A Night for Dancers- July 19, 2008

So there I was, doing last minute personal touches. What, exactly is expected from a judge for dance contests? My good friend Anjo (who served as the host and organizer), albeit sought me out of necessity (the assigned judge went missing) told me that he was able to determine that I was the ideal emergency substitute because of credibility. Good for him. So, can I be really a worthy judge? Oh-oh...

Lucky me, two groups backed-out from the competition so that left me judging thirteen dance groups since fifteen groups were originally supposed to compete. Lights were bright as I sat on the judge's table facing the stage. The program started with an opening number featuring all the dance groups. My, Cebu can really boast of its local talent to go international, even. All of them are still young who clearly has a passion for dancing and the potential to make it big.

Uh-uhm.. I better be good at this. These young people probably spent sleepless nights practising their moves and perfecting choreography. Plus, they might have gone to extremes in extorting and breaking arms just so their parents and relatives donate to sponsor their uniforms. My, my... crankiness is slowly crawling my nerves. I willed myself to focus-- on the steps, the coordination, the choreo and the overall impact of every dance number. By and by, I found my head slowly shaking with the rhythm of their dance music. I'm actually starting to enjoy the show. One dancer somersaulted, and plop!-- Great! I admire the originality of each group. To interpret a song and make it into a creation is simply ingenious. I made a mental note: Kudos to the trainers! You know in your own heart you are the winner even if I have to sit here and tally scores.

SK officials from Brgy. Ramos should be commended, they have managed to make a simple Brgy. activity into a pillar for youth development by showcasing their talent in dancing. The previous and present Ramos SK officials, together with the whole SK Ramos Team took invaluable cooperation in organizing the wonderful activity for that night. Next time guys, I won't be that hesitant to pitch in what I can contribute. To all the dance participants, losing is one thing but to be a dancer takes a winner to stand up there in the spotlight and strut your stuff. The night indeed was for you, dancers. A BIG, DEAFENING applause to all!

Random Haunts

There she is again,
Haunting me with her eyes,
Her face...
Her look...

Where did I come short?
Or, have I given too much?
Is that why you still continue to haunt me?
Will you ever stop sweetly torturing me?

Oh, the nights
The nights come and along comes my misery--
Just stop, stop!
Stop this unfair illusion.



Tell me, tell me how to let go of something I did not even have...
Tell me how to move on despite of all the sacrifices...
Teach me how to forget, teach me to let it go unconditionally
Give me something to step on...

Let me swallow my pride without hate
Help me to let go without bitterness
Let me face the shame of failure with grace
Give me the strength to set you free-- calmly

That is the only way,
This constricting feeling inside my ribcage right now--
Will finally stop,
And even this end, I will embrace.

RD Contribution

the story reads:

When my Aunt and Uncle were still newlyweds, after
their honeymoon, they went straight to my Aunt's
place.
Because my Uncle wanted to impress his new in-laws, he
spent much of his time talking to my Aunt's family.
But not long after, he hurriedly called my Aunt.
"Why doesn't anyone believe a thing I say? Even your
mother doesn't believe me!", he asked angrily.
My Aunt, surprised by the question, replied, "Oh,
really?!?"

-Do you get the gist of this? Please post a comment if you do.

:=)

Alone

Alone I trudge along,
Alone I walk the path,
Until alone I reach the-- what?

For me there is no solace in living,
For even in love,
I still find myself alone,
And hurting...

A Second Trip to Masbate

My second trip to Cawayan, Masbate started with getting into the “Lansta”. It is a bigger version of a pump boat to accommodate more passengers. It is the usual sea carrier used to transport passengers from one island to another or to the mainland within the Philippines particularly in the Visayas Region and its neighbors. It is more like a ferryboat but faster.

Cawayan is a coastal town and is a third class municipality in the province of Masbate. It has thirty seven barangays. Our destination is the barangay of Divisoria near the poblacion, the main trading center of that part of town. The main livelihood of the people is fishing. It is known for its cheaper dried fish, shells, crabs and squids and of course, the freshness of the seafood straight from the sea is most notable compared to other places of the Region.

My first trip was decided out of a broken heart, broken dreams and a huge disappointment out of life. So I didn’t get to enjoy any aspect of the trip. I went home feeling more depressed and I never envision I’d go there again. But time is such a healer so, with the prodding of my friends, I decided to go back with no real expectations. I just wanted to enjoy the summer and my free time.

First thing you’ll notice when you arrive is the stillness and dryness of the air. I know it is summer but it certainly is drier there than even when in the city. A close friend’s brother is getting married the next morning so everybody was busy preparing everything from pans, cooking ware and kitchen utensils to the decorating and cleaning of the place. I busied myself with slicing the onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, beans and everything that is needed for the cooking. That way, the cook will have an easier and faster time preparing the party meals.

Early the next morning, I found myself in the church clicking and shooting the wedding ceremonies for I was the one lucky enough to have a video cam. After which, we headed straight back to the house where servers are busy preparing the table. I got a good slice of lechon skin plus all the menus on the buffet. I ate to my stomach’s content. Beer was served. After a while, they ran out of chilled beer so we have to put some home made ice. Nobody wants their beer warm specially me and my friends
.

After the party, when only the family members are drinking and chatting, we headed for a swim in a secluded beach property. Children are playing and milling about the seashore. Although the sand is not so white than I would prefer to like, I felt relaxed and contented. I always have this pristine feeling whenever I’m in the beach. Some of my friends are drinking Rhum this time. I decided to sleep instead under a small coconut tree. Hard drinks are not much to my taste and intestines. When I woke up, I felt this slight pang of pain inside my stomach. Oh! The result of my eating binge with pork oil and cholesterol. I feel I wanted to vomit. I was getting weak. They decided we go home by walking through the beach front. So I summoned all my remaining strength to reach the seawall fronting our host’s house some fifty meters from where we swam. Every step was a little prick inside my tummy. When we finally arrived, I drank some Jazz cola to appease my pain, somehow. By this time, two of my friends also were having stomach aches. Just the result of eating and drinking too much that the body can’t take. I turned in to sleep.

The next day was for packing my things for our trip back to Cebu City. After saying our thanks to our host’s parents, we drop by her Aunt’s place. Their family and some friends bade us goodbye and the husband accompanied us to the beach where the pump boat is waiting to transport us to the waiting Lantsa. Along the way, he bought us some dried fish for “pasalubong” when we get home. We are so touched by the gesture that we had nothing to say but to accept it. Such people are rare and should be commended for their hospitality and generosity. Little though they have (they fish for a living) but they are eager to share what they can. I was finally able to say my thanks to him when we reached the pump boat .

I don’t say I regret this second visit. The trip back home was pleasant enough. I was able to see islets through my scope and fishing boats milling about. I also took pictures of myself with the sea as background. This second visit was much more healing than I expected from the first. I thank God for letting me drift there once again. Indeed, I enjoyed myself for the time spent there was certainly worth it. ***