photo credit: Sarah
The Dragon, martial arts icon
2012 is the year of the dragon.
It would be no surprise that a sudden public interest in martial art’s greatest legend would be revived this year.
I already saw a teaser of a new documentary for National Geographic. I’m also starting to see vintage shirts resurface. Heck even the downloads of his movies and documentaries found in the internet have spiked up.
The high-pitched yell, the sculpted physique, the dazzling speed, the nunchucks, Wing Chun, Jeet Kune Do, the one-inch punch, Kato, the unique fighting philosophy, and the much dramatized “curse”, we are of course talking about Bruce Lee, the Dragon.
The only reason Chuck Norris is still alive is because he's afraid to go to heaven where Bruce Lee can kick his butt all over again
I’m a Bruce Lee fan ever since high school. I watched his movies The Big Boss and Fist of Fury with the a crazy dubbing countless times being replayed after the noon time shows at the local stations. It’s a fact how these films of Lee were slow-motioned to capture his lightning-fast movements compared to similar martial arts films that were fast-forwarded to make the actor’s movements faster.
We could also note that martial arts films from Hong Kong made during that time were based on fancy flying with ropes and fantasy whereas Bruce Lee’s films were often more realistic. And the themes of the movies? Heroic principles like justice, patriotism, loyalty and empowerment.
Bruce Lee revolutionized the martial arts film genre and was years ahead of his time. It was through him that the Western world of the 1960′s got to know Kung Fu.
It was only during college that I got to read his writings and get to know Bruce Lee, the thinker, the philosopher. Our course in Asian philosophy made that possible. After studying Confucius, Lao Tzu and Sun Tzu, Bruce Lee’s contemporary thoughts were refreshing. You could do a YouTube search to watch a black and white interview where he explains his fighting philosophy, as well as how he views art, religion, and film production.
His earlier 1950′s audition can also be seen at YouTube where a very young, unknown Bruce Lee explains “Gung Fu” to a clueless westerner.
To an ordinary, average observer, his thoughts would appear simple and practical. But you have to understand the context and social setting at that time. In the 1960′s to 1970′s, with the U.S.’s involvement in the Vietnam War, Asians looked bad. The old folks only know Japanese “Karate” from the Second World War; Chinese people were discriminated, thought of as the sick, weak, yellow people. No Asians can star in Hollywood, no Asian was a worldwide icon. While Bruce Lee was eschewing racial definition and viewed himself as a citizen of the earth, he also did not believe in any fighting style (although at first he tried to re-invent it calling it Jeet Kune Do, based on the hand attacks and arm traps of Wing Chun, he combined the stance of French fencing, the footwork of Western boxing and the ground work of Jujitsu) believing that as long as all humans have two hands and two feet, we all fight the same.
His emphasis was knowing how to react, how to think while in a fight, and how to end it quickly. Clearly ahead of his time where everyone was trying to be fancy. The modern day Wing Chun as it is taught nowadays actually incorporated Bruce Lee’s revisions. Simplicity and economy of motion.
It was too bad that his unfinished movie The Game of Death was remade and recut into a silly, stupid film, overly edited to take advantage of his name after his death.
I am lucky enough to have copies of his best documentaries, and the original scenes from The Game of Death, filmed before releasing his Hollywood blockbuster, Enter the Dragon.
His death may still be a mystery to all, but his death also made him legendary.
Thanks to Bruce Lee, the Asians got the respect they deserved in the post-war, hippie America. Martial arts heroes like Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Chow Yun Fat were all the outcome of Lee’s efforts to bring Chinese martial arts to the mainstream. Mixed Martial Arts or MMA was the result of his study, combination and application of martial arts. The complex fight scenes of Hong Kong cinema, which Hollywood outsources for their choreography flourished because of Bruce Lee.
Try to find the YouTube interview to appreciate the man, not just as an actor or a martial arts practitioner, but as a father and as a man who wanted change and brought change in the way he can. This was a man who trained his body to full potential. The man who can get a coin placed on your open hand and replace it with a different coin just before you close your palm. The man who believed that no religion, race or culture should inhibit a man’s dream and potential to be the best he can be.
To all the dragons out there, this is your year!
Happy Year of the Dragon to all!
Apologies to all for not posting as often as I used to. I was really busy with the year end shenanigans at work.
I didn’t even got to post my Christmas entry here (which means I have to recycle that article for next year, hehe).
I spent my Christmas at Sarah’s province to meet her whole clan. Big family. Big expectations. I hope I got a good first impression from her titos, titas, cousins and everyone else.
I’m here now with my family at Subic for the New Year festivities. Dinner, walking by the bay, and fireworks are the order of the day.
I guess many would agree that 2011 was a bad year. I mean really. I was comparing it to 2010, even 2009. There were high notes and cool moments, but in general, it sucked.
So, good riddance 2011, bring it on 2012!
I wish I have a proper keyboard to type this, but this is better than nothing. First blog post using my Android phone.
I’ll start posting again soon when things get back to the normal everyday routine. Happy New Year to all!
Posted from Xperia Play – Playstation Phone, Android 2.3.7 using WordPress Mobile
DISCLAIMER: I am not saying that I depend on all these items, gadgets, formulas and stuff when I run. I can run without them. But I do believe that each run should be a quality run. I run because I want to push my limits and be better each time I hit the pavement. I run to excel, I do not jog to go sightseeing. My enjoyment is beating my time, challenging myself. That’s why I take advantage of the studies and new technology that is available, to make each run–the most perfect run it can be. Hence, these REVIEWS–
Runner's World Editors Choice 2011 and Best Shoe in The World 2011 Award
My friends know that I over-pronate when I run. Pronation is the inward rolling of the foot as you lift it from the ground upon impact. This weird gait also helps in achieving fast acceleration. But over-pronators are more susceptible to injury. Stability shoes or motion-control running shoes are built for over-pronators with a rock-solid heel support and ankle cushioning that helps avoid injuries during running. Among the best in these class of running shoes is Asics. Specifically the GT-Series. I will describe the technology and features of this world famous shoe and my personal experience trying them out at the Marikina track.
Asics is famous for the IGS technology
Impact Guidance System (IGS): The Impact Guidance System is a propriety technical design of Asics that makes the heel area rigid, ankles locked yet comfortable. The philosophy is to allow the foot to perform in a more natural manner when running. I found this very effective. My foot was not rolling out of control inward and I was more confident in changing lanes or sprinting from a slow pace without worrying that I might get a sprained ankle.
Who would've thought that the whole inside is high-grade memory foam?
P.H.F (Personal Heel Fit System) : Out of the box, I was a bit concerned that the shoe appeared to be quite slim. I was accustomed to New Balance offering width sizes with their shoes. Loosening the laces and putting the shoe on felt amazing. It hugged my foot securely without being uncomfortably tight, it just molded with the contours of my foot. After removing the shoe, I noticed that it still retained the curves of my foot while expanding. I put the shoe back on and true enough, it still hugs my foot snugly. The ComfortDry sock liner does its job as well. My foot still felt cool after completing a few laps.
See the Gel? Colored black to compliment the design
GEL® Cushioning System: The repetitive impact of running can damage your knees without proper cushioning. The ASICS GEL cushioning system is probably the most famous among all of Asic’s Technology. The propriety GEL-units are engineered in the midsole of the shoe. According to Asics, the GEL-unit contains mix of silicone based porous foam, a silicone GEL and a semi-solid silicone substance encapsulated in polyurethane. This offers a performance level shock absorption. I was accustomed to New Balance’s ABZORB foam based technology and running for the first time with Gel, as my running friend Apple describes it, it’s like stepping on a marshmallowy-soft substance. The bounce was awesome, no energy is wasted as each stride was so easy. I only stopped running from being out of breath not from any pain.
so light
Solyte™ – Running shoes are always engineered to be light to lessen the energy needed to lift one’s foot. Although I would say that New Balance “mastered” the art of lightness in running shoes, Asics is a very near second place with Solyte. It used to be EVA and SpEVA but this is a new “secret” material from Asics that makes up most of the underside of the shoe. This is a mixture of durability and lightness. The shoe feels really solid and built like a trail shoe but amazingly light. As light as my 778 or felt even lighter.
AHAR® (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) – This is the tough rubber compound used at the heavy-contact areas of the outer sole. You can see it noticeably as it appears with a different texture, this is really meant for durability than anything else. Underneath you would also notice the Guidance Line present in all 2011 Asics shoes, this encourages a more efficient gait to give a smoother ride experience. The “bounce” that Jodan and I notice that we runners achieve upon completing a perfect lap? That “bounce” was achieved even before I completed a lap, my foot was almost moving on it’s own without much effort.
Design wise, I love that almost the whole shoe is wrapped in a breathable mesh material. The high abrasive/tension areas like the lacing holes are made with leather. Some areas are accented by suede material and 3M reflectors are also found all over the shoe for night visibility. Every detail is so precisely engineered, no wonder this won Runner’s World’s Editor Choice as Best Shoe of 2011. Since I chose the black/black color option, it is a bit hard to see the intricate details and different materials used on the shoe. The blue/white color accents all the details, you can see it by clicking here.
I almost, almost wished for a Gel-Kayano 17 (motion-control shoe) but upon seeing all the reviews, awards and citations of both professional runners and experts on this shoe, I am glad I chose the GT-2160. The GT-2170 will soon be released, but nonetheless, I will enjoy and have the best run of my life with this baby.
Since I like to focus on my runs, I don't bring cameras while running to take photos. This is the only chance for a photo-op, post-run, sweaty and all =)
Some of the perks of my work are the cool office mates. My manager was given a VIP invite to Resorts World’s Sound of Music, and she just gave me the tickets. Wow, talk about lucky. Naturally, I invited Sarah, who was also looking forward to see her favorite musical live on-stage. Who are we to refuse a free offer? Thanks Ms. Aissa Benitez!
It was my first time in Resorts World, although photography is prohibited during the show, we were able to take some shots before the show started. Newport Performing Arts Theater was awesome. Truly a world-class theater. It features the largest LED-screen in Southeast Asia as the stage backdrop. We were first seated at the far left side of the theater, not that bad since the stage was engineered to be seen even at all angles. But before the show started, we were ushered to be seated somewhere in the middle. The best seat in the theater, not that high in the balcony and not that low in the patron section, we were exactly at the middle of the theater both vertically and horizontally.
We got the show where Cris Villonco plays Maria. Ms. Villonco actually carried the whole show single-handedly, I was waiting for the other actors to step up. Ms. Pinky Amador was in her usual brilliant performance although limited part and lines. We were lucky as well that Atasha Mulach was part of the cast, the audience kept on sighing as she mumbled her lines. Too many lines though for her character. The play was based mainly on the Broadway act and not from the movie, so fans of the movie might get a little disappointed with the song arrangements. I was amazed at the stage props nonetheless. It’s great to see that we have something of this caliber of a show here in the Philippines. The overall acting may not be that worthy of a standing ovation, the music not that laudable (live Philharmonic Orchestra, but they were hidden) but I applaud the technical aspects of the play like the lighting, set props and the technology used.
Go see it with your family it’s a great pre-holiday feel good treat!
Sarah was with her trusty camera behind me, hence this shot. Nice one hon!
It was far too long ago since I took some art shots with manual controls. I may have bid my farewell to DSLRs and fancy lenses a long time ago, but seeing a majestic Manila sunset with my bridge camera on hand, I couldn’t resist. Instead of just sighing at the inspiring scene, I figured what the hell and started clicking. One of the selling factors of the SX30IS are the full manual controls. It may not have the big sensors like its big brothers (it uses CDMA not CMOS as well), but its strength is the full-powered 35x zoom lens. Nonetheless it is armed with Canon’s Digic IV processor and coupled with my technical nerdiness, I bet I can capture some great images.
I played around with ISOs, EV adjustments, aperture openings, white balances and focus range, although lacking the crispiness innate in cameras with big sensors– I’m proud to say I still have what it takes to capture such. Again quoting my good friend Jodan, “wala sa pana yan, nasa Indian yan”.
All photos are untouched, unedited and unmodified except for the watermark for copyright purposes. Click the images for the full high-res image. Enjoy =)
DISCLAIMER: I am not saying that I depend on all these items, gadgets, formulas and stuff when I run. I can run without them. But I do believe that each run should be a quality run. I run because I want to push my limits and be better each time I hit the pavement. I run to excel, I do not jog to go sightseeing. My enjoyment is beating my time, challenging myself. That’s why I take advantage of the studies and new technology that is available, to make each run–the most perfect run it can be. Hence, these REVIEWS–
I am an energy drink fan. I discovered its benefits when I first hit the gym during my “gym-rat” days in college. I relied on the quick boost it gave me when I first had a night-shift job back in the days. And now, it does the job perfectly when I run.
Of course coffee has its wonders and benefits as well, but when it is just too hot to drink coffee, or I am behind schedule, an energy drink is my weapon of choice. Besides, I prefer to enjoy my coffee and drink it slowly, and usually I rely on coffee if I need to stay up late, rather than drink it for workouts.
Strong brewed coffee with vanilla and Spider-man? Perfect.
After trying various energy drinks ranging from Lipovitan, RedBull, Bachus, ExtraJoss, Cobra and the like, I found out that Sting is just about perfect for me. The perfect mix of simple and complex sugars, ginseng, inositol and caffeine. It is definitely a lot safer than Cobra. What I like most about it is the taste. You don’t get that Taurine-based aftertaste you usually get from RedBull and the rest. I particularly love the Berry Blast and the Power Lime.
Red- Berry Blast for my speed training days
Green- Power Lime for my endurance training
The great thing about Sting is the fast release of energy. I become really hyped up after one bottle. Even if it was a tiring day or I had little sleep, one bottle (plus “Eye of Tiger” music in my ear), would ensure that I complete my laps. It’s a perk up wonder.
Our bodies are all built different so what may work for me may not work for you, also if you are sensitive to caffeine, you might want to skip on this one, if you haven’t tried any Taurine-based drinks mixed with your workouts, do give it a try. (visit www.stingenergy.com)
On my way to work, I saw an SUV with so many stickers. “I brake for Runners” , “I run like a girl” , “Marathon Freak” , ” I heart Running”. In my mind I was, “wow. Really?” And then I saw the plate number. RIO 316. It’s no other than Coach Rio! Ok, forgiven. Haha!
A few of the things I learned from being in the HR field for so long is character-branding. Or labeling. It’s not always a good thing.
Being labeled by what you did or what you achieved is quite common particularly in public figures. Former President GMA seems to enjoy lying, cheating, and stealing thus she was labeled as such. Robert Pattinson got a career boost by playing a creepy vampire boyfriend and now he has to live with that image for life. As for Coach Rio, he became the poster boy for anything marathon after his humble beginnings and massive success, so he embraced the labeling.
don't tell me you forgot "hello garci", "zte scam", "morong 43", "fertilizer scam" and "maguindanao massacre"
But sometimes there is labeling done intently on one’s self, self-labeling, that to me, is twice as sad as being labeled accidentally.
Fixation on being recognized for something that you are passionate about is lame really. For example, being a Web Developer doesn’t mean all you speak about, all you blog about and all you tweet about is web development. Liking or being passionate in something doesn’t mean that it should define you. Part of the reason I try to show my “other” interests to the public eye, is to avoid labeling. As someone with a celebrity complex, I know that my fans would be bored if they only see me doing just one thing (I am being sarcastic ok?)
Sure everyone has to have a specialty or an expertise. I am guilty in being a Jack-of-all-traits Master-of-none, and saying that is really humbling (crushing my ego, really, ouch). But an expertise or a specialty should not define who you are. As such claiming that you are who you claim to be, and declaring that others are not is equally repulsive. (Getting philosophical now, so I’ll stop)
To wrap it up, a label limits everyone’s perspective on what you do and what you can achieve. Therefore a label sort of limits you.
Wow. So few posts this November. Compared to October, it’s as if there was an “article famine” here.
I do apologize for not posting as much, I’ve been busy with work. And I’m actually enjoying it. It is actually my 5th job, yes I am that choosy with jobfit (and sometimes bad timing plays a part as well; I’ve tried all possible post-employment scenarios from resigning, being fired, downsizing,etc…).
I like it when the work involved harnesses all my talents. I like it when all processes, policies and management can be open to further improvement. As you’ve seen from my previous posts, I highly believe in continuous improvement (six-sigma) cycle and the lean system. And I like it when the culture of family, service first before profit, and transparency is instilled in a company.
And so far all those I mentioned are being practiced here in my new company.
Since our office space is connected to our CEO's house, this is what happens when her kids invade the office.
It’s attuned to service, helping professionals find work that suits them. It’s not a headhunting/manpower firm (which is a relief). It’s a small yet highly effective unit. It’s technology/IT inclined, and as we call them “techie” (te-ki) friendly, and pro-techie. It’s near our place, and the benefits/perks are awesome. The fact that it deals with tech professionals, programmers, web developers,etc. quenches my geeky gadgetry techie thirst too.
As my friend Jeff always tells me, “happy employees, produce better results”. And yes, I am happy. So let’s see some results shall we?
This is part 5 of the series. For parts 1-4 click here, here, here and here.
This treat is a buffet lunch at Manila Pavilion’s Seasons. We’ve had dates at Sofitel’s Spiral and Shangri-la’s Circles, so this is completely new to us.
It took quite a while to locate Manila Pavilion in downtown Manila, but the great thing is that, parking was free! We arrived a little bit too early (again, see our previous dates) though. We waited a good 30 minutes before the chef announced the go signal.
The place wasn’t as big as the other hotel buffet areas we have tried,but that’s okay since it’s a little more intimate. On to the food!
Sarah started off with some bread and soup, plus a fresh glass of mango juice.
While I had some veggie salad and cold seafood.
Sarah tried the dimsum and dumplings, plus some rolls.
While I tried their lamb chops, paella, and more seafood.
My second serving was steak, beef and salmon. On to the desserts!
Sidenote: While Sarah was choosing her desserts, I did come back for a platter of sushi (not pictured)
Cakes, pastries, tarts, creams, etc…
Overall, it was a nice experience. The food choices aren’t that impressive like in Spiral, but it is a close third next to Circles. More B-day Gifts to follow!
After quitting from a long stint in photography (both street photography, college sports and college journalism) I said I would try to pursue video and animation. To cut the story short, I was far too busy to ever have a serious hobby (and lacked funds) anymore.
The latest hobby I tried was keeping tarantulas and scorpions.
But alas! I finally had some free time and out of boredom tried doing my first, crude and very amateurish stop-motion animation. Enjoy!
This is where the phrase: “To create is to destroy, to destroy is to create” was clearly taken literally by the people planning and executing all these digging to an extent that is sheer madness already.
Before typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana), the road from Q.C. to Antipolo was really a highway. No bumps, no bottlenecks, smooth fast road from Katipunan all the way to Sta. Lucia East. That was Marcos Hi-way before. The only cause of traffic was either when there were many people waiting at the Santolan LRT station, or when Robinsons and Sta.Lucia have a mall-wide sale.
Recently, construction after construction made Marcos highway notoriously traffic jammed. Be it a road-widening project, repair of potholes caused by the trucks, laying of pipeline by the Manila Water, the digging and construction never ends. The people just can’t seem to get enough of digging. Bisyo na to!
What I don’t get is the fact that all these digging are done at the same time and with different contractors. Why can’t a project be finished first on one section of the road, and then followed by the next section, and another and so forth, thus not making it inconvenient for motorists and commuters who also use the road.
It seems that for every 500 meters, there is a construction/digging going on, and by a different contractor.It’s even impossible to use the other side of the road at some sections to counterflow traffic, as that same part of the road is also being dug.
And what’s weird is that after they are done with that digging, they pave the road, make it smooth again, and a month later, another digging would destroy that same road. It seems that all these projects are not carefully planned and coordinated.
Or maybe just another money-making scheme by the local governments of Pasig, Marikina, Cainta and Antipolo, all who share the same road. I mean sure, it creates jobs for all these diggers and construction workers, but it also creates a far more unproductive headache and time-eating hassle to most commuters and motorists.
Showbiz time.
Two years ago, I thought it was all just for show or to increase her popularity. A year after, she was there again. And again same time of the month this year. For three consecutive years, tv/movie personality Bea Alonzo was celebrating her birthday at Preda Foundation unannounced to the public. Preda is a non-government organization committed to women and children’s rights, fair trade movement, and social justice co-founded by my parents and Fr. Shay Cullen.
Preda used to stand for “Prevent and Rehabilitate Drug Abuse” in the 1970′s as a splinter organization of Bob Garon’s DARE. In the 90′s it was renamed “People’s Recovery, Empowerment, and Development Assistance” and from a drug rehab center it focused on providing shelter, legal assistance and education to street kids and abused women. They were nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize back in 2001 and 2003 and won several Italian and German human rights awards. Unknown to many, the Preda team was instrumental in converting the then Subic U.S. Naval Base into SBMA as an industrial hub and tourist destination as it is today (my father and Fr. Shay actually wrote the draft/diagrams of how SBMA was to be made into an economic zone, which it is now). They were also the team who drafted the R.A. 7610 and more recently R.A. 9344, all for the protection of children which was lauded by UNICEF, a close partner.
Preda has earned several powerful enemies specially in the local government of Olongapo after battling the pedophile sex-ring and the rich and politically protected bar owners of the red light districts. But the struggle continues, and they continue to work silently. Let BantayBata, Kapuso Foundation, politicos, etc. take all the credit from their hard work, they remain dedicated to their cause.
Bea Alonzo with the CICL Boys
Like Preda, Bea Alonzo is also silently dedicated to this cause. No media with her, no press releases, etc. when she visits the center. I initially had an uncomfortable image of her because of how she portrays herself on camera, but that image is meant for public consumption and the paying masses and screeching fans. She is very down to earth, humble and approachable actually. Never mind her gifts, donations, etc, her mere presence alone just to be with the kids deserves applause. She has a heart that cares, silently but dedicated.
In our day to day activities, passions and commitments, we don’t need a shout out every time and every chance we get. Doing good things, even small simple things like giving some bread to a beggar doesn’t need to be bragged about especially in social networking sites or in blogs. Let someone else acknowledge your deed, instead of announcing it to the world yourself earning praises in the process. Good deeds with genuine good intentions will get noticed over time, just keep silent and dedicated.
Photo Credits: Preda Staff and Joan Almazan Conanan
Visit: www.preda.org
Click for-
Oculus
By: C.Seamus Hermoso
(first published 2004, all rights reserved)
Previously:
“Just because you’re a Magnum, or a Magoose, or well, whatever you are in that cult of yours doesn’t mean you could just change the topic.” Carlos shot back, with a smile.
James’s face fell. It seemed as if he just froze. “Don’t you mention that. Please, Carlos. Please forget about that.”
With that, James hurried away into the throng of students and all Carlos could do was look on, puzzled.
Part III
I rested my head on my bed and watched the figures play around the formerly unmarked wall next to me. It was a hobby I have acquired. After all, what more could one do in such a desolate room? I have been free of my straightjacket for some time now, yet I realized that with nothing in this place, I might as well wear it again. Everyday, I seem to grow more lethargic than the last.
The door abruptly opened as a figure, again in white, stepped inside and closed the door hastily. The only person of the opposite sex to have entered my room so far. I couldn’t recognize her. Someone new, perhaps.
“Carlos Decascos, do you remember me?” the woman inquired sluggishly.
I turned to face her. Familiar features, alright. However, nothing and no one came to mind.
“Anyway, it doesn’t matter.” She shrugged. “I am here about James. What has he told you?”
Again, the name sounds familiar, but then again James could be the one who gives me my food here for all I know. “James?”
The lady sat down on my chair. “I understand you found James Florentin’s deceased body in his apartment last Tuesday.”
Oh yeah, that James. I smiled in spite of myself. “He was pretty messed up, such a loathsome sight. The skin on his face was gone. I could have sworn there were maggots in there.”
“So, what were you doing there? What has he told you?” She crossed her arms in front of her chest.
There was a piece of food stuck on her teeth. I laughed heartily.
She stood up and brought out a syringe from her pocket. “What have they been giving you?” She moved closer, turned me over and injected the needle on my back.
I practically screamed after a minute or so of silence, as I was able to behold the figure in front of me. “Ma’am Fugazi! What are you doing here?”
“I know you don’t know anything, Carlos. I will get you out.” She looked at me with such concern, something I haven’t felt in a while.
“What’s there to know?” I sat up, not quite sure what to feel. “Please get me out, please. I am not crazy!”
She sat down on the chair. “They are keeping you in here because they think James divulged to you those he found out about Elus-Cohens.”
I shook my head in disbelief. “Who’s they? I haven’t talked to James in ages. Why? What has he discovered?”
“With the access to old archives, he questioned a lot as a Magus. He found articles that dealt with the different entanglements of the Elus-Cohens.” Ma’am Fugazi admitted matter-of-factly.
“So Elus-Cohens’ behind everything?” In my mind, I struggled to sort out all the things she said.
To my surprise, she disagreed. “The Elus-Cohens is just working under the Illuminati. The Illuminati goes way back. They say it was the propagation of the Kabbala teachings of the Jews that induced Hitler to wipe out the race who supposedly knew of the esoteric arts. He wanted to keep the ancient knowledge to himself and those under his authority”
She went on, “They also say Kennedy’s assassination was because of the anti-occult task force that he created. The enforcement kept more eyes open for every movement of the Illuminati.”
“Also, do you notice the pyramid with the eye on top in your one dollar bill? Well, they say that since that went out, the US economy boomed like no other. United States was suddenly feared as nation. You see, that symbol is the Illuminati’s imprint.”
Before I could say anything, she then stood up from the chair. “But hey, these won’t matter now, would they? What’s important is that I am telling you how to get out of here.” Her voice faded slowly as she uttered the last sentence.
“Wait, have they found out who killed him? Why hasn’t the policed asked for my statement yet?”
She stared at me skeptically. “Wow, you really don’t know anything! A death like James’ is one that would never be recorded.”
I just leaned onto the wall, dumbfounded.
“Now listen,” she went on. “Before I tell you anything worse, listen. When you get to the communal room later, run straight ahead to the hallway. At exactly 6pm, the guards at the front door change shifts. Between 6:00 to 6:01, the doors are unguarded.”
With that, my dream girl left as rapidly as she came in.
“Thanks. Until next time!” Carlos grinned as he shut his front door to the pizza deliveryman whom he had been seeing very often in the past month.
He set the pizza down on the table and went back to his personal computer where he was checking his e-mail.
You have one new message.
Well, he thought to himself consolingly, you check e-mail twice a day.
He clicked open the inbox, revealing a new message from a James Florentin.
“Carlos, this is because I trust you. You know what to do.” The message had 5 attachments.
He opened the first one: WWII Conspiracies. Then the second: Kennedy’s Anti-Occult Program. Then he goes on reading onto, The All Knowing Eye And The Dollar, New World Order, and lastly, Disappearance Of Malaysian Prime Minister Rooted To Freemasons.
Leaning back on his ergonomic chair, he read each one passively. Nodding at times, and yawning every so often. He couldn’t quite grasp what each one said, something about whatever power behind everything. Carlos couldn’t have been any more vague.
I am getting out! I am getting out! That’s all I could mumble under by breath as I slowly trudged across the hallway. 6:00, the clock in the public room declared.
When I saw the unprotected front door, I dashed all the way until I was able to shut the door. As I saw the massive green grass, I inhaled the fresh air.
I halted in my tracks. Now what? There’s nothing here. Or so I thought.
I looked around for the nearest gate I could find, and ran towards it. It was black and intricately designed, and looked every bit well-equipped of alarms.
Nonetheless, I approached it, running and never looking back. I seemed to run forever and yet the gate wasn’t becoming any closer. My vision slowly blurred as I lurched over something on the floor, causing me to fall to my knees; moreover, causing a very loud alarm to ring out all-over the field.
I scampered and continued my running, when I felt two pairs of arms grabbing me from behind. I couldn’t see who they were, but their grip was enough for me to almost suffocate. Suffocating me didn’t seem to be enough for them however, as I found myself getting dragged across the grass, my feet gathering mud and every known creature that lurked in it.
It was when they set me down inside a vacant, all black room that I got a better look at them. Wrestlers, that’s what would best describe them.
A part of the wall opened gradually and this all-too-familiar individual went in.
“Mr. Carlos Decascos, nice to see you here.”
I almost stumbled onto the wall behind me. “Where is Ms. Fugazi? Where?”
Mr. Colombia advanced towards my direction. “I’m sorry but we don’t know anyone who goes by that name.”
I scanned the room for any other way out. I would settle for anything, really. Scampering to the opposite end of the room, I closed my eyes and wished everything away. It has worked well before. Conspicuously, it doesn’t now.
“What did you expect to find here, mister? This is a men’s asylum. No trace whatsoever of female blood here.”
My perspiration was seeping through my pores like water on an overflowing dam, while I cowered in the corner. The Colombian drug lord smirked. “Take Mr. Decascos into the east wing. He seems to not belong here.”
I couldn’t distinguish anything anymore as the wrestlers dragged me out of the room. The only thing that struck my eye was that the hands that were holding me in the stomach had one ring on his left thumb, one with a logo, with a face…
-END-
To give in to the Halloween spirit (we don’t really celebrate it, but if there’s a perfect time to test how fast your heart-rate can go, how long it takes to feel goose-bumps on your skin, and how men with deep voices can scream like a five year old girl, this is the time for it.) I recently found out about this so-called “haunted” painting. This item was sold off Ebay a few years ago because of reports that the children in the painting are sometimes missing, hearing strange noises at night, and sometimes seeing the little girl/doll pointing a gun to the scared boy.
I usually refrain myself from delving into things I don’t understand as I had bad experiences in the occult during my college years, but this will be an exception.
Hoax or not, both the owner of the gallery in which the painting was first displayed, and the art critic who reviewed it, died within one year of coming into contact with the painting, adding some mystery to the artwork.
What’s disturbing is that people viewing the image (both on the PC screen and in real life) sometimes reported feeling sick, nauseous, hearing children’s voices after viewing the image, or worst seeing the children pop out from the screen and other strange experiences. Usually people who have dreadful experiences are website/blog visitors that view the image and doesn’t comment. Creepy huh? TRICK or TREAT!
