Letters from Iwo Jima Soundtrack and a few other things

Watched this movie earlier. And, as always, the soundtrack got my attention.

It all began in the year 1944. The Japanese were at war with the Americans. General Kuribayashi was assigned to lead a group of men to defend the island Iwo Jima. The island appears to be the country's first line of defense against the Americans (more like a huge barricade that the enemy would have to break down to get inside the center). With it gone, the Amercians can use it as their base and effectively infiltrate the mainland.

Its good to get to see the other side of the coin for once. While browsing through the comments of the viewers (I was looking for a video of the soundtrack), a some people were enraged by the change in 'position'. I for one think that there is no such thing as protagonists or antagonists when it comes to war. Who is what in the first place? You call the opposing side the antagonist, but aren't you also in their eyes? I think it all boils done to survival instincts: one becomes an enemy if they are seen as a threat.

But seeing the turn of events, and comparing them with other war movies, one can't help but find similarities between the two: sons and fathers were sent out leaving their families behind, their desire to live and to return home [miraculously] unscathed or preferrably in one piece, the lack of support and other necessities (rations and ammunition). Although in said movies the opposing side will be depicted as ruthless, savage, aggressive, and any other adjective you can associate with a barbarian, I can't help but feel pity. I mean, it was the conditions that made them that way. Going back to the movie, the general was asked whether he would shoot his friend, an American, if a war would erupt between the two countries (which strangely DID happen). The general said he would for the sake of his country. If it weren't for the circumstances I doubt he would.

All in all it was beautiful. Clint Eastwood is... wow. He's now on my favorite director list. Haha.

Dialogues

I don't know why… but I always find making dialogues a lot easier than making stories. Maybe it's because when I find a scene involving two people, everything just seems to center on how those two are connected. May it just be the briefest of glances or hour-long conversations, the scenery takes a backseat in the whole thing.

I was inspired by The Matrix script and figured that I should just finish what I started. ^^

So here's something I wrote a week ago. Nothing much really. It's basically about a woman finally having the courage to confess her feelings to a guy, even though she knows that it would only be a one-sided love. Typical romantic theme (yeah… I'm a sucker for that kind of stuff). Haha.

Her

Can I talk to you for a second?

Her voice is a tad bit higher than normal, in order for him to hear her above the din. He looks at her. There’s a hint of urgency in her voice. He smiles and nods.

Him

Sure.

They come out through the fire exit. It was snowing, and the only light source was the light bulb above them. He was wearing slacks and a dark blue polo, clad in a heavy khaki brown trench coat. He manages without a scarf. She was wearing thick black leggings, black boots, a navy blue button-up coat, a gray scarf and a black beanie. Her cheeks are red from the cold.

Him

What's wrong?

She moves away from him, her face barely illuminated by the lamp light, but he can still make out her features.

Him

Are you cold?

Silence.

Him

Did something happ-?

Her

I love you.

He is taken aback by the straightforward confession. Her eyes were averted, apparently fixed on a garbage can on his right. Her actions abandoning what she was trying to display: a gutty female.

Him

Oh.

He smiles. He is aware of the gravity of the situation.   

Him

I'm flattered, but… I'm sorry. I can't feel for you the same way.

Tears stream down her face. This takes him by surprise. The last thing he wanted was to make a girl cry.

Him

Why are you crying?

She wipes away her tears.

Her

Because I'm frustrated! I know you wouldn't but I still am hoping you would!

Him

I already have someone. You do know that don’t you?

She nods.

Him

Then why-?

Her

I don't want to regret. I don't want to slap myself in the face one day, saying that I should have done something.

  

She stops crying.

Her

I'm telling you now because I’m afraid of getting hurt. I don't want to misinterpret your actions thinking that what happened tonight is the reason behind them. If you choose to ignore me or avoid me, at least I won't be here. It would be less painful for me.

Him

What makes you think I would do such a thing?

Her

It is one of your options in dealing with this.

Him

Whatever happens I would never ignore you.

Her

How can I be sure?

Him

You should know by now that I’m not that type of guy…

Her

How would I know? The mind is complex. I would expect you to do something, but you have the option to do another or something out of character.

Him

Then that just means you don’t know me all too well.

Her

I’m sure about one thing!

Him

…

Her

I know you're annoying!

Him

Hey! Wait a minute!

Her

And even though you are I STILL love you!

Him

…

She sighs, closing her eyes. One can see a cloud of smoke escape from her lips. Snowflakes get caught on her eyelashes. He doesn’t make a sound.

Her

You seldom finish the things you started, but when you want something, you do everything you can to get it. You're kind, you're smart, mysterious, confusing, and sweet. You make me smile with the least effort. You're a man of few words, but you don't always need words to get your message across. You're reserved… calm… but sometimes bursting into a dam that leaves everybody shaking.

She laughs softly, opening her eyes. She takes a step towards him. He doesn't budge an inch.

Her

You make me want to do more, be more… you make me better. There are so many things about you that I haven't quite figured out yet, and those should be enough to stop me from liking you. But… I can't…

She takes another step forward. He stands still.
 

Her

You're like a magnet… and I hate it!

She looks away.

Her

But I can't do anything to stop myself. It's annoying.

She closes her eyes. She's looking the other way. She sighs.

Her

I know you like her. And I bet she likes you too.

She reverts her attention back to him and smiles.

Her

She's lucky.

Him

I’m sorry…

She smiles and nods.

Her

Good-bye.

She goes back inside through the fire exit, leaving him standing underneath the dim light.

Okay… so I WAS able to add in some details in the end. Haha! Hope you like the short… dialogue. :D I might make more of these in the near future (when I have the time).

Quotes

"The more engaged we become, the more detached we will have to be."
- Deepak Chopra (Reader's Digest, March 2009)

Detachment is not necessarily a bad thing. It all just depends on what the outcome would be. You detach yourself from yourself. You go out of that box you keep yourself in: bursting through the folds, ripping off that duct tape that seals you within. 

To be more engaged you have to be more detached means that you should not just settle with what you have now. If you can do more, then go for it. Don't limit yourself to what you know or what other people dictate. Go beyond it, prove them otherwise. Don't tell yourself that this is the only thing you are capable of. There's so much about you that you have yet to figure out and saying that you are only capable of this and that is such a sad thing to say. 

We close tend to ourselves to other possibilities. Why? I think it's because of fear. The fear that you don't know what's going to happen. The fear that you might not like what you'll find on the other side of the wall. The fear of regretting even trying. 

But really... I think one should only be afraid of not trying. Not trying means losing an opportunity to get to know yourself. We cannot see ourselves if we prefer to 'stay put'. There's no progress. No shift. 

How can you be content with being sessile? Haha

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I'm not much a of a writer, so I apologize if my posts are a bit sloppy. These are thoughts formed from quotes I've collected over the years.

Thoughts: Silence

This happened on our field trip to Batangas in January 2010. The day was drawing to a close, with no other mishaps we encountered along the way (our bus broke down before we even got to the site). The sun was setting over at the horizon, and night slowly crept in. 
 
It was one of those nights after a school activity that you would be expecting your parents to be waiting there at school to pick you up.


I remember when I was still in high school, there were interclass competitions that would usually stretch until 10PM, and the safest way to get home is to pick up the phone and greet your dad with a sheepish grin on your face, asking him sweetly to come pick you up.


But things were different now.
 
There was no one waiting for me at the other end. Calling won't help at all, for the one I would ask to come would have to get on a plane, instead of a car, and travel for an hour and forty-five minutes besides the usual 15-minute trip. I sighed to myself inside that bus. I listened to my seatmate tell me that her parents will be picking her up, even though they're an hour away from our destination. She was lucky. I can already hear the others calling their parents, or it was the other way around, telling the one on their other end that we're almost there (we left later that the presumed time).


The bus took a turn into that all too familiar lane and parked at the curb. Sure enough there was a small crowd outside the building, most of them I think were parents. My seatmate pointed out that her parents were there, I looked out the window and followed her gaze. Her dad gave a small wave; next to him was her mother. We descended the bus. Most of the students went home in cars; the others who were also dormers went back in a group. Ten minutes later, there were only a few of us left.


It was so quiet.


At that time I would already be greeted by the sound of wheels coming to a halt near the entrance. My ears acquired the ability to recognize the sound my dad's car would make when he approaches (weird, right?). This was then followed by the driver's door opening, and my dad coming out to help me with my stuff. A smile on his face, a grin on mine: "Hi pap!" I would run to him and give him a small peck on the cheek. When my stuff has been put away, we would get in the car, me in the passenger seat. He would then ask me about my day and what we did at the site, small talk, but something I enjoy very much. 
 
It was the drive home that I missed.


Once the last bus came and I got the stuff I was waiting for, I continued on my way home. It was 8PM, the school was deserted since it was a Friday. I can hear the crickets chirping and the rustling of the leaves, the smell of the evening flowers reaching me.


Tears started to well up.


As pathetic as it may seem to most people, I can't really help it. I got back to the dorm, no one was there on the first floor as I trudged my way in. I imagined my mom coming out to greet me, my two little brothers right behind her to get my things and asking me stuff, telling me things that happened while I was away. 


The house was quiet. 


I climbed up the stairs and was greeted by an empty room. I dropped my stuff on the floor and sat in my chair.


Staring blankly out the window… I let go.

Quotes

We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows only their own pain and renunciation. It's one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it's another to think that yours is the only path. - Paulo Coelho

Quotes

In your funeral, the people will see two dates on your tombstone: one of your birth, and one of your death. But the most important thing on that stone slab, will be the little line between those two dates.

I got this from a friend of mine, who found it in her friend's notebook. Her friend collects quotes as well.

Quotes

It is the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary.

Quotes

"Understand those who don't understand you."

Quotes

"It's never too early for anything, it's often too late for everything."

Trip to Camiguin Part 3

Still wet and cold from the swim, and having a lot of time in our hands, my parents decided to stop by Ardent Hot Springs for a dip (the perfect way to end the day).

The last time I visited Ardent was two years ago, and it wasn't that much of sight anymore. Even though people go there for the spring alone, that doesn't necessarily mean that you do not maintain the cleanliness of the area. I sighed. I was tired from the swim. And it pains me to see that they're going to have a dip without me. Sometimes it just sucks to be a girl when it comes at the most inappropriate time (if you know what I mean then good). "C'mon Yel!" Ardent Hot Springs did not consist of several individual pools of hot water, and there was only a hole to allow the hot spring water from the volcano to gush in (we asked where the water came from and they said it was from the volcano. Don't know which one); it consisted of three pools (differing in depth and temperature) all filled up by rushing hot spring water (it wasn't a hole, more like a mini fall). The pool down below was the one with the highest temperature.

There was the opening of the door and I opened my eyes. We were already there; and I slept all the way! Outside of the gate was pretty much the same: stalls selling souvenirs and beach clothes, and food and drinks. We walked up the gate, paid for the entrance fee (which I think was less that Php30) and went inside. The ground was covered in cotton (or something that looked like cotton). "What's that Yel?" my brother asked. I saw these before in school. They came from a fruit growing on a tree right beside the school library. The fruit were just 2 feet away from my reach if I was standing at the edge of the roofdeck (the roofdeck is one the fifth floor).

"It's a seed." there was a small seed hidden in the cottony substance. I'm guessing that the cotton was made to protect the seed and allow it to disperse, similar to that of the narra's. Perfect time to forget my botany. I racked my brain for its name. Ah well. My brother won't understand anyhow.

"What's the white stuff?"

"Cottony something." I wasn't sure it WAS cotton. But it was similar to cotton in appearance. I was starting to get sleepy. While my dad was looking for a shed to put our things, I was trudging behind trying to get my brain working again. What are those things on the ground?

"Let's go in!" my dad said enthusiastically. I smiled.

"I'll stay behind." I told them. They already know the reason why, my brother (who was asking about the seeds earlier) apparently forgot and asked me why. I couldn't tell him in a public place now can I? He always had this habit of repeating what I told him a bit louder than usual. Making such information a secret pointless. I just glared at him; he walked away without pressing me any further.

They went to the pool at the farther end where the water is at its hottest. I doubt they would take long; it's inadvisable to stay in a tub of hot water for too long. It would make you nauseous, and instead of relaxing, sport a huge headache. They were only gone for less than 30 minutes. "Hey! Let's get a foot massage!" my mom suggested. There was a small 'house' right beside our hut that offered such services. You don't necessarily have to have a full body massage, as what other people would think. A foot massage alone was accepted. But the masseuse told my parents that they should dry off before they get a massage. Besides, they would be open till 10PM, and would be happy to offer their services when my parents come back from Bahay Bakasyunan to change. It's a good thing that they weren't only after the money and would have given my parents a massage right then and there. They thought about what's best for the client; not wanting him or her to suffer from any effects of having a massage without drying off. My dad nodded his head and told my mom that they might as well come back later.

We left the hot springs and I happily drifted back to sleep.

I woke up upon arrival to Bahay Bakasyunan. My brothers' energy reserves were fully charged once we arrived to our room. They wanted to go swim in the pool. While they were stripping into their swimming trunks, I made a turn for the bathroom. Where do they get all this energy? I asked myself while scrubbing the sand off my body. After drawing a conclusion that my brothers originated from an aquatic lifeform, I turn the tap and got out of the shower. When I came out my mom and I were the only ones left in the room. My dad and my two brothers have gone to the pool. I waited for her to get ready and we went down for dinner at the resort's restaurant.

My dad was lying down by the side of the pool, he looked like one of those crocodiles that bask in the sun only that he had his belly up and the sun has already set at the horizon. His eyes were closed, my brothers splashed pool water at each other, clearly enjoying their late afternoon swim. They're really not tired... after calling on a waitress to see the menu, they guys went back to the hut to bathe and change. While my mother was busy browsing through the menu, I was fixated on the view before me. The sun was setting, radiating a brilliant pink and orange glow that bounced off the surrounding clouds. The clouds cast dark blue and purple shadows. It looked like a gigantic painting where the orange, pink, blue and purple colors harmonize on the canvas.

"What do you want Yel?"

"Hm?"

The first bite was all it took for to fall instantly in love with the resto's garlic chicken. It was so delicious, any more and I would have already turned into a glutton. The rest of the night went by. After dessert, my brothers and I rushed back to the hut to watch TV. :)

Trip to Camiguin pt 2

There was a storm last night and the editted portions of my last entry weren't saved due to the loss of internet connection. *sigh* Good thing this wasn't a paper my life depended on, or else I would have gone wild. (Haha)

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May 23, 2010

The dirty plates were cleared away and my dad washed the dishes (perhaps it was his turn this week). "Yel, you want to watch Transformers 2?" Gavin asked. I haven't seen Transformers 2. The idea came to me while I was still in school, but the thought of going all the way to the theatre to watch it made it unappealing. The first movie was a blast! What really made it worth watching was the action and the comedy. There was less drama in there involving the Sam and Mikaela (thank goodness). I wonder what happened in the second one. More Decepticons attacking the Earth no doubt.

"Sure!" I accepted and stood up next to him, bouncing on the balls of my feet as went ahead to climb the stairs. I already knew my brothers are so close to spoiling the whole movie on me before they could get it playing. I've already warned them countless times not to, good thing they remembered and kept silent as the opening credits rolled.

Hoots of laughter and gasps of shock followed. (For those who haven't watched Transformers 2 don't worry, I won't spoil it here). Usually it was at these parts that my brothers would tell me what would happen next, but they surprisingly didn't. I occasionally asked them who the new robots were, seeing that there were more than last time. I loved the one named Jetfire, a rusting used-to-be-Decepticon who thinks that Earth was a horrid name for planet and we might as well have called it DIRT. (I have to hand it to the scriptwriter, I love the smartass humor).

After sporting a crush on Optimus Prime (despite it being the second time I saw him and he's a fictional character, nonetheless a shifting robot), the three of us decided it would be time to hit the sack. Not before playing some online games, reading several fanfics and packing for tomorrow's trip. I fell asleep at around midnight.

May 24, 2010

"GET UP!" That was not what I expected to wake up to on my first day at home. But it can't be helped, considering that we were going to Camiguin and the second ferry is leaving in two hours. It was 7AM, my brother whined as they woke up. "Oh. Happy Birthday Gavin!" my dad added, standing at the doorway. I leapt up to my feet to get to be the first to use the bathroom. Although I didn't want to wake up so early, the excitement was just too much! We're going to Camiguin!

I was still a bit sleepy when I looked for something to wear before I hit the shower. The cold water wasn't of much help either. After brushing my teeth and combing my hair (thank goodness I packed last night), I went downstairs to help my mom with the luggage. She was usually the one who packed for trips, and my dad would always tell her to pack light. This would then lead to a playful banter that would last far longer than expected. My dad saying to pack ONLY the essentials, and my mom insisting that we bring EXTRAS. I can't say my mom was wrong about that... I actually got packing more than I should from her. I would rather be safe than sorry. My mom tried to squeeze in some shirts into the bag, since my dad said that we were carrying too many bags when all we need are a few. I only had one bag to carry my stuff, my dad had his, one for the towels, one for the drinks, one for the food (leftovers from last night), one for my mom plus her handbag, and one for my two brothers... I hope we don't miss the ferry.

I fell asleep in the backseat, my head resting on my brother's shoulder. Gavin was bigger than me, although it was unfair, it did have its benefits. I have someone to lean on now! I thought to myself with glee. I drifted off to sleep, occasionally opening my eyes now and then to know where we were. I was surprised when we were already on the ferry. I woke up the sound of a lid being pulled off and the smell of meat from last night's dinner. I wasn't hungry, but my mind told me that I should eat. "How was your sleep Yel?" Gabriel asked, if he were any older his question would come off as sarcasm. He's 10, so that was considered an honest question.

I rubbed my eyes. "Good."

We ate in the car, mom passed off plastic spoons and forks and we all just dug in, shoving our spoons into a plastic container filled with rice, and into the one containing the meat. It was... cute. Gavin lodged himself in between the two seats, blocking the aircon and preventing Gabo and I from getting any more food. Can't blame him, he had been telling us (more of heard in those brief moments when I was awake) that his head was aching, a telltale sign that he was hungry. The jug of water of passed from one person to the next. My parents shared a bottle while us three shared another. You can't go obsessive-compulsive in moments like these; it would be another hour before we could find someplace to eat on the island.

I wolfed down all of what remained from mama's beefsteak and handed her the contained. Satisfied, my eyes started to droop. This is getting bad. I should stop dozing off all the time. Try as I might, I still fell asleep. I wonder why I was so tired. In spite me having a preference for sleeping at the wee hours of the night, I didn't have any trouble keeping myself awake. Then... it hit me: nothing was giving me the adrenaline rush. Wait. That couldn't be it! We're heading to Camiguin! How could there not be an adrenaline rush?!

Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin was not that far from Benoni Port. It's a 15-20 minute drive away with one turn to the right when you exit from the port. You can't get lost... unless you don't have people skills to ask for directions. Bahay Bakasyunan was... well... really a place for tourists or for those who just wanted to spend a week or two on the island. Accomodating. Affordable. Perfect. Those were the words that fit to describe it. Accomodating: the rooms are spacious and cool, a clean bathroom (what every girl wish for) and excellent room service (they clean the room everyday and leave towels, soaps, shampoo and a new roll of toilet paper after). Affordable: I haven't asked my dad about that, but from what I've heard I could consider it cheap considering that we stayed for three days and two nights in a room good for 3 (it was previously a room for 2 but another bed was added). Perfect: the view outside was amazing at night!

Settling ourselves in, I knew that we weren't going to stop there. My dad was ecstatic, he wanted to get out as soon as possible. "Where do you guys want to go?" I asked my friend Mitch what were the good places to go to on that time of the day, and she suggested Mantigue Island. We haven't been to Mantigue, so the place sparked our interest to head off there first. Another scuffling on what to bring and we were soon our way to find a way to get there. Few more texts and stops along the way, we found ourselves between Barangay Hubangon and Binaliwan (signs made out of scrap planks of wood with "To Mantigue Island" written in black paint can be seen lining the sides near the ocean). Pump boats were available to send us to the island and back for a price of Php550.

It would approximately take the boat 10 minutes or so to get to the island (I think it was longer than that, seeing that the island was situated further than the renowned White Island). Unlike White Island, Mantigue Island was not merely a strip of white sand in the middle of clear blue seawater. Mangroves and other plants were growing, starting from the center and fanning out, making it look like a chiffon cupcake with green icing (ugh). When we got there it was unbelievably quiet. There weren't that many people about, and they weren't making that much noise either. All you can hear was the churning of the engine as the operator gradually eased it to a stop and the slosh of the waves underneath the boat. The boat stopped and we got off one by one. Gavin, being the daredevil (and klutz) that he is, jumped from the boat's tip landing on his feet. His feet unfortunately gave way and he landed on his ass: getting his shirt, shorts and part of the towel around his neck wet. Everyone laughed. My mother told me to keep it down since it was noon. I let out a muffled laugh. [Image on the left is Camiguin Island from the hut we occupied in Mantigue Island]

The first thing we noticed was that it was too hot. Taking pictures were reserved for a later time until the sun had eased up a bit. We were greeted with a welcome sign and a cluster of shells arranged on a table. The "ceiling", shielding the persons in-charge, consisted the trees' canopy. A fruit caught my sight, a sign was dangling from one of its branches saying that it was Pandan. "Weird-looking fruit." The scent of dried seaweed filled the air. I looked to the right and saw mounds of seaweed strewn on shore. They looked like clumps of...

After paying the woman at the desk for permission to snorkel, we trudged through the white sand to look for a good swimming spot. It was like getting stranded on an island; marooned perhaps just like Jack Sparrow. We managed to find a hut, which was worth Php150, and a decent spot (not that many rocks) to swim. I went farther out to do some snorkeling, finding only a large school of fish (same species, just don't know what it is), a strange-looking dome-shaped figure that's pink in color and several starfish that I remembered were endemic in the Philippines. How I wish I had an underwater camera (haha). Two hours clicked by, we started to get hungry. Remembering that we can order some food, my parents left, going through the "forest", to go order. My brothers and I waited patiently, downing the two bottles of orange Gatorade.

My parents returned, along with two liters of cold water and several small packs of Nagaraya. We waited until the Nagaraya was all gone until we decided to head back into the water. Less than five minutes passed and the food arrived. The first dish was a platter of clams and clam soup. They were so... big. And tasty as I drank some soup. Rice came and fish (cooked on coal... I don't think 'roasted' is the right word) that looked like a small barracuda. There was nothing special added to the fish, I was guessing that its taste came from it being part of today's fresh catch. Salt and a squeeze of a few kalamansi was all it needed.

We stayed a bit longer until we decided that it was time to go. We went through the "forest", seeing that it was the fastest way to the "front desk", passing more plants that got me asking what they were. A man offered to take a picture of us before we left, posing right up front. He mentioned something about turtles drifting onto the island to lay eggs, but I didn't seen any nursery OR hatchery. I asked him some more but he didn't answer; it sounded like he wasn't keen onto giving away any more information. I shrugged it off and walked away to get on the boat that would send us back home. Gavin, again, fell on his butt and wet his shorts and shirt; good thing he only brought the plastic bag that carried our swimming gear. Mama refused to give him anything to bring since that incident. [Figures on the right present the weird-looking fruit I was talking about. Documenting it reminded me of fieldwork. Haha)

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Forgive me for the long entry. It's been a while since I last wrote. Enjoy!

Our Trip to Camiguin

May 22, 2010

My dad picked me up from my dormitory at around 7PM last Saturday, since our flight at 4:25PM the next day. This is a good thing for me since sleeping at the dorm was equal to falling asleep in a sauna! It was so hot! That was the first time I have ever woken up with a wet shirt and bed sheet from sweating the whole night. The fan didn't help at all! It just made the situation unbearable by blowing warm air into my face. Sleeping outside was tempting.

My dad and I had to share the bed, which was a problem for me since I move a lot. To make matters worse he positioned himself at the foot of the bed, within my kicking range. I thought he was going to move to another spot after the movie. Surprised was I when I heard someone snoring. He fell asleep. Ah well. Not my fault he would end up on the floor later.

May 23, 2010

Thankfully... he didn't! I woke up to the news reporter's voice in the television. It was 8AM, the room didn't make it look like it was. It's Sunday today, eight hours from now I'll be back in Cagayan de Oro. I was... excited. I wanted to see what changed and what stayed just the way they were since the last time I went back. I know it was only four months ago, but changes are inevitable. They come and when you least expect them to. Sometimes you have to make them happen.

I have to say coming back to Cagayan de Oro was a bit strange. As the plane lifted off its 'wheels' (for the lack of a better term) from the runway of NAIA Terminal 3, it was like a part of me was yanked out of my system. "Gah! My bladder!" would be the expression befitting to express what I felt at the moment. "The doctor really took it out... cool." was all I could say as we approach our destination.

The last time I went home for the break was last December 27, no wonder I felt that something went wrong as we left Manila. Perhaps I've stayed here for too long that it has become rather unhealthy (unhealthy to a point that I didn't want to go home).

The thing about coming back after such a long time, it's easier for one to point out the differences. There were more subdivisions being put up near the airport, replacing the previous several hectares of farmland which used to be a pleasing sight when people pass by. The green was covered by gray and brown, as the workers dug into the soil to put in foundations.

The thing about modernization, which I find quite annoying, is that it never stops. There are just some things in life that are better left alone. If it would make life easier, go with it. But be sure that the benefits of such a discovery outweigh the consequences brought about by the change. I would go for sticking with the farmland than building a subdivision next to two others. Might as well situate it somewhere else.

The cab turned right down a familiar curb, and I could see the guardhouse from a distance. The place where I usually wait for my dad to pick me up; whenever it was raining and it was late at night or I had a lot of things to carry. The on of the guards on duty that time was a friend of mine, unfortunately he wasn't the one who went up the driver's side to get the driver's ID. After telling the guard, whom I figured was new, who we were, we were allowed in.

Three more houses were constructed in the neighborhood, as we passed by them along the way to our house. There were some guys playing basketball at the court on the field and two girls barreling down the sidewalk on our right with their bicycles. The sun was setting, and the tint of pink-orange-red spread itself on the horizon, glowing magnificently as if it were coming from a newly snapped glow stick. I always take this path home when I was still in high school. It would usually take me ten to fifteen minutes to get home, and within those minutes my mind is completely blank. "How melancholic." you might say. Well... if you were in that stage in life where raging hormones is not the only thing taking its toll on your body, then walking and thinking about absolutely nothing is very much welcome. With the breathtaking view and the cool breeze blowing... it was the perfect breather.

"Left." My dad directed the man to our house. "That park in front of that blue house over there." I was glad that no other house nearby was painted the same shade of blue with the same blue roof as our house. That would make the color an eyesore... the cab pulled up in front of the house. I could see smoke coming from the side of the house. Mama was still cooking tonight's dinner.

"YEL!" my ten-year old brother ran towards me. I didn't let him hug me immediately, I had him chase me first! I laughed, he did to, I stopped, and he knocked the wind out of me as he collided with my gut.

"Ow." I laughed and hugged him just as tight.

"I miss you Yel!" he told me, giving me a toothy grin.

"Miss you too!" I rubbed his semi-kal head. The other bro came rushing down the garage ramp. "YEL!" his voice had gone down a pitch, but it was still the same booming voice that resembled my tatay's. He was taller than me now! He wound his arms around my neck and gave me a squeeze. "How's your trip?"

"It was okay," I smiled up at him. He IS tall. "Come on. Let's put these bags inside." he helped me with my luggage, tugging the stroller with him.

"Yel, your mom's calling you." my dad called from the patio. I left Gavin to deal with the bag, seeing that he can handle it by himself. When did he get so strong? "Coming!" I replied, rushing to the other side of the house. "Hi ma!"

My mom was wearing a green formal blouse, I quirked my eyebrows. "Why are you wearing that?" she was cooking pork belly on the makeshift grill my dad made using a large clay pot that used to hold one of the small trees planted on our front yard.

She laughed. "I asked Gabo to fetch me a blouse. He gave me this." I shook my head. Typical Gabo: if it looks like a blouse and it was the first thing he saw, then that's good enough. I walked towards my mom and hugged her. She kissed me on the cheek. My dad, with a smile on his face, approached us from the front, carrying a camera.

The rest of the evening went by as if I have never went to Manila and stayed there for several months. It was like any other night on the table. Gabo complaining that the meat was too tough (when it wasn't), my dad complimenting my mom's cooking with a grunt or two of approval or exclamations of utter satisfaction, and Gavin staying silent at his side of the table as he mercilessly attacks the meat on his plate. Yep. I'm glad there are some things that NEVER changed.