Life's A Trip...

“It’s the type of place you go to when you want to forget about the world, the type of place where you can be alone and not worry about being alone.”   This was the thought that lingered through my mind as I looked back at Anawangin while our outrigger made its way to Pundaquit for our trip home.   Ours had only been an overnight trip, but in that short span of time, and despite the fact that it was no longer the off the beaten track destination that it once was, Anawangin had already made an impact in me that all I could think of while on the short 15-minute boat ride back to Pundaquit, was of being there again, regardless of who I’ll be with, or even on my own.   My only wish was that even with its growing popularity, nothing of the present set-up for visitors will change.   No big commercial establishments, no paved roads, no piers and ports, just the old-fashioned outdoor environment.   After all, it’s the reason why people go there in the first place. ...

One morning at the office, talk had been about surgeries and confinement.   An officemate remarked that he loved being confined because it gave him a valid reason for not going to school or being absent from the office.   I expressed the same view, citing the "pasalubongs" as my reason, then followed it up by narrating that I’ve only been confined once.  And then it hit me, that time when I was confined, Mama was the first person I saw when I woke up.  In fact I couldn’t remember anybody else being there for the whole duration of my stay.   I can’t exactly remember how many days I stayed at the hospital, but those days had been fun, with me and Mama playing with the flash cards Auntie Linda sent me.   Basic mathematical operations, and then pictures of things, Mama was a very good teacher.   The thimble, that one I found hard to name.   Mama…how can I ever forget such a woman?   If there ever was a perf...

 Allen, Samar   F or those who have been accustomed to spending their summer outings or vacations in places like Boracay, Bohol , and Batangas, the name Samar may sound a bit below the scale.   But Samar may just be the perfect place for you.   Being a Samareño, I guess I have the authority to say that you can take my word for it.   Pristine beaches, springs, falls, a rustic environment, a laid back lifestyle, and an eclectic mixture of things and activities to do - these are just some of the things my province has to offer.  San Juanico Bridge, where vehicles bound for Samar from Tacloban pass Accessible through two major modes of transportation, Samar can be reached either by buses going to Leyte and Bohol, or by plane via Tacloban in Leyte or Calbayog.   Of the two, I personally prefer traveling by bus for not only is it cheaper, you also get the opportunity to pass by the provinces of Batangas, L...

This morning, as I was browsing through my Twitter account, the song Hold Me in Your Arms by Southern Sons started playing in my computer, and suddenly I was transported back in time when the song was still playing on the airwaves - my high school days in Samar, in our old house, my home for many years. Memories had been a lot in that old house - the times when me, my brothers, and friends would play "baril-barilan"; the times when we would be left during weekends and friends would be invited to sleep over; those times when me, my brother Dino, and my nephew Yan-yan would spend many hours in the night collecting water into containers; those times when I’d just lay on the sofa and watch MTV all day; those many afternoons spent on the roof with my bestfriend Yanie, Dino, and Yan-yan just talking.   And during the time when I was studying in Manila, the numerous meals and the many drinking sessions shared with Yanie and my other bestfriend Aping when...

The soft breeze sweeps across my face as I lay on my back watching the passing of the clouds.  It's been quite a while since I've last noticed the beauty of what sorrounds me - the sunset, the moon, the clouds, the flowers and trees...and you.  Yes you. I've longed to be with you from the first time I saw you, and I did everything to make it so.  But when I finally had you...I turned my back on you.  I never really knew why. Time passed and I thought that I had placed my past with you behind me.  Then, just as sudden as the striking of a lightning, you came back the way you did on the night I first saw you.  But unlike the way it was back then, you now have him and I have her.  Fortunately though, there's still this thing called friendship...and with your forgiveness, at least friendship I can still have with you. I won't wish to turn back time...nor pray to have another chance of living a life with you. Co'z I'm happy with what I have n...