I bought two tickets going to Bacolod City and asked Ayah to come along to the opened shop, trading some ready-made lady's dresses and shoes."Which one do you like? I think that one with a flowery design, do you like it?""Yes Marc, I love that one. By the way, where did you get this money?""Remember the money your parents gave to us, I put some in my wallet. Okay then, get it and change your dress at the fitting room, over there and I'll select shoes that suit you."We finished buying things for Ayah; bought some food delicacies and went onto the bus. I selected the rear seats for us both. I embraced Ayah to rest on my left arm and she falls asleep. A few minutes later, sleep kept on bugging my nerves that I started to close my eyes. But suddenly, my vision focused on a man standing near the ticket booth. He's the man from the chapel! I closed my eyes again, and spotted him, to be sure. Yes, it's him!I hastily edged down the seat with Ayah to cover us from a man's view. I woke her

In my mind, being a father was the greatest gift from God, a love that you can extend your innermost feeling to your son or daughter and your loving wife. It's not a responsibility but an obligation to care, love, and provide for their future. Nevertheless, as a father, you conformed to your maturity, determination, knowledge, and your whole personality to embrace your son or daughter, or children into the right path of living. If you're lacking the sense of discipline to sacrifice for them, then, and only then, you have no right to be called a father.I worked so hard to earn more than what I received from my employer; controlled my vices, learned new things about my trade, and even learned new ways to interact with people. Ayah's pregnancy brought a new life for me, to be a good father, and motivated me to dream some more.We forgot my friend Edward in Bacolod City, even Danielle, my family, and even the wrath of Governor Gustilo. Ayah's family too, she never asked me about them. Ou

I undressed instantly beside Vivian, went to the pool, and enjoyed the water. Every visitor seemed agitated when I approached Vivian again for another shot of tequila and a stick of barbecue. I didn't know why but I enjoyed being with her. She knew how to handle my questions with sense.Ryan Mallari introduced another lady named Susan Magtoto. We chatted near the pool for almost an hour which made Vivian Montoya act differently. I glanced at her, still grilling but now, drinking canned Heineken beer. Susan gave her mobile number and address. Left my place and chatted with another male guest.Around one in the morning, I was quite tipsy, and tried to find Vivian around the place. Glenda told me that she wanted to go home."Glenda, she left just now?" I asked."Yes, she told me to ride a taxi.""Okay, just a minute, I'll call her." I went outside the gate, and saw her on the main road waiting for a taxi cab, "Vivian, it's me Marco!""Yes, Marc, why are you here? I'm waiting for a taxi c

The sunrise moved its cycle but I cannot sleep; took a hot bath, made a strong coffee, and listen to mellow music in my collection. My mind kept wandering from many different topics and angles. I could not decipher what I felt, or what I was thinking at that time. I doubted my true wisdom on how to balanced things into proper perspectives. I wanted to go to the Philippines now, to solve my hunches and doubts. Is it Danielle Gustilo, talking over the phone with Ryan Mallari? How come and why? Besides, I missed my best friend Edward Ramirez in Bacolod City. He's financially stable now with his fast-food business and his son Ronnie Ramirez was just promoted recently. He's leveling up his life more than me. How about my life now?I cried silently in my room and self-pity engulfed my loneliness inside my heart. I enjoyed my nightlife here in Dubai, but my true life was nothing compared to Edward Ramirez. My ego was intact with me like the water in the ocean deep. My family was damaged beca

It was ...In the year 1987 on November 4, when we left the Bantayan Island going to Cebu Airport, then, to Manila, Philippines.We left the Bantayan Island by boat going to Cebu International Airport, but along the way, I still recalled the history of this island. The provincial capital Cebu was an important port known to Europeans with the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Its bustling port, protected by outlying Mactan island, handles most interisland commodities and was second only to Manila in International trade. Already a thriving port when Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1521. The Spanish made their first Philippine settlements on Cebu. Was it in my blood... Spanish blood?Edward purchased two airplane tickets scheduled for the evening going to Manila. We settled in a Filipino restaurant and ate some of our favorite Filipino foods; bulalo, Kare-Kare, kilawin, sinugba na Bangus, and fresh fruits."Edward, it's too heavy for me....can you cut some of the orders?""Marco, no p