The Roving, Ronin Hare

This view beacons you to a heap of glimmering islands waiting to be discovered... Located on the northernmost tip of Palawan, El Nido is distant from all other places in the world. Because of its location, nobody knew its stupendous tourism value. As late as 1979, El Nido was unknown to beach-goers and wanderlusts, when a group of divers met a sea accident at night forcing them to drop anchor in an inlet. The following morning, the divers woke up to an amazing scenery of skyscraping dark cliffs, thick green forest, white-sand beach, sparkling waters and, rising above it, a series of magnificently-sculpted jade islands. [Wikipedia] I was fortunately born late enough to have read the “wows” of tourists who have been there and to have seen the spectacular pictures of El Nido… but it was not until my sister’s insistence three weeks ago that persuaded me to go on a last-minute decision to head on to this remote place. Two flights from Legazpi and a 6-hour ...

Who would want to ignore A city beaming with beauty? Who would never recall The locals that are friendly? Who would never want to see The dainty city near the sea? Who would never want to feel The calming wind’s serenity? Photo by Dexter Baldon Legazpi, a city by the Pacific Landscapes are panoramic Seascapes are idyllic And delicacies fantastic… It is a fine idea to tour The City of Fun and Adventure And if you’re a foodie, savour Its spicy culinary culture For there, you will discover The dishes that sting The volcano that’s stunning The rides so exciting Found on the extreme east of the world Across the wide expanse of an ocean Very far from other places But home to many good surprises Legazpi, a city by the Pacific A place comely in many ways Legazpi, the city which beams with beauty A place of elegance and grace... Thank you Mommy Gina Alfane for helping me with this poem...

I’ve encountered many beautiful and intelligent women in my life but I didn’t feel any love for them. There was always something lacking.  The joys of conversing with a smart lady often brightens my day but the connection ends as is, and no more. A beautiful lady I could always gaze on like the stars in a moonless night; yet, I couldn’t even begin to talk to her. You are different. There is this something between us that continuously binds us despite us being opposite in so many ways. I can feel in you something I do not feel with others. We always have conversations that lead us to some sensual act, and your beauty is not only for my eyes to see but to touch and feel. I’ve never met anyone like you before. With you I can feel a love that’s not a stagnating constant, but one that moves, that grows branches and twigs, that takes deeper roots, and blooms. But despite this, my feelings for you do not overwhelm me like an intimidating tide that washes me into the tempests of confusion...

          The 2018-19 Holiday Season was particularly amusing for our family.  On Christmas Eve, my sister prepared a cheesecake with fruit medley overlay.  I should mention that she has this special ability in preparing foods.  Christmas 2018. Our family unwrapping the gifts. My sister was holding our pet cat Chloe Ands.           Since childhood, she always had this distinct talent in concocting delicious meals for the family; every dish she completes seems to have an artist’s touch. I still remember the taste of the dishes and foods she prepared as a child – from those simple hotdog-cheese-catsup toasts to angel-hair spaghetti.            She doesn’t disappoint so I was certain that this cheesecake with fruit medley overlay was going to be splendid.  On the midnight of Christmas, the cheesecake was still too soft for consumption so my sister placed it back insi...

Photo Credit: Jeejaz Levina Lady Mountain full of splendor Your lasting beauty we adore But why often so shy --- Hiding behind clouds in the sky? We natives are charmed For we know you’re magical But tourists from afar Think you’re mythical Do not hide in shame You may have imperfect crevices But please, Lady Mountain You’re beautiful just the same! Your greens and blues Are contrasting elegance of hues The clouds of white and gray Lets you dance in gay As day turns sunset We see you clad in violet Or, at other times, gold And to some, red velvet When evening comes and sets We still see you Adorning our landscape With your fine silhouette Sometimes around you Are stars that glimmer Together with bright city lights, They shine as dainty glitters And when they’re not around Full moon fills the void As lamp that lights the sky Uncovering you at midnight As an i...

Near the easternmost coast of the province of Albay , facing the wide expanse of Pacific Ocean, is Bacacay ,  a resort town known for its volcanic black sand beaches . Standing in its very center is Casa Simeon , a mansion said to be constructed in 1920 . I was prompted to visit this old house by the closing of its art exhibit the next day as it turns out that my friend, an astral twin, Regine Eina Esternon , has one of her beautiful paintings displayed inside. It was late in the afternoon when I finally mustered enough willpower to do what I had wanted to do since several weeks ago. My brother came along with me and his waze app proved to be very helpful as we found the old house in an unfamiliar area. We used to visit Bacacay for its beaches but not for something found inside its poblacion. At first glance, the mansion looks very dainty and, because we were too curious, we immediately went inside to see its grandeur and all the details. We didn't hav...