Something more- one soothing relief from greeks bearing gifts

Heard this one on the radio last weekend and figured to share it. Here's the chart topping song Something more from Secondhand Serenade.

With their more upbeat album "Hear me out now" released early this year, John Vesely and the guys is slowly ripping up the airwaves worldwide and gaining 2 thumbs up from sound critics everywhere! 

The lyrics packs the punch and the beat is somewhat refreshing to the ears. Tune in to the  audio  stream below from Youtube.com and you'll be enthralled  to one new experience. Enjoy!

Something More
Secondhand Serenade


I lie awake again, my bodies feeling paralysed
I can’t remember when
I didn’t live through this disguise
The words you said to me
They couldn’t set me free

I'm stuck here in this life i didn’t ask for
There must be something more,
Do we know what we’re fighting for?
Breathe in breathe out

And all these masks we wore
We never knew what we had in store
Breathe in breathe out

The storm is rolling in
The thunders loud it hurts my ears

Im paying for my sins
And its gunna rain for years and years

I fooled everyone and now what will i become?
I have to start this over
I have to start this over

There must be something more,
Do we know what we’re fighting for?
Breathe in breathe out

And all these masks we wore
We never knew what we had in store
Breathe in breathe out

I fooled everyone and now what will i become?
I have to start this over
I have to start this over

There must be something more,
Do we know what we’re fighting for?
Breathe in breathe out

And all these masks we wore
We never knew what we had in store
Breathe in breathe out
There must be something more
Breathe in breathe out
There must be something more

 

Message in a Bottle

The day has come indeed for Hassidic Jewish Reggae: Matisyahu

Heard Matisyahu featuring Akon- One Day playing on the radio, while dozing off my hot Sunday afternoon by the seafront and man my ears perked up to this new sound, which seemed to me was a combination of reggae, a pint of electronica/ hip-hop on an enhanced no woman, no cry format. The blend of beats is quite catchy and the lyrics come poetic.

I've learned that this was the soundtrack of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver that put the limelight on Matisyahu to an even broader audience with positive respond.

Figured to do a background check to get a glimpse of the artist and I was kind of surprised to have come across Matisyahu and the new line of genre he represents - which is Hassidic Jewish Reggae by the way or the blending of traditional Jewish themes with that of reggae beats. (Ever seen a Rabbi-looking guy groove?) Matisyahu embraced his music but incorporated his forte- adding hip-hop and rock, raising his music a notch higher.

As I got hold of his Album 'Light' off from his 2009 release, I felt a bit awkward of his other songs but eventually my ears inched a liking to the chill outs: We will walk, Eccentric beat lined- Escape, Motivate and Thunder to name a few.

Treat your ears to an exotic experience! Tick the Youtube video below for Matisyahu ft. Akon's One Day or simply listen to this blog's mixpod, it's already on.

Message in a Bottle

Breaking yet another worldwide feat- Cebu Dancing Inmates performs in Michael Jackson's historical- This is it Release!

Cebu City, Philippines- The world set its eyes again upon the most unusual, yet dazzling performers which took the world (via Youtube) by storm- The phenomenal "Dancing Inmates" of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center. (CPDRC)

Practicing dancing as a form of disciplinary exercise, these felons and convicts proved that they're not only in the lot for change but also with the groove- hitting the coolo'meter with their algorithm moves through various mediums, with Michael Jackson hits being the favorite.

This time around, they were treated with a visit by Michael Jackson's long time choreographer Travis Payne along with renowned dancers- Daniel Celebre and Dres Reid for a collaboration performance with Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT.

Check out the Youtube video below and judge the cons yourselves. Mabuhay!

Message in a Bottle

Hoobastank- Still remains to be the question

Figured to share this post- a really cool one from Hoobastank- Running away. Check out the hard hittin' lyrics and ice cool video below. Cheers for the taking!

Running Away
Hoobastank

I don't want you to give it all up
And leave your own life collecting dust
And I don't want you to feel sorry for me
You never gave us a chance to be
And I don't need you to be by my side
To tell me that everything's alright
I just wanted you to tell me the truth
You know I'd do that for you

So why are you running away?
Why are you running away?

Cause I did enough to show you that I
Was willing to give and sacrifice
And I was the one who was lifting you up
When you thought your life had had enough
And when I get close, you turn away
There's nothing that I can do or say
So now I need you to tell me the truth
You know I'd do that for you

So why are you running away?
Why are you running away?

Is it me, is it you
Nothing that I can do
To make you change your mind
Is it me, is it you
Nothing that I can do
Is it a waste of time?
Is it me, is it you
Nothing that I can do
To make you change your mind

So why are you running away?
Why are you running away?
...What is it I've got to say...

So why are you running away?
...To make you admit you're afraid...
Why are you running away?

Message in a Bottle

Maguindanao Massacre- Proof of clamped press freedom in the Philippines

I'd like to convey my respects to the brave men and women from the media- who has to sadly lose their lives in seek of truth in a political turmoil that has blown out of proportions. The 30 who were not only killed but butchered on a hillside road in Ampatuan, Maguindanao is another eye opener of the worsening situation here in the Philippines- Jesus Christ we have capped off Iraq and earned the reputation as the most dangerous country on earth for journalists!

For the nth time, media practioners should not be entwined with agendas and must not be harmed for they are the "chroniclers". A hapless event such as this must not go about off the hook because it clearly defines that the country (as with the past killings) is now run with powerful hoodlums in robes; whom will never stop silencing media critics, SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH IT...

This blow to Press Freedom in the country brings the tally to 134 deaths of media men murdered since the tug of war for democracy in 1986 with a lot of cases still unsolved; with deaths blamed on political warlords who control the police and the justice arm within their realms- all hell bent to preserve their seats and are useful for political patrons as they bring in "the votes" for political parties. In the Arroyo administration alone, the number is already 74 and rising...?

When news broke out of the massacre- the whole world was virtually shocked and a lot of protests and condemnations issued, candles lit and protest rallies staged in honor of the lives lost in what's been dubbed as the worst attack in the world against media practitioners.

Unprecedented as it may seem, this reputation is a stern reflection that needs immediate action not only for the ones in power but for everyone... unless of course we Filipinos are contented to live with shame in the eyes of the world...

Message in a Bottle

More than just fireflies- Synthpop Owl City

Figured to share my latest eavesdrop in the music scene recently- Fireflies from American synthpop- group Owl City. Just saw their video on Myx Philippines hitcharts and saw myself mesmerized by the tune. Got a grip with the group's debut album Ocean Eyes (with Fireflies boarding the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 # 1 singles) and some of the hot finds with lyrical beats includes: "Hot air Balloon," "Cave in" and another personal favorite: "The technicolor Phase".

Owl City with front man Adam Young really bring out a taste of influences, that i can make out a pinch of euro-electronic music, a dash of new wave, alternative and attacking disco in their beats- overall making their touch of sound clinging to the ears.

Check out the lyrics and Youtube-mpeg below of "Fireflies" and hear the layback effect. Fireflies by the way is now tops in the US and Canadian hit charts and is also the most downloaded song on iTunes in the US. Laud!

Fireflies
Owl City

You would not believe your eyes
If ten million fireflies lit up the world as I fell asleep
'Cause they'd fill the open air
And leave teardrops everywhere
You'd think me rude but I would just stand and stare

Chorus:
I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems

'Cause I'd get a thousand hugs from ten thousand lightning bugs
As they tried to teach me how to dance
A foxtrot above my head
A sock hop beneath my bed
A disco ball is just hanging by a thread

[Repeat Chorus:]

When I fall asleep leave my door open just a crack
[ Owl City Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
(Please take me away from here)
'Cause I feel like such an insomniac
(Please take me away from here)
Why do I tire of counting sheep
(Please take me away from here)
When I'm far too tired to fall asleep

To ten million fireflies
I'm weird 'cause I hate goodbyes
I got misty eyes as they said farewell
But I'll know where several are
If my dreams get real bizarre
'Cause I saved a few and I keep them in a jar

[Repeat Chorus:] (2x)

(I fall asleep)
I'd like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
Because my dreams are bursting at the seams

Message in a Bottle

Trees

I think that I shall only see
Warm and dark waters rushing angrily for me;

Catastrophe will come, upon whose hungry mouth will be fed,
Heaps of mud and garbage, in a roaring rage;

Aghast and all mad to lash back at sleeping innocents,
Fast as lightning, feeding death off Gaia’s breast;

Now I’ll never guess which time of the year is summer;
Feels like hell freezes over, by the last sunrise of the winter chill.

When it rains it truly pours, then come famine where families lay by mercy’s crackling…
At dawn come new age disease and pestilence;

Lungs all clogged with boils, souls cry for help with hunger;
Like toy soldiers, each one falls down…

Barren wastelands now slowly creeping;
An inch everyday, quenching the thirst of the devil.

Humans are the sentinels, sentient beings busy with everyday living.
Poems are made by fools like you and me,

But when will we ever learn?
Instead of groveling, we need to plant thee...

Still the choice remains, given by his grace and knowledge;
Only God can make a tree…

Message in a Bottle

Proverbs in conflict - the A and B side of everything

Proverbs are short pithy household sayings that have been handed down from generation to generation. They express truth in common sense and hit practical precepts.

I remembered to have read a book back in high school about these comical- conflicting advice, figured to share this post to get your take and maybe apply these wise words (whichever suits you) on your everyday dealings. Read on.

Actions speak louder than words.
but
The pen is mightier than the sword...

The more, the merrier.
but
Two's company; three's a crowd...

Opposites attract.
but
Birds of a feather flock together...

Great minds think alike.
but
Fools seldom differ...

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
but
Out of sight, out of mind...

The bigger, the better.
but
The best things come in small packages...

Money Talks.
but
Talk is cheap...

Clothes make the man.
but
Don't judge a book by its cover...

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.
but
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth...

A silent man is a wise one.
but
A man without words is a man without thoughts...

Knowledge is power.
but
Ignorance is bliss...

Two heads are better than one.
but
If you want something done right, do it yourself...

Too many cooks spoil the broth.
but
Two heads are better than one...

What will be, will be.
but
Life is what you make it...

Better to ask the way than to go astray.
but
Ask no questions and hear no lies...

Never do evil, that good may come of it.
but
The end justifies the means...

Cross your bridges when you come to them.
but
Forewarned is forearmed...

The only constant is change.
but
The more things change, the more they stay the same...

Variety is the spice of life.
but
Don't change horses in the middle of a stream...

What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
but
One man's meat is another man's poison...

With age comes wisdom.
but
Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings come all wise sayings...

It's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.
but
The nail that sticks out gets hammered...

The best things in life are free.
but
You get what you pay for...

It never rains, than it pours.
but
Lightning never strikes twice in the same place...

Everything comes to him who waits.
but
He who hesitates is lost...

Never too old to learn.
but
You can't teach an old dog new tricks...

Practice makes a man perfect.
but
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy...

Message in a Bottle

The Halyard Shanty - Hym of the Jolly Roger

Ready for starboard, to the mast, raise the dark flag and bid,

Riches and death need not be stained as it sweeps over the wave;
Empty hand the deck, our guns be in raise; the scimitar bared;
Sharpen swords and cannons be tilted ready, roll the balls to me,
Save the treasure, the sinister of my duties; to guard the key;

Never be lowered, the black flag we hold dear;
If the sea be denied us, we’ll just cut through the air;
Unshared will we leave our victory’s fiend,
Diana’s cool summers, the smell of the rose;
I claim not a portion, but I’ll ask what is mine
‘Tis time to toast to a victory, a cup of red wine.
Some fight ‘tis for riches, some fight ‘tis for fame;
The first I despise, and the last is a name.

I fight ‘tis for love, I long to see flow,
To the stroke of my sword, the limb of my foe;
I strike for the memory of long gone years;
I only shed blood whilst the other shed tears,
I come, as the lightning comes swift from above,
Over the face that I loathe, to the battle; aid my love.

Pray I may be cut at the back, but oh before I go…
Keep your fifteen men and your dead man’s chest;

While we drink up me ‘earties yoho…




Message in a Bottle

A gap in the balance: 3 libras- A Perfect Circle

Discovered 3 Libras from A Perfect Circle and the tune and lyrics certainly give the kick! Certainly a breather for the lost and incognito- romantic.

Check out the lyrics and the Youtube video below:


3 Libras

A Perfect Circle

Threw you the obvious, and you flew
With it on your back
A name in your recollection
Down among a million same.

Difficult not to feel a little bit
Disappointed and passed over
When I've looked right through
to see you naked but oblivious
And you don't.. see.. me

But I threw you the obvious,
Just to see if there's more behind the eyes
of a fallen angel,
Eyes of a tragedy

Here I am expecting just a little bit
Too much from the wounded
But I see,
See through it all, see through..
And see you.

Cause I threw you the obvious
to see what occurs behind the
Eyes of a fallen angel
Eyes of a tragedy

Oh well, oh well..
Apparently nothing.
Apparently nothing at all.

You don't, you don't, you don't see me
You don't, you don't, you don't see me
You don't, you don't, you don't see me
You don't, you don't, you don't see me

You don't see me
You don't... you don't
You don't see me at all

Message in a Bottle

Dreamcatcher

O dreamcatcher, do cleave it swift;
O dreamcatcher, the evening speaks.
O dreamcatcher, on this bed I lay;
O dreamcatcher, the sandman may envy.
O dreamcatcher, capture his dust,
As I close these weary eyes to end the day's demise...

Veil of memories, may they cover my eyes...
Dreams ill conjure, may I come to carve them and spit;
In your strands, the sands of time seeps...

When I run to the light; hear soothing music.
See applaud and gleaming faces, relieves my heart with feelings true,
Comforting hugs or a precious kiss where it may be a due,
Every step I take, snagging me to a growing window.

Prongs of memories I may live and let die,
Promise of success in valor, lest life's simple pleasures;
May they make me come clean, for each candle that burns,
I know I'll tread bitter waters or savor luxurious wines.

Like broken straws they may lie in wait, tonight underneath the spoils of my pillows...

Message in a Bottle

This is my promise: David Cook- Come back to me

Another inspiring tune from David Cook. "Come back to me" gives relevance to the afflicted and hurting...


Come Back to Me

David Cook

You say you gotta go and find yourself
You say that you're becoming someone else
Don't recognize the face in the mirror
Looking back at you

You say you're leavin
As you look away
I know theres really nothin left to say
Just know i'm here
Whenever you need me
I'll wait for you

So i'll let you go
I'll set you free
And when you see what you need to see
When you find you come back to me

Take your time i wont go anywhere
Picture you with the wind in your hair
I'll keep your things right where you left them
I'll be here for you

Oh and i'll let you go
I'll set you free
And when you see what you need to see
When you find you come back to me

And i hope you find everything that you need
I'll be right here waiting to see
You find you come back to me

I can't get close if your not there
I can't get inside if theres no soul to bear
I can't fix you i can't save you
Its something you have to do

So i'll let you go
I'll set you free
And when you see what you need to see
When you find you come back to me
Come back to me
So i'll let you go
I'll set you free
And when you see what you need to see
When you find you come back to me

And i hope you find everything that you need
I'll be right here waiting to see
You find you come back to me

When you find you come back to me
When you find you come back to me
When you find you come back to me

Message in a Bottle

A surge of emotion: David Cook's Permanent

One song from David Cook that moved me is "Permanent." Truly one good song to reflect and be inspired from.

Check out the lyrics and Youtube video below, featuring his American Idol 2009- Finale night performance.


Permanent
David Cook

Is this the moment where I look you in the eye?
Forgive my broken promise that you’ll never see me cry
And everything, it will surely change even if I tell you I won’t go away today

Will you think that you’re all alone
When no one’s there to hold your hand?
And all you know seems so far away and everything is temporary rest your head
I'm permanent

I know he’s living in hell every single day
And so I ask oh God is there some way for me to take his place
And when they say it’s all touch and go I wish I could make it go away
But still you say

Will you think that you’re all alone
When no one’s there to hold your hand?
When all you know seems so far away and everything is temporary, rest your head
I’m permanent
I’m permanent

Is this the moment where I look you in the eye?
Forgive my promise that you’ll never see me cry...

Message in a Bottle

More to lose: Chris Daughtry's version of Poker Face!

Chris Daughtry's version to the popsicle "Poker Face" rocks. The lyrics certainly come out and loop the message inside that rock head of yours. A combination of mush, crap and emotions will rendezvous in a rush.

Chris definitely has stolen this song and added with his enthrall- totally made it his own! Check out the lyrics and Youtube video below:

Poker Face
Chris Daughtry

I wanna hold em' like they do in texas plays
Fold em', let em' hit me, baby stay with me
Luck and intuition, play the cards with spades to start
And after she's been hooked I'll play the one that's on her heart

Oh, o-o-oh oh, o-o-o-o-o-oh
I'll get her hot, show her what I've got
(2x)

Can't read my, can't read my
No you can't read my poker face
(2x)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(2x)

I wanna roll with her, a hard pair we will be
A little gambling is fun when you're with me
Russian roulette is not the same without a gun
And baby when it's love, if its not rough it isn't fun

Oh, o-o-oh oh, o-o-o-o-o-oh
I'll get her hot, show her what I've got
(2x)

Can't read my, can't read my
No you can't read my poker face
(2x)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(4x)

Can't read my, can't read my
No you can't read my poker face
(4x)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(4x)

Message in a Bottle

The Idol

Tonight, not again...

Beneath those glittering lights...
When the veils are up...
Cast a face with all these people...

The songs i'll sing, will come mystical to these innocents; as if all a belying victim to the devil; all trapped lambs for the butcher.

Tonight, not again...
I'll drown my sorrows in the incense of liquor cocktails...
Savor the scent of women, whose laughter and company, a relief for the yoke;
then live each moment for only tonight...

I'll mutter pleasantries again, in malignant conversations with whom the twist of my tongue means cancer...
Then laughter... the best kept reprise for this hollow drifting log.

Tonight, not again...
I'll become someone who I know I'm not...

Jasmin Uy

Message in a Bottle

Of tongues and usurpers

It's not at all true sometimes;
perceptions conceived by the playful mind;
Succumbing to cancer,
words though fly a million miles...

Hidden behind the veil
Is a crack at the knife...
A drapery of acts;
A share of a thought or two;
All at the tip of a drummer boy's stick...

Plagued by the locust swarm...
Ran on over the edge amidst watchful eyes;
Happy smiles that turn red,
Prowling in the shadows...
Dull blades bent on infecting havoc in the back,
Lurking behind sweet conversations in front...

Claimants simply listen;
Let loose the bolt to hasten the quasar of words;
Untie the knot to let everything pass unnoticed...

Playing along with the scheme;
Rolling the dice for the poker of retribution,
Of which will come sweet...

Usurpers lead on;
Unaware that claimants knew;
Culminates a grin, along with every clue...

Someday, perhaps...
When everything has died down;
Knitting father time;
Until then, should the dove perch;
Lest the truth be told...
Usurper tongues should be gripped in an Atlantean hold...

Jasmin Uy

Message in a Bottle

Cutting- edge mobile marketing campaign platform tool for business and enterprises to be launched in beta!

Hongkong- Marketing and advertising nowadays can be done via mobile phone! Presenting TMS Factory, the newest self-service mobile platform for business and enterprises will be soft launched in beta this coming February 08, 2009 online. It is the newest innovation with the aim for the quick, easy access and distribution of marketing materials such as enterprise ads, promos, product information, interactive coupons, rewards and discounts and other promo contents to the desired audience via mobile phones minus the costs and hassles!

Now enterprises will gain a broad reach with their desired campaign areas at a touch of a button- with even worldwide distribution at half the cost!

TheTMSway Ltd. Developer of TMS Factory (www.tmsfactory.com), enabled the platform tool with a variety of functions such as: a library of retailer templates, email marketing, barcode technology and SMS banner services to raise the bar of marketing and advertising in an untraditional and user friendly manner.

“We’re thinking that in this market recession period, providing a platform to create and distribute mobile coupons from anywhere and accessible anytime really makes the cut” David Jacka TMS co- founder quips.

“With the product, mobile pains will be eliminated making mobile marketing easy and accessible to everyone. But we are continuing to make TMS Factory even faster, more robust and with more options. We’re now working on the version 2 with more libraries, more services and more analysis via TMS Analytic.” TMS co-founder Frederick Saurat added.

TMS Factory is very easy to use and can be customized according to the user’s preference and needs. Using the said application will not require professional IT development skills. All that a user simply needs to do is just ‘drag and drop’ desired items and tools needed in the planned campaign and send it.

1D and 2D barcodes (QR, Datamatrix and EZ) along with the TMS media widgets associated on the platform allows a cross media access to mobile campaign. This way enterprises will gain instant visibility thru emails, web, print media, social networks and TV.

Last September 2008, TMS Factory mobile platform was launched in alpha and met success at the TechCrunch50 Conference held at San Francisco California, USA.

The platform’s beta launching online this coming Sunday is also highly anticipated as it paves the way for enterprises to minimize costs in marketing and advertising campaigns while enhancing their capability to reach a broad spectrum of consumers.

TMS Factory with official website: www.tmsfactory.com will soon open to serve both local and international markets and as an opening salvo, great deals and big discounts await the first 500 clients that sign up.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About TheTMSway Ltd.

TheTMSway Ltd. is a mobile tools and applications development company with the goals of reinventing and bridging the world’s businesses and media with the billions of digital consumers.

With headquarters in Hongkong and the Philippines, TMSway Ltd. is the first company in Asia to revolutionize a cutting-edge ‘media- to- mobile’ platform that’s fully integrated with mobile applications and pull direct marketing concepts for the mobilization of product information and services, entertainment, advertising and media.

The company provides diverse mobile solutions using the worldwide SMS services, 1D and 2D barcodes technology and TMS codes solution to maximize media and advertising dissemination.



Contact Details:

TheTMSway Ltd – IT Headquarters (M. Media Corporation)
4/F Pag-ibig Corp. Tower
Mindanao Ave. Cebu Business Park
Cebu City, Philippines 6000
Tel: 6332 232 8922
Email: luida@thetmsway.com

TheTMSway Ltd. – Hongkong
5/F On Lan Centre
11-15 On Lan Street, Central, Hongkong

Contact Person:

Luida Cabataña
PR and Communications
Tel. 6332 232 8922
Email: luida@thetmsway.com

To know more about TMS Factory and other exciting products, read:

IMB Social Application

TMS Factory- The Evolution

Message in a Bottle

Writing Exercise 46- Wordplay

This one's from Mark:

Visit http://wordsmith.org/anagram/ and enter your full name to generate a list of anagrams. Now choose one of the anagram results as your title and use it as an inspiration for a poem, short story, or essay. Word count should not exceed 350 words.

Read my piece taken from my anagram below:

Am Van Jig Root

Am Van Jig Root, the fabled root of the south
Is most sought after by men for it’s favored broth
Just a sip or two from its boiled stock, is like mana from heaven
And will leave you with a bull’s rage

An aphrodisiac to some, the most effective cure to others
Such revered is this herb, lest it could only be a myth
For no one has seen it…

In stories of the old, of legends and folklore;
You’ll need to climb mountains and dare deep crevasses to prune it, exactly at the sun set.
Legend has it that if you do have gotten hold of one, you must never take your eyes off from it;
Lest the moment you let it out of your sight, It will vanish to thin air.

Many have tried to find the Am Van Jig Root
Rich and poor, young and old alike;
Some on horses and mules, others on monstrous machines,
They bring plows and wonderful tools;

Gallant looking they are at first as they took on the mountains;
One minute proud, but weary cord tired faces at the last.

Once a foolish youth did the inevitable, the herb he tried to find;
A drunkard’s challenge, by the village inn;
Out of folly and merriment, a bet out of too many a sip
To the bartender he made a truce
Such is the lot, he drank whilst he did not paid;

He made the journey one dawn’s crisp air,
With nothing but himself along, which was too drunk to even care
He looked back to see peregrine cold faces,
As he took the strides...

Days went by, with no news of his travel
Without a mumble, heads bowed thinking it was failure;

Then came a dawn after a hundred suns
The boy did return, now a ruggedly clothed old man
With a grin he gave, to the awe agape bartender; the herb

How he did it, A secret that beats the hell out of you and me
But one thing I will do share... that old man here is me…

Message in a Bottle

Writing Exercise- Strictly Dialogue

This dialogue exercise evolved from a previous one by Luida. It involves writing something that is made up ENTIRELY OF DIALOGUE, but in short story form (NOT MORE than 350 words). That means, you absolutely CANNOT adapt the format of a play (e.g. JUAN: Good morning...). Also, you absolutely CANNOT use speech modifiers (e.g. ...said Juan, Juan said...).

Your piece should be made up entirely of sentences in quotation marks. And your piece must reveal something about the characters, the setting and the conflict/plot only through dialogue. A tip: One way to distinguish each character is to make them sound unique in their lines of dialogue, that way your reader won’t be confused who’s saying what.

Below is my piece, about soldiers trapped in a war.

Defeat and Malaria
(341 words)

“Get up soldier, for Christ’s sake, gather your remaining strengths and belt the enemy until the last round of your ammos!”

“I’d surely fight any day with you sarge, but this damn fever’s creeping in my gut. I’m getting weak with every passing minute, here.. aghh… Do you see my fuckin’ hands? God I’m too damn weak to even raise my rifle… slim chance support will get here. It’s all hopeless sarge, better to be holed up in this damn trench than be butchered above.”

“Do you hear yourself saying that soldier? I can shoot you here right now for uttering that… You used to be a ruthless soldier George, who’ll never think twice to fuck up fear into the enemy’s gut…. think soldier, how many battles we’ve won for home, sure as hell I am not gonna go down here without a fight!... Sam... Go up there and man the machine gun!, Damn mortar rounds are now dropping and the skinnies are inching us by the left flank…Don’t just stand there, maybe this’ll make you… I am not gonna think twice to shoot soldier, so do as you’re ordered!”

“Sarge… Aghh… Sergeant Buck! We’re all gonna die here, I’m telling ya…fighting this stupid war that’s not even ours to fight... we’ve been herded to the slaughter.”

“Get a hold of yourself soldier and fight, support’s gonna be here any minute now so we’ll have to hang on tight.”

“Really sorry sir, but ill just be here and wait for my time as with the others…We’re a brigade when we came here…now we’re reduced to a handful…The enemy was not even upon us then… Aghhh…stupid fever’s eating us one by one…”

“Goddamit soldier, don’t make me shoot you! Do as I say or ill have your head on a platter!”

“This is madness sarge…might as well shoot you to get through your fuckin’ brick head…give me a reason to shoot you… I just want to die in peace, can’t you see that? now go and leave me here to die... please…”

Message in a Bottle

Writing Exercise- Personality sketch in 200 words

Imagine a life cut short into 750-1500 words. This is a writing technique called the personality sketch, which is commonly used for feature writing in paperbacks but has gained popularity in more mainstream media such as newspapers, magazines, periodicals, etc. Here’s an example of a special section published in the New York Times featuring the lives of people who died during the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Choose a person that you know (or create one using your imagination) and write a glimpse of his or her life, personality, idiosyncrasies, etc. Personality sketches usually use anecdotes, direct quotations, physical description, etc., but for the purpose of this writing activity, we can be more “creative” or “imaginative.” Write as you please, and introduce us to that person in no less than 200 words. :P

Below is my piece about a local musician's alterno life.


Julian Sev

Julian was a musician by the core, living and struggling in daylight at a local fast food chain and traversing the now diminishing city bars at night.

For years the downside of the local music industry has gotten into his thoughts and that earning a lump sum from it is always impossible. Sometimes he earns and sometimes he won’t, still he shrugs off that it’s another day to live by.

A musician’s life here in Cebu is uncertain, that he knows now, for no matter how hard he tries and just how focused he is, it’s always a struggle. The next best thing he thought his band could do is to move to Manila and gamble their chances for a break there.

“He’s always spending his time with his band after work and come home drunk on late nights. He just doesn’t have time for us anymore; I think he already has forgotten his duties with our children! I heard he has a relationship with some woman he met after a gig and that he’s now into drugs. That I don’t know if I’ll believe or not. It’s his stupid belief that someday his music will get him and his band far, but the way I see it all their efforts are in vain. It may even be a miracle if we’ll have a decent meal tonight.” His wife Sheree sobs.

Before the band, Julian Sev in his mid- 20’s and a father of 2 great kids, used to be just a reminiscent young man, an engineer by profession and an idealistic family man who always maintain a balance between his hectic schedule of work and quality time. His life made a 360 degree turn when he started a band along with Ernest and Neil. They took on the local music scene thinking that they’ll get somewhere…

Message in a Bottle