cabasbasemman

[cabasbasemman]

Flashback

April 27, 2022, my body is still weak and fragile from the flu. I have tons of deadlines to do, yet my brain asks me to walk through my room. While organizing my table filled with materials from school, an instax film I use for bookmarking fell and an enthusiasm struck my body to review my collection of pocket sized pictures. These tiny expensive films reminded me how eager I am to save my weekly allowance by cooking instant noodles at 4am in the morning just to print memories I want to see even when I wake up with amnesia.

Viewing each photo from grade 6 to present, as if I’m walking through memory lane. Never thought I would compare my growth that I always looked forward to since 7’th grade. From the way my eyes glisten, teeth improved from braces, and even the silly poses I used to do every time, nothing seems the same anymore. These archives also flash back how I love to participate in dancing even though I have two left feet. I’ve become a consistent member of SMHS dance troupe that gave me the opportunity to test my maturity in managing my responsibility as class mayor and a school dancer. Who would've thought I kind of had a Regina George moment in junior high school. Compared to my senior high life, I chose a different path and to take rest from the exposure that sucked the soul inside of me. Now without the responsibilities and expectations from the crowd, I can focus on watching and taking care of my own. It’s now safe to have lazy phases without any judgment and pressure that people thought motivates me to move forward but in reality it just made me abandon my real emotions and build a fake personality to keep up with the social standards.

Grow, glow, then take a bow. I realized how much energy I have used to grow in the past and what I have saved in the recent years for the upcoming “exciting part” life would give me. It doesn’t matter now how I will survive the future, all we are doing right now is to fight and keep the faith we hold to conquer these mountains

[cabasbasemman]

Even when the stars align I’d still look at you

Early in the morning, the sun was smiling, the wind was blowing perfectly, and my mind was in sanctuary. We bumped under the bougainvillea tree, the same tree where we gathered our euphoric memories like a bouquet we used to give to your mother every Valentines day. My cheeks were blushing, my lips were frozen. Who would ever think that the angel I’ve been praying for was alive and standing tall in my point of view. Is this the payoff of my daily manifestation since thirteen? I almost turned into an atheist but now I have evidence of a miracle.

Your eyes were still bright like the hopes and dreams you share every afternoon in our spot. I can’t take my eyes off them until you interact with me with your soft and soothing voice, “Long time no see, Do you still live nearby?”. I was too stunned to speak, saying the three-letter word “yes” was hard like a tongue twister we always chant. The atmosphere was awkward but you just invited me for dinner like you've reunited with a family member after years. Of course I didn’t hesitate to say yes, the universe is giving me a chance to prove that I am worthy of the love of Helen of Troy.

Now that we're eighteen, I tried my shot to confess my feelings that were stored in my heart. Not asking for reciprocation but for a closure to my thirteen year old self that is shattered by your surprise departure. You’ve listened dearly, like you're watching my lips speak and I wholeheartedly appreciate it. You also confessed to me, I know it’s not easy but I’m glad that I am the first one to know. It is indeed unexpected but I genuinely feel happy that you are now finally free and found the piece you’ve been looking for. Maybe our past was meant to remain the same as what we will be today and the future, but I don’t hold grudges and regrets, instead I’m glad that we met again.

[cabasbasemman]

My third activity for creative writing this year and I enjoyed it so for : >>

[cabasbasemman]

A WISE BANKER WHO HAS GIVEN UP ON LIFE BUYS A GIFT FOR A CHILD AND FEELS HOPE AGAIN - Jan Emmanuel Cabasbas, ACAD 12-D HUMSS

One sunny day with the freezing December breeze, Eithan who is rich, smart, ambitious, and narcissist was mad as wet hen when the coffee shop was lined by people, “What a great way to start my day” he quoted. He was born with a silver spoon and grew up with every material that he would wish. At an early age, his parents taught him that in order to reach the summit of dopamine, thriving should be endless. That perspective marked him and made him believe that happiness over small things is not enough to be content.

He arrived at his work annoyed with a cup of instant hot chocolate and his favorite expensive chocolate bar from the convenience store he hated the most. Canary, who used to be his best friend before the job promotion was offered between them, approached him, “Good day to you Eithan, I bet your morning expression is enough to create a storm on a sunny day. Anyway the boss said that the meeting will be at 10.” As Canary passed, the realization quickly painted in his face. Today is not just an ordinary day but the day of selection to the new manager of the bank which he has been aiming for months now. His senses knocked like a bell in a cathedral and he started to tidy up his appearance.

Thirty minutes before the meeting, Eithan was first to arrive in the conference room with the glistening aura of confidence that he will get the job position. While waiting, he is already plotting what and how he will throw a party in his one hundred-fifty square meters condominium. His daydream stopped as Canary and his boss arrived. Eithan rapidly greeted them and the boss replied, “Likewise to you, it seems like you’ve been waiting here for a while?”, “It is a no big deal sir, I just think that today is a bright day that set my mood up” Eithan stated with a smile in his face. The meeting started and the room was filled with tension in the air. After an hour of discussions, the boss finally inserted the announcement for the promotion in their topic. The boss said “Before I end this meeting I’d like to announce the new manager of our company who will lead starting next week. This decision was not easy to make, it took me months because both of you have the qualities to make this company the best among competitors.” Then he added “congrats to you Mr. Eithan.”

Eithan who confidently knows that he will get the job does not know how to react after hearing those five words he has been waiting for a while now. He thanked the boss with a slight smile on his pouty lips, and then proceeded in his station as if nothing happened. After shift, he decided to walk in the streets of lights instead of booking an Uber on his way home. In his mind, some part of him was questioning, “Why, why doesn't it feel like the dream I don’t want to wake up from?” While contemplating under the Christmas lights, a heavy rain started to fall. He ran towards the closest establishment he could see. While waiting drenched from the rain he noticed the child drying herself beside him. While emotionless waiting for the rain to stop, Eithan subconsciously said “What a long day.” “It is and I hope tomorrow the sun will shine the brightest again. '' The girl replied with a grin from ear to ear. Eithan felt hope from the personality of the child and gave her the chocolate that he bought earlier. “Eat this while waiting, the rain is still pouring heavily”, and the child accepts with astonished reaction. “Thank you so much for the early Christmas present; this is my first time eating a chocolate from the expensive shelf of a convenience store, I promised to share this with my siblings when I get home” the girl giggly said and they had a conversation with their day. With the girl’s behavior, Eithan was awakened from his wrong perceptions with life. The rain has finally stopped. Before they depart, they say their farewell and the child quotes “Joy exists from every corner of our life and we are the one to seek whether it is small or big.” The night ended with the Christmas spirit in Eithan’s heart.

[cabasbasemman]

In The Blog: Pen an Unusual Love Story

Space, a big and cold place for the heavenly bodies to roam. Even though it is enormous, every celestial body has good friendship and for the sun and the moon, their romantic relationship keeps them from making their craft fine and firm. The Earth is a product of their love; it is like a ball of yarn that floats around with them together that captivates the attention of others, many label it as the “jewel in axis”.

One day, the celestial king is bored to death and thinking what he should do to occupy his time. The king’s right hand, Nebula, came up with the idea of challenging the relationship of the sun and moon by stealing Earth. The king was persuaded and agreed enthusiastically. “Great idea! I cannot imagine how the universe will react to this controversial heist of eternity. You must have bats in the belfry Nebula, Kudos to your wisdom.

The extraterrestrial council carefully planned the robbery. Nebula quoted, “this might be a challenge for us, yet I’m pretty sure that the cosmos will jaw drop and applaud us.” Everyone agreed and focused on their job.

They finally begin the operation while the two lovers are in deep sleep. The whole team was shakenly nervous but because of a meticulous game plan, the heist was successfully done and the king smiled a mile wide.

The couple finally woke up like usual however as they rotate to their axis, the Earth is nowhere to be found in their sight. They start to panic and search in close areas, “Earth, where are you? Your parents are waiting for you!” The Moon shouted. After hours of searching, the bright and hot Sun starts to bawl its guts out. They started to question their worth as the guardian of the planet, the Sun quoted, “Who could possibly do this to us? “We don’t have even a single enemy and we treat others like how we want them to treat us.”

The news came as a bombshell and everyone is concerned with the lovers. Gossip and theories are everywhere. The celestial king celebrated while in conscience, “I had what I want but why everything seems wrong?” he asked. Air in the kingdom was filled with silence. The robbery after-party turned into a pity party. Realizations and reflection happened.

The desperate partner has nowhere to ask for help and the neighbor star suggests for them to ask the celestial king for help. Pride was not an issue for them anymore; they had a journey that tested their faith and relationship.

Halfway through their journey, the Sun continues to lose its light. “Keep on fighting,” the moon said and the sun encouragingly replied, “I will, and until there’s a heat inside me, I will admit defeat”. They have reached the kingdom where the soldiers entertained them.

“Your majesty here is a couple who wish for your help and are willing to do anything to grant their need.” The king is surprised by the visit but impressed by the courage to face him. The Sun and Moon talked for hours expressing their agony because of the incident. Amazed and emotional, the king cannot deny the love of the couple for the creation. The king finally decided to confess what happened and the purpose why he did all of it. The couple were in mixed-emotions. Why, how, what, three questions that they asked. The king was sorry that he wanted to pay back with his actions. However, the lovers deny the offer and are content by having the Earth back in their possession. “I insist, don’t reject my offer, I’d like to share the magic of love to your planet just like how you two made it here”, the king quoted and he added “life without love will never be a success, by sharing a bit of my power I hope that you both continue to take care of your marvelous creation”. The Celestial King began to put humans on planet Earth. Moon and Sun cannot paint happiness on their faces but one thing is sure and that is they are grateful.

The silver of truth is that love comes in different forms. It could be love for your family or partner, we all have our own definition of how we feel and share love. Standards are always subjective, fighting until your last breath and visioning tomorrow together is enough to say, “This is love”.

[cabasbasemman]

In the blog

Taylor Swift brought back the nostalgic feels after releasing her album “Red” again but with the label “taylor’s version.” As a Swiftie, her music became part of my life as I grew up. From my childhood up until today, a Taylor swift track is a no brainer whatever the mood is. Vibing to her album with different perceptions than my eighth years-old self, made me feel more connected. One of the highlights of this new version of red is the 10-minute version of “all too well. 

As I review the lyrics of her new version of “all too well”, I observed the imagery and diction used for this track. Among the six types of imagery I found, visual imagery is the most frequent followed by kinesthetic imagery. Furthermore, I find the diction used poetic. Some lines are not directly said but instead she uses metaphor, an example is “I'm a crumpled up piece of paper lying here” where she is referring to her  feelings crushed by the pain in a metaphorical way that creates an impactful message for the listeners. It is a great technique that most people love about Taylor Swift, the emotions in her lyrics are presented poetically and pleasing to hear.  

What I love in all too well is different emotions are felt and a story is told. From the good part of a relationship until they lost in translation, it was all mentioned. Love is always experimental, it could help you grow or damage you. The message will not be exceptional without the appropriate imagery and diction. Lyrics are the soul of music, and Taylor Swift nailed it as lyricist.

2021 is the year of productivity for Taylor Swift, which I barely relate to. She deserves her award as the artist of the decade from the American Music Awards back in 2019 because she always makes sure that her craft is noteworthy. Haters gonna hate but she will never be stopped from striving as an artist. After all of the hindrances in her career, she stands still and believes in her skills. “Taylor can’t come to the phone right now because she’s dead”, and the Taylor we have now is smarter and wiser.