DILI SAYANG (my story with Prof. Evelyn Rose Aldecoa)

One of the first shows that I watched at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium when I entered Silliman University in 2001 was "Fiddler on The Roof". It was a fantastic show and I just found myself standing and applauding as the cast lined up for curtain call. I was touched, entertained, but at the same time jealous of the cast. "Nganong wala koy apil ani?" I asked myself. "I have to be on that stage. I must join a musical production in Silliman!"
I was just a freshman - an ambitious freshman. I scanned through the program notes, and looked for the name of the person who is behind this MAJOR production. hmmm... directed by: EVELYN ROSE ALDECOA. Suddenly, I noticed the applause gets louder, and an elegant woman went on stage to take a bow. It was Ms. Evelyn Rose Aldecoa herself. Watching her on stage, I promised to myself, “someday... somehow, I will get to work with her, and that day would be MAJOR".


(the cast of Fiddler on the Roof 2001. Photo from Ms. Blanche Banot)

I had to wait for almost a year for that moment to arrive. I was in second year college when Kuya Michael Alar, who was one of our youth leaders at Silliman Church, saw me walking from Guy Hall on my way to the Cafeteria. He approached me and asked "bass singer man ka sa Men's Glee club diba? Invite tikaw bai! Join sa Souled-Out Singers. We are in need of bass singers." I did not know what to answer at first, so he explained further that SOS was not a university-based choir but a gospel singing group organized by "Ms. Evelyn Aldecoa. "SHOULD I SAY NO?! That would be stupid. So of course I immediately said YES. He gave me further details about the rehearsals, etc. so one Sunday afternoon, I was at the gate of the Aldecoa's waiting for the SOS members to arrive. I did not expect to see a lot of familiar faces. Most of them were in the cast of "Fiddler on the Roof" and are campus figures. They warmly greeted me and welcomed me to the group. It was an awesome feeling to be in that circle. I was nervous, especially when ma’am Evelyn and her sister Ma’am Jenny greeted me and started to ask some questions. I wanted to melt then and there, but the moment they started cracking jokes and when the group started to sing, the nerves just turned into excitement. “I belong here”, I said to myself. It was indeed an honor to be part of the SOS family. The music… the fellowship… the friendship…the food… and the fun – a lot of good memories with SOS.




(SOS concert at the Luce Auditorium with tenor Jonathan Badon. Photo from Mark Ybanez)




(SOS concert in Cagayan de Oro city, Oct. 30, 2004. Photo from Mark Ybanez)


(SOS christmas party/cosplay in 2004, if memory serves. Photo from Mark Ybanez)

Later in 2003, ma’am Ev asked some of us from the bass section of SOS to be part of “the King and I” that she was staging. She needed some skinny, bass singers to portray as monks! YEHEY! I was one of the monks. “This is the beginning!” I thought to myself. I mean, I am not a theater first-timer because I have been in theater since elementary as a member of Liyab Cultural Group back in my hometown, and I was able to attend a PETA-designed workshop when I was 13. But this, I thought, was the MAJOR chance I have been waiting for.
Well, our part in the play was short. We had to pass through the stage twice while humming, then appear at the King’s death scene. It was short, but important! We set the mood. Haha!




(Cast of "the King and I" in 2003. Found me? Photo from Blanche Banot)


(Oh yes, that's me! The tall, old, bald guy)

And now, for the biggest surprise, after one of our SOS rehearsals in 2005, mam Ev approached me and asked me if I wanted to join her next production, the Man of La Mancha. I smiled in delight and immediately said yes! Then she continued… “I want you to play Don Quixote.” … there was silence… and I thought “hmmm… the name sounds familiar.” LOL! Maybe detecting my ignorance, she explained to me that DQ is the main character of the story, and that it fits me perfectly in terms of “physical” requirements, “bony, hollow-faced with eyes that burn with inner vision”.

In a state of shock, I uttered only one word. ”Sure???” Then, I immediately realized that it was stupid to show skepticism to “the Evelyn Aldecoa” so I immediately said “sige ma’am.” I HONESTLY FREAKED OUT, especially when the SOS members told me that the actors who portrayed Don Quixote in the past were "Elmo Makil" and "Dominador delos Santos". Who would not panic?! But ma'am Ev assured me that things would go well and that there's nothing to worry about. And who would not trust Evelyn Aldecoa’s powers?

Then, the rest is history. 

(the power cast of Man of La Mancha in 2005. Photo from Blanche Banot)

(a scene from Man of La Mancha - Don Quixote with Aldonza (Sheila Pabalate) and Sancho Panza (Rosbert Salburo)

It was a pleasure working with Ma’am Evelyn. I learned professionalism, theater etiquette, acting lessons, and gained high respect for theater. She was a “director” in the rehearsal room, but she was a mother, a friend, and a mentor outside. My acting was not perfect, but I know she was happy with my performance.

Right now, I feel overwhelmed with grief. Rest in Peace Prof. Evelyn Rose Aldecoa. I will miss you. You once told me "SAYANG HOPE... SAYANG... short-lived imong acting career. Sayang jud." You said that with genuine sadness in your eyes when you knew that I decided to work in a BPO after the successful production of Man of La Mancha. But what you didn't know madam is that I've always wanted to be as successful as you are in the field of theater. I promised to myself that one day, God willing, I will go back home (theater) and follow your footsteps. So when fate gave me the chance to return home (through the Youth Advocates Through Theater Arts - YATTA), one of the things that I aimed to do was to make you proud.

And just before you left, I had the chance to tell you about my numerous activities within and outside YATTA as a theater artist-teacher. I was like a young boy showing my medals to his mom. I saw the spark of delight back in your eyes, and you showed so much support to all my endeavors in theater, like a mother cheering on her son. "That's very good! Keep yourself busy doing theater works", you told me.

Madam, I know that this is the path that you wanted me to choose, and I will not stop here. There’s no turning back. You inspired me so much. This might sound selfish, but your passing pushes me to do even better in this field, and that is because I hope that you’ll be watching over me from heaven and you will see me grow. Promise, I will make you proud, aron dili SAYANG ma'am Ev... dili SAYANG.

I will miss you forever. Rest in Peace with the Lord.


(thanks to SU Speech and Theater students for this beautiful photo of mam Ev.)

Holiday treat to friends!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! The best thing I love about this season is the REST that I get. Oooooh! Life! Home means vacation and time for personal creative works. 

And so being home and having the luxury of time, I was able to make a photo slideshow and added subs for this song that I wrote sometime early this year. Here's my holiday treat to all of you who visit my blog. Thanks for spending time reading my blog. GOD BLESS YOU! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

                                      

UPDATE

MAAYONG ADLAW MGA MAMUGNAON!

Finally, there's time to post here. October-November was spelled "W-O-R-K". So many things happened the past two months, as in overwhelming! Thank you Lord for keeping me busy, because that means the world still needs me.

My schedule this month is not as hectic as the previous months. Just 4 shows, 1 workshop, 1 wedding to attend, 1 competition to judge, 1 manual to finish, 1 script to translate, and of course, a number of Christmas parties to attend. I know, I know! It still sounds busy, but I tell you, it's not as busy as the past 2 months. Now, you can imagine how it was. haha!

Well, definitely I have a lot of creative stuff to do this month and I'm loving it. You know how I love creative works and artistic endeavors. As a matter of fact I created a facebook group for friends to exchange creative ideas, artistic works, and anything MUGNA http://www.facebook.com/groups/203450863066949/.

So no matter how busy this month and the next months maybe, as long as it's for the sake of Creativity and Community, I will survive!!!!

OH MY MYSPACE!

What the fork!!!

After, I guess, 4 years I visited my myspace page and tried to clean it up. Ina agiw na! Hehehe! After almost an hour of fixing it, I found out that I had actually been posting blogs there in 2004. "Takip bibig" talaga ako habang binabasa ang first blog post ko doon dated April 6, 2004. Here's what it says:

"My first journal...exciting

Tagal ko ng nasa myspace, but this is still the first time I posted a journal entry. Naks! hu cares? ANyway, first, I would like to apologize sa lahat ng naloko ko!!! Hindi po ako si Erik Santos. Medyo na feel ko lang gamitin yung picture niya.. well, if you want to know hu really I am (only if you want) i posted my pic sa mga photos ko, tatlo pa nga, tapos yung isa may caption. YUN AKO!! Pasensya talaga sa mga nag akalang ako si Erik. Awayin niyo ako kung gusto niyo. Anyway again, I am in school right now, proccessing my internship. Mag iintern na po ako ngayong summer and I am excited(?). Medyo kinakabahan din kasi medyo mahirap daw ang trabaho sa company na ito. Masyado daw demanding pero ok naman daw ang training. Sana kayanin ko!" 

I was reminded that I actually posted ERIK SANTOS' photo when I created my myspace account, and it got numerous hits, and I got a lot of friend requests. For months I really pretended I was Erik Santos until my conscience was killing me.

I CAN'T BELIEVE I DID THAT! TERRIBLE!

LOVE IS A LOSING GAME

I cried my heart out watching this again. She was sad... she was very sad. Her tears said it all.

"Self professed profound, till the chips were down. Know you're a gambling man. Love is a losing hand"

I hate Drugs, I don't smoke, so I chose to be an advocate against these. But I know it's not easy to tell your friends "hey stop smoking! it kills you". It takes a PROCESS to help someone change, but it takes a SECOND to JUDGE.

To all her detractors, I hope you're all happy now, but here are some words from the Bible saying about how we should treat each other as God's people.

1 John 4:19-21
"We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who DOES NOT LOVE HIS BROTHER WHOM HE HAS SEEN CANNOT LOVE GOD WHOM HE HAS NOT SEEN. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother"

Amy, your music will continue to affect my creative being...forever. Goodbye, and say hello to a new world. Rest In Peace Amy...

Answering the Environment's Call

2011 is the year of the Forest as declared by the United Nations. Additionally, June is Philippine environment month. Several different groups call for the restoration, protection, and conservation of all types of forests worldwide as a solution to the dramatic devastation of our natural environment - denudation of natural landscapes, deforestation, global warming and all its destructive effects. We hear a lot of people say “save the earth”, but how many earnestly respond to this call?

In Liptong, Bacong we met an ordinary man who has made an extraordinary contribution to the ongoing campaign of promoting the concept of “rainforestation” in the province. He has inspired a lot of people to care for the environment and do something by starting somewhere.

Meet Rene Vendiola, the co-owner of Liptong Woodlands, which is an interactive Rainforestation demonstration site created to promote endemic-tree planting and at the same time provide source of livelihood to the locals. In the demonstration site you will find the trees that you now rarely see like Narra, Apitong, Yakal, Almon, Lauan, and kamagong which are important in forest restoration because they become hosts to native insects, birds, and even to other endemic plants that dwell on trees. With the presence of these native plants and trees you can be assured that butterflies, birds, and the beautiful wildlife will be conserved too.

Before the creation of Liptong Woodlands, Nong Ite as most people fondly call him, worked as a forest guide. He became the favorite forest assistant and bird watching guide of many forest visitors due to his indigenous knowledge about native plants and wildlife in this region.

Biodiversity expert Apolinario “Pol” Cariño, the executive director of Pederasyon sa Nagkahiusang mga Mag-uuma nga Nanalipud ug Nagpasig-uli sa Kinaiyahan Inc. (PENAGMANNAKI) who owns half of the total land area of Liptong Woodlands admitted that Nong Ite became his teacher in the wild. “I acquired ten percent of my knowledge about biodiversity in school, while ninety percent I learned in the field with Nong Ite’s help.”

Liptong Woodlands came to life after Nong Ite and five other members of PENAGMANNAKI attended a seminar-workshop on rainforestation sponsored by Haribon TSP in Baybay, Leyte in 2005. Because of his love for trees, Nong Ite together with Cariño and some members of the federation started to gather wildlings of various species of endemic plants in the forests of Negros Oriental.

The wildlings were then out planted in the property of Nong Ite, and to provide source of revenue for the farmers, they also decided to plant some other agroforestry species like fruit trees and ornamentals as part of the “rainforestation” concept developed by Margraf and Milan (1997).

Liptong Woodlands was named after Barangay Liptong as the place used to be dominated by Liptong trees (Palaquium sorsogonense), an endemic species that is of great economic importance to the locals. The expansion of Liptong Woodland happened in 2009 when Pol Cariño devoted a hectare of his property which happened to be located adjacent to Vendiola’s property.

Today, Liptong Woodlands has become a favorite forest destination by bird watchers, students, academicians, mountaineers, LGU executives, photographers, and biodiversity enthusiasts. It is successful in setting an example to people that rainforestation is not impossible. Nong Ite expressed contentment considering the response of the people in the barangay. “Nausob jud ilang huna-huna… naikog na sila mamusil, mamutol ug kahoy aron himoong uling“ (there’s a change in outlook among the locals. They refrained from hunting and cutting trees for charcoal).

However, this is not where it ends. For Nong Ite, the fight has just begun. Craving for more knowledge on biodiversity, Nong Ite devotes his time reading books and memorizing scientific names of endemic trees and plants. Visitors to Liptong Woodlands have always been so impressed whenever Nong Ite articulately describes each species like a pro.

Inspired by Nong Ite’s talent and dedication, Mrs. Esther Windler, a known environment campaigner in the province and a member of Friends of the Environment in Negros Oriental (FeNor) nominated him to the 5th Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (Rafi) Triennial Awards in the field of environment. For her, Nong Ite is a person of simple disposition but whose achievements inspire a lot of people. She even considered him “a wild card” in the competition.

Nong Ite was surprised when one day people from Ramon Aboitiz Foundation came to his house asking for an interview with him and announcing that he made it to the top 10. The top 5 winners will be announced next year, but for Nong Ite being in the top 10 is already a big reward for all his efforts. He just hopes that more and more people would make their own little initiatives to help save the earth without expecting anything in return.

Lovers Under the Sun

The White sand bar in the Municipality of Manjuyod has to be one of the best romantic getaways for couples who enjoy being outdoors. This small isolated white sand beach is not only a popular destination for picnics, swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and scuba diving, but also a romantic location for lovers who wish to just laze around and spend time with each other.

The White Sand Bar is a 7-kilometer stretch of pure white sand surrounded by sparkling pristine waters. Presenting a massive potential, it has now become one of the top tourist destinations in the province of Negros Oriental. This beautiful long strip of beach, also known as the Sumapao shoal, offers magical sceneries and exquisite display of Negros Oriental’s sea bounties making it a perfect location for intimate trips.

It is also known as an ideal stopover during dolphin and whale watching tours organized by the tourism council of the City of Bais although it technically belongs to the jurisdiction of the town of Manjuyod located 59 kilometers from the provincial capital Dumaguete city, just about an hour drive. The great deal about this is that you have two take-off options in going to the sand bar. Most travelling couples rave about the dolphin and whale watching tours from Bais city, but it is also possible to take a 15-minute boat ride from Manjuyod straight to the sand bar. And concerning boat rentals and tour packages, it is important to book ahead of time so you can avail of excellent deals.

Be aware also that dolphin and whale watching tours usually start at 6am during calm weather. For a longer stay, you can book a room in several cozy little hotels in Bais, and they can also give you more information about the dolphin watching tour packages and van rentals.

There are several cottages built on stilts to accommodate guests especially during high tide when the water covers the entire 600-hectare strip area, and just recently the tourism office of Manjuyod has designed cottages good for two catering to couples yearning for total privacy. These pretty native wooden houses can also be rented for overnight stays, perfect for honeymooners.

During the day, couples who would go for an adventurous yet equally romantic set-up do not have to rent a cottage but simply have their boats anchored. The Manjuyod White Sand Bar is definitely one of the most romantic spots that couples should not miss to visit when they are in Negros Oriental.

Casaroro Falls

Mountain adventures and nature trips would always suggest excitement and fun no matter if it means taking a challenging trek on steep trails. It can be exhausting but definitely irresistible. And this is how one would exactly describe an adventure trip to Casaroro Falls. All you need is to warm yourself up, prepare for an exciting ride and get ready to burn some fats on your way to Negros Oriental’s most photographed waterfall.

Casaroro Falls is one of the treasures of the municipality of Valencia and one of the top tourist destinations in Negros Oriental. Its name was coined after the phrase “Casa ni Roro” which means “House of Roro”. From Valencia, you must take a rough habal-habal ride up to the mountains and it would cost at least a hundred pesos per person, and when it rains the road could also be slippery making the journey even tougher. But when you have the luxury of time, you may choose to hike it up like most foreign visitors do.

Indeed the travel is not easy. As you make it to the jump-off to the waterfall, you still have to trek down a 350-step concrete staircase constructed for safety. Then, the excitement grows as you go down and witness a perfect view of the dense tropical foliage of the place. And finally, when you reach the falls and begin to get acquainted with the hypnotizing beauty of this wonderful gift from Mother Nature herself, you can say it’s absolutely worth such strenuous endeavor. A vista of such spectacular piece of nature awaits you. Enclosed by lush foliage and natural rock formations, Casaroro falls is a perfect place to get real close to nature.

Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the Casaroro falls stands out having a majestic height of 100 feet. Another unique feature of this waterfall is that the water plunges heavily and mightily, causing a thunderous roar as it touches the deep cold basin although the cascade is noticeably narrow.

It is also a great place to have a picnic and there are small huts available. Usually there aren’t many people around so you can expect a more intimate encounter with nature – hear the sound of cascading water, relax under the shed of towering trees, and see rare species of birds.

Casaroro falls is heralded as the most beautiful waterfall in Valencia and indeed a must-see tourist destination. For your convenience you can hire a tour guide in Valencia, and if you are in a group it is also possible to rent a van that can take you up to the point where you have to trek.

COUNTING BLESSINGS

Written as Facebook Note on May 31, 2011, 10;33PM

Since it's the last day of May, I want to mention the experiences I had this summer that I would like to especially thank God for.



1.) the chance to wear dreadlocks

2.) sold more than 10 pairs of poi and conducted 3 poi sessions.

3.) attended Hersley-Ven Casero's photography lecture at GWAVE.

4.) Fishing in Looc with Junsly Kitay and Benjie Kitay

5.) directing a photoshoot with photographer Jeff Yuen Soreño Anfone

6.) conducted workshop for and worked with Zmar Band (Sibulan CYF)

7.) joined Sibulan Choir during Holy Week

8.) joined Trainers' Training with facis from PETA (Cris Gonzales and Icee Po)

9.) conducted BITAW for SK and TEACHERS in Mabinay (so memorable)

10.) conducted BITAW for Children in Conflict with the Law in Bayawan (equally memorable)

11.) encountered and interviewed people with beautiful spirits (for DAYON magazine feature articles)

12.) Enjoyed Haley Reinhart's music (lol!)

13.) performed again at Poblacion 2, under the bridge.

14.) Being part of SA KALIPAY group, which organized the special wedding of Tita Linda and Tito Willy (Linwell's parents).

15.) Having gone to Siquijor for the very first time.

16.) Bonding with relatives during ECHICA-LUMAYAG family reunion

17.) Precided YATTA General Assembly in April facing 34 (yes THIRTY FOUR) members (di pa complete attendance yan)

18.) Celebrated the life of Nanay Pherps Bacarro and reunited with TINAMBACAN family members after a very very long time (this makes me really emotional)



THANK YOU LORD. At some point, I wanted to give up. But as the song goes, "Count your blessings. Name them one by one. Count your blessings. See what God has done." So instead of complaining, I thank you Lord for allowing me to grow everyday emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Again, Thank you GOD!

SA ULAN

Ey! Finally, we've finished the first draft of my new song. It's in Cebuano so please bear with the lyrics. Anyway, there's a translation for those who don't understand Bisaya. It is also our first attempt to make an RnB song that's why it sounds really raw. We'll improve it as soon as the masters are available. I hope you like it. Enjoy!




Song title: SA ULAN
Lyrics by: HOPE TINAMBACAN (lolo bastruk)
Music by: Hope and Kim Tinambacan
Music arranged by: Kim Tinambacan
Back-up arrangement: Hope and Kim Tinambacan
Back-up vocals: Hope Tinambacan
Studio: Char Studio (Kim's room)


Usa ka adlaw nga walay adlaw
Napuno sa dag-um ang kalangitan
Lakang gipaspasan kay nakulbaan
Basun kaabtan sa pagbundak sa ulan

Apan nakita ko ikaw
Ug kangitngit nahanaw
Nabalhin sa laing kalibutan
Diin ang ulan mga gihay sa kristal nga mga rosas
Nagpanindlak gikan sa kalangitan

Ulalalala lalan ulan (bahalag mahumod ko sa ulan)
Ulalalala lalan ulan (bahalag hilanat ang kapaingnan)
Ulalalala lalan ulan
(Bahalag mahumod ko sa ulan)
Basta ikaw akong mahibalagan

Apan dungan sa akong pagka dam-ag
Ikaw mipara ug pedicab
Daling mibakod ug milanat
Wala tagda dalugdog ug kilat

Tungod nakita ko ikaw
Ug kangitngit nahanaw
Nabalhin sa laing kalibutan
Diin ang ulan mga gihay sa kristal nga mga rosas
Nagpanindlak gikan sa kalangitan

Ulalalala lalan ulan (bahalag mahumod ko sa ulan)
Ulalalala lalan ulan (bahalag hilanat ang kapaingnan)
Ulalalala lalan ulan
(Bahalag mahumod ko sa ulan)
Basta ikaw akong mahibalagan

Apan si manong drayber kusog mopadagan
Di ko na maapsan hangtud di na ka makit-an
Ang katugnaw milusot sa panit padulong sa unod
kasingkasing ko daw gi tusok tusok!

Ulalalala lalan ulan (bahalag mahumod ko sa ulan)
Ulalalala lalan ulan (bahalag hilanat ang kapaingnan)
Ulalalala lalan ulan
(Bahalag mahumod ko sa ulan)
Basta ikaw akong mahibalagan

English Translation
(thanks to the following people for helping out: Andre Paul Ampong, Xavier Villagonzalo, Aiken Quipot, Gladys Alcantara)

One gloomy day
The sky is covered with dark clouds
I hasten my steps as I'm anxious
afraid I'll be drenched with rain


but then you came in sight
and all the darkness turned to light
you brought me to a world of awe
where raindrops fall like crystal rose petals 
burst forth in full glow from heaven


Rain (doesn't matter if I get completely soaked in the rain)
Rain (doesn't matter if I'll get down with fever)
Rain (doesn't matter if I get completely soaked in the rain)

As long as it's you that I see


As I stumbled, you hailed a pedicab
I stood up fast then ran, ignored the thunder and lightning

because you came in sight
and all the darkness turned to light
you brought me to a world of awe
where raindrops fall like crystal rose petals 
burst forth in full glow from heaven

Rain (doesn't matter if i get completely soaked in the rain)
Rain (doesn't matter if ill get down with fever?)
Rain (doesn't matter if i get completely soaked in the rain)
 As long as it's you that I see
  
yet the driver's maneuvering the vehicle rocket-fast
couldn't catch up till the sight of you faded

the frost-like wind pierced through my skin into the depths of my body

until my pierced heart pours its scarlet tears.

Rain (doesn't matter if i get completely soaked in the rain)
Rain (doesn't matter if ill get down with fever?)
Rain (doesn't matter if i get completely soaked in the rain)

As long as it's you that I see

Dahil Tayo'y Bata (Because There's a Child in Us)

Nobody is getting any younger. Even the kids of today would later talk about the goodness and sadness of yesterday; in bisaya, we say "mag sigeg istoryag gahapon". I'm only 26. I'm still within the "youth" age bracket and I am happy to have already experienced great things (including great trials) in life at my age. But of course, like many young people, I also worry about where life would lead me. It's normal I guess, but as a theater teacher I am glad that I am always reminded of the great lesson on how to stay young and feel young - to have a child-like heart. It also led to the creation of the song "Dahil Tayo'y Bata", which I wrote last year. I am glad I was able to immediately record it because it was my purpose to let my friends listen to this song as my way of sharing the great lesson I learned.


Arranged by Kim Tinambacan

5 stars for this album

With 8 brilliant albums under her belt, Kyla has proven herself to be one of the Philippines' most precious artists. Her latest album, Private Affair, has really impressed me - 11 cuts, only 1 cover song and 1 remix. Projecting Kyla's jazz influence, this album is what she considers as something that brings her "back to basics". It was superbly created with the help of brilliant musicians like Karel and Yosha Honasan, Jay-r, Billy Crawford, and Kris Lawrence and other talented music arrangers (names to be posted soon). One of my top favorite songs in this album is "A Song For the Love in Summer" which was written by Kyla's father himself, the talented Atty. Ulysis Calumpad.

Private Affair is definitely one of her best albums. I'm giving it 5 stars. Buy a copy now. No regrets!

Mga Balak ni Lolo Bastruk

AYAW PAGHIKOG

Kung ang oras dili ma-apas
hinay hinay lang ug baktas
Kay basun imong lapa-lapa ma ugtas
labinag nipis ang tsinelas

Kung katumbahon na sa kakutas

Ayaw pugsa kay moawas

Ang kainit sa dugo sa imong lawas

May pay imnan nimo ug gatas

Sum-od na paminawon

Mga inagulo sa kadlawon

Hangtud sa lalum nga kagabhion

Nag uwang lang sa gihapon

Sa kangitngit dili maaaninag

Mga dagko ug lalum nga bangag

Mao nga mag andam ug iwag

Aron hayag… kita tanang katag

Hiposa nang pisi kanaog sa building

Iluwa nang tabletas

ang acido para sa inidoro

Ang pistola ibtag bala

maayo pa blade ang gamita

Sa pagtastas sa baga nga kurtina

aron imong Makita unsa

ang nasa gawas sa bintana. Aaay… kahayag