Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Genesis


I was feeling inspired. So I started on my novel.

I knew I have to create an epic backstory to produce an epic novel. One that will last for ages long after my bones crumbles to dust. I just hope I would see the day that my work would be published.

I started from the very beginning. The creation of my universe which I will call the age of Awakening.

This is a work in progress. So please bear with me.

__________________________________

In a time before time, there was nothing. Forever was covered in cold darkness.

In a time before time, there was everything. There was a tiny speck of light in the heart of a black world.

And for more than time can measure, this was so.

And then everything changed.

The speck of light became a small sphere of energy and for more than all lifetimes combined, the sphere of energy grew into a globe. And as it grew, the energy developed consciousness. 

This consciousness grew and separated into two energy.... the warm and cold energy. These were the moments were a god's lifetime is a blink and eternity is but a breathe.

Soon, the conscious energies grew stronger. They become powerful that in one magnificent action, they break free and shattered the womb that sheltered them into a million pieces. The warm energy took shape in a female form and called itself Isnu while the cold energy formed as male and named itself Isva. Their birth marked the beginning of the entire universe and all that we know today.

Isnu and Isva collected the shattered pieces of the energy ball and together, they created the heavens which they called "Kalangitan".

__________________________________

How's that for a start of an epic?

Constructive critiques are most welcome.


Monday, July 21, 2014

The Legend of the Blue Leash, part 8



Summer is about to end.

It’s been two weeks since Miguel received Ash’s parting gift. It’s been 14 days since the last time he stood on a surfboard flying through swells or even touched the waters of his hometown.

He can still recall that day in Cemento Reef when Ash unknowingly cut into his wave knocking him off his board and breaking his board leash. Since then, not a day goes by that they never saw each other. Since then, they’ve gone close. He became Ash's mentor which made the latter a better surfer.

He fell in love with him long before that day though. On Ash’s first night in Baler, he was the one who served his first meal in his province. After that, he secretly watched him practice on baby waves in Sabang Beach every day.

Just like Ash, Miguel was a child of the ocean. He is most happy when he is in the sea. He relishes every moment the waves are under him while he rides the white water to his heart’s content. These past few weeks though, the magic is barely there. He can barely hear the call of his beloved ocean.

He wanted comfort. He needed to be comforted but the ocean selfishly denied him that. 

He wanted to be alone. He mounted his scooter and went to his sanctuary...his secret beach. He brought his surfboard due to a force of habit and because he was hoping that the muses of the sea would once again inspire him there.

He parked his scooter at his usual hiding place. He grabbed his board and climbed over the fence. He walked up the hill and felt that there’s not much wind coming from the ocean. Years of experience tells him that no winds means no wave. He didn’t care though and carried on. He just wants some peace and quiet... some alone time with his ocean.

He took his board and stabbed the sand letting it stand while he sat beside it. He looked at his beach. It was so calm and peaceful. Just behind the trees on the left, he can see the small shack he made years ago. Dilapidated and old, the makeshift house was missing a wall. He looked at the horizon. On the left, is a huge rock formation that was sculptured by time and waves. He scanned the vast water. To the right, he can see piles of rocks that were clearly man made. It was created to make a boundary of the beach property.

He surveyed the waters. Something caught his eye just beyond the pile of rocks...

Or someone.

 He grabbed his board and for the first time in two weeks, jumped into the ocean.

“Watcha doin’?” Miguel as he slowly paddled towards the floating surfer.

“Waiting for the big one.” He said apparently deep in thought.
   
“The water is too calm today. You’ll be lucky if you even get a burp.”

“Never underestimate the force of nature.” He answered. “You taught me that.”

They sat on their surfboards side by side quietly. For a long time they just watched the calm sea together.

“I’m sorry I ruined your beach Migs.” Ash said breaking the silence between them.

“It’s okay. No worries.” Miguel answered.

“How’s your girlfriend? Anne, right?” Miguel inquired cautiously. He doesn’t want Ash to be upset again.

“I went out with her a bit but we broke up.” Ash replied.

“Because of me?”

Ash did not reply. His eyes were looking far out the sea. It made Miguel feel bad.

“I’ll talk to her then. Miguel offered. “Where is she staying?”

“I broke it off.” Ash finally answered. “Whenever we’re together, All I can think about is the ocean...”

“... and you.”

“I don’t even get excited when I kiss her.” Ash continued. “I could barely sleep; I couldn't stop thinking about you.”

Ash looked at him. Miguel can see through his eyes a sense of longing. The same yearning he had felt for him. Miguel slowly and steadily held Ash’s shaking hand.

And while the sun slowly succumbs to the horizon, they slowly let their lips touch in a passionate kiss.


Friday, July 11, 2014

The Legend of the Blue Leash, part 7


Ash was caught off guard. He did not expect that Miguel would land a kiss on his lips. He instinctively pushed Miguel away knocking him of the ground.

“Migs! What the fuck is that?” Ash shouted.

“I like you Ash!” Miguel answered.

“Don’t get me wrong Migs, You’re a great coach but I don’t do it with guys!” Ash explained.

The incident forced them to cut the day short. The trip back to Sabang was awkwardly silent. It was the longest hour for the both of them. Miguel dropped Ash off in front his hotel. He watched as he dismounted the scooter and went inside the hotel without even looking back.

“I’m sorry Ash.” He whispered to himself before speeding away.

Miguel was disappointed on the way he handled the situation. He did feel a vibe from Ash but he wasn’t exactly sure. For all its worth, he sincerely liked Ash. That’s why he took a chance. Unfortunately, it backfired.

He went to work early to keep his mind of the incident but it didn’t help at all. He would often look at the table outside reminiscing every chance he get  and wishing Ash would be there.

The next morning, Ash did not show up for their daily practice. Miguel already expected it but still he hoped he would be. Miguel sent him a couple of text messages to which, Ash did not reply. After a couple of hours, he decided to go without him.

As he walked to the beach he was surprise to see a guy sitting on the sand. He knew who it was since he only shared this secret place to one person.

“Good Morning, Dude!” He greeted with gusto.

“Oh! Hi Migs!” Ash greeted back.

“Let me introduce Anne. She’s from Sidney but she’s been living in Sabang for almost a year.”

Miguel was shocked! He was so happy to see Ash that he did not realize that he was with someone else.

“Anne, this is Migs.” Ash continued as he introduced Miguel to the Aussie girl.

“Hello Mate!” Anne greeted in her heavy Australian accent. “This place is quite a discovery! I’ve been in Baler for a long time but I’ve never been to this place.”

Miguel tried to hide it but he cannot contain his anger any longer. Ash shared their secret beach to someone else. He was jealous and he snapped.

“The fuck are you doing here!” Miguel screamed furiously at the foreigner. “Go away you slut!”

Ash can see the anger in his eyes. He felt guilty and scared. He broke Miguel’s trust by telling someone about the beach he kept secret even to his closest friends. He was not as frightened as her lady friend though who ran away leaving him at Miguel’s mercy.

“Migs, that’s totally uncalled for.” Ash told Miguel as calm as he can. He doesn’t want Miguel to be any more upset than he already is. He was treading shallow waters by even speaking.

“If you are itchin’ to do it with a cunt, go somewhere else!” Miguel accusingly told him. “You ruined my personal turf.”

Ash was speechless. He waited for Miguel to calm down just enough before speaking again. “This is not just about Anne is it?”

“Are you afraid to be alone with me? Is that it?” Miguel inquired.

“I don’t know what to think anymore Migs.” Ash replied.

“Then why did you come back?”

“Because you are my friend. You’re my surfing buddy.” Ash answered softly. “I’m really glad that we met and because of you I am a better surfer.”

“You brought out the best in me Migs.” He continued.

Miguel suddenly hugged Ash. He wrapped his arms on Ash’s lean body so tight that Ash lost his balance and fell on the sand.

“I love you Ash.” Miguel declared as he lay on top of him. “I tried to fight it and stop it from happening but I can’t.”

Ash lay on the sand frozen. Miguel was on top of him pouring his heart out and he’s not getting closer to understanding what he was feeling. Miguel’s teary eyes looking at him was not helping neither.

“I want you Ash.” Miguel said as he slips his hand under Ash’s shorts.

“Migs, don’t.” Ash protested giving a weak fight.

Miguel ignored Ash’s protest and slipped his hand deeper to his shorts and found his soft cock. Miguel squeezed and massaged it sending shiver to Ash’s body. Soon, the sensation made Ash’s dick throbbed to a huge boner. Miguel kissed Ash’s neck before moving up to his ear while he pulled Ash's hard pole.

Ash’s confused mind told him that this is wrong. But how can something be so wrong when it feels so good?

He is starting to give in. He doesn’t want Miguel to stop anymore. In fact, he was happy that it was Miguel who’s touching his huge member.

Ash soon started to moan.

“You are already wet Ash.” Miguel whispered as Ash’s warm precum leaked into Miguel’s hand.

“I know you want this too.”

Miguel’s last words broke Ash from his trance of pleasure sending him back to the real world.

“No. I don’t want this.” He said panicking. He pushed Miguel away, punched him in the face and hitchhiked back to Sabang leaving Miguel with a bruised cheek and a broken heart.

The next day, Miguel received a present at work. His manager approached him and gave him a brown paper bag whilst his preparing for his shift.

“Someone left this for you.” The manager told him.

“Who gave it?”

“I don’t know.” His manager shrugged. “Didn’t recognize him but there’s a card on the bag.”

Miguel ripped the card away from the bag and read it. There were only two words on the small card.

It says... “Thanks coach.”



Miguel opened the brown paper parcel. Inside was a blue surfboard leash. The same color as his board. Tears rolled down to his eyes as he said to himself...

“Goodbye Ash.”  

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

United in White


After a scrumptious dinner and a heavy downing of Merlot’s and Sangria’s, me and my gang had an unexpected detour at Greenfield last Saturday night.

I was aware of the event but I had no plans of going. But destiny paved the way, peer pressure prevailed and I found myself braving the evening downpour to attend the biggest LGBT party of 2014.

Dubbed “Unite in White Manila”, the event was spearheaded by Mentorque Productions and Bed Manila together with the German alcohol giant, Jägermeister in cooperation with various sponsors. Normally, gay pride is observed in June and this event went a little late. Nonetheless, diversity was celebrated at the Portal in Greenfield, Ortigas City.  

Hot representatives of Jagermeister offering free booze. I just wish they were topless.   
Hot hunks giving away free protection (and lubrication) just in case things get steamy.

Music was served hot and fab by DJ’s Ace Ramos, Marc Marasigan, Toy Armada, Jay Santos, Brian Cua, Cal Soesanto, Josh Tiu and Boys Can Trance with stunning performances powerhoused by the Voice Philippines’ Morisette Amon and Radha Cuadrado.

Morisette Amon with the organizers.

We arrived very late (a little past 1 am) but fashionable (as always) as the event was never part of our day’s itinerary. We meet up with some friends and went inside Greenfield’s the Portal.

Thank God I was not a vegetarian for all I see the moment we stepped in was meat, meat and more meat!!! There were also celebrities that united with us in a night of diverse revelry.

Boys always look better with their top off.
and even hotter in trunks.
LGBT champion, John “Sweet” Lapus opened the party with his wacky antics and comedic punchlines.

Sweet opening the party.
Actress Marian Rivera as well as Eugene Domingo received awards and recognitions for their support to the LGBT community. Of course we never saw this part and were only shared to us by some of our party friends who were there to experience it.

Marian Rivera and Eugene Domingo accepting their award for their support to the LGBT community.
The music was fairly good and the booming thumpa thumpa can be heard (and felt) from the back.

My main issue was the air conditioning system. It was awfully warm and I started sweating the moment we stepped in.

We immediately searched for the nearest air conditioner and stayed there for the next 2 and a half hour.

It could have been better too if not for the “high school fair-esque” feel brought by various food stalls who sold their perishable goods inside the event.

I mean, stalls for boozes and contraceptives was very understandable. In fact, it is a requirement. But food stands? People came there to dance and party the night away and not fill their tummy which they will puke anyway by the end of the day.

It made the event look cheap.

The event was better off without it.  


The music could have made me stay longer and brought me to outer space if not for the warm climate that made me sweating like a pig and kept my feet planted firmly to the ground. In the end, we spend partying instead at Bed where the climate was to our liking before calling it a night.

It was pretty ok for a 50.00 Php event. It was a party for the mass and I made my corporate social responsibility. I just hoped next year will be different.  

photos courtesy of BED Manila

Friday, July 4, 2014

The Legend of the Blue Leash, part 6



Ash woke up more confused than ever. He can barely handle what he was feeling since that fateful day he met Miguel and just when he thought everything is starting to get alright, this happens.

He pulled the sheet off his hotel bed. He unceremoniously put the evidence in the toilet sink and wash the cum stain off before hanging it on the bathroom to dry.

He went outside to think. It was 4 in the morning and his first training with Miguel won’t start until 5. He walk to the dark beach and sat on the dry sand. He always found solace on the sea shore. The salty scent of the sea air, the sound of the sea and the feel of that grainy sand always makes him feel safe while helping him clear his mind.

He watched the sea as the moon shine revealed the white water. His latest dream made him consider a lot of things. Part of him wants to stop his arrangement with Miguel while the surfer in him wanted to see Miguel and learn the ways of the waves.

He lay on the beach and begged for the sea to give him an answer. In a couple of minutes, his personal training with Miguel will start and he has to decide soon.

In the end, he listened to the sea’s call. The calling of the waves is just too much. He reminded himself that it is just a harmless dream and there’s nothing to be scared off. Besides, Miguel was already his friend and he felt comfortable with him like he was the human extension of the ocean.

He arrived at Miguel’s home 30 minutes late. Miguel was standing beside his scooter and already geared up.

“You are late.” He said impatiently.

“I know. I’m sorry.” Ash apologized. “I need to fix some stuff before going here.”

“Whatever. Anyway, did you have breakfast?” Miguel asked a little annoyed on Ash’s lack of punctuality.

“Yes.”

“Good! Because we will have a very busy morning.” Miguel announced. “Hop in.”

They started the day as soon as they arrived in their private sanctuary.

“When I said you are a natural, I really meant it.” Miguel sincerely told Ash as they started the day’s lesson. “But we need to work on your basics again plus refine the things you already good at.”

Ash nodded in agreement.

“I can tell you already have built stamina and upper body strength. So let’s maximize that.” Miguel explained. “You will need to work hard Ash. Not just here but also when you are back in Sabang.” He continued.

“We’ll start on the beach first. Show me how to paddle.”  

With that, Ash’s training with his handsome coach began. 

They reworked how Ash paddled. They also practiced duck diving and how to popup properly. They would practice hours after hours on the basics on dry land making it a habit.

No time was wasted. On their way home or during breaks, Miguel would teach Ash surfing manners or they would talk about the pro surfers like Kelly Slater or Michel Bourez. Before dropping Ash off to his hotel, Miguel would give him homework which Ash followed obediently. He pushed Ash to his limits but Ash never complained. He wanted to make his coach proud and trusted him fully. 

In time, Ash respected Miguel as his mentor and coach. He admired Miguel’s dedication in helping him get better at his craft. On the other hand, Miguel respected Ash as a great student and delivered to his promise. Slowly, he did refined Ash’s skills. 

After a couple of days, it was time for Ash to apply what he learned. They paddled out to the sea waiting for a juicy wave to ride on. He patiently waited for the perfect wave while Miguel silently watched him. Then he saw a surge of swirling water forming from the horizon and he knew it. This was his. He forced his legs to turn his board facing the shore.

“Remember, don’t look back. Just feel it.” Miguel reminded his student. “Now paddle!”

Ash was now on his zone. He wanted to show Miguel how much he has accomplished. He quickly got himself to paddling position and paddled his heart out. As the waves approached the shore, they quickly become steeper and steeper until they hit the critical depth. On that critical moment, Ash trusted his instinct and popped-up... and his timing was perfect. With his unorthodox, goofy foot stance, he effectively locked into the wave and is now gliding along just in front of the curl peeling along the breaking part of the wave. On that moment, the rest of the world just seems to disappear.

“I did it Migs!” He shouted looking back as the break water carried him to the shore. 

Ash can hear Miguel cheered. Even from that far, he can feel how proud Miguel was of him. It really made Ash happy. Miguel rode the next wave straight to the shore while Ash excitedly waited for his coach.

“Did you see that?” Ash said barely containing his excitement. “That’s the first time I rode a wave for that long!” 

“And on an angle I might add.” Miguel commented proudly giving him a high five.

“I did it all because of you!” Ash said as he hugged Miguel. “Thanks coach!”

“I’m so proud of you Ash!” Miguel congratulated his student while they were locked in a hug. “You were breathtaking!”

Miguel looked into Ash’s eyes affectionately. Ash looked back ambiguously. Then overwhelmed by the moment and a feeling he can no longer keep, Miguel pressed his lips into Ash’s mouth.