That Guy, That Daybreak

A BIT OF NOT-MEs

I have been lurking around bars and party places with friends since time immemorial - filling our system with alcohol and nicotine and satisfying a little bit of carnal cravings. Sure this one might offend the traditional and the conservative minds, my apologies. If you are not prepared to read some explicit thoughts, please refrain from reading on.

Before I go further, I would like this one fact known: I go out with male friends and we do hunt for the other species of our kind. Brokeback Mountain? I heard people call it that way.

One weekday, I was with a couple of guy friends dancing our night out with the usual dosage of alcohol and vitamin N (N for nicotine).

Click! We started dancing at around ten in the evening and our energy reserve still can power a medium-sized subdivision for a night. We danced our way to drunkenness. And when everything seemed to have revolved around our heads, we started to get out of control. We broke out from a state of fixation and went into madness or whatever you may wanna call it.

Click! Hands and feet and hips and shoulders and everything are working in synergy that one would think the bones in our system were absent or have turned into a snake’s somehow.

At about three in the morning I found myself on the dance floor near the bar with my friends. We earned some alien stares from the people around, it was like there are a number of eyes (slits for that matter) scattered around the darkened walls. I cared less.

Further on, I caught a glimpse of this guy staring at me, smiling. I dismissed it by looking right at my back, expecting to see some gurl the guy might be smiling at. But behind me was a wall of glass. He might be smiling at his reflection in the glass I thought. But he continuously stared at me - insistent, provoking.

Click! I was caught under the threshold that separates fancy and reality. I surrendered (as if spreading myself to submission) and smiled back to him in an effort to earn a new friend that night. The next moment, he was wading his way on the fool-flooded dance floor, towards me. In a millisecond, he anchored his hands on my waist, gyrating his loins against mine. I was apprehensive during the first seconds but as the motion went constant, I gained ground and went with the flow.

The temperature went high that I wished I was somewhere cold. It must be a burning fever! But the base were both our loins. Not a fever, is it? The magnitude of the given situation gravitated and pinned me to a state of utter lunacy.

Despite that, I took control of my emotions. At least I tried. For a flashing moment, images of two masculine forms in union flashed on my already twisted mind. But I decided not to entertain those images and shifted my mind to the guy I am dancing with. He is about my height five feet five inches at least, about my built, a long nose, a pair of magnetic eyes… I got attracted in an instant.

At first it was just a dance, a daring dance.

Click! I look at him straight to the eyes and both spelled something that turned me on. Then he smiled and so I did. His thin lips bared his tongue licking his upper teeth. I did the same. Moments onwards, he stuck his tongue out. And so I did.

His teasing tongue was like a snake slithering out from its hole, looking for a prey to invade. I am your slave I muttered to myself, smiling wildly. The perfect combination of alcohol and insanity told me to stuck mine out too. And so I did.

‘Twas just that at first – sticking our tongues out, never touching anything than the nicotine-filled air inside the bar.

Click! The heat intensified and I was surprised by my own action. Our faces went closer slowly and the next thing I knew, our tongues twisted, intertwined and were battling like swords, only, soft, wet and hot.

As the time progressed, your mouths connected. He expertly sucked my lower and upper lips aside from my tongue. After every encounter, we broke into smiles.

Click! More things happened as daybreak cut in. I found myself on the ledge with that guy. The heat further intensified. He reached for my crotch, my butt cheeks and the portion where my tight ass hole is. He even went as far as licking my tummy. Cool! I shouted deep within.

Between what I call "takes", doses of alcohol were handed to me (courtesy of the guy) and my system is more than eager to drink up.

Then I pondered. Am I me tonight? Have I been so imprisoned that I am acting like I broke out from a life-long prison? Is it the alcohol or the nicotine perhaps? Or it’s just that I am undersexed?

The constant lip and tongue sucking went on until we decided to call it a day. Time for us to go part ways – me with my friends and him with himself as he was alone that night.

Click! On the stair landing outside the bar, he went after me handing yet another serving of alcohol. One more dose then another torrid kiss and then we bid goodbye to each other.

"What a night!" I screamed to myself.

Click! Moments later on the roadside while waiting for our ride, he was again at my back. Before taking his ride, he motioned for another kiss but I refused. "Crazy!" I told myself. "This might be the last!" But no. The single strand of insanity that bound my brain to my head restrained me.

Click! He was gone. But with a promise. "See you around!"

Click! Back to reality.



postscript
my apologies to the conservative minds who dare read. hit me, crankup my addie or whatever you might wanna do. be my master. dabe@rock.com. 'atcha laterz!
© tan zhe ho [bondabe largo] All rights reserved.

PEOPLE

In the course of my job as writer, I came across different scenes of life – some realistic, others fanciful. Along crossroads and street sides, I met people who are either loud or outspoken or coy or silent.
Now here’s a rundown on whom I have met or worked with that, in some ways, influenced the way I live this very short life.
Glen
I met him a couple of years ago (or so) at Ayala Center Cebu. For the benefit of those who don’t know what Ayala Center is, it is a premier lifestyle destination that sits at the heart of the Queen City of the South’s business district, Cebu Business Park.
That was an afternoon and he was fresh from Bohol, his home province. He talks a lot about things and issues in his life. Quite open. I just don’t know why but it seems to me that I knew him since time immemorial. I can’t assume our brains are traveling on the same wavelength though (he is more intelligent than me I suppose) but there’s this feeling of comfort. It is as if we were related in some ways. I felt it though ‘twas our first time meeting.
I was reading his blogs (fairytaler.blogdrive.com) a while back and I found out a number of things about him – all suggests what kind of person he is.
He’s got a bit of this and a bit of that. He has been through a lot of things in life. I mean things that an everyday person gets through.
I saw strength in him and the ability to adapt to a given environment. I believe he is gifted with the talent of squeezing out from not-so-manageable situations.
Glen has accepted himself – for what he is, who he is, what he might be, who he might become.
I learned that he is be going back to his home in Bohol for good to pursue his studies in nursing. The moment I heard that info from him, I was stunned. I can’t explain this but it is as if I am in a sudden loss. We never had much time talking, we never had night outs together, we never had coffee together, we never exchanged SMS messages that often. That sent my butt feeling envious with the people he constantly goes out with. Quite sad but well, its for his growth. Surely I will miss him.
Iste Sesante-Leopoldo
She is a tough girl. Well, the eldest of the great Colonel Sesante. She is the only lady photographer in the Cebu media industry. She plays golf, badminton, bowling, tennis, volleyball, basketball and she is also into swimming.
I met her when I was having my classes at The Freeman. I saw her positioning her red car on the parking lot. The moment I saw her get down the car, I was irked by the sight of a girl on an STC (Saint Theresa’s College, an exclusive Catholic school for girls) uniform, dark as chocolate with zits in her face.
Fastforward.
When I was intern, she is the photographer I would usually tag along for press conferences. Until I got absorbed, it is always she whom I will be with on coverages.
She has this passion for adventure. She has gone to a lot of places in the country and she has been through a lot.
What I saw in her is the obvious but extraordinary strength in a woman. I seldom see her getting agitated over things laid on her table at any given time.
I am always this childish git but she always have this ability to calm me down and she never, in anyway, offended me.
Sir Nimrod Quiñones
He’ll have your terror professor running for his money.
Sir Nimrod is a symbol of discipline, of working smart and of toughness.
He is not the traditional individual and he stands for what he believes is right and proper.
Having spent five semesters under his guidance, I have learned a number of things – the ones that will guide my career in the media and living life in general.
Tough as he is, we would always comply with what he would want us to do. I learned how to stand on my own; I learned ways to do things the smarter way.
I am a recipient to all his kasaba and all his warnings. But that’s okay. I know he want to see me as an individual of character and values.
The Freeman Marketing Team (PRO, VDV, JAM, JEU, TLP, SLR, SML, MMA, AP, JR)
I found a family in this group. They are of course way ahead of me in terms of experience (and age). Nonetheless, I like their company. It is as if I belong to a group of matured and able individuals who value personal relationships more than business relationships.
They are of course all evidences of a human being’s vulnerability to weaknesses. They are, however, strong to face the oddities that pops up.
Ma. Christina Lizares Poblador-Magbohos
Strong in personality and an abider of set rules. That is the person we come to call “Ms Tin.”
I have worked with her as our Advertising Manager for a year and a half and she imparted loads and loads of lessons for me. In the course however, I received memos and warnings and all those. At first I wasn’t able to decipher what she wants me to learn. There were times when I had to cross the line and tell her about my opinions concerning things and, smart as she is, I will always be outwitted.
She taught me more about professionalism, open-mindedness, working smart, and the list goes on.
Anyhow, Ms Tina had just left the company for good and for sure, we will be missing her. I cant avoid the feeling of loss upon learning that she has to go back to her home in Bacolod. She is to start life anew with the attached responsibility of being Mrs. Mark Magbohos.
Jocelyn Ulla
Slimer we call her. After that character in Ghost Buster that eats everything he come across with (fridges, tables and all).
She is quite a laugh most of the times. She’s got spiels and she’s got a way of making us laugh even when we are at a so-down mood.
Down-to-earth. That’s another word that would aptly describe her. I never heard her retaliating over some stuff people passed on to her. She understands and she accepts. She never held qualms over the things that happened to her. And when I get out of the company, I will surely miss her.


Postscript: This is the first part in a series of five.

About Blogging

i never appreciated blogging til i found out it's a good way to tell people what's up with you. i am not really sure if some people care to check this mediocre site (i apologize i am not webdesigner). anyways, twas a friend from Bohol who introduced me to this kind of stuff. his name is Glen and he's got a kewl site to hang around at.
this blogsite is where my thoughts can be caught at and i hope you will find this okay.
well there aint anything in my life now that's worth shouting all over the web. unless you count my failure to pass the final interview at CVG. it was the worst interview i have had all my life and i learned loads. i got nervous and everything lese fell apart. geez whatta shame! but it's okay. failure is part of living aint it?
anyways, twasnt a great deal and i cant even feel i am at loss. i am not meant for CVG and i believe i am for PSPT.
ey wait i hefta go now. i got a dinner assignment! gawd i am a bit tired now but i hefta go.
ciao!

Episode: Marco Polo Plaza Hotel Cebu Blessing

By Bon JP Largo

Cebu City’s skyline will once again become as magnificent as it has been with the opening of the much talked about hotel in the metropolis today – Marco Polo Plaza Cebu. Very soon, Marco Polo Plaza Hotel Cebu will formally open its doors to the world populace.
Last February 22, Marco Polo Plaza Hotel had its blessing highlighting a high mass celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Vidal together with other bishops.
After the blessing of the 329-room hotel, lunch was served and guests were properly accommodated and were spoiled over excellent and well-presented food in the superb, medium lit second level function room.
This writer had the opportunity to talk to one of the top honchos of the Marco Polo Group, Director of Human Resources for Training and Development, Deanna McGonigal – the amiable Hongkong-based Canadian hotelier who is on top of the training and staff preparation of the hotel.
In between helpings, things about Marco Polo Plaza Hotel Cebu were disclosed.
“This is a brand new hotel and we don’t wanna stick on to the past. We hired some of the best in the region for management positions and we also hired the best for our hotel staff,” McGonigal Disclosed.
Marco Polo hotel properties are international hotels complying with the high international standards said McGonigal but with the expertise on the local flavors distinct in the region or area where a certain property is located. As for Marco Polo Plaza Hotel Cebu, “We can expect a true Cebuano experience.”
She observed that the hotel industry in the Philippines is growing together with international trade and tourism and Marco Polo is looking into establishing properties in major centers like Manila. “We are working with the tourism industry to enhance Cebu and the Philippines for that matter, as a destination,” McGonigal added.
Targeting the leisure and business market, McGonigal shared they are poised to becoming the home for the market if they stay in Cebu.
During the training she conducted with the staff, she observed that Cebuanos “they accepted the education and training we conducted. They are receptive and it’s so delightful.”
True to Marco Polo’s culture, “We are about people, service, commitment, growth and development,” McGonigal concluded.
Deanne McGonigal has been in the hotel industry for more than two decades and has just recently re-joined the Marco Polo Group. She has been touring around the 10 Marco Polo properties around the world and has served several other properties.

LETTING GO.

it is hard to let go.

we are generally taught to acquire,

to possess,

to have,

to hold on,

to fight...

VOID.

thoughts at random.

alone & desolate.

things spinning above my head.

nasty thoughts,

rebellious stances,

pressures abound.

the craved chill on the evening breeze is non-existent.

the solid ground under my feet cracked

into a shallow, even-surfaced, murky liquid.

lowered inch by inch

til i got drowned.

FOYER.

cigarette smoke.

engine rumblings.

the evening was punctuated.

souls alive.

wandering, seeking for a place to lurk.

cravings for physical pleasures lured the soul to darkness.

the soul reduced to thinking empty thoughts.

sumilon discovery: a trip to the island getway

A tranquil island that gives you a feeling of utmost privacy, a getaway from the hassle and bustle of the urban jungle and a place where nature is in harmony with all the life forms inhabiting in it. The island is called Sumilon – a 24-hectare coral island lying in the southeastern tip of Cebu mainland and plays host to the world-class Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort.

Discover Sumilon: A Trip to the Island Getaway
By Bon JP Largo

The urban Cebu City gradually dissolved into memories of a fast-paced life as the Ceres bus trudged along the length of the national highway heading towards the southern town of Oslob where the island getaway of Sumilon is nestled. Bucolic landscapes unfolded as we passed along the towns of San Fernando, Car-car, Sibonga, Argao and so on (the places before the ones mentioned are already urbanized and the sight is something I am used to having been an urbanite since childhood).
We had the first stop at the old town of Argao (Pueblo de Argao during the Spanish times, circa 1600) where we had mid-morning snacks at Alex Kafe at the center of the old town. Owner and Argao Tourism Commissioner Alex Kintanar Gonzales disclosed that the structure they are occupying now has been a property of the Kintanar clan since 1927. “The place has a history for itself. This has been abandoned a lot of times and has been used for several purposes like a bodega for kerosene and a salon for the Japanese soldiers during the war. Now it has become my therapy place for about four years now and it helped me become a servant of the municipality of Argao,” Alex related on a short chat after a hearty platter of Torta (the town’s famous delicacy), bud-bud (sticky rice rolled and wrapped in banana leaves) and puto (another delicacy made from sticky rice) paired with hot chocolate and some fresh ripe mango. Later, I earned the title “Best in Interview Portion” courtesy of ABS-CBN Cebu’s Jud Morning host, my Kapamilya and good friend Jude Aparri Bacalso.
An urbanite on a sojourn, I spent the remainder of the bus trip napping.
At the time I woke up, I was greeted by the scenic vista of the blue seas meeting the azure skies in the horizon. At last, we are on the drop-off point for Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort at Bangcongon in Oslob town. Every guest were embraced by the warmth of the place that has nothing to do with the mid-day temperature but with the luminous and genuine smiles sported by the usherettes as they welcome the guests. Refreshments (bokarillo, chicharon, banana chips, tuna sandwich, juices, water, sodas, etc.) were offered at the spacious and open-air facility, which served as our reception while waiting for the barge that is to take us to the island.
I must admit that the long travel got me groggy but upon stepping foot at the island’s shifting white sand bar, I felt totally refreshed and invigorated. What greeted us in the island itself is a breath-taking sight – the crystal clear waters, the sun-kissed pristine white sand, the sound of the waves rushing to the shore of powdery sand and the Sinulog dance performance of a cultural ensemble performing on the sand bar – a perfect subject for artists who want to depict in their art pieces the wonderful harmony of nature and the life it hosts. By the way, they call it “shifting white sand bar” because, “Its changes shape and shifts location around the island depending on the season,” explains the amiable Margie Munsayac, the resort’s VP for Sales and Marketing on a chat before we boarded the barge off to the island.
Again, refreshments are offered at the beginning of the trail towards the resort’s reception area.
A little walk and we reached the reception area – the Island Pavilion, which houses the library, gift shop and the restaurant. It was lunchtime and the crowd was divided into cliques. Others opted to stay at the Island Pavilion while the bulk went straight to the picnic groove where lechon baka and lechon baboy laid waiting.
I shared a table with companions and dive enthusiasts Ms Tina (Poblador), this paper’s Advertising Manager; Mats (Galicano); and Rotarians Benjie and Mars. My favorite Third String (an acoustic band playing at Tequila Joe’s every Thursday and Saturday) serenaded us during the lunch of the ocean’s bounty. After partaking the gastronomic pleasures of mixed seafood (freshly cooked crabs, shrimps, squids, etc.), we registered for the free services like Kayaking, massage, diving and snorkeling.
The first that we did was kayaking (paddle boating) at the natural lagoon rested at the picnic groove. ‘Twas actually my second time to do the paddles, the first one at Rio de Cagayan (whitewater rafting!) which requires strength and presence of mind. This time, I don’t need to paddle vigorously. In a relaxed manner, I paddled to the end of the lagoon on my pink kayak, getting lost in my daydreams. The high mangroves surrounding the lagoon obstructed the wind from the open sea and the resulting current of air is a cool breeze, ideal for the much-needed relaxation.
We did snorkeling next at the marine sanctuary near Nikki’s Wall – dive site that plays host to, according to the handout, Jack, Tuna, Reef Fishes, Anduhaw, Snapper and Puffer Trigger among others. But before we reached the site, we traipsed along the footpath of white pebbles under the canopy of verdant trees. Nothing can be heard except the rustling of the foliage against the gentle breeze and the twittering of the birds and of course the snapping dried twigs that fell on the pathway.
A view of mainland Cebu’s southern part and a greenish blue silhouette of the nearby Negros Oriental spread out before us as the end of the trail fell to the aquamarine waters. We boarded the motorized banca and off we went to the dive site.
While Ms Tina and Mats went down for a dive together with a couple of divers, me together with Benjie and Mars were just at the surface taking a bird’s eye view of the enthralling marine world lying about 17 feet beneath us. My snorkeling companions were thrilled to find Nemo (some clown fishes) playing on their playground of sea anemone that swaying to the direction of the surface current. The underwater scenery captivated my sense that I lost track of time. After spending half an hour, we bid goodbye to the colorful corals and the vibrant marine life dwelling in the peaceful sanctuary down under.
When we returned, the picnic groove was showered with the soft orange glow of the late afternoon sunlight and the area was cleared of the buffet tables and refreshment stations – a sign that suggests we are about to leave. After taking my shower and while waiting for the Ms Tina and Mats, I settled at the cushioned duyan anchored on the trunks of two trees by the shore.
Moments later, we were schlepping back to the motorized banca that is to take us back to mainland Cebu. After negotiating the not-so-nice waters, I was jolted back to the present world, back to the metropolis, back to urban living inside the city of concrete jungle.
I have no regrets except that I was never able to check out the Yamashita Caves, the Tree Park, the Parola and the Balwarte. Then I promised to myself to be back and check out the pursuits I left for the simple reason that I wasn’t blest with more time to explore more of Sumilon and the resort it houses – the Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort.
I felt nostalgic as the Ceres bus left for the city. Nevertheless, I have been thankful to God for sculpting such a blissful island blest with sun-drenched beaches and natural landscapes.

- - - G e t t i n g T h e r e - - -
From Dumaguete City
There are direct flights between Manila and Dumaguete City. From Dumaguete City, the resort can arrange pumpboats (small fast crafts) to bring guests directly to Sumilon Island. if weather conditions do not allow travel via pump boat, then ferry rides to the port of Bato, Oslob and trasportation to the resort can be set up.
From Cebu City
There are daily flights between Manila and Cebu City. From Cebu City, guests can take a scenic drive through the southern coastal towns of mainland Cebu. The ride offers glimpses of both Filipino urban and rural life, as well as its historical past that help form the local culture. Once outside the city limits, a relaxing trip begins through a tree-canopied highway with breath-taking views of the eastern seashores.

a little interested 

pondering upon the frustrations 

wishing on a star

note: this one here is a contribution from MADDIE, a good friend and a creative artist. she is an architect by profession and she manages their family business. right now she is in paris.

WISHING ON A STAR
By MADDIE

"Star light, star bright! First star I've seen tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight..." I closed my eyes and made my wish.
He was standing by the dusty roadside waiting for his ride as I pulled up my jeep asking for directions through the deserts of Morocco. He squinted under the afternoon sun as he pointed to the direction where I was supposedly headed to. I thanked him and sped right off, hoping to catch the beautiful sunset.
I pitched my tent under a blanket of stars away from the other travellers who set camp nearby. I huddled close to the bonfire, making myself comfortably warm while gazing at the diamonds in the sky. He taught me how to wish on the first star I happen to see as I looked up in the clear sky.
I now remember the story he once told me while we were still together...
For two weeks he had spent his nights under the sky, but he still has to see a single star fall out of its place.
Yuletide was still months away yet the young September was already blowing a cold wind. He pulled his clothes against him, and as he laid on the grass smelling the sweet earth around him, somehow he knew it was going to be a long night.
The breeze was gently slapping his face and it brought a scent that instantly shook him from his thoughts. Without turning his head and looking back he knew it was her. She gently walked towards him, then sat upon his side. Against the pale light of the moon he could see the eyes that always haunt him, the lips he always dreamt of kissing, and he wondered how it would feel to run his hand through her long auburn hair.
"You really should stop wishing on those falling stars."
Her words brought no comfort, and he watched her as she lazily traced the stars while softly speaking their names.
"Pelè, the bear hunter with the golden arrows
Istari, the centaur"
With fondness she added:
"Hiiaka and Lohiau, the lovers"
It was then that she told him the story.
When the world was still young and everything was new, Lohiau was the sun-god and Hiiaka was the daughter of darkness. They fell in love with each other at their first meeting, but Hiiaka, being an offspring of darkness, was terrified of Lohiau's light so she fled across the sky. Lohiau chased her but could never really quite catch her. So they both died of exhaustion.
He smiled for he was the one who told her that story. he could have laid there on the grass all night just staring at her face, but she eventually said the words he dreaded.
"I'm leaving tomorrow."
For a minute he could hear nothing but those words repeating themselves in his head. Above him, viewed against his tears, the stars and the sky blended into a single color of gray.
As she was about to get up, he said it for the first time.
"I love you."
And for an instance he thought she would stay. She kissed his tears away, but in the end she still left him.
For an eternity he was numb. He wanted to sleep and never wake up. As he was about to close his eyes, he saw Pelè let loose one of his arrow.
Was it too late for wishes?
He smiled, and for the first time in two weeks since she told him she was leaving, he was happy. She was a free spirit that could never be tied down--- like the wind that wills its way and goes where it must go. Only now does he understand her.
"Return to me after all your journeys
You know I will be waiting."
So he makes his wish, while above him, Lohiau finally let Hiiaka go, ending his chase.

"You really should stop wishing on those stars. They might come true."

How long was I gaping with my mouth open? I was startled to see him sitting across my bonfire with that familiar squint. Was I dreaming? I certainly didn't recognize him while asking for directions awhile ago. He slowly got up and came over to where I was huddled. He sat behind me and gave me a tight back hug and slowly kissed my left ear down to my nape.

I closed my eyes and all the stars fell into place.

That night, my wish came true.