Monday, March 26, 2012

A Broken Heart

From 
http://thewellversed.com/2010/12/09/love-warranties-they-dont-make-them-like-they-used-to/broken-heart/
This image is not mine.

Numbed and confused.

So all this waiting is for nothing?

No words can fully capture how I feel now. I only want to visit my sanctuary and be consoled by a soft gentle wind.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Problema sa Ulan

Kanina pagkalabas sa trabaho ay kapansin-pansin ang makulimlim na langit. Hindi ko masyadong binigyang-pansin subalit nakisakay ang mood ko sa lagay ng panahon at napaisip na naman muli ng mga bagay-bagay na dapat ay isinasaisantabi na. Naisip ko ang maraming estudyanteng dumaan sa akin na siguradong mamimiss ko. Naisip ko ang dalawang buwan na paghuhukay at iniisip ko kung kakayanin ko ba dahil pagbalik ko ay siguradong balik na naman ako sa paghahanap ng trabaho. Kung sakali mang wala, nariyan naman ang aking pribadong aklatan para tulungan akong magpalipas ng oras. Nariyan din ang isang katerbak na DVDs na hindi ko pa napapanood. 

Pagbaba ng bus ay agad na sumakay ako ng jeep. Tamang tama lang na pagkaupo ko ay biglang bumuhos ang malakas na ulan. Bago pa ito ay umaambon-ambon na. Medyo kakaiba ang pagbagsak ng ulan kanina. Naka-slant ang pagbagsak ng mga 50 degrees mula sa lupa. Minsan lang ako makakita ng ganito.

At wala pang sampung minuto ay nakita ko na ang paligid na puno ng tubig-ulan na may tangay na mga basura. Muli ay napaisip ako kung bakit ganito ang mga tao, walang pakialam sa kapaligiran, kung saan saan nagtatapon ng mga basura. Kahit na ilang beses na tayong nabiktima ng bagyo ay wala pa rin tayong kadala-dala. Laganap pa rin ang kawalan ng disiplina. Bukod pa rito, mukhang obsessed tayo sa paggawa ng sementadong mga kalsada. Naisip ko tuloy, kaya siguro gustong gusto ng mga nasa katungkulan ang pagpapagawa ng mga daan ay para magkaroon ng oportunidad para mangurakot. Tiyak ay malaki ang nakukuha nila sa mga obras publicas. Ang masama lang, ni wala nang tagasipsip ng tubig ulan. Barado ang mga canal dahil sa mga basura at ang lupa ay puro sinementuhan. Malamang magbabaha talaga kahit na sandalian lang ang ulan.

Nang tumawid ako sa overpass ay napaisip muli ako sa isang problema sa mga overpass. Wala man lang kahit maliliit na butas para ma-drain ang tubig-ulan. Baha tuloy sa itaas. Bakit kaya ganun? Parang hindi pinag-iisipan ang mga bagay-bagay bago gawin? Nakakainis na talaga.

Gustong gusto ko talaga kapag umuulan. Ang malamig na hangin ay nakatutulong maagtanggal ng stress lalo na't naghahabol ako ng requirement. Ang amoy ng hangin, na singaw ng lupa, ay isang kakaibang amoy na minahal ko rin. Gusto ko ang amoy lupa na hangin sa tuwing umuulan. Pero kapag nakikita ko ang kapabayaan ng mga tao na lumalabas lamang kapag may ulan, naiinis ako. Minsan ay iniisip kong, kung umulan kaya nang grabe at bahain ang buong Metro Manila? Magtatanda na kaya ang mga tao?

Friday, March 23, 2012

Warcraft and Final Fantasy VII

Today after a few minutes of working on my paper, I had a long break. I played Final Fantasy VII for a while. It's my first time to play a Playstation game on my laptop via EPSXE so I'm still trying to figure out how the application works. It feels weird not to hold a controller. I had to condition my mind and to tell myself repeatedly that this is not a Playstation game, otherwise I'd have a hard time adjusting to the change in control devices.

Then a few minutes of paper. Yes, just a few minutes. I have a strange habit of doing different tasks in one sitting. Doesn't mean though that I do everything at once. It's just that I need t shift from one task to another because I have very short attention span.

After adding a paragraph to my paper, I tried Warcraft on my laptop. It's my first time to play that game on a laptop. It seems my laptop is too old for such games. It fainted on me. I had to restart the machine and then resume my work. Then after a few minutes, I itched to play Warcraft again and my laptop fainted again. That was it, I told myself. I need a gamer's laptop soon. Prob is, I will be out of job for two months because I will be joining an excavation. My new laptop will have to wait.

For now my biggest concern is my paper. I am almost done with the RRL. Hopefully tomorrow I will start writing the main body.

In Preparation for Graduation

March is about to end and here I am racing against time to finish one final paper which I should have submitted a year ago. I initially planned to drop the idea of submitting this paper since it is just for a filler course which will not be credited anyway. Besides, I already have completed all the required courses for me to graduate this summer. On second thought, being a pursuer of honor and excellence, I took this up as a challenge. I thought to myself, not only will the research yield more knowledge, the process of writing the paper itself shall serve as an exercise again. Besides, I have already presented my data to members of our small community last month and I only lack this paper to complete the requirements for the course.

Moreover, very few archaeologists tackle public archaeology since it is definitely NOT one of the macho aspects of the discipline. Since my first year as an archaeology student, I have been interested in the relationship between archaeologists and the pubic, having seen that most scholars lock themselves up in ivory towers and very seldom publish their research for the lay person. I think this view of mine stems from my criticism of scientists in general for their works which are unintelligible to the common man. And that's why for the third time, I am doing a paper on public archaeology. (The first is a paper on fringe archaeology when I was a freshman. The second was a report on the practice of public archaeology in our field school. This time, my paper is on the representation of the archaeologist in media which are gaining an increased following in the world, and most especially here in my country.)

I know that many will criticize my paper for its "irrelevance" to archaeology. In fact, back during my undergraduate years, when I wrote a paper on hoaxes in archaeology, my professor noted "This is not an archaeological paper." Back then, I should have argued that it IS because somehow it is an issue that we archaeologists have to consider because it affects the discipline's integrity and over-all impressions of archaeologists by ordinary people. Still, I respect his processual views since analysis and scientific experiments are indispensable in our discipline.

These days, my thoughts are focused on many things. For instance, since summer is here, I am more than excited to venture out in the field, wield my trowel and scrape the earth again. I also miss recording what we have unearthed. I miss drawing and describing features. I miss accessioning artifacts. I miss the fresh air in the countryside, as well as the very simple life there. I miss sleeping in a tent. And of course, I miss the simple food in the barrio--- veggies and fish in particular. So yesterday I bought my own sleeping bag. Today I made a checklist of what to bring for this season's excavation. Trowels, measuring tapes, line level, plumb bob, nylon rope, paint brushes, root-cutter, notebooks, etc. Aside from toiletries, I need to buy a 40L backpack and a camping tent.

And since for two years I have missed out a lot on reading fiction, anime, manga, and games, lately I have begun to go back to my normal self despite the many tasks that I still need to attend to. For instance, this semester I read Kolian Huaying (Flower Shadows behind Curtains), the sequel to Chinpingmei (Plum in the Golden Vase). I also read Jinghuayuan (Flowers in the Mirror). From the titles, any one with an interest in Buddhism is sure to find that these two tackle Buddhist principles. In fact, the common theme in these two is the concept of karma and reincarnation, as well as the renunciation of earthly desires for the attainment of enlightenment, though the latter has touches of Popular Taoist magic in it.

The past few days saw me reading One Piece manga, too. After my paper, I'm going back to reading Hitman Reborn  since it's been years since I last read that series. When in need of serious relaxation, I watch movies and contemplate on the message as well as marvel at the styles and techniques of the director in creating the movie.

Since last month, my students have expressed their excitement and eagerness to graduate. As their teacher, I am happy for them not only because we will be graduating this summer but also because I have seen how they struggle and how they bravely face the challenges before them. I still am awed at how they managed to pass my subject given that I do not give easy exams and quizzes. They really are an inspiration and I am proud to have them as my students. For that, they will certainly occupy a special place in my heart.

So anyway, all these thoughts on graduation are not really the central focus of my attention. Just like when I graduated from college two years ago, I was indifferent to it. It's just another time marker for me. But the hell, looking back at how I worked so hard and how much I learned not just within the four walls of the classroom, but also in my interaction with different kinds of people and different kinds of situations, I cannot help but ponder on the infinite potentials of the human will to create and to endure. As I reflect back on those times when I would complain of sleepless nights but still bring myself to finish the required tasks, I cannot help but heave a sigh and smile. Those were not just in pursuit of high grades nor recognition. Far be it from me to chase after fame and fortune. Those times are the best because they remind me of the things that I can do and the things that have left me a sense of achievement and fulfillment at the end of a difficult day. And with so much memories of my hard work and extreme perseverance, I build the foundation for the future me to be proud of.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Companions for Emoing: A1

Most friends of mine are in utter disbelief whenever I tell them that I actually am an emo, that one of my hobbies is emoing, that is, channeling my romantic ego and going on a trip down memory lane mixed with fantasized versions of what really happened. And yes I am cheerfully bubbly, but I also am a very sentimental being frequently visited by episodes of nostalgia, childhood dreams, and visions of future possibilities.

Yesterday, while on a bus, I was treated to some of the best songs of the late 90s. Songs by A1 were alternately played, which included old favorites like Heaven by Your Side, Like a Rose, and One Last Song. It's one of those moments when I think of not going off a public transport just to listen to the songs being played. (It seems I really should buy my own MP3 player so that I can listen to my type of music anytime anywhere. On second thought though, I want every emo moment to be sacred, to be a surprise, to be that rare moment where I get into a pensive mood ponder on random things. So maybe I shouldn't buy one, after all. And thinking of the cost of an MP3 player is sure to make me change my mind since I'm having financial problems at the moment again.)

Heaven by Your Side is perhaps something that will become my theme song if ever one day I will be lucky enough to procure a boyfriend of my own. It's always the case that the person I like also likes me, but as if cursed or what, nothing goes past mere crushes. But if ever my wish of having a decent love life be granted, I do believe that the Fates shall be playing this song for me, with special focus on the part with the ff. lyrics:

"Now my life is blessed with the love of an angel
How can it be true?
Somebody who keeps dreams alive
a dream I found in you.
I always thought that love could be the strangest thing to me,
but when we touch, I realize,
that I found my place in heaven by your side."

Listening to these songs lets me envision a possibility of having a romantic relationship with someone special. Perhaps, that special someone, whoever he may be, will treat me "like a rose" who will "give me room to grow", who will "shine the light of love on me", "give me air so I can breath" and will "open doors I closed in a world where anything goes". Most importantly he will "give me strength so I stand tall" as I face the challenges of life with his support and love.

For some reasons, Like a Rose reminds me of an episode in the first chapter of my favorite novel Hongloumeng (Dream of the Red Chambers) where the Celestial Herb is resuscitated by a previous incarnation of Baoyu and thus promises to repay him a lifetime of tears when it is reincarnated as Lin Daiyu. I always think of that particular episode, though not thoroughly detailed in the novel, I imagine what could have happened as the Celestial Herb is given the strength to carry on. And for its very rich imagery of a nurturing partner, this song has become of my favorites.

But good things come to an end. Even a seemingly perfect relationship can be ended as soon as it started. Sometimes, even if you love a person so much, you will have to let him go. Sometimes, when loving that much to the point of breaking, you can't help but feel desperate and struggle to keep your beloved by your side. But in the end, you will choose to set him free, not because you don't love him anymore, but because you know that he'll be happy that way, even when it hurts, even when it's hard.

"Let me ask time has passed
Do you feel this could last
If you don't, why then stay?
Take your wings, fly away.
I love you way too much
To wanna be the one who brings you down." 

This stanza reminds me that one day a romantic relationship may be over in the blink of an eye. It is a reminder that nothing is permanent, everything is in flux. And more so feelings, for they come and go. When they go, sometimes they return, but most times, they do not. Or it's too late when they do.


Saturday, February 25, 2012

Budget Date with Myself

Yesterday I dated myself. Since I have no time to ask around who wants to go on a date with me, I decided to just spend the whole day alone. I brought with me a little over P100 since I have to be extra thrifty in order to prepare for necessary expenses for the excavations this summer. I've done this before and it always amazes me how I am still able to survive on such a meager budget.

First I had to go to my alma mater. Since it was so hot, I was prompted to buy carrot-melon shake (P30). Then I proceeded to the library to return some books and to pay overdue fines amounting to P10. For lunch, I finally tried the potato twists located along Foodtrip Strip. With a buy 1 take 1 promo, I'm sold to spend P30. It's like eating 2 pieces of potatoes together with oil and lots of vetsin. I didn't mind. My tongue is craving for anything salty these days. (And I couldn't stop thinking about nachos, tacos, and taco-flavored Doritos.)

Off to Shangrila Mall in Mandaluyong to attend the New Zealand Film Festival. It's for free, so all the better for me  who's short on money. I watched the documentary "The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls", about Jools and Linda Topps who inspired change through their performances, as well as 'Sione's Wedding", about good-for-nothing men who must find girlfriends to attend their friend's wedding.

In between the two films, I had a light snack at Jollibee. I tried their chicken and mushroom pasta (P55), paying only P5 because I brought a GC worth P50. Tastes bad. It's one of those fake pasta. The sauce smells like vetsin. There are no chicken bits so I wonder why they call it CHICKEN and mushroom pasta. It's got slices of button mushroom though. And the serving's really SMALL. These days it just isn't practical to eat at Jollibee. You don't get your money's worth.

Transportation expenses add up to less than P60. So all in all, I spent less than P150. Not bad. I'm looking forward to my next date with myself.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Finding Love: One Week of Love


It’s another ZERO in romantic love for me this year. But love in other forms more than compensate for that lack of romantic love. For instance, I have realized how much I treasure my students. Being the first ever to be my students, they shall always occupy a special place in my heart. They can be noisy, uncooperative, selfish, and disrespectful at times, but when you really get to know them, you will find that they are cheerful people who struggle everyday to meet the demands in the academe. I have come to know their reservations, their silent dreams, their aspirations, their struggles— which make them all the more endearing to me. Perhaps the reason why I can totally relate is because as a student myself, I am also under such stress and pressure to complete the requirements in school. On Valentine’s Day itself, I spent the whole day in school, 12 straight hours in front of my beloved students, discussing one last lesson before their final exam.

The following day, I was supposed to go out with my trench mate. A few days before, he has been asking me to go to the UP Fair. I told him I’d think about it since I have early morning classes and I’d hate to come to class late. On the day itself, I totally forgot about it. Upon arriving home, I ate a quick dinner and prepared to get ready to sleep. Then I received a text message from him, asking me where I was. I thought maybe it was a mistake, that the message wasn’t intended for me. Then I remembered I wasn’t able to give him a definite reply and being tired, I told him I was already home and that I was sorry I couldn’t come, that in fact I forgot about it. Turned out he was with our fellow batchmates and one of them called me up to tell me to join them. I was touched but I had to say no. My tired body only wanted to lie down and rest. I told them we’d go out for a group date next month.

On Thursday, I met up with my sisters at a Chinese restaurant somewhere in Quezon City. It’s a restaurant that all three of us love. For us single girls, this is a sisterly date. Just two weeks before we had grand plans like go watch a movie (I told them I wanted to watch Star Wars in 3D but I don’t think they approved), spend some time at a spa, pig out at a resto, etc. Since we were all busy we just settled for resto food instead.

On Friday one of my closest friend and I had a date. All morning and afternoon I worked on revising a major requirement. Late in the afternoon, I went to UP and met up with her for a date. We watched Dulaang UP’s “The Forsaken House” at Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero Theater. The last play I watched was “Amphitryon”, which I also watched with her and which I greatly enjoyed. “The Forsaken House” is okay but the story’s cliché. It’s about a family slowly being destroyed because of the father’s tyrannical attitude. Since it has been a long time since our last date, we excitedly told stories of our recent life. I’m happy to learn that she has finally submitted her thesis draft whereas I am set to present my paper next week as a requirement in one of my classes in graduate school. I wanted us to graduate this year together.

On Saturday my dad arrived home late and asked for me. I thought that maybe he was going to ask me to do something for him again. I was just about to say I’m busy (coz I was working on my presentation) when he burst into the room with DVDs in hand. He bought me the DVDs I requested!!! Finally!!! I’ve been prodding him for Three Kingdoms and The Water Margin for a long time now. I’m happy that he didn’t forget his promise. Now I have another reason to graduate this year, and another motivation to finish my papers in the shortest possible time. I just miss watching TV series and movies, as well as curling up in bed with a good fiction novel.

Today my dad asked me to go with him to the temple. I did, since I enjoy eating misua afterwards. There is romance in eating free food at a hospitable temple; it makes me feel like a ronin on an adventure. While inside the car, we talked about Three Kingdoms. I guess Chinese literature could be something for us father and daughter to bond together since he’s the only one who’s knowledgeable about it at home, and I am also the only one interested in Chinese literature. Upon arriving home, he gave me a short lecture on Chinpingmei, Three Kingdoms, and The Water Margin. This is one thing I like about my father, we engage in discourses on literature and at times, politics.

So who needs romantic love when you’re surrounded by people who allot even a small portion of their time for you despite the crazily hectic schedule?  I still do. But it doesn’t mean that I should sulk and wallow in self-pity for having no love life when Valentine’s Day is around. I have all the love in the world because of the people around me.