Realities

I write poems whenever I feel like it. This is one of them.

Mask

Stare right into her eyes
And you'll see the dark corners of her world.

Stare right into her eyes
And you'll see the pain that resides in her heart.

Stare right into her eyes
And you'll see what she really feels.

Look beyond the face that shows you the glittering eyes and infectious smile.
Look beyond the words that tell you that everything is alright. 


Because sometimes, we just need to let it all out. 


© Lora Quitane
03.13.13


Another poem I wrote a few years ago. I wrote this at 3:03 a.m., and I'm sure that this needs editing. But I'm too lazy to edit it right now, so I'll just post it as it is. Inspired by someone close to me. 


And Then She Became Five Years Older

It's not her looks--
the face that can fool anyone
for them to think that she's a teenager,
nor her face free of make-up,
but the eyes that mirror her thoughts.

It's not the clothes--
for she wears what she wants
and eats when she wants.
Her body is the least of her worries.
What matters is that she breathes and lives. 

It's not her actions
that makes you think she's innocent
and child-like most of the time,
nor her fascination and imagination,
but the subtle things she does that rarely catch your eye.

It's what she sees and how she feels.
For a child must open her eyes
to realize and accept what's in front of her.
To understand that it's in her hands
how the future unfolds.
And when she finally opens up,
that is when she grows.

And that was how she became 5 years older.

© Lora Quitane
08.06.09

--------------------

"Whatever you do, choose life.

The thoughts on your mind, choose life.

Wherever you go, choose life."

- Soul Searching, Urbandub, from Influence.

"There's no point to keep your head face down,

When all we see and know and feel is temporary."

- A Call to Arms, Urbandub, from Apparition.

Why I became an anti-Pinoy

Nowadays I always visit this blog called Anti-Pinoy where they talk about how the dysfunctional mind of a Filipino works. Or how Filipinos reacted to the Adam Carolla story that made me (and everyone at the site) ashamed of my fellowmen. Oy, if you think I'm being racist, then you better get your act together and read the website. And I'm not saying I'm perfect either, for if everyone was born perfect, then the world wouldn't be like this today. Try to browse through some posts, ponder for a while, do a reflection that would make you aware of your actions. Just do your research and self-discern before making a refutable comment.

So after a few days of stalking, I pulled up my courage and made my first comment on one post that is completely different from the post that I commented on. But everyone (especially the moderators) welcomed me with open arms, because I threatened them and told them that I wanted to make myself feel at home in that place, which they gladly obliged.

Because I've been inspired by their writing and thoughts, I decided to do a personal post on why and what Filipino people have to change, a thought that must have been heard from a million people as well, and taking advantage of their hospitality while in their house.

Why I became an anti-Pinoy

(Or why Agua Bendita is better than The Last Prince)

  Welcome to the world of fantasies and idealism, where most people spend their time watching shows that seem to not run out of cliched plots. I have no intention of inadvertently mentioning the upcoming Philippine elections this May 2010; it just so happened that my views have changed not just because of my exposure to the internet, but mostly because of reality kicking in. The latter applies best I admit, for I was able to recognize my country's flaws and compare it to one of the most livable countries in the world, the place where I am now. As an anti-Anti-Pinoy would say, "You traitors!", that just because I now live in a better country and I'm away from home gives me the right to look down on my fellow Filipinos. But in fact, it's the other way around. I have learned to understand the archipelago's history, culture, and society looking at them from a thousand miles away. And this is why I became an anti-Pinoy.

  When I first stepped on the snow a few years ago, the air had a refreshing feeling to it. At first I thought it was because of the clean and unpolluted surroundings. But then I realized that there was more to it. Not only is this a new and uncharted country for me, but the people, culture, and laws were different as well. A huge step-up from the typical and Filipino lifestyle that I was used to.

  Jetlag was one thing; but homesickness is worse than that. Despite getting used to living here and an Asian market just two blocks from our house, something is still missing. I can't claim this fact on behalf of every Filipinos who live abroad, but this is what most people feel when they grew up and spend many years and would suddenly undergo a change from their home country to a completely diverse place. Because of this, I learned two things: discipline and responsibility. Two traits that all Filipinos must have nowadays. Without these two, a country wouldn't progress to what it is today. South Korea wouldn't be the world's leading manufacturer of major companies if it wasn't for their discipline, perseverance, and nationalism (A typical example, but I'm just stating reality. I mean, can you imagine that they had a war in the 50's and recovered so soon?). Alright, the remaining two are important as well, but here I can say that Filipinos can do this and take action–if necessary and required (ah, I hope no one gets offended.). But sometimes, Filipino pride goes too far–so far that other Filipinos would blame their actions which results into a a more humiliating act.

  There is nothing wrong practicing nationalism and patriotism. I'm all for it. I do it once in a while, if I feel like it (shame on me), and I try not to overdo it. I sort of understand the Filipino society on why they will continue to patronize foreign products because of our history. But I guess, in little (and improving ways), Filipinos are beginning to appreciate what they have. However, to strive harder to achieve a  universal goal is one thing that they lack. And also, we need a major change that will improve ourselves and our society. And this large change involves the impending elections on May 10th (now you know where I'm getting at.). But don't worry, I'm not going to dictate why you should vote for my preferred candidate. Instead, I will tell you to vote for whom you like not because of their popularity, winnability, or lineage, but because of what they have done and what they can do more. A citizen has the right of suffrage so as much as you can. Go  ahead and practice it because this is not for just you, your families, nor your future generations, but for the entire country as well. 

  I learned that a person can change if he initiates the change within himself. However, in order to change oneself and others, there should be conditions and restrictions implemented so that discipline and responsibility will take effect. And who will enforce these "rules"? It can be oneself, a friend, your parents, the company president, or the leader of your county, as long as these laws are for the person's best interests at heart. 

  In a perfect world, there is no perfect leader who tells you what to do because the reality is, they also think about themselves and how they would reap from their position. There is no perfect person who can change overnight and be all saint-like. It takes practice and an effective authority to carry out these rules that would encourage an individual to succeed, which in turn, will make his dwelling place first-class. So, set aside those overactive imaginations (which should be in our dreams, actually) and pointless shows. Time to wake up and smell the garbage. 

A/N: For the record, I have never seen Agua Bendita. I just saw this ad for this show on a Filipino newspaper my mom picked up from the supermarket. The Last Prince I have, when our tv provider offered a 3-month free preview of the network a while ago. When I saw it, I thought it was so bad, that it's hilariously good to watch (just not everyday though, because I might go insane).

There you have it, my friends. One proof that I have changed after living in another country for two years. Two years. It took me two years and a blog to realize these unacceptable truths about myself as a Filipino and the people. It's quite disappointing in a way, that somehow, I've lost my faith to my fellowmen. But I'm not saying that I hate the Philippines, because I still love it, and it will probably never change. I guess the country and its people need a lot of tweaking to run again.


These are my sole opinions only and I did not intend to use AntiPinoy as my basis for this post. It just so happened that we share the same sentiments.

happy holidays :)

So here's another poem that I made three years ago, inspired from a person that I had once met. Now, don't think that I'm talking about you when you don't even know who I'm talking about. This is just between me and my former self, and now that I think about it, I regret writing this for I never really meant to do this to him. I never knew him personally, we weren't close enough for me to know his true self, but hey, at least you were able to leave me a memory of you. And in all honesty, I am thankful that I met you.

Well, let's get this going, shall we? All this cheesiness is starting to make me gag.

Naked Eye

Like a class clown entertaining his audience with his feeble jokes.

Like a court jester buying the queen's affections through his own ways.

Like a famous person who's admirers worship the ground he walks on.

Like a rock artist who's got a long line of tickets wanting to be his friend.

A lucky man, indeed.

No one can refute his notions.

No one can spoil his name to the highest.

No one disdainful enough can be his friend.

And no one can stand up against him, even the queen.

For he thinks that when he talks,

time stops.

all eyes are on him.

and no one can say a word.

For he knows that he controls everything and everyone in his hands.

For he doesn't care who he hurts, as long as he still looks good.

Pretty egocentric, if you ask me. And pathetic too.

It's a pity, for portraying this coveted role and no one, not even his worthy friends has ever seen him shed off his clothes.

But then again, we may never know. He may have already shown his skin at some point.

© luraaa

08.05.06

2:00 am

Note: If we've met, please do not take this seriously. This was written years ago, when I was a teenager going through the typical stages of adolescence. And if we haven't, then, don't take this seriously as well.

BoF banners and sigs

If you hang out at the soompi forums, I'm pretty sure you've seen most of the members' banners and signatures. And I'm sure, that you've heard of this drama, Boys over Flowers (or Boys before Flowers).

I admit, I was part of that fever months ago so I decided to make a banner (or signature), just for fun. I save most pics from Luv at soompi, and I edited it using picnik, which helps you edit pictures with their features without installing photoshop. (Of course, PS is still better, but I don't have it installed, so, do understand.)


So this first pic is from episode 10 and that's JanDi and Jun Pyo, and this is the original picture that I got from Luv.

For the second one, this is from episode 21, and that's The F4(and their lovely backs.lol), and again, edited it using picnik. Unfortunately, I can't credit whom I took the picture from but its from the BoF thread at soompi. As for this picture, I decided not to write any quotes about friendship or anything because I don't want it to sound too cheesy, which is not really my thing.




070309. I just made this awhile ago while I was reading a JunDi fanfiction in soompi. This shot was in episode 4 of the series, the text written there is the title and the writer of the fanfic. Actually, as of today, this hasn't been written yet, this is just the second part of the 3 plotlines that the writer did, with the readers choosing their faves. Its just something that I did out of boredom.


So, I do appreciate comments, and you know what to do, if you wanna use it, no hotlinking but do credit me using my profile name or a link to my blog. Thanks a lot.