Carlo's plane just landed 9pm at the NAIA terminal 3 He was happy and trying also to forget what happened to him. Just as the plane stop a lot of OFW's like him hurriedly got up and grab their bags from the overhead compartments. There was a loud noise of people still talking. There are also a few who was just quiet along the flight. Carlo was one of them who just listened to stories of fellow immigrants who lost their jobs. Some talked about problems with employers, others told funny stories and gossips.
At the baggage area, people as usual complaining of the long wait before they see their bag. Most were happy and answering phone calls from relatives who are waiting outside at the arrival area. There was silence in his heart now because he did not mention to his wife that he will be home. His family knows only that he is extending his stay in HK.
It was easy now because of the coordinated taxi filing up at the arrival area. The taxi drivers have I.D.'s and taxi cars are better. Carlo went in the taxi and his bag beside him since its not that big at all. Just after 30 minutes the driver began conversations with him. Carlo told the truth that he lost his job and had to go home. He did not tell the experience in HK. The driver well relates to the story since he was a former OFW too.
After 1-1/2 hours, Carlo finally saw the gate of his home. It's now nearly 12 midnight and he could see someone is still awake. Probably his wife is still watching TV or chatting with friends in the internet. He went out the car after paying the cabbie driver and said that the change is a tip. He holds the bag in his right side shoulder so he could open the steel gate. It is a two-storey row housing he manage to finish the mortgage 5 years ago. He could still see the paving materials he personally worked on at the entry gate. "huhmmmmm....home at last" he said in low voice. He pressed the doorbell and after 3 seconds his wife looked at the side window and shouted "Daddy". His wife opened the door and they kissed. She then called their children so they could greet their Daddy Carlo.
Showing posts with label story. Show all posts
Showing posts with label story. Show all posts
Monday, December 15, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Walks of Life - Sandy's New Year! (Last Part)
Sandy was thinking to run through the left side and into the building ruins. Suddenly the ground starts trembling and the emergency alarm went on. The exit lights went in operation in the UC while a controller voice starts evacuation procedure. Every body got up and starts walking fast through the exit doors. No doubt it was a real earthquake.
At the ground level, a lot of people are hurrying up to exit the entire building. There where many people in the road. Sandy at the same time was trying to call Alex when his phone rung up and saw it was her. "Where are you now Sandy? I am already outside of the building just by the road near the 'Aleza Cafe'. Sandy said that he is going to the cafe so they could meet each other. Sandy has to press his way into the crowd, it took him at least 20 minutes before he finally saw Alex.
Upon arriving at the cafe, Alex and Sandy never had a feeling like that of needing to see each other at once. Though for sometime they where close and become long time friends, still it's different tonight. Sandy felt ultimately scared for Alex this time; he never thought that friendship was a mistake he always accepted. Now he is sure it is Alex all along. How could he have missed her all those years. Couldn't stop himself, he happily hug Alex. "How are you?" where you hurt during the evacuation? Alex on the other hand was actually nervous and crying, trying to contact Sandy by the time the earth quake struck. She was totally in-love with Sandy a long time ago. For her it was trying to accept also that they were friends and that Sandy would never try to express his interest in her. They know each other too well. They know that they have special feelings though they do not attempt to talk about it. Many times, both wanted to try and express themselves but new people will come into their lives. These events somehow delayed any chance for them to be seen as the best couple someday. Today is different; they keep still and hugging each other. Sandy could feel Alex was in tears. Sandy said to Alex that "today, this moment, you are the one I missed all along, you're the one I would not change for any one, you're the one who carried me through the years, you're the person who loved me and that I have loved even before our friends. Alex, the only reason I stayed in the city is because you're still here." Alex moved and looked at Sandy's face and said "I know Sandy, I know. It does not matter now, I am glad you still feel the same way." "So what's the plan now Sandy? You said that I am the only reason why you've stayed in the city, so where are you planning to go? Sandy lightens up and said; let’s go to San Ildefonso, I have finished the house up there. I want to work and live there. Remember the house we used to talk about? It just needs some furniture and a satellite connection and everything are set to go." Hearing about the house, Alex embraced him again and said; "Anywhere you want Sandy! Anywhere you want! Finally this coming Christmas I can celebrate it with you!" Still standing and hugging just outside the Aleza cafe, people are now walking from every direction. Some were crying looking for someone and some trying to go home. Ambulances and fire trucks also add madness in the streets. Sounds of sirens dominate the air. Lights from police cars flashes into people’s faces and showing up a city suddenly change in just one night.
At the ground level, a lot of people are hurrying up to exit the entire building. There where many people in the road. Sandy at the same time was trying to call Alex when his phone rung up and saw it was her. "Where are you now Sandy? I am already outside of the building just by the road near the 'Aleza Cafe'. Sandy said that he is going to the cafe so they could meet each other. Sandy has to press his way into the crowd, it took him at least 20 minutes before he finally saw Alex.
Upon arriving at the cafe, Alex and Sandy never had a feeling like that of needing to see each other at once. Though for sometime they where close and become long time friends, still it's different tonight. Sandy felt ultimately scared for Alex this time; he never thought that friendship was a mistake he always accepted. Now he is sure it is Alex all along. How could he have missed her all those years. Couldn't stop himself, he happily hug Alex. "How are you?" where you hurt during the evacuation? Alex on the other hand was actually nervous and crying, trying to contact Sandy by the time the earth quake struck. She was totally in-love with Sandy a long time ago. For her it was trying to accept also that they were friends and that Sandy would never try to express his interest in her. They know each other too well. They know that they have special feelings though they do not attempt to talk about it. Many times, both wanted to try and express themselves but new people will come into their lives. These events somehow delayed any chance for them to be seen as the best couple someday. Today is different; they keep still and hugging each other. Sandy could feel Alex was in tears. Sandy said to Alex that "today, this moment, you are the one I missed all along, you're the one I would not change for any one, you're the one who carried me through the years, you're the person who loved me and that I have loved even before our friends. Alex, the only reason I stayed in the city is because you're still here." Alex moved and looked at Sandy's face and said "I know Sandy, I know. It does not matter now, I am glad you still feel the same way." "So what's the plan now Sandy? You said that I am the only reason why you've stayed in the city, so where are you planning to go? Sandy lightens up and said; let’s go to San Ildefonso, I have finished the house up there. I want to work and live there. Remember the house we used to talk about? It just needs some furniture and a satellite connection and everything are set to go." Hearing about the house, Alex embraced him again and said; "Anywhere you want Sandy! Anywhere you want! Finally this coming Christmas I can celebrate it with you!" Still standing and hugging just outside the Aleza cafe, people are now walking from every direction. Some were crying looking for someone and some trying to go home. Ambulances and fire trucks also add madness in the streets. Sounds of sirens dominate the air. Lights from police cars flashes into people’s faces and showing up a city suddenly change in just one night.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Walks of Life - Sandy's New Year! (Part 2)
Sandy was earlier as expected of him. Fully geared up for the activity as people around are looking at him. People pass by giving that intimidating look as if you dress like a SWAT member. He currently holds the highest score in the city's most exciting 3D Shooting Game. It is a hero’s game where beautiful ladies have gained interest in joining. No wonder why a lot of guys also registered. Imagine young ladies captured in a battle field. The guys will have the option to save two girls in stage 1 and in stage 2 you can only choose 1 girl. The guys are divided into two groups; kidnappers versus rescuers. It is perhaps the reason they called the game "The Heroes Game."
The game was created in 2011 by a young group of college friends from the University of Mindanao. The long conflict of the southern regions ended peacefully and the whole federal states of “Maharlikans” rise above in south-east Asia (Formerly the Philippines). Inspired by the dramatic change in the life of the "Maharlikans", the group decided to create a 3D vision and physical games that could promote values and keep the young alike happy in the city.
"Sandy!" A voice he heard as the door of the train start to open. Sandy did not notice the arriving train because of the crowd. Alex is like a modern Aphrodite. She was wearing a black pants and shirt. Sandy couldn't ignore the figure Alex posses and said "I should save you right now from this wasted crowd and bring you to my fortress. I should show you my King size bed and we shall....."Oh stop it let's go! Alex grab Sandy's hands and they walk to the changing lane tunnel. She was wearing a necklace that probably Alex wear for the first time. It was a silver chain and a golden sun pendant. He could not stop noticing also the size C curves of her chest where the pendant is comfortably resting to. They run hearing the announcement that the train X06 is closing in five minutes. Boarding the train, they saw a lot of young participants for the game. Sandy and Alex look at each other smiling and excited. Sandy showed Alex his new black leather gloves and the train’s door begun to close.
The train starts to descend. The UC is at least 24 meters deep. Some said that UC is a 6 storey basement but others think there is another floor lower. The UC has been very controversial because of its former use and the issue of a 7th basement floor. The Underground City was used as a secret military underground base. They said that the 7th level connects outside of Makati and connects to a tunnel which exits both the Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay. The management of UC denied these controversies and even showed a film showing the far ends of UC.
At the stop, Sandy quickly walks and looks for the entrance gate. They passed the crowd of people filing up to register. Sandy holds a VIP treatment for holding a 5 times straight hero of the game. Sitting at the registration section was Nathan. "How are you man? It’s been a while Sandy! Your gun must be rusted now. Ha Ha!" Nathan accessed the VIP file system trying to locate Sandy's box number. "How about you miss?”Alex! My registration number is 2976." Nathan entered their registration numbers and the back wall suddenly opens and loading down the guns issued to Sandy and Alex. "What level are they now Nathan? Oh, they are at.....checking the monitors. at level 6 & 5." Sandy grabs the guns and gave Alex her gun. Looking at the issue number it was 1007. He couldn't remember how many awards he won in that game. It was great those days! Today is more like passing the day.
The doors opened for the next batch of rescuers. Alex tapped him by the shoulder and said "see you by the river!" Sandy smiled at her also trying to remember where the river would be. He had a strange feeling about this game. His heart was beating up fast. Two Cyborge came out and led the next troops inside the war zone. It was quiet for the moment. It was an evening with a lot of stars. There are 3 big moons in the sky. There are 2 at the east and 1 at the west. Lightning and thunderstorms change the atmosphere as rain also starts to drop down faster. Sandy could see fires at about 700 meters. Most of the troops stays together just in case there is an ambush, most of them will use each others to cover for the shots. The worst part is if a surveillance drone plane pass by and release sleeping gas.
A light spark 15 degrees north-west and most of them start running. It was a missile launch by a Cyborge guardian of the forest. It hits the group back area and exploded killing 7o people at once. Once you are registered dead, the gun issued will not function and your shoes will be magnetized so you won’t be able to run. A giant spaceship will magnetized the boots and lift the casualties in the air head down. The casualties will be brought to a chamber where they re-process for life extension. There are 130 people left in Sandy's group. He knows where the missile will fall and that's why he did not move. Alex on the other hand was captured before she even get to the river. Most of the ladies like Alex is captured for one reason and that is to become a prisoner. The truth also about the game is gambling. People outside watching the game can also choose to bet on who shall be more likely to be rescued. Alex was now one of the 4 pretty ladies being captured by the machines. The game is also watched through the internet and Cable TV. This is the reason why there are not much people in the streets from 8pm to 11pm.
To Be Continued....
The game was created in 2011 by a young group of college friends from the University of Mindanao. The long conflict of the southern regions ended peacefully and the whole federal states of “Maharlikans” rise above in south-east Asia (Formerly the Philippines). Inspired by the dramatic change in the life of the "Maharlikans", the group decided to create a 3D vision and physical games that could promote values and keep the young alike happy in the city.
"Sandy!" A voice he heard as the door of the train start to open. Sandy did not notice the arriving train because of the crowd. Alex is like a modern Aphrodite. She was wearing a black pants and shirt. Sandy couldn't ignore the figure Alex posses and said "I should save you right now from this wasted crowd and bring you to my fortress. I should show you my King size bed and we shall....."Oh stop it let's go! Alex grab Sandy's hands and they walk to the changing lane tunnel. She was wearing a necklace that probably Alex wear for the first time. It was a silver chain and a golden sun pendant. He could not stop noticing also the size C curves of her chest where the pendant is comfortably resting to. They run hearing the announcement that the train X06 is closing in five minutes. Boarding the train, they saw a lot of young participants for the game. Sandy and Alex look at each other smiling and excited. Sandy showed Alex his new black leather gloves and the train’s door begun to close.
The train starts to descend. The UC is at least 24 meters deep. Some said that UC is a 6 storey basement but others think there is another floor lower. The UC has been very controversial because of its former use and the issue of a 7th basement floor. The Underground City was used as a secret military underground base. They said that the 7th level connects outside of Makati and connects to a tunnel which exits both the Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay. The management of UC denied these controversies and even showed a film showing the far ends of UC.
At the stop, Sandy quickly walks and looks for the entrance gate. They passed the crowd of people filing up to register. Sandy holds a VIP treatment for holding a 5 times straight hero of the game. Sitting at the registration section was Nathan. "How are you man? It’s been a while Sandy! Your gun must be rusted now. Ha Ha!" Nathan accessed the VIP file system trying to locate Sandy's box number. "How about you miss?”Alex! My registration number is 2976." Nathan entered their registration numbers and the back wall suddenly opens and loading down the guns issued to Sandy and Alex. "What level are they now Nathan? Oh, they are at.....checking the monitors. at level 6 & 5." Sandy grabs the guns and gave Alex her gun. Looking at the issue number it was 1007. He couldn't remember how many awards he won in that game. It was great those days! Today is more like passing the day.
The doors opened for the next batch of rescuers. Alex tapped him by the shoulder and said "see you by the river!" Sandy smiled at her also trying to remember where the river would be. He had a strange feeling about this game. His heart was beating up fast. Two Cyborge came out and led the next troops inside the war zone. It was quiet for the moment. It was an evening with a lot of stars. There are 3 big moons in the sky. There are 2 at the east and 1 at the west. Lightning and thunderstorms change the atmosphere as rain also starts to drop down faster. Sandy could see fires at about 700 meters. Most of the troops stays together just in case there is an ambush, most of them will use each others to cover for the shots. The worst part is if a surveillance drone plane pass by and release sleeping gas.
A light spark 15 degrees north-west and most of them start running. It was a missile launch by a Cyborge guardian of the forest. It hits the group back area and exploded killing 7o people at once. Once you are registered dead, the gun issued will not function and your shoes will be magnetized so you won’t be able to run. A giant spaceship will magnetized the boots and lift the casualties in the air head down. The casualties will be brought to a chamber where they re-process for life extension. There are 130 people left in Sandy's group. He knows where the missile will fall and that's why he did not move. Alex on the other hand was captured before she even get to the river. Most of the ladies like Alex is captured for one reason and that is to become a prisoner. The truth also about the game is gambling. People outside watching the game can also choose to bet on who shall be more likely to be rescued. Alex was now one of the 4 pretty ladies being captured by the machines. The game is also watched through the internet and Cable TV. This is the reason why there are not much people in the streets from 8pm to 11pm.
To Be Continued....
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Walks of Life – Sandy’s New Year! (Part1)
I always wanted to write stories. I would like to start with Sandy’s walks of life…..
Walks of Life – Sandy’s New Year! (Part1)
There were those times when Sandy wake up everyday feeling numb and couldn’t hear a thing about what’s happening around. Light from the window partially entering the bedroom, shadows moving in his face as the wind from the air-conditioner move the curtains. He thought to himself “I have to stand up and have breakfast.” Actually it’s already in the afternoon; so much time was wasted in the morning.
In the kitchen, coffee is the king of all smells. The unmistakable aroma of coffee brings life back into the world. Mesmerizing that today is a living day for humans alike. Couldn’t grab a bite of 2-day old bread, Sandy sat down and turned on his laptop. As he switches on the DSL, he thought that a wild current suddenly connects into the world’s information. Browsing through the news and favorite sites, Sandy couldn’t stop but trying to avoid thinking about next week’s work. Today is Saturday and he needs to enjoy that. Some clothes are still hanging in the kitchen chairs. The bathroom door is partially open; he also forgot to turn off the light in the shower last night. What a waste! He thought as he wonders where the utility bills are for this month. “Buzz” a common sound that chat rooms use to say hello. Here they are checking in, family and friends of the internet age. What small world it has become, internet connecting far away friends and love ones. Small as he compares to his studio type condo.
It lasted for several hours…..well it ended after 5pm and Sandy needed to go shopping for a week’s consumption. In the City-shop, a dozen friends also showed up. Amazing he thought, why would they be around that time also? Dinner would take place after buying the goods. The fast food areas would be a fun place to chat with friends. It’s another 2-3 hours before everyone will split. It’s not yet goodbye since they would probably bump into each others in the bars tonight.
“Hey Sandy!” a voice seems familiar yet couldn’t remember a name for her. As he glances to his left, it was Alex. “Hi Alex, how’s last night at the bar? Sorry I have to slip out early, I need to be at another place.” Remembering, he wonders what happened to the wasted young people he left at a friends’ house.
“It was boring, couldn’t get out, some friends set me up on a blind date wit a city engineer. You should have waited a little bit, guess who showed up when you vanished? It’s Lucy!” Sandy felt his heart running into his old feelings, grasping back he said “how is she?” Alex smiles back and said that she looks fine.
It’s been two years now since Sandy and Lucy broke up and eventually did not get married. Alex sat down beside him and asked “what is that you’re eating?” “Pork with some orange extract and honey I think.”
“I sent you an email last night did you see it today? If you’re interested I will arrange a meeting in their office. They are a big advertising company here in Makati and the southern federal states. Loisa is our contact person and she will introduce you to their marketing director Miss Ivy. What do you think?” Drinking up his milk-tea he said thanks and hoping to arrange a presentation of his services. “Do you think I should try this out? “Well of course Sandy, you’re very strong in design and you should not stick only in sub-contracting Cad-Drawings and programming. You’re a great designer and I know your graphic skills, it’s too far better than what their company is producing right now. I am sure you’ll end up well with them!”
“I am really thankful Alex for your support!” Sandy is once the most talkative and energetic guy in the city. Almost anywhere he would surely know someone especially at the bars. Alex stayed as a close friend of him; they were old colleagues in a big planning and architectural firm. Just after the 2014 Government Federalization, Alex moved to the government service while Sandy does home based work. It’s actually an Ideal job, using a laptop at home with a good sat-link, that’s how Sandy earns a lot of money for just 4 hours a day.
Sandy met Lucy in one of his architectural clients. Just after two years they were engaged. Lucy was a project coordinator during that time. When she got promoted as a project architect, life became tough for both of them. After 3 years more, Sandy tried to convince Lucy to quit her work and be a consultant like him. But it was not that easy for Lucy, she was up for promotion and besides she really liked her job. Lucy also became a project architect for international projects which made life harder for both of them. Lucy opened up to Sandy and told him that they may be going nowhere because of the situation. Sandy understood Lucy’s dream and sadly-Sandy said goodbye to each other. Next month is New Year’s Day and it feels like a mystical year to be in 2020.
“What are you having Alex? Just drinks?” Surely, in the back of Sandy’s mind is Alex aura, she was a hot-talented-intelligent-funny girl also, a hot headed one. Well she looks more amazing when she’s mad. “Oh its milk gulaman it’s pretty sweet, you should try it", Alex said. "Thanks, I already ate, I just saw you when I passed by.”
“Where are you going after this Alex? Would you like to go to the underground city tonight? Smiling back at him she said that she’ll be free around 8pm and would love to go with him half pass 8pm. “Ok then, let’s meet in subway #8 at 8:30pm and we’ll go together in UC.” Alex stood up and waived goodbye for now. “See yah there and don’t be late for 1 minute or I will go my self.” Sandy pointed at her liked shooting with a pistol. “See yah there tonight!”
To be continued……
Walks of Life – Sandy’s New Year! (Part1)
There were those times when Sandy wake up everyday feeling numb and couldn’t hear a thing about what’s happening around. Light from the window partially entering the bedroom, shadows moving in his face as the wind from the air-conditioner move the curtains. He thought to himself “I have to stand up and have breakfast.” Actually it’s already in the afternoon; so much time was wasted in the morning.
In the kitchen, coffee is the king of all smells. The unmistakable aroma of coffee brings life back into the world. Mesmerizing that today is a living day for humans alike. Couldn’t grab a bite of 2-day old bread, Sandy sat down and turned on his laptop. As he switches on the DSL, he thought that a wild current suddenly connects into the world’s information. Browsing through the news and favorite sites, Sandy couldn’t stop but trying to avoid thinking about next week’s work. Today is Saturday and he needs to enjoy that. Some clothes are still hanging in the kitchen chairs. The bathroom door is partially open; he also forgot to turn off the light in the shower last night. What a waste! He thought as he wonders where the utility bills are for this month. “Buzz” a common sound that chat rooms use to say hello. Here they are checking in, family and friends of the internet age. What small world it has become, internet connecting far away friends and love ones. Small as he compares to his studio type condo.
It lasted for several hours…..well it ended after 5pm and Sandy needed to go shopping for a week’s consumption. In the City-shop, a dozen friends also showed up. Amazing he thought, why would they be around that time also? Dinner would take place after buying the goods. The fast food areas would be a fun place to chat with friends. It’s another 2-3 hours before everyone will split. It’s not yet goodbye since they would probably bump into each others in the bars tonight.
“Hey Sandy!” a voice seems familiar yet couldn’t remember a name for her. As he glances to his left, it was Alex. “Hi Alex, how’s last night at the bar? Sorry I have to slip out early, I need to be at another place.” Remembering, he wonders what happened to the wasted young people he left at a friends’ house.
“It was boring, couldn’t get out, some friends set me up on a blind date wit a city engineer. You should have waited a little bit, guess who showed up when you vanished? It’s Lucy!” Sandy felt his heart running into his old feelings, grasping back he said “how is she?” Alex smiles back and said that she looks fine.
It’s been two years now since Sandy and Lucy broke up and eventually did not get married. Alex sat down beside him and asked “what is that you’re eating?” “Pork with some orange extract and honey I think.”
“I sent you an email last night did you see it today? If you’re interested I will arrange a meeting in their office. They are a big advertising company here in Makati and the southern federal states. Loisa is our contact person and she will introduce you to their marketing director Miss Ivy. What do you think?” Drinking up his milk-tea he said thanks and hoping to arrange a presentation of his services. “Do you think I should try this out? “Well of course Sandy, you’re very strong in design and you should not stick only in sub-contracting Cad-Drawings and programming. You’re a great designer and I know your graphic skills, it’s too far better than what their company is producing right now. I am sure you’ll end up well with them!”
“I am really thankful Alex for your support!” Sandy is once the most talkative and energetic guy in the city. Almost anywhere he would surely know someone especially at the bars. Alex stayed as a close friend of him; they were old colleagues in a big planning and architectural firm. Just after the 2014 Government Federalization, Alex moved to the government service while Sandy does home based work. It’s actually an Ideal job, using a laptop at home with a good sat-link, that’s how Sandy earns a lot of money for just 4 hours a day.
Sandy met Lucy in one of his architectural clients. Just after two years they were engaged. Lucy was a project coordinator during that time. When she got promoted as a project architect, life became tough for both of them. After 3 years more, Sandy tried to convince Lucy to quit her work and be a consultant like him. But it was not that easy for Lucy, she was up for promotion and besides she really liked her job. Lucy also became a project architect for international projects which made life harder for both of them. Lucy opened up to Sandy and told him that they may be going nowhere because of the situation. Sandy understood Lucy’s dream and sadly-Sandy said goodbye to each other. Next month is New Year’s Day and it feels like a mystical year to be in 2020.
“What are you having Alex? Just drinks?” Surely, in the back of Sandy’s mind is Alex aura, she was a hot-talented-intelligent-funny girl also, a hot headed one. Well she looks more amazing when she’s mad. “Oh its milk gulaman it’s pretty sweet, you should try it", Alex said. "Thanks, I already ate, I just saw you when I passed by.”
“Where are you going after this Alex? Would you like to go to the underground city tonight? Smiling back at him she said that she’ll be free around 8pm and would love to go with him half pass 8pm. “Ok then, let’s meet in subway #8 at 8:30pm and we’ll go together in UC.” Alex stood up and waived goodbye for now. “See yah there and don’t be late for 1 minute or I will go my self.” Sandy pointed at her liked shooting with a pistol. “See yah there tonight!”
To be continued……
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