Demonio: A Short Story
Hello everyone! I hope you've all been doing well lately. Have you been eating your meals? Make sure to take care of yourself and have proper meals! Even brunch is okay, as long as you make sure to fill that stomach of yours and get the energy you need to seize the day ✨
Wow, we're pretty much past halfway through October! Time really does fly by, even for someone like me who's still on my extended break after graduating high school. I'll definitely whip up a "life update" blog entry before the year ends to explain why. I think the situation I'm in right now is rather peculiar and worth sharing LOLOLOL 😆
But I digress. If you have scrolled down a little, you would most likely encounter a blog post
containing a short story called Oceanarium, which was my September entry for the monthly writing challenge Indigo hosts over at Spaceships, Vampires, and Very Secret Agents. Anyways, for the record, it may be worth mentioning that I'd love to make this regular thing for as long as I can lol. Not only is this challenge good writing practice for me, but it's also something I find therapeutic when I'm stuck in one of my unproductive episodes ❤ Here's the blog post with this month's details for anyone who wants to give it a shot (and I encourage you to do so!) On a side note, I'm pleasantly surprised by how long this entry turned out to be LOLOL
In the fittingly spoopy spirit of October, this month's theme is "Halloween"! Let me get this out of the way before you read though; I mayyy have taken some liberties with the theme and set my story in a different (maybe-related) holiday, but definitely still related to souls and the dead—
both of which are quite Halloween-y elements. I do hope you guys will accept my tweak 😅 With that said, please enjoy my attempt to commemorate the souls of the lost.
"Ugh." A peculiar Creature perches on a tombstone, its back hunched and expression scrunched. The sun was starting to dip below the horizon, illuminating the clouds' undersides with a soft amber glow. Varying headstones, crosses, and altars of stone and marble cast a welter of long shadows on the weedy path. The cemetery itself was neither chilly nor humid; a cool air rested between the stone, wildflowers, and soil as an elegant, eerie sullenness enveloped the tombs.
It was Día de los Muertos, the day of the dead, and the overgrown cemetery was void of families and rowdy children to build little altars filled with marigolds and sentimental tchotchkes for the departed souls of the bodies that lay in their graves.
"To be fair," the Creature muttered, "this cementerio has been abandoned for nearly a century now." It shuffled its position on the tombstone, and decided that the slab of rock was an uncomfortable roost as it stood up with a grunt. "But Dios mío, I have been abandoned along with this place!" The peculiar Creature, in a fit of misery, started to trample the poor, unassuming weeds under its feet.
As it was occupied with stomping on the overgrowth like a madman, the rusty cemetery gates pleadingly creaked open. A noise like nails scraping on chalkboards echoed through the tombs. The Creature snapped to attention, sharply turning its intent gaze towards the long-undisturbed ingress of the graveyard. From the entryway stepped a youthful girl, her eyes cautiously examining the unearthly locale. She was conservatively clad in religious habit, her garb and veil a dark monochrome. With a soft footing, she makes her way through patches of tall grass and weeds as she continues to scrutinize the area with guarded eyes.
"Oy!" The Creature called out— though what compelled it to do so was beyond understanding. The young girl stopped cold on her tracks, clutching the small cross that hung from her neck then staying completely still, but her eyes were obviously flitting around to find the source of the beckoning. "Over here niñita," the peculiar Creature called out once more. "Can you see me?"
The girl finally laid eyes on the peculiar entity, unsure whether to run away or cry for help. She clears her dry throat and manages a whisper. "Are you a demonio?"
"Sure, whatever. Espíritu, demonio, it doesn't matter." The Creature sighed. "I am the keeper of these grounds, and you are the first human to visit in decades." And the wanderer is a nun no less, the Creature thought. What a nice surprise. "What brings you here?"
The girl assumed a calm demeanor, and she straightened her posture to look directly at the Creature. "I— uh," she stammers, fidgeting with her silver crucifix. "I was gathering flowers for the Día de los Muertos mass. I lost my way through the woods."
The peculiar Creature was finally able to take a good look at the visitor. She possessed a petite stature, as seem by how her tunic and scapular drapes breezily on her frame. A white coif rests beneath her black veil, concealing her hair. The sleeves of her garment were wide and flowing, from which her dainty hands peeked out, grasping her pendant. A wicker basket of marigolds was situated on the crook of her elbow.
Since when were convents allowed to let in girls this young? Times really have passed, the Creature brooded. "You know, it's quite ironic how you— a member of a religious order whose purpose is to guide lost souls— are lost yourself," it jested, approaching the girl.
"You need to shut up, demon," the young nun grumbled, throwing it a fistful of marigolds from her harvest, which simply fell limply at the Creature's feet. "You can't hurt me."
The peculiar Creature couldn't help but let out a chortle from the valiant attempt. "That's rich," it said between laughs, wiping away a metaphorical tear. "Oh man, your breed has gotten feistier!" After that fit, the Creature heaved and picked up the golden flowers at his feet. "But thanks for these. I honestly can't remember when I've seen these flowers last. Do you mind?" The Creature motioned towards the row of graves beside them, and the nun politely stepped back, allowing it to lay a flower on the base of each headstone.
The nun watched intently, her curiosity piqued by the Creature's actions, raised a brow. "So, what exactly are you?"
"What do you think?"
"A demonio."
It shrugged. "Okay, sure. What's a nun's business here with a demon like me?"
"Wondering why you're not taking my soul yet," the girl briskly said. "And don't, by the way. I may as well have you exorcised." After a short pause, she addressed the Creature again. "Why are you in a forgotten cemetery?"
It ignored her comments. "You seem to be unafraid of me, niñita. Well, I won't be taking your soul— that's not my job. I merely bring the departed to the next step in the cycle."
"Purgatory?"
"You're a nun. Shouldn't you know about what comes after death?"
Exasperated, the girl pressed a finger to her temple. "Look, whatever you are, one thing's for sure— you're crazy. Would you please just help me find my way?"
The Creature laughs. "In the centuries of my existence, this is a first for me! A nun asks a demon for favors." It stood still for a few moments, thinking about its situation. The Creature found the nun to be rather haughty and irritable, but on the other hand, it's still company— something it has not experienced during the lonely years of solitary duty. "Alright then, not like I have a choice. I wouldn't want flowers on my feet again, would I?" With a smug grin, it began amble through the maze of graves.
In response, the nun rolled her eyes and snorted as she trailed the Creature. "Oh please. You just may be the loneliest demonio I'll ever encounter in my life. I almost pity you."
"Big talk from someone who's asking for directions," it snickered. "You know for a member of a convent, you're pretty badmouthed."
"Well sorry," she scoffed. "My family shipped me away to straighten me up, but you can see how great it's turning out. You're not the only evil walking here." The girl kicked a pebble from her path. "I got my demons. You know how that feels?"
The Creature shrugged. "I am one. Is that supposed to be insulting?"
"I'm trying to be serious here," the nun girl scowled. "My parents don't want me, and I have no friends. I feel so alone, like you won't even understand." She starts to pluck off the petals of one flower in her basket.
The Creature, however, completely understood what the young girl felt because it was in the same situation— almost a century of wandering through the remnants of almost-forgotten people and memories; though it has ventured these paths countless times, the Creature felt like a lost soul himself, looking for a better future. A thin silence enveloped the two souls, lost in their own way, and masked only by the rustling sounds of foliage that came from underfoot. "I do know," it finally whispered. "Feeling alone, it makes one feel almost helpless. You are right," the Creature smiled, though behind this expression is a weakened fortitude, a bitter longing for what once was. "I may be the loneliest demon you ever will see. So then, tell me about yourself."
The girl pursed her lips. "Well, basically I was set up to marry this absolute sleaze of a man, but I was being mistreated. My parents said I'd either act happy and save face or be sent away."
"I can guess with certainty the decision you made."
She laughed. "Yeah. In all seriousness, this man is disgusting— not a day passes without a new cut or bruise on me. What a stinker he was," the girl recalled. "I was determined to escape, and I knew that this is better than what I was subject to in his hands. What about you, do you have a tale to tell?"
The Creature gave it some thought before speaking. "There used to be families visiting here. Lots of them, every year for Día de los Muertos," it slowly began to recount. "It used to be lively. The souls from the departed, I'd bring them here sometimes when their family is around. But it's been years— the departed have moved forward, and the families have forgotten."
"I have not slept a wink," it continued. "I have no respite. I cannot eat nor sleep like your kind does, for I do not have use for such activities. In the confines of this cemetery, where I have roamed for years, I am somehow lost."
The young nun let out a deep whistle and gave the Creature an empathetic look. "Whew, seems rough."
It smiled. "I envy you somehow. In the face of trouble, you paved your way out; you knew what you had to do. You may have lost your way, but you have a place to go back to. I wish I had that."
After the short, heartfelt exchange, the two continued to walk in a much more comfortable silence. Soon, a metal gate emerged from the outskirts a little beyond the worn altars and headstones. The Creature and the nun both padded through the grass wordlessly.
"Here we are," it said as the pair stopped by the rusting cast-iron gates. "If memory serves me correctly, a town should be some ways through this path; from there I trust you can find your own way?" The Creature inquired.
The girl nods, smiling wide. "Yes. I sincerely thank you— I wouldn't have made it through if it weren't for your help. Who would've thought though; a nun and a demon," she remarked, giggling. "Oh yes, before I leave, please take these as a token of my appreciation." The girl takes a handful of marigolds from her basket and held it out for the Creature.
It appreciated the gesture, but did not take them. "Thank you, but there's no need really. The graves here are mere symbols to remember the departed— but there is no one left to remember them anyway."
"Oh, just take it you!" The nun pushes the flowers onto the Creature. "Though marigolds tend to be for grieving loved ones, it's also known for other meanings," she explains. "Like the beauty and warmth of the rising sun. A new beginning maybe; a beacon for lost souls. Maybe someday you won't lose your way anymore, and I'll pray that one day you'll find your strength and purpose again."
The Creature couldn't help but let out a smile. "Well then, I look forward to you finding your way here again soon?"
"Every year," she laughed. "As long as you don't get too lost."
With that short exchange of goodbyes, the nun closed the tired gates behind her and off she went, her black ensemble fluttering behind her as the wicker basket of golden blossoms bounced in her arm. The Creature, marigolds in its palms, watched the nun disappear through the woods. With a new hope, it begins counting the days until the next Día de los Muertos; it may be the day of the dead, but for the Creature it will become the day he finds his way.
Labels: SVMWC
Concerts (And Enjoying It Alone)
Hello everyone, how's it going? I do hope that life's been treating you well. Have you been staying hydrated? Remember to drink water often, even if you're not doing anything physically taxing 😊
I went to a concert last Saturday, and *pterodactyl screeching* is the only fitting reaction I could give to encapsulate my emotions. I am beside myself with a motley of feelings that I never want to forget, so I decided to document my thoughts in a blog entry! That aside, I hope that if people out there are preparing to attend their first concerts, this post can provide insights for you guys to be able to live out your fullest First Concert Experience™ 😉
The concert I went to was the Manila leg of Mayday Parade's tour for the 10th anniversary of A Lesson In Romantics (their first album). This wasn't really the first concert I've ever attended— I've seen a couple of groups live (like when I saw Hillsong last year lol). Though the thing is, in all these events I'm either with a parent or with my church friends. This Mayday Parade concert is the first one I've attended unchaperoned, so I'd like to technically consider this experience my real initiation into the concert scene LOLOLOL.
First things first, hunting down a friend to accompany me was harder than I thought it'd be. When I caught wind of Mayday Parade's tour, I was quick to let all my potential concert mates know about it! Unfortunately, I do not know a lot of people with the same taste in music as I, so my search was quickly over when all responded negative.
Still, that is not enough to thwart my plans lol. Concert mate or no, I was determined to see Mayday Parade, so I got a VIP standing ticket for 3000 pesos (that's around $60 or £45) which— by the way— is a bargain considering how concerts are way too pricy in the Philippines (´Д` )
Alright, now allow me to fast forward a few months, to the day of the concert ✨ This'll be my first piece of advice to future concert attendees: come early. Like, really early. The details from the poster said that doors to the event will open at 6 pm, so I decided to come three hours earlier in hopes of getting dibs on the best spots in the venue. I was wayy off lol. When I got there (and confident that I'm early too, mind you), the line was already so long. I had no points of reference to size up how long the line really is, but trust me— it was already doing zig-zags, so I'm almost definitely positive that if anything, that's a lot of people.
The three hours on the line may be one of the longest waits I remember experiencing in my life. When I was doing my own research on concert-going tips, many blogs mentioned talking to the people in line with you, and I really think that if you could strike up a conversation with them then that'd be pretty swell. Except, I wasn't able to do that because I'm a socially awkward twat. The girls in front of me were obviously close friends talking about their personal business, so I found it difficult to break the ice. Behind me was this lovey giggly couple, and I definitely did not want to do any third wheeling LOL. So in the end, I resigned to using my mobile data and hit up my friends online as I loitered for three hours. Moral of the anecdote: definitely bring a charger or power bank for some extra juice.
At around 6 pm, we were finally allowed to enter the concert hall. My heart was pounding a mile a minute at this point 💖 This is when you'll be glad you went early— since my ticket was for VIP Standing, there aren't any reserved seats so you gotta reach the front first and stake out your desired position LOLOLOLOL. My waiting definitely paid off, since I was able to stand on the front lines of the barricades 😁 (that sounded like a war narrative for a second. Whoops)
A couple more hours of waiting ensued, and at this point the hype cannot be contained. When the sound-tech men came onstage to do their job, the crowd was howling. And they weren't even the actual band yet lol. Though when the house lights suddenly went out, it was literally pandemonium in there: hysterical fans all pushing, jumping, and fist pumping towards the air. You can feel the excitement buzz through everyone, then finally the spotlight goes on with the music and you see the band members on stage and UGH. You can feel the night finally truly begin.
Let me tell you something— once you've experienced screaming singing along to songs as the artist/band performs live onstage, it's hard going back to just muttering lyrics under your breath on your daily commutes. The wild crowd surrounding you aren't strangers anymore; they're your kin. When these people seem to be screaming the lyrics with as much love for the music as you, concerts really feel like homes for kindred souls.
It's one of the best feelings in the world. Physically, I was uncomfortable— everyone's a little sweaty and packed wayy too closely to each other, my feet hurt, and my voice was starting to get real hoarse because of my scream-singing. But inside, I knew I wanted to be here with the hundreds (potentially thousands) of people who gathered here because of an appreciation for a band's meaningful songs. I felt like I belonged there, and that was an amazing sensation.
One thing I noticed is that there were a lot of people taking videos of the performance, and I really want to address this somehow. Nothing wrong with recording concert performances per se (as long as it's allowed of course), but I would heavily advise anyone and everyone to not record the whole performance because it won't be fun. After all, you paid good money to see them live! I really think that the selling point of concerts is the experience 😊 And besides, half the time I am willing to bet that phone recordings of concerts are shaky and low quality anyway.
In retrospect, I really did have a fun time; in fact, more than I expected I would! At first, I really did think that going alone wouldn't be so fun because I have no one to fangirl with, but when you think about it, you'll be in a room full of fellow enthusiasts who share your love for a certain artist. And everyone is there in the concert to have a good time, so why shouldn't you? Thus, I also want to extend this piece of advice: don't be afraid to venture concerts by yourself! Yeah, I think safety is the main concern when doing this, but when you're pretty sure that the area is secure and well-guarded, I think you'll be fine. You'll be surprised by the great memories you'll form, even if your concert experience was sans friend ✨ What matters is that you have the time of your life with like-minded people ❤️
I could literally go on and on about this, but I think I'll cut this blog entry here lol. Point is, I had a great concert experience, and if you've been thinking of attending one then here's your call to action. Get that concert ticket. Take in the experience— feel the blasting music, the tightly packed crowd, and the beating of your heart as you let the drums, guitars, basses, and vocals wash over you and take you to a faraway land (at least, until the concert ends).
Oceanarium: A Rambling Narration of Self-Rediscovery
Hello everyone! Wow, I don't think I've ever posted on my blog this frequently before lol. Lately, I've been getting back into my
~blogging zone~ and am really excited to bring some life back into this space ❤
I've recently landed upon
Spaceships, Vampires, and Very Secret Agents, a blog run by Andrea, and she's hosting a monthly writing challenge which I found rather interesting. It seems like a great way to wake up dormant creative juices and channel my energy into something productive, and thus I have decided to give it a shot and participate! I'm glad I was able to (somehow) finish before the extended deadline lol. Here is a
link to the original post for those who want to check it out :) I urge you to try it sometime, I had a lot of fun writing this story and perhaps you guys may find it entertaining as well 😄
The current theme is "school", so I tried to think outside the box lol. Without further ado, I present to you, dear reader, my botched attempt at a short story.
I cannot believe what just happened.
Today is Saturday, and I am supposed to go on a date. My phone says it's now 6 pm, which is definitely beyond the 4 pm meeting time we agreed upon. The afternoon sun has set. Street lamps start flickering on across the street. I can feel the stares of the people on me, and I can almost hear what they're thinking— she's been standing there for two hours now, she's probably got lots of time on her hands to be loitering on the streets instead of contributing to society, or even worse, poor kid, she's got no friends. We were supposed to go to the oceanarium together. Why, I'm even wearing my nicer pair of jeans for today's occasion. But no, how does this even happen? I have been stood up.
Nevertheless, I am determined not to squander the rest of my evening and return home to lounge in sweatpants. I've sworn that insipid life off after I moved out from my parents to pursue university. I enter the oceanarium— headstrong, walking tall. The spitting image of an independent woman. I purchase an entrance ticket for one from the counter, and no I was not stood up, thank you.
I shuffled past the turnstiles, and started to make my way to the underwater tunnels. Once I stepped inside, I couldn't help but hold my breathe from sheer wonder. What a sight it was to behold— a softly curving tunnel of glass through which I could see, for lack of better word,
everything. Schools of fish swimming across the waters above my head. Jellyfish whose stingers flow like a mermaid's hair. Majestically hued parrot fish, in all their rainbow glory. A family of seahorses, with the baby seahorse dancing around its parents.
The floor reflected dancing light from the moving waters. The tunnel itself was slightly chilly and dimly lit, the only other thing illuminating the area coming from sparkling rope lights lining the edges of the deep blue floor. The crowed has mostly thinned out now, and only a handful of families and couples litter the tunnel. What usually was a place filled with screaming children and conversation was now a quiet observatory where I could wallow in peace and marine life.
I start to make my way through the winding path, now and then taking time to stop and admire the marine life thriving over my head. A school of herring darted past me. I couldn't help but let out a sigh. At least the herring belonged somewhere.
"Look over there, it's a lot of fish!" A young boy tugs on his mother's arm and points at the herrings I saw. "I learned yesterday that fish swim in schools to find food!"
I continued to listen as the young boy goes on explaining what science class has taught him. I decided not to correct him that he defined
shoaling, a different behavior displayed by fish because who am I to spoil his joy? I need not victimize people due to my misery.
University life sucks. Even if everyone is there to pursue a passion, discrimination still exists within the ranks of students. I'd like to see moving into the big city and getting an education as something to be proud of, but my social life has been abysmal. I'm not smart enough for the smart kids. I'm not cool enough for the cool kids. I'm not ordinary enough to blend with the crowd. I stick out like a sore thumb.
I'm just a regular marine biology student in a big university. I love studying water animals. And apparently, that makes me unapproachable. A lone surgeonfish stares at me. "You'll find your school too someday," I can imagine it say. I smiled, giving the glass a light tap.
"Do you think I'll find a group I'd belong to like the herrings?" I ask.
The surgeonfish's stare bores into my soul, its little fins moving slightly from the current.
I sigh. "I just want to belong, sir surgeonfish. Don't you want to as well?"
Dang, I must be going crazy— talking to a creature that looks like it came from Finding Nemo. I stare at it for a while longer. I wonder if its aquatic mind can understand my sentiments. I did my best impression of an elderly hermit fish character. "It's our nature to swim in groups. I'll be fine. We all belong somewhere."
I resume speaking with my normal voice. "You're right. I am the master of my domain, for fate is unknowable. Eventually, we will both find a school to belong to. Thank you, wise elder."
As if on cue, the little shard of blue and yellow swims away. I can't help but feel a sense of comfort wash over me. If nobody wants to be my friend now, maybe someday somebody will; a fish out of water like myself can find her school— a group to belong to.
With a newfound sense of hope and strength, I began to walk towards the tunnel's exit and left the oceanarium, where I was greeted by a sea of people and an ocean of possibilities.
Labels: SVMWC
The Sunday Currently, Vol. 1
Hello hello everybody! How're you all doing?
How's your dog/cat/fish/nonhuman companion? I do hope that everyone is having a tolerable existence today ✨
Ever since the last blog entry I posted, I have done absolutely nothing productive. I did go to Taiwan for a trip with my mother and some friends from church, and let me tell you— my feet and wallet both hurt afterwards lololol. It was a great destination nevertheless. The night markets are THE best places to get lost in though; wandering around bustling streets filled with the wafting scent of mouthwatering food and great bargains at almost midnight is the most intoxicatingly amazing sensation ヾ(o✪ ▽ ✪o)ｼ
I've also been stalking old friends and teachers from school lately shh don't tell them, and I happened to come across my previous teacher's blog. She had this post from wayyy back in 2015 entitled "Sunday Currently". With that said, The Sunday Currently is a trend that started with Lauren's blog Siddathornton, and soon became a thread where bloggers could share what they were up to at the moment.
I think this is a nice little thing I could join in and do as well, it seems like a fun meditative activity to appreciate the little things that usually go unnoticed *(^_^)* Without further ado, here's the first volume of my Sunday Currently~
Reading: Haruki Murakami's 1Q84! I just flipped past the 200-page mark of this behemoth of fiction, and am loving it so far! I always find it fascinating when a book juggles multiple narrators who lead different stories that would eventually intertwine. This is actually the first Murakami book I decided to pick up, and I'm now falling in love with this piece of art ❤️
Writing: This blog entry. But aside from that, I'm (attempting) to write a musical from down up as well. Nothing special, it's just a fun passion project :>
Listening: to the whirring electric fan beside me and my neighbors' loud karaoke session. But past that background noise, I'm currently listening to For The Damaged Coda by Blonde Redheads, otherwise known as Evil Morty's theme song. Rick and Morty's season 3 finale comes out tomorrow, and this is how I'm keeping my wild obsession at bay 'til then. UGH you guys, I have so many thoughts about how the finale would play out
Thinking: about how kind the guy from the music store who re-strung my viola strings is. He even changed my bridge and made my bow seem like new, so I feel bad that I wasn't able to pay him enough :(
Smelling: nothing in particular. But a while ago, the faint scent of this night's dinner lingered from the kitchen, which definitely made me hungry
Wishing: for a faster internet connection please. And for the person I like to stop ignoring me. Also for a way to get rid of my belly fat. Sigh
Hoping: that I can score high on my IELTS, since I just took the test. It wasn't particularly difficult, but the good student in me will not let me live down an unsatisfactory score. Oh, and also hoping that the new Steven Universe episode will come out soon. Crewniverse, your fans (myself included) have been waiting with bated breath
Wearing: a white button-down polo with tiny black polka dots and a pair of black leggings. I was too lazy to change into more comfortable lounging apparel once I got home lol
Loving: Ben Platt, Will Roland, and the rest of the Dear Evan Hansen cast. Bless them, my precious babies
Wanting: a choker, like what all the 90s scene kids used to wear. Like, I know some people consider it a fashion faux pas, but dang I never got to jump into the choker trend, and lately I've been having the strongest desire to sport one
Needing: a friend to talk to. Man, being home alone with no one to judge if I've worn the same pajamas for two days is amazing for the most part, but I'm seriously starting to miss seeing my high school friends everyday
Feeling: a bit tired from the IELTS, a bit sad because I'm a lonely twat, satisfied with the hearty dinner I had, and extremely hyped for R&M's season finale. I'm a regular ball of emotions ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Clicking: or rather, tapping and using Snapachat on my phone. Ever since my friends went to university, I've been keeping an eye on the Stories tab so that I can have a glimpse of their daily life, which is definitely not creepy and stalker-ish in any way
Labels: sunday currently
Demonio: A Short Story
Hello everyone! I hope you've all been doing well lately. Have you been eating your meals? Make sure to take care of yourself and have proper meals! Even brunch is okay, as long as you make sure to fill that stomach of yours and get the energy you need to seize the day ✨
Wow, we're pretty much past halfway through October! Time really does fly by, even for someone like me who's still on my extended break after graduating high school. I'll definitely whip up a "life update" blog entry before the year ends to explain why. I think the situation I'm in right now is rather peculiar and worth sharing LOLOLOL 😆
But I digress. If you have scrolled down a little, you would most likely encounter a blog post
containing a short story called Oceanarium, which was my September entry for the monthly writing challenge Indigo hosts over at Spaceships, Vampires, and Very Secret Agents. Anyways, for the record, it may be worth mentioning that I'd love to make this regular thing for as long as I can lol. Not only is this challenge good writing practice for me, but it's also something I find therapeutic when I'm stuck in one of my unproductive episodes ❤ Here's the blog post with this month's details for anyone who wants to give it a shot (and I encourage you to do so!) On a side note, I'm pleasantly surprised by how long this entry turned out to be LOLOL
In the fittingly spoopy spirit of October, this month's theme is "Halloween"! Let me get this out of the way before you read though; I mayyy have taken some liberties with the theme and set my story in a different (maybe-related) holiday, but definitely still related to souls and the dead—
both of which are quite Halloween-y elements. I do hope you guys will accept my tweak 😅 With that said, please enjoy my attempt to commemorate the souls of the lost.
"Ugh." A peculiar Creature perches on a tombstone, its back hunched and expression scrunched. The sun was starting to dip below the horizon, illuminating the clouds' undersides with a soft amber glow. Varying headstones, crosses, and altars of stone and marble cast a welter of long shadows on the weedy path. The cemetery itself was neither chilly nor humid; a cool air rested between the stone, wildflowers, and soil as an elegant, eerie sullenness enveloped the tombs.
It was Día de los Muertos, the day of the dead, and the overgrown cemetery was void of families and rowdy children to build little altars filled with marigolds and sentimental tchotchkes for the departed souls of the bodies that lay in their graves.
"To be fair," the Creature muttered, "this cementerio has been abandoned for nearly a century now." It shuffled its position on the tombstone, and decided that the slab of rock was an uncomfortable roost as it stood up with a grunt. "But Dios mío, I have been abandoned along with this place!" The peculiar Creature, in a fit of misery, started to trample the poor, unassuming weeds under its feet.
As it was occupied with stomping on the overgrowth like a madman, the rusty cemetery gates pleadingly creaked open. A noise like nails scraping on chalkboards echoed through the tombs. The Creature snapped to attention, sharply turning its intent gaze towards the long-undisturbed ingress of the graveyard. From the entryway stepped a youthful girl, her eyes cautiously examining the unearthly locale. She was conservatively clad in religious habit, her garb and veil a dark monochrome. With a soft footing, she makes her way through patches of tall grass and weeds as she continues to scrutinize the area with guarded eyes.
"Oy!" The Creature called out— though what compelled it to do so was beyond understanding. The young girl stopped cold on her tracks, clutching the small cross that hung from her neck then staying completely still, but her eyes were obviously flitting around to find the source of the beckoning. "Over here niñita," the peculiar Creature called out once more. "Can you see me?"
The girl finally laid eyes on the peculiar entity, unsure whether to run away or cry for help. She clears her dry throat and manages a whisper. "Are you a demonio?"
"Sure, whatever. Espíritu, demonio, it doesn't matter." The Creature sighed. "I am the keeper of these grounds, and you are the first human to visit in decades." And the wanderer is a nun no less, the Creature thought. What a nice surprise. "What brings you here?"
The girl assumed a calm demeanor, and she straightened her posture to look directly at the Creature. "I— uh," she stammers, fidgeting with her silver crucifix. "I was gathering flowers for the Día de los Muertos mass. I lost my way through the woods."
The peculiar Creature was finally able to take a good look at the visitor. She possessed a petite stature, as seem by how her tunic and scapular drapes breezily on her frame. A white coif rests beneath her black veil, concealing her hair. The sleeves of her garment were wide and flowing, from which her dainty hands peeked out, grasping her pendant. A wicker basket of marigolds was situated on the crook of her elbow.
Since when were convents allowed to let in girls this young? Times really have passed, the Creature brooded. "You know, it's quite ironic how you— a member of a religious order whose purpose is to guide lost souls— are lost yourself," it jested, approaching the girl.
"You need to shut up, demon," the young nun grumbled, throwing it a fistful of marigolds from her harvest, which simply fell limply at the Creature's feet. "You can't hurt me."
The peculiar Creature couldn't help but let out a chortle from the valiant attempt. "That's rich," it said between laughs, wiping away a metaphorical tear. "Oh man, your breed has gotten feistier!" After that fit, the Creature heaved and picked up the golden flowers at his feet. "But thanks for these. I honestly can't remember when I've seen these flowers last. Do you mind?" The Creature motioned towards the row of graves beside them, and the nun politely stepped back, allowing it to lay a flower on the base of each headstone.
The nun watched intently, her curiosity piqued by the Creature's actions, raised a brow. "So, what exactly are you?"
"What do you think?"
"A demonio."
It shrugged. "Okay, sure. What's a nun's business here with a demon like me?"
"Wondering why you're not taking my soul yet," the girl briskly said. "And don't, by the way. I may as well have you exorcised." After a short pause, she addressed the Creature again. "Why are you in a forgotten cemetery?"
It ignored her comments. "You seem to be unafraid of me, niñita. Well, I won't be taking your soul— that's not my job. I merely bring the departed to the next step in the cycle."
"Purgatory?"
"You're a nun. Shouldn't you know about what comes after death?"
Exasperated, the girl pressed a finger to her temple. "Look, whatever you are, one thing's for sure— you're crazy. Would you please just help me find my way?"
The Creature laughs. "In the centuries of my existence, this is a first for me! A nun asks a demon for favors." It stood still for a few moments, thinking about its situation. The Creature found the nun to be rather haughty and irritable, but on the other hand, it's still company— something it has not experienced during the lonely years of solitary duty. "Alright then, not like I have a choice. I wouldn't want flowers on my feet again, would I?" With a smug grin, it began amble through the maze of graves.
In response, the nun rolled her eyes and snorted as she trailed the Creature. "Oh please. You just may be the loneliest demonio I'll ever encounter in my life. I almost pity you."
"Big talk from someone who's asking for directions," it snickered. "You know for a member of a convent, you're pretty badmouthed."
"Well sorry," she scoffed. "My family shipped me away to straighten me up, but you can see how great it's turning out. You're not the only evil walking here." The girl kicked a pebble from her path. "I got my demons. You know how that feels?"
The Creature shrugged. "I am one. Is that supposed to be insulting?"
"I'm trying to be serious here," the nun girl scowled. "My parents don't want me, and I have no friends. I feel so alone, like you won't even understand." She starts to pluck off the petals of one flower in her basket.
The Creature, however, completely understood what the young girl felt because it was in the same situation— almost a century of wandering through the remnants of almost-forgotten people and memories; though it has ventured these paths countless times, the Creature felt like a lost soul himself, looking for a better future. A thin silence enveloped the two souls, lost in their own way, and masked only by the rustling sounds of foliage that came from underfoot. "I do know," it finally whispered. "Feeling alone, it makes one feel almost helpless. You are right," the Creature smiled, though behind this expression is a weakened fortitude, a bitter longing for what once was. "I may be the loneliest demon you ever will see. So then, tell me about yourself."
The girl pursed her lips. "Well, basically I was set up to marry this absolute sleaze of a man, but I was being mistreated. My parents said I'd either act happy and save face or be sent away."
"I can guess with certainty the decision you made."
She laughed. "Yeah. In all seriousness, this man is disgusting— not a day passes without a new cut or bruise on me. What a stinker he was," the girl recalled. "I was determined to escape, and I knew that this is better than what I was subject to in his hands. What about you, do you have a tale to tell?"
The Creature gave it some thought before speaking. "There used to be families visiting here. Lots of them, every year for Día de los Muertos," it slowly began to recount. "It used to be lively. The souls from the departed, I'd bring them here sometimes when their family is around. But it's been years— the departed have moved forward, and the families have forgotten."
"I have not slept a wink," it continued. "I have no respite. I cannot eat nor sleep like your kind does, for I do not have use for such activities. In the confines of this cemetery, where I have roamed for years, I am somehow lost."
The young nun let out a deep whistle and gave the Creature an empathetic look. "Whew, seems rough."
It smiled. "I envy you somehow. In the face of trouble, you paved your way out; you knew what you had to do. You may have lost your way, but you have a place to go back to. I wish I had that."
After the short, heartfelt exchange, the two continued to walk in a much more comfortable silence. Soon, a metal gate emerged from the outskirts a little beyond the worn altars and headstones. The Creature and the nun both padded through the grass wordlessly.
"Here we are," it said as the pair stopped by the rusting cast-iron gates. "If memory serves me correctly, a town should be some ways through this path; from there I trust you can find your own way?" The Creature inquired.
The girl nods, smiling wide. "Yes. I sincerely thank you— I wouldn't have made it through if it weren't for your help. Who would've thought though; a nun and a demon," she remarked, giggling. "Oh yes, before I leave, please take these as a token of my appreciation." The girl takes a handful of marigolds from her basket and held it out for the Creature.
It appreciated the gesture, but did not take them. "Thank you, but there's no need really. The graves here are mere symbols to remember the departed— but there is no one left to remember them anyway."
"Oh, just take it you!" The nun pushes the flowers onto the Creature. "Though marigolds tend to be for grieving loved ones, it's also known for other meanings," she explains. "Like the beauty and warmth of the rising sun. A new beginning maybe; a beacon for lost souls. Maybe someday you won't lose your way anymore, and I'll pray that one day you'll find your strength and purpose again."
The Creature couldn't help but let out a smile. "Well then, I look forward to you finding your way here again soon?"
"Every year," she laughed. "As long as you don't get too lost."
With that short exchange of goodbyes, the nun closed the tired gates behind her and off she went, her black ensemble fluttering behind her as the wicker basket of golden blossoms bounced in her arm. The Creature, marigolds in its palms, watched the nun disappear through the woods. With a new hope, it begins counting the days until the next Día de los Muertos; it may be the day of the dead, but for the Creature it will become the day he finds his way.
Labels: SVMWC
Concerts (And Enjoying It Alone)
Hello everyone, how's it going? I do hope that life's been treating you well. Have you been staying hydrated? Remember to drink water often, even if you're not doing anything physically taxing 😊
I went to a concert last Saturday, and *pterodactyl screeching* is the only fitting reaction I could give to encapsulate my emotions. I am beside myself with a motley of feelings that I never want to forget, so I decided to document my thoughts in a blog entry! That aside, I hope that if people out there are preparing to attend their first concerts, this post can provide insights for you guys to be able to live out your fullest First Concert Experience™ 😉
The concert I went to was the Manila leg of Mayday Parade's tour for the 10th anniversary of A Lesson In Romantics (their first album). This wasn't really the first concert I've ever attended— I've seen a couple of groups live (like when I saw Hillsong last year lol). Though the thing is, in all these events I'm either with a parent or with my church friends. This Mayday Parade concert is the first one I've attended unchaperoned, so I'd like to technically consider this experience my real initiation into the concert scene LOLOLOL.
First things first, hunting down a friend to accompany me was harder than I thought it'd be. When I caught wind of Mayday Parade's tour, I was quick to let all my potential concert mates know about it! Unfortunately, I do not know a lot of people with the same taste in music as I, so my search was quickly over when all responded negative.
Still, that is not enough to thwart my plans lol. Concert mate or no, I was determined to see Mayday Parade, so I got a VIP standing ticket for 3000 pesos (that's around $60 or £45) which— by the way— is a bargain considering how concerts are way too pricy in the Philippines (´Д` )
Alright, now allow me to fast forward a few months, to the day of the concert ✨ This'll be my first piece of advice to future concert attendees: come early. Like, really early. The details from the poster said that doors to the event will open at 6 pm, so I decided to come three hours earlier in hopes of getting dibs on the best spots in the venue. I was wayy off lol. When I got there (and confident that I'm early too, mind you), the line was already so long. I had no points of reference to size up how long the line really is, but trust me— it was already doing zig-zags, so I'm almost definitely positive that if anything, that's a lot of people.
The three hours on the line may be one of the longest waits I remember experiencing in my life. When I was doing my own research on concert-going tips, many blogs mentioned talking to the people in line with you, and I really think that if you could strike up a conversation with them then that'd be pretty swell. Except, I wasn't able to do that because I'm a socially awkward twat. The girls in front of me were obviously close friends talking about their personal business, so I found it difficult to break the ice. Behind me was this lovey giggly couple, and I definitely did not want to do any third wheeling LOL. So in the end, I resigned to using my mobile data and hit up my friends online as I loitered for three hours. Moral of the anecdote: definitely bring a charger or power bank for some extra juice.
At around 6 pm, we were finally allowed to enter the concert hall. My heart was pounding a mile a minute at this point 💖 This is when you'll be glad you went early— since my ticket was for VIP Standing, there aren't any reserved seats so you gotta reach the front first and stake out your desired position LOLOLOLOL. My waiting definitely paid off, since I was able to stand on the front lines of the barricades 😁 (that sounded like a war narrative for a second. Whoops)
A couple more hours of waiting ensued, and at this point the hype cannot be contained. When the sound-tech men came onstage to do their job, the crowd was howling. And they weren't even the actual band yet lol. Though when the house lights suddenly went out, it was literally pandemonium in there: hysterical fans all pushing, jumping, and fist pumping towards the air. You can feel the excitement buzz through everyone, then finally the spotlight goes on with the music and you see the band members on stage and UGH. You can feel the night finally truly begin.
Let me tell you something— once you've experienced screaming singing along to songs as the artist/band performs live onstage, it's hard going back to just muttering lyrics under your breath on your daily commutes. The wild crowd surrounding you aren't strangers anymore; they're your kin. When these people seem to be screaming the lyrics with as much love for the music as you, concerts really feel like homes for kindred souls.
It's one of the best feelings in the world. Physically, I was uncomfortable— everyone's a little sweaty and packed wayy too closely to each other, my feet hurt, and my voice was starting to get real hoarse because of my scream-singing. But inside, I knew I wanted to be here with the hundreds (potentially thousands) of people who gathered here because of an appreciation for a band's meaningful songs. I felt like I belonged there, and that was an amazing sensation.
One thing I noticed is that there were a lot of people taking videos of the performance, and I really want to address this somehow. Nothing wrong with recording concert performances per se (as long as it's allowed of course), but I would heavily advise anyone and everyone to not record the whole performance because it won't be fun. After all, you paid good money to see them live! I really think that the selling point of concerts is the experience 😊 And besides, half the time I am willing to bet that phone recordings of concerts are shaky and low quality anyway.
In retrospect, I really did have a fun time; in fact, more than I expected I would! At first, I really did think that going alone wouldn't be so fun because I have no one to fangirl with, but when you think about it, you'll be in a room full of fellow enthusiasts who share your love for a certain artist. And everyone is there in the concert to have a good time, so why shouldn't you? Thus, I also want to extend this piece of advice: don't be afraid to venture concerts by yourself! Yeah, I think safety is the main concern when doing this, but when you're pretty sure that the area is secure and well-guarded, I think you'll be fine. You'll be surprised by the great memories you'll form, even if your concert experience was sans friend ✨ What matters is that you have the time of your life with like-minded people ❤️
I could literally go on and on about this, but I think I'll cut this blog entry here lol. Point is, I had a great concert experience, and if you've been thinking of attending one then here's your call to action. Get that concert ticket. Take in the experience— feel the blasting music, the tightly packed crowd, and the beating of your heart as you let the drums, guitars, basses, and vocals wash over you and take you to a faraway land (at least, until the concert ends).
Oceanarium: A Rambling Narration of Self-Rediscovery
Hello everyone! Wow, I don't think I've ever posted on my blog this frequently before lol. Lately, I've been getting back into my
~blogging zone~ and am really excited to bring some life back into this space ❤
I've recently landed upon
Spaceships, Vampires, and Very Secret Agents, a blog run by Andrea, and she's hosting a monthly writing challenge which I found rather interesting. It seems like a great way to wake up dormant creative juices and channel my energy into something productive, and thus I have decided to give it a shot and participate! I'm glad I was able to (somehow) finish before the extended deadline lol. Here is a
link to the original post for those who want to check it out :) I urge you to try it sometime, I had a lot of fun writing this story and perhaps you guys may find it entertaining as well 😄
The current theme is "school", so I tried to think outside the box lol. Without further ado, I present to you, dear reader, my botched attempt at a short story.
I cannot believe what just happened.
Today is Saturday, and I am supposed to go on a date. My phone says it's now 6 pm, which is definitely beyond the 4 pm meeting time we agreed upon. The afternoon sun has set. Street lamps start flickering on across the street. I can feel the stares of the people on me, and I can almost hear what they're thinking— she's been standing there for two hours now, she's probably got lots of time on her hands to be loitering on the streets instead of contributing to society, or even worse, poor kid, she's got no friends. We were supposed to go to the oceanarium together. Why, I'm even wearing my nicer pair of jeans for today's occasion. But no, how does this even happen? I have been stood up.
Nevertheless, I am determined not to squander the rest of my evening and return home to lounge in sweatpants. I've sworn that insipid life off after I moved out from my parents to pursue university. I enter the oceanarium— headstrong, walking tall. The spitting image of an independent woman. I purchase an entrance ticket for one from the counter, and no I was not stood up, thank you.
I shuffled past the turnstiles, and started to make my way to the underwater tunnels. Once I stepped inside, I couldn't help but hold my breathe from sheer wonder. What a sight it was to behold— a softly curving tunnel of glass through which I could see, for lack of better word,
everything. Schools of fish swimming across the waters above my head. Jellyfish whose stingers flow like a mermaid's hair. Majestically hued parrot fish, in all their rainbow glory. A family of seahorses, with the baby seahorse dancing around its parents.
The floor reflected dancing light from the moving waters. The tunnel itself was slightly chilly and dimly lit, the only other thing illuminating the area coming from sparkling rope lights lining the edges of the deep blue floor. The crowed has mostly thinned out now, and only a handful of families and couples litter the tunnel. What usually was a place filled with screaming children and conversation was now a quiet observatory where I could wallow in peace and marine life.
I start to make my way through the winding path, now and then taking time to stop and admire the marine life thriving over my head. A school of herring darted past me. I couldn't help but let out a sigh. At least the herring belonged somewhere.
"Look over there, it's a lot of fish!" A young boy tugs on his mother's arm and points at the herrings I saw. "I learned yesterday that fish swim in schools to find food!"
I continued to listen as the young boy goes on explaining what science class has taught him. I decided not to correct him that he defined
shoaling, a different behavior displayed by fish because who am I to spoil his joy? I need not victimize people due to my misery.
University life sucks. Even if everyone is there to pursue a passion, discrimination still exists within the ranks of students. I'd like to see moving into the big city and getting an education as something to be proud of, but my social life has been abysmal. I'm not smart enough for the smart kids. I'm not cool enough for the cool kids. I'm not ordinary enough to blend with the crowd. I stick out like a sore thumb.
I'm just a regular marine biology student in a big university. I love studying water animals. And apparently, that makes me unapproachable. A lone surgeonfish stares at me. "You'll find your school too someday," I can imagine it say. I smiled, giving the glass a light tap.
"Do you think I'll find a group I'd belong to like the herrings?" I ask.
The surgeonfish's stare bores into my soul, its little fins moving slightly from the current.
I sigh. "I just want to belong, sir surgeonfish. Don't you want to as well?"
Dang, I must be going crazy— talking to a creature that looks like it came from Finding Nemo. I stare at it for a while longer. I wonder if its aquatic mind can understand my sentiments. I did my best impression of an elderly hermit fish character. "It's our nature to swim in groups. I'll be fine. We all belong somewhere."
I resume speaking with my normal voice. "You're right. I am the master of my domain, for fate is unknowable. Eventually, we will both find a school to belong to. Thank you, wise elder."
As if on cue, the little shard of blue and yellow swims away. I can't help but feel a sense of comfort wash over me. If nobody wants to be my friend now, maybe someday somebody will; a fish out of water like myself can find her school— a group to belong to.
With a newfound sense of hope and strength, I began to walk towards the tunnel's exit and left the oceanarium, where I was greeted by a sea of people and an ocean of possibilities.
Labels: SVMWC
The Sunday Currently, Vol. 1
Hello hello everybody! How're you all doing?
How's your dog/cat/fish/nonhuman companion? I do hope that everyone is having a tolerable existence today ✨
Ever since the last blog entry I posted, I have done absolutely nothing productive. I did go to Taiwan for a trip with my mother and some friends from church, and let me tell you— my feet and wallet both hurt afterwards lololol. It was a great destination nevertheless. The night markets are THE best places to get lost in though; wandering around bustling streets filled with the wafting scent of mouthwatering food and great bargains at almost midnight is the most intoxicatingly amazing sensation ヾ(o✪ ▽ ✪o)ｼ
I've also been stalking old friends and teachers from school lately shh don't tell them, and I happened to come across my previous teacher's blog. She had this post from wayyy back in 2015 entitled "Sunday Currently". With that said, The Sunday Currently is a trend that started with Lauren's blog Siddathornton, and soon became a thread where bloggers could share what they were up to at the moment.
I think this is a nice little thing I could join in and do as well, it seems like a fun meditative activity to appreciate the little things that usually go unnoticed *(^_^)* Without further ado, here's the first volume of my Sunday Currently~
Reading: Haruki Murakami's 1Q84! I just flipped past the 200-page mark of this behemoth of fiction, and am loving it so far! I always find it fascinating when a book juggles multiple narrators who lead different stories that would eventually intertwine. This is actually the first Murakami book I decided to pick up, and I'm now falling in love with this piece of art ❤️
Writing: This blog entry. But aside from that, I'm (attempting) to write a musical from down up as well. Nothing special, it's just a fun passion project :>
Listening: to the whirring electric fan beside me and my neighbors' loud karaoke session. But past that background noise, I'm currently listening to For The Damaged Coda by Blonde Redheads, otherwise known as Evil Morty's theme song. Rick and Morty's season 3 finale comes out tomorrow, and this is how I'm keeping my wild obsession at bay 'til then. UGH you guys, I have so many thoughts about how the finale would play out
Thinking: about how kind the guy from the music store who re-strung my viola strings is. He even changed my bridge and made my bow seem like new, so I feel bad that I wasn't able to pay him enough :(
Smelling: nothing in particular. But a while ago, the faint scent of this night's dinner lingered from the kitchen, which definitely made me hungry
Wishing: for a faster internet connection please. And for the person I like to stop ignoring me. Also for a way to get rid of my belly fat. Sigh
Hoping: that I can score high on my IELTS, since I just took the test. It wasn't particularly difficult, but the good student in me will not let me live down an unsatisfactory score. Oh, and also hoping that the new Steven Universe episode will come out soon. Crewniverse, your fans (myself included) have been waiting with bated breath
Wearing: a white button-down polo with tiny black polka dots and a pair of black leggings. I was too lazy to change into more comfortable lounging apparel once I got home lol
Loving: Ben Platt, Will Roland, and the rest of the Dear Evan Hansen cast. Bless them, my precious babies
Wanting: a choker, like what all the 90s scene kids used to wear. Like, I know some people consider it a fashion faux pas, but dang I never got to jump into the choker trend, and lately I've been having the strongest desire to sport one
Needing: a friend to talk to. Man, being home alone with no one to judge if I've worn the same pajamas for two days is amazing for the most part, but I'm seriously starting to miss seeing my high school friends everyday
Feeling: a bit tired from the IELTS, a bit sad because I'm a lonely twat, satisfied with the hearty dinner I had, and extremely hyped for R&M's season finale. I'm a regular ball of emotions ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Clicking: or rather, tapping and using Snapachat on my phone. Ever since my friends went to university, I've been keeping an eye on the Stories tab so that I can have a glimpse of their daily life, which is definitely not creepy and stalker-ish in any way
Labels: sunday currently
Books 
My friends 
Homestuck 
More time to read books please 
