Life's Little Pieces

When the Mirror Breaks

2012-02-03T23:31:00.002+08:00

Pristine and shiny is the looking glass

As it prides in the beauty

Shown on its bosom

Then suddenly, a crack appears

Marring its immaculate face

Distorting what was once pure

The crack carves a path

And runs in all directions

Clawing through the gloss

A last glance at the framed face

Eyes in disbelief

As the glass shakes and disintegrates

Throwing shards, slicing skin

Because there's always blood

When the mirror breaks

-Katherine Lopez

03 February 2012

I Wish to Make Music

2012-01-23T21:53:00.001+08:00

I wish to make music
And let that tiny hum
Blossom into a
Beautiful melody.

I wish to let out a voice
That speaks of my innermost
Desires and affections
Through notes and beats.

I wish to free trapped emotions,
Release them with great power,
Passionate and intense,
As though on a crescendo.

So let me make music,
That I may fade
And surrender to this ensemble,
Producing one great harmony.

-Katherine Lopez
23 January 2012

Barefaced

2012-01-07T21:52:00.003+08:00

I've been barefaced for three weeks, except on Christmas Day, when I dabbed some powder on my face, put on mascara and eyeliner, and filled my brows. But the rest of the days were cosmetic-free, because I had lesions on my face caused by a viral infection. The doctor said I got that virus from other people.

The infection had been gone two weeks ago, but it left my face super dry as though you're touching a fine sandpaper. The doctor said it was because of the cold weather, so she prescribed a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and ointment to keep my face from itching.

On the days when my face had not yet returned to its normal state, I didn't put on makeup, not even pressed powder. When I went back to work last Monday, I did so with a shiny face. Seeing my bare face in the mirror made me miss my made up face, but I realized having a bare face once in a while can be liberating. We are not required by company rules to put on makeup all the time, but since our fields involves meeting and interviewing a lot of people, it pays to be presentable. Last Monday was the first time I went to the work with nothing but moisturizer on my face, and it felt good. Nobody said I looked bad. ~~And that's what I call real beauty hahaha!~~

This afternoon, I went to my dermatologist for my follow-up checkup. She said my face already looks good. She just prescribed the same moisturizer, another cleanser for maintenance (which I will buy when I use up the entire bottle of gentle cleanser), and a hypo-allergenic pressed powder. This served as a reminder for me to be careful with what I put on my face, especially now that it has become extra-sensitive. And that I don't need to put much, because hey, why would I want to cover up good, healthy skin, right? :)

2012

2012-01-01T12:33:00.002+08:00

They say that the world's ending

In the twelfth month of this year.

But why bother believing

And drown yourself in fear.

You have 366 days

To do all sorts of things,

Like travel to places

And soar like you have wings.

It's another year, another chance

To let go of the past,

And wake up smiling, waving

To build ties that last.

They say it's out with the old

And in with the new.

So now, look at the mirror,

And embrace a happier you.

-Katherine Lopez

01 January 2012

Cold

2011-12-19T20:22:00.004+08:00

Cold breeze blows,
Light and graceful,
Alluring, enchanting,
Tickling the imagination,
A key to another world.

An ethereal presence felt
By the window, as she looks
Outside, at the stars
Twinkling at the dead of the night
As the world stood still.

The blanket of sleep spreads
Across the city, but her eyes are open,
Thinking of you, where you could be
At that moment, laughing maybe,
As she sheds a tear or two.

Cold breeze blows, this time,
A harsh reminder slicing through
Her soft, delicate skin, and into
Her heart, covering it with
Numbing pain.

She reaches for a blanket,
Wraps it around her shoulders
To keep her warm,
For she can no longer fight the cold
In someone else's arms.

-Katherine Lopez
19 December 2011

Cubicle Companions

2011-11-28T19:00:00.000+08:00

I've mentioned before in a post that I love stationery. I love paper products, and when I see a pretty one in a store, I find it hard to stop myself from getting one. Like how I got this simple yet pretty memo pad:

I got this from Fully Booked. Our art director and I went there to look for books and other items we can feature. While we went there for work purposes, we both ended up buying cute finds from the stationery area. Haha! I couldn't actually choose between this set of two memo pads and another equally adorable magnetic memo pad. I wanted to get them both! But. I. Must. Practice. Restraint. Hehehe

I not only love cute paper products, but cute office supplies as well. I hate corporate-looking office stuff, because they look, uh, boring? Haha. They're just not... me. I like colorful things and quirky designs. And if they don't look office-y but they can certainly be used in the office, they get plus points from me. Case in point, these wooden pegs:

You might be asking, "What are those for?" Well, I use them in lieu of paperclips. And I find them more effective, especially when you stash clipped papers in a messy bag ~~like mine when I'm in a hurry~~. A paperclip gets lost in the mess, while a wooden peg doesn't, so your papers remain grouped together. :) And aren't the Matryoshka Dolls lovely?

So there--some pretty things that perk me up. And they make for charming cubicle companions, apart from being practical. What's not to love? :)

Iloilo Weekend Part 2

2011-11-20T17:16:00.030+08:00

I woke up at 5 a.m. to take my medicine, so my tummy would behave the whole day. Aargh! It's really such a hassle when acid reflux is pestering you during a getaway. Anyway, after taking my medicine, I fell asleep once more, and woke up minutes before 7 a.m. - the time we set for everybody to meet up at neighboring Sarabia Hotel for our island hopping.

We rode a jeepney going to Ortiz, where the port is. Mel and Doc Bon talked to the boatmen, and after discussing a few things, we already had a rented boat! Woohoo! The boat ride was fun, with jokes and laughter from 17 people and picture taking here and there.

(left) Everybody. That guy with a huge, Close Up Confidence smile? That's Joel.
(right) One of the islands we saw.

One thing that I found amusing during the boat ride was the "store" in the middle of the sea. Our boatmen bought fish from another boat.

The Boat a.k.a Fish Store. Photo by John Laurence Patulan

The boat ride was long - approximately 30 to 45 minutes - before we stopped by a beach. I don't know the name of the island, but it was a beach and there were a few people swimming. Bino's family was there. A small group of what I think were teenagers was even having some sort of a lecture. We decided not to stay there for long; Turtle Island is just beside it. So we stayed at the shore of the unknown island while Bon and two others bought food for our lunch.

(left) U-Bloggers at the Unknown Island. Photo by John Laurence Patulan
(right) Jumpshot. Ang daming limbs ni Otep hahahaha! Photo by John Laurence Patulan

At Turtle Island came our Survivor Guimaras ordeal. As we approached the island, our boat got stuck because of the rocks at the bottom of the sea. The water was already too shallow for our boat to traverse. As the boatmen were figuring out what to do, we went into Survivor Guimaras mode. Bino even took a video of himself giving a "testimony" of what we were experiencing ("Naabisuhan na kaming walang makakain sa isla, pero hindi kami naniwala." In English: We had been told that there was nothing to eat in the island, but we didn't listen). The danger was evident in his tone of voice, but Leah, who was beside him in the video, was smiling. That was really hilarious!

Anyway, since the boat wouldn't nudge, we alighted the boat and ~~swam to safety~~ waded in the water to the shore. When we got to *ehem* dry land, I hung my things at a tree branch and swam a.k.a floated (I can't swim haha!). That was my most awaited moment! Haha! But before basking in the sun, of course, I made sure I sprayed sun block on my skin - the "uber waterproof, uber sweatproof" Beach Hut Spray!

(left) Commercial Mode: Beach Hut Spray. Non-sticky. Non-greasy. Non-eeww! Photo by Ate Roanne
(right) Me and My Dearest at Turtle Island, Guimaras. Photo by John Laurence Patulan

We had to get back to Iloilo City before 5 p.m. because U-blogger Mark a.k.a "Ang Poon" had a plane to catch. We were set to leave the island at 3 p.m., but because our boat was stuck, the boys had to help the boatmen do the legendary "1..2..3....PUSH!" But the boat was uncooperative. "1..2..3....PUSH!" "1..2..3....PUSH!" "1..2..3....PUSH!" "1..2..3....PUSH!" "1..2..3....PUSH!" "1..2..3....PUSH!" and a whole lot more "1..2..3....PUSH!" About an hour or so, finally, the boat was pushed to a reasonable depth. The girls, Mark a.k.a "Ang Poon", and John followed, wading and getting scratched and wounded by the sharp edges of the rocks below. But none of those could rival the wounds the boys had gotten from pushing that boat. That was... heroic. And did I say legendary? It was more than an adventure.

When we got back to Iloilo City, "Ang Poon" immediately took a cab and bid us farewell. Some bought siopao. We agreed to meet at 9 p.m. for a videoke night at Smallville. So off we went to our respective hotels and showered and went to dinner. Ate Roanne, my dearest, and I went to Deco's to buy pasalubong (butterscotch yummmy yummy yummy!) and eat dinner.

(left) My Dearest at the Entrance of Deco's.
(right) Ate Roanne, Me, and John Laurence. Photo by John Laurence Patulan

It was my first time to try Batchoy, which Iloilo is famous for, and I didn't know it was sooo good! The warm Batchoy broth was so comforting, with its sweet, savory taste. I tried the noodles from JL's bowl and it was delicious. Too bad I already got full from my bowl of Callos so I didn't get to try more Batchoy. When I visit Iloilo again, I shall order Batchoy with sotanghon noodles. Hehe.

After dinner was *drum roll please* videoke time! Woohoo! Another moment I had been waiting for. Haha! In case you didn't know, I love love love love love LOVE singing! Whether singing loves me or not, that's not for me to answer. Haha! Anyway, Ate Roanne and I went to Smallville for the videoke session. It was past 9 p.m., and for sure, it was going to last until a little after midnight. Never mind that my dearest and I had a 6.15 a.m. flight the next day, and we were scheduled to leave our hotel at 3.30 a.m. Never mind that I wouldn't have any decent sleep (again) before my flight. This is videoke time, and I wouldn't miss it. And most especially, this is videoke time with the U-bloggers. I definitely wouldn't miss it.

So there we were - five hours of choosing songs, passing the microphone, singing our hearts out, cheering at our scores, witnessing Bino's "The Voice", CJ's dance moves, Ate Roanne's impeccable "Weak" performance (hihihihi!), and a whole lot more. Music really is a great way to bond. The four walls of that videoke room were witnesses to how we, who just met each other in person for the first time, sang, danced, partied, and had so much fun like we've known each other for so long.

Then, the clock stroke 1.30 a.m. Time to end the videoke night. Time for the night's "last song" (how many "last songs" did we have? Hahaha!). Time for group hug. Time to say goodbye and head back to our respective hotels. And for me, time to get ready for our flight.

My dearest and I arrived at the Iloilo International Airport before 5 a.m. Because I just partied a few hours before, I comfortably lay down my tired oh so tired body on the chairs at the waiting area. Haha! With my shawl keeping me warm, I fell asleep, until it was time for us to board the plane.

I was still light-headed when we got off the plane in Manila. My body was so exhausted from the adventure-filled, two-day vacation with the U-bloggers. All I wanted at that moment was to crash on my bed (or on our couch 'coz I probably wouldn't make it to my bed hehe) and finally get some decent sleep. But even if I already felt like collapsing or something, images of the Iloilo trip still kept on playing in my head. That was really one of the most remarkable experiences I had this year, and now, two weeks have already passed, but the fun I had with the U-bloggers and with my dearest in Iloilo stays fresh in my mind.

Iloilo Weekend Part 1

2011-11-13T22:08:00.015+08:00

It's been a week since I came back from Iloilo, and I can't help but look back and reminisce. I've been excited about this trip ever since I booked our tickets last August. When Ate Roanne told me about this trip with the U-Bloggers, I didn't have second thoughts about joining. I even ~~went ballistic~~ panicked when I found out that Airphil Express doesn't accept JCB, my credit card, for online reservations. Good thing Zest Air saved us from not being left behind. So while the others would be flying on Airphil, my dearest and I would go on Zest Air.

The trip was scheduled on November 4. We would be staying there until the sixth. When November 3 came, I was sooooo excited. Actually, I was already excited the weekend before November 4. As the days drew near, I couldn't sleep because of excitement. Haha!

November 4 came. My dearest and I went to the airport before sunrise, without any sleep! I probably had a half-hour nap or so, but it wouldn't qualify as a decent rest. Also, my tummy hadn't been so cooperative since the previous day because of acid reflux. I just prayed that everything would go well - from having a safe flight to none of us getting hurt or sick.

Finally, we arrived in Iloilo. Yahoo! As the plane was descending from the sky, I saw the green fields that were so picturesque when viewed from above. Too bad I wasn't able to take a photo of it. But then, I didn't have a cam! Haha! I only had my cellphone camera.

We were with U-bloggers Bon and Joel at the same flight. We met U-bloggers Cj and Bernard. Then, U-bloggers Leah and Mel, who both hail from Iloilo, picked us up at the airport.

Everyone was waiting for us at Mel's house. They had an earlier flight so they got to Iloilo hours before we did. After having breakfast, we got in our rented jeep and off we went for the city tour.

First stop was the church in Jaro. In high school, one of my friends told me that if it's your first time in a church, you should make a wish and it will come true. Ever since then, whenever I enter a church for the first time, especially old churches, I make a wish. Wishes even. And I pray for them. And I believe God will grant them in His time.

Next stop was the Museo Iloilo. There were artifacts - porcelain, old fabrics and clothes, fossils, jars, and santos - that form the history of Western Visayas. Contemporary artworks were also on display.

Of course, we wouldn't leave without taking a group photo.

(left) The U-Bloggers. Photo by Bon Talampas, Jr. of TARAGIS
(right) With Ate Roanne (thank you for lending me your shades ^__^). Photo by my dearest John Laurence Patulan

After the Museo, it was already midday. We went to our respective hotels, checked in, dropped off our things, and proceeded to Tatoy's Manokan and Seafood for lunch. We ordered quite a lot - chicken, fish, and that controversial valenciana, which made Bernard say this quotable quote: "Di ma-rationalize ng diwa ko. Parang pumuputok-putok na kendi sa bibig ko." (My mind can't rationalize it. It's like candies bursting in my mouth) My translation doesn't do justice to the original quote. It was really funny when he delivered it. Wahahahaha!

At Tatoy's. Photo by John Laurence Patulan

Next stop was Miag-ao, which was approximately forty-five minutes (or was that more?) away from where we were. Our driver drove so fast. The wind didn't just caress our faces; it messed up our hair! Hahaha! So much for "mahangin ba sa labas" (loosely translated as "is it windy outside?").

In Miag-ao, we visited another old church: the Miag-ao Church which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I don't know how old is the church, but I'm certain it's been there since the Spanish colonial period. It's been there for centuries. It was beautiful and... intimidating. I'm always intimidated by old structures, probably because they've withstood the test of time, and there I am, standing in awe.

(left) Inside Miag-ao Church.
(right) Me at the facade of the centuries-old church. Photo by John Laurence Patulan

After our visit to Miag-ao, we headed back to our respective hotels to shower and change clothes. We then had dinner at Freska and went on night life mode at Pirates. We basically had fun that night, dancing on our seats and singing to the tune of whatever song the band was performing. It was a looooooooong day, especially for me who didn't have any sleep the night before. Haha! But the good part was only starting, because the next day, *drum roll please*, we were going to the beeeeeeaaach! Woohoo! :D

Spirits

2011-11-01T20:26:00.003+08:00

They linger on earth,

Lurk on abandoned corners,

Cold and dark,

Of schools, hospitals, churches.

A gust of wind,

And goosebumps form

On the arms of individuals

Who huddle in fear.

Shadows crawl on the floor

Then dance on walls

With the flicker of candlelight

On a slowly melting wax.

Eyes are closed,

Hands are joined and

Prayers are uttered

So the restless may find peace.

-Katherine Lopez

01 November 2011

The Bride

2011-10-31T17:44:00.003+08:00

I wrote this short story for my Creative Writing class when I was a high school senior. I thought I already lost my copy of this story, until I found this in my now rarely visited Writing.com account. Good thing that account is still alive! Haha! Anyway, I hope you enjoy this story. Happy Halloween! :)

---000---

It was Sunday morning. Ana was still sleeping soundly in her air-conditioned room, when the alarm clock on her bedside table rang piercingly, breaking the silence. Ana covered her ears with her pillow, tried her best to go back to sleep, but the shrill sound of the alarm penetrated her ears. Irritated, Ana rose, turned it off, and went to the bathroom to wash her face.

“Bad day,” she muttered to herself. “Talk about waking up at the wrong side of the bed.”

Just then, the phone rang, and Ana got more irritated. “Who could that be? Calling me this early?”

She stomped her way to her bedside table, picked up the receiver and greeted the caller with an irritated hello.

“Good morning, honey,” said the voice from the other line. “What’s wrong?”
“Oh, Louie,” Ana muttered lazily. “Just woke up at the wrong side of the bed.”
“Well,” Louie continued, his voice full of energy and delight. “How about a visit to St. Martin’s Cathedral? Let’s visit Father Miguel.”
Ana’s face lit up. “Alright. You’ll pick me up?”
“Say. . . at eight? Would that be fine?”
“Thumbs up! I’ll wait for you.”

Upon entering the Cathedral, goosebumps started to form on Ana’s arms. She shivered, and Louie felt that his fiancée was not feeling well.

“What’s wrong?” Louie asked.
“I don’t know. I don’t understand.”
“We’ve been here before, right?”
Ana nodded.
“Perhaps you’re just nervous about our wedding. That’s already next week.”
Ana nodded again. “Probably.”

They walked down the center aisle and genuflected when they reached the front. Just then, a white-haired priest appeared, and Louie approached him.

“Good morning, Father Miguel,” he greeted, and the two of them shook hands.
“Good day, Louie,” the priest replied happily. “I’m going to marry you on Sunday, but I haven’t seen your wife-to-be.”
“That’s why I brought her here, Father.” Then Louie turned to Ana and motioned for her to come. “Let me introduce to you Ana, my fiancée. And Ana, this is Father Miguel.”
Ana smiled. “Good morning, Father Miguel.”
All of a sudden, Father Miguel’s smile faded. Nevertheless, he greeted Ana. “Good morning.”

The priest looked at her from head to toe, then looked closely at her face. Ana felt cold, so she squeezed Louie’s hand tightly. Louie thought that Ana was acting so weird. She seemed so scared, yet there was nothing to be afraid of.

“You look familiar,” Father Miguel broke out, looking at Ana. “What’s your name again?”
“I’m Ana, Father,” Ana answered courteously. “This is the first time we’ve met.”
Father Miguel narrowed his eyes. “Yes. It’s just that . . . I thought you’re someone I know. You resemble her.”
“Who is she?” Louie asked.
“Oh, no need. That’s not important,” Father Miguel answered, changing the subject. “So, are you ready for your wedding?”
“Of course, Father!” Louie exclaimed matter-of-factly. “In fact, we’ll go to the jewelry shop later to get our rings.”
“That’s nice,” Father Miguel replied. “And I think you better do so now. Remember, time is gold.”
“Alright, Father. I think we better go,” Louie said, and shook hands with the priest. “Thank you for your time and have a nice day.”
“Have a nice day, Father,” Ana repeated. “Goodbye.”
“Goodbye. Louie, take care of your fiancée. And congratulations.” And with that, they bid each other goodbye.

Father Miguel watched them as they strode along the aisle. The priest felt his heart beat fast and he shivered in fear and nervousness. Then, in his mind, he uttered a short prayer. “God the Father in heaven, take care of this couple.”

Louie opened the car door for Ana. When they were both inside, Louie looked worriedly at his fiancée and held her hand.

“Honey, is there anything wrong?”
Ana shook her head. “I’m not sure, Louie. I don’t understand myself. When we entered the cathedral a while ago, I suddenly felt nervous. Louie, I’m scared.”
“Scared of what?”
Ana shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Louie brushed his fingers through her long, black hair. He touched her face and said, “Honey, listen. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Just relax.”
Ana showed him a sober smile. “I’m okay.”

When Louie started the car and began to drive, Ana glanced at her window and saw a lady in a bridal gown following her with her eyes. Ana freaked out, and let out a short but sharp scream. Louie was startled, so he asked her what was wrong.
“I…I saw a lady there, looking at me,” Ana answered in a trembling voice, and pointed at the yard where she saw the lady.
“There’s nobody there,” Louie replied after looking at the yard. “Ana, perhaps you’re just stressed out with the wedding arrangements. Let’s relax.”
Ana and Louie, after getting their rings from the jewelry shop, had lunch together, strolled in the mall and spent the day with each other. They enjoyed every single moment of their company, and thanks to this, Ana forgot about the lady she saw in the cathedral yard.

It was past dinnertime when Louie brought her to her apartment. Louie offered to take her to her place at the fourth floor, but Ana refused. She reasoned out that Louie needed to go home and rest, and that she could go to her room by herself. Louie no longer insisted, and with a good night kiss, he left his fiancée and drove off.

Ana pressed the number 4 button in the elevator. When the door opened, nobody and nothing was inside, except for a bouquet of white roses lying on the floor. Ana’s heart thumped, but she overcame her fear. She took a deep breath and calmed herself with the thought that someone may have left it there.

When she reached the fourth floor, the door opened and she saw a lady in a bridal gown trailing towards her room. In horror, Ana remained glued to where she was standing. She could not move; she could only stare in shock. She did not know what to do, whether she would go to her room or not. And out of this reverie, her cell phone rang. Her hands shook as she reached for it in her bag, and she answered the call with a trembling voice.
“Hello, Ana,” the caller said. It was Louie. “You’re in your room now?”
“Y… I’m on my way,” Ana answered. “I just got out of the elevator.”
“I just called to check if you’re okay. Good night, honey. Sleep well.”
“Thanks, honey. Good night.”
“Good night. I’ll hang up now.”
“Wait,” Ana broke in. “Louie, I…” Then she paused for a second and seemed to change what she was supposed to say. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Ana.”

Ana took out her keys and opened her door. Slowly and nervously, she entered her room, with her eyes on the lookout for the appearance of ghosts. After turning her lights on and removing her shoes, she stretched out her arms and threw herself on her bed. “I need to relax,” she thought. For a few minutes, she closed her eyes and took deep breaths, and eventually, she felt calm inside. But when she opened her eyes, she gasped in horror, for the bouquet of white roses, which she saw in the elevator, rested beside her. Like a bolt of lightning, she jumped from her bed and headed for the door. But when she opened it, the more she was terrified, because the lady wearing a bridal gown stood before her, looking at her straight in the eye. She had nowhere else to go, and she could not do anything, but to let out, at the top of her lungs, a shrill and horrified scream.

The next day, when she woke up, she was surprised to see herself lying on her bed. “How could that be?” she thought. “The last thing I remember was I was standing at the doorway, seeing the lady. I was screaming. How did I get on my bed?” However, she did not let these things linger in her mind. Instead, she set aside her mystified thoughts and got ready for the day.

During the days that came, everything was normal for Ana. She did her routine the way she was accustomed to do it. Also, she was so busy with the final details about her wedding – finalizing this, double-checking that, making sure that the invitations were already sent – that her mind had no more room for thoughts about the bride she saw lately. And everyday, Louie would call her to check if she was fine, and Ana would relate how excited she was with their nearing wedding.

Then on Thursday night, Ana arrived at her apartment, bringing her bridal gown which she picked up from the dressmaker on her way home. She was so anxious to see it, so she sat on her bed and opened the box. Just then, she felt a sudden need to go the bathroom. When she came back, she saw it on the floor and her wedding gown had got out of the box. She bent to pick it up, but the moment she set her hands on her gown, her eyes widened in terror, because the bouquet of roses was inside the box. Her heart thumped. Her hands shook as she quickly fixed her gown and put it in its container. She focused her eyes on what she was doing because she was afraid to see the lady the moment she turn her eyes. But when she stood up, she saw the last thing she wanted to see, because the lady wearing a bridal gown stood at the other side of her bed.

Ana panicked and screamed. She ran out of her bedroom to her living room and quickly dialed Louie’s number. Hot tears ran down her cheeks. She felt her knees weaken and her hands were so cold as she held the receiver tightly. At last, Louie answered the phone, and before he could even finish his hello, Ana broke out.
“Louie, take me. Take me away from here.”
Louie was bewildered from what he heard from his fiancée. “What? What’s happening to you?”
“Just take me away from here!” Ana blurted out. “Take me quick!”

Ana no longer heard what Louie said, nor she had the chance to put the receiver down, because when she turned her eyes, a beautiful lady, with a grave face, wearing a bridal gown, was sitting next to her.

“AAAAHH!” Ana cried.

She wanted to escape. She wanted to hide. But she did not know where to go. She tripped over the leg of the center table, and like a thin blanket dropping from the clothesline, Ana stumbled and fell to the floor. Her knees hit hard against the tiled floor, and went black-and-blue. She struggled to get up, but it was difficult. And then, things became worse, because the moment she raised her head, she saw the lady looking down at her. Ana kept on screaming and shouting, her heart pounding so hard that she found it hard to breathe. She held her chest and ran to her bedroom and paved her way to the bathroom for refuge. Ana hid in the shower area with the curtain as her shield. She prayed that the horror would stop, and that the lady would leave her alone. She closed her eyes tightly and drowned herself in prayer.

Ana did not know how long she stayed in the bathroom. She did not care, for the only thing she was thinking about was to stop the lady from going near her. Ana cried out of fear and hopelessness. Every minute seemed eternity, and every second brought her torture.

When she heard the bathroom door open, Ana’s prayer stopped and she trembled in fear. When the shower curtain was swung open, she screamed so loud that she did not realize that it was Louie.
“Ana! Ana!” Louie called, his voice filled with worry. “What’s going on?”
“The lady! The lady! She’s here!” Ana cried out.

Ana almost went out of her mind. Louie carried her out of her apartment to his car. This calmed her down, and little by little, Ana stopped crying.

Louie gave her a bottle of water. After drinking, her tension was a bit relieved, though she was still panting for air.
“Ana,” Louie began, looking at Ana straight in the eye. “Tell me what happened.”
Ana shook her head. “You won’t believe me.”
“No. Honey, I promise. I’ll listen. And believe.”
Ana took a deep breath. “Okay. Last Sunday, when we left the cathedral, I saw a lady wearing a bridal gown, standing in the cathedral yard. She was looking at me. That night, when I rode the elevator, I saw a bouquet of white roses. I just ignored it, thinking that someone may have left it there. But when the door opened at the fourth floor, I saw the same lady walking towards my room. When I lied down on my bed for a few minutes, and then I opened my eyes, I saw the same bouquet. I freaked out so I ran to the door. But when I opened it, she was there!”
Louie held her hand. “Ssshh. Everything’s okay now.”
“And then,” Ana continued. “That lady haunted me tonight… a while ago… that’s why I called you…”
“Ssshhhh. Honey, no more of that now. I’m already here.”
“What will we do now?” Ana asked, and she burst into tears. “I’m so scared, Louie. I’m so scared.”
“We’ll go to my place. And tomorrow morning, we’ll go to Father Miguel.”
“But…” Ana was hesitant.
“Ssshhh,” Louie said, and put his finger on her lips. “You’ll be fine.”

Louie drove to his place where Ana spent the night. She slept on Louie’s bed, and Louie slept on the couch. Ana could not sleep; the images of the lady in the bridal gown still haunted her. Nevertheless, she snuggled beneath the covers and dozed off.

The next morning, the two of them came to Father Miguel. The priest was still having breakfast when they arrived. Father Miguel, ever so warm and accommodating, invited them to join him at the breakfast table. Ana and Louie could not refuse, so they heeded the priest’s invitation and they drank coffee with him.

Ana told Father Miguel about the lady she had seen when they visited last Sunday, and how she haunted her in her apartment. Father Miguel listened very carefully, analyzing every single detail that Ana spoke about.
“What does she look like?” Father Miguel asked.
“She’s all made up for a wedding. She’s beautiful, but she has a very sober expression.”
“Does she look like someone you know?”
Ana paused for a moment. “Father, I know this might be weird and unbelievable, but she looks like… like…me.”
Father Miguel raised his face. He looked at Louie, and then shifted his gaze at Ana. “I knew it!” he exclaimed. Then, in a low voice, the priest told them a story.
“Five years ago, I was about to marry a couple. The bride’s name was Carmina. Her groom didn’t show up at the wedding. When Carmina arrived here, her groom called, telling her that he was about to leave with another girl. Carmina was dumbfounded, and she fainted in shock. And right then and there, her heart stopped beating; she probably had a heart attack. She died. And since that day, I know, I can feel it, that Carmina still lingers here in this Cathedral.”

After Father Miguel’s last statement, the breakfast table shook, the chandelier swung and the lights turned on and off. Ana’s heart raced.
“What’s going on?” she screamed.
Louie held her hand. “Don’t be afraid, honey. Just relax.” Then he turned to the priest. “Father, what’s going on?”
Father Miguel stayed put, and replied. “Probably, it is she. Carmina is coming.”
“What?” Ana and Louie gasped in unison.

Just then, there was a gush of cold wind, the door opened, and a lady wearing a bridal gown entered. Ana and Louie stared in horror, as the lady raised her head and stared gravely at Ana.
“What are you doing here?” Carmina asked. “I’m getting married.”
Louie ran to Ana’s side. “What are you talking about?”
But Carmina ignored her. She did not take her eyes off of Ana. “Why are you here?”
Ana did not know what to do. She gulped, and answered in a trembling voice. “I… I’m getting married.”
The ghost almost flared up. “You’re not going to get married!” Carmina snapped. “That face – it’s mine! I’m the one getting married!”
“No!” Ana cried.

The ghost walked to Ana’s back. She seemed to examine her physique, and in a snap, Carmina pulled Ana’s hair. Ana groaned in pain and begged Carmina to stop it. Louie wanted to protect Ana from the ghost. He shoved her, but his hands just ran through Carmina’s “body”. Louie kept on trying, but the ghost stood still and did not move an inch.

Father Miguel froze in terror upon witnessing the encounter between Carmina’s spirit and the couple. He had never seen anything like that before. He couldn’t think; he did not know what to do. But he held on to his faith, and in a snap, Father Miguel stood up and faced Carmina.
“In the name of Jesus, Carmina, please leave them alone.”
Carmina did not listen. She went on touching Ana’s hair, and then her face and shoulders. As her cold “hand” brushed on Ana’s smooth skin, goosebumps became even more evident on the arms of the bride-to-be.
Once again, Father Miguel tried to stop Carmina. “Carmina, rest in peace now.”
Upon hearing that, Carmina stopped what she was doing. “I’m not dead.”
Father Miguel shook his head. “You are. You died five years ago, in this cathedral, on your wedding day. Remember?”
Carmina paused for minutes. She could not believe what she had just heard. Turning out, she did not know that she was dead, and because Ana resembled her, she thought that she was still going to get married. Carmina was so bewildered with what the priest told her. Her previously grave face became a picture of confusion.

Then, Carmina realized that Father Miguel was right. She was already dead, and she was no longer going to get married. Crestfallen, Carmina fell to her knees and wept.
“I’m dead! I’m dead!”
Ana stood up. “I’m sorry.” Carmina did not answer. She just wept and wept.

Then, Father Miguel suggested that the three of them pray for Carmina, that her soul be quiet and that she may rest in peace. Holding each other’s hands, Ana, Louie and Father Miguel circled around Carmina and prayed. After that, a beam of light entered through the ceiling. Carmina looked up and slowly, she rose from the ground.
“Thank you,” she said softly to the three people in the room. “Ana and Louie, congratulations. And best wishes for you, Ana.”

After speaking her last words, Carmina vanished along with the beam of light. Ana and Louie embraced each other, and Father Miguel blessed them.

Sunday came. It was 9:50 a.m., and the guests had arrived in the cathedral. They were all enthusiastic with the wedding, and everyone could not wait for it to start. At last, the bridal car came into view, and the guests cheered as it approached the cathedral. Then, Ana came out, and like a flock of sheep being tended by a shepherd, the flower girls, the bridesmaids and all the other participants in the entourage formed their line.

Before Ana took her place at the back, she looked at the altar and saw Louie waiting for her. Ana smiled; her beauty radiated even more. When she went at the back of the line, her eyes wandered through the cathedral yard, and she saw Carmina standing under a tree. Carmina’s face was no longer grave, for it was full of joy and gratitude. She waved at Ana, and the bride waved back.

At last, when the clock stroked ten, the church bells rang, the organist started playing, and the bridal entourage strode to the rhythm of the “Bridal Chorus.”

23

2011-10-25T00:43:00.004+08:00

How does it feel to be 23?

I don't know exactly. Not much different from being 22, I guess? Probably because when I turned 22 last year, it was my first birthday with my dearest beside me (since in my previous birthdays, I was single hehe), so I was so excited to celebrate my birthday differently. I had the whole day to myself to do what I wanted, and I spent it watching a movie and eating at Bigoli (pasta woohoo!) with my dearest. My 22nd birthday was a Saturday, and Saturdays are my me-days, so it was perfect.

But this year, my birthday fell on a Sunday and coincided with the celebration of my grandparents' birthdays. My grandmother's birthday was October 5, and my grandfather's was September 30. My mother and her siblings decided to celebrate their birthdays on October 9, Sunday, which was my birthday. At first, I felt a little upset because I had plans on how to celebrate it, but of course, we all had to be there at my grandparents' birthday celebration. But maybe it was God's way of telling me not to be selfish. Yes, it was my special day, but it wouldn't hurt me to share it with other people. So from morning until afternoon, I was with my relatives celebrating my grandparents' birthdays. After the party, my dearest and I watched a movie (last year, it was Eat, Pray, Love; this time it was Friends with Benefits haha), just like I had planned.

So what did I learn on my 23rd birthday? To not be selfish, and to appreciate my family more - from my parents and sister to my aunts, uncles, and cousins... and counting. To take time to interact with them and share stories, even if sometimes, those stories have already been told a thousand times. Having lots of people around you may sometimes be annoying because you feel you can't do everything that you want, but hey, it's a blessing. My whole family may not be wealthy, but we always have each other.

So how does it feel to be 23? I feel a little more mature. I also feel that I'm a year closer to my goals. I know that God has lots of good things in store for me in the future, and with each birthday, one door leading to those is unlocked. It would be a waste of a special moment if I would choose to frown just because things didn't turn out according to my plan.

My cousins surprised me with a little cake while I was hosting at the party.

Thank you. :)

Skyscraper

2011-10-09T00:00:00.003+08:00

On this site will rise
A tower of dreams
Storeys upon storeys
Of months and months
Of labor.

Men excavate deep
For a solid foundation.
Steel and concrete marry,
Giving birth to a sound structure
Of ambition.

Spaces are partitioned
Into shoebox square meters,
But hey, it has the prime address
And pure luxuries at the press
Of the elevator button.

At last, it’s turned over
To those who’ve paid the price
Of reaching the sky,
Rising above the city,
Untouchable by mere mortals.

-Katherine Lopez
08 October 2011

Some Books I Read While Away from This Blog

2011-10-08T13:39:00.011+08:00

I'm back, dusting off the cobwebs that have formed in this blog from a long hiatus. More than two weeks of being away from this blog made me miss my online home, but I don't regret disconnecting for a while. Because while I was away, I read books that have been figuratively gathering cobwebs in my shelf.

I finished reading Gregory Maguire's Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. I've been reading it since May (yeah I'm a slow reader). I didn't know it was political. Haha. I thought it was just about magic and stuff. It was an allegory. Although the characters and story were fictitious, they represent our world today - the presence of a ruling class, and those who are trying to change this setup find themselves in total danger.

After that, I read Paulo Coelho's The Winner Stands Alone. I've been reading it since the early part of this year (or was it late last year? Haha can't remember), but after three chapters, I put it aside when I decided to read The Hunger Games Trilogy. So after Wicked, I started with it again. It's a novel about how people become slaves of power, fame, and fortune, and how once they have those, they yearn for more. Sounds cliche, but I think novels tackling that theme are always worth reading. They're a reminder for us not to focus all our energies in our careers or in being the best in the expense of our relationships - something we know perfectly well but somehow, along the way, manage to "forget".

My only problem with reading Coelho is sometimes, his characters' philosophical musings or conversations seem to come from nowhere, like they're somewhat off in the current situation described in the novel. For example, the film distributor Javits Wild, one of the characters in The Winner Stands Alone, is having lunch at a party, then all of a sudden, he blurts out to one of his bodyguards, "What does being normal mean?" Before that, there's the narration about what's going on in Javits's mind, how he seems to already have everything and what more can he possibly want, and then, he pops that question. For me, it could've been better if Javits was talking to someone about, say, his status in life, or the Cannes Film Festival (the novel's setting), then gradually, the conversation is driven to a pondering tone, where his question wouldn't be off.

And another thing, I think the theme is overstated in The Winner Stands Alone. Like, yes, it's about people being slaves of money, fame, and power, but does he have to say that over and over throughout the novel? I'd rather that this be shown through the characters' actions rather than being shown and stated at the same time. Nevertheless, The Winner Stands Alone is a good read.

Now, I'm reading Samantha Sotto's Before Ever After. I've read more than half already, but I'll keep my comments to myself first until I finish reading it.

*Photos from Google Images

Disconnect

2011-09-19T20:48:00.003+08:00

I haven't posted a new entry in two weeks, partly because I couldn't make time for it due to my busy schedule (it's that time of the month in the magazine where everyone is really busy), and partly because I chose to get a bit disconnected from the Internet.

I cannot totally disconnect myself from the Net because I use it for work, but to give myself a break, I can limit the time I spend being glued to the PC or Kaylie, my netbook, when I'm at home. I feel that I'm missing out on something when I'm constantly connected to the Internet. While I'm logged on to Facebook or Twitter, there might be a good movie being shown at that moment on HBO or Star Movies, which I would just miss because I'm busy checking my friends' updates. I could've been flipping pages of books instead of waiting for web pages to load.

The other weekend, I started to do the disconnecting, and it felt liberating. I finished reading Wicked, which I've been reading for several months already. I started reading a new one: Paulo Coelho's The Winner Stands Alone, which has been in my bookshelf since the start of this year. I was able to chance upon the Pinoy comedy Kimmy Dora on Cinema One, and had a good, laughing Sunday because of that. Last Monday, I watched the 9/11 interviews on National Geographic when I got home from work instead of aimlessly surfing the Net to kill time.

I'm still busy at work, and will continue to be. I'll still post entries in my blog, of course, reply to comments, and read other blogs. I love blogging, and I love the Internet. But like in a real relationship, parties need space. Hence, a bit of disconnecting is necessary, lest I become disconnected from other spheres of my life, and miss out on something great.

Iced Gem Biscuits

2011-09-04T22:09:00.005+08:00

One of the things that remind me of my childhood is this: a pack of Iced Gem Biscuits.

They're tiny biscuits decorated with solid icing on top. They're sweet, and I loved munching on them when I was young. I guess the fancy look of each biscuit makes them so appealing, especially to little kids.

Whenever I chance upon a pack of Iced Gem Biscuits in one of the food places at the ground floor of our office building, I take the opportunity to buy one and reminisce the days when I was little - days marked by playing with my dolls and tau-tauhans (toy people) when school is out and reading storybooks at night.

Other ~~junkfood~~ snacks that I enjoyed when I was a kid were the tiny, football-shaped Goya chocolates, Serg's chocolate bars, that P1 lollipop whose brand I can't recall (I'm not even sure if it has a brand), Zip orange juice that are placed inside triangular cartons, Hansel cookie sandwich, and Tivoli ice cream. Now, only Hansel cookie sandwich is sold in groceries and sari-sari (variety) stores. The tiny Goya chocolates have evolved into Goya chocolate bars, which are also yummy, but I miss the bite-size, football-shaped ones. I miss Tivoli ice cream. I miss licking that cheap lollipop (I loved the strawberry flavor). I miss being a kid.

Good thing I get to munch on Iced Gem Biscuits once in a while. And Hansel cookie sandwich, too (I love the mocha flavor). They make me feel like a kid again, and it's really good to feel that once in a while.

How about you? What reminds you of your childhood?

My First Poem

2011-08-27T19:36:00.009+08:00

This is the first poem I ever wrote. Maybe not the very first, because I remember, when I was in second grade, our English teacher then asked us to write a poem about Jesus. I wrote something with "Jesus, King of the Jews" in one of the stanzas, but I didn't have a copy of that. It was a school activity. The poem I'm going to share with you is something I didn't write for school. I wrote it because I wanted to.

A Tree, A Friend

A tree is a friend
A friend that never end
Giving us fresh air
Here and everywhere.

God created a tree
For you and me
For us to share
That fruits that it bear

Trees that God made
Trees that give us shade
A shade that can make us cool
So the leaves, please don't pull

Let's take care of the trees
Make them increase
Let's take care of nature
For the better of our future

I wrote the poem when I was 10. I wrote it because I love Joyce Kilmer's poem, Trees, which we memorized and recited individually when we were in third grade for Reading class. Actually, back in third grade also, our Language teacher made us write a poem on trees. I wrote the first stanza of this poem in third grade; I submitted a two-stanza poem. And then, when I was 10, I decided to add stanzas to my poem on trees. I kept the first stanza, changed the second, and added two more.

I submitted this to our elementary school paper when I was in fifth grade. It didn't get published. I tried again the following year, and it had the same fate. When I was a high school freshman, I tried again, but it didn't see print. I decided to just keep it.

Reading it now, I'm laughing at myself for the grammatical errors I'm seeing. Comparing it with my more recent works, this poem pales in terms of choice of words and style. And let's not forget grammar. Haha! But still, I treasure this poem. I thought I've already lost this. So imagine how happy I am when I found it as I was rummaging through some old CDs.

When I wrote poems back then, I wanted them to have rhyme. Hence, this poem's rhyming last words. I also wanted them to convey messages, like a call of action or something. I hope, despite the limitations of this poem, it did impart an important message: that we must take care of nature. After all, as Joyce Kilmer had written:

"Poems are made by fools like me
But only God can make a tree."

Adam and Eve

2011-08-22T20:37:00.003+08:00

In the beginning,

Man and woman were welcomed
Into the Garden of Eden,
Where richness thrives
In the fruit-bearing trees,
Fresh, cool water from the springs,
And sweet-smelling grass.

All those were theirs to enjoy.
Nothing was scarce.
They would know no famine or drought
In that paradise of a garden.
Except for one condition
That sounded so simple.

That man and woman should not touch
The fruit from the Tree of Knowledge
Of Good and Evil.
Lest, they be banished from paradise,
And face each waking day with hardships,
And struggle for survival.

What a price to pay for awakening
To what is true, to what is real.
What god was it to make man and woman
Follow so blindly, and take away
Their means of knowing.

And so they heard a voice,
A voice that was different
Saying something different,
"Eat it, taste it. The fruit
From the Tree of Knowledge.
Take a bite, and you'll see."

And they did, and they saw
That they were naked.
Hid themselves in shame.
But what was there to be ashamed of?
That they were standing in their bare glory?
Or was it because of fear?

Alas, man and woman had to pay
For what they did, for opening their eyes
To what was being concealed.
With nothing in their hands,
And nothing on their bodies,
They walked away from paradise.

-Katherine Lopez
22 August 2011

Bad Dream

2011-08-15T22:38:00.002+08:00

Last night, I had a really bad dream. There was an aswang right outside my bedroom. And I was SOOOOOOO scared because it wanted to get inside my room and probably devour me. My mom and I were in my room, and we were praying the rosary nonstop. The aswang was just at the other side of my door, and I leaned on it with all my strength so the aswang wouldn't be able to open the door. I was praying the rosary, reciting the mysteries and prayers out loud. The aswang didn't go away, and I could hear its screams and ghastly sounds, but it couldn't enter my room because of our prayers.

In my dream, this battle with the aswang lasted for a whole night. I could already see the black sky turning gray, but the battle wasn't over! How weird because aswangs are afraid of daylight, right? Just like vampires. Anyway, in my dream, I already finished praying five mysteries of the rosary (couldn't remember if I prayed the joyful, sorrowful, glorious, or luminous), but the aswang was still there. So I held my rosary more tightly and started praying another set.

My mom went out of my room to go to my sister's room. I opened the door a bit so she could go out, and closed it quickly so the aswang wouldn't enter my room (wasn't it weird that the aswang was only after me? It didn't attack my mom even if she went out of my room, right where it was). While my mom was out, I kept on praying out loud. I peeked under the door and saw the aswang's ugly, gray, monster-like feet. I inserted my rosary underneath and waved it left and right. The aswang stepped back, while letting out ghastly screams, so its feet wouldn't touch the rosary. When my mom came back, I opened the door for her, but just a bit so the aswang couldn't enter. She quickly came in and I shut the door immediately. I leaned on the door and prayed and prayed and prayed....

And then I woke up! Finally! It was probably around 5 a.m. The sky outside was gray, and the lights from the lampposts outside were already being turned off. Whew! How relieved I was that it was just a dream. I prayed to God for this great relief and for guidance and protection.

What does my dream mean? I don't know. Maybe the things that bother me manifested in my dream in the form of that aswang. Or maybe it's just a reminder from The One Above about the power of prayer. That through prayer, nothing is impossible. And He'll always be there for us as long as we constantly communicate with Him. Maybe He's just calling on me to pray more. :)

Anyway, I'm really glad that it was just a dream. I don't want to dream of it again. From now on, I'll remember to think happy thoughts before I sleep. And to pray.

Beautiful Ballet and Some Thoughts on Art

2011-08-14T22:28:00.010+08:00

Last night, I watched a ballet performance in a theater for the first time. My dearest and I watched Encantada, Ballet Philippines' season opener. It depicted man's relationship with nature in the context of our colonial history. During the pre-colonial times, the Filipinos were in harmony with nature, worshiping the deities who reside in the different elements, like earth and water. When the Spaniards came, they used religion to colonize the Filipinos. They submitted to this religion, but they were abused by the colonizers. A man sought refuge in the arms of nature and was cradled by the diwatas (deities). He was healed of all his wounds, and had a good life with them. But the Spaniards found him, killed him, and destroyed nature. They thought they had won, but nature got back at them in the form of calamities. In the end, the diwatas won; Mother Earth prevailed, and harmony was restored between man and nature.

It is a simple story but it holds so much truth and meaning. Destruction of nature has begun centuries ago, and now until the years to come, we will be reaping the consequences. The calamities aren't nature's way of being vengeful; calamities are our own doing. They are the results of raping Mother Earth. But I believe, a tinge of hope, no matter how tiny, still remains. If we change our ways, it won't be impossible to restore our own harmony with the environment.

I was really excited to watch Encantada, not just because it was the first ballet performance I would be watching in a theater, but I was looking forward to the beauty and talent I would be seeing on stage. I wasn't disappointed. Even before the curtains were up for the first act, the music already sent shivers down my spine. When the curtains were lifted, I was in awe with the set on stage and dancers' formations. When they started dancing and depicting nature, I was completely blown away. When you look at how they move, their steps seemed easy, or maybe, they made it look so easy and simple even if they really weren't, but they were so graceful and powerful. Their arm movements symbolized tree branches, the wind, water, and the healing hand of nature. I particularly couldn't forget the scene when the man who fled from the Spaniards came to the diwatas' lair. He was unconscious, and seven ballerinas rolled side by side, with him on top of them, and made it look like he was floating on the river. Amazing!

There were quite a lot of scenes when I didn't know where to focus my gaze on the stage, because they were all so good. Sure, there was a principal dancer, who danced the main part, but those playing the supporting roles were also grabbing my attention. Everything was well-choreographed, especially the fighting scenes. The dancers were all so beautiful and they were all so good.

The diwatas after the show

When the performance was over and they were all bowing for the curtain call, I felt like giving them a standing ovation. I wish I could've stood up, but no one else was standing up, so I kinda felt awkward. But maybe they were just waiting for someone to start it, so now, I regret not giving them a standing ovation. They deserved it.

I was also happy because my dearest enjoyed the show, too. It was also his first time to watch such a performance. He said he was inspired to draw and paint more diwatas, and he will now paint them dancing, just like what he saw on stage. During the 15-minute intermission and after the show, we were discussing the show, talking about the message, the story, and the way the cast danced. It was a lovely experience.

I look forward to watching other ballet performances. I look forward to seeing more of the Filipinos' artistic talent. And I hope, more people will get to appreciate it. Art isn't only for the rich, the elite, or those who can afford it. It's supposed to be for everyone. It represents our culture. It's a tool to raise consciousness. More than a form of expression, art speaks of what we are and what we can offer to the world. So let's go see how talented we are.

Image from Creative Manila

Glimpse of My '90s: The Cranberries

2011-08-13T13:21:00.003+08:00

While I was in poetry drought in the past two weeks, I've been reliving my childhood through some '90s music. It was Aqua at the start of the week, then it became The Cranberries that gave me a major LSS (Last Song Syndrome). It started when my dearest posted a music video of one of their songs, Linger, on my Facebook wall. Then, I looked for the music video of my favorite Cranberries song.

That's Ode To My Family. Well, to be honest, I didn't know that its title was Ode To My Family. All I knew was that it was a song that starts with "doo doo doo doo...". Haha! Thanks to Youtube, I was able to find the music video and learn about the title as well. Haha!

I remember we had a cassette tape of The Cranberries (woohooo a cassette tape!). My dad would play it on Sunday mornings (that is, if my memory is right). Back then, I couldn't understand the lyrics. I really suck at deciphering lyrics even up to now. But despite that, I like the song; the vocalist Dolores O'Riordan's voice is clear and beautiful, and the song's melody is great for chilling out. And now that I already know the lyrics, the song has another plus for me.

When I was I think in fourth or fifth grade, we attended a talk about backward masking. The Cranberries was one of the bands mentioned in the talk. The speaker said their songs had evil messages. I couldn't remember if the speaker pointed out a specific song. Maybe it was their song Zombie.

That's evil? I don't think so. I did some Googling about the song. It's a protest song meant to criticize the bombing in Warrington, Cheshire in 1993.

The Cranberries have other great songs. I like Linger and Just My Imagination, too. So I'm going to end this post here, look for their songs online (I couldn't find the cassette tape anymore. Haha!), and enjoy listening to them.

Barbie Girl

2011-08-08T23:54:00.002+08:00

Hello, '90s kids! Who among you doesn't know (or who doesn't have even the tiniest bit of familiarity with) this song?

I loved this song when I was a kid. I used to dance to this song, especially during Christmas parties with relatives when kids were "required" to dance or sing or perform anything in exchange for aguinaldo (money given to kids by godparents or any adult during Christmas). This song was just so fun to listen and dance to. Adding to that is the oh-so-playful music video. Everything about this song was so lovable to my kiddie eyes and ears.

That was because I didn't know the meaning behind this song's lyrics. Haha! I mean, hello? It's Barbie and Ken going to a party together. What could possibly be wrong with that? That's what I used to think.

Not until I listened to this song again as an adult did I realize that this song is about sex. Like hello, hanky panky? I agree with one comment in Youtube about this: "I just realised how dirty this song is...O_O" (yeah the exact words published there). I'm not gonna go moralistic here by saying that songs like these should be banned yadda yadda yadda. What I'm concerned about is that kids who listen (or should I say listened, because this song isn't played in the radio or wherever anymore) to this song, or to these kinds of songs, might wake up to the wrong notions of sex - that it's just a "hanky panky", or a mere game, instead of it being done in the context of love and commitment and responsibility.

So what are we going to do now? I believe it is important that adults - parents, aunts, uncles, godparents, among others - must get to know the things that their little ones are exposed to. I'm not saying that we should be strict and let the kids watch only Dora the Explorer. But rather, we must be aware of the TV shows they watch, the music they listen to, and the games they play so that when we see that they are watching Rated-PG shows, or hear that they are singing along to songs that aren't appropriate for their age, we can explain very well what those shows or songs are trying to say. This way, they get to learn about sex or any sensitive topic from people they can truly trust and who truly care about them.

Meanwhile, I can't seem to stop hitting the replay button. I can't help but reminisce my childhood with this song, when I was still a young and innocent girl whose means of "earning money" was performing in front of relatives during Christmas parties. :) Haha!

Fight for Love

2011-08-06T23:44:00.005+08:00

I just finished watching an episode of Grey's Anatomy with my sister.In the episode, there was a ballerina who had cancer, and the doctors had to amputate his leg. Of course, the guy felt like his whole world was crashing down. His leg wasn't only his leg; it was his life. To illustrate his point, he danced in front of the doctors, and said, "Build me a leg that would let me do that."

One of the doctors, Alex Karev, found a way on how they could save him without amputating his leg. They took off the affected part of his leg bone, got rid of the cancer cells on that part, and placed it back again in his leg. In the end, the ballerina got to keep his leg.

This reminded me of an episode in my favorite series, Make It Or Break It. In the first season, one of the main characters, Payson Keeler, broke her back during a tournament. All the doctors they went to said it was inoperable, and that she couldn't do gymnastics anymore. Payson was devastated; she couldn't give up what she loves to do. She couldn't give up her dream. When she had learned to accept that she couldn't do gymnastics anymore, and was slowly adjusting to a new life, a doctor came and said there was a way to fix her back and let her do gymnastics again. Her parents were afraid because the surgery was risky, but they went on with it. And so Payson was able to do gymnastics again. She was able to go back to what she truly loved and what she was most passionate about.

Fighting for love isn't easy; it takes bravery and resilience. There is always that one person whom we care about the most, or that one thing that we don't get tired of doing and would like to do for the rest of the lives. But life always throws rocks, sometimes big boulders, that require us to do more effort. We must push them away, so they wouldn't block us or separate us from what we love. We can always ask help, or choose to get rid of those obstacles on our own. Either way, the most important thing is not to give up.

Do you recall an instance when you really fought for something? Or fought for someone? Have you ever experienced holding on to that one last thread of hope so you can keep doing what you love (or whom you love)? Was the ending what you fought for?

To fight for something gives us purpose. To fight for love gives us purpose and meaning. When we give up that fight, maybe we don't love it as much as we thought we do. Not that it's always bad, especially if we decide to focus our energy on doing something else, or take a different career path. Times change, and so do we and our interests.

So whatever it is that we love to do, let's keep doing it. Sometimes, odds may not be in our favor, but, when done for love, overcoming those odds would always be worth it.

I Wanna Be With You

2011-07-31T22:39:00.000+08:00

It's one of my favorite Mandy Moore songs, and was also used in one of my favorite movies, Center Stage. I miss her. She's not as prominent a singer as before. Nevertheless, I still love her. Her beautiful voice is truly captivating, especially in this video:

I like this version better than the recorded one, because the latter is, should I say, a bit too "airy". Maybe it's because of the effects? I don't know. But what I do know is this is a beautiful song, especially when it's sang from the heart, just like what she did in this video. :)

Lipstick Love

2011-07-30T14:57:00.001+08:00

WARNING: This is a very vain post.

Since my last two posts have been quite sad, I'm gonna post something light. Something that's usually a cause for girls to smile about.

Makeup. :) Haha!

Ever since I got that little makeover from Women's Health Philippines, I became interested in makeup. I'm no makeup junkie, but I became fascinated with it. :) Whenever I'm in the mall, aside from bookstores and my favorite clothes stores, I find myself checking out cosmetics stores and trying out some. And sometimes, I end up buying. Hehe.

Case in point: My visits to Etude House.

The first time I went there, I bought an eyebrow filler. When I came back to try out some lipsticks, I ended up buying a cute pink one.

Sweet and cute, isn't it?

The next time I went to Etude House, I didn't have plans to buy anything. I was just trying on a few lipstick shades, but the saleslady was so persuasive. Haha! Yeah, I'm blaming her. She got me into buying an orange lipstick.

It's a warm orange shade, not the OMG-I-look-like-I'm-from-outer-space kind. And I like it. When I wear it, I don't put on blush anymore because I think the lipstick in itself is attractive already.

So there. Although I love putting on makeup, I don't overdo it. Too much makeup doesn't make anyone pretty, right? And I give my face a rest day from cosmetics. It needs to breathe, too.

So girls, how about you? Do you wear lipstick? What's your favorite shade? :)

Seven Links

2011-07-26T23:20:00.000+08:00

Because I was tagged by Leah of Leah's Treasures, I am participating in the 7 Links Project. I'll be sharing with you my old entries which fit the categories given in the said project. Sounds interesting? Here they are:

My Most Beautiful Post: Deceit (March 20, 2011)

Is it really for me to decide what is my most beautiful post? I can't really choose because I think it's you, my dear readers, who should decide, but I picked this one because it garnered the most number of comments among the poems I have written, and I love, love, love poetry (and I thank all of you for being supportive of my poetry-writing).

Based on my blog statistics, this entry has the most number of page views. I'm actually surprised because I posted it out of nostalgia. I used to draw when I was a kid. I'm not really good at it, and the drawing part isn't really what I'm after, but the coloring part. I love, love, love colors, and I love seeing them blend and mingle with one another. I probably have a raw talent for the visual arts; I just chose other skills develop. Hence, it got buried beneath other interests. :)

My Most Controversial Post: Super Man (Feb. 27, 2011)

Well, this isn't really controversial. I don't think I have a controversial post. Haha! Anyway, this poem is dedicated to my dearest, and I love that it got quite a lot of comments from readers. They loved it, too, and I think this is the post where I showed everyone how proud I am of my dearest, and how blessed I am to be with him.

My Most Helpful Post: Palawan Weekend Part 3: 'Round the Town (June 5, 2011)

This isn't the only entry that I think is the most helpful, but the entire Palawan Weekend series (Parts 1 to 5). It was my first time to blog about the beauty my country has to offer, and I think, whoever stumbles upon this series of entries will also appreciate and see how beautiful the Philippines is. And I hope this can help them be proud that they're Filipinos. And for non-Filipino readers, I hope this entry will open your eyes to the wonders of my country, and, if time and funds permit, will encourage you to come for a visit, if not for a long vacation. :)

A Post Whose Success Surprised Me: If I Were A Dancer (Jan. 30, 2011)

This is my second most popular post, according to my blog statistics. But that's not the only reason why for me, this is successful. The comments I got from my readers showed that they not only found this piece beautiful, but they also felt what I wrote. And for me, as a writer, that's the best part. :)

A Post I Feel Didn't Get the Attention It Deserved: Late Dinners (Nov. 22, 2010)

It's a poem I wrote, and it didn't get any comments. Huhu. Maybe I didn't do enough plugging? Haha! Anyway, maybe it was just a "dry week" when I posted it that's why it didn't get much attention. Thank goodness for this Seven Links Project, the poem gets a second chance. Hahaha!

The Post I Am Most Proud Of: Valentine's Series: Hearts (Feb. 1, 2011)

Like the entry I ranked as my most helpful post, this isn't the only piece I am most proud of, but all the poems in my Valentine's Series. From Feb. 1 to 14, I wrote acrostic poems from words that are love-related to celebrate Valentine's Day. That was a challenge, and I was so happy when I finished the series. I felt fulfilled. I enjoyed doing it, and it thrilled me that my readers read and left comments saying how much they loved it, too. Some even said they couldn't wait to see the rest of the series.

I am not tagging anyone to do this, but I am encouraging you, my fellow bloggers, to do this in your own blogs when you have the time. This is fun, and it's nice to look back on your old entries, reflect on what made you write them, and see them in a new light. :)

Crushed

2011-07-24T23:56:00.001+08:00

Like a soda can
Thrown on the sidewalk,
Stepped on by unscrupulous
Soles of hard leather boots.

It makes a deafening sound
Of tin against cement,
The friction jolting a sleeping cat
Back to a harsh world.

The can caves in,
The heavy dent penetrates
And gnaws on the inside,
Hollow, useless, without purpose.

It is kicked by passers-by
And blown by a strong, cold wind,
Hitting alley walls and finally a trash bin,
Where it rightfully belongs.

-Katherine Lopez
24 July 2011

Smile

2011-07-23T20:57:00.007+08:00

I'm feeling, uh, sad lately. I don't know. I just feel down. Maybe it's just one of those "I'm-not-so-sparkly-today-so-leave-me-alone" days. But the truth is, I kinda don't want to be left alone. I want to have someone to talk to although I don't know what to talk about. A part of me want to to share why I'm sad, but my reasonable self tells me to just keep it to myself. I might overshare and that would land be in a big trouble (again).

To cheer up myself a little, I watch my favorite videos on Youtube. This is one of my favorites: Chinese gymnast Jiang Yuyuan's floor routine in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Don't you just love her smile? Although she didn't win an individual medal for this routine, her artistic expression makes this routine so lovable. She was so happy doing this routine, and it shows. She attacked each move with so much passion, energy, and joy. Her bubbly music suits her happy disposition. I can watch this video over and over and not get tired of it. I love her smile, especially at the end of her routine. It's like she's saying, "Hey, I did it! I loved it!" And the crowd loves her, too.

I wish I could bring back my similar sparkle. Everything will soon be okay, right? I'm sad, and there's nothing wrong with embracing it for now. Maybe I don't need to fight it if that's what I'm actually feeling; I'm acknowledging it as I work things out in my head.

For now, I'm sad. So I'm again pressing the video's play button to enjoy Jiang Yuyuan's routine. Her smile makes me smile, too.

The Carousel

2011-07-17T19:52:00.004+08:00

I choose the white horse

With golden hair

And red clothes that

Make him look like a prince.

I carefully mount myself

On the saddle,

Hold on to the golden pole

Like a little girl to her fantasies.

The bell rings, the carousel

Goes 'round, takes me

To a world of castles and candies,

And princesses playing on a sprawling garden

Where worries do not exist,

And afternoons are spent

Running and frolicking

On sweet-smelling grass.

The horse tickles

As it goes up and down,

Eliciting giggles in this journey

To a painted dream.

The world becomes a blur,

Everything fades, overpowered

By the twinkling lights.

I am transported.

Alas, the bell rings.

I go down, say goodbye to

The lights, the music, and the horse

That made me a child again.

-Katherine Lopez

17 July 2011

Miss Perfect

2011-07-12T09:12:00.003+08:00

You're the epitome
Of everything
She has ever
Wanted.
Secretly.

You've got the face
Worthy of a magazine cover.
Smooth, silky hair
Cascading from your nape
Down to your back.

You've got the brains
To ace every exam,
Be at the top.
Everyone looks up to you
Like a goddess.

You're showered with
Every bit of comfort,
Never dining on an
Empty table, never leaving
With an empty purse.

You've got charm, talents,
Even a heart of gold.
They're drawn to you,
Attracted like ants
To a piece of caramel cake.

While she fades in the background,
Resenting her own life,
Wishing she could have more
Than her typical face, average skills,
And an almost empty purse.

-Katherine Lopez
11 July 2011

The Rides That Took My Breath Away

2011-07-09T16:21:00.015+08:00

It is raining hard and my visit to the doctor didn't push through, so I'm just here at home today. I can't help but look back on my last Saturday, when my dearest and I went to Enchanted Kingdom.

And since I'm reminiscing, I want to share with you the rides that took my breath away, both in a good and bad way.

First, the Flying Fiesta.

It was my first time to go to Enchanted Kingdom last Saturday, despite the fact that the theme park has already been there for more than a decade or so. My family isn't a fan of theme parks, and going to EK can be costly, with pricey tickets and food inside (you can't bring your own, or you can leave it in your car and just go out for a while when you're hungry).

Flying Fiesta is one of the rides I've been looking forward to trying out, aside from the Roller Skater (a small roller coaster, and it used to be called Junior Skater). As the ride turns, it's as if the people sitting on those swing-like seats are being thrown into the air.

And that's exactly how I felt when we got our turn to ride it. It was a "whoooooooo"-inducing feeling, expressed in joy and excitement. Flying Fiesta also tilts, so there were parts when you are thrown higher.

I closed my eyes so I wouldn't get dizzy. And with my eyes closed, I felt the wind more - its cool touch caressing my face. I felt like flying. Haha. Okay I'm overreacting here. But, the ride was longer than what I felt would be enough. When the Flying Fiesta kept on turning and turning, my mind was screaming, "gusto ko na bumaba!!!" (I wanna go down!!!). And okay, maybe I was again overreacting there. The duration of the ride was around two to three minutes, and when you're merely watching, that's really quick. But when you're the one riding it, it feels longer. Anyway, I'd like to try the Flying Fiesta again. I super love it!

Next is the Anchors Away. OMG I'M NEVER RIDING THIS AGAIN! EVER!

Hahaha. That's because I felt dizzy afterwards. I thought I was going to throw up. That ship-like right just swings back and forth, but it swings REALLY HARD. And HIGH! At first, the swings are just low, somehow similar to a swing at a playground, only bigger.

But at the middle of the ride, it swings higher, almost at a right angle to the ground. It's fine. It's exciting. But if it keeps on swinging at that angle for like a couple of minutes, or maybe more, it's insane!!! When it swings toward the opposite direction as you, and you're going up, it's fine. But when it's your turn to experience it going down, screaming is not just an option. It's a MUST!

Every time the ship-like thing would go down, it was like my soul was getting left behind. Okay I'm again exaggerating, but being thrown back and forth at such a height is no joke. It's fun and exciting, yes, but it's also scary. Even if you're locked to your seat by a metal seatbelt, you still feel like you're falling. Only you don't hit the ground, but get thrown higher, only to fall again with such great power.

The duration of the ride was I think three to four minutes. There were tears in my eyes when we got down, but my dearest and I were laughing at the same time. After riding the Anchors Away, we rested on a nearby bench for around 20 minutes. I needed time to re-compose myself and wait for my internal organs to settle down. Hahaha.

Last is the Wheel of Fate. It was a relaxing ride. When you're at the top, you're offered a panoramic view of the province. Such a beautiful sight. If only my knees didn't weaken when we were suspended at the top of that ferries wheel, the ride would've been perfect.

Because there were many gondolas attached to the Wheel of Fate, it took a lot of time for each of them to be occupied. Of course, the operators would alternately turn and stop the wheel to fill each of them. So while the others are alighting and new passengers are getting in, those who have gone before them remain motionless at the top. If you're scared of heights, you might panic. I don't really have a phobia, but being at the top of the ferries wheel for several minutes can be a bit scary.

Finally, the wheel turned. Wooohoooo! I really enjoyed the view. I saw the highway, fields, houses. Everything just stretched to the horizon. Beautiful.

My dearest and I rode five rides that day (make that six if you count the second time we rode the carousel). We skipped the daring and uber adventurous rides because we both knew we couldn't endure them. Haha.

I would love to go back to Enchanted Kingdom. It's a perfect weekend destination, especially when enjoyed with family, friends, or your other half.

*Photos taken by my dearest. Except for the last one, which I took using his cam. :)

When giant M&Ms visit

2011-07-07T01:07:00.000+08:00

Yesterday afternoon, we were visited by adorable creatures at the office: oh so cute M&Ms mascots! :) I just got back to the office from accomplishing tasks outside, when I saw some sort of a commotion in one of the magazine rows. And there they were! Life-size M&Ms! Hahaha! I love their bright colors. And oh, did I say they were so cute?

These mascots went to the office because of some promo. We would vote which among the M&Ms colors we like best. But I guess no one really paid much attention to that. And of course, everyone just HAD to take a photo with them.

Aren't they adorable? Sure, celebrity sightings are common in the office, with us working in the magazine industry. And just last week and a few weeks ago, there were go-sees for Cosmo's Bachelor Bash - meaning lots of good-looking guys just kept on coming in. But nobody threw everyone out of their seats for a photo op like what these M&Ms mascots did.

That was fun - just a tiny but oh so welcome way of perking up or day. :)

Me Time Sunday

2011-07-03T21:48:00.002+08:00

Today was uneventful and quiet, but I didn't mind. Every Sunday, my family and I go to church to attend Mass and then have lunch either at SM Annex or Trinoma. But today, everyone had his/her own activity: my sister went to their company outing, my mom and her siblings had to visit one of their aunts, and my dad had to do something in the morning and said he would just go to church in the afternoon. Since I already woke up for the 10 a.m. Mass, I just went to church by myself. In fact, I spent the day all by myself, for myself.

So after Mass, I went to SM Annex, deposited a small amount to my savings account, had lunch, strolled in the mall - all by myself. It was a welcome break. I guess I needed some quiet time, too. To do something mindless like window shopping. Or to simply think of nothing and just go wherever my feet take me.

And for those reasons, I am thankful for this quiet day.

Besides, yesterday, I already had an exciting, fun-filled one. My dearest and I went to Enchanted Kingdom to celebrate our one year anniversary. Yehey! Our anniversary was last June 16, and we planned to go there last June 25, but because of the typhoon, we didn't push through. Thankfully, the sun shone yesterday. So yehey!

Secrets

2011-06-27T00:00:00.002+08:00

Ssshhh...

Come here

Closer

I have something

To share

But promise me

That you won't spill

Nor breathe

A letter of it

To any soul.

Ssshhh...

Calm down

It's no big deal

Unless you make one

Out of it

And blow it

Out of proportion,

Exaggerate,
Make your own

Interpretation.

Promise me

That you won't

Tell, please,

It's just

Between you and me.

-Katherine Lopez

26 June 2011

Palawan Weekend Part 5: Time to Go Home

2011-06-26T00:56:00.001+08:00

May 30, 2011 - we were scheduled to fly back to Manila. Back to work. Back to the reality of our everyday lives. No tour or anything was scheduled on that day, except for our flight back home in the afternoon.

We had a relaxed morning. With really nothing to do except to prepare our things for the afternoon flight, we woke up feeling no rush nor pressure to do something on time. Laurice left in the morning though, and flew back home because she had classes in law school.

Our friends left to buy breakfast, and Ate Peps and I were left in the house. She wasn't on leave that day, and because she was a newspaper reporter, she had stories to file. When I woke up, she was already working on her stories, surfing the net through her laptop. When I was taking a bath, I could hear her talking to someone on her cellphone. She was interviewing someone. The story? A hostage-taking. The owner of the house heard her and was worried. "Did something happen?" she asked me. I explained that Ate Peps is a reporter and it's for her story. Well, I understood perfectly well why the owner was worried, because what she heard Ate Peps was asking about was someone being stabbed, someone being rushed to the hospital, what hospital, and other gruesome details. So.... good morning! And yes, the sun was shining. On the day when we were no longer scheduled to go to the beach. Oh well.

While I was taking a bath, one of our friends called Ate Peps and said that we should just come to Manniken Pis (just across Lolo Nonoy's) because they decided to just eat there. So after Ate Peps's phone interview, we walked to the Manniken Pis, a Belgian-run restaurant (based on the posters on the wall) serving Western food.

The food was yummy and came in generous servings. It was already close to 10 a.m. when we ate, so that was our brunch. We were full. I was full. I wasn't hungry until like 3 p.m., when the plane landed in Manila. What did I order? My favorite breakfast: fried rice+corned beef+fried egg.

Our ride to the airport picked us up at 12.30 p.m. I was not yet done brushing my teeth! Haha! Some were still fixing their things, so those who were ready got into the van first. On the way to the airport, we were (again) noisy inside the van. Hahahaha! We're really like that. Noisy. Loud. Well, we do love to have fun, and that's part of our having fun. :) And on the way to the airport, we were already making plans for our next summer trip. :D

When we got to the airport and the driver opened the door of the van, no one wanted to get out. Haha! It was like a "you first, no, you first" moment. :)) We didn't want our vacation to end, but it had to. Because that's life. Haha.

Before we boarded the plane, of course, we took a photo of ourselves. We wouldn't let that moment pass without taking a photo.

Photo by J.M. Tuazon

So that wrapped up our Coron trip. It was our first time to go on vacation together. To say that we all had fun is an understatement. The trip was indeed memorable, and if we could, we'd certainly travel back in time to relive it. Haha.

Where will our next vacation take us? Well, there are lots of tourist destinations here, so I don't think choosing a place would be a problem. All we have to do is decide, save up again, and hop in a plane. With so much zest for life, we can go anywhere.

Palawan Weekend Part 4: To the Islands

2011-06-12T00:14:00.002+08:00

We were scheduled to leave for the island hopping at 8.30 a.m. At around 7 a.m., we started rolling out of our beds. After having light breakfast (some had coffee) and doing our morning rituals, we started to prepare for the trip.

The tide was high so the boat picked us up just outside our house. The sun didn't show up, but it wasn't raining either. So there was no reason for us or the tour guides to cancel the trip. Yey!

We were all in high spirits despite the gloomy weather. A vacation is a vacation, and good vibes should prevail. Hehe. As the boat started moving, we all looked out to the sea, while our friend Ate Peps hummed My Heart Will Go On from the movie, Titanic. To everyone's laughter, especially when we saw that night the video, which our friend JM took, of that boat ride.

It started drizzling, so I kept my camera to protect it from getting wet, but still taking it out from time to time to take photos of the islands that we see. I've never been as close to nature as I was during this trip. I would've wanted to capture as much moments, but I guess I wouldn't enjoy it as much if I would be too busy taking photos. So I settled for a few photos.

Our first stop was Siete Pecados, a popular snorkeling site. Our tour guides distributed snorkeling gear and showed us how to use them. It was my first time to go snorkeling, and I had difficulty putting the gear on. I asked one of the guides to help me. The gear was either too tight or too loose. When I thought it fitted right already, I joined the others in the water.

From Laurice's camera

Another problem. I don't know how to swim! Sure, we were wearing life vests, but I didn't exactly know how to move on water. When I finally did, I was so amazed with what I saw: colorful fishes. I could hear Under the Sea playing in my head. Haha.

Just then, my snorkeling gear loosened a bit, and seawater entered my mouth instead of air. Blech. I had it adjusted, and when it was fine, I went on snorkeling and marveling at the beauty underwater. When I took my head out of the water, I saw that I was already a bit far from our boat. Because I can't swim, I didn't know how to get back. I panicked, but I was laughing. I must've looked crazy. Two friends pulled me back. Hahaha!

Next, we went to Kayangan Lake. Before you can get to the lake, you have to climb quite a number of steps. It's not 724, but it's still a lot. Some of us and I were like, "I thought we're done climbing steps!", followed by laughter. Climbing the steps also meant passing through a forest, where mosquitoes abound, so we slathered our skin with insect repellent.

The steps were muddy and slippery, especially with wet slippers on. I held the wooden railings so I wouldn't fall, and took each step slowly but surely. We reached a small cave. No one knew what was inside that cave, and no one thought going in was advisable. We just saw the stop as a good photo opportunity, so there. Another group photo!

Photo: J.M. Tuazon

We were half way through. The path to the lake from the cave involved going down, instead of going up, more steps. Going down was easier, of course, but more scary if the ground you're walking on was slippery. Again, the wooden railings kept us from falling.

As we were nearing the lake, it started to rain! J.M. hurried because his camera would get wet. When we got to the lake, we carefully immersed ourselves in the water. We didn't want to jump, because there were rock formations under the water - those at the shallower part of the lake can be seen - and of course, you wouldn't want to hit them, would you? You'd get really hurt.

Swimming in the lake was sooooo refreshing. The water was clean, it was cloudy so the sun didn't burn our faces, and the lake was beautiful. It was indeed like paradise - quiet, peaceful, and far from the hustles and bustles of city life. I didn't have my watch with me, but I think we stayed there for more or less an hour. Before leaving, of course, we had another photo opportunity. J.M. took a beauty pageant-like photo of us.

Photo J.M. Tuazon

It was almost noon and we were hungry. We were to eat at a beach, and the food was courtesy of our tour guides. We went to another snorkeling site, where a sunken war ship is located. We did see the ship, but not so clearly. Maybe because it was cloudy and the ship was located deeper in the sea, unlike the beautiful fishes just near the surface.

We didn't stay long in the shipwreck site. We went to a beach (I forgot the name) for our picnic lunch. It was in one of Coron's islands. Our food consisted of grilled fresh seafood and chicken. I' allergic to crabs and shrimps so I just ate the fish and chicken plus slices of tomatoes soaked in soy sauce and chopped onions. Plus steamed white rice. It was YUMMY! I think all of us had second helpings or more. We ate and ate amidst remarks of "mmmm... sarap!" (mmmm... delicious!). It was heaven.

There were a group of guys playing frisbee on the beach and Ate Micah and I joined them for a few throws. I realized I miss the sport. If only my schedule would allow me, I would want to play again.

The beautiful beach was of course perfect place for another - guess what - photo opportunity! Yeah we're such camwhores. So off we went for crazy group shots.

Photo: J.M. Tuazon

After having lunch, we went to I think one or two more spots, before heading to the Twin Lagoon. On our way to the Twin Lagoon, it rained quite hard. The wind was cold. But we still went on. No bad weather could really stop us! Hahaha! We even sang rain-related songs while the rain poured. Ate Micah even showed us some basic pole dancing. We were crazy!

At the Twin Lagoon, we were in for another relaxing swim. The water was clean... and cold. But swimming in it was fun. We sang songs while swimming, including our alma mater's hymn. Hahaha! The other tourists were probably amused (I'd like to think they were), or they thought we were crazy. Hahaha!

That concluded our island hopping. Our boat dropped us off at the port located at the market. The tide was low, so we couldn't be dropped off near our house. From the port, we walked to the house, stopping by a bakery to buy cheese bread and Spanish bread for our snack. I really like bread from local bakeries. They're so yummy, and tastes homemade.

We took turns bathing. We then decided to eat dinner at a nice place, so we headed to Mt. Tapyas Hotel and ate at the resto there. Let me clarify that it's not a hotel as in a five-star hotel. It was a simple but nice place with yummy food. We sat down for a hearty dinner. Perfect to end our day full of fun and adventures.

Food is not yet served. Hence, the empty plates.

We were bound for Manila the next day. I think none of us wanted to go home yet.

Palawan Weekend Part 3: 'Round the Town

2011-06-05T15:03:00.005+08:00

It was I think an hour or two past lunchtime when we reached the Patrik & Tess vacation house. It was a quaint, hut-inspired house that has four bedrooms and a living area. Ate Micah booked the entire house for ourselves. So yay! No sharing of bathrooms with strangers hahaha!

After dropping our things at the house, we headed out to look for someplace to eat. Ms. Tess suggested that we try Lolo Nonoy's, since it's been receiving good reviews from guests. So off we went to Lolo Nonoy's to have our late lunch. The food was great. It's the lutong bahay (home cooked) type. Jen and I had menudo, my favorite. We exchanged stories while eating and simply relaxed.

We finished our lunch past 3 p.m.. Our town tour was scheduled at 4.30 p.m., so we headed back to the house. It drizzled a bit when we were eating, so we decided to head back while it's not yet raining. Every time I visit a province and look around, the simplicity of life in the country never fails to dawn on me. This trip was no exception. Walking along the streets of Coron, I felt how slowly time passes by in the country, unlike in the city when everyone seems to be in a hurry so as not to be late for his or her meeting or whatever appointment.

When we reached the house, we rested a bit and prepared for the tour. At 4.30 p.m., two tricycles were already outside the gate, waiting for us. Our first stop was the St. Augustine Church. There was an activity for kids inside the church when we got there. Someone was leading the rosary. Some people say that if it's your first time inside a church, make a wish and it will come true. I do that every time I'm in a church for the first time. Did my wishes come true? Well, I couldn't remember my wishes anymore, so I don't know if they came true. Haha! At St. Augustine Church, I made a wish, which I will keep a secret. Will it come true? In due time, yes it will. I believe. :)

Our next stop was the Coron Municipal Hall. Another great photo opportunity! So we took out our cameras and clicked away.

We passed by the souvenir shop, but we didn't stay too long because we'll still go there on our last day to buy pasalubong (treats from a trip that you give to your family or anyone close back home). After that, we went to Mt. Tapyas.

The road leading to Mt. Tapyas was inclined. We could tell that the driver was having a hard time driving the tricycle up the incline, what with five of us there. Three of us went down for a while because we thought we needed to rearrange ourselves so that the weight would be evenly distributed in the parts of the tricycle. But to our surprise (and HUGE laughter), when the three stepped out of the tricycle, the tricycle sped off, leaving them behind. Ate Micah and I (we were left inside) couldn't stop laughing. Good thing Mt. Tapyas was already close when that happened.

At the foot of the mountain awaited the 724 steps that we had to climb to reach the peak. 724 steps!!!! Are you crazy? That's... a lot. None of us climbs mountains on a regular basis. In short, we're not really hikers. But are we up for the challenge? Of course!

So there. We climbed the MANY, MANY, MANY steps of Mt. Tapyas. Going up the first hundred steps was fine. A hundred didn't seem a lot. On the 100th step, we posed and took a picture of ourselves. And we did that on every succeeding hundredth steps.

The ascent to Mt. Tapyas was exhausting. But we were consoled by the panoramic view of the islands that greeted us as we went higher. It could've been fantastic if not for the bad weather, but beautiful nonetheless.

At last, we reached the 600th step. Just a "few" more, and hooray for us. I was behind my friends. With tired legs and severely depleted energy, I managed to climb up the remaining 124 steps. When we were about to reach the top, we goofed around and pretended that we were reaching the summit in slow motion. Our friend JM waited at the last step and took a video of us climbing in staged slow motion, with facial expressions to boot. Wahahahahaha! It was crazy!

Four of us - Jen, Ate Peps, Ate Micah, and Ate Ivy - bought Gatorade energy drink from the kids who were with us during the ascent. And because we were so hyper and crazy, and because all of us have a background in media, we decided to shoot a Gatorade commercial! Wahahahaha! I'll post the video when the person who has it uploads it in Facebook.

Then, we saw dark clouds hovering on one of the islands. Rain. Any moment, those rain clouds would visit where we were. So we decided to go down after taking a bunch of photos and shooting the crazy commercial. Then, it started to drizzle. And rain poured. We hurriedly went down, careful not to slip. We scrambled for shelter. We found one midway down, thankfully. But we were drenched.

We waited for the rain to stop before continuing our descent from Mt. Tapyas. Our next stop was the Maquinit Hot Spring. It was far, and the road going there was dark. We got there at around 7 p.m. We were about to change into our bathing suits and rain poured again. We might get sick if we push through with it, so we just decided to go back to the house, foregoing our hot spring experience. The payment could no longer be refunded, but we didn't care anymore. We just wanted to go back. And anyway, we would go island-hopping the next day. We would have enough encounters with the water. Haha!

Exhausted and drenched and hungry, all we wanted at the end of our first day in Coron was to have dinner and to bathe. We stopped to buy food at a local eatery, brought it to the house, and took turns bathing. We also viewed the photos taken using our cameras and basically chilled out. We all looked forward to the next day, hoping it wouldn't rain so hard.

Palawan Weekend Part 2: A Cloudy Arrival

2011-06-02T01:00:00.001+08:00

The flight wasn't exactly smooth. There was air turbulence, and the plane would go down probably several feet, then up, then down again. I couldn't tell if I was dizzy or about to throw up, so I kept my eyes closed and held a plastic bag just in case I throw up. Luckily, I didn't. The scary thought of the plane crashing crossed my mind. What if the plane went down a few feet, and then all the way down? But I had faith that it wouldn't happen. And besides, I was in the plane with eight of my equally perky, crazy friends. A plane crash didn't fit in the picture. Hehe.

At last, we saw the sword-like island of Palawan. We were about to land in a few minutes. Woohoo! I felt the plane leaning forward, angling for a landing. Then, a loud baaaag! No. The plane didn't crash. The pilot just violently landed the plane. The loud, frightening sound came from the wheels hitting the tarmac. Despite the violent landing, I didn't feel dizzy and I didn't throw up. But the baby seated across us did. Poor child. We felt sorry for him. His parents wiped the gunk from his clothes, and a flight attendant gave them more tissue paper.

We alighted the plane and set foot in Coron. Woohoo! The moment we saved up and filed leaves for. Haha! We headed to the sheltered area and watched as the airport guys carried all checked in baggage to where the passengers should get them. Carried as in carried by hand, then dropped on the floor for the passengers to get what's theirs. Our friend Jen's suitcase was soooooo easy to identify, for it was the perkiest: pink and brown POLKA DOTS! We could spot it from afar!

When we exited, we found a man holding a sign with our friend Micah's name on it.The van she booked to take us to the rented home. After taking a few photos here and there, we hopped in. We were all in high spirits. We were bursting with energy. As the van moved to take us to the rented house, we saw lots of trees, grasslands, cows, and sadly, denuded forests. What would you feel if you see "bald" mountains? I hope the forests will be renewed. We can't let this happen.

Inside the van, we exchanged stories, laughed at funny lines, and basically had a good time, even as it drizzled outside and dark clouds loomed, threatening to ruin our vacation.

Palawan Weekend Part 1: Through the Rain

2011-06-01T00:28:00.000+08:00

Last weekend, my college friends and I had THE vacation we've been waiting for: our trip to Coron, Palawan. Our friend, Ate Micah, celebrated her birthday last Friday, and the trip was her plan. She booked our tickets late last year so the fare would be cheaper and no one would back out at the last minute. Haha!

It was really a welcome break, with almost all of us working in the media. Stressful jobs. Stressful lives. We saved up for this trip. We filed vacation leaves. So not even the storm last week and the southwest monsoon last weekend could stop us! Haha! Our flight was last Saturday, the weather was bad, and the flights in other airlines going to Palawan were cancelled. But not ours. So lucky! Our flight was on hold for two hours, and we were hoping and praying and exploring our other options. When it was announced that we could already board the plane, we were all like "woooohooooo!!!!!"

But the weather didn't change.

The Artist

2011-05-25T23:10:00.000+08:00

Like powerful cameras,

Your eyes capture

Vivid images of the beauty

This world has to offer.

But it is your heart

That you use

To find your muse

As she comes along

Clad in striking simplicity

That you set her apart

From the rest, make her

Your own masterpiece.

You paint her dreams

With yours, with

Splashes of vibrant colors

On a huge blank canvas.

You sculpt her face

With your firm hands,

Cup her chin as you

Lovingly look in her eyes.

You sketch her smile

To lend permanence

To the joy in every

Fleeting moment.

You hold your masterpiece

Close to your heart,

Never wanting to be apart

From your one and only muse.

-Katherine Lopez

02 May 2011

*For my dearest

Late

2011-05-18T23:37:00.002+08:00

I was so late in almost all my commitments for today. The first one took so long to finish. Hence, everything else got delayed. They were shoots in different locations, and I was late in all of them. I was so ashamed and frustrated with myself.

Traffic was bad. The heat drained my energy. When we were done with all the photo shoots, I thought I was also done with these unfortunate events. But no! On our way back to the office, our vehicle malfunctioned. At the middle of a busy road. And to top it all off, when the vehicle was moved to the sidewalk, it began to rain! Oh goodness! Was today an extension of Friday the 13th? Was it mercury retrograde?

And to add to this frustration, I wasn't able to meet my deadlines this month, except I think for two articles. But the rest, I wasn't satisfied because it took me so long to finish them. I still have pending assignments, and I'm so tired, I feel weak, and can I just faint and lose consciousness?

I know all these will be over. They have to be. This Friday. Or else, there won't be any copy of our magazine in newsstands next month. That's the thing with working in the publishing industry. Days just go on and on and on and on. Deadlines are always there, whether you're feeling perfectly well or not. And as in every industry, things don't get done on their own. Because if they do, I'd probably do a dozen cartwheels out of joy, even if I don't know how to do one.

Story in a Snapshot

2011-05-15T22:39:00.004+08:00

Click.

The camera snaps
A photo of us
Smiling, cheeks together,
Closer than ever.

Who would've thought
That a year ago,
You've set your eyes
On me

But doesn't know how
To get close? How it is
To walk up to me
And say hi.

Who would've thought
That mustering the courage
To do so could be
Laborious for you?

And who would've thought
That a few words
Over bites of doughnuts
Could be the beginning

Of this no fuss, no frills
Romance? That one night,
At the bus stop, two souls
Would say yes to love.

Click.

The camera snaps
A photo of us,
Smiling, full of love,
Together.

-Katherine Lopez
15 May 2011

----000----

For the 11 months that we're together.

I'm so hungry

2011-05-15T00:39:00.003+08:00

Finally, the reason why I'm always nauseated, as I've written in this post, has been diagnosed. My stomach is coated with small, multiple ulcers, and I show signs of acid reflux or GERD. And I learned all these last Monday when I went to the hospital at 7 a.m to undergo gastroscopy. What a way to start the week.

I know I shouldn't panic (and I'm not panicking), because this is treatable and it's not a life-threatening condition. But of course, I was sad when I learned about this. I know I have hyperacidity. I've been dealing with an acidic stomach since I was 8, that's why I don't drink softdrinks. What caused my ulcers was stress - apparently, my (or I think that applies to everyone) stomach gets filled with acid every time I'm stressed. I don't skip meals, but, I admit, I also don't eat on time, or I go for long hours without eating.

I was a bit shaken by this news. I didn't know it would come to this. Maybe this is my body's way of telling me to slow down. That I don't have to be at my best all the time if it would compromise my health. That I've pushed myself harder than I should, and this is one of the consequences.

Fortunately, as I've said earlier, this is treatable. The doctor prescribed medicines, and one of them is soooooo COSTLY! Good thing the doctor gave me a discount card, so the price was slashed by 50 percent. Whew! But still, the medicines cost me quite a lot. Well, they're for my treatment so I'm not complaining.

Also, I couldn't eat certain foods for a month, as long as I'm being treated. Included in the list are dairy products (i.e. ice cream, chocolates huhuhu), my favorites spaghetti and pizza, and mint candies. It's just for a month. I'm advised to go for small but frequent meals. To just eat. And I'm doing that. The medicines are really helping. I'm now able to eat a decent serving size without me feeling like throwing up. Sometimes, I go for second helpings. And how I missed this. I missed eating. And I'm positive that when I go back to the doctor for follow up after a month, my ulcers are gone and I'll be allowed to eat them again.

Lesson learned: Never ever let your stomach go empty for long hours. It wouldn't hurt to stand up from your office cubicle, head to the pantry, and grab a bite. Your tummy will thank you for it.

Shutting Down

2011-04-23T16:48:00.001+08:00

I long for that slowing down,
Like a train approaching its
Last station, the chug-chugging
Of the wheels
Fading, until you hear
No more.

I long for a quiet night,
A mind that is blank
And free to rest
The day’s worries
On a soft pillow, blanket,
And whirring of the fan.

I long for a lazy state,
When the soul is free
To wander, to move
To different worlds,
While the body lays down
In surrender.

If well-oiled machines
Are shut down
Once in a while for
Repair and maintenance,
If they can stop and rest,
Then so can I.

-Katherine Lopez
23 April 2011

To travel with my dearest

2011-04-19T23:18:00.007+08:00

Another song of Mindy Gledhill that I loooooove is California. It doesn't have a music video yet, so let's make do with the mp3 for now. :)

The song talks about traveling to different places in the world with one's special someone. And then comes the chorus with this line, "All I've ever wished to do is travel through this life with you." It's not just the trips to different vacation spots that the songwriter was talking about, but being with the one you love in life's journeys.

This song, just like Whole Wide World, never fails to put a smile on my face. Its upbeat tempo is perfect in jumpstarting my day, and its happy lyrics keep me from getting cranky. Hehe. Also, listening to California makes me think of the dreams my dearest and I have. We have a long road ahead of us and we have lots of work to do (both in the office hehehe and in our relationship), but I believe we can face all those. I believe in the strength of our relationship, as it is built on a stable foundation of love and trust. With this, there's nothing we can't overcome.

Whole Wide World

2011-04-19T00:08:00.004+08:00

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack! How I missed blogging! I'm sorry for my long hiatus. I got really busy the past month that's why I never had the chance to drop by my blog and post. I missed blogging, and I missed reading your blogs. Especially the poems by fellow poet-bloggers. I missed writing poems, too. I've missed I think two or three Poetry Potlucks already. :( Anyway, I have a small window of opportunity to blog, that's why I'm going to post something. Yey!

I want to share with you a beautiful song I learned about last week. I found this music video through Mae, the girlfriend of my dearest's (and Ate Roanne's) older brother. The song is Mindy Gledhill's Whole Wide World. After listening to it, boy, was I hit by a major case of LSS (Last Song Syndrome)! Couldn't get the song off my mind. I kept listening to it and to Mindy Gledhill's other songs almost all the time - in the shower, while dressing up, on the way to work, even as I work! Talk about... addiction!

Whole Wide World is such a beautiful song. Its lyrics are inspiring and motivating, and I want to embody the positivity expressed in it. I love the video, too. So light and refreshing.

Deceit

2011-03-20T18:25:00.018+08:00

Cover up your face
With tons of makeup
To hide your nature
And wear a mask of
Eyeshadows and blushes.

Coat your fiery tongue
With saccharine lies
To woo your colleagues,
To coax your friends
And seal the deal.

Dress under layers
Of fashionable plumes
And build an armor against
The scathing attacks
Of your own insecurity.

Splash a myriad of colors
On your personality
And let the chameleon
Take over, pleasing anyone
But yourself.

-Katherine Lopez
20 March 2011

===000===
I would like to thank fiveloaf, louisedouglas, and bendedspoon for giving me this award:

RULES:

1. Thank the person who awarded you and link back to them in your post.

2. Tell 7 random facts about yourself.

3. Pass the award on to 15 new found bloggers.

4. Contact each blogger you want to pass the award on to and let them know you’ve done so, and let the giver of your award know you accept it.

I won't pass this award yet. But I'm going to share seven things about myself. Here they are:

1. I love using organic beauty products. I love Human Heart Nature, but I hope more of their products will also be available in shops I frequent. :)

2. I haven't played the piano for quite a long time now, so now I'm a little scared to touch the keys because I'm afraid I won't be able to play good music anymore. But there's only one way to find out, and that's to sit down and play like I used to.

3. Friday is my favorite day of the week.

4. I love four seasons juice. That's my favorite juice flavor.

5. I love my wavy hair. I don't want to have it straightened.

6. Piano music, particularly Yiruma's, clears my mind and calms me down.

7. I can't swim. Haha! :))

Shopaholic

2011-03-13T22:19:00.002+08:00

She steps into this world
Of shoes, bags, clothes,
This empire of everything
Fashionable.

Like a model on a catwalk,
She strides on its
Newly polished floors,
Surveying her choices.

Each window display
Screams for her attention,
Draws her in, pulls her,

Traps her in a black hole.

She tries that dress on,
Those sexy heels,
And oh, that bag,
She has never seen it before.

Oh, so many finds
In the upper floors,
Earrings, necklace, sunglasses,
The perfect shade of lipstick.

Her heart is never content,
Even as she dishes out bills
And leaves with a dozen goodie bags
In each hand.

Her feet feel sore
After hours of walking,
But she’s bound to come back
Maybe tomorrow?

-Katherine Lopez
13 March 2011

Live to Dance Finals

2011-03-12T17:53:00.009+08:00

I was watching the finals of Live to Dance this afternoon on Star World. And boy, the acts nailed my eyes on television. I didn't want to miss a number. They were all amazing and so deserving of a spot in the finals.

Here are my three favorite acts. I chose them because I found them inspiring and moving. These acts made me want to get up and dance as well. Here they are.

1. White Tree Fine Art

White Tree Fine Art's performance was simply awwwwwww. This husband-and-wife tandem made ballet look like it's so easy to do. The way they moved - so light and graceful yet so precise - was captivating. As one of the judges said, they built a world of their own, and they're inviting people in through their dancing.

2. Kendall Grover

When I watched Kendall at her audition, she instantly became my favorite. She reminded me of my favorite finalist in Got to Dance UK, Emily. They both dance contemporary, and I love how they show mastery and precision in each of their moves and being fluid at the same time. Emily's performances include a lot of gymnastic stunts though, while Kendall's always show her personality. I want Kendall to win.

3. D'Angelo and Amanda

OMG! I don't know how to describe them! To say they're amazing is an understatement. Their performance just blew me away. Love it love it love it! Now I'm torn between them and Kendall. I want them to win, too! They're young but they soooooooo dance like professionals, probably even better than the contestants I've seen in So You Think You Can Dance. And they got a standing ovation in their performance in the auditions and in the finals. So well deserved. Their tango was so strong and intense, and yet they didn't look like their trying hard to be adults. They still maintained their youth and freshness. And I love how Amanda wasn't wearing heels, not even low ones. I hate seeing young girls wearing heels. I don't think it's appropriate for their age and for their still developing muscles.

So who won? It's.... D'Angelo and Amanda! OMG! Congratulations to the two of them. I wish to see more dances from this duo. If they dance like that now, how would they dance when they're, say, 20? They're so wonderful, and I hope their talent would inspire and touch more people.

A Woman

2011-03-08T18:19:00.002+08:00

Whose gentleness can calm
Even the fiercest of storms
And the most restless of souls.

Whose intellect can outwit
Even the most cunning of creatures
Who take advantage of her.

Whose strength can carry
A baby in her womb
And the world's weight on her shoulders.

Whose hands sew and mend
A child's dress, broken hearts,
And family ties taken for granted.

Whose resilience enables her
To stand tall and be proud
Of what she has gone through.

Whose brilliance inspires others
To seek their own brilliance
And start an empowering flame.

-Katherine Lopez
08 March 2011

*Written in celebration of International Women's Day. Happy Women's Day!

Beauty in Mica's art

2011-03-03T23:42:00.011+08:00

Beauty comes in many forms, and those in the creative industry have various ways of depicting or capturing it. Each of these ways is a form of art - a painting, a stunning photograph, a harrowing sonata, a moving poem - that deserves even the tiniest bit of appreciation. By recognizing the beauty present in these forms, we acknowledge the talent of the artist behind those works and his or her ability to connect to us through the things he or she does best.

I am not a visual artist, but I am captivated by paintings, drawings, sketches, and photographs, especially if they were created by young, budding artists. I feel that there's something in their works that communicate with me, or something I can relate to. Or maybe, I'm simply amazed by their talent and that is reason enough for me to love their works.

Take a look at these works. They're by my former classmate in Math, Mica. She's a fine arts student majoring in visual communication. She's I think two or three years younger than me. Anyway, I follow her two Tumblr accounts and I love her works. Here:

From Project 365 v.2

"Pause" (left) and "The Edge" (right). Visit Project 365 v.2 to see her other photographs.

From Project 365 of Graphic Arts

"Tee Bag" (left) and "The Perfect Fit" (right). Visit Project 365 of Graphic Arts to see her other illustrations.

My dearest said her illustrations can make for great t-shirt designs. I say, why not? If I see them on shirts, I would definitely buy one of those.

It won't be long before she graduates from the university. She can land a job in advertising, or in a publishing company (like where I work now). I hope, in whatever job she lands on, she doesn't lose her own style. I wouldn't want to see her talent be wasted. :)

Secret Love

2011-02-28T08:00:00.002+08:00

Love is as heavenly as the sky above
Love is free and as peaceful as a dove
Love is a flame that burns in one's heart
But love is kept, it is hidden from the start

Love is as beautiful as the song of a bird
Love is tender, like a mother's care
Love is as gentle as the morning breeze
It will always come, it shall never cease

Love is constant, love is faithful
Love is tranquil, so calm, so cool
Love is right, it is never wrong
And through time, love shall always grow strong

Love is bright like the morning sun
Love is sweet, thoughtful, and kind
Love shall fill an empty space
For love comes with splendid grace

Love is true, it never lies
Love never destroys, it is there to suffice
Love takes the agony, love takes the pain
Love brings joy that the heart can gain

Love is as heavenly as the sky above
Love is free and as peaceful as a dove
Love is a flame that burns in one's heart
But love is kept, it is hidden from the start

-Katherine Lopez
2002

*I wrote this poem when I was a high school sophomore. I wrote this after our class watched the movie, My Girl.

Super Man

2011-02-27T21:48:00.001+08:00

You don’t fly high with a cape,
But you let me soar
In the firmament of our dreams.

You don’t have propellers for feet,
But you’re quick to come
When troubles beset me.

You don’t have a wizard’s wand,
But the work of your hands
Is more than magic.

You’re just a man, flawed, imperfect
But the man you are
Is more than any superhero.

-Katherine Lopez
27 February 2011

Knock knock

2011-02-24T08:32:00.005+08:00

I look out the window,
Not minding the blinding light
Of the mid-afternoon sun,
Hoping to catch a glimpse
Of you.

But there's none.

I sharpen my ear,
Segregating the medley
Of sounds outside,
Dogs barking, children playing,
Your voice perhaps?

But there's only silence.

I lay down, bury my head
Beneath the pillows, wishing
I could just fall into a
Deep slumber, so I could see you
In my dream.

But I remain awake,

Waiting for you,
For that knock I know
Too well, the sound of your
Knuckles softly pounding
On our metal gate.

The knock that says, "I'm here."
But you're not.

-Katherine Lopez
24 February 2011

Another photo with friends

2011-02-20T22:07:00.009+08:00

Rummaging through my now neglected Friendster account weeks ago led me to this photo:

From Left: Me, Irene, and Alariz

The two girls who are with me in the photo are among my closest friends. In my high school barkada (group of friends), we are six, as I've mentioned in this post, but when all six of us aren't together, I'm with these two. We call ourselves The Fates, named after the trio in Greek Mythology who decide man's destiny. I can't remember why we chose to name our trio after them. I guess we were having a hangover from our literature classes when we came up with this name.

I seriously miss these two. They weren't with us when Monica, one of my friends, came for a visit last December, and we met in Trinoma, along with two of my other friends, Jessica and Maita. We all have different schedules that's why planning a meet up is difficult. Hardly all of us are free at the same time. One or two are bound to be not available.

This photo was taken on February 14, 2005, Valentine's Day on our senior year during the school's Bandfest. It was a night full of good music, groove to the beat, singing with the bands, and simply having fun. We didn't have a prom (even up to now, our school doesn't hold proms), but a night like Bandfest was just as memorable. We got to set aside our academic worries for a while, don our most comfortable attire, and dance the night away with our precious friends - people we would surely miss after graduation, like how I miss them right now.

= = =

I would like to thank Furree Katt for giving me this award:

That's so sweet of you. You made my day. :D Thank you!

Conditions of accepting award:

1. Thank and put a link back to the person who so kindly gave this award.
2. Share a few things about yourself.
3. Pass the award onto some mighty fine bloggers.
4. Inform these mighty fine bloggers that they have received the award.

So here are a few things about myself:
1. My favorite ice cream flavor is cookies and cream. Next to that is mango. I don't like chocolate ice cream. I eat that flavor, too, but it doesn't count as among my favorites. It's too sweet.

2. I love Rugrats. My favorite character is Angelica even if she's mean to the other babies. She just has a strong personality, and she's smart. :)

3. I drink lots of water. I can't eat a meal without at least two glasses.

4. I'm not fond of wearing sneakers or rubber shoes. Give me flats or sandals anytime.

5. I would love to go to Paris and London someday. But before I visit those places, I want to go on a tour in my own country first, then Asia. Now if only I could have all that travel money in an instant... hehehe

Now, it's time to give this award to other bloggers. These bloggers never fail to show the beauty and goodness of life in their posts. And for that, congratulations to:

Al Ain City Daily Photo

Chase Beautiful Things

Jingle

i♥PD

Portia Silva

Toilet Thoughts of a toxic mind

Congratulations! And to everyone, have a great week ahead! :)

After Valentine's, what now?

2011-02-18T00:07:00.006+08:00

So after posting 14 poems for 14 consecutive days, what did I gain? Materially, none. It wasn't as if those poems were for sale, and I wasn't asking people to buy them. All I wanted was to celebrate Valentine's in a special way, doing something that I love and happen to do pretty well (I'm not bragging. Please don't get me wrong). To celebrate the season of hearts, I wanted to create something from my heart.

And I think I succeeded.

I was overwhelmed with the response I got from you (yes you!) - the bloggers who read my every post, people who come here just to pass time, fellow poets who are with me in this craft, bloggers who never fail to leave words of encouragement in my comment box, words that say how much my poems moved them, how much they loved my pieces. You keep me going. You make me want to write and post more entries even if I'm tired from work at the end of the day. You make me want to take a break once in a while from my busy schedule and seek refuge in my online home.

Thank you so much for appreciating my works, especially the Valentine's Series. I thank God for giving me this talent and for guiding me as I took on this self-imposed challenge. And of course, I thank my dearest, my candle of inspiration that will never melt even when lighted for a long time.

Since it's still February, the love month isn't over yet. Haha. So I'm ending this entry with this cute song by Kiss Jane. Its title is Lagi, which, in English, means "always." In the chorus, the girl sings how her beloved is always in her mind and heart.

---000---

I would like to thank Jingle for this award:

Your support to all poet-bloggers really means a lot to us. You rock! :D

Valentine's Finale: Couples

2011-02-14T14:38:00.004+08:00

Cupping her chin, he
Opens up, pours out an
Unbroken stream of
Pure, honest words, as he
Looks into her eyes and wishes for
Eternity to come and let them
Spend their lives together.

-Katherine Lopez
14 February 2011

*Photo from Cultured Companions

Valentine's Series: Hate

2011-02-13T00:00:00.001+08:00

He may be tired of her annoying
Attitude, get impatient at times, but
They'll always talk, make up, and
Embrace a sweet, new beginning.

-Katherine Lopez
12 February 2011

*Photo from BBC

Valentine's Series: Letters

2011-02-12T00:06:00.000+08:00

Like ancient rock carvings,
Each word written is a
Testament to an undying love,
Telling stories of joy and pain,
Etching memories on our hearts,
Reminding us of our promise to
Stay strong as we face life together.

-Katherine Lopez
11 February 2011

*Photo from Stirring the Deep

Valentine's Series: Hurt

2011-02-11T01:00:00.002+08:00

Hearts break whenever conflicts remain
Unresolved, tearing apart a good
Relationship, shattering dreams
The two of them had built.

-Katherine Lopez
10 February 2011

*Photo from Hammock Entertainment Inc.

Valentine's Series: Tears

2011-02-10T18:26:00.009+08:00

Times may often be tough and my
Eyes may often be drenched, but your
Acts of thoughtfulness
Repeatedly assure me that you'll always
Stand by me, no matter what.

-Katherine Lopez
10 February 2011

*Photo from Myspace

Valentine's Series: Smiles

2011-02-09T11:52:00.004+08:00

She becomes strong amidst the
Mess she is in whenever your face
Illuminates her dark days, your
Lips stretch and curve,
Encouraging her to go on and never
Surrender to her fears.

-Katherine Lopez
09 February 2011

*Photo from Arigatou Gozaimasu

Valentine's Series: Cupid

2011-02-08T18:53:00.002+08:00

Capture her heart not through
Unbelievably expensive
Presents, but through qualities that are
Inherent in you, and simple conversations that
Draw her closer and closer.

-Katherine Lopez
08 February 2011

*Photo from AllPosters.com

Valentine's Series: Dates

2011-02-07T19:09:00.003+08:00

Dreams are painted and
Aspirations are realized whenever
The two of us look lovingly at
Each other's eyes, weaving fabrics of
Shared stories and memories.

-Katherine Lopez
07 February 2011

*Photo from Tripadvisor

Valentine's Series: Hugs

2011-02-06T23:12:00.003+08:00

Her troubles never go
Unsolved, for you always
Give her comfort and a
Strong shoulder to lean on.

-Katherine Lopez
06 February 2011

*Photo from Tara Cronica

Valentine's Series: Touch

2011-02-05T02:23:00.007+08:00

Take my hand and place it
Over your heart to show your
Unrelenting love, bridging the
Chasms created by rows that cause me
Heartbreaks and tears.

-Katherine Lopez
05 February 2011

*Photo from Ena's Site

Valentine's Series: Kisses

2011-02-04T00:02:00.007+08:00

Kindle her dying spirit with
Intimate talks and gazes that transcend her
Soul, as you pull her close and
Seal the moment with passion that
Engulfs you both in a heated moment of
Surrender.

-Katherine Lopez
03 February 2011

*Photo from Flickr: Jon Rawlinson

Valentine's Series: Hands

2011-02-03T00:01:00.000+08:00

Harm can't touch her

As you go out into the
Night, braving the monstrous
Darkness, your fingers tied with hers,

Shielding her from the unseen.

-Katherine Lopez
03 February 2011

*Photo from Microsoft

Valentine's Series: Roses

2011-02-02T00:01:00.004+08:00

Restless after a fight, you
Offer solace to her weeping heart by
Standing under the stars, your
Eyes saying you're sorry as you hand her a
Stem of this lovely, exceptional beauty.

-Katherine Lopez
01 February 2011

*Photo taken from Growquest

Valentine's Series: Hearts

2011-02-01T01:16:00.003+08:00

Her eyes twinkle with delight
Every time she sees you
Approaching, so she runs to your arms,
Rests her head on your shoulders,
Takes in every sweet word you
Softly whisper in her ear.

-Katherine Lopez
01 February 2011

----0000----

It's February, and Hearts' Day is just around the corner! :) Aren't you happy? So to celebrate the occasion, I will be posting poems which I will call Valentine's Series. The series will be a collection of acrostic poems which I will write each day until Valentine's Day. Isn't that cute? :)

If you come up with your own acrostic using the word in the series, feel free to share it in the comment box. Enjoy! :)

If I were a dancer

2011-01-30T18:46:00.001+08:00

I would be as light as a feather
and let the wind carry
all my troubles and fears
until I feel nothing.

I would be as strong as the wave
when it hits the shore
with conviction and passion,
washing all doubts and guilt.

I would be as colorful as the butterfly
that tiptoes on flowers
and help them bloom
with so much beauty.

If I were a dancer,

I would go find my rhythm,
stretch my arms, point my toes
and sway, jump, and turn,
exuding grace and elegance.

I would hear nothing
but music, that soothing melody
that tells me to close my eyes,
clear my mind, and just dance.

-Katherine Lopez
29 January 2011

Palladio by Escala

2011-01-29T00:01:00.003+08:00

I'm currently drawn to this instrumental music, Palladio by Escala. It's played by a string ensemble, and I must say the music evokes so much power as if it's pushing you to do something great.

I first heard it here, in Emily's performance in Got to Dance UK. She's my favorite finalist, but she didn't win as champion. Still, for me, she's a real winner.

And she's just 11! (or maybe she's now 12 because this was last year). Anyway, I love how fluid her movements are. I love how graceful she moves, and my favorite part is when she turns on stage. So beautiful.

If I were a dancer, I'd love to perform the kind of dance that Emily does. It's so expressive. Although I would probably tone down a bit on the gymnastic stunts incorporated in the dance and perform more jumps and turns on stage. Haha. Well, I'm not a dancer so I can't say much about technique. I simply love to see strong yet graceful moves.

Here's Emily's performance in the Got to Dance UK Semifinals. Despite the flaws in her technique that Kimberly Wyatt, one of the judges, pointed out, I like this dance better than her performance in the finals because I think this has more emotions in it. Maybe it's because of her choice of music. Not that I'm saying that her performance in the finals was bad. As Kimberly Wyatt had said, it was a "powerhouse performance."

Now, there's Live to Dance in the U.S., which is their version of Got to Dance UK. I wonder if I will see another Emily in that show. :)

Officemate

2011-01-28T00:04:00.002+08:00

May mga araw na
hindi tayo nagkikita
kahit ba tayo’y nasa
iisang palapag lamang
at ilang dipa ang layo
sa isa’t isa.

May mga gabing
hindi tayo nagkakasabay
sa paglisan sa gusaling
siyang pandayang
pinagbubuhusan ng talento
sa buong maghapon.

May mga sandaling
tayo ay nagkakalayo,
magkabilang dako,
at tanging tinig lamang
ng pangungulila
ang naglalapit sa atin.

Ngunit ako’y napapanatag
sa tuwing naiisip kong
nariyan ka lamang
sa tabi-tabi,
at makikita ulit kita bukas
sa ating opisina.

-Katherine Lopez
27 Enero 2011

Happiness

2011-01-26T22:48:00.002+08:00

When you're happy, don't you just want to jump and dance and let your friends know how happy you are? When you receive good news, you can't wait to tell it to people close to you, can you? I remember when I was a high school freshman. When I saw my name in the list of Outstanding Students for the first quarter, I couldn't wait to tell my dad, so I ran, rushing to the school gate where he stood. Then, I tripped and fell on the cemented ground. Haha!

Which brings me to this yet another inspiring quote:

Don't you feel happier after you've shared your happy stories with others? When you know you have your family and friends to celebrate with for any achievement you've made? When you have a big smile painted on your face, and you have a dozen other smiling faces looking at you? Indeed, happiness is too big a gift to be enjoyed by only one person. It has to be unwrapped and let the people around you partake of the contents that spill out of the box. :)

P.S. The image above is a product of my playing around with Adobe Photoshop. It's not outstanding, I know, but I'm sharing it because minutes before I made this entry, I just learned how to change an image's background color and other basic stuff. Hehe. And that made me happy. :)