Philosophy of Pete

Batanes 1: 1-12 (The Chapter of Seair Plea)

2010-11-16T23:30:00.000-08:00

Basco, Batanes

1 In the beginning, the creator made a beautiful paradise called Philippines.

2 And Philippines was enjoying only two weathers: summer and rainy season; and there were no winter, autumn, and fall. The creator saw the need and acted upon it.

3 The creator said, "Let there be winter." And then there was Batanes. He situated it on the northernmost part of the archipelago.

Every sunset, the sights shall bask in beauty
as the sun paints orange tint into the scenery.

4 "Batanes will be a remote paradise protected by the seas. I will bless it with 7 characteristics so that man shall beheld it in awe:"

Beautiful sceneries

Even though Batanes will be the smallest Philippine province, it shall be blessed with wonderful sceneries. Beautiful spots will be present everywhere you turn. Buildings such as the Batanes lighthouse, Chavayan Heritage House, Fundacion Pacita, and Ruins of Sungsung shall make every visitor's mouth open wide in amazement.

5 Acculturation

Batanes residents shall be known for their well-preserved culture. The Honesty Coffee Store will mirror the place's trustworthiness. The coral reef houses shall stand witness of the good values done from the Ivatan ancestors to the present generation.

6 Tasty Dishes

Organic dishes such as Luñis (Ivatan Adobo), Tatus (coconut crabs), Kanañiz (grilled squid), Tugi (yam), Puhug (winged beans), venes (dried taro stalks) and Wakay (camote tops) shall make the place famous.

Abundant Marine Resources

The seas that surround the island shall feed the residents. The annual fish festival shall be called Payvanuvanuan.

7 Nature

Batanes will be surrounded by beaches, caves, deep reefs, and tropical islands. Every sunset, the sights shall bask in beauty as the sun paints orange tint into the scenery.

8 Eco-friendly Lifestyle

Cows shall freely roam the island. Solar and wind energy, both harmless and efficient, will provide power to the community without destroying ecology.

9 Super Cold Temperature

Air conditioning systems will not be needed. Coldness will be as low as 7 degrees Celsius. With this, jackets shall no longer be fashion accessories but will be clothing necessities.

10 The creator saw Batanes and declared it was good.

11 However, he also saw that the author of this site salivating for a free trip. The creator touched the hearts of Seair Philippines to provide a Batanes Winter Bloggers' Tour contest.

The author, also known as the prince, joineth. He sayeth his prayer for the creator and Seair that they may approve of his plea. He prayed that he might enjoy the 7 Batanes characteristics the creator has made.

The creator said, "Let there be winter."
And then there was Batanes.

12 The prince crieth, "Oh Seair! I pray thou alloweth me to witness the spectacular view. With thy effort, I shall declare thy mighty deeds to my friends. I shall create a video blog to document my journey. I will forever be indebted to your grace and place thy name on a pedestal. For once, I was a lost resident who doesn't know Philippine beauty. With you, Seair, I'd be found."

***

This post is an entry to the Seair Winter Bloggers' Tour

http://flyseair.com/

http://www.facebook.com/flyseair

Please help me win by "liking" my Facebook entry:

http://www.facebook.com/flyseair#!/photo.php?fbid=10150099624837009&set=o.17160086170&comments

To those interested to join this SEAIR Batanes Winter Bloggers Tour promo, you have until December 20 to submit your blog entry. The full mechanics of the promo contest can be accessed here.

South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) is the Philippines' premier leisure airline. It flies to Caticlan, Batanes, Clark, El Nido, Taytay and Cebu . For inquiries, reservation and booking visit the SEAIR website at http://www.FlySeair.com/ .

*Photos courtesy of http://www.sxc.hu

Viagra Spam: I hate it as much as you do

2010-10-20T03:22:00.000-07:00

I hate Viagra spam as much as everyone of us here in the planet Earth. I first received this spam at age 13. My innocent eyes! I cringed as a pill being advertised to me. I don't even know what it is for. Blame it on spam, I entered puberty curiosity about bodies, flowers and bees a wee bit earlier.

This is one thing I hate the Internet for (add to that, porn). I accidentally clicked a viagra ad on my email once while my kid brother was unconsciously staring at the computer screen. I wanted to die that very second

I saw this infographic from an online medication site and this pretty much makes sense. Do you have viagra spam stories you want to share?

Taken from eDrugstore.md

Prince Pete Versus Facebook, Twitter, and Plurk

2010-08-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

Out of his seemingly lax schedule (but it isn't), trials came to our awkward superhero in the form of virtual reality. For the dirty-minded, these are not naked bodies moving their arses on a cold winter's night like there's no such thing as pneumonia. Pete did not see these virtual realities as enemies at first. They were in fact, seen as acquaintances, very useful acquaintances. Let us hide their identities and assign them a secret name: social networking sites.

Social networking sites such as Plurk, Facebook, and Twitter have a good intent of making the world a smaller place. It is within these portals where a human interact and catch up with former friends, classmates, and limbo rock playmates without necessarily seeing them physically. That should be good, right? The only problem is when one does the connecting when one should be working instead. It's not an open secret that Facebook eats up a large part of the productivity pie.

Our protagonist, Prince Pete, had a weak spot for these sites. For every minute he spent writing an urgent article, he spent 2 minutes updating his profile page.

Meet Enemy number 1

Prince Pete Versus Plurk

Pete was working one morning on a linkbuilding task which required him to email contacts. He could not recall what the email address of one of his prospects are. He remembered that the prospect posts his email address on the personal account page. Fortunately for Pete, they're Plurk buddies. He skimmed down to the prospect's page and found what he was looking for.

But then, his eyes were glued to the prospect's status messages. They were too juicy to ignore.

Status Message 1: 10 funniest animals in the whole world. Click here.

Status Message 2: Britain's Prince Charles plays patintero. Click here.

Status Message 3: See sexy photos of Angelina Jolie. Click here.

Status Message 4: Brad Pitt courts Kris Aquino. Click here.

Pete was mesmerized with all the messages and decided to click all the links. Before he knew it, one hour is already lost.

Tip Number 12: Leave the Country

Meet Enemy number 2

Prince Pete Versus Facebook

As a royalty, it is Prince Pete's responsibility to update all his subjects of the daily court proceedings. The good prince that he is, Pete always updates his Facebook status messages (because every stalker must know where Pete is at the moment). Facebook took advantage of that responsibilty and lured Pete into its euphoric clutches.

Pete was writing, "Let it be known unto all subjects that tomorrow is a holiday".

As he was about to log out, his eyes caught the status messages of his fellow royalties and friends.

HS Basketball VIP: Today's my sex change operation. Afraid!

Former Crush: Happy Birthday to my loving husband. I have a surprise to you in bed tonight! Mwahugs. Chup chup chup

College Cum Laude: Sharpen Knife. Kill boss later

Mr Friendly wrote on Classmate 1's wall: Happy Birthday! Give me free lunch.

Mr Friendly wrote on Classmate 2's wall: Happy Birthday. Classmate 1 will buy me lunch. You buy me dinner.

"Enough!." Pete shouted in his mind. An hour has already passed. It's 11:30 AM and his task is due at noon. "I must log out right now."

A Facebook Chat message suddenly appeared on the screen:

"Eowh powhzz... Muztah nah yu powhzz?? 8 nah yu? jejejejeje...."

A line that is more effective in a soap opera

Meet Enemy number 3

Prince Peter Versus Twitter

He thought he had already conquered the procrastination brought by the social networking sites. Twitter had him at the last blow. His mobile phone beeped and showed this message:

Your Twitter has an afterlife too!

Interesting read! He followed the link and read the 10,000 word article. While doing so, he was chatting with his aunt on Yahoo Messenger and videochatting with his cousin in Canada. He was also downloading the latest pirated movie through torrent. Plus he uploaded on multiply the vacation pictures he promised his fellow backpackers while all the time his feet is trying to solve a Rubik's cube.

The kingdom's alarm bell rang. The clock said the time is 6PM but he had not finished any project yet! 6 hours of nothing just disappeared into nothing. It's an unproductive day for Pete.

He couldn't contain it any longer. He wanted to throw the computer away. He must make a drastic act fast.

*****************************

Moral of the story: While you are working on an important task, turn off all social networking notifications. Close Plurk, Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc... for your own good. They not only eat your time, they also eat your company's and school's resources.

Oh. before I forgot, let me promote this post on twitter...

And so I am Back... (as Pete)

2010-08-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

Yeah Right!

Once upon a time, there was a handsome prince in a faraway valley of Cagayan de Oro.Contrary to popular culture, this prince did not live in a towering castle surrounded by drawbridge and artificial moat. This prince quietly lived his life in the confines of a 50 square meter cement house.

In the prince's eye, he is the fairest of all the creatures of the earth.
His hands sunkissed by the computer's radiation. His buttocks were deflated of fat from long hours of sitting. His eyes no longer could detect the difference between dark blue and dark red. Even so, the Prince is happy.

He has no problems in life (or so he thinks). He was not waiting for a princess to save. He did not have a wicked witch as an enemy who would turn him into an ugly frog. He did not have any encounter with paranormal creatures. In short, he was not the ordinary superhero.

He was once called Seph. As a royalty, he is referred as Prince Pete. He remembered a past when he was still poor. He had a favorite hobby: blogging.When he was still wrapped in swaddling clothes, he posted a video about Mcdonald's. Eight months later, he wanted to continue that hobby.

He purposed in his heart that even when he is rich - with dreams and frustrations - he can't give up searching for the steps he should trod to achieve greater riches - and much greater dreams and frustrations. He decided he should blog again.

*****
This documentation will record his dreamy journey of finding life's purpose carrying only his make-believe riches. From thereon, let be known unto all subjects the importance of this documents. For in the future, these writings will be known as the bible of gentleman-hood.

Mcdonalds Tweens

2010-01-05T07:09:00.000-08:00

Reaction to the boy:
I understand you. You don’t want to be called mama’s boy or papa’s boy.
BUT Why do you have to be so cruel to your parents? It’s a good thing that your parents love you unconditionally.

Reaction to the parents:
If you were my mother, she would drag me back to the car holding my hair only. If I were you, that child would have received an hour sermon from me. Whatever, parenting has different strokes.

Analysis of the Ampatuan massacre by Bertini "Toto" Causing

2010-01-04T20:18:00.000-08:00

Blogger's Note: This piece is posted here as an act of patriotism and because Sir "Toto" Causing requested to spread it to the Filipino Community as observed in the sentences below. This was received in my mailbox from a fellow journalism student.

An analysis, in the wake of the Ampatuan murders, by Bertini "Toto" Causing, a member of the board of the National Press Club of the Philippines and also legal consultant for the National Press Club. Mr Causing is columnist both of Hataw and Police Files Tonight. With the kind permission of Paul Brinkley-Rogers.

ANALYSIS
You must know that Norberto Gonzales as Defense Secretary is a "terror" operator and if he is to work with political operator Ronaldo Puno, they become a dreaded pair.

Remember that Gonzales came from National Intelligence Security Agency, from where came the Vidal Doble who taped Garcillano's talks with Gloria. Also remember that Puno (the bad one) was instrumental in making Miriam Santiago lose to FVR and in Garci operations in Mindanao.

You must also know that before the Ampatuan massacre, there were hell-bent planning sessions on how Gloria could possibly hold over, de facto or de jure.

They were looking at how they can foment war in Muslim areas to have a justification for sinister plots.

Instead of launching war against MILF and MNLF which is expensive, what Gonzales did was to make "chismis" circulating between two possible warring clans. The timing was perfect because Datu Andal Sr. was so worried how he can stay in power because of the three-term limit. Andal Sr. even went to the Comelec in the Province of Maguindanao to ask what should he do to enable him to run again for the 2010 elections. A "bobo" Comelec official advised him to take a leave. Another Comelec official advised him to resign. Confused, Andal Sr. went to Malacanang and asked an Arroyo confidante what to do. And Andal was told that the only way for him to hold on to power is to prevent elections there from happening. And he was advised to do what is necessary. I do not know what was the advice; but I surmise that he was egged on not to give in to the Mangudadatus who were hell bent on grabbing power from him. In short, "binatirya" or "tsinismis patalikod ang mga Mangudadatu kay Andal na aagawin ang poder sa kanila." And once the power is taken over, the Mangudadatus would take revenge for the earlier raids done on them resulting in seizure of firearms.

Obssesed with desire to keep power revved up by "chismis", the Ampatuans harbored deep hatred and extreme fear of losing power. And to ensure that no election shall occur, the killings should be done with extreme brutality to justify "martial law," a condition when no election can be held in the province. They were only looking at killing and burying to nowhere the Mangudadatus and families so that they would only be recorded as missing and would be charged against the rebels or Abu Sayyaf, not thinking they would be including 30 journalists in their plan for they did not think that Mangudadatu would ask for the help of media men. And if there would be martial law, the Ampatuans stay in power under the hold-over principle. But their game plot failed during the execution. Thank God: before they knew it, Toto Mangudadatu was able to know the abduction because his wife was able to call him up, prompting Toto Mangudadatu to call for Army assistance; the soldiers responded quick enough that forced the killers to escape even though the other victims were not yet buried, leading to the discovery of the plan; thus, the execution failed. The original plot was just to make it appear that the victims disappeared mysteriously so that it can be blamed to heightened rebellion that would justify attacks on MILF which, in turn, would justify martial law.

Until here, I believe I have answered now the question why it should be as brutal as this. It was the Ampatuans who did the act and planned the act. The Gloria government only happened to have benefited from it to justify martial rule.

What would be the net effect when martial law gains momentum in Maguindanao? It will embolden the Gloria machines to do the same in other Muslim provinces: (a) Wahab Akbar's family vs Gerry Salappudin's in Basilan; (b) Sakur Tan clan vs Tupay Loong clan in Sulu; (c) Jaafar clan vs opponents in Tawi-Tawi; (d) Dimaporo clan in Lanao Norte against a challenging clan; and (e) Many clans in Lanao Sur.

If Norberto Gonzales would have his way, he wanted all of them to fight each other to justify martial law in the rest of Muslim provinces.

Remember that the total number of votes in these provinces is substantially big enough to cause suspension of proclamation of winners in Presidential, Vice-Presidential and Senatorial races.

So that when proclamation cannot be had and it will be aggravated and prolonged by creative petitions and protests to be filed before the Comelec, the Speaker of the House (Gloria) would act as Acting President. Why? Since there would be no president, vice president and senators who would be proclaimed, the Speaker takes over under the Constitution. Gloria would argue that the 12 present senators cannot choose a Senate President because it needs at least 13 votes to elect the Senate President.

Another plus or bonus for them: the House of Representatives will approve to extend martial law by means of them voting together with the Senators where the senator's vote is only one. A dummy petition shall be filed to question the act of "voting jointly" by means of outnumbering the Senators; and hoping the Gloria-appointees- dominated Supreme Court would rule that "voting jointly" means lumping together the senators and the congressmen and each of them has only ONE VOTE. And when the Supreme Court would go Gloria's way, they would now implement House Resolution 1109 calling for the senators and congressmen to "vote jointly" for a CON-ASS to pave the way for a parliamentary government. This PLUS or BONUS may happen before or after the 2010 elections. If it happens after elections, the picture that you would see is that the leading candidates for president, vice-president and senators cannot be proclaimed because their margin of leads can still be overturned by the total votes in areas where voting would be deferred till eternity by Martial Law.

So that this is a GRIM POSSIBILITY.

Patriotically yours,
Toto Causing

An earlier e-mail to Mr Brinkley-Rogers by Mr Causing, which first appeared at a Pinoy discussion group online.

Please feel free to circulate my analysis as you wish. I do not have any reason for me to be afraid of getting known as the author of this piece. To make this known the farthest it can and to the largest number of people possible, the better it is for the Philippines and the Filipinos.

This analysis becomes all the more necessary to be known because of the falsity and illogical premises relied on in placing Maguindanao province under the state of martial law. The manifestations displayed yesterday by Gloria & her minions show burning intention to pursue martial law are getting bolder. It now appears to be bordering on clear and present danger to democracy and the Filipino people.

Obama and Hillary must know this to warn Gloria not to proceed with the sinister plot.

Why will the Gloria cliche claim there is rebellion while stating at the same time in the premises of martial law proclamation that the territories being held by the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) shall be respected? To make this clear, let me quote the proclamation: "Sec. 1: There is hereby declared a state of martial law in the province of Maguindanao except for the identified areas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as referred to in the implementing operational guidelines of the GRP-MILF agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities. "

Moreover, MILF has been there existing and campaigning actively for more than a decade now yet in not one period in the past has martial law been proclaimed. In other words, it is very clear in the proclamation that the Gloria Arroyo Government is not referring to the MILF as the reason of rebellion that necessitates martial law.

By deduction, it means that the Gloria administration is treating, no matter how illogical, the massacre of about 20 women, two lady lawyers and 32 journalists as an act of rebellion.

As such, they are treating the suspected perpetrators of the goriest-ever massacre as "rebels." True, Department of Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera announced that the charges they were filing against the Ampatuans are "rebellion." This was confirmed when television reports showed interviews of Army officers stating that they were arresting the Ampatuans for rebellion.

Is this not out of syntax when the purpose of the brutal killings were not to topple the duly-constituted government?

Is this not revolting to conscience to treat them as rebels when it is very clear there has been no intention to deprive the government of the right to assert authority in any place in Maguindanao?

Is it not clear that the purpose of the massacre was only to scare out or eliminate possible opponents in the upcoming elections for governor of the province in May of 2010?

Is it not clear that the Ampatuans had a clear intention to run for the elective posts up for grabs in that elections and as such there is no intention to deprive the national government to exercise authority in Maguindanao?

Is it not clear that rebellion is an offense against the government only?

Is it not clear that the massacre as committed, assuming to have been committed by the Ampatuans, is an offense against the persons of the victims, that the state's interest in giving justice to massacre victims is only to keep its moral obligation to keep the peace and assuage the revolting conscience?
In sum, it is very clear that there is no rebellion.

And the fact that the Gloria minions are insisting that there is rebellion and in fact arrested the Ampatuans on rebellion charges means my analysis is jibing with the clear intention to place Maguindanao under martial law to achieve the purpose of foiling the holding of elections in this place.

The situation of danger against Democracy and the People is CLEAR AND PRESENT.

So please, Sir Paul, disseminate to the largest possible audience my analysis along with this email message of mine to you.

Patriotically yours,
Toto Causing

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-01-02T01:14:00.000-08:00

I got bored on a Saturday afternoon so I decided to utilize my free time to bake these lovely chocolate-filled treats. The final output was so yummy and better than store-bought choco chip cookies. Even a young kid can do it as the steps are as elementary as it can be. Chocolate chip cookies are great eaten with warm milk.

Recipe from Cookies: 1001 Mouthwatering Recipes from Around the World
http://www.amazon.ca/Cookies-Mouthwatering-Recipes-Around-World/dp/0762105933

Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt (is optional if you are using salted butter)
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened to room temperature (or margarine blocks if you are on a tight budget)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg lightly beaten
6 oz choco chips or cubed ready-to eat chocolates (approx. 1 cup)

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Butter two cookie sheets.
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl.
Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at high speed until creamy. Add the egg, beating until just blended. Mix in the dry ingredients and chocolate.
Drop teaspoons of the mixture 1 inch apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, rotating the sheets halfway through for even baking.
Cool on the sheets for 15 minutes. Transfer to racks to cool.

This recipe can make up to 30 cookies and can last up to 4 days, longer if kept inside the refrigerator.

*Joseph Peter Capaque

I said goodbye

2009-06-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, I said my goodbye. Nah! Not the tear jerking goodbye you see on television. I bid adios to my fellow colleagues at the office. Yes, I am currently jobless.

How does it feel? Not surprisingly, it felt good. I was freed from chains of confinement and set free to flap and follow my dreams.

I know I said goodbye to a comfortable life. I mean, who wouldn't want to have their own income? I do. This is a decision that I have to make though. I take no regrets entering the bum's life (but not for too long). :)

This also means that this blog is alive again.

***

11th Commandment:
Thou shalt not eat salt because it is asin.

Uncertain

2009-06-07T04:08:00.000-07:00

by: Joseph Peter Capaque

Last month, I made a very important decision to quit my prestigious, high-paying, good-sounding job. At long last, after 3 years of deep deliberation, I decided to pull the plug and free myself from further career stagnation.

I have to admit. I subconsciously wanted the company to stop me from resigning. I needed them to make me feel that I am a valuable gem in the company. I needed them to say that without me, the company's processes will not run smoothly. That did that happen. I have a suspicion that they really want to get rid of me way way back but cannot because they can't find a fault (This is just my opinion). I attribute this feeling of anxiety to my weak heart. Saying goodbyes have never been easy to me I sometimes even leave suddenly without a trace.

The position is my very first job since I graduated. I have experienced the thrill of my first job application uncertainty here. I never really thought I'd qualify but ironically, I made it through the chopping block after competing with 9 other applicants. If it is because I was the best or they had no other choice, I do not know. It was a pretty smooth ride having gained the job in less than a week. Luck must have been smiling at me during those times.

The job gave me the first adrenaline rush. In all fairness, the company cared for me greatly. It gave me competent salary for a single person. It opened my eyes on a booming business people have neglected in the past. It gave me a lavish comfort zone.

Sadly, it did not stop there. As months go by, frustration grew from a tiny seedling. I discover that I no longer feel the buzz I had felt the first few months. I decided I must take a step - an uncertain step.

Every month, questions after questions pile up on my mind. Do I really belong here? Why am I not happy in this place? Why can't I get along with these people? Why do I still suffer from malignant nosebleed every time I don't understand a given task even if I've been doing it for several times? Would I grow if I stay here?

I've waited for growth to happen but to no avail. The trainings that were stipulated on the contract intended to upgrade my rusty skill did not materialize. I've heard persistent rumors that I would be up for promotion but it seems to be elusive besides I think I would decline it if ever it really did happen. I think I can't prove anything now. My time is up.

I now say goodbye to constant verbal and physical teenie-weenie winkie-leanie "harassment's" I receive from my colleagues every single work day. Whether I deserve those daily "punishments", I do not know. Maybe, it was my office mates' way of telling me that they do care. I should just thank them because with the daily bombardment of street-style teases and istambay vocabulary, I learned a new lifestyle flavor. I learned that sometimes, I have to blend in with the group and swallow my pride just to maintain the office harmony. I hope that one day I can clear in their minds though that despite my mannerisms and some "evidences" (of which I do not have any idea), I never had the desire to fondle their male anatomy nor will I ever be interested in the future. I have waited for this day and now I can say I can have my self respect back (Not that they taken it away from me. I just hid it in a jar to prevent myself from suffering insanity).

I now say goodbye to my inspiration. The days were interesting every time I saw your face. Indeed, our offices are neighbors. You were one consolation I had. I can't express my feelings now that you have already left your office ahead of me. The memories of your face and your office will always have a very special meaning on me. I remember the last time I saw your face. I guess it was your last day at work. For the first time, you looked at me back straight back. DAMN DAMN DAMN. Instead of me, repaying that glare, I shifted my eyes. If I only knew it was your last day, I would have done my first ever flirting. *teehee* I wish we'd see each other again and show you my cheesiness.

I now say goodbye to my idle moments. Some employees would love to receive their salary without doing anything. Rest is good but I think 10 days of doing nothing is not fair for the company. I understand that work comes to me on a per-project basis. What I need however is a company that fully utilizes and appreciates my potential as a skilled employee.

I now say goodbye to my comfort zone. As folks would point out, I should be contented with the company as millions of Filipinos do not have jobs now. It is not about money now but with career growth and satisfaction.

As I leave the portals of my comfort zone, I admit that I still do not know where to go. I must say this to myself a hundred times: "I have to this. This is for my own good. I must find the place where I really belong."

I have nothing against the company and or my colleagues. I think this step is now a decision for my self and for the betterment of everybody.

Nothing can stop me now. This will be a step to uncertainty.

Seph Capaque
Joseph Capaque

Sideview

2009-04-02T04:31:00.000-07:00

Because of you, my travel to and from my workplace became more interesting. I found myself putting more effort in making myself presentable every time I leave the house. My sight was always searching for your figure hoping that you'll climb down the jeepney to join me in my second trip.

The two of us always require two rides to reach our workplace (which happen to be neighbors). You have no idea how my heart thumps each time I see you join me in my second ride. I try not to look at you but like a magnet, you attract me. I glance at you when you sit. You are the perfect specimen of life therein.

Please forgive me if I steal glances from you.

I wish I can court you. I guess I cannot. It is impossible.

The Need To Be Confused

2008-07-01T09:31:00.001-07:00

by Joseph Peter Capaque

When confusion knocks at your door, you hallucinate with worry. You don't know this and you don't know that. If you don't know this, how can you proceed to the next step in life. You thought you would be doing this but when you are nearing the finish line, you realize that the path you are taking right now isn't your cup of tea.

Or you thought you know everything you have possibly known in your specialty. But here comes a beginner asking you a relevant question that even an "expert" like you can answer. You too then become confused.

In this world, for example. You get confused when all spiritual leaders claim that their respective denominations possesses true religion. You get confused when you fall in love with the same sex. You get confused when you don't know what you want to accomplish before death. you get confused asking why there is a need to be born in this world just to suffer.

Confused then worried.

Worried then frustrated.

Frustrated then lost.

It is but right to feel bad when confused but let us remember that this feeling is a good indicator that we are human, that we are not perfect, that there are still lots of things that we need to know, that this life is meant to be finite. And so, not being confused means that you are already omniscient or all-knowing. We can't be possibly be like that.

We need confusion once in a while to bring us a background check on the current reality. Most of all, we need confusion to understand that there is a divine being that is omniscient who sees events in our life as part of his climactic plan. (I don't know if that comforts you though).

When confusion comes, the best thing to do is to ride with the tide. You will become insane when you trouble yourself into finding antidotes to confusion.

(PS I am also aware that you might be confused to reading this piece)

All Out Of Emotions

2008-04-30T07:22:00.000-07:00

You can show sadness without shedding some tears.
You can show anger without shouting.
You can show happiness even without a smile.
You can show tiredness even without sweat.
You can let a person understand with even a few words.

-Seph

Endless Stream

2008-04-13T23:00:00.000-07:00

Can somebody please stop my mind from thinking? Endless streams of thoughts are gushing out of it now that I am afraid I will be having an information overload.

I was trying to sleep but my brain won't let me. My body was dead tired but my brain was constantly sending neurological impulses. Ideas of self-improvement, theology, narcissism, love, lust, and ambitions bombarded my otherwise peaceful night.

During those reflection times, I travelled to worlds of adult fantasy. I thought I have totally lost the ability to create euphoria when I left childhood. Childhood dreams are full of pure innocence, determined, and clean. Adult fantasies are submerged in puddle of selfish bleakness, unsure, and stained. Adult fantasies are even connoted with lust!

I tried to halt this stream once. It resulted to degradation of my sanity. Forcibly stopping it will short circuit the systems all around my body that even my white blood cells can't repair.

If this endless stream will do me good, I may decide to embrace it.

Prayer For Confusion

2008-03-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

By Joseph Peter Capaque

Lord, grant me guidance that even though I am blind to my destiny,
I have assurance that I rest in thy almighty hands.

Uncertainty is present all the time.
Your perfect timing of things always reminds me that you own the past, present, and future.

My heart is like a house to be demolitioned
I am confident however that I have served a good service during my youth.

Daily, I walk in a mist. Daily, I can't see what's ahead.
Daily, you held me hand.

Let me understand the things that I discover everyday.
I thought that I know everything with this my age.
Yet, you have used the babies to teach me that I still have many things to digest.

This is my plea and always will be.
Please make sure that my faith is safe in thee.

Using Things and Loving People

2008-01-06T06:58:00.000-08:00

I am forever blessed with song below. It reminds me to always stick to my mind that my earthly goals are futile if by any means I destroy the lives of the people just to achieve it.

I hope it will bless you as it has blessed me also. (Seph Capaque)

Using Things And Loving People

Using things and loving people
That's the way it's got to be
Using things and loving people
Look around and you can see
That loving things and using people
Only leads to misery
Using things and loving people
That's the way it's got to be

Being loved is in the giving
All we have is what we share
Loving life is for the living
You have to have a heart to care
And loving things and using people
Only leads to misery
Using things and loving people
That's the way it's got to be

So put your hand inside my hand
I don't know where the road will lead
We may not find the things we want
But we will find the things we need
And all we need is love

Using things and loving people
Brings you happiness I've found
Using things and loving people
Not the other way around
'Cause loving things and using people
Only leads to misery
Using things and loving people
That's the way it's got to be

For you and me
For you and me

Written by: Hal David & Archie P. Jordan
Sung by: BJ Thomas
Thanks to: http://members.aol.com/CarouselF/lyrics.html

Year Reflections: Anti-New Year Statement

2008-01-06T06:25:00.000-08:00

"Time has no divisions to mark its passage.
There is never a thunderstorm or blare of trumpets to announce a beginning of a month or year. Even if a new century begins, it is only we mortals ring bells and fire off pistols."

- Camilo III

Things Are Not Always What You Expect Them To Be (Continuation Part 2)

2008-01-06T05:30:00.000-08:00

Photo from http://www.dailyencouragement.net/

By: Joseph Peter Capaque

It's been 6 years now since that reflection from our High School valedictorian was created. Until now, the iceberg still has not changed. Its whole body is still immersed in the vastness of the liquid ocean. The whole of it is still unknown.

People create New Year resolutions just to reach a certain goal in life. They do this to expect too much from themselves. While resolutions are not bad at all, I don't recommend everyone to have one, especially to persons who expect too much from their selves and their "luck" and "fortune". Pessimism aside, you can't change a certain phenomena overnight. I'll oppose to the philosophy that is being distributed by Rhgonda Bryne. Not everything that we really wish to happen will be fulfilled to reality. We do not make resolutions just because a new year has ended and we have to follow a fad like a standard operating procedure from a military officer. Resolutions must come from the heart and can be made at any time of year, not just in January.

I know of another friend who lives every moment as it is. She does not make long-term goals. She is a proper example of that line in Sunscreen Song:

"Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your
life…the most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they
wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year
olds I know still don’t."

(To be continued)

(C)Seph Capaque
(C)Joseph Capaque

People Come Into Your Life For A Reason, Season & Lifetime

2008-01-03T03:44:00.000-08:00

By: Anonymous

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season!

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Things Aren't Always What You Expect Them To Be

2008-01-02T04:20:00.000-08:00

Photo from http://www.dailyencouragement.net/

By: Joseph Peter Capaque

Our Valedictorian in High School gave this powerful thought in one of her essays:

"I am an Iceberg. 10 percent of me is only all that you can see. 90 percent of me is submerged in water"

That illustration squeezed my imagination out of me. The statement is unmistakenly correct. We tend to see people by the impression they leave upon us day by day. On every encounter, we keep our observations in the data bank at the back of our minds.

Everyday, we put labels upon every person we interact. Mr Scrooge is the pathetic one. Maria is the responsible one. Clinton has the tendency to bully. Gre is the smart but lazy person. We unconsciously brand every person by our personal experiences. We are set to believe what we have seen. We stick to stand on one angle only: OURS.

But unknown to us, like the iceberg, we only see 10 percent of the individual. 90 percent of the person remains unseen. This speaks out that we should never claim to know a person fully because we knew him for 5 years or so. Even if you swim down the ocean to see the totality of the iceberg, you have just viewed the surface. You still have not seen the inside.

Carla and Banjo maybe sweet to each other during the courtship stage. Carla may see Banjo as the sweet one because Banjo would always give her chocolates every week. Banjo may see her as the archetype of Mother Theresa because She goes to church everyday and she never curses. They might be tagged as the perfect couple made in heaven. A genuine love story does not end that romantically though. Another catalyst enters into the scene in a form of a ritual called wedding. Five years later, Banjo will realize that Carla hid skeletons in her closet. Carla will find out that Banjo can't afford to buy roses everyday. Things aren't always what you expect them to be. On the surface, all may seem smooth. It may seem that all things will be alright.

We may invest millions in an insurance company to cling to a bright future. We work hard expecting more monetary rewards in return. We tend to an infant wishing that the cute one will grow to be a good man. However, things are not always what you expect them to be. On the surface, all may seem smooth. It may seem that all things will be alright.

(To be continued)

(C) Joseph Capaque
(C) Seph Capaque

SULAT NI TATAY AT NANAY

2008-01-01T17:39:00.000-08:00

Rev. Fr. Ariel F. Robles, CWL Spiritual Director of St. Augustine Parish in Baliuag, Bulacan

"Sa aking pagtanda, unawain mo sana ako at pagpasensiyahan. Kapag dala ng kalabuan ng mata ay nakabasag ako ng pinggan o nakatapon ng sabaw sa hapag-kainan, huwag mo sana akong kagagalitan. Maramdamin ang isang matanda. Nagse-self-pity ako tuwing sisigawan mo ako.

Kapag mahina na ang tenga ko at hindi ko maintindihan ang sinasabi mo, huwag mo naman sana akong sabihan ng bingi, pakiulit na lang ang sinabi mo o pakisulat na lang. Pasensya ka na, anak. Matanda na talaga ako.Kapag mahina na ang tuhod ko, pagtiyagaan mo sana akong tulungang tumayo,

katulad ng pag-aalalay ko sa iyo noong nag-aaral ka pa lamang lumakad. Pagpasensyahan mo sana ako kung ako man ay nagiging makulit at paulit-ulit na parang sirang-plaka. Basta pakinggan mo na lang ako. Huwag mo sana akong pagtatawanan o pagsasawaang pakinggan. Natatandaan mo anak noong bata ka pa? Kapag gusto mo ng lobo, paulit-ulit mo ‘yung sasabihin, maghapon kang mangungulit hanggang hindi mo nakukuha ang gusto mo. Pinagtiyagaan ko ang kakulitan mo.Pagpasensiyahan mo na rin sana ang aking amoy. Amoy-matanda, amoy-lupa. Huwag mo sana akong piliting maligo. Mahina na ang katawan ko. Madaling magkasakit kapag nalamigan, huwag mo sana akong pandirihan. Natatandaan mo noong bata ka pa? Pinagtiyagaan kitang habulin sa ilalim ng kama kapag ayaw mong maligo.Pagpasensiyahan mo sana kung madalas, ako’y masungit, dala na marahil ito ng katandaan. Pagtanda mo, maiintindihan mo rin ako.Kapag may konti kang panahon, magkuwentuhan naman tayo, kahit sandali lang, inip na ako sa bahay, maghapong nag-iisa. Walang kausap. Alam kong busy ka sa trabaho, subalit nais kong malaman mo na sabik na sabik na akong makakuwentuhan ka, kahit alam kong hindi ka interesado sa mga kuwento ko. Natatandaan mo anak, noong bata ka pa? Pinagtiyagaan kong pakinggan at intindihin ang pautal-utal mong kuwento tungkol sa iyong teddy bear.At kapag dumating ang sandali na ako’y magkasakit at maratay sa banig ng karamdaman, huwag mo sana akong pagsawaang alagaan. Pagpasensiyahan mo na sana kung ako man ay maihi o madumi sa higaan, pagtiyagaan mo sana akong alagaan sa mga huling sandali ng aking buhay. Tutal hindi na naman ako magtatagal.Kapag dumating ang sandali ng aking pagpanaw, hawakan mo sana ang aking kamay at bigyan mo ako ng lakas ng loob na harapin ang kamatayan.At huwag kang mag-alala, kapag kaharap ko na ang Diyos na lumikha, ibubulong ko sa kanya na pagapalain ka sana ... dahil naging mapagmahal ka sa iyong ama’t ina."

Lessons Sandwiched In Humor: Prohibited Drugs

2007-12-26T06:47:00.000-08:00

Social Realizations are best injected when sandwiched in humor.

Below is a humorous take on the effects of drugs. Hilarity ensures.

Trip To Happiness!

2007-12-26T06:37:00.000-08:00

By Joseph Peter Capaque

Lessons Sandwiched In Humor: Maritess Versus Superfriends

2007-12-26T04:45:00.000-08:00

Social Realizations are best injected when sandwiched in humor.

What you will see below is a satire of Filipino workers abroad. Maritess is an epitome of Filipinos trying to go out of the country for dollars.

Hilarity ensures!

Returning To My First Love

2007-12-23T19:32:00.000-08:00

By Joseph Peter Capaque

Alright! Alright! My traitor genes are running all around my body again. Haha...

Kidding aside, I decided to join the bandwagon of putting this very special event in my blog. Of course, I am a proud journpip and so, I am proud to announce that we will be gathering this Saturday, December 29, 2007 at the house of the President of Dreams, Mr Job!

This event spells fun, fun, fun! I hope to reminisce those familiar faces and those ecstatic memories while we were still in college struggling to crank up piles of articles before 12 midnight.

And for sure, the event will include gapping also. Hehe... I love it when we get together and act like a bunch of traitors. As Wellah puts it, we are sweet albeit sarcastic journpipz!

Soar high, journpipz!

Seph Capaque
Joseph Capaque

My Take On Maturity

2007-12-18T06:53:00.001-08:00

By: Joseph Peter Capaque

I had this wonderful conversation with a newly-found cyber friend today. Kyouya (not his real name), albeit our small age gap, found curiosity on a fact in life that we call as "maturity". I am not saying that I am mature. In this conversation, I am saying that I am beginning to step out of youth and embrace the reality of adulthood in an ironically premature way.

While on the heat of a virtual dama game, a very interesting topic sprouted.

Seph Capaque: ma-feel jud na nimo 1 day, ay tigulang na man diay ko noh? (You will just realize that (stage) one day and tell yourself "Oh no. I'm getting old!)
Seph Capaque: ana gud (That's it)

Kyouya: hahha
Kyouya: dili pa ko tigulang.. (I am not old yet)
Kyouya: part pa jpon ko sa youth... (I am still part of the youth)
Kyouya: but once i step out of youth...
Kyouya: or age 25 rather
Kyouya: young adult na ko.. (I will then be a young adult)
Kyouya: (laughs)

Seph Capaque: di pa karon, kuya. kita ra ang maka-ingon when ka mag enter sa next level (Not now, big brother. It is only us who can predict when we enter the next level)

Kyouya: aguy...

Seph Capaque: let's just say that i entered that "next level" prematurely.

Kyouya: and what happens dayun? (Then what ahappens?)
Kyouya: if you enter that level..
Kyouya: maunsa man ka? (What will happen?)

Seph Capaque: haha... don't you think you're still young to know?
Seph Capaque: haha... don't you think you're still young to know?
Seph Capaque: (giggles)

Kyouya: try me then..

Seph Capaque: it's like trying to learn calculus without even learning analytical geometry

Kyouya: math is sometimes referred to as the original la lingua pura...
Kyouya: because its the same in every country..
Kyouya: and people can understand its very nature..
Kyouya: so how about giving me a try?
Kyouya: of that very secret you've been hiding...
Kyouya: (sticks his tongue out)

Seph Capaque: yep... same as growing up

Kyouya: (laughs)

Seph Capaque: growing up = original la lingua pura
Seph Capaque: because its the same in every country..

Kyouya: ahaha
Kyouya: logic...

Seph Capaque: see? you haven't finish your analytic gemoetry yet

Kyouya: aguy...

Seph Capaque: so you can't force yourself to study calculus

Kyouya: bad...

Seph Capaque:(grins)

Kyouya: bad(!) that limit does not exist in terms of growing up..
Kyouya: math is definite..
Kyouya: growing up is something different
Kyouya: its deep..
Kyouya: profound

Seph Capaque: are you a debater by nature?
Seph Capaque: or you just loooooooove to argue?
Seph Capaque: (grins)

Kyouya: isnt that the same?
Kyouya: a debate is a formal form of argument baya...
Kyouya: (laughs)

Seph Capaque: exactly the point... math and growing up happens to have the same concept
Seph Capaque: no advance courses allowed
Seph Capaque:

Kyouya: aguy...
Kyouya: but you said you were levelled up in a premature manner?
Kyouya: isnt that going beyond limits?

Seph Capaque: i also said that i entered into this level prematurely
Seph Capaque: (sticks tongue out)

Kyouya: mao gani... (That's what I was trying to tell you)
Kyouya: so what makes me different then?
Kyouya: when I'm just here to seek its very nature...
Kyouya: i never said I'd embrace it..
Kyouya: (sticks tongue out)
Kyouya: hahaha
Kyouya: (laughs)

Seph Capaque: what's the difference? if the rose plant has no flower in its body? will you not call it rose still?

Kyouya: if i would study its DNA blue print it would still be a rose...
Kyouya: (laughs)

Seph Capaque: I happen to be a rose plant with one budding flower in me. you, still have a lot of potential buds within you. but all the same, we're still rose
Seph Capaque: there is no need for you to hasten your budding
Seph Capaque: now is still not your time
Seph Capaque: when the time comes, you will just know
Seph Capaque: that is why it is called a secret

Kyouya: like i said...i never wanted to embrace it anyway...
Kyouya: so i have nothing to loose..

Seph Capaque: it will just open in it's own time

Kyouya: aguy...

Seph Capaque: so i have nothing to loose.. >>> pandora lost the world's innocence by opening that small naive-looking box

Kyouya: hehehe
Kyouya: pandora was born to be curious...
Kyouya: such as myself...
Kyouya: but
Kyouya: what i seek
Kyouya: is not something like that box...
Kyouya: filled with the world's sorrows...

Seph Capaque: knowledge is power

Kyouya: but?

Seph Capaque: knowing behelds more power. with great power comes great responsibility
Seph Capaque: great responsibility begets greater sorrows
Seph Capaque: (sticks tongue out)

Kyouya: so you mean dili pa ko ready ana? (So you mean, I'm still not ready to know about that?)
Kyouya: [you are...] bad...

Seph Capaque: my point is
Seph Capaque: enjoy youth while you can
Seph Capaque: ayaw pag huna huna ma tigulang ug sayo (Don't think about growing old at an early age.)
Seph Capaque: smell the roses while you can
Seph Capaque: di na na pwede ma rewind

Kyouya: asus naa raman diay... (Oh... So that was what you really mean)
Kyouya: would being old become bad?

Seph Capaque: nope. to hasten yourself to become old is bad
Seph Capaque: it depends on one's take
Seph Capaque: when you're young, you're more carefree.
Seph Capaque: when you're old, you begin to find yourself.
Seph Capaque: and then another mystery unfolds
Seph Capaque: another secret opens up

My Lovelife

2007-11-14T03:25:00.000-08:00

By: Seph Capaque

It's been almost 22 years since my naked being breathe my very first air. I say life is so generous for providing me the comforts a human being would love to have. I have survived all the aspects of life. I do not possess all the qualities that I wish I should have but in every area whether physical or spiritual or what have you, I say I am average: not so magnaminous, not so little.

One of the areas in my life that I say I am average is the aspect of emotion. When it comes to emotional support, I run to my families and friends. I admit. I don't know that much when it comes to romantic relationship. Well, I know the theories of love, courtship, and marriage but not the practical application of it.

You should know that I am a member of the NGSB (No Girlfriend Since Birth) club. The reason behind this is I am an over-obedient (if there is such word) son. During my childhood days, my daily routine starts from home, then school, then back home again. Nothing is in between: no physical games, no extracurricular activities, no sports (which I regretted), no barkada, and no love life.

I shared with you my first attempt of courting here. I find it silly when I recall how I was so deeply infatuated with Therese. I write her name at every page of my Literature book. I always dream of her smile everyday. I even wet myself -seriously- just thinking about her. Sadly, I am a member of the BS (Bugnaw Simud) club. With BS, we mean stupid persons who can't express the ravaging feelings they keep inside for that special someone. I remember that time when she passes by our clasroom, I become as stiff as a rock. My pivot points harden. My eyes are glued with epoxy. My heart is only the thing that is moving.

Nice try little boy. You don't even have money to buy your projects!

If ever I have courted Therese that time, will she ever give back the love that I will offer? Will she agree that we only have fishballs and synthetic pineapple juice as food for our date? Will she let me borrow 50 pesos per date? Will we be married by now?

It's been 22 years since my existence. Ironically, romance still does not exist for me.

Gugmang gi-ahak! aha man ka gipadpad! Where art thou? Letsugas!

Writer's Note: Watch out for the narration of my High School love life only here!

Hello!

2007-11-13T07:20:00.000-08:00

This blog starts with a hello!

I love to socialize. The sad thing is I don't want people to know me that much. In short, I want to be "mysterious". I am so good at entertaining people and giving them an excellent first impression but I halt the meeting when I sense that the person is knowing too much of me. Except for a few people, I leave acquaintances in the hanging. The reason is I don't want them to know my weaknesses. I always stand that my weaknesses are far bigger than my strengths.

So, I resort to social blogs. It allows me to blurt out what I feel without revealing my real identity. I am not that physically stunning also so I believe that their will be no one to stalk me... (Assuming!) hahaha... Social sites like Friendster, Facebook, and Multiply allows me to continue on with my dream to be "mysterious".

Not only that, I keep a public journal also. *smiles. For those of you who are curious where that is, then here it is >>> CLICK!.

However, there is another problem! I am lazy! Well, you see, I am a writer by profession and I write technical stuffs 8 hours a day. When I write at night, my body is exhausted and my mind is blank. Goodness gracious! I sure am glad that I can write continuously this evening.

Let me start my mysterious socialization. I am Joseph Peter Capaque, 21 years old in 2007. I hate counting the years I have stayed in this earth. It makes me feel old that I begin to count my crow's feet and wrinkles even if I don't have those yet. Aside from being a Junior Technical Writer by day, I am also a blog contributor and a volunteer DJ (that means the fee is pro bono).

You say, this cute lad is talented. I say that my assets are so confined inside the four corners of the wall that I don't have time for physically strenuous activities! I am Jack with all work and no play.

Sad life.

But hey, this sadness will make my journey colorful. *wink *wink

Joseph Peter Capaque
Seph Capaque (C)

The start of a new blog

2007-10-20T04:09:00.000-07:00

I realize that I must keep this blog as lively as possible. In that case, a total reconstruction of the site's concept is now being launched. Along with my philosophies of life, I am going to write about my favorite Television shows here.

I will be making it more extravagant, more exciting, and more provocative. This blog will not be just stating facts about those controversial shows but it will also be a repository of my opinions regarding certain stances.

So, enjoy this ride with me to the universe! I hope you like the reinvention. This is because of you, guys!

Friendship Today

2007-07-16T07:58:00.000-07:00

I would rather have the sunshine
Of your pleasant smile today,
Than to have on some tomorrow
A belated grand, banquet

I would rather have the pleasure
Of your happy presence now,
Than to wait until tomorrow
For some stilted pledge or vow.

I would rather walk with you awhile
Today in some friendly mode,
Than to wait until tomorrow comes
To drive along the road

I'd rather be the present friend
In every gentle way,
So let us make the most of it
While it is called today.

- E.J. Morgan

Death of Confucius

2007-07-15T07:19:00.001-07:00

One day Tszekum, the disciple of Confucius, watched his master pacing feebly in the sunshine, dragging his stick behind him and heard him mutter -

"The great mountain must crumble,
The strong beam must break,
And the wise man wither away like grass."

"Ah!" cried his friend, I fear the mater is going to be ill."

Confucius then tells him that he knows by a dream that he is soon to die. His last words are those of a weary and disappointed old man: "No wise ruler comes; no prince invites me to be his counsellor; it is time to die." So saying, he took his bed, and passed away in a very few days.

- R. H. Hawesis

(C)Joseph Peter Capaque
Seph Capaque

Friendship (Best Definition)

2007-07-13T07:57:00.000-07:00

An English publication offered a prize for the best definition of a friend, and among the thousands of answers received were the following:

"One who multiplies joys, divides grief."

"One who understands our silence."

"A volume of sympathy bound in cloth."

"A watch which beats true for all time and never runs down."

But here is the definition that won the prize: "A friend - the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out."

-Selected

Random Pictures of Me in My First Vlog

2007-06-30T02:02:00.000-07:00

By: Seph Capaque

More in:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Jq84kSBk1-A

(c)Joseph Peter Capaque

Lazy Afternoon

2007-06-30T01:27:00.000-07:00

By: Seph Capaque

Models: Mamang and Moymoy

(c) Joseph Peter Capaque

Walking at Rainbow's End

2007-06-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

By: Seph Capaque

I'm on my way to the rainbow's center. I have to reach it one step at a time. Like a turtle, I have to reach there slowly but surely. I have to lavish the pot of gold that I have found on the rainbow's end first.

Slowly, I climb. Slowly, I rise. There will be no use if I hasten my trip to utopia. I could have reached the top fast but I sure will not enjoy the experience. Reaching my destination does not need to be fast. Like a tree that grows slowly, I shoot my roots to the ground for a time to have a firmer grasp. Like most synthetic food today, instant success means poor foundation. so now, I have to wait to get to my rainbow top.

Asingit: Youngest Male Cat

2007-06-26T03:52:00.000-07:00

By: Seph Capaque

Asingit is the youngest male cat of our house. Unfortunately, he left the house last week for no reason we could think of. Or was he catnapped?

(c) Joseph Peter Capaque

Alone in a Crowd

2007-06-25T05:09:00.000-07:00

By: Seph Capaque

Travor is a man with many cliques. He is a leader of three fraternities. Many admirers shout when he dunks that indigo ball. Girlfriends are changed everyday like soiled clothes. Wherever he goes, people recognize him. The community dubbed him as the campus heartthrob. Engaging with people is a part of his lifestyle. You can conclude that he is surrounded by people.
How fortunate of him, you say.

Frat brothers are forced to respect because he is an org superior. Nobody would dare say if he is wrong or he is right. In the organization, he is the rule and the rule must always be followed.

Cheerleaders and chicks flood him not because they know him as a person bu because they see him as a piece of meat. "Mine are the legs. Mine are the eyes. Mine are the cheeks. Mine is the smile. I'll taste your crotch" but eventually, he will fade and his flesh will rot and he will never be sweet again. so sad, girls see him as a piece of meat but not as a person.
In the court, he is known for is killer moves. He is filled with tactics, with strategies. he knows how to do this and how to do that. He is the most valuable player. There will come a time that the spotlight will turn to another newbie. As soon as the spotlight is gone, he is alone.

He commits suicide the other day. The reason: Loneliness.

One can still be lonely even if he looks like he belongs.

(c) Joseph Peter Capaque

Bad Highlights Good

2007-06-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

By: Seph Capaque

There is something in darkness that creates a dramatic focus on the light. Darkness gave light a deeper meaning.

In life, bad persons make good persons appear like saints.

May we reflect back and say, "Antagonists in our life did not make us worst. They just made our lives brighter and better. They made life more meaningful. They add colors. They brought out the good within us. They made us humans"

Next time, we meet evil, think of it as an opportunity to grow than burden to carry on.

Just like the light, it shows its brightest side in the dark.

(c) Joseph Peter Capaque

I Still Love You

2007-06-21T10:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Pearl,

I saw your profile in friendster today. I thought I have already lost my feelings with you the day we part at our high school graduation. For me, you were the beautiful creature on earth. I loved you but I can never say it to you face to face . Today, when I viewed your newly added photographs, I realize that I am still in love with you.

Remember the day when we became friends? It was the first day of our freshmen intramurals. We were not involved in any sport activities. I guess we are not the sporty type. We spent the whole monday talking to each other - only you and I. We ate lunch together. Naive as we were, we enjoyed sitting under the shade of the mahogany tree, slapping each other using our face towels, and comparing our day's baon.

I laugh remembering the day when ou brought with you handcuffs just for fun. You tied me in the steel pole using those cuffs. You tied me there for 30 minutes. You told me later that you were just thinking of me as Jack of Titanic and you, the Rose. With what you have said, I embark myself into the illusion of love.

But you were too perfect, too smart, too angelic. I was too innocent, too young, too devilish. I even wrote in a withered leaf: "If you are the heaven and I am the hell, I would reach for you. I would rather suffer a thousand lifetime just to be with you. Cheesy - yes cheesy is a man who falls in love.

Your classmates do not see us as the perfect pair. They would always pair you with Eduardo or Gamotin or Cedric. What will I fight for? They are rich, handsome, and charismatic. I can't reach their level because I have no time and money to tidy up myself. I only receive ten pesos a day as allowance. That is just enough for a 5-peso viand and a 2-way fare.

If I would have courted you, I don't have money to spend for dates. Only one peso is left for me everyday. What would you expect me to buy using that? Two chewing gums? One for you? One for me?

You were born with a silver spoon. I was born with no spoon at all. Your classmates find me ugly. you are very pretty. Believe me, I did not love you just because you had a pretty face. I have loved you because you had a very charismatic heart and appearance.

Why Pearl? Why did you leave me alone after the one week intramurals? Why did you have a boyfriend without even waiting for me? Why does my heart beat every time a thought of you will appear in my mind?

For six years, I've kept my love. I told no one. Nobody will understand. That includes you.

And today, after 6 years, I realize that I still love you. When will you ever be mine, Pearl?

Jokes From The Net

2007-06-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

By: Seph Capaque

We will have a rest today from the heavy bombardment of my ideals. I collected a list of jokes from the world wide web. Enjoy!

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The average woman would rather have beauty than brains, because the average man can see better than he can think

No guts, no glory, no brain, same story

Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder

Adults are just kids who owe money

He who laughs last thinks slowest

If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried

Justice: A decision in your favor

When a man talks dirty 2 a women, its sexual harassment when a women talks dirty 2 a man, its £3.95 per minute!

Guilt -- the gift that keeps on giving

Bride's Dad hands a note to the groom: 'GOODS DELIVERED ARE NOT RETURNABLE.' Groom gave another note back to father: 'CONTRACT VOID IF SEAL IS BROKEN.'

There are three rings that a married woman will receive her whole life: First the engagement ring, then the wedding ring, then the suffering.

I'm not into working out. My philosophy: No pain. No pain.

Any woman that thinks the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach is aiming just a little too high.

Question: What is the difference between a wife and a girlfriend?
Answer: About 45 pounds!!

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Tomorrow's post: When Good Needs Bad
(Without a bad, there is no good)

The Fire is Gone

2007-06-18T06:43:00.001-07:00

By: Seph Capaque

I am not happy with my job anymore.

Don't get me wrong. I have loved the job. I prayed for it. I even sacrificed my reputation just to continue my stay with the company. For a single guy like me with no big vices who lives simply, the salary I get is more for myself (even more for my family).

I had the funniest persons as my officemates. Sometimes they go with their jokes extremely that if it were daggers, I'd end up lifeless. I love these people.

My boss is very understanding. He gives extensions for my deadlines. He makes me busy sometimes and lax at an equal time frame.

I find my job simple. I just need to understand the process of the system, then organize ideas, make some bullets, construct instructions, and layout them using Microsoft Word. I don't have any problem with teamwork because I work alone.

I am required to stay in the office only five days in a week with a regular rest day period.

I am a career person that people would find as successful but I tell you, I can't breathe anymore. The job is beginning to be monotonous for me.

A room trapped with a four-cornered wall is never my dream job. I am a hyperactive person. i don't want to confine myself with office paperworks alone! I want to go on an adventure, and at the same time, earn at that adventure.

Overkill jokes that choke my personality and my lifestyle are something I blatantly detest. I also do joking and teasing but not to the stake of making me look like an EFFEMINATE WHORE! I just want those jokes to be in place. Work is work. Teasing is teasing. The problem is, those two happens to intertwine all the time I have to stay in my secluded workstation. I am so sick of this.

I am earning higher than the minimum salary wage. But now I understand the difference between stable and being successful. I can say that I am stable but I am not yet successful.

This workplace is not for me. I need a job that I would find some interest with.

Sad thing is, I can't leave the job now. I can't even leave it 2 years from now. I need the money.

I only have 2 choices: to fulfill my dreams empty-pocketed or to be an unhappy career person.

"POOF"

. . .So much for conflicting priorities. . .

Another Cat: Kuya

2007-06-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

By: Seph Capaque

Kuya is one timid cat. He loves his masters only if they give him food. He has a moody temperament which can be partly explained by his being spayed. Still, I love this temperamental cat. Next to Mamang, he is the oldest male cat.

Knowing When to Shout

2007-06-15T06:38:00.000-07:00

By: Seph Capaque

What if superheroes were true?

What if there was really a Clark Kent on a local newspaper? What if Gotham city really had a dark cape crusader? What if the Fantastic Four really fought against Dr Doom?

One thing I notice about us is that we tend to over imagine and step out of reality. We dream of demi-gods who roam around this world to save us from evil just like what Jesus Christ did. Why? We dream the impossible because we want to create a quick escape from reality. We daydream that we can just shout at the top of our voice and then - poof - out comes our superhero to save the day.

Apparently in life, problems that face quick escape appear to have less impact and weak solutions. Let us stop dreaming and tell ourself once in awhile that we do not need superheroes to save us. We just need ourselves. Look in the mirror. That person you are will be the only superhero that you need. Yes. In times of troubles, nobody but our own self alone can save the day.

Friends and families are not there to save us. They are there to support us. They are not the ones who are making decisions for our lives. We are the protagonists in our own movies and our family is the supporting cast.

When problems come your way, you do not need a superhero. Face your problem and shout "Up, up and away!".

All for love

2007-06-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

By: Seph Capaque

(Disclaimer: This is a repost from my old blog VirginMind last November 2006. The girl is now happy to be single and is pursuing a career. She still has no child. I repeat. She is not a mother. Her consent was taken when this article was made.)

I remember a friend in this next entry.

Funny how women decide to let loose of their cherries wild just for the sake of curiosity and "love."

Cheeky girl is your above-average girl, perfect in any sense: body, health, and brains. She is the silent type. She has good brains, but refuses to showcase it. Poor in math. Good in english. She is a brilliant student. She has nice hypnotizing voice. She is a good dancer. A total guy catcher. Good in brains they say, but bad in heart matters.

Actually, she has problems with her current boyfriend. The guys seems to be very interested in making doggie things in bed… He has the prowess. He’s very fast: in undressing, in foreplay, …and in depositing.

Yes, he spits in only two minutes. Knowing females, they cannot reach full pleasure for a short period only.

Cheeky girl recalls. Sex is not important for majority of girls who want to maintain a steady relationship. The one who actually attacks the fight scene is the guy. Seldom are the times that the girls want to do the deed especially for guys they are less emotionally attached with.

There are four reasons why girls do it: curiosity, money, love and physical urge.

Back to our story… It so happened that cheeky girl’s guy is a womanizer. Seemingly a maniac, he does not care about love but he does care about bedroom happiness. The girl keeps on understanding him because of -uh- love.

On some days, the guy, would speedily unclothe the girl of all her garments. The shocked girl humorously puts back the clothes in her body again (like they are kids playing bahay-bahayan). She evitably surrenders at the end, gving up her cherry.

All for love…

A "Thank You" is enough

2007-06-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

By: Seph Capaque

There are things in life that you would like to do without any exchange. You would like to help and give out your best - tears dropping, sweat dripping, blood oozing - but after the deed, you declare it as pro bono. No more, no less.

I disagree with that. When I give, I expect two things in return: (1) A smile (2) and a "Thank You".

I think everyone agrees with that. Those two things are not hard to do. They are exceedingly simple. But sometimes I wonder why in the world do people always neglect to do those two simple requirements.

Like for example, when our parents cook a meal for us. We often frown at our parents when we see that the food on the table is not a delicious one. We fail to recognize their efforts and skip to the part wherein we see our self's dissatisfaction too much that we disregard their efforts.

I also observe in almost all situations that humans, when they want something from that person, persists in reminding that person on a day-to-day basis the need to fulfill the favor. Ironically, when the deed is done, the day-to-day memo note alarm ceases and fails to convert into a daily appreciation.

A friend who is in need of money for his "ministry" sends an SMS to my cellphone almost everyday soliciting for a little donation for a trip back to his school. He was back in town for a while to visit his kin and hints that he needs money very badly. After muchdeliberation, I decided to give him a small amount from my savings. I am a very busy person and so, I left the money at home and texted him that he just drop by our house to get the amount. He got it from my mom and left. He left no word whatsoever. My mom even told me that he was smiling from ear to ear when he received the money. Heck! know it was a small amount but I deserve a little appreciation here. I am not even counting for a payment or even an interest but what matters most to me is the appreciation.

I also wonder. We are very apt in calling the mighty name of our creator in times of trouble but are very forgetful to thank him in times of happiness. It can be unfair to him sometimes when we blame him for all the troubles we went through our lives yet not in a million times do we stop and reflect, "Wait, I have more blessings than I do have trials".

Hahaha!!! Celebrity Look-Alikes?

2007-06-12T06:19:00.000-07:00

by: Seph Capaque

I am laughing at the results of my MyHeritage celebrity look-alike. All American hunks? Well, in fact, I am not even an inch similar to these guys. I have my own aesthetics, you know... :)

Everybody is a Potential

2007-06-12T04:47:00.000-07:00

by: Seph Capaque

There is one great reason why we need to befriend as many persons as possible. It is because – simply put – everybody is a potential.

All humans we mingle with, evolve. They might morph to sparkling butterflies, beautiful swans, or handsome princes.

As time goes by, we might need the benefits that they got from their evolution. We might need to ask a ride in the butterflies’ wings, or to hear an ego boost from the once ugly duckling, or even request wealth from the princes’ bounty. Those persons we snub and look down before can have skills and blessings that we need in the future.

When we think come and rethink about it. We have lots of persons around us. A few of them we love. Some we have to live with. A handful we hate. A majority we ignore and care less.

There is a need to love and be loved. When we give love more, we will be loved more. Befriending a potential today might save us from a problem tomorrow. Saving more potentials today increases the chances of multiple helps from warm hands.

We know that it is impossible to befriend all persons in the planet. What this piece shouts out is that is important to show acts of kindness to persons that need it at the moment. What we have planted is what we will sow. A seed of love in a person’s heart will not remain a seed. It will grow and become a tree of life that will bear seeds to disperse again and multiply.

Every person is a potential. When we give light to the soul of those who need it, not only will our future be warmer and gay. We can also expect a love that will bounce back at us from the investments we have planted.

*(Models: Mamang and Dringit)

Photoblogging First: My cats

2007-06-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

by: Seph Capaque

I am standing by my belief that great entertainment need not use expensive gadgets. For now, I am using my Nokia N70 in showing you all my pictures. It may not be the perfect pixels that you want but all are ambitious and promising posts. Don't you worry! I will buy a new camera in the future (If the money will come).

And to start my photo blogging journey, I will introduce you to my cats. Cats reflect my inner personality. They remind me always that the world is a journey of the self - no other no matters. enjoy!:

She is Mamang, the oldest among our litters. She is like ten years old already. But we love her. All the rest of the gang are descendants of this grandma cat. I guess this cat is one fine example that age is just numbers. She does not look like a ten-year old garfield!...

I would like to commend my cat. She looks professional in the modeling industry. I think she had read my mind about me taking good pictures. She can't help but show me the cutest face.

Mamang likes to eat fish with cooked rice. She will always crave for rice when we give her meat.

Mamang's favorite past time is to sleep during lazy afternoons beside the old well under the shade of the Santol tree.

My Workplace

2007-06-08T08:30:00.001-07:00

by: Seph Capaque

These photographs are results of my attempt to get a professional picture out of a low-profile cellphone camera. I hope I did fine though.

I am still learning how to do the flickr!!! :)

My First entry

2007-06-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

by: Seph Capaque