Close to Happiness, Away from Ordeal

Sunday, October 20, 2013
There is something bizarre now I feel
Which may be vague but could be real
My attention you did nothing but steal
You knocked a heart that’s yet to heal

Is this real, fantasy, fiction or just plain magic
Because all the while my love has gone tragic
Looking for ways to try and understand its logic
Paranoid, I can’t seem to get anything but static

Like a quake you make my world shake
My loneliness apparently away you take
To happiness it is you constantly make
You spare my heart from a dragging ache

Afraid that this feels too good to be true
Overthinking about it makes me feel blue
Can you help me out and give me a clue
Hoping what I feel is what you feel too

Oh tell me why this heart of mine beats so fast
Is it your irresistible charm or just a spell you cast
Wishful, this could lead to any better than my past
Praying you’d be my 2013’s first and my life’s last




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Author's note: Distribution of the piece, or its components, shall not be permitted unless due authorization and approval is acquired. One Big Turn© reserves its rights to the published contents. Any violation of copyright herein shall be dealt with accordingly.

I Am Loneliness

Monday, July 29, 2013
Here I am again
Playing flashback to those sweet mem’ries back then
Yearning to cheer up but the question is when
Pondering where I could possibly begin

Cliché as it may sound
I do not know where I’m bound
Hoping someday happiness will just be ‘round
Wondering where love could be found

I had not just one chance
But all I have left is my past to glance
Getting numb out of pain only to end up still in a trance
Feeling blue now that I haven’t got a chance

The hardest part is how to forget
When I live a life of regret
Wishing an escape from a reality full of fret
Praying someday I’ll be out of the silhouette

Oh, tell me what’s wrong
Could it be me or just that fancy love song?
I can’t be captive of this emotion for so long
My agony please do not prolong ‘coz it’s been you all along



Author's note: Here's to the almost-impossible. This is shot at bringing back the words that, to some, are "ant-magnets." It may have been impossible to utter these words right in front of the person involved but, thankfully, One Big Turn© is here to bear witness to what is there to be expressed.

Oftentimes, deceiving as can be, the smile you see is part of the mask opted to be worn... for it is the room, the comfort zone, the crying shelter that sees the real face; the sad and miserable one masterfully concealed.

Although a bit on the exaggerated side, some words/stanzas are not to be misinterpreted and are deliberately constructed only for art's sake. This piece has been carefully drafted to contrast the thought that life doesn't necessarily have to end even after a loss of someone whom you've associated "forever" with.

Unlike fairy tales, life does give you a taste of tragic endings which forms part of your "destiny." There's nothing much to look into what they regard destiny to be because life really is what you make of it; you pave way to the path you are to take.

Politics - What's Going Down the Chute

Tuesday, June 25, 2013
So it has been considerably a while since the National Elections transpired and I reckon the timing's just right to verbalize my assessment out of it. Being a resident of the Philippines for over 24 years now, I am admitted to leaning on the passive side when Elections become at large. Passive in a sense that I might have been casting my votes for the previous elections but I couldn't have cared less each time. The 2013 elections on the 13th of May served as my first in-depth exposure to the aforementioned movement partly because it was called for by my profession as a member of the local media. As such, I had a considerably profound scope of the relevant incidences, at least, in my province (Negros Oriental).

Be cautioned, however, that this article may be geared toward a deleterious take on Philippine politics. Anyone with high hopes or regard for the Government may not give agreement on ideas yet to be presented. Nevertheless, I rely solely on the right to freedom of speech practiced in the country regardless of possible consequences or aftermath.

On PCOS and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
To me, and perhaps the majority, the decision to continue the patronage of Smartmatic's PCOS machines as means of polling was not the worst move for COMELEC albeit not the best at that. Given that the recent polling was not the first instance at which PCOS machines were utilized to tally votes casted, high hopes for a smooth, reliable and fast transmission of results was envisaged by the public. Taking into account the expenses allocated from storage of the machines, which by the way cost approximately P6.4 million per month, to about 1.8 billion Pesos initially billed to the agency by Smartmatic, it is about fair for people to expect a good upshot out of the money that could have made a huge difference in uplifting the quality of life for the marginalized populace.

The result was nothing short of disappointing not to mention the number of machines that were reported to have malfunctioned along with the sub-par transmission rate of results. Those were only a few in the list of the remarkably epic-fail polling moments. Other issues came in rather minor yet made it to the hall-of-fame such as missing voter names, discrepancies in listing and the like. So, is it really more fun in the Philippines during elections? You be the judge.

The Business Behind the "Business"
Regardless of region, ethnicity or language the issue of vote-buying will always surface despite heaps of effort exerted to suppress it. It seems to me that putting a president who stood up (and probably still is) strong against corruption with a promise of paving a path to the right direction is not an all-out solution to cure the advanced stage of sickness known to be rampant, but not exclusive, in politics called "corruption."

I live in a province that I used perceive as subtle in terms of politics. I affiliate "subtle" with the degree at which vote-buying is not "terminal" or to simply put, helpless. Talks about such subject matter is rather sensitive and difficult to support with facts which is why it may turn out unjustifiable at the end of the day. However, it does not directly imply invalidity as a significant number of people have turned wealthy for a moment on elections day. I'd have to admit that I was never an avid fan of politics in the Philippines, moreso in the local arena. I could even consider myself arguably guilty of turning a blind eye on how the "business" in politics went for the province over the past years but never had I foreseen that it was "business as usual" in this side of the country as well. For a moment, I had undergone denial but eventually had to reach the acceptance stage. Having said those, I find it disheartening to realize that, apparently, no one is an exception in the enterprise, if you know what I mean. At a certain degree, corruption happens to anyone in power given the jurisdiction to appoint, decide and what not. Moreover, for as long as the outcome of a decision becomes favorable to any party, personal or public (or both), corruption can be beautifully concealed in a very neat package. Note: Some level of expertise required.

Frustratingly, these "leaders" are, in effect, leeching wealth effortlessly from the multitude, making a business out of politics and even handing it down to the people next in line - their offspring. That should be reason enough for the average citizens of the Philippines to stop hallucinating about the government getting serious with the Anti-Political Dynasty bill. The question now is, who would want to prohibit a "business" from flourishing?

The driving force behind this piece is the reality-slap that a part of the people's hard-earned cash also known as taxes go down the chute that easy. It pains to see how lavish these crocodiles can get as opposed to how hungry and hopeless the marginalized can be. The problem about politics was never really about the system, nor the budget and not even the ones in office but the people, themselves - they who put the officials in place. It is safe to say that the people define the kind of government they get but sadly, when all else fails, it is the government who gets all the pointing fingers at.

I give due credit to the real leaders who refuse to take the path others are. I admire those who dream of reforming the status quo without having to compromise integrity and credibility for personal gains. Though outnumbered, they are the few who stand out from the pack and are among the people, who, the late Steve Jobs referred to; the minority who are "crazy enough to think they can change the world..." because in reality, they "are the ones who do."

Dumaguete Turns Its Back On Earth Hour

Saturday, March 23, 2013
Dumaguete City - What was once an hour of huge awareness and celebration for Earth has now become just another day for the City of Gentle People.

Scheduled to commence at exactly 8:30 o'clock in the evening and set to last for sixty (60) minutes, the Earth Hour is a global event aimed at giving back to Mother Earth by a mere act of switching lights off. Not to be underestimated, when done simultaneously worldwide, the movement poses as an effort to conserve energy. Interestingly, more than just that is the spread of awareness for the environment and the growing issue of climate change.

With high hopes for wide participation, One Big Turn took some time to drive around the city and document any interesting scenery relative to the event.



Among the very few that participated are schools namely Silliman University and Catherina Cittadini (St. Louis) School along with Shell Gasoline Stations and Robinsons Place Dumaguete. It is but heartbreaking that the advocacy for environmental awareness is slowly dying in the city despite widespread campaigns and advertising initiatives done prior to the event.

It can be recalled that last year's celebration was held primarily at the province's capitol area. This year, passing by that area and other known public areas that were dark during last year's Earth Hour observation (such as the Rizal Boulevard and the Manuel Quezon Park) would give one the impression that Earth Hour wasn't ongoing at all. It is deeply saddening that even the Local Government Unit has not been seen exerting any effort to give emphasis nor join other nations in celebration of the Earth Hour.



Despite the lack of participation from the local government and other private sectors, those companies and institutions that bothered to join the movement only show that there are still a few committed parties ready to take action in lessening the effects of global warming and spreading the initiative to let people be aware that we only have one Earth and without it, humanity wouldn't exist.

Over the past few years, Mother Nature has shown its wrath for humanity's abuse and negligence over it. Some may be attributed to climate change and others, simply, nature's answer to people's delinquency to take good care of what has been bestowed upon them. It's a given that whenever it becomes nature's turn for taking back, lives turn out to be, more often than not, at stake. The Earth Hour was never a very difficult advocacy to practice yet the majority of the people in the city opted to turn its back on it. If doing a simple act over a very short duration of time hardly becomes a success, it's hard to imagine what humanity can offer more than that in an effort to reverse the effects of climate change.

Upon heading back to headquarters, One Big Turn spotted a household "joining" the observance of the Earth Hour.
It turned out that they were only having electrical issues and that the local electric cooperative personnel were on it at the time of the documentation. False alarm, folks. False alarm...

Jaded Over Emotional Loneliness

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Strong as a storm's wind, mighty as the ocean's current, this roller coaster ride has brought me to a new dimension. The thrill, the risk and the possibilities remain to be deciphered but one thing remains without question-I am in for the trouble I've long crafted.


Decisions, choices, they pave the path of fate in a person's life. Today's plot is a product of yesterday's events. Sadly enough, the undo option only exists in operating systems where mistakes apparently become part of the ordinary. Life gives you a transcript of the actual - no rewinds, everything headed forward. Dealing with the aftermath of the traces I've left has posed to be one turning point in my quest to see what's in store for me.

Over the past few months, I’ve been too hard on myself trying to get convinced with one thing – that I am happy. But am I, really? I can practice deceit anytime and pretend I’m en route to where I should be, but time gave me a painful slap on the face. I really can’t fool myself over and over again. It’s useless. Long have I wanted to settle undying issues that have been plaguing my mind but no, it really takes two to tango. I didn’t fight that battle alone; because it was “you” and me way back. It was “us,” nobody else. I stood and took a chance at ending assumptions and second thoughts regardless of aftermath, unmindful of possible disappointments. But I was left hanging; wondering if it was just me feeling that way.

I’m emotionally drained, miserably drenched. I did a lot to distract myself but not so long after, I unconsciously run back to base. Unfair, I said, but considering the wrong decisions I’ve made apparently turn tables. This is the price I pay for being childish, frail and unfaithful. Is there anything more morbid than emotional torment? I’d be happier to take physical distress than be consistently in such a state.

All this time, I’ve been in melancholy over the complications of what the old me had inflicted. People have been telling me to move on. Then I told them they’re absurd. Had it been that easy, I could have made my way out of this dragging situation. I’ve had more attempts than one could imagine in the light of escaping from this discomfort I’m trapped in. The question was never on whether I could move on or not but on how I could make it happen. Ironic as it could be but I’ve been giving advices to a countless number of people experiencing the same dilemma yet I can’t even figure something out for myself. They say rainbows don’t go ahead of storms when they come but sometimes I ask if they’ll ever come after this gloomy and stormy chapter of my life. Right now, all I know is that I’m vulnerable. Here’s hoping that the wind changes direction soon, bringing back my happiness to me like how it was before.

Just like fairy tales, I’m hoping that one day a happy ever after in my life could be in sight. I can wait… even forever. No, I won’t tire waiting if it’s the last thing I could do. At least it’s the only one that keeps me going; telling me that happiness is just around the corner waiting to be unveiled, revived, or miraculously recalled.


Now I’m taking the slightest chance that you could, one day, be able to read these words I’m about to say… I love you even if you love someone else, even if I’ll have someone else. You’ll always have a special place in this heart of mine. Meeting you was never a big accident, nor was it a mistake. It was my life’s defining moment. Without you, life will never be the same again. Without you, something will always be missing. Without you, I’ll only end up reminiscing…