Free French Film Screening

In celebration of  the “Mahalin Sariling Sining Street Art Festival”, the Alliance Francaise de Manille and Gropo Reposo present a French film screening of “Je Vais Bien, Ne T’en Fais Pas” (Don’t Worry, I’m Fine) on May 31, Sunday.

The French drama film which was an adaptation of the novel by Olivier Adam, was directed by Philippe Lioret. It was first shown in 2006 and bagged major recognitions and awards in Cesar Awards.  

The story was about a girl named Lili in search of her twin brother, Loic who left after an argument with their father. She receives letters from her brother and followed its trail with her brother’s friend, Thomas. During the search, Thomas and Lili fell in love. And together, they discovered the truth about Loic. 

The screening of the movie will be held at AFM Auditorium, 2/F AFM Building, 209 Nicanor Garcia Street, Bel-Air II, Makati City. It is open to the public and admission is free. So if you have no plans this weekend, bring your family and friends to the place and watch this film.

See you!

Three Love Stories: The Escape

Previously…

“Di ko alam kung nakalimutan ni X yung birthday ko or talagang kinalimutan niya na ako.”

Weekend’s over. I’m so tired, confused and a bit giddy too. Memories of my weekend with X at Tagaytay kept haunting me. I couldn’t focus on my work. This must be what they call Lovesick. But then kahit medyo distracted ako, I continued doing what my A-hole of a boss is demanding from me. Tuloy pa rin sa multi-tasking as Marketing Associate/Events Associate/Executive Assistant. The show must go on.

When I finally managed to take a break, I sat silently in front of my computer monitor while nibbling some snacks. No, I wasn’t working. I was recalling what happened to me and X last Saturday…

*****

I went straight to X’s place straight from work. I have all the things I needed with me. From there, we travelled together by riding on a bus bound to Tagaytay. It was an idea that we need to take a break away from the buzzing city. We both agreed to go there and escape our problems even for just a short span of time.

It was almost midnight when we arrived at our destination. An unholy hour to go sight-seeing and visit the picnic grove. And since we don’t have any acquaintances or friends there where we could possibly stay for the night, we decided to ride a tricycle and take us to the nearest inn.

The inn where we stayed is like a starter-house for newly-wed couples. One bed, one table, two chairs, a shower room and a mini kitchen. X went outside and bought us cup noodles, after eating them and drinking some beer in can, we took turns in taking a shower. The water is warm (thanks to the heater) but the chills brought by the September wind outside didn’t left me. Plus, the anxiety of being alone with X in this far-away place.

We laid down and prepared to sleep after some chit-chat. Of course, we shared the only bed and blanket available in the place. He hugged me and gently pulled me closer to him. I returned his embrace and snuggled on his chest. It felt so good to cuddle with him. Like, nobody could ever hurt me as long as I’m in his arms. I was very comfortable and about to doze off when he cupped my face and started kissing me passionately. His kiss was aggressive and demanding that I lost my reins and the thought of sleeping. I responded and kissed him back  as I brushed his hair with my fingers. Then he started caressing me. His touch full of warmth and tenderness. I was so focused kissing his lips that I didn’t notice he was already on top of me, starting to strip off my shorts. I grabbed his hand and stopped him.

Yet, he still continued undressing me and persuading me. He kept on assuring me that everything would be fine. I was back into my senses. I tried to sit up and fight with him but I can’t. He was holding me tight. I did all the best I could but he was also determined to get what he wants. I tried to struggle and kick him but it was useless. In a second, he has turned into a hungry lion ready to charge and claim his prey. He pinned me and I was only left with two choices. Scream or give in. I chose the latter.

The loud sound of a message alert tone woke me up from my recollection. I was back in the present. I checked my cellphone to see who sent the message. Unfortunately, it was just one of Globe’s info. messages. I sighed. I was so disappointed. I thought it was X checking up on me. I haven’t heard from him since after Tagaytay.

*****

It’s my Mom’s off from work so instead of going home to Dad’s place, I head straight to her. I was having a great time chatting and exchanging jokes with Mom and her boyfriend. It was a lovely evening. Mom prepared our dinner and while she was busy with the plates, my cellphone buzzed. It’s X.

“Hi Ai. Musta n? Wr u? Nsa haus k n? May impt. kc ako ssbhin sau.”

“Hello Ai. I’m ok. D2 ako haus. bkt nw k lng txt? Wht hppnd 2 u?”

“May ssbhin ako wg k sna mglit. I thnk we shud end our relationshp. I’m nt gud 4 u and u r 2 gud 4 me.”  I read each word carefully. Kinabahan ako. But still, I tried to be optimistic.

“ngbi2ro k n nmn! hehehe… “

“I’m serious Jane”

“Pro bkt?”

“Bsta. Im sori. I jus hop dat u’ll 4gve me & dat we cud stl b frends 1 day.”

“My ngwa b ko or nsbing mali? Pls. tell me.”

“No Jane. Its nt u. Its me. Lst txt ko n 2. Bye.”

I wanted to text him more. To demand for answers to all the questions I have in mind. Nagpaalam ako kay Mommy. I needed to go home to Dad’s place where I could lock myself alone in my room. She’s bothered. I didn’t eat dinner. Sabi ko kay Mommy masakit ang ulo ko. They were worried. Upset actually. They asked if there’s anything wrong. Sabi ko hayaan nyo muna ako.

When I reached home, I locked myself in my room. I didn’t bother to turn on the lights. I texted X again. I demanded for an explanation. Though I feared to learn that truth – the possibility of a third party. Yes, I was right. There is another, according to him. He’s been seeing someone else for more than two months already.

The tears just won’t stop falling from my eyes. I felt like I’m going to suffocate in my room. The world is crumbling and I felt like dying. I lost X…

The end of “us” has come. There is no more US…

To be continued…

Riding MRT 101

Since college, I was already riding MRT and I had to admit that indeed it’s the fastest way to reach your destination most especially if you’re running late or really just in a hurry. And it is also undeniable that MRT is a very stressful ride. Bakit? Para sa mga nakasakay na lalo sa mga suki pag rush hour, you probably know why. Pero sa mga hindi pa, try nyo sumakay between 7am-8am and 6pm-7pm.

Actually, hindi naman talaga dapat nakaka-stress ang MRT ride. In fact, gumawa na nga ng segregation scheme para di umaangal ang mga babae na about men taking advantage di ba? Pero bakit nga ba stressing? In reality, fault din yan nating mga passengers. Kasi, we don’t know how to be aware of our co-passengers’ needs.

You’re probably wondering “What the hell is this blogger trying to say?!” Well, what I’m trying to tell everyone here is that, magkaroon naman tayo ng pakiramdam. Don’t just think of yourself. Oo nga nasisikipan ka, but who isn’t anyway? Kaya nga eto at may tips ako kung paano gawing stress-free ang MRT ride nyo…

• Pregnant/Has Cardiovascular Disease/ Just went through a surgical operation/ INJURED/ Simply Maarte – DO NOT RIDE.  I had these several experiences on my way home from work wherein some fellow passengers are whining and complaining about the very much compressed situation in the train. Ewan ko ba naman… May nakasabay ako, sabi niya, “O papasukin nyo ako. I’m elderly and kagagaling ko lang sa operation. Wag kayong mansiksik at baka atakehin ako!”  May isa pa, buntis naman. Sabi niya, “Ano ba?! Wag naman kasi kayong mansiksik. Naiipit na tiyan ko. Baka makunan pa ako!” HAAAAY… People of the Philippines, please be aware na siksikan po talaga sa MRT lalo na pag rush hour. You should have foreseen that even before purchasing your ticket. COMMON SENSE PLEASE. Kung ayaw nyong masiksik or masagi man lang ng ibang pasahero, wag na kayong mag-MRT. Ride on a bus. Or better yet, get yourself a cab. That way, you’ll be out of danger and very much comfortable while traveling.
• READ THE SIGN: EATING AND DRINKING NOT ALLOWED. Ok fine, nakakagutom magbiyahe. Pero hello! Kaya nga may mga food stalls bago ka pa sumakay di ba? It means, do your eating before riding the train. Hindi yung nakasakay ka na, saka ka pa lang kakain. Tapos matatapunan mo pa yung katabi mo. Haay naku!
• WITH HEAVY BAGGAGE LIKE BOXES OR GROCERY – DO NOT RIDE. We understand na mahal mag-taxi pero utang na loob naman… Bitbit mo na buong bahay mo, sasakay ka pa rin. And timing pa ng rush hour. Mag-taxi ka na lang. Alam mo na palang marami kang bitbit, di ka naglaan ng budget for that.
• READ THE SIGN: FIRST VEHICLE IS FOR WOMEN, CHILDREN, DISABLED and SENIOR CITIZENS ONLY. Di ko maintindihan bakit may mga lalake pa rin na di yata talaga alam ang ibig sabihin nito. Mukha naman silang marunong magbasa. But still, pasaway pa rin. Or kung hindi sila pasaway, pasaway ang gf or wife na kasama nila. For heaven’s sake, it’s not like you’re getting a divorce or annulment kung maghiwalay kayo sa train noh! And kung ayaw mo mahiwalay girl sa kasama mo, better to ride not in the first vehicle. Clear?
• DON’T BLOCK THE DOORS. Wag masyadong magmadali dahil makakasakay ka rin naman eh. Palabasin muna ang mga pasaherong lumalabas. Don’t block the way. Mas lalo lang kasing tatagal at gugulo if you will block it. And if you were in their shoes, you’ll probably be pissed off too kung haharangan ka rin pag palabas ka na.
• TAKE THE NEXT TRAIN IF YOU DON’T FIT IN ANYMORE. We know na nagmamadali ka. But please, do us all a favor. Take the next train na lang at wag mo nang ipilit pang pagkasyahin ang sarili mo. We don’t want any morbid scenes of a body getting squeezed by the train’s doors, ok? And besides, masyado nang masikip kung dadagdag ka pa. Show some compassion to fellow passengers. Grabe na kaya ang init pag sobrang siksikan.
• HAVE RESPECT. Lastly, show respect to fellow passengers. Fall in line if you must kahit nagmamadali ka pa. Offer your seat to elders, kids, injured or pregnant passengers. Wag mong sandalan nang husto ang katabi mo. Baka ma-off balance yan lalo na kung heavy-weight ka. Don’t chat too loud or use your cellphone too loud.

So ayan, alam nyo na kung paano magiging stress-free ang MRT ride nyo. Well, sana rin lang  makarating to sa MRT authorities and magkaroon din ng rule for preganant/injured/sickly passengers na wag na silang pasakayin. lalo na yung mga buntis na malalaki na talaga ang tiyan. After all, it’s for their welfare din naman kasi.

Three Love Stories: Cold July

Previously…

“It was a gentle mind-blowing kiss that deepened and taught me to respond. I never knew that I could kiss a person as passionately as this, knowing that I don’t have any experience. And, wow… his lips are so soft and warm and I could go on kissing him endlessly.”

Time flies by so swiftly. Ang dami nang nangyari. Kami pa rin ni X. Pero… parang hindi kami. Ewan ko ba. Bihira na lang kasi kami magkita. We don’t spend much time together anymore. Mas marami pa siyang oras for other things, for barkada, and for Audrey than for me.

I thought we would be spending his birthday together last April. Kaso hindi. Wala nga siyang text sa akin noon nang buong week. I just let him be. Baka kasi kailangan niya nang space dahil nga sa mga problems niya. Problem sa sakit ni Audrey. Problem sa school. Na-contact ko naman siya nung birthday niya. I asked my friends to greet him too. Then, I was the last one to greet. Tawag yung sa’kin siyempre. Hindi text.

He was on a funeral that night. Kinabahan ako, akala ko kung sino ang namatay (wag naman po sana, please). Yun pala malayong kamag-anak nila. He was crying. Crying on fear of losing Audrey. I didn’t know what to say… I know words are not enough to comfort him.

Then, my birthday came last month. I thought he would celebrate with me. First time ko sana mag-celebrate ng birthday with a boyfriend. Though, it didn’t happen. Nakakasama talaga ng loob. Akala ko may ni-ready lang siya na surprise, yun pala wala talaga. It was just another ordinary day. I went home late from work. Had a cold chicken dinner from KFC while Chynna texted and greeted me. Di ko alam kung nakalimutan ni X yung birthday ko or talagang kinalimutan niya na ako. Haaay… I should have accepted an officemate’s date invitation. Baka naging masaya pa birthday ko. Sabay sana kami nag-celebrate ng birthdays namin.

Actually I  accepted an officemate’s date invitation last weekend. To be honest, I enjoyed the company. And yet, I miss X. Sana siya ang kasama ko noon. Pero kung siya nga kasama ko that time, naging masaya rin kaya ang date na yun?

Raindrops are falling again outside. And here I am in the office, nag-sesenti.  Ka-chat ko kanina yung officemate ko na ka-date ko nung Saturday. He was worried on why I’m sad. I said its because of my boyfriend. It took him a while to reply. He offered to go here to comfort me. Sabi ko wag na.

Haaay… masyado na yatang nagiging close ang officemate ko na yun. And I must admit, I like his company. He knows how to make me smile kahit corny ang mga jokes niya. Ewan ko ba.

Actually, I feel like writing a poem for X right now. I want to pour out all the things I can’t say in verses…

***

Ai
(in Nippongo means love)

Raindrops falling like the billowing skirts
of ballerinas dancing in the tv.
I gaze at them longingly
as memories of February nights
haunt my mind while I try
to compose a letter,
figuring out if I should say goodbye.

The cup lay empty on the table
Yet the after taste of the coffee
it once possessed remained sweet
but not like the way it was
when you came all dashing,
entering the doors of Figaro.
My hands gripped firmly
onto the cup of hot cappuccino.

Do you remember running away
from the buzz of the world?
And going to Tagaytay,
where chills brought warmth
to the confusion of our minds…
You became the answer,
the healing of a wounded heart.

Have you already forgotten
kissing me one April night?
your hands clasping my face
with such hunger that I never knew.
You cast a spell on me…
that I shall only look at you.

How I wish to kiss you again…
Hold you tight under the rain
and take away all the blues
along with the tears and pain
you gave me on my birthday.

***

Should I put an end to what we have and drift away? Kalimutan ko na lang siya? Para kasing wala na rin namang patutunguhan ang lahat…  Malabo pa rin kasi. Yun nga lang, kaya ko kaya?

 To be continued…

The Truth About Men

(Warning: This blog post might burn you. Don’t ask why. Also, some ‘obscene’ words might exist. My apologies. )

Women’s Day and Mother’s day have long been over. But,  this entry is not really a tribute to mothers. Instead, this entry is to empower women. Yes. An entry to uplift the morale of those women who made their worlds revolve around only at their man.

Enough of the mushy stuff and fantasies ladies. Let’s face it. Nowadays, men give love to have sex while women give sex to have love. Unfortunately, in the process both parties become satisfied but as time goes on, changes occur. Men get tired of the missionary and women become bored of cold kisses and “i love you”. FAIRYTALES END.

What happens next? The girl cries for a long time grieving over a lost love and shattered dreams of marriage and happy family. The guy? Well, he would be quiet for some time. Then go look for another, screw up, compare the previous with the present and then share his escapades to the world. BRAVO!

The cycle continues until the man is stopped because one of the girls he fucked apparently became pregnant. He would then ask for Divine Intervention on what he should do. Usually, only 20% of men in this situation face the responsibility. The rest, never mind.

So what am I trying to point out here… First, seldom in this planet will you find a man who would take a relationship seriously. At some point, his true colors will reveal. Believe it or not, he just wants some orgasm. Once he releases those sperms of his, everything’s done. You’ll then realize that you have become a prey to his carnal hunger.

Second, don’t give your all. At present, you might think that this man is the RIGHT ONE. That he will be a good husband and a great father to your children. NEVER EVER BELIEVE 100% in that kind of fantasy. Your mind is just clouded right now because of some unexplained chemical reactions or adrenaline rush when you’re with him. When you break up, you’ll find yourself cursing him, and killing him over and over again in your mind. Perhaps you even thought of emasculating him. Putting a dot to his happiness.

Lastly, you deserve the BEST and obviously, it’s not him. Men who treat ladies like toys are monsters. They take advantage of females and devour them heartlessly. They don’t deserve even a single teardrop from you. These ASSHOLES might think you are stupid because you gave in to their ‘charms’. But you know what, they are worse than what they think of you. Yes, worse than stupid because they are IDIOTS. IDIOTS who are guided by the arousal of their dicks and not by their heads. At the end, these men regret their deeds but continue to do the same things again. Tsk! Is one destroyed life not enough? Or you are just really proving that you are indeed an ANIMAL and not a human being?

So ladies, don’t let your world revolve only to your man. (Who knows… he might not even belong to you!) After all, most of the men out there are self-centered beasts who only cares about sports and sex. Life is so short. Cultivate yourself by flourishing your talents and  broadening your knowledge. Enjoy your youth.

And to the men out there, especially to the ‘lucky ones,’ SHAME ON YOU! (See the image  here, that’s for you too!) You have been born out of a woman. You have a mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and female relatives. Think. How would you take it if one of your female loved-ones became a victim of your kind? Your sister or your daughter perhaps?

What will you tell your children when they ask why they have different moms? Why you and their mom are not living together? How will you make a young mind understand the mistakes you’ve done because of your carnal escapades?

Think. Think hard.