a bug's tale

One morning while a man was walking along a corridor, he saw a bug. He knew it was harmless. Odd to say that this bug has caught his attention for the second time that week. He thought this time, “Why this bug is lying on its back again?” Earlier that week, it was in a supine position that he flipped it into its normal position.

There were three different ideas that came to his senses.

First, he would like to just pass it by. He would assume that eventually it would rise up again and fly to wherever it wanted. It could wag continuously its legs until such time that it could return to its normal position. Another thought was that maybe there would be another person who could distinguish the bug and do the same as he did the first time. Someone might be willing to help the bug to its normal position.

Second, because of human instinct, of course, he would help the bug again to bring it back to its normal life. It would be pitiful for it to be on its back for a long time wagging its legs or waiting for someone or any force to be back in its position. On a second thought, he would think also that this would have been the second time so maybe there would be no more next times.

Finally, in an extreme condition, the man would just trample the bug. Having it stepped on might be unnatural but possible. The man could choose to end this bug’s life in a just a matter of seconds. Helpless, so-to-speak, the bug could not do anything to protect itself, so, eventually it would let itself die from the man’s foot or hand.

Everyone has his own ways on how to deal with every situation. It is a matter of perspective. It mainly depends on individual’s frame of reference which includes experiences, culture, attitudes, knowledge, and feelings.

If you were the man, what would you do? 

river in the past

Change happens even if we don't want to. It is undeniably inevitable.

He is walking on the same river banks. 

The current of the water is crisply flowing over the rock formations. There is chirping of birds all around. There are those big trees. There are children frolicking in the waters up the stream.

Everything looks the same but all are totally different. Bizarre! How come it changed when all are still there almost the same as they were before?

Then, he looks afar.

He was walking along the riverbanks with his little sister while trying to catch some dragonflies that came awhile.

The current of the waters was crisply flowing over the rock formations where his friends used to go and dive. There was chirping all around with so much silence while he lied down under the shade of a big tree. His was the voice he heard together with his childhood friends' untiring giggles while frolicking in the waters up the stream. 

Once there were laughters. Once there was a sense of familiarity. Though everything is there, but it seems like all is gone. 

The past brings us all back to where we belong though life cannot pull back what is gone. But what it serves, the past, is that it is a testament of the way we were, the person we used to be. Funny how it works why only through a distant look or a simple closing of the eyes is the sole vehicle to get to the past.

what is it behind those clouds in the sky?

When everything seems bleak, just cling on the cliche, 'Every cloud has  a silver lining.'

Everyone passes a stage where clouds are really dark. Some even experience hurricanes or tornadoes after. In this period, we think that God has already forgotten us.

A boy asked his mom, "Mom, what is it behind those clouds in the sky?"

The mom was surprised why all of a sudden her son uttered that question. She inquired in return, "Why did you ask that?"

"I think it is just a plain clear space that no one resides. My teacher in Science told me that there are layers of spheres in the space."

"Umm..." that's all the mom replied.

"But what about heaven? Isn't it that heavens are after the clouds? That is the place where God is, Mom?" the boy hurriedly asked his mom again.

For a moment, the mom was mumbled, then smiled realizing that her son thought that there's someone after those clouds--behind those clouds, there sits God.

the agony of waiting

What can waiting for a long time do to someone?

Waiting is somehow a determinant for patience. It is subtly associated with someone's endurance on how to bear something especially on the issue of waiting. But how long can someone endure in the process of waiting?

Endurance is the capacity of someone to stand or put up with something unpleasant or painful. It is innate in humans to have this trait which emerges in instances like waiting. But how far can we wait? How long can we deal with the waiting game? A day? A month? A year? Forever?

An adage states that endurance during waiting is a measure of one's patience. Yes, it is agreeable. Notwithstanding patience during waiting, the agony that prolongs someone's eagerness to solve an issue is a little more difficult to deal with. Patience is a virtue, but agony is a torture. Patience makes someone's character, but agony slowly kills someone a rather unnatural death.

Waiting should be as simple as it is, but nevertheless what is in between the 'w' and 'g' in this word is sometimes long and tormenting. Coloring a darker shade on this, there are really certain groups of people who are insensitive to the sufferings of others and just don't care about someone's state during the waiting game. It is no wonder why untoward thoughts can end someone's life because of agony... the agony of waiting.  

like rodents

What has phone technology brought in the society?

Last week while I was eating in a restaurant, I saw a family of three: a couple and their baby. While the couple was busily clicking on their phones, the baby seemed to have been enjoying a game in a tablet PC. All throughout their stay in the restaurant, maybe about a couple of hours, they seldom communicated with each other. The only time the couple had to speak with their baby was when the baby got bored playing and cried a little. After a couple of minutes when the baby got pacified, everyone on their table continued with their hand jobs clicking, pressing, dialing, or browsing on their smart gadgets.

In a seminar, while a guest speaker was convincingly addressing her ideas to the audience, most of the people in the conference area were busily attending on their phones. Some were texting, and some were just browsing on the social media applications. If you ask them about the conference, they would answer that it was boring. But in reality, they were not really focusing on the speech of the one in front. Everybody was immersed with his own gadget.

I so dislike a friend who incessantly clicks on his or her mobile phone while in a conversation. It really is annoying that you feel out-of-place whenever a friend pays attention mainly on his or her cellphone. Upsetting! It is really upsetting knowing that you feel being left out while in a group of friends who checks on their phones every other second.

Gadgets such as smart phone or tablet PCs have stolen either personal relationships or professional productivity. They are like rodents slowly biting a piece of possession until such time that they have destroyed that possession already. What is the future of this generation where phone technology is getting more and more advanced? Should we expect that interpersonal communication will just be a mere idea some years from now? 

the heart you are looking for

Strange that there is that special someone whom you would want to spend time with eventhough there are many lovers who would want to be a part of your life.

There are times when you are bombarded with many people who are willing to share time with you as you walk the path of love. They offer everything they have wanting just to get your short 'yes.' It is good that they show their good intentions toward you but even if they want to pursue you if they don't match the type you are looking for, they become of little importance. Least, they become null.

Never take anyone among those lovers for granted for no matter how you would want to stay with them, there will always be that someone whom you would be looking for. Just wait. One day, someone will come to you; someone who is fit enough to your standards and ideals, and to give the universe for you. What is the essence of having many lovers if they can't give the universe to you anyway?

Sometimes, love comes unexpectedly. It may also come unnoticed. But when you feel that someone is apt to your type and standards, don't waste time to let that someone pass you by. You have all the rest of your life to pursue that someone, and if you are not apposite for that someone, try to find another one again, until such time that you would finally find the heart you are looking for.

10 indications that you are in TH

Arguably, Thailand has the most beautiful and friendliest beaches. Aside from Myanmar, it has the most number of temples, too. Furthermore, its culture is so diverse that many foreigners are attracted to come and visit. Customarily, you would see most people lowering their head and placing their hands together and holding them close to their chest as greeting to someone.  But there are more, yet little indications that are easily recognizable when you are in Thailand. When you see or experience these, it is definite that you are in The Land of Smiles. Let's check them out:

1. When night falls, some mobile stalls in front of popular establishments start to come out. Most of these stalls offer food at affordable prices. Noddles, budget meals which include rice, vegetable, and meat. You can see them in front of 7-11, malls, or even hospitals.

2. When you go to department stores or some boutiques, expect that most whitening products are the bestsellers. Wait! You could possibly see either women or men are scrutinizing the back of the products. I just wonder what do they look for. (wink)

3. When you turn on a TV, you'd only see Thai channels. It is very rare that you see English channels on a national broadcast. But if you stay in hotels, you may be lucky because you can watch a couple of English or foreign channels. Oops! Wait! Menus, too. It is like a guessing game when you order some food in some restaurants. There may be translations in English but you are lucky when they are not Google-based. Good luck!  

4. Don't be surprised when you are in a club or pub and you see a throng of people glued on TV while they are in the middle of their drinks. What does it mean? It's football time! Yes, they must be watching a match of their most favorite football teams.

5. When you walk around the city, or even in some provinces,  there is a big possibility that you can see a massage shop. But don't be misguided because their are some massage shops with red flickering lights in front. (Not unless this is really what you look for!)

6. When you are on a public or private transportation, expect that you can see motorcycles on your left or on your right. Can I say that they are the kings of the road?

7. Shoes, slippers, and sandals are seen in front of the doors or entrances of all temples. Never bring in your foot attire. However, socks are ok if you don't want your sole to get dusty.

8. Before a movie is being shown in theaters, be sure to stand up and give reverence to The King as The Royal Thai Anthem is being played. Don't get caught seated or else you'll be fined and get behind bars.

9. 7-11 stores are almost everywhere. Even in the remotest part of Thailand, 7-11 is mostly your life and energy. So don't worry if you go to an island, probably, you can find a 7-11 where you can buy a bottle of water or even disposable undies. But be sure to bring a penny.

10.  If you want to buy discounted bread or food, an hour before closing time (that is most likely 8:00 pm), supermarket bakeries and kitchens sell goods on a 50% off. Sometimes you can bring home 2 packs of loaf bread for 20 Baht only!

10 things you must have done as you get 32

When you are 32, aside from getting-laid, what things have you done? Having lived one-third of a century, I am quite sure that there must have been many experiences hanging on the wall of your room or written down on your journal or sort of a blog. Here's a list of what you must have achieved reaching the age of 32:

1. You must have earned 6-digit or more.

Have you tried updating your bank book account? You must have earned a good amount from the numbers that you would see after doing it. It could be thousands, hundred thousands, or even millions.

2. You must have traveled overseas, or to a far place in your country. 

At least even once, you must have traveled abroad or to a place far from you. There is joy in traveling. Except from knowing others' culture and geography, there is a sense of fulfillment whenever you travel either alone or with a friend at your own expense.

3. You must have eaten anything peculiar.

Frogs? Crickets? Cultured cockroaches? Have your tried any of these? I am not forcing you to do it if you have not tried yet but don't die without being curious of what may be the taste of these delectable dishes.

4. You must have volunteered at any organization.

Sometimes you complain of your drudging work routine. But there are actually many things that could be done outside of workplaces. How about volunteering to an NGO? Blood donation? What about helping others who have been devastated by earthquake or storm? Red Cross Chapters? These are just to state a few. If none of these have ever crossed your mind, before turning 33, try one.

5. You must have visited a beauty expert.

You are getting older, so, even just once, you must have tried going to a face clinic. There is nothing wrong with taking care of your skin, especially if your face is essential at work.

6. You must have registered at least 1 social networking site.

A Twitter account is enough. This is just to let you experience how is like to be living in the digital world.

7. You must have tried going to a fitness center or exercising.

Think of your health. You are getting older. The only regimen to stay fit and sound is exercise and good food.

8. You must have thought of settling down (if you are single).

Sometimes society dictates the age to get married. For women, 32 is a late number. For men, it is just so-so. But the thought of having a family of your own must have tickled one of your brain cells. Not unless if you are planning to be alone for a lifetime, then this number is not for you.

9. You must have stood up for your country, organization, or a group you've had connections with.

Asserting for your rights is better than being tamed at all. At least even once in your 32 years of existence, you must have at least fought for your country. Or you must have taken part to a certain advocacy. Don't let years pass by just being passive in life. You'll never know how it feels like if you don't engage.

10. You must have dumped or been dumped by someone.

Crazy, ayt? I know that even those who have had only one boyfriend or girlfriend in their entire life, at least one time, they have felt being rejected by someone they used to have crush on or fantasize. 

32 is quite a number. Definitely, there are more than these. What have you done?

the space

They had been a perfect couple for quite a while. The heavens must have created them for each other.

But one day, Janus just left without goodbye. He left Rizza not even saying a single word. He was nowhere to be found.

Almost everyday, she waited for him to call or send a message. She had gone weary. She had gone tired. Then one Saturday evening, an unexpected rendezvous happened to them. In a party of a common friend who got married, they were both there, not knowing that they could still see each other. 

When Rizza was alone in the garden sitting on a porch drinking a glass of wine, Janus was caught standing at the back of her. He did not know what to say at first. Then a hesitant 'hi!' came out of his mouth. Rizza turned her head at the back and to her surprise, she saw him.

Rizza just couldn't stop from crying. When Janus tried to speak, this was all what Rizza had told him that almost turned the festive into a dark night.

"I had tried to live for a few days as if I have never met you then you are here again trying to get the space you once had before you left without a trace. I had already left that space so far away since I have started to tread this way I have been into right now."

She walked away, far and unseen. Janus wanted to chase after her but it was too late. She quickly vanished from the crowd and finally out of the scene.

love exhausts

"Don't say you miss me. Don't even say you love me. Those just cut my heart off whenever you speak them to me." Rina never imagined that these words came out from her mouth. She loved him but it was not right. 

Right love exists so as wrong time. Rina loved George, but he was committed to someone else. She thought that she couldn't share a man from another woman. Who would want to be just the second one? Of course, everybody wants to be the number 1 just as an athlete desires to bag a gold not really a silver or bronze.

So, Rina decided to walk away from him. But no matter how hard she evaded the thought of losing him, the more she longed for him. No days nor moments  that she did not think of him. How could she forget the one who has made her feel the true sense of affection?

Days, weeks, months, and years had passed. Rina was living a life that could seem perfect at her age. She had a good job. She had blossomed into a beautiful lady. And the time came for her to face reality-- a chance encounter of the one who once she thought her forever man, George.

How could it so happen that Rina's heart was unoccupied, and so as George. It was a chance that might have ignited the love that they had a few years back. But Rina resisted. She ignored that idea of rekindling to her former love.

Eventhough love must not end, it exhausts, and stories have to end. Sometimes, there are things that are not really meant for us.

keep me in your heart

Unexplained feeling
I have rights to brag
Excessive thinking
Weak will, this must end
Or I will get drained

I know where I stand
I know who I am to you
The moment has come
This time

It's the most I am scared of
I'm going to let you walk away
Even without a word
No more hesitations
It's time for you to find yourself
It's time for you to make things right

Am I still worth keeping?
I'm almost giving up
I'm a little bit tired
So I need you to help me out
To keep me in your heart

Now I miss the person
I had known back here
Whom I had hoped to stay the same
Even in the test of time

youth-hood

If you can only stop that ticking clock that you hear... yet each tick is a reminder that you are getting older. If it only moved counterclockwise even for a short period of time... each move would make you younger. But in reality, it goes circularly from 1 to 12. If it finishes until 12, it goes to 1 again. If you can only take the battery out but you won't because you'll lose track of time.

Time is unstoppable so as your age. It goes up and up until such time that you depart from this world. No matter how rich you are you cannot buy life. You can extend it for a short time but you will still come to a reality called 'end.' No matter how beautiful your skin is, there will come a time that that wrinkles until it becomes saggy and old.

Time doesn't repeat moments, only chances. There could be other chances but different circumstances. Enjoy being young. If there is a good opportunity to grab while you are still young, seize it as it may never happen again. 

Youth-hood is a beautiful gift to savor. There are many things you could do while you are young that you can no longer do when your old and weak. Youth-hood is like a fully-red lustrous crunchy-looking apple under its tree. You  hesitate to pick it because of its beauty.

While you are still on your youth, make the most out if. Sooner you will be out of use. Sooner you will overripe. If nobody picks you, you will eventually fall under your tree naturally .

12 kinds

12 kinds of people you see everyday in Facebook:

1. The CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENTS- They are the ones who always post 'Good morning,' 'Good day, 'Good evening,' 'Good luck,' 'Good bye,' and the other 'goods' used for greetings.

2. The NARCISSISTS- Here, there, and everywhere. A minute ago, an hour ago, or 12 hours ago, when you click home, you will see their faces with duck lips, one-eyed shut, shirtless sleeping pose or left or right hand taken shot in front of a mirror in a toilet or a public place, and many more out-of-this-world selfie scenarios. Wait, there's more. There are those people especially men who take some photos while they are taking a shower. Yahoo! You may want to try surfing them using #selfie.

3. The RESTAURATEUR - There's a joke, which is really true in some cases, that people nowadays forget to pray before eating but not forget to take a picture of the food and post it in any social networking sites immediately as possible.

4. THE ANNOYERS- Sometimes you get annoyed by unending notifications from unknown friends of friends because they tag you with others especially during holiday seasons. When you are tagged, do you untag immediately?

5. The PROSTITUTES- You would hear from people when they go to a place, "Have you checked-in?" As if it is never complete visiting a place without clicking on the 'check-in' button.

6. The HOLY COWS- They are the ones who always post positive thoughts or even quotes from bible or any other religious icons. 

7. The DRAMA KINGS & QUEENS- Today, they are loved. Tomorrow, they break up. Next week, they find someone new. Next month, they fight over a third party. Also, there are those people who post their personal fights with their loved ones with really striking and provocative words or sentences.Whew!? In addition, you will see in their timeline numerous youtube 'emo' song shares.

8. The HEALTH GURUS- They lost some weight. They have gone thinner. They share many ideas on how to be healthy like mixing lemons and honey or drinking guyabano juice. Then there are those who show topless selfies with wooden-like chests or those men or women who intentionally show off their 6 packs.

9. The ANIMALS- No further explanations. They just love posting animals on their walls. Pigs, snakes, crocodiles, cats, cheetahs, goats to name a few.

10. The GODS- They share every information they read or see anywhere here on the net. Some also think that they should be the ones to post an article first as if they are competing with others. They are simply the all-knowing people in Facebook.

11. The COLLECTORS- They are the ones who post 1000 pictures in one album with the same poses and places. Funny that sometimes you see blurred pictures but still their friends click like on them.

12. The FAKERS- Camera 360 and  Photo Wonder are among the few picture editor applications available for smart phone holders. After editing pictures from brown skin complexion to super white one, some also do some V-shape face or remove unnecessary dots and blemishes on their face using these applications. Then, you'll get shocked with their before and after posts.

enjoy the moment

"Why are you crying?" he asked her as if he did not know the reason why she was crying.

"I am just scared that this won't happen again when you leave," she cried even harder.

"But we have a promise, right? We should hold on to that promise until we'll meet again," he reassured her of the pact they did last night to never lose track of each other.

But soon after, months after months, he had gone busy with his life in the city. There were weeks that he no longer had communication with her. A year had past and the idea of her had been replaced by someone. Eventually, he had forgotten her.

She expected it to happen. She might have been forgotten and the only consolation she had had in her mind was the idea she even wrote on a a piece of tissue paper while they were together one night in a park wishing under the stars, "Enjoy the moment that we are happy because we don't know when will we have this similar feeling again."

same mistake

With my arms, I slowly put my forehead down the table. I just can't hold my emotions anymore.

I think I am sick. I am sick of this repetitive compulsion which is deeply threatening my instinct. How many times that same things happen to me over and over and over again? Committing the same mistake seems to be a magnet for me. It easily happens. I just can't learn from it. Sometimes, I think of banging my head on a wall for being so stubborn that it dwells into the same trap almost every now and then.

Right now, I just want to gain myself again. It has been lost for a long time. I has wandered in a far away world. How long will I chase it? When will I find it back again?

Right now, I just want to vanish. I just want this pain to be dissolved in the boiling longing. Let it melt until morning and vanish and leave no trace again.