Angel's among us~

   

 
"I've seen and met angels, wearing the disguise of ordinary people, living ordinary lives"



     Its been quite a while since high schoolmates and classmates get together for the long missed beer and pool parties. If not for a very generous friend who obviously landed in a great paying company we would have chosen the less grandeur, less appalling venue in order to make our ends met. Most probably, we will go hiking, set camp and frolic in the lush green, soothing ambiance of nature. Actually, it was one of our 'where to go' options before Edward, our  sparring mate answered to batch roll calls about the upcoming reunion. Whew! He was like a cascade , not just a whip of fresh air, saving the organizers face from hot water. I have known earlier that the most anticipated gathering had some sort of a long standing budget accumulated through solicitations from donors, mostly politicians. This made me wonder. I can't understand why they need to solicit money from people when obviously we are willing to spend some percent of our hard earned peso for the gathering. After all this has been planned for a long time. Sigh. Money as always is a hot issue. Arguments preceded after with questions of who's who, pointing fingers and even long buried grudges have been immortalized. The real issue now is, 'are we going to enjoy this or not? This is supposed to be a reunion of tears of happiness, a celebration not a reunion of hatred, of fire against fire. So when i'm about to back out and say farewell, Edward came in, maybe heaven sent, immaculate in white denim overall, smiling like an angel and in a single 'hush' totally extinguish their burning fury. There were murmurs of relief, some clapping and laughing, alas no sordid outburst. All differences have been sorted out as slowly but surely as it gets. What perfect timing! Edward wasn't supposed to take pauses from work because there is no replacement for him but he find a way, it turned out, to be with us. 
     So to cut it short, he went on to booked us in a grand resort with panoramic view, glorious food and drinks. Everyone was having a really grand time enjoying the whole scene;  strolling, swimming and partying hard like tomorrow never comes (literally drinking and dancing the night away). And Edward, well I can't say he's sober enough to to be able to wake up at dawn and pee at the pool. Good thing is, at least they have two friends who are non-beer drinkers (me and May-ann). Oh dear, two against eighteen?? How can we be able to manage them? To think that May-ann is asthmatic and as frail as a mimosa.
But still I'm just as thankful that I'm not alone and she has her puff, by the way. First things first, the ladies. Making sure their valuables are intact, we carry the light-weights (May-ann at lower extremities, me on upper part) and pile them side by side in our room. And while both of us are skinny, we literally pull in the heavy-weights, laboriously dragging them in the grasses, dead tired and snoring still while some even vomited. And yes someone did even woke up, startled and mumbled "Youhh can..nhibalss!" 
     Then we went around messy tables by the gardens, men's toilets and pool to look for Edward. We're just about to give up when we found him, already quite sober at the hall, talking to some young and sexy receptionist. I can't help but wonder, at this time of dawn? I bet the real receptionist must have been sleeping. Sigh. May-ann frowned in disapproval and suggested that we stay a while hidden from their sight to observe a bit longer. Like me, she's got bad vibes so we hid in a tall hibiscus plant, eavesdropping. My eyelids are becoming heavy as early morning breeze touch my skin and the newly trimmed grasses looks inviting. So while I was about to gave in to drowsiness, May- ann vigorously shook my shoulders, ashen-faced and obviously horrified. In a span of few minutes, I thought she was going to faint. I stood trying to hold her, prompting to breath while she kept on pointing at Edward's direction. Before we know it, we both screamed at the sight of our friend helplessly swarmed and beaten by three masked men, now taking all valuables he had. I just stood mesmerized while May-ann overcoming her fear and breathlessness run toward the security posts and called for help. Everything was played so well like in a movie scene where armed guards seized the robbers and Edward was saved in time. Thanks to a dear friend May-ann who showed courage and heroism in such tight situation. Later in the morning the group were told that those men have guns with them and God knows what happens when guards arrived late on the scene. 
     Many years after, I'm still thankful to God for friends like her and Edward who made the trip possible. Indeed, angel's lived among us*

"Courage is not the absence of fear but the acquired 
         ability to move beyond fear"                                          


Lesson: Do not judge.Those who look frail always have the strongest of spirit!

What is normal? Anyone???

This story happened more than two decades ago but the thought still made me nauseous. It was one of those rough times when we struggle to live independently in a city thousands of miles away from home. We are pursuing a dream. To finish college, to find a job (and a decent man? That was how things are, until now?) We are lucky to be admitted in a dormitory with a reasonably low monthly rental. There are five of us occupying a 10x10 square foot room with five single beds, one study table, a 10 watts electric bulb, a single fan but no built in comfort room. The bathroom which we shared with five more occupants (including two males and our landlord's son) was located twenty steps outside our room. My roommates who are so scared of the dark decided to put a bedpan underneath in preparation for the late night's call of nature. Except me and one friend. Each night before bedtime she would go out to take long baths while I stay up late reading or writing or sort out things in my locker. Sometimes I take short walks for fresh air or until my eyelids go heavy just sitting in a garden bench. One morning, while eating breakfast, this landlord's son secretly approached me and asked if he could have a few minutes of my time. I was puzzled, gave him a moment of grimace but smiled when I saw his begging eyes. He led me to the back of the house near the overgrown shrubs of his mother's and we sit on a bench. I kept thinking of what he's up to while I constantly looked at my wrist watch. Oh jeez! Sweats broke out his forehead and I'm like "Oh if this is about me, shout it out because I'm getting late to class!" Still very hesitant, he finally spoke when he sensed I'm getting impatient.
     " I'm sorry but this is something I'm too shy to asks about."
     " Hey, tell me about it and please hurry", Oh dear, I'm intrigued, I'm puzzled but excited? No. I don't have time for this.
    " I need your help. You're the only one who always slept late, so I guess you knew about something lately. Please tell me the truth."
    "Ohh! I was shocked. I hate reading between the lines. What exactly do you mean by that?" 
    " I cannot find my underwears in the bathroom for three nights already."
    "Omg! So are you accusing me I steal all those?
    "Just wanna asks you first. Sorry"
Poor guy! It was so outrageous but hilarious at the same time it made my stomach cramped from laughing. 
    "Ok, Just telling you I'm not a pervert. In fact I could slap your face right now for insinuating such stupidity." 
    I went directly home after class that day. It was high noon and almost everyone are at school. Feeling a bit drowsy with nothing new to read about, I decided to clean the room and look for those ' stolen men's undies' underneath the beds but to no avail. Exhausted, I lie flat on my back unintentionally shifting my gaze at a small window facing my bed. Then as I was about to close my eyes, I saw it! I gaped for a few seconds, immobilized and speechless. WTH! The ' stolen things' are neatly hanged in individual hangers screaming at my face like early morning sunlight. And I thought he was wrong all along. Oh dear! What a shame!!
     When my roommate friend came home that evening, I confronted her right away . But guess what I get? She smiled like it was nothing and told me to not worry. Sigh.
     The next day when our landlord's son ask about it I never hide one tiny detail so I wouldn't have to carry such burden in my head. He only said thank you. 
      Days went by with not a single gossip heard around the dormitory. Things are at a usual pace just like before. We all busied ourselves studying for the exams. Then one night while I was reading, I noticed my friend sniffed frequently unto something while lying in her bed facing the wall. I ask what was wrong and said nothing. Later when she was asleep, I went to her bed to see what was she holding.Pulling it slowly away from her grasp, I was shocked and nearly fainted. It was a men's underwear! Oh my God!
I kept calling God till I drop to my own bed almost out of breath!
     Later on, I learnt that they exchange undies to kept and sniffed??? OMG! It was so disgusting! They are so totally sick! Most ironic is they got married while I was admitted to a hospital for hyperventilation. Sigh..!


Lesson learned: Know who your friends are ( learn also to accept)^_^
    

Night Life^_^

     It was past midnight. Like many nights before, insomnia took power over frail, sickly me while everyone else in the house dreamed the night away. Along with my dogs named Light and Dark, I always stand guard: night shift! I walked aimlessly like a prowling ghost in an open window savoring the faint sweet smell of mango blooms while the sultry air toyed with my long, dark hair. Ah! Wishing to become immortal this should be the perfect night for an adventure! I was raised surrounded with a throng of extended families but I love the word 'alone' and I was beguiled with the mystery of the dark. Tempted to go out and wearing only a thin nightdress, Dark suddenly let out a ferocious howl which made me jump two steps down our rickety stair in the balcony. Then Light, with an ear up, run towards the bushes outside the gate while barking. Nailed to the ground unable to move and feeling my heartbeat, I smiled. I was not terrified. We are living in a farflung village near the sea. I frowned thoughtfully. Pirates? Hooligans? A remote possibility. Beachcombers? Gypsies? Maybe. Maybe not. So I went out silently tiptoeing barefoot behind the thick line of Chinese bamboos carefully dragging with me the long dress. The dogs are still noisy exchanging barks while I adjusted my vision in the dark space. I pick up stones and throw in the bushes. And look what we've found! Two naked couple who frantically forgot where to look for their clothes and run hand in hand when they sense me. Omg! What could be worst? I thought they were simply creepy crawlies. Good thing is, my dogs obey when I told them to shut up and go back inside the house! Sigh..What a night! 

Lesson learned that day: Don't forget to bring flashlight in the dark. And yell!!!

Sweet or Sour?

It was a Tuesday, market day. My girlfriend and I went to the market to buy fresh produce delivered at dawn from various neighboring farms. A lot are in season including fruits, sweet, yummy fruits like 'marang', 'rambutan' and mangosteen. As we passed by arrays of fruit stalls, one vendor caught our attention and everybody else's. Aside from being so loud and with a very convincing and tempting sales talk, he has goods not found in others, 'Lanzones'! Round fruits that comes in bunches similar to longan but a bit bigger. We already bought a few kilo's of other fruits but my friend said we still have a few pesos left and she guessed that it doesn't cost much. I frowned trying to understand what she's up to because she had this silly smile on her face. She's right, the fruit isn't as expensive as I thought. But before we made the purchase, she asked the vendor to have a taste for her. The vendor quite surprised obey my friend. He peeled one fruit and ate it. He made quite a face trying to hide the sourness of the fruit making him look so awfully stupid.
My friend advised him not to lie again (of course out of other people's hearing range) because the truth will always come out. Nonetheless we bought the fruit, a kilo for a price of half:-)
The fruit is not sweet when not in season and the sweet one's are priced quite higher. Omg! My heart goes for the poor vendor whom she outwitted.

Simple lesson learned: Do not lie!

pink just give me reason..(Psst..! your color)

dear pink,

        you are so popular, i know that now. even my mama loves you so much she painted her room pink, her pillows and blankets, soaps, lipsticks, sandals and all are devoted to your delicate hue.
and this lately she wanted our plates changed, our curtains and even the toilet bowl (if she can dig it!) she hated green, now even her salad that papa would scream " GO ON! color it pink! or would you rather want pink meat, or pink eye if you also hate black!"
        my mama could only cry. what's in you pink? recently two of my newborn neighbor were named rose pink and kirsty pink. and tonight while watching news on tv, i noticed one broadcaster wear pink overall. i'm beginning to feel sick looking at you. i ran to my room only to see you, more of you, on my walls, on my bed, screaming at me, OMG! so now you invade me and i can't fight you pink or my mama will have me no more.
        then i called my friend, telling her about you, what you've done. but i guess something i said made her feel bad that she burst into convulsive crying. yelling "i hate PINK!" oh that. and i ask her why then she told me between sobs. " my boyfriend left me for pink, (sobs)he doesn't love me, i found out, (sobs), he met someone with pink lips, breasts, and....and....(cried hard)." 
        you see, pink?someone did finally hate you. who created you?
your influence is too much...anywhere...even here on my blog.


p.s. i don't hate you!

~whimsical fantasy~

Where you've been in the path of consciousness?Probably you are never been good or never been bad. But one thing is certain, you have walked all walks of life.

Today is the first day of yet another chapter of my solitary existence. You can say, your's is far greater than mine. More colorful, more lively, more ..ahh sometimes i'm at a lost of all perfect words to describe life as seen by you. But then, you can't have all that beauty in you, i have mine too. Far greater. And different. Yes, that's how it was.

Burst of sunlight flooded my pale face, my eyes...the sun soothe it, touch it with mother's warmth. The soft rays tried to open my dry lips to stretch into a smile.

It was split second but the pain seemed like eternity. But the smile, it was good, so awfully good.

In every smile i gave, in every pain and hope i take,i still believe because i have faith.

And when there is hope and faith, everything beautiful comes in. In flooded grace that fill senses.What you want, you can have, what you don't need, you can't have.

Like today, I am sitting in front of tv, i guess, because i can hear a wobbly, bubbly kid talk.But then there was also sunlight on my face. Where could i possibly be?In a patio with tv? Again, my answer is maybe. My Mama is also with me, kissing me on the forehead, on my cheeks and a sweet' i love you' near my ear. Then she started singing a lullaby prompting me to take my morning nap.

Somewhere from the other side of my eyes, a friend is waving, then comes another and two more others. They are all beautiful, wearing splendid clothes and amazing wings. Oh, how lovely my friends are. I once asked my Mama if we all have wings. She said no.Only angels and fairies. Angels lived in heaven , fairies lived in prairies. Yes, that's how i know who my friends are.

They come to me all at once when all is still and my subconscious called them.

Surprisingly, they only come when Mama's voice is no longer audible, when her chants becomes a soft whisper and eventually fades in a blur.

In my heart, i believe, Mama is much more lovelier just like how i pictured her with her sweet voice.  Maybe she has beautiful wings too. Even though she said she doesn't have one.

My fairy-friends flew me to wonderland full of awesome talking flowers, a single tree bearing different fruits, a castle full of books, a huge butterfly that grants wishes and a waterfall that heals.

'Come, Mauri.' One fairy-friend took my hand and lead me to a big stone near the waterfall.

'Take a dip, take it slow' , they helped me as i bend my hips and submerged my head in the water. KkzZzt..KSSSt. It was momentary but the surge of a thousand watts of energy through my body was so powerful that i almost fell. My mind was reinvigorated and my body healed of physical pains. I felt renewed.

I was very happy and hug my fantastic fairy friends. They were very happy for me too. But all was meant to not last , i was told. Then i remember my Mama, how happy she would be if she'd see her like this.

I can now see the beauty in a different light, in a view all my own.  And though everything was just temporary, at least i have been given the chance to feel what i wanted to feel for so long. What's like to feel normal.

I am living a fantastic dream. Surreal. Amazing...ah.I'm always at a lost of words to describe the feeling.

Before they took me home, one fairy- friend took my hand, just took it like that and look me in the eye. 

I can say she has the most beautiful brown eyes i have ever seen.And she answered, giving back the compliment as if she read my mind. And she really did. Little did I know that she was a sort of queen, laid back, so unassuming .She told me, my moment of truth has come and i can't stay with them for long because finally they decided to give me the gift of sight and heal my pain. They've known me long enough to grant me my wish. They are all awesome, i was so like nailed to the ground astonished for my unsolicited fate then cried and hugged them, thanking them for their beautiful gift and the beautiful memories.

'Ssshhh, your mother is waiting'

I was lying, like many yesterdays of my solitary, bed-ridden life, in a sofa bed with Mama massaging my legs and arms. It was always like that. But this time i feel something bizarre in my surroundings.

I hear sobs, controlled crying, comforting words from voices i couldn't recognize.

"Mama?Is that you? I asked as i stretch my arms for her. There's still little pain in my eyes as I tried to open it. 

"Mauri, oh Mauri, thanks so much God. Then I heard Mama laughing and crying at the same time, kissing me, hugging me,like i've been lost from her for a long time.

I also cried, looking at Mama. I can see her...yes. I've been healed. I can now see how beautiful my Mama was. And she has the most beautiful wings of all.

daydream...^_^

You are my breath of fresh air, my comforting cup of tea and the sweet apple of my eye^_^

There is no such thing as perfect love only pure heart~

If we can only find contentment in the smallest of things, we need not pursue affluence because in the process of doing you might step into someone's toe.

If we can turn back time and see the world through a child's point of view.  Would you ever desire to grow up?

Your brown eyes, bedimpled rosy cheeks, your contagious smile and the lines in your palm. That is you. Unique and beautiful..

Free yourself of earthly vices, it's only then that you can be one with the divine self.

Lift your head high but keep your heart low.

Take a few minutes off the world to be with yourself..

If everyone is not selfish and give love for free, this world will never know war and chaos.

feed your inner child with divine food for it will sustain the soul for eternity