances are part of us still dream to be that next famous superhero -- if not in this life, then maybe another one. Yes? So isn't it any wonder why so many people line up to create that supercool character in Fairyland?
In the virtual world, apparently, creating characters is as easy as a mouse click. But while having that much power could be a heady experience, I find it could be quite scary too. After all, one careless mouse click could spell the difference between surviving the game or not. But what's life without risks? So there I was – still as clueless as ever – lining up with the other superhero-wannabes, ahem, I mean newbies.
Step 1: Fill up registration form. Check.
Step 2: Go character shopping. Whoopee! I was transported into this dreamland where doll-like creatures appear at a mouse click. I remember thinking-- wait, I'm supposed to be one of them? Cute. But how do I stand out with more than one player looking like me? Where's my armor, my sword, my stuff?
You gotta earn them in the game, one veteran player, who I volunteered to be my guide, said. But first, before entering the gates, you decide who you want to be. Now, isn't this just the perennial question? I've been asking myself that in real life for some years now and still I haven't got a clue. And you expect me to answer that with just a few mouse clicks here? Get real.
My exasperated guide tells me: Stop whining and just pick a category. Even a five-year-old can do that. Ouch. Okay, okay, so this might be easier than I thought.
First, you pick your race. Well… the elves might be divine and the dwarves mighty, but still I find humans simply priceless, don't you think? Besides, being human is as real as you can get. So click: Human.
Next: Male or female? You mean I have a choice? Cool. But hide behind a male character? Nah. Why would I do that? Click: Female
And then, between Jack's Jill who came tumbling down the hill and the girl who flips her hair like crazy, who do I want to look like? No contest. Hair-flipping gal wins hands down. Click.
And then comes the best part—you get to change your hair, skin and suit color without paying a single cent! It's just like getting one of those famous makeovers on reality TV. Wow. So after picking a fiery color for my hair and a suit to match it, I was all set. Click: Accept. I was in.
What possible fate awaits this new character of mine? Will I be witch, villain, mage, warrior, princess, artist, beastmaster, or supergal? Who knows? Only time will tell in Fairyland.
003 - A Fairy Tale: The Classroom
4/22/05
There's no way around it… if you want to become a full-fledged Fairylander, you've got to go to school.
Do I hear clapping? Groaning? Snoring? Well, personally, I think it's cool. Just think – we're in good company. Even Jedi masters, great knights, wizards, and Harry Potter didn't escape the classroom either. Before they gained their full powers, they had to undergo some sort of training. So must we.
But the Fairyland classroom is not really all about powering up, magic and spells. You get to learn more of these later. The lessons here are more basic than that.
They're so basic that, in fact, some say the average kid can finish the courses in 10 minutes. Me-- I finished them in 15 minutes. Okay, okay, make that half an hour. More than. Jeez.
It's just that, contrary to what I expected, I found the school so fascinating.
You meet teachers from different walks of life— professor, mage, trader, young boy, warrior, soldier… you name it. Where else can you find all these intriguing people together in just one school? Only in Fairyland. And get this -- you get prizes just for paying attention. Kewl. To those who skipped classes, I pity you guys.
As I strolled down the school's red carpet going from one teacher to the next, somehow a picture of Dorothy skipping on the yellow brick road came to mind. Would Fairyland be like Oz? Like Dorothy, will I eventually want to click my heels three times and go home?
Then I stepped on the yellow carpet and found myself transported from one classroom to the next. This time, I thought of Aladdin and his magic carpet, of exploring new worlds and possibilities.
In Fairyland, you learn a lot of things. There are some you easily forget, and there are some you learn further in the game. But I believe, for a start, if you just remember these four things, you'll be okay.
1. A Fairylander listens through the feet. So if you want to talk to one, just right click on his or her feet, not the ears or eyes. I don't know why but that's just the way it is.
2. If you want to eat, don't try to bring the food to your mouth. You'll just get frustrated if you do. Just right click on the food and you'll be fine.
3. When you say “let's party” in Fairyland, it doesn't mean:
+ Let's celebrate with balloons, food, and cocktails
+ Let's get drunk till we drop, or
+ Let's go dancing till the sun rises.
Instead, to party in Fairyland means to attach your character (literally!) to another player (usually at a higher level than you are) so you can level up faster.
4. And finally: Hoof-hearted?! Go figure. In Fairyland, an expression speaks a thousand words.
004 - A Fairy Tale: Me, Myself, My Pet in Gion
5/7/05
Nope, it's not the tropical paradise one escapes to, to relax, frolic by the beach, have some sun, and maybe ogle some guys or gals.
Nor is it really the famed enchanted kingdom (paint: castles, gushing waterfalls, mystical rivers and forests, etc.) we've been dreaming of to visit to find Prince Charming or Sleeping Beauty.
Still, landing in Gion – the place of the human race located at the heart of Fairyland on the continent of Mysteria -- is far from being a disappointment.
As towns go, Gion is quite small for my taste, but it's definitely one of a kind. I went there half-expecting to be charmed… I was challenged instead. Kewl.
At a glance, Gion looked safe enough. What with its quaint houses, gentle people, and refreshing verdant scenery. But then, good thing the elderly village head Jeff warned me that the place is actually under attack by unknown beasts. Monsters prowl the land in different areas, trying to catch people off guard.
I was quite honored and thrilled to be asked by Jeff to help defend Gion. How could I refuse such a noble task?
Eagerly, I went to the underground chamber-- dangerous as it was -- to collect my weapon, leather jacket/armor, crystal ring, and what was to be my most valuable possession – a pet.
It wasn't as easy as I expected. I was fighting monsters all the way. Cute ones, weird ones, funny-looking ones – they come in all shapes and sizes. But with the help of my pet -- a water spider (who seems to be half my size and who looks and crawls like a VW to me) -- I survived them all.
My pet and I fast became friends after defeating those monsters. Jeff was quite pleased.
We left the town center and, for a while, chilled out at the tavern, went shopping at the store, and strolled by the fountain where we spotted a pink snowman swarmed by people. Hmmm, quite a celebrity -- autograph-signing perhaps?
My pet and I didn't bother to find out. We got distracted by Al who kept challenging us to look for the wild bull in the northwest of Gion.
All right. But we stepped into the healer's hut first to fill up our HP and MP. Best to be ready. With such a dangerous quest, no doubt the next battle is just around the corner.
Indeed, Gion may not be your typical trip to the park or a vacation. But it sure is an adventure.
005 - A Fairy Tale: Ode to a Swordsman
5/16/05
I met a noble swordsman
Somewhere north of Gion land
I stopped him by the hand
To ask: what is this Fairyland?
A lover’s dreamland, he tells
Where dwarves, elves and humans dwell
Where the wicked and monsters plot but fail
Or so goes the fairy tales
But I say…
I see a world under siege
Teeming with ferocious beasts
Seems like a dying land
I don’t like this Fairyland
Where is the magic
Where is the love
Where are the heroes
Sent from above
He says...
It is you; it is I
We have the power, let’s fight and keep the dream alive
Come with me, let’s help one another
I have faith in you and me together
But I say…
Our swords, potions, and skills
Are they enough to keep from being killed?
Why fight for a land that’s torn asunder
Let’s just flee and keep each other
But he says…
I will stay to fight for I’m believin’
That Fairyland’s a land worth livin’
Never mind that I keep dyin’
Whence reborn, I’ll find a happy ending
So off he goes where the brave dare not go
Or so the rumors tell us so
He weaves a tale of victory
Can’t help but be inspired with his story
For this love he has for Fairyland
Has made me see the magic at last
So now I fight for I’m believin’
That Fairyland’s a land worth livin’
Never mind that I keep dyin’
Whence reborn, I too will find a happy ending
Indeed, to work, to fight, to live for another
In Fairyland is a quest like no other
Only in love we get to find
And keep the magic alive.
Monday, March 28, 2005
FL Recess
Holy week provided such a welcome respite. For the first time in a long while, I opted not to go anywhere. Now, I’m feeling quite smug for catching the city off guard in a rare moment of quietness. Watching the bare streets stretch to sleep in the fading twilight move my heart like no lover has yet.
I miss brooding. I miss the way a cup of coffee would taste like after some minutes of being ignored while the mind wanders. I miss the feel of a face unburdened by aching cheeks from smiling too much lately. I miss the stillness of the midnight hour. I miss that part of me that I know too well.
Is it because I feel myself changing? Or is it realizing that despite the change, some questions remain the same?
It’s been more than a month of catching and living the blur of the Fairyland train. I’ve done things I didn’t know I could, traveled to cities I thought I wouldn’t go back to for a while, and met and befriended people who assume characters in an alternate universe.
I must say that exploring this new world for a short while has made me see more things about me than I thought existed.
For one, working in a boys’ town led by Harry Potter, I didn’t now I could learn to appreciate the world of games and sports. I discovered it’s possible to spend a day rock climbing and rope sliding in Busay even after a series of sleepless days and nights. Or that it’s also possible to work hard the next day even with your butt aching and your skin smiling with bruises. You even realize that some things, like skydiving, are not so farfetched after all.
And I’ve discovered there is one more way to keep sane in a crazy town: Work hard by day then party harder by night. I’ve learned that sometimes, you need not think too hard. Spontaneity could lead to the best results. Most things are best done, not tomorrow, not next week, but now.
It’s been a really fast ride since working for Harry Potter. He’s not one to waste a moment. It’s fun and exhausting at the same time. You tend to forget about time and stops. But now that the holiday has paused the train, I can’t help but glance at the window once more … only to realize that the world outside is no longer the same for me.
I feel myself becoming a stranger to my own goals and destination. It scares me.
Where am I headed? Where do I want to go? Do I get off the train or heed Harry Potter’s call to continue and explore more of this new world?
Why is it that even after all those changes, all those places, and all those people who help reshape who you are… you find that you’re as clueless as ever? I’m haunted by the same old questions still.
Maybe it’s time to take a page out of Harry Potter’s book … to simply let go, flow and experience the moment. One more fun ride on the merry-go-round and maybe the world will shift as it’s meant to. And if I fall along the way, I just pray I’d still find the courage in me to believe, spread my wings, and fly.
I miss brooding. I miss the way a cup of coffee would taste like after some minutes of being ignored while the mind wanders. I miss the feel of a face unburdened by aching cheeks from smiling too much lately. I miss the stillness of the midnight hour. I miss that part of me that I know too well.
Is it because I feel myself changing? Or is it realizing that despite the change, some questions remain the same?
It’s been more than a month of catching and living the blur of the Fairyland train. I’ve done things I didn’t know I could, traveled to cities I thought I wouldn’t go back to for a while, and met and befriended people who assume characters in an alternate universe.
I must say that exploring this new world for a short while has made me see more things about me than I thought existed.
For one, working in a boys’ town led by Harry Potter, I didn’t now I could learn to appreciate the world of games and sports. I discovered it’s possible to spend a day rock climbing and rope sliding in Busay even after a series of sleepless days and nights. Or that it’s also possible to work hard the next day even with your butt aching and your skin smiling with bruises. You even realize that some things, like skydiving, are not so farfetched after all.
And I’ve discovered there is one more way to keep sane in a crazy town: Work hard by day then party harder by night. I’ve learned that sometimes, you need not think too hard. Spontaneity could lead to the best results. Most things are best done, not tomorrow, not next week, but now.
It’s been a really fast ride since working for Harry Potter. He’s not one to waste a moment. It’s fun and exhausting at the same time. You tend to forget about time and stops. But now that the holiday has paused the train, I can’t help but glance at the window once more … only to realize that the world outside is no longer the same for me.
I feel myself becoming a stranger to my own goals and destination. It scares me.
Where am I headed? Where do I want to go? Do I get off the train or heed Harry Potter’s call to continue and explore more of this new world?
Why is it that even after all those changes, all those places, and all those people who help reshape who you are… you find that you’re as clueless as ever? I’m haunted by the same old questions still.
Maybe it’s time to take a page out of Harry Potter’s book … to simply let go, flow and experience the moment. One more fun ride on the merry-go-round and maybe the world will shift as it’s meant to. And if I fall along the way, I just pray I’d still find the courage in me to believe, spread my wings, and fly.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Fairyland
Hi guys! Miss me? I miss you more.
My life’s been crazier than usual the past few weeks so forgive me if I’ve been dense, a snob, invisible, or whatever lately. And no, it’s not because of a man (at least not yet ;p) but something else entirely – FairyLand.
Yep, I am currently journeying into a whole new world (stop me before I sing) -- the land of the elves, dwarves and humans, where beastmasters charm, monsters kill, and pink snowmen help you find the way to…. hmmm, I’m not sure really, but let’s just say somewhere good. If you don’t believe me, just go to www.fairyland.com.ph and you’ll get a clearer picture of what I’m talking about.
I don’t know exactly how I landed here or why, but once upon a February day, an old friend just asked for my resume, and before I knew it, I was talking to Harry Potter about a two-month marketing project. Really, it was almost surreal. Okay, okay, so what if he may be 15 years older? The glasses and the accent are still a dead giveaway. Up to now, I’m still not convinced he’s not the real one.
I hated to say goodbye to my bumming days but I figured that after about 6 months, a job landing out of nowhere is the universe’s way of gently kicking my ass and telling me to start contributing to society once more. What’s two months anyway? Besides, a whole new world (aaagh, stop me again before I sing) is always an adventure.
So here I am, planning and executing wild and not-so-wild ideas with Harry Potter. I haven’t really marketed anything since The Little Prince, but I find that like most things, it’s all just a matter of having an open mind, plenty of imagination, a bit of strategy, and a driving passion to see you through.
Right now, we’re doing the Fairyland Fantasy Tour in Cebu, Dumaguete, Cagayan, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, and who knows where else Harry Potter’s mind takes us. Most of the time it’s a blast. But all these also make me so busy that sometimes I wonder if I’m going nuts. There are times when I think that if I visit one more net café or charm one more person or book another ticket or schedule one more event, I’d puke. But then, there are moments, during late nights, when I look up and find a full moon to remind me that some things remain beautiful no matter how crazy life gets. So I’ve learned to swallow the good things with the bad for I realize that it’s the fusion of both that makes the experience real.
I confess-- I’ve never been a fan of online games. And perhaps, the only computer games I know would make any respectable gamer fart. But hey, I’ve always been a sucker for the absurd and for the past few weeks, I’ve developed a certain fondness and wonder for Fairyland. After all, it won the recent Gamers’ Choice Award for Best MMOG. How cool is that?
And there’s more.
In Fairyland, I find that people are actually being paid to play.
Here, the job might be crazy, but at least I’m not required to wake up early.
Here, I’m being taught how to play and survive.
And, at the risk of sounding like one of our press releases, Fairyland is a great way to make friends. In fact we’re now in Friendster. If you have time, I invite all of you to kindly add friends@fairyland.com.ph to your friends’ list.
Here, I am surrounded by princes – some dwarves, some elves, and some irritatingly human… I’m fascinated by them all. I’m enchanted by one prince in particular. Much to my dismay, though, I discovered that like all the others, he’s also younger than I am. Sigh. What are the chances? Is there ever an end to this curse? Well, at least, he’s not 19.
Yeah, considering all things, I feel blessed and grateful that this is one detour in my life I didn’t miss. And if true love waits by the end of the road, now that would be – as the British would say – just lovely, isn’t it?
In Fairyland, anything could happen.
My life’s been crazier than usual the past few weeks so forgive me if I’ve been dense, a snob, invisible, or whatever lately. And no, it’s not because of a man (at least not yet ;p) but something else entirely – FairyLand.
Yep, I am currently journeying into a whole new world (stop me before I sing) -- the land of the elves, dwarves and humans, where beastmasters charm, monsters kill, and pink snowmen help you find the way to…. hmmm, I’m not sure really, but let’s just say somewhere good. If you don’t believe me, just go to www.fairyland.com.ph and you’ll get a clearer picture of what I’m talking about.
I don’t know exactly how I landed here or why, but once upon a February day, an old friend just asked for my resume, and before I knew it, I was talking to Harry Potter about a two-month marketing project. Really, it was almost surreal. Okay, okay, so what if he may be 15 years older? The glasses and the accent are still a dead giveaway. Up to now, I’m still not convinced he’s not the real one.
I hated to say goodbye to my bumming days but I figured that after about 6 months, a job landing out of nowhere is the universe’s way of gently kicking my ass and telling me to start contributing to society once more. What’s two months anyway? Besides, a whole new world (aaagh, stop me again before I sing) is always an adventure.
So here I am, planning and executing wild and not-so-wild ideas with Harry Potter. I haven’t really marketed anything since The Little Prince, but I find that like most things, it’s all just a matter of having an open mind, plenty of imagination, a bit of strategy, and a driving passion to see you through.
Right now, we’re doing the Fairyland Fantasy Tour in Cebu, Dumaguete, Cagayan, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, and who knows where else Harry Potter’s mind takes us. Most of the time it’s a blast. But all these also make me so busy that sometimes I wonder if I’m going nuts. There are times when I think that if I visit one more net café or charm one more person or book another ticket or schedule one more event, I’d puke. But then, there are moments, during late nights, when I look up and find a full moon to remind me that some things remain beautiful no matter how crazy life gets. So I’ve learned to swallow the good things with the bad for I realize that it’s the fusion of both that makes the experience real.
I confess-- I’ve never been a fan of online games. And perhaps, the only computer games I know would make any respectable gamer fart. But hey, I’ve always been a sucker for the absurd and for the past few weeks, I’ve developed a certain fondness and wonder for Fairyland. After all, it won the recent Gamers’ Choice Award for Best MMOG. How cool is that?
And there’s more.
In Fairyland, I find that people are actually being paid to play.
Here, the job might be crazy, but at least I’m not required to wake up early.
Here, I’m being taught how to play and survive.
And, at the risk of sounding like one of our press releases, Fairyland is a great way to make friends. In fact we’re now in Friendster. If you have time, I invite all of you to kindly add friends@fairyland.com.ph to your friends’ list.
Here, I am surrounded by princes – some dwarves, some elves, and some irritatingly human… I’m fascinated by them all. I’m enchanted by one prince in particular. Much to my dismay, though, I discovered that like all the others, he’s also younger than I am. Sigh. What are the chances? Is there ever an end to this curse? Well, at least, he’s not 19.
Yeah, considering all things, I feel blessed and grateful that this is one detour in my life I didn’t miss. And if true love waits by the end of the road, now that would be – as the British would say – just lovely, isn’t it?
In Fairyland, anything could happen.
Friday, January 28, 2005
Peeling Banana Yoshimoto
The first time I encountered Banana Yoshimoto through her book, NP, I thought she was simply weird.
Now, after two years and 366 pages of Amrita – her lengthiest novel I assume, I find with some amusement her weirdness gradually seeping under my skin. Now, she’s no longer weird, just different.
It’s like meeting an old classmate who you hastily branded as a freak before just because he wore thick glasses and suspenders. And then, about seven years later, you meet at an office or something, and your work forces you to spend more time with each other.
You discover there’s more to him than thick glasses and suspenders. You explore other sides of him and find something disturbingly familiar. He echoes something in your own soul. For an instant, it makes you wonder if you’re a freak as well. But this time, you understand him. You realize that underneath it all, you’re woven from the same thread. And then, before you know it, just as children who’ve learned to play a game together, you become friends.
I imagine bumping into Banana Yoshimoto at a coffee shop. We probably wouldn’t stay long. I’d be itching to take her someplace where the air is clear and the colors are calm, just like at a beach maybe.
You see, reading Banana Yoshimoto is somehow like swimming in the great blue sea.
You float in a sea of emotions, aware that there is a certain depth that allows you to do so. Buoyed by the water, everything is in slow motion. You begin to entertain thoughts that, on land, are easily drowned out by city noise. Thoughts flow one after the other, seemingly disorganized, at random, but all connected somehow.
In the water, the song is different. The silence, the crashing waves, or the gentle splash of the sea makes its own musical genre. Even the sky is a different blue from when you’re on land.
You float and bask in the sensation of water lapping against your skin. You love it. You realize that the experience is lost when you rush, so it’s best done on a lazy afternoon or early morning.
When you think about it, there’s a bit of irony in the saltiness of the water and the sweetness of the air, yet it makes sense somehow. Once in a while, a fish, a seaweed, or seashell jars you to a biting reality.
You get used to bobbing in the water so much that you hate to go. But as you turn the last page, you return to dry land once more.
And then, just as the sun licks the last few droplets of seawater on your skin, it all becomes only a distant memory. Looking back at the sea, you’re never sure exactly what happened.
Only the sensation of something beautiful remains.
Now, after two years and 366 pages of Amrita – her lengthiest novel I assume, I find with some amusement her weirdness gradually seeping under my skin. Now, she’s no longer weird, just different.
It’s like meeting an old classmate who you hastily branded as a freak before just because he wore thick glasses and suspenders. And then, about seven years later, you meet at an office or something, and your work forces you to spend more time with each other.
You discover there’s more to him than thick glasses and suspenders. You explore other sides of him and find something disturbingly familiar. He echoes something in your own soul. For an instant, it makes you wonder if you’re a freak as well. But this time, you understand him. You realize that underneath it all, you’re woven from the same thread. And then, before you know it, just as children who’ve learned to play a game together, you become friends.
I imagine bumping into Banana Yoshimoto at a coffee shop. We probably wouldn’t stay long. I’d be itching to take her someplace where the air is clear and the colors are calm, just like at a beach maybe.
You see, reading Banana Yoshimoto is somehow like swimming in the great blue sea.
You float in a sea of emotions, aware that there is a certain depth that allows you to do so. Buoyed by the water, everything is in slow motion. You begin to entertain thoughts that, on land, are easily drowned out by city noise. Thoughts flow one after the other, seemingly disorganized, at random, but all connected somehow.
In the water, the song is different. The silence, the crashing waves, or the gentle splash of the sea makes its own musical genre. Even the sky is a different blue from when you’re on land.
You float and bask in the sensation of water lapping against your skin. You love it. You realize that the experience is lost when you rush, so it’s best done on a lazy afternoon or early morning.
When you think about it, there’s a bit of irony in the saltiness of the water and the sweetness of the air, yet it makes sense somehow. Once in a while, a fish, a seaweed, or seashell jars you to a biting reality.
You get used to bobbing in the water so much that you hate to go. But as you turn the last page, you return to dry land once more.
And then, just as the sun licks the last few droplets of seawater on your skin, it all becomes only a distant memory. Looking back at the sea, you’re never sure exactly what happened.
Only the sensation of something beautiful remains.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Wine O’ Whine
On a free night, with the air still warm from bodies left over a week after the jam packed Sinulog grand festival, four friends huddle in the cold comfort of the dimly-lit Wineshop.
One is rugged, one casual, another in a dress, and still another scantily clad. One is a guy, one female bisexual, and the two straight gals. Their outlooks and their intangible baggage are as varied as the drinks at the bar. But they’ve been friends a long time and though sometimes they don’t hear each other, they speak the same language.
Their fresh young faces accented with loud voices draw the eye of some regular patrons who, numbed with wine, are tolerant but curious.
An old white man rudely stares from the bar, half-listening to his barely dressed companion. A brown finger a couple of tables away taps a neighbor and points to the skinniest and loudest of the four.
She is C. And because it’s her 27th birthday, she gets to choose the color of wine. It’s white, this time.
The almost empty bottle of Don Barroso lies chilled in a bucket of melted ice. As the glasses meet and clink for the nth time, they become more and more oblivious to anyone but themselves.
C: (half-drunk and half-out of her chair) Hear, hear! Let’s raise our glasses. I propose a toast … a toast to…to… what do we toast to?
B: Love!
(Three pairs of eyes turn to glare at him)
D: Get that sappy grin off your face. You make me sick.
B: Look who’s jealous! Can I help it if I’ve found a girl? Now, after a long time, I’ve finally ---
A: Hurry up, C, my arm’s aching.
C: To friendship, then.
(Three tongues say, “Again?!!”)
C: (glares) Can you think of a better one?
(Their eyes roll but they clink their glasses anyway)
D: Listen, what do I do now? Who do I choose? I love the boy, but I can’t dump the girl either.
C: Shyeeett. It’s 10 PM and he still hasn’t greeted me.
A: (flipping through a mag) So you call and tell him to greet you.
C: Are you out of your mind? I can’t do that. It’s over between us. He’s got another girl now (sobs)
D: (Reaches for C’s cell phone) Give me that.
C: What are you doing?
D: Texting him. (C lunges for her) Aww, easy there. Haven’t sent it yet. If you don’t want to take action, then nothing’s ever going to happen. Stop whining about it. Can we focus on me now please?
A: (lifts the magazine) Look, cool heels, huh? I’m gonna buy one tomorrow.
D: (wails) You’re not paying attention.
A: What? I heard you. I just don’t like your problem. You’re whining about two lovers when I’m batting zero now.
D: Is it my fault you prefer long-distance flings? So what, you’re not gonna help me anymore?
A: Look, isn’t that the same issue we’ve been talking about since three years ago? Can you imagine how many cups of coffee we’ve consumed over that already? Now, we’ve shifted drinks and still that? Puhleezz, make up your mind already and stick to it. (glances at the bucket beside C) Is there more wine?
C: (pours wine) I hate him. After all we’ve been through, he can’t even greet me on my birthday? The asshole. I’m gonna forget about him. Mark my words. I’m deleting his number right now. (deletes number) There.
D: Yeah, yeah, yeah
A: As if you haven’t memorized it yet.
(A & D laughs)
C: Here’s an answer to your question, D—stick to the girl. Men are scum.
D: What do you think, B? I need your expert male opinion. B? B? Earth to B!
C: You still texting her? You’ve been at it for an hour already.
D: Don’t you know it’s rude to talk to another girl when you’ve got three lovely ladies in front of you? (Bats her eyelash)
B: Yeah, right. Listen, she’s at the Village.
C: So you’re going?
B: Of course not.
A: What do you mean, ‘of course, not’? You like her don’t you? She’s out there. It’s your chance to make your move. Go!
B: It’s too early at this stage. I don’t want her to think I’m following her.
(Three girls roll their eyes)
A: I don’t understand men. You and your silly ideas. Ugh!
D: If I were you, I wouldn’t be here just texting her. I’d be out there talking to her right now.
C: Yeah. And while you’re at it, some flowers would be a nice touch.
A: Flowers are nice, but chocolates are even better. How about both? And then a restaurant, maybe, nothing fancy, mind you, but some place quiet –
C: Yeah, and—
B: Wait, wait, wait, who’s courting her? Me, or you?
A: (giggles) Us.
(The phone beeps)
C: (shrieks) It’s him, it’s him! (A & D shriek as well) My gosh, he actually texted! Do I text him back? What do I do? What do I do?
A: Cool it. Text him back.
C: What do I say?
D: Thanks or whatever…
A: How about: Thanks for remembering
C: Yes! Wait – do I text that with a period or ellipses?
B: Period
A: Ellipses
B: No, period.
A: No, ellipses.
B: You’re making it sound like there’s more to say when you’re just saying ‘Thanks’
A: Isn’t that the point?
B: I stick with period. Be done with it and move on.
D: You have a point there. But that’s not what C wants. You go crazy when you deny yourself. Keep him dangling. Go with ellipses, C.
C: Outvoted, B. Ellipses it is. Message sent.
Fifteen minutes later…
C: (wails) Why doesn’t he answer? Aaarggh
B: (reading his l8est msg) I think she’s getting tired. I better end it now.
D: Tell her “sweet dreams”
A: And don’t forget the (hic) tic… (hic) tic… keeerrrr.
(Everybody laughs)
B: Okay, “Take care” sent.
A: Hic! Is there more wine? Can we order the red one now please?
C: Uuulk! I think I’m gonna puke. I need to go to the restroom. (rushes to the restroom)
D: (calls after her) You need help?
(C shakes her head. D signals the waiter instead. The waiter approaches but the old white guy beats him to the table)
OWG: Hi, can I buy you a drink? May I get your number?
D: (drawls) Sorry, honey, but I’m in the mood for a woman right now.
OWG: (turns to A) How about you, sweetie?
B: Look, man, the girls are not interested.
OWG: I’m not asking you.
B: Don’t be rude. Go back to the bar.
OWG: Your loss, sugar. (swaggers off)
A: (sighs) Why couldn’t he be tall, dashing, and 20 years younger? Now, he’s totally ruined my appetite.
B: It’s time to go.
(B asks waiter for the bill. C arrives)
C: I wrecked the Ladies’ Room. Don’t go there.
D: What! Yuuuck
A: It’s time to go anyway.
(Waiter brings the bill)
C: What! We're leaving? Nooo, he hasn’t texted me back yet.
B: Face it, girl, he never will.
So they left, none the wiser. But talks like this, my dear friends, is the reason I think wine tastes as it does.
One is rugged, one casual, another in a dress, and still another scantily clad. One is a guy, one female bisexual, and the two straight gals. Their outlooks and their intangible baggage are as varied as the drinks at the bar. But they’ve been friends a long time and though sometimes they don’t hear each other, they speak the same language.
Their fresh young faces accented with loud voices draw the eye of some regular patrons who, numbed with wine, are tolerant but curious.
An old white man rudely stares from the bar, half-listening to his barely dressed companion. A brown finger a couple of tables away taps a neighbor and points to the skinniest and loudest of the four.
She is C. And because it’s her 27th birthday, she gets to choose the color of wine. It’s white, this time.
The almost empty bottle of Don Barroso lies chilled in a bucket of melted ice. As the glasses meet and clink for the nth time, they become more and more oblivious to anyone but themselves.
C: (half-drunk and half-out of her chair) Hear, hear! Let’s raise our glasses. I propose a toast … a toast to…to… what do we toast to?
B: Love!
(Three pairs of eyes turn to glare at him)
D: Get that sappy grin off your face. You make me sick.
B: Look who’s jealous! Can I help it if I’ve found a girl? Now, after a long time, I’ve finally ---
A: Hurry up, C, my arm’s aching.
C: To friendship, then.
(Three tongues say, “Again?!!”)
C: (glares) Can you think of a better one?
(Their eyes roll but they clink their glasses anyway)
D: Listen, what do I do now? Who do I choose? I love the boy, but I can’t dump the girl either.
C: Shyeeett. It’s 10 PM and he still hasn’t greeted me.
A: (flipping through a mag) So you call and tell him to greet you.
C: Are you out of your mind? I can’t do that. It’s over between us. He’s got another girl now (sobs)
D: (Reaches for C’s cell phone) Give me that.
C: What are you doing?
D: Texting him. (C lunges for her) Aww, easy there. Haven’t sent it yet. If you don’t want to take action, then nothing’s ever going to happen. Stop whining about it. Can we focus on me now please?
A: (lifts the magazine) Look, cool heels, huh? I’m gonna buy one tomorrow.
D: (wails) You’re not paying attention.
A: What? I heard you. I just don’t like your problem. You’re whining about two lovers when I’m batting zero now.
D: Is it my fault you prefer long-distance flings? So what, you’re not gonna help me anymore?
A: Look, isn’t that the same issue we’ve been talking about since three years ago? Can you imagine how many cups of coffee we’ve consumed over that already? Now, we’ve shifted drinks and still that? Puhleezz, make up your mind already and stick to it. (glances at the bucket beside C) Is there more wine?
C: (pours wine) I hate him. After all we’ve been through, he can’t even greet me on my birthday? The asshole. I’m gonna forget about him. Mark my words. I’m deleting his number right now. (deletes number) There.
D: Yeah, yeah, yeah
A: As if you haven’t memorized it yet.
(A & D laughs)
C: Here’s an answer to your question, D—stick to the girl. Men are scum.
D: What do you think, B? I need your expert male opinion. B? B? Earth to B!
C: You still texting her? You’ve been at it for an hour already.
D: Don’t you know it’s rude to talk to another girl when you’ve got three lovely ladies in front of you? (Bats her eyelash)
B: Yeah, right. Listen, she’s at the Village.
C: So you’re going?
B: Of course not.
A: What do you mean, ‘of course, not’? You like her don’t you? She’s out there. It’s your chance to make your move. Go!
B: It’s too early at this stage. I don’t want her to think I’m following her.
(Three girls roll their eyes)
A: I don’t understand men. You and your silly ideas. Ugh!
D: If I were you, I wouldn’t be here just texting her. I’d be out there talking to her right now.
C: Yeah. And while you’re at it, some flowers would be a nice touch.
A: Flowers are nice, but chocolates are even better. How about both? And then a restaurant, maybe, nothing fancy, mind you, but some place quiet –
C: Yeah, and—
B: Wait, wait, wait, who’s courting her? Me, or you?
A: (giggles) Us.
(The phone beeps)
C: (shrieks) It’s him, it’s him! (A & D shriek as well) My gosh, he actually texted! Do I text him back? What do I do? What do I do?
A: Cool it. Text him back.
C: What do I say?
D: Thanks or whatever…
A: How about: Thanks for remembering
C: Yes! Wait – do I text that with a period or ellipses?
B: Period
A: Ellipses
B: No, period.
A: No, ellipses.
B: You’re making it sound like there’s more to say when you’re just saying ‘Thanks’
A: Isn’t that the point?
B: I stick with period. Be done with it and move on.
D: You have a point there. But that’s not what C wants. You go crazy when you deny yourself. Keep him dangling. Go with ellipses, C.
C: Outvoted, B. Ellipses it is. Message sent.
Fifteen minutes later…
C: (wails) Why doesn’t he answer? Aaarggh
B: (reading his l8est msg) I think she’s getting tired. I better end it now.
D: Tell her “sweet dreams”
A: And don’t forget the (hic) tic… (hic) tic… keeerrrr.
(Everybody laughs)
B: Okay, “Take care” sent.
A: Hic! Is there more wine? Can we order the red one now please?
C: Uuulk! I think I’m gonna puke. I need to go to the restroom. (rushes to the restroom)
D: (calls after her) You need help?
(C shakes her head. D signals the waiter instead. The waiter approaches but the old white guy beats him to the table)
OWG: Hi, can I buy you a drink? May I get your number?
D: (drawls) Sorry, honey, but I’m in the mood for a woman right now.
OWG: (turns to A) How about you, sweetie?
B: Look, man, the girls are not interested.
OWG: I’m not asking you.
B: Don’t be rude. Go back to the bar.
OWG: Your loss, sugar. (swaggers off)
A: (sighs) Why couldn’t he be tall, dashing, and 20 years younger? Now, he’s totally ruined my appetite.
B: It’s time to go.
(B asks waiter for the bill. C arrives)
C: I wrecked the Ladies’ Room. Don’t go there.
D: What! Yuuuck
A: It’s time to go anyway.
(Waiter brings the bill)
C: What! We're leaving? Nooo, he hasn’t texted me back yet.
B: Face it, girl, he never will.
So they left, none the wiser. But talks like this, my dear friends, is the reason I think wine tastes as it does.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Painting Me
I am the naked lass
Framed in a painting of midnight blue
Adorned with nothing but a half smile
And the glow of the pale moonlight
Abed my hair long glorious
I watch its wicked edges stream to the gushing brook
My bare foot glides and plucks a yellow rose
And considers the forgotten red stilettos
I dance with the stars in the night
To a song no one else hears
My sweet laughter fills the earth
My eyes half-closed yet alive
I see your hand gingerly raise
Trembling, the paint you caress
Like a whisper from the wind, I hear you ask:
Is she angel, witch, or enchantress?
Come, take my hand
To you, I bring a midnight boon
Take me out of the picture
And make me real.
Framed in a painting of midnight blue
Adorned with nothing but a half smile
And the glow of the pale moonlight
Abed my hair long glorious
I watch its wicked edges stream to the gushing brook
My bare foot glides and plucks a yellow rose
And considers the forgotten red stilettos
I dance with the stars in the night
To a song no one else hears
My sweet laughter fills the earth
My eyes half-closed yet alive
I see your hand gingerly raise
Trembling, the paint you caress
Like a whisper from the wind, I hear you ask:
Is she angel, witch, or enchantress?
Come, take my hand
To you, I bring a midnight boon
Take me out of the picture
And make me real.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
La Leyte-Samar Sizzle
At last, I went east!
Go grab a map. Go, go, this can wait. Do you have it? Look right. See those two islands which look like they’re kissing each other? Apparently, you can already go around Leyte and Samar for three days or less if you wanted to. Imagine that.
Before my sis could finish asking me if I’d like to go with her on a low-budget weekend tour around Leyte and Samar, I was already mentally packing my travel bag. I thought, wow, talk about raging seas from the Pacific Ocean (never mind the storms), of Visca, the MacArthur landing, and… and… what else do I know of these islands?
Unfortunately, the Internet does not offer much info on Samar and Leyte, either. You go to the travel sites and rarely do you find these provinces mentioned. It even took me some time to get my hands on a reliable map. I gave up looking for a listing of hotels.
So what? It just makes it more of an adventure.
Day One
8:00 AM
We took the 6 AM SuperCat trip and landed in Ormoc City. The ticket cost around P580 pesos. Art (my sis’ honey) and his dark green Adventure met us at the terminal. First stop – guess. What else? Jollibee!
I didn’t see much of Ormoc City but from where we were, I could see that they have recovered well from the great flood. The town center looks like every other town center in the Philippines—there’s Jollibee, Mercury drug stores, bakeshops, the common sari-sari stores, old cinemas and more. I see no mall or a coffee shop, though. Bummer.
10:00 AM
Still in Ormoc, we went on to Lake Danao. You turn right from the main road and follow the off-beaten path. It was scenic enough but more, I was dazzled by the weather. You’d be amazed at how quickly it changes. It could be sunny, drizzling, or both. And the air was always cool.
Our first glimpse of Lake Danao was disappointing. This was it? My sis and I rolled our eyes. It took us a long time going there, and then this was it? The least it could have been was bigger. I’m gonna kill Henryl, I said. He told me it was nice so how could I not insist that we go?
Then we explored further. There’s a banca for rent for P50 an hour. We opted for the floating cottage instead at P75. We discovered it was worth it.
The lake is indeed bigger. You just have to look on the other side to see that it stretches way back to Lake Danao Elementary School. The view is fantastic. It’s so peaceful, it’s almost magical.
You see the majestic mountains up ahead covered with pine cones, banana trees and ferns. (By the way, there are edible ferns for sale at the side of the road). The twisting lake sparkles as the sun’s rays and raindrops hit the surface.
The water’s cold. It looks dark and is said be 75 meters deep at the center. Scary. Imagine sizzling lumot and what other creatures crawling down there. Makes me wonder if a cousin of the Loch Ness monster lives there, too.
But all in all, I’ll let Henryl live after all.
11:00 AM
We went back to the main road, sped down Kananga and stopped at Breakneck Ridge. If you’re not looking for it, chances are you’ll miss it. There are about 40 steps going up, some of which are already mossy from non-use.
The place used to be a Japanese stronghold, I’m told. Today, it’s a memorial. A few Japanese still go there to light a candle and pay homage to their ancestors.
The area’s really not that big. On one side you see the sea and on the other, you see the hills, the plains and the road leading to the camp. With the view, their soldiers were easily alerted to enemies trying to breach the territory they stole from us. There’s a hut with Japanese writings inside I do not understand. I just hope that whatever accolades they put there, they also remember the atrocities they did to our people and learn from it.
The place was eerie. I was afraid to take pictures there.
12:30 PM
Brought some home made cookies in Carigara. Yummy.
2:00 PM
Tacloban City. Well, it looks like Cagayan -- or almost like it. And they have Bo’s coffee (awraaytt!) Here, people already speak Waray and I was told not to ask for sili. (I wonder what happens if I do… hmmm)
As we munched on lunch in a place called Ocho, I decided that Leyte is indeed a sleepy province. People are laidback and seem to go about their business like they have all the time in the world. I kinda miss that kind of environment.
We passed by the Sto. Niño shrine, Price Mansion, and UP Tacloban (it’s big!). I scrutinized sculptural monuments such as the Crucified Christ with the map of Leyte at the back, as well as the topless Madonna of Japan. She’s beautiful and she looks Asian, I like it.
3:00 PM
While we were on our way to Palo, I realized that the Japanese and Americans are quite a big thing in the history of Leyte. Here, it seems, they go “Bad Japanese!” and “Hail Americans!”
I really can’t blame them. As I saw MacArthur and his troops frozen in that “I shall return” moment in a very elaborate park by the Pacific Ocean, I too was ready to shout “Hail, MacArthur!” Gosh, he managed to look so cute and so M-A-N at the same time, I think I had a momentary lapse of sanity and mooned over him a bit. Achoo!
4:00 PM
On to Samar. There it was -- the famous San Juanico Bridge! Methinks it’s really the nicest bridge I saw in my life. Aside from the unique L-S shape of the bridge, you’d be delighted by the little green islands accessorizing the blue sea. Unfortunately, we’re not allowed to stop so I couldn’t take pictures.
The road to Catbalogan and then Calbayog, Samar is literally a pain in the ass. There are potholes everywhere on the twisted road. But somehow, the scenery makes you forget all that.
Seeing Leyte and now Samar, I realize where they get the term “Tropical Paradise”. You remember when you were a kid and were asked to draw a landscape? Typically, it goes with this mix -- the nipa hut, the plains, the mountains, and the setting/rising sun. Now I know that those early masterpieces were inspired by the beauty of these provinces.
The scenery looks like a cross between going to Baguio and Medellin. They’ve got wider plains though and more hills or mountains.
8:00 PM
Calbayog is a coastal town. One side is lined by the sea. In this town, we met my sister’s Chinese friend Alvin who apparently owns the town of Calbayog (hehehe, just kidding)
He took us to Kamayan sa Karayman where we had one of the best seafood meals in our lives. Over saucy fish, veggie omelet, crabs, fried shrimps, squid, and etc., I listened to them talk on and on about corrupt politics and how difficult it is to deal with businessmen in Samar. You’ve got to know how to play the game there.
Alvin checked us in at La Vista Pensionne. It’s said to be one of the better ones, but it still looked “horror” to me. Good thing I was told early on not to expect much from Samar hotels. Besides, I was too tired and sleepy by then to really care.
DAY 2
9:30 AM
Breakfast at Alvin’s place -- located at the 5th floor of his building. A typical Chinese, his family has a store below and a temple on the top floor.
The breakfast was wonderful. Thank you, Alvin, for that great hospitality. You’re the best!
As for Samar, well, let’s just say it’s a place I’m glad to have been to once in my life. But go back? It can wait for long.
11:00 AM
Onto the very looooong trip from Samar back to the other side of Leyte – Tacloban, Palo, Mayorga, Abuyog, and then Baybay.
6:00 PM
Wowowow! I’ve got to say that Baybay, Leyte is my favorite of them all. And I concede – VISCA, now known as LSU or Leyte State University, is the most beautiful campus I’ve seen. Yeah, even better looking than UP.
Where else can you find plantations with mosquito nets? Or a thriving mini zoo inside the campus? There’s a variety of cottage-like dorms up and down the hill. When you go up, there are the colleges with a great view of the sea, the majestic mountains and more. And it’s cold, I like it. Makes me wanna go back to school there just so I can bask in it everyday and write!
7:00 PM
We checked in at LSU Hostel, fronting the Camotes Sea. We found a few lovers by the beach. I was delighted to find non-aircon rooms good for two at only P300. The room is big, clean and definitely better looking than La Vista in Samar. If the cool air is not enough for you, there are also air-conditioned rooms at P600. If you want to add TV and a ref, rates vary at P1,000, P1,200, and P1,600.
Then we went to the port of Baybay at the town proper, where they reputedly have the best tasting barbecued chicken. Yeah, it was good – soft and tender, if you like. But San Pedro’s lechon manok is still the best.
DAY 3
6:30 AM
The drive to Hilongos while the sun was rising behind the mountains was definitely the best view I’ve seen so far. Especially when you see the trees and the colors of the light reflected in the watery plains.
You know how you sometimes throw in the word spectacular just to come up with an adjective though the subject really falls short of spectacular? Or how you use spectacular as a cliché though you really don’t mean it?
Well, this time, this is it – it’s really spectacular. Stunning-impressive-fantastic-fabulous spectacular. God’s truth, I fell in love with it. I was so quiet during the ride, I didn’t want to go.
In Hilongos, we purchased Oceanjet tickets at P500 each back to Cebu. We boarded at 8:00 AM. As I looked at the coast one last time, I only have one thought in my mind:
I shall return.
Go grab a map. Go, go, this can wait. Do you have it? Look right. See those two islands which look like they’re kissing each other? Apparently, you can already go around Leyte and Samar for three days or less if you wanted to. Imagine that.
Before my sis could finish asking me if I’d like to go with her on a low-budget weekend tour around Leyte and Samar, I was already mentally packing my travel bag. I thought, wow, talk about raging seas from the Pacific Ocean (never mind the storms), of Visca, the MacArthur landing, and… and… what else do I know of these islands?
Unfortunately, the Internet does not offer much info on Samar and Leyte, either. You go to the travel sites and rarely do you find these provinces mentioned. It even took me some time to get my hands on a reliable map. I gave up looking for a listing of hotels.
So what? It just makes it more of an adventure.
Day One
8:00 AM
We took the 6 AM SuperCat trip and landed in Ormoc City. The ticket cost around P580 pesos. Art (my sis’ honey) and his dark green Adventure met us at the terminal. First stop – guess. What else? Jollibee!
I didn’t see much of Ormoc City but from where we were, I could see that they have recovered well from the great flood. The town center looks like every other town center in the Philippines—there’s Jollibee, Mercury drug stores, bakeshops, the common sari-sari stores, old cinemas and more. I see no mall or a coffee shop, though. Bummer.
10:00 AM
Still in Ormoc, we went on to Lake Danao. You turn right from the main road and follow the off-beaten path. It was scenic enough but more, I was dazzled by the weather. You’d be amazed at how quickly it changes. It could be sunny, drizzling, or both. And the air was always cool.
Our first glimpse of Lake Danao was disappointing. This was it? My sis and I rolled our eyes. It took us a long time going there, and then this was it? The least it could have been was bigger. I’m gonna kill Henryl, I said. He told me it was nice so how could I not insist that we go?
Then we explored further. There’s a banca for rent for P50 an hour. We opted for the floating cottage instead at P75. We discovered it was worth it.
The lake is indeed bigger. You just have to look on the other side to see that it stretches way back to Lake Danao Elementary School. The view is fantastic. It’s so peaceful, it’s almost magical.
You see the majestic mountains up ahead covered with pine cones, banana trees and ferns. (By the way, there are edible ferns for sale at the side of the road). The twisting lake sparkles as the sun’s rays and raindrops hit the surface.
The water’s cold. It looks dark and is said be 75 meters deep at the center. Scary. Imagine sizzling lumot and what other creatures crawling down there. Makes me wonder if a cousin of the Loch Ness monster lives there, too.
But all in all, I’ll let Henryl live after all.
11:00 AM
We went back to the main road, sped down Kananga and stopped at Breakneck Ridge. If you’re not looking for it, chances are you’ll miss it. There are about 40 steps going up, some of which are already mossy from non-use.
The place used to be a Japanese stronghold, I’m told. Today, it’s a memorial. A few Japanese still go there to light a candle and pay homage to their ancestors.
The area’s really not that big. On one side you see the sea and on the other, you see the hills, the plains and the road leading to the camp. With the view, their soldiers were easily alerted to enemies trying to breach the territory they stole from us. There’s a hut with Japanese writings inside I do not understand. I just hope that whatever accolades they put there, they also remember the atrocities they did to our people and learn from it.
The place was eerie. I was afraid to take pictures there.
12:30 PM
Brought some home made cookies in Carigara. Yummy.
2:00 PM
Tacloban City. Well, it looks like Cagayan -- or almost like it. And they have Bo’s coffee (awraaytt!) Here, people already speak Waray and I was told not to ask for sili. (I wonder what happens if I do… hmmm)
As we munched on lunch in a place called Ocho, I decided that Leyte is indeed a sleepy province. People are laidback and seem to go about their business like they have all the time in the world. I kinda miss that kind of environment.
We passed by the Sto. Niño shrine, Price Mansion, and UP Tacloban (it’s big!). I scrutinized sculptural monuments such as the Crucified Christ with the map of Leyte at the back, as well as the topless Madonna of Japan. She’s beautiful and she looks Asian, I like it.
3:00 PM
While we were on our way to Palo, I realized that the Japanese and Americans are quite a big thing in the history of Leyte. Here, it seems, they go “Bad Japanese!” and “Hail Americans!”
I really can’t blame them. As I saw MacArthur and his troops frozen in that “I shall return” moment in a very elaborate park by the Pacific Ocean, I too was ready to shout “Hail, MacArthur!” Gosh, he managed to look so cute and so M-A-N at the same time, I think I had a momentary lapse of sanity and mooned over him a bit. Achoo!
4:00 PM
On to Samar. There it was -- the famous San Juanico Bridge! Methinks it’s really the nicest bridge I saw in my life. Aside from the unique L-S shape of the bridge, you’d be delighted by the little green islands accessorizing the blue sea. Unfortunately, we’re not allowed to stop so I couldn’t take pictures.
The road to Catbalogan and then Calbayog, Samar is literally a pain in the ass. There are potholes everywhere on the twisted road. But somehow, the scenery makes you forget all that.
Seeing Leyte and now Samar, I realize where they get the term “Tropical Paradise”. You remember when you were a kid and were asked to draw a landscape? Typically, it goes with this mix -- the nipa hut, the plains, the mountains, and the setting/rising sun. Now I know that those early masterpieces were inspired by the beauty of these provinces.
The scenery looks like a cross between going to Baguio and Medellin. They’ve got wider plains though and more hills or mountains.
8:00 PM
Calbayog is a coastal town. One side is lined by the sea. In this town, we met my sister’s Chinese friend Alvin who apparently owns the town of Calbayog (hehehe, just kidding)
He took us to Kamayan sa Karayman where we had one of the best seafood meals in our lives. Over saucy fish, veggie omelet, crabs, fried shrimps, squid, and etc., I listened to them talk on and on about corrupt politics and how difficult it is to deal with businessmen in Samar. You’ve got to know how to play the game there.
Alvin checked us in at La Vista Pensionne. It’s said to be one of the better ones, but it still looked “horror” to me. Good thing I was told early on not to expect much from Samar hotels. Besides, I was too tired and sleepy by then to really care.
DAY 2
9:30 AM
Breakfast at Alvin’s place -- located at the 5th floor of his building. A typical Chinese, his family has a store below and a temple on the top floor.
The breakfast was wonderful. Thank you, Alvin, for that great hospitality. You’re the best!
As for Samar, well, let’s just say it’s a place I’m glad to have been to once in my life. But go back? It can wait for long.
11:00 AM
Onto the very looooong trip from Samar back to the other side of Leyte – Tacloban, Palo, Mayorga, Abuyog, and then Baybay.
6:00 PM
Wowowow! I’ve got to say that Baybay, Leyte is my favorite of them all. And I concede – VISCA, now known as LSU or Leyte State University, is the most beautiful campus I’ve seen. Yeah, even better looking than UP.
Where else can you find plantations with mosquito nets? Or a thriving mini zoo inside the campus? There’s a variety of cottage-like dorms up and down the hill. When you go up, there are the colleges with a great view of the sea, the majestic mountains and more. And it’s cold, I like it. Makes me wanna go back to school there just so I can bask in it everyday and write!
7:00 PM
We checked in at LSU Hostel, fronting the Camotes Sea. We found a few lovers by the beach. I was delighted to find non-aircon rooms good for two at only P300. The room is big, clean and definitely better looking than La Vista in Samar. If the cool air is not enough for you, there are also air-conditioned rooms at P600. If you want to add TV and a ref, rates vary at P1,000, P1,200, and P1,600.
Then we went to the port of Baybay at the town proper, where they reputedly have the best tasting barbecued chicken. Yeah, it was good – soft and tender, if you like. But San Pedro’s lechon manok is still the best.
DAY 3
6:30 AM
The drive to Hilongos while the sun was rising behind the mountains was definitely the best view I’ve seen so far. Especially when you see the trees and the colors of the light reflected in the watery plains.
You know how you sometimes throw in the word spectacular just to come up with an adjective though the subject really falls short of spectacular? Or how you use spectacular as a cliché though you really don’t mean it?
Well, this time, this is it – it’s really spectacular. Stunning-impressive-fantastic-fabulous spectacular. God’s truth, I fell in love with it. I was so quiet during the ride, I didn’t want to go.
In Hilongos, we purchased Oceanjet tickets at P500 each back to Cebu. We boarded at 8:00 AM. As I looked at the coast one last time, I only have one thought in my mind:
I shall return.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Sand Castle
To see the world in a grain of sand
-- (resaid) Lara Croft, Tombraider
In my parent’s home, my favorite part is the top deck. From there you can see the wild mini forest beyond the back fence, the gentle sea up front, and my mama’s blooming garden below.
When the air is cool and the sky a silvery blue, like now, it becomes the perfect place for dreaming, plotting mayhem, or simply thinking nothing at all. You can even risk lying on the cemented railing and float in the sky with the clouds when you feel like indulging those superwoman delusions.
The scatter of coconut trees -- some bent like old men with sacks full of stones -- remind me of the folklore, Juan Tamad -- the lazy man who lay beneath a tree with his mouth hanging open, simply waiting for fruit to fall down. Why he actually thought keeping his mouth open is less tiresome than climbing the tree, I have no idea. Try it for five minutes, okay 10, and you know what happens? Do you? I don’t. I’m not loony enough to try. But I can imagine. It makes me dizzy just thinking about it. Even in sleep, I bet you can’t manage to keep your mouth open long enough for the fruit to fall down. So tell me if I’m wrong -- I demand proof, a demonstration. Anyone? You? Eeek.
Anyway, let’s not waste our time on not-so-pretty sights. After all, there is my mother’s garden.
By the way, I’ll be bragging any minute now. If you feel you can’t take it, disconnect from my site already. Go! Bye, bye! Don’t come back, insecure people. Good riddance.
You still reading? Aw, shucks. You really love me, don’t you? I love you, too.
Now, where was I?
There is an inspiring story behind my mother’s garden.
Years ago, when my parents decided to leave the city for rural life, I wondered how my practical mother would manage. After all, all her friends, her babies (us and a lot more for she has this habit of adopting kids by heart), and her teaching career for what must have been a gazillion years, are all here in the city.
“I give her three months, half a year tops,” I told my sister. Good thing I didn’t bet on it.
My mother took to her new home like fish to water. “What do you do there?” we and other people kept asking.
“A lot – cooking, exploring, walking on the beach, arranging things, experimenting in the kitchen, cooking, and other household work,” she actually says this with a happy smile on her face. “And of course, there are my flowers.”
My mother took up this hobby -- raising flowers -- right after the house and her kitchen were settled. This was one thing she enjoyed doing as a child, she said, but she got busy with life and raising us that she didn’t have much time to indulge it. Besides, consider the city air, and the flowers here don’t get much of a chance.
“But mami, I didn’t know flowers grow on sand,” I told her.
“Of course not,” she chuckles. “That’s why most are potted.”
Every time my parents visit the city, my mother goes into “ka-ang (clay pot) madness”, as my father puts it. She buys them and dozens of potted plants in places here I do not even know and transports them up north via my popsy’s long suffering multicab fondly called “Sukie” (after Suzuki).
Soon enough, the garden grew. Like paint, it envelops the small lovely circular green house designed by my father. You turn around and you feel and see the garden exploding with colors that could compete with the flames of sunset.
Me, I don’t know much about flowers. I just like looking at them. But, here, let me try giving them to you…
There are the euphorbias – colorful, elegant, classy, and looks like something that could face the wind with no leaf or petal out of place.
There are the ground and hanging orchids – blue, violet, pink and white.
There are the flowers I do not know by name but which sleep by night and bloom by midday.
And then there’s this group of flowers which look like that spinning thing Harry Potter goes after when they’re playing air hockey. Really, it’s a silver ball with feathery arms, too.
Then there’s the cactus collection of many kinds and shapes – I see a rose, a sea urchin, a dick (shhhh! but really), a hairy spaceship, a gingerman cookie, and what else. You have to see them to believe it.
Then there are the ferns and San Francisco, the gumamelas and bougainvilleas.
Then there are the wild flowers from nowhere. They’re violet so can’t kill them or else my sister will go after me.
And then, to give it some pizzazz, these flowers are accompanied by trees strong enough to survive the sea breeze – coconut, papaya, guyabano, banana, wild guava, sili, malunggay, noni (yes, the one with that catchy song some years ago), and Palua Maria (Palm of Maria). Now the Palua Maria is amazing. It’s the local people’s herbal cure to every eye pain – sore eyes, blurry eyes, strained eyes, dirty eyes – you name it, it really works.
You learn a lot from watching mami nurture her garden. It entails hard work, a big dose of patience and familiarizing with icky stuff like urine, fertilizer, mud, and other elements I don’t care to know which she uses to create her own solution for plant spray.
I realize that gardening is really not my thing— the icky stuff and socializing with insects make me cringe. But I feel blessed and I appreciate the fact that there are people like her who keep the world beautiful for us.
As my mother’s garden expanded and grew even more beautiful, a lot of locals began dropping by to stare and covet. Soon enough, people began to ask my mother to sell some.
“Oh no, my flowers are not for sale. It’s just a hobby,” my mother said. And for a few more months, she kept on telling that to people who dropped by. But they just begged and begged and begged till my mother could not resist their cries to share these beautiful and glorious breathing specimens any longer. (See, I told you I’m gonna brag…)
So she began to sell the offshoots or “baby” plants while the original or parent remained off limits. More teachers, wives of fishermen, and oh, foreigners dropped in. That’s how I came to know that many white men have invaded the beaches of Medellin as well.
And then people from neighboring towns also heard of this great wonder garden (you’d be amazed at how fast rumor spreads in this part of the world) and came to travel the many meters to paradise.
Then one day, mami was amazed to find out that she actually made profit. She got all the money she invested in her garden back plus more. She is the perfect example that when you just follow your heart and love what you do, money will follow.
For her, though, it’s still not about the money. Always, the flowers come first. She still worries about her babies going to the wrong hands. And even though she has a potential big business at hand, she’s not rushing. She doesn’t like to be a seller, she says. It takes too much time from gardening and making her flowers bloom.
From my view at the top deck, I see color and life at the edge of an old, almost barren town. Looking at the house, the garden, the sea and the woods, I often stand amazed at how my parents managed to build their version of paradise, no matter how small, on sand.
There are greater places, I’m sure. But if you’re curious about this world I’m talking about, just look for the green house with the many flowers by the beach of Medellin.
From the town’s old church, go straight, pass by the public market, turn left on the first corner, go straight, pass by the cemetery, then go rickety-ta-ta on the road some more till you see the beach.
If you’re a friend of mine, follow the trail to the left until you reach the green gate. You won’t miss it.
If you’re just a moron pretending to be my friend or a stalker or a salesman, just go straight to the water and don’t stop till the fishes eat you alive. You won’t be missed.
And no, no, no, the house is still not for sale.
But there’s another beach lot in the area I can recommend. 600 square meters. Price negotiable. With a little imagination, you can build your own sand castle too.
If you’re interested, call me or post it here.
-- (resaid) Lara Croft, Tombraider
In my parent’s home, my favorite part is the top deck. From there you can see the wild mini forest beyond the back fence, the gentle sea up front, and my mama’s blooming garden below.
When the air is cool and the sky a silvery blue, like now, it becomes the perfect place for dreaming, plotting mayhem, or simply thinking nothing at all. You can even risk lying on the cemented railing and float in the sky with the clouds when you feel like indulging those superwoman delusions.
The scatter of coconut trees -- some bent like old men with sacks full of stones -- remind me of the folklore, Juan Tamad -- the lazy man who lay beneath a tree with his mouth hanging open, simply waiting for fruit to fall down. Why he actually thought keeping his mouth open is less tiresome than climbing the tree, I have no idea. Try it for five minutes, okay 10, and you know what happens? Do you? I don’t. I’m not loony enough to try. But I can imagine. It makes me dizzy just thinking about it. Even in sleep, I bet you can’t manage to keep your mouth open long enough for the fruit to fall down. So tell me if I’m wrong -- I demand proof, a demonstration. Anyone? You? Eeek.
Anyway, let’s not waste our time on not-so-pretty sights. After all, there is my mother’s garden.
By the way, I’ll be bragging any minute now. If you feel you can’t take it, disconnect from my site already. Go! Bye, bye! Don’t come back, insecure people. Good riddance.
You still reading? Aw, shucks. You really love me, don’t you? I love you, too.
Now, where was I?
There is an inspiring story behind my mother’s garden.
Years ago, when my parents decided to leave the city for rural life, I wondered how my practical mother would manage. After all, all her friends, her babies (us and a lot more for she has this habit of adopting kids by heart), and her teaching career for what must have been a gazillion years, are all here in the city.
“I give her three months, half a year tops,” I told my sister. Good thing I didn’t bet on it.
My mother took to her new home like fish to water. “What do you do there?” we and other people kept asking.
“A lot – cooking, exploring, walking on the beach, arranging things, experimenting in the kitchen, cooking, and other household work,” she actually says this with a happy smile on her face. “And of course, there are my flowers.”
My mother took up this hobby -- raising flowers -- right after the house and her kitchen were settled. This was one thing she enjoyed doing as a child, she said, but she got busy with life and raising us that she didn’t have much time to indulge it. Besides, consider the city air, and the flowers here don’t get much of a chance.
“But mami, I didn’t know flowers grow on sand,” I told her.
“Of course not,” she chuckles. “That’s why most are potted.”
Every time my parents visit the city, my mother goes into “ka-ang (clay pot) madness”, as my father puts it. She buys them and dozens of potted plants in places here I do not even know and transports them up north via my popsy’s long suffering multicab fondly called “Sukie” (after Suzuki).
Soon enough, the garden grew. Like paint, it envelops the small lovely circular green house designed by my father. You turn around and you feel and see the garden exploding with colors that could compete with the flames of sunset.
Me, I don’t know much about flowers. I just like looking at them. But, here, let me try giving them to you…
There are the euphorbias – colorful, elegant, classy, and looks like something that could face the wind with no leaf or petal out of place.
There are the ground and hanging orchids – blue, violet, pink and white.
There are the flowers I do not know by name but which sleep by night and bloom by midday.
And then there’s this group of flowers which look like that spinning thing Harry Potter goes after when they’re playing air hockey. Really, it’s a silver ball with feathery arms, too.
Then there’s the cactus collection of many kinds and shapes – I see a rose, a sea urchin, a dick (shhhh! but really), a hairy spaceship, a gingerman cookie, and what else. You have to see them to believe it.
Then there are the ferns and San Francisco, the gumamelas and bougainvilleas.
Then there are the wild flowers from nowhere. They’re violet so can’t kill them or else my sister will go after me.
And then, to give it some pizzazz, these flowers are accompanied by trees strong enough to survive the sea breeze – coconut, papaya, guyabano, banana, wild guava, sili, malunggay, noni (yes, the one with that catchy song some years ago), and Palua Maria (Palm of Maria). Now the Palua Maria is amazing. It’s the local people’s herbal cure to every eye pain – sore eyes, blurry eyes, strained eyes, dirty eyes – you name it, it really works.
You learn a lot from watching mami nurture her garden. It entails hard work, a big dose of patience and familiarizing with icky stuff like urine, fertilizer, mud, and other elements I don’t care to know which she uses to create her own solution for plant spray.
I realize that gardening is really not my thing— the icky stuff and socializing with insects make me cringe. But I feel blessed and I appreciate the fact that there are people like her who keep the world beautiful for us.
As my mother’s garden expanded and grew even more beautiful, a lot of locals began dropping by to stare and covet. Soon enough, people began to ask my mother to sell some.
“Oh no, my flowers are not for sale. It’s just a hobby,” my mother said. And for a few more months, she kept on telling that to people who dropped by. But they just begged and begged and begged till my mother could not resist their cries to share these beautiful and glorious breathing specimens any longer. (See, I told you I’m gonna brag…)
So she began to sell the offshoots or “baby” plants while the original or parent remained off limits. More teachers, wives of fishermen, and oh, foreigners dropped in. That’s how I came to know that many white men have invaded the beaches of Medellin as well.
And then people from neighboring towns also heard of this great wonder garden (you’d be amazed at how fast rumor spreads in this part of the world) and came to travel the many meters to paradise.
Then one day, mami was amazed to find out that she actually made profit. She got all the money she invested in her garden back plus more. She is the perfect example that when you just follow your heart and love what you do, money will follow.
For her, though, it’s still not about the money. Always, the flowers come first. She still worries about her babies going to the wrong hands. And even though she has a potential big business at hand, she’s not rushing. She doesn’t like to be a seller, she says. It takes too much time from gardening and making her flowers bloom.
From my view at the top deck, I see color and life at the edge of an old, almost barren town. Looking at the house, the garden, the sea and the woods, I often stand amazed at how my parents managed to build their version of paradise, no matter how small, on sand.
There are greater places, I’m sure. But if you’re curious about this world I’m talking about, just look for the green house with the many flowers by the beach of Medellin.
From the town’s old church, go straight, pass by the public market, turn left on the first corner, go straight, pass by the cemetery, then go rickety-ta-ta on the road some more till you see the beach.
If you’re a friend of mine, follow the trail to the left until you reach the green gate. You won’t miss it.
If you’re just a moron pretending to be my friend or a stalker or a salesman, just go straight to the water and don’t stop till the fishes eat you alive. You won’t be missed.
And no, no, no, the house is still not for sale.
But there’s another beach lot in the area I can recommend. 600 square meters. Price negotiable. With a little imagination, you can build your own sand castle too.
If you’re interested, call me or post it here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Popular Posts
-
Kuala Lumpur, also known to many as “KL”, is said to be the primary go-to place in Malaysia. Not only is it the capital and largest city of... -
Everyone deserves a chance to fly! – Elphaba in “Defying Gravity”, WICKED The Musical When I read at showbizasia.com that the Wicked Witc... -
Every year, it becomes more of a challenge to celebrate one’s birthday. Aside from the fact that there’s no stopping the candles from adding...