I Gasp

Dear Mark Zuckerberg,

Please write a check amounting to PhP 50,000,000.00 payable to me for the emotional stress caused by a photo posted on facebook of a place from my past. I am distraught that there is no prevent-photos-of-places-that-cause-nausea-inducing-nostalgia-to-appear-in- my-window application available in your networking site.


It stressed me out so much, I missed a party today. Meaning, I spent two hours of dress rehearsals for nothing. My friends can download at least four HQ one hour-long porn with that amount of time. I could have spent that two hours driving to SM Rosales for a takoyaki take away, stay inside the Giordano shop for 45 minutes to ogle at their handsome staff and on my way back drop by the palengke for a kilo of lansones.

I believe that this application should have been a priority of your company. This oversight on your part must be addressed immediately, hopefully over the next banking day (but if there’s a Western Union in Palo Alto, I believe they are open on Sundays).

Otherwise, please send a handsome shrink who’s a citizen of a country that allows gay marriage to come and see me.

Gasping still,

Bryan


For the last time, at least in writing, farewell port of Moresby.

Farewell to the Moresby Chapter (Half Year Late)

Salutations!

In case no one has mentioned to you yet, very few OCW Filipinos working or who use to work in Port Moresby had the chance for a sneak peek of what's the place is like. For most of us, if the experience is a speech, POM (or Port Moresby, the only other acronym that will be spasmodically part of your vocabulary while you are in PNG)was delivered before us impromptu, right there and then at the Jackson's.

Since you failed to mention the duration of your first try of la vida POM, I am assuming, based on your queries that it was a quick stab, but interestingly long enough and appreciative enough to be weighing up these issues this far. Truth is, I'm writing this for a personal reason. I'm sorry, but there are Pinoys who by virtue of their almost permanence of residence boast enough credibilty to address your queries. I only have five years to prop my bragging rights (if there should be one). This is then is my official thank you to the people of Port Moresby in case I failed to express gratitude when it was due.

It would be great to see the city once again.

Edgar, I don't want you to think that this rant is not worth a red cent so I'll tell you this: POM is not your hell yet. It pays to remember that angels lurk everywhere.

I wish you the best of luck.

Bryan Anthony


Reply to:

Dear Kababayans,

Greetings!

I am about to embark on a newly chosen life to work and live at PoM. I have just accepted an offer to work with Steamships Trading Company. Prior to finally accepting the job offer, I have joined this group to make a "feel" on how my kababayans in PNG (in general) communicate with each other. I have reviewed much of the messages posted by the group's members, exchanges of opinions, etc and found that although there was not so many messages being posted by members, at least it showed that there indeed exists a community spirit.

Using the groups' experiences and local knowledge, I would like to seek info on the following:

- security in general (my employer will provide housing and transpo)
- for a flat to live alone with Two bedrooms (at least), how much on the average will I spend for utilities monthly? My off hours will be spent watching TV, movies, and using my laptop (chatting and all).
- Living alone intending to prepare breakfast and dinner, how much is to be spent for food monthly?
- I have visited PoM on the request of my employer to see the place last july and was shown to places like the location of the phil embassy, supermarkets, major roads, etc. and saw some of my kababayans. Is there a usual hang-out for the pinoy community?.. . restaurant, deli shops, padala centre, etc?
- is it advisable that I open an account with a bank with branch at PoM (ANZ?) for a more convenient way to transact fund transfers to banks in Manila?
- items I will need to bring with me which is considered expensive at PoM? My employer will furnish my accommodation with basic furnishings (stove, fridge, sofa, dining table/chair, bed (no linen), curtain). Employer will cover additional 20kg excess baggage by the way.

For good-hearted individuals willing to provide any info and chooses to communicate directly, I will be glad if they do so. Any info and ideas will be taken objectively and with much appreciation.

Yours truly,

Edgar San Diego Jusay

Dear Sibling

Dear sibling,

How have you been spending your first pay? I say spend it all on something lavish and I’ll answer for the rest of your expenses until your next wage.

I can only assume how you feel about the board examination result. I am not happy of course. I am not sad either. I understand.

I rang up the night before day-1 of the examinations. We went on and on cracking old jokes. Then you mustered your courage to tell manong Bry that someone broke your heart—your first time.

I can tell as you blether hate, anger and hope that you’re in a flat spin. I can feel through each sob, you’re smashed to smithereens.

Your phone line's end is flooded with tears.

You tried haplessly to put into words your pain.

You told me it’s unfair and then asked me why?

Hey, you didn’t tell me there’s someone there to cause all these in the first place.

No sibling, I don’t grasp it no more than you do. Love is messy. Sorry, but that’s the best I can come up with. At any rate Manong will be here to help at every turn.

Sibling, hang on there. The raining and pouring shall end.



I’ll remain,

Manong Bry

Papa

It's been a while, what...three years?

I'm not sure if i'd make it to heaven... but if i'm refused entry, i guess we can meet up in a bar somewhere next to the gate and catch up on old times over a few bottles of San Mig.

I miss you dad. Happy fathers' day.

Bryan Anthony

Mama Day

Mama,

There'll never be a woman like you in my life.

I love you ma.

Bryan Stars



"A mother is a mother still, The holiest thing alive."

Samuel Taylor Coleridge