The First Minute of Midnight

She was hard at work on a night shift, just going over the usual work errands. Tomorrow will be unlike the rest of the year. It's a step further into the book. She had a jacket on as the night grew weary and the air drop a few more Centigrade. She picks up her phone to check her message and sent an sms back. Clients were already coming in an out of her office. It was a fairly busy day. Then her phone alert went off  again. As she read the message her face was painted with confusion, forehead is frowned and her eyebrows met. Her eyes wide open. Then she stood up, quite in a haste, and excused herself from a chum and went outside.

She went straight to the parking lot and a familiar face paved light to the vehicle. As she come nearer she could clearly see his face now, smiling, all dressed up with a small chocolate cake on one hand. He reached down his pocket to grab a lighter. "Hi!" he said. Then he gave light to both candles and drew the cake closer to her. "Make a wish." he invited. She replied with a smile, brought her hands together and closed her eyes and whispered to herself a prayer. He patiently waited as he pleasantly watched the candles illuminate her face. The she blew the candles for a hopeful wish. He reached on his back pockets and took out three long stemmed red roses and handed them to her as he simultaneously gave her a soft warm kiss on the check. "Happy Birthday!".he soflty speaks.

It was midnight.

Then they went inside the car to show her something. The backseats were filled with presents. "These are all for you. " he said. They embraced and exhanged smiles. Then parted ways again.

So this was the first minute.

Under The Same Grey Sky: Chapter 7

The thought of Al with a smirk post-salute still lingers on Jessie's head as he creep towards this girl. Every step feels heavier, every inch closer feels a little harder to breath. Jessie look back at Al who gives him 2 thumbs up to encourage him more. The girl was still patting  her self dry with a piece of tissue already soaked. He was close now. He could now see the hair on her arms bent by the rain. Everything feels a little tighter now. He walks slower now. Jessie moistens his lips with his tongue, gulps, takes in a deep silent breath then began to open his mouth. But the words won't come out! He tries again. he let out a "uhmm..." But it was too weak for him to even hear it. He clears his throat. That one made a more audible sound which then prompted the girl to glance at him. Seeing this, Jessie panicked and just continued walking till he was pass the table where his objective was. Al which is just a stone's throw away, shook his head at what he saw.

Then the girl picked up her bag and books and stormed to the comfort room.

Jessie walked back to their table face down.

Al looked at him with a raised eyebrow, "So what's her name?"

"I'm sorry, I...I panicked. The moment I was close to her, things just exploded in my mind and I can't find the guts to let out a word. Damn..." Jessie explained.

"Don't worry man. I'm sure there are still a lot of cute chinitas out there just waiting to hear your 'uhmm..' " Al said laughing.

"Shut up." Jessie let out a sigh.

Jessie was disappointed with himself because he actually thought it was the moment he would learn her name.

"So? Let's go, bro" Al invited.

"She's in the ladies room right? Can't we just stay a while for her to come out" Jessie suggested.

Al replied, " and then what? You'll just be walking pass her again and again?"

"Hmmm... you're right. Let's just go."

The two just stood up to depart. Before leaving their table, Jessie looked back at the table where the girl placed her bag. He noticed something on the table.

"Hey wait just a sec, Al" Jessie approached the table.

"Look at this. She must have dropped this while she was drying herself off."

"Look you can either leave it there and go, or you could actually give it back to her - without having to say a word at all. So what'll it be mah' man? Your call." Al said.

Jessie smiled...

to be continued.

Life ain't fair

Not this time

I guess God has other plans for me.

Maybe Cynthia is right. Maybe God just wanted to see how badly I want it.

Gotta try again. I'm disappointed.

Grrrr.....!

There's a HUGE fork ahead

This is another big step. It's a huge fork on the road. Come Thursday, it's up to the verdict of those people...well it's actually up to God. I just gave everything up to Him, my hopes, my prayers, my sacrifices. Lord, you've got me.

Off to Manila.

I'm having my fingers crossed!

Heal me Lord

Goodbye...my pet flowerhorn

My fish died today. I felt really sad for him. This was my lucky fish. It reflects what I'm feeling. Like when I noticed that his fishtank is dirty, those were also the times when my mind is so worn out by the things that I do. And at times when the fishtank is clean, my life is running smoothly. It was my lucky fish indeed. Eversince I've been taking care of him, things in my life went as planned. It's true what they say: if you pour your heart to your pets, they will return the favor. I so believe in that. It's not just a physical world after all. I don't know how my luck would be this time. After almost 4 years with me, he went to the otherside. 041612

A week off 0326-3112

Cynthia just recently found out that she still have leave credits which is valid only up the end of this month. So she filed for it and had a full week off. This is how we spent it. =')

Food trip! Had lunch at Orange Brutus Parkmall. Texted Tiu and met him there. Went for grocery for snacks and dinner. Went home and made our version of Army Navy sandwich for snacks. About 2 hours later, had grilled pork for dinner. For dessert, we made our version of Jollibee's Milo mix. Yum! Even Tiu gave a thumbs up for us. =')

 We just hang out at home. Watch friends on dvd. Had dinner at Carlos batchoy then hang out at the Offroads cafe. That aircon by the way is newly installed in Carlos batchoy and it really bothered me because the side exhaust is inside. It is practically 3/4 inside. No wonder it was a bit warm. hehe

We decided to hear mass since it's a Wednesday and it has been a while since we attended a Wednesday mass together. After treating my patients I went to Cynthia's and had lunch there. We were suppose to attend the 3pm mass but since it took forever for Cynthia to get ready, we just waited for the 4:45pm mass. Went to Redemptorist Church and found out the mass starts at 5pm. So we were not late at all. After mass we went to Ayala and had dinner at Island grill. Went for window shopping afterwards. Then while heading back to the parking area, we stopped by a store to buy a French delicacy. Went back home with a full stomach and a full spirit. =')

Thursday was a chill day. We just hang out at Cynthia's place, watched TV had some food. It was basically a lazy yet happy bonding Thursday. =')

We hang out Cythia's place yesterday, so we hang out at my place today. I haven't had lunch yet, so after I picked her up at her home we stopped by Parkmall and had lunch at Mang Inasal. Cynthia already ate so she just had halo-halo. It's a Friday so I had sizzling bangus. Went home and hangout. Had my nails done. hehe tnx hn2! =')

It was a relatively full day. Cynthia and I had lunch at Da Vinci's Pizza in Parkmall. Then went home and watch "Captain America" movie. (Nice movie!****) Then at around 5pm we texted Tiu and invited him for dinner. We picked him up at J Centre Mall at around 6:30pm then had dinner together at Matias. (burp!) *excuse me.* Then spent up the rest of the night at Krispy Kreme in IT park. It was a good day. =')

Dearest Lord

Sux!

Random thoughts

Under The Same Gray Sky: Chapter 6

The ride to the mall was fairly short. They got a parking space then went inside the mall. Al picked the restaurant but Jessie preferred something budget-friendly. So they headed to a fast food chain that offers student's meal. It was lunch time so naturally the place was packed. Fortunately there were tables still available outside.

"This is nice. Outdoor meal. I haven't had this since grade school. " Al said.

"Shut up and eat your food, bro." Jessie told Al.

Before Jessie could even take a second bite on his chicken meat, clouds began to loom over the sky, covering the sun.

"Look at that, see how quickly weather shifts nowadays?" Jessie commented.

"Don't worry," Al swallows his food and clears his throat, "we won't get wet in here."

They both continued to indulge in their meal. The sky gets darker. Then the first few drops of rain began to fall. They were both unfazed by the droplets, but in a minute the rain was pouring dogs and cats. So Jessie and Al moved their table to an area with lesser drizzle. Then finished their plate.

"Hey Al, notice all the couples in this area."

"Yeah?"

"We're the only same sex couple here..." Jessie lowered his voice.

"So? "

"Doesn't it bother you? Or make you feel awkward, at least?"

"Why? Why would it bother me. Look, if you are truly secure about your masculinity, you shouldn't worry about it. Let people think what they want to think, and don't give a crap. Now let me ask you, are you totally and completely secure about your sexuality?"

"Yes. Of course!" Jessie quickly answered.

"Are you sure?" Al let out a smirk.

"Yes!"

"Can I get a little kiss right here" Al pointed to his cheek.

"Your crazy." Jessie said, smiling, as he consumed what's left of his iced tea.

"Let's go?" Al invited.

"No. Wait. Just a couple of minutes." Jessie said.

"You're done with your food right? What's the hold up?"

"Nothing. I just like to watch the rain a bit, feel the cold, and wait for this chicken to settle." Jessie said rubbing his stomach.

The rain was still pouring. Moist began to form against the glass door. The smell of grass intensified a bit as the rain repeatedly touches the soil. It was already cold enough to don on another long sleeved shirt. The day was painting a gloomy Saturday noon.

Just then, a girl entered the outdoor area of the restaurant, clearly on haste seeking an escape from the downpour. Jessie turned to the girl. Her hair was wet, her dress was soaked. Her feet was partially covered with black soil (her flip flops made way for the mud to her feet)  Her books were still dripping after covering herself with it. She places her shoulder bag on an empty table then shakes off her arms to remove the excess water on her skin. She then fixes her hair with a scrunchie. That's when Jessie's eyes widen.

"Easy there dude. Don't underss her just yet." Al pat Jessie's back.

"She's from our school. She's the one I told you about, remember? In the escalator, the other day?" Jessie calmly said.

"Oh... she's the cute chinita you were bragging about. She's fine alright. Go talk to her."

"Well, what am I gonna say to her?"

"Whatever is it that you've been dying to say to her."

"I just wanna know her name."

"Then go ask her name."

"I dunno...."

"Com'on, just do it. If she blows you away, so what? Who cares?"

"Wow, you sound really arrogant. But you're right. What the heck."

"Good luck, bud!" Al said, giving Jessie a two fingered salute.

"Here goes nothing..."

to be continued...

Under The Same Gray Sky: Chapter 5

This is was one of Jessie's favorite day of the week. He could get up as late as he wants, guilt-free, spend the rest of the day with his mind completely off school hassles, take slumber in the oldest of the night and can still afford to get enough sleep to greet a lazy Sunday. It was 3 hours past breakfast and Jessie was still in bed, warm with his blanket over his head. He was planning a 15 minute snooze before he get up when *SMACK!* a familiar hand to his thigh lingers an annoying sharp-then-dull pain, prompting him to cover his head with a pillow.

"Hey! What's the matter with you?? Get up! It's mid-morning. Don't be a lazy ass! Your wasting like 5 hours of your life, you know." *SMACK!* "Wake up!" *SPANK!* "Wake up already!"

"Mom! Com'on, give me a break. It's Saturday. We don't have classes. I'll be up in 10." Jessie reasoned.

"That better be in seconds." said his mom.

"What do you want from me today? Run you some errands? I'll be on it in a while. OK?" 

"Actually Al is on the phone. He wants to speak to you."

"Wha...? What? Couldn't you just tell him I'm still asleep?" Jessie said followed by a long lazy yawn."

"I did tell him. About 7 times already..." his mom tugged his arms, "so get up already!"

"Fine..." 

Jessie went downstairs to the living room and picked up the phone placed on hold, "I'm still sleeping!" Jessie softly exclaimed with his eyes shut and messy hairdo. 

"It's lunch time. You're still in bed?" Al replied.

"What's up?" Jessie asked.

"Do you have anything planned today?" Al inquired.

"Well, I was planning to go back to bed after this phone call." Jessie said in a mocking tone.

"What?? Don't waste your life like that. Think of all the stuff you could do not being in your room, all the acquaintanceship waiting, the adventures and misadventures. You're missing out on all these. Com'on, I'll be in your place in 15 minutes and well go out. Seize the day! And besides...I'm bored here."Al chuckled.

"Uhmm...ayt man."

"Cool." hangs up phone.

After about 30 min, the two boys were inside Jessie's car. Ignition on. 

Jessie asked, "So....where to?"

"I don't know." Al said, smiling.

Jessie let out a deep intense breath, "I thought you had this planned out?? What about your 'seize the day, adventures/misadventures' crap, huh?"

"Chill bro. Well it's right about lunch time already. Let's grab a bite. Uh... the mall has varieties to offer. Let's go there." 

Jessie looked puzzled as they exited the residential area and off to the highway, then asked,  "Are you always like this? I mean is it really in your character to face each day not knowing where to go, what to do, what to bring?"

Al dialed down the volume on the stereo, " Not exactly. Especially on school days, I have everything laid out, from what underwear to don on, how my hair should be, how much I should spend for snacks, what to eat on lunch...up to who I will fantasized in the bathroom later that night." both exchanged chuckles. Then Al continued, "but on some days, like when I've got nothing important to do, I want to be spontaneous. It's always walking on uncertainty, but the surprises that come along that road is always worth it. Besides it sharpens your initiative and creativity in dealing with unseen or unexpected situations, which, I should stress, is very very handy in life."

"Wow, I didn't think you were so deep."

"What's so deep about that?" Al asked.

"I don't know." chuckle fills up the vehicle again.

to be continued...

Fun pix =')

This is one of the pictures I uploaded on instagram. Just wanna share it here too. =') @jobolayese

I never knew

Pedaling on silent world

       After I finished treating my patient, I went out on the road and hailed a trisikad (a man-powered tricycle) to take me to where I parked my service vehicle (multicab). There wasn't really a descent parking space within the proximity of my patient's house, that's why I parked way out. Anyway as this trisikad approached me I told the driver where to take me. He just nodded by raising his eyebrows. I got inside and sat down when I noticed this signage in front of me:

       Loosely translated: "I am a deaf trisikad driver, can't hear or talk. Thank you for understanding!!!"  then the prices for the fare follows for near and far trips. I was still able to reach my destination. In every fork of the road he would slow down and make a "hummm?" sound and pointed to which direction we should take a turn.

       I was touched by this man that I paid the amount for 3 near trips and gestured to him "keep it." He nodded, with his head this time, as he checked the excess I gave him. I let go a smile and went on.

       It was very inspiring. Some men are twice as healthy as he is, with no disabilities at all and yet they choose to count the people passing by the entire day as their livelihood. People should be like Mr. no hear no  talk trisikad driver, taking adversity as a challenge and not as a reason to stop trying. I salute you!

The Offroads Coffee

        One of my favorite coffee place here in Cebu is The Offroads, located along F. Cabahug street Ayala access road, just a stone's throw away from the border of Mandaue and Cebu City.

  It has a great laid back ambiance, good internet speed and great customer service provided by the staff.

  I think the one thing that Offroads Coffee has to offer that easily stands out among the other coffee place are the PRICES! Of all the cafe's I have tried, none of the prices could compare here. Their products are cheapER! An order of caffe latte only costs P50 as compared to other P110 cup. My favorite here is the OreoMix, (see picture) less coffee taste, but not too "chocolate-ty" either. Perfect for me. =') Not to be bias or anything, but their coffee even tastes better than that of large established coffee shop.

  Parking is never a problem, and it is likewise convenient to the commuters. I would definitely recommend this to anybody.

                                                                     

Welcome back me!

Ey blogworld! I'm back! It's been a loooooonnnng layoff for me from blogging. I guess I just ran out of ideas on what to fill my blog with. The last time I check, I was starting a short story here entitled "Under the same grey sky", which by the way is still to be finished. I was thinking of deleting this when I logged back in but, hey, I spent hours of thoughts and imagination for that. So I think it deserves to be kept.

Anyhoo, I've just recently learned of someone who's been blogging for quite sometime now. A friend gave me her blogsite and I was excited to check it out because my friend said her blog was very artistic and creative. So when I did check it out I was not let down. Very colorful paint of words, emotion-filled pictures, random bubble thoughts. I guess I was inspired to continue my blog. I want to make this better and more vibrant. I've learned a technique to draw out the phenomena "boring" that I've come upon on other blogs. One word. Pictures. Pictures give more interest in whatever one is reading. So I've decided to put more pictures than words in my blog. That way my blog wouldn't get so boring, and the reader would want to click to the next page and not the "x" button.

So anything goes here. This'll be my semi-personal diary, my emotional outlet alternative (music and photography are the others), random thoughts paper, food or product critique...whatever touches (or bothers) my mind. =')

So keep posted!

Amping!