SanAg7 Part 2 of 2 - Review Day

SanAg7's Wonderful Cover... My Favorite Cover Artwork in the Series so far

There was no better day to read a wonderful folio. The day was just perfect to get cozy and dig into a good anthology. The weather was great. Not too hot and not to cold, and there were no pending engagements to snatch me away from reading. Plus, there were these wonderful and delicious companions while reading...

In a writer's life, some sun must shine!

And of course, what else should be there to complete everything but coffee... So, with these in tow, I settled in my fave spot and read away.

Beautiful Artwork/Tattoo Design

To understand why I am ecstatic about SanAg Folio, read the previous post. This edition of the Folio features a beautiful artwork by Ervin M. Rondez Jr., a self taught artist from Hamtic Antique. It features the mythical Sarimanok/Adarna bird with wings outstretched, and seemingly protecting a young maiden covered in the traditional 'pintados' tattoo with sprouting foliage. Though the cover may just be black and white, this is perfectly and tastefully done so as to highlight the wonderful artwork. When I checked on the bio of the artist, it says that his ultimate ambition is to become a tattoo artist. I would gladly let him do my next tattoo should I become ready for it. I can only hope to have captured properly the beautiful cover design.

My Manding - Glenn Sevilla Mas... Medyo Crush ko pa naman sana dahil chubby, kaso tiyahin ko sya kasi 'kapatid sya ng literary mother ko na Si John Iremil Teodoro eh, incestuous naman yun noh... Tsk tsk tsk... sayang! Hehehehe

This issue is but a 'Press Filler' as Mr. Jigger Latoza has said, but it contains to full length and very powerful works. The first one is a full length play entitled Games People Play by Glenn Sevilla Mas. This play won 2nd prize in the 2007 Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, and was presented in a stage reading during Tanghalang Pilipino's 2001 Virgin Labfest in the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolebntino at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The play beautifully tackles childhood, friendship, sexuality and sexual awakening, dysfunctional/absent parents and the cruelty of life, especially to children. The narrative is rich and artistically told through the motiff of fairy tales and children's games. As I was reading through the play, I imagine myself playing one of the characters, as this is an 'actor's play.' There are only three characters in the play, Julio, Luna and Diego, but they are very challenging roles, as the three characters themselves alternately play other 'characters' such as the parents of the charcaters and their younger selves. There arae even parts where a male character, julio for example, plays Luna's Neurotically Religious Mother. It excites the stage actor in me, and the story line is rich and very textured, but perfectly contratsed to a very minimalist set with only lights and minimal props relying on effective 'area acting' to get the play thorugh, in an actual production. Glenn Mas delivers yet another powerful play with this one. Syempre pa, I am proud of the author, as he is my literary mother John Iremil Teodoro's 'sister'; hence, he is my aunt, and Manding Glenn delivers yet another proof as to why he has Nine Palancas a Ford Foundation Scholarship for his MFA in Playwritting, and three books of plays. Glenn, after all is another outstanding and powerhouse literary gem of Western Visayas.

Half the book done, half the box too... Weeee

The second manuscript is a scrrenplay entitled Hula: Higit Pa Sa Mga Tala by Lorenzo Fuentes Templonuevo. The author uses the mottif of astorlogy, particularly the Zodiac Signs in his screenplay. The whole screenplay has an 'indie' feel to it, very cinematographic story telling, and a nice ending to bring everything to an 'agreeable' conclussion. Although there is an 'indie' feel to the story, the whole thing has 'pop' elements in it, and tackles later on in the story the dilemma between working abroad as opposed to volunteering for humanitarian work in the war torn fields of Mindanao. The former being the more 'zodiacal' choice, while the latter runs cintrary to what is predicted for the character, as inferred from and dictated by her birth charts. Although the story becomes a bit 'formulaic' and predictable at some point, maybe that's just me.

All in all, the book is a wonderfull read, and not only for the purpose of reading per se, but would also be helpful for me as a writer if and when I would decide to give play writting or scrrenplay writting a shot.

Another 'press' of Java... My personal French Coffee Press fro Starbucks - given by a friend for my birthday a long time ago.

P.S: Should you be interested in getting a copy of this issue of SanAg or any other issue for that matter, as well as titles from Libro Agustino, and titles by Mother John Iremil Teodoro, leave me a message and I will be more than willing to make arrangements for you on how you can buy them. I am not an official 'agent' of any of the above named persons and entities, but for the sake of Literature and spreading Hiligaynon/Western Visayan Literature, I would be more than happy to help you get your copies. Spread the word.

Glenn Sevilla Mas' Photo Copied from:

http://www.geocities.com/phil_writers/mas_glenn

SanAg7 Part 1 of 2 - The Literary Journ(ey)al

Beautiful Cover Art by Ervin M. Rondez Jr.

I gathered from Mother John Iremil Teodoro's blog that SanAg7 just got out hot off the press. I rushed over the next available office day to grab me a copy. I was excited because this is to be the first issue that would feature me 'on the other side of the fence. It's like this, kasi.

SanAg, which literally means 'bright', is the Official Literary Folio of the University of San Agustin, Iloilo's Fray Luis De Leon Creative Writing Desk, under the University's Coordinating Center for Research and Publication. It was published by the in-house publishing house Libro Agustino. SanAg also happens to be the shortened 'slang' for San Agustin; San-Ag.

Last year, with the change in the Administration, almost all 'artistic' centers were bulldozed by the new Father President, as these things were not his priority for the University, thus the Writing Desk and the Publishing House suffered greatly. Such was also, in part, the reason why my dear beloved literary mother decided, in an act of indignation, to divorce herself from the job that she has nurtured, loved, and toiled at and with, for more than seven years.

When I was awarded a fellowship in the first ever Fray Luis De Leon's Regional Creative Writing Workshop, as a fellow in poetry, I was asked by mother John to submit some of my works for the 2nd issue of SanAg, and the rest was history, so they say. Year in and year out, mother would always ask for my works, and would publish them in the folio. I had works published in SanAg3, SanAg4, and SanAg5, SanAg6 was dedicated to drama and I can not remember if I did submit for this one, but the poitn is, I have always looked forward to this folio. This is where I got my first taste of being 'paid' for my poems, and saw them published alongside Ilonggo Literary greats such as Tatay Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada.

The folio had undergone several transformations and themes. There was an issue that was 'love' themed. There was one for experimental short fiction, an issue for drama, and what nots. One of the features of the folio, aside from being divided into poetry, fiction and drama, was its separate section for the award winning manuscripts. These were usually the crop of works that earned recognition in the Palanca Awards for the year, or any other reputable award giving body in Philippine Literature. As I have said, this issue is important for me because for the first time, my works have finally 'crossed-over' to that section. SanAg has literally chronicled my journey as a Hiligaynon wirter. From mere 'budding' contributor of a couple of poems, to a submission of a short experimental fiction, to an 'awarded' writer. More importantly, with the publishing and the writing desk 'shelved', this might just be SanAg's swan song.

I hurriedly rushed to the 5th floor of the Fray Luis De Leon Building in San Agustin. As I walked the alleyways, nostalgia swept over me. The Hall is also where the College of Law is located. I used to be part of the throng of young and aspiring lawyers to be in this hall. Whew!

Catching my breath upon reaching the floor after flights of stairseseseseses, my heart skipped to see the UCRP Office still open even if it was way past five in the afternoon. I hurriedly went inside. Fortunately, I was able to catch Mr. Jigger Latoza, the Center's Director. I quashed an urge to look for Mrs. Medel, who always graciously gave me my complimentary copy, have me sign in and gave me my 'honoraria' for the works published, and much so, go into the inner sanctums for a chat with my beloved Mother. Luckily, the chit chat with Mr. Latoza was enough distraction. Not enough, however, to keep me from opening the book and instantly checking the table of contents and quickly jumping over to the 'About The Contributors' page. This page has also seen my bio's gradual transformation.

I panicked a bit to learn that my name was not in it. A quick thought popped in to my head; that perhaps, due to Mother John's hasty exit and quick move back to Manila, she might have forgotten to include my works. My heart sank. I couldn't help but be very disappointed. I quadruple checked and noticed that the Author's page only contained three names. There must be some mistake! I couldn't help but verbalize my perplexed thoughts.

Hearing my concern, Jigger quickly said "Oh, your works are in SanAg 8. That's just a Press Filler. It has one full length play and one screenplay. He further informed me that SanAg8 is already in the press and in no time, will also be coming out. I felt relieved! Patience, will have to be, a virtue, till then. I took two books; one for me, and one for my Dynamic Duo Bryan, as was always the case. I was glad I was not carrying anything that time except my clutch bag. The cover is too beautiful not to display, but that's getting ahead of the next post. I will review the book in my next post.

Pagtukib

Paagtukib is a Hiligaynon term which means 'to discover'. I am amazed how information is readily available especially with the information super highway that is the web. Information and its discovery is just a click away, and at the touch of a button. Yet, there is still so much ignorance in this world of ours.

Wait! Stop! Pause... before you get the idea that I am a special envoy or ambassador on education, wala lang to... kunyaring intro-introhan lang. Hehehehe

Di na ako mag eexplain kung bakit ganun ang intro pero eto sya... The batchoy boi wrote a new poem last night triggered by a.. malalaman nyo din after reading... hehehehe... enjoy!



Sabat Sa Textmate Nga Nakatukib Sa Google
Sang Akun Pagka Mamamalaybay
(original format)
Ni Luis Batchoy

Sng ndscovr m
Sa Gugol
Na aq prizd
Poet,
Ngdsig bla pitik
Sng hart m?
Dw gnsirban bla
Kaunurn m?
Ms ngwpo bla
N ms ngnmit
Q s pnlukn m?
N glyun k bla
Na horni?
Same ayhn
Sg mafil mo
F imo madscovr
Na open n game aq,
Nmi body n my abs,
Tbsol n gaulbo gd butt
Tmbok n laba buto,
N sgad s bed?
Reply ASAP.


Sabat Sa Textmate Nga Nakatukib Sa Google
Sang Akun Pagka Mamamalaybay
Ni Luis Batchoy

Sang matukiban mo
Sa Google
Nga ako premyado
Nga mamamalaybay,
Nagdasig bala ang pitik
Sang dughan mo?
Daw ginsiraban bala
Ang kaunuran mo?
Mas nag gwapo bala
Kag mas nag namit
Ako sa panulukan mo?
Kag gilayun ka bala
Nga gin utgan?
Anggid ayhan
Sang imo batyagun
Kung imo matukiban
Nga 'open' kag 'game' ako,
Manami ang lawas kag may abs,
Tibsol kag ga ulbo gid ang buli
Tambok kag laba ang buto,
Kag sagad sa kama?
Reply ASAP.

Sagot sa Textmate Na Nakadiskubre Sa Google
Sa Aking Pagka Makata
Ni Luis Batchoy

Nang nadiskubre mo
Sa Google
Na ako premyadong
Makata,
Bumilis ba ang pitik
Ng dibdib mo?
Parang sinisilaban ba
Ang kalamnan mo?
Mas gumwapo ba
At mas sumarap
Ako sa paningin mo?
At bigla ka bang
Nalibugan?
Tulad din kaya
Sa mararamdaman mo
Kung madidiskubre mo
Na 'open' at 'game' ako,
Maganda ang katawan at may abs,
Tibsol at maumbok ang puwit
Mataba at mahaba ang titi,
At magaling sa kama?
Reply ASAP.


Kaya ayoko talaga nakikipag textmates eh. Oh well....

Dali na di Sa'kon... Subong na GID!

Get here!

Tag ulan na ulit. Paminsan minsan sumisilip si haring araw para painitin ang mamasa asang mundo. Don't get me wrong, I love the rains. It's just that, may mga taong nakapaligid sa akin na walang puknat kung makareklamo sa lumbay at lamig ng panahon, lalo't gabi at mahalumigmig din ang hangin. Mga taong tulad ko ay nag iisa sa malambot at mainit init na kama. I really don't mind it kasi nga sabi ko mas madaming bagay na dapat pagtuunan ng pansin at lately, productive ako. Maramiraming tula din ang naisilang ng malikot at makulit kong hiraya. Pero dahil nga daw nakakahawa ang 'negativity', sige na nga, magpaka depress depressan tayo. Itong kanta na to, I love forever. Pasensya na at wala akong makitang matinong bidyo kaya pagtyagaan na lang tong nasa baba. Hmmm...



Song therapy daw ang tawag dito. Mag reflect sa mga kanta at magmuni muni. Sa poetry, explication ang tawag; synthesis reading... Pero tong susunod na gagawin ko ay di ganun ka academic... okray lang... heheheheh... malamig ag ulan kasi at nagiisa ang batchoy boi kaya eto, kulitan tayo.

GET HERE By Oleta Adams
*Pambabaoy ala AH1N1 ni Luis Batchoy


You can reach me by railway, you can reach me by trailway
* Sayang at hindi natuloy ang pag rerehabilitate ng Panay Railways, the oldest Railway system in Asia, dito sa Iloilo/Panay, kaya witels ka pedeng sumakay ng Train to reach me... shalan shalan pag trailways, napaka trekker ng drama mo, kung sino ka man.

You can reach me on an airplane, you can reach me with your mind
*Medyo mahal pero may promo fares,at Go Lite naman kaya keri. Malayo na ang airport ngayon samin. Dati kasi nasa kabilang kanto lang ng bahay namin. Oh well.. Napaka Psychic naman ng drama kung mind connections ang moda natin... Tantric Sex ba ito?

You can reach me by caravan, cross the desert like an Arab man
*with matching camels, elephants and all that jazz ba itoh? Arabo ka bah? Ahmmm... Ewww... pero kung marami kang dalang mga 'pasalubong' such as ginto, alahas and all that 'Bektaz' much, then pedeng magreconsider. Pero alam mo, ang mga arabo ngayon, naka Benz na kaya, upgrade your mode of transpo please lang, oh and don't forget to deodorize ok?

I don't care how you get here, just- get here if you can
*Go go go na! Kaya mo yan! Framis!


You can reach me by sailboat, climb a tree and swing rope to rope
*Una, si Sinbad ka, tapos biglang si Tarzan ka? Kaloka kah! Sino ka ba talaga? Pero kung naka Yacht ka mas shalan shalan... cruise cruise itey!

Take a sled and slide down slow, into these arms of mine
*Ngayon naman, si Santa Claus ka? Hmmm sabagay bet ko ang Chubby! And I have been very naughty, kaya, hmmm pede na. Pero mag ahit ka ok?

You can jump on a speedy colt, cross the border in a blaze of hope
*Ay! Kabayuhan itey! Hmmm... Braveheart ikaw ba yan? At talagang may 'blaze of hope'? How exciting!

I don't care how you get here, just- get here if you can
*Demanding naman masyado, da va? Hehehe.. Tigang na siguro kasi!



There are hills and mountains between us
*Ay! Magpaka Julie Andrews ba tayo at kumanta ng Da heeeeellllsss are alayv with the sound of myooosik, makes the people come together!" Ehehehe... baka naman sa kabilang bundok ka lang ng Madyaas. Antique? Capiz? Hmmm... Baka NPA ka!

Always something to get over
*Magaling ako sa getting over na yan! Ako bahala! Hehehe

If I had my way, then surely you would be closer
*Hindi lang Closer, as in closest pa! Or Closesesest!

I need you closer
* NOW NA!

(interlude, then repeat bridge)
*Ladies and gentlemen, the rythm section1 Palakpakan!


You can windsurf into my life, take me up on a carpet ride
*Cam Sur? Boracay? Shalan... now sing with me... 'A whole new waaaaaarld!'

You can make it in a big balloon, but you better make it soon
*Napaka Jules Verne naman netoh! Kanta ulit... 'Would you like to ride in my byootifoool valooon?'

You can reach me by caravan, cross the desert like an Arab man
*Naubusan ng linya ang songwriter, I'm sure...redundancy ang drama!

I don't care how you get here, just- get here if you can
* Kanina tigang, ngayon desperado na! Nagagawa nga naman ng lack of tootooot!

I don't care, I dont care, I need you right here right now
*Wait lang, nasa labas ang nanay at tatay ko... hehehehehe

I need you right here, right now, right by my side (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
*At natural na mag kaka yeah yeah moment talaga! Shempre noh!

I don't care how you get here, just- get here if you can.
* Yun na yun! Kailangan pa bang imemorize yan?


Lalabas na sana ako pero pakshet umulan na naman at ang sarap sarap ng kama... hahay! Get here na please!?!?! Save me from drowning in to the depths of myself... CHAROS LUCOS!


Eto na lang para fair... Sabihin mo kung nasaan ka kasi... susunduin kita... Hehehehe

Dali na di Sa'kon... Subong na GID!

Photo Credits:

http://www.gifs.net/subcategory/24/0/20/Bones_and_Skulls
http://www.geocities.com/alcogoodwin/PANAY.html
http://halfpastnine.wordpress.com/2008/08/22/jay-tarzan-senior-celeberating-his-26th-birthday/
http://www.memphisflyer.com/blogs/TheaterBlog/
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1800341783/photo/546508
http://listeninglounge.blogspot.com/2008/09/hitchhike-plan-airs-sept-15.html

Dear Senator Mar

Capiznon Van Helsing?

I rarely go political, but this one is more 'cultural' than political.

Dear Senator Mar Roxas,

Kumusta Kasimanwa? I am hoping you are in good health. I admire your brazen and bold privilege speech in Senate last Wednesday, June 3, 2009. We have become so 'graphic' and 'theatrical' haven't we? What with your garlic necklaces and your play on the word con-ass, calling it con-asswang! At the outset, let me tell you that I am one with you on your fight against the con-ass. However, let me point out one big glaring mistake.

Aswangs: Capiznon Freedom Fighters

See, dear Senator, Garlic WILL NOT drive away an Aswang. Too much Hollywood, and Pop Culture perhaps, or you need to fire your 'creative' writer/researcher. It is doubly disappointing that you, above everyone else, a proud Son of Capiz, should miss this fact and further propagate this 'myth'. Again, let me point out that Garlic will not drive aswangs away. This shows how poorly you know of your very own local culture and traditions. To think that Capiz proudly claims title as the "Aswang Capital of the Philippines."

The Kapre: Capiz Awang Festival

Let's forget about how efforts of us, young Dugo Capiznons, in putting up an Aswang Festival to demystify the negative tag and connotation of Aswangs, and put it in the proper light, has been effectively put to death by the ash and salt of the Catholic Church's elitist, paranoid, and misinformed campaign that it could lead to a 'glorification' of devil worship.

Buto ni Kurakog

Much as elsewhere in the country, some Bishop also objected to the naming of a landmark as "Boto (buto) ni Kurakog" (Kurakog's Penis). Why? What the heck! Do being priests and bishops make them loose their "buto's"? Does 'Espada ni Kurakog' sound less profane? What's so profane with your penises, Your Grace? This is what it has always been called by natives since then, and it's very name is 'cultural assertion' in itself, I daresay, but that's straying from the point.

Going back to Aswangs and what drives them away, consider the following to be included in your next speech:

1. Witch is not the correct English equivalent of the term 'Aswang'
2. Apog (lime) Agbon/Abo (ash) and/or salt are better aswang deterrents.
3. Ikog pagi or the manta ray's tail fin is more potent in injuring the aswang.
4. Tingga (Brass)or Saway (bronze) bladed weapons such as sanduko, espading, and the like prove more fatal once it injures an aswang.
5. Thorny bushes and branches serve as effective aswang deterrents.
6. The vines of the bitter manunggal (cat's paw) are very effective in keeping aswangs at bay.
7. A bamboo sibat (spear) driven from the back kills an aswang.
8. Call forth the brave babaylans from the mountains of Panay to battle the aswang. Call forth the powerful Estrella Bangotbanwa of lore! She who can flip her hair for the storms to cease!

Thr Babaylans: Healers, Chroniclers, Priestesses and Revolutionary Leaders

Now, now, dear Senator. On second thoughts, why vilify the aswangs? prof. Alicia Magos an anthropologist from UP Visayas in her paper has proofs that Aswang was a Spanish friar brewed negative tag. They gave this tag, along with 'erehes' and 'filibusteros' and cooked up a fantastical tale of these night creatures and gave them to women freedom fighter struggling against Spain at that time to dissuade people from giving them their full support. They were the babaylans whom, the Spanish Friars found as rivals in spreading Catholicism and pose as challenge to their modern doctors and medical wonders. I suggest you reform your speech entirely Mister Senator. Instead of brandishing garlic necklaces to fend off the Con-Asswang, this is what you should do.

Babaylans: Cultural Frontliners

Call forth the brave 'Aswangs' among your ranks: Freedom fighters all, to serve as freedom fighters to liberate the country from the kama-kama (gnome) in Malacañang, together with her Fray Butod of a husband! Call forth the aswangs to do battle against the oppressors, and liberate our country from tyranny. Call forth the new ASWANGS! Do not Viliffy them dear Senators. Forget your garlic. That is so Bram Stoker, dear Senator. Take pride in your Capiznon roots and traditions dear Senator. Oh and yes, please fire your head researcher.

Kamakama - Small, vengeful, dangerous and deadly adversaries

Trully yours,

Luis Batchoy
Aswang sang Capiz!

PS: Dear Senator, if you do not have time to come back here to Capiz for a culture reorientation, please have a good talk with Sir Ambeth Ocampo.


Photo Credits:

http://marroxas2010.blogspot.com/2009/06/roxas-privilege-speech-on-con-asswang.html
http://media.photobucket.com/image/aswang/chiibams02/PhilMythology/aswang/aswang.gif
http://www.thenewstoday.info/20051107/aswang.festival.2005.html
http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Babaylan
http://isanghamahal.wordpress.com/tag/babaylan/
http://media.photobucket.com/image/dwende/kornimo/angtaykamayzoom.jpg

All's well that ends...

Tonight was a fortuitous night.

Last night, my new found step-siblings except Liz met and had coffee as usual. It being a thursday night, the thursday group was there. First fortuitous event of the night was the sudden resurection of Bing from out of oblivion. I could only be very happy to see him well and good. It is sad however, that it would take some time before a production number from the thursday group would be 'stage-ready'. Jennifer was absent. Nevertheless, I missed Bing and hugged him tight. Wonderfully, jamming session was a blast.

Step sister MJ had to go home early, so I was left with step brother Peter, who was to wait for his gf, step sister Liz's lunch break from work at 1:30AM. We went to another bar for a change. I have been frequenting this joint in the past, and it felt good to be back. Shortly before 1:00 AM we started walking to where Step Sis Liz works.

Perhaps, the apprehension I felt way back then when I would pass by or see this once-upon-a-time workplace of mine too, has already worn off. I can not exactly remember if I made a blog post about this spat with some people at work early this year, but I doubt it that I did. Anyhoot, another sad and sordid chapter of this batchoy boy's life ended with a much needed closure. Not that it bothers me that much still because I have long put it behind me and have gotten over all that jazz. In fact, I would see the key players around town and respectful and civil pleasantries are exchanged between them and me. I do not wish to further discuss nor was there any confrontation from their end, so to speak. The issue, whether it be consciously or unconsciously shelved or glossed over, I really couldn't give a hoot to, but what goes around comes around so they say, and some things have a way of resolving themselves in their own time. I guess this was one of them.

When Step Bro Peter and I reached the place, I saw a good friend of mine. I said hi to him. Meanwhile, Athena went down from upstairs. She was one of those key players in the whole hullabaloo. I just had to say hi to her. After all, when the shit hit the fan, it was her and only her who had the propensity and perhaps the propriety to text me, and to at least ask for an explanation and perhaps, hear out my side of things. I deeply appreciated that effort, and though I know where her loyalties lie, I have never forgotten that act she did. At least she was decent to ask my side and hear me out. We chit chatted and after a while, step sis Liz came. This gave athena and I a chance to talk some more since I had to at least leave the lovey-dovey to talk among themselves.

We smoked and kinda talked about what really happened and how glad I was that she at least sought out my side of the story. Then, the two other key persons in the fray came down as well. T and F.

Athena: Forget it, people make mistakes.
Luis: Yeah, but I still stand by what I said.
Athena: Oh, look, there's T. Would you like to talk to him?
Luis: Actually, I dont know where to start really. After all I did not start all these.
Athena: You don't have to. Sorry would do.
Luis: Ahmmm... as in now, now? (Actually, I felt that sorry was not to come from me. I did not do anything that I am sorry about.) It seems inapporpriate to just let it pop just like that, you know. It would sound insincere and really out there.
Athena: We all know it has been wearing down our minds all these time. I can call him if you want to.
Luis: Ok then. (By this time, I thought, well yeah, I am sorry for being part of this shiznit and for the pain and what ever discomfort, anger and all that sh!t that went around. It would serve as a penance for whatever wrongs I failed to see, and at the same time an absolution for my self and others at large.)

T then approached and I held his hand and offered an apology.

Luis: I really do not know how to do this because this seem inadequate. You see, for me, sorry should not be done by mere words or just blurting it out like a magic word to make everything alright. I wish there was more to just saying it.
T smiled : Lets put it all behind us... closure...
Luis: Thank you...

F was also close behind and I offered the same sincere apology, and the same regret for a lack of a better way of showing apology and remorse. She then interjected.

F: Well, if that's the case, a good pizza would do.
We all laughed like we used to. Mommy C then came down too, and informed me that my unclaimed pay checks are already available at the HR department. Well, partly because of this sordid affair, I did not bother to really go there and process my clearance and all to get my remaining pay. All's well that ends well perhaps, since tomorrow, I can go back and finally claim my uncollected checks. Pizza would be great!

Oh and in a heartbeat, I would want to see, too, if the pay is enough for a quick hie away to Le Manile... well, maybe... just maybe... As I was holding on to this happy thought, and as if on cue to cap off the perfect night, Cute chubby chinito and long time work place crush also came down to take his lunch break!

Crush: Hey! Luis! Great to see you again! Been a while!

The smile would have been enough pixie dust to sprinkle on my happy thought and I just flew through the night skies! And as the TV Shopping Netwrok goes...But wait! There's more!

Crush: Hey Writer guy, I'm taking my lunch break, wanna join me? I missed you.
I quickly looked at Step Bro Peter and as if on cue, he gave me the nod that he'd be fine and I can just come back for him. The places to eat at are just round the area after all. Crushie grabbed my arm as I was nodding yes and mumbling an "Mmmkay!"

If this night ain't perfection, I don't know what else would have been. Ahmmmm... maybe... just maybe... Crushie saying that he missed mo so much that he wants to miss work for the remainder of the night and just get it on with me... Now spell Ilusyunado!

Whoever said that happy endings are just fairy tales stuff know no better and I am not the one to change their views about it. I'm too busy with this one's ending to really give a shitake!

Ang Lumbay Ng Dila

Tapos na ang panandaliang pamamahinga. Sabbatical is over and I'm happily back to the embraces of the web. Nagbalik ako para makipag ambit sa liwat kag sa gihapon sa inyo nga mga bumalasa sang ini nga blog.

Don't I get a sweet warm hug fro you guys? Kam'on! You know you wanna! Show me some lovin!

Now now! While I was gone, a lot of things have happened. Im bursting with stories, and some may be told, some kept, some forgotten, and some forever etched in my heart.

Meanwhile, for a starter post, let me share beautiful writings with you, dear readers. Continuing on with my attempt to post about local writers in the region, I proudly introduce to you, my first lady featured writer. She is no other than Miss, no make that Doctor Genevieve Asenjo.

I can remember taking this photo at the Balay Negrense in Silay City, Negros Occ.

Miss Gen is a good friend, mentor and coffee compatriot. She is a proud Ilongga, to be specific, Karay-a Barrio Lin-ay. For her 'academic' bio click THIS!

She writes in Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, Filipino and English. She is a poetess, fictionist, essayist and recently, novelist, but that's getting ahead of the post.

She has authored wonderful books as follows.

A book of poetry from the Fray Luis De Leon Writing Grant
of the University of San Agustin Iloilo





An anthology of her Palanca winning short stories






Featuring her translation job in Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a

She is a multi-awarded writer, and is currently in Korea for a writing fellowship. She has been a regular panelist of countless reputable writing workshops all over the country, and is also a translator/linguist.

Recently, for her PhD in Lit, she completed her first novel, "Ang Lumbay ng Dila" (The Loneliness of the Tongue) which will be made available, hot off the press shortly.

Meanwhile, here is a sampling of her wonderful poetry:

TRAHEDYA NG ISANG BIRHEN
by Genevieve Asenjo

walang dugong
umagos sa aking
mga hita sa unang gabi
ng kanyang paglusob.

umalingawngaw sabay
sa kanyang paglusong-
ahon ang mga hiyaw
ko't daing: sakit, hapdi,
pamamaga
ngunit nilunod ng kanyang
pagdududa ang kabanalan
ng aking kawalang-malay,
ala-Othello siyang naging taga-
hukom ng aking pagkababae:
birhen o puta?

walang dugong
umagos mula
sa aking hita.
lumabas ito sa bunganga
ko't sumalo sa nanunuyong
mga pawis at luha.

 ©2000 by Genevieve Asenjo

First appeared in the October 16, 2000 issue of Mirror Weekly Magazine

And now for the main course - Click THIS for an excerpt from her latest delectable novel "Ang Lumbay ng Dila."

Para kay miga Gen, Panginbulahan kag dugang nga kusog pa sa pagpatikasog sang aton kinaugalingon nga lengwahe! Mabuhay ka!

OH yes, and by the way, dear batchoyan denizens.... Sweet and true, from me to all of you...


I missed you!

Photos from Dr. Asenjo's friendster account.