A Cockroach Story

Last night was hot and humid. I can't help but to turn the air-condition and set it even higher. Zaeb, my son was already soaking wet, and his hair were like corn silks, he even smelled like one! Even in the afternoon, when you walk around the block, you'll get a perfect tan!

Image from tvguide.com, Gupta Bollywood dancing

After watching a funny episode of Outsourced where Gupta danced at the opening credit of the show, I've fin'lly decided to brush my teeth. I went out of the room as the cold air-condition breeze brushing my skin suddenly turned humid. It was pitched black for a moment. I squint my eyes to see better. And somehow, some corners of the house turned to silhouette. 

As I grope for the light switch, I've felt that I was not alone...in the dark...full of moving curtains! And I can hear these sounds "fffffrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrft" all around as if I was watching a movie in surround sound DTS! The feeling was staggering. And when I pulled down the switch, what I've witnessed was truly ...  horrifying! It was a display of distorted realization that there were no ghosts! They were horde of flying alien insects with elongated antennas and beady black eyes --- "Ipis!" (cockroach!). (When it was still dark, I thought they were fairies man!)

Going to the bathroom was a struggle. It was an obstacle! And  while I hold a slipper as I staggered my way out, these little bastards prey on my innocent skin 'till I've managed to keep them down and quiet with the "WAPAAAK!" here, and a "SPLAAAAAKT!" there.

After I've steered my way and finally got myself fixed in front of the sink, I grab my toothbrush in the dispenser and to my surprise, there it was, the alien sanuffa...staring at me, mocking me, marking my every move, as if it knows what I'm gonna do next!

I slowly raise my slipper to gain momentum. The sanuffa-b's lookin' down on me! I was avoiding a sudden move to prevent it from flying. And when I was about to swing my slipper, to my utter surprise, it flew! The little bastard flew! And when it was about to land on my face, I said, "Gotcha!", "FFFFFFFFLAKPT!", "Home run!"

As I stood there, while looking down on the cockroach and keeping my baseball batter posture, I said, "Pu#@#6-!#@ kang IPIS KA! Pinahirapan mo ko dun ah!", "Fuc#@# Son of a B! You made me exhausted!". Okay, one down (slightly turn my head) hundred more to go! "Say hello to my little friend, the Baygon!" (that's me inadvertently endorsing the brand!) Moments later, after I've emptied the can, I could finally brush my teeth.

Wait a minute, I just remembered, that little bastard was in the dispenser a while ago. Then I looked at my toothbrush. "Did it or did it not?" That was the biggest question. Then I smelled it. And from the moment the aroma touched my senses, I knew something nasty has happened.

But before I continue, let me give you a brief insight of these little critters. According to my readings, these little s#!+s are widely misunderstood as household pests, when the truth is they aren't. (scoffs)

Image from zidbits.com. Radioactive cockroach.

"People think that cockroaches are the only creatures that could survive nuclear war. That's not actually true," Beccaloni1 said. "They certainly are much more resistant than humans but far less resistant than many other insects."


They are among the hardiest insects on the planet. Notice why they would keep on running even when you would step on them, decapitate them as their inside sputters? When I was little, I used to torture them to death as the burning candle would trickle down to its vulnerable brittle body. (Nasty)

Image from iloilolove.wordpress.com 

Here in the Philippines, notice how would they come out and swarm when it's hot? "Ahh, kaya kapag mainit, lumalabas sila!", ("So that's why they would always come out when it's humid"). That's not entirely true.

"The abnormal reversal of temperature in the troposphere caused by the entrapment of urban air pollution. Under normal circumstances, air in the troposphere is cold at high altitudes and warm at low altitudes, or near the earth's surface. When air pollutants, such as SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide) or NOx (Nitrogen Oxide), in urban areas get too concentrated, smog is produced. Since cold air underlies the warmer air at high altitudes, the air does not mix well."2 (Nose bleed? That's because it's based on the scientific point of view.)

Here's how it works. On sunny days with clear skies, there's nothing to prevent any moisture at the surface of the earth from being evaporated quickly and easily into the open air. But when it's about to rain, these heavy clouds prevents these air from circulating. Thus, humidity occurs as clouds trap the air.

Now are you following? It's because cockroaches can sense any hint of water (and based from my theory, they can sense it even in the air), and the sole reason why they would come out and swarm, not food. They can survive and remain active for a month without food but only for a week without water.

They are mainly nocturnal and will actually run away when exposed to light. So swarming only at night is not entirely true.

They can easily reproduced. Like ants, roaches produced chemical trails as well as emitting airborne pheromones. When they found each other, they'll mate and reproduce. And when they do, they'll swarm.

And in other country like Cambodia, they are treated as delicacies as well as rats and spiders. (Super nasty!)

Image from http://2ngaw.deviantart.com
Gokitomo (Cockroach my Friend) Original
Pinoy Manga published monthly by
Mangamania

And that brings us to our conclusion. Don't judge the cockroach by its ... err ... appearance. No matter how many times they crawl under your blankets, how they would devour your leftovers or your fingers, cockroaches are misunderstood creatures (scoffs). In fact, they are highly sensitive and very private ... uhhh ... insects. And whether you like it or not, they will always be part of our lives. Capice?!

And so once again the day was done, and it's time for my off.  I'll strike again next time. So I say adieu, until then, adios! (BTW, about the nastiness? Ahhh, yes. The aroma was lingering! So I threw it away, and looked for another spare inside the cabinet. And as I grope for the brush ... there it was ... the deadliest, most horrible, your not-so-friendly creepy-crawler of all time ... the SPIDER!!! But that'll be another story.)


References: 


1. http://www.livescience.com/4566-truth-cockroaches.html
2. http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview/id/555600.html

Other References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockroach
http://www.squidoo.com/cockroaches-facts-and-myths

Libreng Food sa Fire Drill!

Last Tuesday, September 6, 2011, at past 8 in the morning, our solemnity in pursuing our early morning rituals towards our goals was broken and interrupted (Copy-Paste-Book!). Our Manager announced that there's gonna be a Fire Drill. "Aksaya lang ng oras, wala namang libreng lunch!" (It's a waste of time since there'll be no free lunch!). But Sir Jess (the Manager) broke our lost of interest and said "merong free lunch!" (there's a free lunch!) while pointing a finger on the announcement letter. We were flabbergasted! Then out of the blue an office mate, Marlon, played a gag and said "gan'to dapat kapag may sunog...", (this is what we should do in case of  fire). Then as he segue and run through the hallway shouting, exaggeratedly, "DON'T PANIC! DON'T PANIC!", we all laughed as he completely looses his mind.

Click image to enlarge photo.

On our way out, we've noticed that we were not the only ones who were advised for the Fire Drill. It was all of Barangay San Lorenzo Makati.

The instruction was to head straight to Legazpi Park and we'll be met by other participants. 

We arrived at the event and the crowd was overwhelming. It was like a political up-rise is about to spark. There were banners, some students, foreigners, GMA-7 Network, some Firemen, the MACEA (Makati Commercial Estate Association), the MAPSA (Makati Public Safety Assistance Group), Hon. Barangay Captain Ernesto Moya, and Hon. Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay, who unfortunately wasn't able to attend.

 

 

 

But what do we do in case of fire or earthquake? The first important thing is to stay focus. If your office is like a labyrinth, well, focus on that! Second, always carry a pocket knife, led flash-light and a cellphone. Nowadays, carrying or possessing a gadget shouldn't be hard to do since they're not that costly anymore. And most important of all, always bring along an I.D. When you have these stuffs, you couldn't be prepared more, right? I mean if your face should accidentally burn or crush, at least they can still identify you and know who to inform! (Eeeew, gruesome!). Run towards the nearest fire exit and avoid panicking (Easy right? As if! But you have to!).

And so once again the day was done, and it's time for my off.  I'll strike again next time. So I say adieu, until then, adios! (But wait..."NASA'N ANG FREE LUNCH?! GRRRRR!",)

I Love the 80's (Langit, Lupa, Imferno?! Im-im-imferno!)

Many of us were born in the 60's, 70's and the 80's. But admit it, there's nothing more like it than to relive every nostalgic moments of the 80's. Why?  For each decade from the 60's, to 80's, can you name one or two events, band names, icons. If you'll try to "wiki" it, there are dozens of lists. But to enlighten you while I try to make a point, I'll give you an honest answer. I can name one or two! In the 60's we got the first man on the moon. Jimi Hendrix set an iconic performance during the 1969 Woodstock. Then in the 70's, there's Juan dela Cruz Band, and the oil crisis in the U.S.. Fin'lly in the 80's, I can name plenty. There was Marcos' regime, the Mendiola massacre, and its government's downfall. Speaking of Marcos, there was Voltes V, Daimos and Bioman. Gandhi was assassinated in India. The Rubik's Cube. Nintendo was born. First Macintosh computer was introduced. The Cure, Fra Lippo Lippi, Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson, and of course, Madonna. There's more...MTV, music videos, and New Wave. What else? MOVIES! I love Movies! Who would forget Alien, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Back to the Future and E.T.? Now, do you see what I'm trying to insist? 



I was born in 1980. Life back then was simpler. Everyday I would wake up early for school. Eat Hot Pandesal with Lady's Choice stuffings (Ham Spread). My mom was the one who would always accompany me to school. My baon (allowance) back then was P5 ... a week! And if I'm lucky enough, mom would add some coins to it. I'll be contended with a lugaw (rice porridge) or sopas (pasta soup) for meryenda (snack) that would cost a peso for a bowl. Magnolia Chocolait drinks were used to be delivered in glass bottles. Toothpaste tubes were made of metal aluminum I think "at sobrang anghang sa dila!" (the burning sensation on your tongue was overwhelming). I was fond of playing  Fying Tee (a plastic propeller with a stick that would be rubbed, slide and let-go to witnessed its flying action). The Plastic Balloon (with the aroma of a strong chemical ingredients). And who would've thought that Sundot Kulangot ("Booger Picker") was a delicious delicacy from our childhood?

Back home, after a satisfying lunch, my brother, Meg and I will be forced to take a siyesta (nap). Then after that, we would find a way to sneak outside our yard. We were rarely seen to be playing with other children. Sometimes, our only companion during long hours in the afternoon was a Martinez bird. That bird will completely mimic a two to five syllable word. Too bad it committed suicide and died. They all did.



Pong Pagong, Ate Sienna,

and Kiko Matsing (image from

inquirer.net)

Meg and I would watch Voltes V, Daimos and Bioman. We would argue most of the time if who got the best and most number of weapons between Voltes V and Daimos. We would watch Batibot, Pen-Pen de Sarapen, Uncle Bob's Lucky Seven Club (we love the toys that will be shown at each segment), Kulit-Bulilit and Pin-Pin (a Chinese children-oriented program), Eat Bulaga and Kwarta o Kahon on RPN-9

If we were nowhere to be found watching T.V., we would be out playing. Games back then were much simpler. We'll play Siyato, Monkey-monkey, Langit-Lupa (yes, with the mispronounced syllable "imferno"), Tayaan, Agawan-base, Teks, Tagu-taguan, Luksong-Baka and Luksong-Tinik. Kids nowadays are delighted on playing with their gadgets, cellphones, digital cameras, PC games, PS3, Wii, and Xbox-360. Oh, and don't forget PSP and DS!

One late afternoon, while I was playing Flying Tee outside the basketball court, just across our house, my playmates noticed a squadron of helicopters hovering lower than a normal altitude (we're living just outside Fort Bonifacio). The feeling was indescribable, I thought they were going to land on the ground! Our kapitbahay (neighbors) or should I say usiserong kapitbahay (nosy neighbors), swamped around. Soon they were all over the place while their heads tilted up!

I was just 6 years old back then. I really don't have an idea of what's really goin' on. Then people over the news swarmed just outside Camp Crame. There were tanks, priests and nuns, human barricades, and with little kids too. I just sat and watched the T.V. with my Lola Coring (Grandmother Coring). I still remember her cursing Cory Aquino. My late Lola was a loyalist.

Just late last night, I watched a documentary about Ninoy Aquino entitled "Ninoy, sa Puso ng Pinoy". The documentary wishes to impart knowledge how he continued and struggled for truth. And despite of his courage, he was shot at the back of his head by an assassin named Rolando Galman. Until now, a mastermind behind the crime has never floated yet. They said it was too obvious who plotted the idea.

Sometime in 1989, our dad, who was on the Saudi that time, came home and brought a stunning 250 games-in-one Family Computer. Both controllers have A+B Turbo. He replaced our old console, Atari. Meg and I were fond of playing Super Mario Brothers and Tetris. I always got the player one 'coz it always got to chose the game. Then later that month, dad had to go back to the Saudi. We were saddened to see dad went away again. After we got home from the airport, our mom felt bad on seeing how Meg cried. Me on the other hand managed to held it back (hehe). So mom grabbed the Family Com and played Tetris with us.



Meg and I inside karnabal (carnival), Cubao

During weekends, mom would take us to the carnival at Cubao. But I could sill remember when dad took me for a ride on a Bump Car. He never let me drove so I just bit his forearm the whole moment.

Then our mom would let us ride the tyubibo (carousel) and the train. That was all I could remember. She would not let us ride the katerpilar and rodilyo (caterpillar and roller-coaster). She said it was too dangerous for us. Well I said "Kulang lang ang pampayad n'ya nu'n." (Her money was just not enough for the fare). Then after we got exhausted, we would head straight somewhere between Araneta Colosseum and EDSA to buy waffle hotdogs. Meg and I will totally dig the taste and aroma of the steaming waffle. It was a real haven!

On some occasions, Lola would cook suman (rice cake). Mom would do a pansit canton (canton noodles) and buko salad. I remembered complaining, "mommy, bakit hindi ka gumawa ng spaghetti?" (mommy, why won't you make a spaghetti?). "Kulang siguro pera ni mommy noon kaya ganon." (Mom could've  had a short-budget). But we would eat it anyway. And with Lola's suman, it would go on for days!

I can still remember how they put the suman and glass of water in front of the altar together with my late Lolo Delfin's portrait at the top of the shelves. My Lola said the dead would feast on that food. So I would leave it. And from time to time, I would examine if the suman will be consumed. I will be taken aback whenever I noticed that it would somehow diminish. But then I've found out that it was just a saying and our way of culture. And mom was the one who "devoured" the suman.

There are many nostalgic and sentimental moments inside the very capsule of our memories. I've asked some other friends to share one of their childhood memories. 

Guinah Espartero (The Magnolia Kid)

80’s or shall I say my childhood days.  Looking back, I miss all my day to day activities; playing on the streets every afternoon makes me thrilled and become miserable every time my  nanay would call me to go home. Every morning you would hear outside the house the taho and puto vendor yell on the streets encouraging people to buy while in the afternoon there’s the fishball, scramble, cotton candy vendors roam around the streets and many others. But there’s this one I’ve really miss it’s the Magnolia Chocolait inside the glass bottle that taste so good it was  being delivered to every household even Yakult drink .  The way of life back then is so plain. Simple needs less demand that can easily convene.  Youngsters, are not into gadgets, as far as I can recall kids that time are active that they focus more into outdoor activities even if there are battery operated games introduced. Kids loved riding a bike that BMX bicycle is one of the famous in every community.

Im not into Television but most likely in locals always has been a fan of Eat Bulaga. Their show is well loved by every household. Though some dialogues are quite offending at times but it’s entertaining. Another is Kulit Bulilit all kids show that I can relate well and Ang Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, a Filipino version of fairy tales and before I forget That’s Entertainment who came well-known during the late eighties is one of the show everybody watch even if they don’t admit it. I myself become a fan and also how can I overlook Lotlot and friends every Saturday at channel 9 4:30 in the afternoon. In foreign it’s of course Sesame Streets, Knight Rider the talking car and among others but I loved The Karate Kid Ralph Macho is one of the famous among the young people that many even tried to be a copy-cat. With music new wave is still one of the best that up to now I still listen and I think the music of the eighties is really the greatest, it’s all original made by creative people.   

Childhood memories brings happiness and joy, sometimes tears and sadness, but sometimes they could be both. Some memories draws out our hidden strength, while some memories are meant to be kept forever. Some are meant to be proud of, others meant to be left behind. In our lives where our present dwells from the past, and where one should not mistook it  for honing the future, memories from our childhood are truly treasured moments. Forgetting our past is like dimming the future. By learning from it, we will always be prepared for whatever may come ahead.

And it's time for my off. I'll strike again next time. So I say adieu, until then, adios! (Back to present)

Jollijeeps (The Giant Aluminum Cubes!)

Every morning for breakfast, I would always have a half cup of rice, an egg, a hotdog, or whatever dish we've had last night and a glass of soy milk. I would kiss goodbye to my son, drive my wife to the office, me on the other hand head through the opposite way. Punch-in my time-card at 8am, and prepare my day for long hours of staring and typing the keyboard while I sit between the chair and monitor, a pair of speakers, phone, some books and ... a cup of ... of ... something's missing! "Nasa'n ang kape ko?" (Where's my coffee?). Good thing there's always "Manang's" (or "Manong's", a Filipino term for an elderly woman or man, but usually uses its term for somebody we don't know by name) jeep without the wheels , the Jolli-Jeep!



A styro-cup with stirrer used for
filling-up coffees.

Before, these so called Jolli-Jeeps do not looked like giant aluminum cubes. They were actually ... well ... jeepneys! Sometimes push carts, others are van. Obviously, it was named after a fast food chain that imitate its fast service. These vehicles were modified to mimic a karinderya (a mini-restaurant or cafe) that would look like kiosk of different variants where people can nimbly enjoy their breakfast, lunch, meryenda and even dinner. The Jolli-Jeep business grew and profited little entrepreneurs. Soon they were all over on almost every streets of Makati CBD (Central Business District). 

To control these booming Jolli-Jeep business and to make them presentable to the frequenters, former Mayor Jejomar Binay put them on stalls on what seems like giant aluminum cube. It wasn't so bad, though now a registered  Jolli-Jeep, they have to go through hardships by paying the fee of Php575 from their stalls every single day. And since they do not have wheels anymore, I would rather call them Jolli-cubee than their usual name. --- And that was just half of the story.

The true story behind the evolution of these Jolli-Jeeps or Mobile Canteens can be seen here. To give you a brief story, these Jolli-Jeeps evolved to giant aluminum cubes to prevent health problems due to the "unsanitary vehicle" and of course, to keep "corrupt enforcers" abusing these little businessmen. 

The variants inside the Jolli-Jeep / Jolli-cubee
along Aguirre St., in front of CJV Bldg., Legaspi.


Our building is located near Greenbelt Malls and Makati Cinema Square. Aside from these malls, there are 7-11's, Mini Stops and some other  fine dining restaurants and bars. To overcome our flopping economy with its highly anticipated over-pricing "value meals" in the fast food chains, Jolli-Jeep or Jolli-cubee is the solution. From coffee to sandwich to puto (rice dough) and kakanin (rice cake), from fried eggs to tortang talong (eggplant omelette) to mexican adobo, to bananaque, palabok and sabaw (soup) or most commonly known as tubig dagat (salt water) or sabaw na lasang medyas (soup that tastes like sock), you'll never be hungry again. You name it, they got it (except sometimes, you have to "jolli-jeep-hopping").

Condements perfectly placed.

These Jolli-Jeeps are haven to all the mang-sekyus (security guards), taxi drivers who're always on the go, construction workers and of course, for tambays (by-standers) who yosi (smoke cigarettes) to kill time (but since an ordinace had been passed recently for banning smokers on public areas, they can be discreetly seen behind buildings).

And speaking of tambays, the Jolli-Jeep facade has always been a great setting for mag-babarkadas (group of friends). Even for a little while, these mag-babarkadas would set aside and get away from the hassle of hash office environment to talk about anything and everything about how life has been, new gossips, their accomplishments, personal burdens to open up to each other, personal vendettas regarding some complaints of a co-employee, secrets that are never meant to be shared, about movies we've seen, the boxing event and the UFC aired last night, PGT, the current situation and episode of Naruto, the decaying economy and the people involved on the matter, or just simply stand and pose while puffing the smoke of the cigarette they tucked between their fingers while enjoying a softdrink, coffee or candy.

Now, no matter how many times the Jolli-Jeep evolved to Jolli-cubee or with the soon-to-rise Jolli-trike (rumored stall) or to whatever Jolli's they are, I know they're here to stay. Whenever you left your baon (food for the day), economize your allowance, too indolent to walk to the nearest fast food chain, or just simply wants to feel the warmth of a home dish, you know where to go. Just make sure they're sanitized and not undercooked or overcooked.

And it's time for my off. I'll strike again next time. So I say adieu, until then, adios! (Time for a coffee break)

Anime 1001 (Beady Eyes and Alternate Dimension Hyperspace Mallet)

Courtesy of zastavki.com
(click here for direct link)

What do you call an oversized in-depth colored beady eyes, pointed button nose, glossy thin lips, wild hair-do and exaggerated body proportions? No, not the typical pets from Facebook. Not the happy fish either. They're commonly hand-drawn, sometimes computer-animated. They're commonly mistaken as cartoons. Well, they're not. They're called Anime.

In the late 80's, I was fond of watching how Dr. Armstrong was abducted by the Boazanians over and over again, literally, every week! I've witnessed Richard and Erika refrained the same lines, "Richard!...Erika!!". Why did I kept on watching them even though they've featured the same episode every single week? EXACTLY! I love watching them! 

Courtesy of  avaxhome.ws

Okay, I sensed eyebrows rising, and some are flabbergasted. As my grandma would always say, "Ang tanda-tanda mo na, nanonood ka pa din ng cartoons? At ang lalaki ng mga bungaga!", (At your age you're still watching cartoons? And their mouths are huge!). And that was the late 90's. I'm already 31 and still fond of watching them. Pretty immature you said? Well, let's tackle and take a look of an in-depth view of these so-called animes ... (not cartoons!), okay, nuff said.

Screenshot courtesy of animeclick.it

For starters, anime was derived from the English term "animation" in katakana as アニメーション (animēshon, pronounced[animeːɕoɴ]). And then finally, the word emerged from the 1970's as it was abbreviated the later called anime.

Anime are particularly not for children only. Its target can be distinguish with its different genres. Josei animes are usually written by woman and are recommended more for woman ages 18+.  Popular examples of these are "Honey and Clover" and "Paradise Kiss". Kodomo animes (or child) animes are more recommended for young children, they are designed for the child's short attention span and usually try to teach a child how to act around people using daily lessons. One of the most notable example is "Doraemon". Kazoku animes are animes that are intended for families. They have no real age range, but its most likely rated something like G or PG (e.g. Howl's Moving Castle).  Mina animes are more of a drama. Example

Dragonball Z courtesy of
 dragonball.wikia.com

 of this is Graveyard of the Fireflies. Seinen anime is a subset of manga that is generally targeted at a 20–30 year old male audiences. The best definition of this is when you've watched Gantz and Akira. Mecha anime tackles robotic armors. Mecha anime is subcatagorized into two. There are Super Robots and Real Robots. Super Robot best describes machine with super power abilities and they are gigantic in size (e.g. Voltes V, Daimos). Real robot on the other hand describes robot with conventional powers and weapons explainable by science (e.g. Gundam, Full Metal Panic and Macross)  Shōujo anime is written for girls ages 10+. They are usually melodramatic stories of romance, usually with a female protagonist. (e.g. Fushigi Yuugi, Sailor Moon, Magic Knight Rayeart and Vampire Knight). Shōunen anime is often written for boys ages 13+. They usually have high action themes, as well as have humorous plots with male protaganists. (e.g. Dragonball Z, Yu Yu Hakusho, Fullmetal Alchemist). Bishoujo anime (Pretty Girl) and Bishounen anime (Pretty Boy) on the other hand are, well, focuses on the same gender genre. Let me give you a hint. They both involves a boy and a girl. Example of Bishounen is Yami no Matsuei. For Bishojo, it's Sailor Uranus of Sailormoon. Last but not the least, there's Hentai anime and Yaoi anime. Hentai is referred to sexually explicit Japanese animations (look for Urotsukidoji and the famous La Blue Girl). While Yaoi ... is... well ... a boys' love. Okay, nuff said.

Mai of King of Fighters
(courtesy of crunchyroll)

Now that I've discussed their types, let's move on to their characteristics. What best describes anime? Let me give you a brief characterization of anime. Anime won't be complete without fully emphasizing their gigantic breasts! If we're talking about Mai (My oh my! Refer to the image on the left), as you can see, the image of Mai's breast was "fully emphasized"! Not only breasts. An anime won't missed out a samurai. Anime with samurais are highly popular! The way they slash and segue, truly describes art! The katana (a single-edged) and tsurugi (a double-edged sword ... pretty familiar eh? Tsurugi ... Hiten Mitsurugi Style?). Moving on, an anime won't be complete without exaggerated long hair. Whether it be black, blonde, blue or yellow, anime won't be mesmerizing without them. And of course, who would forget the sparkly eyes, the anxiety, and a punch that blows them up to kingdom come? The comedy! A good comedy always brings me rolling on the floor. The angels, demons and goddesses! The magic wands! Never miss a wand when beating up deadly enemies. Robots, cyborgs, humanoids, parasites and adroids, and then mixed with a gorgeous hot body. And speaking of an adroid with a hot body, always include pantsu. And when talkin' about supernatural elements, a good anime always involves dragons, elves, fairies and of course, vampires. (One more thing...tentacles...okay, 'nuff said.

Now, let's examine the fabled two. Are cartoons and animes hops on the same track? 

Magic Knight Rayearth with their exaggerated overflowing
hair and in-depth colors (courtesy of kawapaper.com)

To get us started, cartoons are best describe with the Looney Tunes, the Hanna-Barbera, Disney Toons, Nick Jr., most popularized by western countries. Anime on the other hand, albeit derived from the word animation, completely distinct itself when it comes to its complex plot, style, exaggeration and colors.

When I was young, whenever I sit and watch a thirty-minute cartoon program in front of the tele, I would always feel a contentment. Then another cartoon will be telecast. After an hour or two, it would seem like I would became an idiot that will wear a smile every time Bugs Bunny makes an antic with Yosemite Sam. But with Voltes V and Daimos, they've always kept me hanging. And that was the best part. By clinging to it every week, I know that somehow it will lead to something (even after the kanji つづ was shown, I would always finish the ending credit). Could you imagine Fred Flintstone deprived from the love of his sons after being forcibly abducted and held prisoner by an alien race? Pretty nasty isn't it?


Throughout the years, cartoons and animes grew some similarities. A good example of this is Disney's Totally Spies. This anime alike, for me, misleads the genre! Another are Teen Titans and Batman Beyond. Although they were produced and pioneered by Japanese crews, they should not be mistaken as animes. 

Motoko Kusanagi of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone
Complex

I've noticed that some anime lovers, otaku for short, are somehow discriminated. Why? Whenever I watch "The Simpsons" or "Beavis and Butthead" with my friends, they would, for some reason, watch it along with me. But when I change it to Dragonball Z, somebody will make a violent reaction. "Pare lipat mo naman 'yan! Pambata yan e!" (Dude, change the channel! That's kid's stuff!) The innuendo was pretty discriminating. DBZ's complex plot is nothing compare to the common ornamentation of Homer's wisdom! They say that animes are for geeks and nerds. Well I say they aren't. I would considerably stay awake at night while I "nose bleed" over the sophisticated lines of GITS rather than listen to Homer while he persistently nags Bart over and over again.


Same goes to JPops! Whenever Pong (an old friend of mine) and I sing Tookumade by BoA, another friend would say, "Ba't kayo kumakanta ng hapon? Hapon ba kayo?" (Why do you sing Japanese songs? Are you Japanese?). Great Jpop + Great Anime = Heavenly Song! I'm always fond of listening to opening and ending credits of a good anime. They would always complete my playlist.

Well folks, this brings us to my conclusion. Whether it be cartoons or animes, the most important matter is how you stay young at heart, in mind and body. It doesn't matter how old you are or how young you could be. Anime cuts through age barriers. They're for kids at heart. Anime molds your personality. Just remember not to succumb over it (if ever). And don't let hentai devour your mind!

And it's time for my off. Tomorrow I'll strike again. So I say adieu, until then, adios!


(I'm just baffled...where does Akane draws her Mallet? And where does Linch gets her machine guns? Just a thought)


References:
1. Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_sword
     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kendo
     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anime
     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartoons
   
2. Anilistings - http://anilistings.webs.com/typesofanime.htm

A Father and Son. Anak, Ano'ng Gusto Mo Paglaki? (Son, what do you want when you grow up?)

That was the question my father would always ask. And I will cheerfully say "Gusto ko'ng mag-drawing!" (I wanna draw!). That was the least that I could remember. I was in fond of drawing when I was in kindergarten. Even now.

Whenever I've accomplished a drawing, I'll give it to my mom and she would ask me to write to my dad. The drawing will be slipped together with the letter and will be send via airmail (snailmail not e-mail) to Saudi.

Sometime years ago, back in college I think, he let me show one of my letters to him. I laughed and somehow embarrassed because the wordings are child-like. The letters will always start with the greeting "Dear Daddy, Kumusta kayo daddy. Sana nasa mabuti kayong kalagayan..." (Dear Daddy, How are you daddy. I hope you're in good condition). And then I could still remember the drawing inside the envelope. It was Donatello of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (in colored marker).  And would you believe I even used the tracing technique?

When I stepped elementary, I've read on my horoscope that I could be an engineer, an architect, a painter or a lawyer. And it says that I have a weak in the knee. Then my dad said "Kunin mo Computer Science kasi hindi mo gugustuhing magbuhat ng mabibigat" (Take Computer Science because you wouldn't want to carry heavy things). That figures the weak in the knee. 

One of my drawings during college.

When I finished High School, I said I'll pursue being an artist. I'm gonna take Fine Arts either in Philippine Women's University or University of Santo Tomas. But my dad hindered me for continuing my childhood dream. Instead, he firmly insisted me to take Computer Science. I couldn't do anything. So I did took it.

Titled "Night of the Fireflies"

So here comes College. The first semester was a blast! I couldn't describe it if it was the angst or simply the passion of becoming a college student. I've met new companions, new environment and trends. Reaction papers, the deadlines and the new challenges. It felt like I'm in the right current. "I could embrace this", I said. But that was until I failed a subject. I couldn't put it into words but during those days, something hit me big time. And it hit me pretty bad. I've stopped for a year. I went to Ilocos to settle my mind.

During my stay, I did a lot of thinking. I would sit behind the window, feel grateful about the surroundings, and draw. Then my Aunt saw what I was doing. Then she said "Ba't hindi mo kinuha ang kursong Fine Arts?" (Why didn't you took Fine Arts?). I forgot what my reply was. (I would have scoffed).


I couldn't blame my dad. All he ever wanted was what's best for me.

Years had passed. I graduated college, got a fine job, and granted with a son.

Becoming a father is not an easy task. And somehow I finally understand what my father has gone through.

But how to become a responsible father? To answer this, I've asked some of my colleagues and a friends. Question #1: When your child grew up, what will be the best advice for him? And Question #2: What will you advice to other fathers like you?

Rogel and his son Vince

Rogel, "Wow" for short is a friend and an office-mate of mine.


Answer #1: Dream Big & Believe! Stay humble & Stay away from bad influences.
Answer #2: Be a responsible father and be a good role model to their children.

Sam and his daughter ... Sam (with wife Ems)

Samuel, Sam for short (but I prefer to call his lastname, Cardel) is one of my closest best friend since high school.

Answer #1:  "Kung anu yung naranasan ko hanggang maging isang ama, yun ang maipapayo ko sa kanya kasi mas-magandang ipayo mo sa kanya yung mga 'yun dahil alam mo kung san ka nagkamali at naging tama...and LRT...learn how to Love, Respect, and Trust other people and family and syempre si God." (The experiences I've had until I became a father, from commiting mistakes and getting right back back again would be the best lesson to be given as an advice...and LRT...learn how to Love, Respect, and Trust other people, your family, and most of all God.)

Answer #2: Maipapayo ko sa ibang mga dads...matuto clang makuntento kung anung klaseng family sila meron dahil isa sila sa gumawa nito, hehehehe. (My advice to other dads...they should learn how to be satisfied on the family they've had because they're the ones who's responsible for it.)

James and his son TJ

James or Bords is a friend and a former office-mate.

Answer #1: "Kapag ang anak ko ay lumaki at nagkaisip na, ang mapapayo ko lang sa kanya ay dapat sulitin nya bawat panahon na maging isang mabait , masunurin, mapagmahal na bata at lalo na maging malapit sa ating panginoon katulad namin ng asawa ko." (When my son grew up, my only advice I can give for him is to be a good, polite, kind-hearted child, putting God first rather than everything else, like me and my wife always do.

Answer #2: "Ang mapapayo ko naman sa ibang magulang, ang unang dapat nilang gawin ay magkaroon lagi ng panahon sa pamilya kasama ang ating panginoon. Igabay natin ang ating mga anak sa tamang landas na kung saan maiintindihan nila ang tunay na kahulugan ng buhay. God Bless U all =)". (My advice to other parents, they should always make time for their family and a time for our Lord. Let's guide them to the right path where they could fully understand the true meaning of life.)

Roel and his daughter Icoy

Roel or Oel is a friend and an office-mate.

Answer #1: "Lumaking may takot sa diyos may galang sa magulang at lumaking matalino." (To grow up with fear of God, respect to their parents, and to be bright).

Answer #2: Be a responsible father.

I want my son to become a better me, not to be better than everyone else.

Now, if I'd be given a chance to be young again, and if my father should ask me, I'm not gonna reply with "I wanna be like..." or "I wanna be a...". I'll just say  "Dad, paglaki ko, gusto ko lang nandiriyan pa rin kayo palagi." (Dad, when I grew up, all I want is for you to be always there).

Vigan, Ilocos Sur (Mapan Tayon!)

When I was still little, during the summer, me and my family would always visit Ilocos Sur. During our visit, everyday has always been great. Life at the countryside back then as I recall it was very simple. Every morning we'll feed the chicks (not that kind of chick as my lolo would always say to us Morenos... habulin ng chicks!), watch the hogs as my Auntie Ely feed them, ask our Uncle Boyet to go down the karayan (lake) and do balsing (our term for riding the balsa or bamboo raft in english), visit some relatives I've hardly known, eat a native delicacy like patupat, bibingka and Indian mangoes topped with bagoong  or sukang-iloco.

From left: Frankie (mommy's runner), Jojie (cousin), Auntie
Banjie, our Mom, Lolo Rizal, Okong and Grace (Uweng's
girlfriend)

I remember my Lola Dionisia. Dining for short but me and my brother, Meg, called her Lola Buning before. I can still recall when one time, it was pitched dark in the evening. The only light inside the house was the gasera (gas lamp) and an old yellow light bulb. Everything outside the house is totally dark. And the only sound you'd hear was the tuko (gecko) and kuliglig (crickets). We insisted to watch a T.V. with the nearest neighbor. And the definition of near was like five hundred meters apart! Lola Buning would gather dried coconut leaves on the ground and would lit it using the posporo (match sticks).

Lola Buning died of old age. And we'll always remember her ways, me and my brother. 

As time goes by, every summer, we would still visit Ilocos. Our Lolo Rizal together with her daughter Auntie Ely, her to two sons, Okong and Uweng, would always welcome us with open arms. Our Lolo, even at an old age, is still kicking strong. Recently, he just punched a guy younger than him! And he was drunk that time! My Lolo is a man of principle. He usually drinks but he's not a drunkard. He never smokes as my dad do. 

Recently, we've managed to gather a little family reunion. Although we're not complete, we were still able to celebrate it blissfully. It was a multiple celebration. Together with my dad, mom, my brother and little sister Pam, with my wife and son, and my brother's fiance Jane and their friend Joy, was set on a vacation to Ilocos.  

From top: Bantor, my son Sakarisay

Bantor, what an odd name. As if we never had one! Hahaha. Our Lolo is fond of naming us with unusual nicknames. My brother was named Simaron (a side kick from a radio drama when I was little). My sister was named Akang (named after Okong for possessing a kuntil on their ears). And me, I was given the name of Simatar (a hero also from a radio drama with Simaron). It's kind'a amazing how my Lolo still managed to grant my son, his apo sa tuhod (great grand son), a nickname. He gave the name Sakarisay. 

As we move on, well, celebration was not the only purpose we had in mind while staying at Las-Ud. We've managed to visit ... Vigan! It was my second visit. The first one was back in 2010, when Okong and Jobel got married. This year I drove a 2 hour long trip together with Meg, Jane, Pam, Joy, Ivan (my cousin) and Ruth. Actually, this is my third visit. We went to Vigan this year twice!

Along the way, I remembered the last time we went last year, we've passed by this beach with sand as white as the sands in Boracay. I said, "Hinto muna tayo dito para matingnan natin paligid, para makapagpahinga rin mga paa ko", (Why don't we stop for a moment and appreciate the view. That way, I could rest my feet for a while).

After which, we headed back to the road.

Vigan was great. There's this Mc Donald's food chain that looks like a fine-dining restaurant. 

 

Me and my Brother playing with mini samurai.

Meg pulling a carriage carrying Jane.

My wife, Ruth, carrying a Coke Float.

From left: Pam, Ruth, Me, Joy, Meg and Jane

Shot by manang, us eating empanada special.

Didn't you know that the word Vigan was from a Chinese etymology? During the Spanish Era, the place was a settlement area for Chinese coming from Fujian Province, China. Chinese pronounce it as Bee-Gan which means "Beautiful Shore". Later on called, Vigan! 

Visiting Vigan was one of the best part of my vacation. Buying pasalubongs, tupig, shirts, getting lost on the road, taking pictures along the way, struggling for parking, and of course, carrying load of stuffs.

Aside from strolling around Vigan, back at Las-Ud, we would always love to take a swim in the ocean! Ever since we were a child, the first thing that would come up into our minds is the ocean! We'll ask anybody back then when we were still small because our parents won't let us. We were prohibited to roam around because my Lola and Lolo would always say, "masama ang lumayo ang mga bata lalo na sa ilog saka sa dagat dahil may nangunguha ng mga bata doon!" (It's dangerous for little children where they could not be seen especially at the lake and the ocean because something is snatching little kids when no one is looking at them). That's what they've taught us, so we never did.

Then at night, our Dad or Lolo and Lola would tell us tales about the kapre, aswang, multo, and tikbalangs. My daddy would always talk about my Lolo Simon, my great grand father. He said that my Lolo Simon made a lot of encounters with those creatures.

Sigh. Those were the days.

Now that I'm getting old, I still hope that the fun would stay young. I hope someday my son will experience the feeling of coming home to Ilocos. Because I'll always will. And everytime we come home, I hope we're all still there to go through all the happy things we've always been.

And it's time for my off. Tomorrow I'll strike again. So I say adieu, until then, adios!