At around 3:30 a.m., the morning lot stood on one corner of the gas station waiting for the first bus out. The drivers of the two liners convened, on which matter nobody was privy to. It must have been about who was going first and when, as not long after their brief talk, the driver of the red bus switched the interior lights on and started the vehicle. In went the troop and the bus left at 3:46 a.m.
The speed at which the bus was running and the groaning of gears everytime the shift changes meant that something was off. Nobody minded though, intent on getting a shuteye during the trip. Well, not until 'Tabao' when it necessitated tilting the vehicle head for the driver to see what was wrong with the engine. People then started to sigh. Apparently nobody was able to sleep.
It took the driver about two minutes to see what was wrong and mumbled something about pressure. Off the bus went again until it finally gave up by the Valladolid dike. Luckily, another red bus was on its way and wait was not necessary.
To watch out for: red bus numbers 8 and 28 - quite old; retirable :)
It's still the bus of choice as long as there is no hurry to be somewhere. There are a lot of buses to choose from to those who can wait :)
(my kennel is growing. it's three dogs and a cat no more so blog name is back to original)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
'The Shack' by WP Young
Imagine 'God' listening to funk or 'God' not instituting certain precepts followed by Christians for ages. A Baptist pastor would surely cringe (and that's an understatement) at such notions.
The book appeals more to the radical/non-100% conforming Christ-believing heart. Many times, it was emphasized that more than the rules, it's the quality of the relationship with God that matters most,i.e., frequent intimate talks with God.
The Great Sadness is a universal dilemma that plagues every heart. Unfortunately Mack's journey could only be a dream or a possible hallucination after he met with the accident. That's makes his story a subject for interpretation. Nevertheless, if that alone can crack a stone of a heart and change it to a loving and forgiving one, then it doesn't matter whether it's fiction or reality.
Admittedly, the presentation itself has not left a marked impression on my own Great Sadness as it did to most readers who had their comments printed with the book. But I do agree on most 'arguments' that the 'trinity' provided on most issues that we have: mystery of the trinity, where God is during troubled times, etc.
Antigone
Of Greek tragedies, I am not a fan. Oedipus was unavoidable. It was a required reading for Humanities back in college. The story not only broke my heart. The plot torn it to pieces. Now that I am at leisure to choose the kind of books I read, the choice of reading Antigone was prompted when I saw a Dover Edition sold at Booksale, in mint condition, for just a measly Php10.
Looking back now, I would have enjoyed humanities much better if I took it on a regular semester instead during the summer term. In barely two months, we finished 'The Little Prince', "Heart of Darkness" and scores of short stories and poems by Robert Frost,Guy de Maupassant and Anton Chekhov to name a few (that I can remember). Imagine how much work we could have accomplished in a longer school term.
I count myself fortunate to have taken the course under Mr. P. He is a master on the subject. I especially like his penchant for using at least three synonyms for a particular word in a single sentence.
Seized by the inspiration, I surfed and came across an Anton Chekhov mine field on line. Check this out : http://www.ibiblio.org/eldritch/ac/jr/index.htm
Looking back now, I would have enjoyed humanities much better if I took it on a regular semester instead during the summer term. In barely two months, we finished 'The Little Prince', "Heart of Darkness" and scores of short stories and poems by Robert Frost,Guy de Maupassant and Anton Chekhov to name a few (that I can remember). Imagine how much work we could have accomplished in a longer school term.
I count myself fortunate to have taken the course under Mr. P. He is a master on the subject. I especially like his penchant for using at least three synonyms for a particular word in a single sentence.
Seized by the inspiration, I surfed and came across an Anton Chekhov mine field on line. Check this out : http://www.ibiblio.org/eldritch/ac/jr/index.htm
Friday, January 22, 2010
the darnedest thing bus drivers do
Do local PUJ operators have their customer's welfare and satisfaction in mind or they are just in the business for profit? Based on this morning's drama, I think the latter is true.
A more radical approach in dealing with the situation has replaced being a sissy and crying with frustration. Everyone seemed to be of the same mind and opted to stay on the ground and wait which of the two liners will leave the city first. Apparently, the driver of the green/red/white bus wasn't so game about the sport that without so much a grunt, he revved the engine and left. The nerve! To think that the passenger have been milling around the corner for more than 30 minutes already. There was a mixed reaction, mostly aghast at being left behind, exclaiming that the incident should be reported to the authorities.
Do they really think that they can do without the passengers? Looks like this one thought so. Barely five minutes later, seven of us took a tricycle to 'bangga patyo' and was able to get a ride shortly on a 'kabankalanon' bus.
As a consequence, most of us were probably late for work but I think it's a worthwhile sacrifice to teach those baste*ds a lesson.
A more radical approach in dealing with the situation has replaced being a sissy and crying with frustration. Everyone seemed to be of the same mind and opted to stay on the ground and wait which of the two liners will leave the city first. Apparently, the driver of the green/red/white bus wasn't so game about the sport that without so much a grunt, he revved the engine and left. The nerve! To think that the passenger have been milling around the corner for more than 30 minutes already. There was a mixed reaction, mostly aghast at being left behind, exclaiming that the incident should be reported to the authorities.
Do they really think that they can do without the passengers? Looks like this one thought so. Barely five minutes later, seven of us took a tricycle to 'bangga patyo' and was able to get a ride shortly on a 'kabankalanon' bus.
As a consequence, most of us were probably late for work but I think it's a worthwhile sacrifice to teach those baste*ds a lesson.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
E.R.
The long hours spent watching ER, Grey's Anatomy, Grubs, House and Private Practice has not prepared me for the drama that I witnessed at the ER aof the local hospital while waiting for Tatay's admission papers to be processed.
On queue were:
1) a middle aged man who cut his foot with a cane 'bolo'. He got countless local anesthesia shots and five stitches for it. The long cut was sewn close. It was fascinating, especially the efficiency that Dr. Parreño has executed the task. i should try that on cross stitch (hold the needle and thread by forceps).
2) a teenager who was reportedly punched on the head by her boss' brother. she complained of nausea and ringing in her ears. the evidence of the assault though was already invisible.
3) a barely month-old infant with difficulty breathing. The little thing was already pale and still back at the ER. So it came with a very little surprise minutes later when the young father came running and almost hysterical, cried out brokenly, "Doc, ang bata ko wala na gaginhawa"! He banged his fist on concrete hiding his tears behind dark glasses. Minutes later, the baby was already breathing but not without the help of a handpump operated by the young mom. When I was back home, my cousin volunteered the information that the baby was shuttled to a bigger hospital in the big city. Poor thing
4) a woman suffering from allergies which case I didn't get so involved in as I got busy quizzing his husband about the whereabouts of their eldest child, a classmate from grade school :)
well, as for our patient, dad had to endure three piercings (two on the left with the needle forced to get through an invisible barrier which required some twitching on the second-ooohhh...i actually cringed with imagined pain)before the IV needle got succesfully lodged at the back of his right palm
On queue were:
1) a middle aged man who cut his foot with a cane 'bolo'. He got countless local anesthesia shots and five stitches for it. The long cut was sewn close. It was fascinating, especially the efficiency that Dr. Parreño has executed the task. i should try that on cross stitch (hold the needle and thread by forceps).
2) a teenager who was reportedly punched on the head by her boss' brother. she complained of nausea and ringing in her ears. the evidence of the assault though was already invisible.
3) a barely month-old infant with difficulty breathing. The little thing was already pale and still back at the ER. So it came with a very little surprise minutes later when the young father came running and almost hysterical, cried out brokenly, "Doc, ang bata ko wala na gaginhawa"! He banged his fist on concrete hiding his tears behind dark glasses. Minutes later, the baby was already breathing but not without the help of a handpump operated by the young mom. When I was back home, my cousin volunteered the information that the baby was shuttled to a bigger hospital in the big city. Poor thing
4) a woman suffering from allergies which case I didn't get so involved in as I got busy quizzing his husband about the whereabouts of their eldest child, a classmate from grade school :)
well, as for our patient, dad had to endure three piercings (two on the left with the needle forced to get through an invisible barrier which required some twitching on the second-ooohhh...i actually cringed with imagined pain)before the IV needle got succesfully lodged at the back of his right palm
Friday, January 15, 2010
getting together
I have commented about the absence of getting together during the holidays last year. Well, I had my fill this week.
After Diana's short visit to the doctor on Monday to get a medical certificate for the extention of her LOA related to a difficult pregnancy, we met with Pepsi at Gaisano before grabbing a bite at Shakeys at SM. Each of us had bunch of lunch (in the middle of the afternoon) and bottomless iced tea.
Tuesday marked Diana's last day of being seen in public (only in the next 30 days; hopefully her baby behaves by then) :) and Pepsi's application for a BPO position at Mayfair. Craving for chicken feet, we settled at L Sea to talk. We had chicken feet rice toppings, shomai, pork/shrimp wrapped in nori (i forgot what it's called), spring rolls and mango shakes. Whew! 
Lira's got the nod at Convergys on Wednesday. Dolly dropped her resume at Mayfair to chase a dream of working abroad. To celebrate we had a nauseating dessert at Calea's in Robinson (my first). We sampled triple choco mousse (rich but not so sweet, good texture - an instant favorite), white cheese cheesecake (the salty cheese has effectively tempered the overall sweetness - qualifies for a repeat order but not too soon) and fruity cheesecake (something I can do without). I had a frozen latte to go with the cake. 
Three nights in a row, I missed dinner and spent my entire allowance for two weeks.
After Diana's short visit to the doctor on Monday to get a medical certificate for the extention of her LOA related to a difficult pregnancy, we met with Pepsi at Gaisano before grabbing a bite at Shakeys at SM. Each of us had bunch of lunch (in the middle of the afternoon) and bottomless iced tea.
Tuesday marked Diana's last day of being seen in public (only in the next 30 days; hopefully her baby behaves by then) :) and Pepsi's application for a BPO position at Mayfair. Craving for chicken feet, we settled at L Sea to talk. We had chicken feet rice toppings, shomai, pork/shrimp wrapped in nori (i forgot what it's called), spring rolls and mango shakes. Whew! Lira's got the nod at Convergys on Wednesday. Dolly dropped her resume at Mayfair to chase a dream of working abroad. To celebrate we had a nauseating dessert at Calea's in Robinson (my first). We sampled triple choco mousse (rich but not so sweet, good texture - an instant favorite), white cheese cheesecake (the salty cheese has effectively tempered the overall sweetness - qualifies for a repeat order but not too soon) and fruity cheesecake (something I can do without). I had a frozen latte to go with the cake. Three nights in a row, I missed dinner and spent my entire allowance for two weeks.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
pride and prejudice
What can I say about:
Mr. Darcy - He is difficult to read. First, he doesn't say much. Second, his expression doesn't betray any emotion. Third, his ill repute, credible source or not, has preceded him by miles. His control and common sense is admirable. He knew at a point that it wouldn't do well if he insist his suit when the cut his words have made about Elizabeth's poor connections still stung. The letter he wrote was his redemption. Nothing beats a tangible evidence. It gives the recipient a sense of security to have something to hold on to. Although the lines favored the defensive, it mattered little. The time it took to compose (considering its length), the effort exerted to find the right words, the wealth of emotion evident, and the courage to actually send it, said a lot about the writer's intention.
Elizabeth - Her initial reaction to Mr. Darcy is only natural as people tend to have preconceived ideas about a person. Unfortunately, if the information was gleaned from the grapevine, it is usually to the detriment of the subject.
It's unthinkable how women survived during this time where accomplishment is measured on how well you sing or play a musical instrument (I play the guitar, well, I know the basic chords). What happens to the independent and stubborn who chose to live alone? Is there a book dwelling on the subject of women who didn't get to find an eligible male to marry? I'd like to have a copy because with very limited knowledge on the subject, I consider myself lucky to have been born in this era and has finished a degree. At least I have an option between scrubbing floors and practising my profession to save for the twilight years.
Mr. Darcy - He is difficult to read. First, he doesn't say much. Second, his expression doesn't betray any emotion. Third, his ill repute, credible source or not, has preceded him by miles. His control and common sense is admirable. He knew at a point that it wouldn't do well if he insist his suit when the cut his words have made about Elizabeth's poor connections still stung. The letter he wrote was his redemption. Nothing beats a tangible evidence. It gives the recipient a sense of security to have something to hold on to. Although the lines favored the defensive, it mattered little. The time it took to compose (considering its length), the effort exerted to find the right words, the wealth of emotion evident, and the courage to actually send it, said a lot about the writer's intention.
Elizabeth - Her initial reaction to Mr. Darcy is only natural as people tend to have preconceived ideas about a person. Unfortunately, if the information was gleaned from the grapevine, it is usually to the detriment of the subject.
It's unthinkable how women survived during this time where accomplishment is measured on how well you sing or play a musical instrument (I play the guitar, well, I know the basic chords). What happens to the independent and stubborn who chose to live alone? Is there a book dwelling on the subject of women who didn't get to find an eligible male to marry? I'd like to have a copy because with very limited knowledge on the subject, I consider myself lucky to have been born in this era and has finished a degree. At least I have an option between scrubbing floors and practising my profession to save for the twilight years.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Angsty Saturday
When is La Carlota going to have a reliable PUJ service to Bacolod? The trips between 0300-0430 has been very disappointing. At dawn today, we (Leda, her dad and myself) had to drive to Bangga Patyo to take advantage of the more adventurous Kabankalanon's. When is my shift schedule going to change? It's just unfortunate that I had to endure adhering to this schedule for more than five months now (Don't ask me why). Yeah, it's unhealthy, I know, and 'they' wonder why the staff is sickly. I, for one. The only time that I have been in the hospital was in college and that was for chicken pox (and hypotension after my failed oral exam in thermodynamics...hihihi) until two months ago when I spent the halloween at RMC for UTI (ewwww...exactly!!!).
Why do I need to sleep before 22:00 when I still had not enough of David Cook? And why David Cook? Well, look closely. Doesn't he remind you of someone as beautiful? Gash, I miss the 'guapo' (The ghost of his not so distant past is haunting me. Who would have thought he once coached the young merchandiser who attended to us inside the hardware store? How in the world will I be able to forget? - charing!!!)
But nobody misses me. Well, I think, except for HSBC which bill I was not able to pay on time (I was away, remember, and forgot to endorse it to sis or nene!?!?) and my plants (I haven't been to the garden in ages. Sis said, only 2 survived from the 8 hills of eggplants that I transplanted over a week ago). How can I be this irresponsible?
Hope Saturday ends quickly and put a stop to my misery. Happy weekend everyone.
Why do I need to sleep before 22:00 when I still had not enough of David Cook? And why David Cook? Well, look closely. Doesn't he remind you of someone as beautiful? Gash, I miss the 'guapo' (The ghost of his not so distant past is haunting me. Who would have thought he once coached the young merchandiser who attended to us inside the hardware store? How in the world will I be able to forget? - charing!!!)
But nobody misses me. Well, I think, except for HSBC which bill I was not able to pay on time (I was away, remember, and forgot to endorse it to sis or nene!?!?) and my plants (I haven't been to the garden in ages. Sis said, only 2 survived from the 8 hills of eggplants that I transplanted over a week ago). How can I be this irresponsible?
Hope Saturday ends quickly and put a stop to my misery. Happy weekend everyone.
Friday, January 8, 2010
trip to the NW tip of Panay Is
In Bocaray, we have done the basic requisites:a. took pictures with/at: Sandcastles, Puka Beach, Grotto and Friday's Marker
b. sampled gastronomic delights: jonah's shake (bff had banana choco peanut while I had rum mocha-too sweet to my liking - in the middle of the day), calamansi muffin at i-forgot-the-place's-name, triple-x burger (half of it had blue chesse and mozarella, i think, at bite club, bulalo at a meatshop and dinner buffet by the beach
c. bought shirts, magnets and anklets for pasalubong and spent more than my budget
d. others: swim at station 1, people watch at d'mall, play 'pusoy' at the cottage, drink coffee (kopiko 3-in-1 has been a favorite), sleep in the hammock, eat
e. availed of a backpacker's accommodation (a cottage at Trafalgar's -costs Php 800 a night on a low season- means a comfy bed for two with own bath and toilet, fan, hammock at the veranda and free hot water for coffee, and is just less than 5 minutes leisurely walk to the beach).
f. blend in with the locals (eat bulalo at a meatshop/carinderia and pay only Php 7 for the tricycle fare)
Friday, January 1, 2010
2009 Ender/2010 Starter
Picnic at the Attic:
The novel plan had everyone excited all week (maybe except tatay who went back home after being outdoors for less than 30 minutes). From 18:00 to 21:00, the family convened at La Rioja. The grilled menu consisted of pork BBQ, milkfish, hotdogs and marshmallows which was complimented by three varieties of carbo-loaded dishes (valenciana a la florecita, penne pasta in tomato sauce and buko salad). Shifu and Bella the pugs (which eyes bulged at eating pork BBQ off the stick) provided the entertainment while Bjork kept tatay company back in Rizal. When the gprs networks allowed, talked to Volts (who sounded tipsy), Nanay Aida (Nene's mom who is already tipsy) and Nanay Alice (who demanded us to call back right away). It was a fine evening of easy chat over a simple yet filling dinner. Our small party packed up promptly at 20:00; for tatay to have his dinner at a not so late an hour and for the travellers to avoid irresponsible merrymakers along the way home.
After party activity:
After looking unsuccessfully for the Pride and Prejudice CD (which book version I am currently reading...for a week now), I settled for "Prince and Me" which I slept through sometime in the middle of the film with pooh sleeping on my arm. Subconsciouly, I stirred to wakefullness with a dead arm with only enough strength to vacate sis's couch and settle on the sleeping bag below. The sleep was restful and was timely for the hike required from Pamplona to La Rioja (namulaw gid guro tanan mga tricycle drivers).
Most welcome difference:
There is a marked decrease in the frequency of firecrackers going off from the neighbors (still Libertad is one place to be avoided on this particular holiday)
Some things never change:
As a bait, the green/white/red non-stop liner went out of the terminal but the driver got off after parking the jeep just past the curb. Routine dictated that I stay grounded and wait for the first PUJ to come out. After a full 10-minutes of waiting, the driver came back and said "lakat ta. bilin ang wala kasaka!" Imagine that nerve! Well, I stand by what I set my mind to. And so I took my seat (since theirs is the first jeep out) and relished reading Mr. Darcy's rather long letter to Elizabeth, deliberately avoiding the driver's/conductor's eyes which is sure to ruin the trip.
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