RANDOM #48

“The scariest thing about distance is that you don’t know whether they’ll miss you or forget you.”
Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

images in my dreams
repeating numbers everyday
there are voices I hear
the trade-offs are in play
my soul is twisted
baffled of what to follow
the harrowing scene
casting an alarming shadow

nightmares in recurrence
disturbing night’s tranquility
racing heart beats
an uninvited company
mixed up memories
converging in my mind
all I see are faces
of those I left behind

RMP

12/30/15
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #47

“Where we love is home, home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.” Oliver Wendell Holmes

losing my senses bit by bit
nostalgia’s creeping in my soul
the landscape’s now an enemy
my eyes see a distorted role
alone in my shrinking world
i struggle inside a pressure dome
inside this lonely space
i long for the scent of home

down on my knees
i am trying to be strong
i know it won’t be easy
to figure out what went wrong
reminded and consumed
of the life I left behind
this journey I chose
is an unending uphill climb

a sign of weakness maybe
or I just simply realized
the deviation I made
is now claiming its’ prize
the allure of everything
in this place where I now roam
won’t ever surpass the feeling
when I smell the scent of home

RMP
11/28/15
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #46

sinusuway ng puso
ang dikta ng pagkakataon
hakbang ay patungo sana
sa itinakdang panahon
subalit ang tadhana
ay sadyang mapaglaro
kanyang paghihiwalayin
mga damdaming pinagtagpo

landas ay patungo
sa mga sangandaan
isip ay malilito
tanong ng puso ay saan
bitbit ang nabuong bigat
ng naglalahong pangarap
ang pagbibigay ng laya
minsan ay mapagpanggap

maubos man ang luha
huminto man ang pag-iyak
sa kaibuturan ng puso
katotohanan ay tiyak
pumalaot man sa kawalan
damdaming pinaghiwalay
puso ay di mapapagod
laging handang maghintay

RMP
11/27/2015
Winnipeg MB Canada

WINTER BLUES

shorter days and longer nights
thermal readings dropping low
all the greens are turning white
everything seems going slow
there are lesser things to do
more will opt to stay inside
nostalgia's at the doorstep
there are feelings I can't hide

RMP
11/19/15
Winnipeg MB Canada

EPEK NG APEC

Darating na ang mga bisita
Panay VIPs, mga di basta basta
Dapat ipakita na bansa’y maganda
Hala! ilabas na ang mga pintura

Ang mga ilaw palitan ang pundi
Linisin ang lahat ng makitang madumi
Kalsada’y maluwag siyempre holiday
Mga taong kalye siguradong mawawaley

Top of the line na mga sasakyan
First class na treatment ok lang naman yan
Imahe naman daw ng bansa ang nakataya
Mahirap na nga naman kung sila’y mapahiya

Yun nga lang pag-alis ng mga bisita
Balik sa dating gawi ang mga ratsada
Ang special ay magiging regular
Pakitang tao di talaga nagtatagal

Mabilis kumilos sa mga bigatin
Mga kababayan laging binibitin
Sa tindi ng seguridad walang makakalusot
Inutil naman sa laglag bala dun sa airport

RMP
11/14/15
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #44

Pagitan ay walang saysay hangga’t buhay ang pagasa
Na kahit na magkalayo ay muli pa ring magkikita
Unti-unting mababawasan mga araw na binibilang
Sa muling pagtatagpo maglalaho ang pagkukulang

Gaano man katagal, gaano man kalayo
Di kailanman malilimot ang mga pangako
Ang mga narinig at ang mga nasaksihan
Mga aral na dadalhin sa pinanggalingan

Kung kailan lumayo saka natagpuan
Mga hinahanap nandun lang sa iniwan
Kahit na payak payapa ang pag-iisip
Ngayon ay handa na sa muling pagbabalik

May kani-kaniyang landas, may kani-kaniyang pananaw
Kaligayahan ay naayon sa mga nais na matanaw
Ang katahimikan ng isip, ang pagiging malaya
Wala sa gusto ng iba kundi nasa sariling ginagawa

May mga masasaktan, maaaring mayroong magagalit
Sa bawat pagpili minsan may mga maiipit
Tama man o mali kailangang magpasiya
Tanggapin man o hindi sa muling pagkikita

RMP
11/08/2015
Winnipeg MB Canada

MAGTANIM (NG BALA) AY DI BIRO

Magtanim ay di biro
Sa NAIA may nagtatago
Bala ay nilalaglag
Marami na ang nagogoyo.

Gobyerno’y sobrang manhid
Kahit marami na’ng nagagalit
Mga bagaheng nanganganib
May tape na at naka plastic.

Si Coloma’y sawing-palad
Isolated case kanyang banat,
Mga mata ayaw imulat
Pag magsalita parang bangag.

Si Mar mali yata ang gising
Biyahero ang sisisihin
Mga balang itinanim
Di raw nila ito pasanin.

Halina, halina, mga turista,
Welcome kayo sa aming NAIA
Mga bagahe nyo pag inilabas
Baka mawalan na kayo ng bukas

Gobyerno’y sobrang manhid
Kahit marami na’ng nagagalit
Mga bagaheng nanganganib
May tape na at naka plastic.

RMP
11/5/2015
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM#43

the trails of white smoke
slowly disappear
the images are fading
a soul is moved to tears
the present‘s now a captive
of the days gone by
a day isn’t complete
without looking at the sky

RMP
11/3/15
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #42

alipin ng oras
sumasabay sa agos
pilit pinalalakas
damdaming kinakapos
bawat araw binibilang
diwa’y pumapailanlang
kahit saan pumaling
ramdam ano ang kulang

bawat hakbang
kailangang bilisan
bawat galaw
dapat bantayan
sanayin ang sarili
sa banyagang paligid
sumabay sa indak
kahit hirap ang pag-iisip

habol ang panahon
habol ang hininga
umiikot ang mundo
sa halagang kinikita
itinatago sa ngiti
nadaramang sakit
puso’y tinuturuan
pano maging manhid

RMP
10/1815
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #41

Mayor Duterte,

When you finally confirmed that you’re not running for the Presidency, you said; "This is a beautiful day to end a wild dream." However, this is a bad day for those who hope for a better and more peaceful Philippines under your administration. As Lee Kuan Yew said; the country needs discipline more than democracy. And this is something that cannot be done by the other candidates. Why? It’s a no brainer actually. Their integrity has already been compromised. No matter how good their platforms are in paper, not a single one of them has the ____ to do it. The political parties they represent are still infested with conscious liars, political butterflies, trapos, turncoats, cheaters and con artists. How can they impose discipline if they cannot even control themselves and their cohorts?

You still have a couple of days to change your mind. If you do…millions will support you in your quest for real change. The country needs someone like you. Don’t leave them with no other choice but to choose among those who will just continue the vicious cycle of corruption, lawlessness and poverty. I am not saying that you will surely win. Just like what you’ve said, the system is flawed. With their political machineries strategically in placed, it will be an uphill battle. But with you running, there is hope. Win or lose, the country needs to hear your advocacies. And that will be a great victory in itself. That alone is enough for us to realize that no matter what happens we have voted for a better man.

RMP
10/12/15
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #40

dreams in recurrence
disturb my tranquility
racing heartbeats
an uninvited company
mixed up memories
converging in my mind
all I see are faces
of those I left behind

the space between
shows what is unreal
truth reminds me
of what I can’t conceal
more random thoughts
will continue to play
the more moments I miss
the more for me to say

RMP
10/12/15
Winnipeg MB Canada

HALALAN NA NAMAN

Bago mag conclude pwede pakibasa muna
Para malaman kung kasama sa tinitira
Kung negative ka malamang kasama ka nga
Otherwise isa ka sa kailangan ng bansa
Heto na naman ang mga manunuyo
Masugid na manliligaw na taos daw sa puso
Ang mga sinasabi sa bawat paglapit
Mabilis magbigay sa patay at maysakit
Sa bawat talumpati tyak na namumulaklak
Sa mga pangako at mga pagpapanggap
Mayroong nagngangalit, merong ayaw papigil
Yung iba’y walang laman kaya walang panggigigil

Halalan na naman , halalan na naman
Kailangang mamili ng masasandigan
Ang pag-asa na lang ng sambayanan
Ay mga botanteng di kayang bayaran

Pag nasa labas panay ang pangangamay
Pag may mga sanggol kukunin tiyak sa nanay
Polyetos, kendi, payong, babasahin at pamaypay
Kulang na lang tumulong sa paglalaba’t pagsasampay
Tatagay kahit di sanay susubo ng kaning lamig
Aakapin ang matatanda animo’y nananabik
Pag nasa entablado sasayaw at kakanta
Magpapa pray over pa sa mga hungkag na propeta
May solid na united, meron ding chopsuey
Swerte ang may partido iba nma’y palaboy
Political butterflies, orphans naman ang iba
Iba nama’y oportunista na gasgas na ang plataporma

Halalan na naman , halalan na naman
Kailangang mamili ng masasandigan
Ang pag-asa na lang ng sambayanan
Ay mga botanteng di kayang bayaran

Picture na di tumatanda halatang niretoke
Nakadikit sa pader , sa mga bakod at sa poste
Ganda ng mga slogan Makadiyos, Makabayan
He he he tingnan natin pagkatapos ng halalan
Eto ang mas matindi dahil sa kapangyarihan
Kalaban sa pulitika hantungan ay libingan
Walang sinisino basta ginusto
Yari ang kalaban pag nagkagulo
Kung hindi bala tyak na pera naman
Ang paiiralin manalo lamang
Bibili ng boto ang mga kandidato
The price is right sa gustong manalo

Halalan na naman , halalan na naman
Kailangang mamili ng masasandigan
Ang pag-asa na lang ng sambayanan
Ay mga botanteng di kayang bayaran

Ala nang pag-asa ganito na ba talaga
Political compromises yan ang magdadala
Labanan ng prinsipyo ay lumipas na
So ang tanong ko may pag-asa pa ba?
Kaaway kahapon kasama na ngayon
Dating kapanalig sa kalaban ay sang ayon
Kumpare, kaibigan kahit kamag-anak man
Dahil sa pulitika tyak magbabaligtaran
Batu- bato sa langit tamaan wag magalit
Kung ikaw ay kasama sa mga nabanggit
Ganun talaga kanya kanya ang pagtira
Eto lang ang paraan ko kasi kulang ako sa pera

Halalan na naman , halalan na naman
Kailangang mamili ng masasandigan
Ang pag-asa na lang ng sambayanan
Ay mga botanteng di kayang bayaran

Kung sino pa namumuno siya pang pasaway
Pondong di kanya sa account nya nilalagay
Yan ang dahilan kung bakit nila ginusto
Maupo sa poder at makopo ang puwesto
Heto na naman meron pa bang bago
Wala na ang ma prinsipyong partido
Alyansa ng oportunista at pahirap sa masa
Pag di magkasundo ay magkakanya kanya
Pulitika, negosyo at mga kompromiso
Dyan umiikot ang kanilang mundo
Halalan ay bahagi ng isang proseso
Upang mapanatili kapangyarihan sa puwesto

Halalan na naman , halalan na naman
Kailangang mamili ng masasandigan
Ang pag-asa na lang ng sambayanan
Ay mga botanteng di kayang bayaran

Di ko naman nilalahat mayroon pa ring matitino
May dalang prinsipyo na di kailanman isusuko
Mayroon pa ring iilan na handang lumaban
Kahit na masalimuot ang kanilang dadaaanan

RMP
5-1-2013
Edited 10/12/2015
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #39

Dahon ay nagpapalit ng kulay at unti unting nalalaglag
Hangin ay lumalamig ang dilim ay lumalaganap
Puso ko’y naninimdim madalas kayong napapangarap
Nais na kayong makapiling damdami’y nababagabag

Subalit di pa panahon tulad din ng mga dahon
Kailangang maghintay kailangan pang mag-ipon
Tipunin mga karanasan sumabay sa ikot ng mundo
Iwaksi muna ang lungkot wag pagapi sa kalendaryo

Tuloy lang ang buhay kailangang magsaya
Lumabas at tumakbo kahit na nag-iisa
Makulimlim man ang nakikita ng mga mata
Bawat umaga hatid ay bagong pag-asa

Lumabas sa aking lungga masdan ang nasa paligid
Mga taong naglalakad may mga ngiting hatid
Magandang sikat ng araw mga ulap sa himpapawid
Ibaling mga paningin tiyak gagaan aking dibdib

Babagsak ang nyebe mamumuti ang paligid
Manunuot sa katawan mas matindi pang lamig
Gaano man kakapal ang suot na mga damit
Wala pa ring hihigit sa init ng inyong pag-ibig

Tuloy lang ang buhay kailangang magsaya
Lumabas at tumakbo kahit na nag-iisa
Makulimlim man ang nakikita ng mga mata
Bawat umaga hatid ay bagong pag-asa

Darating ang tagsibol kasunod ay tag-araw
Makakalaya rin ang damdaming sumisigaw
Makakapiling din kayo at mapapatid ang uhaw
Ang bukang liwayway sabay nating matatanaw

Ang pagkakalayo mas lalong pinaglalapit
Ang mga damdamin dahil sa pananabik
Higpitan pa natin ang ating pagkakakapit
Mararamdaman din natin init ng yakap at halik

Tuloy lang ang buhay kailangang magsaya
Lumabas at tumakbo kahit na nag-iisa
Makulimlim man ang nakikita ng mga mata
Bawat umaga hatid ay bagong pag-asa

RMP
Revised 9/23/2016
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #38

lesser light, longer nights
thermal readings dropping low
summer’s gone into hiding
now everything seems going slow
with fewer things to do
more will opt to stay inside
a prelude to nostalgia
feelings will be taken for a ride

RMP
9/29/2015
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #37

sa mga bashers at haters
isa lang naman ang solution
just mind your own biz
life’s to each his own

if you can’t simply take it
go somewhere else and chill
di naman kayo pinipilit
so bakit kayo manggigigil

if you’re not happy
why take it against us
if your bet is drifting low
then create your own buzz

parang pulitika, sports
o religion lang yan
kung solve na sa kabila
wala nang ibang titingnan

kaya yung bitterness
at hate na nararamdaman
it’s getting worse pag masaya
ang sa tingin nyo ay kalaban

let others be happy
and you’ll find your own too
life’s too short so why fret
if there are better things to do

PEACE!

RMP
9/27/2015
Winnipeg MB Canada

BUHAY ABROAD

Taglay ang pag-asang makaahon sa hirap
Tayo ay naglakbay bitbit ang pangarap
Handa nating tiisin, handa nating tanggapin
Anumang hamon ang sa ati’y dumating

Bigat ng dibdib pilit na pinagagaan
Upang di mag-alala mga mahal na naiwan
Baon sa puso’y taimtim na mga dasal
Ang lakas na inipon sana ay magtagal

Kaytagal ng oras lalo kapag nagiisa
Tulong ng teknolohiya ay pansamantala
Ang ngiti sa labi sa pagpikit ng mga mata
Kapalit ay lungkot pagdating ng umaga

Pagod man ang diwa kailangang bumangon
Isantabi muna taglay na mga tanong
Kailangang sumulong upang may matipon
Nang hindi maaksaya pinuhunang panahon

Ganito ang kwento ng buhay sa abroad
Kayod kabayan nang mapawi ang lungkot
Ganito ang ikot ng buhay sa abroad
May mga tanong na hindi natin masasagot

Hindi lahat ng kwento ay pare-pareho
Kung may tagumpay mayroon ding siphayo
Pangarap ay nakamit, buhay ay nasira
Kapalit ng pag-angat ay pamilyang nawala

Simpleng buhay nagiging masalimuot
Bumigay sa tukso nang dahil sa lungkot
May mga biktima ng pagsasamantala
Ng malupit na amo pati na ng embahada

Minsan buhay pa ang nagiging kapalit
Ng paghihirap ng ilan nating kapatid
Tagal ng pagkakalayo may dagdag na hagupit
Mahal na hinintay bangkay na nang bumalik

Sa mga mapapalad bigyan nyo ng pahalaga
Yaman at tagumpay na ngayo’y tinatamasa
Huwag din sanang iwaksi sa inyong mga alaala
Ang mga kwento nilang kinapos ang pag-asa

Ganito ang kwento ng buhay sa abroad
Kayod kabayan nang mapawi ang lungkot
Ganito ang ikot ng buhay sa abroad
May mga tanong na hindi natin masasagot

RMP
3/29/2014
Winnipeg, MB Canada

RANDOM #36

“Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.” Franz Kafka via goodreads

you remind us of our past
in a very special way
memories are coming back
it seems just like yesterday
emotions untouched in years
are flooding our hearts anew
the magic that you bring
is changing our points of view

your mystery unfolds
in its simplicity
you may never say a word
but you have set our feelings free
it may seem trivial or foolish
but how can we deny the truth
we all fell prey to the feelings
and innocence of our youth

RMP
revised 4/11/2016
9/14/2105
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #35

The history of our grandparents is remembered not with rose petals but in the laughter and tears of their children and their children’s children. It is into us that the lives of grandparents have gone. It is in us that their history becomes a future. ~Charles and Ann Morse

RANDOM #35

I never had the chance to enjoy the company of my grandparents.  Lolo Alejandro died before I was born. Lola Andalucia succumbed to sickness while I was still an infant. According to nanay, since Lola Dacing was sick, she could only kiss me on my feet. They’re my grandparents on my father’s side. On my mother’s side, I only met Lolo Juan and Lola Carmen twice. Once, when they visited us in Calamba while I was still around 4 or 5 years old, and the second time was when we visited them in Bicol. I think I was only 9 years old at that time. That was the last time I saw them.

I envy those who had and still have their chances of being with the presence of their Lolos and Lolas. How I wish, they have lived longer, but life during those times was difficult. The only few things that remind me of them are their old pictures and the stories that my parents have told me about them.

To all the kids and young people out there, enjoy every moment with your grandparents. They are not perfect of course. They have their own share of life’s ups and downs. But one thing is for sure, the love they have for you cannot be measured. It’s simply a perfect love. “Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild.” (Quoted from a Welsh Proverb via the quote garden)

I love them even under this circumstance. I may not even had that chance to know them personally but I love them with all my heart. “History has shown us time and time again that you don’t have to know someone to love them with all your heart.” (Shannon Alder, quoted from Goodreads) But for you, young people who have every single opportunity to be with them…please show how much you love them before it’s too late. “If you’re lucky enough to still have grandparents, visit them, cherish them and celebrate them while you can.” (Regina Brett via Brainy Quote)

HAPPY GRANDPARENTS’ DAY TO ALL!

RMP
9/13/2015
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #34

Laptop ni Karla na dinala ko sa Canada
Ayaw ng mag boot, ayaw ng gumana
Dinala ko sa repair shop para matingnan
46 dollars na diagnosis pa lang

Bumigay na motherboard yun ang dahilan
400 dollars daw kung papalitan
Pag back up ng file ay may bayad din
100 dollars daw kung aking gugustuhin

Hindi na ako nag dalawang isip pa
Ganito kamahal pagawa sa Canada
Kaya dell studio xps need mo nang palitan
Kunsabagay limang taon ka na naman

Salamat sa lahat graduate na ang amo mo
Bago ka sumuko tapos na sa kolehiyo
Dahil din sayo dami ko ring nagawa
Gaming, internet, articles, pati na mga tula

Dami mong mga files na mga nasaksihan
Kahit yung iba ay hidden ikaw ay maaasahan
Sobrang laki ng iyong naging mga pakinabang
Amo mo ngayon nag cocoding na ng program

Buti na lang dalawa na trabaho ko ngayon
May pambabayad sa credit card pag nagkataon
Masakit man sa damdamin kailangan mag move on
Sabi nga sa Aldub may tamang panahon

Maswerte ka rin dahil marami kang narating
Bago sa Pinas sa USA ka nanggaling
Sa iyong pagpanaw sa ibang bansa ka pa rin
Dito sa Canada huli kang nakapiling

Paalam na kaibigang dell studio xps
Serbisyo mo sa amin ay walang kapares
Di tulad ng mga pulitiko ikaw ay naging tapat
Hindi ka naman nasira sa pagiging corrupt

09/10/2015
RMP
Wiinipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #33

only few more steps
you'll be within my reach
but I guess it's not yet time
let's listen to what they teach
it's hard and painful I know
but it's really worth the wait
if we hold on to our promise
then we can unlock the gate

so near and yet so far
there's still that dividing wall
the distance seems infinite
even if we're in the same hall
fate is playing tricks on us
but we're going to win this one
we'll be in each other's arms
after all is said and done

RMP
9/5/2015
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #32

fight or flight
or just go with the flow
it's your choice, it's your call
make it fast or take it slow
time's all yours
no one's pinning you down
lie low for a while
or be the talk of the town

stay or run away, look for a better spot
keep it to yourself  or show them what you've got

been a quitter before
wasted quite  a lot
now's the right time
to modify the plot
break the cycle
of moving to and fro
if you feel like Sisyphus
there's nowhere else to go

stay or run away, look for a better spot
keep it to yourself  or show them what you've got

life is tough
accept it or not
but it gets much tougher
if you won't give it a shot
what goes around comes around
it's as simple as that
open up what's on your mind
or keep them under your hat

RMP
9/2/2015
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #31

the image that you see
clashes with what I feel
the distance between us
confirms that it isn't real
the truth is concealed
inside my deepest dreams
and even if you care to listen
you can't hear my soundless screams

RMP
8/30/2015
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #30

show of force or arrogance
a sign of cracks inside
a brewing power struggle
flocks are being taken for a ride
disrupting social order
in defense of their creed
some say it's a diversion
to shield the source of greed

acts of devotion
or acts of those who lead
the herd won't care to move
if the shepherd says no need
whatever the case maybe
there's the writing on the wall
if justice is to be served
somebody has to take the fall

RMP
8/30/2015
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #29

"No matter how trivial the source of happiness, I thought, no matter how petty, piddling, insignificant, hackneyed, simplistic, or antediluvian is the source: happiness is happiness." Mark Rowlands

coming out of nowhere
you took us by surprise
the beauty not seen before
is now the apple of our eyes
this might seem trivial to some
that it all started with a glance
but our stillness is now disturbed
by this burgeoning romance

RMP
8/27/2015
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #28

"Be careful of success, it has a dark side". Robert Redford

busy doing everything

to make a huge mark on this world

we leave no stones unturned

except when they don't strike a chord

to reach the summit of success

we took the slippery slope

just to find out at the top

our beliefs went up in smoke

RMP

8/27/2015

Winnipeg Mb Canada

RANDOM #27

taglay ang pag-asang makaahon sa hirap
tayo ay naglakbay bitbit ang pangarap
handa nating tiisin, handa nating tanggapin
anumang hamon ang sa ati’y dumating

bigat ng dibdib pilit na pinagagaan
upang di mag-alala mga mahal na naiwan
baon sa puso’y taimtim na mga dasal
ang lakas na inipon sana ay magtagal

kaytagal ng oras lalo kapag nagiisa
tulong ng teknolohiya ay pansamantala
ang ngiti sa labi sa pagpikit ng mga mata
kapalit ay lungkot pagdating ng umaga

pagod man ang diwa kailangang bumangon
isantabi muna taglay na mga tanong
kailangang sumulong upang may matipon
nang hindi maaksaya pinuhunang panahon

ganito ang kwento ng buhay sa abroad
kayod kabayan nang mapawi ang lungkot
ganito ang ikot ng buhay sa abroad
may mga tanong na hindi natin masasagot

hindi lahat ng kwento ay pare-pareho
kung may tagumpay mayroon ding siphayo
pangarap ay nakamit, buhay ay nasira
kapalit ng pag-angat ay pamilyang nawala

simpleng buhay nagiging masalimuot
bumigay sa tukso nang dahil sa lungkot
may mga biktima ng pagsasamantala
ng malupit na amo pati na ng embahada

minsan buhay pa ang nagiging kapalit
ng paghihirap ng ilan nating kapatid
tagal ng pagkakalayo may dagdag na hagupit
mahal na hinintay bangkay na nang bumalik

sa mga mapapalad bigyan nyo ng pahalaga
yaman at tagumpay na ngayo’y tinatamasa
huwag din sanang iwaksi sa inyong mga alaala
ang mga kwento nilang kinapos ang pag-asa

ganito ang kwento ng buhay sa abroad
kayod kabayan nang mapawi ang lungkot
ganito ang ikot ng buhay sa abroad
may mga tanong na hindi natin masasagot

RMP
Revised August 23, 2015
Winnipeg, MB Canada

RANDOM #26

padalang inipon
inilagay sa kahon
mga tsokolate
karne norte at sabon
bagong sapatos
damit at laruan
katas ng trabahong
pinaghihirapan

kahit na kakaunti
ang hatid ay ngiti
kahit na kakaunti
lungkot napapawi

pagdating sa pinas
ngayo'y babaklasin
gustong buwisan
ng gobyernong praning
kakarampot na biyaya
nais pang tirahin
yung mga dambuhala
di kayang salingin

kahit na kakaunti
may gusto pang makihati
kahit na kakaunti
may gusto pang yumari

RMP
August 23, 2015
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #25

“A non-writing writer is a monster courting insanity."
[Letter to Max Brod, July 5, 1922]” ― Franz Kafka

The ability to write is in our nature. Yet , in spite of this, we still suppress what is inside of us because we are afraid of how others might respond to our ideas or how they might judge our skills and capabilities. We chose not to bring those thoughts into life because we are so anxious of our own limitations that we cannot even appreciate the beauty and subtlety of what we can do. 

If we have that urge inside, then write. We don't have to be an expert before we start doing it. Proficiency is something we can achieve through constant practice. Ernest Hemingway once said; "the first draft of anything is shit". Perfection in any art form can only be accomplished when we are willing to use our time and resources to improve our craft. Stephen King also thought; " the scariest moment is always just before you start". Once we have overcome that part then everything will be a lot easier. 

According to Maya Angelou, the author of 'I Know Why The Caged Birds Sing'; "there is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you". This is the reason why we should  write. We need to keep that thin line that separates wisdom from madness intact. The more we keep those stories inside us, the more we hurt ourselves. The more we are hurt,  the more we stretch that line. If we continue keeping our feelings in isolation, then, we are going to miss enjoying the fullness of life. As the poet Anaïs Nin once said; "we write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect."

RMP

8/17/2015

Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #24

I will be turning 48 at the end of this month. If I am going to live until 90 then I will be more than halfway that age. Reaching this age in an excellent health condition is quite an achievement.  My lab tests results are normal. The same with my BP and target heart rate. My weight is ideal based on my age, body frame and height. Since I started monitoring my runs last March 2014, I have already covered a distance of more than five hundred kilometers, consisting of fifty runs with an average pace of 6 minutes and 24 seconds. I have established my personal bests in some of my runs; 25:49 for 5K, 55:50 for 10K, and 2:11:14 for 21K (half-marathon) considering that it was only last December 2014 when I started running again. And these runs will continue not only until I reach my goal of finishing a full marathon but until my body runs out of steam.

Now the question is, what made it possible for me to do this? The answer is perseverance and discipline. Perseverance because I have to push myself beyond what I thought to be the limits of my physical and mental strengths. I have to relive within me the competitive spirit to challenge what I am capable of. I have to accept that body pains including injuries are parts of the process to improve what I do.

Discipline, on the other hand provided the means for me to put everything in order to accomplish what I want to achieve. I need to reduce my weight and then maintain it to an ideal level to improve my runs.  I was overweight by eight kilograms when I started running again. Discipline made it possible for me shed that excess weight only after a couple of months.  There should be a program that I have to start with and continue doing on a regular basis. Bad habits are to be avoided and replaced by good ones. I should be consistent in doing my health promoting routines and activities; and be extra cautious of what I eat and drink.

Mine is not a perfect template to achieve a healthy lifestyle. This is one thing that I want to emphasize. I still have some lapses when it comes to proper physical conditioning and maintaining a healthy diet. But what I did and still doing right now has brought me to a level of physical and mental comfort. That is to me is more than enough.  The lapses are there to remind me that learning to be fit and healthy is a continuous process. That I can still push myself a bit farther and harder to be more productive and enjoy this gift of life.

At 48, I am also in the point of my career where I have to start again and revive the same competitive spirit in a totally different environment. Unlike in running where I am totally in-charge with the goals that I want to achieve, this time I have to deal with situations that are way beyond my control. Looking at an unfamiliar route, I have to make sure that I have the required tools, expected skills and the right attitude to conquer my fears and eventually finish the race.

Running might be a different pursuit compared with the career that I need to reestablish at this age but the principles for thriving are just the same. Perseverance and discipline will also make it possible for me to reignite the fire of enthusiasm and let it continue burning within me until I finally reach a certain degree of comfort and security. Finally, I can still make use of that obsession I have with running; redirect it towards this unfamiliar path and then secure a space where I can start to work on chasing that elusive dream.

RMP
8/16/2015
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #21

lumalaganap
dahil sa isang sulyap
kaway ang nagtulak
naglaho ang pagpapanggap
nabuhay ang pangarap
ngayon marami ang naghahanap
nagmamasid, naghihintay
sa mga maaaring maganap

karaniwang kwento
sa kakaibang sitwasyon
mga tagpo’y naglalaro
sa mga imahinasyon
mababaw man ang tingin
layon ay napapanahon
sa bawat kuwento ng pag-ibig
may itinakdang panahon

bakit may kilig?
bakit maraming nagmamasid?
kapag pag-ibig ang paksa
mas marami ang hindi manhid
isipa’y pumapailanlang
sa lawak ng himpapawid
naghihintay sa panahon
na bawat puso’y magkalapit

RMP
12 August 2015
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #20

a procrastinating consciousness
thwarts all the dreams inside
time’s thrown to a wasteland
by a deserter’s drifting mind
fears overwhelm
the desire to carry on
with every single step
a limit is being drawn

idleness takes over
the mind’s no longer in control
options are running out
there are contradicting roles
a world is shrinking
what’s on sight’s just a mirage
a vision is now a part
of an obsolete collage

RMP
August 10, 2015
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #19

reasons are depleted
when anxiety pulsates
when fear conquers the soul
everything seems inadequate
you'll sink deeper and deeper
into the abyss of despair
so don't espouse a deviation
that is beyond repair

RMP
7/12/2015
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #18

“Love begins by taking care of the closest ones – the ones at home.” Mother Teresa

a harsh reality,
things can't simply be undone

if I failed
as a father,
as a husband,
as a son

RMP
Winnipeg MB Canada
6/20/2015

RANDOM #17

everything looks the same
there's nothing else new to see
something within is shattered
the mind is totally at sea

RMP
6/20/15

elbi

hinulma
ng kalikasan
ang bawat sulok
ng iyong kaanyuan

iginuhit
ng panahon
ang bawat hugis
ng iyong larawan

binuo
ng kasaysayan
ang bawat hibla
ng iyong kamalayan

bawat hakbang
alaalang di malilimutan

RMP
June 17, 2015
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #16

“Not all those who wander are lost.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

overwhelmed by memories

my mind drifted back in time

when I plainly made a choice

to embark on an uphill climb 

it's been quite a while

since I've started off that hike

and here I am right now

realizing what it's really like

no apologies

no regrets for all those years

lessons were taught and learned

every time I shed my tears

nobody said it would be easy

but my faith can get me through

if I listen to His promptings

then I'll know what I should do

the future's still uncertain

so much are still at stake

more paths to discover

more choices to make

the journey's far from over

the peak's not yet in sight

more memories to save

more verses for me to write

RMP

revised August 21, 2015

Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #15

landed on the same spot
the cycle seems unchanged
chances are depleted
the struggle's prearranged
brought so much positivity
the weight's lighter this time
hoping against hope
to survive this uphill climb

going for another shot
running this crowded race
each cuts to the chase
to secure a narrow space
numbers say it all
it's going down to the wire
more entrants will just
add more fuel to the fire

promises are nothing
when expectations are high
discontent is imminent
when leaving people high and dry
this is a sad reality
but we've to keep on moving on
because a new life often begins
outside of our comfort zones

RMP
Winnipeg, Canada
5/13/15

RANDOM #14

no more drama on the wall
the timeline's much clearer now
a profile should go beyond the image
more to inspire before I reach the brow

RMP
4/22/15

RANDOM #13

sometimes words are not enough
our tears will explain them all
soundless
voiceless
wordless
but enough
to break our fragile souls

the pain will remain
it doesn’t matter how long
soundless
voiceless
wordless
but enough
to keep us strong

RMP
Revised 5/20/2106
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #12

an urge starts a quest
where the body and mind unite
the road becomes a witness
the distance will test our might
each stride marks the struggle
that we all have to go through
we might run out of breath
but we have to continue

the pace will always vary
but the flow should not stop
the most important rule
is to never give up
the finish line will be there
it's like finding the perfect rhyme
we'll reach our destination
it's just a matter of space and time

situations will vary
but we should not stop
the most important rule in life
is to never ever give up

RMP
4/3/2015

RANDOM #11

I never thought that I can go back to running once again after being dormant for quite some time. During my battle against depression I found my refuge from doing two of the things I really love; poetry and running. While poetry became an outlet to pour my emotions out, running has brought me back in shape-physically and you may not believe it...even spiritually. Running became a form of meditation where I can communicate with my inner-self and with the Almighty especially during my solo runs. Running has brought back in me the never-give up attitude and the virtue of patience  to confront any challenging situations. It may not brought back my youthful strength and candor but at my age it has given me a better perspective.

It's quite a difficult task to go back and regain that competitive spirit. I had to shed some weight and endure the harshness  of starting it all over again. It was disappointing at first but the urge to continue and persevere was even stronger.

It was the first week of December 2014 when I made a personal commitment to start a personal running program that will free me from being overweight, will keep me from taking meds to control my cholesterol level and give me back a portion of strength once I had in my youth. The simple program paid off and with an encouragement from a friend I started joining running races. It was fun races at the start then became more competitive as I strive to increase my mileage and improve my speed. A couple of months later I found myself joining four races at various distances.

It all started with a 5K fun run in Nuvali Sta. Rosa last February 1, 2015 where I clocked in at 40 minutes. A week later (February 8) I joined an 8K run in San Pablo City. I finished the race with a time of 55 minutes. The time for these two races may not be at par with those who won but for me they were simply encouraging.  I was able to set a personal benchmark to improve my performance.

A month later (March 8), I participated in a 10K race in Letran Calamba. After traversing a very challenging course, I was able to break the one hour barrier when I crossed the finish line at 53 minutes. A week later I Increased my mileage by joining a 16K run in Pagsanjan, Laguna. Running at pace with Police cadets and with participants younger than me I was able to finish it in 1 hour 38 minutes. Not bad for  a 47 year old running returnee.

Considering the time I invested on this simple program,  I can claim this as a remarkable achievement. But the depth of this personal achievement goes beyond the physical. It is about using the experience as I continue my emotional and spiritual journey. Just like every runner, I have my own reason.

There will be more races to come. There will be more personal attempts to test my limits. There will be more pains to endure. But I have to continue doing this. Stopping is not an option, because wherever I go this perspective will keep all my hopes and dreams alive. This outlook will simply define my own personal meaning of HAPPINESS.

RMP
3/15/2015

CLUTTER

distressed by disorder
from inside and out
a raging sensation
is about to sprout
the state is volatile
anxiety defines the course
words are simply useless
if you can't control the source

RMP
3/1/2015

ESPRIT DE CORPS

no matter what happens
someone has to toe the line
there's so much at stake
in disclosing the grand design
the truth will jeopardize
the schemes of those on top
to keep the status quo
the chief has to pass the buck

RMP
2/9/2015

RANDOM #10

moving with every stride
enduring the pain I feel
need to get a second wind
as I run up or downhill
no matter where I go
i will never be alone
the road will be my witness
as i journey towards home

RMP
2/8/2015

RANDOM #9

just can't stop the downpour
of unrelenting inspiration
running and poetry
a perfect combination

RMP
2/5/2015
Revised 10/24/16
Winnipeg MB Canada

RANDOM #8

though unfazed by the outrage
he has lesser shots to call
if the damage control fails
his head's going to roll

RMP
2/5/2015

RANDOM #7

running at my pace
chasing  after no one
with more breathing space
the journey will be more fun

knowing where to go
knowing when to proceed
once I get my second wind
then I can increase my speed

running at my chosen time
I can afford to be late
being free to set the distance
I will seal my own fate

RMP
2/4/2015

RANDOM #6

a nation in euphoria
now in a state of grief
blame game is the tune
of the commander-in-chief
claiming credit for victory
looking for scapegoats in defeat
exploiting peace as a shield
to protect his politics of deceit

RMP
2/3/2015