CAROUSEL

CAROUSEL

Bukas, punta tayo sa carnival?, the older brother suggested to his younger sibling one night.

Yehey, the little boy nodded in exclamation. Carousel ako bukas!

O, matulog ka na, requested the older brother.

Yes, kuya. Sleep na ako.

The little boy hurriedly hugged his older brother and tucked himself to bed.  He seemed too eager to go to the carnival the following night.  An obvious smile formed on the little boy’s face while he slept.

The next morning, the little boy woke up cheerful.  He ran towards his kuya who was at the dining room eating breakfast.

Hello kuya! The little boy greeted his older brother. What time ka uuwi from work mamaya?,  the younger brother asked smiling.

Bakit bunso? The older brother inquired, puzzled at the little boy’s question.

Di ba, pupunta tayo sa carnival mamaya?

Ah…eh…, the older brother finally remembered his promise.

…kasi bunso, continued the older brother, in a rather serious tone. May lakad kasi si kuya mamaya kasama officemates niya. Puwede ba next time na lang?

The little boy suddenly realized he won’t be riding the carousel tonight.

Pero…pero…nag-promise ka eh, whined the little boy. Kala ko, tuloy, di naman pala.

May next time pa naman bunso eh. Promise, next week, tuloy na, defended the older sibling.

The little boy couldn’t look straight at his brother. Tears were slowly forming in the little boy’s eyes. The little boy bowed his head down and stared at the floor’s wooden tiles. Slowly, he paced himself away from the dining room and went back to his bedroom.  The little boy locked the door and went back to bed.

The older brother, on the other hand, finished his meal. He did not try to knock on his younger brother’s bedroom. He knew bunso was mad at him. He finished his morning rituals and went to his office afterwards.

The older brother arrived very late that night. He immediately went to his brother’s bedroom to check if he was already asleep. The door was slightly opened; so he decided to take a peek. 

The younger brother was not yet asleep. He was playing pretend again. He pretended his towel was a cape and acted like his favorite superhero.

Oh, Super Tommy. Tara, lipad na tayo! Dali!, the little boy commanded.

From outside, the older brother saw the little boy extend his arms upwards, both fist clenched with conviction. He raised his head and gazed at the ceiling, its white paint as immaculate as the cloudy sky.

Jshjuuuuuuuu, Jsshhhjjuuuuu, shouted the little boy, mimicking the sound of a jet plane.

Ayan, lumilipad na tayo Super Tommy. The little boy’s feet lengthen almost at a tip-toe. Buti na lang nakakalipad tayo.

The older brother was curious if the little boy brought along one of his neighborhood friends again. He took a closer look. The little boy was alone in his room.

Sa wakas Super Tommy, nakikita mo ba yun? Yun oh. Yun oh,  Wow, yung Ferris Wheel. The little boy pointed at the ceiling fan. Wow, may fireworks pa. Oh, mag-ingat tayo Super Tommy baka matamaan tayo ng fireworks. The little boy cautioned his sidekick and moved sideways like maneuvering away from a possible harm.

Tara, Super Tommy baba tayo. Gusto ko kasi makita yung carnival nang maayos. The little boy squatted and rested his arms on the side.

Jssshhjjuuuu, Jssssssssjjjuuuu. The little boy and his sidekick slowly landed on the ground.  

Wow, Super Tommy, ang ganda ng carnival. Ang daming tao! Ang daming rides. Wow, Super Tommy, sa wakas, nakita ko na yung carousel, delighted the little boy. Ang ganda -  ang ganda ng carousel, Super Tommy. 

The little boy took a pause and enjoyed his view. In front of him, a rotating platform of colorful horses, gigantic marine forms, and mythical creatures galloped up and down as they danced about the merriment of the looped music. Its coordinated lights illuminated against the backdrop of the starless night. The sight was all what the little boy ever wanted.                 

Sana Super Tommy, the little boy sighed, nandito din si Kuya. Sana nakakalipad din siya.

The older brother stared blankly at his brother. He stared for another moment and slowly closed the door, careful not to disturb the little boy. He paced himself away from his brother’s bedroom and retreated to his own bedroom just adjacent to the little boy's. He locked the door and rested on his bed. He could still hear the little boy talking to Super Tommy.

DAYLIGHT

3/2/2014

“Hi,” I said, quite sheepishly.

I always felt awkward whenever I have to introduce myself to a person I just met. An introvert, I will easily choose spending my night in a quiet library alone, perusing through a labyrinth of print than to be here – a crowded bar of strangers gyrating to the deejay’s manipulated beats.

You extended your right hand. I shook it firmly in return.

“Hello,” you smiled and took a seat on our table.

“Asa ka sa Cebu?” (“Where in Cebu are you from?”), you leaned towards me to ask.

I moved closer – the loud music was an unlikely companion for an audible conversation. “Sorry, I’m from Makati.”

I work two jobs in Makati – by day, a copywriter; by night, a college instructor. The accumulated salary is just enough to survive in an expensive metro. Still, I can manage to save for two luxuries, books and my travels to Cebu.     

   

“Nag-unsa pud ka diri?” (“Why are you in Cebu then?”)

Cebu, for me, is a place of retreat from my life as a professional. Cebu provides consolation. Last year, I visited Cebu thrice – once to recover from depression; the others, to celebrate my birthday and my masters graduation.                                     

Cebu is where I find comfort in companionship and conversations that are both real and unconditional. In Cebu, I am spared from the dialogues of toil and pretension.

“Naa ra’y gi-asikaso.” (“Attending to some important matters.”)

I booked this particular trip to meet with my college classmates - we were finalizing details for our start-up business. My share in the income, if ever, will fund my digest for books, travel, and also support my younger brother’s college education.       

           

I had my mind fixed. It will be a business trip. No expectations of something (or someone) that will make this trip life-changing whatsoever.

An hour has passed. I was amused we were still talking. I observed that even in the meager light, your eyes were beaming with interest.

We progressed with our chat. We have now formed our own space, unmindful of the noise and the people around us.

“Asa man pud ka ni-laag ganina?” (“What places did you visit earlier?”), you continued.

“Maski asa ra gud” (“Anywhere”), I responded. “At the Basilica, SM, Ayala.”  

I must confess. Although I frequent the place, I have not thoroughly explored the wonders of Cebu. My trips are tailored in a routine – spend time with friends, dine in my favorite Sunburst restaurant, visit the Basilica Minore de Santo Nino de Cebu. The last, in particular, is my personal devotion as I was named after the Miraculous Image of Santo Nino. (My parents prayed fervently to His Image for them to have a child; thus, I was born.)  

          

My travels may not be as adventurous. But I cannot complain. My friends are great companions – they are more than a compromise.

“Maayo gani ni-anhi mo diri” (“It’s good that you went here.”), you shared.

Tonight, to my surprise, my friends traded routine for spontaneity. I was hesitant with their suggestion. A bar or anywhere crowded and noisy is somewhere outside my comfort zone. But then, I reminded myself of a resolution I made this year: START MISBEHAVING For an introvert, that statement really reads, START LIVING A LIFE.

I have slowly fulfilled this promise. I now feel less guilty whenever I didn’t finish a book on time – justifying that I am making my own adventures instead of just reading them. Last month, I “unsobered” myself after three years of not drinking beer. I also tried meeting people, in the quest to find someone who will discontinue my seven years of lonesomeness.

                               

Travel offers a chance for anonymity – for one to take risks and commit mistakes without fear of judgment or guilt. In a different place, I am a different person. I am braver, more outspoken, less awkward.            

                                         

So tonight, I pursued a conversation with you. I showed you myself, told you all truths in exchange of an encounter with you. I talked without inhibition and enjoyed the freedom your companionship brought.

“Kanus-a pud ka mubalik?” (“When are you going back to Makati?”)

“Five in the morning,” I paused, “later.”

It’s two in the morning. Thirty minutes from now, I have to return to my friend’s pad, get my luggage, and hail a cab to the airport.

I did not want this to end. But time and distance were my enemies.

I wanted to ask you something but I became hesitant – you might reject my request. But I reminded myself, to travel is to take risk. And so, I did something for the first time…

“Sorry, but can I ask for your number?” I waited anxiously for your response.

“Give me your number instead. I’ll text you, okay?” you suggested.

I scribbled my digits on a piece of paper. We shook hands. It was time for me to leave. I took a last glimpse. You smiled back.

3/3/2014

Ladies and gentlemen, we are now beginning our final descent to Ninoy Aquino…

I woke up to the stewardess’ announcement. It’s about 6:05 in the morning. The Cebu Pacific plane is about to land at the Manila airport. Reality is about to set in again.  

            

The window pane offered a majestic view. Outside, a sea of clouds gathered as they greeted the morning sun, its light slowly painting each cloud’s lining. 

                                            

A small fragment of light refracted through the window. I recalled our chance encounter in what was supposedly a predictable travel – I am hoping for a repeat.

                       

As I move forward, I bring with me memories of your companionship and a new sense of courage, a self that acknowledges the rewards of living outside the comforts of my solitude. Like that small light, you, radiant and beaming, gave me new hope. 

                     

I peeked through the window again. The daylight outside became brighter. This day holds such promise. 

30secondCANNES: TXTBKS

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Mad Men and Manila

"The capital of the Philippines is Manila. Its president is Ferdinand Marcos. Its national language is Tagalog but many of its inhabitants speak Spanish due to its colonial past. And their national product is..." - Sally Draper (Kiernan Shipka), Mad Men

30secondTHOUGHTS: Moving Wi-Fi

It's a barking wi-fi spot, literally.

AD TITLE:           "MOVING WI-FI"
AD AGENCY:      Creative Juice Thailand
CLIENT:              DTAC

The First Magic of June

Only the two of us know what happened. You are there, in a distant island where I previously resided. I, here in an unforgiving metro, brutal in its honestly, shameless in its lonesomeness despite the everyday sounds it wishes to control.

I observe in awe how you controlled my laptop, the mouse clicking its way through unknown panels and shortcuts. My hands were away from the keyboard; the desktop screen was moving in its pace, like having an invisible force manipulating its movement. It was like magic.

I would have thought the first of June would hold no greatness; the ten of the night disapproved my notion. I am much, as always, grateful.

30SENATORIABLEthoughts (Part Three of Three)

Let's complete the senatorial slate with the third batch of political ads.


MAGSAYSAY, JUN

Tagline:                      Magsaysay is Still Our Guy
myTHOUGHTS:       Can a son of a former president win without lurking behind his father's shadows and depend on his credentials alone? That question is the common denominator for other senatorial candidates belonging to infamous political dynasties.



MAGSAYSAY, MITOS

Tagline:                     Kasi Kay Mitos, Kayo ang Una
myTHOUGHTS:      Lacks practice in her delivery, although one feels her attempt to be heart-warming, approachable.



PENSON, RICARDO

Tagline:                      Krusada Kontra Dynasty        
myTHOUGHTS:       His is an interesting proposition - for the public not to vote for candidates belonging to political dynasties. The problem is that his message is bordering advocacy rather than a concrete platform. He does not have ownership for such crusade, as some of the candidates do not belong to political families.


PIMENTEL, KOKO

Tagline:                     Use your Kokote
myTHOUGHTS:      That's what you call using your coconut. The over-all campaign is focused on the practical - the advocacy towards voting to the issue of double dead meat, for example. The tone not hard-sell and the candidate appears to be genuine with his concern of the public's well-being. Or is he.



POE, GRACE

Tagline:                    Ipagpapatuloy Ko
myTHOUGHTS:      Mad'am Poe, the race is not a grade school contest where your victory will validate the love of your mother for you. Do it for the sake of service but there's obviously nothing wrong with using your father's star to shine light to the voting masses.



TRILLANES, SONNY

Tagline:                
myTHOUGHTS:      His sticking to his no-nonsense approach of politicking. His message his clean and straight to the point. Maintaining the "military discipline" as part of his packaging is an effective strategy for Trillanes. His not Antonio anymore; call him Sonny.



VILLANUEVA, EDDIE

Tagline:                    Walang Iwanan sa Umaangat na Bayan
myTHOUGHTS:      He never gets tired of running. Is his race to victory increased with Pacquiao's endorsement? Let's see if he will be among those cheerful when he crosses the finish line.



VILLAR, CYNTHIA

Tagline:                     Misis Hanepbuhay
myTHOUGHTS:      It would be a miracle if she gets one vote from the community of registered nurses. Nuff said.



ZUBIRI, MIGZ

Tagline:                    MIGZ-Mo
myTHOUGHTS:     The runner-up for best use of hand language goes to Zubiri. He stepped down from his Senate seat as a display of integrity. Will the voting public give him another chance at redemption?



And with that, we end our special edition of 30secondTHOUGHTS.
Twelve slots. One date to vote. One country. Vote wisely!

30SENATORIABLEthoughts (Part Two of Three)

Let's continue with our second round of politically-induced television commercials.


ESCUDERO, CHIZ

Tagline:                             Say Chiz
myTHOUGHTS:              Ah, the power of associating your name with a grocery item. I just hope the voting nation gets to buy the fresh variety rather than the rotten one. The use of cheese has been used during his first senatorial bid. Escudero should find fresh ideas for his next campaign period. His Pagbabago spot provides us with a ray of light.


GORDON, RICHARD

Tagline:                          Aksyon Gordon, Ligtas ang Pinas
myTHOUGHTS:           Ang paggamit ng tula at bata upang ipahayag ang plataporma. It's cute, endearing and I get to have a gist of what Gordon is as an action man. Not much of what Gordon can do; but what he has done pre-Senate candidacy. I thank you. Bow.


HAGEDORN, ED

Tagline:                         Kampeon ng Kalikasan
myTHOUGHTS:           Sir Hagedorn, we appreciate that you, being the Son of Palawan, champion the cause of protecting Mother Earth. But please fire your image consultant. You don't need to wear a campaign cap and jacket for your commercials and during PR appearances. Wear it during rallies. Don't oversell.  People want  to see the humanity, not the politician, in you. And please give us a hint of your smile next time.


HONASAN, GRINGO

Tagline:                        Gringo Rock
myTHOUGHTS:         The tone breeds of heroism, his contribution to Filipino democracy. But the subliminal speaks of otherwise. Honasan implies begging for a seat in the Senate, justifying that he is still "alive" and with other missions to accomplish.


HONTIVEROS, RISA

Tagline:                       Ipaglalaban Ka
myTHOUGHTS:        I don't know why some people don't get her. Maybe because she's an epitome of an empowered woman and there is a perceived threat or intimidation in such character. Her signature purple scarf is given a more active role, this time as a weapon to metaphorically exterminate things oppressive and corrupt in the political system. It even has a powerful name - "Ang Palabang Alampay." Wattah.


LEGARDA, LOREN

Tagline:                     Paboritong Senador
myTHOUGHTS:       She proclaims herself as the favorite senator, which  is a rather strategic move. With her positioning, Legarda is perceived to be the bet of all classes of the Filipino population (read: voting public) - from the ordinary worker to the household wife, from the hardworking teacher to the most-admired  celebrity, and so on. They say that perception is reality. With this spot, Legarda might have re-wired some of her non-voters' candidate list.


MACEDA, ERNESTO

Tagline:                    Kay Manong Ernie, Una Ka Sa Senado
myTHOUGHTS:     The word "Manong" is a term of respect. But given that majority of the voters are young, the term "manong" would scream rather old and unrelatable. But commendations should be given for the Glee-esque feel of his political spot.


MADRIGAL, JAMBY

Tagline:                    Mahal ang Mahirap. Galit sa Corrupt.
myTHOUGHTS:     Nasaan ka na Judy Ann?