i just came back from a 4-day trek south of manila. we first had this gig in some town or barangay at batangas (there will be no added details regarding this), then a trip to anilao (or this one either), then we headed straight to tali beach (now here is where specifics should be addressed).

the beach was awesome. although the sand wasn't white, it was clean (or should i say, well-maintained?). there weren't any malformed boulders hanging by the shore, or anything that would violently prick the soles of anyone's feet, besides of course if the sun was frying it totally. nice, clear water, soothing sea breeze, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. and the house had this impressive view of the ocean, which is one the many things anyone, regardless of spiritual belief should thank God (or some higher being for that matter) for.

indeed, summer has arrived.

yes, my exams may finally be over, but the idea of flunking any one of my classes still looms over my vacation-spurred head. but hey, everything's done and over with, eh?

yet even after the all the frivolousness that surrounded the last four days, shit still happened.

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-untitled-

walking past lines of
mixed emotions
and stalls of self-doubt, i see myself
stranded in this terminal once again
waiting,
anticipating,
for my busload of
clarity and
self-recognition to arrive --
three hours too late.

sullen
benches entice these
jaded legs,
offering anaesthetic relief,
albeit temporary,
are enough to
numb anxieties
which we both know are
too costly to lose or have.

from where i'm standing, i
could see you amongst
these crowded affairs,
juggling between
timestamps, deadlines, and rush hours.

it is then, driver, i finally
succumb to these pews,
still waiting,
still anticipating,
for your bus to arrive --
half-knowing that i haven't even bought my ticket.