GEEGEEDABALYU

Lyrics to Brandy's new song LONG DISTANCE. On Fiyah!

2008-10-18T06:43:00.000-07:00

I love this song! I've played this song whole today on my ipod.

Listen to it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuiSFDuo3ac

Long Distance

b r a n d y

There’s only so many songs that I can sing to pass the time.
And I’m running out of things to do to get you off my mind (oh whoa).
All I have is this picture in a frame (oh ah),
that I hold close to see your face everyday.

With you is where I’d rather be,
but we’re stuck where we are.
It’s so hard, you’re so far..
This long distance is killing me.
I wish that you are here with me,
but we’re stuck where we are
it’s so hard, you’re so far.. (so hard, you’re so far..)
This long distance is killing me.

It’s so hard, it’s so hard, where we are, where we are, you’re so far.
This long distance is killing me.
It’s so hard, it’s so hard, where we are, where we are, you’re so far
(so hard, so hard, where we are, where we are, your so far).
This long distance is killing me.

Now the minutes feel like hours
and the hours feel like days.. (whoa oh whoa)
While I’m away (way-ay)
You know right now I can’t be home (ah)
But I’m coming home soon (ah)
Coming home soon.. (ah a hah)
All I have is this picture in a frame (ah),
that I hold close to see your face everyday.

With you is where i’d rather be (where I’d rather be..),
but we’re stuck where we are (oh oh).
It’s so hard, (oh ah) you’re so far.. (oh ah)
This long distance is killing me.
I wish that you are here with me (you are here with me),
but we’re stuck where we are (oh oh)
It’s so hard, (oh ah) you’re so far.. (oh ah)

Can you hear me crying?
Ooh (oh-oh oh-oh)
Can you hear me crying? (oh-oh ah!)
Ooh (oh-oh oh-oh)
Can you hear me crying? (oh-oh ah!)
Ooh (oh-oh oh-oh)
Ooh woo whoa ah ah oh ah (oh-oh ah!)
Uh ah uh ah whoa0h ah (oh-oh oh-oh)

With you is where i’d rather be (where I’d rather be..) whoa!
(but we’re stuck where we are) oh!
(it’s so hard) So hard (your so far), so far
(this long distance is killing me) This long distance is killing me
I wish that you are here with me (you are here with me) me..
(but we’re stuck where we are) Stuck where we are! So hard! So far
This long distance is killing me

There’s only so many songs that I can sing to pass the time

My New Embarkments!

2008-06-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

It has been two months and so many days, I have to be shaking my shimmy again. Like Stella, I have to get back to the groove baby!

MMDA launched a design competition of the two rotundas in the NAIA complex. The prize at stake is half a million pesos. Anybody interested in joining the contest, check out www.mmda.gov.ph. Ideally, I'll group myself with my Metro Manila based colleagues but I am considering the possibility of forming a Bicolano team of designers for this. This is going to be a lot of fun!

Next, I'll be staying in Iriga for about a week or two. While unoccupied, I'll be asking kind owners of beautiful homes in Iriga City if I can take a peek inside their beautiful houses, take pictures and post them here and Ugat's (http://ugat.blogspot.com/) web blog. I'll also take an analysis of the taste and styles of Iriguenos when it comes to deciding what kind of home they want. What about a top ten list? Iriga's Finest Homes? We'll see.

Until then!

I remain.

My PORTFOLIO OF WORKS

2008-06-02T20:28:00.001-07:00

The Proofs of Pussy Existence

2008-05-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

Good Morning WORLD!

I love waking up early in the morning especially when the sun greets me with a kiss and a promise of nice things ahead.

Okay, yesterday I did my laundry and while I was hanging my clothes, I noticed spots of chocolaty appearance on the ground (amongst the dried dead leaves of Kaimito which is a very messy tree, however I’m in love with it because of the shade it provides). Accents I thought. I looked around, this time taking into consideration inconspicuous elements that have missed my first ocular investigation. Remains of rats randomly distributed with their dreams of a good life evaporated into the thin air (scented). That explains the scent! All the while I was thinking it was the smell of summer and the canal beside our property is just having some 'periods'. Then night time, I have to remind myself (I composed a mantra) that the ground is cursed, and any mistake and miscalculated move might lead me to a pile of shit (yes, all interpretations accepted)! So I started this morning with a drive to live a peaceful, clean and environment friendly way of life. Equipped with a "sig-gid" (waling tingting), I swept the surface of the concrete slab (which serves as our service area and lanai) and now the textured surface is smiling.

Looking from the outside, I realized my life for the past few days can qualify as irrelevant and unnecessary. Days of fun and uncontrollable desires lead me to some more days of stupor and confusion. Now it's taking its toll. Stockpile of work and undecided issues cluttered my mind and my desk. Like the fallen leaves and spots of shit and dead rats that almost covered our concreted front. Thanks to coffee and cigarette. My only constant companion (which will eventually lead me to my death which in further is where we will all go).

Now I need my electronic and mental 'sig-gid' to remove the clutter in my mind and life (some of it at least). And yes, I might need some 10mm thick rubber gloves (so I wont feel the texture) to remove the shit and dead meat. Disinfectant also.

b_r0cka!

Untitled

2008-05-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

A band of humans screaming "pata pata patapon!" chased me to my awakening from a dream. Cubao na at wow, ang lakas ng ulan! How will i get off this bus? What a way to welcome a returning (adopted, in my own rigth) son!

I left Iriga last night. I have a meeting with a client this coming Thursday, 29 May 2008. On board, HITMAN was playing. I fell in love with 47. I figured the 8-10 hour travel should give me time to assess my life and plan my next move. But i slept through the whole trip. Entertaining friends is not an easy task i guess. A small chat with a crush and a little pang-aalaska highlighted my day yesterday. Yun naman di ba, pag crush mo lagi mong tinutukso (hihi!). Nagbaon ako ng konting smile nya (haha!).

Today is production day. Like a thief, i stole some time from my production period to write this entry.

Now, back to work.

Edge

2008-05-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

12:45 AM. The rain began pouring as I light up a cigarette. Promisingly heavy, raindrops knocked on my head and body, washing away the sins of the day and camouflaging the rolling tears on my face. Nobody can really tell about how I feel while drenched in the rain, not even my own self. Though at that time, nobody was really around to witness the episode, except for a lone soul that has no face who found shelter from a hut.

I love the cold touch of the rain the same way I welcome the kiss of the sun on my skin during a hot summer’s day. I remember walking in the rain a few months ago after an intense day at work. I feel human and vulnerable, and at one with nature. It’s one of the very few instances where I really feel alone and focused on myself.

Tonight however, I feel different. The drops of water felt like tormenting needles. An instrument of a mighty being programmed to punish a sinner (basing from the crazy doctrines I grew up with that I no longer observe). Is freedom beginning to take its toll or am I just looking at things at the wrong point of view?

Update of the Chronicle

2008-05-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

I had a dream about him last night. In that dream, he text messaged me and asked me to come out because he's right outside, waiting for me. Then i woke up, looked at my phone and found that there's no message. I remember that I did not even have the courage to text message him right away after getting his number.

I got Bamboo's (Probinsyano) number through a friend. Now, i felt like Frodo bearing the weight of temptation of the one Ring to rule them all. If I wear it, Sauron will know where I am and the Ring will want to be found. If I text message him, I will probably confess my true feelings for him then he'll know and it could be Mount Doom for me.

Thank Galadriel for the phial containing the light of Eärendil's star. I was able to see some sense out of this 'Too-much-love-will-kill-you' phase (Thanks Freddie!).

Sunday today, production day. Time to realign whatever part of my life that needs it. I'll be productive today.

Nurturing this kind of feeling can get me to a point of euphoria. But when the high is gone, i am all alone.

Sad shit to start my day!

Chronicles of a Beautiful Distraction

2008-05-23T17:35:00.000-07:00

I have a fear of flying. Flying up high the heart-filled skies of sweet nothings and beautiful surprises. Irresistible as it may seem, I can not handle love and love related craziness. But last night was the third time I've been with a person whom i wanted to make a part of my life. Feeling's getting stronger each moment, and anytime soon this'll explode.

Okay, I first met "Bamboo" 5 days ago and at that very moment I knew he,s something. My friend asked Bamboo to accompany him on his way to meet me for an afternoon snack. We barely exchanged words. He's quiet and mysterious. My type. I hope our bowls of pansit never emptied so I could spend some more time with him. For two nights, he's the last thing on my mind before I go to sleep.

Planned out of desperation, I scheduled a drinking soirée two night ago with the venue strategically chosen; their neighbor's hut. For the first time, we were able to sit beside each other. I did not initiate anything, but it's official, I am crazy over him.

Then last night, i was able to sit beside him again. In my heart, explosions of love bombs continue to shake my whole consciousness. I knew I should do something about this. I am losing myself and I should know how I'll fair so that i could plan my next move. He's leaving for Cavite at the end of the month. I plan to practice privately here in the province.

I do not want to fall but it's a feeling that i wanted to stay in forever.

VISIT BERSABAREN GARDEN

2008-05-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

I am glad that Iriga City has a lot of construction/developments going on under its wings. One project that I made, Bersabaren Garden is a resurrection of the old Bersabaren, only better (of course!). The city now has a lot of pool resorts tourists from Bicol and all over the infinite confines (ironic) of the multi-dimensional universe could experience and enjoy.

Bersabaren Garden has 4 major things to offer:

1. The SWIMMING POOL.

Azure and irresistible, plunge into the refreshing water and forget about whatever worries you have about your job and your everyday, ordinary life (at least for a day, or overnight). We took advantage of the configuration of the existing pool but we made the deck a bit more spacious. They're still in their promo period, Day swimming is Php40.00 and Night is Php50.00. Cabanas, huts, umbrellas and cottages are available.

OneHut houses a VIDEOKE where guest can sing their hearts out.

2. The RECEPTION and FUNCTION HALL.

Mediterranean Tropical inspirations dictate the colors ans elements of the Function Hall. Garden Weddings, Pool Parties, Reunion events or simple get-togethers will surely be a lot more meaningful once held in this partly sky-lighted, mountain backdropped (Mt Asog Clouded in this pic, sorry).

3. The RESTOBAR.

The old bar, improved. Lounge in a bar in a pool setting with relaxing jazz music, acoustic and even some folkloric tunes. The bar offers beer and other beverages. Enjoy ice cold Red Horse Jumbo for only Php52.00, you might be even lucky to catch a live band performance to elevate the experience to a level higher.

(photo: The Restobar, fore grounded by the Central Garden plants)

4. CENTRAL and COCONUT GROVE.

Different parts of the garden, showcasing tropical plants.

The Coconut Grove. Under are Cottages where you can take a nap after a swim.

Visit Bersabaren Garden. For inquiries, you can text/call 09175800388.

ENJOY!

Rediscovery PART 1

2008-05-20T16:45:00.000-07:00

I could only imagine how Eve felt after her first bite of the forbidden fruit. Aside from the fear of knowing not what's in store for her, the idea of doing things on her own outside the confines of the 'paradise' must be exhilarating! Like this thing written on a shirt some nasty or rather courageous women wear at times; “Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere!". That's the kind freedom that I want (and experiencing right now). Of course, no one can be absolutely free unless you're dead but nonetheless, I'll gladly embrace whatever kind of 'captivity' is in store for me.

After choosing to be free from the responsibilities of an employed professional, I'd quickly got myself back together and I embarked on a journey of self rediscovery. Rediscovery could entail redoing things that you have failed to do or failed to survive in the past. If you play video games, you're surely getting what I am saying. You know the part where you confront the Boss and you don't know what to expect, most of the time you lose. But after losing that game, you tried to recall the rhythm, the pattern and you'll surely win the game. I always say, Failing is inevitable. If anything, it only makes a person stronger and wiser.

My journey to rediscovery started from satisfying my long time urge of a bucolic life. Pastoral and innocent, like the place where I came from. Iriga City. Money though is a problem. Since I've got no regular job anymore, I have to find ways to make ends meet. I figured I have to find Landscape Architectural projects to sustain my "journey" (aside from my current projects in development).

Okay, with money taken cared of, it is time to commence the fun! I started in my neighborhood. I admit that I am narcissistic, insecure and a self contained adolescent. I never socialize with my "kapitbahay". I was like Erica Han in Grey's Vasectomy who admitted in a very recent episode that she never makes friends easily. The reasons I won’t disclose this time to avoid further impressions of 'kaumolan'. But I'll give away one: The fear of rejection. Well, who hasn't? Hehe... So now, with the improved social goddess in me, I began to adopt the true nature of being an Iregueno: Cowboy baby! First, we have a way of speaking like we bare our souls with no inhibitions. "Garapal", "bulgar", 'usmak" and we curse like there's no tomorrow (which is so much fun btw). I remember meeting this guy in a drinking soirée in Ibalon Resort (in San Juan). He just came from the UK and he was very enthused to tell stories about Iriguenos in UK. I remember him telling me that while he was walking somebody else's dog (mind you, 10 Pounds an hour) in a park, he noticed a postman who is a pinoy-looking fella. So he went out of his way to greet him. The postman's pinoy indeed and to his surprise, recognized him as well by greeting him "Putang masimot ika, taga Iriga Ika!" in the crispiest crisp that you could ever imagine. What a nice story to end my day.

Equipped with this unique communication technique, I am very much ready to go. Iriga City is a small community so thinking about how you have to dress yourself is a pretty lame thing to spend your time on if you do not have enough resources. Also, I am in euphoria freedom has blessed me, so I really do not care.

Alright, first stop the house in front. When I was a child, they're my (playboy) playmates. But somewhere along the way, sprinkles of malice dust took away the shroud of innocence. I stopped playing with them. Now, I am happy that I have found new friends in them. They're happy and fun to be with. Susie, I reckon was the girl whom some of my childhood friends pair me to. But in my mind, I know what I want. Boys. In my mind, I want them to pair me to this golden boy in the name of _____. Haha!

Susie, among other interesting people in their house, manages a small store at their front. In my idle afternoon, I always go to her to share some stories of gargantuan scope. Stories of adventures, life, love, sex among other things. There, the portals to their warm hearts opened up for me. Auntie Shiela, is a quite a character. I remember her pimping her son to me (jokingly), asking me to 'sponsor' his education and such. I rode on the vehicle of fun. Then her husband, son with his two other friends came from a basketball game and the fun never ended (not in the way you think, silly! I assure you, my idea of fun is just the same as yours)!

Then the drinking sprees. Boy, it is abundant here. It's easy to get drunk and be free from cares in this bucolic enclave. It's a social channel. And it's way cheap, because you do not have to pay for the place, marked-up prices of 'pulutan' and beverages (unless you want to be seen in Desney (yes, I spelled it correctly honey) Grille, which btw is a very nice place to go out to with friends). Claire and Mafford, longtime friends of mine, were known to frequent almost any drinking event in the city (Haha! sorry friends for giving that away). So whenever I need a 'fix', I just consult my walking directories of fun.

Along the way of things in my stay in Iriga, I found new friends in old faces. I realized that some people that I usually ignore (because I am like god in my own way) are very interesting people ever!

Now, I have to cut this epic tale of rediscovery because I have to embark on a new journey of equal or greater epic proportions.

If I'm properly fixed, I'll soon write about the MAY events in Iriga City. Fiesta Galore!!!

b_r0cka ;)

FREE

2008-03-07T18:13:00.000-08:00

I never thought it would be that easy. I finally did it. now i am free.

officially.

Identify Identity

2008-02-19T16:38:00.000-08:00

Feb is UP Fair time. Each year I make time to go there and see what's going on. The Fair is open to all so you get to see different kinds of people. Students, career people, Koreans, punks,rastamans, and in particular, a category of seemingly "troubled" kids aka "balara boys", "palakpak boys", "jologs" etc. This year I noticed the usual "troubled kids" sporting a new look.

First, the outfit. The guys, they wear those tight body shirt hanging from their small frames, exposing their bellybuttons paired with a low and tight, underwear-exposing skinny jeans that make identifying gay people from most-of-the-time-straight people an uneasy past time. They usually love to put a little silvery accent to their whole appearance that comes in many forms. It can be something embedded to the belt, glued to their shirts, chained or pierced to their skins, microwaved to their bodies etc. And of course the shoes. They all look the same. Converse or converse looking all-star chenesbars. But I have to commend those who attempt to deviate from this stereotype and maximize whatever they have. One kid wore one shoe different from the other pair in style and color. Way to go!

Then the Hair. They sport their 'do "half-cooked". A portion of the hair heavily gelled that somewhat resembled a shark's fin, pinned to the skull, sometimes erect as how it should be and sometimes flaccid like an elephant's ear (only it's piano black), a part hurricane exposed, and the rest greased with sleaze. And as if still bored and unsatisfied with their heavily textured hair look, some even put a little spray of color courtesy of Rainbow Brite.

The face. I guess the magic comes from the eyes. Their mascaraed sad eyes, broadcasting messages of loneliness and apathy.

I do not know if they're 'emo' but a friend told me they're called "bollocks". I still have to know what that means and how did they arrive to calling them that.

I did not put much of an attention to the girls though. In that kind of setting, whatever they wear, they all look the same to me. ;-)

For those who care, my reflections on what this means to me will be posted soon.

About my Adventures

2008-02-18T21:28:00.000-08:00

I turned the volume of my telephone down to the minimum. I set my mobile phone to 'silent' mode. I made this virtual fortress where I can hide. I am certain she will call. My boss did not accept my resignation. She asked me to let her be selfish for now and that all of that selfishness is intended for my career and experience. I believed her. Now, I have not been going to work for 9 days. Ironically, I have anticipated this jolt in my life and I just do not know when it will come. Slowly, it crept into my consciousness, enveloping me inside a realm of expansion. And then, a faint beep. It is done. I am free.

Well almost free. My heart pulsates in a very uncomfortable manner whenever the phone rings. I am still being haunted by the ghosts of action. There is a term for what I did. Absent Without Leave. AWoL. One of the most unprofessional moves an employee could ever make. I pulled one and it makes me a very bad person in general. There will be consequences but like what the song in my head is saying, "Non, je ne regrette rien".

I should and will face the trouble I have gotten my self into. As what I have told my ex-officemate few days earlier, I already have a foot outside the door, and the only options I’ve got are leave and move on and face the humps and bumps ahead or fly away, soar above the seas of uncertainties and discover new opportunities ahead.

Now, this is the introduction of this new chapter in my life and I choose to be free for now. I am not completely out of the woods yet but what the hell, I cannot dwell on the feeling of insecurity and inadequacy.

So now, I welcome you to my adventures!