Saturday, November 11, 2017

Haiku: My Journey Continues

     For those, who haven't followed me yet on Instagram and Twitter but read about my previous article regarding my haiku-writing journey, this is for you:

..........
Fireflies dominate
This ground covered by the night.
Oh, so mystical!

..........
See them leave this land
And Search for a paradise
That they can call "home".

..........
Just stay where you are,
He's about to give up life.
Get ready for lunch.
..........
Time to share life with
And be your host. Come on now,
Live with him. Be one.
..........
Find your spot, my dear.
Hundred years of living ends.
Time to pass that torch.

..........
So preserving, 
The snail goes on with his steps.
In time, you'll go far.

..........
Take me by your side;
Show me how this planet works;
Let me defend it.

     Want to read more of my upcoming works (haiku)? Don't forget to follow me on Instagram and on Twitter. Just key in @artistmat. I upload my works there every time this wandering blogger creates one. Thank you!

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Interviewing Riklamadora of AKPh

     So this is it! Your much awaited interview with Riklamadora is finally here. For those readers here, who are not yet familiar of Always Kubeta Ph, allow me to give you a brief background.

     Always Kubeta Ph is an Instagram account created by three comfort room lovers, who call themselves "comfort room" bloggers. These three are only known for their code names: EMmaarte, Riklamadora, and MTcoloso. They see themselves as bloggers doing public service for Filipinos and tourists of the Philippines. For more information regarding Always Kubeta Ph, just visit Instagram and key in @alwayskubetaph
     For followers of Always Kubeta Ph, here you go. Introducing Riklamadora, your comfort room blogger with a standard that one must please.

1. Describe your character?
Riklamadora: Reklamadora.

2. What gave you the idea to be a comfort room blogger?
Riklamadora: I always give feedback whether good or bad. Plus, I poop a lot in public places. hehe

3. What's the best comfort room you've been so far?
Riklamadora: In general, toilets in Japan.

4. What's the worst comfort room you've been so far?
Riklamadora: Mt. Pulag! Literally a shithole! Yung sa ranger station naman may jebs sa wall. As in ang daming jebs. Hindi ko alam paano umabot sa mga walls.

5. What's your favorite comfort room element? Why?
Riklamadora: Flush! Pinakamatatago ang ebidensiya. I can bring tissue naman. Pero if walang source ng tissue, then tissue. Gets ba?

6. What's your wildest/weirdest/funniest experience in a public toilet?
Riklamadora: Pulag talaga. Una, yung 2-hour hike sa summit nagawa kong 30 minutes pababa dahil sa sakit ng tiyan. Yung toilet doon eh butas lang na may bakod. Tapos mabaho talaga kasi doon ka lang tlaga pwedeng magbawas. I had my nose covered pero ang daming langaw na alam mong dumapo  na sa mga jebs. Alam ko rin na nakatapak na ako ng mga jebs. I highly doubt if nakashoot lahat. Tinapon ko shoes ko after. hahaha

7. In general, how do you see our public toilet here in the Philippines? Do you see any changes 5 years from now?
Riklamadora: A lot better than before! Hopefully we won't pay for that public service already. Pay lounge is a joke! Establishments should have budget for that.

8. What's your ideal/dream public toilet?
Riklamadora: Yung sa Japan. Hindi naman lahat may ganun pero sa airport nila automatic ang toilets.

9. What makes you continue this advocacy of yours?
Riklamadora: Dahil kay MTColoso at EMmaarte haha. Masaya rin eh.

10. Any message you want to convey to restaurant owners, building maintenance officers, public place managers, government officials.
Riklamadora: We eat, so we jebs. I thank you.

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Until When?

Until when will you be stubborn, dad?
I remember you taught us to be obedient.

Until when will you start caring for yourself, dad?
I believe you told us to take care of our health.

Until when will you stop destroying yourself, dad?
I thought you want what's best for us.

Until when will cigarette be your master, dad?
I can't let you be its slave forever.

Until when will you finally be ours, dad?
I long for the time that you're completely free.

Friday, September 08, 2017

Blind Spot

     Darkness... the only thing I see since the day you left me. Such a cruel fate came by, kissed me, and changed everything I've known for regarding life. It was such a life-changing experience, which required losing someone like you. 

     You were my light back then. Your glow guided my path in trekking the future I desire. But that future became vague upon losing you. That accident consumed every unit of your inner light leaving me with complete darkness, which made me stop from having a bright future with you. 

     Right there and then, darkness occupied my entire being. It surrounded me, embraced me, and imprisoned me. No more clear path to take for this poor dreamer. And the saddest part is, I remained where you left me - hanging and can't move even a slight inch.

     Blindness is all I have now. How foolish destiny was in putting me in such a situation where vision and ambition are nonexistent. I can't recognize the face of hope anymore. It feels like I'm part of this earthly dimension that there's only "I" in everything. Only me can fathom what needs to be understood and what needs to be done. No more us. Just me.

     You are just a memory now living inside this confused mind. I can only see your visual imprints running in loop inside this head. It made me believe that you're alive, but I know deep inside my heart that you no longer exist in this dying world. No more you. No more us.

     Where should I go now? Living in this dire world with no direction isn't a sure path. I'm not aware if I'm heading forward or the other way around. It feels like I'm also running in loop just like the way you do inside my mind. 

     How can I move on now? Living inside this cycle of darkness stagnates me. I need my guiding light at this point. I need you. My directionless path would have complete meaning if you're here beside me. You would easily pick me up every time I drop myself and ready to give up. Only if there is [still] you.

     No more journey to start nor journey to end. This journey is only worth waiting until everything ends. This life is such a mess. Only I alone can make things best. But not for long for I [too] want my own rest.
Image source: https://www.associationcovenantpeople.org/2010/02/part-3-not-everyones-blind/

Thursday, September 07, 2017

Introducing EMmaarte of AKPh

     We've been introduced by a group of people - namely MTcoloso, Riklamadora, and EMmaarte -  into the world of Comfort Room Blogging a few weeks ago and people took notice of this type of advocacy. These "terrific trio" really have something under their sleeves when it comes to reviewing public toilets here in the Philippines. They have the knowledge, the taste, the wit, and the humor in delivering their reviews. They also have this certain view on why they have this burning passion within their hearts. It has something to do with service, tourism, and economy.  
     Today, this post is all about introducing one of them. Her name is EMmaarte and here are her quirky answers to my questions:

1. Describe your character? 
EMmaarte: Well I'm the maarte, funny, jologs, and baliw one. It's obvious naman diba? I'm also the smallest, the skinniest (charot) and ugliest hahaha. Dinaan sa katawan! 🦐

2. What gave you the idea to be a comfort room blogger? 
EMmaarte: I did not get the chance to say 'no' when we were talking about it. They did not even ask me if I want to be a part of it (mga assumera!). At first I thought it's joke time lang. Then they become so serious about it. So, yun na, wala nang atrasan. Or feel ko ginamit nila ako dahil may pag ka OC ako. Hahaha

3. What's the best comfort room you've been so far? 
EMmaarte: Here in the PH, Antonio's Fine Dining, Tagaytay. Pwedeng duet sa pag tae. LOL
Outside PH, SFO airport. May disposable seat cover eh hahaha.

4. What's the worst comfort room you've been so far? 
EMmaarte: Those stop-over CR that you have to pay PhP 5.00 for no.1 and PhP 1.00 for no. 2. Befor eh PhP 2.00 and PhP 5.00 lang. Kapal maningil ng fee eh ang dugyot dugyot naman. And there's putik every where and they are using the old style toilet bowl na you need to transform your self into 🐒 para lang mag wiwi. 

5. What's your favorite comfort room element? Why? 
EMmaarte: Toilet seat. It's so relieving and satisfying making wiwi or jebs na freely kang naka upo without worrying of getting any germs and bacteria like e-coli or staphylococcus. hahaha 

6. What's your wildest/weirdest/funniest experience in a public toilet? 
EMmaarte: Yung may kasabay kang jumejebs and nagpapakiramdaman kayo kung sino unang lalabas ng cubicle. Though alam nyo na pareho kayong gumagawa ng miracle because flush nyo eh sunod sunod. 

7. In general, how do you see our public toilet here in the Philippines? Do you see any changes 5 years from now? 
EMmaarte: I think this blog (promoting) will help in spreading awareness to toilet operators. As long as we continue encouraging people to share their good and bad CR experiences, soon majority (if not all) toilet operators will be aligned of the standard public toilet qualifications.

8. What's your ideal/dream public toilet? 
EMmaarte: Hmmmm toilets where you can properly sit without any hesitations. Has all the basic needs not just at the wash area but as well as inside the cubicle. Sarap kaya ng feeling na masabon pwet mo! 

9. What makes you continue this advocacy of yours?
EMmaarte: To let everyone know na CR must be included in our primary needs. Because it gives us satisfaction, diba we feel like being possessed if di tayo naka release. We must prioritize making our comfort rooms better than before. Porque CR eh hahayaan mo nang panget. Di ba ang sarap ng feeling na jumebs or magwiwi kung ang ganda ganda at nakaka relax ang restroom. 

10. Any message you want to convey to restaurant owners, building maintenance officers, public place managers, government official. 
EMmaarte: Customers will keep coming back to your resto/mall/area if your mirror can make them slim and pretty, and if they are confident enough that your CR will not suffer their kahihiyan in times of tummy crises. And let's face the fact that as years go by, people are becoming more and more vain. It's part of their daily routine to tambay at the CR because of that full length mirror for perfect selfie and to admire themselves. Kahit di kasarapan ung food as long as you have nice CR, they'll become your regulars. May sense ba mga sagot ko? Parang wala hahaha. I, thank you!

Friday, September 01, 2017

Start with Giving

     And so the month of September is finally here and Filipinos are starting to countdown days before the much awaited Christmas. Here in the Philippines, Christmas season can be felt as early as September - the start of "Ber" months - and ends as late as... well, as late as until when we have moved on from the reality that Christmas is over.

     Christmas season is a "giving" season. This is the particular season when people starts feeling the urge of giving gifts and inflicting joy to companions, colleagues, subordinates, and people in need. One good evidence that giving takes place is the increase of shoppers in malls and in different places that offer items good as presents. 

     Another good example that giving is evident is the influx of donors and sponsors. These are people willing to give items that are valuable to orphanages and other institutions alike. I've been a part of a particular kids foundation for five years now and I'm aware that volunteering and sponsoring trend increases when this season comes in. 

     Now that "ber" months are officially here and the concept of "giving" starts to fill in your heart, it's time for you to plan and organize your own "giving" project. Aside from organizing your own Christmas party, it is best to plan a party for other people especially those in dire needs. After all, giving works best when you are able to touch a heart. Do you want to touch somebody's heart today? Start with giving.
     Already determined to start your giving journey but still have a lot of questions in mind such as how, who, when, and where? Watch out for my next article. Thank you for reading!

Monday, August 28, 2017

Always Kubeta Ph: Your Toilet Guide

     Ever experienced having that urge of going to the nearest toilet as fast as you can simply because you stomach went diabolically in sane? How was it? Did it go well? Or it became a horrible experience? 

     Here in the Philippines, public toilet isn't that good in general. That is why you have to be smart in bringing your toiletries with you. You also need to be good at knowing where to go when that digestive system of yours went crazy. If you are a tourist and you are not familiar with where best to go for a minute or so of having that satisfying public toilet experience, then you got to follow this new page in town! The page is called "Always Kubeta Ph" and the admin call themselves "Comfort Room Bloggers". Yep, that is new! 
     Always Kubeta Ph was established a week ago and since then, it has been receiving double taps from those, who can relate from that [need]. The page has been featuring the best and the worst public toilets accompanied with humorous quips from the writers themselves. The page also features TV series/movie memes that were wittily made. Always Kubeta Ph is a quick reminder that one has to be smart when leaving home simply because not all public toilets are friendly for one's needs.
     The page's first post was a quote that says,

"Comfort room blogging begins when food blogging ends."

     That debut post gave away what spectators need to expect from this page. And since then, different pages and personalities came in and joined the fun by simply following this page. I'm a self-confessed fan of Always Kubeta Ph and my duty here is to spread the news and not to give away what's inside of this precious treasure. You have to discover it for yourself. How? Search for @alwayskubetaph on IG, check it out, read the content, double tap those postings, and click follow.

     Enjoy reading and happy pooping!

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Artistmat Goes Haiku

     Been busy for these past few months and my mind has been preoccupied with so many things to think about. My journey of creating more poetry and prose has been put on hold. Never been able to give my all out imagination in delivering you bits and pieces of my wandering mind. 

     Staying at home for more than three days because of the inclement weather condition made me consider haiku. The structure of haiku fits perfectly for someone like me, who's trapped inside a dungeon called "writers' block". I tried one, then tried another, then it went on and on. Now, I'm enjoying the comfort of making haiku. 

Here are my works:
..........
Droplets from above
Kissing the planet in pain.
Washing away hate.

..........
Mighty sun came in.
Showering his existence
To this crying world.

..........
Whistling breeze crawling;
Covering the land of greens;
Conquering the night.

..........
Trees gently swaying,
In rhyme with our melody.
What more shall we seek?

..........
So fluid, you are.
Your presence is prime to us.
Water, life's fuel.

..........
Surviving a day,
The eagle dives from above.
Her prey meets his fate.

..........
Pick up those pieces.
The rain is about to come.
Take care, little ants.

..........
Come, rise as you are - 
Beautiful and elegant.
Bloom... nature's flower.

..........
Look at the beauty
Of our lovely night divine.
Dark, yet relaxing.

..........
Sitting on the branch
Of a century-old tree,
This owl stares at me.

..........
Grasses on the ground,
Come out now and spread your blades;
Rejoice for the rain

..........
Caterpillar dear,
Someday you'll fly just like her - 
Reaching for those dreams

..........
The storm is over.
Can you flap your wings, my dear?
Get ready to leave.

..........
Dancing in such grace
With sparks and burning desire,
This fire caught our eyes.

..........
Pearl of the night sky,
Blooming from a distant shore.
Enticing our wolves.

     My works were all posted on my Instagram and twitter account. If you want to check them out (along with my other creations), kindly key in @artistmat. Don't forget to click "follow". Thank you!

Friday, March 10, 2017

Changing Time

     If the universe would grant me the chance to travel back time, I would gladly accept it. It would be my outlet in correcting several unlikely events that happened in my past.

     First, I would go back to the time when I was still in grade school where I was so nice and timid. It was those days when I was being bullied by my classmates and schoolmates. I could imagine my present self looking at the younger me - law abiding, nice, and defenseless. I would want to correct that moment. I would want to fight back and prove them that I'm not the right person to mess with. Altering this moment would let me earn respect at an early stage.

     Second, I would go back to the night when I threw the milk that my mother made for me simply because I want to drink juice instead. It hurts me every time I remember that boy. He was so insensitive of his actions. He didn't feel any emotions from other people. All he ever felt was his own. I would want to correct that moment. I would want to drink that milk and express my gratitude towards my mom for making sure that my body gains enough nutrients. Altering this moment would have made me such a loving boy.

     Third, I would go back to the time when you broke my heart. It was in that moment when I felt that my worth isn't good enough. I would want to see details that transpired between the two of us. I would want to know where this faithful guy went wrong. I would want to correct those days. I would want to turn myself into someone worthier of your choice - the choice to stay. Altering this moment would have made me valuable. 

     There are events that happened in my life that I would want to redo. Every unlikely details stitched on this fabric of time serves as my scars, which tainted my present being. Restitching them is my primary choice if ever the universe would allow me to travel back time. But... the universe didn't made any offer. I don't have that chance, I don''t have that capability, and I don't have that luxury. 

     Those events remain as part of my memories. Those events, in one way or another, made an impact to who I am today. I can't redo my past now. All I'm capable of is to make sure that I'm doing the right mistake at the moment. That right mistake that would lead me in becoming the man, who is well-respected, loving, and valuable to the eyes of many and to the conscience of this universe.

I don't have the choice to redo, but I do have the chance to become. 

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Broken Valentine


     Walking on this street where hearts and roses wander, I found myself carrying a bleeding heart. For some, Valentine's day is a commemoration of this particular emotion called love. But for me, this day reminds me of the time when a piece of my heart stopped.

     It was Valentine's day, three years ago, when fate took her away from me. It happened on this same ground where familiar scenes took place - couples walking with their hands locked with each other, guys carrying flowers, and girls fully dressed. We were once like those chosen few, who celebrate Valentine's day every year, until... she was shot. Three bullets went straight to her heart. Fate spared no chance for her to continue that one precious life.   

     Images became grey for me. It was as if everything were bare concrete and everyone were silhouettes. Everything's grey except for her blood. That angry red blood covering the street, which made it appear like her body was just laid on a piece of an elegant blanket. Rose petals scattered on top of her lifeless form. And voices of howling angels were heard from afar.

     I can still recall every bit of yesterday's pictures. Piece by piece, these pictures were placed side by side like a big montage of sorrow. Like a monument of a lost fight, here I am standing with a heavy heart... Lamenting in despair.

     I can't help not to compare her tragic fate from my uncertain life. Her heart was shot, but mine suddenly stopped; her life was taken away, yet I became lifeless; she is not capable of living at the present while I am not capable of leaving my past.

     Slowly, gravity made me bend on the ground. It was as if I was looking for tangible memories that would suffice my longing. How I wish that the earth would suddenly crumble and swallow me. How I wish my agony ends here.   

     Time resumes on the dot... colors are back... Valentine's day is finally over. I'm free from sorrow's prison [for now]. It's time to go home. Will live a normal life for the next three hundred plus days until... this day comes... this day people called... Valentine's.

Image source: https://www.pinterest.com/tulli1/dried-flowers/ 

Popular Posts

Order Your Artistmat Perfume Now