Twenty-Five Twenty-One: Not a Happy Ending Story

Beware of this post if you have not seen the movie.  Spoilers on the way!

To the Gen-X, this is something of a feel good movie that hinges on fantasy and reality.  It brought back lots of memories.  High school girls crushes on college-age guys, while male classmates would just ask, "What about me?".  And then there is this so-called first love - and first break-up.   

Twenty-Five Twenty-One revolves around the story of two young adults, Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk), a young man whose Chaebol family went bankrupt during the 1998 IMF crisis in South Korea, and Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri), a high school fencing prodigy, who met in an unusual circumstance, became friends, then lovers.  But whether they ended up with each other or not is untold in the story.

The drama opened with Na Hee-do's daughter,  Kim Min-chae discovering her mother's diary and began reading them. She learned that Na Hee-Do also has a roller coaster relationship with her own mother who seems to disapprove of her fencing passion.  She also got to know of her mother's passion for her sport, her inspiration turned rival turned friend and grit and determination to win.  Then she reconstructed the story of friendship and love between her mother and Baek Yi-jin.

 

It was a bit frustrating at the end.  Maybe the writers were rushing towards the finish line.  Some said they revised the script. Why can't Yi-jin and Hee-do's love survive the distance?   Bummer!  There are too many tears wasted, from the actors and from the viewers. 

At the end of 16 episodes, we have to idea who Min-chae's father is.  The father must have a Kim surname.  Where was he in the story?   

What happened after their goodbyes?  What about those good times wherein they inspired each other to live life to the fullest?  Is it that easy to love and let go?  Are thank yous enough?  Why can't they be together?  Is there a 3rd party involved?

The reality is, those 35 and above can always relate to this, high school love seldom lasts.  Think of your own high school reunions and those love teams in the past. I can say this based on my own observation, but never the experience.  

What can you say of Twenty-Five Twenty-One's ending?

That Thing Called Tadhana

I must have been annoyed. Or was it the curiosity that led me to watch the movie "That Thing Called Tadhana"?  I saw some people posting something about the movie but I never consulted Google nor read further about it, before I got hold of one copy from the pirates.

Angelica should be angry at me. But I did sleep well after watching it last night with wifey.  My dear sat silently at one corner and I saw her giggle a bit at some scenes. There was a smile somewhere that only I can understand.

So what was the movie all about? It all started at the airport. The girl, Mace (played by Angelica Panganiban), was bringing lots of stuff and packing them in a large baggage. She must have not known about baggage allowance, or is not really a frequent traveller. Anthony (JM De Guzman), acting like a knight in shining armor, helped the damsel in distress of her excess baggage. Problem solved. Not really. Not yet.    

You have to listen intently to their conversation.  Crazy cliches! But it will make you think. Mace is too emotional, while Anthony seems not affected at all. He throws bits of sarcasm every now and then.  Mace catches those words like it was all meant for her. "Don't judge me", she says.  But I was annoyed at those 'put*ng*na' frequently uttered by her.  It somehow diminished her character a bit.

Familiar story? Probably in real life, if either one was not good looking, there will be no story at all.  Anthony admitted the reason why he approached Mace.  He finds her attractive, and a little bit scandalous.  For her, maybe he was the only suitable companion around for the time being.

She tells him her story even though she wasn't sure if he was interested at all.  Fresh from a failed relationship, she was vulnerable. Imagine she went to Baguio with a man she barely knows. Anthony also acted like he was about to take advantage of it but restrained himself. The Sagada thing could have been his opportunity.  But it shows that he was a different kind of animal - a gentleman that is.

He too was a kind of a hopeless romantic throwing a few lines that will make a girl think if he was wooing her or just helping ease her pain.  Mace was too focused on her past and on her hurts.  Maybe it did help.

But the ending.

There could be another story we don't know about Marco.  Or maybe it was there in the words of Anthony when he opened up about his past relationship and why he found it easy to move on.  Marco showed up at the ending bringing flowers that made Mace speechless.  Was it love resurrected at an instance? There was a little bit inconsistency here. If she was what she was as portrayed at the start of the movie, she wouldn't be speechless. Maybe there could be another scandalous scene of shouting and crying. Or maybe a hugging scene.

The last last part, which some could mistake as not part of the movie, shows Anthony driving with a book on hand written by Mace and illustrated by him.  Did they live happily ever after?

Wifey left after the credits rolled. I knew she wished for a different ending.

The Day After Valentine's Day

Today is February 15, a day after Valentine's Day. What is so special about it? And what is not? This is the first time me and and wife spent Valentine's Day away from each other.

I talked to her yesterday morning. She was busy with all the ordered bouquets, and the weddings she coordinated in the afternoon. I knew she lacked sleep and she needed me that day.

Me, on the other hand, was driving around the whole afternoon, then returned home only to sleep from 630pm. I woke up at 9pm and tried to call my wife. But my phone won't work. I was too tired to wake up and so I slept again. It was already 130am when I woke up. I called her up again. This time my phone cooperated. She answered with a sleepy voice, "Ah!". I apologized, and spoke words of love and all I heard was the "ah!" reply. Sleepy that I was, I put the phone down and returned to my deep slumber.

This morning I greeted her, apologized once again, and told her how I missed her. She didn't remember me calling her up that dawn. She said she was too sleepy to remember anything.

Tuesday, will be a belated Valentine's celebration for us. She'll fly here in Manila.

When The One You Love Is Far Away

When the spouse is left in the hometown and the other half is far away working, either one could fall into some devil's trap. Loneliness, emotional and physical deprivation, intrigues, rumors and peer pressures could lead to some marital disasters.

I've heard of stories of OFWs cohabiting with fellow OFWs in the foreign land, but returning to their separate families when they return here in the Philippines. And when they go back abroad, they continue to live their lives with their partners, or someone. In Cebuano, "basta naa lang kapahungawan sa kamingaw."

I also heard of a story wherein the husband married a citizen of his destination country just to obtain citizenship. The wife was just sent a divorce paper with the assurance that he will return to her someday when he becomes a full-fledged citizen. And the wife just closed her eyes, signed the papers, and wished him all the best.

Some of my colleagues who were assigned to some others places, frequent bars and massage parlors just to relieve themselves. Some one-night stand they say. Maintaining someone is much more expensive. And they would even pressure me to do the same as if we both stood on the same ground. "Ang swerte mo naman! Wala pala asawa mo dito!" How many times I've heard those same phrase.

But I believe that marital fidelity is not just an option or the last resort. To be faithful to the one you love (whether near or far) - that is how it should be. Living alone in Manila while wifey is in Cebu, poses a lot of challenges. But with God's help, and prayers of support from family and friends, we can overcome.

Valentine's Day romantic thoughts and ideas are floating in my mind right now. I miss my wife more and more now that Valentine's day is fast approaching.

A Walk In The ICU

They were no longer crying when I arrived. Auntie's dead body was still in the ICU and my wife signalled me to go in there.

I was curious really. It was my first time to enter this section of the hospital. I walked slowly checking every open door, like a guard on rounds. Because of the glass walls, every room is viewable from the aisle.

There lay on old woman whose mouth was opened and some gadgets attached all over her body. She was motionless and eyes fixed on the ceiling. What was she thinking? Where is her family? She seemed to be alone.

On the next room is an old guy lying on the bed just like the other woman. He was sleeping and seemed to be at peace. Three or four more other rooms were occupied by patients whose lives were hanging on a thread. I wonder who's gonna die within the hour.

Then at the far end of the section I saw the corpse of auntie examined by my bro-in-law. There was a yellow machine at her side, registering a flat line, just like they showed on medical movies. I tried to compose myself as I looked closely at her face. She was smiling, unlike the other day when she was always grimacing in pain. She had said her goodbyes years ago, but it's the love of her family that kept her strong and alive. She reiterated her goodbyes the night before, thanking everyone who cared for her.

And now she even looked better than the patients in the other rooms, for she departed in peace towards Jesus' side.

Dating Someone Of The Same Belief

When you are new in a company and fresh from college, you’d find yourself teased by your older colleagues, especially if you have no girlfriend or boyfriend on a valentine’s day. They’d pair you with almost any single girl available in the office, even those beyond their 30’s. Sometimes, we have play along just to parry the humiliation. Or even make up stories here and there.

A friend asked me then, “What are you looking for in a woman?”

“She has to share the same belief as mine” was my brief reply.

He continued his mockery. “You have a very limited choice my friend. There are plenty of beautiful ladies out there who are outside your circle of belief. You might regret it later on.”

“I’m sure I’ll find one, my friend. There are plenty of them out there. Only you have not seen them.” I said. We both laughed. I was not really offended by his suggestions. Instead, it gave me the chance to explain my side on the matter.

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and for most singles, it is not easy to find a date for Valentine’s Day that shares your beliefs. You’d find them in churches on Sundays but on other days, they just mix in the crowd.

However, you can also find them in the internet. There is an online site that lists directories of the best dating sites in the web. It’s not about being choosy. Let us say it’s about preference. You may prefer a date coming from the same region where you come from, same religious practices, or even the same cultural background. At least, you already have a starting point of agreement with your date.

Valentine's Day: What's Your Plan?

I am not sure if the ladies do make the plans or just wait for their man to do it. For guys, what would you do when your wife asks you, “What’s your plan for both of us this coming Valentine’s Day?”

“I’ll just surprise you” is my usual reply. That reply meant that I still have to make plans. I can always blame that on work and busyness. You know those fancy restaurants are fully reserved on this love day and walk-ins are seldom accepted. Plans should be in place and contingencies 1 and 2 are on the sides. When you have the same partner for a long time, being innovative on a date is really a big challenge.

Here are some tips on the planning thing:

1. Budget. Set aside a budget on this one. It doesn’t have to be a five figure thing, but you know well what money can do. You can always rent a yacht or a chopper (if it won't scare you) if you have overflowing cash. Don’t just bring your plastic. You can never know if the system bogs down and you might end up embarrassed. Bring cash. But don’t overspend that you end up living like a pauper for the rest of the year.

2. Location. It could be a challenge if you don’t go out more often. Traditionally, the classy restaurants are the first options. But the rich may have fully reserve all the slots. Try to check some internet forums and get ideas on the recommended places. You can check it out yourself and reserve a table asap. But don’t go to remote places that you end up being robbed. A date on top of a hill overlooking the city might be romantic, but don’t put yourself and your date on a risk.

3. Reservations. Reserve that chopper or that limo now. He he. If it’s a hotel suite and a private dinner for two, reserve it now. You can’t immediately get a table if you just walk in to some fancy place. Even the fastfoods are filled with people on that day. Or if you want a musician or a band to add to the romantic flavor, go reserve them now.

4. Ambience. This one is a must for that romantic mood. The place may have that valentine’s decors but if it’s too noisy, then it won’t help. A band serenading the couples, or candles and flowers on the table tops, would create a nice ambience. You can have a band to yourself, if you pay for their services. You can also go to a beach resort, have a table arranged at the seaside, and hire a musician to serenade you. Or you can just listen to the breeze and the rushing tide.

5. Gifts. Many times I bypassed this one, though my wife never failed to give me one. But it is lovelier if you bring a gift for your date. It could be a bouquet of fresh flowers or just as simple as a card. You could be techie too by giving her or him that gadget he or she wished to buy for the longest time.

Now that I’ve listed the tips, what’s my real plan? My wife and I are actually gonna postpone our plans to the weekend after. We’re going to sell flowers on Valentine’s Day. So it would be all business for us on that day. But who says we can’t celebrate a perfect date other than on the 14th? I’m sure there won’t be much competition on the 15th or the 16th.

Missing Someone On Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Someone even had a countdown displayed on his blog site. Starting the first day of February, everyone else’s activities would be geared towards a romantic mood.

Good if you have someone with you to hold hands with, or to hug and to kiss, or to have that candle-lighted dinner surrounded with a wonderful ambience. Maybe it would be an opportunity for you to ask the girl you pursue to a valentine’s date. Or you can just be subtle by suggesting a group date. So many valentines idea can pop up in one’s head when one is in love.

But what if that someone is far away? Can you just whisper in the wind and hope that by thru telepathic means he or she would hear you say, “I miss you and I love you”? Say it through a phone call, write a long letter, or do whatever means to get the message across and send it straight to the heart.

Finding The “Right One” In The Internet World

An aunt (cousin of my father) came to our house one day and sought help from my Dad. She claimed that a drug-crazy neighbor raped her. Not just once, but many times. “Was it really rape? Why was it repeated?” my dad asked. Despite the tears, she managed to giggle when asked about the repetition. “A willing victim” I thought. But I just kept it to myself so as not to interrupt the drama.

She told us of her predicament: How to tell her parents that she’s pregnant as result of the rape. She refused to file a suit against the perpetrator. Funny she even vowed never to fall in love with a fellow Pinoy again. My dad gave her comforting words of advice and helped her talk to her parents. Her parents, upon hearing the news of her pregnancy, were overjoyed. They did not even mind that she was raped and that the child will grow up without a father. It’s their first grandchild and that was all that mattered.

After years of raising the child alone, and most of the time, leaving the kid to her parents, she enlisted herself in the many online dating sites with internet matchmaking service. One email from a guy in New York changed the course of her destiny. She’s now happily married and her lovable kid adopted by her husband. They are now living in New York.

The above is a true story of how singles can meet up online with another person in another part of the world. 5 Star Dating.com have compiled a complete list of the best internet dating services and matchmaking web sites for everyone to try. If you want a Christian date, they also have a list of the sites offering avenues for single Christians to meet. Or maybe you just want online matchmaking and see if there is really chemistry. They have a list of that too.

But who knows? The right one could be that person you know offline but taken for granted because of your search online. The time to love is short, my friends.

Flowers for Emma

What is it about flowers that can melt a woman’s heart? Is it really the flowers or the romantic idea?

She didn’t answer his long distance calls for days now. While he, somewhere in KSA, didn’t have any idea why she acted that way. The quarrels were often petty but this one, especially the long days without proper communication, worried him. She kept her ground and just hid in her room most of the time.

But one day, a delivery man came knocking on her doors. "Flowers for Emma" he called out, bringing a bouquet of roses and fresh flowers. She was surprised as she read the note, “Missing you so badly. I love you!” She couldn’t believe it. This is the first time in their 3 years that he sent her flowers. Tears flowed down from her eyes and she carried the bouquet in her arms. “How beautiful these flowers are. I didn’t know he’s so romantic” she loudly said. Then her phone rang. She hurried to her room, answered the phone and they talked for hours.

My wife and I just smiled at these two young friends of ours. Ah, sweet love!

Exes (Love lost)

I watched the Pinoy Big Brother episode last night about the Battle of the Exes. I guess it was just a replay of the other day’s events. I just don’t know coz I only watch the show at least once a week (or at most twice). I also don’t know why I’m blogging about it. Perhaps this is just to get it out from my head.

Bruce and Dyesie - I only saw the latter part. But Bruce was just so cool during the encounter. Or perhaps he just acted cool. It is not easy to let go someone you love. After 2 years of cooling it off, and 100 days inside PBB, he must have forgotten all his feelings for her. No love left for Dyesie. She should move on. She deserves someone better.

Bea and Ackie – Typical Chinese couple, I guess. I think she’s too pretty for him. (I really like her to win. Hmmm... she’s nominated for eviction, by the way.) Bea was shrieking and giggling before the meeting. Perhaps it’s a mixture of excitement and ‘I-don’t-want-to-meet-you’ feelings. Her world must have changed when he hugged her. They should reconcile after PBB. Otherwise, someone else will take her away.

Gee-Ann and Miggy – They look like a pretty good match. However, if Gee-Ann’s allegation that Miggy has another girl, then, there’s no point of continuing the relationship. If it’s just a matter of jealousy and misunderstanding, 100 seconds is not enough to settle it. Had he hugged her tightly and intimately in those few seconds, I’m sure she’d give him a second thought. But it was a shallow hug. And he looked like guilty too, avoiding eye contacts most of the time.

There goes my thought on the matter. I never had an ex so I can’t speak much about exes.

Oh, When I Was In Love With You

Here’s another poem about love. I first encountered this one in high school literature class. This is one of my favorites.

XVIII. Oh, when I was in love with you
Alfred Edward Housman (1859–1936). from A Shropshire Lad. 1896.

OH, when I was in love with you,
Then I was clean and brave,
And miles around the wonder grew
How well did I behave.

And now the fancy passes by,
And nothing will remain,
And miles around they ’ll say that I
Am quite myself again.

0 ---- 0 ---- 0 ---- 0 ---

I remembered a classmate back in high school who was courting one of the prettiest girls in our 2nd year class. We were amazed at how behaved he was. We all knew he’s one of the class jesters. But this time, he was dead serious. Gone are the usual jokes. He said he wanted to look his best to impress the girl.

We just played along and let him do his stuff. But it’s kind of weird not seeing him laughing and making jokes here and there. His grooming improved. His curly hair seemed to be in a good place. His moves were carefully done. He looked like a real gentleman with the girl.

A few weeks passed and he was no longer with her. He arrived to class late and with uncombed hair. We asked him what happened. “We broke up” he curtly said. “I don’t want to talk about it”.

And so be it. We were glad he was back to his normal self again. His sense of humor returned to him, and we again enjoyed his company. But I haven’t heard anything about his love life after that, even years after we graduated from high school.

Wedding Venues

I came across with this article from yahoo (the same was also reported in the local papers) wherein 100 barefoot couples, dressed in white, stood in the swamp facing the sea and exchanged vows in a ceremony officiated by the city mayor of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Wedding in the swamp? Yep, you read it right.

"You will be an example of true love not just to your partner but to the environment," said Mayor Edward Hagedorn, in a short speech after the ceremony.

Unique isn’t it? We’ve heard of garden weddings, beach weddings, underwater weddings, forest weddings, etc… And now this wedding in the swamp.

Why want to be different? My wife and I had our sunrise beach wedding. My bro-in-law had his garden wedding. A friend had his wedding at the school’s basketball court despite the availability of the chapel. Another friend had his 20 minutes in the judge’s court. It was that swift.

For me and my wife, we encountered the usual protests (not from our parents though) during the planning stage. Why the early time, and the far venue? We simply smiled and said, “We want it unique and memorable. It’s simply our dream wedding. I hope you’ll support us on this.”

But there are those who want the usual church wedding. Some say that it’s the Church blessing they are after. Some wanted other venues but it’s their parents (or even grandparents) wish that they have a church wedding. According to a website I read, first-century Jews and Christians did not hold weddings in synagogues or churches. However, it was only at the time of Tertullian [160-225 A.D.] where it became customary to have a Christian ceremony.

Wherever the venue is, God blesses the formal union of man and woman in love. You still have enough time to prepare if you’re thinking of a June wedding.

Hmmm…I am reminded of that wedding in the middle of an olympic game. Just some leftover thoughts here.

Day of Hearts (and some love poems)

Happy Hearts Day everyone! I hope that you will all have a good time with your love ones. May you be able to write the happiest lines today. Be inspired and keep on loving. The time to love is short. I am also sharing to you some of my favorite love poems.

She Walks in Beauty
by George Gordon, Lord Byron

She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!

--- 0 --- 0 --- 0---

If Thou must love me

Sonnets from the Portuguese XIV

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

If thou must love me, let it be for nought
Except for love's sake only. Do not say
'I love her for her smile—her look—her way
Of speaking gently,—for a trick of thought
That falls in well with mine, and certes brought
A sense of pleasant ease on such a day'—
For these things in themselves, Beloved, may
Be changed, or change for thee,—and love, so wrought,
May be unwrought so. Neither love me for
Thine own dear pity's wiping my cheeks dry,—
A creature might forget to weep, who bore
Thy comfort long, and lose thy love thereby!
But love me for love's sake, that evermore

Thou mayst love on, through love's eternity

--- 0 --- 0 ---

I recently come across with this article about Ms. Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Very nice read.

Lovers and Friends

“Friendship is love without its wings.” - Byron

We heard stories of friends becoming lovers, and lovers turning “just friends”. We also heard stories of broken circles of friends because one started courting another from the group. Some were even labeled as opportunist, someone taking advantage of the friendship. And there are happy stories with happy endings. But there are also sad tales of relationships gone awry.

A college friend, Sonny, is very friendly and popular. He had many female friends. He was courting a few of them secretly and some openly but ended up rejected every time. We heard the ladies say “We’re better off as friends”. He simply shrugged off his failed conquest. “Yeah, they’re better off as friends”, we agreed.

John and Mila became close friends as they were seatmates in many subjects at school. He had a girlfriend back in his province, while she also had a boyfriend somewhere else. Classmates would tease them. They simply said that they’re “just friends and probably soulmates”. A couple of years after, he broke off with his girl back in the province and started courting his friend. It was not difficult for her to say no. But then, it did not end happily. She dumped him (we found out years later) after she found out he impregnated a girl from their place.

An inspired look can be seen on Rey’s eyes. He was often found conversing with a female friend in the library. She looked happy, too. Classmates would often tease them, but both would just let out a smile. “In the right time” they both say. But he was hesitant and afraid of rejection, and the possibility of losing the sweetness of their conversation as friends. There never was a chance again after they separated ways after college.

--- * ---

My wife and I knew each other since we were elementary kids. We’re friends. We have many friends in common. I was considered as a little bit aloof in the circle during our youth. Sometimes, I just come in and out of the group. But there was a time when we got a chance to know each other again. She was a graduating nursing student at that time, and I was working in an auditing firm. A second look, as I simply put it.

I heard her say in the past that she’d turn down any friend that will court her. I even discouraged one friend, because he’d been turned down many times already. I just didn’t know then, that one day, it would be me courting her.

“Do you believe in the saying that ‘friendship is love without its wings’?” was my starting line. And so the conversation revolved around that for many minutes.

At the back of my mind, I said “I am staking our friendship here for something of a higher aim. The end should be nothing short of love, and not just for ordinary friendship”. Such determination overcame my fear.

“Why don’t we add wings to our friendship?” I finally asked.

Love (plus 6 random facts about me)

It’s February once again and the blogosphere will be filled with posts about love, its wonders, craziness and mysteries.

First, I’m gonna post here the lyrics of the song played here in my site. It’s from my fave band.

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Show You Love
By Jars of Clay

Speak - say the words that no one else will ever say
Love - love like the world we know is over in a day

I'm gonna show you love in every language
I'm gonna speak with words that need no form
I'm gonna give you what you never had before

You're beautiful and I am weakened by the force of your eyes
So shine bright to separate the truth from the lies
I'm gonna show you love

I'm gonna show you love in every language
I'm gonna speak with words that need no form
I'm gonna give you what you never had before

So tie me to a tree and let the smoke and ash collect
No, I won't regret to let love do what love will let
We can drown in mixed emotions or walk across an angry sea
This is the cost of being free

I'm gonna show you love in every language
I'm gonna speak with words that need no form
I'm gonna give you what you never had before
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Second, I got tagged by Daisy. So here are six random facts about me.

1. I entered grade 1 at age 5. Though I skipped the first grading period, and all other prep and kinder levels, I still earned a medal for 2nd honor.
2. I was 5 when I stopped wetting my pants in my sleep.
3. I always represented my class in high school whenever there are gen. info quiz.
4. BS Agriculture would have been my first choice when I was about to take the UPCAT sometime in 1991.
5. It was only when I got married that I got to live in a concrete house.
6. As of today, I’ve never been outside the country or in any place north of Quezon City.

Addendum: I'm also tagging six people in Sasha, Gbert, Tin, Pam, Francesca and Arn. I hope you'd also share six random facts about yourselves.

The Library: A Love Story

Tales of my Father - Part 5

The week that passed had been stressful to Boy. The father of his girlfriend, a policeman, confronted him and demanded that he break up with her, or else, something bad will happen to him. He willingly obliged. But the girl was so fatalistic that she attempted to jump off at the 4th floor of the school building. She said that she’d rather die than live without him. The father relented though, and pleaded Boy to reconsider. But he was no longer interested in her. Though, he succeeded in convincing her not to end her life with no promise in return. He simply fell out of love for her.

For the first time after many months, he entered the school’s library. He heard his classmates brag about the new girl working at the library. He got curious. After the break-up, he was searching for a deeper meaning of love and a lasting relationship. There she saw a girl that he thought he can only see in his dreams. She had a fair white skin, long brown hair that glitters in the light, and an infectious smile that tells him to come in.

At that moment he was speechless. He felt something weird. Something like he’d been hit by Cupid’s arrows. “Who is this girl?” he thought. She’s a working student from the college department, while he's a graduating 4th year high school student

The girl in the library may not have noticed him. His dark, thin, 5’7” frame failed to steal her attention. She thought that he was just another fellow trying to lure her. There was this other guy who showed her his car keys, and kept asking for a date. But she flatly refused the braggart.

Now, Boy did what he does best: Talk his way to her. But she was not easily convinced though.

For many days he came to the library just to see her. And many times he was reprimanded by the Librarian due to his loud voice and laughter. He strongly believed in Amor Vincit Omnia. He knows that there is nothing in him that could buy her love. He came from a poor family. He supported himself by working full-time and studying part-time. She, he later knew, though with a Chinese maternal grandmother and a Spanish mestizo grandfather at both sides, did not come from an affluent family. There was no heaven and hell to bridge, nor oil and water to mix. It’s only a coffee and milk mixture due to the colors of their skin. He adored her, while she enjoys his sense of humor. But she told him that "if you're really interested in me, go visit me at home and ask permission from my Manong."

So one day, he decided to visit her home. He was also ready to tell her brother that he intended to marry her, because he knew deep within his heart that she is the one for him. In those days, courtship is not a lengthy process. And when you visit a girl in their home, it is a sign that you intend to marry her.

Her brother, a black belt in judo karate, and with a very muscular frame, did not scare him. The conversation went well with the guys. She was happy for his courage and his pure intentions. She decided that he is the man for her.

On December 21, 1974, at age 20, at the altar of marriage, Boy vowed to love her through thick and thin, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, now and forevermore.


Parts 1-4

Untitled Poem

As I was checking my poems folder in my laptop, I came across this untitled poem which I wrote sometime in March 2002. I recalled the circumstances and I can't help but smile. So much for the hopeless romantic in me.

-- -- --

Today, I woke up in a colorless world,
Not knowing what hit me in my dream.
Last night you said goodbye to me
And I can’t still believe you slipped
Away from my grasp.

What is love when it’s not forever?
I treasured us dearly so much,
That though you said you let me go,
I held on with high hopes
And kept my head above the water.

My heart beats slowly now,
Waiting and crying out for your name,
Shedding the last tears from my eyes
And still, I am panting for air
As I cry out aloud, “ Ï love you my dear!”.

-- -- --

Love and Hopeless Romantics

Someone who disguised himself as Antonio Gramsci wrote this about me in our college yearbook:

“… is a hopeless romantic. He sees through everything and composes verses in his mind. He talks about the great passions and immersed in them. He is a poet mincing words, evoking feelings, hiding himself…”

A hopeless romatic? It was not because there was an object of beauty that I desired, but because I believe in the ideals of perfect love. Along with it is the perfect timing, the perfect person, at the perfect place. So I just kept to myself the identity of my crushes and made understatements in uttering my admiration.

When asked the question: When are you going to have a girlfriend? My usual reply: In the right time. But at the back of my head, I feared that the right time had already happened, and I let it slip away. I don’t want to undergo the pain of rejection, or being forced to love someone who first loved me. So I waited.

Someone said that one of the mistakes of young men is that they I idolized love too much. Perhaps, there is some truth to it.

Then the right time came, and the right person suddenly appeared in my life (though she was there since we were kids). From friends to lovers, we became. I learned that perfect love is when you accept the imperfection, and love him or her just the same. The perfect timing happens every time you show love and care.

p.s. It will be Valentine's Day a month from now.

Anniversary

Today is my parents’ 32nd wedding anniversary.

There are so many things I admire about them, and these are just some of those:
1. I never ever saw them fight or argue, not even in silence.
2. I never ever heard any of them complain about each other over anything. Even my father’s snore is like music to my mother.
3. They enjoy each other’s company. Seldom will my father travel to other places without my mother.
4. They never fight with neighbors, but always invite them whenever we have parties.
5. My mother is the no.1 fan of my father’s tales. She does not get bored listening to them.
6. My father adored my mother and many times he repeated to us his version of their first meeting: Love at first sight at the school library.
7. All of us 4 siblings got equal treatment and attention. Though I received most of the punishment then, because I am the eldest and the only son.

All of the above are very difficult to follow. But anyway, they promised to love each other forever.

To my parents, Congratulations! May you have many more wedding anniversaries to come!