Two Loves

My two loves don't pull my both arms in opposing ways, 
but the feet that wear high heels on the right, sneakers on the left, 
and which I would walk with no problem. 

They are either this and that, 
the maybes and possibilities of my 5th grade Science project: feasible. 



They are what an adulterer is envious about. 
They know each other, be friends with each other, 
while rolling in the same bed that I lay.

They are the silence that spoke to each other 
over coffee inside the cloud that lingers above my head. 

They are the very hands that tickle my side 
and pamper the other, 
the same hands that decorate my hair with glorious braids,
I'd be mistaken as a goddess. 

And if the two shall flee, 
I'd cut myself in half, so we'd never be apart.

A Day in the Life: The Meetup

Inspiration. 

It's really hard to have that these days. When you find your career and personal life in a very unstable and inconvenient situation, you ask yourself where you're going. Pulling out the smallest ounce of confidence that you'll be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel is near to impossible. Then again, chances make ways.

Strangers.

I like strangers. I love talking to them, spending time with them, and discover their story. I guess that's how I got myself into all sorts of trouble, because I have this dangerous tendency to trust too easily. But I never lost hope in strangers. Like me, they are people with all kinds of struggles, and their lives are theirs to make. Who am I to judge?

Inspiration and strangers are two, very unalike things. In fact, they aren't related at all lexicologically speaking. Luckily, though, I was able to have both today. Yes, today.

Forgive me of my manly foot. Walking several kilometers probably increased my masculine hormones.  That's just a theory, though.

It wasn't just another hang out, it's about discovery of a new found friendship. Until now, it amazes me how things got spontaneously smooth flowing with someone I met for the first time. I find it interesting that we both had our own share of "first-time" experiences on our meetup: the merriment on the ferry boat, the wonders of street food, and the endless walks to savor downtown Cebu together.

Vigor.

The drive to make ambitions a reality struck me the most. He's 22, I am about to be 24, but I couldn't see the difference. Two years may be a negligible age difference, but there's so much that can happen in 2 years that can change you. Life changed us and I believe that's what makes us get along so well. The determination I see every time he speaks of what he wants himself to become 5 or 10 years from now felt like an encouragement for me to work harder and smarter than what I'm doing now. His vigor for life, family, and dreams blew me away.

Chasing dreams.

Riding on that plane alone and bringing nothing but confidence and good purpose is something that bravery itself must applaud. He's off to chase his dreams and I will be mighty proud if I can see him driving his own BMW someday. Of course, with my Benz parked somewhere ;)

Baby, I'm Feeling No Stress. I'm Too Fly to be Depressed.

Yep, it's Ne-Yo's song lyric right there in the title from the song "Go On Girl." 

There's nothing new and peculiar about celebrating Valentine's Day single. In fact, there are 100 million single adults (I meant those who are not in any kind of romantic relationships) in the United States alone. I don't have a concrete Stats on the number of singles in the Philippines, but I could say that there's a rising number of them. This is good news. I'm not alone. 

Let me quote a part of Madrilena de la Cerna's article published in Cebu Daily News which may interest you, especially if you're riding solo this February 14. 

"To be single in the Philippines, especially for the females, is to bear the endless name-calling: wa mahalin (as if she’s for sale), nabiyaan sa train (as if marriage is a trip), lagas (as if she’s an agricultural product), dagang guwang (said with a tone especially if a male is the one describing), old maid (said with a smirk)."  Read more

This says nothing but the truth about singles in the Philippines, particularly female singles. I think there's too much stereotyping going on here. I understand that I have the tendency to become fatalistic but I believe that people always end up on what they deserve, on what God intends to happen. And...it doesn't mean they're not happy. Happiness is such a broad, immaterial idea for you to cage it to romance. Some remain single by chance, while some, by choice. Either way, people will eventually find what's missing in their lives and that's not particularly pertaining to romantic relationships. 

This Valentine's Day, singles (that includes me) also have the right to celebrate. The date is going to be on a Thursday, so if you don't want to feel all sleepy at work the next day, you can have an intimate party time with your family at home! 

Here's what you should do:

• Grab a box of pizza (or any favorite pasabulong) for the whole family to share
• Decide on a theme color (Red is great, but too common. Try Pink or Orange for a change!)
• Hit on your playlist while having chit chat and snack time. 

Speaking of playlist, here are my suggestions to perk up the break-up and find happiness in single-hood:

1. What Doesn't Kill You - Kelly Clarkson

2. Young, Wild, and Free -Wiz Khalifa and friends 

3. Lullaby for Myself - Barbara Streisand

4. I Don't Need a Man - Pussycat Dolls (ultimate feminist song!)

5. I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor

6. Ugly Girl - Fleming and John

7. Single Ladies - Beyonce

8. Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson

9. I'm Not Missing You - Stacie Orico

10. Single - Natasha Beddingfield

Don't be afraid if others don't find you "marketable," you're not a commodity. Don't worry if the last trip is over, your true love may have preferred to travel on foot. You're a million times better than a dead leaf and there's certainly nothing wrong with being an old maid especially if you prepared well enough to enjoy retirement.

For those who thought that they have found the love of their lives, don't fret. It's not the end of the world. Life doesn't stop just because things didn't work out for the both of you. I'm not a fortuneteller or anything similar to that but I believe that people are born for other people. Someday, you'll find that One person who will sweep you off your feet and will make you believe in 'til death do us part. 

Hope not for a date this Valentine's, but a date who can make your ordinary days extraordinary.