Jun 29, 2007

Memorizing Memory


I might repeat to myself, slowly and soothingly, a list of quotations beautiful from minds profound - if I can remember any of the damn things” Dorothy Parker

Yet again, my mood colors are Brown & Blue. No, I’m not brokenhearted for another time, I just lose something valuable for another time. WAAA!!!…My week’s allowance! It fell-off from my bag yesterday. Too bad, I grief still for my (credit-bought) chic eyewear. I suspect, my pictorial-buddy buried itself in the desert amidst our last Friday’s dune-bashing in Lah’bab. Since I re-hate myself, I might be seen one day with swelling forehead as I plot to bang its folly against the wall. Ironically, people thought I hold razor-sharp ideas as per my multitasking and playful writing faculty is concern. But with my recurring losses & fading memory? I could by far enter the Guinness Book for harvesting bunch of squash medals. Been lax and deficient in my various departments - forgetfulness’ presides. Tho, my slipshod attitude is actually inadvertent. Investigating my Achilles’ heel origin, it was perhaps, an outcome of a bicycle mishap in H-school when I had series of anesthesia injections. My impaired knee tissues were stitched, re-stitched & later had more sequels - from foot to mouth (not the dreaded virus).

My family tree also bore the hurting whips of my g
ap w/ Mr. Memory. At one time as a Kid, went shopping with my eldest sis & left half of our items somewhere while I lost the cards-filled wallet of my other sis who were engaged winning her volleyball match. My parents, oh’ if not for their being God-fearing might long-time landed in jail for wringing their delightful son’s neck (me) as I magically disappear many of their tokens. Then there’s my school IDs, books, purse, projects, umbrella, caps, jackets, hankie, teeth-retainer, etc etc that I missed for good. I seemed to climbed its toll when I disregard a supposed better-half (come-back!). Felt accomplished if from outdoor, I’m home with perfect props. And far away, my life were owed to head-scratching strangers who hand-back my mislaid travel docs in the C.R.’s of Hongkong, Singapore & Thailand. (I would’nt forget you, them more for not seeking any reward, in return.)

Whilst these earthly possessions go, “Freddy Kreuger” came and terrorized me in my dreams – a
nightmarish remorse for every emotional & financial damaged it caused. He’s my pang of guilt that bites. So “Jason”, help me wrestle with this "Freddy"! Ditto, I appreciate if you’d not ask me to eat peanuts to boost my deteriorating memory (migraine triggers) or consult Crsytal Ball (not a fortune-telling fan). Got losses but not hopeless in triumphing over my unsolicited habit such as this. Need to be (more?) perceptive, orderly, meticulous & composed. Must be strong-willed not to spread myself too thin or push it to the limit. I’l regain ways to restrict my concerns & that of others. I’ll step-out of the "limelight" & go more for quiet times.

And this Weblog would certainly remind me
.

Jun 20, 2007

Salsa w/ Success

(As per the Article I wrote for The Filipino Expats Magazine, Middle East on its Proud Pinoy corner June 07’ issue. A tribute to a long-time friend).

Orson “BRANDO” Ugalino discovered his passion for Salsa thru a Peruvian friend (Fernando), after moving to Dubai from Saudi 5 yrs ago. Since then, his flair for the Art sent his competent feet around the Emirates and into many exotic destinations globally. He danced, mentored, competed with & occasionally won over fellow Salsa aficionados of various levels, races and professions. Snapshots of such mounting escapades are well-archived in his Salsa w/ Brando website where browser can closely take a sneak at his hard-earned achievements, get acquainted with the steps and offer to one’s delight the latest salsa craze in/out of town. Not just a mere jetsetter for fun, he endeavors to put the presence of a Pinoy talent in the international Salsa arena.

In spite of his equally demanding fulltime job as a Document Controller for Stanley Consultants International, he has maintained to dynamically facilitate regular Salsa functions in his free-time. And how does he managed to excel in both? “Time-Management and Self-Discipline”, He quoted in a winning smile, “sak
a Work parin natin ang dapat priority, it linked us to our other dreams and potentials in this Country. While our chosen passion is what connect us naman to our very self - our form of balance after a long-day so it has to be nurtured din”.

His efforts were accredited as he received raved approvals and summons for “Salsero Congress” or Festivals. He is also organizing related events like the “Ultimate Salsa w/
Angel & Tulane Rivera” - a famous duo from San Diego, California who are programmed to perform in Le' Meridien AUH Hotel by next month.

Then a leisure pursuit for fitness diverted to an extra-earning opportunity and interestingly, an avenue of multicultural comradeship. At present, he conducted lessons to students from Latin America, Europe & the neighboring Arab state. His craft also imparted his family back home a source of humble pride & honor for the Nation. This May and June, Brando is set to grace the page of Time-Out Magazine UAE and his flyers will be circulated by Virgin Megastores to further promote Salsa in the mainstream. His Team are steadily in-tune to let their future goals materialize and they aspire for advertisers who could aid them. “If I’m no longer an OFW, I opt to see myself dancing with my Kababayan in my own school of Salsa in the Philippines someday.”

Brando’s Salsa Party Venues in Abu Dhabi:
Sunday - Tequilana, Hilton Hotel
Tuesday - Zenith, Sheraton Hotel T
Thursday - Pomodoro, Capitol Hotel (10 pm till late)



some of the Salsa 2007 shots I had w/ d group during the nite proper/after
..(more of these at brando's website)