Here we are again. In the usual corner. Usual table. Usual diner. Usual time. And most probably, usual meal. I’m getting tired of this really. Everything’s a routine. And for what it’s worth, you’re the only same old thing that I’m not tired of. But I’m tired of this. Having the same food for breakfast before we go to work. “What are we really?” I speak first. You give me a puzzled look. I speak again. “You said we’re friends. But the things we do — the things I do with you — the thing’s I’ve done FOR you —…
By Yoshke Dimen
The Giraffe in the Ref and the Completely Puzzled Life
One December evening in Paranaque, Andre, Dane and I were killing time by solving puzzles that I compiled in my head since I was a little boy. You see, I love solving puzzles and challenging my friends to put their problem-solving skills to a test. It was one of those nights. We spent hours solving the detective stories I throw at them. Mind you, they were very difficult puzzles. Just before daybreak, Dane said: Dane: I am used to simple puzzles like the giraffe-elephant-fridge puzzle. Yoshke: What’s that puzzle? Andre: OMG! You don’t know that? Yoshke: No. Everyone else does?…
Movie Review: ‘The Hangover’ and the Headache That Didn’t Come With It
Last Thursday, Globe and Warner Bros Pictures invited me to the special screening of “The Hangover” at Greenbelt 3 in Makati City. The people were friendly. The cocktails were fantastic. The movie was entertaining. Entertaining. Hmmm. A good friend asked me if “entertaining” was enough for me to actually like a film. I answered him with a confident “of course.” “Sometimes,” I told him, “I just want to see a movie to be entertained. I have a habit of checking my Film graduate self at the theater door before watching. I don’t expect to be bothered or hope that the…
How to Burn Bridges
Care to solve the following problems? Drop your two cents here. Problem #1 You’ve had the best five months together. Suddenly, you get distracted. You become busy with other things. You’re still in love with her but time isn’t one of the things you can give her right now. Before you know it, it’s been weeks. One day, finally, you decide to meet her and talk. She asks if you want to end the relationship. You say, “it’s up to you.” Pissed, she tells you “Aright, it’s over.” And being the prideful person that you are, you don’t wanna look…
The Promil Kid Goes to Church
It’s been really, really difficult to feature my nephew here lately. I seldom see him since I visit Batangas once every three weeks. But finally, I have collected enough anecdotes under one theme. All it took was a little trip to Antipolo! Blood of Christ When I visit Batangas, one of the tasks that I need to do is to accompany my nephew to church. At first, I was hesitant to do this because I’m agnostic and I don’t believe in religion. However, since no one actually knows about this side of mine, I don’t really have a choice. His…
Yoshke, The Dreamer
One of the first books I received was a children’s bible. It was small, red, and a little too thin for a bible. Of course, as a kid the first thing I did upon receiving it was scan it and see the pictures. On every page was an image and a short story. My uber-Catholic parents and siblings used to read me biblical stories to sleep. (Oh yes, I grew up in a so very Catholic environment and look how I turned out, haha, agnostic, gay and reckless). Thus, I recognized some of those stories instantly — Adam and Eve,…
My Top 100 All-Time Favorite Love Songs (Part 3)
On with the third batch! If you missed the first two parts, simply click here and here. Note that this is a personal list. These songs may be those that affected me immensely, became an anthem of a certain period of my life, or just personal favorites. Click the title to see the music video or listen to the song. Links will lead you to YouTube. I’m also posting lyrics to the songs. 70. All Saints – Never Ever I love All Saints. I was at the front line on All Saints’ side during the height of their rivalry with…
Andre and the Passersby
SM Megamall Andre, Shy Guy and I were walking around looking for a place to have dinner at when we passed by Petit Monde. The store’s facade is covered with huge posters of Carmen Soo. Yoshke: Nagagandahan ba kayo kay Carmen Soo? Shy Guy: Oo. OK lang. Bakit, ikaw? Yoshke: Oo naman. Ikaw, Andre? Andre: Oo namaaan. Iba kasi eh. Simpleng ganda lang. Parang… parang… parang ako. Hala. Maganda daw sya! Trinoma Days after the Carmen Soo incident, Andre and I found ourselves in Trinoma. I forgot why we were there (but I swear it wasn’t bird-watching). Anyway, this time,…