My Spanish Restaurant Experience

Today was very odd.

First of all, me and my good friend, Juan Luna unknowingly ate at a very expensive 5-star Spanish restaurant. We ate our heart out -- as we ordered the finest spanish cuisine and also accidentally, we ordered the finest red wine there was in the restaurant.

Surprisingly, as the bill came, we were both dumbfounded -- the bill was shockingly expensive. So what my friend, Juan Luna did was that he took out his paintbox and painted a high-denomination French bill on the tray. It might sound funny, but as the owner saw this, he gave us both a meal on the house!

What a day.

-Pepe

(Justin Tung 073545)

Romeo and Julio

The first time that I played a role was when I was still in the Ateneo. Our Jesuit mentor told us to do a short skit about one Filipino legend about any animal, as he intends to put it side by side biology. I played the young, handsome yet narcissistic man in the Legend of the Firefly. The skit was not that serious, that it was almost a joke. We and our professor, though, had fun watching each others' skits.

In Europe, I again played the role of a young and handsome man -- Shakespeare's Romeo. Our class had to produce Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in the end of the semester as a final requirement. The moment I was assigned the character, I fondly wondered why the young-and-handsome-man role always fall (fittingly) on my lap. Anyway, when I read the script, I was amazed about how profound Shakespeare's words are. The rhymes and rhythm, matched with the theme were just perfect. One cannot help but to get inspired upon reading the script. Yet, I just cannot completely be despite the number of charming ladies in Europe. This is because most of them are home-schooled. Very few study in universities and out of the very few, still fewer are the truly pretty ones. In our class, all of us were men. Therefore, my Juliet is actually a man. Yes, a man. And he is taller than me.

Of course, it was very awkward from practice until the last curtain. Can you just imagine how we would have done THE scenes? During practice, I had no problems in memorizing my lines, the blocking and drawing emotion. I tell you, I can completely relate with my character. I had a really hard time though, in delivering those lines and the emotion considering the recipient is more Julio than Juliet. There even came to a point when the director and I had a quite nasty argument about my and my partner's delivery. He angrily complained about it, saying that it is sloppy. He warned us of telling the professor and demoting us to a less significant role. Nobody wants to be demoted. I would rather play Romeo with a male Juliet than play Romeo's horse. And so, I rose up to the challenge. In the end, the production day came and we managed to pull it through. And excellently, I must say. During the first act, we were a bit stiff. We were having Act-One jitters, our concerned director told us. But we went on a roll in the succeeding scenes. Everything were delivered on que and as planned.

After the last curtain, everybody applauded and nobody found it queer having two men as lovers. It was purely academic. Perhaps they were used to watching such situations. But on the other side of the theater, we were clenching our fists, bumping our chests, and giving high-fives in the backstage. Unlike our short skit in the Ateneo, we felt sheer relief more than fun, more than anything in the end.

- Pepe (Cabrera, Paulo 060521)

The Game of Love

I have to admit that there has always been bias in my judgment of beauty. Coyness and tradition have played integral roles in shaping my definition of attractiveness. Now that I am in Europe, I have actually come to realize that beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder. There are so many beautiful women here. I admire them in every way. I sometimes even regret being tied to Leonor but then I realize how hard it is to be waiting for me and how deep my love is for her and I scold myself for even entertaining the thought of cheating.

It is difficult to define cheating. There are too many rules in love. Too many boundaries and limits to set upon one’s self. I believe that there is nothing wrong to admire and express my appreciation of beautiful women. After all, flirting is a different game–a game that I find myself a veteran of. I have met plenty of pretty women during my stay here in Europe and I must say that my talent in writing certainly paved way. In fact, I have shown them a few of the poems I have made, sometimes even writing a poem personally for them.

When I met Consuelo Ortega, I immediately found her very beautiful. She didn’t look like all the other ladies I have met in the Philippines. She didn’t have the same sparkle that Leonor had in her eyes whenever she covered half of her face with her fan yet there was something in Consuelo that drew me closer. Although I knew that Eduardo is madly in love with her, I decided to talk to Consuelo. After all, there is nothing wrong with making new friends. She loved my romantic verse so I dedicated a poem entitled A la Senorita C.O. y R, especially for her. I think it might have been too much of a move, though. Eduardo has been telling me about his fear that Consuelo might have found another man. I do not want to destroy my good friendship with Eduardo. I am planning to end my fling with Consuelo. Besides, there are other fishes in the sea.

My good friend, Manuel, noticed my newfound “hobby” and expressed his worry. I assured him that I have become a womanizer. I simply am enjoying God’s abundant blessing of beauty and grace in so many women of so many races. There is really no need for concern. I will forever remain faithful to Leonor because my heart is truly hers. I am just waiting for the letters she promised to send me. I have sent her six letters so far and I haven’t gotten any reply from her. I assume there have been mix-ups again in our town…or dare I say, I hope. A month has passed since Leonor’s last letter and I can’t help but wonder if her mother has anything to do it. Come to think of it, she has always been very vocal of her dislike of me. She was never discreet about threatening to hide my letters. Putting all my doubts and insecurities aside, I have faith that me dear Leonor will not give up on our love.

I guess I'll leave it at that for the mean time.

-Pepe
(Nicole Anne Araos 070238)

Parlez-vous français?

It is frustrating to have so much to say and yet so little words to express it with. Much more so if one speaks in a foreign tongue altogether. Unfortunately this is what came to pass on my first day here in Paris, France. The first night was a complete and utter disaster. Despite the fact that I was well versed in English, Spanish and my native tongue, Tagalog, the French still could not make heads or tails of what I spoke nor and vice-versa. They stared at me as if I were spewing some kind of ghastly disease instead of asking for the latrine! The only option I had left due to my full bladder was to search for the cursed bathroom myself. It took me a good half hour until I finally resigned myself to acting like a barbarian and conducting my business in the bushes behind the main building. Thankfully I was not spotted and thus I made my way back to my rooms. This incident by the way, never happened – a simple act of desperation.

           The next morning I had made up my mind; I would enroll myself in a French language class in order to prevent the duplication of last night’s happenings. I’m actually looking forward to these sessions; they say French is one of the most romantic of verbal communications. And lately, I have spied an abundance of European beauties I might be able to practice on. Viva la France!

 Pepe 

(Isabelle Ocier 072487)

Travels to Europe

I cannot stay here any longer. If the rumors about my being blacklisted in the government are true, it will be unsafe for me to pursue my education here. Paciano and I have discussed the possibility of my going overseas in the past, but the time arrived sooner than I thought. Leonor’s father has advised me to flee the country, and I have taken heed to it.

It will be a difficult journey. I will be traveling to unknown lands away from the loving presence of my family and friends, and I will undoubtedly experience the same prejudice every Filipino has felt. However, this has to be done. It is of utmost importance that I receive the best education there is so that I can be able to help my oppressed motherland.

I have decided long ago that when I go to Europe, my first destination will be Spain. The best way to understand these foreigners who have colonized my country is by studying them and taking part in their culture. Living amongst the Spaniards will allow me to observe their behavior and habits, as well as their government and how their system works.

I am also certain that I will meet other Filipinos who have gone to Spain in hope of liberating our homeland. There will be things that I can learn from them which may be invaluable to giving my country the freedom that she has yearned for.

From Spain, I shall travel to France, and perhaps, Germany and Italy. I will be able to gain more knowledge in the field of medicine in those countries, including the study of the eye so that I can treat Mother’s cataracts. Afterwards, I shall head home so that I can immediately treat Mother’s eyes.

I have already been preparing myself for this day; however, it is difficult not to feel lonely and sad at the thought of being away from my loved ones, especially Leonor. I pray she takes good care of herself while I am away, and remember that I will always be with her.

-Pepe

(Lexie Dizon, 071185)

o aking bayong, ika'y aalagaan!

Sa wakas! Dumating na din ang araw na aking pinakahihintay!!! Makakapaglakbay na din ako papuntang Europa! Makikita ko na din sa wakas ang mga bantog na siyudad tulad ng Madrid at Berlin at kung ano-ano pa! Mag-aaral ako doon at kikilala ng mga sari saring mga babae na mababango at mahahalimuyak! Ngunit hindi dapat matanto ng aking mga magulang na ako ay maglalakbay. Bago ang lahat kailangan ko maghanda ng aking mga dadalhin. Ano kaya ang mga dapat ko ilagay sa aking bayong?

Mahalagang mukha akong kagalang galang at matipuno sa aking paglakbay sa Euorpa. Kailangan ko dalhin ang aking pinaka magarang barong, ang pantalon na walang butas at ang aking pinakamaputing camisa de tsino . Hindi ko din maaring kalimutan ang pomade para ayos na ayos ang aking buhok at para magmukha itong madulas at kaakit akit sa mga kababaihan. Dadalhin ko din ang aking pabango na pinaghalo-halong katas ng kalamansi, papaya at sinigwelas. Tiyak patok na patok ang tila maprutas na halimuyak sa ilong ng mga kababaihan doon!

Para naman sa aking ibang gamit, siyempre hindi ko dpat malimutan ang pang ahit. Kailangang malinis ang aking mukha. Mahirap na baka tumubo ang aking bigote na tila magmukha akong isang ermitanyo. Labis akong malulungkot at masusuya kung malimutan ko ang pinakaimportanteng kagamitan at ang aking mga paborito, ang pluma at ang papel. Dadalhin ko ang aking pluma na may pinaka matingkad na kulay at rolyo ng mga bagong papel para dito ko isulat ang mga naging pangyayari sa aking paglalakbay.

Siya nga pala, matagal ang aking biyahe. Sigurado magugutom ako! Ano kayang masarap baunin? Ay alam ko na! magdadala ako ng puto at kakanin! Mmmmmm ang sarap ng mga iyon! Paborito ko pa naman ang mga iyon lalo na ang mga putong ubod ng laki at ang mga sobrang lapot na kakanin. Tiyak hindi na ko gugutumin nito sa biyahe ko! Ayan kumpleto na ang laman ng aking bayong! Europa, hintayin mo ako! Parating na si Pepe!!!

-Pepe

(Popo Mamaril 073907)

Raging Hormones

Like majority of the youth growing up, I feel compelled to get involved in some sort of physical activity to satisfy my raging hormones is a more decent manner. Since I have no interest in getting into a bar fight because of obvious disadvantages, I have decided to turn to sports. The problem is that I was not gifted with the legs of a giant. In fact, I was not gifted with much legs at all. Some people say I'm only 4'11 but those people probably haven't seen me up close. I believe that I tend to look smaller from afar. So for my pride's sake, lets say that I am 5'2. No questions asked please.

So as I was saying, I tried a few sports in the beginning. The Spaniards heavily favored the sport of football and so most schools had this sport in their system. I gave it a shot and like a brave soldier, I marched on that field and started out as a defender. Eventually, they moved me to the goalie position because of my incredible speed and unmatched reflexes. However, things didn't go quite as planned. Whenever the opposing player would kick the ball to the top corner of the net, I could not reach it! It was an outrage. They were taking advantage of my disadvantage and that didn't make me happy. Despite the onslaught, I stayed on the field diving for loose balls and trying my best to look cool while doing it. After all, there were several pretty senioritas watching. Things were starting to go well until suddenly this gigantic opponent got the ball in a position ahead of everyone else. With no defender in sight, he charged for the goal. It was between me and him. One-on-one. As he approached like a freight train, I tried to guess which side he would kick the ball. Would he go left or would he go right? A second before I could decide, it was too late. He didn't kick the ball left or right. He kicked it straight toward me. In fact, he didn't even try to aim it above my head for a better chance of scoring. He aimed for ME. With little room for reaction time, I hardened my body to my maximum limit. I could feel the blood pumping in my veins and the testosterone flowing through my body. This was it. This was MY moment. I was going to stop that ball no matter what happened. There was only one problem: I didn't stop the ball. In fact, the moment the ball hit me in the gut, I flew right into the net with it. And so the opposing team scored, I could've sworn that I heard some people murmuring that that particular goal should've been worth two goals. The impact from that shot knocked out whatever testosterone was flowing in me, and I'm pretty sure it took most of my dignity with it.

Despite that event, I would soon feel the need for physical activity again. With the memory of the incoming football still clear in my memory, I decided to play it smart this time. I would avoid sports where my size would serve as a major disadvantage and this eventually led me to something I turned out to be pretty good at: fencing. With my previously mentioned unmatched reflexes and incredible speed, I was more than formidable that most of my peers. However, my greatest advantage was the mistake of my opponents in underestimating me because of my *ehem* size. Like the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover. The harder the judge, the harder they fall.

So that's pretty much the interesting portions of my athletic career. I had heard of this sport basketball gaining popularity in America but it has yet to come to the Philippines. I have seen pictures of this sport and in fact, I even had a dream about it. It was very peculiar. I dreamt that in the future, there was a school named after me which had its own basketball team. Unfortunately, they inherited my unluckiness with height-related sports and apparently were not winning much games at all. Now that I think of it, that was more of a nightmare. They should've stuck to fencing. Anyway, I'll end it here. I have found other ways to release my raging hormones but I'd rather not talk about it here. Trust me on that one.

- Pepe

(Gregory Lewis Choa 070758)

Una

Yesterday, i fetched L., as usual. Yet, something more than usual just happened. I was so happy that i made a poem just to crystallize it:

Along the bridge, we were walking.
Our day's stories, to each other we were telling.
Time didn't seem to pass,
as we reached a knob made of brass,
which i turned to let her in.
Her eyes met mine; i know what they mean.
So I, too, stepped inside,
more like a sneaky glide.
The air in between was awkward
as I started moving forward.
I held her hands; she closed her eyes.
Our feet were cold as ice.
But deep inside, we were burning.
With ardent passion, we're steaming.
Inch by inch, we're getting closer.
Beat by beat, the pounding gets stronger.
Our reluctant lips fin'lly touched;
the attraction is just too much.
Every moment was a year
and i noticed her eye shed a tear.
With our first kiss
we felt such a bliss,
that leaving her room
felt like an impending doom.
But soon we did part,
drawing smiles from each heart.
Tomorrow, I'll again see and fetch her,
hoping take two will be even better.

Sweet, eh?

- Pepe (Cabrera, Paulo 060521)