when I was young...

Oh, I looked so cute when I was young... ^_^

It was taken I believe during the birthday of one of my cousins in Spring Valley, Buhangin.
My mom was carrying me. Papa is at her back, posing with his best smile. Beside my mama is my late grandfather.

We missed him. I know he is happy wherever he is. And I know God is with him.

It's so delightful to see old pics at home. They are so nostalgic. :)

a Writer's Creed

"Speak from that place in your heart where you are most yourself. Speak directly, simply, lovingly, gently and without any apologies. Tell us what you see and want us to see; tell us what you hear and want us to hear....Trust your own heart. The words will come. There is nothing to fear...."


- Henri J. M. Nouwen -

salad days ^_^

By definition,
"Salad days" is an idiomatic expression, referring to a youthful time, accompanied by the inexperience, enthusiasm, idealism, innocence, or indiscretion that one associates with a young person.
It was taken during our yearbook pictorial last 2003 @ a particular studio in San Pedro. It was indeed the days of naivete. We were so "nenengs" and "totoys" then. But look, most of us are already professionals now, trying to chase after our dreams. I believe everyone is looking forward to joining our Alumni Homecoming @ our beloved Alma Mater, DCNHS.

City-high ko bai!

HAPPY BATTLE

“I wrote this article days after the Master Rapper’s shocking repose (though everyone knew about his struggle with the big C…)”

March 6 – it’s been two lengthy weeks since Francis Magalona, the “Master Rapper” died… I was dumbfounded when I found out about it that day. For someone who had become an inspiration…for a man who had taught me to be proud of being a Filipino…and for a real EB Dabarkads, it pains me to know that he’s already gone.
And this part of my life is called grieving… If I had to straddle down memory lane, October 25th of last year, I saw the Master Rapper in Eat Bulaga (if I’m not mistaken, after almost 3 months of medication) in his performance with Ely Buendia – everyone missed him so much, that’s for certain.
We all did. Right then and there, I saw a man who was overflowing with such an astounding courage and hope. But at the same time, I saw a child who laid down his fate…his life to his Master upstairs. But now that he’s gone, I couldn’t help myself but question the real sense of hope which was, more than I did, the last thing he and his loved ones were clinging to.
I may not be fortunate enough to know the Master Rapper personally…but he could have wanted everyone to still believe and have faith, and fight for something that would cause your worth as a person…as a Filipino (which he did until his last breath).
So, “the show must go on…”
I used to hear him say that on TV and who could ever forget this line: “Seamless na…” He used to utter this line prior to Star talk, a showbiz talk show aired every Saturday.
Truly, he will always be remembered… With his music and nationalistic ideals, he will always be the Master Rapper – an icon, a legend, an EB Dabarkads, a father, the Man from Manila, and a true blooded Filipino who fought a HAPPY BATTLE and lived one day at a time.
Paalam, Master Rapper…

my Graduation Day

Striking a pose with my college classmates.
Mere words could not express how thankful I was that day. The day where "werla days" were finally over. I'm amazed how days flew so fast that I just realized it happened just a year ago.
I must give credit to my instructors for bringing out the best in me...^_^

"Keep your hands moving 'coz someday your heart will lead you back to your soul..."

rain, rain go away...

Rain, rain, its always raining,
Rain, rain, I end up saying,
Rain, rain, please go away now,
Rain, rain, just leave right now,
Rain, rain, don’t know how,
I don’t care how,
To make my rainy day just go away…

So I stand,
in the pouring rain,
So I can,
feel the growing pain,
Of having rain,
coming down like the Armageddon flame.

-the poet-

Pers Lab ^_^

Pers Lab by Rita Iringan
First Time (OST)

Have you heard of the phrase Last Song Syndrome?
Well, I must say this is one of the few songs I sing almost every time. I really love Rita Iringan's version of this one. It was originally done by the OPM classic group, Hotdog.
Love...love...love this one! ^_^

Jam Night @ the Tent

The Tent, Matina Town Square
with Jinky Vidal (Freestyle), Jay Durias (Southboarder), and Lloyd Umali.

May 17, 2010

Definitely, a night to remember!
We grabbed the chance of striking a pose with my all time favorite OPM singer, Jinky Vidal of Freestyle. I've always loved her voice. I've always been her fan since high school days.
I was with my student, En-en (thanks to her, she brought a cam with her) and my friend, Sheng.

If Only... (part II)

"Bruhita ka, Agnes!" napakislot siya sa tinuran ng nasa kabilang linya. Di man ito nagpakilala, pamilyar sa kanya ang boses ng kaibigan.

"Portia? Aba, buhay ka pa pala?" biro niyang tanong rito.
"Nag-change ka na naman ng number noh? May pinagtataguan ka na naman siguro," habol niyang biro.
Matalik niyang mga kaibigan sina Lovely at Portia. Sa college silang tatlo nagkakilala at ngayon nga ay may kanya-kanya na silang trabaho. Hindi niya akalaing magki-click silang tatlo dahil sa pagiging elitista ng mga ito. Pero nang makilala niya at makasama sa halos lahat ng pagkakataon, she found out they were just spoiled. Other than that, they were genuine friends.
"Agnes, kung may dapat mang magpaliwanag dito ikaw po 'yon. Bakit hindi ka man lang nagpasabing uuwi ka ng Davao?" may himig pagtatampong saad nito.
"Okay, I'm sorry...kasama ko si Lovely ngayon. Let's meet somewhere tonight. What do you think? Ako ang taya. Kaya it's a reunion of the Powerpuff Girls," narinig niyang tumawa si Portia at nagmamadaling nagpaalam. Parang isang batang excited mamasyal.
Alam niyang may tampo ang mga ito. Pero siyempre hindi rin naman lingid sa kaalaman ng mga ito ang mga nangyari sa kanila ni Francis.
Aminado siyang nawalan siya ng panahon sa mga ito.
O, 'yon nga kaya ang dahilan?
Siguro nga'y sinadya niyang 'wag masyadong makipagkeep-in-touch sa mga ito. Alam niya kasing kapag nagbalitaan silang tatlo, mapupunta lang kay Francis ang usapan.
Please I don't wanna hear anything about him anymore, protesta niya no'ong minsang nagkausap sila ni Portia sa telepono. Kaya nga minsan lang siya makipag-communicate sa mga kaibigan niya. But she knew how she missed them so much.
Agnes was wearing a black baby doll dress and a pair of red pumps. She decided to bring a sheer scarf just in case ginawin siya sa haba ng gabi. Her hair was as fabulous as ever. Hinayaan niyang nakalugay ito with big curls on it end.

Hindi siya sanay gumimik o makipagsosyalan sa Manila. Pero dala ng kanyang trabaho bilang photographer, she had to learn the 'tricks and tips' of the fashion industry and print media. At the same time, she's on her way to being a fashion editor ng pinagtatrabahuang magazine. Kaya naman most of the time, she had to dress like one of those models and socialites. Minsan nga ay napagkamalan siyang model ng isa sa mga organizers ng isang fashion show sa Shangri La no'ng minsang na-assign siyang i-cover ang naturang event. With every thing in this world to be thankful about, she was glad she had chosen this path.
She did everything para makalimutan ang nakaraan. And all she believed in, Patay na ang dating Agnes...
Lagi niyang isinisiksik sa utak niya na hindi na niya mahal si Francis. All she could hope for is for the man to be happy whoever he is with.
"Agnes! Wow, ang ganda mo babae ka," manghang saad ni Portia nang magkita silang tatlo sa Jack's Ridge, isa sa mga paborito nilang tambayan noong college pa sila.
Nauna silang dumating ni Lovely sa resto-bar ng naturang resort. Aside from the sumptuous array of food, gustung-gusto nilang makinig ng live band kung saan pwedeng makinig ng mga paborito nilang kanta ang mga costumers. Sa bandang kanan ng maliit na stage matatagpuan ang isang mini bar.
"Thanks, ikaw din. You look good, the two of you, actually," she uttered with full sincerity. Hindi naman nagpahuli ang dalawang kaibigan niya, sabihin pang sanay ang mga ito sa night life.
"Na-miss ko kayong dalawa," maluha-luha niyang pahabol.
"Asus, mag-dadramahan ba tayo rito? Humanap na nga lang tayo ng mauupuan. Parang magsisimula na ang live band any minute from now," putol ni Portia sa iba pa niyang sasabihin. Kahit kelan ayaw nito ng maraming kadramahan sa buhay.
Humanap sila ng table na malapit sa stage para tanaw na tanaw nila ang bandang tutugtog ng gabing 'yon. Umorder siya ng vodka para sa kanilang tatlo. Nagsimula nang tumugtog ang banda.

Maya-maya pa'y tumayo si Portia, tinungo ang stage at kinausap ang isa sa mga vocalists ng banda na katatapos lang ng isang kanta. Nagulat pa siya nang magsalita ito sa microphone.

"Ammm, good evening everyone. I just wanna take this opportunity to greet and welcome my long lost friend, Agnes Quintero. she just came back from Manila, actually," buong siglang saad ni Portia na para bang isa siyang pulitikong nangangampanya.
Nagulat man ay pinandilatan niya si Portia ngunit 'di ito pinansin ng huli. Pagkuway sumenyas na tumayo siya.
"C'mon Agnes, it's not a bad idea, anyway," pangungumbinsi ni Lovely sa kanya na bahagya ring nagulat sa ginawa ni Portia.
Dahan-dahan siyang tumayo mula sa kinauupuan at pumihit paharap sa mga tao. Inulan siya ng mga hiyawan at palakpakan lalo na sa mga kalalakihang nakaupo sa likuran nila. Wala siyang nagawa kundi ngumiti at pagkuwan ay umupo. Hindi niya tuloy napansin ang bulto ng isang lalaki na nasa bandang likuran nila. Maging ito ay nagulat. Nakilala niya agad si Portia pero di niya inaasahang andito rin ang babaeng pilit niyang kinakalimutan - si Agnes.
You have changed a lot, Agnes, bulong ni Francis sa kanyang sarili habang tinititigan ang babaeng minsa'y naging bahagi ng buhay niya. He had always loved that simple lady na nakilala niya noon pero sa tingin niya'y nagbago na si Agnes. Ang tanging alam niya tungkol dito ay nagtatrabaho ito sa isang women's magazine sa Manila.
How could he forget her? She left a scar on his heart na hanggang ngayon ay 'di pa rin naghihilom dumaan man ang mga taon.
"Girls, got to go to the rest room," nagpaalam muna sandali si Agnes sa mga kaibigan. She needed to freshen up. Instead of going back to the resto-bar, ipinasya niyang maglakad-lakad sa buong resort. Gusto niyang makalanghap ng sariwang hangin. Sa ilalim ng maliwanag na buwan, she could take a nice view of the whole place. Medyo madilim sa bahaging iyon ng resort pero ayos lang sa kanya. It was all that she needed, a quiet place. Tanaw niya ang boung siyudad. The cold breeze of the wind was caressing her. It is surely a great place to getaway from a chaotic day.
Na-miss ko ang lugar na 'to and it feels good to be back, bulong niya sa sarili at saka ngumiti.
matagl-tagal din siyang nakatayo doon. The place is so memorable to her. Madalas din silang mamasyal ni Francis sa naturang resort - and those were bitter-sweet memories.
Francis...she whispered his name in the air.
"Did you just say my name?" blangko ang tonong sinabi ng nagsalita.
Napakislot siya. She knew that voice, the voice she missed all the time.
Natigilan siya. She tried to convince herself na baka dala lang 'yon ng nainom niya o kaya'y ng hangin. Pero hindi e, there was somebody behind her.
Her world went to a slow motion when she turned around and saw the person she least expected to see that night.
She just stared at him. Biglang nablangko ang utak niya. Her heart was beating erratically. Much more with anything ay gusto niyang makita ang binata. Ngunit hindi sa ganoong hindi inaasahang pagkakataon.
"Hey, have you lost your tongue?" blangko ang expresyon sa mukha ng kaharap.
Oh, my God! sigaw ng utak niya.
She had to hold on to her guts and confidence. Pero parang nalulusaw 'yon sa mga sandaling 'yon.
"I-I didn't know ---"
"Kumusta ka na?" biglang tanong nito sa kanya.
"I-I'm fine," nagkakandabulol na sagot niya.
Hinagod siya nito ng tingin mula ulo hanggang paa.
"Nakikita ko nga," she smiled sarcastically.
His tone was different. Even his eyes showed something unclear to her. Hindi siya sigurado, pero ang alam niya'y galit pa rin ito sa kanya.
"Excuse me, I have to go back to ---"
"Hindi ba kayo nagkatuluyan ni Ryan?" saad ng binata nang akmang aalis siya.
"Francis, please ---" nagulat siya nang tabigin nito ang braso niya at marahas na humarap sa kanya.
"Dammit, Agnes!" she saw anger in his eyes. Napaatras siya dahil pakiramdam niya ay sasaktan siya nito.
"Francis, nasasaktan ako," aniya sa nahihirapang tinig. Ramdam niyang nakainom ang binata.
"You know me very much, Agnes. Ayokong manakit ng tao pero sa kasalanang nagawa mo sa 'kin hindi ko maipapangakong hindi kita kayang saktan."
Tinangka niyang lumayo rito ngunit ayaw siya nitong pakawalan.
"Hindi. Hindi kami nagkatuluyan ng pinsan mo," she answered coldly.
Nagpakawala ito ng pagak na tawa.
"Well, I have a theory. Hindi ka ba nakontento sa bank accounts ng pinsan ko so you dumped him just like what you did to me?" may panunuyang saad nito.
Nagkakamali ka! sigaw ng buo niyang pagkatao.
Pero mas mabuting hindi na malaman pa ng binata ang totoo.
"Ganoon ba kababa ang tingin mo sa akin? Kung galit ka pa rin sa akin dahil sa mga nangyari noon, pinagsisihan ko na 'yon. I never meant to hurt you, Francis. May kasalanan ako. Pero hindi 'yon sapat para insultuhin mo'ng pagkatao ko," galit at umiiyak na sabi niya.
"Narinig ko na ang dapat kong marinig," malamig na saad nito. Pagkuwan ay bigla itong tumalikod at umalis.
Naiwan siyang tulala at lumuluha.

(part III is being encoded...^_^)

my ACLC family

So love these people...^_^

It was taken during the Intramurals '09 @ Gaisano South Citimall, Ilustre St.
Indeed, it was a remarkable day. We really had a blast.
Not to mention, they are the faculty and staff who don't look their age.

@ mam Jane's office

and the rest is history...^_^

Mother Earth is Calling...

Our world today needs every one's concern. Global Warming is already a cause of alarm nowadays. Our environment, our Mother Earth, our world, in general, need our help. In this connection, people should be very vigilant and do something about this issue. So here are simple ways to save and protect our Mother Earth:

1. Plant more trees. A fresh air, shade, and clean water are just few of the great things that planting trees and plants could offer. That is why, people should be encouraged to plant trees and other ornamental plants at home as a noble contribution to the world. Just imagine if every person in the world would plant a tree, our future will be a bright tomorrow.

2. Reduce. It is one of the 3 ways of saving our environment. It could decrease the amount of materials or resources which have been consumed. When you reduce, you are actually looking for alternatives as to how you could lessen the waste.

3. Reuse. Instead of throwing a material or an item, you could also reuse it in order to avoid so much waste being thrown to our environment. In addition to that, the purpose of the item could be prolonged.

4. Recycle. It is a process of making an item or particular resources into a new product. For instance, you could recycle pieces of paper into a basket or a vase. Through this, you are not just saving the environment; it could also be a great source of livelihood.

Remember, we only have one world...so we better do everything we can to save it not only for ourselves but also for the next generations to come.

HYPERLINK EB & staff '09

These are my Hyperlink Editorial Board and Staff (S.Y. 09-10). It was taken at Jack's Ridge Resort in Shrine Hills. I love these people. You know why? It's as if I am still a student every time I am with them. ^_^

Editorial Board & Staff 09-10

Editor-in-Chief: Iris Jane N. Abano
Associate Editor: Queen Angel P. Cerna
Managing Editor: Robbie Gale C. Natividad
News Editor: Donna Mae R. Batara
Feature Editor: Ivan Nebelle C. Roble
Literary Editor: Arzel Louie A. Menguito

Cartoonists:
Jesty Jon V. Basa
Jonas A. Capute Jr.

Computer Graphics Artist:
Danrev Davocol

Photojournalist:
Guindolin A. Castro

Technical Adviser/Moderator:
Ronalea I. Talaboc

Hyperlink Presswork

This is a caricature made by our cartoonist, Jonas. It was when we had our Presswork. I could not remember the exact date anymore. It was during the first semester of the school year. It was held @ the hardware laboratory of the ACLC. A sleepless night of writing and creating articles and contents for the magazine.

I love this one! it's one of its kind...^_^

my girl friends ^_^

These are my girl friends: Van and Sheng.
We were about to go to our Acquaintance Party then. We've been through copious ups and downs. Every time I'm with them, I know I'm with myself. I don't have to explain things or elucidate something 'coz they already know me.

We've been together for four years now and still counting...^_^

23 years of Slavery ^_^

I had a precious moment with my madam: Mam Tams. I so love this photo with her and Chito, one of our students (joiners siya! hahaha...). We were in the library then when we saw Danrev and asked him to take a pic with us.

I always have to remember that I am her slave. ^_^

my SSC students ^_^

One of the things that I am thankful about is having the opportunity to meet these wonderful people. These are my SSC students during my Technical Writing class. I love these people so much that I would always advice them to pursue a brighter career by taking up a 4-year course after graduation.

And I am so glad they've been close to me that I consider them as my friends.

d' DCLA Girls

We were still in college then. It was during our Acquaintance Party @ USeP. I love these girls so much. It has been 4 years of being together. The group's name was coined DCLA Girls because we were fond of going to DCLA way back then. It was just one of our hobbies and a great way to bond together.

Mind you, mga bayot jud meh!

d' Griffindor ^_^

It was taken @ Jack's Ridge after our Acquiantance Party. These are one of my favorite people: love, jesty, and wiggy.
I could not forget the day they gave me a scrapbook during my birthday last year. I so loved the gift. We usually go out and dine @ McDo, Matina. Or @ MTS Park, one of my favorite places in Davao.

Jesty and Wiggy were the ones who taught me how to play billiards.

ColHead Pipz @ Ponce Suites

How could I forget this day?

It was a day of "kawerlahan." We had a sleepless night @ Ponce Suites. The Collegiate headlight hosted a seminar together with the members of the CEGP. It was a night to remember because we had a lot of fun. In fairness, Ponce Suites is a very sceneric convention center. I've seen copious photos and cultural treasures of our country. Truly, it's a great place to remind us of our hictory and culture.

Straddling down memory lane...

Madonna
Papa Don't Preach

I love this song so much. It makes wanna straddle down memory lane...I remember we had a dance number when I was in grade school with this as our music piece...
I also love the message of this song. I don't know but I simply love how Madonna gave justice to the song, itself. I love this song, next to Take a Bow which was also done by Madonna, herself.

Screenwriting Workshop

March 27, 2010 – marked the day the Computer Graphics and Animation (CGA) students had their Screenwriting seminar- Workshop at the ACLC Davao Campus. With Ms. Ronalea I. Talaboc as their Screenwriting Instructor, the said event was also participated by the Office Information System (OIS) students. The aim of it is to equip the students with the proper attitude and skills in writing, generally. With Mr. Charles June T. Lorejo as the guest speaker, a freelance writer/ journalist, the students had a fun time doing a series of activities. Not to mention, the hailed winners were given exciting prizes. The highlight of the writing a script and acting it out.

The said activity was also participated by Mr. Dionell E. Rafil, the CGA Adviser. Truly, it was a learning activity.

my WON BIN ^_^

• Name: 원빈 / Won Bin
• Real name: 김도진 / Kim Do Jin
• Profession: Actor and model
• Birthdate: 1977-Nov-10
• Birthplace: Jeong-seon, Kangwon-do, South Korea
• Height: 178cm
• Weight: 62kg
• Star sign: Scorpio
• Blood type: O

The first time I saw him, it was amazing how I got attracted to his cute smile: the cutest smile I've ever seen. I first witnessed his acting prowess on Endless Love (Autumn in My Heart) as Andrew. Then after that highest-rating Koreanovela, I saw his movie entitled 'TAEGUKGI' (The Brotherhood of War). Until now, I can still remember how he played the role of a younger brother who fought against the North Koreans during the World War II. It was such an amazing film that I watched it copious times. The movie was based on a true story so it was such a moving film.

Forest Hill Get-away

It was my first time...

It was when we had our NSTP Clean-up Drive @ Balusong, Matina. At the same time, my students and I had our outing at Forest Hill Resort. It was actually my first time there. I had a great time with these people. They are so fun to be with. I almost forgot that I am their teacher. It seemed like I was just one of them.

So love these students...^_^

tanikala ng pitong panghabang- buhay na Pag-ibig

Mahal,

Nais ko sanang ipaulinig sa’yo ang isang awit
Na kailanma’y di naisusulat pa
Ng pusong tila pagod nang sumayaw mag-isa
At nais kumawala sa parisukat
Ng damdaming matagal na ikinimkim at iningatan
Sa kaigtingan ng aking pagkilos at pag-iisa,
Natagpuan ka…
O marapat na sabihing dumating ka…
Hanggang tayong dalawa ay bahagi ng
Digmaan ng ating panahon
Mga kamay mo’y di bibitawan
Kung katumbas nito’y walang pares na kadustahan
Kasabay ng pagsikat ng pulang araw sa silalngan
Hanggang sa pagbubukang- liwayway ng dapithapon
Sa maamong paghampas ng alon sa dalampasigan
Ang isang pag-ibig na di magmamaliw
Isang pagsintang kailanma’y di yayao’t di lilisan.



Nagmamahal,

Rona

If Only... (part I)

"Good morning to all passengers! Please fasten your seatbelt 'coz few minutes from now we are about to land at Davao International Airport . Hope you enjoy your trip and have a nice day!"

Biglang nanumballik sa kasalukuyan mula sa malalim na pagmumuni- muni si Agnes nang magsimulang magsalita ang isa sa mga playt attendants ng Philippine Airlines. Matapos mapakinggan ang maamong boses ng
babae, masasalamin sa kinauupuan niya ang tensiyong di niya halos maipaliwanag. Bumilis ang tibok ng kanyang puso. Dala marahil ng galak sapagkat matapos ang maraming taon ay muli siyang tutuntong sa lupang pinaglak’han sakbibi ang mga pagbabago. Nasasabik din siyang makita ang mga kaibigan niya.
“ Lima . Limang taon na pala ang lumipas. Parang kahapon lang nangyari ang lahat…” bulong ni Agnes sa sarili habang malayang tinatanaw mula sa bintanang eroplanong sinasakyan ang malawak na himpapawid.
Mula doo’y kita niya ang malawak na lupain ng Mindanao na napapaligiran ng mga bundok at dagat. Kaaya- ayang tignan. Sawa na siya sa mga naglalakihang gusali sa Manila . Pero natitiyak niyang hindi kung bakit siya uuwi. Siyempre hindi. Sa likod ng kanyang isipan muling nanumbalik and isang tagpong pilit niyang ibinaon sa limot.Parang nakakabinging alingawngaw mula sa kung saan and mga katagang minsa’y pumunit sa kanyang pagkatao.
“And you expect me to believe that?” he snapped.
Si Agnes ang unang nagbaba ng tingin dahil puno ng pag-uusig ang mga mata nito.
“But I only did that to protect you, Francis!” garalgal ang tinig na sabi niya.
What more could she say to defend herself?
“Mahal kita pero im too tired and mad to think about you right now. Kung hihingi ka man ng tawad ngayon, wala ning magbabago. You’ve done too much, Agnes. Tama na,” isang matalim na tingin ang ibinigay nito sa kanya bago humakbang palayo.
“Francis…” mahinang sambit niya sa pangalan ng lalaki.
But he was too angry to listen.
Paano niya maipapaliwanag ang kasalanan!
“Bakit mo nagawang maniwala sa iba, Francis” pigil ang mga luhang sambit niya.
Habang papalayo ang lalaki, isang masaganang luha ang dumaloy sa kanyang mga pisngi.
Wala na ang lalaking labis kong minahal at halos sambahin ko.
She stiffened for seconds. Malamig ang simoy ng hangin noon na parang nagbabadyang umulan.
Maya-maya pa’y naghahanda na ang mga pasahero sa paglanding.
Nang mailapag ng eroplano ang sarili sa malapad na paliparan.
“This way ma’am,” nakangiting salubong ng isang binatilyong gard habang tinuturo nito ang arrival area upang kunin ang iba pa niyang dala.
Isang surprise ang pag-uwi niya kaya pumara siya ng isa sa mga taxi na nakahilera sa labas ng aireport. Habang binabagtas ang kahabaan ng Bajada, napansin ni Agnes ang malaking pagbabago sa lungsod. Namiss niya tuloy ang dati niyang buhay bago pa mag desisyong lumuwas ng Manila .
“Mama!” tila nagulat pa ang mama ni Agnes nang makita niya. Trienta lang ang biyahe mula pauwi sa bahay nila.
“Tetet? Tetet ikaw nga!” gulat ngunit nakangiting tanong ni Aling Diding gamit ang palayaw niya.
Sabik na niyakap niya ang ina. May kanya - kanya ang nang trabaho at pamilya ang maga kapatid ni Agnes kaya ang mga magulang lang nila ang nakatira sa kanilang bahay. Maging ang ama niya ay nagulat din sa di inasahan niyang pag-uwi.
Dahil sa labis na namiss ang isa’t-isa, ginugol nila nag buong maghaponsa pagkukwentuhan. Pinag-usapan nila ang tagumpay at karanasan ni Agnes sa Manila bilang isang photographer ng isang sikat na fashion magazine. Paminsan-minsan ay pumupunta siya sa Singapore dahil doon nakabse ang main office ng naturang magazine.
“Where on earth did you hide yourself, Agnes?” tila may bahid na pagtatampo sa boses ni Lovely nang makipagkita siya sa kaibigan ilang araw mula ng nang makauwi siya.
“Si Francis ba ang dahilan?” Hindi siya nakapagsalita sa sinabi ng kaharap.
Nasa MTS Park sila noon habang tanaw ang mga taong namamasyal din sa naturang parke.
“Oie, alam mo na ba…”
“He hates me so much kaya di ko na inaasahan pang magkikita kami ulit,” putol niya sa iba pang sasabihin ng kaibigan. Alam niyang may ibabalita ito tungkol sa dating kasintahan.

“Agnes, sarado sa paliwanag ang buong pusong nasaktan. Nakakagawa tayo o nakakapagsalita nang di na pinag-iisipan. Kung galit siya sa’yo, noon iyon pero malay mo iba na ngayon. Panahon lang naman ang laging gamot sa sakit eh."
"At isa pa ---” may sasabihin pa sana ang kaibigan nang biglang tumunog ang cellphone ni Agnes.

Itutuloy…^_^