The World of Second Chances

Hidden Agenda

May 18, 2023

Poems & Stories

Chapter 1: Isang Gabing Madilim

Gabi, sa isang madilim na bahagi ng kagubatan.

“Kailangang hindi nila ako maabutan!”

Takot na takot na sabi ng isang babae. Basang-basa ang damit nya sa pawis. Puro galos sa pagkakasabit sa mga halamang may tinik ang binti nyang puno na ng dugo. Umaalingawngaw ang warning shot ng baril ng mga humahabol sa kanya sa madilim na kakahuyang iyon. Hindi na nya alam kung anong oras na ba dahil balot ng dilim ang gabi liban sa kapiranggot na liwanag na galing sa buwang papaliit na. Nagkubli sya sa puwang ng isang malaking puno. Pikit-matang pinaglalabanan ang takot sa ahas at iba pang hayop sa kakahuyan. Nanghihina na sya, parang hihimatayin sa pagod pero kailangan nyang makaalis sa lugar na yon at maisahan ang mga lalaking humahabol sa kanya.

Sa kabilang banda ng kakahuyan ay parang mga asong ulol ang apat na lalaking humahabol sa kanya. Ang isa ay iika-ika pa habang tumatakbo at panay ang mura.

“May kakalagyan kang babae ka. Pag namatay ang kuko ko sa paa, isusunod kita!” gigil na sabi ng lalaking may kabilugan ang mukha, kulot ang buhok at sarat ang ilong. Humahangos namang humabol sa tatlong lalaking nauna ang isang matipunong lalaki na naka-leather jacket, ang boss ng grupo. Pinaputok nito ang baril at saka sumigaw.

“Wala kang mapupuntahan kaya kung gusto mo pang mabuhay, sumama ka na sa amin nang hindi na kami nahihirapan,”sabay putok ng baril. Abala naman ang dalawang iba pa sa paggalugad sa bawat sulok na matapatan nila. Yung payat na matangkad ay hinampas pa ang kulumpon ng baging na nakapulupot na matandang puno.

“Mabuti pa ay maghiwa-hiwalay tayo. Dito ako sa direksyon na ito pupunta. Okay lang ba sa yo, boss?” suhestyon ng pinakabata sa kanila. Tumango ang lider ng grupo at sumenyas sa dalawang kasama na magkanya-kanya.

Nanatili pa din sa puwang ng malaking puno ang babae. Nakatulog na ito sa pagod at sakit ng katawan. Kapag kuwa’y may malaking palad na nagtakip sa bibig niya. Nanlaki ang mata nya sa nakita. Natunton na sya ng lalaki. Sumenyas ang lalaki na wag mag-ingay kundi ay papatayin sya nito. Tumango-tango ang babae at nanginginig habang itinayo sya ng lalaki.

“Akala mo siguro ay hindi kita matututunton? Sinundan ko ang bakas ng dugo mo sa mga dahon. Mapupusok ang kasama ko pero kulang sila dito,” itinuro ng lalaki ang sintido. Inalis nya sa pagkakatakip ng bibig ng babae ang kaliwa nyang kamay habang nakatutok ang baril gamit ang kanang kamay. Napaatras ng kaunti ang babae at tumingin sa paligid.

“Matigas talaga ang ulo mo, ano? Alam mo bang isang putok lang ng baril ko ay tapos na ang problema ng bosing ko?” gigil na sabi ng lalaki.

Nangilid ang luha ng babae. Nagmamakaawa ang mukha nitong nakatingin sa lalaki.

“Huwag maawa ka. Wala akong kalaban-laban sa inyo. Wala akong kasalanan sa inyo. Hayaan nyo na ako. Hindi ko maintindihan bakit ginaganito ninyo ako,” pagsusumamo ng babae.

Nakaamba pa rin ang baril sa babae. Nakataas ang dalawang kamay, dahan-dahang lumuhod ang babae at nagsumamong pakawalan. Nagdadalawang-isip ang lalaki sa gagawin. Hindi niya kayang manakit nang walang kalaban-labang babae pero hindi niya rin kayang harapin ang galit ng bosing nya. Sa bandang huli ay nanaig ang pagkatakot ng lalaki sa sinasabing bosing. Isang malakas na putok ng baril ang pinakawalan nito.

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Finding A Long Lost Friend

May 2, 2023

Life & Love

Sa gitna ng walang kaabog-abog ay naalala ko ang isang dating kaibigan. Matagal na kaming walang komunikasyon sa isa’t-isa. Halos dalawampung taon na ang lumipas na napakabilis. Ang huling mga palitan ng salita ay hindi masaya dahil pareho kaming nabalot sa kalungkutan ng buhay. Iyon ang mga panahong ginugugol ko ang oras ko sa pagpapagaling sa sarili gawa ng mga suliraning may kinalaman sa pag-ibig. Sa pag-ibig noon umikot ang mundo ko—pipi at bingi sa mga pagsusumamo ng iba na alamin ang dinaranas nilang pagsubok sa buhay.

“Happy birthday!” bati ko sa text.

“Salamat, pero walang happy sa birthday ko,” tugon niya.

Kung bakit hindi ko masabi sa kanya na nainis ako sa tugon niya. Hanggang dumating ang panahong ayaw ko na din siyang kausapin pa. Mabigat na ang dinadala ko at ayoko nang dumagdag pa siya. Pero hindi ko inasahan na ang katahimikan sa amin ay daraan mula sa araw patungong buwan. At sa bilis ng takbo ng panahon, inabot na ng dalawang dekada ang putol na komunikasyon.

Dumating ang ginhawa sa pagod kong isip at puso kung kaya’t may lakas na akong hanapin ang mga taong naging bahagi ng buhay ko. Ngunit sa loob ng maraming taong paghahanap, naging mailap ang pagkakataon sa akin. Naaalala ko ang mga panahong naging mabuti siyang kaibigan sa akin. Isa siya sa mga nasasabihan ko noon ng mga bagay na hindi ko kayang sabihin sa iba.

Sabi nila, mahirap daw magpakita ang taong ayaw talagang matagpuan. Minsan, napapaisip ako kung isa ba ako sa mga taong gusto niya lang kalimutan. Na baka isa ako sa mga kaibigang dumaan lang sa buhay niya ngunit hindi nakatalagang pumirmi. Sa tagal nang panahon, heto ako at umaasang sana ay nasa maayos lang siyang kalagayan.

Ah, bakit namin hinayaang maging ganito ang pagkakaibigan namin? Napakaraming kaganapan sa buhay ko na hindi na niya alam. Siguro nga ay may mga bagay na hindi pinipilit ngunit kusang darating.
Setting Boundaries

March 9, 2023

Life & Love

Setting boundaries is an important aspect of maintaining healthy relationships, whether it’s with friends, family, coworkers, or romantic partners. Boundaries help us to establish our personal limits, protect our emotional and physical well-being, and communicate our needs and expectations to others. In this essay, we will explore why setting boundaries is important, how to set boundaries effectively, and the benefits of doing so.

Why setting boundaries is important

Setting boundaries is essential for several reasons. First, it helps us to protect our emotional and physical well-being. When we set boundaries, we establish limits on what others can and cannot do or say to us. This protects us from emotional and psychological harm, as well as physical harm. For example, if we set a boundary that we will not tolerate verbal abuse, we are less likely to be subjected to hurtful or harmful language.

Second, setting boundaries is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. Boundaries help to establish mutual respect, trust, and understanding between people. When we communicate our needs and expectations to others, we create a clear understanding of what is acceptable behavior and what is not. This leads to more honest and open communication, which can help to build stronger, more positive relationships.

Finally, setting boundaries is important for establishing self-respect and self-care. When we set boundaries, we are acknowledging our own needs and priorities. This allows us to prioritize our own well-being and happiness, which can lead to greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image.

How to set boundaries effectively

Setting boundaries effectively requires clear communication, consistency, and assertiveness. The following steps can help you to set boundaries in a healthy and effective way:

Identify your boundaries. The first step in setting boundaries is to identify what is and is not acceptable behavior for you. Consider what behaviors or actions are unacceptable, and what actions or behaviors are important for you to feel respected and valued.

Communicate your boundaries clearly. Once you have identified your boundaries, it’s important to communicate them clearly to others. Be direct and assertive in your communication, and avoid using language that is overly aggressive or confrontational.

Be consistent. It’s important to be consistent in enforcing your boundaries. If you allow others to cross your boundaries once, they may continue to do so in the future. Make sure that you are consistent in enforcing your boundaries and communicating your expectations.

Take care of yourself. Setting boundaries can be difficult, especially if you are used to putting the needs of others before your own. Remember that taking care of yourself is important, and that setting boundaries is an act of self-care.

Benefits of setting boundaries

Setting boundaries can have many benefits, including:

Greater self-respect and self-care. Setting boundaries allows you to prioritize your own needs and well-being, which can lead to greater self-respect and self-care.

Improved relationships. When you communicate your needs and expectations to others, you establish clearer communication and mutual respect, which can lead to stronger, more positive relationships.

Reduced stress and anxiety. Setting boundaries can help to reduce stress and anxiety by protecting your emotional and physical well-being.

Greater sense of control. Setting boundaries allows you to take control of your own life and priorities, which can lead to a greater sense of control and self-confidence.

In conclusion, setting boundaries is an important aspect of maintaining healthy relationships and protecting your emotional and physical well-being. By identifying your boundaries, communicating them clearly, and being consistent in enforcing them, you can establish clearer communication, mutual respect, and understanding with others, and prioritize your own self-care and well-being.
Why Are We Paranoid of “Musta Na?”

November 27, 2022

Filipino Culture

Disclaimer: Everything that is written is based on my personal experience and views.

There’s an ongoing joke on Facebook about correlating the word “Musta na?” to someone who’s about to ask for favor. Therefore, to avoid the pain of the consequences of being burdened to grant the favor— they simply avoid replying to the texts or chats.

What is so worrying about seeing the words “Musta na?” Partially, it’s because we’re in the age wherein communication have become one-sided since the growth of social media (socmed).

Before the socmed age, people take time to visit their friends and loved ones. They spent time reconnecting. There was a give and take in terms of the information that they shared. People are excited and sometimes very eager to know on what’s the latest about each other’s families. Today, everybody can just post anything that they want to share. So, it lessens the curiosity of the people. The “musta na” comment on your Facebook wall becomes the new “hi and hello.” Sometimes, it becomes the ice breaker .

In the past, you cannot hide your real economic status 100% when your friends or family visit. Hence, they don’t assume that you’re loaded when they feel that there is struggle in your daily life; they would rather let go of the idea of borrowing money or asking for favor. Today, it is easy to project to be somebody you are not so the words “musta na” make others nervous because somebody might ask for something that they aren’t willing to give.

People used to do “telebabad” for reasons like reconnection, getting to know each other, chismis, killing time etc. Both parties take time to communicate. Today, you can ignore a text message, an email or a chat and get back to it at your most convenient time. “Musta na” becomes a code wherein the recipient has the option of replying to it or not.

In the past, “musta na” is a symbol of one’s affection and concern. I grew up on it, I am still that person up to now. “Musta na” from family or friends do not intimidate me as I am vocal about what I can or cannot grant in case they ask for favor.
The Secret of the Greco Family: Andres

November 25, 2022

That’s Entertainment
I have just finished watching “The Secret of the Greco Family” on Netflix. Initially, I was sympathetic to Andres Greco, and I felt that Dario deserved to rot in jail more than him. But after re-watching some of the mini-series’ highlights, I changed my perception of Andres Greco.

Andres seems to be the good one if we are to compare him with his older brother Dario. His attractive looks and sports career leads him to date one of the most in-demand models in his country. His mother and his godfather Hugo adore him. But beneath his shy demeanor is a character that is comparable to his psychopath father Aquiles.
1. Just like his father, he does not respect the church or the disciples of the church. Aquiles hears the mass with his family but his facial expression tells that he is just doing it for the sake of not being exposed. In one scene, Andres stands in front of Sabrina’s friend (a nun) with only his shirt and underwear. He smirks when the nun feels uncomfortable.
2. Andres appears to be scared of Aquiles’ idea of kidnapping the rich kids in their community yet he easily gives Gael’s name when his father asked him about the prospect. On the contrary, Dario wonders why Andres picked Gael to be their victim when he finds him a good person.
3. Aquiles lives a double life with that of a good family man on one side and a psychopath on the other side. He projects a good image to Martha and their daughters Sabrina and Abril. Manuela believes that Andres is a good man, she’s even waiting for the marriage proposal. But without her knowing, Andres banged Gael’s girlfriend Paula.
4. Their sisters Sabri and Abril are closer to Dario (who’s supposed to be the black sheep) than to him. Dario is even protective of Abril.
5. In their daily conversations, Dario discovers that Gael is a good man and he can’t understand why Andres picked him as their victim. On the other hand, Andres has the audacity to go to Gael’s family to scoop information about the kidnapping.
6. Dario feels bad for their last victim, an old woman, while Andres seems to enjoy intimidating her.
7. I don’t remember Dario taking off his mask in front of their victims but Andres either gives hints or on one occasion, takes off his mask before the old lady. In short, Andres anticipates the destiny of their victims.
Fernando Colunga’s role as a psychopath father is different from how I first saw him as Thalia’s on-screen partner in Maria la del Barrio. I love how he evolved as an actor— you would surely hate him in this Netflix series.
Pan Resort and Hotel in Abucay, Bataan

October 31, 2022

Travel

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Bataan, why not try Pan Resort and Hotel in Abucay? This is a three-star hotel and it’s a good place to stay if you want to go swimming. Pan has a kiddie pool with fountain and an adult pool to offer. The pool water does not smell of strong chemicals. On the left side of the area are the tables and chairs with curtains as partitions. There are electric fans and power outlets available. The grill area is just nearby but since there’s only one of it, you would need to wait for your turn in case somebody uses it ahead of you.

The shower and wash area are clean though they can still be improved by replacing some worn-out fixtures. The patio leading to the hotel has a sign reminding swimmers to dry themselves before going there or they’ll risk paying PhP500 as a fine. The downside of the pool area is the absence of lifeguards in case of accidental drowning. There are no floaters for rent or for sale so if you’re not a good swimmer, please stay on the shallowest part of the adult pool.

Check in time is 2:00 PM and check out time is 12:00 noon the next day. Swimming is free for hotel guests while non-hotel guests have to pay PhP200 for the swimming entrance and PhP700 for the cottage. While waiting for your check-in or check-out, you can stay at the small hotel lobby. On the right side of the lobby is where they serve complimentary breakfast from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

The rooms are okay for a three-star hotel, just pick the poolside area for better view. The bedsheets, comforters and pillowcases are clean. Toiletries are available except a bathroom tissue; I am not sure if they ran out of it. Gerry’s Grill is the nearest restaurant while 7-11 is just across the road.

They have a lean staff so I’m thinking that this would become an issue if the hotel and the swimming area are fully booked. So far, the ones that we encountered are courteous and helpful.

Pan Hotel and Resort’s nearest accessibility to Balanga main road is through the EGSA.

For the photos, kindly check this out.
Oro Plata Mata on Netflix

October 9, 2022

That’s Entertainment

Warning: Spoilers ahead.

Oro Plata Mata is a 1982 film directed by the late Peque Gallaga. It’s a wartime story of survival and conscience where a test of one’s loyalty is clearly conveyed.

The oro (gold) represents the times of plenty which is shown during the opening part of the film where guests in their beautiful clothes attend the 18th birthday of Maggie (Sandy Andolong), one of the señoritas in the Ojeda household. In one scene, Maggie comforts her younger sister Trining (Cherie Gil) when the latter received her first kiss from her childhood sweetheart Miguel (Joel Torre). She tells her that kissing is part of the relationship and admits that her boyfriend Ramon has kissed her, too. Their talk is interrupted by their mother Nena (Liza Ojeda) who tells Maggie to entertain her visitors. At the living room, a close family friend Minggoy (Jaime Fabregas) announced the coming of age of Maggie on behalf of Don Claudio (Manny Ojeda) when the clock hits 12:00 AM. Everyone is having fun until they receive the unfortunate news about the sinking of the SS Corregidor which some of the guests’ sons are into. The party is cut short thereafter.

The plata (silver) represents the changes in their lives, the adjustment period. Used to the luxuries in their mansion, Maggie complains about the dish served at the Lorenzo mansion. Inday Lorenzo (Fides Cuyugan-Asencio) scolds the cook in the typical Filipino trait of always being hospitable towards our guests. Of course, the Ojedas stay in the Lorenzo mansion is not as short as they thought it would be. When they realize that the war will take longer than expected, reality catches up to them. Two more friends Dr. Jo Russell (Maya/Mitch Valdez) and Viring (Lorli Villanueva) take refuge in the Lorenzo mansion.

The start of the mata (death/misfortune) phase is predictable from the point of view of an onlooker. Inday does not trust her foreman Melchor (Abbo dela Cruz) but continues to let him stay anyway because he is competent. Don Claudio continues to support the revolution and reminds them that his hunch about the Japanese invasion was right all along. The Hacienda Lorenzo provides all of them with safety and peace of mind but that is short-lived. When the loyal servant Nana Tating (Mary Walter) fails to come home after looking for Don Claudio in the sugarcane field, they know that something is not right. The burning of the sugarcane field happens later that night prompting Maggie to check the horizon using Miguel’s telescope in the tower. Dr. Jo adjusts the lens and peeps through it and from there, she sees the city with Japanese trucks in tow.

Whoever burned the sugarcane field is not shown in the movie and the disappearance of Nana Tating is not explained as well. I have a feeling that Melchor has something to do about it and maybe Nana Tating discovers his plan.

The group moves to the hidden forest lodge that the Lorenzos own. This is the part of the film where each character’s dark side appears.

-The sibling rivalry between Maggie and Trining for Miguel’s affection.

-Dr. Jo is helpful and logical yet she doesn’t care who to sleep with as long as her sexual needs are met.

-Viring cares about her jewelries more than anything.

-Miguel is a wimp.

-Trining is not loyal to Miguel.

-Melchor has a twisted mind.

-Hermes (Ronnie Lazaro) disrespects Miguel when he had a sexual relation with Trining

The forest lodge is meant to be their sanctuary but the opposite happens. Melchor shows his true colors and justifies his robbing of Viring’s pieces of jewelry as a form of payment for his services. It is for this reason that I thought that he might be the one responsible for the burning of the sugarcane field because of his grievances against the Lorenzos. When Inday fires him, he comes back with a gory vengeance. For some reason, Trining willingly goes with the bandits despite her mother’s pleading.

In retaliation, Hermes and Miguel attack Melchor’s territory. Trining is hesitant to be rescued. The duo kills all the bandits. In one scene, a young Kuh Ledesma who plays the diwata kneels before a bewildered Miguel who does not have qualms about pulling the trigger.

The oro period is shown again during the engagement dinner for Maggie and Miguel. The war is over. The house looks cramped and the walls are untidy. The foods are not as extravagant and overflowing as during Maggie’s debut. Everyone seems to be moving on from the trauma of the war. We see Carlos/Charlie, Don Claudio’s former accountant, now chatting with the elite group. We learn that the adopted Emilio becomes the sole heir to his family’s wealth—and he is now ready to reveal his sexual preference. We feel for Ramon, Maggie’s former boyfriend because fighting for the country leaves him an invalid. We can’t help but sympathize with Don Claudio when signs of advanced aging disallow him from recognizing his granddaughter. Trining’s coping mechanism is forgetting whatever happened during the war yet acknowledging that that period led them to become animals. On the other hand, Nena appears to be ready to fall in love again when she gamely danced with Charlie.