#All for Mabini

[brother-emperors]

 Then, on his arrival in Constantinople, after much counsel with himself, considering that he was already unequal to the amount of pressing business and believing that there was no room for delay, on the twenty-eighth of March he brought the aforesaid Valens into one of the suburbs​ and with the consent of all (for no one ventured to oppose) proclaimed him Augustus. Then he adorned him with the imperial insignia and put a diadem on his head, and brought him back in his own carriage, thus having indeed a lawful partner in his power, but, as the further course of our narrative will show, one who was as compliant as a subordinate. No sooner were these arrangements perfected without disturbance than both emperors were seized with violent and lingering fevers--

AM 26.4.3-4

this was one of those illustrations that was originally supposed to be a 5 page comic until I realized I don't know anything about later roman empire architecture or visuals or art or anything, so we'll revisit that later. maybe

for right now though, these two are fascinating. we have two brothers acting as one body, even becoming ill in tandem with each other, it's giving This Throne Is Cursed. like, the last time I read about emperors coming down with life threatening illnesses, it was Caligula, and that moment in his biography marked a very specific tone shift. I spent the rest of the (first) time reading about Valens and Valentinian waiting for something comparable to Caligula's reign to happen lmao (Dio 59. 8. 1-2)

and since Caligula was already on the mind, I started thinking about Tiberius: I think he would've loved these two since he had a whole thing about twin-ification and brothers and etc etc etc. ofc, Rome is both a Mouth and a Tomb, so it's going to go badly for someone/everyone eventually, but honestly I think that Valentinian and Valens were the best we could've hoped for. like it could've been so much worse

Tiberius and the Heavenly Twins, Edward Champlin

Failure of Empire: Valens and the Roman State in the Fourth Century A.D, Noel Lenski

⭐ I have a tip jar (ko-fi)!

⭐ and other places I’m at! bsky / pixiv / pillowfort /cohost / cara.app

[dalandan-oranges]

Apolinario Mabini, Revolutionary, Cesar Adib Majul

he was so fucking funny for this

I had actually spent a long time recreating the interior of his house for that first panel before I remembered he was exiled in guam when this happened lmao. the other guy in this comic is his brother, prudencio, who accompanied him into exile!

speaking of houses, let's talk about his glasses. he had them, and I get emotional whenever I see photos of his personal belongings.....

photo taken from the NHCP Museo ni Apolinario Mabini

also the citation given in the screen cap!! I don't have access to Mabini's La Revolucion Filipina, but if you do and you want to read further: [8] 'Las memorias de Guam' La Revolucion Filipina, Volume II, p233

🍊 twitter 🍊 bsky 🍊 pixiv

[ghoul-haunted]

every time the mabini biography brings up mabini's mood being unhappy or sad or etc, I have to close the book and lean back in my chair for a minute, like,

[ano-po]

Im just asking even its the year 2023 but

Why did you guys ship mabini and aguinaldo?

Here are literary evidences...

(1) Heneral Luna movies

(2) Ambeth Ocampo (yes, the national historian)

(3) The private telephone line

(4) They fit all my favorite ship dynamics

(a) soulmates

(b) prep vs nerd

(c) star-crossed lovers

[peanut0w0]

A List of "Secret Painter AU" Aguinaldo Headcanons.

One of my biggest Headcanons for Aguinaldo is him secretly knowing how to draw and paint. Just imagined him sketching Mabini while on their late night works. Doing their papers, manuscripts and etc. than him actually doing the work.

Aguinaldo technically slacking off during office hours with Mabini or even with their late night talks considering he can't stop thinking about him. Aguinaldo having internal dilemma about his feelings despite the political dispute and his admiration turning into a full blown affection. It was also a bit taboo since he was married too.

And this leads to him sketching Mabini from one the papers prepared for Presidential Announcement and Telegrams. Basically wasting it or perhaps using it as a canvas to draw Mabini secretly while they were working. Couple sketches been made from the papers and even it has the mark of the Republic's Insignia.

Mabini doesn't know about his natural talents about being a painter, and Aguinaldo does not show it. He did grow fond of it knowing painting brought him peace of mind but he did not boast it or show it. It was his personal output from stress during the political dispute and his sister Felicidad is the only one who knew his secrets. His talents and his little admirations to Mabini.

Additionally, upon watching some Documentaries, I found out that Aguinaldo's codename back when he was still with Katipunan. His name is Magdalo. I also imagined him using that codename again as he painted Mabini so secretly he had to used that signature again as someone who painted the Masterpiece.

No one else knows who is this Magdalo guy who had been painting the Prime Minister so well. And Mabini is so confused on his little stalker because he had been getting gifts of his paintings with flowers lately.

And strangely enough for Mabini, The President seems to find it pleasing to actually displaying it inside the Aguinaldo's mansion when one of the biggest portraits that was delivered to him as a gift. And not knowing Aguinaldo painted all of those, the president bluffed that Mabini should also have his own paintings around the house because of the "kind and considerate" man who respected Mabini and effortly painted him in a portrait.

Once the portrait had been displayed, chaotic gossips from detractors starts to re-surface not just the one from the Syphilis/Camara Negra Rumor but Mabini actually had a lover. Aguinaldo find it pleasing about the rumor since he was the painter and addressing him as "Mabini's Secret Lover" is amusing to him.

While also bluffly denying the meanings of why he agreed to displayed Mabini's portrait. Telling it as a "Kind and Appreciative gesture" ever since Mabini came and contribute for the Republic. And applauding this "man who seems to be showing his fondness to the Prime Minister."

As the gossips resurface, Felicidad would eventually savour his Brother's antics. She may not tolerate this tabooness but she respected his brother's heart truly yearning for someone not just Political Marriages. (Hilaria and Aguinaldo in this AU they were arrange/political marriage due to one's wealth and merging businesses but Hilaria actually loves Aguinaldo however Aguinaldo seems to hesitate on loving her since it feels forced.)

Felicidad would snicker behind her fan to see such huge portrait of Mabini displayed in the living room of Aguinaldo's Mansion just beside Aguinaldo's portrait himself. She knew the distinct artstyle of his brother despite from afar since she was the one who supported him to pursue developing his talents from their childhood.

Furthermore, as the confusion from the servant around the house and the gossip emerged from every corner. Eventually when the Cabinets had visited Aguinaldo's quarters upon only to see Mabini's huge portrait hanged to the wall. The confusion grows more imminent and the Cabinet members keep eyeing Mabini and Aguinaldo. More importantly on Aguinaldo.

Aguinaldo doesn't seem to be fazed by the rumors, questions of the cabinet but keeps his head forward with a smile. Considering the fact most of his paintings nowadays were all about Mabini. "His main beloved subject."

Alejandrino and Ortiz would actually be enthralled on how detailed the painting. Every brush stroke holds luxury and efforts and pure admiration. Antonio on the other hand having suspicious already because the fact he knows little knowledge about art—

Considering having a brother who also excels from artistic values, his brother Juan usually tells him a thing or two. His suspicion grows more and curiosity blossomed upon glancing to Aguinaldo casually conversing with people's question regarding the Prime Minister's huge portrait in Aguinaldo's Mansion.

[azelleannenavarro]

Summertime Gala’s: Top 3 Beaches in the Philippines to Beat the Heat!

Feeling hot? Feeling like showing your beautiful curves in front of different people? (We’re all for body positivity here!) In this article, we will dive and swim the information of the beautiful beaches here in the Philippines that is budget-friendly as well as hassle-free for first-time travelers. Whether you are a student or a first-time traveler who wants to try exploring this summer, you will never go wrong in this article as we will dive into pure white sand and scenic waterview while being affordable! So grab your iced teas, settle in, and immerse yourself with these beautiful beaches! Isla Verde, Batangas

“Center of the center”. This is how Smithsonian Institute described the place in 2007 because of its rich marine biodiversity. Situated between Batangas and Puerto Galera on Mindoro in the Philippines, Isla Verde Tropical Friendly Resort is situated on a small island in the Verde Island Passage. The travel from Manila to Batangas takes approximately an hour and a half. From there, it's a quick ride to Tabangao where you have to catch a bangka to cross the strait. Many visit this island from all over the world to scuba dive the nearby reefs because of the Verde Island Passage's famous marine life diversity. This resort is conveniently located near the Declared Marine Park's edge, making it simple to snorkel among the fish and corals that are shallower. Sample Itinerary: 04:30 am – ETD Manila 06:30 am – ETA Batangas Grand Terminal, P157 06:40 am – Tricycle to Tabangao Port, P75 (P300/4pax) 07:20 am – Board MB Super Mario, P10 08:40 am – Boat to Isla Verde, P120 10:00 am – Mahabang Buhangin, early lunch, environmental fee: P30 11:00 am – Island-hopping, P375 (P1500/4pax) 02:00 pm – Boat back to mainland, P625 (P2500/4pax) 03:00 pm – Ride jeepney to Batangas City, P50 04:00 pm – Ride jeepney to Grand Terminal, P12 04:30 pm – Bus back to Manila, P157

Anilao Beaches in Mabini, Batangas

The barangay (small administrative district) of Anilao, located in the Mabini municipality of Batangas, is known as the Philippine birthplace of scuba diving. Due to its colorful underwater environment, it is one of the most well-liked short weekend getaway destinations for tourists, especially diving lovers. It is located roughly 90 kilometers from Manila City. It's regarded by many expert divers as a haven for underwater macro photography and a stunning rainbow of vibrant and unusual  species. Anilao is home to more than 20 recognized diving sites, including Devil's Point, Layag-Layag, Kirby's Rock, Koala, Bethlehem, Arthur's Rock, Twin Rocks, Ligpo Island, and The Cathedral. Additionally, the Verde Island Passage—which is known as the "Center of the Center of Marine Biodiversity in the World"—is very close by.

Crystal Beach, San Narciso Zambales

San Narciso, Zambales is home to the Crystal Beach Resort. The village named after San Antonio serves as the starting point for the Anawangin and Nagsasa coves. In addition to camping, bonfires, surfing instruction, and occasionally beach parties during events, the resort also offers surfboard rentals.

[owenski]

Music recommendations

Are you looking for opm classic songs? Here let me share my all time favorite opm classic songs.

Don't Know What To Say - Ric Segreto

This is a crazy good song for all those hopeless romantic people. The song has just its simple tune, so calm but has a deeper thoughts of meaning. For every person who could not tell anyone about their feelings for someone. Hoping that one day they might end up feeling the same crazy feelings inside.

Closer You and I - Gino Padilla

Closer you and I means in a relationship distance is never an obstacle. Love, trust and open communication are the strong foundations to make things work. This song is highly recommended for couples who are in long-distance relationships to realize that distance is not a problem when you truly love each other.

A Smile in Your Heart - Jam Morales

“A Smile in Your Heart” was one of the greatest hits of OPM legend of the 80s Jam Morales. This love song A Smile In your Heart means nothing is more beautiful than a woman who is happy to be herself.

With a Smile - Eraserheads

With a Smile" is a single by the Eraserheads from their second album. This song is about a person reassuring their loved ones that they'll always there no matter what happens.

Forevermore - David Archuleta

This song is the Theme song of "Forevermore" a 2014 Philippine romantic drama television series directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina. The song is a tragic ballad about a guy trying to cope with a broken heart,” said Leevon. “What he’s trying to tell everyone is that it’s okay to feel bad, but just give me my moment and I’ll be fine afterward.”

When I met you - APO Hiking Society

When I Met You" is a song by a Filipino musical group, Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society. The Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, later popularly known as APO Hiking Society, or simply APO, were a Filipino musical group, that comprised Danny Javier, Jim Paredes, and Boboy Garrovillo.

I'll Never Go - Nexxus

I'll never go is the same as saying I will never leave you no matter what and how hard the situation is. Because love is truly magical, it's such a nice feeling when one sings this song. And today, someone feels like singing this song, and he/she should listen whether he/she likes it or not.

Your Love - Alamid

Your Love is a song by Alamid, Alamid became popular in the music scene via the first single "Your Love," which the band initially deemed as "baduy" but eventually became their ticket to fame. This love song is my favorite among all the opm classic songs here, This song is highly recommend.

Parting Time - Rockstar

This song bring out emotion when somebody is leaving you and you can't let go. This song can have different meaning it depend on the person but for me it's a song for you and your lover like telling her you can't leave me, I'm lost without you, I can't leave without you and most important it's telling her how much you love her.

Leaving Yesterday Behind - Keno

Joaquin Francisco Sanchez, more commonly known as Keno, is a Filipino singer of Leaving Yesterday Behind. This song is about starting again with a new start and an open mind, forgetting the past and starting something new.

OPM songs convey both the simple and complex aspects of life. Listening to OPM songs is a great experience since it is the true essence of the Filipino spirit, which you can emotionally engage with. Furthermore, we cannot deny that music can provide us comfort in times of loneliness or sadness.

This songs is incredibly enjoyable to me; every songs has a deep and lovely message that can make your heart skip a beat. If you wish to attempt different music genres, these recommended songs can help you. This music is highly recommended, so I hope you'll take the time to listen to it.

[emtechh]

CIGARETTES SMOKING

Vacinity: Pulong , Anahao , Mabini Batangas

Campaign Name: Anti Smoking

Type Social Media Use: Tumblr

Website Used: Microblogging

Smoke is an effect of making people sick. It may be from sniffing it or the people who smell it are affected. The problem here is the widespread smoking, so sometimes who smells or inhales it causes asthma, breast cancer, emphysema, osteoporosis and others. This becomes the problem of why people get sick from cigarette smoke, the more they continue to smoke, the more it affects them.

After all, we need to keep our health or sense of humor in good shape. What exactly are we going to do? We need to be united in order to stop and give our wishes to the higher ones like this community problem. It is no secret that people who are responsible for such issues focus more on this because many people are affected by smoke and especially by smoking.

Stop and quit smoking because this is the only solution to the problem brought by the area and prevent diseases especially in children who inhale it. Appreciate health more because it is the only thing that strengthens us every day so we live so that no one is harmed, stop it so that the end of it is a peaceful and good life. To prevent smoking-related illnesses, quit smoking, avoid secondhand smoke, seek support from resources like counseling or nicotine replacement therapy, adopt a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoid stress, and educate yourself about the risks and benefits of quitting.

AND

What will be the content your social media site?

tumblr is content that is a social media that is used to explain what will be used or explain what is desired such as issues about disaster areas or areas affected by the main population that is happening in our area. just like anti-smoking or smoking, this is an issue that can be shared on a social media that is said to be tumblr, it can be spread to avoid such situations. this site helps to prevent the events that occur in every place caused by the evil calamities.

Why did you choose the type of social media?

Tumblr is a microblogging platform that allows users to post text, images, quotes, links, audio, and video. Highlight unique features like customisable themes, a wide range of post types, and the ability to follow and interact with other users' blogs. Discuss the diverse communities and subcultures that thrive on Tumblr, including fandoms, art communities, and niche interests. Share popular trends, memes, and viral content from Tumblr that might be relevant or entertaining. Provide tips on how to effectively use Tumblr, such as tagging posts for visibility, using the dashboard, or customising a blog. Inform about any recent updates or changes to the platform and how they might affect users Encourage users to share their own Tumblr experiences, favourite blogs, or questions about using the platform.

Why did you choose that website?

A tumblr is relatively easy to use, making it a good choice for people who are new to social media or who don't want to spend a lot of time learning how to use a platform.

[firstfiveinterview]

Five Insights for Business Journeys and Success

''The next Bill Gates will not build an operating system. The next Larry Page or Sergey Brin won’t make a search engine. If you are copying these guys, you aren’t learning from them." - Peter Thiel co-founder of PayPal

Last week, we interviewed five local businesses, each with a unique story filled with challenges, setbacks, and successes. These entrepreneurs opened up about their journeys, sharing the lessons they've learned and the strategies that have helped them grow. In this blog, we’ll explore their experiences and the insights they offer on navigating today’s competitive business landscape.

Twind Drops Refilling Station

Mabini Burgos Street (0953 265 6554)

The station provides filtered, mineral, and alkaline alternatives among its selection of pure water. In addition, they satisfy the demands of both consumers and companies by providing convenient and eco-friendly water delivery services. The station offers a variety of pure water options, including filtered, mineral, and alkaline options. Furthermore, they fulfill the needs of businesses and customers by offering practical water supply services. The owner of this water refill station is Dapne Belle Maape. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented them from opening their refilling station, even though they opened in 2019. Consequently, on August 8, 2022, they reopened and have been providing services to the community ever since. At first, they struggle because of a shortage of water supplies and difficult staff members who, for example, don't give the cashier the correct amount of money. Because of the employers' integrity, they rehired every employee, and as a result, they are currently expanding quickly and now have a water source from the water district.

Shek Coffee Shop

This coffee business was founded by James Cabaneros, who is always holding meetings. The shop opened on May 14, 2024, on Del Pilar Street in Cagayan de Oro City. We only had the opportunity to interview the barista, who was also the first employee of the coffee shop. The coffee shop was built because the owner planned to run a travel agency and use the coffee shop to meet with clients. The barista mentioned that their biggest customer is students and individuals who work with computers frequently go to their coffee shop because of the free wifi and nice setting for studying and working, and the coffee is great, especially the Spanish coffee.

Healthy Basket CDO

Rica Patricia, a resident of Agora, Cagayan de Oro City, started this shop. This shop opened in 2020 as an online store on their Facebook page, but as their business grew, in 2024 they opened a pop-up location in a mall. Their major products are Baguio strawberries and strawberries covered in chocolate and marshmallow. Their biggest customers are the elderly and students, who receive senior and student discounts. They also provide a discount to anyone who follows their Facebook page; it's essentially free advertising.

Avocalicious

The name Avocalicious is derived from the words "avocado and delicious," highlighting the company's core product, avocado. Jimmy Inshong and his husband's cousin opened this shop on June 1, 2022. They established the firm to sell homemade ice cream and avocados with an expected budget of $100,000. They sell fresh avocado fruit shakes rather than processed ones such as powder. We interviewed their employee, who is a relative; she claimed that their main customers are the elderly and middle-aged and that students rarely purchase their products. The business ambiance is truly all about avocados because of the greenery of the site; they are located in malls and intend to spread around the city.

Horikohi Cafe

Horikori Cafe is owned by Jennifer and Benedict, however it is a family business, therefore their son runs it and their siblings work as baristas. Their initial location is on Laguindingan and opened in May 2022; they have two pop-up branches here in CDO, one of which we had the opportunity to interview; this business opened in the mall in 2023 as a result of an invitation to a pop-up event at SM Downtown. They stated that the majority of the customers are students from USTP and other universities. Both owners are present at the coffee shop, however they allowed us to interview their son. While we were interviewing, the mother recorded a video of us encouraging their son to its business.

Credits:

Twind Drops Refilling Station

Shek Coffee Shop

Horikohi Cafe

Healthy Basket CDO

Avocalicious

[brother-emperors]

dies vitiosus

antony's birthday was technically yesterday, but we can do it a day late.

so the 14th was antony's birthday, which also highlights my favorite part of the octavian-antony divorce arc:

During this time and still earlier the Romans at home had passed many resolutions in honour of Caesar's naval victory. Thus they granted him a triumph, as over Cleopatra, an arch adorned with trophies at Brundisium and another in the Roman Forum. Moreover, they decreed that the foundation of the shrine of Julius should be adorned with the beaks of the captured ships and that a festival should be held every four years in honour of Octavius; that there should also be a thanksgiving on his birthday and on the anniversary of the announcement of his victory; also that when he should enter the city the Vestal Virgins and the senate and the people with their wives and children should go out to meet him. But it would be quite superfluous to go on and mention the prayers, the images, the privilege of the front seat, and all the other honours of the sort. At the beginning, then, they not only voted him these honours but also either took down or effaced the memorials of Antony, declared the day on which he had been born accursed, and forbade the use of the surname Marcus by any of his kind.

Cassius Dio 51.19

cheers! the speech balloon is empty on purpose, personally I'm imagining a version of the break up speech from octavian-octavia-antony divorce arc from the french cleopatra musical, feel free to imagine whatever melodrama makes you happiest!

society6 | ko-fi | twitter (pillowfort, cohost) | deviantart

[dalandan-oranges]

Utak ng Rebolusyon

this comic is more about Aguinaldo, but I’ll find a way to draw Mabini too :) he was in Laguna for health reasons, but in the last panel, he’s probably taking some time to reply to some letters because that man didn’t quit.

Apolinario Mabini, Revolutionary, Cesar Adib Majul

⭐ places I’m at! bsky / pixiv / pillowfort /cohost / cara.app / insta

[ghoul-haunted]

hm

[brookston]

Holidays 7.23

Holidays

Air Force Day (Peru)

Apolinario Mabini Day (Philippines)

Asian Corpsetwt Day [Every 23rd]

Body Painting Day (New York)

Cassandra Asteroid Day

Children’s Day (Indonesia, Vanuatu)

Construction Day (Quebec)

Gorgeous Grandma Day

Guanacaste Day (Costa Rica)

Guayaquil Day (Ecuador)

Historic County Flags Day (UK)

Hot and Bothered Day

Hot Enough For Ya Day

International Forgiveness Day

International Hello My Name Is Day

International My Chemical Romance Day

International Yada, Yada, Yada Day

Khao Phansa Day (Thailand)

Mayan Sun Festival

Mayhem New Year

Mosquito Day

National Broadcasting Day (India)

National Care for Your Coworker Day

National Dachshund Day

National Human-Animal Bond Awareness Day (UK)

National Pwnage Day

National Remembrance Day (Papua New Guinea)

National Russell Day

National Touch Grass Day

National Women Touched by Addiction Day

Private Eye Day

Ram Day (French Republic)

Remembrance Day (Papua New Guinea)

Renaissance Day (Oman)

Revolution Day (Egypt)

Simón Bolívar Day (Venezuela)

Soma No Umadi (Wild Horse Chasing; Japan)

Sumarauki (Iceland)

World Castleman Disease Day

World Sjögren's Day

World Whale and Dolphin Day

Yada, Yada, Yada Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Dessert First Day

National Lemon Day

National Spongecake Day

National Sprout Day

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Day

Sprinkle Day

Vanilla Ice Cream Day

Independence & Related Days

Arab Egyptian Revolution Day (Egypt)

Abkhazia (Declared from USSR, 1992) [partially recognized]

Batangas City Foundation Day (Philippines)

Union of Upper and Lower Canada (Parliamentary Act Day; Canada)

4th Tuesday in July

Waterton-Glacier Science & History Day [4th Tuesday]

Festivals Beginning July 23, 2024

Broome County Fair (Whitney Point, New York) [thru 7.28]

Paléo Festival (Nylon, Switzerland) [thru 7.28]

Plainfield Farmers' Fair (Plainfield Farmer's Grove, Pennsylvania) [thru 7.27]

Rock County 4-H Fair (Janesville, Wisconsin) [thru 7.28]

Feast Days

Anne (a.k.a. Susanna; Christian; Saint)

Apollinaris of Ravenna (Christian; Saint)

Beachball (Muppetism)

Bonaventura Peeters the Elder (Artology)

Bridget of Sweden (Christian; Saint)

Ezekiel (Christian; Prophet)

Feast of Sulis (Goddess of Mineral Springs)

Feast of the Three Wise Men, that is the Magi, called Balthazar, Melchior and Caspar (Christian)

Francesco Granacci (Artology)

Free Hugs Day (Pastafarian)

Groucho Marx Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Haile Selassie Day (Rastafarian)

Heiromartyr Phocas (Eastern Orthodox)

John Cassian (Western Christianity; Saint)

Laurence of Brindisi (Christian; Saint)

Leonardo Da Vinci (Positivist; Saint)

Liborius of Le Mans (Christian; Saint)

Margarita María (Christian; Saint)

Mercè Prat i Prat (Christian; Saint)

Nassos Daphnis (Artology)

Neptunalia (Old Roman festival honoring Neptune; Pagan)

Peder Severin Krøyer (Artology)

Philipp Otto Runge (Artology)

Phocas the Gardener (Christian; Saint)

Rasyphus and Ravennus (Christian; Saint)

Raymond Chandler (Writerism)

Romula and her Companions (Christian; Saint & Virgin)

Virgil Finlay (Artology)

Hebrew Calendar Holidays [Begins at Sundown Day Before]

Seventeenth of Tammuz [17 Tammuz]

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Taian (大安 Japan) [Lucky all day.]

Premieres

Batman: The Killing Joke (WB Animated Film; 2016)

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Film; 1982)

Boneheads (Film; 1993)

Bosko at the Beach (WB LT Cartoon; 1932)

The Bourne Supremacy (Film; 2004)

Catwoman (Film 2004)

Cinderella Meets Fella (WB LT Cartoon; 1938)

Cold As Ice, by Foreigner (Song; 1977)

Chris Columbus, Jr. (Oswald the Lucky Cartoon; 1934)

The Cuckoo I.Q. (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1941)

Double or Mutton (WB LT Cartoon; 1955)

Dragonflight, by Anne McCaffrey (Novel; 1968) [Dragonriders of Peru #1]

Drop Dead Gorgeous (Film; 1999)

Fanny in the Lion’s Den (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1933)

The Fly in the Ointment (Phantasies Cartoon; 1943)

Here Comes Mr. Jordan (Film; 1941)

The Homeless Pup (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1937)

How Green Was My Valley, by Richard Llewellyn (Novel; 1939)

Hyde and Sneak (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1962)

Inspector Gadget (Film; 1999)

Labyrinths: Selected Stories & Other Writings, by Jorge Luis Borges (Short Stories; 1962)

The Milagro Beanfield War, by John Nichols (Novel; 1974)

Poor Elmer (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1938)

Ramona and Beezus (Film; 2010)

Salt (Film; 2010)

Scooby-Doo! Adventures: The Mystery Map (WB Animated Film; 2013)

Sexus, by Henry Miller (Novel; 1949) [Rosy Crucifixion #1]

Sleigh Bells (Ub Iwerks Disney Oswald the Lucky Cartoon; 1928)

Slingshot 6 7/8 (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1951)

Springtime for Pluto (Disney Cartoon; 1944)

Tidal, by Fiona Apple (Album; 1996)

The World According to Garp (Film; 1982)

Today’s Name Days

Birgit, Birgitta, Brigita, Liborius (Austria)

Apolinar, Brigita, Ezekijel (Croatia)

Libor (Czech Republic)

Apollinaris (Denmark)

Saida, Seida, Senta, Siina (Estonia)

Oili, Olga (Finland)

Brigitte (France)

Birgitta (Germany)

Lenke (Hungary)

Apollinare, Brigida (Italy)

Ada, Madala, Magda, Magone (Latvia)

Apolinaras, Brigita, Gilmina, Tarvilas (Lithuania)

Brit, Brita, Britt (Norway)

Apolinary, Bogna, Żelisław (Poland)

Oľga (Slovakia)

Brígida (Spain)

Emma (Sweden)

Apollinary (Ukraine)

Bridget, Bridgett, Bridgette, Bridie, Brigette, Brigid, Brigitta, Brigitte, Romeo (Universal)

Roma, Roman, Romaine, Romana, Romelia, Romeo, Romina, Seymour (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 205 of 2024; 161 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 2 of Week 30 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Tinne (Holly) [Day 17 of 28]

Chinese: Month 6 (Xin-Wei), Day 18 (Wu-Zi)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 17 Tammuz 5784

Islamic: 16 Muharram 1446

J Cal: 25 Red; Foursday [25 of 30]

Julian: 10 July 2024

Moon: 94%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 8 Dante (8th Month) [Leonardo Da Vinci]

Runic Half Month: Ur (Primal Strength) [Day 15 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 34 of 94)

Week: 4th Week of July

Zodiac: Leo (Day 2 of 31)

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 7.23

Holidays

Air Force Day (Peru)

Apolinario Mabini Day (Philippines)

Asian Corpsetwt Day [Every 23rd]

Body Painting Day (New York)

Cassandra Asteroid Day

Children’s Day (Indonesia, Vanuatu)

Construction Day (Quebec)

Gorgeous Grandma Day

Guanacaste Day (Costa Rica)

Guayaquil Day (Ecuador)

Historic County Flags Day (UK)

Hot and Bothered Day

Hot Enough For Ya Day

International Forgiveness Day

International Hello My Name Is Day

International My Chemical Romance Day

International Yada, Yada, Yada Day

Khao Phansa Day (Thailand)

Mayan Sun Festival

Mayhem New Year

Mosquito Day

National Broadcasting Day (India)

National Care for Your Coworker Day

National Dachshund Day

National Human-Animal Bond Awareness Day (UK)

National Pwnage Day

National Remembrance Day (Papua New Guinea)

National Russell Day

National Touch Grass Day

National Women Touched by Addiction Day

Private Eye Day

Ram Day (French Republic)

Remembrance Day (Papua New Guinea)

Renaissance Day (Oman)

Revolution Day (Egypt)

Simón Bolívar Day (Venezuela)

Soma No Umadi (Wild Horse Chasing; Japan)

Sumarauki (Iceland)

World Castleman Disease Day

World Sjögren's Day

World Whale and Dolphin Day

Yada, Yada, Yada Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Dessert First Day

National Lemon Day

National Spongecake Day

National Sprout Day

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Day

Sprinkle Day

Vanilla Ice Cream Day

Independence & Related Days

Arab Egyptian Revolution Day (Egypt)

Abkhazia (Declared from USSR, 1992) [partially recognized]

Batangas City Foundation Day (Philippines)

Union of Upper and Lower Canada (Parliamentary Act Day; Canada)

4th Tuesday in July

Waterton-Glacier Science & History Day [4th Tuesday]

Festivals Beginning July 23, 2024

Broome County Fair (Whitney Point, New York) [thru 7.28]

Paléo Festival (Nylon, Switzerland) [thru 7.28]

Plainfield Farmers' Fair (Plainfield Farmer's Grove, Pennsylvania) [thru 7.27]

Rock County 4-H Fair (Janesville, Wisconsin) [thru 7.28]

Feast Days

Anne (a.k.a. Susanna; Christian; Saint)

Apollinaris of Ravenna (Christian; Saint)

Beachball (Muppetism)

Bonaventura Peeters the Elder (Artology)

Bridget of Sweden (Christian; Saint)

Ezekiel (Christian; Prophet)

Feast of Sulis (Goddess of Mineral Springs)

Feast of the Three Wise Men, that is the Magi, called Balthazar, Melchior and Caspar (Christian)

Francesco Granacci (Artology)

Free Hugs Day (Pastafarian)

Groucho Marx Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Haile Selassie Day (Rastafarian)

Heiromartyr Phocas (Eastern Orthodox)

John Cassian (Western Christianity; Saint)

Laurence of Brindisi (Christian; Saint)

Leonardo Da Vinci (Positivist; Saint)

Liborius of Le Mans (Christian; Saint)

Margarita María (Christian; Saint)

Mercè Prat i Prat (Christian; Saint)

Nassos Daphnis (Artology)

Neptunalia (Old Roman festival honoring Neptune; Pagan)

Peder Severin Krøyer (Artology)

Philipp Otto Runge (Artology)

Phocas the Gardener (Christian; Saint)

Rasyphus and Ravennus (Christian; Saint)

Raymond Chandler (Writerism)

Romula and her Companions (Christian; Saint & Virgin)

Virgil Finlay (Artology)

Hebrew Calendar Holidays [Begins at Sundown Day Before]

Seventeenth of Tammuz [17 Tammuz]

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Taian (大安 Japan) [Lucky all day.]

Premieres

Batman: The Killing Joke (WB Animated Film; 2016)

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Film; 1982)

Boneheads (Film; 1993)

Bosko at the Beach (WB LT Cartoon; 1932)

The Bourne Supremacy (Film; 2004)

Catwoman (Film 2004)

Cinderella Meets Fella (WB LT Cartoon; 1938)

Cold As Ice, by Foreigner (Song; 1977)

Chris Columbus, Jr. (Oswald the Lucky Cartoon; 1934)

The Cuckoo I.Q. (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1941)

Double or Mutton (WB LT Cartoon; 1955)

Dragonflight, by Anne McCaffrey (Novel; 1968) [Dragonriders of Peru #1]

Drop Dead Gorgeous (Film; 1999)

Fanny in the Lion’s Den (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1933)

The Fly in the Ointment (Phantasies Cartoon; 1943)

Here Comes Mr. Jordan (Film; 1941)

The Homeless Pup (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1937)

How Green Was My Valley, by Richard Llewellyn (Novel; 1939)

Hyde and Sneak (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1962)

Inspector Gadget (Film; 1999)

Labyrinths: Selected Stories & Other Writings, by Jorge Luis Borges (Short Stories; 1962)

The Milagro Beanfield War, by John Nichols (Novel; 1974)

Poor Elmer (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1938)

Ramona and Beezus (Film; 2010)

Salt (Film; 2010)

Scooby-Doo! Adventures: The Mystery Map (WB Animated Film; 2013)

Sexus, by Henry Miller (Novel; 1949) [Rosy Crucifixion #1]

Sleigh Bells (Ub Iwerks Disney Oswald the Lucky Cartoon; 1928)

Slingshot 6 7/8 (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1951)

Springtime for Pluto (Disney Cartoon; 1944)

Tidal, by Fiona Apple (Album; 1996)

The World According to Garp (Film; 1982)

Today’s Name Days

Birgit, Birgitta, Brigita, Liborius (Austria)

Apolinar, Brigita, Ezekijel (Croatia)

Libor (Czech Republic)

Apollinaris (Denmark)

Saida, Seida, Senta, Siina (Estonia)

Oili, Olga (Finland)

Brigitte (France)

Birgitta (Germany)

Lenke (Hungary)

Apollinare, Brigida (Italy)

Ada, Madala, Magda, Magone (Latvia)

Apolinaras, Brigita, Gilmina, Tarvilas (Lithuania)

Brit, Brita, Britt (Norway)

Apolinary, Bogna, Żelisław (Poland)

Oľga (Slovakia)

Brígida (Spain)

Emma (Sweden)

Apollinary (Ukraine)

Bridget, Bridgett, Bridgette, Bridie, Brigette, Brigid, Brigitta, Brigitte, Romeo (Universal)

Roma, Roman, Romaine, Romana, Romelia, Romeo, Romina, Seymour (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 205 of 2024; 161 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 2 of Week 30 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Tinne (Holly) [Day 17 of 28]

Chinese: Month 6 (Xin-Wei), Day 18 (Wu-Zi)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 17 Tammuz 5784

Islamic: 16 Muharram 1446

J Cal: 25 Red; Foursday [25 of 30]

Julian: 10 July 2024

Moon: 94%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 8 Dante (8th Month) [Leonardo Da Vinci]

Runic Half Month: Ur (Primal Strength) [Day 15 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 34 of 94)

Week: 4th Week of July

Zodiac: Leo (Day 2 of 31)

[pagefontanillasy]

Chapter 2: Operation South Bound

The first months of the Operation was great. What wasn't great is that the ones they're capturing slip through the cracks if jistce. It's almost close or nothing at all. All they have left our tier 3 drug Lords and if they are lucky, it's tier 2. It's Christmas season and Paige lost one of her men.

What's worst is that General Trojes is relocated somewhere else, in the south where there's a civil war.

Paige and Ed with the squad talks about changing strategy for a while, resting the task force.

Meanwhile, Ed receives a note. Someone promising an alliance.

The invitation writes as

The Peninsula Hotel

8:00, Tuesday

Peninsula Restaurant

Don't be late. Come alone.

Ed readjusted his maroon tie before telling his guard, loyal ones since Mexico to wait for him outside the hotel. "I'll send you a signal if something goes wrong."

"Yes sir."

Ed comes out, rides the elevator and steps out into the 50th floor where the restaurant is. The altitude makes his ears pop. The sign post says a private event. A woman comes near her and says, "Mr. Edward Heath?" She smiles

"Yes."

"This way."

The woman leads him to the empty restaurant. Nobody but just a few staff.

"It says it's a private event." Ed says to the waitstaff.

"It is." A familiar voice emerged. She walks in from one of the grand of the windows overlooking the Manila bay side. In her white button down shirt, scarf around her neck, jeans, and boots under the bootleg cut. Her hair is still up in a strict bun, minimal make up as usual. "I don't like eavesdroppers."

"Lieutenant." He acknowledged her as she walks forward, joining him looking at the view.

"What's with the romantic set up?"

Paige rolled her eyes at him. "We need to talk. But whatever we will talk about tonight, our agencies are out of it. It's just us."

It almost sounded like Paige is offering an affair. They're both married not to their spouses but to their agencies. They were allowed to have open partnership but Paige wants exclusivity.

"You're not happy about the results, I get that."

"Have a drink with me, please, I insist."

Paige walks off the platform and Ed follows. "A drink won't persuade me on what you're offering."

"Not even a little?" Paige asks, before she could open a chair, Ed pulls it out for her. She sits not minding the gesture.

A waitstaff pours a Valentino 1960s, red wine on their glasses. Ed looks at Paige in a different light. He hasn't seen her in this angle. It seems that she showered before coming here. But he knows her routine already. After work, she goes to the dojo if good mood and in the boxing ring if bad mood.

Ed can smell her light perfume but it isnt perfume. It's just her shampoo and soap and lotion.

Her eyes they twinkle. He isn't drunk yet but he swears he sees them twinkle.

Paige drinks first. Then Ed second, "I'm not waiting for the second the hear your story."

"Not really my story." She sips again. "How well do you know, Gardner?"

"Not a lot, why?"

"He knows something but won't give if up."

"I can't give you that."

"Listen, Agent Heath, for whatever this costs, I don't know your deal with, but this is going t affect your career differently but I'm a beeter way. What I want is an access near the roof to see who our enemies are sleeping with. This taskforce is blocked out. Gutted and dragged and shot in a barn. I'm not losing."

Ed thinks.

"What do you want me to do?"

"Trap Gardner, expose him."

Ed argues with Paige for a bit not wanting to take the risk and gamble. But there's something different abiu Paige and she isn't sentimental. She just lost one of her good men in the service but she's out for blood not to avenge them but to upscore her career.

The meeting ended, the bottle consumed but with no conclusion to their ends. Ed says goodbye and thanks her for the drink. It's been two hours and he slips into the Cadillac and went home to his wife in the Mabini. Her wife complains about the maids and their sons, especially Bill having trouble in school. Ed dismissed it, "What do you want me to do?"

"I don't want you to do anything, I want you to listen!"

Sara rolled off. Ed sleeps on the other side, the discussion with Paige ringing. If he is found out, what's going to happen to him? He's been warned before and still lucky he still has his position when Kiki Camarena died and this whole mess about Operation Leyenda. He swore he will not sit by the side anymore. He closed his eyes, seeing Paige's lips moving. Hypnotizing him.

Paige receives a bouquet of flowers with a note.

"Whew, youre breaking hearts here Lieutenant." Javier quipped.

"Go back to your whores, Peña." She laughs and so are the others.

Lieutenant takes the card.

The note says: "Meet me same hotel at 8. At the end corner. EH."

She burned the note. Took the flowers and arranged it into the empty vase.

Steve whistled. "We should interrogate this guy."

"Stay out of my love life, Murphy."

Paige meets Ed, he is wearing his light grey suit, reddish tie again. Paige is in her usual, powder blue button down. Washed jeans and boots and leather bag and coat.

The weather is nicer in December. There are many people there and it makes pAige uncomfortable.

"I would have booked a room but --"

"You should have."

"I don't think your husband will be happy that you are in a room with another man."

"And your wife won't mind?"

"My wife has no Filipino friends here, she's not connected. You on another hand, may have someone to tell your husband."

"Noones going to tell him. It's impossible."

Ed looked at her.

"Agent Heath, my husband's dead ten years ago. I don't think he'll mind. But I'll understand you won't want your wife worry. I was a wife, too."

"Apologies."

"Don't. Sorry. Just don't. So have you decided."

The waitstaff came by and Ed quickly ordered for a Rosé for Paige and whisky for him.

Paige will protest but chose not to.

"Just remember, when this comes to light, we don't know anything."

"As usual. Fine, that's all."

"Yes, we'll meet privately. Every week. We need somewhere private to meet."

"My house."

"No, too risky and personal."

"Well call each other. Untraceable."

[marialexandraf]

I wish I hugged you tight the last time that I saw you.

September 1 -- Yesterday, I went to Mabini to get my check hoping I would run into you. I imagined I would ignore you at first, but despite my rbf you would still say "hi alex!" with your smiley face. Isaiah told me through text there was no meeting for that week. I told him I brought some snacks. As soon as I got home, I also texted you just to say hello, ask how you are, and let you know I was in Mabini.

"Hello!"

I forgot about the message until the following day since my notifications were turned off. I checked to see if you replied. Seen with the double check mark. That's okay, I didn't expect a reply anyway. But your profile picture was gone. Your status said "last seen along time ago."

My jaw dropped. My heart sank.

My ex and I blocked and unblocked each other when the relationship was about to end. I remember that these were the indications that I would check if I was blocked again. I remember it all too well.

And I'm seeing it again. Not from him; but from you.

Unexpectedly. For no reason at all. What have I done wrong?

I cried myself to sleep tonight.