Sam's ShortTakes Unlimited: November 2007

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

That Silent Scream

I look forward to mealtime, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. Even snacks, brunch, merienda or midnight eats. It's my way to unwind, catch up with what's-up-and-who's-out-there, and space out. But as much as I enjoy mealtime, I tend to backtrack on my thoughts whenever the food being served is not to my liking. Even the combination of tastes, texture, color and presentation could affect my overall mood. I don't say my displeasure out loud, altho sometimes I do. I even pass on the chance to eat just because I don't like what's infront of me.

That is the human error I've chosen to rectify. I will try not to be too picky with viand. As long as there is warm rice on the my plate, I will be fine. I will savor each bite and be thankful for all the people who've exerted a lot so that I can have the privilege to eat.

And I won't forget that: 21.5% of the Filipino population go hungry everyday. Approximately, that is 1 out of 5 Filipinos. As depicted by a TV docu I was able to watch last night, Filipino families in Maguindanao and Payatas get by with just one meal daily. It's usually a combination of either cooked corn and rice (with no ulam), cooked rice with soy sauce, cooked rice with salt, cooked rice with sugar or just plain cooked rice. Inspite of their meager meal, these folks show resiliency, gusto and happiness. Contentment, thankfulness and acceptance shine on their faces.

What an eye opener! The realization poured over me like a bucket of icy water. If these folks are grateful to have only one decent meal each day, I don't have any business complaining about the food I get to eat whenever I want. If these folks don't even get the chance to earn even the minimum daily wage, then I should be thankful for the pittance I get just by sitting on my butt, facing the computer, doing tons of paperwork and hearing swear words everyday. I don't have the right to beat myself up for the emptiness I feel caused by relationship problems because there are other folks out there who have bigger and unresolved concerns.

Life is unfair. The social divide that stands between the rich and the poor will always be there. The stench of poverty. The overruns of indulgence. The grip of hunger. The temptation of excessiveness.

Humanity is always two-pronged and double-edged.
It shouts at you from all corners.
Sad and real.
Distinct? Maybe.
Residual? Always.

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Sunday, November 18, 2007

Keeping Up With Half-Truths & False Pretenses

How do I deal with these?

It's been a while since I've felt strongly about someone. I haven't been too great with showing my emotions nor am I the type to dwell too much on what anyone would say. I just hide behind a facade of jokes or laughter and try to project a certain level of coolness.

But when the lights are dimmed, after the day's work have been done, it's a different story. I am alone with my sadness, uncertainties and longings. It's a crazy mixture of feelings. And the tough chick I try to picture others to see comes crumbling down into bits. The tears I've cried last night, the tears I've never shed before and all the unspoken thoughts hurt me.

But in another sense, I am glad. Somehow. Even when I don't know where this could lead me to. Even when I don't know if the equation would ever be "me + him = us". Somehow I am buoyed by the thought that he makes me smile a lot (even when I am by myself). Somehow I know that he is there. Somehow I am sure that he's been sharing nice words to others about me. Somehow the fact that he's asked "where's the iloveyou?" from the note I sent him. Altho I never expected him to ask for those words, the thing is, he did. It's always a nice surprise - he is that way. Full of surprises. My silent type of guy. Not that he is MY guy but I'd like to think of him that way.

So even when my heart gets hurt again, I'll just wait and see. Give it time. Give him time. Give myself time. Who knows? Maybe time is all we need to be certain about each other. Distance could be a good thing for both of us. Silence is always a strong indication of what is unseen and not said.

As trite as it may sound, one day soon, I'll get the chance to see him again. Until that moment comes, I will be this way towards him.

Whatever his take on this may be.

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Saturday, November 03, 2007

Cheap Eats in the City of Naga


above: craps, curry & rice


above: isaw chicharon, kikiam


above: fish crackers, balut & penoy


above: betamax, porben


above: isaw bbq, helmet

Are you adventurous enough to take on some of these yummy bites?

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Thursday, November 01, 2007

Halloween 2007









Here are some pictures I took with my cam fone last night at Avenue Square's Halloween Costume Party. A lot of kids in mystical, creepy and mythical garb were there going trick-or-treating. I'm starting to think that Halloween is beginning to rub on me. Last year it was in a former workplace with older co-workers. This year it's at Av Square. Next year, what will my Halloween be like?

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