The Gasoline Dude™

Circa 2004

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:52:00 +0000

Ang dami kong tawa.

Hindi ko malaman sa kaibigan ko kung bakit niya naisipang buhayin pa ang mga bidyo na ito pagkatapos ng walong taon. (Ni-send niya sa 'min thru Facebook.)

Ang payat ko pa noon.

At ang mga dance moves...

Muntik ko ng mabuga ang iniinom kong kape.

Usapang Late

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Wed, 02 May 2012 13:54:00 +0000

Sa Pilipinas pa lang, struggle ko na ang tardiness.

Maaga akong magising tuwing umaga, pero sobrang matagal akong maligo at mabagal akong magbihis. Kahit sa dati kong trabaho lagi akong late, pero malakas ang loob ko dahil hindi naman ako atat na umuwi agad. Sa isip ko, basta makumpleto ko ang walong oras kada araw sa opisina, OK na 'yun.

Pero sa bago kong trabaho, mahigpit ang policy pagdating sa tardiness. Makaka-receive ka ng notification sa Skype from Admin kapag late ka ("Please be reminded that your official working hours are from 9:00am to 6.15pm from Mondays to Fridays..."), pero binibigyan naman kami ng grace period na 10 minutes. Maaga ding pumasok ang boss at mga colleagues ko kaya naman nakakahiya talaga kapag hindi ka on-time kung pumasok.

Kaninang umaga, pakiramdam ko male-late na naman ako. 8:15 ng umaga na ako nakaalis ng bahay. Kumusta naman?! 15 minutes bus ride mula bahay hanggang sakayan ng tren. 20 minutes train ride mula Tampines hanggang Aljunied. Isa pang 10 minutes bus ride mula train station hanggang pinakamalapit na bus stop sa office, tapos 5 minutes walk mula bus stop hanggang building. Hayst! Iniisip ko pa lang, nakaka-stress na.

Pagkadating ko ng Aljunied after the train ride, almost 9 AM na. Nagsimula na akong magdasal. "Lord, sana may taxi... Lord, sana may taxi... Lord, sana may taxi..." Inisip ko, meron pang 10 minutes na grace period.

Biglang may dumating na taxi. Walang pasahero! Nagulat ako. Mahirap kasing sumakay ng taxi sa Aljunied. Ayus! Thank you Lord! Bait mo talaga! Pinara ko ito, at sumakay.

It really pays to pray.

Pero late pa din ako nakarating ng opisina.

Timecheck: 9:11 AM.

**********

REFLECTION:

As Christians, we have our own responsibility to walk in holiness. Our journey doesn't stop from just accepting Christ as our Lord & Saviour. A good name and a good reputation is also important as a Christian, and that all our actions point back at Him. That's why we should continue to persevere and be diligent in living a Christ-like life, despite the struggles, trials and difficulties. Bad habits such as habitual tardiness doesn't bring honor and glory to His name.

Bibilisan ko na ang pagligo at pagbihis sa susunod para hindi na ako male-late.

"Pursue holiness, for without holiness no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14)

People Come & Go

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:51:00 +0000

Bakit? Paano?

Hindi ko maintindihan, ang akala mong magandang samahan ay nawala na lang ng parang bula. Napapag-isip tuloy ako kung meron ba akong nagawang mali o kaya nama'y hindi maganda. Kung meron man, mas gusto ko pang harapin ako ng diretso kesa naman sa piliin nilang lumayo na lang na may kung anumang poot o sama ng loob sa 'kin.

Hindi ko sila hinuhusgahan. Nakakalungkot lang. Handa naman akong makinig. Kung may atraso man, handa din akong umamin sa pagkakamali at humingi ng pasensiya.

Pero alam kong merong tamang oras at panahon para sa lahat.

Samu't-Saring Updates

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:22:00 +0000

Sobrang busy ko ngayon. Kahit sa pagba-blog eh nawalan na ko ng oras. More than a month na pala akong hindi nag-uupdate. Ang totoo niyan, marami akong kuwento. Wala lang talaga akong oras magsulat. Tara, mag-kape na lang tayo at sa personal na lang tayo magkuwentuhan.

Lumipat na pala ako ng trabaho. Isa ito sa mga rason kung bakit hindi ako nakakapag-blog. Nagkaroon kami ng konting alitan ng boss ko sa dati kong kumpanya. Hindi ito naging madali para sa akin kasi 'mentor-protege' ang turingan namin sa isa't-isa. Naayos naman namin ang sitwasyon pero nag-decide pa din akong umalis. Nagkikita pa din naman kami every week dahil pinupuntahan ko siya tuwing Sabado sa opisina.

Nag-birthday ako last month. Hindi na ako nagbalak na mag-celebrate dahil pagkatapos kong magka-problema sa trabaho, akala ko uuwi na ako ng Pilipinas kaya naisip ko na kailangan kong magtipid. Nagpunta na lang ako sa Sentosa at nag-solo flight. Dinala ko ang aking banig, inilatag sa tabi ng dalampasigan at nagbasa ng libro. Pero nakakatuwa dahil meron akong mga ilang kaibigan na talagang nag-exert ng effort para puntahan ako sa Sentosa at dalhan ako ng birthday cake. Salamat sa inyo dahil ako'y naligayahan ng lubos. Salamat din sa mga tumawag at nag-greet thru SMS, WhatsApp, iMessage, Viber, Facebook, at Twitter.

Tulad ng aking nabanggit, akala ko katapusan na ng pamamalagi ko dito sa Singapore. Handa na naman akong umuwi kahit wala akong masyadong naipon. Alam ko kasing hindi naman ako papabayaan ng Diyos. Pero ayun, kahit sinasabi ng iba na mahirap makahanap ng trabaho ngayon, mabait pa din Siya. He gave me a new job, and a better one at that! Tila sinasabi Niya sa 'kin na, "Meron ka pang unfinished business diyan. Hindi ka pa puwedeng umalis." It really pays to put your complete trust in Him. :)

Lovelife? Ano 'yun? Haha madaming naiintriga sa aking previous post at kahit sa personal ay lagi akong kinukulit. Dadating din naman 'yun, 'wag masyadong atat. Ang totoo niyan, may mga bagay na mas importante kesa sa lovelife, kaya 'wag ma-pressure at 'wag mam-pressure ng iba. LOL

Marami pa akong kuwento. Try ko ulit mag-update this week. :)

The Sweet Sound of your Voice

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:21:00 +0000

Hindi pa ata kita nakita o napansin nun. I was too busy minding on how to get through my own audition, but the moment I heard you sing, bigla akong napatigil at napalingon. I got mesmerized by your voice! Hinanap ko kung saan nanggagaling ang magandang tinig, at ikaw ang nakita ko.

You’re pretty & cute, and I like the way you smile. You actually reminded me of a former colleague whom I was having a crush on (but that time she was in a relationship, so I didn’t pursue). You also look simple and seem fragile. No over-the-top personality, at mukhang walang arte sa katawan. JUST MY TYPE! Hahaha!

Pero dahil nga likas akong torpe, even at my age, wala akong ginagawang ‘damoves’. I just like stealing some glances at you, and enjoying the conversations we would have. But as time passes by, lalo kitang nakikilala at lalo akong nagkakaroon ng interest. Now I’m even Facebook friends with your mom, at nakaka-chat ko pa once in a while.

So what’s the situation now? I just found out that: (1) a friend of mine likes you as well, and seems to be more ‘invested’ than I am in you, and (2) there’s apparently a third guy who goes to the same church, and reportedly is the ‘frontrunner’ in your heart;

Am I bothered? Not really.

Sabi nila, kapag may gusto ka daw na isang tao, dapat na itong ipinagdadasal.

Right now, I only have this prayer:

Lord God, may you provide me the time and opportunity that I need. I know I’m the last in the pack, but at this moment I just want to know her better (and vice versa) and establish that friendship between the both of us first. I know I’m already at ‘that’ age, but I pray that it won’t be a source of desperation for me as I know it will all be worth the wait. But if it’s not meant to be, give me a sign and may Your will be done.

***************

Announcement to all the winners of my blog contest, kindly wait for an email from me within the week. :)

Winners Revealed!

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:33:00 +0000

Sa wakas! Matutuldukan na din natin ang patimpalak ng inyong lingkod sa kadahilanang i-aanunsiyo ko na ngayon ang mga nagwagi. Sabi nga ng isang kaibigang blogero, isa na ata ito sa mga patimpalak sa mundo ng blogosperyo na may pinakamahabang proseso: halos tatlong buwan ang durasyon ng paglahok at lagpas isang buwan ang itinagal ng paghahatol.

Gusto kong magpasalamat sa aking mga kaibigan at kapwa blogero na nagsilbing mga hurado ng patimpalak na ito. Ang laki ng utang na loob ko sa inyo! Alam kong hindi naging madali ang paghuhusga. Babawi talaga ako sa inyo! Salamat kay Greenpinoy, Lethalverses, Chroneicon, Traveliztera, at sa aking guest judge na si Ro Anne.

Gusto ko ding magpasalamat sa mga sumali. Sobrang overwhelmed ako sa inyong mainit na pagsuporta sa patimpalak na ito. A total of 65 entries! WOW! Maraming salamat. Saludo ako sa inyo.

Without further ado, here’s the list of winners:

10th – 6th Place

(Prize: Surprise! TBA.)

AKONI

"The story's twist is a bit expected. The ability to write a fiction while maintaining the normal kanto-life is appreciated. The author could have tried something new though, not sticking to the expected tragedy (yes, one can see it coming while reading the first half of the article)."

BINO

"Great rhythm, flow and tone from beginning to end. The last paragraph stings the most where the paradigm all but fades into merely a dream. However, this failed to capture relevance to the theme, the story (like most entries) can be created on a different setting - somewhere else other than a gas station."

JOEY VELUNTA

"If I haven't read Mariano's almost similar (but better) english post about seasons compared to his multitude of exes, I'll say this one's fresh. It failed on relevance big time though - but still a great read."

JECK

“Genius storytelling. He could have ranked higher given the immense talent showcased from start to end of the article but it lacks sufficient relevance to the theme though.”

“Lengthy but you'll be thrilled to know the ending. The author showed two scenario of real life… the one who face his problem and the one who escapes it. Protagonist is an example of a true powered individual who has the driving force to improve his life despite of misfortunes.”

MANIKREIGUN

"This gives me chill. Reminds me of my former writing coach's style. The subtle development and use of an easily distinguishable pattern creates the drama needed to deliver the final push towards reality. It still lacks valuable relevance to the theme though."

5th Place

(Prize: Singapore Shirt)

GLENTOT

“Talented author. No metaphors: just plain, old simple personification of fuel and flame but enough to deliver the punch. Brilliant, though the impact may be too fleeting to be considered worthy of emerging as the grand winner.”

4th Place

(Prize: Singapore Shirt)

DETEKTIB GAPO

“The bombardment of thoughts makes the article boring. The talent is still displayed though, but the author is better off perfecting consistency instead of experimenting with, as I've said, ‘bombardment’.”

“The only person who can narrate the true essence of gasoline is the one who has the first hand experience of it. Literally and figuratively, this entry nailed it. And its fascinating how the author turned a negative title to a bright, hopeful and insightful story. Though this could have been a perfect entry if only pictures are toned similar to its black title.”

3rd Place

(Prize: 8GB USB Flash Memory Drive + Singapore Shirt)

RAH

“This belongs among the top of the list! The brilliant execution of the narrative, coupled with the well-placed use of pauses between each flow of the storyline captured the purpose and central theme of the story. Very very well written.”

“Powerful emphasis on the theme. Though reminds me of Parokya's 'Buloy' song.”

2nd Place

(Prize: 16GB USB Flash Memory Drive + Singapore Shirt)

ZHURUTANG

“I feel like watching a documentary when I read this entry. I find this entry quite informative with well researched characters. I've never heard of that term before and it captured my interest to crave for more. Honest and truthful narration of poverty and how a person cross borders to alleviate life and be able to survive ‘the needs’ even if principle is at stake. Truly awakening. This could pass as an indie film story.”

“This author nailed it. This is one article which creates stunning images of a ‘dorobong gas driver’ against the backdrop of reality. No metaphors needed: pure, genuine relevance to the theme. It requires no intelligently chosen words - the simplicity of how it was written more than defines its own brilliance. Finally, I love how the author ended the serious post - using an alleged text message request to ‘introduce’ his contest entry.”

1st Place

(Prize: 1TB Portable Hard Drive + Singapore Shirt)

DIWANG BUGHAW

"Good poem. The article's use of metaphors, albeit common and too cliché, is well used as the paragraph progresses."

"Effective use of symbolism on how the character face ageing and how much knowledge and experience he disclose as he welcomes maturity."

********************

Congratulations sa lahat ng mga nanalo. Salamat sa lahat ng lumahok, nagbasa, naghusga, at nagpakita ng suporta sa aking kauna-unahang patimpalak sa blog. Mabuhay kayo!

Blog Contest UPDATE

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:22:00 +0000

Alam kong marami na ang nag-aabang sa resulta ng aking blog contest. Pasensiya na, masyado kasing madami ang sumali (total of 65 entries), at naging busy din ang mga hurado. Pero GOOD NEWS! Malapit ko nang i-announce ang mga nanalo! Kaya ABANGAN!

Bilang patikim sa ‘partial results’ ng naging paghuhusga, sinabihan ko ang mga hurado na magbigay ng ilang ‘remarks’ o ‘comments’ sa mga naging entries. Gusto kong i-share ang ilan sa mga ito:

“This belongs among the top of the list! The brilliant execution of the narrative, coupled with the well-placed use of pauses between each flow of the storyline captured the purpose and central theme of the story. Very very well written.”

“This guy needs lectures involving Redundancy 101 and Creative Choice of Words 102. The finale lacks a more cunning delivery to the point that it wasted the lengthy introduction.”

“Talented author. No metaphors: just plain, old simple personification of fuel and flame but enough to deliver the punch. Brilliant, though the impact may be too fleeting to be considered worthy of emerging as the grand winner.”

"I already disagreed at the first part of the article; and the content lacks sufficient depth to make it a worthy read. Although let's admit, it hits relevance high enough.”

“Poor editing and proofreading. It's sad when one creates something without taking the time to review and proofread. The idea is there, but lost my interest when noting at least two spelling errors on the first two lines alone.”

Napa-tambling ako pagkabasa ko ng mga judges’ remarks. Tama ang naging desisyon kong kunin silang judge. LOL!

Maraming salamat ulit sa mga sumali. Abangan ang FINAL RESULTS next week!

Positivity

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:53:00 +0000

Naranasan mo na bang mapunta sa isa sa mga sumusunod na sitwasyon? Ano ang iyong mga naging reaksiyon?

Akala mo OK ka ang iyong trabaho sa ibang bansa, pero dumating ang isang umaga na pinatawag ka na lang ng boss mo at sinabihang kailangan ka ng paalisin sa kumpanya dahil hindi na ito kumikita;

Hindi kayo ‘in speaking terms’ ng tatay mo, tapos bigla na lang siyang pumanaw ng hindi niyo naayos kung ano man ang inyong mga naging hindi pagkakaunawaan;

Pumila ka buong hapon para makabili ng tickets para sa isang ‘dance party’. Inabot ka ng gabi sa kakahintay, at pagkatapos mong makarating sa ticket counter, biglang sasabihin sa ‘yong ubos na ang ticket;

Nagkasakit ang nanay mo sa Pilipinas, pero hindi ka makauwi para alagaan siya dahil sa trabaho;

Niligawan ng barkada mo ang babaeng gusto mo, at naging sila.

Life is full of ups and downs. Hindi puro saya ang buhay, meron ding lungkot at pighati. May mga bagay din na nakakapagdulot sa atin ng pagkadismaya, pagkainis at sama ng loob. At minsan kahit anong pilit nating pigilan ang mga pangyayaring hindi maganda, nangyayari pa din.

Hindi masamang maramdaman ang mga emosyong nabanggit, pero hahayaan mo bang lamunin ka ng mga emosyong ito? I’m a big believer and encourager of POSITIVITY, at natutunan kong may rason ang bawat pangyayari sa buhay natin, maganda man o hindi dahil…

… Our minds are finite to fully comprehend an infinite God. Masyadong maliit ang utak natin para maintindihan natin Siya ng 100%. Minsan hindi natin maunawaan ang mga bagay-bagay, pero ang totoo niyan, whatever it is that has happened or is happening in our lives, may it be positive or negative, it’s just a small part of God’s bigger and greater plan for us.

Lahat ng limang sitwasyong nabanggit sa taas ay naranasan ko. Kung titingnan mo sila isa-isa, hindi sila magaganda at wala sa kanila ang katuwa-tuwa, but in the end, it all resulted for the better:

Kung hindi ako natanggal sa trabaho ko dati, hindi ako mapapalipat sa kumpanya ko ngayon na itinuturing kong isang malaking blessing dahil ang boss ko at karamihan ng aking mga kasamahan ay mga Kristiyano. Nagba-Bible studies kami every week;

Na-realize ko na I should live each day to its fullest. Mas na-appreciate at minahal ko ang natitirang magulang ko: ang Nanay ko;

God was probably testing my patience. Something might have happened bad kung natuloy akong mag-Zoukout (ang dance party na nabanggit);

God was telling me that I should not worry dahil Siya ang mismong nag-aalaga sa Nanay ko habang wala ako;

Some things are just not meant to be.

Trumpet

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:27:00 +0000

Naranasan mo na bang magdasal sa Diyos, pero pakiramdam mo hindi naman Siya nakikinig kasi hindi naman Siya sumasagot? Parang text message lang, pagkatapos mong bumili ng pang-load, todo effort kang magtype gamit ang pinakaiingat-ingatan mong Nokia 5110 at piling pili pa ang mga salitang iyong ginamit tapos wala ka namang makukuhang reply. Minsan magrereply nga pero antagal naman, o kaya eh isang simpleng 'K' lang ang matatanggap mo. Nakakainis 'di ba?

Looking back, I used to feel that way. I would pray to God, try all my might to wait for His response, but hear nothing. Naalala ko pa, tumatambay pa ako nun sa mga parks o kaya sa tabi ng lake just to have an 'alone time' with Him, pero wala pa din. I even tried going from one church to another, but it only got me frustrated all the more. (Yup, church hopper ako nun.)

Hindi ko talaga Siya mahanap.

But now it's a different story. Dinig na dinig ko ang boses ng Diyos... with matching loudspeakers. I even came to a point na hindi ako makatulog dahil salita Siya ng salita. (Parang nanay ko lang kapag nagna-nag.)

"The sound of the trumpet is getting louder and louder..."

Auditory hallucination? Nababaliw na ba ako? Nag-aral ako ng Psychology ng apat na taon nung college, sa tingin ko hindi naman ako baliw.

**********

Announcement of winners sa aking munting patimpalak will be on the second week of February. Pasensiya na sa mga nag-aantay, naging busy kasi ang mga hurado. Andami din kasing sumali kaya ang hirap mag-judge. Muli, salamat sa mga lumahok.

Unang Bloggers Meetup sa Bagong Taong 2012

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:35:00 +0000

Happy New Year! Kasalukuyang tinatamaan ako ngayon ng ~~writer's~~ "blogger's block" kaya matagal-tagal akong hindi nag-update ng blog. Pinaplano ko pa namang gumawa ng year-ender post, pati na din maglista ng resolutions / faith goals ko para sa 2012 pero pati 'yun eh hindi ko matapos-tapos. Hayst!

Salamat nga pala sa lahat ng sumali sa aking pa-contest. WOOT! 64 ENTRIES! Heto ang listahan ng lahat ng lumahok: CLICK HERE. Pinapahirapan niyo kaming mga hurado, at hindi pa ako tapos magbasa ng lahat ng akda. Try kong inannounce ang winners by end of this month.

Ang ikukuwento ko muna sa inyo eh 'yung naging unang meetup ko ngayong taon dito sa Singapore kasama ang aking fellow OFW blogger na based sa Saudi Arabia, si DRAKE. Oo, nagkita na din kami sa wakas ng matagal ko ng kakulitan na blogger na ito. Buti na lang at naisipan niyang dumaan muna dito sa Singapore bago bumalik muli sa Middle East galing sa kanyang bakasyon sa Pilipinas. Apir!

Tatlong taon ko ng kakilala at kaibigan si Drake. Nakalimutan ko na kung bakit at kung paano ako naligaw sa blog niya (or was it the other way around?) pero isa siya sa mga hinangaan kong bloggers dati dahil sa kanyang angking ~~kayabangan~~ kakengkoyan at kagalingan sa pagsusulat sa Tagalog. Natuwa din ako dahil minsan niya akong pinadalhan ng ~~fan~~ mail na talaga namang nakapagpataba ng aking puso dahil punung-puno ito ng encouragement. Sinabihan niya akong ipagpatuloy ko pa ang aking pagsusulat dahil nakaka-relate siya sa nga kuwento ko. Minsan ko na din siyang naka-kuwentuhan sa Skype at sinabihan ng ilang problema, at para itong isang ~~tatay~~ kuya na buong-lugod namang nagbigay ng mga payo.

Kaya naman nang sinabihan niya akong dadaan siya ng Singapore eh na-excite ako ng onti. Kahit nilalagnat ako ay kinita ko sila ng bespren niya sa Esplanade after New Year, tapos tumuloy sa Sentosa para maglakad-lakad, magkuwentuhan at mag-picture picture na din. Medyo naging mabilisan nga lang ang naging pagkikita dahil naka transit flight lang si Drake at kailangan din niyang bumalik sa airport that same day. Hindi ko tuloy siya nalibre ng chili crabs at chicken rice.

Salamat kaibigan. Sa wakas at nagkita din tayo sa personal. Ako'y na-eexcite sa bagong yugto ng iyong buhay. Humayo ka at magpakarami. Haha kitakits ulit!

(P.S. Sa simula pa lang ay sinabihan na ako ni Drake na bawal mag-post ng pics sa blog kaya ni-blur ko na lang mukha niya. LOL! Siya ay isang anonymous blogger ~~daw~~.)

Nasaan na ang Entry Mo?

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:25:00 +0000

Dahil nasa kalagitnaan na tayo ng Disyembre, muli akong magpo-promote ng aking munting patimpalak. Gusto mo bang manalo ng 1TB Western Digital Portable Hard Drive + Singapore shirt? Sali ka na!

Gumawa ka lang ng blog entry, tapos lagyan ng salitang "gasoline" o "gasolina" sa iyong komposisyon. Para sa mas detalyeng mechanics, CLICK HERE!

Gusto ko ding magpasalamat sa lahat ng sumali na. Good luck sa inyong lahat! Nawa'y magustuhan ng mga hurado ang inyong mga akda.

Ikaw, nasaan na ang entry mo?

Seventh

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 02:54:00 +0000

In the Bible, seven is God’s perfect & complete number.

This blog was awarded 7th place at the recently-concluded Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards (PEBA)!

Thank you PEBA for the wonderful honor and recognition. I dedicate it to my mom, who’s actually the only reason why I joined in the first place.

**********

I would also like to congratulate McRich for winning the top prize. Dude, when I read your entry, I knew right away that you’re the guy to beat.

Nailcutter: A Fairy Tale [REPOST]

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 01:37:00 +0000

Isang tagpo sa MRT.

Pumasok si Lalake sa loob ng tren. Nakakita ng upuan. Umupo. Na-bore sa pagkakaupo. Tiningnan ang mga kuko. Nakitang mahahaba ang mga ito. Binuksan ang bag. Hinalungkat ang mga gamit sa loob. Nakakita ng nailcutter. Kinuha ang nailcutter mula sa bag. Nagsimulang mag-gupit ng kuko sa loob ng tren.

Napansin ni Lola si Lalake. Nakita niyang nagu-gupit ito ng kuko. Biglang nainggit. Tiningnan din ang sariling mga kuko. Nakitang mahahaba din ito. Binuksan ang sariling bag. Hinalungkat din ang mga gamit sa loob. Nakakita ng sariling nailcutter. Inilabas ang nailcutter mula sa bag. Nagsimula ding mag-gupit ng kuko si Lola.

Nagsabay si Lalake at si Lola sa pagu-gupit ng kuko sa loob ng tren. Magkatabi pa sila sa upuan. Pareho pa silang nagkalat. Kawawang mga kuko. Kawawang mga tagalinis ng tren. Wala silang kamalay-malay.

And from then on, they both lived happily ever after.

The End.

LOL!

********************

Ito ang entry ko sa patimpalak ng isang blogger friend na si Gillboard. Isinulat ko ito last November 2008. Natawa ako sa sarili kong sinulat. Puwede na ba akong maging humor blogger?

SG Pinoy Bloggers Christmas Party

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:06:00 +0000

It was a night full of fun and awesomeness.

Last Friday, the first-ever SG Pinoy Bloggers Christmas Party was celebrated at the luxurious Naumi Hotel. It was organized by a community of Filipino bloggers here in Singapore (obviously, hence the name), which includes myself.

The celebration started with an opening prayer led by the master-of-ceremonies Jepoy, then after that we had a sumptuous and delectable dinner of spaghetti, carbonara, adobo, lumpiang shanghai, grilled pork belly, chop suey, puto, macaroons, etc. It was such a gastronomic feast!

Dinner was then followed by an 'Introduce Yourself & Your Blog' ice breaker, then some fun-filled group dynamics and games were facilitated by the gamemaster Tago Fabic. The bloggers also had the usual 'exchange gift' activity, which was quite a delight because I think everyone got what they wanted. Me, I got an H&M Duffel Bag! Thanks Sam! :)

By around 12MN we had to leave the hotel premises as gatherings are only being allowed up to a certain time. Good thing April offered her place in Hougang so we could continue with the celebration. There we had an 'Awarding Ceremony' in which bloggers were given recognition for their certain uniqueness & impact in the blogosphere. Most of the awards were actually funny, like 'It's You Already Award' and 'Best in Chwirrer Award'. Both awards mentioned above were actually won by none other than Jepoy, while awards such as 'Emo Blogger of the Year' and 'Tatag Mo Award' (most likely to stay in Singapore the longest) were given to yours truly. LOL!

It was such a memorable night as I never thought that the Filipino blogging community here in Singapore would grow this big. It was attended by more than fifteen bloggers of various niche, and some of them were actually new to the group so the event also became an avenue to increase network and start new friendships.

A big thanks to all those who helped in organizing the event. A big thanks also to those who attended. It won't be a possibility without you guys. Hope you all had fun. :)

Coincidence?

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:50:00 +0000

There is no such thing as coincidence.

Last Friday, I met up with one of our advertisers from Bali, Indonesia. She flew all the way to Singapore to attend a gala event, so we decided to meet up for coffee at the shopping center near my office. I hadn’t seen her in person prior to the appointment, but we would usually chat over the phone once in a while so there was already some sort of familiarity and camaraderie between the two of us.

We met up at Coffee Bean, and she was already there when I arrived, having her doze of caffeine and sweets. She’s very friendly and has a nice smile, so it was quite easy getting comfortable with her with no hint of hesitation. We then started to chat and talked about the magazine. (For those who still don’t know, I work for a travel magazine here in Singapore.)

The meeting was supposed to be all-business, and my primary purpose was just to do my job and talk business with her, but I dunno what happened next and how it happened: we started talking about deeper, more personal stuff.

During the meeting, this may sound freaky to some but there was a voice inside me telling me to talk to her about my Christian life and my so-called ‘calling’. I know it’s a no-no (Apologies to Sir Donald Trump.), but I just gave in to that voice. I actually forgot how it started but suddenly I wasn’t talking about business anymore: I was already sharing about my faith to her! Our advertiser! A client!

Firstly, I shared with her about my so-called ‘calling’. Remember my previous post? Where I mentioned about a prophecy and posted a question about being bound to do greater things? Well, I also shared those with her, including my recent baptism, my church activities, and some views and opinions regarding religion and spirituality.

And guess what?

After this ~~bold~~ reckless initiative, she immediately told me that SHE's a Christian as well, and then she HERSELF started sharing her stories and experiences of being a Christian!

The so-called ‘business meeting’ lasted almost two hours.

********************

When I got back to the office after the meeting, I immediately sent her an email:

"First of all, let me just say that it was amazing meeting you in person. I wasn’t really expecting us to talk about too much non-work related stuff especially those personal ones like Christianity. Thank you for that wonderful coffee conversation, and also for taking time to meet up while you’re here in Singapore."

And then I got a reply from her:

"Yes. I feel the exact same way! How wonderful... I say it was no coincidence. I woke up this morning feeling a bit plain and almost bitter because the hotel failed to get an award last night but then after our conversation, I think it reminds me to be thankful in whatever situation. Not always easy. Keep in touch for both work and Christianity fellowship."

Amazing. Truly amazing.

You know what the best part is? My client is also a blogger.

Randomization

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 01:24:00 +0000

I lost a total of 8 kilos in the span of a month. Yup! Ang dating ‘Obese 1’, ngayon ay ‘Overweight’ na lang. LOL! Friends have been asking me how I did it, but seriously, it’s all about lessening your food intake and eliminating those no-good eating habits (like those big bags of Cheetos, Doritos, Lay’s, etc.). Haha! It was tough at first, but you’d get the hang of it eventually. Wala pang exercise ‘yan! But to those who really know me and/or probably have been ardently reading this blog, you know that I’m not really dieting and there’s a totally different reason for this weight loss.

Speaking of exercise, one of my resolutions for next year is to start engaging in marathons. Yep! Same as in the Philippines, marathons are also a big craze here in Singapore. One of my churchmates has been encouraging me to start training for it. ~~Tamad~~ Busy lang ako lately sa work and other stuff, but I will definitely find time.

I just enrolled myself in a music school and will start having vocal lessons. This has been long overdue, and I think this is the perfect timing for this. You see, I’ve been a member of the Worship Team of our church for months now, and I’m a bit struggling because they put all guys in Tenor, and I’m not really a Tenor as my voice is too LOOOW to be a Tenor. I feel that I need some training and learn some of those ‘singing techniques’. C’MON!

I went back to being active again in couchsurfing. Last week I hosted this guy from Poland for a day. He was on his way to meet up with friends and explore Yogyakarta in Indonesia, but decided to visit Singapore first. It was instant camaraderie, and I served as his tour guide. We explored some tourist attractions like the Esplanade, Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, and Clarke Quay, and devoured on some local nomnoms like stingray and chili prawns. I had some pretty good conversations with him also, and hopefully I could visit Poland one day.

I’ve been really preoccupied with work, church activities, and other stuff lately that I don’t get to spend time anymore with some people I used to hang out a lot with. One is ‘The Eurasian’, so last week we decided to meet up and do some touristy stuff together. It was all fun! Later on we also met up with her cousin and all took the Hippo Tour Bus that roamed around Singapore.

Have you ever felt that you’re bound to do greater things? I’ve been feeling this lately, and it’s like I’m being called for something that never in my entire life I would think of doing. It started with a prophecy (YES! A PROPHECY!), and I’m still reflecting on it and praying for discernment. I will discuss about this more in the future.

Malapit na ang Christmas Party ng mga Pinoy Bloggers in Singapore! Woot! We've been planning it since that time I can't remember when. We already have a date and a venue, at marami pang kailangang asikasuhin like food, program, games, awards, etc. Hopefully maging successful, of course with the support of the other bloggers. So if you're a Pinoy blogger based here in Singapore, make your presence known! JOIN US!

I need your support! Join my contest! It’s quite easy, and you have a chance to win cool prizes. CLICK HERE. :)

One of Those Days

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:09:00 +0000

10 AM

Nahihirapan ako.

May mga panahong gusto ko ng sumuko. Kagabi lang sobrang pagod na pagod ako. Pagkagising ko kaninang umaga pagod pa din ang naramdaman ko. Pagod na nga ang katawan, pagod pa ang isipan. Ayoko na sanang pumasok, pero alam kong hindi puwede dahil marami pa akong kailangang gawin at tapusin na trabaho sa opisina.

Ang mahirap pa nito, kahit anong gawin kong pagsisikap sa trabaho, parang wala pa ring magandang resulta. Nauunahan na ako ng mga kasama ko pagdating sa ‘sales performance’. Kahit gaano kadaming proposals, sales calls at sales meetings ang gawin ko sa araw-araw eh parang wala pa rin. Pinanghihinaan na ako ng loob. Kailangan kong makabenta.

3 PM

Tuloy pa din sa pagta-trabaho. Hindi na ako sumama mag-lunch sa mga ka-opisina ko dahil hindi naman ako nagugutom. Kailangan ko ng mas maraming oras para mas marami akong ma-trabaho ngayong araw.

Pero naisipan kong magpahinga muna kahit sandali lang. Nakita ko ang Bibliya ko at sinimulan ko itong buksan at basahin:

"Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.” (1 Chronicles 28:20, NIV)

Nagulat ako sa nabasa ko. Saktong-sakto sa kalagayan ko ngayon. Ramdam na ramdam ko na kinakausap ako ng Diyos.

Salamat po, Lord. Alam kong hindi mo ako papabayaan. This is just part of your Grand Plan, at kailangan ko lang na patuloy na manalig at manampalataya sa Iyo.

***************

Gusto kong magpasalamat sa lahat ng sumali sa munti kong patimpalak. Salamat kay Hartlesschiq, Kritikong Kiko, Jepoy Dee, Kuya Bob, PB Dela Paz, Iya_Khin, Lyzius, at Ahmer dahil sa kanilang pagtangkilik.

Puwede pang sumali! Kung gusto mong manalo ng 1TB Western Digital Portable Hard Drive, CLICK HERE. Salamat ng marami sa suporta. :)

For You

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:08:00 +0000

I dreamt about you the other night.

You were just right there infront of me. You were looking sad and defeated. You were like a fragile child. And your eyes… your eyes… it seemed that you were about to cry. I wanted to go near you, to hold you, to embrace you tight…

But then suddenly I woke up.

I wondered how you’re doing.

So forbidden it may be, I tried contacting you.

***************

I know that you’re just around, but I'm aware of the real situation between us as well. We already talked about it before, so I didn’t bother anymore. You have your own life. I have mine. Everything’s in the past, and we both cannot dwell on the past. You made a decision, and I had no choice but to accept it.

So close, yet far.

***************

I wish you well. It's sad that there's no time for us to meet up before you leave. As you go back, may you find your true happiness and peace of mind. I don’t want you to be feeling sad & defeated, like that in my dream. Do you still remember what I told you before?

You deserve to be happy because you’re a good person.

***************

I’m also praying for your healing. I know about your condition. You’re not alone. God will take care of you. He will never leave your side, as He has never left mine.

He will heal you, as He has healed me.

Testimonies & Baptism

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 05:54:00 +0000

If you've been following this blog for some time now, you probably read about my recent baptism. Yup, I already made that decision to follow God's call and become a Christian. (It's the best decision I've made, I tell you.)

Watch me sharing NERVOUSLY my testimony (I'm not really much of a public speaker.) and getting baptized at the pool terrace of YMCA Singapore. I think I saw myself at least 3x in this video. LOL!

***************

Did you know that I'm giving away a 1TB Western Digital Portable Hard Drive for my 4th Blogversary? Interested? Kindly refer to previous post, or just CLICK HERE for more details.

The Gasoline Dude’s Blogversary Writing Contest

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 03:20:00 +0000

I mentioned in my previous post that I will be coming up with a contest which will start on the last day of this month, but due to insistent demand, I will announce it earlier than planned, which is TODAY!

It’s The Gasoline Dude’s 4th Blogversary! Would you like to win a 1TB Portable Hard Drive?

Yup! Since I will be celebrating my anniversary as a blogger in a few weeks, I have something in store for all the followers & readers of this blog!

If you are also a blogger who:

Is a Filipino, whichever part of Earth you are;
Has been blogging for a minimum of three (3) months;
With at least ten (10) posts in your blog as of 31st of October 2011;

Then you are qualified to join!

MECHANICS:

This is a writing contest, so...

Write a blog post relevant to the theme. Various ways of expressions are allowed. It may be a short story, poem, song lyrics, essay, letter, testimony, commentary, etc. It’s up to you;
The theme is: “gasoline”. Again, it’s up to you whether you want to use it literally or figuratively;
You may use either English or Tagalog;
The word “gasoline” (or its Tagalog translation) must be mentioned in the post at least once;
Photos, music, or both may be added in the blog post;
A link to this particular post must be contained in the blog entry. (e.g. “This is my entry to The Gasoline Dude’s Blogversary Writing Contest. I want to win the 1TB Portable Hard Drive!")
For easier reference & tracking, make a comment under this post with the following information: Your name/alias, email address, blog URL, blog entry title, & URL link to your blog entry.

DEADLINE:

Deadline of the submission of entries is on the 31st of December.

JUDGES:

I have invited a few blogger friends to be part of the judging panel. They are the following:

(From the top, L-R:)

Traveliztera,

Greenpinoy,

Lethalverses,

Myself, &

Chroneicon.

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

Creativity 30%

Relevance to Theme 30%

Originality 20%

Overall Impact 20%

PRIZES:

1st Prize:

One (1) Western Digital 1TB Portable Hard Drive + One (1) Singapore Shirt

2nd Prize:

One (1) 16GB USB Flash Memory Drive + One (1) Singapore Shirt

3rd Prize:

One (1) 8GB USB Flash Memory Drive + One (1) Singapore Shirt

ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS:

Winners will be announced on January 2012. The names will be posted in this blog, and will be notified thru email.

If you have queries, just comment below, or send me an email at alex@gasolinedude.com.

See You

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:55:00 +0000

I am never good at goodbyes. It's the last day of my colleague today at work, and quite sudden at that (though expected). She's become a good friend of mine so it was difficult seeing her pack her things, knowing that we won't be seeing her as often as before.

I hugged her tight before she left the office. I dunno what got into me, but I was actually sobbing like a baby. (Geez! What's wrong with me?! LOL!)

See you soon, Mum! Thanks for the great times. It will never be the same here in the office. :(

Blog Contest Teaser

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 03:29:00 +0000

November is the anniversary month of this blog. Would you like to win a 1TB Portable Hard Drive?

More details on the 31st of October. :)

HAIKU

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:50:00 +0000

People come and go.

BUILDING friendships. INSPIRED lives.

CHERISHING moments.

Broken Chains

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:51:00 +0000

Motivation at work is down.

Everyone’s leaving. Editor-in-Chief has already left. Editorial Manager just tendered her resignation. Fashion Editor & Art Director seems to be not renewing their contracts anymore. Finance Manager, our second mummy who always calls me ‘Barney’, has also expressed her plans of abandoning us.

What will happen to the magazine now?!

About these and all other stuff which involves money, sales targets, and ‘things of the past’, I know I should NOT be worrying. BUT IT'S HARD! Most of the time I can’t help it, especially when it has already become part of my system. To worry that is.

Lord God, grant me more strength and peace of mind.

Abot Kamay

noreply@blogger.com (The Gasoline Dude™) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:15:00 +0000

Hindi mo kailangang mag-isa sa iyong paglalakbay

Halika, iabot mo ang iyong kamay...

***************

Bilang suporta sa patimpalak ng aking kapwa-OFW sa Singapore at kaibigang si Bulakbolero, inaanyayahan ko kayong sumali dito. CLICK HERE para sa ibang mga detalye.

P.S. Kasama ang inyong lingkod sa mga hurado.

DISCLAIMER:

Hindi ako kasali sa patimpalak! Umepal lang. Kung hindi ako judge, siguro ang litrato na nasa taas ang naging entry ko. :)