Arlene Manocot's Blog, page 20

How to stay single? | Paano Nga Ba?!

How to stay single? I suggest 3 effective ways:1. Huwag lumabas ng bahay2. Maging man-hater3. Taasan ang standard mo

How to trim down your waistline? | Paano Nga Ba?!

How to trim down your waistline? I've tried 3 ways how:1. Sweat belt2. Mag-gym3. No rice

The Possession

Cleo

I can't remember how, but it feels so familiar being with him. It's like having a brother I never had and it makes me wonder, when did he get so close or should I say when did let my guard down? It has always been me and only me dealing with this unstable thoughts inside my head. Sure, I have Eve with me, but she's like another me who is unbelievably weird and feels so out of this world like my existence does not fit anywhere.

Now, my thoughts are running away from me. They are slipping away from me like I have no choice but to let them be taken away. I try to hold on to my own consciousness, but there is an enormous force taking over me, and there, I am, defeated by an imaginary villain inside my head.

"Wake up, sleepy head." The voice feels so familiar that it perfectly fits with the engraved rhythm inside my ears. He is a lullaby that ironically wakes me up in my shallow slumber.

"Don't bother her, Eric." A high-pitched voice stops him from gently shaking my shoulder. Her voice is coming from my side. It's like am seated between these two nosy being, but Eric is not nosy for no reason, he knows exactly what has been dragging me into a deep sleep. I probably will slip away from reality anytime if it is not for him. He tries to keep me from falling into darkness where I surely like to stay. Darkness that will bring me to him, to the man from whom Eric is trying to cut me off.

"It's almost time." He insists, his voice will not budge. The urge to open my eyes finally falls upon me. Yes, he is right. It is time for that, it will show anytime soon, and that's why he is bugging me. Isn't he too excited for this getaway? I guess first timers do really have this inexplicable feeling of excitement, I can't deny having the same anticipation with him.

"What...?" I yawn and pretend like I didn't hear their little conversation.

"It's midnight and we don't want to miss the Halley's comet." Winry's all hype up and giggly. She is kinda geek in spite of her reputation for being trendy and lively.

I've been anticipating the passing by of Halley's comet for this generation. Ever since, I discovered that the comet will pass by the earth I have this desire, an urge not to miss it. And I can't think of any significant reason behind my wanting, aside from knowing that it happens once in while so I must not miss it, probably because of Winry, she is a big fan of galaxy thing.

The sky looks peaceful. The stars are visible, indicating that the area is not much polluted. They are still twinkling, shining with their own beauty. All are burning in their own fire, the same fire that shows they are alive.

"We should not miss her." Winry reminds us, as if we are waiting for the arrival of a real person or someone who is important or famous.

"Okay..." I say, feeling a little sleepy.

Eric is just there, being himself, the gentle one. Letting Winry does what she always does. On the other hand, she is giggly as she excitedly wait, she looks bright. And bit by bit, she become more shiny, which is unusual.

I watch her back, she begins to laugh wickedly. The kind of I will not want to hear. She sounds hysterical, crazy which is not so like her, as if she is turning to a different person as we see the comet across the sky.

"Finally..." Eric mutters to no one. The grin on his face is visible as I stand beside him as if he feels celebratory like Winry as they gaze at the comet.

"Jesrael..." He says again. This time he steps towards Winry.

"Israel..." Winry turns to Eric. "It's time to go back and fix some things.

I can see the madness on Winry's face. There's grosteque on how she looks right now. As if she is a different person.

The lamp that has been providing us an ample amount of light starts to blink. It turns on and off. They both turn to me. Staring at me. Glaring at me as if I have done something wrong, something sinful.

"Come on, Eve, get out. Let's talk." Those words from Eric send chill to my spine.

How did he know? Who is he now.

Run.

What?

I said run. They're not Winry and Eric.

What do you mean? Are we the same?

No more questions. Run!

"Looks like Eve already warned you Cleo." It's Winry this time. She holds her tight on her shoulder.

"Wait, Winry. This isn't funny. Don't grip me like that." I plead.

"Does it look like to you we wanna to have fun?" She looks at me with disgust.

"Stop it, Jesrael. Don't get personal with her."

"Don't tell me you're still want her Israel?"

"Instead, we need her."

They're exchanging words as if they are engage in a battle with the intesity of their glare at one another.

"Let's stop this. Let's just take her and finish things."

The world around me shifts. Eric is no more Eric, he is now Israel. And my best friend Winry, she is gone. She is now Jesrael.

"Who are you people?" I can no longer contain myself. I blurt out question that is obviously and already answered. They are not Eric and Winry. My friends are no longer here in this realm. They are in a state of dormancy somewhere. I regret not listening to Eve. I should have run for it.

Told you so.

"Shut up, Eve!" Jesrael growls at me. She knows Eve, she can even hear her.

"The surprise on your face is priceless. Of course, I can hear her. We're in the same condition, only we fully take over your friends bodies and send them into a deep sleep. Right, Eve?" She taunts Eve as if she waits for something more to happen.

"Take over now, Eve." Israel commands.

The darkness is all around and I can see them no more. The once exciting star gazing we planned turns into possessions of our bodies human bodies.

"Take over now..."

The Premonition

The light shines immaculately as she walks down the aisle. Few petals from the decorative flowers on both sides are all around her as she trails the path towards the light. This is the day she has been waiting for. Finally, graduating from college is not just a dream and it is happening right in front of her eyes. Everything seems so surreal. In a fast paced rotation of her life, she ends up finishing her degree.

Life will be easier from now on.

Seeing her mom and dad happy and fulfilled says she has done better and with those bright eyes from her siblings, she can't be any happier than this. It means they can have a better life. A life wherein they can have a more edible set of meals to eat. It means they won't be short in paying bills and expenses. It means she can buy what she wants.

As she continues tracking the light, a round of applause reminds her of how glorious this day is, for her, for Winry, for Eric and for every classmate and schoolmate she has. It's been a long four years of journey, four years of failed and passed midterms and finals, four years of tears and laughter, four years of presentations and discussions with their cool and awesome professors; indeed it's a four years of hardships and success.

Calling each name of the graduates is the highlight of any commencement exercises. Nervous and fidgety, she feels the excitement as her turn draws near.

"Gajauco, Eric... Haron, Winry...Harwite, Cleo..."

Handshaking with every top ranking officials and professors on the stage brings tons of pressure on her. Tripping on the red carpet is the worst thing that can happen. Carefully and slowly, she passes every hand offered by the people on the stage. With her sweaty hand, she complies with what the occasion demands.

"Congrats!" A greeting from a familiar voice knocks some sense out of her. It is him.

What the heck is he doing here?

Surprised with the unexpected guest at this splendid ceremony, she's speechless. Seeing again the face of this man brings an unfathomable pain and sorrows. It rips her heart to see this man. She tries to shift her hand right away to the next one, but he won't allow her.

Pulling her hand from his hand cold as ice, he won't budge. Worse, he won't move. A smirk of insanity is stuck on his face, his jaw dropping face.   

"Let me go." Whispering her demands isn't enough to provide liberty from his tight entrapment. "Please, let go." Granting emphasis on her every word doesn't make the situation any better, instead he opens his mouth for the second time and she hears the words she never expects coming from him.

"Please save me... Save us..."

Stunned by his incomprehensible words, she gazes at him. His once serene oceanic blue eyes turn to the familiar bloodbath she had seen. Blood flows from the edges of his eyes down to his pale colored cheeks. He's crying. His tears scream for blood.

Scared as hell, she pulls her hand with all her might. As frantic as she is, there's no trace of commotion all over the place. Everything is stagnant. People are motionless. She tries to call Winry who is still on stage and a few paces away from her; she's making sounds for some reasons. Calling her friend once again, Winry turns to her and pours the same color of tears. She's crying with blood. Her mouth utters the same words the man did. She wants something. Help. Be saved. Redemption. She pleads as her eyes scream of excruciating pain. 

Betrayed by her voice, Cleo beseeches. She screams, but no one hears. She pleads, but no one responds to it. She cries, and feels the thick fluids flowing on her cheeks. With her free hand, she wipes her face and in her horror, she sees the same blood that is coming out from him. Bleeding brings the same excruciating pain she sees from her friend and from everyone around her.  

Anyone. Someone. Please save me. Save us.

Trap in the bloodbath that surrounds her, she's helpless. Deserted and abandoned, she is in great need of redemption. A redemption that will save the whole human race.

"Fuck!" She gasps as she wakes up from the horrific dream she came across with in her sleep. She stumbles upon the floor uncontrollably. Her butt hits the concrete stone of the floor as she hisses shit.

That will not definitely happen, he's gone already. Dreams are just dreams.

Despite her attempts of denying the nightmare that continuously haunts her every now and then, summer vacation arrives blissfully and Cleo, being stuck in the heat, can't help, but feel surreal that another year of her college life is about to end. Currently at the end of her third year, and finally just one more to go she can probably finish the 14 year-curriculum of the Philippine educational system. Overcoming the thesis defense along with her classmates is a reason to celebrate. Some classmates have planned for a getaway and beach is without a doubt the best place for celebration during this time of the year. Heat bothers her, as well as her classmates. For many, it's a season to flaunt some skin, but for some it's just the perfect time to visit and just enjoy the breathtaking view of the best beaches in the world. Some are planning to visit Boracay, Batangas or Palawan, but why bother to travel miles away from your hometown if one can find a great scenery in one's own. Her province, Laguna, is proud of its magnificent and famous water falls, the famous Pagsanjan Falls. She has been wanting to visit the place ever since. Nature is one thing that never bores her. And as a complimentary for passing the thesis defense, her parents have allowed her to visit the falls along with her friends. It's the perfect gift for her. She doesn't need car or other expensive things as a gift, trusting her to travel along with her friends is more than enough. And she's well aware that her parents can't afford far destinations. This would be enough for her.

All giggly and excited, they take on the blazing sun as they get near to the majestic falls. Aside from the van they have rented to reach Pagsanjan, a boat ride by the river is a must to get a view of the falls. The river connects all the way to the falls. They all beam with excitement. Cleo along with her friends and groupmates, Winry and Eric, laugh as they experience the smooth and bumpy boat ride. It's a first for Cleo. This encounter with nature is a refreshing feeling for her.

Don't make it sound pitiable.

I am not.

Yes, you are. We're poor, but at least we're living a decent life.

Alright, alright. I won't argue.

The Blurb

Vengeance: The Retribution
Blurb
Cleo's life turns upside down ever since Ikeda came to her life. Peace is out. Chaos is in. 
Discovering the power sleeping inside her, things around her seem to be surreal. Knowing the past reveals the answers to all the questions in her life.
Knowledge is power, and power is a responsibility. What if that knowledge will bring  destruction to all creations? Will Cleo take the responsibility to stop the end of the world? Or she might as well let it happen to the world full of sins.

Winner of I Found You Paperback Copy and More Giveaway - PH Only

Congrats Margarette! You just won from "I Found You Paperback Copy and More Giveaway - PH Only". Please reply to my email so I can arrange the shipment of the prizes. And for those all who joined, a big thanks! 'Til next giveaway. 
Special thanks to Shosekishoppe for the book sleeve!

I Found You Cover Reveal + Giveaway

It's time for I Found You, Cover Reveal! I hope you are excited as I am. This is the day I'll finally show you the full book cover of my latest book.

First, let me tell you something about the book.

I Found You is a poetry anthology that is basically about finding the one, searching until you find nothing, feeling lost like something is missing, moving forward in spite of being broken, fixing and picking up yourself, and all other things that drag you down because of that empty space in your heart. But you never give up! You never quit. Instead, you just rest. You hibernate, preparing for the next chapter your life.

PRODUCT DETAILS
Size: 5 x 7
Cover: Matte
Paper: Cream Paper
Bind: Softbound
No. of pages: 100
Colored pages: 7 out of 100

Book price per copy is 250 pesos, but the pre-order price is 280 pesos. So don't miss this chance.

i found YOU in print soon!

Hi! Finally, now is the time to tell you that the writer of this account (me, myself, and I) is finally releasing her latest book 'i found YOU' in print. Yep, in a form of a physical book!

Vengeance Returns with Retribution and Redemption

Vengeance Series is finally on my desk, and I decided to revise and edit this story at last. After 3 years, I think, I have now the courage to continue the series. So help me God.

It is three part series. Vengeance revolves around the lives of

Cleo and Ikeda, and some other vital characters in the story. More or less, it talks about the end of the world, of the human race because of their sins. The sinful nature of man is too much for the heavenly creatures. The Father as the creator of all things will reboot and destroy the ways of the sinners.

I assume I am not giving away much of the story by blogging my writing journey here as I continue the Vengeance Series. Below are the themes/titles of the three part series:

The Awakening (already published and available on Amazon.com)

The Retribution (on going on Wattpad.com)

The Redemption (soon...)


Get a copy or read it for free!

I look forward on posting my progress here on my blog.

Ciao!

To God be the glory!

Laguna de Bay: The Good Old Days

en.wikipedia.orgPhilippines is a tropical country, and summer season is now hitting the country. So, prep your summer outfit and sunnies and gear up to hit the beach.
Wait, forget what I said.
We're not hitting the beach.
Instead, let's talk about our very own sanctuary of the creatures under the sea, the Laguna de Bay.
Laguna Lake was once a source of clean water of the people from the three barangays in the first district. Caingin, Aplaya and Sinalhan were located beside the lake and the settlers of the said barangays mostly relied on the lake as its source of food and incoming. They used it for their living, but sadly they never returned the favor.
When I was just kid, my mom used to tell me how clear the water in Laguna lake, they often used it to wash their clothes and took a bath during summer season.
Sabado de Gloria was a holiday I always looked forward to along with my cousins all for the reason that it was also our chance to go swimming and enjoy the water without paying any fees. The water in the lake was already polluted during those days, but Sabado de Gloria was a day of miracle for us. The muddy water became lighter and we could see the stones and dead shells. It was a simple delight we always indulge ourselves into.
Then, something happened.
I saw a yellow submarine.
That day, I stepped out of the and I stopped going to the lake for a swim since then.
It was a poop. For the lake sake! It was a fresh yellow poop, about three inches long probably.
And as I grew older, the water condition got worse. I had hopes that may be, just may be the water would turn clear during Holy Week, but it didn't.
I never got a chance to dip my foot in the lake since my encountered with Mr. Yellow Submarine, and I just had this thought that I might visit the lake one of these days. You might want to check out Laguna lake too, and an idea might pop out to save or at least minimize the destruction of Laguna de Bay. Wasn't that a bit hopeful for such a hopeless bay? I think not.