atomicwars

Amazing India

2007-03-12T02:53:00.000+08:00

It has been quite a while since I updated my blog. I am currently in India so I thought it would be appropriate to post pictures of the place.

India is hodgepodge of culture and ethnic diversity. From people to food to language to religion - name it India has lots of it!

Thumbs up:

1. The food - I couldn't get enough of spicy dishes
2. The color - look around and you will see a dazzling array of vivid colors in sarees, buildings, etc.
3. The fusion of modern culture and old traditions - India has truly preserved its unmistakable identity

Thumbs down:

1. Autorickshaw drivers who charge more than the meter
2. Loose hygienic practices in food preparation
3. Drivers from hell and the incessant blowing of horns

do you still love me?

2006-07-29T18:05:00.000+08:00

you knocked at the door
i opened it, and you said hi
you said you were sorry
then you asked, "do you still love me?"

as i thought for a while
i saw tears in your eyes
then my heart skipped a beat
at the realization -

i did not say, "no"
because that would be a lie;
i did not say, "yes"
because that would be unfair.

someone else loves me now
more than i love myself;
someone else takes care of me now
and blesses my day.

so i just tapped your shoulder
and i managed a sincere smile
i didn't want to hurt us both
so i just said, "goodbye".

on love and reciprocity

2006-03-17T20:42:00.000+08:00

the person who truly loves
seeks not to be loved in return,
for true love is not founded on
the grounds of reciprocity.

happiness is a choice

2006-03-17T20:22:00.000+08:00

the perfect day is in your thoughts
think happy and you will be
happiness does not end
with gloomy days and overcast skies

everyday is an opportunity
to feel really nice
you may feel blue, or feel so sad
nothing can stop you from feeling bad

but remember you have the choice
and you may choose to be happy
then you will see the sweetest smile
there in the mirror, look and see!

Saturday Afternoon

2006-03-14T13:04:00.000+08:00

Nothing is lovelier
Than seeing hues of orange and red
Amidst the pale blue sky;
But nothing is more romantic
Than watching this magic unfold
With you by my side.

looking for thy self?

2006-03-14T12:54:00.000+08:00

the self
can never go missing
nor unled
it does not need
a path to tread
it need not
be found
as it never leaves
because
the self
is not something
that one seeks
the self
is something
that one creates

Coming Home

2005-11-11T20:17:00.000+08:00

I just got back from a foreign assignment, which got extended for almost a year. I witnessed all four British seasons, yet none of them made any of my winter apparel easily dispensable. I had been looking forward to coming and staying home, and seeing my family, relatives and friends. They are the very people who always make parting a bit painful and coming home always something to look forward to. My excitement was almost difficult to bear when I learned that my fly home date was definite.

Finally I was on a flight bound for Manila. Looking down from the plane, Metro Manila glittered with thousand lights. For a moment I was oblivious to the heavy traffic and to the pollution that the metropolis was notorious for. When the plane touched down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, I was engulfed by a stronger sense of excitement. I was ecstatic at the prospect of seeing how the country had changed since I left.

Except for a cousin and few officemates, I practically told no one that I was coming home. As no one was there to pick me up, I had to take a cab. I was escorted out of the building by a security guard and he pointed me to a small office where I could arrange for my transfer. I was surprised to learn that the fare going to Makati was nearly half what it was several months before. What was more surprising was the absence of barkers who would coerce passengers to avail of their service. The staff explained that the President mandated the scheme. Not long ago, passengers arriving at the NAIA had to rent trolley carts for US$1 each. When Mrs. Arroyo stepped into office, she rightfully abolished the absurdity. I was impressed at the progressive developments that were obviously shaping the historic airport.

I was almost ready to be generous with my praises when suddenly the cab made an unexpected U-turn. The driver informed me that although arrangements were made from the office at the airport, payment had to be made from the cashier that services different cab operators. The cashier was located almost clandestinely near the flyover along the Sucat highway. I handed the payment to the cashier and I expected 125 pesos to be returned to me. As if miscalculating my payment, the cashier handed me only 120 pesos and hurriedly got back to her paper work. She was obviously just acting out to collect extra cash for herself. Regardless of the amount, I thought what she did was wrong and should not be tolerated. Therefore I demanded for the remaining amount and the cashier apologetically handed it to me asking, “kulang po pala, Sir?” I could only chuckle in disbelief. Take out the evil weed and you can bet that it grows quite quickly some place else.

As if sensing my disappointment, the driver started to talk about our political situation as he drove the cab. The topic did not serve much to uplift me, but my interest was roused by what the driver had to say. Just like everyone else, he was practically fed up with politicians advancing their individual causes, but mindless of the nation’s arrested development. His view embodies what seemed to me is the collective consciousness of today’s Pinoy. Indeed it is tiring to witness political showdowns day after day. The branches of the government have virtually turned into primetime soap operas with a powerhouse cast. The only obvious difference is that everyone seems to be the villain and a happy ending is nowhere in sight. I find it unfortunate that we have no one in the government that we can call a statesman. Everyone is just another distasteful politician. The likes of Jovito Salonga and Ninoy Aquino could very well make a difference these days.

The ride took faster than I expected. I soon found myself standing in front of my condominium. The humid air was familiar. The balut vendor at the other side of the street cursed as a car sped past him. From afar, the skyscrapers of Makati towered with pride like monuments to demigods.

I quickly said a prayer of thanksgiving for a safe journey. As I clutched my keys, it dawned on me – I am home, and things have pretty much remained the same.

on letting go

2005-10-26T19:17:00.000+08:00

the sinking sun changed the color of the horizon
what was blue was humbled by orange red
and before the colors could blend together
the inevitable darkness set itself afield

how fast time flies, i mused -
how fast time flies indeed
was it just yesterday we met and said hi
now it's time to part and say goodbye

i held you close and locked you in my arms
close to my chest you held your ear
i prayed that the night will remain endless
but a forlorn beat was all you can hear

soon the light of day was unmistakable
i had to weaken my embrace
to let you go was the only option
everything else was malaise

if only we must muster very few things
it is to live, to laugh, to learn,
to love: t'is we all can,
but to let go - makes one completely human

Puerto Galera, October 2005

2005-10-12T23:16:00.000+08:00

I had fun with friends at Puerto Galera last weekend. Unlike the summer months, the place is not crowded this time of the year.

daily dose of euphoria

2005-09-24T15:08:00.000+08:00

i wake up with excitement
knowing that i will see you;
i look forward even to moments
when we just sit beside each other
without any need to speak.
we just watch the sun
sink under the horizon,
creating a careless
explosion of colors.
then, when the stars find their place
we both know it's time to let go
not without a kiss or two, and a hug.
i quickly go to bed
with excitement just the same
knowing that i'll find you in my dreams
and tomorrow, we'll see each other again.

empty bed

2005-09-08T15:54:00.000+08:00

i woke up this morning
with your pillow next to mine;
i waited for your kisses
but they never came.
i had to content myself
with your fading scent
on the wrinkled sheets.
yours was this side of the bed,
now it's collecting dust instead.

fairy tales (haiku)

2005-04-11T07:39:00.000+08:00

    she wanted so much
    for fairy tales to come true
    so she kissed a frog

spring (haiku)

2005-04-11T07:13:00.000+08:00

the trees grow their leaves
and yellow daffodils bloom
the promise is kept

sonja (haiku)

2005-04-11T06:24:00.000+08:00

your eyes reflect pain
all the pain you have endured
yet you never cried

bouncing back

2005-04-11T03:05:00.000+08:00

i didn't expect
that it'll only take
your smile
to move me back
to writing
poetry again
i haven't written
a single line
for a long time now
as my heart was so
heavily burdened
and bruised
so i set aside
my loving part
and forgot about
writing poems
then one day
oh, that day
you flashed your
redeeming smile
you inspired
my every sinew
and my loving part
was back aglow
burning to see
the world with you
to hear sweet melodies
and to hear my name
sweetly uttered by you
now i can write about
sadness and joy
about loving
and being loved
about being hurt
and bouncing back.

pickpocket

2005-04-09T16:09:00.000+08:00

hindi ko namalayang
wala na pala
ang wallet kong
walang laman
kung hindi
isang daan at lima.

bigla kong naalala
nandoon din pala
ang letrato namin
noong kami pang dal'wa;
biglang nagbalik
tatlong taong kay saya
at ang sandaling
lahat ay nag-iba.

ngayon ako'y mag-isa
inang ko po nadukutan pa,
ngunit salamat
at nadukot rin
letratong nagpapa-alala
ngayo'y may dahilan na
upang tuluyang --
tuluyang limutin siya.

distance (haiku)

2005-01-18T09:04:00.000+08:00

we're oceans apart
and we are miles in between
sadness fills the gap

Stonehenge

2004-11-21T23:13:00.000+08:00

A mystery I cannot unfold, a riddle in ancient tongue
You will be there centuries more
But today let me wonder how you have become

James Joyce

2004-11-13T23:50:00.000+08:00

James Joyce is one of Dublin's favorite sons. He was born in February 1882 and his contribution to literature is immortalized by his books, Ulysses and Finnegan's Wake.

The North Earl Street in Dublin is home to James Joyce's statue which was sculptured by Marjorie Fitzgibbon in 1990.

Conwy -- The Most Complete Walled Town and Castle in Britain

2004-10-23T22:46:00.000+08:00

Several miles from Caernarfon Castle, one can find the best-preserved medieval town in Wales -- Conwy. Conwy was built by Edward I after his conquest of the area in 1823. The fortress took four years to build and today it is hailed as a World Heritage Site.

The town walls is reputed to be three-quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 21 towers.

Taking his inspiration from fortified towns in Switzerland and France, James of St. George architected Conwy. By 18th century Conwy became a trading post and river port on the route to Holyhead and Ireland.

Caernarfon Castle -- Snowdonia, Northwest Wales

2004-10-23T22:00:00.000+08:00

Located in Snowdonia -- the highest mountain area in Wales and England -- the Caernarfon Castle was built in 1283 by King Edward I as a military stronghold and seat of government. The king's son, Edward II, was born there and made Prince of Wales. In 1969, the castle was the setting for the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales.

Inside the castle is the Royal Welch Fusilier Museum with interactive exhibits that glorify the military prowess of Wales throughout history.

Snowdonia is definitely a long drive from Cheshire but the spectacular view is worth it all.

Top Ten JSP Tips

2004-10-01T04:04:00.000+08:00

Hans's Top Ten JSP Tips by Hans Bergsten -- O'Reilly author provides tips and code that cover FAQs from newbies about JavaServer Pages (JSP). By Hans Bergsten, author of O'Reilly's JavaServer Pages (November 2000).

Distance

2004-09-24T13:58:00.000+08:00

There you are
beaming that lovely smile
captivating me with your childlike ways
and all I can do is stare and smile back
you have cast a spell in me
that has caused me to worship you
from sunrise to sunset
and even in my dreams early in the morn

There you are
amusing me with your humor
and sensibility
you have taken me away
from my comfort zone
and you have led me on the road
to self discovery
you are a clear mirror of my psyche

There you are
a friend each day
who never seems to run out
of patience in my frailties
and pride in my achievements
who so intimately talks to me
and understands that my bed
has a wrong side to wake up to

There you are
headstrong yet sensitive
carefree yet caring
simple yet intrinsically beautiful
in countless ways you are wonderful
appealing to my senses
calling my entire being
to attend to your humanity

There you are
drawing me close to you
with your smile and grace
but I should refuse to be near you
my consciousness says no
and the universe dictates the same
though my heart weeps in silence
as I keep myself afar

There you are
like a tempest in a moral battle
which can only be won
with a shattered heart
I should keep this distance from you
for my embrace is madness
and your reciprocal tenderness is sin
we are not meant for this lifetime

There you are
so painfully desirable
and here I am
equally in pain
in loneliness
but this distance I should keep
like malady that cannot be cured
at least not in this lifetime

Together

2004-09-17T23:52:00.000+08:00

Things are different when we are together
Feels like the sun shines brighter
And the moon shines brightest
The rain seems to knock
At the windowpane
The blue sky is bluer
And I've never seen the rainbow so close
Time seems to slow down
To give way to us
To be together

The world is not the same when we are together
Like potpourri of new meanings
Not needing to be discerned
I was taught that gravity
Pulls us all toward the center of earth
But what is this force that keeps us close
Drawing us near
Keeping us inseparable
The answer I need not know
The question I always want felt

I am at peace with the world and myself
When we are together
All the universe seems to agree
Look at how the trees bend
As a gush of wind blows
Feel the kiss of morning mist
As I wake up with your arms around me
We have all the time in the world
Feel it in your soul
This nirvana of proximity

i am a kite

2004-09-16T13:29:00.000+08:00

                   i
               am a kite
             and i am free -
          proud without wings,
         flying next to eagles
       in the midst of blue skies.
     yet the irony of things is that
       i am grounded too; a neat
        piece of cord pulls me
           back to my master's
            hands like it is
              my lifeline -
               and it is.
                 when you
                  look up
                     you
                      see
                         me
                           p
                           r
                            o
                             u
                              d;
                                but
                                   when
                                    i
                                     look
                                       down
                                         i
                                          am
                                            h
                                             u
                                             m
                                              b
                                               l
                                                e
                                                 d
                                                  .

tempest

2004-09-14T18:54:00.000+08:00

say a word and i smile
let your gentle wickedness
corrupt my fickle mind
let my curiosity be satisfied
like questions answered
by embellished truth
and casual carnal lies
open my mind
like an open fly
reach out for my consciousness
put this wandering mind at ease
like a candle flame
licking every inch
of that helpless wick
i spread myself to obedience
so that this thirst may no longer be
like heat frozen for all eternity
burning in the dampness of the moment
like torment seduced by your playfulness
oh, yes, you are the tempest
and i choose you to liberate me

Sahara

2004-09-14T01:05:00.000+08:00

The scorching sun of the Sahara noon
Dried my lips
The sand dune played with my exhaustion
I lost all my strength
The oasis was nowhere to be found

Vultures were all above me
Like guardians
I was watched by them from afar
Waiting for me to lose myself
In the shifting sands

The heat was unbearable
Like a sting of a thousand scorpions
Only invisible
The air was dry
The sun was up

With each step I lost my will
To live
Slowly I fell to my knees
Face down
My cheek against the sand

My feet were swollen
My legs were numb
I prayed to my god
I prayed so hard
Every word was only a gush of breath

My life flashed before me
The people I met
The places I have been
The things I have done
But there was only me now

And the shifting sands of the Sahara
Take me, take me
I whispered
As I passed out
A sting of pain ran from my calf

Then another sting
And other
Though my eyes were so weary
To see that I was being
Slaughtered alive

By the twenty or so
Vultures that came down
To feast on me
The pain became unbearable
Until there was no more

Not even an awareness
Then there were only vultures and the pale blue sky
The humid air
The scorching sun
And the sands of the Sahara

A Midsummer Night's Dream

2004-09-11T14:05:00.000+08:00

The stage comes alive with William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Running for about two months now, "Midsummer" has never failed to amaze its audience. The cast truly deserves standing ovation and the overall production is something we can all be proud of.

The 400-seater RCBC Theater is home to this classic tale of the different types of love and the insane things humans do for love. Watching the play, I was reminded of Sigmund Freud's claim: "You are always insane when you are in love." The play definitely has controversial appeal because of its content.

"This day my oaths of drinking wine and going to plays are out, and so I do resolve to take a liberty to-day, and then to fall to them again. To the King's Theatre, where we saw "Midsummer's Night's Dream," which I had never seen before, nor shall ever again, for it is the most insipid ridiculous play that ever I saw in my life. I saw, I confess, some good dancing and some handsome women, which was all my pleasure."

-- Samuel Pepys, Diary, Sept. 29, 1662

parallel || attraction

2004-09-11T13:46:00.000+08:00

This poem has been voted by PinoyPoets as August's Gold. Thanks to those who voted!

the alarm clock rings                   bacon strips for breakfast
i wake up                                   great, my diet is on a day off
i can't afford to be late                a final dash of makeup
not today                                   and a gracious blow of my fruity
                                                                    perfume
a quick bath                               what a beautiful day
a quick cup of coffee                   i grab my bag and pick my shoes
that should do it                         and i walk around the room
i slam my apartment door           like i was walking in the streets of paris
i hear my neighbor curse            okay, time to go
like he is not used to it                i head to the elevator and press the
                                                                    down button
i press the button                       ding
9...                                            9...
8...                                            8...
7...                                            oh, i forgot my bracelet
this is taking forever                   6...
5...                                            5...
ding                                          ding
the elevator doors open              great, i'll be late
i enter                                       hmmm... does he ever comb his hair
nice perfume                              nice smile
i have seen her yesterday           i wish he would look at me again
and the day before                     if i chance upon him tomorrow
and everyday she smells nicer    wearing that same carefree hairstyle
i wonder what her name is          he'll get a lecture on hygiene
maybe i should ask her               4...
i clear my throat                        okay, talk to me
3...                                           3...
2...                                           oh, well...
ding                                          ding
okay, perhaps tomorrow             i can't wait for tomorrow

Golden Sun: The Lost Age

2004-09-11T13:23:00.000+08:00

"Golden Sun: The Lost Age" hooked me on the first five minutes. I have been playing the game for almost two weeks now and I am still having a grand time.

The game is a sequel to the original "Golden Sun" but this one has longer quests. More puzzles have also been fuzed to the game and it will be helpful if you could get yourself a good walkthrough (like this one or this).

The details are rich and the animation is smooth. You may also import character data from "Golden Sun". Doing so will allow you to have a richer game experience because you can bring in djinns and artifacts.

Although I still have a lot of continents to conquer and djinns to tame, here is my rating for "Golden Sun: The Lost Age":
   Gameplay: 9.0
   Graphics: 9.0
   Sound: 8.5
   Overall: 8.83

adam on eve

2004-09-08T14:28:00.000+08:00

your parting folds i will explore
i like it red and raw
so bare yourself and spread it free
     swell with feral undulations
     as i stalk your shy anatomy.

stinging kisses i will sow
on your blushing silk terrains
i will plow your moisten fields
     if only to quench this thirst
     with your citrus offerings.

your rounded mounds i shall cup
leaving no detail unturned
no lies will be told tonight
     as this tongue is preoccupied
     with surfing pleasurable curves.

waves of pleasure, stings of pain
when hard and tight collide
on satin sheets of sinful heaven
     take me in, oh, let me in
     my gorgeous -- pound, pound, pound!

when i was five

2004-09-07T16:42:00.000+08:00

when i was five
i asked my grandpa
what is the meaning of love
he patted my back and said
you are too young
you wouldn't yet understand

grandpa then replaced his spectacles
and through them he peered
he slowly made his way to my grandma
like a nest to a weary bird

today i'm still wondering
exactly what is love
but that day when i was five
i knew, i knew for certain that --
lovers grow old
but love fades not

If you're a bird, I'm a bird too.

2004-09-05T22:23:00.000+08:00

Jan Sardi made a perfect screen adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' "The Notebook". I haven't really read the book but somehow I had some idea of the plot (thanks to some friends who were too verbose to provide me with a summary). I am not into mushy movies but this one is an exception. You should watch it! Four thumbs up!

The film stars Ryan Gosling (Murder by Numbers, 2002) and Rachel McAdams (Hot Chick, 2002), and was directed by N.J. Cassavetes.

Weekend Escapade - Baguio and Mountain Province

2004-09-02T10:55:00.000+08:00

Last year's visit to La Trinidad, Benguet led me to the age-old mummies of the Mountain Province. Two mummies were on display -- living testimonies (no pun intended) to the sophistication of the ancient Filipinos. Last weekend, however, I was suprised to find out that the mummies were moved to their proper resting place in Kabayan, a town several kilometers away from La Trinidad. I was disappointed at what I learned but, at the same time, I felt relieved that the mummies were finally back to where they truly belong.

It seemed that the Fates wouldn't want me to leave Baguio disappointed for another mummy was on display at the Baguio-Mountain Province Museum along Gov. Pack Road. The museum also showcased other century-old indigenous artifacts and a photo exhibit.

why?

2004-09-02T10:37:00.000+08:00

why do i wish to be near you
   to feel your warmth
      and to see that smile

why do i make plans for the future
   including you in it
      although not all, just most of it

why do i think you are the one
   the one i could spend my whole life with
      in sheer bliss

why do i dream this dream
   knowing it's so far fetched
      yet not wanting to wake up

why does it have to be so complicated
   when wanting you is this simple
      and intoxicating

why are there so many questions in the world
   half truths and white lies
      and only you is the answer

alone

2004-08-31T01:00:00.000+08:00

i
am
at
the
other
side
of
the
world
are
you
waiting
for
me
too
asking
the
same
question
searching
for
the
same
answer
looking
for
the
same
image
in
the
mirror
of
solitude
wandering
in
the
vast
wilderness
of
people
what
are
the
chances
that
our
paths
will
collide
and
forever
intertwine
?

Monster Underneath My Bed

2004-08-30T22:58:00.000+08:00

Oh, you better believe me
You better do
What I am about to say to you --
There's a monster underneath my bed

At night when I go to sleep
Although I would rather not
But always fatigue is stronger
Then I drift to slumber

In the silence of the night
With the moon nowhere in sight
A shadow runs after me
Catching up with me in every dark corner

There is no escape
The landscape is dark
And I am all alone
I shout and run

But the faceless figure
Is always a step behind
I run up the stairs
But there it waits for me

Like a predator welcoming its prey
I run down as fast as I can
But my strength fails me
And I fall

The bleary moon casts some light
As the faceless figure stretches its arm
Locking its right hand against my left foot
Then I see

A hand it has not
But rather a claw
Black and scary pretty much like a crow's
It seems to stare at me

I don't want to know
I shout all my lungs out
Leaving me panting for breath
Then I wake up and realize

That it is only a bad dream
Suddenly my bed shakes
And I see the same claw
Poised for a grip

You better believe this
You better do
What I have just told you
There's a monster underneath my bed!

Wanting You

2004-08-30T22:56:00.000+08:00

It hurts to want you each day
To watch you nearby
Yet far away
To watch you come and leave
Leaving me in constant pain.

When I long for you
The pain reenters me
And I can only be comforted
By your gentle touch
But once you bid farewell
The pain reenters with rage
Tearing me to pieces.

It hurts to want you each day
Like utopia that is never meant to happen
Only to be desired
To be cherished in the lonely alleys of my mind
It never fails to hurt me
As I want you each day
For each day you grow ever so desirable.

I would pawn my soul
For an ephemeral embrace
Only to appease this burning desire
And when you let go
I would pawn my soul again and again
As endless as temporal moments could be
So I can worship you for all eternity.

morning after the storm

2004-08-27T01:22:00.000+08:00

the sun casts some light on your creamy skin
though the windowpane is moist with dew
i have just awakened from a sweet dream;
and realized this is a day anew
i quickly said my morning prayer
then went back to staring at you --
nothing, nothing is more intense
than waking up next to you.

Away From You

2004-08-26T16:10:00.000+08:00

Just when the pang of loneliness
Numbed my senses
My phone rang
Registering your name

My heart
Which has been dormant
Suddenly leapt with excitement
As I hear your voice

That familiar voice that once was
Able to make me laugh
And paint my gloomy days
With the bright spectrum of rainbows

It's past midnight now
And this part of the world is asleep
But I am kept awake
By what you have to say

I hang on to your every word
Your gentle breathing that is audible
I could almost hear you say
The same sweet things
Wrapped in the warmth of your embrace

If only I can keep this conversation
For all eternity
I'd buy each minute
With my every penny

But things end
Sometimes in the same manner we ended
Often in teary goodbyes
Farewells seem inevitable

Now I am captive in this moment
My hand clutches my phone
Like I am clinging to you
At the other end of the line

Begging you to stay a second more
And to say how well you are
And perhaps
Just perhaps
Say that we can still be together
Just like the days before yesterday

This call will end soon --
As they always do
And I will be transported back
To the island of isolation
And I am a phone call and a thousand miles
Away from you

parallel || attraction

2004-08-24T01:16:00.000+08:00

the alarm clock rings                   bacon strips for breakfast
i wake up                                   great, my diet is on a day off
i can't afford to be late                a final dash of makeup
not today                                   and a gracious blow of my fruity
                                                                    perfume
a quick bath                               what a beautiful day
a quick cup of coffee                   i grab my bag and pick my shoes
that should do it                         and i walk around the room
i slam my apartment door           like i was walking in the streets of paris
i hear my neighbor curse            okay, time to go
like he is not used to it                i head to the elevator and press the
                                                                    down button
i press the button                       ding
9...                                            9...
8...                                            8...
7...                                            oh, i forgot my bracelet
this is taking forever                   6...
5...                                            5...
ding                                          ding
the elevator doors open              great, i'll be late
i enter                                       hmmm... does he ever comb his hair
nice perfume                              nice smile
i have seen her yesterday           i wish he would look at me again
and the day before                     if i chance upon him tomorrow
and everyday she smells nicer    wearing that same carefree hairstyle
i wonder what her name is          he'll get a lecture on hygiene
maybe i should ask her               4...
i clear my throat                        okay, talk to me
3...                                           3...
2...                                           oh, well...
ding                                          ding
okay, perhaps tomorrow             i can't wait for tomorrow

The Art in Computer Programming

2004-08-22T02:08:00.000+08:00

What exactly is software development, and why is it so hard?
Find out from this link.

Time Crisis 3 - Credits Gone Wild?

2004-08-22T00:45:00.000+08:00

For the second time in six months, I have saved the peaceful nation of Lukano from annihilation.

The lightguns went berserk last Friday as another heroic, albeit costly, mission came to an end. But as the credits were being shown, I was surprised to find out that my sleuth partner and I ended up in the 6th spot. Who cares? Well, I do. The first time I completed the game, I ended up in the same spot. Unfortunately, the arcade game only displays the names of the top 5 pairs. Now I have this conjecture that whoever completes the game - regardless of accuracy - will always end up in exactly the same spot.

If any of you experience the same thing or think that this is very likely true, please let me know -- and I'll never hold that TC lightgun again and Lukano can rot like hell. (Darn, I will miss Alicia though.)

Whoever wins... I'll buy both

2004-08-22T00:12:00.000+08:00

I have recently watched the movie "Alien vs. Predator" and now I am thinking of buying the action figures. The 6-inch Predator scale model is well-articulated and comes with removable parts. You may even remove the trophy necklace!

It's a slightly different story for the relatively static Alien but the details are equally stunning.

Hmmm... I can't wait to add these two to my collection.

Mantsa

2004-08-22T00:07:00.000+08:00

Malamig ang gabi
Malungkot ang katahimikan
Sa malapit na poso, ang dalaga
Ay maaaninag na naglalaba
Kuskos ng mga kamay
Ang punit na palda
Habang ang luha'y
Di mapigil ang patak
Kuskos
Kuskos
Kuskos
Nang ang dugong mantsa'y mawala
Para ikubli ang kasamaang kumapit
Kuskos
Kuskos
Kuskos
Lakas ay pilit na ibinubuhos
Kahit katawan ay patang-pata
Kuskos
Kuskos
Kuskos
Habang ikinukubli ng gabi
Ang bangungot ng katanghalian
Habang ang bilog na buwan
Ay pipi at bulag sa pangyayari
Kuskos
Kuskos
Kuskos
Nang bumalik ang dating linis
At mabura ang kung anong masama
Na para bang hapding mapapawi
Sa bawat pagkuskos

Roll-off Day

2004-08-20T13:35:00.000+08:00

Roll-off day today! I will always remember the busy days and the sleepless nights. And I will never forget the people behind the project. Good luck to all!

The Stepford Wives

2004-08-20T12:07:00.000+08:00

I watched "The Stepford Wives" last night with Jackie, Ces, Celine, Tri, Mike, Mau and George. I didn't expect that the movie was -- strangely weird (or weirdly strange?). It was good in an unconventional sense. Part two, anyone?

what is poetry?

2004-08-20T10:30:00.000+08:00

what is poetry
if not for love
the lyrics in the song you sing
the sweet rhymes
in your greeting card
the affection behind that ring

what is poetry
if not for sadness
after the long, furious fights
the bustling city
and the cold people
endless winter nights

what is poetry
if not for crying
tearful goodbyes
and last farewell
ungranted wish you take at heart
as you throw dime in the well

what is poetry
if not for memories
of long forgotten past
and of lucid dreams
as you sleep adieu
cradled by the stars

what is poetry
if not for beauty
the moon, the stars and all
pink cherry blossoms
and baby's breath
marble gods and goddesses

Listen

2004-08-19T14:22:00.000+08:00

So, who do you think you are?
I don't care though
You and your self-righteous, adamant ways
You wouldn't listen
There's no point in defending myself
There's no point in making you understand
How I think
How I feel
Because no matter what I say
To you I am wrong
My truth is absurd to you
My truth is practically twisted
As you hear me speak
You have selective understanding
Of me
Of my thoughts
That, if you have understood at least something
So I'll just keep quiet now
Not wanting to utter a word
Not wanting to explain myself
Not wanting to be redeemed
For whatever I say
I will still be condemned
Unfairly
You said I was rude
I really could have been and I'm sorry
But your actuations were just as equal
So where does this lead us?
In circles, quiet and cold
Taking us nowhere
Silence may be rude
But it is the only resort I have
Against someone who hears not
How I wish you can listen
Listen without prejudice.

Passing Days

2004-08-18T20:13:00.000+08:00

The sky was blue
When I was younger
And thunders
Scared me
But a paper boat
Was all it takes
To last through
The rainy day

Now I don't see
The sky anymore
Is it blue still?
I don't know
And thunders
No longer scare
Paper boats
Are no longer fun
Rainy day
Is just a day
Without the sun

Genesis

2004-08-18T17:38:00.000+08:00

I'm not quite sure what nice thing I could possibly get myself into by having my own blog -- but I have just created one!