she is... amanda leigh

AMANDA LEIGH
Mandy Moore


Whereas Wild Hope firmly established Mandy Moore in the career trajectory she laid out for herself, her new album places her farther away from her pop roots as she continues to exercise her artistry and creative freedom. Aptly named Amanda Leigh, the record is a collection of songs that Moore recognizes as a representation of herself at the moment. Though none of the ten tracks actually resemble a confessional, the album as a whole, turns more compelling, and intimate with each listen.

MERRIMACK RIVER
The album opens with a gentle waltz number that will certainly cause a disorient at first listen. Moore's voice creates a lull that glides on lush strings, steel guitars and tight male vocal harmonies. Merrimack River may seem so subdued and laid back for an opener but its impact is worth noting after a few repeats.

FERN DELL
Moore then breaks the four minutes of calm with Fern Dell, a rhythmic acoustic number which falls somewhere between the alternative and theatrical; the latter mostly because of its superb instrumentation throughout the entire song, and an even better finish.

I COULD BREAK YOUR HEART ANY DAY OF THE WEEK
Aside from having a mouthful of a title, I Could Break Your Heart Any Day Of The Week stands out among the rest of the tracks in the album for sounding too overly produced. Despite the infusion of folk to its sound, the song still hinges on being too hand-clapping, foot-tapping, harmless pop. But even if it leaves the listeners confused on its place on the record, I Could Break Your Heart Any Day Of The Week is the most radio-friendly of all ten tracks.

POCKET PHILOSOPHER
Perhaps the most fun track on the album, Pocket Philosopher, is highly reminiscent of a Broadway track. It shows Moore's playful side as she speaks her mind along a lighthearted and whimsical beat, which despite sounding theatrical on most parts, it actually never goes over-the-top.

SONG ABOUT HOME
Moore, once again, slows down the pace with the heartwarming Song About Home, a track which has the singer searching for a sense of belonging. The bareness of the melody structure manages to highlight the strength of Moore's voice on this song.

EVERBLUE
Stripped down to the bare production necessities, Everblue is Amanda Leigh's most stellar track. It is what one would believe to be Moore's vision of how the album should sound. Co-penned by Wild Hope veteran, Lori McKenna, Everblue resonates a dark, melancholic vibe as Moore's haunting voice introspects on love's could-have-beens. Though it sounds like a throwback, Everblue is clearly an original that Moore managed to magically conceive.

MERRIMACK RIVER (REPRISE)
It is hard to tell if this minute-long instrumentation is a beautiful and soothing piano break, or a creepy introduction to a theatrical play. In any case, the reprise is a marker that allows for the smooth transition to the closing tracks.

LOVE TO LOVE ME BACK
Love To Love Me Back is the song that everyone would want to be covered ten years from now. Apart from the seemingly 70's-inspired sound, the excellent and pensive songwriting will surely attract the attention it rightfully deserves.

INDIAN SUMMER
Indian Summer is another song that evokes the 70's. Moore's subdued vocals backed by a toy piano makes for an effective re-imagining of the nostalgia of a time and place long lost.

NOTHING EVERYTHING
The insistent toy piano chords on Nothing Everything gears the listener to a more upbeat tempo while it retains the melancholic feel of the record post-reprise. Nothing Everything is definitely the best track off Amanda Leigh.

BUG
As mentioned, Moore's voice shines when everything else is stripped. She closes Amanda Leigh with Bug, an intimate number which features her voice on top nothing but a sole acoustic guitar and a violin.

Amanda Leigh is a creative statement of a girl who has found her comfort zone. It is a low-key record made sans the pressure to be relevant in an era dominated by Dolls, GaGas and Rihannas. Mandy Moore chose well to seek guidance from producer and fellow songwriter Mike Viola, of That Thing You Do fame. Though their output may seem too polished for the homespun, campfire-cozy feel that Moore values, Amanda Leigh remains to be an entertaining, well-crafted personal record that shows consistency from somebody who remains to be an underdog even when she's no longer in the shadow of the Britneys and Christinas of the world. Mandy Moore may never be appreciated by the general public for the artist that she has become, but it wouldn't really matter as long as she retains her good taste and classy ways. Amanda Leigh is just a glimpse of what she's really capable of as a remarkable singer/songwriter.

the one that i want

As the cast of Glee, the musical comedy television series that Fox premiered last week, performed Don't Stop Believing, I was immediately reminded of two Fridays ago when I was fortunate enough to be invited to watch the last show of this year's Madz Et Al choral festival at the Philamlife Theatre.

I came in a bit late as I got lost looking for the said building. I was feeling a little too stubborn that night to ask for anyone's help but after a few seconds of rummaging through the usual clutter in my memory, something useful actually came up - a friend's blog entry which has the exact address of the venue as its title. Awesome, right? It would've been far easier if I took a cab but it would've been less of an adventure as well. Plus, it was near impossible to hail one that night.

As I sat through the show, I can't help but be amazed at how good the performers were. It was a nice change from the usual studio-produced, Top 40 tracks that my ears are used to. Hearing them sing was so refreshing. Their singing voices, hauntingly glorious. It seemed ethereal and organic at the same time. It sounded so full of life.

Nevermind that one instance when my mind drifted to some other reality where I apparently ran towards the stage and did a Demi Lovato and sang, "I've always been the kind of guy that hid my face. So afraid to tell the world what I've got to say"; Joe Jonas was about to say his lines when the guy behind me accidentally nudged my seat.

Because overall, the show was pretty impressive. In fact, I was so moved that by the second song of the fourth choral group, a sudden realization struck me - I want to be with someone who is passionate about something. It doesn't have to be about music. It doesn't have to be about writing. It could be about anything - koala bears, algorithms, or eye liners. I believe there's a certain sense of fulfillment and genuine delight that comes with playing a part, or at the very least, fully supporting whatever it is that the significant other does. I was there for my friend, and seeing him on stage and do what he does so well made me really proud. I imagine that the feeling would be similar, if not greater, if it were my someone up there.

While it drew me a bit closer to compiling a list of ideals that I want in a person, it also left a hanging question - have I been passionate about anything lately?

The pilot episode of Glee had two lines that I remember with clear distinction. While the first one is but a witty retort about Beyonce and Kelly Rowland, the second is a universal truth that has popped up in the dialogues that I have had in the recent times.

"The only life worth living is the one that you are passionate about."

I realized that I shouldn't expect to find that passionate person until I've answered my own question. I maybe lost and my life maybe mechanical right now but in due time I'll be able to find myself again; and perhaps then, I'll be found.

allenation (ai08: finale)

THE FINALE

Basically, it's Kris Allen through and through. It's not because I don't like Adam Lambert, though it's a big part of it, but I can actually see the former as being more marketable and commercial. Not only does he have the whole package, but the music that he makes is relevant and that's the key to longevity in the industry. It's not about achieving multi-platinum records or performing on sold-out concerts. It's about making music that matter, music that last. Lambert will be gone in sixty seconds. Kris Allen is here to stay.

Kris Allen, you better deliver.

ROUND ONE: CONTESTANT'S CHOICE

KRIS ALLEN / Ain't No Sunshine. To see Kris Allen behind a grand piano, to hear him sing his heart out, to hear the band bring out the grandeur of the composition, and to feel his effort to glide through those high notes and deliver an impeccable vocal performance - it was all majestic. I remember writing that there could only be one true moment on Idol each season. Well, Kris Allen managed to make at least ten; twice with this song.

ADAM LAMBERT / Mad World. Lambert chose his Year of Birth song, Mad World, as his encore for the finale. I didn't quite get it the first time so I expected nothing from this performance. And I was right, I still don't get the hype. Don't get me wrong. It was good but it's nowhere near awesome. In fact, it was a bit boring.

ROUND TWO: PRODUCER'S CHOICE

ADAM LAMBERT / A Change Is Gonna Come. Alright, so listen - Lambert can actually sing. If you listen past all that wailing, he can actually blow. Technically, it was really good! I have to say that it was his best performance ever; regardless if I felt it emotionally vacuous.

KRIS ALLEN / What's Going On?. It was reminiscent of every Jason Castro performance, and that's NOT a good thing. But there's only so much you can do with a classic such as this song without totally ruining it.

ROUND THREE: CORONATION SONG: NO BOUNDARIES

KRIS ALLEN. Kris Allen messes up his performance, and remains adorable while doing so.

ADAM LAMBERT. I don't know if it's his way of waving the white flag but it was all over the place. I'm not taking it against the song because Idol songs, though cheesy, are actually good [contest] pieces. Lambert's voice was so shrill to actually fit No Boundaries, or any mainstream pop composition, especially if he will insist on screeching.

make it happen (ai08: judge's and contestant's choice)

THE TOP THREE

KRIS ALLEN

Apologize. First off, there's no other way to sing Apologize. It's the kind of song that somehow forces you to stick with its melody through and through so I don't understand Kara DioGuardi's comment. To think that she chose this song for him - it's stupid to lambast your own, fool. Kris Allen's voice is a bit weak for this rock ballad. DioGuardi should've considered that. As for the performance, it reminded me of Jesse McCartney's take. Meanwhile, watching Kris Allen struggle to hit those high notes and ultimately succeed was delightful. But like what Paula Abdul said, he did miss one. Overall though, he did fine. Nothing spectacular but that was already expected based on the poor song choice alone.

Heartless. Oh. My. God. I. Am. Squealing. Hands down, the best of the season. If only it had a dash of Lambert's stage lighting, it would've been this season's moment. I will cut anyone who disagrees.

ADAM LAMBERT

One. It takes a while for this song to build up so it felt like Lambert rushed through it. It wasn't his fault though. I take it back, it was since he's supposed to be the one doing all the arranging and stuff. Anyway, the beginning promised awesomeness. For the very first time this season, I was ready to be blown away by Lambert. And then he ruined it. Don't ask me how. You already know. With that, I think it was one of his weaker performances to date.

Cryin'. I like Cryin' and I think Lambert would've nailed this one if it weren't for three things - 1) the horrendous back vocals which drowned his own voice, 2) his dramatics, how he contorts his face while he sings is just awful and 3) I don't have a third one. I just don't like him.

DANNY GOKEY

Dance Little Sister. I don't know whether it was the dancing, or the stupid song choice, or the desperation in DeadWife Gokey's performance that put me off. Well, at least he can put the blame on Paula Abdul if ever he gets eliminated this week.

You Are So Beautiful. Vocally, it was superb. It started out roughly and then it got better towards the end. It was short of being glorious though. What I don't get is why he had to change the arrangement. It was weird.

jay ho!

Your reply to my greeting this morning was the best gift I've had this year. I don't think I could ever top that, but here I am trying.

Thank you for making me one of the people who matter. I'm really glad, and very proud to have you as a friend. Hindi lang halata dahil lagi kitang inaaway. Minsan.

We still have a lot of years to rock and conquer. May our friendship be forged stronger, our faith remain unchanged, and trust, unbroken.

Happy Birthday JBinx!

*******

There is nothing you could ever say to make me let go.
- Blair Waldorf to Serena Van Der Woodsen, Gossip Girl

few days down

Because sometimes, it's what we need to gain perspective.

*******

We tend to lose things by misplacing them or by letting them go or even by unconsciously discarding their worth. Sadly, we could only appreciate them after they are gone. It is common to overlook what is near by keeping our eyes fixed on something remote.
- Shatterstar, Feels So Good (published 2003)

m day eve

He slipped downstairs, tiptoeing on all fourteen marble tiles, until that varnished wooden door is within reach. He held its brass knob and pulled it, stepped out, bare foot, hair all messed up; he walked slowly along the roughly-cemented hall, wary of the sound that his heels make as it falls repeatedly against the grit. Eight, nine, ten strides it took to reach the door way. But before he walked in, he paused. He was hesitant.

The mirror was the first thing he saw upon stepping inside. It hung before him, the mirror that was big enough to cover the entire length of the wall, frameless, its age visible on some parts, stained and damaged, perhaps forgotten to be cared for.

He saw himself approaching it with dread – a ghostly shroud barely visible against the pitch black that envelops everything; everything but his eyes which seem to catch a faint stream of light from somewhere; everything but his eyes which seem to call forth a faint echo:

Seems so long ago that I used to believe, and now I’m so lost, just so lost inside my head; and I can't get out of it.

It was a sudden dawning; for memories tend to get buried, and the mind, too crowded and dusty from the accumulated rubble, piled up, as days flow into years. Yes, minds rot and decay much like souls and hearts. Hearts forget. Hearts, indeed, get distracted.

And he snapped out of his stance, reached out to the one who stood before him, and then made his way back; out into the cemented hall where his bare feet crunched the earth, and inside the wooden door with the brass knob, and up the staircase, into his bed.

In the course, he realized that he needed not a glimpse of what might be, for it has always been about remembering what once were. He saw what needs to be done.

It will take a while to collect all the fragments of the boy he once knew; but tomorrow he shall start getting him back.

do we rock (ai08: rock)

After taking Matt Giraud off the running, Idol is now down to its last four contestants. On today's show, Ryan Seacrest announced that it was Rock Week and Slash will be their mentor. It should be expected that Adam Lambert will get more ass-kissing than the usual. You know he loves it.

DUETS

ADAM LAMBERT AND ALLISON IRAHETA / Slow Ride. Fine. They're the night's prom queens.

KRIS ALLEN AND DANNY GOKEY / Renegade. It's really hard to enjoy watching Kris Allen while Danny Gokey, who sounded way off the entire song, stood there with him.

SOLO

ADAM LAMBERT / Whole Lotta Lovin'. It was basically what Lambert has been doing for the past thirteen weeks or so but for the first time, yes to his screeching...

KRIS ALLEN / Come Together. I never liked Come Together as a contest piece because I think it's a rather lazy song but there's just something about this sweet, angelic-faced kid that made me appreciate it. His performance was rather good considering that he delivered with flawless vocals while playing the guitar. Nevertheless, I still fear that it was too forgettable.

ALLISON IRAHETA / Cry Baby. I am apathetic to Iraheta's performance this week. It just didn't do anything to me at all.

DANNY GOKEY / Dream On. ...and a big horrendous no to Gokey's. That last note was so ridiculous. If he stays after that wreck, I may have to give up trying to understand America's irrational love for this man.

origins that need telling, pt. II

"IDENTITY."
ROGUE

Rogue has come a long way from being the X-Men's wild child. Time and again, she has proven herself to be an invaluable member of the team even after losing the powers she absorbed from Ms. Marvel. Her ineptitude to control her mutant ability has been the constant source of her romantic frustrations over Gambit, and as well as the identity crisis she has to deal with every time her touch lingers far too long. Her recent journey post-Messiah CompleX has led her to accept that she is now to share her mind and body with the person she despises the most, her step-mother Mystique. It she thought that Ms. Marvel was a lot to handle, she better think again.

"THE THIRD SUMMERS."
VULCAN

Gabriel Summer is the apple who fell far from the tree and landed on a whole lot of crazy. He is the third Summers brother, after Scott (Cyclops) and Alex (Havok), whose existence was not known until M Day when he was awakened from his inactive state by the surge of energy from the decimation. He came back to Earth seeking revenge on the Professor X for his and his teammate's fate. Failing to do so, he went back to space and eventually managed to claim the Shi'ar throne for himself. He killed his own father and incurred the wrath of Havok. If that's not crazy enough, Vulcan also waged war against planets and systems, drawing the attention of Black Bolt and the Inhumans. It's going to be like a more interesting, less geeky version of Star Trek.

"MARVEL."
PHOENIX

Regarded as one of the best Jean Grey stories in recent times, the last Phoenix-centric story, Endsong, has the then-dead X-Man resurrected by a fragment of the Phoenix Force. A battle ensued, with the fate of the world and other galaxies laying on the hands of the -Men. It only took the combined efforts of Emma Frost and her Cuckoos to reach out to Jean Grey who was also struggling to contain the power within her. The telepathic message awoken Jean and gave her enough power to tame the hunger and be one with the Phoenix once more. After deflecting a catastrophic attack from the Shi'ar, Jean Grey bid her teammates goodbye and left for the White Hot Room, hoping to recover the lost Phoenix fragments. Knowing her history, it won't be long until she's fully back.

"IT'S WANDA, BITCH!"
SCARLET WITCH

It wasn't enough that this loony lady altered reality and created the House of M where mutants dominated the Earth and Magneto was their supreme ruler, but with just three simple words, Wanda Maximoff, the heir of Magneto, managed to decimate the mutant population and put her own species at the brink of extinction. No other crossover could showcase the grand and elaborate life that the Scarlet Witch have weaved throughout her entire existence. If done correctly, it'll probably be one of the best comic book film ever.

"SINS OF THE FATHER."
PROFESSOR X

For some time now, Professor X has been portrayed as the good guy but I say enough of that. Recent issues of the comic book franchise has shown that Xavier isn't as pristine as he appears to be. It was revealed that most of his past actions turned out to be grave lapses in judgement committed mostly due to sheer arrogance, and now its consequences are coming back to haunt him. Cyclops shunned him from the X-Men. And now several people want him really dead. What is in store for the fallen founder of the X-Men? If that didn't pique your curiosity, I don't know what will.

origins that need telling, pt. I

With the massive success of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, the idea of creating more prequels may not be that far from happening. After all, the producers would certainly want to milk a few more dollars off the X-Men franchise while they still can.

There have been talks that the Magneto and Storm movies are already in the works. If this proves true then we are in for a treat. Like Wolverine, those two are among the few mutants who could boast of a rich and colorful history that is worth telling. Hopefully, they would be able to provide us a better screenplay and CGI effects by then.

In any case, I've listed ten other characters from the X-Universe whose back stories deserve a big screen adaptation.

"BAMF!"
NIGHTCRAWLER

He's blue and fuzzy all over. He's our hero, he's Nightcrawler! But that's not enough a selling point, is it? Well, he's the son of that traitorous shapeshifter, Mystique and a demonic warlord, Azazel. He was raised by gypsies and have had dabbled with magic time and again. And despite his appearance, he is a devout Catholic. Though Kurt Wagner has not been featured prominently in any major X-Men story lately, his life story will provide enough leads for writers to come up with a good screenplay.

"THE PUNISHER."
DEADPOOL

The blade-wielding, gun-toting, punchline-throwing merc with a mouth known as Deadpool has made a successful big screen debut in this year's summer blockbuster X-Men Origins: Wolverine even if they made a lot of changes on his character, most notably the fact that someone like Ryan Reynolds portrayed him when in fact, Deadpool's character should be ugly and scarred considering that Wade Wilson is a terminally-ill, tumor-filled cancer patient; but they did retain the fact that Deadpool talks a whole lot, often mixing black comedy and pop-culture references, which is the big reason why this unorthodox character is that popular. Whew.

"MY NAME IS LUCAS."
BISHOP

The times and life of Lucas Bishop has been tumultuous at best. Together with his sister Shard, Bishop was raised by his grandmother in a mutant concentration camp. Post-Summers Rebellion, he eventually joined the Xavier's Security Enforcers (XSE) and became teammates with Trevor Fitzroy, the man who will later on be responsible for Shard's untimely demise. In pursuit of Fitzroy, he traveled back to the present and teamed up with the X-Men to defeat his arch-nemesis. Furthermore, he accused Gambit of being the traitor, had a fling with the murderous Deathbird, sided with the government during the Civil War and subsequently betrayed the team by attempting to kill the first mutant born since M Day. Action. Drama. Romance. Time travel. What more can one ask for?

"FLAWED."
EMMA FROST

Emma Frost. How do I describe Emma Frost? She was once known as the White Queen, one of the X-Men's more infamous foes, who dresses like a posh Pussycat Doll. She's a premiere telepath, and she has a diamond form which grants her superhuman strength and durability. Emma Frost is in a relationship with Scott Summers, making her the de facto first lady of mutantdom. And to protect her oppressed subjects, she agreed, unbeknownst to her lover, to be a part of Norman Osborn's secret cabal. Like Emma Frost's dry wit and bitchiness, her life story is indeed the top-class material that movie producers should go for.

"TURNING JAPANESE."
PSYLOCKE

Hollywood wasted some funds on Elektra when they could have invested it on an adaptation of Psylocke's adventures. They could start with the whole Revanche/Psylocke mess. Then on to the part when she was gutted and left for dead by Sabretooth. Not to worry because she will be saved by her lover, Angel whom she cheated on after some time with their fellow X-Man, Thunderbird II. And just like any X-person, Psylocke will die, this time at the hands of Vargas. However, she will be resurrected by her older brother Jaime because apparently, she is the only person who can save the world, or worlds for that matter, as she will be joining the ragtag team known as the Exiles soon thereafter. She will be settling issues with an old nemesis, after which her story would come full circle to the whole mess that is the Revanche/Psylocke body swap. This time, courtesy of the Red Queen. Interesting, isn't it? Plus, the costume factor alone already screams "must see".

TO BE CONTINUED.

hushed

I knew from the second that I found one end of my earphones dangling out of my jeans' front pocket that something was amiss. A quick check proved that I, indeed, lost one of my prized possessions - my iPod Nano.

Trying to figure out when and how I lost it is like trying to comprehend why people are drooling over the likes of Lambert, Gokey or Iraheta on this season of American Idol. Gratuitous waste of effort but let me try:

3 AM.

The blaring synth coming from the club's sound system was already lost on me. Flushed, after more than two hours of moving to the beats, my body sought comfort, and air-conditioning. It was hot, and it wasn't the good kind. No. Otherwise, I wouldn't be complaining.

The group moved about aimlessly searching for a spot where we could rest, preferably a space less crowded and a lot colder. One suggested that we try the back end of the club. Off he went, and we followed, walking sideways, brushing body parts, squeezing along tiny gaps, anything just to get through the sea of people who refused to make way.

And then it happened.

Like I said, I don't know when it was taken and how it was taken from me. And at this point, I really don't care. But even then, I wasn't bothered at all.

Don't get me wrong. Nano is, was, my precious. For more than three years now, I never left the house without it. Nano was the one companion whom I can always rely on, and its music was the one place where I can escape to. But sometimes, bad things happen to good gadgets. I can't blame anyone for what happened.

Besides, Nano and I have had a good run. I even had thoughts of retiring it soon. It just never occured to me that it wouldn't happen on my terms.

Now that I think of it, it's quite saddening but I have to live with it.

Tomorrow I shall go out into the world without Nano. And for the first time, in a very long time, I will be reminded of what it's like to go about each day without a soundtrack. Hopefully, it won't be so dull and lonely.


POSTSCRIPT. To whomever has my iPod Nano: the more fabulous gadget, my X1 - it was in my other pocket, jerk.

*******

iPod Nano
(September 2005 - May 2009)
You were my reminder that there exists a harmonic connection in everything, everywhere. You'll be missed.

how i drank my first beer: the sedan

Just when I thought that things could not get any worse, I suddenly find myself reclined on top of the car, parked by the roadside, as it unexpectedly broke down while we were cruising leisurely along a road somewhere in Batangas. It would have been a completely fucked up situation if PaulPaul decided not to wait and watch the car with me while designated driver went back to the nearest town to look for a mechanic.

"Oh dali, isa pa," PaulPaul said.

"Ayaw ko na!" I exclaimed as I turned off my gadget and put my sunglasses on. For forty minutes now, I have been giving him a major beat down on every game we have played on our PSPs and it gets tiring. Plus, my battery's running low and...

"Bored ka na no?"

I'm bored. Exactly.

He tossed his PSP on the passenger seat, sat beside me, and attempted to reach for my sunglasses.

"Ano ba?" I whined as he took it for himself. "Gaya gaya ka."

He lets out a barely discernible chuckle after which silence ensued. No chirping birds on the horizon. No rustic wind strong enough to rustle the leaves. Not a single traffic along this foreign road. If it weren't three in the afternoon, it would've been a scene straight out of a horror flick.

Without turning his head, PaulPaul nudged me, "Uy, kanina ka pa tahimik ah. Nagmumuni-muni ka na naman diyan."

I was. I joined their getaway hoping that it would be distracting enough to veer my thoughts away from an impending heartbreak. Trusting that I would get some form of clarity or resolve out of this. Vehemently praying that this would prove cathartic for me. But before any of this could happen, we need to get to our destination.

"Pabalik na yun," he said as he slid off and picked something inside the car.

"Sana," I said as I heard my stomach grumble. I haven't had lunch yet. None of us have.

As if in answer, PaulPaul handed me a pack of Cheetos and a bottle of water before resuming his seat.

"Buti sumama ka," he said before munching on a couple of cheese twists. "Kailangan pang pilitin talaga..."

"Siyempre. Hindi naman ako kaladkarin."

"Oo, lahat na nga nagyaya sa'yo eh. Kala ko pati ako kaya mo ng tanggihan."

"Ikaw? Lalong lalo ka na," I joked and smiled half-heartedly.

PaulPaul frowned. "Ganoon? Kaya nga tayo nag-outing eh. Basta yung pinangako mo sa akin ha."

I smirked and checked the time on my watch. "Hindi pa ba nag-text sa'yo?"

He slipped his hand on the pocket of his jeans to take out his phone. "Wala, battery empty na ako eh," he said showing his phone to me. "Malamang pabalik na yun. Sa'yo ba nag-text na?"

"I don't know. My phone's off."

"Parang sira 'to. Buksan mo."

"Ayaw ko! Wala na halos battery yun at wala akong dalang charger."

"Fine."

"Fine," I said smiling as I took my sunglasses from him.

"Naman," he scowled.

"Adventure."

"Fine. At least solo kita dito," PaulPaul said while trying to keep a straight face.

"Sira!"

He laughed before taking a swig off his water bottle.

I looked towards the cloudless horizon and realized that things are not as bleak as they seem. I decided to stick with my original plan and leave all my problems in Manila for the moment. After all, if I can be unmindful of the fact that we are still stranded in God knows where, I have no reason to be saddened or distressed by things of lesser importance. Perhaps, it was both the wake-up call and the pick-me-up which I needed to get me through the weekend. It is true, the antidote for fifty worries is just one good friend.