#that no matter how you slice it no matter what ang has went through and what they did or didn't do to these people they created bad optics

[jimmythejiver]

So Ang aka Recapkid aka Handsome Hugs aka whatever the fuck they calling themselves now* poisoning the discourse while doing exactly in rl what his art portrayed (allegedly) is why we don't get to have nice shit in ZADR fandom anymore, huh.

*My knowledge of Rek/Recapkid saga ended initially when they first made their first dramatic exit in fandom. Everything after is what I had to track down to verify tonight.

[miningmyminecraft]

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It’s nice to see a romance featuring OFWs that doesn’t sensationalize the challenges of working life and strikes a meaningful, empowering tone. Helmed by prominent director Cathy Garcia-Molina, this romance topped 2019’s Philippine box workplace and gained great important acclaim. This is the plot ofJohn Denver Trending—a hidden Pinoy indie film gem from 2019. In an age when cyberbulling and social media-driven disinformation are hot matters, this film helps viewers understand that online speech has real-world penalties, while not feeling overly preachy. Our third finest Pinoy film of 2019 is a authorized procedural drama—Verdict.Verdict follows the case of Joy, a Filipino housewife who stabs her abusive husband Dante in self defense.

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Furthermore,Cleaners‘ visuals seem like highlighted black-and-white photocopies—evoking the appearance of Filipino high school reading supplies. Director Glenn Barit bodily printed out the frames he shot, manually highlighted them, after which scanned the highlighted printouts to craft the final movie.

It’s a sprinkle of coming-of-age mixed with a dash of magical realism. With wonderful manufacturing high quality, Alone/Togetheroffers a practical and heartfelt take a look at balancing romance towards particular person dreams.

The highest grossing films within the Philippines have a tendency to change every year, but what would not change is the fact that they're normally the same bubblegum-sort, feel-good flicks that is good for the second, but doesn't really age nicely. There are the Vice Ganda comedies, the John Lloyd Cruz romps, the Vic Sotto fantasies. Currently, the highest  grossing film is the freshly released Hello, Love, Goodbye, starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, clocking in at virtually 900 million pesos. While it still falls principally under the standard tacky drama, it's become a well-reviewed movie that is deep, non-formulaic, and relevant.

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Shake, Rattle, and Roll movies if you need your horror film repair whereas staying at house. This one comes courtesy of Regal Entertainment for releasing a few of its basic SRR films in mild of the quarantine. K’na The Dreamweaver who centers on K’na , a princess of the T’boli tribe in South Cotabato.

The drama Caregiver stars Sharon Cuneta, John Estrada, and Rica Peralejo and takes place in the United Kingdom. The story follows English instructor Sarah Gonzales who is working abroad as a caregiver to make money to help her husband support their household again residence in the Philippines. The movie tells the empowering story of Filipino OFWs via Sarah’s journey to self discovery.

Set in Negros, Oro, Plata, Matatraces how the struggle affected the lives of two aristocratic households. Its imagery and dramamakeit a case research in nice Filipino films. In sum, the On The Job director asks the movie-going public to have faith in Filipino movies. Bernardo and Richards prepared intensely for their roles; Bernardo spent time away from the other cast members to construct a way of isolation. What results is a sensible and empathetic efficiency that avoids the hole sugariness of other Filipino romances.

No extra ticketing or scheduling problems; they’re finally obtainable with just a faucet. The movie was filmed in simply three weeks, and stars a lot-liked Filipino actress Nora Aunor, in what many pundits price as the best performance of her profession.

The movie walks the line between documentary and drama, strolling us by way of Joy’s seek for justice in opposition to Dante. The movie contains an anthology of 5 different tales that includes designated classroom cleaners in a Tuguegarao highschool. Each of the tales touches upon the theme of “cleanliness”—whether why not look here or not bodily, moral, or otherwise. A cast of first-time actors brings the five tales to life, and offers them an authentic, pure feel. Those who went to highschool in the Philippines could find moments of tender nostalgia in Cleaners‘ narratives.

Affluent Julie Monserrat falls in love with student-slash-combo participant (that's much like at present's DJ) Dido, and their forbidden romance rocks the entire town. Already a traditional, thisMike de Leon opus has been described by many as one of the best Filipino films of all time. Starring Mark Gil in his most iconic function as Sid Lucero, it explores the fraternity culture during the last phases of martial legislation in the Philippines.

Vic Silayan plays a terrifying patriarch with a stranglehold over his family, together with his newly married and hapless daughter (Charo Santos-Concio). Diaz-Abaya was one of many strongest feminine voices in Philippine cinema, and on this period drama she lambasted the commodification of girls as strongly as she ever had. A son returns to his hometown along with his new bride in tow, solely to have her be the item of his father’s lust as a result of her resemblance to his deceased spouse. Swirling with themes of oppressive patriarchy and Oedipal complexes, shot through with startling violence, Karnal is as close to noir as Philippine films can get.

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, de Leon was making cinemagoers swoon with this mild coming-of-age love story between an aimless student/aspiring songwriter and the attractive woman whose marriage in the end proves to be a heartbreaking wakeup name to their dream of being together. I keep in mind being pissed off as a result of I was too younger to catch this true-crime thriller when it first got here out at the 7th Metro Manila Film Festival. Based on the Nick Joaquin article “The House on Zapote Street”, Kisapmata proved too darkish for audiences’ tastes for the time, however its standing as a harrowing exploration of the shadowy corners of the Filipino psyche stays unparalleled to this present day.

She aptly and intensely portrays Tin’s vulnerability in a way that doesn’t feel overly sentimental. As the second-highest grossing movie of 2019 within the Philippines,Alone/Together reaped nice financial rewards for telling its story properly. Adapted from the hit Korean movie agree with of the same name,Miracle In Cell No. 7won the love of critics and audiences with its heartwarming father-daughter story. Building upon the Korean unique,Miracle In Cell No. 7 tells the story of a mentally disabled man named Lito who’s wrongly jailed.

It is properly-acted and is likely one of the finest-crafted films within the decade. It indulges followers to revel within the state of kilig by seeing their favourite celebrities do a dance of will-they-or-won’t-they despite the fact that everyone knows the ending.

Dukot is a dramatic action crime film set within the Philippines starring Enrique Gil, Christopher De Leon, and Shaina Magdayao. The film tells the story of a center-class government official whose estranged son gets kidnapped. When the abductors demand a high sum for ransom, he should come up with the money before it’s too late. The dramatic comedy Four Sisters and a Wedding stars Brenna Garcia, Bea Alonzo, and Bea Basa and is ready in Manila, Philippines. The film recounts the story of a Filipino family consisting of four sisters and a brother.

After failing her structure board exams, Mara meets Gali , a deaf signal language instructor. The two develop an unlikely connection as they find consolation in every others’ imperfections. Made by millennial-focused Black Sheep Productions,Alone/Together follows a normal romance storyline but executes it well. The film stars real-life couple Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil as the leads—a girl named Christine “Tin” Lazaro and a boy named Rafael “Raf” Toledo, respectively. Tin research artwork, and Raf studies Biology en path to changing into a physician.

Set in a crowded and underfunded government hospital, the movie finds humanity within the dankest corners and the harshest of conditions. What might have been just another love story set in an unique land is reworked by Jason Paul Laxamana into an affecting portrait of escape, with the potential for romance between a beleaguered film star and a troubled expatriate. Lav Diaz and Brillante Mendoza are as active as ever, supported not by an area constituency however by the demand of foreigners for his or her distinctive views. There are additionally many other filmmakers who are producing films on their very own, risking fortunes and careers to not create content for media companies however movies to be screened in a movie show.

John Denver Trending has glorious cinematography and nicely-developed characters (John Denver’s mom is an particularly interesting figure). This makes its on-line witch hunt story feel all the extra resonant, and illuminates the raw horrors of internet-pushed mobs. Director Arden Rod Condez retains the narrative tightly centered, and never lets it descend into the same irrationality that a few of its characters embody. Impressively, this extremely relevant film is Condez’s directorial debut.

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A caregiver named Jaica is employed by Vivian, a successful businesswoman who recently found she was unwell. Little does Vivian know, Jaica performs a considerably larger function in her life— one which reconnects her to her distant son. At that time, Siguion-Reyna, son of movie legend Armida Siguion Reyna, was known special info for breaking barriers. One of his earlier films, additionally that includes Roces, wasLigaya ang Itawag Mo sa Akin, which illustrated rape. It was initially given an X rating and was only aired to the general public after quite a few concessions that resulted in scenes on the slicing ground.

When Lito’s fellow inmates notice he’s an harmless man, they assist smuggle in his young daughter Yesha so the two can proceed bonding. Starring Kapamilya actress Kathryn Bernardo and Kapuso star Alden Richards, Hello, Love, Goodbye is the best-grossing Filipino film of all time.

This intensive, months-lengthy course of results in a movie that literally looks like nothing else that Pinoy cinema has to offer. Ulan could be about love, nevertheless it’s not your average Filipino romance. The film stars Nadine Lustre as a author named Maya, who’s struggling to find romance and happiness. As Maya journeys via life,Ulan weaves fantastical tales from her creativeness and childhood as a reflection of her psyche. We see her speaking withtikbalangsin one second, and typhoons in one other.

If you’re trying to celebrate the occasion within the consolation of your personal house, you might be interested in doing so by catching up on must-see titles Philippine cinema has to supply — or, when you’ve already seen them before, watching them unfold all over again. Initially hard to find , these motion pictures have been made accessible to extra audiences thanks to different streaming platforms.

Most of the Philippines' critically acclaimed films are gritty and heavy, but this Maryo de los Reyes basic sticks to the reality of highschool, which is light, relatable, and fun. There are many extra intricacies between and after these occasions, and you may need to essentially watch Karnal to understand why it's such a fantastic Filipino movie. The combination of a powerhouse forged and formidable director Peque Gallaga led to this beautiful Filipino traditional.

The movie tells the story of mysterious happenings in a remote village which end in Ferdinand E. Marcos implementing Proclamation No. 1081, which locations all the Philippines under Martial Law. The movie delves into the difficulties of the village folks as they cope with this new proclamation. The drama Himala takes place in a poor Filipino village and stars Nora Aunor, Veronica Palileo, and Spanky Manikan.

When the brother, the youngest of the siblings, declares that he plans to get married, the sisters devise a plan to speak him out of it, revealing the deep-seated animosity they've for each other. The romantic drama The Hows of Us stars Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, and Darren Espanto.

Any benefit thisAlvin Yapan filmevaporated when word got out that a canine was killed throughout production. Based on the true story of the "Gata Four Massacre" in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, it received a number of accolades and obtained positive critiques. The dog killing, nonetheless, resulted in Senate hearings and closed-door meetings. The scene was eventually edited out, but its impact has one way or the other lasted. Have you ever come across a movie so controversial, so bold that the President needed to step in to ban it from public viewing?

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Anyone who didn’t will nonetheless benefit from the 5 stories’ easy however meaningful takes on adolescence. Another more distinctive Filipino love story that came out in 2019 wasIsa Pa with Feelings .

It seems to be the case for lots of the nation's most groundbreaking movies. Mang Kepweng was a popular comic strip by Al Magat a couple of humorous village albularyo. The character was dropped at life by comedy legend Chiquito and it spawned a number of installments, with Mang Kepweng and Son being the fourth film within the sequence. Dindo Fernando, Vilma Santos, and Hilda Koronel play a person, his wife, and his lover on this Danny Zialcita film about the intricacies of marriage and adultery. The in style Filipino movie won six prizes on the 31st Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards , including Vilma Santos' third Best Actress win.

It’s a type of films where the protagonist has to make a tough alternative – on this movie, K’na has to make a sacrifice between her village clans and real love. all not on Netflix – can now be accessed freed from cost, due to the kind hearts of our filmmakers. We’ve listed 10 of these local films – from blockbuster hits to horror movies – under. It’s a black comedy by the use of city fairy tales and magical realism. It has impeccable use of cinematic language — from scoring, to cinematography, to editing.

It reached P880 million box office mark after a month of hitting the cinemas. The movie is not a typical “LizQuen” love story that showcases the Philippine Art and nostalgic 90’s vibes. It depicts the story of a pair who faced many challenges from their school romance to turning into actual adults entering the real world. 2019 has been a great yr for Philippine cinema as it supplied numerous motion pictures that entertained a lot of Filipinos throughout the globe. You can watch more award-successful Netflix Originals, documentaries, motion pictures and TV reveals by choosing a plan that’s best for you.

The film tells the story of the romance between the young couple, Primo and George, who dream of building a life collectively and are already devising their future. However, their plans are put to the take a look at when they're confronted with obstacles that put their relationship in danger. Set in the Philippines in 1972, the drama From What is Before stars Perry Dizon, Roeder, and Hazel Orencio.

The movie tells the story of Elsa, a Filipina villager who claims she has been visited by the Virgin Mary. The go to changed her life as she now appears to have particular healing powers. Her newfound talent begins to trigger hysteria in her small village.

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This Jose Javier Reyes movie is known for being known as "a properly-made gentle porn movie" by none aside from then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Live Show, which was originally named Toro, depicted the lives of poor individuals who had to resort to performing lewd acts on stage to outlive. It is among the few extensive-launch movies that featured full-frontal nudity. After pressure from the Catholic Church, the President herself had to suspend it from airing on theaters. Though initially banned by the MTRCB, it was allowed to re-air after the title, which meant pay-per-view sex, was changed.

The film tells the story of Basha and Popoy, a young couple deeply in love who spend all of their time together. But when clashing ambitions and tensions come into play and the couple splits up, they're both feeling devastated and heartbroken. Strangely sufficient, pandemic motion pictures have turn into extra in demand because the coronavirus outbreak. If you have received the guts to sit by way of movies that observe the results of a virus, check out our suggestions. A record of greatest Filipino motion pictures would be incomplete with no Dolphy starrer.

It indulges the equipment behind the love team to flex its muscular tissues, creatively and financially, proving the online value of the pair by putting out an enormous-display romance that’s so rigorously calculated to a fault . And lastly, it indulges the actors to show their benefit as reliable actors, with tacked in confrontation scenes and weepy dialogues that profess the true nature of formulaic love. The marriage is a attainable gateway to a greater life however Teria’s leaving, the way in which the movie is a one-take shot of her going across the island earlier than reaching the pier, more so embodies the ills and the heartaches that kind the core of the Filipino diaspora. Are the “mainstream” and “indie” labels even applicable nowadays, when budgets and industry don’t considerably differ?

If it’s a matter of sensibility, how can we distinguish when “impartial” filmmakers are directing studio-backed motion pictures, whereas established actors and filmmakers from the big networks are also increasingly going “indie”? And let’s not even delve into the query of whether or not it’s primarily based on notions of quality.

Produced by then-married couple Nora Aunor and Christopher de Leon, the World War II-set drama follows Rosario , a woman deserted by her lover when he joins the Resistance, solely to then fall in love with a Japanese soldier . But Hello, Love, Goodbye is the mother of all migrant dramas—and never why not pinoy movies just because it's officially the best grossing Filipino film of all time. The dramatic motion crime movie Metro Manila, set in Manila, Philippines stars Jake Macapagal, John Arcilla, and Althea Vega.

The story revolves round beautician Coring as he takes in Nonoy , who is the son of his crush. With Lino Brocka behind the digital camera, Ang Tatay Kong Nanaydelves into the themes of homosexuality and single parenting through a comedic lens. This Filipino film is a traditional rich-woman-poor-boy romance delivered to life by actors Vilma Santos and Bembol Roco and director Celso Ad Castillo.

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The movie follows the story of Oscar Ramirez and his household who flee a lifetime of poverty in a small village in northern Philippines to the bustling heart of Manila. The quick paced lifestyle and hardened locals quickly overwhelm the household, and Oscar should do what he needs to to survive in the massive metropolis. The romantic drama One More Chancestars John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo, and Derek Ramsay.

[sidhewrites]

Chapter 2A, which I accidentally deleted last night. Approx 2300 words. Previous Installment found here. As always, feel free to send Asks or Messages about what’s written or anything you’re curious about.

Content Warning: Hospitals, minor gore.

The first thing she was aware of was cool air on her skin. Nothing like it should be, with the midsummer heat wafting in from the west, and the humidity from the ocean in the East. An the smell… lavender. Lavender and citrus, smelling salts, and the sharp tang of Santecants at work. She was in the third floor of Saint Moriel’s hospital building, where victims of demon attacks were cared for. Her own shoulder hurt still, a sharp, throbbing ache.

Winnie had spent two months here back when she was twelve, and she would never forget the scent. When she opened her eyes, she would see the white curtains pulled back, exposing her bed hidden to rest of the room, and the gossamer drapery wafting in the massive windows letting in sunlight.

Sounds slowly came into focus next. The boys were snoring lightly off to one side, Duva humming quietly to keep them asleep. A fly buzzed quietly somewhere in the room while someone tapped their foot quietly on the floor. Agnes? She hoped it was Agnes. And somewhere, far away, birds sang and people chattered, down in the city below.

Slowly, Winnie made herself open her eyes, and look towards the tapping, that stopped as soon as she moved her head. Agnes was there, dark circles beneath her eyes, and she jumped from her seat. “Winn --” It was a strangled sound. Duva stopped her humming as well, though the boys began to stir a few seconds later, and she resumed her song -- that strange, unearthly song she used to put people to sleep. She was a weak Maitressant, but it made her lullabies irresistible.

Winnie made herself sit up despite the pain in her side. “Good afternoon,” she said, quietly and politely, though it rasped against her throat and she coughed roughly until Anges brought her a cup of water. She offered a choked word of thanks before drinking, emptying the cup in seconds. It felt like like someone had turned her throat to sawdust and ash -- like she’d been screaming.

“Sorry, ehm…” She looked at her hands for a moment, and the frills of a borrowed dressing gown. This one she recognised as Agnes’, at least, and she glanced up with a forced smile. “What time is it, exactly?” She hated not knowing the time, almost as much as she hated borrowing bedclothes and houseclothes.

“About half three,” she said, but her voice was small, and she was still slightly pale, worried about something still.

“I’m sorry -- You know I don’t normally sleep past dawn, much less into the afternoon....” What had she been up to last night? Winnie knit her brows together, searching for a memory of what had happened the night before. It nearly winded her when she found it.

Blights had been there. Demons. And … and Rafe. It had to have been Rafe. With that white hair, and beautiful, sharp features. He hadn’t aged a day. Who else could it have been?

And…

And people had gotten hurt.

Horror settled icily into her stomach, and she pressed a hand over her mouth.

“Winn, darling?” Agnes bent down, trying to look Winnie in the eye. “Winn, do you know what happened to you?”

She nodded. She remembered the pain. The yellow teeth sinking into her shoulder, the circle she had seen. Rafe. Demons. She’d not seen him since her parents were killed, since the Maitresse had come into her home and filled them with blights. She thought he’d been killed along with them...

She looked at Agnes. At the other beds around her. Three were occupied, though only two slept. The third patient sat up, leaning against a loved one. They talked quietly together as a Sanctecant tended to the bandages on the patient’s arm. Was that a bite? She couldn’t tell.

Agnes was still waiting for her to answer. Winnie finally looked back over, stone-faced and pale. “There were blights last night. One of them bit me.”

“Last night? Oh… Winn, dear, I’m so sorry...”

“Sorry? About what?”

“It...Winnie, dear, it hasn’t been just one night, it’s…”

Winnie said nothing as Agnes mulled over the words, ultimately looking to Duva for help.

Duva stopped her humming and took a moment to answer, translating the words in her mind before speaking up with her thick accent. “It has been three days, Winn. The Sanctecants worked almost all the first day to get the poison out.”

Her heart fell to the floor, and Winnie looked away again, pressing her lips together.  The first spark of shame came from remembering the hat due to Comtesse Sylvia yesterday. She’d surely never gain the countess’s patronage again, no matter how reasonable an excuse hospitalization might seen. Agnes waited patiently, failing to hide her concern the longer the silence went on. Finally, she spoke, “Did anyone else get hurt?”

“No. Well -- yes, a few, but, ah…” Agnes looked to Duva again.

“Nobody outside this room was bitten.”

Winnie nodded, and looked away. She’d seen blights up close before, but only once -- and it had been too close. Just before she had come to Merveaux, just before she’d been taken in by Moriel’s Secondary School for care. Winnie hadn’t been the only orphan in the school, much less the entire university. Any child whose parents had attended the school were automatically accepted into the program, of course. But it had felt like she was alone, more often than not. She was too quiet and too shy, and the other children ultimately learned to live around her, like she was a ghost no-one quite knew how to get rid of.

And now, another ghost was here. Rafe was in Merveaux somewhere. Or… he had been, three days ago. “Did they find out who did this?” she asked roughly, not sure which answer she wanted to hear.

Agnes grit her teeth. Duva looked away and went back to humming. It was answer enough.

Winnie still wasn’t sure if she was relieved. It couldn’t have been Rafe, of course, but if they accused him, he wouldn’t be brave enough to plead his case. He had always been too gentle and soft-spoken, afraid to even put mouse traps down for fear of hurting the mice.

He’d be taken in, cut off from his magic. Unmade. She felt ill just thinking about it.

Or perhaps it was the drop of Blight venom still running through her veins. It took nearly a month to get it all out the first time. She’d be coming back here to meet a Sanctecant for the next four days, if they even allowed her to go home. She had a feeling Agnes would put up a fight if they didn’t.

“It was a weak mage, whoever it was,” Agnes finally said. “The Blights dissolved quickly. We’ll be fine. And you need to eat, Winn. How are you feeling?”

Nauseated and dizzy. “I’ve been better.”

“I heard the side effects of Blight poison is nausea. Luckily half the stuff they have here is tasteless and meant to settle your stomach. Here.” She held out a slice of bread.

Winnie took it only reluctantly. Even eating seemed to be more than she could handle, but Agnes was watching too carefully for her not to at least try. With a heavy swallow, she took a bite, mouth twisting unprettily as she chewed.

Her stomach twisted. She turned to the side, damn the searing pain that shot along her ribs, and heaved.

A man behind her stammered.

Winnie froze. She knew that voice.

“Should I come back later?”

She cursed under her breath. Of course Sacha would show up the second she made a mess of herself. Winnie forced herself to sit up, face tinged pink with shame, and face him. “Hello, Monsieur.”

Sacha cleared his throat and bowed politely. He seemed to be as uncomfortable here as she was. “Mademoiselle Ashley, good afternoon.” He shifted from one foot to the other, while Lavanya, his fabrichat, regarded Winnie with her piercing two-toned eyes, golden fur and iron collar shining in the afternoon light.

Agnes leaned in to whisper, “He’s come twice a day since Mirinmas to see if you were awake.”

Winnie’s blush grew deeper. He looked almost as worried as Agnes -- about her no less, and whether it was from the grogginess, the hunger, or simply the shock of it, Winnie forgot how to speak.

“I’m glad you’re awake,” he said, shifting to one side. “And I like how you’ve done your hair.”

A hand flew to the top of her head. Normally it was pulled back into a severe braid but now … Dark curls flew everywhere, no doubt making her look like a bog witch at best. It would take an hour to brush out, and …

“Is that you, Monsieur Francame?” one of the other patients asked. A pretty young woman who’d been sleeping when she first took in the room sat up now, arms around her knees, and beautiful brown hair the same shade of her skin, somehow managing to be elegant even now.

Sacha’s attention turned as well, and he made to greet her at a more respectable distance, Lavanya at his heels. They spoke like old friends.

Winnie wondered if it was a good idea to have woken up at all.

Agnes struggled for words. “He’s worried about the other patients, too, of course, but…”

Duva had stopped speaking around the time Winnie had leaned over to empty her stomach, and the boys finally roused themselves, slowly and groggily. Winnie had a few seconds to brace herself before they realized she was up, and pounced. They’d intended to shower her in affection and stories of their goings on during the time she had been asleep, but Winnie fell back with a sharp cry as the pain in her shoulder and side redoubled at even the slightest touch.

“Off, off, you two. Gett off.” Agnes pulled Henri off one side, and Duva took Tomas. They wriggled, complaining until they were sternly shushed. “Winnie isn’t healed just because she’s awake. Be gentle with her.”

Henri apologized, eyes on the floor.

“Tomasine?” Agnes prompted sternly.

“Sorry, Aunt Winifred.”

“Tomasine?” Winnie echoed quietly.

“Hasn’t wanted to drop the name since Mirinmas. Thinks he wants to be a girl forever.”

“Oh. Hm.” She fidgeted, looking back at the children. “Don’t you mean she then?

“Ah -- right. I suppose that makes sense.” Agnes grimaced.

“It’ll be alright. He -- er. She’s an understanding girl, isn’t she?” Winnie smiled at Tomasine, who managed to nod enthusiastically despite her bashful grin.

“Children, do you think you could go find Sanctecant Perrine, please? Let her know Mademoiselle Ashley is awake.”

They agreed with a nod and took off towards the door, rounding a hall to ask a page for help in finding the Sanctecant, leaving the women behind. Agness left her eyes on the door a moment too long, and a stiffness settled over her. She pressed her lips into a thin line and looked back to Winnie.

“They cried when you didn’t wake up,” Duva said, reaching forward to take Winnie’s hand. “They worried for you.”

She offered a sad smile. “I’ll be fine, I’m sure. It’s far from the worst I’ve seen.”

Duva frowned. Agnes and Winnie might have laughed awkwardly at the memory. They’d been fifteen that year, and Blights had been accidentally summoned in a Fabricante’s practice room besides the library. Nearly twenty students had been wounded, and security and supervision had doubled down after that on all Pourricants in training, as well as those studying the subject as well. Sanguicants had similar restrictions until they had better control, but the Grand Fabricantes made at least a vague effort towards ensuring the Pourricants weren’t blamed for what had turned out to be a genuine amateur’s mistake, rather than any malicious intent to harm the students and staff of the largest university and hospital in the country. A vague effort, anyway.

Not even Agnes, fearless and brash, was really comforted when she heard what had happened then.

A heavy silence filled the space between them. Agnes shifted, starting to speak multiple times before stopping herself before she ever got any sound out.

Ultimately, Winnie looked down at her hands. Where were the clothes she’d been wearing? Where was that blue handkerchief now? Was it with her things? Had she dropped it when the Blights chased her? Had they attacked Rafe?

And was he even in the city anymore? How would she find him now?

She hardly noticed the children return triumphantly, followed by Sanctecant Perrine enter, an older, serene woman with fewer wrinkles than her grey hair might have suggested. Her crows’ feet became more pronounced when she smiled, making her way to Winnie.

“Miss Winnifred Ashley-Raffine?” Perrine’s voice was gentle, motherly, and her smile matched it perfectly. The accent was unusual, though -- from the south of Davenish, no doubt. Despite her distinctly Noques name, Perrine sounded as if she’d grown up in the small kingdom to the northwest of Noques. The two countries had never quite gotten along as well as they could have, and it was rare to see someone from Davenish so far south, much less working among the Sanctecant’s in Moriel’s.

“Yes, that’s me,” Winnie answered, feeling her muscles tense at the sight of the tray in Perrine’s hands, and the cold tools on it. A sample of her blood would have to be taken and tested to see if any of the poison remained, as well as a physical. Color burned her cheeks at the idea of being examined with Sacha in the room, even if a curtain would be drawn around her for privacy.

Tag List: @fearlings-lament @maitretmaitresse @purpleshadows1989 @madammuffins  @timetravelingpigeon

[chinupacoroman]

Ang Pagbibinata ni Joven Hernando-Bernal (alternately, The Life and Times of Jovito Hernando, Bernal Brother #3) a fic by @toniongbuwan​​ / @ipakomokoroman​​ with @sumbungero​​ / @chinupacoroman​​ images by @dettsu / @bagyong-goyong​​ 1,719 words of 17k+ | PG | Pacoven (One-sided) chapter index: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Chapter 14: “Pasensya ka na, baka lang hindi siya sanay sa mga magagandang babae...”

The (Unspoken) Bernal Birthday Covenant is thus:

At the birthday of one sibling, the sibling older than him would take care of the preparations for the food and refreshments. Manuel would take care of the preparations for José's birthday (easy, all José required was five cases of Red Horse, half a dozen bottles of Absolut, and all the finger foods that could be eaten with said drinks) while José took care of Joven's (a sad tragedy on Joven's part; his brother had never outgrown the idea of children's parties for Joven, much to the chagrin of everyone: "Wow, hotdog with marshmallows? Kulang na lang pabitin, ah." Goyong once said snidely. This disparaging remark completely flew over José's head; he was busy blowing balloons in the garage). Joven, in turn, would take care of his Kuya Manuel's birthday, thereby closing the circle.

Joven, unlike his Kuya José, was actually mindful of the age of the birthday celebrant that he was preparing for. Since Manuel was several years older than him, birthday parties were serious, sit-down affairs. He made sure that each birthday had a different type of cuisine. Skipping over the usual French and Italian, they've had Greek and British ("Bakit walang lasa ‘tong karne?" "Ganyan talaga ‘pag roast beef, Joselito" "Eh. Jovito, iabot mo sakin ‘yang Knorr."). Last year, Joven prepared Spanish dishes ("Parang Pinoy din ‘no?" José said, while scarfing down escabeche. “Tinamad ka ‘ata.” “José.”) and for this year's birthday, he chose Thai, with its nutty pad thai noodles and hearty bowls of tom yum. All with the help of Ed Rusca, of course.

Despite his dubious addiction towards local baked goods and glutinous rice snacks, Ed Rusca was, surprisingly, an accomplished cook. They only found out about this completely by accident; Rusca, seeing that Joven was stumped at how to cook paella, took over. He moved like he could’ve cooked the dish with his eyes closed. And he didn’t just make plain paella.

“Nagluto ka ng arros negre?!” Goyong screeched. “Paano? Kain ka nang kain diyan tapos hindi mo ‘man lang sinasabi na marunong ka rin palang magluto!” Rusca shrugged, ensaymada halfway inside his mouth. “‘Di niyo naman ako tinatanong.”

After that, Joven made sure to always get Rusca’s connivance in preparing dishes for his kuya’s birthday.

"Sa’n ko lalagay ‘tong curry?" Rusca asked, hefting a large ceramic casserole.

"Diyan, Kuya Ed, sa may tabi ng fried rice." Joven directed, while looking for the cutlery that they used for special occasions. "Wala pa ba si Kuya Paco?"

"Male-late ‘yun," Rusca said "pero dadating pa rin."

"Ano ‘to?" José pointed towards a plate of what looked like glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and paired with sliced mangoes.

"Khao niao mamuang. Mango sticky rice." Joven said, triumphant that he was able to find what he was looking for "Dessert ‘yan."

"Wow. Kanin tapos kanin pa rin for dessert. Carbo loading ba tayo dito? Tatakbo ba tayo ng marathon?" José said, teasing.

"’Wag mong pakialaman kung ano hinanda ng kapatid mo," Manuel interjected, "at least walang balloons ang birthday ko."

"Oo nga, thank God." Goyong emphatically agreed, lifting casserole covers to look inside their contents. "Jovito, ikaw mag-ayos ng birthday ko sa susunod ha," while looking at the dishes with interest. "You have good taste." he said, visibly impressed.

"Thanks Goyong!" Joven said, pleased.

"Kung babayaran mo siya!" José rolled his eyes, and pushed him away from the dining table. "Atsaka pwede ba, over my dead body bago ko hayaan ang kapatid ko na paghandaan ka nang kung ano."

Where is Kuya Paco, Joven wondered, looking at the clock. He didn't worry too much, though. Kuya Paco would never miss his Kuya Manuel's birthday. Maybe he's preparing a surprise. It wouldn't be unlikely. Kuya Paco was a good friend like that. Kuya Paco is perfect like that. He shrugged and went back to heating the tom yum in the kitchen.

A few minutes later came the unmistakable sound of Paco's car parking outside. There was the metallic ssshr-ing of the screen door opening and Paco shouting, "Manuel! Saan ka! May surprise ako!"

"O, andito lang ako." he shouted, carrying an ice bucket from the kitchen. "Ano yun— Oh my God." Manuel exclaimed in surprise. A woman's happy shriek and Manuel's laughter caused Joven to switch the stove off and go to the sala to see what the commotion was all about. There, standing in their sala, was Kuya Paco, as well as a woman his Kuya Manuel was currently embracing.

"Jules! Oh my God, Jules! Kelan ka pa dumating?" Manuel releasing her from a tight embrace to look at her up and down. "Tumaba ka nang konti ha, pero ang ganda mo pa din."

"Ngayon lang ako dumating Manuel! Dapat kanina pa kami kaso na-delay yung baggage ko, nasama sa isang flight or something," the woman waved her hand vaguely, "pero tinaon ko talaga umuwi today para maabutan ko birthday mo." She hugged him again, "Grabe, ilang taon na!"

Paco was looking at both of them and beaming proudly

"Ah, teka papakilala kita." Manuel the ever-conscientious host, turned around to call everyone’s attention. “Guys, si Juliana Piqueras, si Ate Jules! Girlfriend ni Paco.”

Girlfriend ni Paco.

Joven’s blood ran cold.

For all of Joven’s want for his Kuya Paco, he knew that there was a girlfriend somewhere that the older man already had a relationship with. He’d browse through Paco’s social media timelines and scroll extra fast at any mention or image of a woman who wasn’t Paco’s family. He never brought the relationship question up when talking to Paco. He avoided the topic because he knew. But, because of the lack of an actual female physical presence to remind him of not only his Kuya Paco’s civil status, but his sexuality as well, Joven continued with his fantasies. Seeing her in the flesh made all his dreams of ever being with his Kuya Paco (yes, yes, he harbored that hope. Foolish, he knew, but what was reality when it came up against teenage fantasy?) come crashing down on his ears.

There was a chorus of hellos, and she waved and or shook hands with each of them. Goyong stared at her in frank appreciation. “I never knew na may kakainggitan ako kay Kuya Paco, pero nung nakita kita…” he said suavely. José made gagging noises in the background.

When she reached Joven, she clapped her hands to her mouth in delight. “Jovito? Eto ba si Jovito?” she enveloped him in a fierce hug. Joven, arms stiff at his sides, didn’t respond. She looked at him, her eyes cursorily roaming his face, and then spoke to Paco. “Love, ang laki na niya ‘no?” To Joven, “Palagi kang kinukuwento sakin ni Paco! Ang dami niyang pictures mo! ‘Yang aso na ‘yan ni Paco ‘di ko na nga nababalitaan pero ikaw? Parang halos kilala na nga kita.” she looked at him affectionately. She looked back at Paco, smiling. “Love, sayang binata na siya! Kung baby pa rin siya katulad nung una mo siyang nakilala, gawin sana natin siyang ringbearer.”

Paco laughed, “‘Wag ka mag-alala, hon. ‘Pag kinasal tayo, isa siya sa groomsmen. Promise.”

Each word was like a knife blade, dripping acid, through Joven’s heart. His hands were clenched so tightly that he felt that his nails had cut through the skin of his palms. Go away, go away. Go back to Singapore. Or wherever. Anywhere but here. Leave us alone. Joven’s mind cried. Go away. You’re not supposed to be here. You don’t belong here.

“O, Joven. Magsalita ka naman.” Rusca encouraged. “Pasensya ka na Jules, baka lang hindi siya sanay sa mga magagandang babae...” Teased Goyong.

“Imposible! Sa guwapo ng batang to?” Jules took him by the arm and had him sit with her on the sofa, “Nako, panigurado sobrang heartbreaker mo, sa itsura mong yan.” she clasped his hands. “Di bale, Jovito, nandito na si Ate Jules mo. Ako na tatayong ate mo, parang kung pano mo lang naging kuya si Paco.”

Joven stared at her, a pained smile on his face.

Dinner for Joven was a three-hour long affair with every minute feeling like his skin was being slowly pulled away from his flesh by tiny, tiny hooks. He sat between his Kuya Manuel and Goyong, with his Kuya José in front of him. The  food was superb. The tom yum goong spicy and sour, with just the right bite of lemongrass; the pad thai noodles, massaman curry and kao phad cooked to perfection. But to Joven, every bite was like ash on his tongue and teeth. He gave some cursory responses but refused to participate in any of the conversation. Paco, concerned, asked across the table if he was alright. No, Joven wanted to say. I am not alright. Every time you hold your girlfriend’s hand is another cut across my throat. But Joven remained silent. He just nodded his head and went back to mechanically chewing his food.

After dinner, Joven couldn’t stand it any longer. Seeing Paco and Jules kiss, no matter how chaste, was the last straw (“Ang sarap sarap naman ng handa na ‘to, Manuel!” Jules smiled after polishing off her second plate of curry. “Si Jovito lahat ‘yan!” Manuel beamed. Jules grinned at Paco. “Kung sana lang ganito ako kahusay magluto, ano?” “Loves, aaminin kong walang-wala ka talaga sa expertise ni Jovito, pero mahal na mahal pa rin kita.” Paco brushed Jules’ cheek with a kiss).

Rusca and Goyong started howling. Joven gave his excuses—barely audible due to the boys’ hoots—and made his way to go up his room on the pretext of a headache.

He encountered his brother along the way, carrying bottles of Red Horse and San Miguel. “Jovito, okay ka lang ba? Teka nga.” he placed the bottles on a side table and wiped his hands down his shirt. “Wala ka naman lagnat.”

“Hinde kuya, napagod lang ako siguro sa pag-prepare ng dinner. Pasabi kay Kuya Manuel umakyat na ‘ko? Ang sama na talaga ng pakiramdam ko.” he lied.

José looked like he was about to say something, but thought against it. “Sige, sasabihan ko na lang si kuya.” and, before leaving, “Wala ka bang ipapasabi kay Kuya Paco? Hahanapin ka din nun.”

It was now Joven’s turn to bite back what he wanted to stay.

“Wala.”

[forthelalaland]

#LaBETHtotheLITOsphereandbeyond

My parents got married 30 years ago through a civil wedding. However, sissy and I know the feeling of wanting to go in front of the altar, saying a sweet vow with the Lord, our God. So then, we had this dream… For our mother and father. Sissy and I promised each other that our Mama and Papa must have a church wedding on their 30th because we know that at that time, money is not a big problem anymore. Well okay, it still is but at least, both of us are working already. Our parents built our dreams and make them come to life so it is time for us to do the same and give back. Indeed, it happened! 💒💍💐

It was a short and long preparation. Short in a way where we just prepared three or four months before the date. And long because it seems tiring. Hahahahaha! The most thrilling prep was getting dad’s blessing from the churches. Papa is a Protestant Christian so he had to get a permission to his church that he will be married in a Catholic cathedral. As a children of God, all are one so of course, it is granted! But you know, we really thought we can make a surprise wedding but that is not allowed pala as both should come voluntarily to the hands of the Lord. Hahahahaha! Second, the gowns. Sissy and I really planned to just have a dress but mum insisted. Fine, minsan lang ikasal. And it is so qt that it is her children who are the abay. Hihihi. Mama is so lucky, she is a spoiled niece to Lola Mel. Despite the short notice, Lola made us beautiful gowns! Thank you so much po! Huhuhu hearteu! There then happened when the couple had their seminars, when we booked the church and reception, when we bought the essentials and not so, and all. It was a process and we made it! That is all that matters. :)

Filipinos have that saying that grooms must not see his bride the night before the wedding because it gives bad luck. Actually, we planned to do that but we failed. Though Mama and I slept on a hotel, we were together that night due to last minute preps like flowers and stuff so what is the sense. Hahahahaha! I was the last one who slept and woke up because I edited a video for my parents. I was not able to play it because I used my voice as a background so only close fam did. LOL. That is my gift because you knowww, still new on the business. Huehue. I was then scared when Mama disappeared. Yun pala, she bought us breakfast. Yum, pancakes! Then after eating, make-up time! Thanks, Ate Tish for making us all pretty. Pero grabe kamo the pressure because we were late. Just 15 minutes though but the church personnel were nagging us since the priest has a meeting in 11. Uhm wait, I remember the wedding starts at 10:30 and not 10? We were not supposed to adjust because it is expected to end at 11:30 and Father will realy be late. Not our problem, right? So yes, I was mad. Add that they did not allow me to step in the altar to take pictures but they did not called the attention of my cousin, the official photographer. U g h. Sorry G, I just hate how they treat me knowing they are your servants. Their words are just so offending. Hope they realized it. I lift them all to You instead. *hugs*

I am with Mama in the bridal’s car so I asked her what was she feeling. She replied that she was not nervous since it is her second time. But you know, it is I who was. Hahahahaha! I actually got teary-eyed when her song, How Did You Know started to play and Mama walked down the aisle. Why is it like that? Hahahahaha! Since I was not briefed, it is my Dada who had all the readings. It is in Filipino too so, no, I cannot. Dream of being a lector, turned down again. Maybe next time. Yup, next time please! Huehue. Then yuh, the ceremony happened but I did not like the homily. It is not that inspiring since it is just five sentences. Uhuh, that short. Remember, meeting? Tss. I find the new parish priest a little selfish but okay, this must be a good vibed-paragraph since I let the previous out already. So! The groom then kissed the bride and lived happily ever after! Yahooo!!! 💖 Had photo-ops after and yuh, kilig overload all day. 💖

The reception was at Max’s Restaurant because food and set-up are already together. We want the package because that means less stress, less gastos, more time for other things because sila na bahala. Not to mention, even the program is included. Yup, that is why we like to avail our celebrations at Max’s. Third time this is! Heehee. Thanks to the team because they were able to make payag the love birds to have a little show. Killjoy at first eh. Gutom na ata kasi. LOL, kidd. Of course, we had lunch together. We then witnessed the slicing of the cake, first dance of the couple, and ringing of the glasses to kiss. It was a short program with video greetings and special performance from the youngest Mones clan member, Lara. Yet you know, it is so much fun! For everyone. All enjoyed and there are so much heart heart vibes during that day. Especially with the people I was with. Hihihihihi. Best wishes to the newlyweds! 💖

First and most of all, I want to thank God. For giving me such good parents and wonderful people (or rather family) who joined the event. It has been a success so thanky, G! Thank you for everything. Hihihi. I want to express my gratitude to the people who made time to celebrate my parents’ day even if it is a Thursday. Some might have filed a leave just for this eh. The Pangasinan peeps went here in Manila for this. Hello to my Tita Dolly for letting me borrow her camera too. Also to my bebe loves, Angeli for covering the wedding. Plus Kuya and Ate Mel’s for being a sponsor in photography. Lola Mel, again, of course! And everyone. As in every single person who shared the moment because I know this day was a gold treasure for our Mama and Papa. That is something no one can ever take away from them so thaaaaanks! Oh how surprisingly nice life is, huh? Kelan kaya ako? Ay si ate pala? Hahahahaha! 💖

[byann29]

How was your day?

June 18, 2017

Girlfriend duties and joiners diaries

While waiting for the boyfriend to finish a sideline shoot, i was sitting inside Jollibee in gaisano tabunok talisay. I was looking for coffee and thought to get it in Mcdo but that place was too crowded and cant get a decent corner seat. So i decided to go back to the mall and look for any coffee store but there was none. So i ended here in Jollibee, but with no coffee because apparently they only serve coffee in the morning and it's now 4:30pm, so i got coke float with my spaghetti instead. i got a great corner seat just near their aircon. Stayed here for almost an hour now. I wonder if their crew had noticed me as my spaghetti was barely touched and coke float already melting. As i was killing time, i already have 2 seatmates, earlier an oldman roughly 50 or 60 years old. I thought he had a take out bacause there was plastic on his tray. He was waiting for his food for a while. I did not mind him because i was busy playing. I believe he had a champ. He ate, while i played. Its like we knew each other but we never spoke. I noticed him busy with his phone as i was with mine. I did not even notice when he left. Now i have a mother and baby boy sitting with me. The baby boy was around 4 or 5 since they were talking about buying shoes for school so i just thought that's his age. They has burger steak for the kid to eat. He looks hungry and ate heavily. According to their convo, he did not eat lunch earlier. While the mom went off to get the spoon and fork, the kid was left in the tabke with me, dancing as the song on air was a danceable song, he was like partying and did not even shy off when he saw me staring at him smiling. I was debating to myself if i should start a conversation, but hesitated when i realized theres really nothing to talk about. During this two hours waiting ive heard a lot of little mix songs already, dance songs, rap ang all sorts. I brought my headset with me to keep me busy but God has a way better plan for me. I got a corner seat, right ubder the speakers, it's like my personal theater here. Did not even notice that it's already 5:00. As i am righting this, i already have my third seatmate, a woman, roughly 40 or early 50s. She asked to be seated as its near the aircon, which i the coolest spot here because its just so hot, even inside the mall. She had a number indicating that she's waiting for an order. She had fries while waiting. Looks like it was a palabok with fries meal. As i am writing this, i could smell the palabok and its not plesant to right now. The smell of the garlic, i want to get up, but realized that i dont have anywhere to go. I'm not looking at her, but through my periferal vision, i can see that she's enjoying the sumtuous meal she's having. From the moment i entered, the line in the counter hasn't lessen. People just keep coming in, and out. Reminds me of a game i played on my tablet. At least that one came in rounds, this is the real thing. When i sat here, i had four chairs, now, i only have two. So this lady is sitting right across me. I cant bear to look up from my writing and also avoiding that awkward moment i am feeling right now. I wasn't hungry when i came here, and surely won't be too once i walk out. Its now 5:27 and the lady is packing her food to take out. This customer is a difficult one, she even asked for the spoon and fork even though you can just get it from the utensils counter. Did not stand up to ask for the takeout and just asked a crew. This song playing right now is the second time ive heard here today. "When ur out of my head and your out of my mind.....What can i say its complicated....... No matter what you say no matter what you do...so good its complicated " I should better go, people just kept coming in. Theres no stop with that line. This jollibee is storming with people. Other jollibee i know only have that line during lunch time. The lady is off, and i have another seatmate, a mom with a baby girl. The kid is 2 or 3, they're eating chicken joy and champ and fries. I think they have someone else with them, but i just don’t see someone else. That’s a lot of food for 1 adult and 1 baby girl, but who am i to judge. I could smell the chicken joy as she slices into it. This is a shy baby, she keeps glancing up at me. I'm looking through peripherals again.

I look at my watch and got a call from the boyfriend and I’m off. ---fin---

[kavoncortez-jones]

“the Essence Of Cool”

Audio: https://soundcloud.com/kavon-cortez-jones/the-essence-of-cooleffects-by-therese-goode

“I drink to make other people more interesting..” -Ernest Hemingway

A bike ride from Harambee-Riverwest to Bay View's South Shore Terrace  I got a little bit lost at first in a maze of streets named after states

Oklahoma, Texas, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, What the HELL?

 the homes got bigger and fancier as my mountain wheels gripped the gritty concrete

A relief fell swoon over me as I got to South Superior Street

 the Lake Michigan wind covered me in a cathartic blanket when I finally pulled up

I could instantly feel the perspiration dry off my morning sky blue

 Connect 53212 shirt

Downtown Milwaukee was perfectly panned out under pink and purple stripes

 cirrostratus clouds came to life as the sun bled through them slowly going down

A marina of motorboats were dotted on the blue

 the terrace were rows of park tables boxed in tall concrete walls painted peach

   with a celestial roof

    We sat near a controlled bonfire of charcoals right in the middle

 We meant my writing acquaintances, Mary, a hippie-headed Marquette graduate

   and Cris, a corny middle school Spanish teacher

They came over from the beer garden, glass jugs of gold by the mighty grip

 with a Milwaukee County Parks logo on them, an orange slice sailed on top

We usually meet at Fountain Tiki Bar in Riverwest, but winter ice around the moon

 cracked and melted away to a new season

    Mary picked a perfect June afternoon, because the weather was a cold sip of PBR

 a cool crunchy bite off of succulent watermelon slice

   the amicable anesthetics disembodied all my anxieties

We sat for some time as our ink pens throbbed, but notebooks closed

 conversed about how this week has gone so far

   How this park scenery has enveloped us in a realm of comfort

Theme was Essence of Cool--first topic, What does cool mean to you?, Mary proposed

 No timer this time since it was us three

the flames behind us fanged out and plastered our backs with warmth

 A lake zephyr blew at the same time reminded us to stay balanced

Our pen tips erected words on the lined pages until we called ourselves done

 until we could no longer cum for the moment

Second topic, List all the definitions of cool, cold or whatever she said....

I wrote: Andre 3000 cool, Red Kool-Aid frozen in the top fridge overnight cool

              A Lupe Fiasco metaphor cool, Lake Michigan cool, Wisconsin winter cool

                dress shoes with a jogging suit cool...

                                          ...Speaking of cool....

A guy straight out of a Woodstock Mary called Robbie Love soon sat with us

 He wore striped pajama pants, Led Zeppelin T-shirt, and John Lennon monocles

   long dirty blonde hair made him bare resemblance to the slain rock star

    He drove from Madison to write with us, but would not have a chance

 We began to talk about miscellaneous things from hometown to

   love life writing prompts became an after thought

I mentioned going to see my homies D'amato and Lorde Fred33 open up

 for Detroit Hip-Hop artist, Black Milk at Cactus Club afterwards

I was pretty confident it was seven bucks at the door

 Cris looked up the event on his phone and it was ten dollars for online tickets

   but twelve at the door—online ticket sells already closed at NOON...WHAT?!

It was a scramble all of sudden to get money for cover

 I remember his cell phone clock read 8:47 when we paced ourselves heading to

   a nearby Walgreens closing at nine

Three minutes to finish our drinks, five minutes to get there in Robbie's car

 and get a cash back...or something like that...

   Didn't really matter 'cause we procrastinated and never went, Tahahaha

Our Wisconsin instinct kicked in and remembered we needed booze, DUHHHH!

 We hopped in Robbie's blue Camry and was OFF!

Bay View Quick Mart was closed,UGHH!...

 but Siegal's Liquor just a block away up Kinnickinnic was STILL OPEN...YESSS!

Cris with his long hairy ass legs immediately departed shotgun and RAN OUT!

 We couldn't help but laugh at his corniness in full bloom

   A fubsy fella was right behind him in the same predicament

After I got cash back from Pick 'N Save, we soon found ourselves on the front

 porch of Mary's Bay View home getting drunk and high with the crickets-n-fireflies

   A quaint street of still-life cars airbrushed black by the ambient nightfall

What a quiet block it was as moonlight made the lukewarm cans of Redd's Apple Orchard

 and plastic cups of Brandy taste more nectarous and appreciable

How inhales of ganja gas off the weed pipe levitated me up into Buddha's tree house

 How I didn't want this moment to end, but of course had too

   It was nearly ten and the show was to begin

I biked nearly seven miles to get away from my Riverwest folks, but there they

 were packed inside Cactus Club drinkin'-dancin'-enjoyin' themselves

A carousal of stewed vocalizations stirred and spilled through the doors,

 past the bar and into the performance space

I found out from Heaton, D'amato and his trillion piece band already performed!

 They actually started a show ON TIME?! WHAT?!

   No worries because Lorde Fredd33 was up next and he never disappoints

He rocked the stage with Chris G's percussive thunder behind him

 Bo Triplex with the BOOM BANG POW on bass

   Q the Sun on electric keys and the audience's enthusiastic responses to his calls...    

                                 BLOW! BLOW BLOW!

the dread-locked Wiz Khalifa doppelganger left off stage shirtless

 with his muscular stature of tattoos covered in sweat

Black Milk and his amazing all Black band, Nat Turner-The Rebellion

 proved why white milk is overrated and WHACK!

He held the microphone up tight to his mouth like a classic MC

 fed the hungry audience songs full of lyrical Lucky Charms and Cocoa Puffs

      It went well with the Crispin hard cider on tap Mary bought me

We soon were full, yawning, and ready to get the HELL up out of there!

 Mary, Cris, and I found ourselves back at the park passed midnight

   Robbie rolled off in what he calls his 'blue ribbon metallic'

We traipsed on to the moonlit dock, tossed our sight over the metal rails to take

 a closer look at the simmering water and white boulders ashore

We gloriously basked back in mist of a classic Creme City night

 somewhat shit-faced but feeling SOOOO GOODAH!

Cris and I cycled home over Lake Michigan's blue above the clouds

 the insomniac wind howled and doors to Buddha's tree house were still WIDE open

  I lethargically entered...

                                    and fell asleep...

                                                             the essence of cool-

                                                            Peace

Written: 6/26/2016-7/2/2016, age 21

     Special Thanks to Robbie Love, Cris Casey, Mary Hacker & Drunk Writers