Mind’s Eye View

Inebriated, I trailed the barren streets and walkways near our condo en route to an internet cafe nearby.  A while ago, I had been engaged in an activity I consider therapeutic–Videoke, a term locally-coined to mean "Video Karaoke."  You know, lyrics to the beat on the foreground, and a completely sleazy, unrelated video playing in the background.  You’d be singing "Amazing Grace" and find  in the background bikini-clad women cajoling by the beach.  Notwithstanding my complaints, I have always found it relaxing… and, yes, cathartic.  Like many Filipinos, they say, singing is a favorite pasttime to me.

Anyway, here I am. Well, yes, intoxicated yet completely sober. I decided to update my dried up, fried, forgotten Friendster Blog and spurt out the thin bits of sentiments and thoughts that have luckily remained despite the alcohol intake earlier.  It would be a blast to find out that alcohol would have the same effect to me as, say, Edgar Allan Poe.  From what I heard, he was more effective writing is famous tragedies whenever in a state of inebriety.  And, again from what I’ve heard, he wrote all his famous works, like "Raven," while drunk.

"’Twas a fair and radiant maiden whom the angels called Lenore. Quoth the Raven, Nevermore." A line went something like that.  Do correct me to update myself.

Too many asides.

Stress does have its finer side.  The moment you’re stressed, you will seek out ways to relieve it.  That’s talking for myself only.  I hardly care what other people do to relieve it.  As for me, I’d take time to go out, in the middle of the night, usually, and find the nearest Videoke joint.  Or maybe a bar with live band, or some place playing my brand of canned music.

Stress has been bugging since April 15, the day I flew in to The Capital from Davao.  Staying in Makati, and taking review classes in UP Diliman, Quezon City, you can only imagine what it’s like to travel 30 minutes to 1 hour (depending on traffic density) just to get bored in three- to nine-hour review sessions.

Albeit reluctantly, I come to class everyday.  Do some readings at night when I get home. Sleep.  That’s the vicious cycle I have been living since April 15.  Apart from that, the weather was a tough one to adjust to.  It’s quite literally hell during the day, and sometimes worse at night.  Sleeping seems the hardest thing to do–my busted airconditioner can barely neutralize the heat at times, leaving me with swollen eyebags the next day. 

People say I’ve always leaned towards exaggeration.  But, hell, yeah, this place is hellish.  And that’s just the weather.  I haven’t told you about the taxi drivers yet! Ga-ha! I’m not generalizing, though.

Ramblings.  That’s quite exaclty what this is! LoL. Pardon if i’m rather "sabog" - scattered?  I guess Edgar Allan Poe is not what I’m cut out to be. But what I’m going through right now is exactly what Edgar Allan Poe wrote about.

Times are rough where I am right now.  Missing the people I left behind in Davao and terrible loneliness have been burdening me since I came here.  I miss my hometown. True, I am perfectly at ease driving to and from Bocobo Hall in UP Diliman, yet it’s nothing quite like driving to Rizal Street or Wheels and More Drive or to Basti’s Brew at Victoria Plaza or Karl’s Koffee in Buhangin where I often hang out.  I also terribly miss Pidok’s… that Videoke Bar along Camus Street where I’ve been having singing lessons since 2001! LoL.

Something tells me I have to conclude this entry.  The sun is coming out in 30 or so minutes.  "Kill-joy." Pooper.  Just when I was getting warmed up!

LoL.

Finally, I think I’ve turned pale from being all red and swollen a while ago.  The people I know would normally comment about my turning burnt sienna after a round of alcohol.  I would often ask my friends, in crisp Bisaya, "namula na ko?" or "pula pa kaayo ko no?" 

Oh well, I guess this is farewell for now.  At least I’ve had a break from all that "book-diving" as I would call it.  And those boring review classes.

Thanks for taking time to read this rather scattershot entry.  Be glad, though, because you have helped me in my catharsis.  Haha.  I guess, this is "thank’s and good day."