Monday, July 30, 2012

cc quickie: soloist

The wind was howling last night. I stepped out, stood on the roofdeck to witness the power. My plants were being bent impossibly by the winds, and in the distance, the few coconut trees of neighbors. I felt so amazed at the fury and at my smallness. I was all alone.

Sometimes I think I really am a "soloist" at heart (I use this term rather than 'loner'.) I like running alone, just me and my music. I look forward to going home at night, and just being by myself, with a glass of wine.

And as I look back at my relationships, I enjoy the times we would be together, doing things together without having to talk or chat. Of course, if there's kwento, I would engage. But I am not much into the small talk of the everyday. I hardly contribute to talking about my day, the minute details of the past 10 hours or so. I would listen but sometimes, if the talk stretches out, I would rather be alone.

This may come as a surprise to some people who view me as this social butterfly. And to a certain extent, I am that, too. But maybe at my core, I really am a soloist, who would rather go at it alone.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sunday, July 29, 2012

So You Want To Join A FabCast

That previous post on the evolving peanut gallery members elicited some comments about joining the FabCast.  And some expressed interest in joining one.  So without prior consultation from the rest of the FabCasters, I present my 5 Requirements to Joining a FabCast

  1. You must be at least 18 years old.  We serve alcohol during FabCasts.  And we are scared of Reclusion Perpetua.
  2. You must be ready, willing and able to express your views, usually when asked.  We are tired of hearing ourselves speak.  We accept guests who are more loquacious than Gibbs or Miggs, but be aware of spreading air time to all other guests.
  3. You must be thick-skinned enough to withstand the taunts of everybody, especially if we find you quite a target! :) Bawal ang pikon!
  4. You must have baon of a topic or two, just in case we have another dry spell and have no idea what to fabcast.
  5. You must be open to anything, even falling in love or at least in lust with other guests (All FabCasters are taken.  But then again, you can always try! Choz!)  Some acquaintances have blossomed during a FabCast!

So there you have it, raiders and listeners!  The Peanut Gallery is oooopen!  You may get in touch with any FabCaster, or me, through this email: closet_case07@yahoo.com.ph

P.S.ssst, FabCasters, feel free to add.  (Wag subtract or revise.  Walang basagan ng trip o post!  LOL)

Thursday, July 26, 2012

cc quickie: they came and went

I'm looking at my fb timeline. And I am reading posts from people who used to hang out with us, Fabcasters. They used to be part of the peanut gallery, some of them even before we used the term for them. They used to attend the parties we threw. And to a certain extent, we bonded and had a good time.

They have stopped joining us since, for a variety of reasons. Some had a falling out with some other. Some were really just curious, "passing through" our lives. Some had always had other friends and groups. And if not for fb, or even twitter, I would be wondering "whatever happened to...".

But I have to say that I miss all of them, for having part of our lives at one point in time.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Emily 7, Carlito 16

"Oh, bakit nakabihis ka na? I thought later pa tayo aalis?" tanong ni Carlito.

"Babe, I have to meet a client lang ng sandali." paalam ni Lucas.

"Huh? Biglaan naman yan."

"I know. Kainis nga. Ang demanding."

"Wag mong pagbigyan. Wag mong sanayin."

"I can't say no to them! Ano ka? Client 'to!"

"Alam naman ng office mo na naka-VL ka! Bakit kailangan mong pagbigyan yan? Ganyan talaga ang kliyente. Kung hahayaan mo, aabusuhin ka."

"Hindi kita pinapakialaman sa trabaho mo. This is my call."

"De huwag! Bahala ka! I'm leaving tomorrow na! Parang istorbo lang ako sa iyo dito!" sumisigaw na si Carlito. Ma-init na naman ang usapan.

"I didn't say that. Pagbigyan mo lang ako for lunch. Sandali lang."

"Bahala ka. I don't care. Magpa-alipin ka sa buwisit na kliyente mo." at pumasok sa loob ng kwarto si Carlito, binalibag ang pinto.

Nakagawa ng paraan si Lucas na sumaglit sa tagpuan nila ni Emily. Away na naman ang kapalit. Yun ang nakaka-inis lang kay Carlito. Lagi na lang away ng away. Laging may issue. Kaliit-liit na bagay, pinapansin. Mabilis uminit ang ulo.

Nagdabog rin siyang lumabas ng bahay. At nagmamadaling pumunta sa Mango. Bwisit rin kasi etong si Emily. Marunong talaga ang babae. Kung makapagbanta. Akala niya tapos na ang problema niya dito nung nag-resign. Hay. Ano na naman kaya ang problema nito?

Nasa isang sulok ng Jollibee si Emily naghihintay. Ibang-iba ang itsura. Hindi man naka-ayos. Naka-maong lang at T-shirt. Nilapitan niya at umupo sa tapat.

"Anong malaking usapan eto?" may galit na agad sa tono niya, dala na rin ng away nila ni Carlito.

"Delayed ako."

"Shit." di alam ni Lucas ang iisipin o sasabihin.

"Panagutan mo 'to." diretso ang tono ni Emily. Walang emosyon.

"What? Akin ba yan?" ang biglang reaksyon ni Lucas.

"PUTANG-INA MO! Ang kapal ng mukha mo!" nanlilisik ang mata ni Emily. "I never went out with anybody else since tayo ang lumabas. 'Tang-ina ka!" nag-umpisang lumigid ang luha sa mga mata.

"Shit. Shit. Shit." yun lang ang nasabi niya, umiiling at hindi makapaniwala sa mga nangyayari.

"I can't get married.."

Pinutol siya ni Emily. "Wala akong balak magpakasal sa iyo. Bakla ka. I know everything."

Sasabat sana si Lucas.

"At alam kong nandito ang boyfriend mo mula sa Manila. Ang liit-liit ng Cebu, no?"

Natameme na lang si Lucas. Lalong lumalalim ang hukay sa utak niya.

"Simple lang, Lucas. Tumakas ka sa responsibility mo sa batang eto, at sisiguraduhin ko mula Cebu hanggang Manila, alam nila ang sikreto mo. Okay?"

Di na nakapagsalita si Lucas. Nangingig sa galit, sa takot.

"Ako ang tatawag sa iyo. Babalitaan kita kung paanong mangyayari."

Bigla siyang nakapagsalita. "Gusto mo bang ituloy yan?" tanong ni Lucas. "May ibang options naman."

"Fuck you, Luc." at tumayo't umalis si Emily, iniwan siyang tulala habang dumarami ang tao sa Jollibee. Dun pa lang niya napansin ang tao, ang ingay. Ngunit naramdaman niya ang panginginig ng kanyang kalamnan. Gusto man niyang umiyak ngunit walang lumalabas na luha. Siguro, shock pa rin siya. At naghalo-halo na ang gulo ng buhay niya.

Lumakad siya patungong kotse, tulala pa rin. Nagdrive muna sa siya pa-ikot-ikot, tulad rin ng isipan niya.

Sasabihin ba niya kay Carlito? Kailangan ba niyang malaman? Ano ang magiging reaction niya? Baka naman cool lang siya kasi babae naman. Kaya na ba ni Emily na ituloy ang banta niya? Ganun ba ang pagkakakilala niya sa kanya? Sa kanya ba talaga yung bata? Parang ilang beses lang naman sila nagtalik na walang condom. Nakabuo na siya? Baka naman ginagamit lang siya. Baka may ibang pinagtatakpan si Emily.

Shit. Hindi niya kayang magsustento kay Emily, kung sasabay sa binabalak nilang bibilhin na condo. May obligasyon ba talaga siya? Ano ba ang nasa batas?

Si Nanay, si Ate? Anong magiging reaksyon nila? Baka matuwa pa yun at isiping lalaki talaga si Lucas.

Kung unahan na niya at mag-resign siya, bago mag-iskandalo si Emily? Saan siya hahanap ng trabaho? Hindi pa naman madali ngayon humanap ng malilipatan.

Nakarating siya sa bahay. Magulo pa rin ang isip. Ngunit pinagpasiya niyang huwag muna sabihin kay Carlito. Patapusin na niya ng maganda ang bakasyon sa Cebu. Plastikan na lang muna.

Pumasok siya sa loob ng kwarto, nakitang natutulog si Carlito, nakatalikod sa kanya, nakahiga sa tagiliran. Nilapitan niya at niyakap mula sa likod.

"Babe, I'm sorry." malambing niyang ibinulong, habang unti-unting hinahalikan ang tenga, ang leeg, ang batok.

"Mmmm..." umungol si Carlito, nagising ng bahagya. Ngunit tinuloy ni Lucas ang paglalambing. "I'm sorry, Babe." at hinaplos ang kamay, pababa patungo sa hita. Inabot na niya ang nota ni Carlitong matigas na. Pinisil at inumpisahan ng batihin. At mula dun ay humarap na si Carlito, nakapikit pa rin, at hinayaan si Lucas na paglaruan ang kanyang nota. Nilabas mula sa boxers ang nota at dinalaan, sinubo. Tumuloy-tuloy na ang kanilang pagtatalik. Hanggang sa sukdulan ng kaligayahan.

Nang matapos, nakahiga lang sila sa kama, magkahawak ang mga malalagkit na kamay. Magaan na ang pakiramdam sa kanilang dalawa. Ngunit di pa rin maalis ni Lucas ang malaking problema niya kay Emily.

"What time tayo aalis tomorrow?" tanong ni Carlito.

"Ahhh... para sigurado mga 7am. Mahirap kasabay traffic papuntang Mactan."

"Ok." at hinalikan ni Carlito si Lucas bago tumayo at maligo.

Nagawa niyang libangin ang sarili at si Carlito sa huling gabi niya sa Cebu. May pinuntahan silang kainan paakyat ng Cebu Plaza Hotel. Maganda ang tanawin at presko ang hangin.

"Babe, paano na yung condo? Kailan natin uumpisahan?" tanong ni Carlito sa kanya.

Napatigil sa pagnguya si Lucas, at nanumbalik ang kaguluhan ng tanghali.

"Ahh, Babe. Defer muna natin, ha? Baka di kayanin ng bulsa for now."

"Huh, akala ko naplano mo na? We have been talking about this for months."

"Yeah, pero kasi mahirap magplano ng matagalan..." nahihirapan si Lucas na maghanap ng tamang salita. Nauutal na siya.

"What?" nagtaas na naman ang boses ni Carlito. "What could possibly happen? Ang gulo-gulo mo!" biglang sumimangot na siya.

"Babe, I.. I just don't want to commit muna to..."

"You don't want to commit? Tama ba ang naririnig ko?"

"Look, I didn't mean it that way... I meant..."

"You meant you can't commit to this investment kasi you don't want to commit to me."

"Ano ba, Carl? Hindi yun.." naiinis na rin siya.

"Pucha, Luc. Pabago-bago ka ng isip. Here I am making all the fucking plans, hindi ka pa pala sigurado!"

Away na naman. Walang katapusang away. Sumabay pa si Carlito sa kanyang mga problema.

"TANG-INA NAMAN, CARL! I'm just having money problems now! CAN'T I GET ANY SUPPORT? GANYAN NA BA?" sumigaw na si Lucas. At nakuha na nila ang atensyon na ibang kumakain.

"Miss, yung bill nga!" tinawag agad ni Lucas ang waitress.

"Don't you dare say this is about me! I've been supporting you all this time, pati yung pagpunta mo dito. TANG-INA, ako, oo lang ng oo!"

"Will you lower your voice?? Nakakahiya ka na!" sagot ni Lucas habang kumukuha ng pambayad sa wallet.

Biglang tumayo si Carlito at nagwalk-out. Hinabol ni Lucas.

"Come back here!" sinigaw ni Lucas sa kanya. Dinedma siya at tinuloy ang paglalakad. Hinabol uli hanggang maabutan at hinablot ang kanyang kamay.

"Pucha, don't make a scene here. Sa bahay tayo mag-uusap." Nang humarap sa kanya si Carlito, umiiyak na siya. Niyakap na niya at dinala sa kotse.

"Babe, ayoko naman na ganito tayo na lang lagi tayo. Away ng away." pati siya ay napapaiyak na rin. "I have so many problems, Babe. Kung alam mo lang." at naramdaman na lang niyang biglang bumuhos na rin ang kanyang mga luha.

"Anong problems? Ako ba ang problema mo?" tanong ni Carlito.

"No, Carl." at tuloy ang pagluha niya. "Carl, I am in deep shit."

"What are you talking about?"

"Carl, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"Sorry for what? Ano ba, Luc? Ano na naman??"

"There's this girl. And..."

"Girl? As in babae? Huh?"

"Yeah, Carl, I think I got her pregnant."

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sunday, July 22, 2012

cc review: Broken Tower, Redwoods, The Trip

More gay-themed movies.  Filling up a backlog.  And another mainstream actor essaying a gay role.  Let's start with that one.


http://rlsblog.org/the-broken-tower-2011-vodrip-ac3-2-0-xvid-sic/

What is it about super-artsy films I just can't relate to?  This is a black&white film, filled with high-contrast images, cut-to-cut, and the verses from the poetry of Hart Crane, the title role.  The poetry sounds wonderful but I get lost in trying to find meaning.  And it doesn't help that there are images accompanying the poetry as read by James Franco.

I had to push myself to finish the movie, honestly.  And the anticipation of more scenes of James Franco sucking face with another man was the only motivation.  I'm no big fan of James Franco, since he played villain to my beloved Tobey Maguire in the Spidey series previously.  But he was exceptionally charming here (because he was gay. hihihi).

And as this picture indicates, THAT is sucking face.



http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ojd2nO-Vg4/T5oVofl9xmI/AAAAAAAARx8/Paqf64GF-oY/s400/url-5a.jpg

Now I move on to the "Redwoods", which got me curious because of one comment I read somewhere: "It's the gay 'Bridges of Madison County'".  Now, I LOVE "Bridges".  So here I am with my expectation way up there... only to be brought down, down, down. THUD.

Everything about this movie is bad.  Sorry.  But everything.  No hot actors.  Bad acting from everyone. Bad cinematography.  Bad lines (the cheesiest, ever).  Bad soundtrack.  PC and I had our heyday just lampooning the entire film.


http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ggDTdtDQL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Which is why this next film, "The Trip", was such a breath of fresh air.  Witty dialogue, cute actors (with bad wigs) and a good enough story with some redeeming political value.


http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5119ZMY7R1L._SL500_AA300_.jpg

I find both characters hot, despite the hideous wigs: Alan and Tommy.  I must say that I have been reading about this movie for the longest time but never remembered to download it till now.  And I quite regret not having done it earlier.

There are some really witty lines, which had PC and I laughing.  The plot twists quite incredulously (no spoilers here) but I suspend disbelief and ride along.  It has enough cookie characters that evolve through the years to make for some cute situations.  But it has a poignant heart, and that is why I ultimately root for this movie.  Nothing totally heavy on the drama side.

And the best part of the movie is when I finally heard this song again!  I remember just a few words from the refrain, from my childhood days.  Yes, childhood.  And I have always wondered, did I really recall the song right?  That the word "Homosexuality" was actually mentioned?

After watching the film, I am glad to say that I do not have Alzheimer's yet.  LOL.  In all its full-length glory, I present... "Ain't Nobody Straight in L.A."


Monday, July 16, 2012

cc quickie: lss'ing



I heard this inside Bangkok gay bar "Classic" being performed by a female impersonator.  The performer was certainly not impressive.  Mas magagaling pa rin ang Pinoy na bading!  The super-cheesy English lyrics made me cringe.  But when I got to the refrain.. WHOA!

This turns out to be an old song (2009) that didn't make to our shores from Sweden.  But I totally enjoy it!  

Sunday, July 15, 2012

cc raves: Bent & I Love You, Phillip Morris

Mainstream actors doing leading gay roles.  Amazing.  I'm surprised that these 'old' movies didn't receive as much buzz (siguro kasi wala pang masyadong nagti-Twitter nun?)  I only discovered the titles upon Googling "Best Gay Movies", something I do from time to time.  It used to be frustrating to see these lists, for the movies were hardly available here.  

But thanks to Torrent (opo. nagto-torrent ako. inaamin ko po.), the titles are a search-click-wait away from being watched. 

I picked these two because a lot on the list I have actually seen (the titles repeat themselves in a lot of these lists).  And they featured maintstream actors.  I was utterly amazed to see a young Clive Owen as a dashing Berlin fag in a Burlesque cum Moulin Rouge kind of bar.  And superstar (yes, I consider him a superstar) Jim Carrey essaying an all-out gay role, and getting to have both Rodrigo Santoro (the hunk I saw in Lost) and Ewan McGregor.  

"Bent" is quite heavy, done with an indie spirit.  The concentration camp scene makes you despair with the characters.  In contrast, "I Love You, Phillip Morris" (note the spelling of Phillip), starts out quite light, campy then makes a serious turn before... I won't spoil the ending.  It's trademark Jim Carrey humor and wit, without the facial contortions.  Ewan is simply adorable as the softie blonde.  But I think his acting was a bit over.  

The kissing scenes always take my breath away.  Mainstream actors kissing.  And it's not that I find it hot.  I just find it so ... inspiring?   I love that when these guys do roles like these (including my idol, Tom Hanks), they bring a lot of their straight fans to the gay experience.  And that says a lot about them, knowing the inherent risks.

The movies are not for everybody.  I don't find them for general appeal.  If 'Bent' didn't star Clive Owen, I wouldn't have bother, honestly.  But I think that a cinemaphile PLU should have this in their 'must-watch' lists. 




Image Source: Community Flixter




Image Source: Cineplex.Com


Image Source: Community Flixter


Image Source: Jim Carrey Online


Image Source: sweensryche.wordpress.com


Image Source: Moviewallpapers.net

Friday, July 13, 2012

Carlito 15, Emily 6, Paolo 10

"Sino ba yang ka-text mo?" tanong ni Carlito sa kanya.

"Huh? Sa office. May nagresign. Asikasuhin ko lang, Babe."

"Akala ko ba walang work muna while we are here."

"Sorry, Babe. Eto lang. Kailangan kasing may magtake-over sa accounts niya. Wait lang. Tawag lang ako kay Boss."

Ang sarap pa naman ng simoy ng hanging sa dalampasigan. Katatapos pa lang nila mag-dinner at umiinom muna sila ng beer. Ngunit nagulat siya sa text mula sa office. Ang biglang pag-resign ni Emily. Kasama na rin sa pakiramdam ang isang buntong hininga na tapos na ang problema niya sa babaeng iyon.

"Yes, Sir Von. I'll distribute the accounts among the rest of the team... Yes, Sir. No need for replacement. We can absorb po."

Binalikan ni Lucas si Carlito sa mesa. At nakipag-toast siya. "To a wonderful vacation, Babe! Cheers!"

Ang laking gaan ng loob niya sa resignation ni Emily. Mula nung nagsagutan sila, hindi pumasok siya pumapasok ng regular. Kakasuhan na sana niya ng gross negligence. Ngunit may kaba rin siya kung biglang balikan siya ng kung anu-anong sabihin pa. Ang pag-resign ni Emily ay isang palatandaan na pabalik na ng normal ang buhay niya. At ang pagpatol sa isang babae ay hinding-hindi na niya gagawin muli.

Nang bumalik na sila sa kwarto, niyakap niya si Carlito ng mahigpit, at inumpisahang tanggalan ng damit. Naramdaman niya agad ang pagtigas ng nota ni Carlito. At lalo siyang ginanahan. Lumuhod siya sa harap niya at sinubo ang malaki at matigas na ari. Napa-ungol si Carlito. At lalong sinubsob ang bibig niya sa nota.

Habang buong husay niyang bino-blowjob ang kanyang jowa, napansin lang niya na hindi siya tinitigasan. Kahit nagbabati na siya ng sarili, parang malambot pa rin ang kanyang ari. Nag-umpisa siyang mag-alala. Lalo na nung tinayo siya ni Carlito at hiniga sa kama.

Pinatungan siya ni Carlito at inumpisahang halikan ang kanyang leeg, ang dibdib. Umuungol sana siya upang maramdaman niya ang libog.

Wala pa rin. No response. Nagpa-panic na siya. At pababa na si Carlito patungo sa kanyang nota.

Napansin ni Carlito ang lampang nota. Ngunit hindi na niya pinansin at sinubo na lamang. Binigyan niya na kanyang ekspertong pagblowjob. Naka-ilang minuto na rin at malambot pa rin si Lucas. Tinigil niya ang pagsuck at tumabi kay Lucas.

"What's wrong? Bakit di ka na tinitigasan?"

"I don't know, Babe. Ngayon lang nangyari eto. Siguro yung beer kanina."

"But we've always been drinking beer. Is there anything bothering you?"

"Wala naman. Hindi ko rin nga maintindihan. Baka pagod lang ako sa swimming natin at boat ride."

"You're too young naman, Luc. Baka may problema kang hindi mo share sa akin."

Inisip ni Lucas ng mabuti. Ano nga ba ang nasa utak niya ngayon? Bakit ba walang reaksyon ang nota niya. Maganda naman ang balita tungkol sa resignation ni Emily.

"Rest lang muna tayo, Babe. I just wanna hug." at niyakap niya si Carlito ng mahigpit. Pinilit niyang tanggalin sa isipan niya ang kanyang impotence. At hinayaan na lang niyang maramdaman ang init ng yakap ni Carlito.

Tuluyan pa ring pinaglalaruan ng kamay ni Carlito ang kanyang nota, kahit tulog pa. At siya naman ay napikit. At nag-imagine. Ang unang pumasok sa isipan niya ay ang puwet ni Paolo. Ang maputi at makinis at matambok na puwet. Ang hubog nitong maganda. Ang sarap ng dampi ng kanyang kamay. At ang itsura ng butas ng puwet habang kinakain niya.

"Babe, you are responding..." ng maramdaman ni Carlito tumitigas na rin ang nota. Sinubo niya dahan-dahan. Habang tuloy naman na pinapantasya ni Lucas ang mukha ni Paolo, ang bibig habang sumusubo sa nota niya. At tuluyan na siyang tinigasan. Si Paolo pa rin ang laman ng isip niya. Ang hanap ng kanyang katawan.

Tinuloy ni Carlito ang pagblowjob sa kanya. At tinignan niya si Lucas na mahigpit ang pagkakapikit. 'Ano kaya ang inisip nitong mokong na eto?' tanong niya sa sarili. Habang nakapikit pa rin, kinuha na ni Lucas ang nota niya at nagsalsal ng sarili hanggang labasan.

Habang pinupunasan ng tisyu ni Carlito ang pinagtalsikan ng tamod "Akala ko di ka na tinitigasan sa akin. Grounds for annulment yan." at sabay tawa.

"Of course not, Babe. All I had to do was relax naman. At i-enjoy ang galing mo." siya mismo ay nakumbinse ng kanyang sariling pagsisinungalin. Ngunit bumabalik sa isipan niya si Paolo. At ang naging usapan nilang huli habang natutulog ng mahimbing si Carlito.

"I told you not to text me. Bakit ba ang kulet mo?" bumubulong siya ngunit nandun ang diin ng pananalita.

"I'm sorry, Kuya. Hindi ko lang kasi matiis. When I saw you at the mall with him. Ang sakit, Kuya."

"Pao, you know my situation. Sabi ko naman sa iyo, di ba?"

"Opo. Kaso iba pagnakikita mo na. Kaya sorry hindi ko alam ang magiging reaksyon ko. Sorry po, Kuya." at nag-umpisa ng umiyak si Paolo sa kabilang linya.

"Pao, please stop crying. This is temporary, okay? Konting tiis lang."

"I know, Kuya. I know. It's my fault. Mahal na mahal na kita, Luc. Ang sakit lang."

"Shhh. Tahan na, Pao. I can't stay long on the phone. Baka magising si Carlito." at tinapos na rin niya ang usapan. Dun niya naramdaman ang matinding pagmamahal sa kanya ng bata. Na hindi niya inaakalang mangyayari sa buhay niya.

Napatingin siya kay Carlito muli. Nagbibihis na ng pantulog. Pwede nga bang dalawang tao ang mahalin niya? Parang pampelikula lang. Ngunit hindi niya kayang iwan si Carlito kahit madalas na silang mag-away. Marami na silang napagdaanan. At hindi rin naman niya kayang i-deny sa sarili na si Paolo ang nagpapalukso ng kanyang dugo ngayon.

Niyakap niya si Carlito habang nakahiga pa rin. At ilang saglit na lang ay naririnig na rin niya ang paghilik ni Carlito habang nasa dibdib niya.

Nang kinabukasan ay pabalik na rin sila sa Cebu City. Parang iba ang ihip ng hangin. Dahil rin siguro nag-aalala na siya sa trabahong iniwan, sa mga accounts ni Emily. Habang nasa bangka, nakatanggap siya ng text mula kay Emily.

"I hope u r hapi now. I resignd. So u can b hapi w ur bf." at bigla siyang namutla sa text ni Emily. Hindi niya alam kung sasagutin niya. Nahalata na naman ni Carlito ang kanyang reaksyon at pagkagulat.

"Oh sino na naman iyan at para kang nabuhusan ng kumukulong tubig?" tanong ni Carlito.

"Ahh. Wala. Magulo raw kasi accounts of the girl who resigned."

At may sumunod pa isang text. "I kno ur 2gedr now. But we nid 2 tok."

Mas lalo siyang kinabahan sa text. Hindi niya alam ang sasagutin niya.

"Wala, Babe. Nakakainis lang. Ayusin ko lang."

"Ayan ka na naman. Hindi mo maiwan ang work mo."

"Ano ba, Babe? Konting suporta lang." tumaas na ang boses niya.

"Fuck you. Ako na nga ang nandito to support you." at pinatulan na siya ni Carlito sa galit.

Napatingin ang ibang mga pasahero ng bangka at huminahon siya. "I'm sorry, okay? I just need to solve this." At saka dumating na naman ang isang text "Y r u not replyng? I nid 2 tok 2 u. Or il go 2 ur haus." Namutla siya sa banta ng babae.

"Ok. Il mit u tom. Lunch. SM." ang madali niyang tinext. At hindi na naalis ang kaba niya.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

cc quickie: the new mass translation

In our parish, we have started to implement (finally) the new English translation of the Mass.  The Vatican deadline for full implementation worldwide is January 1, 2013 (methinks).  So we have roughly 6 months to get used to this translation.

I was initially in disagreement with this move.  Why rock the boat and confuse the churchgoer?  Why enforce such a change when it seemed so 'cosmetic' in nature?  

I have since changed my attitude towards it and have finally recognized its value.  For me, beyond the need to be more 'accurate' to the Latin responses, this new translation makes us Catholics become 'aware' again of the Mass.  We have to be more attentive again so as not to make mistakes.  There is a consciousness to listen and memorize.  And even as we struggle with agreeing with the translation, the mere fact that we are thinking about the words and meaning again is an accomplishment.

cc quickie: Career Talk

Miggs invited me to do a career talk for PLU's in August.  I'd like to solicit your views, dear raider, on this.  Specifically, do you have any questions on career or corporate life that you would like to be clarified about?  Is there anything you would like to ask a resource person, a PLU, regarding these topics? :)

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Travel Thoughts

For the most part of my travels previously, I have been alone.  Most of them are business trips, and I am the only one sent by the company.  But as of late, I have had travel companions.  And I have finally started to enjoy the company, the banter, the bonding due to shared experiences, especially during foreign trips.

But yesterday, here in Taipei, I was alone for the first day.  And I got to remember again a lot of the experiences of traveling alone.

Like what seems like endless walking.  I am quite uncomfortable taking cabs, fearing exploitative drivers.  So I would rather walk, with map on hand.  I actually have fun looking for places.  And the best part of walking is the chance to re-trace steps quickly in case you feel lost.

I used to be able to walk for hours, not even stopping for coffee.  I had such limited time since the shopping and sight-seeing were just squeezed in the business meetings.

I also enjoy being able to hear Mass at different Catholic Churches.  I could see the ranges of attendance, from packed churches in Dubai, Toronto to the almost-empty parishes in London, Paris.  Despite the Vatican's enforcement of uniformity across all dioceses, Masses are celebrated in different ways in different countries.  And that makes for some confusing behavior (why are they standing or kneeling at this point in the mass?)

In certain OFW-countries, I get comforted by seeing kababayans around.  After a long time of not hearing Tagalog, listening to sometimes loud and rowdy conversation in Tagalog is music!  And where the Churches are, there will be the small enterprises catering to our unique Pinoy tastes: pirated DVDs, remittance centers, karaoke, polvoron, adobo.  Yet I can't help but feel sad for some of them, for those who felt they had no choice but leave family and friends behind just for higher pay.  I still feel that way every time.

Molestya

Over-dinner conversation:

"Bakit? May itsura naman ako! Malaki rin naman! Bakit di niya ako in-extra?" complains one of them.
"Oh, saan naman nanggagaling yan? asks another. "Kahapon, pinuntahan namin yung ni-recommend ni (points to one of them) na spa. Akala ko ok. Kahihintay ko na may mangyari, nakatulog na ako."
Everybody's chuckling over this.
"Akala ko, ayaw mong inaalok ka ng extra?"
"Ayaw ko nga. Pero kung momolestiyahin niya ako, may magagawa pa ba ako?" More laughter.
"Ganun? Pwede ka naman tumanggi!"
"Eh kung hawak na niya, at aroused na ako... helpless na ako."
"Pero ayaw mo ng extra."
"Ayaw ko pag yun ang pakay.  Yung may negotiation pa.  Turn-off no?  Ang bet ko yung parang na-arouse siya sa pagmasahe sa akin.  At hindi niya mapigilan na molestiyahin ako."
"You don't want to ask for it.  You want it to come from your therapist.  Na type na type ka niya.  So it's an ego thing.  All in the head. Pun intended."
"Yeah.  Yun ang trip ko.  At malaki ako mag-tip kung ganun."

Walang basagan ng trip.




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Taipei Clubbing

I had a whirlwind tour of Gay Taipei last night.  We started with Red House Square (Ximen) on the west side of the city.  I consider this Ground Zero of Gay Taipei.  There were so many little bars and shops catering to the pink Taiwan dollar!  I'm amazed that the gay community here could actually support this 'niche' businesses.  We settled at G2 Paradise to ogle.  (They have such kitschy names for bars)

Then we went to the east side.  And there were more bars there, smaller ones and not clustered as it was in Ximen.  My friend/tour guide was telling me that the bars here were a bit more upscale, popular among models and wannabes.  And they could get jampacked.  True enough, this one bar we went to, La Boca, was really small (though had two levels) and already full with people.  Yet my friend told me that was a slow night.  I didn't see much model types, though.  Maybe according to their tastes. hehe

Then to another bar, a new one, Re-fresh, owned by his friend, and my friend, too.  Not too many people yet, since it is just building its base.  But the place has got potential.  It even has its own dark room (groping room).  And as we were chatting on his roof deck, would you believe that the police came in to verify the age of the patrons?!  Their police is being very strict about this, it turns out.  Their presence did put a certain tension in the air.

Then finally to G-star club, a big dance club very much like Bed (probably just as big, too).  Also with two levels.  At 1230am when we got there, it was already soooo full of gay Taiwanese rocking and rolling (or should I say sashaying) to the beat.  They play a lot of K-pop, including 2n1 (Sandara).  And just like Bed, there is a platform/stage.  It was fun watching them lipsynch and move just like the music videos!  As much as I would have liked to dance and move, I couldn't with all that people cramming the dance floor.

The downside to all of this is... my aging body didn't enjoy all that walking from one place to the next.  And though I enjoyed the alcohol, I realized that if I couldn't dance the effects of alcohol away, I'll become sleepy.

Mental note: I'm really waaay past this.  I'll enjoy dance music only if I could move with it.  Other than that, let's just have wine and cheese and great conversation.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

cc quickie: to my new closet raider

hello luke. i have to dedicate a separate post for you! thank you so much for doing a marathon on the blogposts! i'm truly glad and humbled that you found the blog entertaining, enough to even recommend it to another. so many things have happened in my life and this blog is some kind of testament to it (but with alterations! hehe) i hope i could continue to entertain you with the blog in the future. cc


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Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Carlito 14, Paolo 9

"Maayong buntag, Babe" text ni Lucas ang unang pumasok sa telepono niya pagka-turn on nito. Nangiti si Carlito. Maayos naman ang flight papuntang Cebu. Naghintay muna siya ng makarating na siya sa luggage claim area bago tumawag.

"Hello Babe. Nandito na ako, palabas. Saan kita hihintayin?" tanong ni Carlito.

"Hey Babe! Nakapark lang ako. Dadaan ako mismo sa harap ng exit mo. Di ka na lalayo." excited ang boses ni Lucas.

"Kamusta ang flight, Babe? Maayos naman?" Nasa kotse na sila patungo na ng Cebu City.

"Yeah, ang aga lang. Di ako nakatulog masyado sa plane. Ang ingay
ng katabi ko. Mga OFW."

"Hahaha, kawawa ka naman. Hayaan mo, makakapahinga ka. Diretso na muna tayo sa apartment."

Habang papunta dun, naituro na ni Lucas ang mga ibang landmarks sa Cebu tulad ng bagong tulay, ang reclamation, ang SM.

"What's the plan ba?"

"Dito muna tayo sa city tonight. Dinner tayo sa Ayala..."

"Mall na naman? Eh puro mall na nga tayo sa Manila."

"Maganda ang Ayala dito, Babe. At marami kasing choices."

"Anyway, bukas naman paalis tayo ng Bantayan Island. Mag two nights tayo dun."

"Malayo ba yun?"

"Di ako sure. Pero maganda daw. Di ko pa napuntahan. I wanted to visit it with you." at kinuha niya ang kamay ni Carlito at pinisil.

"Okay. Malayo pa ba house mo? Na-jingle na ako."

Normal na uli ang buhay niya ngayong nasa Cebu si Carlito. Nabuhay na naman ang apoy ng damdamin niya, lalo na nung pinagmamasdan niyang nag-aayos ng gamit si Carlito sa bahay. Mula dun ay nagtungo na sila agad sa mall. Excited siyang ipakita ang tanawin ng Cebu, ang pangalawa niyang tahanan.

"Ma-traffic rin, no?"

"Oo, babe, lalo na dito sa Mango. Masikip pa rin ang mga kalye."

"Huy nandyan na pala ang Fitness?"

"Tagal na niyan! Nandito na tayo. Di ba maganda naman ang Ayala Cebu?"

Lumigid-ligid sila sa loob ng mall. Pareho rin naman ang mga brands na nilalaman, lahat nasa Manila na rin. At habang papasok sila sa Rustan's, bigla niyang nasalubong si Paolo.

Si Paolo!?!?

Bigla siyang nanigas. At kahit si Paolo ay biglang tumalikod. At dali-daling pumasok sa looban muli ng Rustan's.

"Kilala mo ba yun, Babe?"

"Huh? Sino?" dedma na lang.

"Yung bagets. Parang kilala ka niya. Biglang nag-aboutface."

"Talaga? Hmmm. Hindi ko napansin."

"Anong hindi mo napansin, eh, parang natigilan ka rin."

"Hindi no? May iba akong napansin. Ano ka ba?" naiirita na si Lucas. At nararamdaman niyang namumula na siya at pinagpapawisan.

"Babe, I saw him and you. Kilala mo ba siya?" nagbabago na rin ang tono ni Carlito.

Hinarap niya at tinitigan niya si Carlito. "I swear I don't know him. Di ko napansin."

"Kung ikaw may nililihim sa akin, Babe"

"Carl, naman, kararating mo lang, nagseselos ka na! I don't even know the guy!" tumataas na ang boses niya. Ganyan talaga, unahan lang ng sindak.

"Ok, ok. Weird lang, Babe. As in, ang weird."

"Fine. I really don't know him, okay? Tara, let's eat na." at niyaya na niya si Carlito patungong Cafe Laguna.

Hindi na muli binanggit ni Carlito yung enkwentro kay Paolo. Bumalik sa normal ang usapan. Ngunit naramdaman niyang nag-vibrate ang kanyang cellphone. Tumiyempo siya ng nag-CR si Carlito at binasa ang text.

"M sori." text ni Paolo sa kanya. Mas lalo siyang nagalit sa bata at bilis dinelete ang text. 'Tang-ina!' sa loob-loob niya. Sa lahat naman ng places, ngayon pa nagpunta dito.

Bumalik na sa table si Carlito at nagyaya ng umuwi.

"Ok Babe, may biyahe pa tayo bukas. I'm so happy you are finally here, Babe!"



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Sunday, July 1, 2012

Delhi Delights


It was my first time to visit New Delhi. (Yes, there is an 'Old' Delhi.) I've been to India twice before, but always visiting Mumbai. A business trip afforded me the chance to see a childhood dream - the Taj Mahal.




It is another 4.5 hours away from New Delhi. Quite a ride but all worth it when I finally came to behold the beauty of the monument/mausoleum in the late afternoon. The temperature was still in the late 30's, but certainly much better than the mid-40's of the mid-afternoon! And there were less people by 530pm (it's summer so sun sets late, past 6pm) and monument closes by 630pm.




The beauty of the Taj Mahal comes from the symmetry and the use of optical illusions in so many ways. For example, this archway makes the edifice seem to actually grow in size as one moves away from it! Amazing!




And those zigzagging columns on the corners look like they are uneven from afar when these are actually smooth surfaces. And none of that floral-Arabic detail is painted on, mind you! These are all etches on the surface, with the different colored semi-precious stones to achieve the color. (Think Lapiz Lazuli, Star of India gemstones!)

Another delightful surprise in New Delhi was my visit to the "Kingdom of Dreams". Ok, so the name of the place is quite kitschy but the entire complex is so impressive, with each and every surface made up of carvings and color and lightbulbs.




It is actually a theater with a restaurant building beside it. And we got to watch this amazing musical which could only be truly Indian in theme and style, "Zangoora". Too bad I couldn't take pictures while the two-hour musical was ongoing. But I assure you, the show is breathtaking.





Production-wise, the show did not spare any expense. Aside from the multi-level LED stage backdrop, even the sides of the theatre had LCD screens that changed with the scenery. And there were hanging cables everywhere, allowing the cast to come from literally everywhere (top, down, side) to dazzle the audiences.

And true to form, the show is the embodiment of the Bollywood style of music and dancing. According to my Indian hosts, the musical incorporated popular Bollywood songs and just a few original numbers. Bollywood came to life on stage, with all of its color, and terpsichorean skill! I certainly appreciate all that is Indian in that show, particularly the Indian male.





But of course, the lead star is a gypsy king, a gorgeous, hunky Indian who could move like Jagger. He was really handsome, chiselled in that particularly Indian way. And the rest of the cast was ABS-olutely impressive, too! All the male dancers had abs on display, something not lost to the pink viewer! They definitely catered to all the sexes there! Whenever in New Delhi, I strongly suggest watching this!

My hosts treated me to a classic Indian icon - the Snake Charmer. This is actually banned in India now, due to the SPCA (animal cruelty guys). But with the right connections in the Delhi ghettoes, you can still find them. The cobra was certainly quite scary but not menacing, since it was quite small in size. Fascinating, nevertheless, for the deaf snakes really just respond to the charmer's movements.





This India trip was incredible and delightful and even nostalgic, as I came face to face with two Indian childhood fantasies - the Taj Mahal and the Snake Charmer.