iSTORYA.NET - Blogs - moy1moy1 https://www.istorya.net/forums/blog.php?88707-moy1moy1 en Wed, 20 May 2026 02:52:04 GMT vBulletin 300 https://www.istorya.net/forums/images/metro/blue/misc/rss.jpg iSTORYA.NET - Blogs - moy1moy1 https://www.istorya.net/forums/blog.php?88707-moy1moy1 Going Solo to Isla Del Fuego: Salagdoong Beach Experience https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2127-Going-Solo-to-Isla-Del-Fuego-Salagdoong-Beach-Experience Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:27:26 GMT March 27 2013

I woke up almost 10:00am, smelling what’s cooking-in inside my host’s humble abode. It was holy week at that time, so it is customary to eat fish. Siquijodnons are fish lovers and they have this affinity on freshness; for they do not buy day-old fish. I then strolled along the streets of Lazi with the blessing that I don’t get lost. I was informed by my friend that I’d be joining them (Highschool batchmates of hers) to go to the beach. Salagdoong Beach that is.

We prepared what to bring: food, liquor etc. Then we got there by 1:00pm. After a round of empy light and card playing, we decided to splash ourselves. I can’t believe I chickened out over a nice padidit or slide and a leap on the waters! For I barely know how to swim, bummer! I watched them in envy as they jump through and fro! Someday, when I’ll get back to that place ( Since I’m planning to get back there anyway), I might summon enough courage to jump and experience what they had gone through. Smiles and all are flying as we got home, and I made new aquaintances!


One hot afternoon

Fishing

It's clear, yet it's deep!

Siquijodnons: New aquaintances taking the leap!


]]> moy1moy1 https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2127-Going-Solo-to-Isla-Del-Fuego-Salagdoong-Beach-Experience Going Solo to Isla Del Fuego: First Day in Siquijor https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2126-Going-Solo-to-Isla-Del-Fuego-First-Day-in-Siquijor Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:49:38 GMT March 26 2013

I woke up at four in the morning, barely slept since I spent all evening browsing the internet and mind walking, anxious of what’s going to happen for the day ahead. I packed my things like a kid would; unorganized and all. Took a shower and brushed my teeth. I still remember that time I saw my neighbours boozing over the darkness of dawn, for it was dark in Duljo, Fatima at that time when I left the place.

I took an aircon Ceres bus, which departed at exactly 5:02 am bound for Liloan, Santander. There, I snored like a pig in an abattoir, for the trip took three hours and thirty minutes approximately, rolling over southward. I was cleaning my camera when I got to Liloan drop-off. The place was overwhelming; my spot overlooking the ominous clouds circling Mt. Talinis.

There I took a boat ride bound for Sibulan, Negros Oriental. The boat left the fort at exactly 9:00am and arrived at the port at 9:25. After that I strolled over the town to find the nearest church and took pictures.


a church in Sibulan, Negros Oriental

I rode a puv bound for Dumaguete City to ride another boat bound for my destination: Siqujior. When I drop off the city, I strolled on what I thought to be a large park. Suddenly, I realized I was stepping on the lawn of the most prestigious school in Central Visayas: The Siliman University. I got this “state university” feeling when I walked the street inside the campus, for street it was! It is as if I was inside UP Diliman. I might as well get interested in taking units or to continue my masters in here, provided that I can sustain its cost-of-living-worth of tuition!

At 10:30 I boarded the fastcraft (Ocean Jet) bound for Siquijor, siquijor. Yup, there’s a town named the same as the province itself. I arrived at 11:30am and was overwhelmed with what I saw; the place was overwhelming! Aquamarine water, white sand beach just beside the port and all the friendly smiles was enough to charge my sleepy spirit!


welcome!

still at the port area, THE PORT AREA!

Aquamarine waters


I rode another puv, one way going to Lazi, Siquijor. It took an hour and a day’s worth of sweat and dust before I arrived in this sleepy town of Lazi. I met my friend and my host there, rested for a while and then took a motorcycle ride in the afternoon with her friends. My lack of skills in driving a motorcycle proved me envious of the people there, for their primary mode of transportation is by motorcycles. You can actually circle the island with ease and take note: no helmets (and stickers), no plates, no problem! I can see why, they are not your average habal-habal drivers anyway. I asked my rider “pasutoi ta megoi” and he replied “wae blema na, bsta long highway, safety first lng ta”.


Coast of Lazi, looking at the bright blue yonder

Sun sets rest in the mountain while we were entering the town of Maria

I arrived at Larena, where we had to climb up the hill to visit Infinity heights. For one hundred pesos, we enjoyed the bar amenities and the sights; for it was afternoon and the sun sets as if it hides under the mountain.


Infinity heights in Larena, Siquijor

I don't know what to say at this moment

*I could have put more photos, but there's a limit to it. So yeah, bummer. Anyways, stay put for more!
]]> moy1moy1 https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2126-Going-Solo-to-Isla-Del-Fuego-First-Day-in-Siquijor Well played, Mr. Malevolence https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2096-Well-played-Mr-Malevolence Sat, 16 Feb 2013 14:28:32 GMT
Almost at the cliff, I wonder if I can take the leap to utmost hatred. Mind bent on malevolent thoughts, I cannot fathom how disfigured I would become if I succumb to such hate resonating below me.

======================================

One thing I hate the most is for someone to know, and utterly, exploit, my weakness for an hour of mischievous fun;that weakness being me as shallow and a simpleton that is. I have this demeanor of being carefree and careless, lowering thy guard to whom I considered "friends".

There is one particular guy that I sense a negative chi since the very first day I met him. You can admire him, if you ever going to meet him, since He uses his asset on you, an awe for word play and undying confidence. I thought, I hate him, for I see myself as insecure to ever catch up to his neck.

Not till my college years that I learned to get numb by his unique kind of attitude. I actually was befriended by him, as he to me.

I was already in a established circle of friends (me and two females, whom are the oldest of the batch), suddenly this guy entered and sets the balance on turmoil, pakapinan pag sudden leave of one of my dearest friends, which prompt me to pity the other for we are a group of three, that pity turned into love and there is a sudden rush of need to comfort her so I decided to court her. But this turned out to be impossible, for she sees the "interloper" as a model I'm not fit to copy. In short, I was insecure. He was never a threat for he is not interested in her, and her to him. But to see him "provide" everything that I was supposed to do which I cannot, I suddenly feel small. But it doesn't concern me anymore; the story behind it, I wish to keep it for myself.

To dictate all of the happenings might turn this post into a book, let's just jump on things and say the days are better prior and after the eve of valentines on the 14th of February, 2013. I came into an anonymous text asking for my time for tomorrow's class. As a protocol, I asked who she/might be. He then mentioned my female friend's name. A series of mushy what the f*cks followed. Lastly, the anon requested for my laptop para gamitun niya sa iya presentation ugma.

Next morning, I was late by the agreed meet-up. I saw my cara mia on the bench. We talked and such, after that I asked her if it was indeed "her" requesting for my lappy that morning. She said she never texted me since last night. Curious, I asked the demon, who had just appeared out of nowhere, if he was the jester. He swear he's not the one.
I noticed that on my broadband register his name showed up, because of some random ancient sms. I asked again that was it him who jokingly texted me last night. Now he said he let his sim borrowed by another classmate of mine.

Furious, I waited. After the other party arrived, I immediately lend her my laptop, saying sunud ayaw gamit ug lain ngan ha? in front of my two friends, the demon and the angel.
It sounded like an accuse, for I cannot think rationally back then. Wrong move.

Revelation showed up through sms saying that this hellhound of a guy admitted his prank and was sorry. I melted, for I just accused a wrong person in front of my friend!? I gave him an empty apology acceptance. And I hugged my classmate, asking for forgiveness for accusing her. The other "she" felt silent; after all I thought it was "her" texting me. My good foundation into pursuing a possible relationship with this woman suddenly crumbled down, thanks to this mother f*cker.

Was it a mere child's play? Was it funny to you guys? To see you as a plaything? My dignity was stepped upon. Thoughts of gutting this guy down to his throat spurts into my brain like a fountain of rotten blood. I hate him. It was clear to me now that further mingling with this guy suffocates me up to my last air. At first it was insecurity, but I'm now certain that it is pure and pitchblack. And so help me God.

Can you blame me? That my thoughts are filled with this kind of malevolence? I choose to distance myself to them as not to compromise; for I might not control myself someday.

Perfect example for a devil's advocate. Bah! ]]> moy1moy1 https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2096-Well-played-Mr-Malevolence It Pays To Choose Your Flowers https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2095-It-Pays-To-Choose-Your-Flowers Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:56:01 GMT

As I walked along the sidewalk near E-mall, going towards Novo to buy my daily necessities (footpowder,earbuds etc.) on a typical afternoon, I remembered my good friend's advice to me, which immediately set a time warp, creating a wormhole through my brain.

The recall goes like this:
ME: Ani! ok raba kaha kung muhatag kug buwak nia? I mean ok rman cguro kai meju ok naman amu tagad.
HER: Ok keo moi! sus Valentines btaw ron.
ME: Nya saputon nya to? basin makalitan ba nya malain napud cia. Kapui bia sad hehe.
HER: Ok ra lagi!
ME: Sure? Bntai ha salig ku sa imung nakita hehe.

..A series of teases follows..


I immediately had an idea; I like to pick a rose, a long-stem rose that is, on a box. Any kind of rose will do as long as it is of good quality. But color wise, I'd prefer carnation over red, it looks cleaner than the scarlet ones. I thought of an immediate imaginary excerpt, that my flower will send a "message" that "it is best to give a one-stem flower over a bouquet, for a bouquet tells that a man can give everything, but in such way that it is small and short; it signifies an attitude towards small and easy things, while a long-stemmed flower ( in this case a rose) signifies that a man might give someone less than expected, but shows more of being assertive and erect; A man that has focus and knows what (or who) he's dealing with. Besides, one-stem flowers are cheaper than bouquets, lol.

So, I walked across USJR to Freedom to search for this special thing. I did haggle wars with the vendors to no avail, and the flowers are a bit mediocre. The plastic box intended for the flowers are nowhere to be found; they were sold out earlier as what the vendors said. But I didn't give up.

I walked downtown towards a flower shop, but all I can do is to ogle on those lovely flowers. The price tag was quite high, not enough for my limited budget. Remembering several flower shops near USC, I tried my luck. So I chanced upon a certain shop that makes good plastic cases with ribbons but its not the container I like, for what I need is a box. Besides, their flowers are not that good.

Later I stumbled upon another shop near Jollibee, They have good flowers, good containers but the containers are messy (with glitters and all); It's a cylinder with a flower in it. I like the idea but hell, why would I want to give something messy?

So what I did is that I choose a flower; The longest stem of the bunch ( I think) with its carnation bud still in a still-born trance. The next thing I did was to assemble a wrap around it, so I got back to the first shop and render it's wrapping skills. It cost me 80PHP (seventy for the flower, ten for the wrap) which looks like a rose that might cost you 300PHP. Pasensya, tihik jud ko hehe..

At 7:30PM (today) I mustered my courage and went to her place, the "recipient". I gave my flower, smiled..and said:"Happy Valentines".Her expression is a bit funny; at first after receiving my rose, she immediately went to her room, then seconds later, she went out saying "Happy Valentines sad! Thanks!" Her friends are present, especially the one I collaborated with. Jokes and teasing commenced and we had a funny evening after that.

It's a good feeling, really. It pays to choose your flowers! :)
Happy Valentines Day ]]> moy1moy1 https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2095-It-Pays-To-Choose-Your-Flowers Freedom By Death: RIP Lolong https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2091-Freedom-By-Death-RIP-Lolong Sun, 10 Feb 2013 15:31:00 GMT
Photo: Ann Cabras

8:05PM Today
Lolong died in captivity, confirmed by Bunawan, Agusan Del Sur Mayor. Lolong is said to be the largest crocodile in captivity.

9:15 PM
I saw a post on facebook about this sad news of Lolong's death. I thought it was a hoax but it seem unlikely, for the one who posted it is my friend, a member of A.C.E (Aquatic Cebu Enthusiast) and has ties in Agusan Del Sur. After scrolling over for details, it was confirmed that Lolong had just died. A tweet from Matanglawin team also confirmed about Lolong's death. It is indeed a sad news to the animal kingdom and to us, especially to me, who never paid a visit of admiration to the innocent beast.
=======================================

The saltwater/estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is an opportunistic apex predator capable of taking nearly any animal that enters its territory, either in the water or on dry land. They have also been known to attack humans who enter the crocodiles territory. Juveniles are restricted to smaller animals such as insects,amphibians, crustaceans, small reptiles and fish. The larger the animal grows, the greater the variety of animals it includes in the diet, although relatively small prey make up an important part of the diet even in adults.

Generally very lethargic – a trait which helps it survive months at a time without food – it typically loiters in the water or basks in the sun through much of the day, preferring to hunt at night. Capable of explosive bursts of speed when launching an attack from the water, many species of crocodile are also capable of fast land-movement. Many crocodiles are capable of explosive charges that can carry them nearly as fast as a running human. The 23 species of crocodilian can travel over land using the belly crawl, the walk, the high-walk, and the gallop.

[Source]
=======================================

For how Lolong died is still unclear. Lolong's captor and caretaker, E. Aguillon, treated his wounds caused by the tightened rope bound on his body during capture. This presumably affected the crocodile on a long-term basis, adding stress to the already stressed animal. Also, the arrival of the typhoon Pablo might as well added another weight on Lolong's already stressed state. Considering saltwater crocodiles as placid and lethargic, they would just sink off to the bottom of the marsh, breathing when it's necessary while submerged, if the temperature outside is cold (especially if it is a typhoon) to conserve energy since they need heat from the sun to bask , which the absence of it will cause the animal to slow down. Lolong's controlled environment, (in this case, a caged pond) lacks everything that the marsh (his former home) provides, exposing him to the elements that might (or will) render his health and stress.

Why would Lolong end up there in the first place? To guarantee his safety against the public that lives in the area. Lolong has this reputation to eat children (though it is not confirmed), instilling fear on the people that lived there. But to sum it up, the people in Agusan marsh should only consist of the Manobo tribe, which is the only minority that accepted the fact of predator-prey relationship of crocodiles and men. However, both the Manobos and the crocodiles face a new predator; the outsiders, who started enroaching the area for resources.

Sometimes I wonder, what would be the future of Agusan Marsh. Do we need another Lolong to sacrifice for this already-form-of-sacrilege to nature? He might be an abomination of nature, but Lolong is just an animal. I wonder if the most intelligent animal on earth would appreciate such innocence, or rather, continue to follow its "instinct" of insatiable greed.

Yes, I'm talking about us, humans.

Rest in Peace Big Croc. ]]> moy1moy1 https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2091-Freedom-By-Death-RIP-Lolong Under the Shade of Your Parasol https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2082-Under-the-Shade-of-Your-Parasol Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:50:43 GMT
As I walked fast along the sidewalk, stopping and waiting to cross the road, I saw you on a purple parasol. Cold sweat ran into my face after you shouted my name on the opposite side of the road. Waving, I shoutedback, saying "wana kai exam? pauli na ka?".I mean, I know that she's homeward bound, so what am I thinking, asking those questions? Still, she replied: wala naman,labang na huwatun taka".My heart raced in a skipbeat, if such condition even existed, for I can't tell what I felt that afternoon.

As I reached the other side of the road, she propped her parasol and offered me a shade, saying: "naniudto naka? dali ihatud taka nag ininsik nasad kag mata aie hehe",I was embarrassed and speechless; to think a girl offered me to company me to school, and even go as far as offering me a shade! I asked if she had taken her lunch, and she said yes, barring an opportunity to treat her. But hell! Why am I thinking of treating her for lunch when in fact, I'm on a rush for my exam starts soon.As we stroll along the sidewalk (stroll, for it was slow), we talked over things "business related" and such. Yet I find it hard to focus, for as my ears were busy listening, I can't take my eyes off her face; sweaty yet still projecting the very aura straight from that of a beauty queen!

Minutes passed fast , but it is as if my mind registered a different timezone, for it was long enough for my imagination to play and I'm experiencing a jet lag! As I entered the front gate, she waved back at me saying: pangitaa nya si ate ha? ngaon ta batchoi unya gabii hihi". Sure, why not? I said, with a big smile on the face.

The exam was due for 2 hours, but I answered all the questions and finished early; barely spending 15 mins of the allotted time! It was relatively easy, for I remembered everything I crammed the night before! My brain was unnaturally "healed", for it was a pain to memorize those codes.Was it because of the positive vibes brought by the lady in the parasol? I don't know for sure. But I wish to believe anyway. Thank you, my lady!

There is more than dust in the air. :)

Note: It is not advisable to use a parasol under the rays of the sun; might as well use an umbrella. There is a difference between the two. Just saying :) ]]> moy1moy1 https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2082-Under-the-Shade-of-Your-Parasol An Ode to Hate: Reasons are Deaf https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2076-An-Ode-to-Hate-Reasons-are-Deaf Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:19:08 GMT
Reasons to shout
-Words flying
Reasons to worry
-Words so deafening

Bitter and cold
-Your heart whispered something
Lies were forged
-All meant nothing

Black as death
-My heart regret
Chill as ice
-You'll never forget

Please forgive me
-I'm sick of you
Please release me
-I hate you

Hate my attitude
-Said by her
I love you
-Heard no one ever

Sick and tired
-Full of regret
Hate incurable
-Will this ever end?

I'm angry
-So is you
Our hearts expand
-Deaf anew

Words define
-All is worse
Please hear me
-It gets worst

Kicked in the balls
-I tremble and scream
Twice not once
-Slapped in a whim

Fingers pointed
-I murmur in dismay
What was that again?
-Not gonna join the fray

Relationship worsens
-Care to sway?
Words unspoken
-Words decay

I'd love to talk
-Never again
Please listen
-What would I gain?

Cold as death
-You treat me as such
Demonic victory
-Thank you very much

It's just a phase
-Hoping for the best
Let's start anew
-Walk in a tempest

-moy1moy1



-These are inspired by actual events of mine. It bothers me every time I think of it.To think I was courting her ,for I like her more than a friend and a batch mate and I "shouted" at her over a project mishap( we were thesis buddies)which followed the events that inspired these Ode. It's all random and no rights violated.



]]> moy1moy1 https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2076-An-Ode-to-Hate-Reasons-are-Deaf The Way of the Sword https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2073-The-Way-of-the-Sword Sun, 27 Jan 2013 16:27:06 GMT

We often watch slasher movies for entertainment, particularly anything that portrays wielding swords and roaring battle cries. Sometimes we love to watch skull splits and blood splatters; piercing arrows and penetrating spears.
Gruesome as it seems, people tend to focus on the thrill they get when someone is killed brutally and not on the essence of why the film is shot in the first place. But we all have individual misgivings, I guess.

This thought of mine comes from my love of samurai films and the bushido code. The term samurai originally meant "those who serve in close attendance to nobility", while the bushido code means "the way of the warrior".
(wikipedia) The samurai, per se, refers to a specific military class tracing from the pre-industrial period of Japan.

What urged me to admire these people is that of their undaunted discipline towards everything they do or the craft have passion to. For instance, a religious samurai would spent his entire day chanting the mantra of Buddha; while a sword master would make his early exercises of sword and skill daily, in order not to dull his techniques. It is also evident in samurai families to practice this kind of discipline; entering an abode requires a bow of respect for its inhabitant's ancestors and a simple brew of tea requires intricate skill of preparation.

Coal hard discipline, honorable defeat,mastery of craft and preservation of lore. These are the things I lack, for I am driven with fear and despair. Warriors empty their mind to deliver swift blows to the enemy as well as to think of verses to write to their haiku. These things I wish to absorb as I watch these movies and admire their craft. Hopefully, my generation would become the modern Samurai of today, if only these principles and codes are seeded in our brains.

One thing I learned in watching these films is that their codes are followed religiously; principles defended with an iron grip; honor conveyed, but in the end of the day, in the eyes of the enemy, in the eyes of every problems we encounter, it is best to follow the way of the sword.

Thrust forward, or perish in dishonor.

:) ]]> moy1moy1 https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2073-The-Way-of-the-Sword So good in SOGOD https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2066-So-good-in-SOGOD Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:09:48 GMT Happy Fiesta! Pit Senyor! -These were the phrases shouted on a feverish Sinulog-driven, Sunday 20th of January. I recall thinking about joining tomorrow’s trip north of Cebu, while strolling inside the mouth of the beast; the horde infested with wasted individuals, along the long street towards cabanas/baseline. I thought, if I ever get out alive (and not wasted), I might be able to arrive on time, set for tomorrow’s trip (which eventually, I failed to do so). Bottles and booze fly all over me while my mind is bent on something else. Sometimes I laugh at myself in silence; I must be really ‘fun’ at parties, the introvert within me kicks and cries. I arrived home, 2:50am and barely slept an hour, for my eyes were stillborn. The rendezvous time in North bus terminal was supposedly 5:00am, and I woke up at 6:00am! Luckily, all of my travel buddies were in the same predicament as mine; all tired and experiencing individual hangovers from yesterday’s event. We departed, I guess, 8:35am from North Bus terminal via Ceres Bus. I was not sure if it was exactly the time set for the trip or was it a special trip, for we barely spent time checking on ‘time’. We arrived at Carmen bus stop, 9:45am, to relieve ourselves from hunger and thirst. Passing Catmon, my mind switch from blank to full capacity, for I sense a slight negativity present on that place. Flashbacks started to rewind at the back of my mind, and it was painful (physically, I felt a slight ‘crawling’ feeling at my arteries near my ears). For what it is, I wish not to tell, since it was something personal. Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8498/8407723903_af2d1c73f7.jpg Nevertheless, it was a sign that we were close. We passed Poblacion, Sogod at 10:20am. We got down the bus at Brgy. Bagatayam and went on our friend’s granny; her house situated near the main road, a walking distance from Bagatayam Falls. From there, we rest for at least half an hour before we started walking our way 1-2 km from her granny’s place going to the market to buy food. Along the way, we stopped at the bridge to get a glimpse of what we were after; Bagatayam falls located almost on a spitting distance from the road! Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8407775323_2dc5498413.jpg At the market, I took off my camera to take photographs of people and things. A certain kind of fish caught my attention. It’s obviously a specie of half-beak fish but larger. In our place near the shores, we call them “Tawilis” but they were smaller compared to these fishes in the market. Out of curiosity, I ask what they call these fishes. They replied “Pilangan mana sa amoa”. My tummy, as curious as my head, urged me to buy ¼ kilo of these fishes for 45php. Since I didn’t find any delicacy present in Sogod, I might as well eat these fish a la sugba in order to not disappoint my ever hungry stomach since the fish was new to me. We got home to where we stayed via tricycle. At the place, we prepared Kilawin, Sinugbang isda and La-maw for the coconut there was freshly harvested by my friend. Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8496/8408826912_c589750195.jpg Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8407745587_0849a618f3.jpg We took off from the place via Habal-habal for a discounted price of 15php. It was past noon that time, for we arrived 2:30pm+ at Binaliw Cold Springs, the repository of Bagatayam falls, to eat lunch. We therefore sampled the area for a dip and played a game of coin-locating along the cold stream that lasted at least an hour. We then packed our bags and started trekking towards the falls. Along the way, we were bothered by the inaccessibility of the stream, which in my assessment, is ½ of the entire stream. So we took a side trip towards near civilization and hit the dirt road. We arrived at Bagatayam falls 3:45pm and I took photos of the falls from the side angle, for the water flows ‘fatter’ if I shoot at the side. Following a certain protocol, I shot both landscape and portrait view of the falls. We then took a cottage located downstream and took our last dip. We drank our baon na lapad and shared stories, hitting almost 5:00pm of the afternoon. We got home dark; took showers and changed clothes then we head towards the city, hearts contented and minds fulfilled. Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8495/8407715131_febb7d0851.jpg Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8500/8408857684_cf12e3e143.jpg Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8356/8407771381_fcc70530f8.jpg It’s so good in SOGOD. ~ Ciao -j.cruz Happy Fiesta! Pit Senyor!




-These were the phrases shouted on a feverish Sinulog-driven, Sunday 20th of January. I recall thinking about joining tomorrow’s trip north of Cebu, while strolling inside the mouth of the beast; the horde infested with wasted individuals, along the long street towards cabanas/baseline. I thought, if I ever get out alive (and not wasted), I might be able to arrive on time, set for tomorrow’s trip (which eventually, I failed to do so). Bottles and booze fly all over me while my mind is bent on something else. Sometimes I laugh at myself in silence; I must be really ‘fun’ at parties, the introvert within me kicks and cries.




I arrived home, 2:50am and barely slept an hour, for my eyes were stillborn. The rendezvous time in North bus terminal was supposedly 5:00am, and I woke up at 6:00am! Luckily, all of my travel buddies were in the same predicament as mine; all tired and experiencing individual hangovers from yesterday’s event. We departed, I guess, 8:35am from North Bus terminal via Ceres Bus. I was not sure if it was exactly the time set for the trip or was it a special trip, for we barely spent time checking on ‘time’. We arrived at Carmen bus stop, 9:45am, to relieve ourselves from hunger and thirst. Passing Catmon, my mind switch from blank to full capacity, for I sense a slight negativity present on that place. Flashbacks started to rewind at the back of my mind, and it was painful (physically, I felt a slight ‘crawling’ feeling at my arteries near my ears). For what it is, I wish not to tell, since it was something personal.





Nevertheless, it was a sign that we were close. We passed Poblacion, Sogod at 10:20am. We got down the bus at Brgy. Bagatayam and went on our friend’s granny; her house situated near the main road, a walking distance from Bagatayam Falls. From there, we rest for at least half an hour before we started walking our way 1-2 km from her granny’s place going to the market to buy food. Along the way, we stopped at the bridge to get a glimpse of what we were after; Bagatayam falls located almost on a spitting distance from the road!




At the market, I took off my camera to take photographs of people and things. A certain kind of fish caught my attention. It’s obviously a specie of half-beak fish but larger. In our place near the shores, we call them “Tawilis” but they were smaller compared to these fishes in the market. Out of curiosity, I ask what they call these fishes. They replied “Pilangan mana sa amoa”. My tummy, as curious as my head, urged me to buy ¼ kilo of these fishes for 45php. Since I didn’t find any delicacy present in Sogod, I might as well eat these fish a la sugba in order to not disappoint my ever hungry stomach since the fish was new to me. We got home to where we stayed via tricycle. At the place, we prepared Kilawin, Sinugbang isda and La-maw for the coconut there was freshly harvested by my friend.







We took off from the place via Habal-habal for a discounted price of 15php. It was past noon that time, for we arrived 2:30pm+ at Binaliw Cold Springs, the repository of Bagatayam falls, to eat lunch. We therefore sampled the area for a dip and played a game of coin-locating along the cold stream that lasted at least an hour. We then packed our bags and started trekking towards the falls. Along the way, we were bothered by the inaccessibility of the stream, which in my assessment, is ½ of the entire stream. So we took a side trip towards near civilization and hit the dirt road. We arrived at Bagatayam falls 3:45pm and I took photos of the falls from the side angle, for the water flows ‘fatter’ if I shoot at the side. Following a certain protocol, I shot both landscape and portrait view of the falls. We then took a cottage located downstream and took our last dip. We drank our baon na lapad and shared stories, hitting almost 5:00pm of the afternoon. We got home dark; took showers and changed clothes then we head towards the city, hearts contented and minds fulfilled.







It’s so good in SOGOD. ~




Ciao




-j.cruz ]]> moy1moy1 https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2066-So-good-in-SOGOD In comitatu lupórum https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2062-In-comitatu-lup%C3%B3rum Sun, 20 Jan 2013 03:16:39 GMT
Adrift in the sea of thoughts,
I ponder how I should describe my essence in it's present state.
I have been gloomy all this time,
thinking and thinking on things worth living.
Wounded by despair and anxiety, my soul is famished.
Still, I wonder, what might urged me to do things
that will describe me as someone loathsome?
Still, I wonder why I deserved to be called as such,
yet I don't see anything good from someone who called me as such.
Shall I taunt her hatred by being pitiful in her eyes?
Or should I rather sulk on a corner and mumble in content.
I don't want to talk anymore, for I'm afraid of what I might say.

Going on a paradox, my mind has been.
It sound like straight from that of a jedi master,
but it's all I can process in.
My thoughts were weary, my brain goes blank.
Every time I think of escaping, I only feed fear.
But why am I talking about feeding in the first place?
Why am I talking at random?
Without context, without concrete lines.
It is because I'm famished, my soul is hungry.
I feel empty.

To feed such hunger I drift, like a vagabond, on places I'm not familiar with.
To cure such pain, I learn to cast aside the ever threatening past;
never to haunt me again.
For this day, I will drift along people I barely knew.
For this day,I will be at their side.
For this day onward, I pledge my rebirth.
All in line, in the company of wolves.

]]> moy1moy1 https://www.istorya.net/forums/entry.php?2062-In-comitatu-lup%C3%B3rum