A Boracay Memoir

Today's weather is as perfect as yesterday and its even more pleasant because the moon is at its biggest and brightest full moon glow. Times like these bring back fond memories, it makes me think of Boracay. Every time its nice and windy or so sunny that I could feel so warm to the bone or whenever the moon looks so dashingly handsome... such nights send me back to the island I just need to close my eyes and I know its real and tonight is one of those very nights.

I leave my little hut perched up in the hill, secured my key in my pocket and took my trusty lighter with a built in flashlight --oh what a firefly this is. I turned to face the narrow path that would lead to the main road and it was already illuminated,no need for firefly then, so I just light a cig. It's a pleasant night, I opt to walk the entire way. Its so quiet that I could hear the island in orchestra -the sound of the wind against the leaf blades of the grass and bamboo trees; tricycles and motorbikes slowing down offering a ride, I decline and they go like resonating notes of violas and cellos, the distant videoke singer (probably drunk) reaches for the high notes falters and tries again and it goes on like shreiking violin but distance is a friend, it sounds good; then I hear the cicada's love song --the erotic call for a mate, but the cicada is not alone, everyone is seeking a match. Driven by insatiable lust, crickets, cicadas and God knows even butterflies and fireflies have songs of love --all of them sing in chorus (no shame in sex). I could stay and listen to this exclusive six-legged insect band and learn from them but in fact, my mind has drifted off already about human sexuality and *bang* the cymbals, I hear the crashing of the waves and my side tracking ends. The waves can be predictable at nights like this one, they just crash within a definite time or interval or momentum or pace. The waves make a hushing sound when it withdraws and moans loud when it claws back to shore. The hushes and moans of the sea and shore an incesant erotic love affair.

Someone is playing the didgeridoo, that means the party is about to start and I'm not missing it.
Red Pirates Pub Full Moon Parties are nothing like anything else in the island and for that it has a special charm to backpackers. Its a place where people come barefoot, dressed down, guards off, all-pretentions stripped-off and sometimes just plain stripped off. Its a very secluded nook where people come for chats, drinks, fire dance and live drum jams of Boracay's very own. I come here often for the very same reasons plus mango rhum, a game of poker or two, scrabble and dinners. Joey and Jen (the pub's owners) are very generous with their Friday dinners and I am very grateful.

I love nights like this one.


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Habagat Series 1

Its 4pm and there's no sun but still we're having so much fun! Feeling tourista ulit with all the photo-taking among friends at Bombom bar.

and the boys pose

Lody and I posing a classic tourista pose hehe

Summer Left the Island

I heard around the island that when the sun sets at its fullest and brightest yellow orange glow, summer is about to end.

And so the day came, the sun set its last glorious show for the year. It was really different. The sun was 5 times bigger than usual. It splashed the island to the orange tinge. Nothing escaped its rays. Then the show came to an end. And indeed, it was the last sunset show.

Days after that, it started pouring like 3 times a week, then it became 4 nights a week. But this week, the sun hardly shone. It was raining all day since yesterday...and today is a same story.

Summer ended so quickly this year. Habagat xame too early and low season is here.

This is what D'mall beachfront at Habagat looks like:

the empty beach front

the umbrella display

Bombar waiters turned People watches (hehehe)

the unusuall empty bombom bar

I resign

So much drama lately and I just got to say I resign.

OK.. now that I've taken a breather and my rabid emotions have taken their proper seats, I can deal with what's happened and tell the story.

Ati-atihan Patikim

Wow! I got wifi at home (boracay). This so unexpected and I am really thankful that I have it now. I admit, it is hard for me to do away with the internet. I'm so used to getting online almost 24/7 back in Manila and now I am able to have this luxury back!! Oh my! It's like I never left Manila at all!

And this would also mean, I'd be blogging more often again. hahaha. I'm so happy, so so happy!

Just a quick update of what I have been upto:
1. I went to Kalibo for the Ati-atihan Festival
2. I didn't know that Brownman Revival would be playing for the festival (but lucky jammy, was in town too and didn't miss it)
3. Aside from BMR, Mar Roxas, Nel"Crushie" PBB Housemate and MMDA's Bayani Fernando joined the parade.

hmmm, but doesn't it make you wonder??? What business does MMDA got to do with Kalibo's Ati-atihan? Imagine the unnecessary cost of flying a full drum and lyre band from Manila to Boracay and back? The talent fee for the band, the pink sneakers and pink suit? Hotel accomodations? It's a distasteful show of extravagance from a government agency in a third-world country paying first-world tax. Just distasteful at least to me and most of the Aklanons I met in Kalibo.

Haaay, yan muna.

hmmm, did I just admit I crush Nel?

lando

bagyo kung bagyo. party parin sa boracay

I can't believe I am having these thoughts and that I am venting it out here for everyone to read.

I don't like working on holidays especially when it is a legal holiday declared by the President. Yes, I am to report for work on the 29th of October. What happened to my citizenship rights? I feel naked.

But on the other hand, what am I complaining about? I'm already on the island! I get to wear my Halloween costume to school. I get to play...Play...PLAY!!!

***jammygrl08 inhales deeply and exhales completely.

I feel better now.

hehehe

Work's A Drain Yet Pay's A Gain!

Nowadays, I only have a few minute of peace and quiet time to myself everyday. It shows in my blog. I haven't updated anything on it in a long time. So, I thought of letting a minute or two worth of thoughts from my precious limited free time at work.

This week is almost over. I'm so tired, but I shouldn't forget that I'm lucky just by having this job. Lucky to be living here on the island.

lucky...Lucky...LUCKY!!!

but still tired. wenk... wenk... wenk ...wenk(down)

Desire

Beyond the career success and desire to be wealthy, there lay another wanting, a greater desire in one's heart that hushes the screams of other desires. And that is, to be loved.

Gamugamu

Ang gamu-gamu naakit sa ilaw. Walang kadala-dala ang mga langgam na may pakpak kahit na kitang-kita naman ang sinapi ng mga naunang nabitag sa balde ng tubig na may repleksyon ng mismong bumbilya sa kisame. Naawa ako sa unang gamu-gamung dumapo sa huwad na liwanag sa papag. Walang kaalam-alam na ang sumasayaw na kinang ay dagat pla ng huwad na pangarap. Naloko. Nampaloko.

Madami na sila. Nagmistulang resort ng gamu-gamu ang baldeng panlaba ni Nanay. Walang kadala-dala.

Gamu-gamu din ako. Naakit sa ilaw. May mga pagkakataong nalilito kung saan ba mas gusto ko, sa bumbilya o sa dagat ng balde. Kung tutuusin, hindi rin tamang sayawan ang bumbilya pero mas kaaya-aya ito keza sa malunod sa huwad na liwanag.

Ayokong maakit sa dagat ng huwad na pag-ibig.

I Keep Coming Back To Manila

I am back in Manila.

I am currently basking on the following:

1. Cinemalaya Indie Films at CCP and
   
2. ...other movies on cinemas
3. Ababu (Village Persian Kitchen) and
   
4. ...other nooks around the village
   
5. Internet
6. Cable TV
7. Jogging at UP Dil
   
8. Friends
9. Family
10. Cooking

Those are all that matters...for now. These are all the things I lack back in Boracay...so while I have all of it in the city, I shall maximize the comfort they bring.

WORK WORK WORK

I travelled back to the island on a Saturday afternoon. I didn't have to wait for my tita, lola and cousins until Sunday since they changed their minds about visiting Sampaguita Gardens. Also, Betina, my college classmate/friend is in the island as well!!! So might as well sail a day earlier back home.

I met Betina and her bf, Rad, after dinner; had a few drinks at Aria (I usually bring my friends here because I get happy hour alcohol rates even when it is past 8pm) and caught the fire dance show. I envy their bodies. SO LEAN... maybe if I really stay longer, I'll be flaunting the same tight body...that's a BIG MAYBE.

Anyway, it was so nice to see familiar faces in this new territory. I know it is not really a new territory to me because I've been flying to and fro the island since 2003 but it is different now because I LIVE HERE NOW... this is no vacation. This is a radical shift which I chose.

So radical that sometimes I worry I might not stand living here ALONE! SO LONELY. Not to mention, I am eating up on my savings, which is not how I planned it.

No one to blame but me because I am not doing anything. Just idle most of the time. So I gotta make a move. So I did.

Early this afternoon, I went to YES FM Station and handed over my resume just in case they need another dj (only joking). I went to YES FM Station and handed over my resume just in case there might be interested parties to hire my services (see EMPLOYMENT).

I have friends here now and as I have been told, the average daily wage here is Php190. That's not enough for me. So you see, I really got to do something different to earn more than Php190 a day. Hmmm, massage anyone? hahahaha

Maaaaaaaaaaaaan, net here is expensive. SERIOUSLY. Guess, I better plan my net log-ons like the way I mind my grocery budget and meals.

Living alone is not an easy task but I think it is worth a try. I get to practice being "RESPONSIBLE" lol

Kalibo Break

Talk about wrong timing.

I've been staying alone at Boracay for 3 weeks; then I decided to visit Ivette back in Andagao,Kalibo, only to find out I have friends coming over at the isla. Haaaaaaaaaaaay!
Oh well, I got to fix my sched. I'm planning to travel back to Boracay (tomorrow) then spend the entire day there then leave and sleep overnight at Ivette's house then on Sunday, I'll meet my relatives at the Airport then visit Sampaguita Garden where the Jojo's Christmas House is located before we hit the island. Sounds like a good plan.

The house is a must visit, guys! Everyday is chirstmas there! The entire house is filled with Precious Moment Dolls and other attractions.. really!! GO VISIT Jojo's Christmas Cottage at Sampaguita Garden on your next trip to Kalibo!

In the meantime, It's friday night later. REGGAE NIGHT HERE TOO, woooooohoooooo. We're going to Mezzanine where the party is at! Sadly no alcohol for us... Prednisone episode again for me and Dentist restriction goes for Ivette.

I LOVE IT HERE!! LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!
My dad sent me a Cebu Pacific E-ticket back home (Manila).

Yes.

Manila ulit.

In two months.

Miss nyo na ako?

Homesickness Has Passed

I dont feel so homesick anymore.
I actually am starting to feel that this is home.
Boracay is home.

---
Homesickness has passed. Actually, it lasted 4 days only. Now, I can say I'm pretty well adjusted. I eat alone, walk alone, and it doesn't bother me. It just takes time to make a new place feel like your new home. I think, I accomplished that part already.
My quaint house is at the center of white beach. Just beside DMall, behind Budget Mart. I have my own kitchen, bathroom and bed. Those are neccessities. The only luxury I have are two items, MP4 player with speakers and an automatic hotpot which I find very useful for making hot water for coffee, cooking noodles and reheating food. ARYT!
I am half the bum I was when I got here. Now, my itenerary includes teaching a kid to read. Marungko style of course.
A friend is coming over soon. I am assuming in a few days. At last, I can party again. lol. Yeah, that's true, I don't go out a lot. I don't get drunk everynight.
That's all for now. Net is expensive here.

Life Begins at Boracay

I moved in to Boracay on May 2, 2007. I decided to live here finally -at least for a long while. My plan is to look for a teaching job here. I submitted my resume to Brent International School and NVC International Preschool. Tomorrow I'll submit an application to Bloomfield. I hope I get accepted in any of those schools.

Plan B is spend my savings.

No luck yet on Plan A so I'm on Plan B mode which sucks.

I'm enjoying the activities here so far. Ultimate Tournament is held here in Boracay. I partied with them too. Its fun but that fun never failed to nag me that when this group is back in Manila..how am I going to fare here.

Last night, Indio I performed at Summer Place. Hella crowd. Reminds me of Xaymaca, Timog that I miss so much.

It gets a little lonely. A friend of mine (a local, as well) told me that to survive living in Boracay, I've got to learn how to party alone.... hmmm how's that. Although it makes sense but I am not sure I can.

Don't get me wrong, I love it here. It's just that I am lonely. Although I have made friends with the local Bombom's crew, I don't know... I'm shy after all pala. hahaha

FUCK YOU ARCHIE

I'm still here in Boracay. We, Leinielle, Titan and I, missed the boat because I suffered severe hang-over. LIKE I'm DEAD the minute I drank FUCK YOU ARCHIE drink from CLUB PARAW. DON'T EVER TRY IT. IT'S POISON! hahaha

SERIOUSLY.

I'm leaving the island on Monday. It's has been week since I got here and I should really hurry up and go home. But I'm enjoying every minute of it here, skimboarding all day, party all night. I'm thinking of working here. hmmmm... kelangan mag paalam sa parents. hahahaha

I Quit - RECANTING!!!

Yet again, I am humbled.

Why does it happen this way. This way: when you lose something, that the time you see how valuable that was.

I quit work. (Now I lack discipline, hardwork, patience, perseverance and the list goes on and on) I quit work because my weekends are gone. I work 6 days in a week. I only have Sunday but saan naman ako makakapunta (out of town) kung Sunday lang ang pahinga?

So Quit I did.

After a week of not working, here's what I realized. The trade off. MY FUTURE DREAMS. Damn shit.

I feel even worse, a friend of mine told me, "well, the best breaks in life are always disguising as hardwork, or sacrafice, or burden...but if u really take the opportunity and face it head on u wil realiz dat its really worth the trip. Besides, its not the destination that matters most but the journey. U just figure out what u want in life and u will be happy. GOOD LUCK"

Please give me back my work. I'll stop complaining.

In Two Words

I'M HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just Another Boy Issue

I'm probably wrong. Wrong about everything that happened that night. So i'll stop looking back to it and stop wondering what might have happened. It's making me crazy.

What if you were confronted by love when you least expect it, how would you respond?
Will you wait months and see what happens? Even knowing the fact that the longer the wait, the interest dies a natural death?

Passion is like a dark room with only a lit candle. If you do not have enough candles to replace the spent one, there's just no way in keeping the room lit. You spark another flame to sustain passion. Waiting does nothing to make things happen.

That's it to me. Waiting bores me. I don't understand why you have to wait until the he reveals his feelings first before you do?

I am not clueless and that I know shouldn't...
Because guys love to chase.
Because your love might not be requited.
Because Because Because you'll get hurt hurt hurt.

aw.. but still.