The title came from a book I'm currently devouring entitled "The Social Animal" by David Brooks.  This is sort of a guilty pleasure reading of mine because I know for sure that Brooks' work is relatively lightweight and frowned upon at the academia.  Not that I really give a fig about… Read full post »

It’s always interesting when former classmates (who are friends more than classmates) get together.  It is my personal conviction not to attend a reunion.  Because there are some people I do not want to see ever in my life.  And these things are just pissing contests anyway. … Read full post »

I remember when I was eight years old.  My family went to Venice.  And amidst the lattices of bridges and old buildings, it is easy to get lost.  My father was getting tired and the language barrier won't help us get to where we were staying.

I just started walking, carefully… Read full post »

Thirty-three.  33.  The age Jesus Christ was crucified.  The age where I believe youth ends.  Time to grow up.  But as I begrudgingly move on, I have to look back and say some of my thanks for a life lived with equal parts hesitation and elation.

1.) Thank you… Read full post »

I got the shock of my life.  I found out that the ex got a hold of this blog.  I have no idea how he found this nor would I care to find out how.  Considering that I never mentioned any of our names; if I used my photos I never… Read full post »

As the 25^th anniversary of the EDSA People Power uprising that ousted her family from power, former First Lady Imelda Marcos was interviewed for a TV news report.  She was, as always, defiant and haughty pertaining to the Marcos legacy in Philippine history.  She said there was no human rig… Read full post »

Interesting times we live in.  We have popular uprisings across the Arab world.  When Tunisia got rid of its dictators, the people raided the houses of the despots and they saw a world of luxury and excesses.  Lord knows what the Egyptians will find when Hosni Mubarak gets booted off.… Read full post »

February.  I never did celebrate Valentine's Day.  Even when I was in a relationship.  sure, I'd sent the customary declaration during that day.   And I have always worn black on that day.

Now, as a single person, there is really no resentment for me over this day.  It's… Read full post »

My right hand has a blister.  Friends joke that now that I am single it is from excessive....self-stimulation.  Well, I have a blister because I am single and not from that; more like a product of giving my anger direction. 

I'm learning Arnis.  After more than a decade of delay… Read full post »

Mara decided to drop by where I'm holding office for one of my jobs.  It is great to see her.  She's the first friend I spoke to after the break-up and she was very supportive.

We were chatting about a friend's daughter's baptism, how disastrous the party was, and some catch-up. … Read full post »

So, 2011 has entered its second week and I just have a couple of blog entries so far?  That is good!  Considering I've been dumping blog diarrhea here almost at a daily basis with whigning and almost half-hearted affirmations.

So, I got me some distractions.  No, not a date, although t… Read full post »

I did two paintings immediately after the personal avalanches.  These are 4ft x 4ft canvases.

 "Because sometimes Volcanic Eruptions and Wisdom are the Same Thing"

"Necessary Transgressions"

I don't know if I'm going to sell these, more accurately if somebody will actually li… Read full post »

The night sky was ablaze with fireworks.  We were screaming with glee.  My mother told me to put 13 coins in my pocket, and that my pockets shouldn’t be empty.  I also had to stuff them with peso bills.  My mom was yelling “we’re filled with good fortune.… Read full post »

I didn't have this great dramatic lighting this year, but I had drama.  Boy, did I have drama.

To say the least, 2010 was a ride of kicks to the solar plexus and to the groin.  Depending on my points of view, this year was a year of loss and… Read full post »

Recently, my nephew had his baptism.  After the sacrament was adminstered, we hied off to a restaurant to party.  The food was ok, but it was the pastries from The Bunny Baker that blew my mind away (along with my blood sugar levels).

My sister ordered cupcakes and a cake for… Read full post »

My little sister's wedding in Tagaytay (south of Manila) gave me the opportunity to be within close proximity with nature.  I breathed in the cold fresh air wafting from the majestic Taal lake.  I went around the place where we stayed and just took photos of the flora.

I just… Read full post »

I've been dumped before.  But I was 18 then and perhaps just like erections at that age, recovery is swift and strong.  Now, at borderline 33, I'd like to think that I am recovering pretty fast from the relationship meltdown last month.  But I know...I'm no longer 18 and the pain… Read full post »

The following are the collected text messages between Ivy, the ex’s spokesperson and myself that occurred on Dec. 21, Tuesday from 7:12pm to 9:52pm.  Let the record note that she texted me first.  From hereon, let Ivy’s messages be in italics and mine shall be bolded because I a… Read full post »

For the last day of Anthropology class before Christmas break, the professor asked us to bring along some poetry so we can read in front of the others.  The theme is "Initiation" similar to the current crop of readings.

The reading was a direct narrative on how certain cultures give their… Read full post »

The weather became fine.  It was windy, cold, and wet a few days before and my poor little sister was nervous.  But the day came and the sun shone.  Altough the sun shone a little bit too bright.

---||||---

View from above.  My little sister's/… Read full post »

I have been asked to be a best man once.  I was supposed to be a best man for B on his wedding.  Thing is B is gay and it was a time, I think, he was quite lonely and resigned that he will never find another life partner like O,… Read full post »

I could feel myself dangerously traipsing to the tar pit of self pity.  So, I decided what any sedentary intellectual (yeah, yeah, more former than latter, allow me my illusions please) would do.  Watch a period drama for more than 4 hours straight.

I finally finished watching I, Claudius.&… Read full post »

Maybe more like falling into an abyss of overwhelm than tumbling into a memory lane….

I think it is a mistake watching Francois Ozon’s 5x2 again.  I love that movie when I first saw it in late 2003.  It’s a mistake now that it has been just a month… Read full post »

I grew weary of the break up.  No, not because of the break up but because of having to explain the break up to people.  One of the reasons I detest my ex’s infantile act of unceremoniously declaring his singlehood… Read full post »

So I was just minding my business and then she called.  Ivy.  The Ex’s spokesperson.  My heart actually stopped when I saw her name blinking on my mobile phone.  What could she want?  And then my thoughts raced that she isn’t calling for him nor a reunion.  S… Read full post »