Saturday, October 2, 2010

Simple Thieves

A classmate and I were forced to take a cab to get to the nearest FX terminal because it was already late. When we asked the driver how much the fare was, he said it was 60. Experience would tell you that it’s more than what it should have been. So I looked at the meter, it wasn’t on! I confronted him about it, “Manong, sira ata yung metro niyo.” That smartass said, “Hindi yan sira, mahina lang ang ilaw.” I said, “Manong naman, nakapatay oh. Tingnan mo.” Well, there wasn’t even a hint of light, and I couldn’t imagine how he read the amount from a dead meter. I should have checked that out when we got in, but I hadn’t expected drivers do that nowadays. But because my classmate was uncomfortable with the confrontation, he gave the driver a 100-peso bill. The driver said, still uncontented with his machinations, said, “Pano ba to? Wala akong pang-sukli e.” That was a difference of 40 pesos! That’s already a rice meal for us students, or 80 pages or more of photocopied papers, or some other more important use than just giving it away to him. I just couldn’t believe the audacity of that man. My usually submissive classmate also couldn’t take the guts of that man. He asked (more like insisted) for the 100-peso bill back, with the driver hesitating, and gave him 60 pesos composed of a 20-peso bill and numerous coins. I got out, and closed the door with the loudest bang that I can.

The following day, while walking alone in a street in Manila, a woman approached me. “Miss, pwedeng magtanong?” (I hoped it would not be a salestalk for wholesaleinsurance.net) So I paused and waited for her question. She was wearing a decent slacks and blouse. Initially, it seemed that she got lost and needed directions. She explained that someone told her that the terminal to Batangas was in that street and that she came from the province (she didn’t mention what). Before I can tell her that I do not know a bus terminal in the area, she went on and on until she finally said, “hindi ako pulubi, pero kung pwedeng bigyan mo naman ako ng pamasahe.” So dismayed, I just shook my head and walked ahead.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

A Familiar Stranger

Almost every night, I buy my dinner at this 24-hour convenience store that sells almost anything (even the best fat burners for women). I was happy when they started offering those on-the-go rice meals, since looking for a place to eat or buy food had always been a problem at night, especially when the carinderias are already closed.After some time, I have come to recognize the faces of the store crews, and they had come to know mine. Since the cashier noticed that I was a regular customer, we started exchanging small talks every time I come to their little store. Even the guard gives me a friendly nod every time and even allows me to read the newspapers they are selling! Actually, I really didn’t have to say what my order is. I just have to nod when they ask, “same maam?” I guess all of us have those familiar strangers whom we do not know the name of (or we find out just later on), but we interact with them with that friendly familiarity. They aren’t total stangers, but not exactly friends. There’s really not much interaction with them, just the small chitchats, and yet you feel at ease with them. There’s a bit of sadness when I find out just tonight that yesterday was their last days at the store. I’d probably never meet them again. They had become part of my daily routine, though only for just 5 minutes in a day. Well, I wish them luck for they had been warm to me during our encounters today. I’m sure, in the course of our lives, there will always be those familiar strangers.

Just Got Lucky

This is a message of gratitude to my very good friend, although this is only for a particular instance. Words and actions can never suffice to express my gratitude for the genuine friendship that he has given me. Even this simple message of thanks isn’t enough to express my appreciation for my dear friend’s hospitality.

His support for this whole week was indispensable. During the first half, he helped me kept awake, going out of his way to accompany me while I study. Starting 6:30 a.m. this Tuesday, we agreed that I should just stay in his home so that he could “guard” me while I study. From the very beginning, he and his family are very supportive of my law school dream. And his mother was very confident and proud that I’d become a lawyer in the “family”, considering me as her own child. If only for her trust, I’m trying to pursue harder.

Starting Tuesday, my friend had been very hospitable in their home, including her brother and sister. In my whole stay in Manila, I need not do anything. Everything was taken cared for, from breakfast super early in the morning until dinner. He cooked delicious foods, and I felt like I’ve gained several pounds. He ensured I wake up when it’s time and that I stay awake until I have to. He even allows me to have naps, very careful that I do not oversleep. His usually quiet siblings also made me feel taken cared for, always asking if I want this or that. I was, in all sense, a freeloader–and they didn’t mind. I don’t know what I did to deserve a very good friend (and his family) in my life. He makes life a little less harder.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

A Decade Over A Cup Of Coffee

Last night, I met up with an old friend. We hadn’t seen each other for almost a decade already. She has been going back and forth to the States since she she became a citizen in high school and started studying there. Our meeting wasn’t really planned; she just found out that I am here in our hometown, so she contacted me right away. We couldn’t have Branson vacation packages or other trips together because of physical and time constraints, so this was the only opportunity to meet her again, especially when she informed she’d be leaving again for the States on Wednesday.

She was 4 years younger than I am. When we first met, she was still in grade 6 and I was in my first year in college. Although she was so young then, she was really matured for her age. It was like we were of the same age. Her activities were already for girls of my age, plus she’s really beautiful. She already looked like a full-grown woman, whereas I still looked like nene

(hahaha).

Anyway, as I’ve mentioned earlier, it has been almost 10 years since we last met. We only know bits and pieces of news about each other, and we seldom chat because of different time zones, not to mention I seldom log in to networking sites. But when we saw each other last night, it’s as if there weren’t any years that passed. We were like when we were before. She was that matured high school kid, and I was the naive college girl. There were no awkward moments. Immediately, we tried to catch up on each other’s life, telling stories of 5 years ago.

She shared me her pregnancy experience and how it was a miracle that she got pregnant. I was truly excited to see the kid she’s carrying in her belly. The coffee cups were already long empty, but we were still long before we could finish the night. She had to go home because she and her mom would be leaving for Manila early morning the next day. We kissed each other goodbye and embraced each other tight. I sure am gonna miss her again. She told me that, even if it’s gonna be years more before we see each other again, it would still seem like the way we were before.

But of course, I hope it wouldn’t take 10 more years again. hehe.

Musically Inclined

Musically inclined are those people who have the talent for music. Musically inclined are those gifted children constantly asked by their parents to sing on every occasion, whether they like it or not. I myself had piano lessons every Saturday morning. The teacher said I was a fast learner. I can easily memorize the pieces. I can master a piece fast and play it without mistake. And my teacher would honestly look convinced.

But every week, I did all I can to avoid these lessons. My most common strategy was to pretend asleep until after he leaves our house. If my parents did not know any better, they would think I’m dead.

The problem is, it was mechnical for me. I can play the pieces because I can memorize which keys to press and which notes would come after. I was so unlike my cousins who are “widows.” I admire them so much. Marunong silang kumapa. I can only play what I was taught. The last piece I was able to play was Fur Elise, composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Now, I can barely play Old MacDonald.

However, I have always liked music. I know a lot of songs, and singers, and bands. If I had those iphone accessories, I’d probably have more than a thousand songs. I love singing, and this without hesitation nor reservation. But I want to really learn to play a musical instrument.

Several taught me to play the guitar, and those several lost their patience. I have been planning (for years already) to have actual drum lessons. I hope we can find the time. More importantly, I hope I can really learn…so I can be one of those musically inclined.

My Visual Fantasies

I love watching films (though it’s only a few years ago since I started watching on the big screen). I enjoy old films more. There are still so many I want to watch—those that have come before me and those that I have missed either because of strict parents or money. haha. But there is the excitement one gets while waiting for a movie to come out, especially when you have waited for a year or where you have watched the prequel. I still find time to watch movies every now and then, usually on the last full show. The last two were Harry Potter 6 and G.I. Joe. (I waited for Public Enemies, I missed it, and I felt bad.)

These are just my general impressions, not a review. I like voicing opinions on films. haha. Harry Potter 6 seemed to be lacking elements and focused more on the teenaged romance than on the real action. I told my friend that they should have changed the title (of course, I know, they won’t do that). Half-Blood Prince does not seem appropriate anymore; there were too few scenes pertaining to the “prince”. It was still entertaining, though.

On the other hand, I liked G.I. Joe. I felt just a little frustrated of having forgotten the names of the characters I have watched as a kid. When I watched the trailer, I thought it does not fit with the G.I. Joe idea. When I watched the movie, I found that the high-tech stuff ala Matrix and Transformers blended well. Yo Joe!

I am planning on watching G.I. Joe again on television when the videos come out, preferably with somebody else’s home theater haha (unless I can conjure one out of thin air!). Sometimes, you just have to let and enjoy how others interpret the fantasies. All you have to do is to sit and enjoy!