Cryptic much?

I am generally a good person, I think. I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt, and I prefer to focus on how things can become rather than on how terrible they may be now. I prefer to try to understand where someone is coming from and their motivations, talking with them one-on-one rather than publicly calling them out for their blatant hypocrisy.


But for a while now, I have been fighting a bitterness that tries to creep in as I've learned things about people I once trusted, or at least wanted to, or how deceived most people are about where someone really is at, and how that can affect people's perceptions and understanding of integrity in general. I'm floored at how compartmentalized so many keep their lives, how bent on maintaining images they are. I've lost respect for people I once respected because I see them consistently making decisions that are clearly not leading to what they claim to want or believe, and I see them deceiving themselves as well as others. It's sad, but I have to stop caring for my own sanity.


And then there's the recognition that others may have thought the same of me at some point, and I've been grateful for those who kept an arm extended for me when I eventually realized my own fault. And I may be wrong to be upset. I may be ignoring the colors and shades in my own eye. I'm defensively caught up in how their actions may threaten my well-being and the significant people's perceptions of me or others. I'm easily bothered by false information and perceptions, so that certainly comes into play. But then, isn't it fair to be upset about most of this?

-DIK

The itch to post new content to the blog...

Not so much.

Nothing smart or funny or witty or sweet to say..

/shrug


What happens, happens. What don't, doesn't.

Such is life.

"I'm still here." This must mean something, right?

-DIK

..of about challenge, the heat, the flood, and the belgian.

Yesterday,

It started out as a normal saturday..

I do my signings..

Hoarded litter sands..

Went to Nik..

Ate TAPSILOG..

Had our 4th Photo Challenge..

Went to mass..

Awed by the massive pour of the rain..

Flooded..

Ate beef stew..

Ate corn..

Drink Sanmig Light..

Met Kiara..

Learned a few Belgian Words from a 6 year old belgian..

Continue to drink..

Stayed upto 4am..

Went home..

Sleep..

See, its all ordinary, for an ordinary person. And I'm special. So, this rule don't apply to me. I'm special. For every moment I spend with Nik. Its priceless. And I know that there's nowhere in this world, in this universe I'd rather be. Than to be with my special friend.

Will you be my tinkerbell?
Ill be your peterpan.
Ill bring you to never neverland!

-BERTO

I am incubus!

STELLAR
Meet me in outerspace
We could spend the night, watch the earth come up
I've grown tired of that place, wont you come with me
We could start again
How do you do it, make me feel like I do
How do you do it, its better than I ever knew
Meet me in outerspace
I will hold you close, If your afraid of heights
I need you to see this place, It might be the only way
That I can show you how, it feels to be inside of you
How do you it, make me feel like I do
How do you do it, its better than I ever knew
How do you do it, make me feel like I do
Do oh oh oh oh oh
You are stellar
You are stellar
How do you it, make me feel like I do
How do you do it, its better than I ever knew
How do you do it, make me feel like I do
How do you do it, make me feel like I do, Yeah.


Completely beautiful! The lyrics, the meaning, the melody and even the way he sings is amazing. Yup, he is one of my idol and man crush!

This song is about loving a person so much that you can't explain to the person, you have to show the person the entire world and the whole universe becomes a symbol for how much you love that person. You want to give the person everything you possibly could and you want to experience everything with that person and let the person know how they make you feel.

This song wants me to be alone with you. Away from the world, Away from worries and struggles. Somehow when I'm just with you, everything and everything else disappears.


Theres a lot more incubus songs that i love. But today, STELLAR is my song of the DAY


-DIK

DO NOT MIX FUNERALS AND PHOTOS

I FIND TAKING PHOTOS DURING A FUNERAL INAPPROPRIATE!

It's not the time or the place for it.

It doesn't seem right.

I guess it's an individual choice, but i don't like taking pictures of the deceased or posing with them and I would strongly refuse to do so if someone suggested it. This actually happened to me during my father's funeral ceremony. NO. Its inappropriate.

Now, if you cant resist the opportunity. I would think the best time to take pictures is after the service, once people gather to have food and a chat. People are usualy more relaxed once the event is 'over' so to speak. This may come across quite rude to take pictures during the service/burial and may be upsetting to the family.

Now, if you're paid to do this job, taking photos during a funeral,

PLEASE! FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE! DON'T FREAKING USE YOUR FREAKING FLASH! YOU YOURSELF IS DISTRACTING ENOUGH! NOW ADDING A FREAKING DISCO LIGHT DURING A EULOGY IS SO WRONG! OR TO SIMPLY PUT IT, YOUR FLASH IS RUINING THE MOMENT! get it? got it? good.

IF YOU'RE GOING TO DO IT! DO IT RIGHT! OR DON'T DO IT AT ALL!

Feels like death is being exploited, but possibly a trend that will grow into a business. We record births, special days, anniversaries, marriages. Why not complete the story with photographs of deaths. Afterall, a funeral is a celebration of life. right? YES? NO. NOT FOR ME.


Now, if you're going capture the grievers and/or the mourners, please pay respect. NO FLASH.

-DIK

WEAKEN WEEKEND WICKET

I woke up. I wanted that perfect brew of coffee, that perfect news in the paper(which I don’t read because theres too much bad news everyday) and those perfect rays of sun to land my cheek(or to get that golden ray of light with a good foreground and click!). But in the entire process of wanting perfection in my life, i ask..


how perfect am i?


Well, i am as perfect as it can get!


See!?


“Perfectness” is subjective. What’s perfect to one person may not be perfect at all to another. People are always aware of and complaining about the shortcomings around them, they never look into themselves.



Like Shakespeare’s Hamlet says, ‘There’s nothing good or bad; but thinking makes it so’.


-DIK

Days...

The moments that make your heart pound.

The days that inspire.

The days that make you look forward.

These are the days I'd choose to live for the rest of my life.

-Nik

ONE GLORIOUS IMAGE

I was just daydreaming about you right now and this thought came to mind. “It took evolution a lot of million years to make us. Let me appreciate its work” One glorious image of the possibilities of creation. One magnificent illustration of life personified.

THE PLATYPUS



I believe that the sun shines after the rain
I believe in not doing things the easy way
I believe that being selfish doesn’t pay
I believe that your smile will make my day

I believe that good things come to those who wait
I believe love never arrives too late
I believe something good comes from something bad
I believe that for tears of happiness there are tears of sad

I believe everyone has a guardian angel
And the good you do will be rewarded well
I believe sometimes there is no explanation
I believe money can't buy people's affection

I believe in living with no regrets
I believe that life is as good as it gets
I believe that God watches over us
I believe the some things are worth the fuss

I believe in making the most of a beautiful day
And it's not the end until everything's okay
I believe doubt makes the heart grow fonder
I believe you will lose if you sit and wonder

I believe everyone has one true love
I believe sometimes we need a little shove
I believe the whole world is a stage
I believe we only get better with age

I believe to always look on the bright side
I believe that life is just one big ride
I believe every experience teaches you a lesson
And nothing cures better then a drinking session

I believe in loving with all that I've got
I believe in love with trust and respect will never rot
I believe in fairy tales and happily every after
I believe in us. May we never falter.

-DIK

Nice Men!

People are lucky when they get not just a mother, but more of a friend.

There are some who have such a good relationship with their moms that they can tell them anything and everything and feel as if there's no need to hide because their moms will just be there to listen and to understand.

There are those who have their moms to run to anytime and give them the comfort of knowing they would always have someone to be there. And this person would just accept them, no matter what.

There are lucky ones who have moms who don't control, but guide; Moms who don't demand but ask, knowing that there's a possibility of you saying no; Moms who don't dictate, instead consider what you feel, need and want.

There are moms who are just simply cool enough to be able to ride with whatever you like and enjoy as well.

There are moms who work the hardest just to be able to give you what you deserve.

There are moms who are unafraid to tell you when you're wrong even if they know you'll get mad at them. These moms always forgive you even before you're sorry or even when you're not.

There are those who have moms that make them feel that being her son or daughter is the best that has ever happened in their lives.

Dik and I are one of the lucky ones.


Happy Mothers' Day!

BIZARRE LOVE TRIANGLE

There are just songs that leave an impression, for whatever reason it is. Every time Didik and I would listen to the radio, we would hear songs that would just automatically send thoughts inside our heads. And most of the time, we’re calibrated.

One of the songs that never fails to elicit the same reaction is CRY by Kelly Clarkson. We just adore her, literally left aghast by her voice. Oh Dik, we’re such fans! How about John Mayer’s songs? No comment.

Anyway, if there’s a song that Dik would wish I would not hear, it would be Bizarre Love Triangle by Frente. It’s the song cut short when played on the radio because it just keeps on repeating. And it has such a sleepy feel to it. Every time I hear this song, trust me, it will not leave my mind and I will just keep on singing it. I even requested Dik to study the chords so he can play it on the guitar while I sing. JAMMIN’.

There’s a line in the song that says, “Why can’t we be ourselves like we were yesterday?” People in relationships always find themselves asking the same question at some point in time. They wonder whatever changed in their relationship in the process and what caused these changes to happen. They look back in the past and try to relive how they’ve gotten to know and love their partners and they compare it to how things are at present. Then, the question pops in their head.

I’m guilty of asking this question. I used to look back to how things were in the past and compare it to how things are at present. And I honestly would find myself wishing I was back to where we started. After all, those were glorious days. But recently, I was made to realize that, I’m in a much better place. We are in a much better place.

There is nothing wrong with change- absolutely nothing. There is also nothing unusual with having silent moments because you have nothing else to talk about. Because you’ve spent the first 30 days of your relationship talking on the phone, sharing your life stories with each other- dreams, ambitions, fears, regrets, frustrations, problems, issues- everything to the core. Then you find yourself in the hundredth day of your relationship talking about cats, plants, the sky, radio DJs, blogs and sometimes, even feet. There is nothing wrong with letting loose of all your inhibitions and completely being yourself without trying hard to look good. Because after all, with who can you be most comfortable with aside from your partner? Change always happens. And it sure hits relationships hard.

I don’t ask myself that question anymore. Because I like just the way we are right now. Less talk, more silence. Less phone calls, more chat. Less “trying hard” jokes, more “corny” ones. Less of everything in the past, and more of everything that I’ve always wanted. Change is not bad, change is just plain change. It’s up to you to decide how to handle it. Good thing, I have Dik.

-NIK

I found peace. Peace with myself and peace with my surroundings. Somehow I have come to terms with the fact that nothing matters and I have to rise above everything that happens around me. Be it “work” or be it in relationship, there comes a point in time when you suddenly stop dead in your tracks and ask yourself a question as to what you are doing in this situation or this position and then the truth dawns.

Somewhere life isn’t the way you see it, sometimes people aren’t the way I expect them to and then I realize that it’s me who has to change than anyone else. People come and people go, circumstances reach its peak of drama and die down the next day but my inner peace always stays with me. Stays with me like the undying love of God. Like the faithful kitten that follows me everywhere and then I sit back and smile at the hot sunshine streaming through my window and say a silent prayer to God and thank him for whatever He has given me. I see life with the same amusement as I used to before.

I learned to see the mad dance of the universe unfurling its wonderful radiant colors to me and I smile and lose myself in that oblivion. Even if someone tries to tamper with my heart and soul, I just smile and pat them on their head and pray for their well being. I have stopped pitying such lesser mortals or have stopped trying to understand their ego.

After my realization. Nothing or no one else matters apart from my inner harmony. That’s when I see the light, I smile with the universe for I know that this life doesn’t hold back and it is nothing but bridges to cross. Probably it is long and looks never-ending but it is worth it. The universe looks down on my bed and welcomes me to its beautiful realm where everything is nothing but sparkling light.

As I follow that light throughout my life, I learn to see through things, people and circumstances and I learn that even too much sunshine hurts if you get too much. So I learn the art of balance.

I thank everyone who taught me the good and the bad. I wouldn’t have realized the truth about my life and the world beyond.

I thank NIK for the never ending fountain of understanding.

I especially thank NANAY for having a deep pocket of wealth and wisdom that never fails to shower us.

SALUTE!

Time for the BUKSHISH!

-DIK

SUMMERS BREWING

I opened the Frigidaire(in the 80s we call ref, fridge or Frigidaire[I wonder what happened to this word. No ones using it anymore]) and there stood a pack of Yakult—a monster in itself.(NIK said: If I’m gonna make a company. It definitely won’t be against them)

THE-LACTOBACILLUS-SHIROTA-SRAIN-MONSTER aka YAKULT.

Fancy.

I’m the best. And no, I wasn’t reluctant; I twisted off the top with a swoop of my palm like I knew what I was doing. Lucky for me, it was easy to remove the lid. Thanks ,Yakult for this!

Down it went. Nice.

My thirst was not quenched! Darn it!

I got me another Yakult. Thanks, Yakult for this!

Probably this is part of the marketing strategy of Yakult. Like in hotdog buns you get 6 8 10 or 12, basically even numbers. Now, check your hotdog packages. It’s always in odd numbers. So, what you’re gonna end up with one bun-less-hotdog.

Im way off topic now. Back to the subject.

WHAT WAS MY POINT HERE ANYWAY?

Don’t look at me. I don’t know a thing!

Ahh. My point was SUMMER’S HERE!

It is time to enjoy what this season has to offer. Time to get my dusty summer shorts, trim them beer bellies, make a mix tape for the drive(or make a playlist), run to the nearest beach and get that summer tan going.

And click away, to those shutter bugs.

Now, who’s going with me?

Nik, let’s go!

-DIK

LOOK WHOS TALKING

Here’s a conversation between a 30-yr old man and a kid.

Don’t “Rock the boat.” Stick to the rules and follow.

Stop asking what time we’ll get there. It’s annoying. Just think we’re going to get there. Period.

Stop crying. You don’t get all the toys you want.

Don’t get yourself dirty.

Stay away from dangerous places.

Don’t say mean words.

Pay attention when I speak. I am older. I know more.

Kid’s reply to Adult:

If you don’t explore, you won’t see new things. If you keep on sticking to the rules, you’ll not make mistakes,you will not learn. How do you think did I figure it’s not right to eat paper? It’s not about sticking to the rules. It’s about making decisions and being responsible for them.

I ask because I want to know. Sometimes, asking is not about doubting or nagging. Sometimes, it’s all about taking interest- interest in the process, not just the end. It’s the enthusiasm that matters. If you keep on looking at the end, you’ll miss the “going there” part. That’s the coolest. Why do I ask what time we’ll get to grandma’s house? Because I look forward.

Stop whining and complaining. You don’t get everything you want. If you go for something and fail, go forward. Move on. There are better things in life than new things. New toys are exciting, but old toys make me feel like a master! I know how to work them. Therefore, after I cry, I move on and play. You should too.

Getting dirty is the way I play and enjoy. It’s my way of learning new things, discovering the undiscovered. Stop being prim. Get muddy once in a while. You’ll see you’re definitely missing out on lots of worms.

Dangerous places make me realize there are other places apart from my playground, from my tiny little box of sand. They ignite my curiosity, my need to explore. Dangerous places make me brave. Try it. Wait, how do you know what’s dangerous anyway?

I say “You’re not my friend” and “I hate you” simply because I don’t like that child for stealing my toy. You on the other hand, when you’re mad at someone, you say it to other people rather than straight to that person’s face. Which is worse? Expressing and being honest? Or pretending and being someone else?

I listen. All the time. When I don’t do what you tell me, it doesn’t mean I didn’t listen. I listened, but I just didn’t follow. I have a chance at a life of my own. You’re older, but that doesn’t mean smarter. You being older doesn’t make you any better than me. After all, you just went a couple of years ahead. Wait a few more years, and then let’s talk again.

The usual lecture turned out to be one of the most compelling and life-changing moments. In the adult’s life.

-NIK