Half the World Away

The END

2008-03-17T09:44:00.002+08:00

I updated this blog because I signed up an account with Blogsvertise. It's basically a pay per post program wherein they give you a set of keywords and links and give you $10 for a 200 word entry. See the Paris post? That's basically it.

Problem is that they saw that this blog was meant to stop publishing, and probably realized that I'm just in it for the pay. Well, I am in it for the pay. But boo hoo, they rejected my post.

So that's it. Again, please visit tjcafuir.com co'z for real, Half the World Away is now deceased.

INCUBUS ROCKS!

2008-03-11T09:39:00.003+08:00

Well well, I got to watch the Incubus concert last Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum after all. It was a blast!

Me and my friend was already at the venue around 5pm. Like the delinquents that we are, we were drinking Red Horse at Padi's Point and probably got on the borderline of being intoxicated, and this was about 3 hours before the actual concert.

All changed when Incubus took center stage.

The crowd erupted to see the band of our generation. It was pandemonium when Brandon Boyd began rocking out to their most popular songs and of course, he got the crowd mezmerized. It was pretty much like that the whole night. The concert reminded me of my love for music.

Well, back to reality now. My rock star aspirations are now online. Haha.

We'll Always Have Paris

2008-03-08T15:17:00.011+08:00

Paris. A place synonymous to what perhaps is the greatest thing in the world. Love. And just like the memories left by Ilsa and Rick on the lavish Paris Hotels where they stayed, let's take a stroll along the most romantic and captivating places in France.

First stop, of course, one of the most popular monument in the world, the Eiffel Tower.

Built in 1889 by engineer Gustav Eiffel, the towering monument stands 1,063 ft. high and since its construction has accumulated over 200,000,000 visitors.

Just look at the romantic backdrop of the tower against the sleepy skies. A stroll with your loved one along the passageways of the park nearby will surely lit up the romance, much like the brilliant lighting of the tower. Accommodation from France hotels nearby are a great way to just enjoy the scenic presence of this tower.

Second stop, the Arc De Triomphe.

Situated at the western end of the Champs-Elysees, the most famous avenue with a streamline of nice hotels, the Arc of Triumph stands gracefully to the marvel of every passer-by. Truly a majestic view, the Arc is a favorite stopover for lovers at a lovely night walk.

Third stop, we'll go gothic at the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Better to stay at a handful of Paris Latin Quarter Hotels near the Cathedral, for one tends to become mesmerized by the beauty of this fabled cathedral. The church is enveloped in history bearing witness to the most memorable moments in French History. Here is where Napoleon was crowned emperor, where Joan of Arc is canonized and where the novel Hunchback of Notre Dame was conceptualized. A trip here would definitely bring a sense of antiquity and mystique.

Fourth Stop, The Louvre.

Supposedly, as the book suggests, below this pyramid is where Mary Magdalene is buried. Well, that's what Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown thinks so. In reality, the Louvre is the most visited and famous museum in the world.

Housing the greatest paintings known to man, especially my favorite The Virgin of the Rocks, is housed and exhibited. It is best to stride hand in hand with your special someone as you go along in the presence of the magnificence.

Fifth Stop, the mega Centre Pompidou.

A modern day brainchild on Europe's most sought after architects and engineers, this ultra-multiform complex houses libraries, music centers and many other faculties. A nice day out in front of the structure sure brings out the creativity in all of us. Students and scholars usually flock to this place for inspiration.

Seems like this would be our final stop, for now. There are many more places to go in Paris and perhaps staying in cheap Paris hotels would be the best choice for travelers.

As fate would have it, our heroes in the movie Casablanca would eventually part ways. But as the immortal words uttered by Humphrey Bogart, "We'll always have Paris." After all, with all the places one can go in the most romantic city in the world, two hearts would forever be bound by the radiant splendid that is, Paris.

Apocalypse NOW

2008-03-06T10:41:00.003+08:00

One of my personal favorite movies of all time.

YUNG HEADER KO!!!

2008-03-04T12:26:00.002+08:00

Can you see my infamous blog header of me sitting contemplative along the streets of Ortigas at the loneliest of nights? NO? Kc Nawawala! Damn *uckin' IMAGESHACK!!!

Work Sucks

2008-02-28T12:42:00.002+08:00

But it doesn't mean that I hate my job or that I hate working. Try to view it literally. Work does suck almost every part of our whole being.

It depletes our minds (creativity, intelligence, wit, IQ, etc.) and saps our physical strength (stress, body aches, effin' carpal tunnel syndrome) but... what can we do? We must work in order for us to survive. The thing is, what do we do now that we are surviving? Again I go by my title, work sucks.

During the work week, all I can think about is to go on a vacation. Maybe to the beach, the hills or anywhere outdoors. Yes, I do have the money to go for it.. but I no longer have the strength to actually do it. I've been so stressed by work that all I want to do is sleep all day on Saturdays and Sundays.

Work sucks. There's gonna be a rock concert this coming March and I'm afraid I won't be able to catch it. Why? Because I have to be in front of a computer and add content to a couple of blogs.

So there I go. Working my ass off that there is no more room for anything worthwhile. Please refer to the title.

If I Had Eyes

2008-02-27T17:54:00.003+08:00

Jack Johnson - If I Had Eyes

Finally. A great song from his latest album Sleep Through Static.
Come on everyone. Let's all sing to this great tune.

If I had eyes in the back of my head
I would have told you that
You looked good
As I walked away

And if you could've tried to trust the hand that fed
You would've never been hungry
But you never really be

The more of this or less of this or is there any difference
or are we just holding onto the things we don't have anymore

Sometimes time doesn't heal
No not at all
Just stand still
While we fall
In or out of love again I doubt I'm gonna win you back
When you got eyes like that
It won't let me in
[If I Had Eyes lyrics on http://www.metrolyrics.com]

Always looking out

Lot of people spend their time just floating
We were victims together but lonely
You got hungry eyes that just can't look forward
Can't give them enough but we just can't start over
Building with bent nails we're
falling but holding, I don't wanna take up anymore of your time
Time time time

Sometimes time doesn't heal
No not all
Just stand still
While we fall
In or out of love again I doubt I'm gonna win you back
When you got eyes like that
It won't let me in
Always looking out
Always lookin

Forward On...

2007-12-14T14:05:00.000+08:00

Probably my last entry. For everything else about me, go to Tj Cafuir.

+++

In every where we may be, always remember that there once was a place... Half the World Away. The days passed by quite alright. Thanks readers.

On the Day I Was Born

2007-12-13T18:11:00.000+08:00

December 13, 1982. Happy Birthday to me.

tjcafuir.com

2007-11-28T17:38:00.000+08:00

I gots me own domain alright. But I'm just so preoccupied with work right now that I couldn't even change the template. Maybe I'll start working on it come December and no, it's not gonna be PunkSEO like what I originally planned.

Aww... I'll miss my blogspot page. Tjcafuir.com wouldn't be Half the World Away. Half the World Away is for me, Tjcafuir.com on the other hand, is just merely for the sake of having your own site. I'll work around it though. The only problem is, I have to stop blogging here in order to better link build the other one. Half the World Away, I'll miss you. Ahuhuhu achu...

One More Chance

2007-11-24T09:52:00.000+08:00

Being the cineaste that I am, and being the Ebert apostle that I am, there wasn't a minute in the movie that I wasn't criticizing the script, the storyline, the scenes, the cinematography (there wasn't any) and basically the whole storyline. Very much the reason why I don't watch Pinoy films anymore, save only the worthy Indie. But hey, after a day of work and routine, a cheesy feel-good "Life is like a fairytale" flick suddenly deserves a two-thumbs up.

+++

But it wasn't about the movie.

+++

There's nothing like strolling the mall with her arms around mine, passing by countless clothing stores. There's nothing like hearing her ask, "Aw, the dress looks good on me" and me re-assuring "Yeah. It sure does". There's nothing like telling myself "I don't have money now, but I will buy her that soon." Nothing like her realizing that.

There's nothing like when you dine and catch up on things. Nothing like how the corniest jokes told can suddenly replace painful longing. Nothing like being a clown really does feels appropriate and funny. Nothing like the greatest isolation in the world. Nothing like us, together, just the way we were.

There's nothing like the cinema. Nothing like the glare of the big screen on a pretty face. Nothing like the faint glow in her eyes. Nothing like sweet nothings whispered. Nothing like how two center seats voyage into universe. Nothing like the two of us in the greatest dark of the world.

There's nothing like how movies bring two people together. Nothing like how a romantic comedy hits close to the heart. Nothing like watching her laugh, cry, cry and laugh again. Nothing like her being the greatest scene of every minute. And no movie can make me cry last night. I was beside her and there it was, One Last Chance.

+++

AVA

2007-11-14T10:44:00.000+08:00

DO IT FOR ME NOW
Angels and Airwaves

I'm frightened at night and the wind has a roar
It seeps through the hall and from under the door
Like the shit that was said
I can't take it that well
I give and I give and I give and I give and I'm still
Lost and hurt and bone thin from the love that's been starved
I know it got close but I'm sure it's too far
From the point of suspense, we know it should be
The end of that part of our favorite movie
When the guy grabs the girl and gives her his hand
Says take me away from this torturous land
Cause the grave is set up, the hole that I dug
I gave and I gave and I gave and I gave you my trust
Like the time that we kissed and you gave me a lie
To add to the scene you pretended to cry
But I'm here and I'm cool, the way that it is
Just give me a chance and I'll try to forgive

And I don't know
And I can't guess
If it's gonna be OK
But now my last wish
Is that you do this with me
Kiss me here and hold my hand
Let me feel like I'm the only one
I know you can
Won't you do it for me now

I've really had it with the rain of the tears
The predictable storm that has come every year
And it sneaks in from shore with a bat in its hand
I'm trying I'm trying I'm trying I'm trying I can't
You're a thief and a witch but I love you to death
You steal my heart and curse under your breath
But the one thing that I can most willingly prove
That when you are gone I'll be fine without you

And I don't know
And I can't guess
If it's gonna be OK
But now my last wish
Is that you do this with me
Kiss me here and hold my hand
Let me feel like I'm the only one
I know you can
Won't you do it for me now?

Now just hold on, hold on to me
Hold on, hold on to me (hold on to me)
Hold on, hold on to me (hold on to me)
Hold on, hold on to me (hold on to me)
Hold on, hold on to me (hold on to me)
Hold on, hold on to me (hold on to me)
Hold on, hold on to me (hold on to me)
Hold on, hold on to me (hold on to me)
Hold on, hold on to me (hold on to me)
Hold on, hold on to me (hold on to me)

"Cute W/O the E"

2007-11-13T10:19:00.000+08:00

November Brain

2007-11-07T17:31:00.000+08:00

I can see myself wearing eyeglasses now. I'm spending more than 10 hours a day in front of the computer scouring the web and I'm going nerd. Plus, I have to delve into Google Base. The optimization requires a lot of programming details. I hate it.

Also, I'm creating another blog. This time its more professional and it will serve as my "portfolio". I figured if ever I'm going further with SEO, I must have a site wherein future employers can visit and say that this douchebag does know something. And oh, I'm gonna bombard it with Adsense.

+++

My eyes hurt already and I've actually felt this back from my copywriting days. A rimmed co-worker told me that its nothing grave and its just an eye strain. It did went away for some time but now it seems my left eye throbs painfully by the day. Like they say, prevention is better than cure so I'll be getting glasses soon.

Oh Bugger. Soon I'll be looking like this guy right here.

A Good Month

2007-10-31T15:19:00.000+08:00

Half the World Away

Thanks to Google Page Rank I'm giving myself a vacation. My corporate blogs and Half the World Away got their first "ranking" by Google. Escalade Love ranked highest with 4 while Auto Mechanic got 3 and Ridin' Dirty getting a 2. Now were getting some authority and all this hullabaloo about the algorithm wouldn't change the fact that PR is PR. Furthermore, my sites are well on their way on achieving incentives. Quite a good month really.

+++

So yeah. I'm going surfing.... WOHOOO!!!

Google Power

2007-10-30T11:03:00.000+08:00

Google is the shiznit. They can glorify and condemn all without repercussions. You wanna know why? Simple, they're Google and for me, currently, they are the Internet. Simmer down Web 2.0 folks. You'd hate me for saying this I know, but here's my stand. There will come a time when everyone of us will only need Google.

Intergalactic

Web search service, is now the realm of Google. As of August this year, the $6.1 billion global search engine company is the most used search engine with a 53.6% market share. Now that's half of everything else. That's a lot of users.

What else? Oh, Google Mail, News, Video, Maps, Groups, Product Search (still on the beta stage), uhm what else.. there's a lot more. Oh okay, Google Earth wherein satellite powered mapping search can zoom in on your head's bald spot. Definitely not basic. And how about the social media sites that the company bought? YouTube, Blogger, Jaiku, Picasa and a whole lot of technologies are on the list.

Now let's talk about more outstanding stuff. With all those applications basking in popularity, there's something more Google wants. Basically, the aim is to kick Microsoft's ass off the software kingdom. There you go Mr. Gates.

"As Google rapidly rolls out new products, the company best known for its wildly popular search engine is muscling into the software giant's turf, including its stronghold: the computer desktop."

-The Associated Press

This was actually yesterday's news. Of course Google would eventually win this turf war. What has Microsoft given to us anyway? Microsoft Office and Windows Media player was all I ever needed. No doubt, Google can deliver better service. So it may happen soon. Sooner than we think.

Search engines are the core business of the industry I work for and as far as Google is concerned, they are the primary focal point. Many of us, especially the SEO experts, would continually find ways of working around the structure. But the thing is, Google is erratic in the most inexplicable way. So no matter how much we research, things can change as drastic as overnight. Efforts can and will be deemed futile.

Domination is the keyword here. But personally, this ain't negative. Perhaps Google is the way all should follow and whatever they do, they could only do better. Let's just be there and have a clear view of the developments. And if ever things would go overboard, we'll find ways to kill the robot.

PIERCED

2007-10-22T20:57:00.000+08:00

I got my lip pierced the other day. Not much thought given, cold steel on my lips just feels appropriate. So in stills, let me walk you thru the ordeal I've undergone. But before you scroll down, be warned that the images you are about to see are visceral and haunting. Definitely not for the faint-hearted...

kiss kiss bang bang

"Lord, satanist ata sya. Help me po."

Tj: "Dude, this is not how it said in Wikipedia."

Beelzebub: "What the fuck is Wikipedia?"
Tj: "It's an online encyclopedia that enables it users to modify erroneous information."

Beelzebub: "I will pierce your throat and leave you bleeding to death if you won't shut up."
Tj: "My bad, my bad. Here sir, take my cellphone."

Cold steel, insert here.

finish product

Yeah dude I'm like so extreme and hardcore pare!

To be honest, it really didn't feel painful. You'll certainly feel the pierce upon contact, but that's all. It's no different from an ear pierce. The pain deviates as seconds go on. If anybody of you is strong enough, just like me, contact artist Joey @ 0921 7265471.

So, yeah. I'm now the emo kid with a pierce. Very mature of me. Anyway, skin and body art are alternative ways of expressing one's self. Although I don't need much, a lip pierce could serve as reminder. Wounds tell of pain and anguish. Inevitable as time does tell, wounds heal and grief is forgotten. But like wound self afflicted, I relinquish mine and forever never forget.

Half the World Away - Blog Analysis

2007-10-16T12:53:00.001+08:00

It had just occurred to me that I have now more readers than what I had than say, two months ago. At first, all I wanted was to write and only a handful of people knew that I have a blog. Then after some time, after countless trying hard to be poetic posts, statistics show that I do gained steady readership and the fact that more and more new visitors are dropping by everyday. Honestly and without self-gratification, I can say that Half the World Away is somehow doing well. People come and people read. Yay me.

Funny how ironic it is that I don't optimize my blog. Yeah, I could conceptualize and execute an auto mechanic blog which is getting popular in the global blogosphere yet I really don't do the same pratice here. Well, personal blogs shouldn't be marketed. Popularity isn't everything. Readership is.

+++

So okay, now I'll show you how is it exactly that visitors land on my page. Keywords, ladies and gents, are all that matters here. Forget links. Content is what I strive for.

In the glorious subject of content, here the keywords used to discover

Half the World Away

the tool

Nice. People type in "what is web marketing" and found me. That's good, a little professional and career-driven. Alright, "TJ Cafuir" is being searched and I'm currently ranked 8th in Google for "Half the World Away". Nice. Now let's see what else random visitors used for their searches.

#9 What the?! I hate koreans? Sheez.. Im no racist! Must be the Anger Management post. Ok, maybe I'm a little defensive to our nationality in terms of status and place in the asian demography but then again, its just opinion. I don't go on and generally hate people.

#10 I wanna drown. People go to google and type "I wanna drown". Now that is depressing. The ill-depressed found my site and perhaps shared my sentiments. Hey, I was depressed but I never turned to the web for suicide tutorials. It's like, "hey I wanna die now but let's just see who else also wants to... hmm... ah Tj Cafuir."

#15 is just so weird. Articles about ears?!!! Why would I write about that? Why would anybody come here for that? I'm not sure about certain content but I definitely know that I never wrote anything about ears. Well, come to think of it, I did post the lyrics of Urbandub's Fallen On Deaf Ears during the time when my lovely romance was on World War 2. Is that it? Whatever it is, its very weird.

#16 Bullying grade 6. I didn't bully kids when I was in elementary. I was just the class clown. I did hustle for a few coins though pambili ng marvel cards and sago't gulaman but that was it.

#17 Conclusion about sex?!!! I have no idea know how the hell I attracted personalities with identity crisis, but just for the sake of it, let me tell my conclusion of it. Sex is how I drive women crazy. *wink. hehe.

Ghosts. Look for the paranormal and you'll end up in my blog. Hmm, I did tell a story once. Quite haunting really.

#38 Top emo bands. I've been typecast as an "emo kid" lately. Emo emo emo. Heck, well if you're looking for music listen to my favorite "emo" bands. Play Circa Survive and Finch on my Lastfm widget. Just click the forward button till you get to the songs.

Similar to #15, # 39 is also plain loony. Let me see, from the word database that is my twisted mind, the very word that I would describe "foosteps" is... SNEAKY.

#40 You're half the world away. That one's actually right. I am Half the World Away.

# 41 Last and definitely the worst. Zan Efron. Pucha, sino si ZAN Efron? Minsan na nga lang wrong spelling pa. People, it's Zac Efron and the only reason I mentioned him in this blog is because we have the same hairstyle. And just to clarify things, I am a fan, but I've never seen ANY of his movies. Why would I? I have tons of classic Hollywood films on queue.

+++

Once, a friend told me that her friend reads my blog religiously, and also that another friend's friend in the Visayas bookmarked my blog. I'd like to think that I'm getting cult following. Great. Additionally, some of the people at the office who I haven't got the chance to get acquainted with even sent me instant messages telling me how good of a writer I am and that they find my blog deeply interesting. Cool. My blog is like music. Many worship pop, but few revere in the alternative. I cater to the latter.

So yeah whatever. Here's to more visitors. Weird or not weird.

+++

P.S.

Now this one's really EMO. Huhuhu... :p

RUSH!

2007-10-03T17:45:00.000+08:00

Okay. There's more to SEO than keyword research, meta tags and description, link building, social engineering and everything googly-goo. Being an "apprentice" for about a month a half now, I honestly admit that I'm still in a sponge-like state wherein I try to soak up every thing and disperse knowledge in god-like SEO execution. Uhm, I meant peasant-like. No, maggot-like.

Speaking of gods, October 9-10 will be the dates of the 1st ever Philippine Search Engine Marketing Conference to be held at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Intercon.

Super. Mr SEO Book Aaron Wall will be the main guest speaker along with the great SEM specialists of the country. I'm so proud that I'm working for the Macalua, my boss and basketball mentor (suck up), and with Pink SEO cutie Rhiz (suck up). Both will be speakers at the convention. Our SEO group is supposed to be there but unfortunately we have work on the said dates. Anyways, even if we got those days off I'm pretty sure some of us won't even be near Hotel Intercon. Man, the event ticket costs 8k plus! Ouch.

It's all good really. Marc said that he'll bring Aaron Wall to our company personally. Yeah, this is how we roll. Right now I'm already thinking of what I'm gonna say to him. "Oh Aaron. Yeah you must've recognized me when you entered. I'm "the" TJ Cafuir of Half The World Away. My adsense earnings are zero and the blogosphere hates me. Any tips?"

+++

I'm such in a good mood today, I don't know why. Must be all the reggae music I listen to. Actually, I'm in a rush. I'm uber focusing on work and on our next basketball game 2 weeks from now. I swear I'll rally traffic for my websites and there'll be no more cursing and throwing of the ball to someone's face. These things I shall do, so help me Aaron.

Subliminal

2007-09-27T08:21:00.001+08:00

"I was cured all right"

Anger Management

2007-09-24T15:30:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday was horrific. At our basketball game, the plays are getting intense so much that I threw the ball at somebody's face. I almost went to a brawl with someone, anyone actually. I got a technical foul. A few moments later, I was back in the game shooting hoops. Suddenly, a sudden rush of hate exploded in my veins. I cursed at the referee and I got another technical, this time I was ejected out of the game. Our team lost.

Later that night, really really late, I found myself in a bar in Makati. The rush happened again, this time I was tripping on a Korean guy. I hate Koreans. I hate the fact that most of their tv shows are mass hysteria in primetime, I hate the fact that their weird corniest boybands even have fans, I hate the fact that they're living a good life here and not face poverty in their own country, I hate the fact that they choose not to learn our language, I hate the fact that there are Korean employers who treat their Pinoy workers like shit. So, as soon as I saw a pale faced kimchi running loose in the metro, it was easy for me to point to his face as a target. Again I was contained. If not, something catastrophic would've happened. I could've caused myself to get hurt. But I really didn't care.

Anger. I should learn how to manage it. It's killing me. Slowly.

Waiter, Some More Please...

2007-09-18T11:36:00.000+08:00

Ayus...

What do you do with a broken heart? You soak it in alcohol and set it aflame. Because everything went to fast, and since I could only recall fragments, let me share my 4-day drinking spree in bullets.

Thursday

Central Bbq Bar and Grill, Kapitolyo

After basketball practice, me and a couple of co-workers headed to our favorite spot.
Usual discourse and debates about blogging, the greatest films of all time, the Beatles and Metallica.
Ordered "Bad Boy", a liter of gin, vokda, 4 seasons and some other citrus liquids. A bottle is good enough for two, we had four, there's only three of us, you do the math.
Talked about love, life, suicide.
Stared at something distant and thought about her.
Got drunk and was about to beat the hell out of innocent customers next to our table. Fortunately, I was contained.
Stared at something distant and thought about her.
Felt empty.

Insight of the Night:

"There is more to life. You're not the only one that's having problems, others have worst. Be positive."

- Romark Mayuga

Friday

Little Island, Metrowalk

Since it was payday, some of the more "yuppie" groups at the office went for a night out.
Pretended to be modern.
Met a college student from UST. She models.
Contemplative
Stared at something distant and thought about her.
No one could replace the one I love.
Hadn't had enough beer and decided to head somewhere else.

Newly-Opened Acoustic Bar at Betty Go, New Manila

More beer.
There was an acoustic band on stage. At first I was hecklin', yelling "You Suck!" after every song. Then, the band played Beauty and Madness.
Stared at something distant and thought about her. I sang my lungs out.

Insight of the Night:

(text message) "Gumimik ka no?"

-Gf

Saturday

RJ Bistro, Jupiter St.

Pupil, Urbandub, The Ambassadors, etc. was playing. The fedora hat was seen again.
Got to meet and hang out with Ping Medina. We talked about indie films, upcoming projects and music.
Met Ely Buendia and was able to take a picture with him.
Felt so alive
Stared at something distant and thought about her. I wished she was there.
Hadn't had enough beer and decided to head somewhere else.

Xaymaca Bar, Timog Ave.

My favorite bands are playing.
Jon, the owner of the bar who's our friend, poured shots of tequila and we emptied it in a span of 30 minutes
Meditated on Reggae Beats.
Me and Salee's favorite song, "Di Mo Lang Alam" was played.
Words cannot describe what I was feeling.
The bar was already closed, but I was still drinking with friends, the management and the bands. I was telling Vic from Indio I and Jeck from Peace Pipe how much I hate Brownman Revival.
Got really plastered. I wanted to do Jackass moves like running to a wall or jumping from a table but again I was contained.
Passed out on a couch.

Insight of the Night:

(One Drop, a Bob Marley song) "For hunger and starvation, lamentation."

- Indio I

Sunday

I felt like shit so I didn't go out.
I sat in front of the tv.
Popped a Kubrick classic on the player.
A Clockwork Orange is indescribable.

Monday

BIR Village, Fairview

I found out that my closest friends are having problems too.
Was about to head home and not drink.
Somebody bought Gran Matador and I said, what the heck, lets drink the damned thing.
Stared at something distant and thought about her.
Love is Patience. But I don't wanna be waiting in vain.

Insight of the Night:

"Ano, pare-pareho nalang tayo?"

- Carlos Ramirez I

During these nights I thought that I'm having the time of my life. Now that I'm sober, everything seemed ridiculous. They are. Now I focus everything on my beloved work. Still, as I research and imply strategies, I constantly find myself staring at something distant and thinking about her.

There is something to learn about alcohol. It's poison and medicine both at the same time. Now, I won't drink for at least a week. That is, if there's no Pupil gig coming up. \m/

Hall Of Mirrors

2007-09-12T18:32:00.000+08:00

A couple of years ago, one would find me to be the worst boyfriend ever. I was flirting with countless women, I was out partying most days of the week, I couldn't be trusted and I lie all the time just to cover my ass. Hey, what do expect of a handsome and cleaver 22 year old yuppie? Clean living? Hell no, not Tj Cafuir.

It was always my stand that men should undergo this phase during their 20's. For me, it would be during these tumultuous times where a kid would become an adult and eventually discard immature antics. But of course, before he lets go of mischief and mayhem, he has to soak it all up first. Right?

A normal 22 year old should at least, for a certain liberal period, get to hit pretty chicks and get wrecked every Saturdays. He should be able to enjoy the fruits of labor and burn all his money on payday. You'll never get to be 22 again so why not live it on the edge. True to my word, that's what I did. I lived my life on the borderline of normalcy and the extremes. Well, come to think of it, I was always on the extremes.

So yeah. I was living a "rockstar" lifestyle and I loved it. I loved how chicks tell me how cool and astig I was. I loved how me and my friends trash bars and clubs and leave the place with everyone shaking heads in both disbelief and amazement. Yeah, remember the face and the name. It's the last time you'll see a bad guy like this.

+++

And all the while I was having this wonderful relationship with a young, beautiful, intelligent, my dad's an ex-governor, my mom's a teacher, my brother's a lawyer and my sister's a doctor and I'm following their footsteps kinda girl. It was the most perfect harmony. I was trash and she was gold. I loved every single minute that were together and although it seemed that were complete opposites, we shared our lives as if we couldn't breathe without each other. Life is better with her. I loved her and thought we were soul mates.

Now there ain't no one to blame but me. Naturally, eventually and without escape, she caught me and my "rockstar" stupidity, many times actually. I broke her heart. It was the greatest regret of my life. I lost her trust and soon lost everything we've ever had. For some reason though, she never left me.

That was two long years ago. I now changed. I now want to be stable, in love and in life. Gone are the days of mischief and comes the age of maturity. God knows how hard I'm trying now, but it seems there is such a thing as kharma. Perhaps now, when all dust and smoke have cleared, is the time I suffer. Time to pay for my sins. Lately life has been greatly killing me and I actually have a personal blog to prove it. This ain't no niche blog pretending to be whatever, this is me talking in words. I am suffering.

The roles are now reversed. She is now the 22 year old with the word "rebel" etched on the forehead. She now wants to explore the world of adulthood. This is the time in her life where she doesn't need a heretic boyfriend telling her what she can and cannot do. Every time we get into an argument, she would always go back to what I've done in the past. I feel like an ex-convict. Efforts are futile when you have a crime under your name. She wants her space and there is no more room for me. A few more weeks and I can see the finish line, but this one's for losers. I'm going to be an ex-boyfriend.

+++

I may have fucked up in the past, but I have lots in the future. But no matter how positive it may be, without her there is no life at all. People of the republic, this has been my chemical romance.

My Letter to Owen Wilson

2007-09-03T16:31:00.000+08:00

To Owen,

I'm a fan on yours (and Luke) ever since I saw Bottle Rocket. You guys just have a different kind of humor that was non-existent before. I love how your face goes stern in funny awkward moments and I like how you deliver killer punchlines with the coolest stoner voice. I remember when you played Hansel in Zoolander. Your runway showdown with Ben was so hilarious that me and my friends staged our own showdown right there at our living room, all with the pulling of underpants! I always routed for you in any movie that you're in. All of the characters you played are the coolest. Eli Cash on The Royal Tenenbaums, Kevin on Meet the Parents, Ken on Starsky and Hutch and John on Wedding Crashers, the latter being my favorite.

+++

But you see Owen, you're more than just a funny man. You're more than a Hollywood actor and you're more than a million dollar A-list celebrity. To me, you are a hero. A hero to dorks like me and to everyone who all wanted in life is to be cool and funny and have self-esteem and be accepted. Every time I see you in TV its like, “Hey there's our man!”, “Yeah Owen's kickin' it.” It's as if your raising our flag. You are our champion Owen and you're good at keeping your fans proud of you.

+++

Maybe things are a little difficult right now. Maybe there are many things that bother you and make you ill. Well, we've all got the blues sometimes. But Owen, you're too cool for that. I know that your personality is one which misfortune cannot tamper. I believe in you. Whatever phase you're in right now shall pass. Just hang on. No matter how dark life is, just keep on living it. Daylight is just 'round the corner. Just keep on living and do what you do. Make us laugh and make the world laugh. God gave your talent for a reason and that is to cheer up lives. Remember the sailors that saw Behind Enemy Lines? Man, you visited and made them really, really happy. That is special. I hope you get well real soon. I hope you'll overcome whatever it is that you need to. I just want to say that your fans here in the Philippines are behind you every step of the way. Take care Owen, you're the best.

*Letter sent to fansite World of Owen at Wilson-Brothers.com

Beats Me

2007-09-01T20:34:00.000+08:00

Earlier tonight, my love told me something.

"I want some space."

Then we parted ways.

I kept a straight face, and I started to bleed.

+++

I love Mucus

2007-09-01T17:32:00.000+08:00

It's as if the world doesn't want me to blog. For 3 days I was spewing goo and phlegm blanketed with cold delirium on the rocks. I had to file for SL's. Perfect! More salary deductions. Worse, my workflow clogged and piled over.

Guys, I'll be taking a rest that's long overdue. And dammit, I hate it.

She Begs

2007-08-28T19:17:00.000+08:00

As I wander in the trappings of a day dream, this woman made me hover and yield in pure interest.

+++

She was wearing the color brown from top to bottom. Her hair was bound tight by what seemed like wooven straw. She wore no adorment, but I think I did saw a scapular around her wrist. Her expression wasn't blank but it showed no emotion. Her eyes.. they were like tidal waves frozen. Like photo showered in deep sepia, her aura bewitch all that surround her. At the very least, she must be 80 years old or something.

Along the stampede of rush hour, along the coming and going of trains, she waits immovably by the stairs. Her arms wrapped in aged skin dangle in the air as her palm carry very little weight. As soon as I saw shy tears fall, a realization occurred. She is nothing actually, but a filthy old beggar. She begs for pity alms amidst dust and dirt.

As I slowly walked my path past her, sea of questions floated. What happened to her? Does she have a house? Has she eaten for the day? Where is her husband? Is he dead? What about her children? Are they somewhere near? How much does she have collected? Is it enough for tomorrow? How could a handful of change give her a living? What is her name and, before time has waivered, who was she then?

She begs money for food. At some point in time she must have gone to fancy dinners and lavish celebrations. In her lifetime, I thought, she must have had more than enough in her purse to buy whatever she wants. But, what happened? Why is she now what I see her to be. Why is she not like the other aged? Why is she living in the streets? Why, in the years of twilight, does she still have to beg for money that wouldn't even suffice a hungry child? Why?

In her face I have seen the saddest. Here is reality.

Perhaps, there is no answer to this. Ever since the day we could distinguish the difference between lack and bounty we have always felt moved by the urban poor. The thing is, we could pour out our hearts and minds and pockets yet derive no solution. Sad but true. There are a million of them and heck, we couldn't even solve our own problems let alone solve theirs. All we simply could do is pity and shed a few coins here and there. I didn't give mine. I decided to blog and tell a few about it.

Anyway, the beggar would still be at the stairs. I just don't know for how long. But as for the current, as you and me pass by, there she sits and there she begs.

+++

2007-08-28T18:06:00.000+08:00

Supposedly, there should be an entry posted here. Apparently, some people thought that my post is too vulgar and could even end tenure. So with the ample money vested upon me by foreign corporations and businesses, I shall comply.

At the Blogger Event

2007-08-25T16:19:00.000+08:00

Thursday night was ok. Free food and booze. I didn't get to meet some SEO people but I did get to hang out with the crazy and loud TMB gang. Plus, I got photographed for Style Manila and Runway to Reality. Sexy Nomad was there along with Adam and we conversed about bamboo surfboards. Yeah, bamboo. There are proudly-pinoy surfboards made from kawayan.

Lots of tempura and lots of Pale Pilsen. Here's a funny thing that happened though. Me and Rhiz went inside the place to get a bottle of pilsen. I got myself a beer and looked for a waiter to have it opened. I saw one and ordered, “Waiter pa-bukas." He was wearing a blue long-sleeve and a guest name tag. Wahaha, shit.. he ain't a waiter, he's like a VP for a company or something. Nyorks, bloopers ang pucha. Nevertheless, he still opened it. Thanks to you man whoever you are.

Back at the TMB table, well, it was all party. You'd even think Taste Asia held the event for TMB. Waiters never left our table hauling bottles after bottles of alcohol as digicams were capturing moments in all directions. Bim and Mike were doing freestyle dissing while Fritz took photos. All was loud.

Here are some pics from Ade.

I really can't say much about anything else. I'm a nobody and I guess I wanna make it stay that way. Remember when I said that I don't do well do social events? Well, I sat in a lone table and tried to get the gist of the moment. I observed well. There is nothing.

Good thing my officemates were there. Now these three are well-known and I'm the odd man out. I believe everyone was asking everybody else, who the fuck is that dick with a hat?

From the cliquebooth...

Boss Marc,Tj, Mikey, Rico

Well here's to another blogger event. I had fun watching how bloggers socialize. I think its all about self-promotion and self-importance. Any affiliation is just a charade to mask anonymity. Well, come to think of it, that is essence of socialization. Oh screw me. I'm being cynical again.

And hey, somebody remarked to what I'm wearing. “He's got a Justin Timberlake hat.” Dude, its Johnny Depp, Johnny Depp...

Still Stoked and Making Habol

2007-08-22T18:56:00.000+08:00

I'm back at the office since Tuesday. Still, my body aches so much, if you'll stencil it with a pen, they're gonna break to chunks.

+++

With a click of a button, I found out that I was really gonna drown this time. Work is staring like a heightening wave ready to devour me in a wipe out. I have to make habol.

+++

Later tonight, I'll punish my body more. I'll be playing basketball with complete strangers. I sure hope that they haven't read my blog... well, maybe I do. People mostly perceive writers as mere feeble creatures and Tj Cafuir's gonna prove them bastards wrong.

+++

I'll be at the 2nd Blogger Meet-Up at the SM Taste Asia MOA tomorrow night. As usual, I'll be an anti-social and alienate myself by consuming all available alcohol. I don't act well in social gatherings. It's either I get too excited and annoy other people or I get to bored and intentionally annoy people. All I'm really after is meeting fellow SEO strategists and practitioners. I'm gonna milk all tips and advice as much as I can.

I heard that bryanboy is attending. I'll bring a copy of Radioactive Sago's album 'Putangina Mo, Ang Daming Nagugutom Sa Mundo Fashionista Ka Parin' if ever that incredibly ridiculous, extraordinarily shallow, extremely amusing foot spa attendant lookalike blogger shows up. Sure would complete my night.

+++

I had a great time in Zambales. I wish I could put it into writing. I'm still thinking a different approach on how to blog it.

Stoked and Happy Days

2007-08-17T09:40:00.000+08:00

This is exactly what I need..

Yeah. Surf's up.

This surf competition by Stonemoney is perhaps the event of the year. Well, for surfers at least.

Solar Sports and Studio 23 will be there to cover the event (read: Reema Chanco). 100+ dslr's would be capturing the waves and 100+ of their riders. Celebrities and VIPs have already flocked to Pundakit (read: Jericho - blurp! and Heart - witwiw!). San Mig Pale Pilsen would be providing booze for the nights. There's a music festival tomorrow and on Sunday and guess who's gonna be playing.. ChicoSci. On mornings, the best of the best from Zambales, LU, United Pinoy, ASRAI and many other groups would battle it out in the and represent their home breaks. Hundreds of freebies will be given and 2 surfboards are up for raffle.I will get to experience it all. Check out the skeds.

On my previous emo posts, I mentioned that I wanna drown, well out of depression that is. I sure hope that won't happen, hehe. Well, I happened to be a strong swimmer so screw death. Anyways, I'm so stoked and although its raining like hell, happy days are on the forecast. I'd be surfing and dancing at the beach. I'll smoke a joint or two. I'll pig out on bbq and drink ice cold beer. Best, Salee my love is coming and we'd be cuddlin' and kissin' all day long. Happy days indeed...

Happy days.

PS
my wallet was found. our condo neighbor found it laying peacefully in front.. of our front door.

PS
i am stupid.

PS
i am stoked.

PS
happy days :)

Life, ARE YOU HAPPY NOW?

2007-08-16T13:49:00.001+08:00

I'm here at the office. I came late - 1:14pm. I'm listening to Taking Back Sunday - What's It Feel Like To Be A Ghost. I have a massive hangover. I'm unproductive. I can't do shit. I only want to speak out. I just want someone to listen. But, that ain't gonna happen. Nobody knows sympathy. Not even this blog give alleviation.

I was so happy last night. I was uber-drunk. I consumed amazing amounts of alcohol. Best, I was able to voice my problems out to drunken co-workers. Yehey.

I woke up on the couch with puke all over the carpet. Still another reason why the household should hate me more. I can't recall how I got home. All I remember is that I was flashing fuck you's at everyone along my way.

My wallet is missing. I got my whole pay tucked on that piece of shit. I think I threw it away. I kid you not, I was that drunk. I was that pissed at life.

It's not about the money. I could double it in 15 days of slavery. It's about why the fuck did it happen. Why did it end up this way. But hey, I don't regret it. I embrace my misfortune.

I miss my girlfriend, but she's at the hospital. She's too busy and tired of taking care for sick people...

I feel like shit. I'm depressed and I wanna drown.

I, I, I...

Communication Breakdown | Attitude Problem

2007-08-14T18:59:00.000+08:00

"The basis of life is people and how they relate to each other. Our success, fulfillment, and happiness depend upon our ability to relate effectively."

If this would be true, then I have no chance on success.

+++

Most people know me as being a happy person. You know, the "never-a-dull-moment" kinda guy. I am that, for sure. I have always been the class clown ever since and still is to this day. I love comedy and I love making people laugh. I take it as a skill.

Sometimes though, being funny all the time does have its repercussions. Sometimes I say things I really don't mean just for the sake of being funny. I do it all the time when I'm with friends and whatever I say or do, no matter how detestable, they take it as Tj just being Tj.

Currently, my co-workers who I am very fond of, are giving me the cold shoulder. Apparently, I have said something so offensive they decided never to talk to me again. I couldn't even remember what I said or did. Again, I was misunderstood. Or perhaps, I was being myself in the wrong company. Nevertheless I think they couldn't have given me worse treatment --> Silence and neglect. After all, what is a clown without an audience.

+++

Let me tell you something I haven't told anyone aside from my better half. Me and my mother haven't spoken to each other for over a year now. Our grudge is so deep we left no room for communication and healing. Everyday we pretend that the other doesn't exist. Everyday we have to instill pride and hate in our hearts just to prove one is better than the other. Everyday we have to discard the comfort of a mother and son relationship. It's been so long that now, I can't even recall what it feels like to have a loving mom... Well, I think I never had one...

So how in the world could I become a "people person" given the fact that I wouldn't even speak to the very being who bore me into this world.

+++

I'm having trouble with a certain colleague. I'm relatively new in my field and I'm still coping up with all the changes. He, on the other hand, knows the ins and outs of the industry. Well, on his end at least.

It is my job to instruct the guy around. One day as I was asking for a little task to be done, being the senior that he is, he decided to go for a little power tripping instead of helping me out. "Nah do this first and do this after. Come back some time in the next millennium."

I fell silent and walked away. Okay, fine with me. Eat shit, die mutherfucker die.

+++

And all this has been bothering me.

Why can't I communicate well? It isn't hard to say sorry, it isn't hard to admit mistakes and it isn't hard to talk things over. I know all these things yet I don't do it. I won't.

Then again, maybe its just me and my attitude problem. If you think you're cool, no I'm better. If you think your intelligent, no I'm wiser. If you think you're strong, no I lord you over. If you think you're right and I'm wrong, then take it to your grave. Die with it.

I was raised like this...

+++

I hope I don't come across as a bad person. I'm just always misunderstood. I hope people will see how meaningful I am. Yeah, maybe I am a little loony and all but I mean no harm. And forgive me for saying things I don't really mean. Its just communication breakdown.

SEOlyshit!

2007-08-10T20:26:00.000+08:00

Yeah. I is now an SEO. So many things, so little time. What a kick ass cliche.

"Violence is one of the most fun things to watch"

2007-08-05T19:36:00.000+08:00

+++

Ang pagdating ng pamosong Hollywood director na si Quentin Tarantino ang malaking come-on sa nalalapit na 9th Cinemanila International Film Festival (CIFF) mula August 8 - 19. Tiniyak ni Amable "Tikoy" Aguiluz VI, festival director ng CIFF, sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) ang pagdating ni Tarantino sa August 8.

+++

Yes. He is coming. Quentin Tarantino. Quentin..... WAHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

+++

Last time I really got excited about something was when At World's End was gonna be shown. But this thing's ten times magnified. Quentin, the director of Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs which are among the top films that I attach my whole being to, is coming here on Wednesday and I'm so excited to just even catch a glimpse of this modern day genius. Its very rare that someone of his status would ever consider stopping by this side of Asia, and hey, it's Quentin Tarantino and in his vernacular, that cocksucker mutherfucker is one of the greatest kick ass directors of all time.

I'll make damn sure that I'll be at the mall where he's scheduled to show up and also I'll make damn sure that I find an original copy of Reservoir Dogs for him to autograph. This opportunity can't be neglected. I want him to know how brilliant his films are and I want him to know how cool he is. He is the epitome of cool. There are perhaps a handful of Hollywood directors that would topple Quentin but there is definitely no one else as cool as him. Nobody.

+++

All fans please rush to the Gateway Mall to see Tarantino. He may never come back again so an impression must be made. As for me, a hand shake, a brief and sincere handshake would just be monumental.

"So you like Tarantino films now do yah?" "Yeah well I shook his fuckin' hand you mutherfucker."

I sure hope this thing happens...

Photoshoot: Behind the Scenes

2007-08-01T18:50:00.000+08:00

Here's how the photo came to be...

I left the office at around 9:00pm, Maxi sent me a message and said that his "ETA" was 9:30 to 9:45. Great I thought. The office is just 15 minutes away and I left early to assure the guy that he won't have to worry about me being late. After all, Maxi is coming from Las Pinas. I don't know where that is but it sure sounds far to me. "Megamall nlng pare, txt nlng pag dating. Punta nko dun." Message sent.

ZZzzz... Ice Hockey is cool sport, literally. Man, if I ever became a hockey player all women will drool over me. They'll faint every time I score a goal and soon, I'll become MVP. Then eventually I'll become a matinee icon being interviewed by MTV and on the front page of Candy magazine. Yeah, see that goalie over there.. I'm gonna hurl pucks down his throat he'd wish he was playing badminton instead. There's no sports I can't conquer.... I'm the greates.... ZZzzz...

So that's me staring down at the skating rink for what seemed like an eternity. I can't believe it was happening to me. I was the king of lates but the now the tables were turned. After walking like a zombie through the vast Mega, I decided to stop over and wait in the cursed stands. It was all too familiar.

"Teej ortigas nko." Maxi replied. My eyes gleamed, nasa Ortigas na sya, Lord nasa Ortigas na sya! Salamat, salamat! I bought a Mcfloat and lit a cig outside the fast food where we decided to meet. "Teej and2 nko, St. Francis Jolibee. Wala na pala Mcdo d2." "Yes Maxi wala na Mcdo dyan. Nandito ako sa El Pueblo. Sabi mo Mcdo. Ang galing mo chong idol kita."

Ok. J Ortigas Blvd was the location, the streets being the subject. The night was perfect for capture for it just rained. There was a damp feeling to it. The streetlights lined up giving a somber glimmer, some building floors were lit telling there's life to it, cars were flying past by. I stood at the sidewalk with my fingers doing the photographer scale, "Maxi shoot it like this."

We had so many outtakes considering we only had one concept in mind --> I'll sit in the sidewalk and look at the cityscape around me. It's either that there's a taxi or there's too much of a crowd walking. So ok, photography isn't as simple as it looks. Good thing Maxi knows a lot about his stuff.

Nope, there's a taxi...

Nope, I look like a gay hobo with LBM

Wacky time...

"Maximus Grime"

Hmm.. this should do it..

Great, it was done. After being given puzzled looks from countless call center agents, I finally realized that the semi-wall I was leaning on was actually their yosi spot. Kaya pala madumi. "Maxi take the tripod and were off to another location." Exit, stage left.

Next spot was the overpass at the same street. As I had a top view of the crossing, a concept came to me. "Maxi stand there. I'll go down and you shoot."

Yeah something to that effect...

The last guy on earth.

Finally were done. It's about 12:30 and I'm really really tired. To be honest, I wasn't really satisfied with all the photos but they'll have to do. After all, its just me and my tomfoolery. Maxi and I decided to call it a wrap and shook hands before we parted. After getting a feeling of importance with the attention that comes with being photographed and all, I started the long, lonely walk home. Again, it was all too familiar.

The very morning of the next day, Maxi sent me the photos. I showed it to an officemate and she liked it, said it was surreal. Yeah, it turned out alright. There's only one problem left, what do I do with them.

Good thing Ronan, the most talented graphic artist the country has to offer, is available for some favors. I sent him the files, he opened photoshop and alapeanutbuttersandwich the layout was finished. It is done.

Half the World Away

+++

I'm not really sure what my issues are, but these are the kinds of images that fascinates me. Empty streets, dark pathways, lonely cityscapes, streetlights, rainy days and all relative. I like things bleak. I dwell in its calm. Astig.

Jeff Buckley

2007-07-27T20:27:00.000+08:00

OPENED ONCE

I once was open and one with a travelling heart
I loved this sweet guy
Just like a fiction rushing in your riverbed
Arise like applause in my head

And in the half-light, where we both stand
This is the half-light, see me as I am
Just like the ocean, always in love with the moon
It's overflowing now inside you

We fly right over the minds of so many in pain
We are the smile of light that brings them rain
In the half-light, where we both stand
In the half-light, you saw me as I am
I am a railroad track abandoned
With the sunset fogetting I ever happened
That I ever happened

*Fan art above picturing Jeff drowning under the city. Listen to Opened Once and stare at the photo. It'll move you in many ways. Very ecclectic.

(I originally posted Lilac Wine, but I really can't pick which one is my most favorite.)

Half the World Away blog makeover

2007-07-27T11:23:00.000+08:00

I guess its time for Half the World Away to get an upgrade. It's beginning to look like the abyss of the blogosphere.

So that's why I decided to contact the best digital photographer the country has to offer, Maxi Adrian. Actually, he's the only photographer I know who would be ignorant enough to be fooled by my evil pursuits. I'll pay him McSaver coupons and he'll take cityscape pictures for me.

I can't help notice that my blog sucks. All black and dull like my soul :p... Anyway I sure hope that the photos will turn out ok as my heading.

My Half the World Away blog is not the all too common sugar coated page with glittery widgets and cluster maps. After all, what I wanted is a place where visitors can read. If I made an impact, they'll come back, if not, then fine... it's all good.

Jazz Meets the Blues - So There I Was

2007-07-24T08:26:00.000+08:00

Me and my girl arrived a little late. Johnny Alegre was standing right beside the entrance with a beer in hand, watching the bands perform. Arrg! I already missed Affinity's set. Nevertheless, that didn't stop me from having one heck of a night.

Firebottle was playing when we arrived. Man, this band was a sure fire blues junkie. All I wanted to do after sitting was to stand up again and dance like Scott Weiland on a whitehorse trip. I was thumping my sole and swinging my head side to side while feeling the blues fill my spine. The trio reminded me of the superband Cream, only the guitarist sounding more like Stevie Ray Vaughan instead of ol' slow hands. They were aggressive yet sweet soulful, attacking each chord progression with intense drums, bass and guitar virtuosity.

Plug was next on stage. I swear that when got my eyes closed, it almost seemed that Howlin' Wolf was on stage. It is very clear that the band, especially the vocalist, was under the heavy dose of Delta blues. His voice was as emotive as the bayou swamps in Mississippi. First song they played, would you believe it, was Roadhouse Blues. Suddenly my face curved with swagger.

Both bands played their own original pinoy blues composition as well. All were good and worthy of airplay. Yeah, pinoy blues is getting there alright. These bands need only one thing... and that is a loyal audience. I'm one of them.

Jazz Meets the Blues

2007-07-19T19:30:00.000+08:00

The New CLUB DREDD
(formerly GWEILOS EASTWOOD)
Eastwood City Walk-2

[Jazz meets the blues]

A BLUESKRIEG Production
starts roughly 9PM
back-to-back with
FIREBOTTLE
SNAKECHARMER
and other
Manila blues bands

Starts roughly 9:00PM

+++

Jazz meets the Blues...
Affinity w/ John Alegre and Snakecharmer....
Club Dredd....

It's as if the universe conspired. Man, this is one nebulous Saturday night. I won't be able to forgive myself if I won't be at the gig. I've been listening to Affinity's Jazzhound steadily for weeks and now I have the chance to stand in a dark corner, with a cig in hand and a glass of Jager on the other and listen to blistering Jazz music. And the blues, the sweet, sweet sound of harmonica blues. Man, its my night. I've got to be there no matter what.

Libertine Diaries - Eyes like Shutter

2007-07-18T08:16:00.000+08:00

if only my eyes be like shutter

there is so much sublimity picture perfect for capture that I constantly see

yet reality hits with a blinding flash

all is gone with a click

this intoxicated poem is a joint effort of the author and a girl named Sarah.

Happiness and Everything Synonymous

2007-07-17T18:15:00.000+08:00

In retrospect, I could still remember the defining career interview of my life. I can still recall what I was asked, what I answered and what I felt at the time.

It was my first “successful” interview. It was for an upcoming BPO company in Eastwood City and God knows how I perspired snow flakes during the whole process. I have no idea what a call center does nor do I honestly know anything about outsourcing. Everything was alien to me and all I knew was that I needed to speak fluent English. Unfortunately, I didn't have the articulate tongue. All I had was the eyes of determination.

Somehow I qualified. For my final interview, I was led to a cubicle with a foreigner to interrogate me. Thinking real hard, I still can recall her looks; overweight, blond and extremely star spangled Americana.

*Susie May: “Tell me a scenario or a situation wherein your were actually needed to learn or acquire certain knowledge in a short period of time. What did you do to cope up with it and how did things turn out for you?”

Tristan: “When I was in grade school, all of my classmates were bullying me for I was the only one who doesn't play good basketball. I was pretty much lame. The thing is, I don't like to be bullied and I know I can beat them. What I did was I trained during summer. Alone, I went out on the court with my ball and practiced and practiced all day until I got better. First year of high school came and to everyone's surprise, I was now a better player, I was able to compete with the rest. Although I wasn't as good as my classmates, I began to gain respect and eventually I became the starting point guard during sportsfests. That's all ma'am.”

*Susie May: “You know what, I have a son just like you. All day out in the field shootin' ball. I admire your will, that's good. Well, that's the end of it. Is there anything you would like to ask me?”

Tristan: “Am I hired?”

*Susie May gave a smile and nodded. I was.

She shook my hand and certainly she was shaking the hand of the happiest person in the world. It was happiness and everything synonymous. For the first time in my life I felt real success. For the first time in my life I felt affirmation. A nod, a simple nod from a stranger who's taking a risk of employing someone with only a basketball story to tell. Forever would be changed after that interview.

There would be a handful of similar scenarios after that, some ending up in failure while many turned out to be alright. As always I was still sweating ice, but nonetheless the fiery determination was always there.

I applied for a copywriter position early this year. What the company was looking for was someone who has studied journalism and courses of such and someone who has done extensive writing. I wasn't that someone. All I had to show is an article about movies. Although it was an outstanding piece, my tech support background didn't quite fit the requirements. Nevertheless, a risk was again taken. Triumphant, it was happiness and everything synonymous.

Recently, I got hired again. Same company, different position and another leap of faith. It would be this time when I remembered Susie May. God bless her soul.

My constant leaps has gotten me somewhere far from where I could have imagined. Luckily, this feet of mine happened to have a good landing. Although life may not always be about achievement, it sure is about grabbing them. People may not always give you the upper hand, but heck, your grip is all that matters.

Let me be sentimental and tell this part. In all ways I could be looked at, I want people to think me as the kid who refused to be feeble. I'm in constant movement, forward to the pursuit of happiness and everything synonymous.

*Susie May is a name I made up. Actual name is similar but I already forgot.

the Libertine

2007-07-10T17:15:00.000+08:00

I have this habit of penning spontaneous thoughts during intoxicated moments. Alcohol kinda transcends me to the 16th century. I don't exactly look like John Wilmot over there but I do look like the actor who played Wilmot in a movie. (Hmm who that might be?)

I'm sure we all felt this enlightenment before. You know, a burst of consciousness while being stuck in traffic, a cognitive output as you watch the rain fall, yeah stuff like that. However as I also undergo the same occurrence, a couple of rounds do give sudden credo.

These are thoughts that are generally absurd if not totally obscure, at first that is. However, after you had a couple shots of Jager and a bottle of beer, your innermost perceptions are somewhat heightened, only to find out eventually that they have no sense at all.

My handy-dandy cellphone serves as a journal. Recently as I was fiddling it, I opened a note titled as "What is discontent?". I don't exactly remember when I did it but its really amusing. Here it is without editing. This is liquor thinking.

"What is Discontent?"

it's the hard earned money you belch on payday in the form of puke
it's the words you conspire to replace own stupidity with sarcasm
it's the behavior to fulfill upon the very laughter of your friends

save the charades for games
you hate life because it hates you

hilarious is the life that hasn't done enough but has told to halt
it is subjective whatever form of rebel you nurse
the river winds narrow only to end as a catastrophic waterfall

you can buy ships and vessels only to find yourselves drowning in pity
i am discontent and unhappy
grins and smiles are masks fooling no one but the soul

you are free but leashed
knowing yet unable to act
that is discontent

Alright, no more alcohol for that guy in the corner staring at the night sky scribbling at his cellphone. Look at the many mistakes I did. It sure reads funny. But anyway, I think I'll still be doing this practice. After all, they are my thoughts.

So whenever you see me unusually quiet in the corners of a bar or tavern with a phone in hand, I'm not texting. I'm channeling the libertine in me.

Stuffed and Buzzed @ the Taste Asia Blogger Food Fest:

2007-07-05T17:05:00.000+08:00

When my co-worker Rico a.k.a. Mr Fool45 a.k.a. "Guncrazy" posted the invitation at his site, I could only derive one particular inquiry... Is the booze for free? Good thing I signed up and found the answer myself.

It was around 7 pm when we headed our way to the event. Me and SEO hell cat Rhiz were at the back seat while I instruct the driver, the one and only Internet Superstar Mikey, to navigate the SUV away from the traffic.

Mikey: "Tj, can I just stop by the gas station? I really need to go."
Tj: "I will cut your fingers and ram them up your nose if you don't shut up. Drive."

So we arrived at the place after touring Mall of Asia from south to north. It was a little over 8pm when we saw Marc "the Macalua" and his gf Sharm along with Rico and his gf Sasha. While we were at the sign up booth I heard my stomach struck thunder in sheer hunger. Great, the line wasn't that long so we immediately lined up to "taste asia". Inside the resto, the atmosphere was festive. I saw J. Angelo Racoma who, as what I'm told, is like one of the pillars of pinoy blogging. Aileen Apollo was also there all cheers for the night. Of course being the anti-social that I am, I didn't bother to hover and introduce myself then flatter them with admiration (although I really do admire their work). I became pretty preoccupied checking the place out for "hot chicks". There weren't one. Actually there were, the host who I forgot the name and this one chinita, but both actually inferior to my gf Salee (hehe bawi).

I met Man Blog author Ade who was really cool to talk with. He introduced us to Karla who had an awesome camera dangling from her neck. Click click Yay! Then its time for beer. Draft were pouring like the Niagara and I was there to scoop as much as I could. Freeloader.

Mikey, Ade, me and my friend bloggers settled for a table strategically positioned so that we can insult everyone that passed by.

"Oi pare si Butterbean o." "Dude si Luca Brassi". "Ok, the emo kids are here." "Waiter, would you blog about this?". And basically that's all we did through the entire night. Drink beer and lambast other people. It was really fun.

+++

On a serious note, it was really a great experience just being around the bloggers. I admire writers and I think our country has a lot of hidden talents. Blogs serve as a region where anyone can just pour out their smarts. Also, bloggers have unique characters worthy to be recognized. Events like these give everyone a chance to interact. After all, most of them front their computer screens all day.

I hope there are more events to come. Cheers to bloggers and writers and SEOs and Marketers and everybody else under the cybersun.

P.S.
Mike, i kid i kid. But thanx really for tagging me along. thanx Rhiz for being the ate the I never had. (again i kid ikid)

Poetry

2007-07-04T15:48:00.000+08:00

An Ode To Twilight

the desolate streets
i wander in stillness

the cold night
i embrace the breeze

the city lights
my streamline diamonds

the radiant somber moon
ahh.. the majestic

the moment to be solemn
is a gift the evening brings

solitude in the dark
hope in the mist

dawn the confrontation
light the awakening

send my gratitude to the dim

-Tj Cafuir

My Very First Article

2007-07-03T18:23:00.000+08:00

This piece landed me a job as a Web Copywriter. Posted on my previous company's Intranet, about 7,000 employees have seen it, about 30 actually read it.

Here it is.

+++

"Indie, the Alternative"

We all love Hollywood. If you work of GSIS then you might say no, but then again in this industry that were in, its almost a sin not ot be updated on Paris Hilton's latest social blunder or not getting acquainted with the newest member of the "Brangelina" family. If you haven't seen the latest Hollywood blockbuster then most probably you're going to end up all ears dumb amidst the gossip exchange during lunch.

Now I ask, how does this excessive advocacy of foreign films affect the country's local film outfits? Well just by observation, I would say that its effect has crumbled if not decayed the Philippine Film Industry. Local patronage has waned a long time ago and many of us already shunned our local movies.

The reason for all this non-interest, is alternative.

Our major film producers here don't offer that. On our end, local movies still features the classic "love team" tandem to the delight of every yaya in the country. Consider the slapstick comedian with his ever so stupid sidekick, cracking jokes that Dolphy, Panchito, Chikito and Pugak came up almost 50 years ago. Who do star in your latest film that guarantees to fill cinema seats? Of course the cutest teeny bopper-turned-front-page-I'll bare it all-as long as it will catapult me into superstardom-cover girl. All has been done before so no wonder we turn to Hollywood now more than ever.

But there is an alternative. We have Indie Sine.

A theater devoted exclusively to local independent movies, which according to the countr'y top voices, are "the best movies you've never seen". Situated in the center of Robinson's Movieworld, Indie Sine exhibits the finest independent digital movies ever made. Definitely indie films has broken the barrier that typecast the genre as "experimental" art films made by students as some form of revolt against the typical mass produced films.

Take for example "Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros". A story about family tradegy vividly told in the most simplistic way. Life as you know it. With a stunning showcase of acting and storytelling brilliance, the film won 14 international awards and made a leap from the confines of university theaters to our local cinemas thus paving way for a new wave of digital film making. Let not the poster fool you, the cheerful layout is nowhere to be found in the movie.

I recently saw the film "Compound" at the Bagong Agos Film Festival held at Indie Sine. I tell you this, never have I seen a local movie so dark and warped yet clear and concise at the same time. The movie mixes sex, drugs and paranoia of a complex atmosphere with a sense of transparent stillness that resides in every character. Then just when you think you've figured it all out, just when you've arrived on a conclusion on how the story ends, the director blasts a scene so haunting you'll feel your lungs choking as you grasp for air. Then black, the film is finished.

I won't dig much into the details of both films. The point here is that our local indie film makers, out of their conviction and literally out of their own pockets, created extra-ordinary films that not only art students and film critics appreciated. These films reached international shores and more importantly, received awards and critical acclaim for the genuine talent that we, in the vast world of movie making, inherently possess. It has always been there and all it needs is an audience.

This is exactly what Indie Films aim for, to strike the untapped consciousness of moviegoers whose perception of entertainment is clogged by the fantasy delirious, money making cliche of the big time industry giants of our country. Independently and with conviction, a new wave of digital filmmakers continue to expand horizons by contributing provocative films for a new generation of viewers.

Socially stimulating, politically suggestive and significant of the times, here is the alternative we should turn our eyes to. This wave may not turn the whole film industry upside down, but its current is sure to swipe the stereotype, curving a stream of variety to quench the innovative thirst of an equally unconventional audience. Here and now, let us catch the wave of Independent films, movies in the tide of change.

+++

It's been like 7 months since I wrote it. I sure miss writing this kinda stuff. It makes you think, not just how to approach the article, but really really think.

Call Me Irresponsible

2007-07-02T16:34:00.000+08:00

Call me irresponsible
Call me unreliable
Throw in undependable too
Do my foolish alibis bore you
Well I'm not too clever
I just adore you

Call me unpredictable
Tell me I'm impractical
Rainbows I'm inclined to pursue
Call me irresponsible
Yes I'm unreliable
But it's undeniably true
I'm irresponsibly mad for you...

Do I Believe in Ghosts?

2007-06-26T18:52:00.000+08:00

Let me tell you an eerie incident that happened last Sunday...

It was a dark night at the village. The rain had already stopped but heavy clouds still blanket the sky. No stars tonight, I thought. I'm clutching my girlfriend's hand as we walk the empty streets past the gloomy streetlights. We were going to our friend's house, well.. they're twins, in fact they're the AngTV twins if you'll remember. I plan to cap the night with shots of dim brandy and dimmer cola.

"Uno, Dos." I called out. "Oi Teej, Salee pasok pasok."

It's good to see your drinking buddies on a night like this. Although they weren't up for drinking, these two wont back out of an inuman, especially when their good friend Tj visits them.

"So were have you guys been to?"asked Dos. "We just shopped at the mall for a few clothes. I've been wearing rags to work lately." was my innocent reply. " Iba na talaga pag malakas kumita! Pa shopping shopping nalang."

Little did he know that I used my credit card and that I have to break my back just to pay those bills.

"So inom tayo?" True enough, the answer was an immediate "Yeah."

Now a little background on the house that we were in. It wasn't owned by the Ramirez family, they only rent it. Quite cheaply in fact. It was a two story house, pretty big on the vertical. There weren't much windows to get light in so when it is dark, it's very dark. I lived at the village for 11 or 12 years and I would be the first one to tell you that never an occupant on that very house lasted for very long. Something's just not right for them. I've seen tenants come and go leaving the place never coming back. However, the twins have lasted for quite some time. But it was only at that night where I knew the consequences of their stay. Something IS not right.. Actually it is a someone...

"Oi pare astig talaga si Michael Buble!" Dos connected his PSP on a computer speaker and put some sweet music on from our favorite crooner. "How's work killing you?" Uno asked me. "Hay nako, Tj always comes home late. He doesn't even have time for me anymore." Salee answered for me.

She's right, it's work that has a ball and chain around my neck. But I know she understands. Everything I do, I do it for the two of us, for our future. God knows it's she who I'm living for. Never I took a single breath without taking one for her.

Black Crowes are now playing. Not loud, but just right. Our soft laughter can be heard outside with nobody around to be aware of our merriment. The house around us is engulfed in darkness. Above us, chandelier-like bulbs illuminate the floor with a monotone yellow.

Safely tucked under the roof that shelter us from the cold, it was good times. Four friends sitting cross legged while visiting the memories of an exuberant past. That is until somebody decided to join in...

"Teej, may tumingin." Salee suddenly told me. She wasn't looking at me in the eye. It's as if she knows that what she saw is still staring at her, watching her every move. "Huh. Where?" "Dun sa may kitchen." A certain chill went up my spine and out of my skin. The house is haunted and I knew it.

"Ah wala yan, wag nyo pansinin. Kaibigan namin yan." Uno replied. He's been telling me about this ghost that was roaming around their house for years now. "Matagal na siya nagpapakita. Sa kwarto, sa kusina, pati dito sa sala. Sana'y na kami, wag nyo lang talaga pansinin.

Salee decided to change seats. I was now fronting the spot where she saw a head tilt, covering the body from sight. It was someone young, a head of a child.

"Ok, Ok let's drink.. I'm here to have a good time. Open another bottle please." It wasn't much of deal really. The twins are used to seeing that kind of terror, I was getting tipsy, my GF was getting tipsy as well. It was as if it never happened. On with the liquor.

We forgot about the "multo". I even went to the kitchen to get some food. The lights were on of course. Salee even went to the comfort room past the kitchen, but of course I was with her. We opened the lights but we turned it back off. On with the liquor.

Salee was now back again at the seat where she was before, completely fronting the kitchen hallway. As I was checking the playlist the unexpected happened again. "Nakita ko na naman sya!"

This time it was a man. "Alam nyo diba madilim dun sa kusina? May nakatayo na mas madilim pa, gumagalaw. Totoo na to. "I haven't seen it long enough to describe it in detail, but it was a man. At first I thought it was Dos, but I realized it was someone else." By then I knew we have to wrap it up. We were not alone in that house and apparently, they demand that we already leave. So we did.

It was still cold outside. Salee is now embraced in my arms terrified of what she'd seen. We walked the damp streets past the streetlight again towards home. But as we went farther and farther away from the damned place, the more I kept thinking of the man and the child. Were they related? Did they both die in that house? What could they possible want? They must have a story to tell.

We have heard stories like these ever since we have developed our imaginations. Are they real? I haven't seen one. But what happened last Sunday was an affirmation. It was my GF who saw it, right there when I'm around.

Maybe they do maybe they don't. You can never really tell until you've seen one...

Dear Hair

2007-06-20T20:08:00.000+08:00

OK. We're gonna give this another try but this time were hoping for the Zac Efron look. We almost nailed Ashton's if not for that dimwit faggot who trimmed you neat. Very well, grow hair grow.

(sori im so mababaw)

Twerp, It's 10pm

2007-06-13T21:36:00.000+08:00

I've been here at the office for 14 hours now. 8am to 10pm. Well let's deduct about an hour and 30 minutes of lunch time and yosi breaks. And when I do smoke, I stare blankly at the cloudy skies while I puff the burdens of stress away.

Carry me comfty clouds, carry me away to distant lands where the trees sway ethereal by the gentle whisks of the wind.

A light, I see a blinding light at the end of the tunnel...

Hoyyyyy!!!! Oh sorry I dozed off.

Here comes the majestic moon illuminating the purple night. I trace the stars as flickering rubies reflect radiance in my eyes...

Hoyyyyy!!!! Oh sorry I dozed off.

Its now 10pm and I'm still here. In about 10 hours I'll be here again. Worse, It's gonna be the same blog post tomorrow. I'm stressed, I have tons of work blah blah blah. I bore myself.

Anyway I have to go home now. See you tomorrow.

Citylights streamline the empty streets as I clench my jacket. It's a windy night. Exactly how my beleaguered soul feels at this very moment...

Hoyyyyy!!!! Uwi na Tristan!

Break On Through

2007-06-12T18:03:00.000+08:00

Alright! It's gonna be a wonderful day. "Good morning manong guard." I ate leftover spaghetti for breakfast, I hold hot coffee in my hand, I have my rasta bag wrapped around my shoulders and best of all.. I'm not late. Let me turn on my pc, sign in to yahoo mail, messenger, hotmail, analytics and of course friendster. I'll take sip... ahhh.. Now I'm ready for the day's work. Let me see where do I start.

Keywords:

Jeep Shock Absorber - 300 words
Jeep Release Bearing - 300 words
Saturn Spark Plug - 300 words
Saturn Rims- 300 words

Blogs:

Drivebling - 50 words w/ pictures
Escadillac - 50 words w/ pictures
EBC Brakes - 500 words

Company Project

Website Content - 450 words

Side Project

UK Office Furniture - 300 words
Ergonomic Office Chairs - 300 words
Computer Desks - 300 words
Office Desks - 300 words
Executive Office Furniture - 300 words

Ouch. What is this thing sticking out of my fingertips? Oh they're my veins! Haha how cute...

So you see I won't do any sensible blogging for quite some time. I have to earn a living.

Now, although my work makes me cry in my chair where everybody sees and thinks I'm crazy which pretty much is accepted already, I completely have no protest. It pays me to hurt my lumbar.

There you go. My daily life.

Blog Update: Voila! Nothing New

2007-06-07T12:52:00.000+08:00

Okay let me see...

I have not posted a thing for a week now...

What have I been up to...

Hmm...

Oh okay. I had been watching the NBA playoffs like a mother to her child. It's as if the Cleveland Cavaliers would stop playing right dead at halfcourt and say "Hey man, Tj Cafuir ain't watchin' the game, we screwed now playa!"

So there's me and ex-sports journalist Nathan. Believe me when I say that this guy knows his stuff. "Lebron's physique is most perfect for the number 2 position. Not too big for a shooting guard and blah blah blah."

Well its really hard to do some blogging if you got Lebron James kickin' rusty Piston ass. I really hate that team. Anyways, since the live feed of the playoffs are shown in the morning, all of us Leb-heads in our office can only be updated with the game stats via the yahoo sports webpage. Yeah, yahoo shows the latest updates with short sentences like "Foul on Billups" or "James makes 1st free throw" and refreshes every 3 minutes or so. Great. We were like, "oi lamang ng 2! Chong refresh mo, refresh mo!" Very nerdy.

So after a long day at work we all went to Gutson's near Metrowalk to catch the replay. Naturally you have to have a beer in one hand as the other is fist-clenched up in the air. Lebron James is like really Jordanesque. He reminds me of the playoff series of the Bulls vs. Detroit when Michael meets the Isiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer and blah blah blah...

Ok point established. I haven't done any writing at all. My feature article already gathered dust at the my documents folder. Beer and basketball is after all a man's weakness.

What now? Let me see. The Finals starts in a few days, I still have my savings to waste and there's cases of the "golden" Pilsen everywhere so there...

Voila, voila na nagawa...

(p.s. thanx Mikey for the pix)
(note to self: Na Spurs ka pumusta, talo Cavs dun)

Feature Writing

2007-05-31T08:22:00.000+08:00

I'm currently in the works of finishing an article about the call center lifestyle. Take it as a homage to the industry I was in before this. It may be shocking and controversial to say the most, but it would be pretty accurate. Also, I missed doing feature writing so this is sort of a practice for me. I think it would finished this week so stand by readers.

Any tips on feature writing?

Tj Cafuir

2007-05-30T17:00:00.000+08:00

I recently changed my blog url from tjisme.blogspot to tjcafuir.blogspot mainly because I want to see my name first page on top of the Google search results. Hey I'm self-centered. Another thing that bothers me is this... There is another TJ Cafuir on planet Earth.

Yes. I thought I'm the only one.. but no. A Friendster account secondly emerged with the name TJ Cafuir and guess what... it isn't mine.

This Tj is from Cavite. Where is that?

Now, I happen to remember what my aunt told us kids decades ago. "We have relatives in Cavite and they actually have a learning center named after our royal surname." Oh that's just great. Fine really. The thing is this "kabitenyong" TJ is older, meaning he got hold of the initials first and I'm just tail gaiting. Also, according to his profile, he is an aspiring surfer and surf photographer. Freaky as it may sound to me that we share the same interests as we also share the same name, I cannot deny the fact that we share the same blood.

Well there has to be a barrier. You rule Cavite, I rule the Blogosphere. That's the only way it should go. One TJ Cafuir in this world is disaster enough. And if ever you'll ever venture in this side of the Internet region, please don't name your blog TJ Cafuir. It would be too much for me to take.

I wish all the best in life TJ but let me tell you this. When it comes to surfing, brother, you can EAT MY CUTBACkS! Ahehe he...

Direct Hit

2007-05-29T08:36:00.000+08:00

Fallen On Deaf Ears
urbandub

hear me out
trying to talk to you
it’s not getting any easier
settle down.
Can’t seem to get through to you
Tension builds, we begin to fall apart
I think we’re better off apart.
Waste time with violence
This love/hate relations…

Would you wait?
While I’m trying to explain
We’re fighting again
Can you hear me?

Everyday it’s the same old thing with you
We’ve bruised up
We fight, then we make up
This shit is tiring.
We’re out of line
Is this ever gonna stop?
When will it ever be enough?

Waste time with violence
This love/hate relations
Can’t we see through the obvious?
We’re breaking down…

You can take this love to go
I’ve had enough of you
Things aren’t working out…

-------------------------------------
But bebe I believe in Us

I Am A Pirate

2007-05-25T10:04:00.001+08:00

"Thank goodness for that because if I wasn't, this'd probably never work."

My friends this is not fanaticism, it's Idolatry.

How accurate is Google Analytics? / Hello Lisbon!

2007-05-24T15:20:00.000+08:00

I, along with other million bloggers, use Google Analytics to track my blog page visitors and where they come from. Since its from the mogul Google (hey that rhymes), I have absolutely no second thoughts about the accuracy of its statistics. Never until now.

According to the map overlay, I have readers in Lisbon. Yes Lisbon, Portugal.

How can a web copywriter tucked in a small office in the heart of traffic central Shaw Blvd. have a reader in Southwest Europe? Comprehensible if you'd think maybe Blogspot admin is located or has a satellite office in Lisbon but no, they're in San Francisco. They couldn't have advertised my blog and told the Portuguese "hey this guy is nuts, check out his blog." My friends couldn't possibly caused it to happen, they can't read. All they do is stare. "Oh nice there's a picture of a surfer." And I'm dead sure tjisme.blogspot.com doesn't have a page rank, yet.

So this leaves me with two conclusions. One, analytics is showing me a big pile of steamy you know what or two, I really do have a steady reader in Lisbon. Someone somehow has accidentally clicked my url, stood on the rooftop edge of a 74 story building and shouted "Este tipo e prodigio! Faco o marcador de paginas o seu blog imediatamente e ler todas as suas palavras brilhantes ate o dia do juizo final. Saude!"

If the latter happens to be true, well great. That means I'm international now. If not, fine. I have readers in Kamuning!

WTF comes out of the Yuppie mouth?

2007-05-17T16:23:00.000+08:00

See I was given this herculean task to provide the content for our company's website. Me and my senior copywriter. Of course I put on my "A" game and took it SRSLY. After a few easy minutes I submitted my share of content for the "What we do" section. It was good. The copywriting gods may even have been delighted.

The project leader, the "Rising Internet Star" (search google for "the rising internet star") wanted me to do just a minor tweak on the content. "Make it more... a little yuppie".

Yuppie. I am a yuppie. My co-workers are yuppies. My drinking buds are yuppies. Jessica Alba's boobs are yuppies puppies yummies.

But how can I write a content using yuppie talk? If I use mine it'll be like, "We are a kick-ass company or "Dude your company sucks". "Yeah you know our company is like the best and yours is like really stupid and stuff".

I guess I've never been amidst the real yuppies, the ones that gulp cafe au lait and talk about the Ayalas and the Zobels. The ones that carry IBM Thinkpad laptops and drive Toyota Camrys. I've always admired them. I think they're vain, arrogant and self-centered. Exactly just like me. Only cheaper, way cheaper. I drink chilled Yakult, I talk about Capt. Jack Sparrow, I carry a terminal cellphone and I have great agility squishing myself against the MRT crowd. More of a yuckie than a yuppie.

But does this affluence really necessary in defining a person's growth and success? Shallow if you'll ask me, but then maybe it is. We live in a material world and we are a ma-material people. We survive on material things. It's ok to be material, just don't let it get the best of you.

Whatever the criteria is, it still is better to be yourself and show the world how wealthy you are, spirit and soul.

This entry is not a two-liner I suppose. Anyway it still is easy to sound "yuppie". It's always a good practice to resort to improvisation and creativity when writing a copy. And Heck. I'm the greatest web copywriter in the whole galaxy and I... am a yuppie.

As of the Sapping Moment...

2007-05-15T16:27:00.000+08:00

Wheeewwsshh! Argg... It's been a week since I last posted a post (posted a post.. I will not edit this to show you how drained I am). As of this time I finished three type 1 wikipedia articles and a 260-word entry on a corporate blog. Accumulatively I typed over 1800 words in the span of 7 hours. Slow, you think? Hey I was like that the whole time last week. Not even? Ok then..."Smithers release the houndz". Ahehe he.

Anyway forgive me dear reader if may not be the Goodyear mascot that I am today. I feel just a little grumpy because tomorrow I'm bound for more work. So I'll be on blog vacation for now but hopefully I could squeeze in a two-liner post once in a while.

I'll be submitting a qualifying article tomorrow. If ever my article gets to be selected by the bosses, I'll be part of a special copywriters unit. So please kiss my coin before I throw it into the well. Until then, see you soon!

I Live the Ultimate Life (again, not really)

2007-05-08T09:52:00.000+08:00

So how's weekend? Oh you all watched Spidey 3 huh.. Depressing right? Yeah I already watched it on opening day. Well actually I was in San Juan Surf Resort in La Union for the weekend, you know surfin' and just kicking it slow. We grilled fresh seafood and drank booze just after getting out of the surf. Just another weekend I thought as I watched from my longboard the cool local surfers chillin' as the sun begins to set. I love my life.

PLEASE READ THE COMMENT BELOW

Coolest Playlist Ever (not really)

2007-05-05T11:54:00.000+08:00

There can't possibly be a minute that I don't listen to music while working. Music inspires me. So just to share it with you here's some of the songs I routinely listen to.

my Get up and Kick Keyword Ass

Be Quiet and Drive – Deftones
Generator – Foo Fighters
People = Shit – Slipknot
Drag the Waters – Pantera
Cigaro – SOAD

my Eyes Closed Stress Relievers

Fake Plastic Trees – Radiohead
Last Goodbye – Jeff Buckley
Sleep All Day – Jason Mraz
Hero of the Day – Metallica
Spolarium – Imago

my I Miss My Girlfriend Lullabies

Kissing A Fool – Michael Buble
Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
You Were Meant for Me – Jewel
The Space Between – DMB
Walking After You – Foo Fighters

my Caribbean Island Daydream Playlist

What's My Number – Toots and the Maytals
Place Your Hands – Reef
Island In The Sun – Weezer
All Mixed Up – 311
One Drop – Bob Marley

There you go. I didn't include some favorites like Britney Spears' Sometimes and Vanessa Carlton's A Thousand Miles because they would massacre the coolness I exude. Oh *ucker, why did I mention this, ...., shit backspace won't work...C'mon keyboard, work dammit work! iamsocorny

TREASON: She must be Robotic!!!

2007-05-03T15:32:00.000+08:00

Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it... and when you do your eyes turn all white and your pupil starts to squirt corpuscle fluid. Let me post what I previously wrote here --> "I have to get used to writing, even if it clogs my veins from blood flow". My blood still is flowing but they come out of my eyes as tears.

Yes I am overreacting but seriously writing can get really stressful. Before you get your fingers do their dance on the keyboard, you have to like close your eyes, say a prayer and invoke the Nick Usborne in you. Now after staring at the ceiling for hours until they form arms and slap you in the face, you finally begin to write articles like you should be.

Its funny how some people just sit down in front of their computer and type the hours away. I mean c'mon its almost unfair, here I am stretching and yawning every two paragraphs I bat out and there she is smiling the Mona Lisa while rhythmically making keyboard noise. R U a freakin' robot dear? Hmmm.. may be she is a robot, maybe she transforms herself to a laptop and the keys just begin to type by themselves! Or better yet she can be a mutant!

Anyway, the girl I'm talking about is very talented, she's a literary major in La Salle so I'll make her an exemption. But as far as I know, as with every other copywriters around me, we dance to the inaudible tune of The Beatles' Twist and Shout whenever we stumble upon the so-called writer's block. It's really hard people.

No parting words this time. See you soon.

Oh there she is again, smiling like she's the Neo of copywriters.. well let me tell you this I am the one! Arggg my eyes...

Under Pressure

2007-04-24T13:39:00.000+08:00

Two Saturdays ago, I was just snorkeling the reefs of Puerto Galera. The Tuesday after that, I was snorkeling the abyss of deadlines, 500-word articles and fake identity. "Snap back to reality oh there goes gravity"... word. It's stress week at the office.

To top the burden list, big boss Marc gave us a side project. We were assigned to come up with a company brochure to be disseminated in an upcoming job fair somewhere sometime. Fairly easy I thought, if writing about vehicle exhaust systems won't sharpen your writing mind I don't know what else will. Anyways we had a brainstorming session with our group of copywriters and for the first 30 minutes we came up of taglines only geniuses can come up with. Taglines like "got beef?", "break on through to the other side" and "I.T. is good, all the time" came out like exorcised demons. Dammit, purol na mga utak.

Again that was a side project, a side dish. For the main course a delectable set of keywords are waiting for me to magnify their existence thru 500 words of whimsical copywriting. How am I suppose to write a 500-word wikipedia type article about automobile floor mats? Floor Mats. What is your profession? Tonight I dine in hell.

Psst don't tell. I am Josh Kellerman from Detroit, Michigan. I blog about custom ridez and pimped out bling bling automobilez in the hiphop community. So fresh so clean baby. I holla at my boyz and ladiez and feature chromed out wheels and hyper white lights and ultaviolet lenz. I know Snoop D-O-double G and I call Dwayne Wade my boy. My ebonics suck.

It was a stressful week. Fine by me really, I have to get used to writing, even if it clogs my veins from blood flow. Writing is a skill and in order for me to hone mine is to just write, write, write. I know I wasn't born Alighieri.

Well today is a new week. Deadlines were met and articles were written. Big boss chose our brochure (we finally got a sensible tagline) and Josh Kellerman still is fly. There's more struggles to come and I welcome them with open arms. Okay, not with open arms but hey they're welcome.

What is Web Marketing?

2007-04-18T13:49:00.000+08:00

IPSO FACTO

Basically, it is a component of E-Commerce >read: the buying or selling of good and services thru the Net. Fact is, there are 1,018,057,389 internet users around the globe and certainly that figure continues to arise. With this information, corporate eyes now target the www as new ground to establish their enterprise.

The market now is on-line and your store is your Website. Of course, as with any business venture, you would want your site to become popular and attract as many customers as possible and generate sales to the moon and back. Not only that, you would also want your site to estabish credibility in the internet community so that business will become stable and dependable. Simple as it may read you'd think money making has never been this easier, problem is, among the figures shown above, among the billions of users surfing the www, you're not the only one on the prowl.

TOP OF THE HEAP

If the store is your website then the Searh Engine is the mall. We all have used Google or Yahoo to search about everything. Books, tshirts, hotel accomodations, cars, music, everything. From rocking chairs to rockets. there's no need to empasize on extensiveness.

Now let's say you own a book store and you have a website for online purchases. Now, a particular browser is looking for books by Mitch Albom and does a search on google. The potential customer types "Mitch Albom books" on the search field, guess how many results came about, 1,060,000. One of those sites containg the search keywords is yours, the question is, what are the chances of that visitor to click your site and possibly do a purchase? Yes, i heard you.

CREATIVES AS WEAPONS

It is a fact that web users usually visit those sites that are listed at least within the top 5 of the search results, which means you've got to get into the that list. That's what we call Page Ranking. And yes, websites wage war just to be on top. How do you it? You use creatives.

Content is King - your site interface should contain strategically constructed words and phrases plain and simple yet effective.
Visuals - adds aesthetic value to the website not to mention popularity
Links - a certain website would not need charades for publicity, all it needs are affiliates that will directly or indirectly promote your site
Keyword Rich in HTML - make sure that you add semantically-related keywords in HTML as individuals differ in keyword usage

It may easy to rank in search engines but believe me, there is more to what the eye can see. Many companies tried to market their website on their own but only availed little success. Again there is war out there, you will need professional help. SEO specialists (search engine optimization), Web Copywriters, Web Designers, Programmers are all hired by successful website owners.

THE MARKET OF THE FUTURE

Although Search Engine Marketing is relevantly new in the Philippines, it is certain that this industry will be the next big thing in marketing in no time. As businesses turn to the internet to expand their brands and services it is better gain knowledge in the optimization of search engines now. Feel free to contact the author about any inquiries about Web Marketing.

goodbye, hello

2007-04-12T17:00:00.000+08:00

so i bid adieu to Sykes, me home for over a year. gone are the days when i sleep under my station beside the cpu, dreaming of a far away land where i am king of cool as the processor fan hums it sweet buzz to my ears. i miss the freakin' place. the building, the elevator, the panel doors, everything. but ultimately what i really do miss, is the people.

people that i hate, people that i love. and the people that i dont give a f*ck about.

i've stayed with them for this long. and now it's time to disappear. i leave an enigma.

of course as with the closing of doors you also open new ones. i like what's on the other side. finally a job that suits me. web copywriter for now, marketing tycoon in the future. as i look at the horizon i shall never forget the adventures that i had along the way. experience is the greatest teacher. i have learned well. all the words of the wise we read will only make real sense once you've experienced it.

so on with the adventures i say. keep 'em coming. as i am confident in the victory, everyday is WAR.

a new blog is born

2007-04-10T16:37:00.000+08:00

my new home . i look back . smile . onward i move .